MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

SOS from Planet Sandra

2025-10-15T03:44:25Z

JD1337666:

{{episode
|series=Headmasters
|ep=17
|image=SandaSOS.jpg
|caption=FLASH!!!! AHHHHH-AHHHHH!!!!!
|title="SOS from Planet Sandra"
|japanese=惑星サンドラSOS
|romaji=Wakusei Sandra SOS
|airdate=[[November 27]], [[1987]]
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|writer=[[Yoshihisa Araki]]
|director=[[Katsutoshi Sasaki]]
|animation studio=Toei
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''The Autobots respond when an emergency request for energy comes from the other-dimensional planet Sandra.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:HM17 Fortress Sandra diagram.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|"Gentlemen, we get signal."]]
On [[Chaar]], [[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] and [[Scourge (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]] pick up an SOS signal from the planet [[Sandra (planet)|Sandra]], asking for help in replenishing their dwindling energy reserves. They bring it to [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]'s attention, but [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] dismisses it out of hand, preferring that they not get involved in interplanetary affairs. Galvatron agrees, but dispatches [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] to find out whether or not the [[Autobot]]s have also picked up the SOS.

[[File:HM17 Daniel and Wheelie have fun with hoses.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Why does [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] get the good car washes?]]
On [[Athenia]], Galvatron's suspicions prove correct—the Autobots have indeed received Sandra's SOS, and [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] maps the location of the planet, which exists in a parallel dimension, in that universe's version of [[Earth]]'s solar system. The Autobots debate the virtues of aiding Sandra, with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] unsure if it is wise to sacrifice any of their own limited energy supply. Eventually, after Fortress receives a report from [[Punch (G1)|Punch]] that the Decepticons have received but ignored the SOS, they decide to ship the minimum amount of [[energon cube]]s that they can spare directly from Earth, rather than from Athenia's stockpile. [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] request that they be allowed to go too, and are permitted. The whole affair, however, has been witnessed by Ratbat, who informs Galvatron of the Autobots' plan of action. Proclaiming that all of Earth's energy belongs to the Decepticons, Galvatron prepares to stop the Autobots from sending any to Sandra.

A short time later, on Earth, Galvatron co-ordinates the Decepticon forces with [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] while [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] oversees the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] as they load energon cubes onto the [[Trainbot]]s. [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Twincast]] arrives to inform them that Galvatron has arrived on Earth, but the warning comes too late, as Galvatron, the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] swoop down out of the sky and open fire. The Trainbots try to make a break for it as the combiners and leaders brawl, but Sixshot shoots them out of the sky.

[[File:HM17 Chromedone Hardhead fly to green ship.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|"Wait, when did we get this green spaceship?"]]
News of the attack reaches Athenia, and Fortress and Spike make the difficult decision to send Athenia's own energy on to Sandra while the Decepticons' attention is on Earth. Battleship Maximus takes off from Athenia with the energy on board, but Galvatron is quick to realise the deception and sends Scorponok, kept on standby on Chaar for just such an occasion, after the Autobots. When the battle erupts, Fortress has Wheelie, Spike and Daniel board a small shuttle, intending for them to sneak away conflict to deliver the energy while the villains are busy. [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] disconnect from their [[transtector]]s and join the team, boarding the shuttle in their small robot forms, and the group travels through the dimensional rift to Sandra and successfully delivers the energon cubes.
[[File:HM17 Sandra building explodes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Uh, hey, that building that just exploded was our energy research lab."]]
Daniel and Spike, in particular, are dismayed to see what a wasteland Sandra has become as a result of their diminished energy; the group is met by a trio of Sandra representatives, who explain that the planet's civilization foolishly expended their natural resources, believing them to be unlimited. They also reveal that they are only a few years away from developing new sources of energy, but that their remaining supplies will run out before then, hence the SOS. This affirms Spike's belief that he made the right choice in agreeing to help them, but just then, Fortress Maximus appears in the sky, with Scorponok hot on his tail. While the two giants fight, Chromedome and Hardhead use their diminutive stature to sneak explosives onto Scorponok, which explode and badly damage the Decepticon. Recombining with their transtectors, they join in fighting the other Decepticons, forcing them to retreat.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] (6)
*[[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (8)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (9)
*[[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]] (10)
*[[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (12)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (14)
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] (15)
*[[Punch (G1)|Punch/Counterpunch]] (16)
*[[Shouki]] (19)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (20)
*[[Kaen]] (21)
*[[Scattershot (G1)|Scattershot]] (22)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (23)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]] (24)
*[[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]] (25)
*[[Suiken]] (26)
*[[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (27)
*[[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (28)
*[[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Twincast]] (29)
*[[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]] (36)
*[[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)|Lightspeed]] (37)
*[[Computron (G1)|Computron]] (38)
*[[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (40)
*[[Getsuei]] (41)
*[[Seizan]] (42)
*[[Yukikaze (G1)|Yukikaze]] (43)
{{!}}}
|c2=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] (1)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] (2)
*[[Scourge (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]] (3)
*[[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (4)
*[[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] (5)
*[[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (17)
*[[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] (18)
*[[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]] (30)
*[[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]] (31)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (32)
*[[Hun-Gurrr (G1)|Hun-Gurrr]] (33)
*[[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] (34)
*[[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] (35)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (39)
*[[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] (44)
*[[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (45)
*[[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] (46)
{{!}}}
|c3=
*[[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (7)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (11)
*[[Carly (G1)|Carly Witwicky]] (13)
}}

==Quotes==
{{note|The following quotes are from the [[Omni Productions]] dub.}}

"These Autobots, they're too nosy!"
:— Who knew '''Ratbat''' was so casual?

"Darn Galvatron!!!"
:— '''Ultra Magnus''' has the calmest reaction ever to being choked.

"These people are evil. They've shown their true faces."
:—'''Fortress''' not making any sense

"Heh heh heh heh heh heh. Go to Hell, you lot! You're all going to die right heeerrrrre!"
:— '''Sixshot'''

"Look, Father, it's exactly the same as Earth! Do you think they speak the same language?"
:— '''Daniel''' is kind of an idiot.

==Notes==

===Continuity notes===
*Punch's double-agent status was established in "[[Return of the Immortal Emperor]]". Despite being a bit of a doof when backed into a corner, Punch continues to be quite effective and important for much of the story arc that is about to begin.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:HM17 stereo Twincasts.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|''Twin''cast.]]
*As Twincast runs up to Ultra Magnus, guess who's already standing next to him? It's Twincast! Going by the subsequent shot, it's Shouki who should be standing there.
*When the Decepticons attack the Autobots on Earth, Brawl appears to have been included in place of [[Blot (G1)|Blot]], since all the other Terrorcons appear, and none of the other [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] do.
*When Battleship Maximus heads through the dimensional rift, the small shuttle Chromedome and the others blasted off in moments earlier can still be seen on the back of it.
*Carly is shown instead of Daniel during the group shots of the Autobots waving near the end.

===Trivia===
*When voicing his opinion on the Sandra situation, Scorponok speaks "through" his city-mode transtector for the first time as an echoing, disembodied voice. Up to this point, all of Scorponok's interaction with his fellow Decepticons has been done while in his small robot form, but this is the beginning of a trend that continues throughout the upcoming story arc, where the small robot does not appear on-screen (apart from in transformation sequences), and the character is simply treated as a giant, transforming spaceship. This comes at the same point in time that his role in the series is reduced to simply ferrying the Decepticons from planet to planet and fighting Fortress Maximus a bit, so perhaps it was done to make this a bit more palatable. Once this story ends, though, the small robot returns to the fore to carry on with his own plans.
*This episode is the first to depict any of the Headmasters besides Scorponok or Fortress as spending time apart from their transtectors. Chromedome and Hardhead even use their small robots to tactical advantage.
*Although it may be due to translation inconsistencies, Planet Sandra wavers between being simply an Earth-like planet in a 'parallel solar system' to a full blown alternate reality version of Earth. If the latter is the correct interpretation, the Autobots seem exceedingly casual about travelling into ''an entirely different reality''. They're more bothered about giving away their precious, precious energy.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''An SOS from a Lost Planet'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 8]], [[1992]]
::*Ultra Magnus accidentally calls Shouki "Grimlock" at one point.

:*''Title:'' "'''SOS from Planet Sandra'''" ([[Shout! Factory]] sub)
::*As is expected at this point, the [[Mini-Cassette]]s are called "Deployers".
::*"Sparks" is used in place of "lives" at one point.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''SOS dal pianeta Sandra'''" ("SOS from Planet Sandra")
::*After Scourge suggests ignoring the SOS, Cyclonus tells him: "That's unfair, Zarak!". Oh, so he actually cares for the Planet, sweet... hey, wait... ZARAK?!
::*When Punch talks to Fortress, the first thing he says is: "Yes, but on Destron they have no intention of doing anything and they will for sure ignore the SOS", making it look like the Decepticons are in a place called Destron, which is the Decepticons' Japanese name instead.
::*When Daniel and Wheelie ask Fortress if they can go to space with them, the latter says that they've never been in space, which is not true.
::*The narrator pronounces Ratbat's name (known as Stridek in Italy) as "Stry-dek" instead of "Stree-dek" as usual.
::*In some occasions the energon cubes are called ''cubo di energia'' ("energy cube"), and it's used in singular form even when referred to more than one.
::*When Fortress explains his plan of exchanging the energy, in Italian Spike says that Athenia has little energy reserves, while in Japanese he was instead saying that it would have had little energy if they had transferred that.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Láizì Xíngxīng Sāngdélā de Hūjiù Xìnhào'''" (来自行星桑德拉的呼救信号, "SOS from Planet Sandra")

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Signal bedstviya s propavshey planety'''" (Сигнал бедствия с пропавшей планеты, "Distress signal from a Lost Planet")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[July 21]], [[1994]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|omni}}
;Laserdisc
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1996 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2002 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' — DVD Box ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — The Takara Collection Vol 1 — ''Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Headmasters'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' (Shout! Factory) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sos from Planet Sandra}}
[[Category:The Headmasters episodes]]

Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears

2025-10-15T03:16:11Z

JD1337666:

{{episode
|series=Headmasters
|ep=15
|image=Marsexplode2.jpg
|caption=Looks like another Tequila Sunrise...
|title="Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears"
|japanese=火星爆破!!出現メガザラック
|romaji=Kasei Bakuha!! Shutsugen MegaZarak
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|airdate=[[October 16]], [[1987]]
|writer=[[Toyohiro Andō]]
|director=[[Jōhei Matsūra]]
|animation studio=Toei
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''With Fortress Maximus out of power and the destruction of Mars looming ever nearer, Scorponok reveals his true face at last.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:ExplosionMarsMegaZarak MarsExplodes.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Mars destroyed by its own nougat filling.]]
As [[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]] desperately tries to contact the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] and [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] undergo repairs for their injuries and the Decepticons continue with their plan to blow up the planet. [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] deduces that the energy used against [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] that drained him of his power was [[plasma energy]], released in the destruction of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], and realizes that the Decepticons' goal in destroying Mars must be to generate more. Alerted to this fact, the Autobot Headmasters redouble their efforts to locate the Decepticons' bombing co-ordinates and attack the Decepticon Headmasters. Fortress orders the [[Trainbot]]s to join them from [[Athenia]], and they soon arrive and lend a hand.

[[File:HM15 MegaZarak arrives on Chaar.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Every arthropod has this dream. Hello tiny bipeds! ''*Squish!*'']]
Meanwhile, [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] has been informed that the bombs have been planted in two of the three key sites on Mars, and relocates to planet [[Zarak (planet)|Zarak]], where work on his secret project there is in the final stages. He orders the Decepticon Headmasters to pull out of the conflict on Mars and join him on Zarak, prompting the Autobots to investigate. Fortress contacts [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] on Earth, who dispatches [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Twincast]] to spy on the Decepticon base on Earth to learn what the villains are up to. [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] sneaks into the base and watches as [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]] calls on [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] to join the Decepticons on [[Chaar]]. After he reports back to Twincast, Twincast opts to follow the ninja through the [[space bridge]] to the Decepticons' base there so that he can observe the meeting that is being held.

[[File:HM15 MegaZarak arrives on Mars.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Aw snap.]]
[[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]], [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] and [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] meet their leader on Zarak, as Scorponok steps out of the shadows at last—then, as assembled Decepticon forces watch through a viewscreen, the surface of Zarak cracks and the entire world is torn asunder. From the core of the planet emerges Scorponok's secret project, his own colossal [[transtector]]! Transforming his new craft from city mode to the form of a gigantic robot scorpion, Scorponok sets course for Chaar to collect the Decepticons, just as Twincast is spotted by Soundblaster, and a brief battle between the communicators and their cassettes ensues before Twincast escapes.

[[File:HM15 Fortress Maximus escapes Mars.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Fortress flees the doomed planet of Mars. Afterward he's taken in by a kindly couple who teach him to fight for truth and justice.]]
Back on Mars a little while later, Fortress receives Twincast's report and readies for his impending battle with Scorponok. He does not have long to wait, as Scorponok appears in the skies overhead while the Headmasters and Trainbots are battling the Terrorcons at the final bombing site. Battleship Maximus, however, is still drained of all energy and unable to transform, and after Scorponok smashes his way through the Headmasters and Trainbots, he transforms into his own massive [[robot mode]] and begins to pound on the helpless craft. Then, the report comes that all the bombs have been put in place, and Scorponok orders Soundblaster to detonate them. The key bomb clusters in the polar regions explode, and a chain reaction occurs, sending a string of explosions tearing through Mars. The Decepticons pull out as the planet erupts in flame all around them, but Fortress has one last ace up his sleeve—Battleship Maximus is able to absorb some of the energy released in the explosion, and, back to full power, [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] emerges from the conflagration and cleaves Scorponok's shoulder with the [[Master Sword]], forcing the villains to retreat. Although the Decepticons may have been forced back for now, Mars has been lost, and the Autobots' toughest battles are still ahead of them.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Suiken]] (1)
*[[Shouki]] (2)
*[[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (3)
*[[Yukikaze (G1)|Yukikaze]] (4)
*[[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]] (5)
*[[Getsuei]] (6)
*[[Seizan]] (7)
*[[Kaen]] (8)
*[[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] (11)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (12)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (13)
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress/Fortress Maximus]] (14)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (15)
*[[Raiden]] (22)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (23)
*[[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Twincast]] (24)
*[[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]] (25)
*[[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] (26)
*[[Ramhorn (G1)|Ramhorn]] (39)
{{!}}}
|c2=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] (16)
*[[Hun-Gurrr (G1)|Hun-Gurrr]] (17)
*[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] (18)
*[[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] (19)
*[[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] (20)
*[[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (21)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (27)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (28)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]] (29)
*[[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] (30)
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (31)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] (32)
*[[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]] (33)
*[[Headstrong (G1)|Headstrong]] (34)
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (35)
*[[Octane]] (36)
*[[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] (37)
*[[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]] (38)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (40)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]/[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]]? (41)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] (42)
*[[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] (43)
{{!}}}
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (9)
*[[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (10)
}}

==Quotes==
{{note|The following quotes are from the [[Omni Productions]] dub.}}

"I'm gonna blow up Mars together with Fortress Maximus!!!!"
:—'''Scorponok''' reiterates his plan for anyone who didn't see the last episode

"Darn it! Just where did these people plant these bombs?"
:—'''Hardhead''' seems to think that the Decepticons are humans

"Let me teach you a lesson! *chants some unintelligible gibberish*"
:— The brilliant mind of '''Mindwipe'''

"My God, what's that?"
:—'''Twincast''' reacts to the arrival of Scorponok's latest creation

"Oh no, you ain't seen nothin' yet."
:— '''Scorponok''', quoting his favorite Bachman-Turner Overdrive song

==Notes==

===Continuity notes===
*This episode represents the culmination of various plot threads that have been running throughout ''The Headmasters'' thus far.
**Having remained hidden in shadow since his debut in "[[The Four-Million-Year-Old Veil of Mystery]]", Scorponok finally steps in to the light in this episode.
**The construction of Scorponok's transtector was foreshadowed back in "[[Rebellion on Planet Beast]]", and brought to the fore alongside the Decepticons' activities on planet Zarak in "[[The Shadow Emperor, Scorponok]]".
**The fate of the [[Beastformer]] slaves who were [[The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts|forced to construct it]] remains unclear.
**The power of plasma energy was introduced in "[[The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts]]", its origin tied back to the events of the "[[Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger]]" two-parter.

:It's not unfair to say that with the wrapping-up of these story points, the series becomes largely directionless—with [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]'s return in the next episode, it launches into a very random planet-hopping story arc that serves no real purpose but to vary the scenery, until Galvatron is removed from the series again, and focus shifts back to Scorponok and his plans.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Hm ep15 rumble or frenzy.jpg|right|upright=2.2|thumb|[[e-HOBBY]] duo-pack with [[Enemy (G1)|Enemy]]? Pretty please? Pretty pretty please?]]
*As the Trainbots watch the monitor on Athenia at the beginning of the episode, Shouki's lower right leg is colored white, while the left is colored blue.
*When initially conferring with Spike, the back of Fortress's head is brown instead of blue. In the next shot, he is missing some of the chest detail surrounding his insignia.
*When Twincast ejects Rewind and Steeljaw, Rewind's forearms are colored gray.
*Thrust's wings appear to be attached to the underside of his forearms. A moment later, Dirge is colored like Thrust.
*Rewind is colored as Steeljaw when he spies on Sixshot while in cassette mode.
*As Sixshot arrives on Chaar, Blitzwing is present, and his head is purple. In the same shot, Soundblaster is missing the red stripe around each forearm.
*Just after Soundblaster punches up the Mars status on screen, there is a peculiar robot standing behind Sixshot's right. It looks like [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]], but his colors are all wrong.
*The tapes Twincast ejects to fight Soundblaster are all colored like Steeljaw.
*When Soundblaster ejects cassettes to fight Twincast, one of them is the Rumble/Frenzy [[robot mode]]l... but he's been miscolored in [[:File:HM15 Seizan and Getsuei.jpg|Seizan]]'s yellow-and-black color scheme, complete with blue optics and white forehead stripe. Seizan and Rumble/Frenzy both have that "one gun poking up over their right shoulder" thing going on, which is probably what led to the misunderstanding, outlandish as it is.
*Rippersnapper and Cutthroat are shown to be among the Decepticons watching from Chaar when Scorponok unveils his transtector... while Raiden is fighting ''Abominus'' on Mars. Mmn.
*When Scorponok lands on Chaar, Tantrum is colored blue and grey. In the same shot, Soundblaster is colored in the traditional blue of Soundwave. The right-side of his helmet is left uncolored and stars can be seen through it.
*When Scorponok transforms into robot mode, he doesn't appear to have his shield. When it cuts to him walking towards Maximus, his shield is on the left arm as per his character model, but when it cuts to him actually stomping Maximus, it's on his ''right'' arm.
*Just before the Terrorcons merge, Brainstorm and Highbrow can be seen fighting alongside the other Headmasters, despite the fact they're supposed to be back at base. A few minutes later, they arrive at the fight for real.
*In general, this episode's animation is lackluster. It resembles some of Toei's poorer efforts from season 2 of ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]''.

===Trivia===
*The "MegaZarak" spoken of in the title is, of course, the Japanese name for Scorponok's transtector, the giant robot that we in the West also know as Scorponok.
*When the Autobots first learn of Scorponok's plan to blow up Mars, their reaction is one of horror. They also mention the incredible damage the Mars' detonation will surely bring to Earth, which is made even more direct by a series of still images showcasing the potential destruction. Yet when Mars actually ''is'' blown up Earth seems to get off without any damage whatsoever. Okay, then.
*The loss of Mars isn't much of big deal throughout the rest of the series either. The Autobots don't even bother to update their space-maps to reflect its destruction when traveling through the Mars-Jupiter asteroid belt.
*[[Raiden]] inexplicably whips out a broadsword and powers it up like a lightsaber before getting slapped silly into his constituent trains by Scorponok before he can hit anything with it. This would go on to inspire the "[[Kōken]]" accessory included with Raiden's [[Raiden#MPG|''MPG'' toy]] some thirty years later.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mars Explodes! The Scorpion Appears!'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 25]], [[1992]]

:*''Title:'' "'''Explosion on Mars! Scorponok Appears!'''" ([[Shout! Factory]] sub)
::*The review of the last episode shown before the title card is omitted.
::*The MegaZarak transtector is referred to as... the "Scorponok Transtector", despite the Headmaster himself already being named "Scorponok". The Destron City mode of the transtector is subtitled as "Decepticon Headquarters".

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La distruzione di Marte - Appare Lord Zarak!'''" ("The destruction of Mars - Lord Zarak appears!")
::*In the recap at the beginning of the episode, the narrator calls Fortress "Fortress Maximus". In a later scene near the end of the episode, he instead calls the character "Maximus".

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Huǒxīng Bàozhà! Sàkè Jùrén Chūxiàn'''" (火星爆炸！萨克巨人出现, "Mars Explodes! Scorponok Appears")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Vzryvy na Marse! Scorponog Poyavlyaetsya'''" (Взрывы на Марсе! Скорпоног появляется, "Explosion on Mars! Scorponok Appears")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[July 19]], [[1994]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|omni}}
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1996 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2002 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' — DVD Box ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — The Takara Collection Vol 1 — ''Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Headmasters'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' (Shout! Factory) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only.

[[Category:The Headmasters episodes]]

Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger

2025-10-15T02:46:46Z

JD1337666:

{{episode
|series=Headmasters
|ep=14
|image=Marsexplode1.jpg
|caption=Fort Max binary bonds with Evel Knievel.
|title="Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger"
|japanese=火星爆破!!危うしマキシマス
|romaji=Kasei Bakuha!! Ayaushi Maximus
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|airdate=[[October 9]], [[1987]]
|writer=[[Toyohiro Andō]]
|director=[[Jōhei Matsūra]]
|animation studio=Toei
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''The Autobots attempt to stop a Decepticon plot to destroy the entire planet Mars.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:HM14 Daniel trips Wheelie.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|"Wheelie, we need to have a serious talk about your energon wine problem."]]
[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] unveils his latest plan to the gathered [[Decepticon]]s; by planting a series of [[plasma energy]] bombs beneath the surface of [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], and then triggering key explosions at the north and south poles, they can create a chain reaction that will destroy the planet, releasing more plasma energy for their devilish purposes. [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] brings up the fact that they now know [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] has a giant form, but Scorponok cryptically responds that he'll handle it.

As coincidence would have it, [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]], [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]], [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] and the [[Trainbot]]s are currently conducting a geological survey on Mars when unusual seismic activity on the planet attracts their attention. They head for the South Pole to investigate a huge explosion, but the cause isn't immediately obvious, and they split up to investigate. Daniel, Wheelie and [[Shouki]] watch as [[Hun-Gurrr (G1)|Hun-Gurrr]] and [[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] emerge from a smoking crater, and they immediately radio a report to [[Athenia]] for help. The [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] depart for Mars in [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]]—[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]], however, is still concerned with the mysterious Decepticon activity on planet [[Zarak (planet)|Zarak]].

On Zarak, Scorponok looks over his finished giant [[Transtector]], and promises to use it to end Fortress.

[[File:HM14 Headmasters vs Predaking.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Some of the new combiners are just weird.]]
On [[Earth]], [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] orders the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] to join the fight on Mars, but as they depart, they are intercepted by [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] and [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]]. Although [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] comes to their aid, they are not able to make it to Mars.

Back on Mars, the Headmasters arrive in the midst of a firefight between the Trainbots and [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]]. As the battle rages, Wheelie, Daniel and Shouki are still keeping an eye on the crater when they're bushwhacked by the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], who take the trio to the Decepticons' base in the tunnels beneath the planet's surface. Spike and the rest of the Trainbots fly overhead, but are unable to find their friends.

Elsewhere the Predacons merge into [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]], but the four Headmasters also transform and topple the giant combiner.

Wheelie, Daniel and Shouki are imprisoned behind energy bars, and hear the Terrorcons talking about the imminent destruction of Mars. Daniel worries about the destruction that will cause on Earth.

On [[Chaar]], Scorponok plans to lure Fortress to Mars, and orders Sixshot to make sure the other Autobots are too busy to come to Fortress's aid. Sixshot and Trypticon continue to keep the Technobots and Metroplex busy, so Ultra Magnus sends word to Fortress. Fortress is reluctant to go to Mars himself, and [[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]] and [[Carly (G1)|Carly]] wonder why.

[[File:HM14 Daniel and Wheelie fight.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Wheelie has had it up to here with your jokes, human [[Fandom|Transfans]].]]
Daniel has an emergency beacon hidden in the Autobot symbol on his [[exosuit]], and to hide its activation, he and Wheelie stage a fight between themselves—much to the amusement of the Terrorcons—that allows Wheelie to grab it and throw it into the energon bars, alerting Spike. The Headmasters rescue the two youths, who relay the fate the Decepticons have in store for Mars, and Chromedome sends message back to Fortress. Stirred into action, Fortress rushes to Mars in Battleship Maximus. Fortress sends Spike, Daniel and Wheelie back to Athenia in the Trainbots, while he and the other Headmasters stick around to try and force the bombing co-ordinates from the Decepticon Headmasters whom they've just spotted.

[[File:HM14 Skullcruncher gets hypnotized.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|That's it Skullcruncher. Right through the loops. Do a barrel roll!]]
The Headmasters go into battle, with the Autobots attempting to question the Decepticons. They apparently succeed when [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] is able to trick [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] into becoming hypnotised by [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]]. While the Decepticons flee, the Autobots jump into the crater he indicated but it turns out to be a trap—the four Autobots are trapped into a series of explosive energy coils. Chromedome calls out to Fortress to use the [[Master Sword]], but the commander is not mentally and physically prepared for the task, and the sword will not draw. As the explosions wrack the Headmasters below, a scream from Chromedome galvanizes Fortress, bringing the energies of his mind and body into harmony, and the Master Sword is unsheathed. However, as Fortress leaps from Battleship Maximus to initiate his transformation into [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], the Decepticon Headmasters launch a plasma energy bomb directly at him. A huge explosion follows, with the power of the Master Sword and the power of the plasma energy cancelling each other out. Drained of all his power, Fortress plummets back to the surface of Mars as the Headmasters watch in horror...!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Kaen]] (8)
* [[Seizan]] (9)
* [[Getsuei]] (10)
* [[Suiken]] (11)
* [[Yukikaze (G1)|Yukikaze]] (12)
* [[Shouki]] (14)
* [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (15)
* [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (19)
* [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] (20)
* [[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]] (21)
* [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] (22)
* [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (23)
* [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (24)
* [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] (25)
* [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (26)
* [[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]] (27)
* [[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)|Lightspeed]] (28)
* [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]] (29)
* [[Scattershot (G1)|Scattershot]] (30)
* [[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]] (31)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (32)
* [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (34)
* [[Computron (G1)|Computron]] (45)

|c2=
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]] (1)
* [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (2)
* [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] (3)
* [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] (4)
* [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] (5)
* [[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] (6)
* [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] (7)
* [[Hun-Gurrr (G1)|Hun-Gurrr]] (17)
* [[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] (18)
* [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (33)
* [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] (35)
* [[Headstrong (G1)|Headstrong]] (36)
* [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]] (37)
* [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] (38)
* [[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]] (39)
* [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] (40)
* [[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]] (41)
* [[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]] (42)
* [[Blot (G1)|Blot]] (43)
* [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] (44)

|c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (13)
* [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (16)
* [[Carly (G1)|Carly Witwicky]] (46)
}}

==Quotes==
{{note|The following quotes are from the [[Omni Productions]] dub.}}

"Mars is the fourth largest planet in the solar system. It is more than fifty percent bigger than Earth."
:—The '''Narrator'''. Neither of these statements are correct!

"Just leave it to me. I can handle him. Huh huh huh!!!!"
:— '''Scorponok''' might be losing it slightly...

"DIIEEEEE YOOOUUUU!!!!!"
:—'''Trypticon''' as he tries to shoot down the Autobots

"You're a coward! You're useless, and you don't deserve to wear the Autobot symbol!"
:— '''Wheelie''' says what we're all thinking about Daniel.

"Scorponok, you evil man, I'm going to stop you! Yes, I swear I will!"
:— '''Fortress Maximus''', adding in an extra sentence to fit the mouth flaps.

"You'll never see Mars blow up because you're going to die nowwww!!!!!"
:— '''Weirdwolf's''' delivery is ''extra'' weird today.

==Notes==

===Continuity notes===
*Plasma energy, and Scorponok's plan for it, was introduced in "[[The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts]]".
*The mysterious Decepticon activity on planet Zarak was introduced back in "[[The Shadow Emperor, Scorponok]]". This plot thread culminates in the [[Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears|second installment]] of this two-parter.
*This episode marks the final appearance of Jazz.

===Real-world references===
*As Fortress first tries to draw the Master Sword, sound effects of the TARDIS dematerialization from ''[[Doctor Who]]'' are used.

===Animation and technical errors===
*When Hun-Gurrr first leaves the crater on Mars, he is colored like Sinnertwin.
*When the Technobots are shot down by Trypticon, Strafe's head is red instead of white.
*Trypticon's black armor is colored purple after he initially collides with Metroplex.
*The Predaking transformation sequence has a number of coloring mistakes, as does the Autobot Headmasters "Head On" sequence immediately after.
*Sinnertwin is colored white where he should be yellow as he and Rippersnapper watch Daniel and Wheelie fight.
*As Spike receives Daniel's signal, Brainstorm's torso is colored the same mustard color as his face.

===Continuity errors===
*After Trypticon intercepts their flight to Mars, the Technobots are saved by Ultra Magnus in Metroplex. He tells them to hurry on to Mars, so they... stand stock still and stare at him blankly.

===Trivia===
[[File:GalvyChallenger.gif|thumb|upright=1.1|Battling Seizure Robots!]]
*Beginning with this episode and continuing throughout the series, the [[title sequence]] is modified as part of a tie-in promotion with the interactive [[Video Challenger]] light gun system. Henceforth, most of the Decepticons flicker white, essentially emitting a visual signal which could be picked up by the light gun that denoted them as targets to be fired on. The more Decepticons the kid with the gun shot, the more points they got!
*The Decepticon Headmasters defy anime tradition in the final moments of the episode by interrupting Fortress' Head-On transformation sequence by ''shooting a goddamn bomb in his face''. This is both underhanded and hilarious.
*There is a lot of padding in this episode, both narratively and with footage reuse. Most notably, all four Autobot Headmasters get individual transformation sequences (complete with close-up on the stat panels in their chests) all of which are reused just a couple of minutes later.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''

:*''Title:'' "'''Mars Explodes! Watch Out, Fortress Maximus!'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 18]], [[1992]]

:*''Title:'' "'''Explosion on Mars! Fortress Maximus Is in Danger!'''" ([[Shout! Factory]] sub), "'''Explosion on Mars! Maximus Is in Danger'''" (Shout! Factory menu)

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La distruzione di Marte - Fortress è in pericolo'''" ("Mars's destruction - Fortress is in danger")

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Huǒxīng Bàozhà! Jùwúbà Fútè Dà Wēijī '''" (火星爆炸！巨无霸福特大危机, "Mars Explodes! Fortress Maximus in Big Danger!")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Soundblaster is called "Sanders".

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Vzryvy na Marse: Krepysh Maksimus v opasnosti'''" (Взрывы на Марсе: Крепыш Максимус в опасности, "Explosions on Mars: Fortress Maximus Is in Danger")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[July 18]], [[1994]]

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Marte Explota ¡Cuidado, Fortress Maximus!'''" ("Mars Explodes. Take Care, Fortress Maximus!")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Soundblaster is called "Sanders".

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|omni}}
;Laserdisc
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1996 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2002 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' — DVD Box ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — The Takara Collection Vol 1 — ''Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Headmasters'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' (Shout! Factory) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only.

[[Category:The Headmasters episodes]]

The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts

2025-10-14T02:16:29Z

JD1337666:

{{episode
|series=Headmasters
|ep=12
|image=Dormantvolcano.jpg
|caption=This dish cheap, but undeniably tasty.
|title="The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts"
|japanese=謎の休火山大噴火
|romaji=Nazo no Kyūkazan Daifunka
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|airdate=[[September 25]], [[1987]]
|writer=[[Toyohiro Andō]]
|director=[[Akinori Ōrai]]
|animation studio=Toei
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''The Autobots race to rescue a Peruvian village when the Decepticons cause a nearby volcano to erupt.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Favouritehonkey.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Buried with a donkey / He's my favorite honkey!]]
In [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]] on [[Earth]], [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Scattershot (G1)|Scattershot]] detect some unusual seismic activity centered on the South American village of [[Pan]]. At that moment in this village, as a young orphan boy named [[Pipiro]], along with his donkey [[Koro]], returns to the home he shares with his sister, [[Alyssa]], and her donkey, [[Dodo]], a seismic tremor occurs, putting the village in danger.

Meanwhile, on [[Athenia]], the Autobots are examining the data they have acquired on the mysterious planet [[Zarak (planet)|Zarak]] in the dark nebula, and [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Twincast]] deploys [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]] and [[Ramhorn (G1)|Ramhorn]] to acquire information. Simultaneously, on [[Chaar]], [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] converses with [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] on Earth, instructing him to occupy the Autobots with Earth affairs as much as possible—this seismic tremor is the first of such attempts. Scorponok's aim is to draw the Autobots' attention away from their operations on planet Zarak, where [[Octane]] is running a slave labor camp forcing imprisoned [[Beastformer]]s to construct a giant robot.

[[File:HM12 volcano threatens Pan.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|For the 459th time, the village Pan is about to be destroyed by lava, or possibly ambrosia salad.]]
Back on Earth, the volcano near Pan erupts, and molten lava sweeps toward the village. The [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Trainbot]]s are scrambled for a rescue mission, but Sixshot dispatches the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] and Decepticon [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] to stymie them. As [[Raiden]] and [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] fight, [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] is paralyzed by a blast from [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]], while Pipiro and the rest of the village watch. With Ultra Magnus unable to spare any more troops, the call goes out to Athenia, and the Autobot Headmasters are transported to Earth by [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] to join the fight. As the Headmasters take out Predaking, the Trainbots save the villagers. A burning hot ash cloud soon fills the sky from the volcano's eruption, but [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] is able to use it to his advantage, flying around and through it to drag the hot vapors down, forcing the Decepticon Headmasters to retreat.

[[File:HM12 Brainstorm is this your donkey.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|So to make this show less violent, you want to shoot the Decepticons with this!?]]
Earlier, the Headmasters' departure for Earth had been observed by [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]], who, along with [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]] report back to Scorponok that his strategy is working. When the Autobots claim victory on Earth, however, Cyclonus and Scourge question the validity of Scorponok's strategy—more seismic and volcanic activity like that can only ultimately result in the Earth's destruction, and if that were to occur, what would become of all the natural energy it offers? Scorponok dismisses these concerns, revealing that he has discovered a new source of energy far beyond the simple [[energon]] that Earth's natural resources can offer—[[plasma energy]], an unlimited force of planetary energy that was released when [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] was destroyed. On the day that the Decepticons have gathered the power of plasma energy for their own, Scorponok vows, he will reveal his true face, and destroy the Autobots. This revelation, however, is overheard by Steeljaw and Ramhorn, who are pursued by Soundblaster as they try to escape.

[[File:HM12 Decepticon Headmasters with prisoners.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Human boy!" "Donkey! Donkey kicks human boy!" "Guys, guys, that's not the way you play 'Rock Paper Scissors'."]]
Back on Earth, the Autobots and humans are relaxing, only for the Decepticon Headmasters to make a devious move, emerging from the undergrowth to seize Pipiro and Koro, threatening their lives if the Autobots do not disconnect from their [[transtector]]s. It is [[Dodo]] the donkey who saves the day, charging at [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] long enough to create a distraction that enables the Autobots to get the upper hand, saving Pipiro and forcing the villains to retreat. As goodbyes are said, Alyssa gives [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] her necklace as a token of thanks.

Returning to Athenia, the Autobots hear Steeljaw and Ramhorn's report, and their resolve to defeat the Decepticons strengthens even more.

{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (1)
*[[Scattershot (G1)|Scattershot]] (2)
*[[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Twincast]] (6)
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] (7)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (8)
*[[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] (9)
*[[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]] (10)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (11)
*[[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (12)
*[[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]] (13)
*[[Ramhorn (G1)|Ramhorn]] (14)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (21)
*[[Yukikaze (G1)|Yukikaze]] (22)
*[[Seizan]] (23)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (24)
*[[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (25)
*[[Suiken]] (26)
*[[Kaen]] (27)
*[[Getsuei]] (28)
*[[Shouki]] (29)
*[[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (30)
*[[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (31)
*[[Raiden]] (38)
*[[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (42)
*[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (43)
*[[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] (44)
*[[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (45)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] (15)
*[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] (16)
*[[Octane]] (17)
*[[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]] (32)
*[[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] (33)
*[[Headstrong (G1)|Headstrong]] (34)
*[[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]] (35)
*[[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] (36)
*[[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] (37)
*[[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] (39)
*[[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (40)
*[[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] (41)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (46)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]] (47)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] (48)
*[[Scourge (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]] (49)

|c3=
*[[Pipiro]] (3)
*[[Alyssa]] (5)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (50)
*[[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (51)

|c4=
*[[Koro]] (4)
*[[Rabbit Kid]] (18)
*[[Beafox]] (19)
*[[Dodo]] (20)
}}

==Quotes==
{{note|The following quotes are from the [[Omni Productions]] dub.}}
"Stop it! It's tickling! You little devil!"
:—'''Bobby''' gets a little ''too'' friendly with his donkey...

"This is my chance! DIIIIIEEEEE!!!!!!!"
:—'''Mindwipe''', as he kicks Defensor to the ground.

==Notes==

===Continuity notes===
*The mysteries of planet Zarak, the dark nebula and the robot being built there first came to light in "[[The Shadow Emperor, Scorponok]]". See that article for the details.
*Beastformers previously appeared in "[[Rebellion on Planet Beast]]", where the Decepticons also had them toiling in a factory.
*The Autobots previously dealt with a problematic Peruvian mountain in "[[Fire on the Mountain (episode)|Fire on the Mountain]]".

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:HM12 Autobot Decepticon fight.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Meanwhile, a short distance away a dance party had broken out.]]
*Lava is shown to flow down the side of the volcano and just about reach the village several times (sometimes through reuses of the same animation) without any apparent effect, which goes some way to explaining why the Autobots are somewhat laissez-faire about fighting the Decepticons rather than saving the villagers.
*After the Trainbots find the villagers, we switch to a shot of the Autobots and Decepticons grappling, though Predaking seems to be mostly flailing at the air over Chromedome's head.

===Continuity errors===
*Broadside, who is a plane remember, flies from Athenia to Earth in less time than it takes for the volcano to finish erupting.
*For some reason, all the Autobots think that the best way to save the endangered villagers is to ''fly directly at the mouth of the erupting volcano''. Not only this, after Broadsides tries this tactic and backs off (not to be seen again), the Trainbots then do exactly the same thing and express surprise that it's not successful.
*It doesn't seem to occur to anyone that blasting a trench for the lava to flow into would potentially save the village. Instead, they're quite happy to write the village off completely.

===Trivia===
[[File:Scorponok flames.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|[[The Fallen|Coincidence or foreshadowing]]? YOU DECIDE!]]
*Even while ''surrounding himself with flames'', Scorponok can still remain entirely hidden in shadow. That takes a certain kinda skill.
*Exactly how the Decepticons cause the volcano to erupt is never explained.
*Octane has gone from an opportunistic outcast to a sadistic foreman. Maybe he's found his niche?
*Pipiro is ''waaaay'' too friendly with his donkey.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''The Dormant Volcano Erupts Again'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 4]], [[1992]]
::*In the [[Omni Productions]] dialogue script for this episode...
::**Twincast and Razorclaw are again identified, respectively, as "Platon" and "Lee". Octane is identified as "Bear". Kaen, who had previously been "Powell", is now "Al". Defensor is simply "Robot".
::**Shouki is at first identified as "Sogo" (which had been used for Razorclaw in an earlier episode), but is later referred to as "Sogi" (which would be used for Scorponok in subsequent episodes).
::**Hot Spot is referred to as "Hok".
::**Predaking, who had been "Puda" in the last episode, is referred to in dialogue as "Polita".
::**Silverbolt is identified as "Fai".
::**Soundblaster—most recently "Citos", but also "Bulada" and "Puda"—is identified here as "Sand".
::**Broadside is referred to as "Planton".
::**Raiden—in what is the closest approximation of a real Trainbot name so far—is referred to as "Ladeen".
::**Hardhead, whose name had not been giving Omni Productions any troubles up to this point, is identified as "Train" in the dialogue directions for the final portion of the episode.

:*''Title:'' "'''The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts'''" ([[Shout! Factory]] sub)
::*The cold open of Scorponok standing and diabolically plotting is omitted.
::*The subtitles translate the mention of [[Autobot City (G1)|Scramble City]]'s seismograph into a completely made-up "Autobot Seismic Research Center".
::*Dialogue where the old man at Pan expresses belief that Koro is the reincarnation of one of Pipiro's parents is cut.
::*As is the norm for Shout!'s translation, the [[Mini-Cassette]]s are referred to as "Deployers".
::*Immediately after the Predacons have combined into Predaking, Shouki strangely seems to express confusion that the "Trainbot's" have combined. The original simply has him utter an order to the Trainbots to combine.
::*The subtitles once again try to prematurely claim that Earth is a source of [[plasma energy]] in Scorponok's evil plan rant. In the original, he simply states that the plasma energy released by the destruction of Cybertron is a more rewarding source of energy than anything Earth has to offer. Subtitle Scorponok also claims that the plasma energy will bring forth "everlasting Energon"—a change from the simple "eternal energy" of the original.
::*The Decepticon Headmasters hold Pipiro and Koro hostage so that the Autobot Headmasters will teach their "transforming technique" to the Decepticons. This strange ransom diverges from the original demand that the Autobots give up their transtectors.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La misteriosa esplosione del vulcano spento'''" ("The mysterious explosion of the extinguished volcano")
::*Defensor is both called by his Japanese name ("Guardian") and his English/Italian name... in the exact same scene! What's even worse is that Guardian is actually [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s Italian name, making the scene even more confusing.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Xiūmián Huǒshān de Shénmì Pēnfā '''" (休眠火山的神秘喷发, "The Mysterious Eruption of the Dormant Volcano")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Probuzhdeniye potukhshego vulkana'''" (Пробуждение потухшего вулкана, "Awakening of an Extinct Volcano")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[Juky 14]], [[1994]]
{{--}}

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|omni}}
;Laserdisc
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1996 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2002 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' — DVD Box ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — The Takara Collection Vol 1 — ''Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Headmasters'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' (Shout! Factory) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts}}
[[Category:The Headmasters episodes]]

Heavy Metal War

2025-10-12T13:38:17Z

JD1337666:

{{disambig3|Heavy Metal War}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=16
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=10
|prev2=Countdown to Extinction (episode)
|next2=Autobot Spike
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=5
|prev3=S.O.S. Dinobots
|next3=The Autobot Run
|image=HeavyMetalWar Primedefeated.jpg
|caption=The agony of defeat.
|title="Heavy Metal War"
|season=1
|season ep=16
|production code=#700-13
|airdate=[[December 15]], 1984
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]], [[Ashi Productions]], [[Nakamura Production]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4eqsJ72_7Q
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''Megatron challenges Optimus Prime to a one on one battle to end the war.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:HeavyMetalWar Megatron invitation.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Silly Megs, tricks are for kids!]]
A busy construction site is attacked by driver-less construction equipment, and several components are stolen. The construction vehicles return to Decepticon headquarters and are revealed to be the newly built [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. The components they stole are parts to a machine that will allow [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] to absorb the [[power chip rectifier]]s from his [[Decepticon]] warriors.

While the final preparations are completed on the machine, Megatron flies to [[Autobot]] headquarters and makes [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] an offer he cannot refuse. Megatron offers the Autobot leader a one on one battle with the winner staying on [[Earth]] to do as he pleases, and the loser taking his army and exiling themselves to deep space. Confident in his own abilities, Prime accepts the challenge and sets the match.

[[File:HeavyMetalWar Megatron powerup.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Fear me, for I have the power of... poo gas!!]]
Knowing that Prime would be unable to resist a chance to honorably end their conflict, Megatron returns to the Decepticon base and uses the newly completed machine to gain all of the special powers of his warriors. [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]]'s teleportation, [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]]'s sonic boom, [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s seismic attack, etc. Knowing that Megatron would now be unbeatable, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] voices concerns that the Autobot computer [[Teletraan I]] would be able to detect what Megatron had done. Anticipating this problem, Megatron dispatches the Constructicons to take care of the computer.

The two armies arrive at the battle site, and the contest begins. Megatron unleashes a barrage of powers (while Starscream gives a running commentary), and Prime is outclassed at every step. Not knowing that he has been deceived, Prime concedes the fight and comments that he underestimated Megatron. The shocked Autobots begin the trek back to base, and the Decepticons follow to make sure they leave.

[[File:Heavy Metal War Devastator.JPG|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Not Brawl.]]
Meanwhile, the Constructicons have nearly tunneled their way into the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and Teletraan I. Sensing the imminent danger, Teletraan I activates the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. The Dinobots respond and start pounding on the Constructicons, opening up a lava channel in the process. The battle not going in their favor, the Constructicons pull out one last trick and combine into the super warrior, [[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]]. The returning Autobots see the battle, but are unable to help. Inside the Ark, Teletraan I is able to show that Megatron cheated, and the Autobots rush outside to help the Dinobots.

[[File:Heavy Metal War Decepticons beat.JPG|upright=1.1|thumb|You'd think Starscream would be used to this, but no...]]
Despite the arrival of the rest of the Autobots to the fight, Devastator is still too powerful to be defeated, so [[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] distracts the monstrous Decepticon with a [[hologram]] of [[Halonix Maximus|a colossal Autobot]]. Stunned at the sudden appearance of a robot even bigger than he is, Devastator is shot by Optimus Prime and falls apart. The Constructicons try to drive away, but the Dinobots blast them into the lava. The other Decepticons are routed by the Autobots and also pushed or knocked back by gunfire into the lava. There is much rejoicing.

...Until Megatron rises from the lava, vowing that the Decepticons will rise again.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (13)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (14)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (15)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (16)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (20)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (21)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (24)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (25)
*[[Teletraan I]] (26)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (27)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (28)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (29)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (30)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (31)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (32)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] (33)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (36)
*[[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] (37)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (38)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (39)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (40)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (41)
*[[Halonix Maximus|Giant Autobot]] hologram (43)
|c2=
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (2)
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (3)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (4)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (5)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (6)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (7)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (8)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (9)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (10)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (11)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (12)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (22)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (23)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (34)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (35)
*[[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]] (42)
|c3=
*Construction Workers (1)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (17)
*[[Chip Chase]] (18)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (19)
}}

==Quotes==
"Forgive me, but I believe your boast sounds vaguely familiar."
:—'''Starscream''', after hearing another of Megatron's promises to destroy the Autobots.

[[File:Shockblastcannon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I'm alright! I'm alright. That was supposed to happen.]]
"Let's see how he likes my new [[Shock blast cannon|shockblast cannon]]! ''[The cannon explodes in his hands]'' Uhh... hnh... that's a shock, all right."
:—'''Wheeljack'''

"But I need my power chip rectifier. Besides, the Cybertron Code of Combat requires each warrior to fight as he is, without additional reinforcement. You wouldn't want to cheat, would you, Megatron?" 
"I will win by any means! At any cost! Even if it means terminating ''you'', Starscream!" 
"I was only raising a legal point..."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron'''

"Doesn't this remind you of the gladiatorial combats in ancient Rome?" 
"Maybe it would if I knew what you were talkin' about."
:—'''Chip''' and '''Ironhide''' on the duel between Optimus and Megatron.

"Sludge not see these Decepticons before." 
"Not see again either. Because we dino-mite them to pieces!" 
:—'''Sludge''' and '''Snarl''' vs. the Constructicons.

"It is ended." 
"Is it really over, Optimus? I mean, have we seen the end of this war? Forever?" 
"Who can say, Spike? In this vast universe, is anything truly forever?"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Spike''', with a question that is quickly answered, at least for the audience

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 27th July 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 1st August 1984
* Constructicons and Devastator models approved: 8th August 1984
* Final script: 13th August 1984
* Dialogue recording: 23rd August 1984 (Note - [[Gregg Berger]] not present for main session, later pick-up session required)
* Returned to the US for telecine: 3rd December 1984

===Continuity notes===
*This episode introduces the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] and [[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]].
[[File:Heavymeatlwar megatron powers.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|This fist of mine glows with an awesome power chip rectifier!]]
[[File:HeavyMetalWar Scavenger.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|This shovel of mine glows with an awesome sensor reading!]]
*Gadgets and powers:
**The Constructicons show off a variety of armaments and abilities, such as Mixmaster melting a whole steam roller into goop and later firing a stream of rock-melting liquid (the cannon flipping up from his cab is perhaps a nod to his toy's "attack mode"), Long Haul having dump truck mode missile launchers (also a possible nod to his toy's "attack mode"), and Scavenger's shovel-based sensors.
**Long Haul has the rather ''amazing'' ability to fill up his cargo bed with a payload, transform to robot mode, then convert back to dump truck mode... and still have the cargo be there!
**Ironhide detects Megatron's approach using a sensor that displays on his chest, not unlike abilities he displayed in "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]" and "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]".
**Cliffjumper's [[glass gas]], if that's what it's supposed to be, acts a lot more like Ironhide's liquid nitrogen. He shoots a huge stream of it from his retracted wrists, and it encases Megatron in ice.
**Speaking of which, being encased in ice does not affect Megatron's ability to fly.
**Ironhide doesn't even bother retracting his fists; he just shoots lasers right out of them. It's an unusual conceit for ''Transformers'', though [[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2|not]] [[Dinobot Island, Part 2|unheard of]].
**As explained in this episode, [[power chip rectifier]]s are what give Transformers their unique special abilities.
**The episode gives us a showcase of the Decepticons' most notable abilities, as Megatron uses Starscream's [[cluster bomb]]s and null rays, Reflector's light-generating abilities, Rumble's earthquakes, Skywarp's teleportation, and Thundercracker's sonic abilities.
***Incidentally, this is the first time said sonic abilities have been used explicitly. And it's not even by the guy they belong to.
**Optimus shows the strange ability to fire lasers out of his palm. He's blocking Megatron's shot with the other arm at the same time, almost like he's [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity#Beast Machines cartoon|absorbing the energy and shooting it back]].
**Teletraan-1 can make up its own mind to wake up the Dinobots when a threat is detected.
**Grimlock actually uses his rocket launcher, though it's drawn as one of the barrels of his laser rifle shooting off like a rocket.
**Snarl's sword can fire energy blasts from its tip. The Dinobots actually using their swords is something that doesn't happen often, but this is the second time Snarl has been shown with his. Instead of being red, as per the toy and comics, it uses the gray coloring it has in Snarl's package art.
**While the lasers in the Dinobots' dinosaur modes come out of their eyes, horns or mouths, Snarl's dinosaur mode lasers come out of his nostrils. ''Yeah.''
**Hound projects one of his holograms out of both fists.
**Hey, turns out the Constructicons can turn themselves all into one big robot! Wonder if the toys can do that??
*When the Constructicons are tunneling, Scrapper refers to [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] with his working name "[[Scrounge (G1)|Scrounge]]". In their [[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|''More than Meets the Eye'']] bio, Dreamwave would paint this as a deliberate derogatory term other Decepticons sometimes refer to him as.
*Soundwave totally pets Ravage on the head like a kittycat. Adorable!
*This episode is also the "source" of the aborted "Lava Bath Safety" deco for the original Megatron toy.
*The ''Law of Cybertron'' will be invoked again many years later, to resolve the Generation 2 War. {{storylink|Transformers: G-2 (story page)|The Autobots Triumph in the Battle of Good Vs. Evil!}}

===Real-world references===
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine burst/whine as the Constructicons take off from the construction site.
**Same effect as Megatron leaves Autobot Headquarters.
**[[Lightsaber]] ignition sound when Megatron activates Reflector's light powers.
*Chip provides the episode's requisite dose of "Oh, it's ''educational''" by likening the leaders' combat to the gladiatorial matches of ancient Rome.
*Mixmaster gets in on the act by naming a couple of acids by formula: H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) and HCl (hydrochloric acid).
*Oh, and the construction site will make energy from the earth's magnetic field. "Magnetic field" sounds like science, right??

===Technical or animation glitches===
*It seems the artists might have had only script directions to go by when drawing the Constructicons' vehicular attack modes, and not actual character models. Both Long Haul and Mixmaster deploy weapons that are of similar description to their toys' attack forms (cab-mounted cannon, twin missile launchers), but look nothing like them.
*Coloring errors:
**As Long Haul deploys his missiles, his Decepticon symbol is red, and missing its "cheeks".
**The top of Hook's head is green as Scrapper bows to Megatron... and again in the very next shot.
**Scavenger's face is colored all-green as he welds. If it was a stylistic decision to show the light from his welding, then it should flicker along with the welding lights.
**As Scrapper directs the others working on the infuser, his head is green instead of black, and Mixmaster's drum and torso are purple instead of green.
**The top of Wheeljack's chest is colored glass-blue instead of white after the shock cannon blows up.
**During the pan across the Decepticons before the strength transfer, Soundwave is missing the line in the middle of his mask, and his yellow stripes are mostly colored blue.
**Megatron's waist is red instead of silver after the transfer.
**When Megatron talks to Starscream after that, Starscream's air vent "boobs" are colored white instead of black.
**The front of Scrapper's head is red instead of black as Megatron orders him to move out.
**As Scrapper transforms, his whole helmet is green.
**As Optimus explains the code to Spike, Ironhide's forehead isn't fully drawn in.
**"Defeat, Megatron?" Megatron's fusion cannon is white instead of black during this line.
**At the end of the across the Decepticons seating themselves, Soundwave's optic visor is blue instead of red.
**Laserbeak's head is light gray as he ejects from Soundwave.
**Megatron's faction emblem is missing before he teleports.
**And it's missing again as he says the Autobots must exile.
**After Megatron teleports, Skywarp is colored like Starscream as he talks about the his ability.
**Starscream's right arm is colored dark gray for a moment, while he talks to Skywarp about the rectifiers.
**Wheeljack's missing one of the lines on his "ears" as he and the others listen to Optimus say he was not prepared.
**Prime's tires are light gray as he transforms to truck mode, and his headlights aren't colored in.[[File:Heavymetalwar constructicons target teletraan.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Oh, and Scavenger's chest shouldn't be purple, either.]]
**Scrapper's helmet is green in two shots as he and the others run into Autobot Headquarters.
**Scavenger's back is purple as he and the others back away from the Dinobots.
**Snarl's helmet is the same medium gray as his body as he joins Sludge.
**As Devastator walks toward the Dinobots, Swoop's head is white, while Sludge and Slag are block-colored gray.
**Devastator's hand is green instead of purple as he throws Grimlock.
**The top of Starscream's chest is red instead of gray as Megatron rants about the hologram.
*"Besides, the Cybertron code of combat requires..." Starscream's hand phases behind the transfer machine's light during his monologue.
*There's a discontinuity between shots as Megatron is infused; in one shot he's moving and reacting in visible pain to the power transfer; in the next, he's just standing there like a statue.
*Also in the above scene, when Megatron says "I now possess all your powers in addition to my own" his "helmet" is significantly wider than his usual onscreen character model's, and in the NEXT shot ("Optimus Prime and the Autobots... are FINISHED!! Huhuhwarhahahahaha!!") his helmet suddenly shrinks back to its usual narrow width. It would therefore be reasonable to surmise the animators were using Megatron's G1 Toy as a drawing reference for the former shot, as his helmet IS significantly wider than the "normal" Megatron's onscreen model.
*After Megatron talks of the Constructicons destroying Teletraan I, he's suddenly no longer attached to the machine.
*When Megatron laughs maniacally after being infused with the power of the other Decepticons, his head is disproportionately small, and his Decepticon insignia moves independently of his body.
*When the Autobots transform into their alternate modes right before leaving to the duel, Trailbreaker transforms outside the Ark somehow.
*When the Autobots transform back into robot mode when they arrive at the duel, Ironhide, already in robot mode, transforms into his alternate mode. The next scene shows him in robot mode again.
*When Starscream lands behind Megatron before the latter's duel with Optimus Prime, the animators forgot to animate the dust Starscream's feet stir up, so we can see that his legs are not fully drawn, and instead of feet, they end in paint blotches.
*Chip is drawn speaking Spike's line "It's Earth history, Ironhide!"
*During the duel, what are the Autobots supposed to be sitting on? Air?
*After the boulder Prime threw at Megatron splits in two, it completely disappears before the shot ends.
[[File:HeavyMetalWar Huffer towing Prime's trailer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Rise Huffimus Prime!"]]
*Huffer is drawn with six wheels instead of four as he takes Prime's trailer.
*Only a moment after Huffer takes Prime's trailer, as the Autobots depart the battlefield, the animators have drawn Prime towing his trailer again, but covered up their error by coloring him orange like Huffer.
*Mixmaster's cab-weapon changes color and form between scenes (it's a gray sphere when the Constructicons start tunneling; it's a green gun when they reach Autobot Headquarters.)
*Mixmaster's acid-laser changes from pink to orange between shots. The weapon that fires it has gone back to gray in the second shot.
*The animation doesn't really show a hole ''melting'' in the floor; a section of the floor just vanishes and is replaced with a melted hole.
*Grimlock has his original head design in this episode, rather than the later, toy-based one he normally is drawn with.
*Grimlock's [[galaxial rocket launcher]] is drawn as one of the barrels of his laser rifle shooting off.
*The Dinobots' voices are ''heavily'' processed in his episode, far beyond the norm, giving them a crunchy, gravely sound.
*The inside of Sludge's [[robot mode]] mouth is glowing orange ''again''. Clearly this is part of his character model, but why and how did such a bizarre choice come about in the first place?
*As Scrapper clutches his wounded shoulder, he has two small eyes instead of a visor. (It makes him look a lot like [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]].)
[[File:G1DevastatorHeads.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|But let's face it - he looks much, much cooler with the visor.]]
*Much like [[A Plague of Insecticons|Kickback's insect head]], the cartoon could never quite make up its mind whether Devastator was supposed to have two small eyes or one big visor. This episode shows him with eyes as he monologues, then the visor shows up just a shot or two later.
*"Then -- Then Megatron cheated!" Ironhide's mouth is drawn with [[teeth]] and a [[tongue]].
*When the Autobots cheer inside their headquarters, [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]]'s insignia is missing, Wheeljack's ears aren't flashing, and Jazz's mouth is blinking on and off.
*As the hologram fades out, Hound isn't shown in the nearby cave from which he's supposed to be projecting it.
*When [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] finds out the "Giant [[Autobot]]" is a hologram, his cannon [[kibble]] is gone for a brief second.
*In the final closeup of Megatron's face, several of the lava streams are flowing ''behind'' his eyes and back out. OUCH!
*When we first see the Autobots in the Ark after the duel, Ironhide punches empty air, the whole screen shakes, and he says, “Uh, sorry about that” to no-one.

===Rhino DVD release===
More than most episodes, the [[Rhino Entertainment|Kid Rhino]] DVD version of this episode is full of animation errors that do not appear in the original broadcast version or prior home video releases (as a result of incomplete film masters being used for the DVD), as well as crude attempts made by Rhino to fix some of these errors.

Some are merely aesthetic complaints:
*The Constructicons are stationary in their first shot.
*In one shot, the camera pans sideways to follow the Constructicons, however they aren't moving, so they actually lag behind the screen. Then, as they round a corner, they are animated above the animation cel of the building they drive around, and you can see they are not fully drawn. Their [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]s end in unfinished lines and paint blotches until they come fully into view.
*As the Constructicons make their big introductory transformations, the camera doesn't pan up with Bonecrusher, Long Haul, and Mixmaster, leaving them cut out of the shot from the thighs upward. Bonecrusher is also visibly floating above the ground.
*The shot of Ironhide picking up Decepticon signals on his screen was missing the signals in Rhino's copy. As a result, they digitally inserted it into the scene from another version of the episode.
*The shot of Megatron being encased in ice has different effects.
*Several shots of Wheeljack speaking are missing the glow effects on his "ears". Rhino "fixes" some of these shots by adding digital glows.
*After Long Haul transforms, the equipment he's supposedly carrying simply pops into view. As the outlines tell us, it has been retroactively shopped into the image.
*The Rhino DVD portrays the power-chip smelter as a featureless rectangular smear, lacking all the light effects and animation that should be present.
*When Megatron says "Scrapper, you have your orders...", the Constructicons' eyes / eye visors no longer glow red in response.
*As he drives up to start digging, [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] is constantly jumping a bit back and forth while driving, as if the animation frames are not ordered properly.
*The shot of Spike saying "I mean, they don't call those creeps Decepticons for nothing." is much cruder and more anime-esque.
*When the Autobots transform to leave base for the battlefield, Optimus Prime's left headlight blinks in and out a couple of times.
*Then, as they all drive out of the Ark, the screen freezes for a moment. The Autobots seem to have teleported after the animation finally continues.
*Spike's animation during the shot of Chip saying "That answer your question, Ironhide?" is different.
*When the Witwickys and Chip slide down the hill with Ironhide, Ironhide is frozen in place.
*The sky behind Ironhide, when he is informing us of his ignorance of Earth's history, jumps noticeably at the beginning of the shot, and the shadowy outlines around him vibrate wildly.
*The audience isn't actually sitting on the edge of the pit, rather they are all somehow seated on the slopes.
*The black shading around Megatron's eyes is missing during a closeup shot of him. In the same shot, his body is wildly moving around as if he is running.
*The background behind Prime as he says "I never knew he was that strong" is different.
*At two points during the duel with Optimus Prime (one of them recycled as him landing at Autobot Headquarters), Megatron is colored dark gray.
*When the miscolored Megatron blasts Prime away, the background isn't moving to simulate the camera pan, whereas Prime's animation is.
*The humans in one shot are drawn horribly off-model, with terrible looking teeth, may we add. Spike shows his pre-final print uppers again in a later shot.
*When Skywarp boasts that Megatron acquired the power of teleportation from him, he is colored like Starscream, who is seen sitting right next to him.
*The shot of Prime reacting to the sound rays was missing the rays in Rhino's copy of the episode. Their solution to "fixing" this error was to overlay the broadcast version of the scene on top of it, resulting in a ''very'' blurry image.
*When the Constructicons approach Teletraan 1, Rhino poorly inserts Teletraan from another copy of the episode to cover up the fact that he was missing in their copy. As a result, the scene no longer zooms in as it should.
*During the Dinobots' fight scene with the Constructicons, some of the laser-firing animation is missing, leaving the characters with huge "holes" and gaps on their bodies where said laser shots should have been animated. This also renders the shot of Sludge firing his eye-beams completely pointless.
*And as Swoop fires his missiles, the background art isn't moving, making it look like he is floating.
*Also in one shot, the rock covering the Constructicons is missing from the foreground, and again, we see incomplete drawings instead of fully-drawn robots.
**However a later shot has a cave mouth drawn over the screen's outer rim, which shouldn't be there, as the scene takes place outside.
*The shot of Hook saying "Bad news, Scrapper. They've brought out the heavy artillery!" is supposed to have a glowing effect from the lava pass in front of him. However, the copy that Rhino used was missing this effect. Once again, they digitally inserted this glow from another copy of the episode to "fix" this mistake.
**A similar edit is made to the following shot of Scrapper getting hit, where the laser effects have been added from another copy of the episode. However, Rhino forgot to put the smoke coming from Scrapper's shoulder back in.
*Snarl's head is briefly missing for a few frames in one shot.
*The scene of Chip explaining what happened to Optimus' damaged parts is sloppier and more anime-esque in the Rhino version.
*Sludge's eye beams are missing in one shot.
*The shot of the Constructicons falling in lava features slightly less detailed lava.
*The lava on Megatron's face in the final shot is different.

However, some of the screwups actually confuse the plot:
[[File:HeavyMetalWar-Rhino VS Shout.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Rare appearance of the yellow Cliffjumper variant.]]
*Power chip rectifier only appear in the finished animation as little more than small glowing pink dots. When Starscream removes his, this glowing effect is missing, meaning he's holding nothing, and that none of the rectifiers ever actually appear on-screen in the Rhino version. This was done to hide an error in Rhino’s print where Starscream’s mouth disappears as he says his line, and Japanese text appears next to him.
*When Rhino DVD Optimus Prime hurls a boulder at Megatron, Megatron still lights up to use Skywarp's teleportation ability to get out of the way... but after the teleporation glow effect fades, Megatron is ''still standing there''. The boulder ''flies straight through him'' with nobody seeming to care, including Megatron himself.
*When Megatron is talking to Starscream while the Constructicons are building the infuser machine, Starscream is colored like Skywarp. Starscream's mouth movements in this scene are also different.
**Speaking about the Constructicons being hard at work, this sequence is completely missing. We are instead treated to a shot of Megatron and Starscream standing silently for seconds.
*When [[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] runs up and uses his [[glass gas]], he is coloured like [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]].
[[File:HeavyMetalWar Mixmaster spray.JPG|thumb|upright=1.1|That sure isn't a cave you're in there, Mixmaster.]]
*The animation sequence of Megatron landing at the Autobot base ''is missing entirely'', and is replaced by looped animation from later in the episode of Megatron landing after a jump, along with a recycled snippet of Cliffjumper looking elated after encasing Megatron in ice from just a few seconds earlier.
*When Megatron lands, there are two Optimus Primes and Ironhides there to greet him.
*As the Autobots help Prime make his decision, the camera pans are missing, and the scene is instead shown as multiple, separate shots. Secondly, Wheeljack's light effects are poorly added in from the broadcast version, as they were misaligned in Rhino's print. Finally, the added lens-effects in Prime's optics makes him look like he's about to cry.
*When the Constructicons move out to dig the passage to the Autobot headquarters, they're all shown outdoors instead of inside the base.
*A transformation sequence for Trailbreaker, recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]", still retains its exterior background even though it's supposed to happen inside Autobot Headquarters.
*When the Autobots arrive at the pit in vehicle mode, Ironhide is seen transforming from robot mode to vehicle mode. Then, he is back in his robot form.
*Where the finished episode tries to disguise the fact that the animators have drawn Prime towing his own trailer by coloring him life Huffer, in the unfinished animation used for the DVD, Prime is colored in his normal colors. Rhino tried to fix this in one shot, but the join is very obvious.
*Instead of using the finished shot, we see recycled animation of a standing Prime being hit when Megatron delivers his final blow. He should be lying on the ground.
*The animation of the lava is absent in a couple of shots.

But, uhhh, hey, that silver DVD case sure is shiny and pretty!

===Shout! Factory DVD release===
*Like "[[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction]]" before it, the sound effects of this episode are cranked down to near-inaudibility, compared to the music and vocal tracks.
*This episode is also one of several affected by Shout!'s inability to obtain complete master reels to restore the incomplete animation used in the Kid Rhino releases, resulting in 1-inch tape versions being used instead. Picture quality is thus all over the map. The scenes of Megatron approaching Autobot Headquarters are noticeably under-lit. Several scenes are in visibly softer focus compared to shots before and after, such as the pan of Autobots as Cliffjumper says "I don't trust 'im!"

===Continuity errors===
[[File:Lineup.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|"Where'd you get the Constructicons?" "We found them." "Found them? On Earth? Constructicons are Cybertronian!" "The Cosmos may fly into the sun or the Omega Supreme or the Astrotrain may seek warmer climes in winter, yet these are not strangers to our land." "Are you suggesting that Constructicons migrate?"]]
*This episode gives the first of [[Constructicon (G1)|three contradictory origins]] for the Constructicons.

*The building site that the Constructicons raid is a power plant. One of the construction workers states that it will be able to provide the whole planet with limitless energy, raising the question of why the Decepticons didn't raid such a powerful energy source for energon.

*So this head worker guy sees driverless, talking construction vehicles, that turn into giant malevolent thieving robots with the Decepticon symbol on 'em... but somehow he only figures out that they're Decepticons when Scrapper says they work for Megatron. Is Megatron's name more famous than all the defining aspects of his faction?

*Ironhide is apparently able to detect the Decepticons by himself, without relying on Teletraan I. However, in "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]", the Autobots were unable to detect the approaching Decepticons with Teletraan I sabotaged.

*Optimus Prime takes out Devastator with a single shot from his laser rifle, something rather at odds with the later portrayal of combiners as nigh-invulnerable. Maybe they were upgraded?

*It's a bit strange that Starscream of all mechs should be concerned with legalities and suggest that Megatron try to fight honorably... but there ''is'' a touch of sarcasm when he says "You wouldn't want to ''cheat'', would you, Megatron?"

*There is a rather ''huge'' hole in Megatron's "Destroy Teletraan I" plot: When the Autobots come back from Optimus Prime's defeat, wouldn't a burning-and-smoking Teletraan I ''immediately'' scream "Megatron DID cheat" rather than cover that fact up?

*Mind you, the Autobots confidently rely on Teletraan I to let them know if Megatron is cheating but then don't leave anyone monitoring it or have a real time communication link with it. It's only by the Decepticon's good graces that they were allowed to go back to Autobot HQ and check its findings before potentially taking up their exile in space.

[[File:DinobotsG1.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2]]
*The Autobots return to headquarters as the Dinobots have begun their battle with Devastator. They have time enough to repair Optimus Prime and detect the Decepticon deception, and meanwhile, the Dinobots are ''still'' fighting Devastator.
**On that note the Autobots don't even try to tell the Dinobots that they were leaving and the fight was over. Were the Autobots going to leave the Dinobots behind and strand them on Earth!?

*Speaking of which, didn't anybody notice the big flaming hole in the floor of Autobot Headquarters?

*So the Decepticons couldn't '''FLY''' out of the lava when they fell in?

*Doesn't anybody notice Megatron down there floating in the lava?

===Trivia===
[[File:SnarlG1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|''Transformers'' was anime before it was [[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|anime]].]]
*The art style of this episode has a distinctively Japanese flavor to it (in a handful of scenes), similar to that of "[[Roll for It]]" and "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]". [[Masami Ōbari]]'s believed to be involved with this episode.<ref>http://mimizun.com/log/2ch/ranime/1118994758/</ref> [[Nobuyoshi Habara]] was also involved with the episode, working on some shots during the actual battle between Optimus Prime and Megatron, though which shots are unspecified.<ref>https://w.atwiki.jp/sakuga/?cmd=word&word=%E3%83%88%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B9%E3%83%95%E3%82%A9%E3%83%BC%E3%83%9E%E3%83%BC&type=&pageid=309</ref>
*The animation pretty much gets Devastator's transformation spot-on. Enjoy it while you can; it [[The Core|won't]] [[The Autobot Run|last]].
*Storyboards for this episode indicate that at one point in the scripting process, power chip rectifiers were also tied into the ability to transform. Upon giving up their rectifiers, the Decepticons lose their ability to transform, and during the fight, Megatron transforms into a jet! <ref>[http://cartoonpaperwork.com/network/dt/003.shtml "Heavy Metal War" storyboards at CartoonPaperwork.com]</ref>
*Scenes and dialogue deleted from this episode include Wheeljack showing off the latest improvements he has made to the Dinobots outside Autobot Headquarters (during which Megatron arrives), Scavenger referring to Scrapper with his working name "[[Gravedigger]]", Megatron using Soundwave's mind-reading powers on Optimus Prime during their fight, and Starscream sarcastically pointing out that the other Decepticons could help Devastator fight the Dinobots - except that they don't have their powers (to which Megatron retorts that "my Devastator needs no help").
**An extended portion of dialogue is also cut from Megatron's address to Optimus Prime, resulting in the rather clumsy line in the finished episode, "Our war has gone on for millions of years — Decepticons fighting Autobots — in which opposing leaders — you and I, Optimus Prime — may do battle." In the episode's dialogue script, following "Decepticons fighting Autobots," Megatron finishes his first sentence by lamenting the endless nature of the war. Prime shares in his regret, but deems it necessary as long as Megatron continues his pursuit of conquest. Megatron then speaks again, raising the topic of the "age-old law of combat," then picking up the finished line from "in which opposing leaders..."
**Ironhide's "sorry about that" non-sequitur is the result of a cut to the start of the scene: while watching the battle through the hole blasted out the side of the volcano and frustrated at not being able to join in, Ironhide slams his fist against the cavern wall, causing it to shake. He sheepishly apologizes.
[[File:RumbleisRed.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|The "red robot" is clearly blue.]]
*During Teletraan I's montage of the sources of Megatron's acquired powers, the descriptions for the individual Decepticons are verbatim quotes from the [http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/ Transformers Series Bible's "Decepticon Rollcall" page], albeit including several lost-in-translation typographical errors ("Decepticon Lider", "Decepticon Commicator", "Sky Warp"). The most notable of those is [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (misspelled as "Runble") being identified as a [[FIRRIB|"red robot"]]. Furthermore, the seemingly random numbers listed on those screens are actually Hasbro's product codes for the respective toys. Interestingly enough, [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] is given a product number, even though he was never released at mass retail. However, the renditions of the Decepticons are ''not'' the official [[character model]] poses for those characters, but rather all-new drawings.
*The head construction worker's cry as Scavenger drops him is recycled from "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2]]" (from when Laserbeak kidnaps two security guards.)
*The episode's ending sure seems intended as a potential conclusion to the series, just in case it wasn't renewed for a second season. Turns out that ''Transformers'' was a bit of a hit, so that whole falling-into-lava thing was ignored (though it was alluded to in the [[title sequence]] animation for season two, as the Insecticons traverse in lava).
*The giant Autobot hologram image Hound projected went anonymous for 26 years until it received an identity at [[BotCon 2010]] as the [[Elite Guard]] member [[Halonix Maximus]].
[[File:RavagePet.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Who's a good widdle killy-kitty? YOU IS!]]
*When the Autobots and Decepticons are getting ready to watch the fight, Soundwave lets Ravage out and Ravage then sits beside Soundwave and audibly ''purrs'' while Soundwave pets him. This is both very cute and very creepy.
*Devastator referring to himself as "the Devastator" might be a leftover reference to the character's working name of "the Destructoid".
*When aired on [[Hub Network]]'s video-on-demand, the Kid Rhino version is used for some reason, even though Hub Network otherwise airs the original pre-Kid Rhino versions.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French broadcast):'' "'''Le sursis'''" ("The reprieve")
:*''Title (Canadian French broadcast & European French DVD release):'' "'''La guerre du métal lourd'''" ("Heavy metar war")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*About the European French dub:
:::*All the scenes in which the Constructicons talk in vehicle mode are not dubbed. Only Scrapper is fully dubbed and Hook has one line when he talks in robot mode. This results in frozen shots of construction vehicles with catchy music. They must hate the Constructicons, since the same will happen [[City of Steel (episode)|a few episodes later]]...
:::*Scrapper introduces his colleagues with French names, "Perforeur" ("Driller"), "Tronçonneur" ("Chainsaw"), "Creuseur" ("Digger"), "Dévastateur" ("Devastator") and "Phénix" ("Phoenix"). These names will ''never'' be used ever again in the series, or in any ''Transformers'' media.
:::**Even if we used these names, why would "Creuseur" ("Digger") be Long Haul instead of Scavenger?
:::**Moreover, "Dévastateur" is used for both Bonecrusher and Devastator in the episode.

'''German'''
:*''Title (Generation 2 dub):'' "'''Der Zweikampf'''" ("The Duel")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[May 28]], [[1994]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (both dubs):'' "'''Il duello'''" ("The Duel")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*In the first dub Huffer is called "Piedone" ("Big Foot") in this episode, despite his Italian name being Turbo.

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Cybertron-sei no Okite'''" (せイバートロン星の掟, "The Laws of Planet Cybertron")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 7]], [[1985]]
::*In Japanese anime fashion, Megatron yells the names of several of the special attacks he's purloined from his minions; namely, Reflector's "Flash Beam" and Thundercracker's "Sonic Beam".

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Shuāng Xióng Dàzhàn '''" (双雄大战, "Fight between Double Leaders")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Guerra dos Metaleiros'''" ("The War of the Metalheads")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Voyna tyazhelogo metalla'''" (Война тяжёлого металла, "Heavy Metal War")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sukob metalnih ratnika'''" (Сукоб металних ратника, "Battle of the Metal Warriors")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Latin Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fuerte Guerra de Metal'''" ("Heavy Metal War")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

===Toys inspired by this episode===
* '''''[[War for Cybertron: Kingdom]]'' [[Huffer (G1)#War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Huffer]] (2021)'''
:This Deluxe class version of Huffer is specifically molded to be able to tow the trailer of ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Optimus Prime]], recreating a scene from this episode.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[1986]] — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 10: "Heavy Metal War" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[1987]] — ''Transformers'' — Heavy Metal Wars / The Girl Who Loved Powerglide ([[Tempo Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[1989]] — ''Transformers'' — A Ghost in the Machine / Heavy Metal Wars (Tempo Video) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[1990]] — ''Transformers'' — Heavy Metal Wars / The Girl Who Loved Powerglide ([[Tempo Video|Abbey Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2000]] — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 6: Evolution Revolution ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1994]] — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1998]] — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[2001]] — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2002]] — ''Transformers: Generation 2'' ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] [[2003]] — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2004]] — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 4 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] [[2006]] — The Best of ''The Transformers'' (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2007]] — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Episodes (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] [[2008]] — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2009]] — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2011]] — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2014]] — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — Roar of the Dinobots (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1vbr04lZGZRfV8r8xDO7WeRH_HKAurRfQ Full episode script, finalised on 13th August 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/16yrVYHBDgzi_x0IbGI8qjma68mEMRxrR/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]
*[https://sunbowmarvelarchive.blogspot.com/p/the-transformers-mp-700-13-heavy-metal.html Gallery of full episode storyboards]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears

2025-05-03T02:15:20Z

JD1337666:

{{episode
|series=Headmasters
|ep=15
|image=Marsexplode2.jpg
|caption=Looks like another Tequila Sunrise...
|title="Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears"
|japanese=火星爆破!!出現メガザラック
|romaji=Kasei Bakuha!! Shutsugen MegaZarak
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|airdate=[[October 16]], [[1987]]
|writer=[[Toyohiro Andō]]
|director=[[Jōhei Matsūra]]
|animation studio=Toei
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''With Fortress Maximus out of power and the destruction of Mars looming ever nearer, Scorponok reveals his true face at last.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:ExplosionMarsMegaZarak MarsExplodes.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Mars destroyed by its own nougat filling.]]
As [[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]] desperately tries to contact the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] and [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] undergo repairs for their injuries and the Decepticons continue with their plan to blow up the planet. [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] deduces that the energy used against [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] that drained him of his power was [[plasma energy]], released in the destruction of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], and realizes that the Decepticons' goal in destroying Mars must be to generate more. Alerted to this fact, the Autobot Headmasters redouble their efforts to locate the Decepticons' bombing co-ordinates and attack the Decepticon Headmasters. Fortress orders the [[Trainbot]]s to join them from [[Athenia]], and they soon arrive and lend a hand.

[[File:HM15 MegaZarak arrives on Chaar.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Every arthropod has this dream. Hello tiny bipeds! ''*Squish!*'']]
Meanwhile, [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] has been informed that the bombs have been planted in two of the three key sites on Mars, and relocates to planet [[Zarak (planet)|Zarak]], where work on his secret project there is in the final stages. He orders the Decepticon Headmasters to pull out of the conflict on Mars and join him on Zarak, prompting the Autobots to investigate. Fortress contacts [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] on Earth, who dispatches [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Twincast]] to spy on the Decepticon base on Earth to learn what the villains are up to. [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] sneaks into the base and watches as [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]] calls on [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] to join the Decepticons on [[Chaar]]. After he reports back to Twincast, Twincast opts to follow the ninja through the [[space bridge]] to the Decepticons' base there so that he can observe the meeting that is being held.

[[File:HM15 MegaZarak arrives on Mars.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Aw snap.]]
[[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]], [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] and [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] meet their leader on Zarak, as Scorponok steps out of the shadows at last—then, as assembled Decepticon forces watch through a viewscreen, the surface of Zarak cracks and the entire world is torn asunder. From the core of the planet emerges Scorponok's secret project, his own colossal [[transtector]]! Transforming his new craft from city mode to the form of a gigantic robot scorpion, Scorponok sets course for Chaar to collect the Decepticons, just as Twincast is spotted by Soundblaster, and a brief battle between the communicators and their cassettes ensues before Twincast escapes.

[[File:HM15 Fortress Maximus escapes Mars.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Fortress flees the doomed planet of Mars. Afterward he's taken in by a kindly couple who teach him to fight for truth and justice.]]
Back on Mars a little while later, Fortress receives Twincast's report and readies for his impending battle with Scorponok. He does not have long to wait, as Scorponok appears in the skies overhead while the Headmasters and Trainbots are battling the Terrorcons at the final bombing site. Battleship Maximus, however, is still drained of all energy and unable to transform, and after Scorponok smashes his way through the Headmasters and Trainbots, he transforms into his own massive [[robot mode]] and begins to pound on the helpless craft. Then, the report comes that all the bombs have been put in place, and Scorponok orders Soundblaster to detonate them. The key bomb clusters in the polar regions explode, and a chain reaction occurs, sending a string of explosions tearing through Mars. The Decepticons pull out as the planet erupts in flame all around them, but Fortress has one last ace up his sleeve—Battleship Maximus is able to absorb some of the energy released in the explosion, and, back to full power, [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] emerges from the conflagration and cleaves Scorponok's shoulder with the [[Master Sword]], forcing the villains to retreat. Although the Decepticons may have been forced back for now, Mars has been lost, and the Autobots' toughest battles are still ahead of them.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Suiken]] (1)
*[[Shouki]] (2)
*[[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (3)
*[[Yukikaze (G1)|Yukikaze]] (4)
*[[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]] (5)
*[[Getsuei]] (6)
*[[Seizan]] (7)
*[[Kaen]] (8)
*[[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] (11)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (12)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (13)
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress/Fortress Maximus]] (14)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (15)
*[[Raiden]] (22)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (23)
*[[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Twincast]] (24)
*[[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]] (25)
*[[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] (26)
*[[Ramhorn (G1)|Ramhorn]] (39)
{{!}}}
|c2=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] (16)
*[[Hun-Gurrr (G1)|Hun-Gurrr]] (17)
*[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] (18)
*[[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] (19)
*[[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] (20)
*[[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (21)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (27)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (28)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]] (29)
*[[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] (30)
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (31)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] (32)
*[[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]] (33)
*[[Headstrong (G1)|Headstrong]] (34)
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (35)
*[[Octane]] (36)
*[[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] (37)
*[[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]] (38)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (40)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]/[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]]? (41)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] (42)
*[[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] (43)
{{!}}}
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (9)
*[[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (10)
}}

==Quotes==
{{note|The following quotes are from the [[Omni Productions]] dub.}}

"Oh no, you ain't seen nothin' yet."
:— '''Scorponok''' , quoting his favorite Bachman Turner Overdrive song

==Notes==

===Continuity notes===
*This episode represents the culmination of various plot threads that have been running throughout ''The Headmasters'' thus far.
**Having remained hidden in shadow since his debut in "[[The Four-Million-Year-Old Veil of Mystery]]", Scorponok finally steps in to the light in this episode.
**The construction of Scorponok's transtector was foreshadowed back in "[[Rebellion on Planet Beast]]", and brought to the fore alongside the Decepticons' activities on planet Zarak in "[[The Shadow Emperor, Scorponok]]".
**The fate of the [[Beastformer]] slaves who were [[The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts|forced to construct it]] remains unclear.
**The power of plasma energy was introduced in "[[The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts]]", its origin tied back to the events of the "[[Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger]]" two-parter.

:It's not unfair to say that with the wrapping-up of these story points, the series becomes largely directionless—with [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]'s return in the next episode, it launches into a very random planet-hopping story arc that serves no real purpose but to vary the scenery, until Galvatron is removed from the series again, and focus shifts back to Scorponok and his plans.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Hm ep15 rumble or frenzy.jpg|right|upright=2.2|thumb|[[e-HOBBY]] duo-pack with [[Enemy (G1)|Enemy]]? Pretty please? Pretty pretty please?]]
*As the Trainbots watch the monitor on Athenia at the beginning of the episode, Shouki's lower right leg is colored white, while the left is colored blue.
*When initially conferring with Spike, the back of Fortress's head is brown instead of blue. In the next shot, he is missing some of the chest detail surrounding his insignia.
*When Twincast ejects Rewind and Steeljaw, Rewind's forearms are colored gray.
*Thrust's wings appear to be attached to the underside of his forearms. A moment later, Dirge is colored like Thrust.
*Rewind is colored as Steeljaw when he spies on Sixshot while in cassette mode.
*As Sixshot arrives on Chaar, Blitzwing is present, and his head is purple. In the same shot, Soundblaster is missing the red stripe around each forearm.
*Just after Soundblaster punches up the Mars status on screen, there is a peculiar robot standing behind Sixshot's right. It looks like [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]], but his colors are all wrong.
*The tapes Twincast ejects to fight Soundblaster are all colored like Steeljaw.
*When Soundblaster ejects cassettes to fight Twincast, one of them is the Rumble/Frenzy [[robot mode]]l... but he's been miscolored in [[:File:HM15 Seizan and Getsuei.jpg|Seizan]]'s yellow-and-black color scheme, complete with blue optics and white forehead stripe. Seizan and Rumble/Frenzy both have that "one gun poking up over their right shoulder" thing going on, which is probably what led to the misunderstanding, outlandish as it is.
*Rippersnapper and Cutthroat are shown to be among the Decepticons watching from Chaar when Scorponok unveils his transtector... while Raiden is fighting ''Abominus'' on Mars. Mmn.
*When Scorponok lands on Chaar, Tantrum is colored blue and grey. In the same shot, Soundblaster is colored in the traditional blue of Soundwave. The right-side of his helmet is left uncolored and stars can be seen through it.
*When Scorponok transforms into robot mode, he doesn't appear to have his shield. When it cuts to him walking towards Maximus, his shield is on the left arm as per his character model, but when it cuts to him actually stomping Maximus, it's on his ''right'' arm.
*Just before the Terrorcons merge, Brainstorm and Highbrow can be seen fighting alongside the other Headmasters, despite the fact they're supposed to be back at base. A few minutes later, they arrive at the fight for real.
*In general, this episode's animation is lackluster. It resembles some of Toei's poorer efforts from season 2 of ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]''.

===Trivia===
*The "MegaZarak" spoken of in the title is, of course, the Japanese name for Scorponok's transtector, the giant robot that we in the West also know as Scorponok.
*When the Autobots first learn of Scorponok's plan to blow up Mars, their reaction is one of horror. They also mention the incredible damage the Mars' detonation will surely bring to Earth, which is made even more direct by a series of still images showcasing the potential destruction. Yet when Mars actually ''is'' blown up Earth seems to get off without any damage whatsoever. Okay, then.
*The loss of Mars isn't much of big deal throughout the rest of the series either. The Autobots don't even bother to update their space-maps to reflect its destruction when traveling through the Mars-Jupiter asteroid belt.
*[[Raiden]] inexplicably whips out a broadsword and powers it up like a lightsaber before getting slapped silly into his constituent trains by Scorponok before he can hit anything with it. This would go on to inspire the "[[Kōken]]" accessory included with Raiden's [[Raiden#MPG|''MPG'' toy]] some thirty years later.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mars Explodes! The Scorpion Appears!'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 25]], [[1992]]

:*''Title:'' "'''Explosion on Mars! Scorponok Appears!'''" ([[Shout! Factory]] sub)
::*The review of the last episode shown before the title card is omitted.
::*The MegaZarak transtector is referred to as... the "Scorponok Transtector", despite the Headmaster himself already being named "Scorponok". The Destron City mode of the transtector is subtitled as "Decepticon Headquarters".

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La distruzione di Marte - Appare Lord Zarak!'''" ("The destruction of Mars - Lord Zarak appears!")
::*In the recap at the beginning of the episode, the narrator calls Fortress "Fortress Maximus". In a later scene near the end of the episode, he instead calls the character "Maximus".

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Huǒxīng Bàozhà! Sàkè Jùrén Chūxiàn'''" (火星爆炸！萨克巨人出现, "Mars Explodes! Scorponok Appears")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Vzryvy na Marse! Scorponog Poyavlyaetsya'''" (Взрывы на Марсе! Скорпоног появляется, "Explosion on Mars! Scorponok Appears")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|omni}}
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1996 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2002 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' — DVD Box ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — The Takara Collection Vol 1 — ''Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Headmasters'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' (Shout! Factory) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only.

[[Category:The Headmasters episodes]]

Doctor Who

2025-05-03T01:53:40Z

JD1337666: /* Notes */

'''''Doctor Who''''' is a [[BBC]] [[television]] show featuring [[time travel]]. It might, just maybe, have something to do with the [[Doctor]].

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===
[[Hunter O'Nion]] told [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] that he had plenty of TV shows to catch up on, including ''Doctor Who''. {{storylink|Our Steps Will Always Rhyme}}

===Ask Vector Prime===
[[Vector Prime]] enjoyed ''Doctor Who'', despite the show depicting time travel inaccurately. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime}}

===''Bumblebee'' film===
[[Memo]] had a ''Doctor Who'' poster in his room. {{storylink|Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee}}

==Notes==
* Various [[Marvel Comics|Marvel UK]] ''Transformers'' creators have written for ''Doctor Who Magazine'', itself a Marvel UK title:
** [[Simon Furman]] wrote several stories at the same time he was writing for the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel ''Transformers'' comic]]. This included the first crossover between [[Death's Head (G1)|Death's Head]] and the Doctor, and a Death's Head story featuring ''DWM'' character Keepsake.
** [[Dan Abnett]] wrote a number of ''Magazine'' strips in the late 80s and early 90s, as well as ''The Incomplete Death's Head''.
** [[Steve Parkhouse]] and [[John Ridgway]] are famous in ''Who'' fandom for their work on the ''Magazine'', which included a long run of Sixth Doctor strips. Sleepy [[Stansham]] is not too far removed from Stockbridge, a sleepy village from Parkhouse's strips.
** [[Mike Collins]] has a lengthy, still-going association with the strip.
* The [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|UK Marvel Generation 1 comic]] featured [[Octus (G1)|Octus]], who has a [[Dalek]] alt-mode, and the [[Ghost Stories|2017 ''Transformers'' annual]] has a generic Transformer based on the character {{w|K9 (Doctor Who)|K9}}.
* The character [[Natasha Pyraniac]] from the ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' adventure [[Time-Quake]] seems to be based on / influenced by one of the Doctor's foes, {{w|The Rani (Doctor Who)|The Rani}}.
* Other ''Doctor Who'' references in ''Transformers'' include [[Skaro]], [[Trenzalore]], the [[sonic screwdriver]], and [[Verronian Warp Star]]s.
* The Ask Vector Prime [[:File:AskVectorPrimeLogo.jpg|logo]] is a parody of the ''Doctor Who'' [https://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/s4/features/galleries/gallery_new_logo_wallpaper logo] used from 2010 to 2014.
* In a 2013 episode of ''Doctor Who'', "{{w|The Crimson Horror}}," the character Clara Oswald is shown to have a [[Galvatron (G1)/toys#The Transformers|G1 Galvatron]] figure.
* Certain episodes of the Generation 1 cartoon feature sound effects taken straight from Doctor Who, such as the sound of the TARDIS dematerializing.

==External links==
* [[tardis:Doctor Who Wiki|Tardis Wiki]], the ''Doctor Who'' wiki
* ''{{w|Doctor Who}}'' at Wikipedia

[[Category:Bumblebee]]
[[Category:Real-world cultural references]]
[[Category:Television programs]]

Ultra Magnus Dies!!

2025-05-03T01:33:38Z

JD1337666: /* Quotes */

{{episode
|series=Headmasters
|ep=24
|image=Magnusdeath.jpg
|caption=OMFG SPOILERS!!!
|title="Ultra Magnus Dies!!"
|japanese=ウルトラマグナス死す!!
|romaji=Ultra Magnus Shisu!!
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|airdate=[[January 22|22 January]] 1988
|writer=[[Yoshihisa Araki]]
|director=[[Nobuō Shirahata]]
|animation studio=Toei
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''Whaddaya ''think'' happens?'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:HM24 northern outpost attack.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|"Generic Autobots? I was hoping to kill off one of the famous ones."]]
The [[Decepticon]] [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] engage in a stealth mission, sneaking into the [[Autobot]]s' northern outpost on [[Earth]] in their small robot forms and successfully eliminating all the personnel without alerting the Autobots' main force. [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] reports their successful acquisition of the base to [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]].

Meanwhile, Battleship Maximus has returned to [[Athenia]], where they are still concerned over [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]'s ultimate plan for the energy the Decepticons have gathered from all the planets they attacked, and [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] continues his codebreaking to try and discover Scorponok's hidden weakness. At the same time, on [[Chaar]], Galvatron announces the plan in question—as Scorponok has already deduced, he plans to "incorporate the Earth into his system". With the specifics of this goal left unsaid, [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] privately cautions Galvatron to beware of Scorponok and his own ambitions. Galvatron is well aware of Scorponok's own desire for power, and Sixshot offers to limit any further impediment to Galvatron's goals by personally leading a massive attack on Earth's Autobot forces, in order to wipe them out.

Elsewhere, Scorponok contacts Weirdwolf on Earth, and announces that it is time that he and his Headmasters begin to work towards their own goals, surreptitiously working to steal energy from Autobot installations and forcing Galvatron into fighting the Autobots himself, all so that Scorponok may take leadership of the Decepticons once again.

[[Image:UltraMagnusDies DoublecrossVsHorrorcons.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4|DOUBLECROSS SIGHTING!]]
Sixshot mobilises [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]], the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and the [[Horrorcon (G1)|Horrorcons]] and initiates an all-out attack against the Autobots' energy facility in Miami (pausing for a comedic scuffle between the confused [[Doublecross]] and the Horrorcons, who each take on one of his heads). Word soon reaches [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] at [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]], who, unwilling to burden [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] with any further problems, dispatches the [[Trainbot]]s and [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] to deal with the threat.

Back on Athenia, [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] are helping Highbrow in his codebreaking, but have thus far met with failure—the two youths are particularly dismayed when Highbrow has them start the whole process over again from the top. Fortress charges [[Punch (G1)|Punch]] with informing him of Galvatron's movements, and confers with the other Autobots on the situation—even the hot-headed, over-eager [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] admits that he has bad feelings about the current situation, stunning everyone into horrified silence.

[[Image:HM24 Sixshot running rings.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|And they waltzed while the children played "Ring Around the Rosie".]]
On Earth, the battle goes badly for the Autobots. On the outskirts of Autobot City, Ultra Magnus is confronted by Sixshot himself, who attacks the [[City Commander]] with his multiplication powers and multiple transformations. [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] attempts to intervene, but Trypticon intercepts him, at which point the Trainbots arrive, and convince Magnus that Fortress must be alerted. The news is quickly sent to Athenia, and Fortress and the Headmasters head for Earth aboard Battleship Maximus. [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]] in turn relays this to Galvatron; the Decepticon leader is not too eager at the suggestion that Scorponok be sent to stop the Autobots, but Soundblaster convinces him to make the request, and Scorponok complies.

[[Image:HM24 Headmasters take revenge.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"So, uh, do we call him 'Sevenshot' now?"]]
Meanwhile, Ultra Magnus is in trouble—Sixshot has multiplied himself into six forms, each one adopting one of his alternate modes, to strike Magnus in painful succession. As the Horrorcons hold off Raiden, Sixshot makes his final deadly move, revealing his secret, ''seventh'' mode, combining all the strengths of his six modes in one—the Wingwolf! Simultaneously, Battleship Maximus and Scorponok arrive on Earth, but Galvatron's fears are realized, as Scorponok completely ignores the battle and telepathically contacts the Decepticon Headmasters to check up on their progress, while the Autobots arrive just as Magnus is caught in a hail of laser fire from Sixshot. When the fallen City Commander does not rise, the enraged Headmasters enter [[Head Formation]] and knock the ninja out of the sky. Fortress cradles Ultra Magnus's broken body, as, with his last words, Magnus wishes for the Autobots to defend the Earth, and dies. Swept up in righteous fury, the Headmasters pummel Sixshot, forcing the villain to retreat.

Ultra Magnus's body is loaded into a funeral bier, and Metroplex requests that, rather than be fired into space, Ultra Magnus's body be buried somewhere on the Earth that he loved so much. With the bier board Battleship Maximus, a burial spot is selected—a small cave on the coastline—and Magnus is submerged beneath the waves as the sun begins to set.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (5)
*[[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (6)
*[[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]] (7)
*[[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] (8)
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] (10)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (11)
*[[Doublecross]] (27)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (28)
*[[Shouki]] (29)
*[[Suiken]] (30)
*[[Getsuei]] (31)
*[[Seizan]] (32)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Kaen]] (33)
*[[Yukikaze (G1)|Yukikaze]] (34)
*[[Scattershot (G1)|Scattershot]] (35)
*[[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]] (36)
*[[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)|Lightspeed]] (37)
*[[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]] (38)
*[[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]] (39)
*[[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (40)
*[[Punch (G1)|Punch/Counterpunch]] (41)
*[[Computron (G1)|Computron]] (44)
*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (45)
*[[Raiden]] (47)
{{!}}}
|c2=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] (1)
*[[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (2)
*[[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] (3)
*[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] (4)
*[[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] (12)
*[[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (13)
*[[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (14)
*[[Blot (G1)|Blot]] (15)
*[[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]] (16)
*[[Hun-Gurrr (G1)|Hun-Gurrr]] (17)
*[[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]] (18)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] (19)
*[[Apeface]] (20)
*[[Snapdragon (G1)|Snapdragon]] (21)
*[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (22)
*[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (23)
*[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (24)
*[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (25)
*[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (26)
*[[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] (43)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]] (46)
{{!}}}
|c3=
*[[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (9)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (42)
*[[Carly (G1)|Carly Witwicky]] (48)
}}

==Quotes==
{{note|The following quotes are from the [[Omni Productions]] dub.}}

"Stupid! It's this side!!!"
:— '''Doublecross''' argues with his other head in a voice that makes him sound like he has a severe brain injury.

"Remember me? I am your death wish!!!"
:— '''Sixshot''' encounters Ultra Magnus

"You're pretty stupid for a commander. Okay, now let me send you ''express to Hell!''"
:—'''Sixshot''' insults Ultra Magnus

"You have to keep the peace on Earth...don't let the Decepticons..."
:— '''Ultra Magnus''' utters his final words

==Notes==

===Continuity notes===
*Galvatron's unknown master plan was first hinted at in "[[Fight to the Death on Planet Hive!!]]" Precisely what "incorporating the Earth into his system" involves is not covered in this episode, but will be revealed in the next installment—but don't get'cher hopes up for anything ''sensible''.
*The existence of Scorponok's mysterious weak spot was revealed in "[[Find MegaZarak's Weak Spot!!]]".
*The Headmasters' telepathic powers were introduced fully back in "[[Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2]]".
*The "Head Formation", introduced properly in "[[Find MegaZarak's Weak Spot!!]]", takes another new twist in this episode. This time, the Headmasters do not disconnect from their [[Transtector]]s before entering the formation, and once they are powered up, they do not release their grip on each other, spinning their energy-charged bodies in a destructive circle. This is probably the most important evolution of the Headmasters' powering-up abilities, as it is this specific version of the formation that will prove key in the final episode of the series.
*Sixshot's "Wingwolf" mode previously appeared in [[The Headmasters issue 4|Issue 4]] of the ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (manga)|Headmasters]]'' manga.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Hm24 Decepticon Eyes.jpg|thumb]]
*As Galvatron and Soundblaster ask Scorponok to go to Earth, Scorponok's "antlers" are grey instead of orange.
*When Ultra Magnus looks at the departing Trainbots and Technobots, Suiken is colored like Shouki and Ultra Magnus's eyes are red.
*As Sixshot literally runs rings around Ultra Magnus, Trypticon and Metroplex can be seen nearby, but they're quite a lot smaller than usual—only about twice Ultra Magnus's height.
*As Metroplex promises to protect Earth and the camera pans over the other Autobots, they're drawn in a strange exaggerated manner.

===Continuity errors===
[[File:Ultra-Magnus-in-a-funeral-bier.JPG|thumb]]
*When he dies, Ultra Magnus does not [[Aggressive depigmentation|turn grey]]. This stands out particularly, since ''The Headmasters'' was so attentive to this point in early episodes of the series when Blaster, Soundwave and Optimus Prime all bought the farm. But hey, maybe his ''inner robot'' did...

===Trivia===
*This episode marked the return of ''The Headmasters'' to Japanese television screens after a four-week break.
*This is the first ''The Headmasters'' episode to feature an insert song. The song in question is "[[Tate! Ikari no Headmasters]]", which plays as Ultra Magnus and Sixshot's battle begins. The RTM 1 dub removes it.
*Sixshot's Wingwolf mode was created for the animated series, hence it is not mentioned in his toy's instructions, but you can still transform the toy into this form, because it was created simply by fiddling with the figure to see what sort of other forms one could create out of it. This was not the only time that the Japanese ''Transformers'' series put this trick to use, as seen with [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]]'s "space jet" mode and [[Scorponok (G1)|BlackZarak]]'s hydra mode.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''The Death of Ultra Magnus'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 27]], [[1992]]

:*''Title:'' "'''The Death of Ultra Magnus!!'''" ([[Shout! Factory]] sub)
::*Sixshot makes numerous references to the [[Pit (BW)|Pit]], despite the subs using the more straightforward "hell" previously.
::*"Sparks" is used, this time in place of "hearts".

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Tōngtiānxiǎo zhī Sǐ'''" (通天晓之死, "The Death of Ultra Magnus")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La Morte di Convoy'''" ("The Death of Ultra Magnus")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|omni}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1996 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2002 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' — DVD Box ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — The Takara Collection Vol 1 — ''Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Headmasters'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' (Shout! Factory) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only.

[[Category:The Headmasters episodes]]

SOS from Planet Sandra

2025-05-02T04:13:42Z

JD1337666:

{{episode
|series=Headmasters
|ep=17
|image=SandaSOS.jpg
|caption=FLASH!!!! AHHHHH-AHHHHH!!!!!
|title="SOS from Planet Sandra"
|japanese=惑星サンドラSOS
|romaji=Wakusei Sandra SOS
|airdate=[[November 27]], [[1987]]
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|writer=[[Yoshihisa Araki]]
|director=[[Katsutoshi Sasaki]]
|animation studio=Toei
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''The Autobots respond when an emergency request for energy comes from the other-dimensional planet Sandra.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:HM17 Fortress Sandra diagram.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|"Gentlemen, we get signal."]]
On [[Chaar]], [[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] and [[Scourge (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]] pick up an SOS signal from the planet [[Sandra (planet)|Sandra]], asking for help in replenishing their dwindling energy reserves. They bring it to [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]'s attention, but [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] dismisses it out of hand, preferring that they not get involved in interplanetary affairs. Galvatron agrees, but dispatches [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] to find out whether or not the [[Autobot]]s have also picked up the SOS.

[[File:HM17 Daniel and Wheelie have fun with hoses.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Why does [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] get the good car washes?]]
On [[Athenia]], Galvatron's suspicions prove correct—the Autobots have indeed received Sandra's SOS, and [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] maps the location of the planet, which exists in a parallel dimension, in that universe's version of [[Earth]]'s solar system. The Autobots debate the virtues of aiding Sandra, with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] unsure if it is wise to sacrifice any of their own limited energy supply. Eventually, after Fortress receives a report from [[Punch (G1)|Punch]] that the Decepticons have received but ignored the SOS, they decide to ship the minimum amount of [[energon cube]]s that they can spare directly from Earth, rather than from Athenia's stockpile. [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] request that they be allowed to go too, and are permitted. The whole affair, however, has been witnessed by Ratbat, who informs Galvatron of the Autobots' plan of action. Proclaiming that all of Earth's energy belongs to the Decepticons, Galvatron prepares to stop the Autobots from sending any to Sandra.

A short time later, on Earth, Galvatron co-ordinates the Decepticon forces with [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] while [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] oversees the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] as they load energon cubes onto the [[Trainbot]]s. [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Twincast]] arrives to inform them that Galvatron has arrived on Earth, but the warning comes too late, as Galvatron, the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] swoop down out of the sky and open fire. The Trainbots try to make a break for it as the combiners and leaders brawl, but Sixshot shoots them out of the sky.

[[File:HM17 Chromedone Hardhead fly to green ship.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|"Wait, when did we get this green spaceship?"]]
News of the attack reaches Athenia, and Fortress and Spike make the difficult decision to send Athenia's own energy on to Sandra while the Decepticons' attention is on Earth. Battleship Maximus takes off from Athenia with the energy on board, but Galvatron is quick to realise the deception and sends Scorponok, kept on standby on Chaar for just such an occasion, after the Autobots. When the battle erupts, Fortress has Wheelie, Spike and Daniel board a small shuttle, intending for them to sneak away conflict to deliver the energy while the villains are busy. [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] disconnect from their [[transtector]]s and join the team, boarding the shuttle in their small robot forms, and the group travels through the dimensional rift to Sandra and successfully delivers the energon cubes.
[[File:HM17 Sandra building explodes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Uh, hey, that building that just exploded was our energy research lab."]]
Daniel and Spike, in particular, are dismayed to see what a wasteland Sandra has become as a result of their diminished energy; the group is met by a trio of Sandra representatives, who explain that the planet's civilization foolishly expended their natural resources, believing them to be unlimited. They also reveal that they are only a few years away from developing new sources of energy, but that their remaining supplies will run out before then, hence the SOS. This affirms Spike's belief that he made the right choice in agreeing to help them, but just then, Fortress Maximus appears in the sky, with Scorponok hot on his tail. While the two giants fight, Chromedome and Hardhead use their diminutive stature to sneak explosives onto Scorponok, which explode and badly damage the Decepticon. Recombining with their transtectors, they join in fighting the other Decepticons, forcing them to retreat.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] (6)
*[[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (8)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (9)
*[[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]] (10)
*[[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (12)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (14)
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] (15)
*[[Punch (G1)|Punch/Counterpunch]] (16)
*[[Shouki]] (19)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (20)
*[[Kaen]] (21)
*[[Scattershot (G1)|Scattershot]] (22)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (23)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]] (24)
*[[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]] (25)
*[[Suiken]] (26)
*[[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (27)
*[[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (28)
*[[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Twincast]] (29)
*[[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]] (36)
*[[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)|Lightspeed]] (37)
*[[Computron (G1)|Computron]] (38)
*[[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (40)
*[[Getsuei]] (41)
*[[Seizan]] (42)
*[[Yukikaze (G1)|Yukikaze]] (43)
{{!}}}
|c2=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] (1)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] (2)
*[[Scourge (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]] (3)
*[[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (4)
*[[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] (5)
*[[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (17)
*[[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] (18)
*[[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]] (30)
*[[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]] (31)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (32)
*[[Hun-Gurrr (G1)|Hun-Gurrr]] (33)
*[[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] (34)
*[[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] (35)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (39)
*[[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] (44)
*[[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (45)
*[[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] (46)
{{!}}}
|c3=
*[[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (7)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (11)
*[[Carly (G1)|Carly Witwicky]] (13)
}}

==Quotes==
{{note|The following quotes are from the [[Omni Productions]] dub.}}

"These Autobots, they're too nosy!"
:— Who knew '''Ratbat''' was so casual?

"Darn Galvatron!!!"
:— '''Ultra Magnus''' has the calmest reaction ever to being choked.

"Heh heh heh heh heh heh. Go to Hell, you lot! You're all going to die right heeerrrrre!"
:— '''Sixshot'''

"Look, Father, it's exactly the same as Earth! Do you think they speak the same language?"
:— '''Daniel''' is kind of an idiot.

==Notes==

===Continuity notes===
*Punch's double-agent status was established in "[[Return of the Immortal Emperor]]". Despite being a bit of a doof when backed into a corner, Punch continues to be quite effective and important for much of the story arc that is about to begin.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:HM17 stereo Twincasts.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|''Twin''cast.]]
*As Twincast runs up to Ultra Magnus, guess who's already standing next to him? It's Twincast! Going by the subsequent shot, it's Shouki who should be standing there.
*When the Decepticons attack the Autobots on Earth, Brawl appears to have been included in place of [[Blot (G1)|Blot]], since all the other Terrorcons appear, and none of the other [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] do.
*When Battleship Maximus heads through the dimensional rift, the small shuttle Chromedome and the others blasted off in moments earlier can still be seen on the back of it.
*Carly is shown instead of Daniel during the group shots of the Autobots waving near the end.

===Trivia===
*When voicing his opinion on the Sandra situation, Scorponok speaks "through" his city-mode transtector for the first time as an echoing, disembodied voice. Up to this point, all of Scorponok's interaction with his fellow Decepticons has been done while in his small robot form, but this is the beginning of a trend that continues throughout the upcoming story arc, where the small robot does not appear on-screen (apart from in transformation sequences), and the character is simply treated as a giant, transforming spaceship. This comes at the same point in time that his role in the series is reduced to simply ferrying the Decepticons from planet to planet and fighting Fortress Maximus a bit, so perhaps it was done to make this a bit more palatable. Once this story ends, though, the small robot returns to the fore to carry on with his own plans.
*This episode is the first to depict any of the Headmasters besides Scorponok or Fortress as spending time apart from their transtectors. Chromedome and Hardhead even use their small robots to tactical advantage.
*Although it may be due to translation inconsistencies, Planet Sandra wavers between being simply an Earth-like planet in a 'parallel solar system' to a full blown alternate reality version of Earth. If the latter is the correct interpretation, the Autobots seem exceedingly casual about travelling into ''an entirely different reality''. They're more bothered about giving away their precious, precious energy.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''An SOS from a Lost Planet'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 8]], [[1992]]
::*Ultra Magnus accidentally calls Shouki "Grimlock" at one point.

:*''Title:'' "'''SOS from Planet Sandra'''" ([[Shout! Factory]] sub)
::*As is expected at this point, the [[Mini-Cassette]]s are called "Deployers".
::*"Sparks" is used in place of "lives" at one point.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''SOS dal pianeta Sandra'''" ("SOS from Planet Sandra")
::*After Scourge suggests ignoring the SOS, Cyclonus tells him: "That's unfair, Zarak!". Oh, so he actually cares for the Planet, sweet... hey, wait... ZARAK?!
::*When Punch talks to Fortress, the first thing he says is: "Yes, but on Destron they have no intention of doing anything and they will for sure ignore the SOS", making it look like the Decepticons are in a place called Destron, which is the Decepticons' Japanese name instead.
::*When Daniel and Wheelie ask Fortress if they can go to space with them, the latter says that they've never been in space, which is not true.
::*The narrator pronounces Ratbat's name (known as Stridek in Italy) as "Stry-dek" instead of "Stree-dek" as usual.
::*In some occasions the energon cubes are called ''cubo di energia'' ("energy cube"), and it's used in singular form even when referred to more than one.
::*When Fortress explains his plan of exchanging the energy, in Italian Spike says that Athenia has little energy reserves, while in Japanese he was instead saying that it would have had little energy if they had transferred that.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Láizì Xíngxīng Sāngdélā de Hūjiù Xìnhào'''" (来自行星桑德拉的呼救信号, "SOS from Planet Sandra")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|omni}}
;Laserdisc
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1996 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2002 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' — DVD Box ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — The Takara Collection Vol 1 — ''Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Headmasters'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' (Shout! Factory) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sos from Planet Sandra}}
[[Category:The Headmasters episodes]]

Return of the Immortal Emperor

2025-05-02T03:54:51Z

JD1337666:

{{episode
|series=Headmasters
|ep=16
|image=Immortalemperor.jpg
|caption=You know what would be awesome? If they gave away the surprise ending on the title screen! YEAH!
|title="Return of the Immortal Emperor"
|japanese=帰って来た不死身の帝王
|romaji=Kaette Kita Fujimi no Teiō
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|airdate=[[November 20]], [[1987]]
|writer=[[Yoshihisa Araki]]
|director=[[Takao Yoshizawa]]
|animation studio=Toei
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''In the middle of Scorponok's coronation as the new Decepticon emperor, the Autobots attack and an old enemy makes a surprising return!'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:UFO Athenia.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|When skipping stones Wheelie always has to show off.]]
In the aftermath of the destruction of [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], [[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] and [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] survey the field of rubble that remains, attempting to discern what effects the loss of the planet has had on the solar system. They report back to [[Athenia]] that the damage done is just within safety limits, and [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] and the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] become determined to keep track on the Decepticons' movements before any further planets can fall victim to them. As they talk, outside, [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] argue, with Wheelie's fears for Autobot safety being shouted down by Daniel insisting that Fortress is stronger than [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. Daniel pushes Wheelie in a lake, but their argument is immediately forgotten when [[Galvatron's UFO|a mysterious, iridescent globe of light]] swoops down out of the sky, spraying water everywhere as it flies low over the lake, and then vanishes into the sky.

[[File:HM16 Scorponok dangles under Maximus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Scorponok realizes, to his horror, that from this end Fortress looks like a giant shoe.]]
The Headmasters have since departed to monitor the Decepticons' movements, and Fortress soon receives a report of Daniel and Wheelie's mysterious UFO sighting. Such things are not the concern of [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], however, who refuse to partake of such passive action against the Decepticons—in an attempt to be proactive, they sneak out of Battleship Maximus and head to attack [[Chaar]] on their own. Although they are able to sneak past the lone sentry patrolling the planet's perimeter, [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], they are unaware of the fact that Scorponok has been made aware of the Headmasters' movements by his intelligence officer, [[Punch (G1)|Counterpunch]], and has allowed the two [[Autobot]]s to get as close as they have. Scorponok transforms to scorpion mode and carries the Decepticon Headmasters into space, where they defeat Chromedome and Hardhead, and send them hurtling back, to collide with the approaching Battleship Maximus. The two warships collide, and Scorponok transforms to robot mode and thrashes Maximus, when suddenly, the strange glowing UFO appears over their heads. Using the distraction, the Autobots are able to escape, and the Decepticons puzzle over what the mysterious object is as it disappears into the depths of space.

Back down on Chaar, [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]] receives an unhappy report from [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] on how Counterpunch has shown them up by finding out information that they couldn't. Soundblaster takes his team to [[Earth]] in the hopes of digging up some new information to improve his standing, but a search meets with nothing but failure—a fact that [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] is not afraid of pointing out. As the two stand outside the Decepticons' Earth base, the UFO appears in the sky and floats down. Soundblaster dives behind a rock for cover when the UFO bathes Sixshot in bright light, and a second later, as the amazed communications officer emerges, both Sixshot and the UFO have vanished.

[[File:HM16 Scorponok in front of crowd.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Scorponok addresses the ant people.]]
As the Headmasters return to Athenia, Daniel is trying out a trick he saw in a {{w|Close Encounters of the Third Kind|movie}}, using a musical keyboard to play a tune in hopes of contacting the UFO. The Headmasters crowd around, with Fortress wondering if the alien is friend or foe, but time passes, and nothing happens. A little later, Fortress is led by [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Twincast]] to meet the Autobots' new informant—it is Counterpunch, who steps from the shadows with his gun drawn! He's just fooling around, however, and reveals his true identity—Counterpunch is really [[Punch (G1)|Punch]], an Autobot double-agent within the Decepticon camp. Punch explains to Fortress that the Decepticons are active on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], where they are planning to hold a ceremony for Scorponok's coronation as the new Decepticon emperor.

[[File:HM16 spotlight Galvatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"I planned each charted course Each careful step along the byway And more, much more than this I did it my way"]]
In [[Moon Stadium]] at [[Mare Tranquillitatis]] on the Moon, [[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] introduces Scorponok to the assembled Decepticons, and Scorponok proclaims himself the new Decepticon emperor. No sooner are these words spoken, however, than Battleship Maximus and the [[Trainbot]]s appear overhead, deploying the Headmasters, [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] for battle. Scorponok again transforms into his giant robot mode and attacks Battleship Maximus, and once again, the UFO suddenly appears, just as Soundblaster arrives to try and inform Scorponok of what he has learned. The Autobots are all cut down by energy beams emanated from the UFO, and Sixshot steps out of the light, much to all the Decepticons' surprise. Then, the light dims, and its source is revealed—the UFO is a spacecraft, which projects a beam of purple light down to the lunar surface. From this beam, a familiar figure strides—[[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] lives! Both Autobot and Decepticon react with total shock, but the reappearance of their leader gives the villains their second wind, and the Autobots are forced to retreat. Quietly incensed that his leadership is clearly over before it has even truly begun, Scorponok demands to know where Galvatron has been; Galvatron claims to have been observing, interested in seeing how the Decepticons function without him. He commends Scorponok for the strides he has made for the Decepticons' cause in his absence, but quickly makes it clear that he is now back in charge.

As the Autobots observe the ceremony from back on Athenia, Daniel, now realizing what the UFO was, smashes his keyboard and runs from the room, more angry at himself than anything. Wheelie catches up to him and soothes his temper, but the spectre of Galvatron's renewed evil hovers over the Autobots...

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] (1)
*[[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]] (2)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (4)
*[[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (5)
*[[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] (6)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (7)
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] (8)
*[[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (10)
*[[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Twincast]] (27)
*[[Yukikaze (G1)|Yukikaze]] (33)
*[[Suiken]] (34)
*[[Getsuei]] (35)
*[[Computron (G1)|Computron]] (36)
*[[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (37)
*[[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (38)
*[[Shouki]] (40)
*[[Seizan]] (41)
*[[Kaen]] (42)
|c2=
*[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] (11)
*[[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] (12)
*[[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (13)
*[[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] (14)
*[[Punch (G1)|Punch/Counterpunch]] (15)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (16)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (17)
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (18)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (19)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (20)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (21)
*[[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] (22)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]] (23)
*[[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] (24)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] (25)
*[[Scourge (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]] (26)
*[[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] (28)
*[[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]] (29)
*[[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] (30)
*[[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]] (31)
*[[Headstrong (G1)|Headstrong]] (32)
*[[Sweep (G1)|Sweeps]] (39)
*[[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (40)
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (3)
*[[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (9)
}}

==Quotes==
"Darn the Decepticons! We thought after Galvatron died that we'd have peace!!!!"
:— Rather unrealistic expectations you've got there, '''Chromedome'''.

"It's an honour to drive with a woman, and I even get to see her transform."
:—'''Chromedome''' making his best attempt to try and creep Arcee out.

"Darn it, sir, that new guy's really trying to lick Scorponok's boots!"
:— '''Ravage''' speaks for the first time.

"Darn it, that evil monster! Okay, let me make a hole in his stomach!"
:— '''Chromedome'''

"Aliens can communicate with music! I saw that in movies!"
:— '''Daniel''' explains where he got his brilliant idea from.

"DID I SCARE YOU??!!???"
:— '''Galvatron's''' first words upon returning.

"I HATE IT!!! I hate UFOs, I hate it!"
:—'''Daniel''' is very upset once he finds out the "UFO's" true identity.

==Notes==

===Continuity notes===
*It's taken a while for the other [[Mini-Cassette|cassettes]] to catch up to [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], who first spoke in robot mode in "[[The Great Cassette Operation]]", but beginning with this episode, Ravage and Laserbeak are heard to clearly speak in their animal forms.
*This episode continues the running joke of Chromedome having something of a crush on Arcee, which we first got a hint of when the Statue of Liberty's look was compared to Arcee's in "[[Terror! The Six Shadows]]". The big lug got up the courage to ask her for a dance in "[[The Shadow Emperor, Scorponok]]", and here, he's just happy to get the chance to drive alongside her, as well as to, ahem, watch her transform. Kinky?
*Galvatron met his apparent end in "[[Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2]]". How he survived an explosion capable of destroying a planet and where he acquired the ship he has in this episode are never explained.
*[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] professed to know where Galvatron was, and to have been appointed leader in his absence, in "[[The Shadow Emperor, Scorponok]]". It was clear to the audience that he was lying from the outset, but although this episode makes his deception publicly obvious, he doesn't actually suffer any repercussions for it. Well, Galvatron basically turns him into a bus for the next eight episodes, so maybe that counts.

===Real-wold references===
*The movie that Daniel picked up the musical communication trick from is, of course, ''{{w|Close Encounters of the Third Kind}}''.

===Animation and technical errors===
*In the group shot of Decepticons at Scorponok's coronation, Skullcruncher is colored yellow instead of green.
*As the Trainbots arrive on the Moon, Soundblaster is again colored like Soundwave.
*When Computron combines, he is colored as Superion.
*Not long after, the ''real'' Superion is shown, and his model is flipped the entire way through the combination sequence and the subsequent shot. Granted, "[[Scramble City: Mobilization]]" showed us their ability to switch limbs around, so one could use [[Personal canon|their imagination]] and say that he combined differently this episode.
*When Fortress gives the order for all Autobots to retreat from the Moon, he is missing his chest Autobot insignia.

===Continuity errors===
*Daniel and Wheelie want to make contact with aliens while the other Autobots and Spike state that there ''is no such thing'' as an alien. But, but [[Transformer|giant shape-shifting alien robots from outer space]]!
*We don't see the [[Earth Defense Command]] in the course of Headmasters, but you have to wonder what sort of condition they're in that they apparently didn't notice or stop the Decepticons building a giant stadium in the Sea of Tranquillity. It's not even subtle; there's a massive Decepticon symbol in the centre!
*Superhuman <s>Spike</s> Daniel
**Daniel is able to fully shove a well-balanced Wheelie into the pond on Athenia.
**When throwing his final paddy, Daniel utterly crushes his synthesiser by walking over it.

===Trivia===
*With the wrapping up of its major running plot points in the previous episode, ''The Headmasters'' took a five-week break before it returned to Japanese TV screens with this new installment.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''The Indestructible King Galvatron'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 1]], [[1992]]

:*''Title:'' "'''The Return of Galvatron!'''" ([[Shout! Factory]] sub), "'''Return of the Immortal Emperor'''" (Shout! Factory menu)
::*The Decepticon Earth Base is subtitled as "Planet Earth Decepticon Command".

:*''Title:'' "'''Return of the Immortal Emperor'''" ([[Metrodome]] sub)
::*The Metrodome sub is no stranger to the odd mistake, usually with names, but this episode is particularly poorly translated. Soundblaster's conversation with the cassettes is rendered nigh on incomprehensible, while there's frequent, awkward phrasing of characters being "on" territory.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''L'immortale imperatore è tornato'''" ("The immortal emperor is back")
::*When Wheelie asks Daniel if he's really able to contact an alien, in Italian he says: "Daniel, try to call the extraterrestrial", which is exactly what he was already doing.
::*When Soundblaster is surprised to see Sixshot, he says: "So, don't you remember my face anymore?!" and he's voiced by Sixshot's actor. It really looks like the sentence was supposed to be pronounced by Sixshot since it makes no sense for Soundblaster to say it.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Guīlái de Pòhuài Dàdì Jīngpòtiān'''" (归来的破坏大帝惊破天, "The Return of Galvatron the Emperor of Destruction")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Nepobedimy Galvatron'''" (Непобедимый Гальватрон, "The Invincible Galvatron")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|omni}}
;Laserdisc
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1996 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2002 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' — DVD Box ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — The Takara Collection Vol 1 — ''Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Headmasters'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' (Shout! Factory) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only.

[[Category:The Headmasters episodes]]

Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger

2025-05-02T03:38:28Z

JD1337666: /* Quotes */

{{episode
|series=Headmasters
|ep=14
|image=Marsexplode1.jpg
|caption=Fort Max binary bonds with Evel Knievel.
|title="Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger"
|japanese=火星爆破!!危うしマキシマス
|romaji=Kasei Bakuha!! Ayaushi Maximus
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|airdate=[[October 9]], [[1987]]
|writer=[[Toyohiro Andō]]
|director=[[Jōhei Matsūra]]
|animation studio=Toei
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''The Autobots attempt to stop a Decepticon plot to destroy the entire planet Mars.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:HM14 Daniel trips Wheelie.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|"Wheelie, we need to have a serious talk about your energon wine problem."]]
[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] unveils his latest plan to the gathered [[Decepticon]]s; by planting a series of [[plasma energy]] bombs beneath the surface of [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], and then triggering key explosions at the north and south poles, they can create a chain reaction that will destroy the planet, releasing more plasma energy for their devilish purposes. [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] brings up the fact that they now know [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] has a giant form, but Scorponok cryptically responds that he'll handle it.

As coincidence would have it, [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]], [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]], [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] and the [[Trainbot]]s are currently conducting a geological survey on Mars when unusual seismic activity on the planet attracts their attention. They head for the South Pole to investigate a huge explosion, but the cause isn't immediately obvious, and they split up to investigate. Daniel, Wheelie and [[Shouki]] watch as [[Hun-Gurrr (G1)|Hun-Gurrr]] and [[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] emerge from a smoking crater, and they immediately radio a report to [[Athenia]] for help. The [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] depart for Mars in [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]]—[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]], however, is still concerned with the mysterious Decepticon activity on planet [[Zarak (planet)|Zarak]].

On Zarak, Scorponok looks over his finished giant [[Transtector]], and promises to use it to end Fortress.

[[File:HM14 Headmasters vs Predaking.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Some of the new combiners are just weird.]]
On [[Earth]], [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] orders the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] to join the fight on Mars, but as they depart, they are intercepted by [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] and [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]]. Although [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] comes to their aid, they are not able to make it to Mars.

Back on Mars, the Headmasters arrive in the midst of a firefight between the Trainbots and [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]]. As the battle rages, Wheelie, Daniel and Shouki are still keeping an eye on the crater when they're bushwhacked by the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], who take the trio to the Decepticons' base in the tunnels beneath the planet's surface. Spike and the rest of the Trainbots fly overhead, but are unable to find their friends.

Elsewhere the Predacons merge into [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]], but the four Headmasters also transform and topple the giant combiner.

Wheelie, Daniel and Shouki are imprisoned behind energy bars, and hear the Terrorcons talking about the imminent destruction of Mars. Daniel worries about the destruction that will cause on Earth.

On [[Chaar]], Scorponok plans to lure Fortress to Mars, and orders Sixshot to make sure the other Autobots are too busy to come to Fortress's aid. Sixshot and Trypticon continue to keep the Technobots and Metroplex busy, so Ultra Magnus sends word to Fortress. Fortress is reluctant to go to Mars himself, and [[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]] and [[Carly (G1)|Carly]] wonder why.

[[File:HM14 Daniel and Wheelie fight.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Wheelie has had it up to here with your jokes, human [[Fandom|Transfans]].]]
Daniel has an emergency beacon hidden in the Autobot symbol on his [[exosuit]], and to hide its activation, he and Wheelie stage a fight between themselves—much to the amusement of the Terrorcons—that allows Wheelie to grab it and throw it into the energon bars, alerting Spike. The Headmasters rescue the two youths, who relay the fate the Decepticons have in store for Mars, and Chromedome sends message back to Fortress. Stirred into action, Fortress rushes to Mars in Battleship Maximus. Fortress sends Spike, Daniel and Wheelie back to Athenia in the Trainbots, while he and the other Headmasters stick around to try and force the bombing co-ordinates from the Decepticon Headmasters whom they've just spotted.

[[File:HM14 Skullcruncher gets hypnotized.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|That's it Skullcruncher. Right through the loops. Do a barrel roll!]]
The Headmasters go into battle, with the Autobots attempting to question the Decepticons. They apparently succeed when [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] is able to trick [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] into becoming hypnotised by [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]]. While the Decepticons flee, the Autobots jump into the crater he indicated but it turns out to be a trap—the four Autobots are trapped into a series of explosive energy coils. Chromedome calls out to Fortress to use the [[Master Sword]], but the commander is not mentally and physically prepared for the task, and the sword will not draw. As the explosions wrack the Headmasters below, a scream from Chromedome galvanizes Fortress, bringing the energies of his mind and body into harmony, and the Master Sword is unsheathed. However, as Fortress leaps from Battleship Maximus to initiate his transformation into [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], the Decepticon Headmasters launch a plasma energy bomb directly at him. A huge explosion follows, with the power of the Master Sword and the power of the plasma energy cancelling each other out. Drained of all his power, Fortress plummets back to the surface of Mars as the Headmasters watch in horror...!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Kaen]] (8)
* [[Seizan]] (9)
* [[Getsuei]] (10)
* [[Suiken]] (11)
* [[Yukikaze (G1)|Yukikaze]] (12)
* [[Shouki]] (14)
* [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (15)
* [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (19)
* [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] (20)
* [[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]] (21)
* [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] (22)
* [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (23)
* [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (24)
* [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] (25)
* [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (26)
* [[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]] (27)
* [[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)|Lightspeed]] (28)
* [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]] (29)
* [[Scattershot (G1)|Scattershot]] (30)
* [[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]] (31)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (32)
* [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (34)
* [[Computron (G1)|Computron]] (45)

|c2=
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]] (1)
* [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (2)
* [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] (3)
* [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] (4)
* [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] (5)
* [[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] (6)
* [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] (7)
* [[Hun-Gurrr (G1)|Hun-Gurrr]] (17)
* [[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] (18)
* [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (33)
* [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] (35)
* [[Headstrong (G1)|Headstrong]] (36)
* [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]] (37)
* [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] (38)
* [[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]] (39)
* [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] (40)
* [[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]] (41)
* [[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]] (42)
* [[Blot (G1)|Blot]] (43)
* [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] (44)

|c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (13)
* [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (16)
* [[Carly (G1)|Carly Witwicky]] (46)
}}

==Quotes==
{{note|The following quotes are from the [[Omni Productions]] dub.}}

"Mars is the fourth largest planet in the solar system. It is more than fifty percent bigger than Earth."
:—The '''Narrator'''. Neither of these statements are correct!

"Just leave it to me. I can handle him. Huh huh huh!!!!"
:— '''Scorponok''' might be losing it slightly...

"You're a coward! You're useless, and you don't deserve to wear the Autobot symbol!"
:— '''Wheelie''' says what we're all thinking about Daniel.

"Scorponok, you evil man, I'm going to stop you! Yes, I swear I will!"
:— '''Fortress Maximus''', adding in an extra sentence to fit the mouth flaps.

"You'll never see Mars blow up because you're going to die nowwww!!!!!"
:— '''Weirdwolf's''' delivery is ''extra'' weird today.

==Notes==

===Continuity notes===
*Plasma energy, and Scorponok's plan for it, was introduced in "[[The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts]]".
*The mysterious Decepticon activity on planet Zarak was introduced back in "[[The Shadow Emperor, Scorponok]]". This plot thread culminates in the [[Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears|second installment]] of this two-parter.
*This episode marks the final appearance of Jazz.

===Real-world references===
*As Fortress first tries to draw the Master Sword, sound effects of the TARDIS dematerialization from ''[[Doctor Who]]'' are used.

===Animation and technical errors===
*When Hun-Gurrr first leaves the crater on Mars, he is colored like Sinnertwin.
*When the Technobots are shot down by Trypticon, Strafe's head is red instead of white.
*Trypticon's black armor is colored purple after he initially collides with Metroplex.
*The Predaking transformation sequence has a number of coloring mistakes, as does the Autobot Headmasters "Head On" sequence immediately after.
*Sinnertwin is colored white where he should be yellow as he and Rippersnapper watch Daniel and Wheelie fight.
*As Spike receives Daniel's signal, Brainstorm's torso is colored the same mustard color as his face.

===Continuity errors===
*After Trypticon intercepts their flight to Mars, the Technobots are saved by Ultra Magnus in Metroplex. He tells them to hurry on to Mars, so they... stand stock still and stare at him blankly.

===Trivia===
[[File:GalvyChallenger.gif|thumb|upright=1.1|Battling Seizure Robots!]]
*Beginning with this episode and continuing throughout the series, the [[title sequence]] is modified as part of a tie-in promotion with the interactive [[Video Challenger]] light gun system. Henceforth, most of the Decepticons flicker white, essentially emitting a visual signal which could be picked up by the light gun that denoted them as targets to be fired on. The more Decepticons the kid with the gun shot, the more points they got!
*The Decepticon Headmasters defy anime tradition in the final moments of the episode by interrupting Fortress' Head-On transformation sequence by ''shooting a goddamn bomb in his face''. This is both underhanded and hilarious.
*There is a lot of padding in this episode, both narratively and with footage reuse. Most notably, all four Autobot Headmasters get individual transformation sequences (complete with close-up on the stat panels in their chests) all of which are reused just a couple of minutes later.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''

:*''Title:'' "'''Mars Explodes! Watch Out, Fortress Maximus!'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 18]], [[1992]]

:*''Title:'' "'''Explosion on Mars! Fortress Maximus Is in Danger!'''" ([[Shout! Factory]] sub), "'''Explosion on Mars! Maximus Is in Danger'''" (Shout! Factory menu)

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La distruzione di Marte - Fortress è in pericolo'''" ("Mars's destruction - Fortress is in danger")

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Huǒxīng Bàozhà! Jùwúbà Fútè Dà Wēijī '''" (火星爆炸！巨无霸福特大危机, "Mars Explodes! Fortress Maximus in Big Danger!")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Soundblaster is called "Sanders".

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Marte Explota ¡Cuidado, Fortress Maximus!'''" ("Mars Explodes. Take Care, Fortress Maximus!")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Soundblaster is called "Sanders".

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|omni}}
;Laserdisc
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1996 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2002 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' — DVD Box ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — The Takara Collection Vol 1 — ''Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Headmasters'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' (Shout! Factory) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only.

[[Category:The Headmasters episodes]]

Four Warriors Come out of the Sky

2025-05-01T21:52:00Z

JD1337666: /* Quotes */

{{episode
|series=Headmasters
|ep=1
|prev=The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2
|image=4soldiers.jpg
|caption=Warriors! Come out to PLAY-AY-YEEEEE!
|title="Four Warriors Come out of the Sky"
|japanese=空から来た四人の戦士
|romaji=Sora Kara Kita Yonin no Senshi
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|writer=[[Keisuke Fujikawa]]
|director=[[Katsutoshi Sasaki]]
|airdate=[[July 3]], [[1987]]
|animation studio=Toei
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''In the year 2011, the Decepticons are back, and they've got added power in the form of the newest addition to the Transformers' war—Headmasters!'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:FourWarriors Decepticon attack viewscreen.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|"The Decepticons are attacking! Darn them all to heck!"]]
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in the year [[2011]], the [[space bridge]] suddenly reactivates, and [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] steps through with a small force including the mysterious new recruits [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]], [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]], and [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]]. Galvatron aims to take control of [[Primus#Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Vector Sigma]], and Weirdwolf volunteers the three [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s for this task. Galvatron is irritated at his impudence, but the Headmasters rush off anyway. Galvatron sends the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcon]]s, [[Predacon (G1)|Predacon]]s, and [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s to attack the [[Autobot]]s.

At [[Great Dome|Autobot Base]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] and [[Carly (G1)|Carly Witwicky]]'s tea is interrupted by the Decepticon attack, and they rush to the control room, where Spike contacts the Autobot base on [[Athenia]]. The message reaches Athenia, where [[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] theorises that the loss of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]'s energy has destabilised Vector Sigma. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] arranges for troops from [[Earth]] to reinforce those on Cybertron while he and [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] also prepare to head there. He also suggests Spike and Carly evacuate to Athenia.

[[File:FourWarriors Galvatron abuses Skullcruncher.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
On Cybertron, Mindwipe turns his hypnotic powers on the Autobots, sending [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] to sleep. Unfortunately Skullcruncher also succumbs, much to Galvatron's fury. Spike realises that the Decepticons are after control of Vector Sigma, alarming [[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]].

Meanwhile, on Earth, the Autobots under [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s command have received orders to join the conflict on Cybertron, but their way to the space bridge is barred by a Decepticon contingent led by [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]], and he and Magnus square off. At the same time, [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] are plotting ways to get a ride to Cybertron when they accidentally run into [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. He chases them until Wheelie gets the bright idea to run across a bridge over a ravine, and Trypticon is dumb enough to try to follow them. The bridge snaps under his weight and he plunges into the river below.

[[File:FourWarriors Shoki rescues Magnus.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1]]
Sixshot has Ultra Magnus pinned when the [[Trainbot]]s arrive and free their leader. The Autobots head for the space bridge, but are cut off again by Sixshot. Ultra Magnus sends the Trainbots on while he, [[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]], and [[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] keep the Decepticons busy. The Trainbots are attacked by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]], but luckily [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] chooses this moment to join the battle, and the Autobots succeed in reaching [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]] and the Earth space bridge terminal. The troops are carried through the space bridge aboard the Trainbots, while Wheelie and Daniel stow away.

[[File:FourWarriors Decepticon Headmasters flaming balls.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Fire! Water! Heart!]]
As the battle escalates and conditions worsen on Cybertron, Optimus arrives with more troops. On Athenia, [[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]] is reminded of the early days of the war when many Autobots fled Cybertron to escape the conflict. As if on cue, a mysterious light appears in the sky, approaching Cybertron—a light that [[Blurr (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blurr]] soon realises is not a star, but a star''ship''! As the Decepticons approach their goal, demolishing the Autobots that stand in their way thanks to Mindwipe's sleep-inducing hypnosis power, this ship appears in the skies over Cybertron, and four new warriors soar out to bar their advance—[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]], [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]], and [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]]!
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (1)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (3)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (4)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (5)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (6)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (7)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] (8)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (9)
*[[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]] (10)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (18)
*[[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (19)
*[[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]] (20)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime/Hot Rod]] (21)
*[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (23)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (24)
*[[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]] (25)
*[[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] (27)
*[[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (31)
*[[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (33)
*[[Blurr (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blurr]] (47)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (48)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (49)
*[[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] (50)
*[[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]] (51)
*[[Scattershot (G1)|Scattershot]] (52)
*[[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]] (53)
*[[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)|Lightspeed]] (54)
*[[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]] (55)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (56)
*[[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (57)
*[[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] (58)
*[[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (59)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (60)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (61)
*[[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (67)
*[[Shouki]] (69)
*[[Seizan]] (70)
*[[Getsuei]] (71)
*[[Suiken]] (72)
*[[Kaen]] (73)
*[[Yukikaze (G1)|Yukikaze]] (74)
*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (81)
*[[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] (82)
*[[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] (83)
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Spaceship Maximus]] (84)
*[[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (85)
*[[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (93)
*[[Searchlight (G1)|Searchlight]] (94)
*[[Chase (G1)|Chase]] (95)
*[[Freeway (G1)|Freeway]] (96)
*[[Wideload (G1)|Wideload]] (97)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Goldbug]] (98)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (99)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (100)
*[[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (101)
*[[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] (102)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (103)
{{!}}}
|c2=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (11)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (12)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (13)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (14)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (15)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (16)
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (17)
*[[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (22)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] (28)
*[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (29)
*[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (30)
*[[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]] (32)
*[[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] (34)
*[[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (35)
*[[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] (36)
*[[Blot (G1)|Blot]] (37)
*[[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] (38)
*[[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]] (39)
*[[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]] (40)
*[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (41)
*[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (42)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]] (43)
*[[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] (44)
*[[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] (45)
*[[Octane]] (62)
*[[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] (63)
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (64)
*[[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] (65)
*[[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (68)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (75)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (76)
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (77)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (78)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (79)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (80)
*[[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] (86)
*[[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]] (87)
*[[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (88)
*[[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (89)
*[[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] (90)
*[[Headstrong (G1)|Headstrong]] (91)
*[[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]] (92)
{{!}}}
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (46)
*[[Carly (G1)|Carly]] (47)
*[[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (66)
}}
Holy ''crap''.

==Quotes==
{{note|The following quotes are from the [[Omni Productions]] dub.}}

"This is so strange. How come a robot would feel sleepy?"
:—'''Grimlock''' is confused by the effectiveness of Mindwipe's hypnotic abilities.

"All right, listen up! I'm the ninja consultant for the Decepticons. My name is Sixshot."
:—'''Sixshot''' introduces himself.

“OH NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!”
:— '''Trypticon''' falls into a ravine.

"Well, well the game's over. So whaddaya think huh?"
:—'''Sixshot''' after he defeated Ultra Magnus

“Galvatron! Don’t count your chickens before they hatch!”
:— The Headmasters apparently know what chickens are.

==Notes==
===''Transformers'' references===
* This episode occurs a year after "[[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2]]" (which takes place in 2010 in Japanese continuity, compared to America's 2006), taking the place of "[[The Rebirth, Part 1]]" for this continuity.
* The events of [[The Great Transformer War issue 3|issue #3]] of ''[[The Great Transformer War]]'' take place almost immediately before this episode, focusing on the Autobot Headmasters' hunt for the Decepticon Headmasters, who are joining [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] for his assault on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].
* Athenia previously appeared in "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1]]", but it has been seriously re-worked since then.
* The energy of the Matrix was released in "The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2".
* The concept of Autobots fleeing Cybertron to escape the war was established in "[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2]]", and revisited in "[[Fight or Flee (episode)|Fight or Flee]]".
* Up to this point, the space bridge has been the province of the Decepticons alone, but this episode establishes that the Autobots have now created their own network, linking Autobot City on Earth to Cybertron and Athenia.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:FourWarriors Metroplex drives in.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Metroplex misses the "low bridge" sign.]]
* When the Decepticons emerge from the space bridge at the start of the episode, [[Hun-Gurrr (G1)|Hun-Gurrr]] is missing from the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] is missing from the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] and both Divebomb and Headstrong are missing from the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]]. The two Predacons reappear later on, but the others don't, and Rippersnapper actually gives out orders to the team.
* Similarly, when the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] appear, Strafe is missing, but when the angle switches, Scattershot has disappeared, and Strafe is in his place (just as ''Lightspeed'' issues orders to the team!).
* Perhaps in an attempt to outdo his brother (who appeared in two places at once in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''), Sideswipe is seen on both Athenia and Earth.
* Right before Sixshot introduces himself to Magnus, a shot of Soundwave shows him with his optics colored white instead of red.
* Despite being huge in most shots, Metroplex is somehow able to drive right into one of the tunnels leading into Autobot City.
* As Chromedome steps forward to introduce himself, Hardhead's mouth is missing.

===Continuity errors===
[[File:Headmasters-primedies.jpg|thumb|225px|"Did Prime just... die?" "You know, it was really unclear."]]
* This episode begins with a montage recapping the vague basics of Transformer history, covering their eons-long war, their migration to Earth, the death of Optimus Prime, the rise of Rodimus Prime and Megatron's recreation as Galvatron. The death of Prime is of particular note, as it shows him perishing in a fire-fight in front of [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters]], rather than accurately replicating his actual death from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. This was a bit of a continuity patch-job on the part of ''The Headmasters'', as the movie still hadn't reached Japan yet at this point (and wouldn't until 1989, when ''Victory'' was airing), so the actual circumstances of Prime's death hadn't been chronicled outside of similarly vague explanations in the pages of ''[[TV Magazine]]''.
* Although he does not speak, Prowl appears quite prominently in a few scenes, despite his death in the movie. The fact that the movie had not yet been released in Japan at this point is often cited as a reason for this, but Prowl's name ''was'' included on the list of dead Autobots in the Japanese dub of "[[Dark Awakening (episode)|Dark Awakening]]", so they ''did'' know. The ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Binaltech]]'' storyline [[Prowl (TM2)|seemed like it was going to explain this]], but got shunted off into its own alternate reality when it ended.
** Years later the Facebook version of [[Ask Vector Prime]] finally gave a full explanation: Japanese cartoon Prowl did die in the events of the movie and was subsequently replaced by his dimension-hopping counterpart from [[BT World|a closely-related alternate universe]].
* Blitzwing is shown with the Decepticons, but he was banished from their ranks in "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]". This previously occurred in "[[The Ultimate Weapon]]", and it will not be the last time that this occurs in ''The Headmasters''.
* Many characters who'd previously been quite different in height are now scaled down to match other characters. Most noticeably, Grimlock is now the same height as Blurr and Wreck-Gar. In dino-mode, he's the same height as Goldbug.

===Trivia===
* The Japanese-language version of this episode released on DVD by [[Metrodome]], [[Madman Entertainment]], and [[Shout! Factory]] is missing the opening montage.
* The Metrodrome DVDs translate the title as "'''Four Warriors from Outer Space'''".
* The [[Shout! Factory]] DVDs translate the title as "'''Warriors from Space'''".
* This episode marks the first appearance of [[:File:Broadsidecharactermodels.jpg|Broadside's final jet mode]] [[character model]]. The [[Carnage in C-Minor|last time]] he was shown in jet mode, the animators used his pre-final model, which had previously been used in the [[1986]] [[Triple Changer]] toy [[commercial]].

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''The Four Soldiers from the Sky'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[July 12]], [[1992]]

:*''Title:'' "'''Warriors from Space'''" ([[Shout! Factory]] sub), "'''Four Warriors from Outer Space'''" (Shout! Factory menu)
::*Sixshot refers to himself as a "[[Phase Sixer|Phase Six]] Decepticon officer" instead of the original "Decepticon Dinobase Ninja Commander".

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''I quattro guerrieri dello spazio'''" ("The four warriors of space")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*If you thought the Italian dub of the original series had a lot of mistakes, well, this series isn't better, and this episode is a good example... let's begin:
:::*A common mistake in this series is having Optimus Prime misnamed as Ultra Magnus, which is caused by the fact that Ultra Magnus's Italian name is Convoy, which is also Optimus's Japanese name. This happens twice in this episode: the first time in the opening narration, where the narrator states that "Convoy" is the Autobot leader, and the second time when Kup says that they must warn "Convoy" about the fact that the Decepticons are after Vector Sigma.
:::*Instead of saying that the Cybertronians woke up after 4 million years, the narrator states that the story takes place 4 million years in the future. There's possibly still someone out there who thinks the series took place in the 40020th century...
:::*When Optimus tells Hot Rod that he's going to Cybertron, the line was changed by having him saying: «You and Carly can come here to repair yourselves»... OH GOD, WHAT THE...!?
::::*Actually, because of synonyms, the sentence could also mean: «You and Carly can come here to '''protect''' yourselves», which may make '''a little bit''' more sense...
:::*Metroplex is called by his Japanese name (Metroflex) instead of the Italian one (Guardian). Some characters in this series are in fact called by their Japanese names, but Metroplex is not one of them since he's regularly called Guardian in the next episodes.
:::*Once, Kup calls the Matrix of Leadership "Matrix of Energy" (''Matrice dell'Energia'').
:::*The part in which Kup remembers what happened 4 million years before is really badly translated: the result is Kup talking about how some random guys managed to escape from Cybertron '''after the end''' of the war. After that, Spike even says: «I don't understand how this story of yours could help us now» which... is exactly what any Italian probably thought while watching this.
:::*And this is just the first episode!
::*Outside the mistakes, the writing that states that the series takes place in 2011 is cut out.
::*Also, in this series Hot Rod and Rodimus Prime are both called "Captain" (which should only be the name of the latter), possibly because in Japanese their names are both shortened in "Rodimus".
::*In this series there's also a big problem about pluralization: in fact, the name of some Trasformers groups are generally pluralized by adding an -s at the end, but not always. As a good example, the Decepticons are mostly called "Distructor" in singular form and "Distructors" in plural, but, from time to time, even the plural form lacks the -s.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Cóng Tiān ér Jiàng de Sì-yǒngshì '''" (从天而降的四勇士, "The Four Warriors Come down from the Sky")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Chetvero Nebesnykh Voyinov'''" (Четверо небесных воинов, "The Four Sky Warriors")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Los soldados del pasado'''" ("Soldiers of the past")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|omni}}
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1996]] — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2001]] — ''Transformers: The Movie'' ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) — Omni dub only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2002]] — ''Transformers: Takara'' (Sony Wonder) — Omni dub only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2002 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' — DVD Box ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2004]] — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) — Omni dub only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2005]] — ''Transformers: The Movie'' — Reconstructed (Metrodome) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — The Takara Collection Vol 1 — ''Transformers: Headmasters'' (Metrodome) — Optional commentary by [[Chris McFeely]]. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2007]] — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) — Optional commentary by Chris McFeely. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] [[2009]] — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2011]] — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Headmasters'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2012]] — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' (Shout! Factory) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only.

[[Category:The Headmasters episodes]]

Estrela

2025-04-30T11:40:00Z

JD1337666: /* Later partnership with Hasbro and lawsuit */

[[Image:Estrela logo.jpg|right|thumb|Making children happy, and parents broke!]]

'''Estrela''' is a popular [[Brazil|Brazilian]] toy manufacturer, being first founded in São Paulo in 1937 and remaining active until today.

They are best known internationally for holding the license to produce and market multiple [[Hasbro]] toylines during the 1980s like [[GI Joe]] (under the localized name of ''Comandos em Ação'', i.e., "Commandos in Action"), [[My Little Pony]] (under the localized name of ''Meu Querido Pônei'', i.e., "My Dear Pony") and, of course, [[The Transformers (toyline)|''The Transformers'']] (under the localized name of, uh, "Transformers"). Although much of the ''Transformers'' mainline was ignored by Estrela, their aforementioned freedom to manufacture their own toys during this time resulted in multiple variants of existing molds - and even some entirely unique ones! - that remained exclusive to the Brazilian market.

Estrela also distributed most ''Transformers'' toylines in the country up until ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'', being later replaced by Hasbro's own Brazilian subsidiary starting from 2007. The fallout was a long and complicated legal dispute between the two companies regarding royalties for the Hasbro-derived toylines that Estrela was still manufacturing domestically, lasting all the way up until its settlement in 2021.
{{TOCclear}}

==Overview==
[[File:Estrela_Catalogue.jpg|thumb|left|Being a kid in 1980s Brazil was a masterclass in [[repurposing]]. Red and blue robot? That's your Optimus Prime! Red and white vaguely jet-looking thing? Buy five and you got your Aerialbots!]]

====Estrela's ''Transformers'' toyline====
Estrela's approach to localizing ''The Transformers'' was somewhat unusual. The first edition of [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|the U.S. comics]] would be sold nationally in November of 1985 and [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the cartoon]] would only premiere on Brazilian airwaves in 1986, however; Estrela decided to preemptively release their ''Transformers'' line in May of 1985, quite a few months before most domestic audiences had been introduced to the characters.

The stars of this toyline were a handful of [[Mini-Vehicle#Toys|Mini-Vehicles]] and [[Jumpstarter]] redecos, each being renamed into Robocars and Salt-Man (the ''Salt'' here being a contraction of "salto", the Portuguese word for "jump") and releasing in packaging similar to their U.S. counterparts but featuring an entirely new ''Transformers'' logo instead. The fact that there was no known fiction for these figures within the Brazilian market left Estrela to name them after their alternate modes instead - and thus, the [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Bumblebee]] mold became known as [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Estrela|Volks]] (per his [[Volkswagen]] Type 1 "Beetle" mode), the [[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Cliffjumper]] mold as [[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#Estrela|Carrera]] (per his [[Porsche]] 924 Carrera GT alt mode <ref>Cliffjumper's original Micro Change version refers to him as a 'Porsche 924 Turbo', but most of his design traits are distinctively inspired by the Carrera GT version of the 924 instead.</ref>), [[Windcharger (G1)#The Transformers|Windcharger]] as [[Windcharger (G1)#Estrela|Camaro]] (per what seems to be a misidentification of his Pontiac Firebird Trans Am vehicle mode as a 3rd gen Chevrolet Camaro), and so on. The [[Topspin (G1)#Toys|Topspin]] and [[Twin Twist (G1)#Toys|Twin Twist]] molds were also renamed into, respectively; [[Salt-Man X]] and [[Salt-Man Z]] <ref>Estrela's 1985 toy catalogue [https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3fa226_91afc70ddb5d4dd28bdc107003e8fd5c~mv2.jpg (Page 17)] [https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3fa226_7b9687e1135f4aef9718b7e0dfdf105f~mv2.jpg (Page 18)]</ref>. The lack of a pre-established mythology also meant that this first batch of toys did not have faction insignia, instead featuring stickers identical to the original ''[[Micro Change]]'' and ''[[Diaclone]]'' versions of their respective molds. This was changed in a second run of the Robocars, as the introduction of ''The Transformers'' comic book in Brazil by the end of 1985 would bring about the renaming of the [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s into "Optimus" and "Malignus" - and thus, the toyline would also get its own [[Optimus (faction)|Optimus]] and [[Malignus (G1)|Malignus]] factions in 1986, now also sporting [[Neon|much flashier]] decos. <ref>[https://www.transformersdioramas.com.br/post/back-to-the-80-s-os-transformers-brasileiros-exclusivos-da-estrela "Estrela's Exclusive Brazilian Transformers"], from Brazilian website Transformers Dioramas</ref>

The line-up was also supplemented by larger toys licensed from other companies which were not featured in any other of the many international ''Transformers'' toylines <ref>Estrela's 1985 toy catalogue [https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3fa226_848bca9c94714408978e905dde44e82f~mv2.jpg (Page 19)] (Notably, the Bat-Robôs are absent, suggesting that they might have been released slightly later)</ref>. These included the auto-transforming [[Bat-Robô]] figures with pullback motors (three years before [[Throttlebot|the American line did the same]]) which were originally from [[Asahi Corporation]]'s ''Attack Change Machine Powertron'' toyline, the also auto-transforming [[Eletrix]] figures that doubled as rudimentary remote-controlled vehicles (thirty five years before [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Robosen Collector.27s Edition|Robosen kind of did the same]] with uh, a ''marginal'' difference in quality) which were originally from [[Yonezawa Toys]]' ''Remote Change Robo Series'' toyline, and... that was it, these are all the figures released under Estrela's ''Transformers'' toyline, and also the only ones available on domestic toy aisles throughout the following years as the show premiered.

Noticeably absent from this line-up is nearly every single major ''Transformers'' character, therefore depriving Brazilian fans during the 1980s of some of the most important figures like [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Megatron]], the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]], the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], the [[Diaclone]] ''Car Robots''-derived characters like [[Jazz (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Jazz]], [[Prowl (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Prowl]], [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Sideswipe]] et al., and many, many, many more. A common part of the experience of being a young ''Transformers'' fan in Brazil, in fact, often involved filling in the ranks of missing characters with [[GoBots]] (which were actually localized twice in the country, first by toy company Glasslite as ''Mutante'' and then by Mimo as ''Convert''), using toys like [[GBWiki:Road Ranger|Road Ranger]] as a stand-in for Optimus or [[GBWiki:Leader-1|Leader-1]] as a stand-in for Starscream!
{{-}}

====Continuity kerfuffle====
[[File:EstrelaAllToys.jpg|thumb|320px|right|Because who needs a second kidney anyways? (Pictured: ''every'' single Estrela ''Transformers'' toy)]]
The fiction of the toyline is... fuzzy. The cardback [[bio]]s for the Robocars are direct Portuguese translations of their base molds' Hasbro bios (with the obvious exception of Bumper-mold [[Sedan (Robocar)|Sedan]]), thus this wiki places those toys as those already-established characters. However, the Salt-Men have unique bios, placing them as all-new characters. Every other toy lacks a bio. While this is not so big a deal when it comes to the Bat-Robo and Eletrix (who have no ''Transformers'' analogues whatsoever), things get hinky when it comes to the Optimus and Malignus, who use the same names as their Robocar forebears; for simplicity (or as close as this can generally get), this wiki treats all of the Optimus and Malignus as new characters. Odder still, since none of the pre-Optimus/Malignus toys or packaging featured any [[insignia|faction symbol]]s, their allegiance is mostly conjecture, but between the re-use of "Autobot" character bios on "Autobot" molds and all of them using the "Autobot" style packaging, plus the lack of any indication in what bios exist that any of the toys are villains, the general fandom assumption (and wiki default placement) is "Autobot".

Add to all of this the fact that, as mentioned, the Optimus and Malignus factions were originally just the localized names for the Autobots and Decepticons in the comics, however; the 1986 toyline featured them with entirely new insignia ''while'' the cartoon that was concurrently rolled out in the same year abandoned the "Optimus" and "Malignus" names in favor of the original Autobot and Decepticon faction titles and insignia: the result, thus; was that fans tended to treat the Optimus and Malignus of the Estrela toyline as independent "good" and "evil" factions that exist somewhere in the Transformers universe, and this would eventually become part of the canon with cameos in later media like ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'' and ''[[Transformers: TransTech]]''. As such, for the sake of conformity with more recent material and in line with the most common fan interpretation, the toys in this wiki that were originally labelled as Optimus and Malignus will be treated as belonging to those factions specifically rather than either to the Autobots or Decepticons.
{{-}}

[[File:InvasionGalacticaCamaro.jpg|left|thumb|Robots in disguise in disguise.]]

====Licensing and distribution in Argentina====
Estrela licensed out the ''Transformers'' toyline to [[Argentina|Argentinian]] company [[Antex]], who also released their Transformers toyline in 1985. Considering Hasbro's ownership of the brand, whether or not Estrela actually had the legal right to do so is... questionable, but regardless, neither company seemed to suffer for it, as both Estrela and Antex would go on to become official distributors of Transformers figures in their respective countries during later years. <ref>[https://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Argentina/Argentina.html Page for Argentinian Transformers] on toyarchive.com</ref> Antex's line-up was mostly similar to Estrela's pre-Optimus vs Malignus toys, featuring some of the Robocars (albeit in different colors) and the Salt-Men molds (also bearing some, albeit smaller, deco changes), but no Bat-Robôs or Eletrix. They also reused the logo created for Estrela's toyline, as well as the unique character names.

On another odd note, Estrela's original versions of the Sedan, Camaro, and Pick-Up molds were also sold across some locations in Argentina in 1985 under unusual circumstances by an unknown company: the toys and their bubbles were manually cut off the ''Transformers'' branded cards and then attached to new cards featuring the logo ''Invasion Galactica'' and art of a flying saucer. The original design of the ''Transformers'' cards was still plainly visible beneath the bubble, with the distinct red background elements now depicted as part of a newly-drawn fireball. Collectors from South America have long maintained that these packaging swaps were done by legitimate retailers and toy stores in Argentina, who were attempting to find a way to move their ''Transformers'' merchandise during a time when protectionist laws made it difficult to sell product that had been manufactured in foreign countries <ref>[https://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Brazilian/Invasion.html Page for ''Invasion Galactica''] on toyarchive.com</ref>.. This is corroborated by the fact that, beyond the aforementioned ''Invasion Galactica'' logo, the only piece of writing in the packaging for these toys is a small "Industria Argentina" on the bottom left of the blister cards, a common label identifying a domestic product (essentially the Argentinian equivalent of a ''Made in USA'' or a ''Made in China''): considering how these are the Brazilian versions of the Robocars, it stands to reason that this is, most likely, a sneaky little bit of deception added to the packaging to evade suspicion from authorities.

Despite the aforementioned protectionist laws, the regular international ''Transformers'' toyline also released to multiple retailers in Argentina at one point, with the more popular Autobot and Decepticon characters being commonly available alongside the domestic Antex products - something that, unfortunately, a lot of Brazilian kids could only ever dream of seeing in their national stores.

{{-}}

====Later partnership with Hasbro and lawsuit====
Eventually, as the 90s came and the ''Transformers'' brand proved itself to be a reliable long-term investment for Hasbro worldwide, Estrela went from being a manufacturer to a distributor for the post-Generation 1 toylines, with figures from [[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]], [[Beast Machines: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Machines]], and all the way into the 2000s with [[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Transformers: Universe]] and the "[[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]]" getting Estrela-branded releases in Brazil. Other Hasbro toylines, like the then recently-obtained ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' license (formerly belonging to [[Kenner]] before it was absorbed into Hasbro), were also similarly distributed by Estrela. In contrast, multiple popular Hasbro-owned board games like [[Monopoly]] (sold in Brazil as ''Banco Imobiliário'', i.e., "Real-Estate Bank") and Cluedo (sold in Brazil as ''Detetive'') that had been provided through similar licensing deals kept on being manufactured locally by Estrela, as well as a few other toys like Play-Doh (sold in Brazil as ''Super Massa'', i.e., "Super Dough").

By 2007, Hasbro had stopped renewing their distribution contract with Estrela in favor of a self-owned South American distribution chain - thus, future ''Transformers'' figures, starting from the [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|2007 movie toyline]] and beyond up until today, were released in Brazil directly by Hasbro. Still, Estrela kept manufacturing Super Massa and the aforementioned board games under their own localized titles, which led to Hasbro suing Estrela for royalties in 2008 and culminated in a long legal battle lasting a whole 15 years. Eventually, the Court of Justice of São Paulo ruled in 2021 that while some of these brands, like Detetive and Super Massa, still belonged to Hasbro, others, like Banco Imobiliário, had been made sufficiently legally distinct to belong to Estrela instead <ref>[https://g1.globo.com/sp/sao-paulo/noticia/2022/02/14/em-nova-decisao-de-disputa-com-hasbro-tj-sp-manda-estrela-destruir-apenas-super-massa-brasileira-segue-com-banco-imobiliario.ghtml An article from the Brazilian Globo news service on the settlement of the Hasbro v Estrela lawsuit]</ref>: thus, to this day, both the original Monopoly and its localization as Banco Imobilário can be found in Brazilian stores. Interestingly, this court ruling also determined that ''Comandos em Ação'' / Brazil's localization of ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' was a property of ''Estrela'' rather than Hasbro, although nothing with the ''Comandos em Ação'' brand has been done by Estrela since.
{{-}}

==Toys==
[[Image:TransformersEstrela-Logo.png|center|120px]]
===''Transformers''===
As mentioned, the 1985 line was mainly made up of a small handful of Mini-Vehicle and Jumpstarter molds from the Hasbro toyline, and it was further bulked up by giving most toys two different decos: one resembling the Hasbro originals and one in all-new colors. Notably, this line made repeated use of the "[[Bumper (G1)#Toys|Bumper]]" mold (perhaps because of his shared engineering with Bumblebee and Cliffjumper helping to keep manufacturing costs low) that was extremely rare in the US, and not released as a Transformer at all in Japan. The Bat-Robôs also had two decos each, whereas the Eletrix somehow had the restraint of only providing a deco for each toy. On top of the reused ''Micro Change'' and ''Diaclone'' sticker designs in place of faction insignia, one of the redecos - the blue and red version of Salt-Man Z - also features the same color scheme as its original ''Diaclone'' counterpart.

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Mini-Vehicle|Robocars]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{bp-multi|[[Windcharger (G1)#Estrela|Camaro]] (Windcharger) (red/grey or white/black)}}
{{bp-multi|[[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#Estrela|Carrera]] (Cliffjumper) (red/black or gold/black)}}
{{bp-multi|[[Brawn (G1)/toys#Estrela|Jipe]] (Brawn) (green/yellow or light beige/dark beige)}}
{{bp-multi|[[Gears (G1)#Estrela|Pick-Up]] (Gears) (blue/red or orange/red)}}
{{bp-multi|[[Sedan (Robocar)|Sedan]] (white/black or blue/black)}}
{{bp-multi|[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Estrela|Volks]] (Bumblebee) (yellow/black or silver/black)}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Salt-Man'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{bp-multi|[[Salt-Man X]] (white/red or white/green)}}
{{bp-multi|[[Salt-Man Z]] (black/yellow or blue/red)}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Bat-Robô]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{bp-multi|[[Pick-Up (Bat-Robô)|Pick-Up]] (orange/black or green/blue)}}
{{bp-multi|[[Turbo (G1)|Turbo]] (red/white or blue/grey)}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Eletrix]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{bp-multi|[[Esporte]]}}
{{bp-multi|[[Jipe (Eletrix)|Jipe]]}}
{{bp-multi|[[Porsche (Eletrix)|Porsche]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:G1-toy Esporte.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Eletrix [[Esporte]]]]
|}

[[Image:OptimusXMalignus-Logo.png|center|150px]]

Estrela's second batch of ''Transformers'' toys, usually known as "Optimus x Malignus" (per a concurrently-released sticker album featuring this as the sub-title), are their most well-known outside of Brazil. The six Robocar molds were trotted out again in 1986, each one getting two new color schemes, but this time they were split into proper good-vs-evil factions. These releases are particularly rare, and even loose samples are expensive, especially the (generally more gorgeous) Malignus.

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
<ul class="iconlist">
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Optimus (faction)|Optimus]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{bp-op|[[Carrera (G1)|Carrera]] (white/black or blue/black)}}
{{bp-op|[[Sedan (Optimus)|Sedan]] (green/black or yellow/black)}}
{{bp-op|[[Volks (G1)|Volks]] (orange/black or red/black)}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Malignus (G1)|Malignus]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{bp-mal|[[Camaro#Toys|Camaro]] (black/pink or teal/yellow)}}
{{bp-mal|[[Jipe (Malignus)#Toys|Jipe]] (black/purple or blue/white)}}
{{bp-mal|[[Pick-Up (Malignus)#Toys|Pick-Up]] (maroon/pink or green/purple)}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:Volks-Orange.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Optimus [[Volks (G1)|Volks]]]]
|}

==Merchandise==
[[File:JogoDosTransformers_Estrela.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''[[Jogo dos Transformers]]'' board game]]

On top of the toys, Estrela also backed their toyline with a staggering amount of merchandise, boasting everything from the usual knick-knacks you'd expect like the aforementioned sticker album, puzzles, lunch boxes, and pencil cases, to more esoteric stuff like wall clocks, multiple extensive home decor sets with bed sheets and curtains <ref>[https://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Brazilian/Novlety.html Page for Brazilian Transformers merchandise] on on toyarchive.com</ref>, and, for whatever reason (perhaps for those keen on starting their own separatist nation using the Estrela Robocars as national icons?), even a large yellow flag featuring Pick-Up / Gears. <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/351790058700754/?multi_permalinks=1717331488813264 A Facebook sales post featuring some of Estrela's merchandise]</ref> While most of this merchandise was based around the Robocars, it also occasionally featured art of the more popular characters that ''weren't'' included in the toyline, like Optimus and Megatron, serving as a constant reminder to Brazilian kids of all the toys they wouldn't be able to get unless they had rich parents who traveled abroad.

Most notably, this line-up of merchandise included an original board game, also manufactured in-house by Estrela:

'''Board Games'''
{|width="20%" valign="top"
<ul class="iconlist">
{{bp-multi|''[[Jogo dos Transformers]]'' (The Transformers Game) (featuring miniature vehicle mode versions of [[Bumblebee (G1)/merchandise#Estrela|Volks]], [[Windcharger_(G1)#Estrela|Camaro]], [[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#Estrela|Carrera]], and [[Sedan (Robocar)#Estrela|Sedan]])}}
|}
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:Glasslite-Mutante-Turborg.jpg|upright=1.5|220px|thumb|This feels sacrilegious.]]
* Surprisingly, the [[Bat-Robô]] molds were also simultaneously released in Brazil by rival toy company Glasslite as the ''Crash Tron'' figures '''Blocker''' and '''Turborg''', under the GoBots-localized ''Mutante'' toyline. It's still hotly debated amongst GoBots fans whether or not the Mutantes were a true licensed localization or just bootlegs - on one hand, Glasslite was a reputable company that produced official Brazilian releases of many toys from popular mass-media franchises like ''Thundercats'' and ''Star Wars'' and the quality of the toys does seem to check out as being on par with official products, but on the other hand, none of the packaging and known promotional material for ''Mutante'' actually mentions Bandai unlike Estrela did with Hasbro - but assuming that they are, this might make for an unprecedented instance of a toy being simultaneously a Transformer and a GoBot, and at the same time in the same region to boot!
* The promotional catalogue for the toyline featured box art of Salt-Man X in his original [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] colors, rather than those of either of his two redecos. Eventually, this was changed by the time that the figures actually hit shelves.
*The aforementioned 1986 sticker album (introducing the ''Optimus X Malignus'' logo seen on this page) would be constituted of stills from the cartoon - a bizarre oddity, however; is that all of the Autobot and Decepticon faction insignia was scrubbed out of the images, even as the previously released comic books had them! Perhaps Estrela was really banking on the idea that their Optimus and Malignus would replace the Autobots and Decepticons, or perhaps some licensing issues regarding the use of insignia in that specific format could be involved, but in either case; as the cartoon eventually released on the same year with both the Autobots and Decepticons retaining their original titles and emblems, it's difficult not to be at least a little confused as to why exactly this was done.
* Despite still owning the distribution rights to Transformers in the early 2000s, Estrela would also release a small self-branded line of transforming toy robots under the ''Mutantes'' toyline (which, strangely, seem to bear no relation to the previously mentioned Glasslite ''Mutante'' toys) during this time. These were simple bulky figures that'd transform into either die cast vehicles or plastic dinosaurs, with the molds consisting of basic budget toys repackaged from other non-Transformers toylines that you'd commonly find in budget toy shops during the 2000s.
**Estrela brought back the ''Mutantes'' line again in 2014, eight years after their relationship with Hasbro had ended, with the introduction of the dinosaur-based ''Mutantes Dinossauros'' figures. Among these were a Velociraptor and a Deinonychus which, despite being heavily simplified, are nonetheless very clearly molded after the engineering of the original ''Beast Wars'' [[Dinobot (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|Dinobot]] toy <ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqaPbruw8Nw A Brazilian video review of Estrela's ''Mutantes Dinosauros''' Deinonychus Rex]</ref> - meaning that yes, Estrela technically became a [[Knockoff|bootleg]] distributor, albeit only briefly! The extent to which they were even aware of the similarities between these figures and the Hasbro originals is debatable since again, as with their first batch of ''Mutantes'', these were simple repackages of common budget toys licensed from other companies, but it is nonetheless interesting that a company would have both a relationship with Hasbro and yet also distribute Transformers knockoffs throughout their history. Even crazier that they were [[GiG|not the first to do so]], and [[Simba Dickie Group|neither would they be the last]].

== See also ==
* [[Antex]], the Argentinian counterpart of Estrela's ''Transformers''
* [[Multibrink]], another Brazilian company that produced Transformers merchandise
* [[Grendene Transformers watch]], the sole post-Estrela instance of a Transformers toy being exclusive to Brazil
* [[Generation 1 toylines in Latin America]]
* [[:Category:South American-original characters|Category:South American-original characters]]

==References==
{{reflist|1}}

==External links==
* [https://www.estrela.com.br/ Estrela (official site)]
* [http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Brazilian/Transformers.html Brazilian Transformers] at the Super Toy Archive

[[Category:Companies]]

Autobot Spike

2025-04-29T02:06:04Z

JD1337666: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=17
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=11
|prev2=Heavy Metal War
|next2=Changing Gears
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=37
|prev3=The Search for Alpha Trion
|next3=The Girl Who Loved Powerglide
|image=AutobotSpike Autobotx concealed weapon.jpg
|caption=''I'm a teenage Frankenstein! The local freak with the twisted mind!''
|title="Autobot Spike"
|season=2
|season ep=1
|production code=#700-16
|airdate=[[September 23]], [[1985]]
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]], [[Nakamura Production]], [[Kaname Production]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1C1W-jy0P4
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''A wounded Spike is turned into an Autobot Frankenstein's monster to save his life.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:AutobotSpike-AutobotXTabled.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"Elevate me." "...now? Right here?"]]
The Autobots gather around [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]]'s worktable in [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters]] for a demonstration. Using spare parts and human ingenuity, Sparkplug has cobbled together a large robot he has dubbed [[Autobot X (G1)|Autobot X]], and with a flip of a switch sets him loose. He immediately runs amok—groaning, growling and smashing everything in sight. It takes [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], [[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] and [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] to bring him down. Sparkplug apologizes to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] for the mess and recommends Autobot X be put in storage.

Before this can be done, the party is interrupted by an alarm. Decepticons are attacking the new Air Force rocket base. The Autobots roll out to the base and engage the Decepticons. During the battle, the rockets and their fuel are inadvertently destroyed, and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] orders a retreat.

To cover their escape, Megatron creates a diversion for the Autobots; he blasts [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] while [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] is riding in him. The attack leaves Bumblebee damaged and Spike comatose. Spike is taken to Metro Hospital, where the doctors suggest that if Spike's mind could be transferred somewhere else, they would be able to operate on his fragile body.

[[File:BotX.JPG|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"Abby.... Normal."]]
[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] and Sparkplug transfer Spike's mind into Autobot X's body. However, as a side effect of the transferral process, Spike's mind is in an extremely unstable state. Angry and confused about his new body, Autobot Spike rampages, destroying several computers and machines in Wheeljack's shop.

Optimus Prime is able to subdue Autobot Spike without damaging his mind. To keep Spike calm, Wheeljack tunes [[Teletraan I]] to a television station, where cruel Fate just happens to have scheduled an airing of a movie featuring [[Frankenstein|Doctor Frankenstein]]'s unholy attempt to create life. Spike is roused to anger, convinced that he, like [[Frankenstein's monster|the Doctor's creation]], is a "monster." He again rampages throughout the Ark, then escapes.

[[File:AutobotSpike-Moping.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Quiet dignity and grace.]]
Alone in the wilderness, Spike suffers from the conflict between his own mind and what there is of Autobot X. Will he use his new body and powers to help the world like Optimus Prime, or conquer all Humanity?

[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] informs Megatron of Spike's new Autobot body and unstable mind, and Megatron forms a plan to trick Autobot Spike into destroying the Autobots. Megatron soon finds Spike with [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]]'s help. Autobot Spike attacks, but Megatron has other plans. Spike's unstable mind makes it hard for him to think, and he is easily twisted by Megatron to side with him against the Autobots.

Bumblebee brings the Autobots to Spike's location, but they are unable to fight against the vengeful being for fear of destroying Spike's mind. Only after Autobot Spike shoots his father off the edge of a cliff does he realize what he has done. At once, he saves his father and turns on the [[Decepticon]]s.

Finally, Spike's mind is returned to his [[human]] body after the surgical operation is successfully completed.

Spike will never be placed in a robot's body again. [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Never?]]
{{--}}

==Featured Characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (1)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (3)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (5)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (6)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (7)
*[[Autobot X (G1)|Autobot X]] (8)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (9)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (10)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (11)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (12)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (20)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (21)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (25)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (26)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (27)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (28)
|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (14)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (15)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (16)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (17)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (18)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (22)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (23)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (24)
|c3=
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (2)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (4)
*Air Force General (13)
*Spike's doctor (19)
|c4=
'''On TV'''
*[[Frankenstein]]
*[[Frankenstein's assistant]]
*[[Frankenstein's monster]]
}}

==Quotes==
"Another Autobot? Even if it works, who needs it?"
:—'''Ratchet''' is a [[GEEWUN|1984 purist]].

"It's not supposed to do that!"
:—'''Sparkplug''' referring to Autobot X destroying Autobot headquarters

"So you Decepticreeps like to fly, eh? Well, take off!"
:—'''Brawn''' after kicking Soundwave

"Hmmm...if only there were a way of separating Spike's mind from his body while we work..."
:—'''Spike's doctor''' clumsily moves the narrative along within earshot of Autobot X's creator.

"He wants a battle—let's give him one!"
:—'''Starscream''', referring to the now-mechanized Spike

"I must say, you've improved your appearance since our last encounter, Spike!"
:—'''Megatron''', upon meeting Spike in Autobot form

[[File:Autobotspike spike and bee.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Yes, yes! Say it! He was MY BOYFRIEND!]]
'''General''': Aren't they a gorgeous sight? 
'''Optimus Prime''': Impressive. ''[To Ironhide]'' For primitive rocket technology.
:—Only Optimus Prime could both praise and diss humanity at the same time.

[''Crazed laughter'']"Man, I've got powers I haven't even discovered yet!"
:—A mentally-deteriorated '''Spike''' as he fires on the Autobots.

"Hmmm, I wonder—I wonder what it would be like for a robot mind to be transferred to a human?"
:—'''Bumblebee''', being [[Only Human|eerily prophetic]]

==Notes==

===Continuity notes===
[[File:AutobotSpike Prime firing from shoulder height.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Stand back, for the love of God! He's got a rotten brain!]]
*The three Reflector components, while speaking in unison, refer to themselves as "I".
*It's also the last time Reflector has a speaking part in an episode. The rest of his appearances are silent cameos.
*Autobot X/Spike demonstrates a few abilities that his component parts have never shown. None of the 1984 Autobots shoot lasers from their fingertips; Trailbreaker's gun arm has never been shown to be an extendable grappling hook; Bluestreak has never fired lasers from the headlights on his chest.
*When Optimus Prime tries to subdue Autobot X/Spike, he fires his ion blaster from his shoulder, like an RPG launcher.
*[[Furmanism]] alert: The phrase "What's that?" is said not once ... not twice ... but ''three times'' in this episode alone - First by the rocket general, then by Bumblebee hanging from cliff, and then by Ironhide at the rocket base.
*It's not the [[The Human Factor|last time]] a human mind is placed in a robot's body.
[[File:AutobotSpike Brawn's almighty foot.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Walk ''this'' way.]]
*[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3|<<]] '''Brawn vs. Soundwave''', Round 3: Brawn gives Soundwave a good proper kick to the tail! Brawn 3, Soundwave 0 [[Attack of the Autobots (episode)|>>]]

===Real-world references===
[[File:Autobot spike - dr frankenstein.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Two nasty-looking switches over there, but I'm not going to be the first.]]
*So obviously, this episode has the whole Frankenstein thing goin' on. That this script came from the pen of Don Glut is no coincidence, as he has written many novels, articles, short stories and non-fiction books about Frankenstein.
**Given Glut's knowledge, it's no surprise then that when talking about Autobot X, Spike correctly makes the reference to "Frankenstein's monster", instead of making the common mistake that usually sees the monster referred to simply as "Frankenstein".
**Glut refrains from directly copying the dialogue of any existing film version of the Frankenstein story, scripting his own scene from whole cloth.
*The 1967 Hammer Film ''Frankenstein Created Woman'' has a plot element that asserts the human soul can be transferred from one body to another. Baron Frankenstein (Peter Cushing) even states that the transfer of souls from one body to another would be of great use to "medical science". Could be just a coincidence, but if Don Glut is a Frankenstein fan, he was probably familiar with the Hammer series while scripting this episode.

===Animation and technical errors===
All in all, remarkably few errors:
*There are many shots when the eyes of the robots get sparkly, making them look very anime-like. This can create jarring instances where one robot will have the standard solid eyes while another has the added in shines.
*The beginning of Sparkplug's line "It's not working" is cut off, as if the sound dropped out for a split second.
*''Technically'' it's not an error, but Ratchet maintains his "who needs it?" arm gesture for a ''very'' long time after he finishes speaking.
*Coloring errors:
**After Autobot X fires on Ironhide, Trailbreaker and Prowl, Ironhide's face is colored red.
**Skywarp has an all-yellow chest as the Decepticons prepare to retreat from the rocket base. Only his cockpit canopy should be yellow.
**Optimus's bumper is completely yellow when the Autobots pull up to the rocket base.
**Rumble's visor is blue when Megatron addresses Autobot X.
**Immediately after that when Autobot X says, "The way I see it, I've become a monster... like you!", the white portion of his upper body changes to black as he turns to his side.
**As he flies out of Spike's hand, [[Throwback Blaster|Megatron's gun-mode]] handle is colored gray instead of black.
**Just before Megatron orders a retreat, Soundwave has Skywarp's colors, and Skywarp is firing a laser beam that somehow passes in front of Starscream's air intake, even though Starscream is in the foreground.
*Autobot X's demise in the Ark is animated without the accompanying in between frames. When the animations play later on after the Seekers down him (now with Spike's mind inside), it has them.
*When commenting on Spike's need for medical attention, Optimus Prime's mouthplate is briefly missing at the beginning of the shot.
*Spike's hospital room is hilarious. Not only is it completely devoid of any medical equipment whatsoever (not even so much as an IV drip), but Spike's ancient-looking dormitory-style bed is placed ''directly in the middle of the room''. Despite this, the ticking of a heart monitor can be heard.
*Sideswipe's voice is off as he and Sunstreaker rush to contain Autobot X. The delivery's a bit off, too: he sounds like he's discussing the weather, not rushing into battle.
*The docking tower for [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|Decepticon Headquarters]] is right off of a rocky coast. Usually it's in open water.
*Spike's second round of fire on the Decepticons hits ''[[generic|three]]'' Thundercrackers.
*Okay, it's a cartoon and all, but... when Spike blasts him off the cliff, Sparkplug falls for an ''incredibly'' long time.
*Several scenes in the Rhino DVD release appear to be taken from a lower-quality broadcast copy of the episode, possibly to hide incomplete animation. Spike's rampage aboard the Ark and his fight against the Decepticons are particularly muddy.

===Continuity errors===
*Throughout the episode, Spike struggles with unpredictable destructive urges and freaks out at the slightest provocation. Sparkplug and the rest repeatedly assume that this is a side-effect of the mental transfer process, rather than the fault of the body they put it in. Did they forget that the body itself goes on similar rampages even ''without'' Spike's mind in it? Spike even says himself that it feels like "something" is telling him to do "bad things."
*A body's dead if a body's dead, right? How does it help the medical process if he isn't in his body?

===Trivia===
*The episode begins with a narrative voice-over from [[Victor Caroli]]. Most such narratives recap events from previous episodes; however, this one is solely to introduce the episode's opening events. After a couple more tries ("[[Day of the Machines]]", "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]"), this convention would be dropped entirely.
*Ratchet is standing behind Wheeljack when Wheeljack "volunteers" him to help improve Autobot X. Ratchet has a comical surprised reaction to the news. Wheeljack later looks visibly depressed that his mind transfer device has burned itself out.
*This episode features a curiously large amount of extreme close ups with the camera constantly going straight into characters' faces for no reason.
*The episode finally addresses that it's incredibly unsafe to bring a teenager to a battle between two factions of giant robot killing machines. Except that Spike continues to tag along in the future...
*Thirty years later, the device which accomplished the consciousness transfer was given a name in the pages of [[Ask Vector Prime]]... the [[Cortexitron]].

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Frankenstein chez les Autobots'''" ("Frankenstein among the Autobots")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*This episode is one of those that has never been released on DVD in French.
::*[[Albert Augier]], [[Jacques Ferrière]] and [[Georges Atlas]] are all absent from this episode, depriving the usual dub of many characters. Some of them are taken over by the other regular members of the cast, like the narrator, Sideswipe and Ratchet, while a yet unidentified actor comes to the rescue to voice Sparkplug, Soundwave, Reflector and Starscream.
::*When Optimus Prime names all the Autobots to transform, he skips Windcharger.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Il mostro Frankenstein'''" ("The Frankenstein Monster")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Prowl is misnamed as Ratchet at the beginning.

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''L'Autobot Spike'''" ("The Autobot Spike")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Frankenstein Spike'''" (フランケンシュタイン・スパイク)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 14]], [[1985]]
:**This episode was actually broadcast in Japan ''before'' it aired in the United States; one of the few episodes of ''The Transformers'' to do so.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Qìchērén Spike'''" (汽车人斯派克, "Autobot Spike")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Autobot Spike'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1994]] — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1998]] — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[2001]] — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2002]] — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 1 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2003]] — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2004]] — ''Transformers'' — Bumper Collection Special (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2006]] — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] [[2007]] — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] [[2008]] — ''Transformers'' — Volume 03: Stagione Due Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2009]] — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2011]] — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2014]] — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=15mn7Wvxrb0qc5vTZKRVjPyAXX-M6jQmC Episode dialogue script]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lApsdDAjzfKFCpvUlUmvHuAemxmiQYT6/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]
*[https://sunbowmarvelarchive.blogspot.com/p/the-transformers-mp-700-16-autobot_5.html Gallery of storyboards for Act II of this episode]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Heavy Metal War

2025-04-27T22:15:38Z

JD1337666: /* Rhino DVD release */

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the mobile game event|Heavy Metal War - Part 1}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=16
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=10
|prev2=Countdown to Extinction (episode)
|next2=Autobot Spike
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=5
|prev3=S.O.S. Dinobots
|next3=The Autobot Run
|image=HeavyMetalWar Primedefeated.jpg
|caption=The agony of defeat.
|title="Heavy Metal War"
|season=1
|season ep=16
|production code=#700-13
|airdate=[[December 15]], 1984
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]], [[Ashi Productions]], [[Nakamura Production]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4eqsJ72_7Q
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''Megatron challenges Optimus Prime to a one on one battle to end the war.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:HeavyMetalWar Megatron invitation.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Silly Megs, tricks are for kids!]]
A busy construction site is attacked by driver-less construction equipment, and several components are stolen. The construction vehicles return to Decepticon headquarters and are revealed to be the newly built [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. The components they stole are parts to a machine that will allow [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] to absorb the [[power chip rectifier]]s from his [[Decepticon]] warriors.

While the final preparations are completed on the machine, Megatron flies to [[Autobot]] headquarters and makes [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] an offer he cannot refuse. Megatron offers the Autobot leader a one on one battle with the winner staying on [[Earth]] to do as he pleases, and the loser taking his army and exiling themselves to deep space. Confident in his own abilities, Prime accepts the challenge and sets the match.

[[File:HeavyMetalWar Megatron powerup.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Fear me, for I have the power of... poo gas!!]]
Knowing that Prime would be unable to resist a chance to honorably end their conflict, Megatron returns to the Decepticon base and uses the newly completed machine to gain all of the special powers of his warriors. [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]]'s teleportation, [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]]'s sonic boom, [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s seismic attack, etc. Knowing that Megatron would now be unbeatable, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] voices concerns that the Autobot computer [[Teletraan I]] would be able to detect what Megatron had done. Anticipating this problem, Megatron dispatches the Constructicons to take care of the computer.

The two armies arrive at the battle site, and the contest begins. Megatron unleashes a barrage of powers (while Starscream gives a running commentary), and Prime is outclassed at every step. Not knowing that he has been deceived, Prime concedes the fight and comments that he underestimated Megatron. The shocked Autobots begin the trek back to base, and the Decepticons follow to make sure they leave.

[[File:Heavy Metal War Devastator.JPG|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Not Brawl.]]
Meanwhile, the Constructicons have nearly tunneled their way into the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and Teletraan I. Sensing the imminent danger, Teletraan I activates the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. The Dinobots respond and start pounding on the Constructicons, opening up a lava channel in the process. The battle not going in their favor, the Constructicons pull out one last trick and combine into the super warrior, [[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]]. The returning Autobots see the battle, but are unable to help. Inside the Ark, Teletraan I is able to show that Megatron cheated, and the Autobots rush outside to help the Dinobots.

[[File:Heavy Metal War Decepticons beat.JPG|upright=1.1|thumb|You'd think Starscream would be used to this, but no...]]
Despite the arrival of the rest of the Autobots to the fight, Devastator is still too powerful to be defeated, so [[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] distracts the monstrous Decepticon with a [[hologram]] of [[Halonix Maximus|a colossal Autobot]]. Stunned at the sudden appearance of a robot even bigger than he is, Devastator is shot by Optimus Prime and falls apart. The Constructicons try to drive away, but the Dinobots blast them into the lava. The other Decepticons are routed by the Autobots and also pushed or knocked back by gunfire into the lava. There is much rejoicing.

...Until Megatron rises from the lava, vowing that the Decepticons will rise again.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (13)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (14)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (15)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (16)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (20)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (21)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (24)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (25)
*[[Teletraan I]] (26)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (27)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (28)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (29)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (30)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (31)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (32)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] (33)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (36)
*[[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] (37)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (38)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (39)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (40)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (41)
*[[Halonix Maximus|Giant Autobot]] hologram (43)
|c2=
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (2)
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (3)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (4)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (5)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (6)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (7)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (8)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (9)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (10)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (11)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (12)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (22)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (23)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (34)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (35)
*[[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]] (42)
|c3=
*Construction Workers (1)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (17)
*[[Chip Chase]] (18)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (19)
}}

==Quotes==
"Forgive me, but I believe your boast sounds vaguely familiar."
:—'''Starscream''', after hearing another of Megatron's promises to destroy the Autobots.

[[File:Shockblastcannon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I'm alright! I'm alright. That was supposed to happen.]]
"Let's see how he likes my new [[Shock blast cannon|shockblast cannon]]! ''[The cannon explodes in his hands]'' Uhh... hnh... that's a shock, all right."
:—'''Wheeljack'''

"But I need my power chip rectifier. Besides, the Cybertron Code of Combat requires each warrior to fight as he is, without additional reinforcement. You wouldn't want to cheat, would you, Megatron?" 
"I will win by any means! At any cost! Even if it means terminating ''you'', Starscream!" 
"I was only raising a legal point..."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron'''

"Doesn't this remind you of the gladiatorial combats in ancient Rome?" 
"Maybe it would if I knew what you were talkin' about."
:—'''Chip''' and '''Ironhide''' on the duel between Optimus and Megatron.

"Sludge not see these Decepticons before." 
"Not see again either. Because we dino-mite them to pieces!" 
:—'''Sludge''' and '''Snarl''' vs. the Constructicons.

"It is ended." 
"Is it really over, Optimus? I mean, have we seen the end of this war? Forever?" 
"Who can say, Spike? In this vast universe, is anything truly forever?"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Spike''', with a question that is quickly answered, at least for the audience

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 27th July 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 1st August 1984
* Final script: 13th August 1984
* Dialogue recording: 23rd August 1984 (Note - [[Gregg Berger]] not present for main session, later pick-up session required)
* Returned to the US for telecine: 3rd December 1984

===Continuity notes===
*This episode introduces the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] and [[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]].
[[File:Heavymeatlwar megatron powers.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|This fist of mine glows with an awesome power chip rectifier!]]
[[File:HeavyMetalWar Scavenger.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|This shovel of mine glows with an awesome sensor reading!]]
*Gadgets and powers:
**The Constructicons show off a variety of armaments and abilities, such as Mixmaster melting a whole steam roller into goop and later firing a stream of rock-melting liquid (the cannon flipping up from his cab is perhaps a nod to his toy's "attack mode"), Long Haul having dump truck mode missile launchers (also a possible nod to his toy's "attack mode"), and Scavenger's shovel-based sensors.
**Long Haul has the rather ''amazing'' ability to fill up his cargo bed with a payload, transform to robot mode, then convert back to dump truck mode... and still have the cargo be there!
**Ironhide detects Megatron's approach using a sensor that displays on his chest, not unlike abilities he displayed in "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]" and "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]".
**Cliffjumper's [[glass gas]], if that's what it's supposed to be, acts a lot more like Ironhide's liquid nitrogen. He shoots a huge stream of it from his retracted wrists, and it encases Megatron in ice.
**Speaking of which, being encased in ice does not affect Megatron's ability to fly.
**Ironhide doesn't even bother retracting his fists; he just shoots lasers right out of them. It's an unusual conceit for ''Transformers'', though [[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2|not]] [[Dinobot Island, Part 2|unheard of]].
**As explained in this episode, [[power chip rectifier]]s are what give Transformers their unique special abilities.
**The episode gives us a showcase of the Decepticons' most notable abilities, as Megatron uses Starscream's [[cluster bomb]]s and null rays, Reflector's light-generating abilities, Rumble's earthquakes, Skywarp's teleportation, and Thundercracker's sonic abilities.
***Incidentally, this is the first time said sonic abilities have been used explicitly. And it's not even by the guy they belong to.
**Optimus shows the strange ability to fire lasers out of his palm. He's blocking Megatron's shot with the other arm at the same time, almost like he's [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity#Beast Machines cartoon|absorbing the energy and shooting it back]].
**Teletraan-1 can make up its own mind to wake up the Dinobots when a threat is detected.
**Grimlock actually uses his rocket launcher, though it's drawn as one of the barrels of his laser rifle shooting off like a rocket.
**Snarl's sword can fire energy blasts from its tip. The Dinobots actually using their swords is something that doesn't happen often, but this is the second time Snarl has been shown with his. Instead of being red, as per the toy and comics, it uses the gray coloring it has in Snarl's package art.
**While the lasers in the Dinobots' dinosaur modes come out of their eyes, horns or mouths, Snarl's dinosaur mode lasers come out of his nostrils. ''Yeah.''
**Hound projects one of his holograms out of both fists.
**Hey, turns out the Constructicons can turn themselves all into one big robot! Wonder if the toys can do that??
*When the Constructicons are tunneling, Scrapper refers to [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] with his working name "[[Scrounge (G1)|Scrounge]]". In their [[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|''More than Meets the Eye'']] bio, Dreamwave would paint this as a deliberate derogatory term other Decepticons sometimes refer to him as.
*Soundwave totally pets Ravage on the head like a kittycat. Adorable!
*This episode is also the "source" of the aborted "Lava Bath Safety" deco for the original Megatron toy.
*The ''Law of Cybertron'' will be invoked again many years later, to resolve the Generation 2 War. {{storylink|Transformers: G-2 (story page)|The Autobots Triumph in the Battle of Good Vs. Evil!}}

===Real-world references===
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine burst/whine as the Constructicons take off from the construction site.
**Same effect as Megatron leaves Autobot Headquarters.
**[[Lightsaber]] ignition sound when Megatron activates Reflector's light powers.
*Chip provides the episode's requisite dose of "Oh, it's ''educational''" by likening the leaders' combat to the gladiatorial matches of ancient Rome.
*Mixmaster gets in on the act by naming a couple of acids by formula: H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) and HCl (hydrochloric acid).
*Oh, and the construction site will make energy from the earth's magnetic field. "Magnetic field" sounds like science, right??

===Technical or animation glitches===
*It seems the artists might have had only script directions to go by when drawing the Constructicons' vehicular attack modes, and not actual character models. Both Long Haul and Mixmaster deploy weapons that are of similar description to their toys' attack forms (cab-mounted cannon, twin missile launchers), but look nothing like them.
*Coloring errors:
**As Long Haul deploys his missiles, his Decepticon symbol is red, and missing its "cheeks".
**The top of Hook's head is green as Scrapper bows to Megatron... and again in the very next shot.
**Scavenger's face is colored all-green as he welds. If it was a stylistic decision to show the light from his welding, then it should flicker along with the welding lights.
**As Scrapper directs the others working on the infuser, his head is green instead of black, and Mixmaster's drum and torso are purple instead of green.
**The top of Wheeljack's chest is colored glass-blue instead of white after the shock cannon blows up.
**During the pan across the Decepticons before the strength transfer, Soundwave is missing the line in the middle of his mask, and his yellow stripes are mostly colored blue.
**Megatron's waist is red instead of silver after the transfer.
**When Megatron talks to Starscream after that, Starscream's air vent "boobs" are colored white instead of black.
**The front of Scrapper's head is red instead of black as Megatron orders him to move out.
**As Scrapper transforms, his whole helmet is green.
**As Optimus explains the code to Spike, Ironhide's forehead isn't fully drawn in.
**"Defeat, Megatron?" Megatron's fusion cannon is white instead of black during this line.
**At the end of the across the Decepticons seating themselves, Soundwave's optic visor is blue instead of red.
**Laserbeak's head is light gray as he ejects from Soundwave.
**Megatron's faction emblem is missing before he teleports.
**And it's missing again as he says the Autobots must exile.
**After Megatron teleports, Skywarp is colored like Starscream as he talks about the his ability.
**Starscream's right arm is colored dark gray for a moment, while he talks to Skywarp about the rectifiers.
**Wheeljack's missing one of the lines on his "ears" as he and the others listen to Optimus say he was not prepared.
**Prime's tires are light gray as he transforms to truck mode, and his headlights aren't colored in.[[File:Heavymetalwar constructicons target teletraan.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Oh, and Scavenger's chest shouldn't be purple, either.]]
**Scrapper's helmet is green in two shots as he and the others run into Autobot Headquarters.
**Scavenger's back is purple as he and the others back away from the Dinobots.
**Snarl's helmet is the same medium gray as his body as he joins Sludge.
**As Devastator walks toward the Dinobots, Swoop's head is white, while Sludge and Slag are block-colored gray.
**Devastator's hand is green instead of purple as he throws Grimlock.
**The top of Starscream's chest is red instead of gray as Megatron rants about the hologram.
*"Besides, the Cybertron code of combat requires..." Starscream's hand phases behind the transfer machine's light during his monologue.
*There's a discontinuity between shots as Megatron is infused; in one shot he's moving and reacting in visible pain to the power transfer; in the next, he's just standing there like a statue.
*Also in the above scene, when Megatron says "I now possess all your powers in addition to my own" his "helmet" is significantly wider than his usual onscreen character model's, and in the NEXT shot ("Optimus Prime and the Autobots... are FINISHED!! Huhuhwarhahahahaha!!") his helmet suddenly shrinks back to its usual narrow width. It would therefore be reasonable to surmise the animators were using Megatron's G1 Toy as a drawing reference for the former shot, as his helmet IS significantly wider than the "normal" Megatron's onscreen model.
*After Megatron talks of the Constructicons destroying Teletraan I, he's suddenly no longer attached to the machine.
*When Megatron laughs maniacally after being infused with the power of the other Decepticons, his head is disproportionately small, and his Decepticon insignia moves independently of his body.
*When the Autobots transform into their alternate modes right before leaving to the duel, Trailbreaker transforms outside the Ark somehow.
*When the Autobots transform back into robot mode when they arrive at the duel, Ironhide, already in robot mode, transforms into his alternate mode. The next scene shows him in robot mode again.
*When Starscream lands behind Megatron before the latter's duel with Optimus Prime, the animators forgot to animate the dust Starscream's feet stir up, so we can see that his legs are not fully drawn, and instead of feet, they end in paint blotches.
*Chip is drawn speaking Spike's line "It's Earth history, Ironhide!"
*During the duel, what are the Autobots supposed to be sitting on? Air?
*After the boulder Prime threw at Megatron splits in two, it completely disappears before the shot ends.
[[File:HeavyMetalWar Huffer towing Prime's trailer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Rise Huffimus Prime!"]]
*Huffer is drawn with six wheels instead of four as he takes Prime's trailer.
*Only a moment after Huffer takes Prime's trailer, as the Autobots depart the battlefield, the animators have drawn Prime towing his trailer again, but covered up their error by coloring him orange like Huffer.
*Mixmaster's cab-weapon changes color and form between scenes (it's a gray sphere when the Constructicons start tunneling; it's a green gun when they reach Autobot Headquarters.)
*Mixmaster's acid-laser changes from pink to orange between shots. The weapon that fires it has gone back to gray in the second shot.
*The animation doesn't really show a hole ''melting'' in the floor; a section of the floor just vanishes and is replaced with a melted hole.
*Grimlock has his original head design in this episode, rather than the later, toy-based one he normally is drawn with.
*Grimlock's [[galaxial rocket launcher]] is drawn as one of the barrels of his laser rifle shooting off.
*The Dinobots' voices are ''heavily'' processed in his episode, far beyond the norm, giving them a crunchy, gravely sound.
*The inside of Sludge's [[robot mode]] mouth is glowing orange ''again''. Clearly this is part of his character model, but why and how did such a bizarre choice come about in the first place?
*As Scrapper clutches his wounded shoulder, he has two small eyes instead of a visor. (It makes him look a lot like [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]].)
[[File:G1DevastatorHeads.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|But let's face it - he looks much, much cooler with the visor.]]
*Much like [[A Plague of Insecticons|Kickback's insect head]], the cartoon could never quite make up its mind whether Devastator was supposed to have two small eyes or one big visor. This episode shows him with eyes as he monologues, then the visor shows up just a shot or two later.
*"Then -- Then Megatron cheated!" Ironhide's mouth is drawn with [[teeth]] and a [[tongue]].
*When the Autobots cheer inside their headquarters, [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]]'s insignia is missing, Wheeljack's ears aren't flashing, and Jazz's mouth is blinking on and off.
*As the hologram fades out, Hound isn't shown in the nearby cave from which he's supposed to be projecting it.
*When [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] finds out the "Giant [[Autobot]]" is a hologram, his cannon [[kibble]] is gone for a brief second.
*In the final closeup of Megatron's face, several of the lava streams are flowing ''behind'' his eyes and back out. OUCH!
*When we first see the Autobots in the Ark after the duel, Ironhide punches empty air, the whole screen shakes, and he says, “Uh, sorry about that” to no-one.

===Rhino DVD release===
More than most episodes, the [[Rhino Entertainment|Kid Rhino]] DVD version of this episode is full of animation errors that do not appear in the original broadcast version or prior home video releases (as a result of incomplete film masters being used for the DVD), as well as crude attempts made by Rhino to fix some of these errors.

Some are merely aesthetic complaints:
*The Constructicons are stationary in their first shot.
*In one shot, the camera pans sideways to follow the Constructicons, however they aren't moving, so they actually lag behind the screen. Then, as they round a corner, they are animated above the animation cel of the building they drive around, and you can see they are not fully drawn. Their [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]s end in unfinished lines and paint blotches until they come fully into view.
*As the Constructicons make their big introductory transformations, the camera doesn't pan up with Bonecrusher, Long Haul, and Mixmaster, leaving them cut out of the shot from the thighs upward. Bonecrusher is also visibly floating above the ground.
*The shot of Ironhide picking up Decepticon signals on his screen was missing the signals in Rhino's copy. As a result, they digitally inserted it into the scene from another version of the episode.
*The shot of Megatron being encased in ice has different effects.
*Several shots of Wheeljack speaking are missing the glow effects on his "ears". Rhino "fixes" some of these shots by adding digital glows.
*After Long Haul transforms, the equipment he's supposedly carrying simply pops into view. As the outlines tell us, it has been retroactively shopped into the image.
*The Rhino DVD portrays the power-chip smelter as a featureless rectangular smear, lacking all the light effects and animation that should be present.
*When Megatron says "Scrapper, you have your orders...", the Constructicons' eyes / eye visors no longer glow red in response.
*As he drives up to start digging, [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] is constantly jumping a bit back and forth while driving, as if the animation frames are not ordered properly.
*The shot of Spike saying "I mean, they don't call those creeps Decepticons for nothing." is much cruder and more anime-esque.
*When the Autobots transform to leave base for the battlefield, Optimus Prime's left headlight blinks in and out a couple of times.
*Then, as they all drive out of the Ark, the screen freezes for a moment. The Autobots seem to have teleported after the animation finally continues.
*Spike's animation during the shot of Chip saying "That answer your question, Ironhide?" is different.
*When the Witwickys and Chip slide down the hill with Ironhide, Ironhide is frozen in place.
*The sky behind Ironhide, when he is informing us of his ignorance of Earth's history, jumps noticeably at the beginning of the shot, and the shadowy outlines around him vibrate wildly.
*The audience isn't actually sitting on the edge of the pit, rather they are all somehow seated on the slopes.
*The black shading around Megatron's eyes is missing during a closeup shot of him. In the same shot, his body is wildly moving around as if he is running.
*The background behind Prime as he says "I never knew he was that strong" is different.
*At two points during the duel with Optimus Prime (one of them recycled as him landing at Autobot Headquarters), Megatron is colored dark gray.
*When the miscolored Megatron blasts Prime away, the background isn't moving to simulate the camera pan, whereas Prime's animation is.
*The humans in one shot are drawn horribly off-model, with terrible looking teeth, may we add. Spike shows his pre-final print uppers again in a later shot.
*When Skywarp boasts that Megatron acquired the power of teleportation from him, he is colored like Starscream, who is seen sitting right next to him.
*The shot of Prime reacting to the sound rays was missing the rays in Rhino's copy of the episode. Their solution to "fixing" this error was to overlay the broadcast version of the scene on top of it, resulting in a ''very'' blurry image.
*When the Constructicons approach Teletraan 1, Rhino poorly inserts Teletraan from another copy of the episode to cover up the fact that he was missing in their copy. As a result, the scene no longer zooms in as it should.
*During the Dinobots' fight scene with the Constructicons, some of the laser-firing animation is missing, leaving the characters with huge "holes" and gaps on their bodies where said laser shots should have been animated. This also renders the shot of Sludge firing his eye-beams completely pointless.
*And as Swoop fires his missiles, the background art isn't moving, making it look like he is floating.
*Also in one shot, the rock covering the Constructicons is missing from the foreground, and again, we see incomplete drawings instead of fully-drawn robots.
**However a later shot has a cave mouth drawn over the screen's outer rim, which shouldn't be there, as the scene takes place outside.
*The shot of Hook saying "Bad news, Scrapper. They've brought out the heavy artillery!" is supposed to have a glowing effect from the lava pass in front of him. However, the copy that Rhino used was missing this effect. Once again, they digitally inserted this glow from another copy of the episode to "fix" this mistake.
**A similar edit is made to the following shot of Scrapper getting hit, where the laser effects have been added from another copy of the episode. However, Rhino forgot to put the smoke coming from Scrapper's shoulder back in.
*Snarl's head is briefly missing for a few frames in one shot.
*The scene of Chip explaining what happened to Optimus' damaged parts is sloppier and more anime-esque in the Rhino version.
*Sludge's eye beams are missing in one shot.
*The shot of the Constructicons falling in lava features slightly less detailed lava.
*The lava on Megatron's face in the final shot is different.

However, some of the screwups actually confuse the plot:
[[File:HeavyMetalWar-Rhino VS Shout.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Rare appearance of the yellow Cliffjumper variant.]]
*Power chip rectifier only appear in the finished animation as little more than small glowing pink dots. When Starscream removes his, this glowing effect is missing, meaning he's holding nothing, and that none of the rectifiers ever actually appear on-screen in the Rhino version.
*When Rhino DVD Optimus Prime hurls a boulder at Megatron, Megatron still lights up to use Skywarp's teleportation ability to get out of the way... but after the teleporation glow effect fades, Megatron is ''still standing there''. The boulder ''flies straight through him'' with nobody seeming to care, including Megatron himself.
*When Megatron is talking to Starscream while the Constructicons are building the infuser machine, Starscream is colored like Skywarp. Starscream's mouth movements in this scene are also different.
**Speaking about the Constructicons being hard at work, this sequence is completely missing. We are instead treated to a shot of Megatron and Starscream standing silently for seconds.
*When [[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] runs up and uses his [[glass gas]], he is coloured like [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]].
[[File:HeavyMetalWar Mixmaster spray.JPG|thumb|upright=1.1|That sure isn't a cave you're in there, Mixmaster.]]
*The animation sequence of Megatron landing at the Autobot base ''is missing entirely'', and is replaced by looped animation from later in the episode of Megatron landing after a jump, along with a recycled snippet of Cliffjumper looking elated after encasing Megatron in ice from just a few seconds earlier.
*When Megatron lands, there are two Optimus Primes and Ironhides there to greet him.
*As the Autobots help Prime make his decision, the camera pans are missing, and the scene is instead shown as multiple, separate shots. Secondly, Wheeljack's light effects are poorly added in from the broadcast version, as they were missing from Rhino's print. Finally, the added lens-effects in Prime's optics makes him look like he's about to cry.
*When the Constructicons move out to dig the passage to the Autobot headquarters, they're all shown outdoors instead of inside the base.
*A transformation sequence for Trailbreaker, recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]", still retains its exterior background even though it's supposed to happen inside Autobot Headquarters.
*When the Autobots arrive at the pit in vehicle mode, Ironhide is seen transforming from robot mode to vehicle mode. Then, he is back in his robot form.
*Where the finished episode tries to disguise the fact that the animators have drawn Prime towing his own trailer by coloring him life Huffer, in the unfinished animation used for the DVD, Prime is colored in his normal colors. Rhino tried to fix this in one shot, but the join is very obvious.
*Instead of using the finished shot, we see recycled animation of a standing Prime being hit when Megatron delivers his final blow. He should be lying on the ground.
*The animation of the lava is absent in a couple of shots.

But, uhhh, hey, that silver DVD case sure is shiny and pretty!

===Shout! Factory DVD release===
*Like "[[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction]]" before it, the sound effects of this episode are cranked down to near-inaudibility, compared to the music and vocal tracks.
*This episode is also one of several affected by Shout!'s inability to obtain complete master reels to restore the incomplete animation used in the Kid Rhino releases, resulting in 1-inch tape versions being used instead. Picture quality is thus all over the map. The scenes of Megatron approaching Autobot Headquarters are noticeably under-lit. Several scenes are in visibly softer focus compared to shots before and after, such as the pan of Autobots as Cliffjumper says "I don't trust 'im!"

===Continuity errors===
[[File:Lineup.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|"Where'd you get the Constructicons?" "We found them." "Found them? On Earth? Constructicons are Cybertronian!" "The Cosmos may fly into the sun or the Omega Supreme or the Astrotrain may seek warmer climes in winter, yet these are not strangers to our land." "Are you suggesting that Constructicons migrate?"]]
*This episode gives the first of [[Constructicon (G1)|three contradictory origins]] for the Constructicons.

*The building site that the Constructicons raid is a power plant. One of the construction workers states that it will be able to provide the whole planet with limitless energy, raising the question of why the Decepticons didn't raid such a powerful energy source for energon.

*So this head worker guy sees driverless, talking construction vehicles, that turn into giant malevolent thieving robots with the Decepticon symbol on 'em... but somehow he only figures out that they're Decepticons when Scrapper says they work for Megatron. Is Megatron's name more famous than all the defining aspects of his faction?

*Ironhide is apparently able to detect the Decepticons by himself, without relying on Teletraan I. However, in "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]", the Autobots were unable to detect the approaching Decepticons with Teletraan I sabotaged.

*Optimus Prime takes out Devastator with a single shot from his laser rifle, something rather at odds with the later portrayal of combiners as nigh-invulnerable. Maybe they were upgraded?

*It's a bit strange that Starscream of all mechs should be concerned with legalities and suggest that Megatron try to fight honorably... but there ''is'' a touch of sarcasm when he says "You wouldn't want to ''cheat'', would you, Megatron?"

*There is a rather ''huge'' hole in Megatron's "Destroy Teletraan I" plot: When the Autobots come back from Optimus Prime's defeat, wouldn't a burning-and-smoking Teletraan I ''immediately'' scream "Megatron DID cheat" rather than cover that fact up?

*Mind you, the Autobots confidently rely on Teletraan I to let them know if Megatron is cheating but then don't leave anyone monitoring it or have a real time communication link with it. It's only by the Decepticon's good graces that they were allowed to go back to Autobot HQ and check its findings before potentially taking up their exile in space.

[[File:DinobotsG1.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2]]
*The Autobots return to headquarters as the Dinobots have begun their battle with Devastator. They have time enough to repair Optimus Prime and detect the Decepticon deception, and meanwhile, the Dinobots are ''still'' fighting Devastator.
**On that note the Autobots don't even try to tell the Dinobots that they were leaving and the fight was over. Were the Autobots going to leave the Dinobots behind and strand them on Earth!?

*Speaking of which, didn't anybody notice the big flaming hole in the floor of Autobot Headquarters?

*So the Decepticons couldn't '''FLY''' out of the lava when they fell in?

*Doesn't anybody notice Megatron down there floating in the lava?

===Trivia===
[[File:SnarlG1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|''Transformers'' was anime before it was [[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|anime]].]]
*The art style of this episode has a distinctively Japanese flavor to it (in a handful of scenes), similar to that of "[[Roll for It]]" and "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]". [[Masami Ōbari]]'s believed to be involved with this episode.<ref>http://mimizun.com/log/2ch/ranime/1118994758/</ref> [[Nobuyoshi Habara]] was also involved with the episode, working on some shots during the actual battle between Optimus Prime and Megatron, though which shots are unspecified.<ref>https://w.atwiki.jp/sakuga/?cmd=word&word=%E3%83%88%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B9%E3%83%95%E3%82%A9%E3%83%BC%E3%83%9E%E3%83%BC&type=&pageid=309</ref>
*The animation pretty much gets Devastator's transformation spot-on. Enjoy it while you can; it [[The Core|won't]] [[The Autobot Run|last]].
*Storyboards for this episode indicate that at one point in the scripting process, power chip rectifiers were also tied into the ability to transform. Upon giving up their rectifiers, the Decepticons lose their ability to transform, and during the fight, Megatron transforms into a jet! <ref>[http://cartoonpaperwork.com/network/dt/003.shtml "Heavy Metal War" storyboards at CartoonPaperwork.com]</ref>
*Scenes and dialogue deleted from this episode include Wheeljack showing off the latest improvements he has made to the Dinobots outside Autobot Headquarters (during which Megatron arrives), Scavenger referring to Scrapper with his working name "[[Gravedigger]]", Megatron using Soundwave's mind-reading powers on Optimus Prime during their fight, and Starscream sarcastically pointing out that the other Decepticons could help Devastator fight the Dinobots - except that they don't have their powers (to which Megatron retorts that "my Devastator needs no help").
**An extended portion of dialogue is also cut from Megatron's address to Optimus Prime, resulting in the rather clumsy line in the finished episode, "Our war has gone on for millions of years — Decepticons fighting Autobots — in which opposing leaders — you and I, Optimus Prime — may do battle." In the episode's dialogue script, following "Decepticons fighting Autobots," Megatron finishes his first sentence by lamenting the endless nature of the war. Prime shares in his regret, but deems it necessary as long as Megatron continues his pursuit of conquest. Megatron then speaks again, raising the topic of the "age-old law of combat," then picking up the finished line from "in which opposing leaders..."
**Ironhide's "sorry about that" non-sequitur is the result of a cut to the start of the scene: while watching the battle through the hole blasted out the side of the volcano and frustrated at not being able to join in, Ironhide slams his fist against the cavern wall, causing it to shake. He sheepishly apologizes.
[[File:RumbleisRed.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|The "red robot" is clearly blue.]]
*During Teletraan I's montage of the sources of Megatron's acquired powers, the descriptions for the individual Decepticons are verbatim quotes from the [http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/ Transformers Series Bible's "Decepticon Rollcall" page], albeit including several lost-in-translation typographical errors ("Decepticon Lider", "Decepticon Commicator", "Sky Warp"). The most notable of those is [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (misspelled as "Runble") being identified as a [[FIRRIB|"red robot"]]. Furthermore, the seemingly random numbers listed on those screens are actually Hasbro's product codes for the respective toys. Interestingly enough, [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] is given a product number, even though he was never released at mass retail. However, the renditions of the Decepticons are ''not'' the official [[character model]] poses for those characters, but rather all-new drawings.
*The head construction worker's cry as Scavenger drops him is recycled from "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2]]" (from when Laserbeak kidnaps two security guards.)
*The episode's ending sure seems intended as a potential conclusion to the series, just in case it wasn't renewed for a second season. Turns out that ''Transformers'' was a bit of a hit, so that whole falling-into-lava thing was ignored (though it was alluded to in the [[title sequence]] animation for season two, as the Insecticons traverse in lava).
*The giant Autobot hologram image Hound projected went anonymous for 26 years until it received an identity at [[BotCon 2010]] as the [[Elite Guard]] member [[Halonix Maximus]].
[[File:RavagePet.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Who's a good widdle killy-kitty? YOU IS!]]
*When the Autobots and Decepticons are getting ready to watch the fight, Soundwave lets Ravage out and Ravage then sits beside Soundwave and audibly ''purrs'' while Soundwave pets him. This is both very cute and very creepy.
*Devastator referring to himself as "the Devastator" might be a leftover reference to the character's working name of "the Destructoid".
*When aired on [[Hub Network]]'s video-on-demand, the Kid Rhino version is used for some reason, even though Hub Network otherwise airs the original pre-Kid Rhino versions.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French broadcast):'' "'''Le sursis'''" ("The reprieve")
:*''Title (Canadian French broadcast & European French DVD release):'' "'''La guerre du métal lourd'''" ("Heavy metar war")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*About the European French dub:
:::*All the scenes in which the Constructicons talk in vehicle mode are not dubbed. Only Scrapper is fully dubbed and Hook has one line when he talks in robot mode. This results in frozen shots of construction vehicles with catchy music. They must hate the Constructicons, since the same will happen [[City of Steel (episode)|a few episodes later]]...
:::*Scrapper introduces his colleagues with French names, "Perforeur", "Tronçonneur", "Creuseur", "Dévastateur", "Phénix" and himself. These names will ''never'' be used ever again in the series.
:::*Moreover, "Dévastateur" is used for both Bonecrusher and Devastator in the episode.

'''German'''
:*''Title (Generation 2 dub):'' "'''Der Zweikampf'''" ("The Duel")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[May 28]], [[1994]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (both dubs):'' "'''Il duello'''" ("The Duel")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*In the first dub Huffer is called "Piedone" ("Big Foot") in this episode, despite his Italian name being Turbo.

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Cybertron-sei no Okite'''" (せイバートロン星の掟, "The Laws of Planet Cybertron")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 7]], [[1985]]
::*In Japanese anime fashion, Megatron yells the names of several of the special attacks he's purloined from his minions; namely, Reflector's "Flash Beam" and Thundercracker's "Sonic Beam".

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Shuāng Xióng Dàzhàn '''" (双雄大战, "Fight between Double Leaders")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Guerra dos Metaleiros'''" ("The War of the Metalheads")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Voyna tyazhelogo metalla'''" (Война тяжёлого металла, "Heavy Metal War")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sukob metalnih ratnika'''" (Сукоб металних ратника, "Battle of the Metal Warriors")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Latin Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fuerte Guerra de Metal'''" ("Heavy Metal War")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

===Toys inspired by this episode===
* '''''[[War for Cybertron: Kingdom]]'' [[Huffer (G1)#War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Huffer]] (2021)'''
:This Deluxe class version of Huffer is specifically molded to be able to tow the trailer of ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Optimus Prime]], recreating a scene from this episode.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[1986]] — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 10: "Heavy Metal War" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[1987]] — ''Transformers'' — Heavy Metal Wars / The Girl Who Loved Powerglide ([[Tempo Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[1989]] — ''Transformers'' — A Ghost in the Machine / Heavy Metal Wars (Tempo Video) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[1990]] — ''Transformers'' — Heavy Metal Wars / The Girl Who Loved Powerglide ([[Tempo Video|Abbey Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2000]] — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 6: Evolution Revolution ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1994]] — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1998]] — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[2001]] — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2002]] — ''Transformers: Generation 2'' ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] [[2003]] — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2004]] — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 4 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] [[2006]] — The Best of ''The Transformers'' (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2007]] — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Episodes (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] [[2008]] — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2009]] — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2011]] — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2014]] — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — Roar of the Dinobots (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1vbr04lZGZRfV8r8xDO7WeRH_HKAurRfQ Full episode script, finalised on 13th August 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/16yrVYHBDgzi_x0IbGI8qjma68mEMRxrR/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]
*[https://sunbowmarvelarchive.blogspot.com/p/the-transformers-mp-700-13-heavy-metal.html Gallery of full episode storyboards]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

A Plague of Insecticons

2025-04-27T21:26:39Z

JD1337666:

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the similarly-named Marvel UK Annual story|Plague of the Insecticons!}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=15
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=64
|prev2=Fire on the Mountain (episode)
|next2=The Autobot Run
|image=Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG
|caption=We're gonna need a big [[Rustbug hoop|swatter]]! A really big swatter!
|title="A Plague of Insecticons"
|season=1
|season ep=15
|production code=#700-12
|airdate=[[December 29]], 1984
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGRGcFYVWVs
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''Reports of giant insects terrorizing Bali lead the Decepticons to discover their long-lost comrades, the Insecticons.'''

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

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

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

[[File:Optimus ram.jpg|thumb|Where we're going, we don't need roads!]]
Elsewhere, Sideswipe is getting nowhere slowly with his drilling, so Optimus Prime decides on a simpler tactic and drives right through the rock wall. Coming up on the farm just in time, Sideswipe and [[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] tackle the Decepticons, who withdraw to a nearby [[oil]] refinery to recharge before they destroy the Autobots. During the respite, [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] repairs Skyfire, who follows them in the air while the Autobots follow from the ground. The Insecticons attack Skyfire, and Wheeljack goes to help but is knocked out of the air by Kickback. Shrapnel takes control of Sunstreaker and Sideswipe, causing them to drive toward the Autobots, but [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] disrupts Shrapnel's control with his [[force field]]. Optimus throws Brawn at Shrapnel, but Kickback knocks him off. Fortunately, Skyfire is able to catch Brawn.

[[File:Skeet surfin.jpg|left|thumb|"First wave, don't get tired. Second wave, aim higher. Third wave, pull and fire. Skeet Surfin'..."]]
At the refinery, the Decepticons are busy making some [[energon cube]]s. Megatron offers the Insecticons a tanker filled to the brim, and the trio gorge themselves. Unfortunately, it also causes the oil to leak into the ocean. As the Autobots arrive, the Decepticons force them to take some cover. Shrapnel uses a shrapnel grenade to knock Optimus, Brawn, and Wheeljack into the ocean, where the Autobot leader warns that the oil could ignite. On cue, Thundercracker lights the oil on fire, only for the Autobots to knock him into the flaming water. Before the ship goes kaboom, [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] is able to douse the flames. However, storm clouds appear overhead, and Shrapnel uses them as a means to fire electricity at the Autobots. Spike realizes that the rubber in their tires will serve as insulation. Some Autobots go to [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], while others stand on them, neutralizing Shrapnel's abilities. In addition, Trailbreaker uses his force field to neutralize Shrapnel's control over the clones, causing them to go to pieces.

[[File:Tanker throw.jpg|thumb|Optimus shows why he's a three time World's strongest Bot champion.]]
Megatron realizes that he's losing, so the Decepticon leader employs a time-honored strategy: "If I can't have it, no one can." Megatron sets the tanker on fire and pushes it toward the refinery. However, Optimus pushes the tanker underwater, and Megatron with it. Rising to the surface, Megatron prepares to blast Bumblebee and Spike, only for Optimus Prime to throw the tanker ''through the air'' at Megatron.

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

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

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

[[File:PlagueofInsecticons Skyfire sitting in puddle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
"Still think they're optical illusions, Brawn?"
:—'''Skyfire''', after getting his ass handed to him by an army of Insecticon clones.

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

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

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

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

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

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

==Notes==
===Production information===
*First draft script: 27th July 1984
*Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 6th August 1984
*Final script: 13th August 1984
*First draft storyboards completed: 24th August 1984 (Artists: [[Brian Ray]], [[Peter Chung]], [[Gregg Davidson]])
*Returned to the US for telecine: 17th December 1984

===Continuity notes===
*It may or may not be an intentional bit of continuity, but Starscream, [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|last seen]] being hauled off by Megatron for unspecified punishment, is absent from this episode. Then again, Skywarp and Frenzy are missing too, which tells us absolutely nothing.
[[File:Plagueofinsecticons fire fighting.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|It can't be [[fire-retardant foam]]; if it was, the Autobots would've won the war eons ago.]]
[[File:PlagueOfInsecticons Windcharger repulsorfield.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Funny part is, there isn't actually any button there.]]
[[File:ShrapnelG1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|When there's lightning, you know it always brings me down]]
[[File:PlagueInsecticons Kickback harvester.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Rideeeer Kick!]]

*Gadgets and powers:
**Laserbeak slides yet another gadget out of his head, this one a micro radar dish that he uses to contact Megatron.
**Megatron has the flashing pectoral rectangles to acknowledge Laserbeak's signal, as seen [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|last episode]].
**The Insecticons, presumably like all Transformers, have [[idento-computer]]s that somehow "adapted them for life on Earth by turning them into Insecticons". Depending on your interpretation of this statement, it might be considered the first instance of a Transformer gaining a new [[alternate mode]] through internal reconfiguration, rather than through external reconstruction, a premise that would not gain traction until the ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' franchise in 2002.
**Not for the last time, Skyfire extends his legs in a sort of mid-transformation pause. (Sorry, ''[[Super Dimension Fortress Macross|Macross]]'' dorks, it's not a GERWALK/Guardian. Those have arms.)
**Rather than use his rather well documented pile driver abilities to dig his tunnel, Sideswipe just retracts his hands and ''smashes his way through with his arms''. Looks like some animator misunderstood a script direction. They ''finally'' got it right in the final tunnel digging scene...and then they show him with drills on his hands.
**Windcharger activates a magnetic "repulsor field" by pressing a button on his chest.
**Wheeljack uses his documented ability to fly. He even (mostly) keeps his arms at his side like he's supposed to, considering it's supposed to be wrist rockets that let him do it. He also uses his missile launcher... sorta. Actually the missiles just kind of fly out from behind his back.
**It's a showcase for Trailbreaker's forcefield, as he uses it first to cut off Shrapnel's override waves and then his control beams, the latter destroying the Insecticon clones. It's also a rare instance of it actually being projected from the right place, namely the silver box gadget thing behind his head.
**Thundercracker uses his flamethrower again, previously seen in "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]" and "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2]]". As noted before, this was likely an interpretation of the [[incendiary gun]]s his bio described him as being armed with.
**Ironhide puts out a fire with [[Fire-retardant foam|foamy gassy white stuff]] that he fires from both retracted wrists.
**Kickback materializes a gun out of thin air in a flash of light, one of those occasional shots leading to fandom "subspace" theories about weapons and parts storage.
**As the stars of the episode, the Insecticons get a whole host of special powers:
***They quickly demonstrate one of their most characteristic powers, the ability to create clones of themselves, a power which was ''never'' mentioned in any of their Tech Spec writeups and was created solely for the cartoon. Shrapnel claims ownership of the cloning beams, but Kickback is also shown generating them. Bombshell is also involved, but the animation does not convey the full intent of the script when it comes to his role: the visuals imply that all he does is blow up a derelict tractor with his "Insecta-shells" to create debris to form the clones, but the script explains that the Insecta-shell was supposed to release streams of filament and micro-circuitry to connect the debris together, through which Shrapnel's beams are then channelled to form and animate the clones.
***Shrapnel uses his [[grenade launcher]], firing a steel ball from his wrist which then explodes into a bazillion razor-sharp fragments. His Tech Spec has the launcher as his hand-held weapon, but otherwise the ability is correct as shown. Later he identifies it as a "[[shrapnel grenade]]" (or perhaps a Shrapnel Grenade?)
***Shrapnel uses his "special override wave" to control Sideswipe and Sunstreaker.
***Shrapnel uses his famous ability to capture and fire lightning. He seems to need Bombshell's help to do it, though. The Autobots are able to counter the effects of the lightning by transforming and electrically insulating themselves from the ground with their rubber tires.
*Optimus demonstrates ''highly improbable'' amounts of strength, lifting an entire sunken [[oil tanker]] out of the water and throwing it at Megatron.
*The episode's closing dialog provides us with the interesting factoid that Spike is not yet old enough to drive, capping his likely age in 1984 at 15.

===Real-world references===
[[File:PlagueOfInsecticons Bali establishing shot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Come for the farms. Stay for the Insecticons!]]
*The Insecticons inhabit the real world island of [[Bali]], which is part of the nation of [[Indonesia]].
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine burst as Kickback launches to pursue the last boat.
**''Falcon'' engine burst ''and'' [[Death Star]] superlaser as the Insecticons fly out of the swamp.
**[[X-wing Fighter|X-Wing]] diving whine as Laserbeak reports his findings.
**Death Star superlaser again as the Insecticons launch to attack the farm.
**''Falcon'' engine burst as the Insecticons fly to attack Skyfire.
**Death Star superlaser as Shrapnel and Bombshell cling to Skyfire's wings.
**X-wing diving whine in the same sequence.
**Luke deflecting seeker ball bolts as Thundercracker compresses the energon cubes.
**X-Wing diving whine as the Insecticons attach to the tanker.
**Death Star superlaser as Megatron launches to re-ignite the tanker.
**Death Star superlaser as the Insecticons flee from the refinery.

===Technical or animation glitches===
[[File:G1 PlagueofInsecticons Bombshell blast.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Shrapnel's back should be black, not yellow. His bug legs should probably be white, but the show changes their color so much that it's kinda hard to tell for sure.]]
*Coloring errors:
**Bombshell loses all his yellow and purple coloration as he throws the first boat in the swamp.
**Shrapnel's bug head is purple instead of black as he notes that Kickback's meal is escaping.[[File:Ark silver.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|.995 percent pure silver leaf]]
**In the establishing shot of [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters]], the ship is colored silver instead of orange.[[File:Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG|thumb|upright=1.1|Seriously, a human comes up to the Insecticons' knees. How big ''is'' this tree??]]
**As the Insecticons stand on the (unfathomably huge) tree branch, both Shrapnel and Kickback's faces are dark gray instead of silver.
**As Skyfire arrives at the farm, his booster pack is white instead of red.
**In the next shot, Kickback's face is still dark gray.
**After the Autobots transform at the end of Sideswipe's "shortcut", Sunstreaker's engine intake is yellow instead of silver.
**As Ironhide and Sunstreaker watch Sideswipe work on the tunnel, Sunstreaker's entire helmet is yellow, rather than just his ear-wings.
**Skyfire's face is white instead of gray as he tries to transform, and his antennae are blue instead of white.
**Bombshell's eyes are a creepy, empty, yet toy-like white (instead of red) as Shrapnel first addresses Megatron.
**Soundwave's missing his cassette door stripes again as the Decepticons take aim.
**When Sideswipe and Sunstreaker get ahead of Optimus Prime after breaking out of the tunnel, both are coloured in Sunstreaker's yellow color scheme for a brief moment.
**Thundercracker is a dark, toy-like blue as he fills the energon cubes, rather than his usual medium blue.
**Prime's tires are white instead of black as Shrapnel takes control of the twins.
**In the following overhead shot, Sideswipe is colored black instead of red.
**The blue vehicle next to out-of-focus Prime doesn't correspond to any Autobot present, and there wasn't anyone in that location in the previous shot anyway.
**Shrapnel's [[beast mode|bug mode]] front half is white as he sends the twins on a second attack run.
**Skyfire's cockpit, boosters and thruster nozzles are white as he fires on the refinery, rather than blue, red and black, respectively.
**Sunstreaker is [[Diaclone#Car Robots|red instead of yellow]] as the Autobots arrive at the refinery and transform.
**Wheeljack is in Bombshell's colors as the Autobots start to run for cover.
**Brawn's helmet is yellow instead of gray as he and the others dive into the water.
**Wheeljack is missing his orange chest details as he stands in the water.
**Brawn is in Skyfire's colors as Thundercracker prepares to ignite the spilled oil.
**As the Decepticons retreat from battle and fly towards the oil refinery, Skyfire is part of the formation.
**Prime's hand is red instead of blue as he orders Bumblebee to stay back.
**Bombshell is missing his purple color as he speculates on whether they picked the right allies.
**In the final shot of the assembled Autobots, Sunstreaker's head is yellow again. Trailbreaker's cheeks are colored blue instead of his eye visor (it looks like he's wearing reading glasses!) Sideswipe's eyes are red instead of blue. Brawn's green is very washed out.
*Bombshell's animation model totally cheats. His [[robot mode]] color scheme is completely lacking in purple, yet the same parts that are colored black instead become purple when he transforms.
*The show was ''never'' able to make up its mind about Kickback's insect mode head. Sometimes it's drawn with his robot mode face underneath it, just like the toy, even having him talk and emote with it. Other times it's just plain black, with his robot face replaced by a mechanical bug mouth, more like you'd expect from a giant super-advanced space robot trying to pass himself off as an ordinary giant metal robot grasshopper. This episode shows ''both'' versions at various times, even changing it between successive shots (such as the "there's more food to devour on a farm!" sequence.) At least once it splits the difference, showing abstract details colored like his face and eyeband.
*The "Wait for me!" rower makes a pretty spectacular and improbable leap onto the last boat.
*Kickback has no transformation noise as he swims up to his buddies and transforms.
*As Megatron orders his troops to move out, his faction emblem is all blurry.
*As Thundercracker exposits that the Insecticons are Decepticons, Soundwave is missing the yellow lines around his tape door.
*Bombshell is missing his head cannon as the Insecticons raise their guns to fire.
*Brawn and company fall over into the pond before the Insecticons' fire actually hits them.
*In the first shot after the first commercial break, all of the Insecticon clones have disappeared from the field.
*As the Insecticons charge, Bombshell's head launcher is missing its little side laser dealies, and Bombshell's Decepticon insignia is blinking.
*Windcharger is drawn delivering Bumblebee's "I sure hope Prime" line.
*As he stands aside to let Optimus through, Sideswipe's pile drivers have turned into drills.
*Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**Ratchet is shown transforming with the rest of Prime's team, despite not being part of it.
*When the Decepticons and Insecticons flee from the field, Thundercracker in jet mode is colored in Skyfire's white-and-red palette. The clones finally reappear in the same shot, after going missing for several scenes.
*At the line "bite down, it's our only chance to hang on!" the voice is Bombshell's, but Shrapnel is shown. Since they're in bug mode and Bombshell was shown in the preceding shot, this may not be an animation error exactly, but at the very least it's poor framing.
*Kickback's robot head shows up beneath his bug head as he turns to kick Brawn off of Shrapnel.
*Thundercracker's arm laser is mounted on the wrong side and in the wrong spot as he aims at Skyfire.
*Soundwave's chest compartment isn't drawn in as Ravage ejects.
*Megatron is missing his insignia as he wonders what Kickback is talking about.
*Shrapnel is missing his insignia as he wonders what went wrong.
*Someone got their signals crossed; after the Autobots prove able to defeat Shrapnel's lightning blasts by rolling on their tires, Optimus is also totally immune to ''normal'' Insecticon firepower.
*Reflector shows up out of nowhere as Megatron rails about the Insecticons stealing their energon, despite not having been seen in the entire episode.

====Rhino DVD release====
The [[Rhino Entertainment|Kid Rhino]] release of this episode had errors not present in the original broadcast version, due to their use of incomplete film masters:

*The movement of the boats in the opening shots is different in the DVD version.
*A cel layering error causes Skyfire's door to appear behind Spike and the Autobots as he boards them. As a result, the door closes ''behind'' Bumblebee and Spike as they wave to Optimus, only for them to disappear when it closes fully.
*The shot of the Decepticons leaving their base is mistimed, and a distracting "seam" can be seen on the background painting.
*Megatron's unibrow is white in two shots.
*The Insecticons' gunfire is purple instead of orange on several occasions.
*When Skyfire falls in the water, the water effects briefly disappear for a few frames.
*When Shrapnel shoots his ball shaped bomb, the flame and bomb are missing thus leaving him to fire absolutely nothing; the ball is shown a second later.
*As Sideswipe and Sunstreaker are being controlled by Shrapnel's control beams, Shrapnel is missing from the shot and is nowhere to be seen.
*As the two of them are forcefully driven toward the other Autobots, Sunstreaker is colored black and the frame of animation is not arranged properly.
*Just before Brawn asks Optimus to throw him, Prime is in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], then he transforms from robot to vehicle mode, and is then standing in robot mode.
*The energon cubes are not colored properly in one shot.
*A shot of Optimus and Wheeljack in the water is missing one of the water cel layers. As a result, the bottom half of Optimus's body is completely missing.
*The animation of the approaching storm clouds is missing. Instead, a single dark cloud simply floats across the screen.
*The lightning flashes as Megatron declares that the enemy is on the ground differ slightly in the DVD version.
*When Shrapnel says the line "Has brought it to us us now now" his dialogue lags behind the scene where he speaks. In addition, the sky has inexplicably turned sunny again in the DVD version.
*Some instances of Wheeljack speaking, like when he says "Thanks Prime, keep on truckin'", are missing the flashing "ears" effect.
*When Bumblebee says "There's gotta be something we can do before we all get fried", his mouth and head do not move until he says the word "fried".
*The lightning ray has different glowing effects in the DVD version.
*Spike's mouth flaps are slightly different when he talks about the rubber tires.
*When Shrapnel jumps out of the way of a laser blast, the refinery background behind him is different.
*When Optimus blasts the Insecticons away, the refinery background behind them is different yet again.
*Wheeljack's glow is stationary at the end of the episode.

===Continuity errors===
*The Insecticons' origin is fraught with problems. The story seems to be that they were aboard [[Nemesis (G1)|the Decepticon ship]], and ejected in an escape pod before it crashed, four million years ago. What happened after that is not clear, but no version of the story completely jibes with the known facts:
**Megatron says that the Insecticons' escape pod was launched "before [[Nemesis (G1)|our own ship]] crashed here millions of years ago". One might reasonably take this to mean that the Insecticons were aboard the ''Nemesis''; however, upon meeting Megatron a few scenes later, Shrapnel says to him "I don't know you", implying that they ''weren't'' aboard the ''Nemesis''. The summary of the episode in the [[production bible]] clarifies this, saying the pod "...was originally part of the Decepticon spacecraft that jettisoned away just before the Autobots and Decepticons crash landed on Earth".<ref>http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#072</ref> Guess Shrapnel was just feeling conveniently forgetful that day day.
*** (Or he's saying he doesn't know Megatron very well. Or their memory banks were a little fuzzed after four million years in a swamp.)
**The narration ("a strange new form of robot") makes it sound like the Insecticons just recently awoke, as does the sudden distress call from the residents of Bali. But if that's the case, it's a ''huge'' coincidence that, after four million years, they were revived just a few months after their kin aboard the Ark.
*** (Maybe their pod was activated after intercepting an automatic signal from the now-active Ark or Nemesis?)
**The alternative - that the Insecticons have been up and running around for millions of years - doesn't make sense either. How could neither the Autobots nor the Decepticons have ever learned of their existence until this episode?
[[File:Plagueofinsecticons Sideswipe drilling.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*''Digging a tunnel'' is seriously faster than just backtracking a mile or two to find another way around? Seriously?
*Michael Bell seems to have gotten a bit confused. Throughout this episode he uses his Prowl voice for Sideswipe.
*How does Skyfire manage to hide in the bushes with the other, shorter Autobots? He's about four Bumblebees tall! In fact the entire notion of corn that's tall enough to hide an Autobot is a bit far fetched. The absurdity is further called out a few shots later when the Autobots (and Spike!) are shown ''towering'' over the corn.
*How does Skyfire know Kickback's name? None of the Insecticons have introduced themselves.
*How does Optimus Prime's team ''drive to Bali'', an Indonesian island which is clear across the Pacific Ocean? They needed Skyfire to get to Peru. Even if we accept they used the "hydrofoils" from "The Ultimate Doom, Part 1," they arrive only moments after the Decepticons, who are already in Bali. They would have arrived even sooner if not for their "detour."
*Per the cartoon physics norm, if ''anything'' besides the ground breaks your fall, you're just fine. Thus, Wheeljack smacking into Prime's trailer does absolutely no damage to him.
*Brawn gets the same treatment a second later, as Skyfire "catches" him.
*Megatron gives the very strange order to "activate the Ravage cassette".
*As they arrive at the refinery, Optimus Prime orders "let's get them, Autobots!" They immediately run for cover, firing no weapons.
*Kickback claims there is no spray capable of stopping the Insecticons. Guess he's never heard of [[robotic insecticide]]!
*When Megatron and company arrive at the Balinese oil refinery, a human shouts "the monsters are back!" Neither the Insecticons nor Decepticons have been shown attacking an oil refinery in this episode. Unless one of the refinery workers just happens to moonlight as a swamp boater. Or knows someone who does.

===Trivia===
[[File:PlagueOfInsecticons Trailbreaker projecting forcefield.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*The Shout! Factory release (incorrectly?) credits this episode as being written by [[Donald F. Glut]].
*Wheeljack refers to the idea of a motorcycle alternate form as "[[Groove (G1)|something new]]". Ah, Transformers was so young and new back then!
*Some episodes provide plot, character development, and storytelling. Others are a big parade of battles and special buy-my-toy powers. The reader may draw their own conclusions as to which category this episode falls under.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Un fléau d'Insecticons'''" ("A plague of Insecticons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*In the European French dub, Laserbeak gains a third name after Laserobreak and Laserback, "Laserbreak".

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Gli Insekticons'''" ("The Insecticons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*In this episode the Insecticons are both called "Insecticon" and "Insector".

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''La piaga degli Insecticons'''" ("The Plague of the Insecticons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Insectron no Nazo'''" (インセクトロンの謎, "The Mystery of the Insectrons")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 24]], [[1986]]
::*Due to [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]'s status as a [[Bandai]] toy in Japan, the Japanese broadcast of this episode had to be delayed until near the end of the series, when the legal matters could be resolved.
::*Being a Japanese dub and all, Shrapnel dramatically announces the name of his lightning blast as though it were a special move: "Thunder Attack!"
::*The Japanese dub confuses Megatron's poorly phrased line of "This is a Decepticon escape module launched before our own starship crashed on Earth four million years ago" as meaning that the Insecticons took off and arrived on Earth long before the other Decepticons crashed on Earth.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Jīqì Kūnchóng '''" (机器昆虫, "The Insecticons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Praga de Insecticons'''" ("The Plague of Insecticons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Nashestviye Insecticonov'''" ("The Invasion of Insecticons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Nајezdа Insektikonа'''" (Најезда Инсектикона, "Insecticon Invasion")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[1986]] — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 12: "The Secret of Omega Supreme", "War Dawn", "A Plague of Insecticons" ([[Family Home Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1995]] — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1999]] — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[2001]] — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2002]] — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] [[2003]] — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2004]] — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 3 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2006]] — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2007]] — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] [[2008]] — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2009]] — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2011]] — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2014]] — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1j7OGUiXk5ZF-BuqIPg3hYQfFdqXF3q4_ Full episode script, finalised on 13th August 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NSlZNavsyWpe9za6XHfPdv1a39KWY11R/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Plague of Insecticons}}
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]

The Ultimate Doom, Part 3

2025-04-27T21:12:54Z

JD1337666:

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=13
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=68
|prev2=The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
|next2=Earth's Greatest Crisis
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=43
|prev3=The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
|next3=B.O.T. (episode)
|image=Ultimate Doom 3 Autobots fire.JPG
|caption=Autobots, transform and kick some diodes!
|title="The Ultimate Doom, Part 3"
|production code=#700-10
|airdate=[[November 17]], 1984
|season=1
|season ep=13
|story by=[[Dick Robbins]], [[Bryce Malek]], [[Douglas Booth]] and [[Leo D. Paur]]
|teleplay by=[[Leo D. Paur]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]], [[Ashi Productions]], [[Nakamura Production]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42tsk3EJLpo
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''As Cybertron's orbit ravages Earth, the Autobots take the fight to the Decepticons.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Ultimate Doom 3 Autobots Cybertron.JPG|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Not the friendliest homecoming.]]
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], a brainwashed [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] sounds an alarm on [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]], [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], and [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]]. As [[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] and [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] attempt to destroy them, [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]], [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]], and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] rescue them. Heading to Wheeljack's lab, they review the [[hypno-chip]] data they've gained.

[[File:SurfsUp.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|This sort of embarrassment is why they finally just recruited Seaspray.]]
On Earth, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is overseeing the construction of the [[sea funnel]], a large hydroelectric generator that will allow the Decepticons to harvest more energy. [[Doctor Arkeville]] is becoming increasingly dissatisfied with Megatron's disregard of his interests, and feels that [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] may be more sympathetic. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] leads [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]], [[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]], [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]], and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (on surfboards) to the generator, where their wipeout prevents them from being able to stop the Decepticons from leaving in a [[Decepticon shuttle|shuttle]] carrying [[energon cube]]s. Arkeville is left to die, but Starscream saves him, having his own plans for the scientist.

On Cybertron, Wheeljack develops a device that should disrupt the hypno-chips' control over the humans. Spike attempts another rescue of his father, but is discovered by Shockwave. However, Wheeljack's device works as planned, and the Autobots flee back to Earth with Sparkplug, who is now freed from Decepticon control.

[[File:Ultimate Doom 3 Bumblebee Tarzan.JPG|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Jungle Love Bug]]
On an island, Megatron is overseeing the loading of a shuttle with energon cubes while [[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] goes to see if he can direct the humans away from the ship. Nearby, Starscream's own experiments in draining neural energy from Arkeville have failed to fill a single energon cube. Megatron discovers them and prepares to execute Starscream for treason (again). However, Mirage manages to direct the humans away from the shuttle, and Prime orders an attack. The Decepticons outnumber the Autobots, but Skyfire and company soon arrive to even the odds as well as to free the slaves from the Decepticons' control. However, Cybertron comes into view of the island, causing a tidal wave, and Megatron flees in the shuttle for Cybertron.

[[File:Ultimate Doom 3 Cybertron leave.JPG|upright=1.1|thumb|Im in ur orbit, killin ur planet.]]
Spike declares that they just need to knock Cybertron out of Earth's orbit, but Prowl says that they'd need the equivalent of ten billion astroliters of energy to do that. Suddenly, Prime realizes that the [[energon]] on board the shuttle could theoretically be enough to move Cybertron. Prime orders the Autobots to shoot Megatron's shuttle. The plan works, with the energon on board moving Cybertron away from Earth.

Back on the island, Spike remarks to Optimus that Megatron appears to be gone for good, but the Autobot leader, knowing his mortal enemy's survival rate, is not so sure. In space, Megatron comes back online and flies away from the wreckage of the shuttle, vowing revenge.
{{--}}

==Featured Characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (1)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (2)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (9)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (10)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (11)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (13)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (14)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (15)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (16)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (17)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (26)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (28)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] (29)
|c2=
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] (5)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (6)
*Dark Blue [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] (7)
*Light Blue Seeker (8)
*[[Watchdog (G1)|Watchdogs]] (12)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (19)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (20)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (21)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (24)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (25)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (25)
*Green Seeker (27)
*Thundercracker-colored seekers
*Skywarp-colored seekers
*Starscream-colored seekers
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (3)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (4)
*[[Doctor Arkeville]] (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"Take them!" 
"I don't 'take' so easy."
:—'''Soundwave''' and '''Brawn'''

"Prepare for termination!" 
"Prepare for a very large ''headache!''"
:—'''Shockwave''' vs. '''Brawn'''

"You cannot get out!" 
''[Shockwave unleashes a massive blast, but blows a hole in the wall instead of Skyfire]'' 
"I can now!"
:—'''Shockwave''' and '''Skyfire'''

"All the comforts of home... if you like living in an auto-robotic factory."
:—'''Wheeljack''', on [[Wheeljack's workshop|his workshop]]

"My slaves will be caught in the tidal wave!" 
"I thought humans ''liked'' to play in the ocean!"
:—'''Dr. Arkeville''' teaches '''Megatron''' an important fact about human anatomy.

"Surf's up! And I'm talkin' UP!" 
:—'''Bluestreak''' spots an approaching tsunami.

"Thanks, guys, for not giving up on me. Especially you, Spike." 
"Dad, it's like you taught me: You never quit on the people you love." 
"Mushy, but true."
:—'''Sparkplug''' and '''Spike''' have a touching father-son moment, with an addendum by '''Brawn'''.

"You're not pushing slaves around this time."
:—'''Optimus Prime''', preparing to open a [[Kremzeek]] brand can of whup-ass.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: undated
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 28th July 1984
* Final script: 6th August 1984

===Continuity notes===
[[File:Watchdog tud3.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
[[File:Shockwavelightdoom3.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|''Hello'', my face is up here?]]
* Wheeljack's place on Cybertron, previously seen in "[[Divide and Conquer]]", is shown again.
* A couple of [[Watchdog (G1)|Decepticon cars]] are shown in this episode, but it's not clear if they are Transformers. They have a Reflector-like color scheme.
* Gadgets and powers:
** Rather than the hydrofoils they were using just two episodes ago, the Autobots are now traveling the oceans on motor-powered surfboards.
** Both Prime and Ironhide have "early warning scanners" which can detect mountain-sized tidal waves just slightly over the horizon. Man, those aren't very effective scanners.
** Rumble can extend his optic visor to make it function like binoculars.
** Shockwave can light up his chest like a searchlight. It's not clear if this is meant to be some kind of force field holding Spike in place, or if Spike just stops due to some deer-in-the-headlights psychological effect.
** Ironhide briefly carries a grey copy of the bazooka he had in "[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]]"... which was itself a green version of the bazooka Cliffjumper had in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]".
** Megatron transforms and fires at Skyfire unassisted... which kinda puts the lie to all those sarcastic fan claims that his gun mode is oh-so-totally-useless without someone to fire him. Of course, he also does this ''in the show's title sequence'', so it really shouldn't be such a surprise. (Granted, title sequences also give us things like flying Autobots and Insecticons swimming around in lava, so their relevance is debatable.)
* [[Fire on the Mountain (episode)|<<]] '''Brawn vs. Soundwave''', Round 2: Brawn dispatches Soundwave with a single mighty blast to the chest! Brawn 2, Soundwave 0 [[Autobot Spike|>>]]

===Real-world references===
* Prowl's line "Ask, and you shall receive!" is from the Gospel of John in the New Testament.
* Starscream's dramatic proclamation "I shall return!" is a popular TV trope referring to the famous speech of {{w|Douglas MacArthur#Escape to Australia and Medal of Honor|U.S. General Douglas MacArthur upon his retreat from the Philippines in World War II}}.
* ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine burst as Starscream grabs Dr. Arkeville and escapes from the island.
** [[TIE Fighter]] engine and some ''Falcon'' engine whine as Skywarp and Thundercracker strafe the Autobots.
** An igniting [[lightsaber]] serves as the sound of an energon cube being dropped by the freed slaves.
** ''Falcon'' engine whine as the Seekers depart the island.
===Technical or animation glitches===
* In his opening recap narration, [[Victor Caroli]] mispronounces Dr. Arkeville's name as "Ark-vill".
* Both Spike and Sparkplug were wearing their signature hard hats at the end of last episode, but are missing them now.
* Coloring errors:
** Bumblebee's nose is yellow as Brawn tells Spike they need to roll out.
** Wheeljack is missing the orange on his chest as Spike takes shelter behind his leg.
** The two Seekers guarding the entrance of [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Cybertron)|Decepticon Headquarters]] are shown with Starscream and Thundercracker's color schemes.
** Wheeljack's roof is plain white as the tetrajets appear above him.
** The two tetrajets that chase the Autobots first have the same color schemes as Thundercracker and Skywarp; however, when Skyfire is shooting at them, they're both colored like Skywarp. In the same shot, Skyfire's red has become blue, and his whites have become red.
** When Skyfire blasts one of the tetrajets, both of them are colored like Thundercracker.
** Wheeljack's chest (i.e., his roof) is again missing its colors in the overhead shot of his lab.
** As Wheeljack studies the mind control program, the side of Trailbreaker's chest is colored as though it were a windshield, and only the front side of Wheeljack's "ears" flash.
** Ironhide's helmet rim is gray instead of red as he turns to look at the oncoming tidal wave.
** The inside of Prime's cheek guards are gray instead of blue as he announces that they're almost there.
** The area around Starscream's cockpit is colored the same orange as the cockpit itself as he rises from the ocean to collect Dr. Arkeville.
** Skyfire's cockpit canopy is colored white instead of blue as he appears over the Autobots on Cybertron.
** As Prime announces his intention to attack, Prowl is colored like Skywarp. Prime's waist is also unusually huge.
** Skywarp's cockpit is black instead of orange as Megatron says "A fool's ploy".
** Gray helmet rims on Ironhide again as he advises Cliffjumper to save his ammo.
** Prowl's doors are all-black instead of half-black as he says they're outnumbered.
** Bumblebee's side is colored like glass as he observes the approaching crevasse.
** When Thundercracker launches to follow Megatron, he's a much darker blue than usual.
** Wheeljack is missing his orange chest colors as the Autobots brush themselves off after the explosion of Megatron's ship.
* As Shockwave melts Brawn's girder, Brawn's mouth moves, but there's no dialog. (It sure looks like he's mouthing a shocked obscenity, though!)
* Wheeljack's transformation sound doesn't play till after he's transformed.
[[File:SoundwaveButtonUD3.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1| GAH! Don't do that on camera!]]
* As the Autobots escape from Decepticon HQ, Soundwave's Decepticon insignia is missing in two successive shots.
* Shockwave's eye isn't flashing as he says "You cannot get out!"
* When Skyfire says "I can now", his mouth does not move with the dialogue.
* When Spike says, "More Watchdogs on our tail, Wheeljack!", Wheeljack follows up by replying, "We've gotta lose them!" Spike smiles in reply to this sentence, not the next one, which is "My workshop's just ahead". Perhaps Wheeljack was supposed to say: "We're ''gonna'' lose them!".
* Prime's faceplate doesn't move as he reports his sensor readings to Ironhide.
* During his "Surf's up" lines, Bluestreak has only one door and one missile launcher.
* The generator Megatron throws at Starscream changes its relative size mid-air. It is initially almost as big as Megatron himself, but becomes only about as big and as wide as Starscream's chest.
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** The establishing shot of the surfing Autobots shows only five 'bots (Prime, Ironhide & Ratchet, Jazz, and either Prowl or Bluestreak.) Prowl ''and'' Bluestreak are shown in the same shot a moment later, making six total. Most successive shots show only 3 or 4 surfing bots. We finally see all six as the tidal wave pursues them down the [[sea funnel]].
** There's plenty of time for Mirage and Cliffjumper to join the group as they travel to the island, but the addition of ''just'' those two seems a bit odd. Where are Sunstreaker, Gears, Sideswipe, etc. during all this?
* As Prowl grouses about Megatron's energon supply, Jazz has some weird extra lines on his optic visor.
* Reflector's voice comes in its usual triplicate form... even though there's only one of him present.
* Wheeljack is missing his Autobot insignia as he reports to Optimus.
* Wheeljack's ears are waaaay too small as he proposes field testing the anti-hypnochip device.
* Spike slightly phases through a wall just before Shockwave lights him up.
* The two Seekers that accompany Shockwave just can't make up their minds who they want to be:
** As Shockwave reaches to pick up Spike, the two generic Seekers behind him have been replaced by two Skywarps.
** As the Autobots show up, the two Skywarps have become a Thundercracker and a pine-green generic.
** As the Autobots escape, the two Seekers are colored as Thundercracker and Starscream.
** And then one of them is Skywarp again as he fires after the escaping Autobots.
* Spike has no pupils as he reacts to his father pulling a gun on him.
[[File:Tud3 wheeljack little present.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Well, we don't need Aquaman any more."]]
* As Wheeljack activates the hypno-chip-un-hypnotizer, Bumblebee is represented by a yellow-colored Cliffjumper.
* Shockwave's eye doesn't flash as he orders "After them!"
* Only the front side of Wheeljack's "ears" flash as he radios Skyfire.
* The background music overlaps the scene transition as the Autobots prepare to leave Cybertron.
* Mirage's invisibility power is strangely portrayed in this episode; he lacks the usual glowing prism and energy sound effect as he activates his power, instead merely turning transparent and ''monochrome''. They get both the sound and the effect correct when he reappears in Act 3.
* Megatron is missing his Decepticon symbol as he appears behind Starscream.
* The last of the slaves to be turned around by Mirage just kind of stops, then slides off-screen rather than walking off.
* When Ironhide runs a trench to get to Optimus and Prowl, he's carrying a bazooka that disappears after he reaches them.
* In what is otherwise a beautiful depiction of his [[robot mode]], Rumble is missing his mouth after he blasts Mirage.
* Wheeljack's ears don't flash as he announces the coming of "independence day".
* The energon cubes dropped by the slaves are a strange translucent yellow-white-purple, rather than the usual solid glowing pink-purple. In the same shot, we cannot see the torso of the fat mustached slave through the energon cube that he's carrying... but we ''can'' see his feet through the cube after he drops it.
* The chunks of earth falling into Rumble's [[earthquake (event)|earthquake]] crevasse have grass that disappears and reappears between frames.
* The exploding energon cubes are shown against a completely black background. Even if they're in an unlit cargo compartment, the cubes themselves should illuminate the space.
* A series of "natural disaster" shots is recycled from Part 1 as Megatron's ship explodes... including one of Prime talking to himself, this time without any dialog to go with his moving mouthplate.
* The last shot of orbital Cybertron once again includes clouds ''behind'' the orbiting planet.
* Optimus is missing the horizontal lines on his tummy grille as Spike takes stock of the day's work.

===Continuity errors===
* The opening recap takes some liberties with events that happened for the sake of drama:
**Bumblebee's fall down the crevasse is cut into the scenes of the volcano housing the Ark erupting to make it appear as if he tumbled into the mouth of the volcano itself.
**But the most puzzling change is that the scene of Megatron's forces attacking the Ark from part 1 are mixed with scenes that have yet to occur (The Decepticons responding to the alarm Sparkplug pulled) to make it appear as if Megatron shot Brawn. [[The Transformers: The Movie|Ominous!]]
* As seen last episode, Ironhide is part of the Autobot rescue party that boards Skyfire and arrives on Cybertron, only to disappear immediately after. In this episode, we see that he actually stayed behind on Earth.
* Soundwave's presence on Cybertron is not inexplicable — there's no reason he couldn't just fly there, and later have flown back to Earth before Cybertron was knocked out of its orbit. But it's a bit odd for him to have made the trip for no obvious reason or explanation.
* When we last saw [[Wheeljack's workshop]] in "[[Divide and Conquer]]", it was sealed by a computerized Decepticon lock. This time, the Autobots just drive right into it, no problem.
** It’s entirely possible that the Autobots were able to remove it after Chip cracked it, but this is never mentioned.
* When the Autobots and Spike arrive in the workshop, Wheeljack is wondering how the Decepticons are controlling Sparkplug, Bumblebee says that it is mind control, to which Wheeljack replies, "Mind control! Of course!" ...Seriously, what else could it have been? And how did Wheeljack, master inventor, not realize this when Bumblebee did?
[[File:SpikeshockwaveUD3.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Shockwave investigates the [[Aerialbots over America!|pivotal question]] of how well humans bounce.]]
* Superhuman Spike:
** Survives being dropped from shoulder height by Shockwave.
** Can lift Optimus's giant metal rifle.
* The dialogue of the surfing Autobots suggests they don't know what they are going to find on the beach, and quickly realize they could all be killed by ramming into the [[sea funnel]]. What... was the plan, exactly?
* Holy crap, how freaking stupid ''is'' Starscream? With a whole planet going crazy with energy sources all around him—storms, earthquakes, volcanoes, tidal waves—he makes the bizarre decision to try and suck energon out of a human's brain. He further decides to do this ''right under Megatron's nose''. His attempts to convert Doctor Arkeville's neural energy into energon fail, of course; what this says about the intelligence of both scientists is debatable.
* Speaking of poor planning: Megatron leaves Dr. Arkeville to drown in the ruins of the sea funnel, saying "He is of no further use to me." Then a few minutes later when Megatron needs the slaves to work faster, he demands to know where Arkeville is. Later still, he is angry at the thought that perhaps Arkeville could have betrayed him.
* As [[Carnage in C-Minor|often]] [[The Transformers: The Movie|happens]], the Autobots' claim to be outnumbered is a bit dubious. There are 8 Autobots (Prime's surfer six, plus Mirage & Cliffjumper) against only Megatron, Thundercracker, Skywarp, Rumble, and a couple of Reflectors.
* Prime's comment to Prowl ("If we lose now, Cybertron's next orbit will tear the earth apart!") doesn't make much sense, and calls out the same total lack of strategy that the Autobots had in the last episode - namely, they aren't doing or planning ''anything'' to actually make Cybertron go away.
* Prime really does just kind of sit there and let Megatron run off into his spaceship.
* Did Spike and Prowl both hit on the idea of blowing up Megatron's ship, and just not actually ''say'' so? Or were they both hoping to ''shoot'' Cybertron out of its orbit?
* Wouldn't blowing up Megatron's ship be a good idea anyway? Why were they just letting him go?
* Megatron is able to survive an explosion which had enough energy to shift the orbit of Cybertron. Considering previous evidence of his durability, how he could survive a planet-moving blast is a mystery.
* Wouldn't a giant explosion just wreck both planets, rather than neatly pushing one of them away?
*And for that matter, if the explosion pushed Cybertron away, why wasn't Earth moved in the opposite direction?

===Rhino DVD errors===
[[File:Tud3 mirage rhino fix.jpg|thumb|315px]]

* Just like Part 2, the recap was missing from Rhino's copy of the episode, so they had to recreate it from scratch. As a result, there are several sync issues and different shots used, along with a healthy dose of interlacing.
* In several of Shockwave's speaking scenes, the glow from his eye is missing while some are managed by overlays added.
* The shot of Skyfire blasting open the door has an explosion effect which does not appear in the broadcast version.
* Only one segment of Wheeljack's "ears" flash as he delivers his "We figured you might be getting lonesome" line.
* As Skyfire is shooting at the Decepticons while saying his house cleaning line, the laser fire out of his gun is missing but the sound can still be heard.
* Various shots of the Autobots "surfing" are different, more poorly-animated versions.
* Ironhide has different mouth movements and isn't bobbing up and down when he says "Where's there, and what is it?"
* The scene of Shockwave saying "We've been expecting you!" has a bizarre purple tint.
* When Mirage reappears inside the Decepticon ship, a piece of missing footage in the production master Rhino were using meant he actually ''didn't'' reappear. Rhino actually took a crack at fixing this, though, but the "fix" constituted taking a ghastly, high-contrast, low-res, single-frame figure from another version of the episode and primitively copy-pasting it into the scene.
* As he observes Skyfire's approach, [[:File:Wheresmyface.jpg|Prowl's face disappears]], leaving only his helmet.
* The energon cubes are missing from one panning shot.
* Skywarp is colored as a second Thundercracker as the pair follows their retreating leader from the island.
* The shot of the energon cubes exploding is missing its background.
*The remastered DVD releases of this episode use an incorrect closing credits sequence, which overlays the text credits from Season 2 over the animation from Season 1.
{{-}}

===Trivia===
*This episode is subtitled "Revival" in scripts and other official materials.
*This was one of the six episodes featured on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (video games)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|console game]]. For some unknown reason, this version of the episode makes use of the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Generation 2]]'' broadcast's audio, as the [[Cybernet Space Cube]] can be heard throughout without the Cube's visuals.
* The episode shares many of the same visual hallmarks that "[[Roll for It]]" and "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]" had, including overly rounded appearances for Optimus and Wheeljack, and the stylized flying poses by the Decepticons. The main difference between those episodes and this one is that instead of orange, Wheeljack's headlights flash their usual blue color.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French):'' "'''Le dernier jugement, partie 3'''" ("The last judgement, part 3")
:*''Title (Canadian French):'' "'''L'ultime destin - Partie 3'''" ("The ultimate doom - Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*About the European French dub:
:::*Shockwave's line "Destruction to all trespassers" is absent from the dub. The same goes for Brawn's line just after, "You're out of the picture, guys!".
:::*Skyfire's lines during the dogfight are all missing.
:::*Several logo transitions were cut. It is unknown if it was that way for the original broadcast or if the episode was chopped for the DVD release.
:::*Wheeljack's line "It's independance day!" becomes "You'll have to work yourself!".
:::*Despite never adding titles on-screen on their DVDs, the [[Déclic Images]] edition adds the title "Le sursis" ("The reprieve") for this episode.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''La resa dei conti'''" ("The Last Stand")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*In the recap, the narrator states that Soundwave was the one who warned Megatron, instead of Sparkplug. He also weirdly calls Soundwave a "robot of the last generation".

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Destino finale - Terza parte'''" ("Final Destiny - Third Part")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hametsu no Hi PART III'''" (破滅の日 PART III, "Day of Destruction PART III")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 7]], [[1986]]
::*Due to [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]'s status as a [[Bandai]] toy in Japan, the Japanese broadcast of "The Ultimate Doom" three-parter was delayed to the end of the series, when the legal issues were resolved (as were most Skyfire episodes). All three episodes of "The Ultimate Doom" aired on the same day in Japan as an extra length series finale.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Miè Dǐng zhī Zāi (Xià)'''" (灭顶之灾(下), "Catastrophe of Extinction, Part III")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Destruição Final, Parte 3: Reavivamento'''" ("The Final Destruction, Part 3: Revival")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sudnji dan, treći deo'''" (Судњи дан, трећи део, "Judgment Day, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Latin Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La Destrucción Máxima, Parte III'''" ("The Maximum Destruction, Part III")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

===Toys inspired by this episode===
[[File:MP-20 Wheeljack.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|right|The Ultimate Masterpiece, Part 1.]]

*'''''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' '''[[Mirage_(G1)/toys#ElectroDisruptor|Electro Disruptor Ligier]]''' ([[TakaraTomy]], Deluxe Class, [[2009]])'''
:"Electro Disruptor Ligier" is a translucent plastic version of ''Henkei'' Mirage offered as a mail-away exclusive to those who have bought the book ''[[Transformers Generations 2009 Volume 1]]''. Its monochrome color scheme suggests it was based on the one-time depiction of Mirage's invisibility power in this episode.

*'''''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' MP-20 [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Wheeljack]] (TakaraTomy, 2015)'''
:A ''Masterpiece'' toy of Wheeljack that includes a weapon accessory based on the generic laser pistol he wields in this episode. Additionally, if purchased in Japan through [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]], one additionally gets a toolbox based on the hypno-chip disabling device he also uses in this episode.

*'''''Masterpiece'' MP-20+ Wheeljack (TakaraTomy, 2019?)'''
:A redeco of ''Masterpiece'' Wheeljack in a more [[show-accuracy|cartoon-accurate]] color scheme that again includes the laser pistol from "The Ultimate Doom, Part 3".
{{-}}

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 2: "The Ultimate Doom" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''The Transformers'' — The Ultimate Doom ([[Malofilm]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume One ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 3 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20200329102144/http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-1/synopses/700-10.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=14Guog-xImTF-a2Qur4hV61WkSZ_2spRq Full episode script, finalised on 6th August 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kgtzy168DK8-py4sub3f9WZ_bWJEATkH/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]
*[https://sunbowmarvelarchive.blogspot.com/p/the-transformers-mp-700-10-ultimate_5.html Gallery of storyboards for Act III of this episode]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ultimate Doom, Part 3}}
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

The Ultimate Doom, Part 2

2025-04-27T21:02:03Z

JD1337666:

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=12
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=67
|prev2=The Ultimate Doom, Part 1
|next2=The Ultimate Doom, Part 3
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=42
|prev3=The Ultimate Doom, Part 1
|next3=The Ultimate Doom, Part 3
|image=UltimateDoom2 Cybertron Earth.JPG
|caption=Blue moon, you saw me standing alone...
|title="The Ultimate Doom, Part 2"
|season=1
|season ep=12
|production code=#700-09
|airdate=[[November 10]], 1984
|story by=[[Dick Robbins]], [[Bryce Malek]], [[Douglas Booth]] and [[Earl Kress]]
|teleplay by=[[Earl Kress]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SX36bwRNqoo
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''Cybertron's arrival causes disasters on Earth, leaving the Autobots to battle both the Decepticons and Nature.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Tud2megatronthreatens.jpg|left|thumb|Fear me, Starscream, as I put the fear of God into you!]]
As [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] arrives into Earth orbit, storms and earthquakes begin in earnest. [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] celebrates, despite [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]]'s attempts to make him see reason. [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] rallies the [[Decepticon]]s to attack the [[Autobot]]s, but the sudden violence of the elements has both the Autobots and the 'Cons disoriented.

[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] orders [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] to broadcast [[audio disrupter wave]]s, which cause much pain to the Autobots. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] orders a retreat. As they head out, Spike sadly watches his father board [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]].

[[File:Tud2bee&spikeembrace.jpg|thumb|Hold onto the Cube!]]
Starscream berates Megatron for allowing the Autobots to escape, but Megatron brushes off the criticism... with a mere choke of Starscream's throat. The human slaves rush away in terror as [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] notes they look like they've just woken up from a bad dream.

[[Doctor Arkeville]] realizes that the disrupter wave interferes with the [[hypno-chip]]s' control signal and works to correct it, but he will need more "[[Human|materials]]" to modify the chips. Megatron contacts Arkeville, who is informed of the situation. After a little experiment on Sparkplug, Arkeville is convinced that he has solved the problem, and Megatron promises that he will have all the slaves they need to gather the energy for Cybertron.

[[File:Tud2sparkplugontable.jpg|left|thumb|No, Mister Bond... I expect you to turn your head and cough.]]
Heading back to base under severe weather conditions, [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] and Spike get separated from the group. Spike is still in a bit of a funk over his dad working with the Decepticons. An earthquake causes a fissure in the ground, which Bumblebee falls into while Laserbeak arrives and takes Spike. [[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]], [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]], and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] arrive, rescuing Bumblebee and Spike.

At the [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|Decepticon base]], Megatron begins sending Seekers to transport [[energon cube]]s to Cybertron. Doctor Arkeville is displeased, as they are using his slaves as shields against Autobot aggression. Arkeville warns Megatron to remember their deal: He gets Earth after Megatron is done repowering Cybertron. Megatron promises to keep his word... but does not specify how much of Earth will be left. But even Megatron has his troubles with the violent storms. At Decepticon headquarters underwater, violent tsunamis destroy the base's entry tower and cause flooding.

[[File:Tud2wheeljacksvolcano.jpg|thumb|Quick, change the channel!]]
Returning to the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], the Autobots debate how best to handle the situation and decide to send the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] to prevent as much destruction as possible. At first, [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] could give a [[frag]] about the Earth's destruction, until he's reminded that he'd be on the planet at the time.

[[File:Tud2snarlchewstree.jpg|left|thumb|Me Snarl want play fetch, but nobody want play with Snarl.]]
At the Autobot base, Spike and Optimus discuss why Sparkplug would work with the Decepticons. Just then, [[Mount St. Hilary|the volcano]] becomes active. Several Autobots are ejected into the air, but [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] manages to catch them. Heading back into the volcano, [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] manages to cover the lava with an avalanche. Elsewhere, the Dinobots are hurrying to prevent a tidal wave from reaching the shore.

Meanwhile, Prime learns that Sparkplug was taken to Cybertron during energon shipments. Spike overhears and asks to go to Cybertron in order to save his dad and learn how the Decepticons are controlling their slaves. Optimus agrees. Skyfire, Wheeljack, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], and Bumblebee head to Cybertron with Spike. As usual, Spike falls into a trap and needs rescuing by Brawn and Bumblebee. After they sneak into [[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]]'s fortress, they discover information about the hypno-chips, but Sparkplug arrives and sounds an alarm.

[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3|To be concluded]]...
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{collist|2|
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (1)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (2)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (3)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (13)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (15)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (18)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (19)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (20)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (21)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (23)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (24)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (25)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (26)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (27)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (28)
*[[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] (29)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (30)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (31)
}}
|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (8)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (9)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (10)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (12)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (14)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (16)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (22)
|c3=
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (5)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (6)
*[[Doctor Arkeville]] (17)
}}

==Quotes==
"The Decepticons will triumph. Ha ha ha ha! Join me, Spike. Join the conquerors!" 
"Dad..." 
"Look, I told you. Don't call me that!"
:—'''Sparkplug''' adds to '''Spike'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s psychological wounds.

"Decepticon rule FOREVER!" 
"Forever's shorter than you think!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Spike''' argue philosophy with big weapons.

"That'll teach you to play with fire, Blundercracker!"
:—'''Jazz''', clever as ever.

[[File:UltimateDoom2 Strangling Starscream.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Is Megatron gonna have to choke a 'bot?]]

"Cross me again, Starscream, and I'll reduce you to titanium fragments." 
"But we had the Autobots disoriented. We could have eliminated them." 
"We'll do that at our leisure when our more important work is done. You have had the only warning I intend to give."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Starscream''' bicker again.

"Creating a mindless slave is simplicity itself, thanks to the brilliant complexity of my hypno-chip."
:—'''Doctor Arkeville''' to Rumble. The real irony is that Rumble is probably more advanced than anything Arkeville could ever create (and Rumble isn't even that smart).

"Let me go, you beryllium buzzard!"
:—'''Spike''' disses Laserbeak.

"That ought to cook that tinfoil turkey."
:—'''Bluestreak''' also disses Laserbeak.

"Look at the monitors! You must help stop these disasters." 
"Uh, me Grimlock not care whole planet fall apart. Make no difference to me Grimlock." 
"With you on it?" 
"Hmm, hadn't thought of that."
:—'''Optimus Prime''', '''Grimlock''' and '''Wheeljack''' review ''{{w|An Inconvenient Truth}}''.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 16th July 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 25th July 1984
* Final script: 27th July 1984
* Returned to the US for telecine: 9th November 1984

===Continuity notes===
[[File:Optimus tud subspace.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Clear proof of extraterrestrial inte- wait...]]
* Despite the scientifically questionable premise, there are some nice bits of continuity with the effects of Cybertron's arrival, as the winds can be seen tugging trees in the direction of the planet as it continues to suck up Earth's atmosphere. Your wiki editors fully acknowledge that this may have been pure coincidence, and that the writers and animators probably weren't thinking about it at all, but hey.
*Bluestreak calls Laserbeak a "tinfoil turkey". Optimus Prime would use the same insult against him again in "[[A Prime Problem]]".
* Where's the trailer go?
** When Optimus Prime transforms into vehicle mode during the rainstorm early in the episode, his trailer rolls in from off screen, outlined by a strange glowing light effect.
[[File:Tud2 audio disruptor waves.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Audio Disruptor Waves, Eject. Operation: Cramped Hand.]]
[[File:UltimateDoom2 Windcharger tractorbeam.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|There was a hole here. It's gone now.]]
* Gadgets and powers:
** Soundwave can produce "audio disruptor waves" which wreak all kinds of mechanical havoc.
** Jazz uses magnet beams to hitch a ride from Ironhide. It's an odd thing to show; he has never had this power before or since. Furthermore, magnetism is supposed to be Windcharger's schtick, and it comes into play in the very next act.
** Thundercracker uses his flamethrower from "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]"
** Prime can apparently reverse the polarity of his windshield to repel rain and hail. Neat trick.
** Bumblebee can almost change his own tire: he can jack himself up, eject his own spare tire, and unscrew the bolts holding the flat tire on, all without outside help.
** Windcharger has a "tractor beam" that he uses to pull Bumblebee out of the crevasse, a big hose-like thing that slides out of his wrist. It would seem to just be a focused version of his magnetic powers, since it only pulls up Bumblebee and not a bunch of rocks and debris with him.
** To find Bumblebee, Hound uses a big scanner thing that he has to carry in both hands. Per the script, that was ''supposed'' to be his "radar scope turret gun" of his character bio.
** Trailbreaker announces his intention to activate a jamming ray to disrupt the Decepticons' scanners, but never gets around to doing so.
* So apparently, when they're not in use, the Dinobots stay in a closet!
* The little repair bay building outside of Autobot Headquarters shows up again. It hasn't been seen since "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]".
* The "[[Armor-plating|skin]]" of the Transformers seems to be able to endure the heat of magma for at least brief periods. Or [[Heavy Metal War|longer periods]].

===Real-world references===
* This is one of the most ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effect-laden episodes:
** The end of Starscream and Thundercracker's attack dive is soundtracked with [[TIE Fighter]] engine roar and some ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine whine, possibly from the ''Falcon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s dive at the Death Star trench.
** More TIE Fighter roar as Starscream and Thundercracker veer out of control.
** Laserbeak arrives to kidnap the guards with the sound of the ''Falcon'' flying over Yavin IV. As he dives, he gets the whole sequence of TIE Fighter ambient cockpit noise, including the fighter's target system locking onto an [[X-wing Fighter]], and one spell of [[Darth Vader]]'s breathing. The ''Falcon'' on Yavin sound is used again at the end of the scene.
** Laserbeak gets more ''Falcon'' engine rumble as he returns to Decepticon Headquarters.
** When Laserbeak arrives at the crevasse, he gets TIE fighter engine noise with some Falcon rumble mixed in, possibly from the two ships approaching the Death Star. As he returns and dives, he gets more TIE Fighter noise, including the sound of its lasers firing. The ''Falcon''-over-Yavin sound is heard as Laserbeak grabs Spike, and then another ''Falcon'' engine burst as he flies off.
** And more TIE sounds as Laserbeak gets shot by Bluestreak, and again as he flies off, smoking and damaged.

===Technical or animation glitches===
* In his opening recap narration, [[Victor Caroli]] mispronounces Dr. Arkeville's name as "Ark-vill".
* The "last time" recap of Part 1 includes a scene that hasn't happened yet, from Part 3! (Specifically, the human slaves carrying energon cubes into Megatron's ship.)
[[File:UltimateDoom2 Cybertron Earth.JPG|upright=1.1|thumb|Korean animation studio! He big mean man, whip us! We are slaves.]]
* The opening shot of Cybertron rising above the horizon is several flavors of mixed up:
** If Cybertron was eclipsing the sun, its own surface wouldn't be nearly so well-lit.
** If the sun was that low to the horizon, it would be orange or red, not bright white. Haven't the animators ever seen a sunset?
** The clouds in the sky are behind both the sun and Cybertron. Cybertron's orbit can't be ''that'' low! Haven't the animators ever seen the sky?
* In the next shot, Cybertron's shadow is moving across Ironhide and company, but stops moving half-way through the shot.
* Thundercracker is shown shielding himself from the explosion of one of the energy pylons, but in the next shot it's Starscream who is coming out of the same pose.
* Coloring errors:
** The side of Starscream's air intake is gray instead of red as he insists that Thundercracker fire.
** Soundwave's eject button is slate blue instead of white as he activates the audio disrupter waves.
** Bumblebee's face is yellow instead of white as he starts to fall.
** As the three Autobots cluster at the edge of the crevasse, Windcharger is colored like Brawn.
** As we pan in on Autobot Headquarters, the Ark is colored gray instead of orange. It's also rounded top and bottom, like one of the Rebel transports from ''Empire Strikes Back''.
** Swoop's head crest and bird feet are white after he transforms, instead of red and yellow, respectively. His wing is clipping through the closet's door frame. In the same shot, Grimlock's dino belly is yellow instead of gray, and Slag's horns are white instead of red.
** As Starscream and Megatron watch Thundercracker being loaded up in Decepticon Headquarters, Starscream is colored as Skywarp. The error becomes doubly obvious a moment later, when Skywarp is shown on his way back to HQ from Cybertron.
** The Ark continues to be colored gray instead of orange in the establishing shots before the volcano erupts.[[File:SludgeUltimateDoom.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
** As Sludge looms over the forest trees, the sides of his face are gray instead of yellow.
** The frames around Optimus's windshields are colored glass-blue instead of red as he talks to Spike.
** Bumblebee's nose is yellow as he looks out Skyfire's window at Cybertron.
** Brawn's helmet is yellow instead of gray as he prepares to leap after Spike and Bumblebee.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** Dr. Arkeville continues to watch the proceedings from Decepticon Headquarters... though this time, his monitor just shows some empty desert.
* When Rumble first reaches through the energy beams to grab the security guard, the energy strands around his wrist aren't backlit to glow.
* Soundwave seems to be missing some consonants as he reports on Cybertron's emergency bulletin; he reports that "energy levels: anticle!"
* As he switches his windshield polarity, Prime's exhaust stacks are drawn as pencil-thin lines.
* The crevasse changes width with every successive shot. In the second shot, it becomes so wide that Bumblebee can't straddle it, but in the third shot, it's suddenly narrow enough that Spike can straddle it. After the rocks under Spike's foot give way, it's suddenly so big that there's no way he could have been straddling it.
* Spike isn't wearing a helmet when he tries to help Bumblebee climb up the fissure. However, he's suddenly wearing one just before he's captured by Laserbeak.
* Bluestreak's left leg is mirrored as he lowers his gun; the windshield segment should be on the inside rather than the outside.
* As we pan from the Autobots down into the crevasse, Windcharger's head is the wrong color, the wrong shape, and the wrong design.
* Skywarp's cockpit is ''huge'' as he prepares to leave for Cybertron. A human passenger takes up just the first segment of it, with the rest occupied by quite a few energon cubes.
* The clouds are behind Cybertron again as Skywarp flies toward it.
* The tidal wave that hits the city is of truly ''Day After Tomorrow'' proportions; if that was, say, the east coast of North America, it would probably wash all the way to the Appalachian Mountains, killing millions.
* As he points at the Dinobots, only the front of Wheeljack's "ears" flash.
[[File:Grimlockhead ud2.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Me Grimlock no lose head. Me find new one!]]
* In the shot of the Dinobots lined up in their closet, Swoop's mouth is missing, and Slag's head is white instead of red. Also, Grimlock has his old head design, but it changes to [[:File:Grimhead.JPG|the new design]] when he's talking to Optimus Prime and Wheeljack in the next shot.
* As Grimlock says he doesn't care, a random shot shows Cybertron rising over a wooded terrain... and a satellite drifts past! Is it orbiting at half a mile above the ground??
* An undersea avalanche hits Decepticon Headquarters. But rather than the kind of violent shaking one would expect, the floor just gently tilts for no clear reason.
* As he berates Megatron, the top of Starscream's chest/cockpit is dark gray instead of light gray.
* Soundwave is missing his Decepticon emblem as he walks toward the blasted door; it appears after a few frames.
* Two Bluestreaks are in the pan shot of the control room as the volcano erupts. Guess that makes up for the [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1|two Prowls]], huh? (A subsequent shot replaces one Bluestreak with Prowl.)
* Prime's missing the line down the middle of his tummy grill as he orders the Autobots to evacuate headquarters.
* Sideswipe's [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] is colored white as he flees Autobot Headquarters.
* Windcharger's arms are dark gray instead of red as Skyfire catches him.
* Bumblebee is missing his Autobot symbol as he stands alongside Prime and Ironhide.
* Peter Cullen seems to have mixed up a line; "But somebody's gotta turn off that volcano" should probably be Ironhide's line, but it is delivered in Prime's voice.
* During his "Now if only the Dinobots" line, only one segment of Wheeljack's ears lights up. He's also missing that pesky line near the end edge of his windshield.
* Slag wades into the water to try and slow a tidal wave. The subsequent shot shows another cresting wave moving against the tidal wave, rather than anything you'd expect from having a robot dinosaur in the water. The implication ''could'' be that he created a tremor large enough to cause the cresting wave that blocked the tidal wave... except creating tremors is ''Sludge's'' thing, not Slag's.
* Cybertron's skies have clouds, but there's no sign of them in the space-based views of the planet.
* Bumblebee's "You really think so?" line is almost totally obscured by sliding metal sound effects.
* On Cybertron, the font in which the words "Hypno Chip Control" are written changes between shots.

===Continuity errors===
[[File:UltimateDoom-Pt1vsPt2-Landscape.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Extreme Makeover: Earth Edition.]]
* The landscape sure changed between the previous episode and this one. The energy pylons were previously mounted up high on a grassless, deserty mountainous region, necessitating Optimus Prime to scramble up a rocky cliff after Megatron. However, the terrain is suddenly relatively flat and grassy.
* In the same vein, the energy pylons themselves are suddenly far smaller than they were in Part 1, previously positively dwarfing even Optimus Prime and Megatron, mounted on a large disc platform on which the two leaders battled. Now, Spike runs up and takes control of one as a weapon, and the main body is probably no taller than Optimus Prime, with the antenna portion fully visible in the same shot.
* The audio disrupter waves seem to affect everyone, including the Decepticons... except for Megatron, who is standing right next to the source!
* The waves also immediately free all the hypno-chip slaves... except for Sparkplug, who is unaffected for no clear reason.
* Wheeljack and Brawn are shown transforming and driving off with the other Autobots, yet a moment later they're both standing in [[robot mode]], watching the freed humans flee.
[[File:UltimateDoom-Pt1vsPt2-Pylons.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|May cause shrinkage.]]
* Landing on Hound's falling seats probably wouldn't be much better for Spike than landing on the rocky ground. Also, it sure was nice of Laserbeak to drop Spike right in front of that cliff face!
* Despite Bluestreak's statement, and despite falling who knows how far into the crevasse, Bumblebee doesn't have a mark on him.
* It's a minor plot point that Bumblebee is out of energy, and so he rides in Hound instead of driving. Yet Windcharger ''also'' said he was out of energy, but he still transforms and drives home.
* The Decepticons' parcel shipping policy is baffling. The energon cubes are made by the human slaves on location, then loaded up and moved - presumably by the [[Seeker (body-type)|jets]] - to [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|Decepticon Headquarters]]... where they are unloaded, then ''reloaded'', then shipped to Cybertron? Starscream's point about transporting the cubes would be moot if they'd just ferry them from the gathering/creation location straight to Cybertron.
* So... rather than fighting the disasters one by one, why aren't the Autobots trying to fight the problem at the source—namely, by figuring out a way to get Cybertron out of Earth's orbit? Did this little looming strategic problem not occur to any of them? Spike of all people finally thinks of it at the end of next episode.
[[File:UltimateDoom2 Autobot volcano.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|You know what burns my butt? Flame about that high.]]
* Wheeljack says it's "amazing" that the volcano is becoming active again. Considering it erupted [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|less than a year ago]], it's hardly amazing at all. More like... ''expected''.
* Skyfire announces his intention to outrun the Decepticon missiles, which makes no sense as the missiles are flying toward him head-on. Instead, he flies ''between'' them.
* Geological improbabilities:
** Bringing a planet with Earth-like gravity into such incredibly close proximity to Earth would tear ''both'' worlds apart. Immediately.
** Ironhide somehow shuts down a whole volcanic eruption by shooting a few rocks off the rim of the volcano cone. The whole reason volcanoes erupt is that there's so much pressure from below that no amount of rock can contain it any longer.
** Furthermore, Ironhide just walks right into a cave which has a few exploding rocks and a lava pool, but nothing like the massive belching of lava and ash seen from the outside of the volcano in the previous shots.
* "For the moment, I feel we must not let the boy find out." 'The moment' apparently lasts all of two seconds, as Prime ''immediately'' divulges the information to Spike.
* Ironhide is consistently shown with the group traveling to Cybertron, but disappears after they land and disembark. The next episode makes clear that he stayed on Earth.
* Why was Spike carrying around his dad's wrench on Cybertron? And how does Sparkplug have a "favorite wrench"? Does he just love screwing in 22mm bolts more than any other size? Maybe it was a gift and has sentimental value.

===Rhino DVD release===
*The recap of the previous episode was not included in Rhino's copy, so they reconstructed it from scratch. This results in several synching issues.
*Starscream has Thundercracker's colors in one shot.
*Jazz's magnetic beam is misaligned for a few frames in one shot.
*The rain effects are different in several shots.
*Wheeljack's glowing effects are different in several shots.
*The shot of Skyfire reacting to the eruption was missing its mouth flaps in Rhino's copy, so they poorly inserted the mouth from another copy of the episode.
*Slag's head is miscolored when he arrives on the scene.
*The dirt is brown instead of grey when Grimlock eats it.
*One shot of Brawn was "corrected" by Rhino to fix a coloring error, not realizing that they had forgotten to fix another one.
*The shot of Spike realizing what's happened to his father has a different background in Rhino's version, resulting in him appearing to be much taller than normal.
*The shot of Spike screaming "NOOOO!!!!" in reaction to Sparkplug activating the alarm is less emotional in the Rhino version.
*As with the intro, the preview of the next episode was reconstructed from scratch by Rhino.

===Trivia===
* This episode is subtitled "Search" in scripts and other official materials.
*This was one of the six episodes featured on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (video games)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|console game]].

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French):'' "'''Le dernier jugement, partie 2'''" ("The last judgement, part 2")
:*''Title (Canadian French):'' "'''L'ultime destin - Partie 2'''" ("The ultimate doom - Part 2")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*About the European French dub:
:::*The dialogue between Starscream and Thundercracker in vehicle mode is absent from the dub.
:::*Skyfire's line "Have no fear, Skyfire's here!" is absent from the dub, as well as "Sorry, guess I was a little to anxious to get on my feet." when he helps Brawn getting up.
:::*Spike's line "What did you say Bumblebee? Am I okay? Yeah, fine, it's fine." is said on a very happy tone that does not match the situation Spike is going through.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''La Terra in crisi'''" ("Crisis on Earth")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Skyfire's line "Sorry, guess I was a little too anxious to get on my feet." (when talking to Brawn) became: "Sorry, Wheeljack, we thought you already got out of the spaceship." This sentence is pretty odd, having Brawn misnamed as Wheeljack and Skyfire talking about himself as "the spaceship" and using a plural verb. The line is also not voiced by Skyfire's voice actor.

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Destino finale - Seconda parte'''" ("Final Destiny - Second Part")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hametsu no Hi PART II'''" (破滅の日 PART II, "Day of Destruction PART II")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 7]], [[1986]]
::*Due to [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]'s status as a [[Bandai]] toy in Japan, the Japanese broadcast of "The Ultimate Doom" three-parter was delayed until the end of the series, when the legal matters were resolved (as were nearly all Skyfire episodes). All three episodes of "The Ultimate Doom" aired on the same day as an extra length series finale.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Miè Dǐng zhī Zāi (Zhōng)'''" (灭顶之灾(中), "Catastrophe of Extinction, Part II")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Destruição Final, Segunda Parte: A Busca'''" ("The Final Destruction, Second Part: The Search")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sudnji dan, drugi deo - Potraga'''" (Судњи дан, други део - Потрага, "Judgment Day, Part Two - Search")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Latin Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La Destrucción Máxima, Parte II'''" ("The Maximum Destruction, Part II")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 2: "The Ultimate Doom" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''The Transformers'' — The Ultimate Doom ([[Malofilm]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''Transformers'' — L'Ultime Piège (Malofilm) — French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume One ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 3 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Le Cosmitron ([[UFG Junior]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1qCx5Ugsnn65V5gL2fd_P47G29TFP9VN6 Full episode script, finalised on 27th July 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j8SL8LHzGXVkcnKQmG07fBFoZGSRXZjG/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ultimate Doom, Part 2}}
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

The Ultimate Doom, Part 1

2025-04-27T20:50:35Z

JD1337666:

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=11
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=66
|prev2=The Autobot Run
|next2=The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=41
|prev3=Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2
|next3=The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
|image=Tud1 megatron cybertron.jpg
|caption="A ticker-tape parade using streams of volcanic ash. How ironic!"
|title="The Ultimate Doom, Part 1"
|season=1
|season ep=11
|production code=#700-08
|airdate=[[November 3]], 1984
|story by=[[Dick Robbins]], [[Bryce Malek]], [[Douglas Booth]] and [[Larry Strauss]]
|teleplay by=[[Larry Strauss]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3eHpAV5gVA
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''Megatron brings Cybertron into Earth's orbit to harvest the energy from the destruction caused by Cybertron's gravity.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Sparkplugkidnapped.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"Kidnapping humans will be simplicity itself, thanks to my new, Transformers-sized crane game."]]
[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] attack a solar power station off [[India]]'s [[Malabar Coast]]. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]], [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] arrive in time to intercept them. Watching this battle remotely are [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and the evil human scientist [[Doctor Arkeville]]. Megatron orders [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] to begin phase two of Operation Guinea Pig, which involves setting [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] loose inside [[Ark (G1)|Autobot headquarters]]. With the [[Autobot]]s distracted by Rumble's rumbling, [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] flies in, nabs [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] and flies out.

Back in India, the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] suddenly take flight and retreat. Prime smells a rat, then Sunstreaker tells him of the attack on their headquarters.

[[File:TFG1TUD1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"I love the Power Glove. It's so bad."]]
After bringing Sparkplug to [[Decepticon]] headquarters, Doctor Arkeville fits him with a mind-control device called a [[hypno-chip]] which brings him into the Decepticons' control. As a means of demonstrating the new technology, Sparkplug is made to attack a full-sized replica of Optimus Prime. Megatron intends to use this technology to create an army of human slaves. With the successful completion of the first part of his plan, Megatron communicates with [[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] to confirm that the new [[space bridge]] is ready.

The Autobots attack the Decepticon undersea base to rescue Sparkplug. Optimus Prime leads a direct attack from above while [[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]], [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] tunnel under the ocean floor. The mission is successful, and the Autobots return him to their base. After undergoing repairs, the Autobots and Spike notice that Sparkplug is acting oddly, but before they can learn why, the Decepticons launch a surprise attack. [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] realizes that Sparkplug has sabotaged the Autobots' weapons and [[Teletraan I]], which let the Decepticons in undetected.

When Spike confronts his father, Sparkplug appeals to Spike to join the Decepticons. Spike refuses, and Sparkplug tells his son that when they next meet, they will be enemies. In a desperate effort to salvage the situation, Spike sets off the [[fire-retardant foam]]. This clogs the Decepticons' weapons, and Megatron orders a retreat. Sparkplug willingly goes with them.

[[File:Spikesparkandark.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Snow Miser tunes in to his favorite show, ''The Witwickys''.]]
At the space bridge site, Megatron reveals that he intends to bring [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] into Earth orbit using the bridge. The gravity of Cybertron will cause natural disasters, and the Decepticons plan to harvest the vaguely-defined "energy" this will somehow create, and transport it to Cybertron. Arkeville isn't too keen on this idea, but Megatron says it's a new problem for the evil scientist to solve using his genius intellect.

Using the [[Sky Spy]], the Autobots see the giant space bridge and [[roll out]] to investigate. When they attack the bridge site, Megatron releases a group of human slaves to act as shields. The ploy works, and things get even more complicated when the humans attack the Autobots with sticks and stones.

Spike stops Sparkplug from attacking Bumblebee, and for a moment it appears that Sparkplug is back to normal. But Arkeville recomputes his signal, and Sparkplug is again under Decepticon control. He rushes to the first space bridge pylon and activates it. Thundercracker activates the second.

Optimus Prime chases Megatron up to the third pylon and wrestles him away from the button. Megatron orders Prime to turn on the pylon himself, or else he will be responsible for catapulting Cybertron into oblivion. Unwilling to sacrifice his home planet, Optimus Prime activates the space bridge, bringing Cybertron into Earth's orbit, but wonders if he is dooming Earth in the process.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{collist|2|
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (6)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (7)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (8)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (13)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (14)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (15)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (17)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (20)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (21)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (23)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (24)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (25)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (26)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (27)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (28)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (29)
}}
|c2=
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (3)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (4)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (9)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (12)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (18)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (19)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] (22)
|c3=
*[[Indian maharaja]] (1)
*[[Doctor Arkeville]] (10)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (16)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (20)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Skywarp''': I say Megatron's plan was brilliant. 
'''Starscream''': And I say the diversionary attack on the solar plant was a waste of energy. 
'''Skywarp''': You waste more energy with your mouth!
:—More heart-warming Decepticon camaraderie.

"I've got the plan, if all of you've got the cast-iron [[manifold]]s for it!" 
"We have!"
:—'''Prowl''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

"Into the ocean, let's be daring. The last one in is a rusty herring."
:—'''Jazz''', turning into [[Wheelie (G1)|a poet]].

'''Megatron''': [[Fire-retardant foam]]! Our circuitry's been shorted out. 
'''Thundercracker''': My weapon! 
'''Skywarp''': Can't we just bash 'em to pieces? 
'''Megatron''': If we stay, this foam will permanently damage our circuitry. The Autobots are through anyway. RETREAT!
:—The Decepticons become ever more farcical and ridiculous.

"As the Earthlings say: Fat chance, fat-head!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' has been spending too much time with Spike.

"Have I saved Cybertron... only to destroy the Earth?"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' angsts over his decision to bring Cybertron into Earth's orbit.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 11th July 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 18th July 1984
* Final script: 27th July 1984
* Dialogue recording: ([[Dan Gilvezan]] not present for main session, [[Wally Burr]] voiced Bumblebee for guide track)
* Returned to the US for telecine: 8th November 1984

===Continuity notes===
[[File:UltimateDoom1 Optimus on hydrofoils.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
*This episode is one of several that gets a narrative opening from [[Victor Caroli]].
[[File:TUD1 Brawn drilling.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|With that drill... take us to the heavens!]]
[[File:TUD1 Cliffjumper depth gauge.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|And now, on with the countdown.]]
*Gadgets and powers:
**The Autobots make their first use of [[hydrofoil]]s in this episode, newly installed by Wheeljack. More than most, these gadgets would show up in [[Dinobot Island, Part 2|many]] [[Atlantis, Arise!|future]] [[City of Steel (episode)|episodes]].
**Ironhide retracts his hand and out comes... a toilet plunger lookin' thing. He uses it to locate the center of Rumble's seismic disturbance, with the results displaying on his chest windows (not unlike his sonadar sensors).
**Sideswipe was getting ready to fire a flare from his hand weapon. He was interrupted by Ravage. Flares are mentioned in Sideswipe's [[bio]].
**Optimus Prime's chest windows light up, indicating an attack on Autobot Headquarters.
**Brawn has a vehicle mode tunneling drill. It'll show up again in "[[The Immobilizer]]".
**Cliffjumper has a depth gauge that emerges from his vehicle-mode hood.
**Sunstreaker fires a missile from his wrist at Megatron.
**Thundercracker fires a rocket from his forearm in the same way he did in "[[Divide and Conquer]]".
**Cliffjumper fires his [[glass gas]] like a regular laser beam from his hand gun.
**Ratchet uses the same retractable wrist-welder he had in "[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]]".
**This time, it's the blue button on Megatron's stomach that acts as his radio transmitter.
*Once again, evidence that Cybertron is actually outside the Milky Way galaxy: Optimus describes the apex of the space bridge as being "beyond this galaxy".
*For those who wonder how humans can breathe on Cybertron, this episode offers some relief: the final scenes clearly show Cybertron sucking up a chunk of Earth's atmosphere. Of course, this doesn't cover Chip Chase's earlier visit to the planet in "[[Divide and Conquer]]".
*Also, it may just be perspective, but when we see Earth and Cybertron in the same shot, Cybertron looks almost comedically tiny - arguably a justification for it having buildings which are visible from orbit. That just raises questions about how it manages to siphon a visible chunk of the atmosphere, though.

===Real-world references===
*The Seekers attack a solar power plant off {{w|Malabar Coast}}, which is located in southern {{w|India}}.
*As [[The Transformers: The Movie|always]], when there's a {{w|American Top 40|countdown}} of any kind, it's given to Cliffjumper, thanks to being voiced by [[Casey Kasem]].
*Is Windcharger's line "This must be the place!" a reference to {{w|This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)|the Talking Heads song}} that came out just two years prior? Or would you have to be naive to think that?
*Brawn plays a reverse lifeguard: "Everybody into the pool!"
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**The sound of an igniting [[lightsaber]] is repurposed for Cliffjumper's glass gas beam.
**As Spike flees the battle in Autobot Headquarters, the background laser effects include the sound of the [[Death Star]]'s turbolasers firing at the [[Rebel Alliance|Rebel]] fighters.
**The fritzed-out Autobots get the sound of [[Darth Vader]] and [[Obi-Wan Kenobi|Ben Kenobi]]'s lightsabers locking and sparking in their fight aboard the Death Star. The sound is recycled when Spike shorts out Teletraan I a second later.
===Technical or animation glitches===
*The Maharaja says that his solar panels are collecting three hundred energy units per second. Typical government inflation! The screen says it's ''thirty'' units per second.
[[File:UltimateDoom1 Indian maharaja.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
*For an Indian, that Maharaja ''sure'' does look like a Caucasian.
*Coloring errors:
**Skywarp has Thundercracker's colors as he blasts his way into the palace.
**As the Autobots enter the water, Sunstreaker is [[Spin-Out (G1)|colored red]] instead of yellow.
**As Rumble transforms, Soundwave's open chest cavity is colored light blue, as if it were closed. His open chest panel is colored dark blue, as if it weren't there!
**Starscream's face is light gray instead of medium gray as he and the other Seekers ride the elevator into Decepticon HQ.
**Starscream's air intake is light gray instead of red as he and the other jets wait for Megatron.
**As he dives back out of Decepticon HQ, Cliffjumper is colored as Bumblebee.
**When Dr. Arkeville insists that Sparkplug has "no choice" during the attack on the Autobot base, the background is Autobot orange instead of Decepticon purple. The same coloring error occurs during the scene at the energy pylons, when Arkeville mentions having to "recompute the control codes."
**While transforming after arriving at the Space Bridge, Optimus Prime has the gray stripe in his truck mode, and the stripe changes to red as he finishes the transformation. Usually that is done the other way; with no gray stripe in truck mode, but a gray stripe in his robot mode.
*Prime has a sloped windscreen as he and the other Autobots drive through the jungle (repeating an error from "[[Divide and Conquer]]".)
*Megatron's [[fusion cannon]] is drawn pretty badly repeatedly throughout this episode. The front barrel is often drawn at less than half the size it should be. (See the picture further up this page for an example). Apparently size isn't important after all.
*Improbable viewpoints:
**Megatron gets a stationary view of the Autobots charging into the Maharaja's palace. Did Starscream and company spend their time there setting up a camera for him?
**He also gets a view of Soundwave hanging around outside Autobot Headquarters. (Clearly, the Autobots have [[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1|no security]] at this point.)
**As Sparkplug works to sabotage the Autobots, Dr. Arkeville gets footage from ''inside'' Autobot Headquarters! We can ''maybe'' let this one slide and say that Sparkplug set up a video feed or something.
**Then Arkeville gets a view that's clearly coming from Teletraan I itself! (Actually, that would explain both viewpoints.)
**The [[Sky Spy]] gets what is essentially a ground-level view of the Decepticon energy pylons.
**Megatron doesn't seem to be leaning over a console or anything as the Autobots arrive at the space bridge, but Arkeville still gets a full view of him from Decepticon Headquarters.
**Arkeville then gets a view from right next to Sparkplug as he talks with Spike during the battle.
*As Soundwave salutes, most of his body shifts around a bit, but his chestplate remains completely still.
*Soundwave has a purple Autobot symbol as he ejects Laserbeak. Once his cassette door is open, its inside face is colored solid dark blue, instead of the light blue that it should be.
*Most of Laserbeak's caws and cries are not electronically modulated, though his usual electronic trill does show up a few times.
*Sideswipe's leg clips through Spike as he joins them in watching Rumble.
*Sideswipe's gun vanishes as he bashes Ravage aside.
*Laserbeak grabs Sparkplug from a metal-paneled interior space, yet immediately flies right out of the volcano's cone. As Spike looks up after Laserbeak, he's suddenly standing against a rock background.
*After the Autobots in India realize they have been duped, Sunstreaker says "We were set up!", but in Prowl's voice. A similar goof happened in "[[Roll for It]]".
*Either a line was cut, or [[Frank Welker]] misparsed one of Megatron's lines; he says "It had ''better'' function" in regards to the hypno-chip... when nobody had previously been discussing the chips at all.
*The outer edges of Bumblebee's face are supposed to be white, but they're colored yellow as he consoles Spike.
*The animation of Shockwave talking to Megatron is recycled from "[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]]", complete with its strange brightly-lit background and awkward shadow, and Shockwave's incomplete arms. The establishing shot of this conversation has Megatron appearing to "hover" in front of the screen and gently descend as Shockwave speaks. This is weird.
*Prowl drives into the air at the cliff edge before transforming.
*Brawn's front grill just phases right through his giant [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] drill as it folds back up.
*Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**Prime's strike team includes Prowl, Hound, Jazz, Sunstreaker, Wheeljack, and Bumblebee. During the underwater battle, Gears appears for a single shot.
**As Bumblebee says his "biggest space bridge ever" line, the shot changes, and he's been replaced by a misshapen Hound.
*As Optimus Prime flies to the Decepticon Space bridge, just after Megatron points his arm cannon at him, Optimus ducks to the side, and his face guard vanishes for a split second.
*Whatever damage Cliffjumper did to the inside of Decepticon Headquarters has disappeared by the time Autobots take their exit.
*After Starscream, soaking wet with seawater, emerges from the hole made by Cliffjumper's glass gas, there is a moment where his animation freezes... including the dripping water, which is suspended in mid-air.
*In a pan across the interior of Autobot Headquarters, there are two Prowls.
*One of them is drawn working on Jazz. Since when is Prowl a mechanic?
*In the same shot, Ratchet's mouth is missing as he works on Sunstreaker.
*A layering goof (or cheap shortcut) has Sparkplug's arms not actually reaching into the open panel on Wheeljack's back where he's supposed to be working.
*As Ratchet protests Sparkplug's attempt to work on Optimus, it's suddenly Prowl who he is repairing, rather than Sunstreaker (and despite Prowl being up and about a few shots ago).
*After Prime falls, suddenly it's Jazz laying on the table by Ratchet, with Bluestreak standing over him.
*Sparkplug's wrench looks different between shots, losing its round bolt wrench end in some shots.
*When the Decepticons are showered with foam at the Ark, the shot cuts from Thundercracker to Skywarp by simply changing the colors on the character.
*When Starscream flies to the space bridge, his alt mode is noticeably misshapen. His transformation is amazingly off, as well.
*As Optimus takes aim at Megatron for the second time ("It's not over yet, Megatron!"), his faceplate disappears for a second or two.
*After Sparkplug has his moment of hesitation, Spike's mouth moves, but no words come out.
*When Sparkplug climbs up onto the first energy pylon, the sound of his footsteps is that of a clanking, giant robot, not a human wearing boots.
*The third pylon's energy beam isn't quite aligned with the pylon itself.

===Continuity errors===
*Megatron's "diversion" only draws four Autobots away from their headquarters, with at least that many still present, yet he seems to regard it as a smashing success.
*Rumble, Ravage and Laserbeak are just able to saunter into Autobot Headquarters with no alarms or security systems going off; that's the by-product of a deleted scene from the episode's script, in which it is explained that Teletraan I is offline while Ratchet performs some standard repair work on it.
*In order to test the effectiveness of the hypno-chip, Megatron produces a model of Optimus Prime. Because Starscream is bone-headed enough to think Megatron just randomly let Prime into the base, Megatron directly says it's a model... right in front of Sparkplug. No one considers that Sparkplug might have more common sense than Starscream, or even that he could ''fake'' being mind-controlled because of what he's just been allowed to overhear.
*That must be one light Optimus Prime model; Sparkplug is able to grab it by the ankle and toss it across the room.
*The entire process of rescuing Sparkplug is fraught with improbabilities:
**Brawn's team should have been swept away by cascading torrents of water as soon as a big enough hole was opened in their tunnel.
**Decepticon Headquarters should also have been inundated as soon as the floor dropped out beneath Starscream. To hold the water at bay, the atmospheric pressure in the base would have to be equal to the water pressure at the bottom of the ocean — a pressure that Sparkplug and Arkeville most assuredly could not survive.
**Whatever force keeps water from gushing up through the big hole in the floor doesn't stop water from gushing in when Brawn punches a big hole in the ''wall''.
**"Hold your breath, Sparkplug!" says Windcharger, as they prepare to swim out of Decepticon HQ. Yes, that will save you from the freezing temperatures and crushing pressures at the bottom of the ocean!
**The water gushing into the base is nowhere to be seen as Starscream re-enters the base.
[[File:UltimateDoom1 Foamy Megatron.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|"Mr. Bubbles' Happy Time Fun Bath Soap?! RETREAT!!!"]]
*The Decepticons enter Autobot Headquarters through a huge hole in the wall, yet there has been no explosion or anything.
*The Decepticons can be apparently easily damaged by fire-retardant foam (Cybertronian fire-retardant foam at that!), yet the Autobots are fine.
*Spike trips over nothing as he flees the battle. The next shot make it seem like he was supposed to have tripped over his dad's wrench... but in order to have tripped Spike, the wrench must be either monumentally heavy or bolted to the floor; nonetheless, in the next frame Spike picks the wrench up with no sign of strain—just as you would expect anyone could.
*Every action has an equal and opposite ''re''action; the surface of Cybertron should have been just as devastated by ''Earth''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s gravity as the Earth's surface was by ''Cybertron''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s gravity.
*Why did Megatron slowly climb the rocks to reach the third pylon? Did he forget he could fly?

===Rhino DVD release===
*The water in the opening shot has a different reflection.
*The energy readout screen is missing its glowing effects in the DVD version. In addition, it is misspelled as “ENERCY”.
*Sparkplug has paint chips in his hat in the shot of him pressing buttons.
*Arkeville’s chip disappears in the Rhino DVD version as soon as he puts it in Sparkplug’s ear. The chip is also missing from the later shot where Arkeville explains how it works.
*Megatron’s mouth freezes in several scenes in the DVD version.
*The Autobots are missing from one exterior shot of their base.
*Wheeljack’s glowing effects are missing when he says, “Maybe, but we’ll need a plan.”
*When Shockwave says, “Everything is in readiness, Megatron.”, Megatron slowly floats down to the floor in the DVD version. In the original broadcast, he remains still. The background effects behind Shockwave are also different between the two versions.
*When Starscream says "Optimus Prime? Prepare to attack!", he and Skywarp have traded colors on the Rhino DVD release.
*Starscream falling into the water is missing the splash effect on the DVD. When he crawls out, the DVD version is also missing the water all over him.
*When Dr. Arkeville yells at his slave to only fix the damaged Autobots, his mouth isn’t moving in the DVD version.
*Spike’s hair is darker in the DVD version when he drops a wrench into Teletraan 1’s circuitry. The same shot also has a puff of smoke in the DVD version that is missing in the final broadcast version.
*One shot of Spike in the middle of the destroyed base is off-model in the DVD version.
*The shot of Sparkplug and the other slaves is off-model in the DVD version.
*Optimus's mouth isn't moving when he warns his troops not to harm the civilians.

===Trivia===
*This episode is subtitled "Brainwash" in scripts and other official materials.
*Like "[[More than Meets the Eye (mini-series)|More than Meets the Eye]]", the mid-80s [[Family Home Entertainment]] VHS release of "The Ultimate Doom" was granted the {{w|Film Advisory Board}} Award of Excellence, proudly displayed on the video box cover. However, this particular "award" does not reflect the ''quality'' of any work submitted, but rather that the work is "family-friendly". Cheeky, once again!
*This was one of the six episodes featured on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (video games)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|console game]].
*The idea of bringing Cybertron to Earth via space bridge and enslaving humans was used as part of the plot for ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon]]'' (which was, despite being a [[Michael Bay]] movie, oddly devoid of ''any'' sort of environmental damage that would be caused by such an event).

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French):'' "'''Le dernier jugement, partie 1'''" ("The last judgement, part 1")
:*''Title (Canadian French):'' "'''L'ultime destin - Partie 1'''" ("The ultimate doom - Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*About the European French dub:
:::*Like in ''[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]'', Soundwave does not want to pronounce Laserbeak's name. When ejecting the three cassettes, he says "Rumble, mutation !" then "Ravage, mutation !" and finally "Réveille-toi ! À nous de jouer !" ("Wake up! It's our turn!").
:::*Brawn calls Cliffjumper "Cliff".

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' '''Lo scienziato pazzo''' ("The Mad Scientist")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Optimus's line: «Autobots! Transform and move in!» (right before Megatron shows him the human slaves) was not dubbed.

:*''Title (dub 2):'' '''Destino finale - Prima parte''' ("Final Destiny - First Part")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hametsu no Hi PART I'''" (破滅の日 PART I, "Day of Destruction PART I")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 7]], [[1986]]
::*Due to [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]'s status as a [[Bandai]] toy in Japan, the Japanese broadcast of "The Ultimate Doom" three-parter was delayed until the end of the series when the legal issues were cleared up (as were most episodes featuring Skyfire). All three "Ultimate Doom" episodes were aired on the same day in Japan as a special extra length series finale.
::* This episode, along with the second and third parts, marked the end of ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' in Japan. Starting with the Japanese broadcast of [[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1]], It would be rebranded as ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers 2010''.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Miè Dǐng zhī Zāi (Shàng)'''" (灭顶之灾(上), "Catastrophe of Extinction, Part I")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Destruição Final, Parte 1: Lavagem Cerebral'''" ("The Final Destruction, Part 1: Brainwash")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sudnji dan, prvi deo - Ispiranje mozga'''" (Судњи дан, први део - Испирање мозга, "Judgment Day, Part One - Brainwash")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Latin Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La Destrucción Máxima, Parte I'''" ("The Maximum Destruction, Part I")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
[[File:TransformersVillainsUltimateDoomParts1-3(1984).jpg|right|upright=0.85|thumb|"I'm such a villain, I even stole this DVD cover."]]
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 2: "The Ultimate Doom" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''The Transformers'' — The Ultimate Doom ([[Malofilm]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''Transformers'' — L'Ultime Piège (Malofilm) — French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume One ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 2 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1SpaaKbcxwHDeZNmC4g9ZJemJ6HT5_vZp Full episode script, finalised on 27th July 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rTdjSMHeFyhxbeFgBs46ixpc0Ozjqwi8/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ultimate Doom, Part 1}}
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

War of the Dinobots

2025-04-27T20:40:53Z

JD1337666: /* Rhino DVD release */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=10
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=8
|prev2=S.O.S. Dinobots
|next2=Countdown to Extinction (episode)
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=14
|prev3=Prime Target (episode)
|next3=Atlantis, Arise!
|image=Wotd wheeljack meteorite.jpg
|caption=
|title="War of the Dinobots"
|season=1
|season ep=10
|production code=#700-07
|airdate=[[November 24]], 1984
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCiGsIbZsPI
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''Snarl and Swoop are added to the Dinobot roster... and just in time!'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:WaroftheDinos Meteorite.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Meteorini Chipper—ah, forget it.]]
At an observatory, [[Chip Chase]] and his colleague [[Jeff (astronomer)|Jeff]] spot an [[Meteorini Chipperoni|unidentified meteor]] through the telescope. Its strange readings cause Chip to call in the [[Autobot]]s, who soon arrive. Chip's already calculated when and where the meteor will land, and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] decides that the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] will be useful backup when it does.

At Decepticon headquarters, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is watching video footage of the Dinobots and raging about how the dim-witted robots have defeated his warriors. Though [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] protests that the Dinobots are brilliant as warriors, Megatron insists they must have weaknesses and orders [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] to find them.

Soundwave finds the Autobots in a derelict area waiting for the meteor to arrive. The Autobots take cover as the meteor crashes down. Once it has crash-landed, Optimus announces that they must analyze it, and blasts a clunk off for [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] to take back to [[Ark (G1)|headquarters]]. Leaving the Dinobots to guard the meteorite, the Autobots roll out for home. As they drive, Optimus announces that he's decided to get [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] and Wheeljack to build two more Dinobots, and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] and Chip offer to help. Back at base, Chip selects a ''Stegosaurus'' and a ''Pteranodon'' for the [[alternate mode]]s of the new Dinobots.

[[File:War of the dinos 1.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Me Grimlock say "Pull!"]]
At the meteor site, Soundwave scans the Dinobots' brains while in hiding and reports back to Megatron. The Decepticon leader declares [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] is arrogant, [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] is hostile, and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] is stupid. He vows to use those weaknesses against the Dinobots.

Megatron's forces arrive at the meteorite's location, and after the Dinobots trash the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]], Megatron comes forth and feigns humility. He wonders aloud why the Dinobots, as powerful as they are, follow a weaker leader such as Optimus Prime. The Dinobots debate Megatron's logic and conclude that Grimlock should be leader and they need to destroy Optimus Prime. The three seekers spirit away the meteorite, and Megatron suggests a plan to the Dinobots which will help them eliminate Optimus.

[[File:WaroftheDinos construction.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Dinobots—built to rule!]]
At the Autobot base, Prime and Ratchet oversee construction of two new Dinobots: [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]. During this, Wheeljack discovers the meteorite's energy is highly unstable. [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] manages to encase the fragment in a force field just before it detonates. Fearing a huge explosion, Optimus Prime rushes out alone to warn the Dinobots.

At the base, Ratchet and Wheeljack have Snarl and Swoop do a test run of their powers. [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]], [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]], [[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] and [[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] attempt to stop the new Dinobots, but get their cans soundly kicked, though Bluestreak claims the Autobots would have won if the fight was for real.

Prime arrives at the crash site to find the meteorite gone. As he attempts to contact headquarters, the Dinobots attack him and he reluctantly fights back. Though he puts up a good fight, Optimus is unable to defeat the Dinobots by himself. Despite his pleas that they're friends, the Dinobots blast him unconscious, however, Grimlock stops Slag from finishing their former leader off, a restraint that Prime attributes to their Autobot training. The Dinobots instead take Prime to the Decepticons. In a nearby canyon, the Decepticons are draining energy from the meteorite, though Starscream's warning that the energy appears unstable is dismissed by Megatron. The Decepticon leader is outraged when the Dinobots turn up with Optimus. When Starscream asserts that Grimlock won't destroy Optimus because he's soft, the Dinobot leader shoots Starscream. Optimus attempts to warn Megatron about the unstable nature of the meteorite, but Megatron believes he's lying.

[[File:Grimlockapologize.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"Um… please let go. That hurts." "You mine now…"]]
At Autobot headquarters, [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] and Chip are concerned because Optimus hasn't reported in. [[Teletraan I]] alerts Wheeljack that the meteorite has been moved and is about ready to blow. Snarl and Swoop are sent to stop it.

Megatron finally notices that the energon cubes they've been filling are unstable, moments before the pile of cubes explodes, throwing the nearby Decepticons aside. Starscream is in mid "I told you so" when Swoop and Snarl arrive. A vicious battle ensues, during which the two new Dinobots appear to be equal to the three original Dinobots and the evenly-match fight shows no sign of abating. A blow from Snarl sends Grimlock dangerously near the destabilized meteorite, and as the Decepticons flee, Prime pushes Grimlock to safety, shielding his body as the meteorite explodes.

Realizing that Prime is both strong and has concern for his troops, Grimlock orders the Dinobots to attack Megatron. The Decepticons retreat, and Grimlock asks for Prime's forgiveness as the other Autobots arrive. However, Optimus Prime merely declares that the meteorite menace is over and they should go home.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{collist|2|
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (3)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (4)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (5)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (6)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (7)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (14)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (15)
*[[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] (16)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (19)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (20)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (21)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (22)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (23)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (24)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (25)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (26)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (27)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (28)
}}
|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (8)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (9)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (10)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (11)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (12)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (13)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (18)
|c3=
*[[Chip Chase]] (1)
*[[Jeff (astronomer)|Jeff]] (2)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (7)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (17)
}}

==Quotes==
"Well, meteor or no meteor, Optimus Prime, it's great not worrying about the Decepticons for a change." 
"I always worry about the Decepticons, Spike."
:—'''Spike Witwicky''' learns that '''Optimus Prime''' ''really'' needs a vacation.

"I’ve seen enough! My finest warriors defeated by those primitive, pea-brained beasts. Revolting!"
:—'''Megatron''' on the Decepticons' failure to defeat the Dinobots.

"No matter how many times I see it, it's always outrageous."
:—'''Chip Chase''', wondering if they are [[Jem|truly truly outrageous]].

'''Grimlock''': "We destroy Optimus Prime!" 
'''Slag''': "And him, Grimlock, be new leader!" 
'''Sludge''': "Hail him, Grimlock!"
:—The Dinobots plan their coup.

"Great! I'm finally gonna get in a fight!"
:—'''Sideswipe''', finally seeing some action after being largely ignored for several episodes.

"In a ''real'' fight, we'd've creamed 'em! ...mmm, maybe."
:—'''Bluestreak''', after getting pummeled by the new Dinobots

"I do not want to fight you, but you leave me no choice."
:—'''Optimus Prime''''s warning to the Dinobots.

"You, Megatron, tricked us! Make us fight good leader, Optimus Prime. Prime risk own life to save us. Bad Megatron!" 
"Decepticons, retreat now, quick, at once!"
:—'''Grimlock''' switches allegiances again and puts the fear of God into '''Megatron'''.

"Optimus Prime, can you forgive? Me Grimlock was jealous of you."
:—'''Grimlock''', actually showing humility for once.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 6th July 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 15th July 1984
* Final script: 22nd July 1984
* Returned to the US for telecine: 16th November 1984

===Continuity notes===
*The footage of the Dinobots that the Decepticons watch doesn't match up with any scene from their previous appearance ("[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]"), implying that the Decepticons have had at least one more run-in with the Dinobots since then.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Prime can... make his fist crackle with energy??
**Soundwave can snake out a long tentacle-like listening bud, to cover whatever distances between him and his subject he can't cover.
**He can also (in accord with his [[bio]]) remotely mind-read other Transformers, this time by means of a little widget that pops out of his head with a doofy-sounding ''DOING!'' noise.
**The Seekers can deploy grappling claws at the end of long cables.
**Ironhide creates metal by spraying it out of his fingertips onto the floor.
**Prowl uses a laser fired from his retracted wrist to slice the metal into smaller pieces.
**This may be the most bizarre implementation of Trailbreaker's force field ever. To contain the meteorite fragment's explosion, he starts ''spinning'', disappearing into a black blur. One might presume that this is done to invert the force field, keeping the damaging forces inside instead of outside. (Using this ability causes him to vanish from the animation!)
**When he first appears Snarl is seen holding his sword, the first of the very rare times ''any'' of the Dinobots' swords appear.
**Swoop can extend his robot arms in dino mode if he needs to give somebody a good shove.
*The derelict area where the meteor lands is shown to be across the river from a somewhat largish city which goes unidentified during the course of the episode.
*Huffer has evidently changed his tune about the Dinobots, as he helps build Snarl and Swoop in this episode.
[[File:WarOfDinobots SnarlDebut.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85]]
*Snarl, in a rare move for a Dinobot, actually uses the word "I". All the others always say "me", with the exceptions of Sludge from "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]", and that time Grimlock [[Grimlock's New Brain|was a genius]].
*The energon cube that Soundwave fills is a bit odd; after he creates it, it just floats in mid-air. He then fires his gun into the meteorite, which obligingly sends a stream of energy into the cube. How the heck does that work, exactly?

===Real-world references===
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**[[Luke Skywalker|Luke]] deflecting seeker ball bolts is repurposed as Slag powering up his horn lasers to fire on Optimus. A [[lightsaber]] ignition is used in the same sequence as Prime loses his laser rifle, followed by [[Darth Vader]] and [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]] cutting into some machinery during their duel on the Death Star.
**[[Death Star]] firing/Alderaan exploding, + [[X-wing Fighter|X-Wings]] diving, as the Dinobots take off to return to Megatron.
**''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine burst as Snarl and Swoop take off from Autobot HQ.
===Animation or technical glitches===
*During the scene in Decepticon headquarters when Megatron is watching footage of the Dinobots, there's a short line above and below his fist as if to make it appear to be shaking in anger. Perhaps a shortcut note for the animators that never got carried out?
*Coloring errors:
**Reflector's center bot is missing his green coloration as he turns toward the deactivated viewscreen.
**Soundwave is missing his yellow stripes as he lands in the city.
**Soundwave's cheek guards are blue instead of white as he edges toward the Autobots.
**In our first shot of the Dinobots, Slag's chest plate is red instead of white.
**In the first shot of the Autobots awaiting the meteorite, Hound is colored as [[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]].[[File:GrimSlagSludge.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Okay, sure, Slag's cheekguards are the wrong color, but it's still a totally sweet shot.]]
**Slag's head is miscolored (as it so frequently is):
***As Optimus prepares to blast off a fragment of the meteorite (gray).
***As he transforms to listen to Megatron, and again as he points out that Prime will resist Grimlock (white sides).
***As the Dinobots turn around after the first commercial break (starts red, turns gray).
***As Megatron humbly offers a strategy (red helmet, white face).
***As the three Dinobots form up to confront Optimus Prime (gray with red forehead).
***When the Dinobots investigate Prime's body after blasting him (gray with a red dot - he's a Hindu!).
***As Slag proposes melting down Optimus (white sides, red face, a combo that happens so frequently it might be an alternate color model.)
***As the Dinobots land at the new meteorite site (gray).
***In the shot after Grimlock shoots Starscream.
***At the beginning of the battle between old and new Dinobots, as Slag and Sludge transform to their dino mode (and again when this clip is replayed in reverse, minus Grimlock, after the meteorite exploded).
**Grimlock and Sludge's heads are light gray instead of black after Prime blasts the meteorite fragment.
**After the Seekers' second pass over the Dinobots, two Thundercrackers fly over the Dinobots, both with wrongly-colored air intakes.
**Thundercracker still has blue air intakes in the diving shot after the Dinobots transform.
**"You are stronger than ''all'' the Autobots!" Megatron's waist-sides are gray instead of red, and one of his buttons is blue instead of red.
**"Optimus Prime is leader now. He will ''fight'' if Grimlock lead!" - in addition to his miscolored helmet, Slag has somehow acquired Sludge's already inexplicable glowing orange mouth interior.
**Grimlock's hands are yellow as the Dinobots watch the Decepticons haul the meteorite off.
**The Ark is silver-gray instead of orange in the first establishing shot of Autobot Headquarters.
**As the Autobots are finalizing construction of Snarl and Swoop, Brawn (who is working on Swoop) is colored with a yellow back, a light blue side, and gray limbs.
**Bluestreak's center head crest is red instead of gray at two points during his fight with the Dinobots.
**As the Dinobots prepare to unleash their final attack on Optimus Prime, Grimlock's torso is colored gray instead of yellow.
**Sludge's helmet-sides are once again light gray as the Dinobots carry Optimus toward Megatron.
**As Grimlock tells Megatron that he'll terminate Optimus at his discretion, only the center of Grimlock's visor eyes was colored.
**Soundwave's visor is blue, and his forehead is visor-red, as he recoils from the about-to-explode energon cubes.
**As Grimlock transforms to start the battle, the end of Prime's rifle is colored gold, as if it were one of Grimlock's claws.
**Slag's horns are yellow instead of red as Swoop drops his tail.
**Optimus has a blue square around his neck as he runs to save Grimlock.
**Thundercracker is shown crashing alongside Megatron as the meteorite explodes. As Thundercracker hasn't been shown in this scene at all, and Starscream was last seen taking off alongside Megatron, it probably should have been Starscream.
*As he acknowledges Megatron's order, Soundwave's visor splits into two separate eyes, then reforms. Throughout the shot, he's missing his eject button and waist belt control buttons.
*When Spike "sees" the meteoroid, it's streaking across the sky as if heading somewhere else entirely, yet somehow it lands almost right on top of them.
*Optimus blasts a fragment off of the meteor at night, transforms during the day (courtesy of a shot recycled, unaltered, from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"), leaves the scene around dawn, and drives off into the dead of night.
*In the first shot of the Dinobots guarding the meteorite, Slag's eyes are the same red as the rest of his face, and Sludge's helmet is largely white instead of black.
[[File:WaroftheDinobots Sparkplug with plans.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|" 'Down the breast by the arrow direction' ?"]]
[[File:WarDinobots Chip warning Autobots.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|He ''does'' have some buttons on the arm rest, but nothing for them to control.]]
*As Megatron rants about the Dinobots' weaknesses, Soundwave is missing his insignia.
*As usual, the stock animation of the docking tower of Decepticon Headquarters emerging from the water makes it look like it's tilted about 30 degrees from vertical.
*As the Dinobots prepare to fend off the Decepticon attack, Slag's Autobot insignia is missing as he exults about getting to fight.
*As Megatron starts to talk down the Dinobots from fighting, Grimlock and Sludge's flame breath is layered behind Megatron, despite their being in the background.
*An oddly edited shot has Sludge's face filling the frame, just as Slag answers Grimlock's question about liking to fight.
*"Hail him Grimlock!" - the Dinobot cel layers shift back and forth making them appear to be shaking. Or perhaps highly caffeinated. Just prior to this, Grimlock's back/dino mode head is black. As Slag starts to speak, his face turns white.
*No wonder Sparkplug is puzzled by the blueprints. They're labeled with a rather [[Japanese language|garbled]] title of "Out Line Plan Desge".
*After his bizarre force field use, Trailbreaker is nowhere to be seen in Wheeljack's workshop.
*When Snarl first introduces himself, his chest is missing the Autobot insignia. When Swoop lands next to Snarl to make his introduction, Snarl's insignia is present.
*When Grimlock fires Prime's rifle at Starscream, it gets the normal Autobot sound effect, instead of its own unique sound.
*Chip doesn't appear to be doing anything to roll his wheelchair as he and Sparkplug run through Autobot Headquarters.
*Only one of Wheeljack's "ears" flashes as he reports the meteorite's location.
*Improbable viewpoints:
**The meteorite is on-screen ''before'' Chip has asked Wheeljack to "get a fix on it".
**Teletraan then provides a ground shot of the valley (minus the Decepticons, Dinobots, energon cubes, etc.)
*Megatron's gun barrel is bigger than his head as he gets to his feet after the explosion.

===Rhino DVD release===
*Megatron has a screwed up face when he is complaining about the Dinobots. His unibrow is also missing in his next shot.
*When Wheeljack says "I can't wait to get to work on this", his side light things do not flash.
*The meteor's glow effects are different in several shots.
*The railing on the bridge wiggles around when the Autobots drive past it.
*When the Dinobots talk of rebelling against Prime, Slag's face is miscolored, Sludge's mouth moves to Slag's line, and after Grimlock raises his arm there is a zoom take on Slag.
*In Snarl's introductory shot, the glow of the cave behind him is supposed to disappear after he steps out. In the DVD version, it takes a few more seconds for it to do so. In addition, the shading on Snarl fails to disappear.
*In the following shot, Swoop is entirely too dark.
*When Swoop first transforms into Pteranodon mode, the Autobot symbols on his wings are incorrectly colored purple.
*The energon cubes are miscolored in one scene.
*When the Dinobots carry Optimus, Slag is miscolored again.
*When Starscream says Grimlock will never betray Prime, he is colored as Thundercracker.
*At two points, Starscream's fingers are colored grey instead of blue.
*As Swoop carries Snarl, Snarl's torso is colored like Swoop's body.
*When Megatron and Starscream land, Starscream is miscolored again.
*When Slag and Sludge transform back to [[robot mode]], their transformations are reversed. They start in robot mode but transform into dinosaur mode.
*As Grimlock confronts Megatron and Starscream, Starscream is once again colored as Thundercracker.
*When the Dinobots take Optimus to Megatron, Starscream is in Thundercracker's colors.
*When asking for forgiveness from Optimus, Grimlock's eyes are not colored.
*The moon was missing from the final shot of the print Rhino was using, so they sloppily inserted it back into the shot by using the shot of the moon from earlier.
*The remastered DVD releases of this episode use an incorrect closing credits sequence, which overlays the text credits from Season 2 over the animation from Season 1.

===Continuity errors===
*Chip calls the Autobots, because "they're the only ones who can save the Earth". Despite being charged with this awesome responsibility, the Autobots don't actually ''do'' anything to ward off or contain the meteorite. It's okay, though, because its actual explosion isn't even enough to damage Optimus and Grimlock, who are maybe fifty feet away when it goes up.
*Optimus Prime is amazingly cavalier about blasting the supposedly dangerous, glowing, energy-laden meteorite with his laser rifle.
*In the long shot of the Autobots standing on the mountain about to test the new Dinobots, Optimus can be seen in the distance driving away from Autobot HQ, despite the implication that some time has passed since he left.
*Slag can be clearly seen wearing a [[jet pack]] on his back when the Dinobots leave to deliver Optimus Prime to Megatron, despite it being previously established that the Dinobots can fly without such equipment. The jet pack appears to be based on Skyfire, complete with a blue "cockpit", white body and red thruster modules!

===Astronomical errors===
[[File:WaroftheDinos Meteorite.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|It's Pizza the Hut's home planet!]]

*A ''meteor'' is a chunk of rock that's in the process of burning up in Earth's atmosphere, a process that rarely takes more than a few seconds. As Chip has plenty of time to observe the incoming projectile, it's clearly still a ''meteoroid'', a chunk of rock that's just floating around in space.
*Despite this, the meteor(oid) is trailing a flaming tail, as if it were already entering Earth's atmosphere. To the writers' credit, Prime refers to it as a ''meteorite'' once it's landed.
*Assuming our first view of the meteor/oid is meant to represent what Chip sees (there is a barely-visible telescopic outline around it), the object would have to be ''huge'' to be so highly detailed in a distant view from Earth. Such a huge object would be catastrophic for humankind if it hit Earth.
*We later learn that the thing is only about 30 feet across, though, which makes it way too small to be such a regular round body.
*Chip's telescope is apparently so sophisticated it can pick up the ''sound'' of the meteorite from across the vacuum of space, including its jet engines.
*A celestial impactor on Earth typically leaves a crater about 10 times its own diameter and annihilates both itself and pretty much everything in a much larger radius around it. Our meteorite here smacks into the middle of an urban downtown area, remains completely intact, and leaves no damage more substantial than a flattened Quonset hut and a largeish pothole.

===Trivia===
[[File:Grimhead.JPG|thumb|"Me Grimlock before, me Grimlock after. Head no matter, always sexpot."]]
*Grimlock's head has been redesigned, though the old version still crops up in a few future episodes. However, the old design remained predominant in the comics all the way until Grimlock evolved into an [[Action Master]] in "[[Still Life!]]". The second head design would be used in all incarnations from then on.
*In an earlier draft of this episode's script, it was not Chip who discovered the meteorite, but an original character named Doctor Lynn Hyashi. In a deleted subplot, Sparkplug's jealousy of her technical expertise would have paralleled Grimlock's jealousy of Prime's leadership. Writer Donald Glut would later {{gb|Doctor Hyashi|repurpose the character}} for the ''{{gb|Challenge of the GoBots (cartoon)|Challenge of the GoBots}}'' episode "{{gb|Destroy All Guardians}}". Despite her removal from the script, a model sheet of Dr. Hyashi was created (seen at right)
[[File:Doctor_Lynn_Hyashi.jpg|thumb|Dr. Lynn Hyashi]]
*When Megatron orders the footage of the Decepticons' defeat by the Dinobots turned off, there's a lingering shot of Reflector looking a little alarmed. This is an artifact of the original script for the episode, in which footage from [[S.O.S. Dinobots]] was supposed to be replayed. Showing a rather detailed, gruesome battering the three-in-one Decepticon received from the Dinobots. As this scene was storyboarded, then cut from the previous episode, it had to be removed from this episode as well.
*This episode marks the only occasion in the entire series that a normally functioning Autobot willingly battles a normally functioning Optimus Prime ("[[Dark Awakening (episode)|Dark Awakening]]" and "[[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1|The Return of Optimus Prime]]" don't count, as Prime was a zombie in the former and Rodimus was infected with the Hate Plague in the latter). The Dinobots have quite a bit of success, too... [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|somebody]] could have used some lessons from them.
*This was one of the six episodes featured on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (video games)|Revenge of the Fallen]] [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|console game]]'', and the three on the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (PSP)|PSP game]]. However, it was erroneously named "War '''on''' the Dinobots". It was also, unfortunately, the Kid Rhino remaster.
*Seriously, Optimus Prime does not forgive Grimlock at all.
*This episode makes a cameo in the 1994 film ''{{w|Léon: The Professional}}'', as Natalie Portman's character fights with her sister over the television, shortly before Gary Oldman turns up and murders pretty much everyone. Fun times.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French broadcast):'' "'''Une si belle planète'''" ("Such a beautiful planet")
:*''Title (Canadian French broadcast & European French DVD release):'' "'''La guerre des Dinobots'''" ("War of the Dinobots")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*In the European French dub, Megatron calls Soundwave "Shock" again.

'''German'''
:*''Title (Generation 2 dub):'' "'''Krieg der Dinobots'''" ("War of the Dinobots")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[July 30]], [[1994]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Il meteorite'''" ("The Meteorite")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*In this episode Slag is called "Tricec", despite his Italian name being "Tricex".
::*Since Ironhide's Italian name is Falco, which means "hawk", Chip's line: «No wonder he's called Ironhide» is changed to: «We've been protected by a hawk's wing».
:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''La guerra dei Dinobots'''" ("War of the Dinobots")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Nazo no Kyodai Inseki'''" (謎の巨大隕石, "The Mysterious Giant Meteorite")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 24]], [[1985]]
::*As opposed to the Dinobots being unable to finish off Optimus Prime because "traces of [their] Autobot training remain in [their] circuits", Optimus explains it as "the safety circuits installed in [their] computers haven't broken".

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Dàzhàn Jīqì Kǒnglóng'''" (大战机器恐龙, "Fight against Dinobots")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Guerra dos Dinobots'''" ("The War of the Dinobots")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Rat Dinobota'''" (Рат Динобота, "War of the Dinobots")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 9: "War of the Dinobots" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1997 — ''The Transformers'' — War of the Dinobots ([[Malofilm]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume One ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Two (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 2 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — Roar of the Dinobots (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ql8lUKsSNgw-Iwe5jwXYuBXsK6R8s4Xi First draft script, submitted 6th July 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=14Rqxgb6t_Ngmxh1hCuayOLtMX-LBl8wZ Finalised script as of 22nd July 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RI1u_VcE7-xCTDCS3IVz3P02vodWRAWc/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Fire on the Mountain (episode)

2025-04-27T20:29:13Z

JD1337666: /* Rhino DVD release */

{{disambig3|Fire on the Mountain}}

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=9
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=63
|prev2=Fire in the Sky
|next2=A Plague of Insecticons
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=49
|prev3=Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2
|next3=Countdown to Extinction (episode)
|image=Fire on the mountain.jpg
|caption="I don't understand it, baby. This has never happened to me before, honest."
|title="Fire on the Mountain"
|season=1
|season ep=9
|production code=#700-06
|airdate=[[December 22]], [[1984]]
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fzq3C4hkfNE
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''The Decepticons uncover the Crystal of Power in Peru, and the Autobots resurrect Skyfire to stop them.'''

==Synopsis==
While patrolling a refinery, [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] spot [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] and [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] stealing steel. The [[Decepticon]]s get away with the loot by collapsing the refinery behind them. The Autobots report back to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], who is puzzled about the Decepticons' motives. The [[Autobot]]s launch a [[Sky Spy]] to home in on any Decepticon activity, and the satellite picks up strange energy readings in the [[Peru]]vian [[Andes Mountains|Andes]].

[[File:Crystalofpower.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Almost ablaze, still you don't feel the heat]]
There, the Decepticons have followed an [[Inca]]n legend to an ancient temple that rests on a shaft leading deep into the [[Earth's core]], capped by the [[Crystal of Power]]. With the metal acquired by Starscream, the Decepticons have fashioned a weapon frame to accommodate the crystal. [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] spots the Sky Spy, and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] tests the weapon by blowing the satellite out of the sky. The metal, however, proves inadequate and melts with exposure to the raw energy unleashed from the Earth's core. Starscream tries to shift blame to Thundercracker for the faulty metal, but Megatron blames them both and has them stay behind at the temple while he soars to a nearby mining town to find replacement metal.

The nearby Peruvian mining town is abuzz with the sudden show of power from the ancient temple. A reactionary elder proclaims that long-forgotten gods have come back to punish them, but her more level-headed granddaughter, [[Luisa]], realizes that someone must have uncovered the fabled Crystal of Power.

[[File:G1 FireontheMountain Sideswipe piledriving.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Freud would have had a field day with this.]]
In the [[Arctic]], [[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] are jackhammering through the ice to resurrect the fallen warrior [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]. The massive jet emerges from the ice and transforms into [[robot mode]]. Wheeljack immediately assigns him to fly back to Autobot headquarters to pick up Brawn and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] before heading down to the Andes Mountains.

In short order, Skyfire is in the Andes, closing in on the Decepticons. Windcharger and Brawn skydive from the jet, tangling with [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] while Skyfire goes to investigate the strange energy readings from the Incan temple. While the smaller Autobots are able to hold their own against Megatron's lieutenants, the Decepticon leader proves too powerful for them and they scatter. Windcharger desperately calls for Skyfire to return while Brawn bites off more than he can chew in the form of an angered Megatron.

[[File:FireontheMountain SoundwaveMegsgun.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Men were shot down for the sake of fun 
Or just to hear the noise of their .44 guns]]
Skyfire zooms in to the rescue and gracefully airlifts Brawn and Windcharger from the thick of Decepticon danger. Skyfire quickly returns to the Ark to pick up some reinforcements and streaks back to Peru. He deposits the Autobots near the mining town to take care of Megatron while he goes to investigate the Incan temple.

The Autobots stop Megatron, Reflector and Soundwave mid-raid, with Brawn having the ball-bearings enough to swipe Megatron's [[Fusion cannon|arm cannon]] and blast the Decepticon leader with his own weapon! Laserbeak steals back the weapon and Megatron swears vengeance. He has gathered a metal strong enough for the Crystal, and requests that [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] come to retrieve it, adding further insult to Thundercracker and Starscream who are left guarding the temple.

[[File:Brawnfusioncannon.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Good grief, it's a running gag.]]
A stray blast during the battle nearly drops an electrical tower on top of Luisa, but she is saved by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] and Bumblebee. Luisa quickly explains that these "evil creatures" have stolen the Crystal of Power. She leads Bumblebee and Spike to a secret entrance in the temple. Soundwave detects their presence, and dispatches Ravage to follow them.

Meanwhile, Thundercracker spots Skyfire skulking about the temple. The Decepticon warrior is torn; if he blasts Skyfire, Starscream is likely to take all the credit. Conversely, if he lets Skyfire destroy the Crystal-based weapon, perhaps Starscream can take the blame. Starscream overhears Thundercracker plotting, and blasts Skyfire. He then blackmails Thundercracker to do his bidding, lest Starscream reveal to their leader just how uncertain Thundercracker's loyalties can be.

The Decepticons load up their stolen steel with Skywarp's help and depart. To cover their exit, Megatron blasts a nearby mountain, creating a deadly rockfall that threatens the mining town.

The Autobots use their firepower to reduce the falling boulders to pebbles, saving the village. Meanwhile, Megatron returns to the temple, where he successfully tests a new weapon frame that can handle the power of the crystal. Bumblebee, Spike and Luisa surreptitiously arrive in the temple, spotting the inert form of Skyfire. Spike starts repairing the fallen warrior, just as Ravage pounces. Bumblebee tries holding off the Decepticon jaguar while Spike works as fast as he can.

[[File:G1 FireontheMountain Spike Luisa BB.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|There are [[Bumblebee (Movie)|some]] out there who understand what Bumblebee's about to go through.]]
The rest of the Autobots arrive at the temple, but Megatron pins them down with devastating firepower from his weapon frame cannon. The Autobots are able to outflank Megatron, and the tide of battle is turned by Skyfire, freshly repaired by Spike. Skyfire strafes the weapons frame, destroying it and unleashing the power of the mountain. The Decepticons retreat, and Thundercracker takes fleeting pleasure in seeing Megatron and Starscream fail.

That night, Wheeljack caps the fire stream with a new invention that can contain the power that the crystal formerly held in check. The Autobots celebrate their victory while Bumblebee and Spike drive Luisa back to the mining town, where she promises to introduce Bumblebee to her brother's convertible, Juanita.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{collist|2|
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (3)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (7)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (12)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (15)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (16)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (17)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (18)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (19)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (20)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (21)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (22)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (24)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (25)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (27)
}}
|c2=
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (1)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (8)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (9)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (10)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (11)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (13)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (23)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (26)
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (6)
*[[Luisa]] (14)
}}

==Quotes==
"Looks more like stealing to me… and I'm talking steel!"
:—'''Brawn''' confronts the Decepticons with fists and horrible puns.

"Awww, hexagonal nuts!"
:—'''Trailbreaker''', after he and Brawn totally fail to stop the Decepticons.

"It's cold enough to freeze the ailerons off a [[titanium moose-bot]]!"
:—'''Sideswipe'''

'''Soundwave:''' "The Autobot jet is afraid to fight!" 
'''Brawn:''' "Wrong again, you dipstick tapedeck!" 
'''Windcharger:''' "We just didn't want him to spoil ''our'' fun!"

"Have fun playing crystal nurse, Screamer! Byyyye!"
:—'''Skywarp''', being a jerk.

"Fate, schmate. It isn’t over yet, Megabum!"
:—'''Trailbreaker''', after Megatron prematurely gloats of imminent victory.

"Optimus ol' buddy, this is what separates the Autobots from the robot chickens!" 
"Ain’t no one calling me a robot chicken!"
:—'''Ironhide''' and '''Brawn''' don't know what Adult Swim has planned for their kind in 20 years.

"What’s the matter, fearless leader? You and Starscream look real geeky!"
:—'''Thundercracker''', being a jerk.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* Revised script submitted by Douglas Booth: 2nd July 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 9th July 1984
* Returned to the US for telecine: 10th December 1984

===Continuity notes===
[[File:G1 FireontheMountain SS chestmissiles.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Starscream's dreaded boob bombs.]]
* This episode references "[[Fire in the Sky]]", the previous (and first) episode that Skyfire appeared in.
* Gadgets and powers:
** Starscream has a dozen rockets in hidden chest compartments. This ability will appear again in "[[Full Throttle Scramble Power!]]". The feature was later immortalized in toy form for Starscream's ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'' incarnation through clip-on accessories, and again as part of his ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' figure, this time actually incorporated into the figure.
** Soundwave conceals a tricorder-like scanning device in his left wrist, which was later incorporated into ''his'' Masterpiece toy as a clip-on part. Presumably the Masterpiece toy-designers really like this episode.
** The latest device to come out of Laserbeak's head is the microphone-like thing. It's not clear what purpose it serves, as Laserbeak then broadcasts his findings to Megatron via pulsewaves that come out of his ''eyes'', of all things.
** Brawn has a retractable claw that can extend in his car mode.

[[File:Megatron&crystalofpower.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Seriously, in the cartoon world, crystals are the [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2|most]] [[The God Gambit|powerful]] [[A Prime Problem|things]] [[Fire in the Sky|ever]].]]
* While the concept makes no sense in real-world terms, this is the second time in almost as many episodes that a greenish crystal has been linked to the Earth's core.

* Skywarp refers to Starscream by the nickname "Screamer" in this episode, a nickname used again by Streetwise in the late Season 2 episode "[[B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.]]".

* Fans have long cited this episode when discussing the improbability of Brawn's death in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', observing that Brawn had previously survived direct hits from Megatron's gun mode in this episode... but it simply ain't so. Brawn ''dodges'' every shot that comes from Megatron. It's actually ''Soundwave'', using his own standard weapon, who shoots Brawn in the head to no effect. Not that we're questioning the indestructibility of the all-powerful Brawn, of course.

* This is the only episode to play on Thundercracker's uncertain loyalties, a trait called out in his original [[bio]]. However, the official [[Sunbow Productions|Sunbow]] synopsis for the episode indicates that it was originally going to take the idea even further:

::"The Autobots arrive to stop [the Decepticons], and Jetfire tries to convince a beleaguered Thundercracker to switch loyalties and join the Autobots. He is caught and wounded by Starscream. Spike, with the help of a local native girl, goes to his rescue, and Jetfire--with a little assist from Thundercracker--turns away the Decepticons and destroys the "Crystal of Power."<ref>http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#069</ref>

[[File:Fireonthemountain soundwave vs brawn round1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Better get used to this, Soundwave.]]

*Had the audio gaffe mentioned below not taken place, this episode would mark the only instance of Thundercracker using his sonic boom powers in the entire cartoon, as the Decepticons retreat at the end of the episode. The power will ''actually'' be used by Megatron in "[[Heavy Metal War]]".

* This episode begins a mini-tradition of Bluestreak [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2|shooting]] [[Brainstorm!|down]] Laserbeak.

* '''Brawn vs. Soundwave''', Round 1: Brawn flies Soundwave into a mountainside! Brawn 1, Soundwave 0 [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3|>>]]

===Real-world references===
* The title of this episode may be a reference to the Grateful Dead song of the same name.
* The Transformers visit Peru, an ancient Incan temple, and a <s>steel manufacturing</s> mining village where everyone speaks heavily accented English.
* ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** Laserbeak pursues Windcharger with a [[TIE Fighter]] engine roar, and fires on him with the sound of the [[Death Star]] super laser firing. After the commercial break, he gets more TIE sounds along with some ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engines, during several different shots.
** Megatron launches to attack Brawn with another ''Falcon'' engine burst. The roar continues into the next shot as the sound of Skyfire's jets.
** ''Falcon'' engine whine as Laserbeak dives to retrieve Megatron's fusion cannon from Brawn, and again as Bluestreak and Windcharger jump out of the way, and again as Laserbeak starts chasing Bumblebee.
** More TIE engine as Laserbeak continues harassing Bumblebee, along with Death Star superlaser/Alderaan exploding.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as Skywarp leaves the temple, and ''Falcon'' engine whine as he arrives at the battle site.
** ''Falcon'' whine as Laserbeak perches on Megatron's shoulder.

===Animation or technical errors===
* Coloring errors:
** When Brawn tells Trailbreaker the jets are Decepticons, Trailbreaker is fully red.
**One of Thundercracker's intakes are blue.
**Only one of Starscream's "boobs" is colored its proper gray as he reminds Thundercracker of who is in charge.
** The back of Brawn's backpack is yellow after he transforms to [[robot mode]].
** The blue color of Trailbreaker's eyeband kind of drips down onto his face while the steel plant is collapsing around him.
** Brawn's helmet is light gray as he watches Teletraan's screen.
** Soundwave has a white leg as he follows Megatron down the pyramid's staircase.
** Starscream's eyes are blue as he drags the weapon frame over to Megatron. His Decepticon wing emblems are also red.
** Starscream has extra yellow bits above and below his canopy as Megatron helps him to his feet.
** The lower "cheeks" of Megatron's Decepticon symbol aren't colored in just before he transforms to fire on Brawn.
** Megatron's gun mode is entirely white as Soundwave grasps him two-handed, right before the first commercial break.
** Ironhide is colored gray in the aerial shot of the Autobots approaching the <s>steel mill</s> mining town.
** As Starscream rebukes Thundercracker, his air intake is the same dark gray as his helmet, instead of red.
** Rumble's eyeband isn't colored in as the Decepticons fly out of the <s>steel mill</s> mining town.
** Bumblebee's nose is yellow as he tells Spike he can't hold Ravage off much longer.
** In the shot where Megatron's cannon shots are going wild, Starscream's leg is colored Brawn-green.
** In the wide shot of the temple top, Ironhide's head is gray instead of red; the colorists might have gotten him mixed up with Windcharger.
** Megatron's fusion cannon is light gray instead of black as Prime hoists and throws him.
* As Brawn confronts Starscream and Thundercracker, the Decepticons switch places between shots.
* After the Sky Spy explodes, we can still see a picture of the pyramid on Teletraan I's screen.
* As Wheeljack encourages Sideswipe, the glow of his right ear isn't quite aligned with the ear itself.
* As he first bursts to the surface encased in ice, Skyfire's (vaguely drawn) profile looks a lot more like his toy than his animation model, with separate booster jets and a rounded cockpit.
* When Sideswipe says "It's Skyfire", he speaks in a raspy voice that is vaguely similar to Scrapper's voice, even though Scrapper won't appear for another seven episodes.
* The parts of Skyfire's tail end that light up as he activates his jets don't actually correspond to his jet thrusters.

[[File:FireOnTheMountain Windcharger vehiclemode.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|The legs on the animator's Windcharger toy would never stay folded up. Your wiki editors can sympathize.]]
* Someone must have been drawing Windcharger's car mode straight off his toy. As he flees from Laserbeak, his rear section, which is his folded-up feet, is not aligned with the rest of his car body... a problem very commonly found on his toy.
* Soundwave fires on Brawn with his own gun, but with Megatron's cannon sound effect.
* Skyfire's engines don't glow throughout the whole sequence of him rescuing Brawn and Windcharger.
* Ironhide and Ratchet have crazy huge side windows as they drive alongside Prime. The same error (and animation?) pops up again in "[[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction]]".
* When Optimus Prime rams Megatron through the wall, the inside of the wall momentarily becomes bright white for some reason, while the view through the newly created hole shows apparent nighttime outside.
* Flying Autobots:
** Bluestreak and Windcharger get an engine-burst noise as they leap out from beneath the collapsing transmission tower.
** Brawn gets a flight sound as he leaps the final distance between him and Starscream.
** Ironhide gets the same treatment as he leaps to attack Megatron.
** And then Prime also gets the same sound effect as he tackles Megatron.
* Bluestreak's mouth isn't moving as he delivers his "watch the birdie" line.
* Soundwave's eject button is on the wrong side (his right shoulder) as he ejects Ravage.
* Thundercracker's weapon barrel has almost no interior as he threatens Skyfire.
* When Megatron follows Starscream and Thundercracker out of the pyramid, his Decepticon emblem disappears for a moment.
* As Trailbreaker says his "isn't over yet" line, his leg is red instead of black. Then Wheeljack pops out of the rubble from the spot where Sunstreaker was buried a moment ago.
* One gun, many lasers:
** No fewer than five laser beams are shown flying at Windcharger when Laserbeak isn't on-screen. Even if you count his eye beams, Laserbeak only has four guns.
** As the battle gets fully underway, four laser beams are shown coming from Megatron's crystal weapon.
** Starscream only has two guns to fire at Brawn, but three lasers are shown streaking past him as he runs up the stairs.
* After Skyfire revives, he doesn't have the exterior damage to his chest. Spike was barely able to get Skyfire's interior damage fixed before Ravage batted Bumblebee away and tried to attack the humans. As he transforms to [[alternate mode|jet mode]], Skyfire also has an odd blue panel on his undercarriage which is not normally present.
* When Starscream lands on the temple and starts firing at Brawn and Windcharger, his lasers are Autobot orange instead of Decepticon pink. The next shot shows the usual pink lasers hitting Windcharger.
* As Reflector and Soundwave fire from the cover of the ruins, Reflector is using a tiny gun mode Shockwave as his weapon!
* In the wide shot a second later, ''all'' the lasers are colored Decepticon pink, even though some are supposed to be Autobot shots.
*When Skyfire swoops over Soundwave and Reflector and destroys their stone bunkers, both the lasers hitting their targets and the explosions are missing, so it appears the walls just fall apart.
* The crystal cannon's barrel isn't hollow as Megatron aims it at Prime and Ironhide.
* Starscream's dialogue as he whines about Thundercracker making that "awful thunder noise" as the Decepticons retreat indicates that Thundercracker was supposed to be using his sonic boom powers in the scene (see "continuity notes", above). In practice, only the standard Decepticon jet engine sound effect is heard, no louder than normal.
* The Autobots get a ridiculously loud sound effect for the act of turning on their headlights.
* Bumblebee has no interior when he opens his door to offer Spike and Luisa a lift.

===Continuity errors===
* Skyfire's resurrection is one of the cartoon's most infamously problematic bits of continuity:
** Skyfire was left for dead and mourned as such in his previous, debut appearance in "[[Fire in the Sky]]". Now, suddenly, it just takes Sideswipe's pistons to dig him up out of the ice, and Wheeljack isn't the slightest bit surprised to find him alive and well. Why didn't they just dig him up right after he crashed? They only dug him up when they needed a ride?
** As no mention is made of how they get to the North Pole, on the face of it, the episode makes it appear that Wheeljack and Sideswipe have ''driven'' there, calling into question why, if they can make such a large journey this way, the Autobots can't simply drive to South America instead of requiring Skyfire to fly them. Notably, however, per their [[bio]]s, both Wheeljack and Sideswipe are two of the very small number of Autobots capable of independent flight (Sideswipe via his [[jet pack|rocket pack]], Wheeljack via jets in his arms), so it seems logical that the scriptwriter selected them for this scene as they could have flown themselves to the Arctic. Of course, nothing explicitly indicates this in the episode itself.
** Presumably as a result of some kind of miscommunication in production, Sideswipe is seen using an actual hand-held jackhammer to unearth Skyfire, rather than his customary built-in arm-mounted jackhammers.
* The Decepticons leave the temple to attack the mining town. En route, they're attacked by Brawn and Windcharger and drive them off. Skyfire then flies all the way back to Autobot Headquarters, picks up the rest of the Autobots, flies all the way back to Peru... and the Decepticons have apparently just reached the mining town like five minutes earlier.
* Rumble leaves with Megatron, Soundwave and a Reflector to acquire new/better metal, but is nowhere to be seen during the battle with Brawn and Windcharger.
* Soundwave was last seen at the <s>steel mill</s> mining town battle, but suddenly pops up outside the temple to send Ravage after Bumblebee and the humans.
* The energy that threatens to blow up the entire mountain is erupting from the plinth on which the crystal was installed, ''inside'' the temple. Why, then, do the Autobots install a cap on the ''roof'' of the temple, instead of in the same spot where the crystal was previously installed?

===Rhino DVD release===
[[File:Fitm dvd broadcast.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|You call this restoration?]]
The Rhino DVD version of this episode uses a number of erroneous takes as the basis of its remastered animation. As a result, the DVD introduces several animation errors that were not present in the broadcast version:
* Trailbreaker, Brawn, and Starscream are colored red, brown, and purple (respectively) in their introductory shots. In addition, the shadows underneath Trailbreaker and Brawn are missing.
* Several laser effects were redone for the broadcast version.
* The Crystal of Power is missing its shine effects when Megatron first encounters it.
* Laserbeak's eyes are missing their glow in one shot.
* In one shot of Megatron showing off his invention to Thundercracker and Starscream, Rhino applies a mask over the scene to isolate Megatron from a heavily cleaned-up background. This change was done poorly, though, as the mask is seen wobbling around Megatron as he talks.
* The shot of Windcharger and Brawn jumping out of Skyfire is choppier in Rhino's version.
* When Prime bashes Megatron into the wall, the background inexplicably disappears.
* In one shot of Spike and Luisa inside of Bumblebee, the sky background behind them is moving in the Rhino version when it shouldn't be.
* When Skywarp mocks Starscream for having to guard the Crystal, he is colored like Thundercracker.
* Skywarp and Starscream are missing from the shot where they blast Skyfire off of the temple.
* When Starscream and Thundercracker carry Skyfire's inert form, Skyfire has Skywarp's colors.
* "Skyfire is an excellent catch!" In the first shot, Megatron steps up to stand next to Thundercracker (who has a white-instead-of-blue wingtip); in the second shot, Thundercracker has been replaced by Starscream. This is one of a handful of Rhino errors not corrected by the later [[Shout! Factory]] DVD release.
* The sky is blue instead of orange when the Autobots approach the temple.
* When Skyfire is about to destroy the cannon, it already appears to be melted to slag.
* When Skyfire strafes the crystal-powered weapon, he momentarily has Skywarp's colors.
* In addition, several scenes in the episode appear to have been taken straight from the broadcast master, judging by their poor quality. This may have been done to cover up scenes that were entirely missing from the workprints that Rhino was using.

The chapter stops for this episode on the Rhino DVD include: Opening / Stolen Steel / It's Skyfire / To The Mining Town / Visiting Decepticon / Invention Works

===Trivia===
[[File:FireontheMountain Optimus pats Skyfire.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Just good friends.]]
* Luisa's name is never spoken in the episode.
* A hissing sound effect (like the sound of air escaping from a canister) is heavily used in this episode, especially when a character is jumping or taking off into the air. It's never used in such a manner again. {{fact}}
*This was one of the six episodes featured on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (video games)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|console game]], and the three on the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (PSP)|PSP game]], though it is in ''astonishingly'' low quality.
* When the Hub re-aired season 1 and 2, this episode was left out the first time
* After Skyfire flies the Autobots to Peru, Optimus Prime pats him on the nosecone affectionately. It seems he doesn't recall that section is Skyfire's robot mode crotch.
* During the original recording of the episode, Skyfire was referred to by his original name of Jetfire, but due to his [[Jetfire (G1)#Why "Skyfire"?|name change]], several lines had to be re-recorded prior to airing. Clips of these original recordings later surfaced in early 2017.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4jM2nittQk Transformers Fire On The Mountain Extended and Deleted Scene Audio - YouTube]</ref>

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le feu dans la montagne'''" ("The fire in the mountain")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*About the European French dub:
:::*Starscream calls Thundercracker "Thunder". Later in the episode, Megatron uses his full name "Thundercracker".
:::*When Spike wishes good luck to Skyfire, there is a radio effect on his voice for some reason.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Il segreto degli Incas'''" ("Secret of the Incas")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Megatron's laugh when preparing to attack the Autobots with the weapon was not dubbed, so you can see him moving his mouth without saying anything.

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Fuoco sulla montagna'''" ("Fire on the mountain")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Inca no Hihō'''" (インカの秘宝, "Incaic Jewel")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 3]], [[1986]]
::*The Japanese ordering of this episode places it toward the end of the series. This was done as it featured Skyfire prominently and with his toy being of [[Bandai]] design (and not sold in Japan as a Transformer), that caused some legal concerns amongst Takara (many of Skyfire's smaller scenes in other episodes were cut entirely). Though the episodes featuring him as a main characters were eventually shown, the scripts were not reworked to adjust to the new chronological placement, simply being more or less direct translations of the original English versions.
::*'''Cuts:'''
:::* After Brawn declares, "It's fightin' time", the following overhead shot of Starscream and Skywarp fleeing the room is cut. The sequence resumes at the close-up of Starscream saying "Correction, Autobot...".
:::* After Starscream and Thundercracker take-off with the materials, the following scene of Brawn and Trailbreaker crawling out of the rubble, lamenting that they lost the steel and rolling out for headquarters have been cut.
:::* The close-up of Spike's head and his line, "Uh oh, it's picking up a weird energy reading from those ruins", and the monitor shot displaying the ruins, have been cut. The sequence picks up at Laserbeak flying through the air.
:::* When Megatron and the Decepticons take off for the mining town in Peru, the following scene of them flying through the air and Megatron's line, "Any who stand in our way will be demolished", have been cut.
:::* After Skyfire tells everyone to buckle-up and blasts off for Peru, the following scene of him flying over the Peruvian mountains has been cut.
:::* The scene panning over the mountain road leading to the metal forging facility has been cut.
:::* During the attack on the Decepticons at the metal forging facility, the scene of Megatron slowly marching forward as laser beams bounce off him has been cut. The sequence resumes at his lines, "Skywarp, I have created a steel alloy...".
:::* The scene of Starscream and Thundercracker carrying Skyfire's unconscious body has been cut. The sequence resumes at the close-up of Skyfire's head as he's being dropped.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Shāndǐng zhī Huǒ '''" (山顶之火, "Fire on the Top of the Mountain")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fogo na Montanha'''" ("Fire on the Mountain")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Skhvatka na vershine'''" (Схватка на вершине, "The Engagement at the Very Top")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Vatrena planeta'''" (Ватрена планета, "Fiery Planet")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 8: "Fire on the Mountain" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1997 — ''The Transformers'' — War of the Dinobots ([[Malofilm]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume One ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Two (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 2 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==References==
<references />

==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1FzYHjnRjuKTVesZj7ZiNFLePZf37iE9t Full episode script as revised by Ron Friedman 9th July 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cQj-QHd7sbWQLXAPr7UdyT5mNsOHg6de/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

S.O.S. Dinobots

2025-04-27T16:40:07Z

JD1337666:

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the mobile game event|S.O.S. Dinobots (Legends)}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=8
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=7
|prev2=Divide and Conquer
|next2=War of the Dinobots
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=4
|prev3=More than Meets the Eye, Part 3
|next3=Heavy Metal War
|image=SOSDinobots fossilcavern.jpg
|caption=Wheeljack? Consult the Book of Armaments.
|title="S.O.S. Dinobots"
|season=1
|season ep=8
|production code=#700-05
|airdate=[[October 27]], 1984
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]], [[Ashi Productions]], [[Nakamura Production]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xOg3uBAL6s
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''The Autobots create the Dinobots, but can barely control these new powerful warriors.'''

==Synopsis==
As the [[Autobot]]s discuss whether or not the [[Decepticon]]s are behind the tremors they've been experiencing recently, [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] notices the tremors are stronger near one of the rock walls of the Autobot base. [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]]'s sensors detect something odd behind the wall, so the Autobots break through, finding a cavern. Spike explains to the surprised Autobots that the bones scattered around the cave are [[dinosaur (dinosaur)|dinosaur]] fossils, which pique the curiosity of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]].

Elsewhere, [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] stake out the [[Great Falls]] hydroelectric power facility, and return to the Decepticon base once they have enough information.

Spike takes [[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] on a tour of a natural history museum to further illustrate his paleontological crash-course. Hound snaps a few holograms of dinosaur bone displays, which he played back for the other Autobots. Wheeljack and [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] are inspired, believing that they could construct robot versions to use against the Decepticons, and Optimus gives them permission. A laborious construction ensues, based on designs drawn up on [[Teletraan I]], with all of the Autobots taking part.

[[File:SOSDinobots Grimlockwrecks Teletraan.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left|When the [[television|TV]] no work, Me know how to fix it!]]
Meanwhile [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] announces that the Great Falls constitute a perpetual power source that will let them take over the [[Universe (universe)|universe]] forever. On his order, the Decepticon forces fly out to take the dam.

Wheeljack unveils the three new additions to their ranks: the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]], [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]]. Impressed by the giant Dinobots and their ability to transform into dinosaurs, Optimus asks for a demonstration of their other abilities, and Wheeljack has them disintegrate the rubble from the earlier excavation. As Wheeljack explains that he's looking to upgrade the Dinobots' limited intelligence, the trio suddenly start attacking the Autobots. Grimlock heads for the control room, pursued by [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] and Spike, but the pair are unable to prevent the Dinobot from trashing Teletraan I. Bumblebee does manage to lure Grimlock away from the room so Ratchet can start the long repair job. As the fight continues, Optimus orders the Dinobots destroyed, but Wheeljack manages to disable them with his [[magnetic inducer]]. Despite Wheeljack's pleas, Optimus orders them decommissioned, and the three Dinobots are sealed in the rock cavern, never to be activated again.

[[File:SOSDinobots Ravage window.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Holy Hell!]]
The Decepticons arrive at the Great Falls, and the humans try to reach the Autobots via Teletraan I. Their distress signal goes unheard, as Teletraan I is currently offline thanks to the Dinobot rampage. [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] trashes the humans' communication equipment, and the facility falls under Decepticon control.

With Teletraan I out of commission, it's up to individual Autobot scouts like Hound to be on the lookout for Decepticon activity. Hound's sensors detect the ransacking of the Great Falls plant, and he alerts Optimus. Optimus leaves with a strike force, ordering Bumblebee to stay behind to guard the base.

The Decepticons are gathering energy from the dam as [[energon cube]]s, and Megatron assures [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] that he has a plan for when the Autobots arrive. When the Autobots do arrive on a cliff overlooking the falls, they're unable to detect any Decepticons, but the foe soon pops out of their hiding places and attack. As his warriors keep the Autobots occupied, Megatron connects his [[fusion cannon]] directly into the Great Falls' power output. He blasts the cliff-face where the Autobots stand while [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] bashes at the ground, causing the cliff to crumble and sending the Autobots falling into the raging waters below.

Disobeying orders, Bumblebee arrives at the Great Falls and picks up Spike, as Megatron orders the Autobots retrieved and prepared for destruction. Bumblebee and Spike return to the Ark, informing Wheeljack and Ratchet of the Autobots' failure at the Great Falls. Wheeljack decides to reactivate the Dinobots. He has secretly developed a series of memory components that would upgrade the Dinobots' brains. Despite Bumblebee's protests that it goes against Optimus's orders, they install the new components, and the Dinobots awaken. Still relatively simple-minded, they are now much more intelligent than the mindless monsters that first appeared. Sludge, Slag and Grimlock agree to follow Wheeljack's orders, and blast their way out of the side of the volcano.

[[File:SOSDinobots Megatron falls.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|I've warned you about that, mighty Megatron.]]
The Decepticons have the Autobots trussed up with [[energon chains]]. Just as the Decepticons are about to execute the captives, the Dinobots arrive with Wheeljack. Wheeljack takes out Megatron with a [[gyro-inhibitor shell]], resulting in Starscream declaring himself leader on the grounds that Megatron has literally just fallen. The Decepticons take to the air, but even with air superiority, they find themselves being tossed around and battered by the Dinobots. As Megatron transforms and latches onto Starscream's jet mode, Wheeljack spots his fellow Autobots' weapons, and uses them to free his friends. The Dinobots blast Megatron, who finds himself faced with both the Dinobots and the freed Autobots. He quickly calls a retreat, and the Decepticons turn tail. Wheeljack and Bumblebee brace themselves for reprimands for disobeying Prime's direct orders, but Prime concedes he was wrong. He accepts the Dinobots as the newest members of the Autobot forces. The Autobots cheer the decision, and the Dinobots growl their approval.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{collist|2|
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (2)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (3)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (4)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (6)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (7)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (8)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (11)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (12)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (13)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] (14)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (19)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (20)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (21)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (22)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (23)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (24)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (25)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (27)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (28)
*[[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] (29)
}}
|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (8)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (9)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (15)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (16)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (17)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (18)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (30)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (31)
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (5)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (26)
}}

==Quotes==
"Well I'll be a Cybertronic [[bolt-bat]]!"
:—'''Sideswipe'''

[[File:SOSDinobots buildingSludge.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Heck, robot satanic hellspawn nuclear explosive suicide troops might be useful too. Whip us up some of those while you're at it."]]
"Robot dinosaurs might be useful. You have my authorization."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' gives the okay to make the Dinobots, because sure, why not?

"Maybe Hound's got [[Glitch-mouse|glitch-mice]] in his databanks again!"
:—'''Bluestreak''', mocking Hound's radar accuracy, to the amusement of no one

"Nice shootin', if you were aimin' for the sky!"
:—'''Rumble''' goading Bluestreak

[[File:SOSDinobots-Sludge Insignia.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Rubsigns save lives!]]
"Which ones... friends?" 
"Ones with... face like this... uh, I think." 
"That... good enough for Slag."
:—'''Slag''' and '''Sludge''' determine friend from foe by using faction symbols.

"If on Decepticon turf you happen to tumble, look out robot, 'cause here comes Rumble!"
:—'''Rumble'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s clever combat banter

"Heat seeking missiles seek heat!"
:—'''Skywarp'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s slightly less clever combat banter

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 29th June 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 7th July 1984
* First draft storyboards completed: 25th July 1984 (Artists: [[David Russell]], [[Doug Lefler]], [[Gerald Moeller]], [[Lindsay Dawson]], [[Bob Smith]], [[Brian Ray]]).
* Returned to the US for telecine: 17th October 1984

===Continuity notes===
*The natural history museum that Spike and Hound visit might be assumed to be in [[Central City (Earth)|Central City]], later shown in "[[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1]]" to be located near Autobot Headquarters.
*After being almost totally ignored (or completely absent) for the first seven episodes, Windcharger finally gets his first speaking line.
*Wheeljack is shown working on the memory upgrades for the Dinobots before they're even built!
*Flying Autobots:
**Gears takes to the air to attack the Decepticons at the power plant, and Wheeljack flies alongside the Dinobots. These abilities are never explained within the cartoon itself. However, according to the [[Tech Spec]]s, these two (along with Sideswipe) are the original Autobots who are SUPPOSED to be flight-capable; Gears is equipped with compressed air boosters and Wheeljack has solid-fuel rockets in his arms. Gears would never be shown to use his flight capabilities again; Wheeljack, however, will fly again in "[[A Plague of Insecticons]]" and actually use his arm-rockets in "[[The Core]]" and "[[The Autobot Run]]".
**The Dinobots are also shown to be able to fly in robot mode under their own power; they will consistently retain this ability all the way through Season 2 and the Movie.
*"We do... as told... for now." Grimlock's first lines already foretell the trouble that the Autobots will have keeping the Dinobots in line.
*The Dinobots are shown to be incredibly tough and resistant to damage. Nothing the Decepticons do leaves so much as a scratch or scorch mark, not even shots from gun mode Megatron. This too is consistent through Season 2 and the Movie.
**Slag's neck frill can reflect Optimus Prime's laser rifle blast back at him.
[[File:Sosdinos sonadar sensors.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
[[File:SOSDinobots Trailbreaker in force field.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
[[File:SOSDinobot Hound radios in.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|As noted [[#Rhino_DVD_release|above]], Hound's glowy bits were bright blue in the original broadcast version.]]
*Powers and gadgets:
**Ironhide is equipped with a [[sonodar]] sensor array that extends from his forearm, capable of penetrating solid rock. The findings of the sensor are displayed in the windshield in his chest.
**Sideswipe is equipped with piston arms, that allow him to punch through stone walls. Here, they are simply heavy protrusions that he slams into the rock to break it up, but when they show up again in "[[A Plague of Insecticons]]" they actually operate like pneumatic jackhammers. His pistons are also misinterpreted as a ''hand-held'' jackhammer in "[[Fire on the Mountain (episode)|Fire on the Mountain]]".
**Trailbreaker's force field is rendered as a glowing yellow sphere that comes from the space between his upraised hands. (Well, hand, since the other one is a gun.)
**Wheeljack fires a "magnetic inducer" from his shoulder cannon to stop the rampaging Dinobots, and later nails Megatron with a "[[gyro-inhibitor shell]]", launched from the same. Both of these are weapons Wheeljack's tech spec says he has and fires from his shoulder cannons.
**Per the original script, Thundercracker was intended to use his sonic boom powers in robot mode during the Decepticons' attack on the Great Falls by slamming his fists together. As he was attacking the tourists from earlier - whose other scenes were cut - this scene was excised as well.
**Hound uses a cheekguard-mounted communicator to contact Autobot Headquarters, along with a button on his stomach that lights up parts of his helmet while he's transmitting.
**Optimus has a similar cheekguard communicator, along with little antennae which slide out of the larger antennae on his head.
**Thundercracker attempts to torch the Dinobots with a flamethrower, which shows up again in "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2]]". This weapon is probably based on his tech spec's mention of [[incendiary gun]]s.
**Skywarp still packs heat-seeking missiles, per his tech spec bio.
**Starscream drops small bomb-missiles on the Dinobots. These may or may not be from the launchers concealed in his air ducts, which are used in "[[Fire on the Mountain (episode)|Fire on the Mountain]]".
[[File:Sosdinos rumble broken piledrivers.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*Megatron actually refers to his [[fusion cannon]] by that name.
*Laserbeak does not appear but is mentioned in this episode, as Megatron credits him for gathering intelligence at the Great Falls.
*Per his tech spec bio, Sludge proves adept in the water. He also uses his seismic stomp to retaliate against Rumble's earthquake power.
*Rumble getting hit by Sludge's quake while using his piledrivers causes them to break off.
*'''[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|< <]]''' What makes Starscream the leader? Megatron's lost his equilibrium! '''[[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|> >]]'''

===Real-world references===
*Dinosaurs, obviously. And a natural history museum, and a lame joke about "heavy metal" in reference to Hound.
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**[[Death Star]] turbolasers are used as the sound of Bluestreak firing at Rumble.
**[[Luke Skywalker|Luke]] repelling Seeker bolts with his [[lightsaber]] is used as the sound of the Decepticons lifting off under Starscream's command.
**Clashing lightsabers are used as the sound of Slag's horns powering up.
**More lightsabers as the Dinobots fire on Megatron and Starscream.

===Animation or technical glitches===
[[File:SOSDinobots-Miscolors.jpg|thumb|center|600px|[[Nelson Yomtov|Yomtov]]-licious!]]
[[File:SOSDinobots bluePrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Don't even think about [[redeco|it]], [[e-HOBBY]]!]]
[[File:SOSDinobots Soundwave shoots Gears.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*Coloring errors:
**Wheeljack's ears flash orange in this episode, rather than the usual blue. It's a convention that also appeared in "[[Roll for It]]" (an episode which has a similar art style to this one.)
**Ironhide's cheekguards are gray instead of red as he explains his sonodar sensor.
**The exposition-spouting tourist visiting the Great Falls hydroelectric power plant has hair that turns from red to black from one shot to the next.
**In his introductory shot, Slag's head is miscolored, mostly gray instead of all-red. This is the first of many, many, many times that his head and face will get the wrong colors.
**Another frequent coloring error has Sludge with gray on the sides of his dino head, which should be all-gold. It pops up numerous times in this episode.
**When the Decepticons arrive at the Great Falls plant, Rumble is colored like Brawn.
**As Skywarp and another Decepticon land, a foreground Decepticon Seeker's leg is colored a deep yellow (an error, but as close as [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] ever came to appearing on Earth in a Generation 1 cartoon.)
**As Megatron claims control of the dam and the Decepticons strike silly poses, two background Seekers appear to have Bluestreak's colors.
**As Skywarp and Thundercracker strafe the Autobots, ''every single Autobot is miscolored'', including Sideswipe painted as Sunstreaker, Bluestreak as Trailbreaker, Brawn as Hound, Optimus Prime as Sideswipe, Hound as Ironhide, Trailbreaker as Gears, and Mirage as Bluestreak.
**Rumble's pile driver tips are the same blue-purple as the rest of him when he lands, but are red in a close-up shot a second later.
**Sunstreaker's hands are yellow in the shot of him, Jazz, etc. reacting to Rumble's earthquake.
**As Prime rolls toward the falls, his smokestacks are red.
**"Nice shootin'!" Rumble's eyeband is gray instead of red.
**When Gears flies up to Soundwave, his truck roof (on his back) is red instead of blue.
**Optimus's chest is the same blue as his head as he struggles in the water. As the Autobots move past camera, he morphs into his usual red.
**Ratchet's head crest is white instead of gray as he works on Teletraan-1.
**While the Autobots are trapped in Energon Chains, Optimus is colored entirely blue and Trailbreaker is a light grey rather than black.
**Starscream's entire cockpit cowling is yellow after the transforms, rather than just the canopy.
**Rumble's shin is all-yellow as he and the rest of the Decepticon group take off.
**When Skywarp drops bombs on Grimlock, Grimlock's an overly-dark shade of gray.
**Rumble's colors are reversed as Sludge's crevasse knocks him over.
**After they transform to retreat, all three Seekers have entirely gold nosecones. A pan across the three jets shows Starscream, Thundercracker, and a second Starscream in place of Skywarp.
**Sludge's face is black after he returns to [[robot mode]].
*Brawn's lines don't quite time up with the animation; he says "let's clean up this mess" while in the middle of tossing rocks everywhere; and he says "Hey, there's a cavern in there!" while gaping at a huge opening that must have been revealed much earlier in their dig.
*Wheeljack likewise says "Feels like stone" before he's even picked up one of the dinosaur bones. His ears don't flash for the first part of his line. And the top of his chest is colored windshield blue when it should be metal armor white.
*Jazz clearly isn't with the group that enters the cave; yet he abruptly pops up out of nowhere to say his line.
*Only the front of Wheeljack's ears flash for his "I'd sure like to know more about 'em" line.
*Spike identifies a ''Brontosaurus'' during his tour of the museum's dinosaur exhibit, though there does not appear to be a ''Brontosaurus'' on display. Though, to be fair, it may just be Spike's error, or the ''Brontosaurus'' skeleton might be out of the camera's view. (Also, at the time this episode took place, {{w|Brontosaurus|''Brontosaurus'' was a deprecated genus}}, but that's just picking nits, especially since the genus has now been reinstated.)
*Wheeljack's ears are drawn as mishapen white blobs as he and Prime first call up the image of the dinosaurs on Teletraan 1.
*Wheeljack is missing his wings as he works on the helmet-brain units.
*The Decepticon Headquarters docking tower is rather clumsily animated against the background matte, shaking a bit as it lowers. When the tower lowers, the source of the streaming bubbles lowers with it!
*"I suppose you've devised a brilliant plan..." Starscream's intakes are shown behind his shoulders, rather than on top of them.
*The top of the docking tower is missing as the Decepticons fly out it.
*Wheeljack's line of dialogue, "Autobots, meet Dinobots" is delivered by Ratchet.
*As Wheeljack introduces the Dinobots, the foreground characters slide magically against the background scenery due to an error in animation.
*As the Autobots react with shock upon seeing the Dinobots, all three audible lines in the scene—"Look at the size of those things", "Great Cybertron", and "Holy heterodyne"—are animated as being spoken by Bluestreak. The lines were evidently not scripted as belonging to any specific characters, as they are provided respectively by [[Peter Cullen]] (using neither Prime nor Ironhide's voice), [[Dan Gilvezan]] (sounding like himself) and [[Gregg Berger]] (who shouldn't be voicing ''any'' of the assembled Autobots!).
*Wheeljack is missing his wings as he's introducing the Dinobots.
*As Huffer mocks the Dinobots, he says: "Dinobots, huh? I thought you were supposed to make ''dino''saurs!" The emphasis, of course, should be on the "saurs".
*Optimus Prime's line, "Interesting, but what else can they do?" is delivered by Cliffjumper.
*As he opens his mouth to clear the rubble, Grimlock's dinosaur head has whole bunch of extra joint lines, based on his toy's detail. This detail never appears again.
*Bluestreak gets Optimus Prime's laser rifle sound effect for his shoulder launcher blasts.
*As Slag shoots him, Sideswipe cries out in Bluestreak's voice.
*As Grimlock heads into the control room, he just slides across the frame, rather than being animated with leg motion, etc.
*Grimlock clearly destroys the big main screen with the lolipop next to it. Yet as Bumblebee tries to get away, he passes this same screen, totally intact, while the explosion comes from somewhere else (unless there's ''two'' big screens with lolipops?)
*Ratchet rights a tipped-over Bumblebee in the thick of the Dinobot rampage. After Bumblebee drives away, the section of Ratchet obscured by a foreground Bumblebee is still missing.
*As often happens, Prowl has Sideswipe's voice as he asks "Doesn't anything get to this guy?"
*Prime's missing his grille lines as he declares that the Dinobots must be destroyed.
[[File:SOSDinobots magnetic inducer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*As he fires to deactivate the Dinobots, Wheeljack's missile launcher swings around and clicks into place, pointing forward. Only... it was already pointing forward just a second earlier. In fact, it's never shown pointing in any other direction.
*After standing in front of the cave lamenting the loss of his creations (aw, poor Wheeljack!), Wheeljack moves out of the way as the Autobots open fire to seal the cavern. Yet as the rocks come down, he's back in front of the cave.
*After Optimus signs off from Hound's transmission, his head does a strange little back-and-forth bob. As the view pans out from him, we see Bluestreak, whose headcrest is gray instead of red.
*As the Autobots roll out, they kind of slide sideways across the floor of Autobot Headquarters.
[[File:SOSDinobots Autobots in chains.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|They just left Gears and the others at the bottom of the river.]]
*Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**Wheeljack is shown in the lineup of Autobots leaving HQ; yet a moment later, it's shown that he stayed behind to continue working on stuff.
**Not nearly enough Autobots are shown in the energon chain lineup.
*"Endless energy, Starscream!" Megatron is missing his waist details.
*When Optimus tells the Autobots to fight, his line is clipped off at the end, telling the Autobots to "fight ba-".
*Just before Gears tumbles into him, Bluestreak is standing there waving a fist in the air. It looks like he was supposed to be shooting, but the laser fire wasn't animated.
*Bluestreak is knocked over by Gears, but is standing and firing in the next shot.
*Megatron is shown laughing, but there's no vocalization to go with it.
*Megatron's missing his insignia as he and Starscream look down from the cliff.
*"We shall retrieve their short-circuited carcasses..." Megatron's slow-moving lip-flap doesn't keep pace with his speech.
*"I've been working on a little research project." Once again, only the front of Wheeljack's ears flash.
*As the Autobots struggle against the chains, Megatron suffers another severe lip-flap malfunction. The energon chains to bounce and move like a single solid object; this is apparently supposed to show the Autobots struggling against their bonds, but it doesn't really work very well.
*Yet another vocal malfunction for Megatron after Wheeljack shoots him; he makes a falling-over "Whauurrrrrr!" sound long after he's already fallen over.
*"And whatever punishment you have in mind..." Bumblebee is missing his insignia, has yellow "cheeks" instead of white, and appears to have borrowed [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]]'s rectangular chest.
*The closing scene features Optimus announcing that the Dinobots... will stay! And everyone is happy, and everybody cheers! Everybody except the background music, which is a tense, frantic piece normally reserved for cliffhanging crises and catastrophes.

===Continuity errors===
*So, why ''didn't'' Wheeljack just give the Dinobots their cognitive upgrades ''before'' he activated them and showed them off?
*The data gathered by Reflector and Soundwave leads Megatron to conclude with relish that the Great Falls contain enough energy to vanquish the Autobots and control the universe... but that's really nothing new. The Decepticons have targeted hydroelectric power sources before.
*What is it about falling into the river that is so devastating to the Autobots? We've seen that Autobots can deal with being in the water (Hound in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]", various Autobots in "[[The Ultimate Doom]]", [[Springer (G1)|Springer]], [[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]], and [[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', etc.). It's possible that the fall itself damaged them, but the Autobots are clearly shown struggling around in the water. Then again, Optimus Prime needed Jazz's help to escape the rushing river in "More Than Meets the Eye, Part 2".
*It's possible the editorial pace of the show plays with time and space, but taken at face value, the Autobots build three Dinobots in the span of time it takes the Decepticons to decide to attack the Great Falls.
*So... what caused the tremors? Once the Autobots found the dinosaur bones, they completely lost interest in the mystery that kickstarted the whole thing in the first place.

===Rhino DVD release===
[[File:dvd broadcast.jpg|thumb|Pretty colors are more important than things making sense!]]

*The chapter stops for this episode on the Rhino DVD are: Opening / Old Bones / "Dinobots Must Die" / Fusion Power / Permanent Dysfunction / Dinobots Will Stay.
*Though all G1 episodes released on DVD by Rhino were altered in some way, both with additional sound effects and unintentional changes induced by not using the finalized broadcast masters, this one is particularly screwed up:
**The opening zoom on Autobot HQ is different.
**Ironhide's monitor has less detail in the Rhino version.
**As the Autobots walk around the unnamed museum, they pass a pair of street punks looking at a display. While divided into grey and blue parts in the broadcast version, the display was [[:File:SOSDinobotsPunksDisplay.jpg|rendered entirely blue]] in the Kid Rhino version of the episode, making it look a bit like a computer terminal. This random color change was ''not'' undone in the Shout! Factory version. In the same shot, one of the background extras is missing as well.
**Optimus and Wheeljack are missing from one shot where they are supposed to be looking at the screen.
**The montage of the Dinobots being built is rather poorly edited on the Kid Rhino version.
**The Rhino version uses a faulty take for the shot where the Dinobots demonstrate their power by clearing rubble. In the DVD, the blasts from the Dinobots' mouths are missing, and the rubble does not vanish. The broadcast version, though, has both effects, which were reinstated on the Shout! Factory release. (See illustration).
**"Look at the size of those things!" In the shot where Bluestreak speaks the three lines in three different voices, the Rhino version features an additional error: Huffer's mouth is also moving in unison with Bluestreak's for all three lines.
**The soldiers' guns disappear from the ground when they run away. They are also missing in the later shot when the Decepticons land. Shout! corrected the first instance, but not the second one.
** The laser that Starscream fires in one shot is horribly misaligned in the DVD version.
**Not so much a goof, but the Rhino DVD version of this episode has a rainbow visible at the Great Falls when Megatron lands. This is not in the broadcast version and was removed when Shout Factory corrected the scene.
**In the following shot, the Rhino version has Megatron standing in front of a sky instead of rocks.
**The foreground layer of grass is missing when Spike exits Hound.
**When Hound contacts Autobot Headquarters with a recon report, the glowing lights on his chest and forehead are blue in the broadcast version, but red in the DVD version. This was changed back in the Shout! Factory release.
**The Energon cubes have different glow effects in one shot.
**...When Spike says the line "Is it much farther, Hound" the broadcast version has his mouth move with his speech but the Rhino version has his mouth stop at the word "much" with his mouth hanging open in the rest of the sentence and this error is uncorrected in Shout! Factory's version.
**When the Autobots arrive at the Great Falls and they transform from [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] to [[robot mode]], the shot of Bluestreak is reversed, and he is shown transforming from robot to car. The broadcast version used the correct take, as does the Shout! Factory release.
**The laser effects are not properly colored in some shots.
**When Megatron transforms into a gun to attack the Dinobots, the background matte is misaligned, showing only the sky and not the ground.
**And before the shot mentioned in the previous error, the camera pan from the Dinobots to Megatron is jumpy.

===Trivia===
[[File:SOSDinobots Great Falls.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|The rules of Decepticon fashion dictate that no two members of a flying group can use the same arm pose.]]
[[File:Reflector_wrecked.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Reflector's fate - deleted from two episodes]]
*Though the holographic dinosaurs illustrated in the episodes matched some of the concepts of the early ‘80s, their depiction is outdated by today's standards. The dinosaurs in the show are the sluggish, tail-dragging cold-blooded variety not in keeping with more modern theories of warm-blooded, bird-like animals.
**Also when the holographic dinosaurs are shown, a ''Brontosaurus'' is seen living alongside a ''Triceratops'' and a ''Tyrannosaurus''. In reality, ''Brontosaurus'' lived in the Jurassic Period, while ''Triceratops'' and ''Tyrannosaurus'' lived at the end of the Cretaceous Period (to put this into perspective, ''Triceratops'' and ''Tyrannosaurus'' lived closer to the present day than they did to when ''Brontosaurus'' was alive). So basically, they were separated by tens of millions of years, {{w|Fantasia (film)|but apparently}}, {{w|The Flintstones|in a cartoon}}, {{w|The Land Before Time|that doesn't matter}}.
*At one point in the script's development, Megatron was going to proclaim himself "Megatron of Cybertron" when taking over the power plant. This was briefly amended to "Megatron Septimus Five of Cybertron", before being altered to "I, Megatron, declare this facility Decepticon domain!" as the finalized line.
*A scene deleted from the episode storyboards (pictured at right) shows Reflector receiving a brutal beatdown from all three Dinobots. This scene was scripted to be repeated in future episode [[War of the Dinobots]], as the Decepticons watch video footage of their defeat. As the scene was deletd before the episode was animated, its re-use was cut as well.
*This episode shares the slightly stylized artistic style of "[[Roll for It]]". Note the strange poses that the Decepticons strike while flying, Optimus's unusually rounded head, Bumblebee's somewhat flattened head, and the little bits of shading seen on characters's faces in closeup.
*Another deleted scene would have shown a human mother and child at the Great Falls both voiced by [[Mona Marshall]] that was recorded but cut from the final episode.
*This was one of the six episodes featured on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (video games)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|console game]], and the three on the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (PSP)|PSP game]], though it is in ''astonishingly'' low quality.
*Prime's characterization is a bit off in this episode; Wheeljack has just created living, sentient beings... and once they show they have free will by attacking the Autobots, he orders them sealed in a cave. Once they wipe the floor with the Decepticons, their brutality is a-okay. Apparently, freedom is the right of all sentient beings that fight on his side.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''S.O.S. Dinobots'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Concerning the European French dub:
:::*Megatron calls Soundwave "Shock".
:::*When Megatron loses his equilibrium, "equilibrium" was not translated in French and kept this way in the phrase, resulting in the equilibrium being a mechanical piece that was damaged by Wheeljack.

'''German'''
:*''Title (Generation 2 dub):'' "'''Die Dinobots'''" ("The Dinobots")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[May 21]], [[1994]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''La nascita dei Dinorobot'''" ("Birth of the Dinobots")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Rumble and Slag are called "Scarlet" and "Tricec" in this episode, despite their Italian names being "Tartar" and "Tricex".
::*The heavy metal joke is not well rendered.

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''S.O.S. Dinobots'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*The same filter used for Transformers is applied to Spike in two of his lines ("Or maybe he just can't respond!"/"We've got to try to save him and our friends!").

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Dinobot Tanjō!'''" (ダイノボット誕生!, "The Dinobots Are Born!")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 17]], [[1985]]
::*The Dinobots' roars are replaced with library tracks of classic movie kaiju roars (mostly an altered version of Baragon's roar from Toho's ''Frankenstein Conquers the World'').
::*'''Cut:''' Following Spike's line, "There goes an Autobot with guts" and Ratchet charging, the close-up of Spike's head and Ratchet repairing Teletraan-1 have been cut. The sequence resumes at Sludge firing his laser eyes.
::*'''Cut:''' After Prime yells "Roll out!" and transforms, the following footage of the Autobots driving out of the Ark behind him, the pan across the base interior and the footage of Wheeljack working on the Dinobot brain upgrades have all been cut.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Jǐnjí Hūjiào '''" (紧急呼叫, "Emergency Calls")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''S.O.S. Dinobots'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Na pomoshch, Dinoboty!'''" (На помощь, Диноботы!, "Help us, Dinobots!")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''S.O.S Dinoboti'''" (С.О.С Диноботи, "S.O.S Dinobot")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

===Toys inspired by this episode===
[[File:MP27-Ironhide.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right]]
*'''''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' MP-27 [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Ironhide]] ([[TakaraTomy]], 2016)'''
:Included with ''Masterpiece'' Ironhide is a wrist-mounted sonodar dish, as well as a readout image of dinosaur bones that can be slipped behind his windshield based on the tools he uses in this episode.
{{-}}

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 3: "S.O.S. Dinobots" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1997 — ''The Transformers'' — War of the Dinobots ([[Malofilm]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers: The Complete Original Series'' ([[Maverick]])<ref>https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00006JY0B/</ref> 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers: Generation 2'' ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Two (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — The Best of ''The Transformers'' (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Episodes (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 01: Stagione Uno Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2011 — ''Transformers'' — L'Attaque des Autobots ([[UFG Junior]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — Roar of the Dinobots (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20200323170910/http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-1/synopses/700-05.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=16Dyce43nsYGdqAZshU7s5QszJ8IeT6JG Episode script as revised by Ron Friedman 7th July 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zMFISMcqEwq0hxHW5S5wr9SANrqUefu5/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]
*[https://sunbowmarvelarchive.blogspot.com/p/the-transformers-mp-700-05-sos-dinobots.html Gallery of first draft storyboards]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sos Dinobots}}
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Fire in the Sky

2025-04-27T16:25:59Z

JD1337666:

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=7
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=62
|prev2=Masquerade
|next2=Fire on the Mountain (episode)
|image=FireintheSky DecepticonsrepairingSkyfire.jpg
|caption=Er, guys, I'm not sure that fire is in the ''sky''.
|title="Fire in the Sky"
|season=1
|season ep=7
|production code=#700-04
|airdate=[[December 8]], 1984
|written by=[[Dick Robbins]], [[Bryce Malek]] and [[Alfred A. Pegal]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UraEBfVEDKQ
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''While siphoning the Earth of its energy, the Decepticons uncover a long-lost colleague of Starscream.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:FireintheSky snowball.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|This snow isn't as fun as Spike said it was!]]
What's this? A blanket of snow over the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'s volcano? The Autobots and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] engaged in a snowball fight? In July? In the middle of the desert? Something is amiss with the world's weather. According to [[Teletraan I]]'s scans, temperatures are 40 degrees below normal and falling rapidly.

[[File:FireintheSky Reflector draincrystal.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Im in ur ice cave, steamcleanin ur crystal]]
Somewhere inside the [[Arctic|Arctic Circle]], the Decepticons have tapped a crystal shaft leading directly to the [[Earth's core]] to siphon the planet's heat energy into [[energon cube]]s. While excavating the icy caverns surrounding the crystal, [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] uncovers a Transformer frozen in the ice. [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] recognizes it as his old colleague [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]].

The Autobots finally pinpoint the source of the Earth's energy drain, and Teletraan I confirms Decepticon activity surrounding a crystal outgrowth in the Arctic Circle. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] hastily assembles an assault team, and they [[roll out]], with Spike and [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] accompanying.

The Decepticons have hauled the frozen titan out of the ice and proceed to repair it. Starscream explains his past: [[MYA|millions of years ago]], before the final falling out between the Autobots and Decepticons, Starscream and Skyfire were both explorers. They were charting an unknown planet, Earth, when a storm separated the two and Skyfire was lost.

Skyfire awakens and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] welcomes him to the Decepticon cause. Though Skyfire is grateful for having been thawed out, he shows doubts about being a warrior rather than a scientist. He commits to the cause out of loyalty to Starscream. When the Autobots arrive in the Arctic, Skyfire targets them for destruction.

[[File:FireintheSky Skyfires magicAutobotsymbol.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|A changing faction symbol? It's Sideways! Get him!]]
Skyfire opens fire, scattering the Autobots. Spike tumbles through the ice into the arctic waters. Sparkplug pulls him out, but they are trapped on an ice floe. They cry out for help. Skyfire is intrigued by the new lifeforms and tries to befriend them, not realizing that they are terrified by Decepticons. Spike and Sparkplug try to explain that it's the Decepticons that are the true monsters. The naïve Skyfire takes the humans to Megatron to prove the Decepticons' good intentions. Megatron and Starscream promptly imprison Spike and Sparkplug behind bars of ice, and plan their execution, leaving Skyfire troubled.

Optimus leads his Autobot team into the icy caverns, but a cave-in splits the team in two. Prime's group finds the humans and frees them, while the other team—including [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]], [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]], [[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] and [[Gears (G1)|Gears]]—find the crystal shaft tap. Megatron discovers this second group and has his soldiers capture them. To test Skyfire's loyalty, Starscream orders Skyfire to execute the captives. Skyfire refuses, and in a fit of rage, Starscream blasts his old friend. Starscream then blasts the prisoners to pieces.

Well, not really. Once again, one of Hound's holograms has saved the day, creating the illusion of blasted Autobot parts. When Starscream departs, Hound drops the illusion. An ailing Skyfire awakens and is pleased to see the Autobots functioning. The disparate Autobot teams unite as Ratchet repairs the fallen titan. [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] spies Ratchet's work and reports to Megatron. The Decepticon leader chews out Starscream for failing to kill the prisoners. Megatron orders his soldiers to attack.

[[File:FireintheSky Memorial.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|"Rest in peace, Skyfire." "[[Fire on the Mountain (episode)|I'm not dead!]]" "I can still hear his voice on the wind... *sniff*"]]
As the battle progresses, Prime and Megatron each grab shards of crystals and engage in a duel. Skyfire appears on the battlefield, and Megatron orders him to attack Prime. Skyfire refuses, and proudly declares himself an Autobot, attacking Megatron and his Decepticons instead.

The battle takes to the air as Starscream and Skyfire engage in an aerial dogfight. A midair collision sends Skyfire out of control. In a last ditch effort, his blasts bury the crystal, but Skyfire crashes into the ice. The Autobots mourn Skyfire's heroic sacrifice.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (2)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (3)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (4)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (5)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (6)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (8)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (14)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (15)
|c2=
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (9)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (10)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (11)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (12)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (13)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (17)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (18)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (19)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (20)
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (1)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (16)
}}

==Quotes==
"Not snowman, Spike. Snowbot! There's a flurry in a hurry!"
:—A snow-covered '''Jazz''', surprising Spike

"Okay, Spike. You rat on me, I'll splat on you!"
:—'''Bumblebee''', after Spike warns Ratchet about Bumblebee's incoming snowball

[[File:FireintheSky Gears crashes through ice.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Ironically, Gears is the one with the junk in his trunk. Well, truck bed, anyway.]]
"Ironhide's carrying too much lead in his caboose!"
:—'''Ratchet''', predating the "junk in the trunk" standard after they all fall through an ice sheet

"Lucky for you my laser has a defrost cycle."
:—'''Cliffjumper''' breaks Spike and Sparkplug out of an ice prison.

"Well, I'll be reprogrammed with a rivet roller."
:—'''Ironhide''' reveals yet another unusual piece of Cybertronian technology.

"I'm a scientist, not an executioner!"
:—'''Skyfire''' objecting to Starscream's demand that he execute the captives.

"You shall pay for your treachery!"
:—'''Starscream''' to Skyfire. You know what, Starscream-- never mind.

"He won't be forgotten, Spike. He will live forever... so long as freedom exists. We shall remember you, Skyfire."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s eulogy for Skyfire

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 9th July 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 11th July 1984
* Final script: 19th July 1984
* Returned to the US for telecine: 30th November 1984
* Official Sunbow Productions synopsis:
:''The Decepticons are in the Arctic, tunneling into a huge, hollow crystal shaft found under the ice to drain heat energy from the Earth's core. This will also cause the planet to completely freeze over. While digging new tunnels, Megatron discovers Jetfire --a huge robot scientist from Cybertron, buried in the ice for millions of years. Jetfire is revived and is reluctantly initiated into the Decepticon ranks. When the Autobots go to the Arctic to confront the Decepticons, Jetfire gets involved and learns where his true loyalties should lie. He helps defeat the Decepticons --especially his old "friend," Starscream --but is buried by an avalanche he caused to cover the crystal shaft and mining tunnels.''

===Continuity notes===
*If Spike's words are taken at face value, this episode takes place in [[July]]... which is when it was ''written'', but not when it was aired. How this relates to series continuity as a whole, who knows.
*Skyfire's "impulse center" was down and his "cybermotor relays" were useless after being on ice for so long.
*It takes a million volts to reactivate Skyfire's "memory monitor"... which takes the form of a tiny video screen in his forehead that replays his memories for the surrounding Decepticons.
*Aside from astroseconds, Transformers also use astrominutes as units of time.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Soundwave can transform his right forearm into a cylindrical electricity firing module capable of generating a million volts.
**Ratchet uses the same forearm-mounted laser scalpel that he had in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]".
**Laserbeak uses his forehead-mounted microphone... to broadcast a signal.
**Megatron receives that signal with a flashing of his pectoral rectangle things, a trope that will show up again in "Countdown to Extinction".
**Megatron can rotate his lower torso 180 degrees, which makes for some cool hand-to-hand combat maneuvers.
[[File:Combat deck.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|And inside of it is an even smaller trailer.]]
*Prime's [[Combat Deck (G1)|Combat Deck]] cannons make a rare appearance in this episode, emerging from a non-transformed trailer. Strangely they roll out on their own trailer.
*The first appearance of Skyfire, obviously.
*"We shall remember you, Skyfire!" Optimus solemnly vows. Yeah, especially [[Fire on the Mountain (episode)|next time we need a ride somewhere]].

===Real-world references===
*"It's educational, kids!" - we get an appearance of the Aurora Borealis.
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine burst as the Seekers transform and take off.
**[[Death Star]] super laser as they launch their attack a second later.
**Exploding [[X-wing Fighter]] (or an explosion aboard the Death Star) as the Autobots flee from Decepticon bombs.
**Clashing [[lightsaber]]s as Ratchet gets blasted away from Skyfire.
**[[TIE Fighter]] roar as Skywarp and Thundercracker crash.
**Clashing lightsabers again as Prime knocks Megatron's cannon away.
**''Falcon'' engine burst as Skyfire takes off.
**X-wings and TIE Fighter as Skyfire aims for the crystal.

===Animation or technical glitches===
[[File:FireintheSky Gears AninconvienientTruth.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|[[ManBearPig]] - I'm serial!]]
*Jazz laughs at Spike's "I get the drift" line in Cliffjumper's voice.
*His voice apparently stolen by Jazz, Cliffjumper oophs and grunts in a Don Messick voice as he bangs into a tree. It's similar to the "What does it instantly immobilize?" flub from the later episode "[[The Immobilizer]]".
*As Optimus Prime muses about how the heat from the [[Earth's core]] is being drained away, Gears can be seen in the background sitting in front of a console with a very small screen. But during the closeup of Gears, the screen is ''much'' larger. The screen also makes a mechanical whirring noise as the view pans across a native village, as if the screen itself were moving.
*While Megatron and Starscream are talking at the energon cube-filler machine, Reflector places an already-filled energon cube at the machine, seemingly to have it filled. In the same shot, another Reflector bot's chest is all gray.
*Rumble's mouth moves after Skywarp taunts him, but rather uncharacteristically, he doesn't actually say anything.
[[File:Fire in the sky.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"If I talk to you for two minutes, I consider you my friend."]]
*Coloring errors:
**As Starscream berates Skywarp and Rumble for standing around, Skywarp's cockpit fringe is gray instead of black, and Rumble's eyeband is gray.
**"Give him 50,000 volts" - Starscream's "collar" is red instead of gray.
**As Soundwave deploys the electrical device, his face is misdrawn with a strangely pointy faceplate, and his eyeband is colored gray instead of red.
**"I knew him once" - the tip of Starscream's gun turns the same blue as his glove as he gestures.
**"Hail Cybertron!" - Skyfire's face is white instead of gray.
**Skyfire's Decepticon symbol alternates between red and purple throughout the episode, but it is mostly red.
**As the Autobots roll toward Skyfire in profile, Jazz's fenders are colored windshield blue.
**"I'll take you to Megatron, my leader" - red Decepticon symbol on Skyfire again.
**Spike and Sparkplug's fur hats are beige instead of brown as they look at each other in fear.
**"We'd better find Optimus and the others before..." Ironhide's backside is entirely dark gray; there should be some red and light gray.
**"With pleasure, Megatron!" The bridge of Starscream's nose is light gray; it should be dark gray.
**In the wide shot of Ratchet repairing Skyfire, Skyfire's got a red Decepticon symbol yet again.
**Skywarp's nosecone is all orange as he transforms and takes off.
**Prime's bumper is yellow as he spins around to transform his trailer.
**Skyfire's thruster nozzles are white as he approaches the crystal.
**As the Autobots cheer for Skyfire's apparent victory, Optimus Prime's whole torso is colored blue.
*The first bit of Skyfire that's sticking out of the ice doesn't correspond to any actual part of his body.
*After Starscream melts away more of the ice, that first part of Skyfire is no longer sticking out.
*While watching the Sky Spy's footage, Spike describes a "weird light", but the screen shows nothing of the sort. The big, green, not-a-light crystal is plain as day, though.
*When the Autobots roll out, the background is moving far too quickly, making them appear to be sliding across the frame while transforming. It doesn't help that they aren't drawn very well, either.
*Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**Only Prime, Jazz, Ironhide, and Hound are shown rolling out. Gears shows up in the convoy on the way to the north pole. Cliffjumper, Ratchet, and Bumblebee finally show up when the group transforms in front of Skyfire.
*In Skyfire's memory monitor, a distant shot shows Starscream looking like a short, dumpy version of [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]].
*When Skyfire first wakes up and asks where he is, Starscream's mouth appears to be moving, but he isn't actually saying anything. In the same shot, the back of Thundercracker's head is white instead of black.
*The base of Megatron's fusion cannon is the same silver as his arm, as he introduces himself to Skyfire.
*When the Autobots stop in front of Skyfire, they're ''tiny'' - maybe as tall as his feet.
*When Spike yells for help, one of Hound's laser blasts comes out of mid-air instead of his gun.
[[File:Skyfire-Valkyrie-Arm-FitS.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Gotta admit it... that boy has really gotten a lot better.]]
*When Skyfire picks up Spike and Sparkplug, his entire right arm, including his gun, is drawn as the [[Super Dimension Fortress Macross|Macross]] Valkyrie-styled arm from his [[Jetfire (G1)#Notes|original animation model]].
*In a rather odd shot setup, Skyfire is too big to fit into a cave that Megatron and Starscream stand in. He's forced to peer through the cave's opening.
*After Starscream shoots his hand, Skyfire has an extra line on his face that makes him look like an old man (the same trick later used to distinguish [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] from his Rodimus Prime persona.) His arm jointing seems oddly drawn, as well.
*When Bumblebee tells Optimus that he can't find Ironhide and the others, the animation makes him look like he's floating a foot or two above the ground.
*Prime clearly drives into the caves without his trailer. When Bumblebee reports in, Prime does have his trailer. In the next shot, he lacks the trailer again. His smokestacks are rendered as thin red lines, too.

**Later, during the big fight at the end, Prime's trailer appears again so he can use its weapons.
*Gears is missing his forearm as he and the others peer at the green crystal.
*As Hound gets to his feet, he leaves a copy of his missile launcher behind, briefly giving him ''two'' launchers. In the same shot, Ratchet's mouth goes missing.
*When Optimus transforms and turns around, his entire front bumper is yellow instead of white. His cab is also slanted more than it should normally be.
* Prime's yellow crotch paint has a grey rectangle on it.
*Megatron's missing his back gun barrel as he spins 180 at the waist.
*Optimus is shown mouthing Megatron's order to Skyfire (to destroy Optimus Prime!)

*Starscream fires strange cross-hatch lasers at Skyfire. As he swoops in, a purple Autobot symbol is briefly visible on his wing.
*Spike and Sparkplug are shown mouthing Spike's "Belt him in the burners" line.
*As the Autobots celebrate, Optimus is blue.

===Continuity errors===
*This episode's basic premise is one of the most bizarre and scientifically ludicrous conceits ever created by the cartoon - namely, the idea that draining the energy of the Earth's core would somehow severely and instantly affect its climate, causing plummeting temperatures worldwide. If internal heat generates the planet's climate, why would there be big frozen zones at the poles? Doesn't Earth actually have a big [[Sun|external heat source]] that would offset the devastating loss of this (infinitesimal) heat source? In fact, draining the core's heat would actually ''increase'' the Earth's temperature - such an action would weaken the planet's magnetic field, leaving it unable to block out the Sun's powerful electromagnetic radiation that would scorch the surface and microwave every single organism on Earth alive.

*Teletraan I says the global average temperature has dropped by 40 degrees. To put that in context, the average temperature was about 8 degrees less than the present day ''during the last ice age.''
*What exactly do green crystals have to do with the Earth's core?
*Superhuman Spike:
**Spike not only survives (without bruising, or bleeding) a watermelon-sized snowball headshot (to the face) powerful enough to knock him off a cliff, but also rolling down said cliff with enough velocity to knock over several full-sized Autobots without so much as breaking a bone. In fact, he just gets up and is ''smiling!''
**Spike falls and nearly drowns in Arctic water, and somehow is not overcome by hypothermia. It probably helps that both he and his clothes dry out about five seconds after being pulled out.
**Both Spike and Sparkplug seem none the worse for wear after being casually tossed onto solid ice by Starscream.
*Someone forgot that the Seekers have a pre-Earth design; in a flashback to millions of years ago, Starscream is shown transforming into his F-15 jet mode (millions of years before his arrival on Earth, or the invention of jets). The script for the episode ''did'' call for a Cybertronian [[alternate mode]], but evidently the animators didn't get the message.
*The Autobots can apparently drive from the United States to the Arctic in a fairly short amount of time.
*Just where did Skyfire get this whole "evil Autobots" notion, anyway? Did he miss that whole "conquer the universe" bit in Megatron's speech?
*The ad hoc icicle 'prison' created for Spike and Sparkplug first contains gaps clearly large enough for them to be able to escape through.
*Gears says that his group had better go find Optimus before they're discovered by the Decepticons. The group then stands around doing nothing until, sure enough, they're discovered by the Decepticons.
[[File:FireintheSky Reflector formation.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|And then there's this. [https://twitter.com/tfwiki/status/1193470528620765186?s=20 Did the script call for this]? What the hell?]]
*Couldn't four Autobot prisoners overpower their captors (Starscream and Skyfire) with relative ease? Heck, Hound's still got his missile sitting there, ready to go!
*Starscream is apparently dumb enough to think that 2 piddly little null ray blasts are enough to reduce four Autobots to scrap.
*It's never adequately explained where Skyfire got an Autobot badge from. And he tears the old one off like it's made of paper.
*Why was Skyfire's whole sacrifice even necessary? Couldn't the Autobots have buried the crystal from the ground?

===Rhino DVD release===
[[File:G1toon starscream and skyfire.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Are you happier having a [[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|red symbol]] [[Starscream (WFC)|than a purple one]], Starscream?" "Yes! It is far more exciting! And it goes so well with my red highlights!"]]
*At the beginning of the episode, the snow falls upwards and many snow effects are missing.
*In one shot, Teletraan 1's screen shows a map instead of the other Autobots in the snow.
*The cropping is different in several shots.
*One shot of Rumble trying to pound through the snow has purple sparks instead of blue.
*Jazz's mouth movements when he says "Maybe some kinda natural phenomenon?" are choppier in the DVD version. In the same shot, Optimus's cel is placed too high, so his unpainted lower half can be seen.
*Soundwave's eyes are missing in one shot.
*In many (more) instances, Skyfire's symbol is miscolored.
*Right after he wakes up, Skyfire has a red Decepticon insignia in his chest in one shot, before they actually imprint the symbol on him.
*In one shot of the Autobots in the tunnel, they are floating in the DVD version.
*Prime's trailer is missing in two shots.
*When Starscream blasts Skyfire, the laser blast is missing.
*The Energon cubes are transparent in one shot.
*Optimus Prime's mouth is moving to one of Megatron's lines near the end.
*When Skyfire is buried in snow, the Rhino version is missing most of the snow.
*The Rhino version has a couple of the Autobots standing right on top of Skyfire's grave.
*The chapter stops for this episode on the Rhino DVD are Opening / Snowbot / At the Arctic Circle / "Destruction to Autobots" / An Illusion / Skyfire is Gone

===Trivia===
*This episode was produced as the seventh in the season, though it aired after the eighth-produced episode, "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]".
*Strangely, the official [[Sunbow Productions]] cast list entry for "Fire in the Sky" names "Decepticon Workers" who "resemble Skywarp" as silent characters ("no dialogue") appearing in the episode. No such legion of Skywarps actually appears.
*During the original recording of the episode, Skyfire was referred to by his original name of Jetfire, but due to his [[Jetfire (G1)#Why "Skyfire"?|name change]], several lines had to be re-recorded prior to airing. Clips of these original recordings later surfaced in early 2017.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhjuPydGVvE Transformers Fire In The Sky Extended and Deleted Scene Audio - YouTube]</ref>
*Some curious character rearranging occurs in the final episode compared to the original script:
**Originally, Soundwave was going to say Skyfire's "cybermotor relays" were useless directly after Skywarp's comment about his "impulse center" being down, and Thundercracker was to be the one zapping Skyfire with 50,000 and then 1,000,000 volts - the latter by turning his wrist into a nuclear-fusion cannon!
**This version of the scene made it to dialogue recording... '''including''' Thundercracker's line about a nuclear-fusion cannon. Owing to the looming Cold War, ''The Transformers'' was not actually allowed to mention anything nuclear on the show.
**In the finalized episode, Soundwave is the one zapping Skyfire... and his "cybermotor relay useless" line is timed to his second attempt, coming off as a total non-sequitur. This either means they reanimated the scene to feature Soundwave instead of Thundercracker and moved his line accordingly... '''or''' Soundwave was accidentally storyboarded and animated in place of Thundercracker, they awkwardly moved his line to cover for the error, and getting rid of the nuclear line was a happy accident. Whew!
*This episode contains the first time that Prime gives the famous "Transform and roll out" order.
*Spike and Sparkplug have fashionable fur-lined cold-weather [[hard hat]]s with ear flaps.
*Skyfire gets what may be the only internal monologue in the entire series, as he reflects unhappily on the Decepticons ethos.
*Although the series is admittedly never ''completely'' consistent with the surroundings of [[Ark (G1)#Autobot Headquarters|Autobot Headquarters]], the type of cactus seen in the opening scenes of this episode is a {{w|Saguaro|saguaro}}. While this particular cactus is often depicted as a visual shorthand for the American Southwest, it is actually native to the Sonoran Desert, giving support to the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (manga)|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers]]'' manga's claim that Autobot Headquarters is located in [[Arizona]].
*If you don't get a laugh out of Megatron nonchalantly beaning Starscream with an energon cube, there's no hope for you.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French):'' "'''Retour à l'ère glaciaire'''" ("Back to the Ice Age")
:*''Title (Canadian French):'' "'''Le feu dans le ciel'''" ("The fire in the sky")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*About the European French dub:
:::*[[Henry Djanik]] is absent from the dub of this episode. This is one of the only episodes in which he does not voice Megatron. [[Edgar Givry]] tries his best in his shoes.
:::*Rumble's missing dialog in the original version is filled here with him having a little laugh to Skywarp's taunt, before going back to work.
:::*Megatron does not consider Spike and his father as "Autobot sympathizers" like in English, but simply as Autobots.
:::*Bumblebee's line "Ah, great! Now let's find Ironhide and the rest of the guys" is absent, resulting in Bee freezing for a few seconds in silence.
:::*When Megatron asks Soundwave to check for more Autobots, he instead says the equivalent of "Megatron here. Check for more Autobots" in order to avoid pronouncing Soundwave's name. This results in Megatron telling Soundwave that it's Megatron speaking, despite being in front of him.
:::*For some reason, the various metallic sounds Laserbeak does when opening his mouth during his report to Megatron were removed.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Sfida tra i ghiacci'''" ("Challenge in the Ice")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*The word "snowman" was literally translated to "uomo di neve" in this episode. The problem is that in Italian snowmen are instead called "pupazzi di neve" ("snow puppets").

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Fiamme nei cieli'''" ("Flames in the Skies")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Skyfire no Saisei'''" (スカイファイヤーの再生, "Skyfire's Resurrection")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 26]], [[1986]]
::*The Japanese ordering of this episode places it toward the end of the series. This was done as it featured Skyfire prominently and with his toy being of [[Bandai]] design (and not sold in Japan as a Transformer), that caused some legal concerns amongst Takara (many of Skyfire's smaller scenes in other episodes were cut entirely). Though the episodes featuring him as a main character were eventually shown, the scripts were not reworked to adjust to the new chronological placement, simply being more or less direct translations of the original English versions.
::*'''Cuts:'''
:::* After Jazz makes his "snow fair" joke, the pan across to Bumblebee has been cut.
:::* After Cliffjumper crashes ino the snow-covered tree, the scene of him shaking his head, Hound sliding by and crashing into a cactus have been cut.
:::* The scene of Gears pointing to his monitor and blaming the snow on the Decepticons and Prime walking up and bending forward have been cut.
:::* After Megatron makes his speech about gathering enough Energon cubes to conquer the universe, the pan across the ice cave toward Rumble has been cut.
:::* Following Teletraan-1's line, "Abnormally large energy expenditure in the Artic Circle", the scene of the monitor panning across the frozen tundra toward the large green crystal cone has been cut.
:::* After the Autobots all transform and leave the Ark, the scene of Prime driving next to the cliffside and Spike's line, "Arctic Circle, here we come" have been cut.
:::* After Starscream tosses Spike and Sparkplug to the ground, the following scene of him pointing his arm gun toward them and the humans reacting in horror have been cut. The sequence resumes as his firing on the roof of the ice cave to create the ice bars.
:::* Once Soundwave ejects Ravage at Megatron's command, the scene of Megatron pointing Ravage in a certain direction and Ravage charging down the cave have been cut. The sequence resumes at the inward pan of the empty cave and Jazz's line about "searching these tunnels for astro-minutes".
:::* Immediately following ''that'' scene, the scene of Megatron sitting down and spinning an Energon cube in his hand has been cut. The sequence resumes at his blinking chest.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Tiān Huǒ '''" (天火, "Sky Fire")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fogo no Céu'''" ("Fire in the Sky")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ogonj v nebe'''" (Огонь в небе, "Fire in the Sky")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Vatra na nebu'''" (Ватра на небу, "Fire in the Sky")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

===Toys inspired by this episode===
*'''''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' Commander Class WFC-S28 [[Jetfire (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Jetfire]] ([[Hasbro]], 2019)'''
:This figure, a perfectly [[Show-accuracy|accurate representation]] of the Skyfire character model, comes with a spinning chest insignia to represent him either as an Autobot or a Decepticon.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 4: "Fire in the Sky" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1995 — ''The Transformers'' — The Autobots vs. The Decepticons ([[Malofilm]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Two (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 01: Stagione Uno Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406223413/http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-1/synopses/700-04.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UIPkWDamqgeOnKIdKdaJ08uLkVBOiB_c First draft episode script, as submitted 9th July 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1sbYnz8khCyf5FmvdmiSpnI4P8cHJp5_Q Full episode script as finalised on 19th July 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JlKCXLOFxXiwTudk6HxOOEudXhfx4bFI/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]

Divide and Conquer

2025-04-27T16:12:05Z

JD1337666:

{{disambig3|Divide and Conquer}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=6
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=6
|prev2=Roll for It
|next2=S.O.S. Dinobots
|image=DivideandConquer MegatronENEMY poster.jpg
|caption=I thought Cobra was the enemy.
|title="Divide and Conquer"
|season=1
|season ep=6
|production code=#700-03
|airdate=[[October 20]], [[1984]]
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd6-paDJlwo
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''The Autobots must journey to Cybertron to retrieve a vital piece of technology to save the life of the critically wounded Optimus Prime.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Earth]] factories are busily preparing weaponry for use against the [[Decepticon]] menace. [[Chip Chase]] is inspecting one such facility, where the administrators hope he can develop new methods to improve the efficiency of weapons production. The Decepticon [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] suddenly attack the factory, breaching its walls and landing inside. They begin draining the factory of its energy, but have not noticed Chip, who sends out a distress signal to the [[Autobot]]s.

[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] are on a search mission, fruitlessly looking for any trace of the Decepticon [[space bridge]]. Prime intercepts Chip's call for help, and orders the Autobots at the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] to meet him at the munitions plant. Prime arrives at the scene first, and is outnumbered three-to-one. A stray shot hits one of the massive computer banks, which begins a critical meltdown and overload. Prime attempts to shield the humans from the inevitable explosion with his own body. The blast tears through Prime, and the Decepticons take advantage of his weakened state to nail him. Prime collapses under fire.

[[File:Divide and conquer.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|Ohhh, that's REALLY gonna leave a mark on the Matrix.]]
The Seekers hear the approach of the other Autobots, and following [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s orders, retreat with the [[energon cube]]s. The Autobots find Prime's badly damaged form and take it back to base. Prime's power relays are fused. His mobility limited. His speech... slow... and labored. Part replacement... essential....

Wanting to confirm Prime's condition, Megatron dispatches [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] to the Ark to spy on [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]]'s efforts to repair Prime. Optimus's [[electropulse]] is fading. At Megatron's command, Laserbeak attacks the incredibly vulnerable Prime, tearing into his exposed chest cavity and causing a tremendous explosion.

[[File:DivideandConquer shutupHuffer.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Shut up, Rattrap.]]
It's more smoke and sparks than fiery blast, and Prime survives the explosion, though his energy is fading fast. His very [[laser core]] is at risk of snuffing out, and Ratchet needs a [[cosmitron]] to keep his Prime's energy levels from draining. Wheeljack only knows of one in existence, but it's in his shop back on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], which the Decepticons had placed under a computerized lock. The Autobots need to get back to their homeworld and pick this lock. Naturally, Chip Chase is the only one of them familiar enough with Cybertronian computers to make this possible.

[[File:DivideandConquer Farewellwarrior.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|If I tell you go, then you GO!]]
Chip uses [[Teletraan I]] to do what Optimus could not: triangulate the likely coordinates for the Space Bridge's next appearance. Following Chip's detective work, the Autobots drive into the woods and discover the Space Bridge site. [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] oversee the transport of a shuttle module filled with Energon cubes, with a hapless [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]]-type soldier sent to pilot it across the gulf of interstellar space. With the Autobots' arrival, a fray breaks out–and so does a sudden thunderstorm.

Surprisingly, Megatron (who has been monitoring the battle) orders the Decepticons to let the Autobots win. The thunderstorm has given him an idea, but he does not elaborate. The Autobots—[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]], [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]], [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] and [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]]—drive into the Space Bridge and are teleported to [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Cybertron)|Shockwave's base]]. They blast their way past a shocked Shockwave and into Cybertron's streets. Megatron orders the [[Rainmaker]]s to destroy the Autobot infiltrators with [[acid rain]].

At [[Wheeljack's workshop]], Chip works his way past the locking mechanism, and Ironhide instantly finds the cosmitron. Outside, a trio of Seekers somehow seed the clouds over the workshop so they produce incredibly debilitating acid rain.

[[File:DivideandConquer Starscreampowerfist.jpg|right|upright=0.85|thumb|"THIS HAND OF MINE GLOWS WITH AN AWESOME POWER!"]]
The acid rain shorts the circuitry of the Autobots, who collapse at the touch of the deadly downpour. Chip is immune to the rain's effects, and implores the Autobots to continue. Trailbreaker musters up the energy to project his force-field, sheltering the Autobots from the rain, giving their automatic repair systems time to kick in. Bluestreak fires some blasts into the clouds overhead, dispersing the rainmaking seekers and the toxic clouds. Rejuvenated, the Autobots return to Shockwave's tower and ride the Space Bridge back to Earth.

On Earth, Megatron recognizes that without Prime, the conquest of the Autobots is a foregone conclusion. He leads an attack on the Ark. The Autobots recognize the hopeless battle up ahead, but Spike musters up his courage, grabs [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]]'s rifle, and rallies the troops. He even manages to inspire perpetual downer [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] to take charge.

An enormous battle breaks out in front of the Ark, just as the Autobot mission returns from Cybertron. Chip and Spike race the cosmitron to Prime. Optimus emerges in time to personally challenge Megatron and soundly beats him, forcing the Decepticon leader to yield. With Megatron down, a self-satisfied Starscream orders the Decepticons to retreat.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (7)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (8)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (9)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (10)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (11)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (12)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (13)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (14)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (18)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (19)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (20)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (21)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (22)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (23)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (24)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (31)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] (32)
|c2=
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (3)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (4)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (5)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (6)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (15)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (16)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (17)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] (25)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (26)
*"Warrior" (27)
*[[Acid Storm (G1)|Green Rainmaker]] (28)
*[[Ion Storm|Blue Rainmaker]] (29)
*[[Nova Storm (G1)|Yellow Rainmaker]] (30)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (33)
|c3=
*[[Chip Chase]] (1)
*Weapons factory manager (2)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (13)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (14)
}}

==Quotes==
"Heh, I wonder if I'll ever get used to that."
:—'''Sparkplug''' witnessing the Autobots transform

"He's doomed. I know it. I can feel it in my [[Database|databank]]."
:—'''Huffer''', hoping the best for a dying Prime.

"They sure don't build 'em like that anymore."
:—'''Sparkplug''', commenting on the fact Optimus Prime is still alive after ''his chest explodes''.

"Just like [[Sherlock Holmes]] with [[floppy disk]]s!"
:—'''Spike''', hopelessly over his head when it comes to computer talk.

"No one's ever really disabled as long as he has courage."
:—'''Chip Chase''', and that’s one to grow on.

"My talents are wasted on this project. I should be in sole command of everything!"
:—'''Starscream''', not giving up on his dreams.

"I'm sorry, Spike. Sometimes nothing you do makes any difference."
:—'''Sparkplug''' to Spike, which, if you don't read as the general you, is actually kind of mean and funny.

"We can't go down without ''trying!'' Prime would want us to go for it, no matter what the odds! Well, are you with me, or do I fight this battle alone?"
:—'''Spike''' gives an inspirational battle rally to the Autobots after taking Jazz's gun.

"Is there anyone in the universe who will challenge the might of Megatron?" 
"There is one, Megatron! I, Optimus Prime, challenge you!"
:—'''Megatron''' is scared to death by a now healthy '''Optimus Prime'''.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 21st June 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 29th June 1984
* Finalised script: 2nd July 1984
* Official Sunbow Productions synopsis:
:''When Optimus Prime damages an intrinsic part during a clash with the Decepticons, some of the other Autobots -- with Chip's help -- take the space bridge to Cybertron. There they find a replacement part in Wheeljack's old workshop -- while avoiding the attack of the Decepticons on this alien planet. They return in time to repair Optimus and blow up the space bridge.''

===Continuity notes===
*The episode opens with a short narration by [[Victor Caroli]], describing the humans' efforts to build anti-Decepticon weapons.
[[File:ReflectorCartoon1.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
[[File:DivideandConquer Ratchet at work.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
*Gadgets and powers:
**Jet mode Starscream fires lasers right out of his air intakes!
**Laserbeak deploys yet another video camera. This one's a huge telescoping camera that comes out of one of his air vents.
**Ratchet once again uses his welding tip arm while fixing Optimus Prime.
**Reflector can emit a light that shorts out optic sensors.
**Reflector displays an odd ability in this episode: he can absorb his fellow units into his body. This is due to the original intent that Reflector was one guy with duplication powers; however, every other scene that would have shown his power in action got cut, which makes this look rather out-of-nowhere.
**Shockwave is once again shown with two hands in this episode. In one scene, he reaches off-screen with a hand, and when his arm returns to the shot, his blaster-arm has taken its place.
**Ironhide retracts his wrists to reveal another variation of his "[[water gun]]" weapon from his full-length [[bio]], firing streams of superheated liquid lead that stick the Decepticons to the floor.
**Trailbreaker's force field is fired like a stream from his shoulder cannon the first time he uses it; the second time, it just drifts out from behind his back.
**Autobots have built-in repair systems.
**Sideswipe briefly flies (albeit with no outward indication he's using his jetpack). He deploys a kind of "fire fog" from his shoulder-mounted rocket while in the air, which was scripted to be a use of his [[flare gun]].
**Optimus Prime displays the unusual ability to [[Optic weaponry|fire energy beams out of his optics...]] right into Megatron's face.
*This is the third consecutive episode to feature the Space Bridge.
*Skywarp says they've wrung every last "micro spark" of energy from the factory.
*The damage to Optimus Prime includes his "power relays" being fused.
*There's quite a bit of fuss over Optimus Prime's [[laser core]] (and the extinguishing thereof), apparently a critical component of Transformer life.
*Optimus Prime has an "electro-pulse" that can fade.
*The Cosmitron is a piece of internal anatomy whose failure can end the life of a Transformer.
*Cybertron has an atmosphere breathable by humans. And this is ''before'' it [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1|steals a chunk of Earth's atmosphere]].
*The tetrahedral seeker jets return; they first appeared in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|More Than Meets The Eye, Part 1]]."
*Once Trailbreaker blocks the acid rain with his forcefield, Chip says the Autobots' "[[automatic repair system]]s" will put them back in shape. Handy!
*The Transformers have a personal battle code where customs dictate personal challenges be settled in personal combat.
*This is the only episode where Laserbeak displays any cowardice, a trait described in his original tech spec bio and usually associated with the character.
*The Autobot Matrix of Leadership is nowhere to be found in Prime's chest when Wheeljack and Ratchet are repairing him.

===Real-world references===
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**[[X-wing Fighter|X-Wing]] diving whine: as the jets land and transform inside the factory.
**A waving [[lightsaber]] provides the necessary noise for Bumblebee's headlights.

===Animation or technical glitches===
[[File:Ironhideinblack.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|So ''that's'' why [[Ironhide (Movie)|Movie Ironhide]] is black.]]
*Coloring errors:
**Starscream's air intakes are gray instead of red as he and the other two jets dive at the factory.
**A teleporting Skywarp is mistakenly colored with Starscream's colors, and then Thundercracker's colors.
**As Ironhide repeats his order to transform, Wheeljack's missing all his orange and much of his green; Trailbreaker's upper cheeks are colored as his eyes (it's his reading glasses look!)
**Starscream's cheeks are dark gray instead of light gray as he calls in to Megatron.
**Laserbeak's beak is the same dark gray as the rest of his head as he refuses Megatron's order. It should be light gray.
**In the shot of him still holding the tree after Megatron tells him to let the Autobots win, Starscream is colored like Thundercracker.
**Rumble's face is purple instead of light gray as he waves goodbye to "warrior".
**As Shockwave and a Reflector soldier unload the Space Bridge's shipment of Energon cubes, the Energon is not filled with an illumination effect, and appears as solid black bars.
**When the Autobot away team races back to Shockwave's tower, Ironhide is painted with Trailbreaker's colors, making him resemble a Diaclone incarnation of his toy.
**As he scans for the Decepticons, Hound's left cheekguard is white instead of green.
**After returning to Earth, Bluestreak emerges from the Space Bridge painted as Prowl.
**In a pan across the defeated Autobots, a prone form of Ironhide is colored with Ratchet's white and red hue (Ratchet's inside Autobot Headquarters at this point) and Sideswipe has Shockwave's colors.
[[File:DivideandConquer Factoryguardworkers.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|Note the standard issue army hardhats]]
*Due to a mix-up in animation models, the green-uniformed human soldiers protecting the weapons factory in one shot turn into [[hard hat]]-wearing factory workers in another shot.
*Between the first and second shots of their [[robot mode]]s inside the factory, Skywarp and Thundercracker have switched places.
*Skywarp's voice is off throughout the episode. In the factory, it's more nasal than usual. When he accuses Laserbeak of being "chicken", it sounds like he's channeling Thundercracker (he also has an unusually fat head.)
*Starscream and Soundwave are both missing their insignias as Soundwave transforms.
*Optimus is supposed to be in the same dry canyon where the space bridge first showed up in "[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]]"... but the canyon is now about ten feet deep, rather than the 50 or so it was before.
*Wrong transformation noise:
**Prime gets the ascending pitch noise as he transforms to [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]].
**Trailbreaker, Wheeljack & co. get the descending pitch version as they convert to robot mode at the factory.
[[File:DivideandConquer slopedPrime.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Prime in his seldom-used "aerodynamic" alternate mode.]]
*Improbable viewpoints:
**The Autobots get a full-torso view of Optimus as he stands in the middle of empty desert.
**Megatron likewise gets a full-torso view of Starscream, even though Starscream isn't talking into any kind of communicator.
**Megatron then gets a tracking shot of Prime running through the factory!
**Megatron manages to have a camera, with audio, right next to where the Cybertron team happens to fall as the acid rain disables them.
[[File:DivideandConquer LaserbeakonBrawns shoulder.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Laserbeak disguised as Brawn's dandruff]]
*A peculiar design has Optimus Prime's cab face sport a 45-degree slope as he drives into the factory.
*Starscream's voice is not electronically enhanced when he reacts to Optimus Prime barreling into the factory.
*Prime's trailer recedes into a cloud of dust as he transforms inside the factory. As he flies up into the air, the dust cloud flies up with him, and so does the shrinking trailer!
*After Megatron tells Starscream and the others to "gang up" on Optimus Prime, Starscream turns to fire on Optimus Prime running down a room with no doors or other entry points.
*Skywarp mouths Thundercracker's "I'm with you!" line.
*Just for this one scene, Brawn has conveniently gigantic shoulders for Laserbeak to land on.
*Before Brawn enters the room where Optimus Prime is being worked on, he is shown standing inside.
*Wheeljack's missing some of his dark gray as he asks Ratchet for a diagnosis.
*Wheeljack's ears don't flash as he asks how long until Prime's energy drains completely, nor as he examines the cosmitron.
*As Wheeljack pontificates about the Cosmitron, his right "ear" phases through his missile.
*There's a big nasty S-shaped hair in the center of the screen as Wheeljack describes the lock on his workshop on Cybertron.
*The part of Huffers' shoulders that are inside his hood are colored orange instead of purple as he moans about how hopeless it is.
[[File:Divideandconquer wheeljack cosmotron.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
*Prime's damage constantly changes as he lays on the repair table:
**First shot: his window glass is missing.
**Second shot: his window frames and grille are neatly removed.
**Third shot: his grille is missing, and one window is broken.
**As Laserbeak attacks: the left window has no glass.
**As Laserbeak fires: the left window is intact, and the right window broken.
**Prior to exploding: both windows have no glass.
**After the attack, both cab window frames have been neatly removed.
**As Ironhide proposes heading to Cybertron, he's back to a broken right window and intact left window, with a damaged grille.
*GAH! Chip has no pupils as he accepts the mission to pick the lock on Wheeljack's lab.
*No insignia on Soundwave as Megatron lectures his troops about the loss of Prime. The same shot has two Starscreams.
*The layering of Rumble's cubes is all messed up as he walks up behind Starscream; part of the cube stack phases through Starscream, and part of it loses its glow.
*Starscream reacts to Rumble dropping his cubes before he's actually dropped them.
*Recycled animation repeats the strange animation error of the space bridge transport vehicle rising, then falling and disappearing.
*As the Autobots come to a halt at the Space Bridge site, the camera pans across the scenery, but a painted foreground tree travels with the move, making it look like the tree is mobile.


[[File:Bluestreakpotatovehicle.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|When he transforms to drive into the space bridge, Bluestreak turns into this.]]
*The ramp leading to the space bridge has turned a light blue as the Autobots drive into the receiver ring.
*The nitrogen pack that Ironhide uses in Shockwave's control center is labeled "NITRGEN". In English, [[Japanese language|sorta]]. And Ironhide shouldn't have to use a pack anyway, since he has a built in liquid nitrogen projector.
*A strange cut occurs while Megatron is rallying the Decepticons for their assault on the Autobots. This is visible as Skywarp's arm, which he appeared to raise for their cheer, suddenly lowers (he raises it again when Megatron finishes his speech), and both Reflector and Starscream change poses in a single frame.
*When the Decepticons exit their base to attack the Autobots, a fourth Decepticon jet is shown.
*Shockwave's eye-glow doesn't move with his eye as he sets "warrior" free.
*The flashing of Wheeljack's ears moves out of sync with the rest of his body while he reacts to the security alarm.
*Teletraan's screen shows ''twenty-six'' Decepticons. There should be about a dozen at most. About fifteen are shown retreating at the end of the episode.
*Reflector's mouths don't move for his "earth germ" line.
*As Bluestreak drives over the horizon to join the battle, his car form floats above the ground.
*Starscream steals Megatron's fusion cannon sound effect as he attacks Ironhide's team.
*Shockwave and Ratchet are both among the defeated Autobots in the wreckage of the final battle.
*Optimus Prime's mouthplate moves when Megatron concedes defeat.
*Starscream's missing his wing stripes as he order a retreat... but for once, they remembered his wing insignia, which have been repeatedly omitted through the episode.
*The remastered DVD releases of this episode use an incorrect closing credits sequence, which overlays the text credits from Season 2 over the animation from Season 1.

===Continuity errors===
*Shouldn't a ''weapons factory'' have better defenses, particularly against the enemy that's the reason they're making the weapons in the first place?
*Soundwave kind of transforms out of nowhere in the factory.
*It is unclear how Chip knows Skywarp's missile is of the heat-seeking variety before it does anything to suggest such.
*Optimus Prime somehow deflects the heat-seeking missile by hitting its ''warhead'' with his arm.
*Thundercracker and Skywarp don't seem to know what "gang up" means. In spite of Thundercracker claiming to comply with Megatron's directions instead of his own preference for "one-on-one", both he and Skywarp launch individual one-on-one attacks on Optimus Prime.
*Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**Sunstreaker is shown transforming to leave for the factory; however, when the team arrives, Bumblebee has taken his place.
*It sure woulda made a lot more sense for Prime to cover the two humans, rather than throwing himself right in front of the explosive computer.
*Are computers really that explosive?
*Soundwave is shown flying off with the jets, but he's nowhere to be seen during the battle.
[[File:Divandconq liquid nitrogen.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Good thing there just happens to be a random thing in Decepticon HQ which does exactly what I can do all on my own!]]
*Megatron orders Starscream to throw the fight, to allow the Autobots to travel to Cybertron so he can destroy them with acid rain. It sure seems like he didn't let Shockwave in on the plan though, since the cyclops seems surprised at their arrival and determined to stop them.
*Megatron demands proof, not just Starscream's word, that Optimus Prime has finally been deactivated. Yet he's very quick to switch off the viewscreen and conclude that "four of their number have been vanquished on Cybertron." Maybe it's just because it was Starscream...
*Megatron's order to let the Autobots win really makes no logical sense. If his soldiers had beaten them, they'd have been just as out of the way, and if they didn't he could still try his acid rain plan.
**It sure seems like in however many millions of years the war has been raging, the Decepticons never before thought to do this acid rain thing on the ground-restricted Autobots.
*Ironhide grabs some sort of extinguisher device off the wall and uses it to spray liquid nitrogen, facilitating the Autobots' escape. This was scripted as a use of his "[[water gun]]" weapon, but the script gave no indication as to ''how'' Ironhide was meant to spray the liquid, suggesting the storyboard team devised the wall device to make the scene work.
*Ironhide pointedly comments that they can't let the acid rain hit their circuits... so why not just duck back into the shelter of Wheeljack's workshop, which is still right behind them?
[[File:Divideandconquer spike grabs gun.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
*Superhuman <s>Spike</s> Chip:
**Chip somehow knows how to find the Space Bridge better than Optimus can, since Chip thinks to use Teletraan I, a tactic that somehow escaped Prime.
**Chase can crack a Cybertronian lock (apparently by just punching in every possible four-digit code combination until he stumbles on the right one.)
**Chip is immune to Cybertronian acid rain. And so is his wheelchair.
*Superhuman Spike:
**Spike rather effortlessly hefts Jazz's six-foot-long metal gun around.
**Spike survives being tackled by Ravage, the first of his [[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1|many]] [[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2|clashes]] [[Fire on the Mountain (episode)|with]] him.

===Rhino DVD release===
*The opening panning shot of the factory is slower in Rhino's version.
*A shot of the factory workers firing at the Decepticons accidentally switches the color of their lasers around in the DVD version.
*Electricity effects are briefly seen coming from Optimus Prime's hand in the Rhino version when he says, "Autobots, Transform and meet me there!" These do not appear in the final broadcast version.
*The panning shot of the Autobots transforming has a strange black bar at the bottom of the screen in the broadcast version that is missing in the DVD version.
*The shot of Optimus saying "Losing...energy...rapidly..." has a "heat" effect in the DVD version that is not present in the broadcast version.
*The glowing effects of the energon cubes are different in several shots.
*Wheeljack's glow effects are missing when he asks Ratchet what his diagnosis is.
*When Wheeljack is talking about the computerized lock, the Rhino version has a distracting hair on the screen that was removed in time for the final broadcast version.
*Shockwave's eye is missing its glow in one scene.
*Rumble disappears for a single frame when he says "Trash 'em!"
*When Reflector blinds the Autobots, the Rhino version is missing the effect.
*The rain effects are missing in several shots.
*When Reflector gets hit, the Rhino version features a unique effect where he turns white upon impact. The broadcast version is missing this effect.
*Starscream is miscolored as Thundercracker in one shot.
*The acid rain effects are different in several shots.
*In one shot, Spike's eyes are seen quivering when he's upset about losing Prime. This does not happen in the final version.
*A shot of the Autobots coming up a hill has them floating in the Rhino version.
*There are several layering errors in the panning shots of everyone reacting to Prime's return.
*The chapter stops on the Rhino DVD version of this episode are Opening / Weapon Factories / Off to Cybertron / New Age of Decepticons / Fight For Optimus / Optimus Saved!

===Trivia===
[[File:DivideandConquer SympatheticDecepticon.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"Hey Reflector, want this candy bar?"
 
''*tosses it to the ground and stomps on it.*'']]
*The [[Photon|Reflector-type Decepticon warrior]] that Starscream forces to pilot the Space Bridge transport has an oddly sympathetic and very human-sounding voice.
*Brawn really is a dumbass to not notice Laserbeak sitting on his shoulder.
*Due to the fact there was no original [[dialogue script]] of "Divide and Conquer" on any of the original ''Transformers'' cartoon DVD sets, the actual spelling of Optimus Prime's Cosmitron was unknown until a copy of Don Glut's script made its way into the fandom's hands. However, the true spelling had in fact been previously suggested by the French title of the episode, which was "Le Cosmitron".
*Speaking of, the script originally referred to the device as a "Cosmitronic Transformer", but the rest of the device's name was consistently blotted out with pen in all the dialogue. This was presumably done so the kiddies watching ''Transformers'', the show, wouldn't be confused.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French broadcast):'' "'''Diviser pour régner'''" ("Divide and rule")
:*''Title (Canadian French broadcast & European French DVD release):'' "'''Le cosmitron'''" ("The cosmitron")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*About the European French dub:
:::*[[Henry Djanik]] is absent from the dub of this episode. This is one of the only episodes in which he does not voice Megatron. [[Edgar Givry]] tries his best in his shoes.
:::*Wheeljack first refers to the cosmitron as "comistron", but at the end Spike says it the original way, "cosmitron".
:::*For some reason (still to avoid names!), Ratchet says he will stay with "[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|le bon gros]]" to guard Optimus Prime, which can be translated by "fat boy".
:::*Despite the voice actors constantly switching roles between episodes, this specific episode also contains a lot of role-switches from one scene to another.

'''Hebrew'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Anti Hómmer'''" (אנטי חומר, "Antimatter")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Un ricambio per Commander'''" ("A Spare Piece for Optimus Prime")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Huffer is called "Piedone" ("Big Foot") in this episode, despite his Italian name being Turbo.

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Dividi e conquista'''" ("Divide and Conquer")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*When Spike and Chip say "Cybertron?" in unison, Spike's voice is heard twice, overlapped with itself, while Chip doesn't talk.
::*When Sparkplug asks "Where's that gizmo?", his voice has the same filter applied to Transformers.

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''SOS! Cybertron'''" (SOS! サイバトロン)
:*Original airdate: [[August 10]], [[1985]]
:**In the scene where Skywarp teleports and is mistakenly colored as Starscream, he is dubbed in Japanese with ''Starscream's'' voice, meaning that ''he'' is the one teleporting in this version, not Skywarp. Considering ''Thundercracker'' was mistakenly dubbed teleporting in the Japanese version of "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]" as well, it would seem that teleportation is a natural trait of the Seekers in the Japanese version of the show. Either that, or they just did a real shoddy job on the dub.
:**'''Cut:''' After Chip orders the Autobots to "Transform and roll for his life", the scene is cut short with the removal of the transitional wipe across the screen. The following scene of Shockwave freeing Reflector, the Autobots barging in, his firing at them and their escaping over the Space Bridge have also been cut. The sequence resumes at the pan across space followed by the shot of the Earth Space Bridge receiving the Autobots.
:**In true anime fashion, when Reflector fights the Autobots at the Space Bridge, he yells out the name of his special attack: "Flash Beam!"

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fēn ér Zhìzhī '''" (分而治之, "Divide and Conquer")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Dividir e Conquistar'''" ("Divide and Conquer")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Rasdelyai i vlastvuy'''" (Разделяй и властвуй, "Divide and Conquer")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Zavadi i vladaj'''" (Завади и владај, "Divide and Conquer")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Latin Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Dividir y conquistar'''" ("Divide and conquer")
:*Original airdate: ?
:**The Latin Spanish dub had the tendency to change some lines, mostly keeping the same point of the original dialogue. However, in this episode in particular, when Megatron orders Laserbeak to infiltrate in the Ark, Laserbeak actually ''speaks'', asking "Do you want me to go alone?"

===Toys inspired by this episode===
[[File:TF-Generations-WFC-S-Rainmaker-3-pack.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|]]
Like the yellow generic Seeker from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]" who subsequently grew to prominence as the neo-G1 character [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]], Acid Storm would also spawn a plethora of additional toys, including his own ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' figure. Later still, the other two Rainmakers would receive toys of their own.
*''[[Acid Storm (G1)#Toys]]''
*''[[Ion Storm#Toys]]''
*''[[Nova Storm (G1)#Toys]]''
{{-}}

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
[[File:DivideAndConquerBetamax.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|More or less antiquated than the TF storybooks that came with records? You decide!]]
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 5: "Divide and Conquer" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1995 — ''The Transformers'' — The Autobots vs. The Decepticons ([[Malofilm]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1995 — ''Transformers'' — Autobots vs. Decepticons (Malofilm) — French audio only.

;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.

;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Two ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Two (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Le Cosmitron ([[UFG Junior]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 01: Stagione Uno Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Ojk_a2gFrwuksdtE8yR8GketnxZMZ55i Full script as revised on 2nd July 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/11H4NANKuzLxXKF1Rz2UzOz77lkq4Ycqm/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]

Roll for It

2025-04-27T15:58:21Z

JD1337666:

{{Disambig2|the cartoon episode|the mobile game event|Roll for It (Earth Wars)}}

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=5
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=5
|prev2=Transport to Oblivion (episode)
|next2=Divide and Conquer
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=26
|prev3=Transport to Oblivion (episode)
|next3=Changing Gears
|image=RollForIt SoundwavescansChip.jpg
|caption=Soundwave ''is'' an adult.
|title="Roll for It"
|season=1
|season ep=5
|production code=#700-02
|airdate=[[October 13]], 1984
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]], [[Ashi Productions]], [[Nakamura Production]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eFZuvZ99NY
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''The Decepticons seek a powerful antimatter formula, and the Autobots with their new human ally Chip Chase try to stop them.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:RollForIt Bluestreak cannonfire.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|Bluestreak, we need energon stars, quick!]]
[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], still in command of the [[Decepticon]]s after [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s disappearance in the [[Space bridge|Space Bridge]], leads [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] and [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] in attacking a hydroelectric power generator. The Autobots respond quickly, as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] arrives with an assault team. The battle is short, as a thrown piece of equipment destroys the Decepticon store of [[energon cube]]s. With little to show for their efforts, the Decepticons retreat. Optimus Prime sends [[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] to follow them.

[[File:RollForIt Spacebridge recieves.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|A storm approaches.]]
Meanwhile, on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Megatron resumes contact with Earth, hoping that Starscream hasn't done too much damage in his absence. Despite his absence, Megatron commands that their scheduled attack on an antimatter laboratory will continue as planned in five billion astroseconds. The battle-damaged [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] set out to find repair parts in the interim, to be ready for the attack, while Megatron boards the Space Bridge for transit back to Earth.

[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] drives [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] and [[Chip Chase]] to the isolated antimatter laboratory where Chip works. As the security guard punches the access code to let them in, his actions are carefully spied on by [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]], who is perched outside in camera mode snapping shots. Inside the massive lab, Chip and Spike are greeted by [[Alcazar|Doctor Alcazar]], who gives Chase a 5.25-inch [[floppy disk]] that will enable Chip's home computer to interface with the one at the lab.

[[File:RollForIt Bumblebeeattacked.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Yes and no, it's Laserbeak!]]
As Bumblebee drives away, he is attacked by [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]]. Spike directs Bumblebee to take cover in the underground parking garage. With Bumblebee having escaped, Megatron realizes Optimus Prime might be tipped off to their laboratory attack. Rather than wait for Starscream and his team, Megatron orders an immediate strike.

Bumblebee drives Chip home, where the young scientist hopes to warn the lab of the impending attack. Bumblebee tries to call in Prowl and Bluestreak as backup, but they're tied up attacking Starscream's group, who are raiding the Ace Aircraft Factory for parts.

Megatron's attack group arrives at the antimatter laboratory. Reflector punches in the access code, and the Decepticons march inside. Doctor Alcazar receives Chip's online warning at the last possible moment, and succeeds in erasing the antimatter formula from his computer. Megatron detects that Alcazar has uploaded the formula to someone else. He lets Alcazar go.

[[File:RollForIt ProwlshootsRavage.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|BAD KITTY!]]
In the aircraft factory, Prowl is injured by Soundwave's blasts, and his [[battle computer]] goes offline. Desperate, Prowl scans for another online computer to hook up to. Traversing the phone lines, his signals find Chip's computer, which has also received Doctor Alcazar's antimatter formula. Chip assumes control of Prowl, using his desktop terminal to guide Prowl through combat maneuvers. With Chip in command, Prowl takes control of one of the surplus jets, and fires its rockets at the Decepticons. Starscream and his cohorts flee the battle.

Megatron determines where Alcazar sent the formula, and communicates the location to Starscream and his team. Soundwave dispatches [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] to retrieve Chip. Chip memorizes the antimatter formula and destroys all evidence of it just as Ravage breaks in to his house and fetches him. The Decepticons take Chip to the antimatter laboratory, where the Autobots are just arriving. Prime sees that the Decepticons have a human hostage, and begins formulating a plan involving [[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] and [[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]]. These deceptive Autobots are able to outsmart perimeter guard Rumble with their holographic ruses, allowing them and Bumblebee to sneak past.

Inside, Soundwave uses his scanning abilities to extract the formula from Chip's brain. Megatron orders Chip disposed of, and begins creating antimatter with the equipment in his lab. Just as Thundercracker moves in to terminate Chip, the infiltrating Autobots attack. Bumblebee and Spike rescue Chip, and the Autobots race away, taking Chip to safety.

Next, Optimus strikes, driving through the lab walls and unleashing his warriors. But it may be too late, as Megatron throws an antimatter-powered energon cube at the Autobots, creating a tremendous explosion.

[[File:RollForIt Sunstreak JetJudo.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|And you thought surfing the roof of a boxcar was cool.]]
Injured Autobots emerge from the devastated laboratory. Prime orders a retreat to headquarters, so that his soldiers can tend to badly needed repairs. The Autobots limp back to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], where [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] and [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] immediately get to work. Chip laments his inability to keep the antimatter formula from falling into Megatron's hands, but [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] tries to console him. He's got a plan for the formula, and could use Chip and Spike's help.

[[File:RollForIt Megatron chestycubes.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|[[Breastforce]] Megatron.]]
The next day, the Decepticons, powered by antimatter energon cubes, attack Autobot headquarters. Megatron turns into pistol mode, and Starscream fires his antimatter-bolstered bolts into the Autobot ranks. Prime manages to knock the pistol from Starscream's grip, and [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] recovers the weapon. Just then, Chip affixes a control device onto Skywarp's ankle, a transmitter that enables [[Teletraan I]] to take control of the Decepticon warrior.

Under Autobot control, Skywarp begins shooting randomly into the countryside, and Megatron's antimatter ignition temperature reaches near critical. He transforms into [[robot mode]] and expels the remaining antimatter energon from his body. It detonates, devastating the Decepticon forces. Megatron orders a retreat, but swears vengeance. Meanwhile, the Autobots congratulate Chip for his heroics.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (6)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (7)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (8)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (9)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (14)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (20)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (21)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (22)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (23)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (24)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (25)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (26)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] (27)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (28)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (30)
|c2=
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (1)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (2)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (3)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (4)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (10)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] (11)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (12)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (13)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (17)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (19)
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (15)
*[[Chip Chase]] (16)
*[[Alcazar]] (18)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (29)
}}

==Quotes==
"Can the chat and start kickin' pig-iron!"
:—'''Brawn'''

"Starscream! Thundercracker! You two look like Optimus Prime ran you through a laser-powered trash compactor!"
:—'''Megatron'''

"Now ''this'' is a human after my own central processor!"
:—'''Prowl''', commenting on Chip's computer-control

"There's no one here! I must have static in my rectifiers." 
"Now that's the smartest thing you've said all day!" 
(''flattered'') "R-really? ...Hey, what's going on!"
:—'''Rumble''', hoodwinked by '''Mirage''' and Hound

"Gosh! You guys look like the guests of honor at a 50-car pile-up!"
:—'''Sparkplug Witwicky'''

"You may not be an Autobot, but when you rolled for broke back there you sure could've fooled me."
:—'''Bumblebee''' congratulating Chip

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 15 June 1984
* Revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 26 June 1984
* Finalised script: 2 July 1984
* Dialogue recording: 11 July 1984 ([[Dan Gilvezan]] not present for main session, later pick-up session required)
* Returned to the US for telecine: 2 October 1984
* Official Sunbow Productions synopsis:
:''Spike's friend, Chip, a handicapped computer genius, accidentally becomes involved in a battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. Having access to a secret energy formula the Decepticons want, the evil robots kidnap Chip from his home and try to extricate the formula from the boy's brain. Spike and the Autobots rescue Chip, and with the handicapped boy's help, defeat the Decepticons.''

===Continuity notes===
*The Space Bridge, which first appeared in "[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]]", reappears in this episode. It's much more stable now; Megatron just strolls in and takes a trip home.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Bumblebee can reconfigure his interior to accommodate Chip's wheelchair and turn his door into an entry ramp.
**Bumblebee also demonstrates the ability to actually transform into vehicle mode ''around'' humans, taking them in as passengers.
**Prowl uses a pair of head-antennae to contact Chip's computer.
**Soundwave demonstrates his mind-reading abilities, extracting the anti-matter formula from Chip's brain by placing his fingers on his head.
**Megatron can detect specific computer activity by placing his hand over the machine.
**Soundwave bizarrely activates the lab computer by zapping it with an energy beam from his fingertip... which lights up his ''entire arm''.
**Thundercracker, who was loaded with energon cubes, transforms and materializes two of the cubes in his hands, one of many instances lending credit to the fandom theories of [[subspace storage pocket|subspace]] and the like.
**The para-sail like parachute used by Mirage in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]" is shown again, this time used by Sideswipe and Sunstreaker.
**And of course, Hound uses his hologram abilities (to disguise himself as a boulder rolling across the desert), and Mirage becomes invisible (doing so without the usual glowing cuboid surrounding him.)
*Megatron orders the jets to meet him in "five billion astroseconds"—time enough for them to replace some parts and have a short battle. Last episode, a mere "3,000 astroseconds" was an intolerably long wait for the space bridge to re-open, and time enough for a whole series of side adventures. Next episode, the space bridge will materialize "within 72 billion astroseconds", seeming to imply that this is not too long a time.
*Megatron's use of the anti-matter cubes would seem to be a sidelong callback to one of his tech spec abilities, wherein he can use the anti-matter of an inter-dimensionally linked black hole to create a highly destructive attack.
[[File:Prim Cola Sign.JPG|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*Signage in the city includes an ad for [[Prim Cola]].
*Chip's phone number is 94-7244. Strangely, he doesn't answer when you call him.
*Although difficult to hear on the audio track, the [[dialogue script]] clarifies that Sunstreaker mockingly calls Thundercracker "big noise" when attacking him - one of only a handful of references to Thundercracker's sonic boom power in the cartoon.
*The Decepticons are never shown [[The Insecticon Syndrome|losing the]] [[Carnage in C-Minor|antimatter formula]], yet they seem to have abandoned its use in future episodes.
*The partnership between Prowl and Chip in this episode is recalled in the ''[[Transformers: Alternators#Binaltech|Binaltech]]'' [[Story of Binaltech|story]] "[[Prowl & Chase]]".

===Real-world references===
*Cliffjumper uses the phrase "your friendly neighborhood Decepticon wreckers," a paraphrase of [[Spider-Man]]'s self-given nickname.
*The antimatter formula includes handwritten screens with the following written on them:

AH ONNAG HOSHII

DOKOKANI ee ONN

AGA ORANKNAA

KYOUMO HAYO KA

EETE NEYO

….. El HABARA

….. MOU DOUTEI

….. SUTETAKAI

….. SONOUTHI

….. TORUKO IKO

….. UZE

This appears to be a Japanese staff joke, as in English the text roughly translates:
"Gah, I need a woman. Ain't there any hot babes around? Let's call it a day, get home quick and hit the sack. Hey, Habara (likely [[Nobuyoshi Habara]]<ref>https://www18.atwiki.jp/sakuga/pages/309.html</ref>), did you pop your cherry yet? Let's go hit a {{w|Soapland|Turkish bath}} (a kind of brothel) some time."

===Animation or technical glitches===
*Coloring errors:
**Thundercracker is repeatedly depicted with Skywarp's colors in the opening scene, or in some cases, with Starscream's hue.
**Starscream's head is light gray instead of dark gray as he transforms and lands in the power plant.
**In the next shot, as Soundwave lands, Starscream's face is white instead of medium gray.
**Brawn's head is almost entirely yellow instead of gray as Cliffjumper bounces off of him.
**As Starscream raises the generator over his head, the whole side of Brawn's vehicle body is colored windshield-blue—metal panels and all.
**The tip and cockpit area of Starscream's nosecone is red as he flies away from the power plant.
**Starscream's air intakes are gray instead of red as Thundercracker scorns him.
**Shockwave's "ears" are purple instead of gray as Megatron lectures Starscream and Thundercracker. Megatron's symbol is a maroon red instead of purple.
**As they do barrel rolls, Thundercracker is a much deeper shade of blue than normal, and Starscream's air intakes are light gray instead of red.
**When he lauds Megatron's leadership, Thundercracker's left air intake is blue instead of gray.
**After he lands on the lab compound's wall, the tops of Reflector's torsos are light gray instead of purple. The error repeats in the last shot of him flying away.
**Thundercracker is colored as Skywarp when he delivers his "You don't have Prime and Brawn" line.
**When Bluestreak delivers his "not so fast" line, his crest (red) and gauntlets (dark gray) are all light gray. He also gets Megatron's fusion cannon sound effect for his laser blast.
**Prowl has white tires as he says his "my own central processor" line.
**When the Decepticons are fleeing the jets' base, Skywarp (who hasn't been shown before, except as a miscolored Thundercracker) appears besides Thundercracker and Starscream. Soundwave's tape door lacks its yellow outline as he retrieves Ravage.
**As Megatron orders Starscream to retrieve the formula, Thundercracker is the same toy-based dark blue as before. In the next shot, the front and back of Starscream's nosecone is red again. Alternate color models, perhaps?
**When he lands in the street outside Chip's house, the top of Starscream's air intake is gray instead of red.
**When Spike is shown in Bumblebee while the Autobots are on the highway, Spike's hair is blond instead of brown. Did he have a five-second dye job or something?
**Prime has whitewall tires as he orders the Autobots to "transform for action".
**When Megatron throws the antimatter energon cube, it is first colored black (meaning someone forgot to apply the glowing backlight effect), and then it's portrayed as empty (meaning someone forgot to color it in at all).
**When the Decepticons are loading the antimatter-powered energon cubes, two Starscreams are shown (one as a jet being loaded with energon cubes, and one as a robot listening to Megatron).
**As he watches the Autobots gab and natter, Ratchet's head crest is white instead of gray. In the same pan, Sideswipe's shoulder is white instead of red.
**In the shot of Prime giving his big speech, the blue of Prime's eyes was apparently drawn on the same layer as his faceplate, because when his mouthplate moves, his eyes flash from blue to white and back in perfect synch with it!
**Sunstreaker's windshield is yellow instead of white-blue as he delivers his "jet judo" line.
**Wheeljack's launcher is beige instead of light gray as he flees from the Seekers' fire.
**Megatron's face is mostly black as he transforms out of gun mode.
*As the plant worker calls for help, Starscream has gone from Soundwave's right side to his left, and Thundercracker has become Skywarp.
*As Soundwave prepares energon cubes, the interior of his chest-compartment is not illustrated, instead showing a solid wall of blue.
*Starscream's air intakes are missing as Prime wrestles the generator away from him.
*When Soundwave runs through what appears to be a chainlink volleyball net, the net is animated as if the background art is sliding, but the background is sitting still; the result is that the net seems to move ''toward'' Soundwave.
*As Soundwave escapes, Prowl transforms and gives chase, followed by Bluestreak. However, in the next shot, it's Bluestreak who knocks Soundwave over, even though Prowl was in the lead.
*After Starscream catches Soundwave, he pulls alongside Thundercracker... who has Starscream's colors.
*Bluestreak transforms to [[robot mode]] and shoots the jets. When Prime walks up to him and Prowl, however, ''Prowl'' is the one in robot mode, standing next to car mode Bluestreak. The next shot shows a closeup of Bluestreak in robot mode again... then back to the previous shot with Prowl in robot mode.
*Bluestreak doesn't move his mouth as he chuckles at Prime's order to not bite off more than he can chew.
*When Prowl (who was Bluestreak a second ago) transforms and drives off after the retreating Decepticons, he runs over Optimus Prime's foot. What a prick.
*Behind him, an "engine vibration" effect for Bluestreak has him strangely jiggling.
*Casey Kasem seems to have misparsed Bluestreak's "Come on, Prowl" as a statement of incredulity, which would make sense if he was reacting to a statement by Prowl—but it's ''Optimus'' who just warned him not to take on too much.
[[File:RollForIt securityguardconsole.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"Please enter the square root of 685."]]
*Improbable viewpoints:
**While in [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Cybertron)|Decepticon Headquarters]] on Cybertron, Megatron gets a traveling view of Starscream and Thundercracker flying in jet mode on Earth.
*Shockwave's eye doesn't flash as he wishes Megatron a safe journey.
*The security guard's mouth doesn't move as he says "Welcome back".
*The security guard's access panel has digits 1-9 and a variety of mathematical commands (?!), yet lacks a zero.
*Bumblebee is abnormally small as he walks behind Chip and Spike, not more than eight feet tall.
*There's an audio editing error after they enter the laboratory. When Chip responds to Spike's "V.I.P." line, he calls him "Spy" - the "k" sound can then be heard at the start of Alcazar's next line.
*Bumblebee is drawn all sorts of ''wrong'' when the professor talks about Chip at the laboratory. For one scene, his roof chest becomes humongous, the Autobot symbol on it becomes mutilated, and his head looks squatter than usual. In the next scene, when he says "...and I thought you were just another pretty face", his forehead, nose and eyes are drawn rather oddly; his nose has no indentation at the top.
[[File:Diskette.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|The most powerful storage medium ever created by mankind.]]
*The lab's computer is weird. It loads floppy disks backwards...unless the good doctor is befuddled and inserted the disk the wrong way.
*When Laserbeak attacks, Bumblebee is in the desert. An instant later, he's in a city (complete with underground parking.)
*The damage that Laserbeak inflicts on the parking garage just appears out of nowhere, with no lasers or explosions.
*When Megatron orders the attack on the laboratory, the Decepticon insignia on his chest is missing.
*As Megatron leads his crew to attack the lab, they are all shown using foot thrusters, in contradiction to the Decepticons' normally unexplained means of flight.
*When Bumblebee radios Prowl and Bluestreak, his voice is modulated as if coming over the radio... even though the scene is the inside of his own cabin.
*When they enter the jets' base, Prowl's and Bluestreak's Autobot insignias are not shown. When Bluestreak delivers his 'manifold-mouth' line, Prowl's mouth is also moving.
*As Starscream raises his arm to fire, his weapon is mounted on the front of his shoulder, rather than the side. (Either that or he twisted his arm at an impossible angle.)
*As the Decepticons land at the lab, Rumble's voice is heard laughing; however, it isn't electronically modulated, making him sound like a creepy old man.
*The security access door code is 2-9-5 when the security guard punches it and 4-7-2 when Reflector punches it in.
*When the jet Prowl takes a ride on fires missiles at the Decepticons, everything (inclusive of scaffolding, barrels and other jets) behind them is utterly vaporised, despite all logic dictating that there should be at least some debris. The walls of the hangar, however, remain unblemished.
*Prowl clearly fires all three missiles of the jet's right wing in sequence, yet after Starscream shouts "Let's get out of here!", the same footage of all three missiles being fired from the right wing in sequence is shown again.
*The shot of Soundwave ejecting Ravage to retrieve Chip is supposed to take place outdoors, but the background art is that of the hangar interior seen earlier.
[[File:RollForIt Chip Chase banners.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|He's graduated how many times now?]]
*When we see Chip's room through the window, he has a college pennant that reads USC, an odd choice for Chip. Later, his room has two different college pennants, one with the letters {{w|California State University, Northridge|CSUN}} and another with YAL (likely Yale, with the 'e' obscured by the SUN pennant). There's also a pennant with P-ERCE, meaning either {{w|Pierce College}} in Washington state or {{w|Los Angeles Pierce College}}.
*Ravage breaks through Chip's front door, taking most of a side window with him. After he opens Chip's bedroom door and absconds with the human, he leaps through the now-repaired side window, and the front door is undamaged as well.
*Ravage's leap over Soundwave is physically impossible as drawn; it only works due to some layer fudging—specifically, if Ravage were high enough to pass over Soundwave's shoulder, he would not then immediately land 20 feet directly below Soundwave's shoulder, on Starscream's fuselage. In the same shot, Soundwave's eject button is blue instead of white.
*Soundwave's line of dialogue, "Excellent, Ravage" is heard without [[Scott Brownlee]]'s sound processing, so that voice actor [[Frank Welker]]’s "Dr. Claw" voice is audible.
*Chip's street must be the width of an interstate, as both jets can easily fit in a single lane. In fact, Thundercracker only takes up ''half'' of the lane!
*Soundwave's insignia is missing after he extracts the formula from Chip's mind.
*Mirage's verbal jabs at Rumble come as though he were right next to him, despite being some distance away and in a constantly-changing location.
*Soundwave's mask is overdrawn as he kneels to activate the computer, giving him the appearance of having two large eyes.
*Megatron is missing the two polygons on either side of his chest in the thrice-recycled shot of him giving orders to the Decepticons.
*For some reason, Mirage's voice is radio-muffled as he says "Hold it right there!"
*Starscream is once again holding one of his arm-weapons in his hand as he threatens Bumblebee and the humans.
*The window that the escaping Autobots smash through is still intact after they crash through it.
*Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**The group that bursts into the lab includes Sunstreaker, Jazz, Ratchet, Prowl and/or Bluestreak, and Hound. The group shown emerging from the lab is Prime, Trailbreaker, Ironhide, Bluestreak, and Wheeljack.
**Ratchet is shown as both a member of Prime's attack group, and also waiting for them to return at Autobot Headquarters.
*As Trailbreaker and Prowl transform, they show no damage until they reach [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], at which point various cracks appear out of nowhere.

*Wheeljack's "ears" flash orange in this episode, instead of their usual blue. The same inconsistency is found in "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]", an episode with a similar style of animation - suggesting this was an alternate color model.
*The sky background behind Starscream is missing as he catches gun mode Megatron; it appears half-way through the shot, replacing a generic blue background.
*Starscream is missing his wing insignia as he fires Megatron and rants about how invincible he is.
*During his "now or never" lines, only the front of Wheeljack's ears flash.
*When Rumble calls for help when being fired on by Skywarp, Skywarp's mouth moves.
*Sunstreaker's mouth doesn't move as he congratulates Chip.
*The remastered DVD releases of this episode incorrectly use the closing credits from the [[More than Meets the Eye (mini-series)|pilot mini-series]] instead of the expanded Season 1 credits.

===Rhino DVD errors===
*The opening shot has a different foreground layer of mountains in the Rhino version.
*A shot of Cliffjumper from behind is missing its shading.
*Two shots of Megatron talking to Shockwave feature his mouth briefly freezing in the Rhino version.

===Continuity errors===
*The "anti-matter" that the Decepticons create... can't really be anything of the sort. If it was, the entire laboratory, not to mention Megatron himself, would have been obliterated instantly. And anti-matter doesn't really have an "ignition temperature". Certainly the shots that Megatron fires can't be anti-matter, as it would completely annihilate anything it hit including his fusion cannon the second it was fired.
*When the security guard initially greets Chip, he is voiced by [[Chris Latta]]. A second later, when he welcomes Chip back to the lab, he is now voiced by [[Dan Gilvezan]], who performs all the character's remaining lines.
*Reflector is shown watching for the password to enter the lab. Considering how often the Decepticons are seen to just blast their way into whatever facility they want, the stealthy approach is unusual.
*Laserbeak's attack makes no sense. At this point, Spike, Bumblebee and Chip have nothing of value to the Decepticons, and attacking them (as Megatron points out!) merely serves to tip off the Autobots to the Decepticons' interest in the lab.
[[File:RollForIt TheInternets.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|64K of memory, but it can control an alien space robot.]]
*Chip's keyboard-based control of Prowl's elaborate movements seems highly improbable.
*Dropping their disguises ''before'' they enter the lab doesn't seem very clever on Mirage and Hound's part.
*[[Corey Burton]] uses a slightly different voice for Sunstreaker this episode, lacking the character's usual sharp, nasal tone. At least one line ("When we're done with 'em") sounds like it was read by Michael Bell.

*The USC pennant, possibly standing for the {{w|University of Southern California}}, which as an institution with a reputation as a 'party school' is an odd choice for somebody as academically accomplished as Chip; it might be the {{w|University of South Carolina}}, although this is unlikely, as largely only people in the Carolinas call that university "USC." However, the apparent {{w|Yale University|Yale}} pennant that appears later seems like a good fit for somebody of Chip's talent.
*While Chip tries desperately to contact Doctor Alcazar via his computer, he never tries with the piece of equipment right next to his computer: his telephone. Then again, prior to the spread of the internet in the 1990s, an average American home would only have ONE phone line, and it can be presumed that if his computer is connected to Dr. Alcazar's computer, then the phone line would be in use by the computer to communicate with it. For that matter, no phone was seen in Doctor Alcazar's lab...
*As noted above, the college pennants in Chip's room change between scenes. But why does he have pennants from three different universities?
*Flying Autobots:
**This early in the series, the "Autobots can't fly" convention hadn't quite been settled upon. Prowl makes an improbably huge leap at the jet plant.
**Bumblebee flies into the lab behind a distracted Rumble.
**Sunstreaker and Sideswipe fly out to defend Autobot Headquarters. At least Sideswipe has a [[jet pack|rocket pack]]!
*Superhuman Chip:
**When the Decepticons visit Chip's house to steal the antimatter formula, Chip memorizes the code...AND RIPS A FLOPPY DISK APART WITH HIS BARE HANDS. If that doesn't seem like a tremendous feat of strength, try doing so yourself (...if you can find one...) Chip must have absolutely tremendous upper body strength.
**Ravage uses Chip as a battering ram to bash out an entire window of his house. Chip survives the experience without so much as a scratch.
*If Mirage leaves footprints as he walks toward the lab... shouldn't Hound also be leaving footprints? (Mirage, of course, is the only Transformer who ''ever'' leaves footprints, and ''only'' when he's invisible.)
*How can Megatron hear Sunstreaker ("We've gotta get those energon cubes before it's too late") when there's a whole solid wall between them?
*Spike's attack on Skywarp... doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Was he supposed to be making a hole to provide access for Wheeljack's device?
**Chip had the device, so maybe he was trying to distract Skywarp from Chip planting the device.
*Superhuman Spike:
**Spike is still in Skywarp's grasp when gun mode Megatron flies out of his hand. A second later, Skywarp is visible among the Decepticons laid low by the exploding antimatter cubes. So... how did Spike get free and survive that massive explosion?

===Trivia===
[[File:RollForIt droopyDecepticonjets.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"Maybe if we're lucky, Dad won't notice why we're gone!"]]
*This episode's got a weirdly generic title, not really related to anything that goes on in it, but it's not as random as it seems! In the first draft of the episode's script, Optimus Prime was supposed to dramatically order the Autobots to "ROLL FOR IT!" as they departed headquarters to engage the approaching Decepticons in the third-act final battle. However, [[Ron Friedman]]'s dialogue revisions changed the line to "Roll for freedom!"... and then the line was cut from the finished episode anyway! D'oh!
*In several scenes in this episode, all of the Transformers are drawn using different, more stylised animation models. In particular, the Decepticon jets seen near the beginning are sleeker, more detailed and have a drooping nosecone. Other scenes have stylized shading, angles, and poses, such as the strange poses used by the flying Decepticons at the episode's end.
*Soundwave's screaming sound is most amusing. And rare—this is one of only two times in the cartoon it's heard.
*In one part, Starscream calls Megatron "The Anti-Matter Gun" instead of his name. Why?
*This was one of twelve episodes of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original cartoon]] released as audio adventures by the [[Germany|German]] company [[Karussell|Karussell Musik und Video]].

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French broadcast):'' "'''En avant !'''" ("Onward!")
:*''Title (Canadian French broadcast & European French DVD release):'' "'''La formule'''" ("The Formula")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*In the European French dub, Soundwave is called "Shockwave" twice again.

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die geheime Anti-Materie Formel'''" ("The Secret Anti-Matter Formula"), "'''Ein Held namens Chip'''" (Generation 2, "A Hero Called Chip")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 2]], [[1989]]

'''Hebrew'''
:*''Title:'' "'''LeHatsil Et Optimus Prime'''" (להציל את אופטימוס פריים, "To Save Optimus Prime")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Un nuovo amico'''" ("A New Friend")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Both Brawn and Optimus Prime call Cliffjumper with Bluestreak's name. This is likely because, according to the [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IFhH4OL9iLMzKunFFRaeh3je7d2I5HW4/view original English script], Bluestreak was going to be in Cliffjumper's place for those scenes, which appears to have been changed later on.
::*"Five billion astroseconds" became "five '''trillion''' astroseconds". This is actually a pretty common translation mistake caused by the fact that [[w:Long and short scales|Italy uses long scale while the United States use short scale]].
::*When talking to Hound, Optimus seemingly says: «Ben and Hound.» («Ben e Canguro.» in Italian). He was probably supposed to say: «Okay, Hound!» («Bene, Canguro!»).

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''In marcia per la vittoria'''" ("March Off for the Victory")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Megatron no Kikan'''" (メガトロンの帰還, "The Return of Megatron")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 3]], [[1985]]
::*'''Cut:''' When Spike and Chip pull up to the laboratory in Bumblebee, the scene following the guard saying "Welcome back", typing the 7 into his number pad and everything up through his line, "Well, I never met an Aw-toh-bawt before", have been cut. The sequence resumes at the group approaching the green door and the line, "Let me get you through our security doors".

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Quántǐ Chūjī '''" (全体出击, "All Roll Out")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Vamos Rodar'''" ("Let's Roll")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Poyekhali!'''" (Поехали!, "Let's Go!")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Veliki preokret'''" (Велики преокрет, "Great Vicissitude")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Swedish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''En hjälte på hjul'''" (''Generation 2'', "A Hero on Wheels")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

===Toys inspired by this episode===
*'''''Masterpiece'' MP-13 [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Soundwave]] (TakaraTomy, 2013)'''
:One of the accessories included with the figure is a display grid that attaches over his chest door: On the last page of the instruction booklet is a pair of cutouts you can place behind the grid to simulate Soundwave projecting them on his chest, one of these being the antimatter formula hacked from Chip's brain in this episode.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 6: "Roll for It" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1995 — ''The Transformers'' — The Autobots vs. The Decepticons ([[Malofilm]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1995 — ''Transformers'' — Autobots vs. Decepticons (Malofilm) — French audio only.

;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.

;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Two ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume One (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Le Retour de Megatron ([[UFG Junior]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — Box-Set (3DVDs) ([[Flex Media]]) — German audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Box-Set (2DVDs) (Flex Media) — German audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 01: Stagione Uno Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — More than Meets the Eye (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20200323170849/http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-1/synopses/700-02.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1IFhH4OL9iLMzKunFFRaeh3je7d2I5HW4 Full script as revised on 2nd July 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gIUwrSsde1xMt7kXtuORsp0oBOiQH5XW/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]

[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]

Transport to Oblivion (episode)

2025-04-27T15:54:29Z

JD1337666:

{{disambigr|Transport to Oblivion|the Rising event|Transport to Oblivion (Rising)}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=4
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=4
|prev2=More than Meets the Eye, Part 3
|next2=Roll for It
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=25
|prev3=Fight or Flee (episode)
|next3=Roll for It
|image=RollForIt spacebridge opens.jpg
|caption=
|title="Transport to Oblivion"
|season=1
|season ep=4
|production code=#700-01
|airdate=[[October 6]], 1984
|written by=[[Bryce Malek]] [[Dick Robbins]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]], [[Kaname Production]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07yYfhX69Ac
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''After months in hiding, the Decepticons return and have a new method for moving energon cubes to Cybertron.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:TransporttoOblivion Decepticon-shaped rock.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|The Shadow knows....]]
The [[Decepticon]]s have not been seen in months and are presumed dead by the [[Autobot]]s. That doesn't stop a twitchy [[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] from blasting [[Decepticon-shaped rock|a rock that vaguely resembles a Decepticon]]. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] is also not completely convinced of the Decepticons' demise. Unknown to the Autobots, the Decepticons are in fact still alive and have constructed a [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|undersea fortress]] out of their [[Victory (G1)|crashed ship]] under the ocean.

Meanwhile, on Cybertron, an energy-depleted [[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] attempts to make contact with [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. Shockwave succeeds in his attempt and informs Megatron that the [[energon]] reserves on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] are almost depleted. He also tells him of the newly constructed [[space bridge|Space Bridge]].

The Decepticons head out again to collect more energy. Their first target is a solar power plant. [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] scare off the workers and secure the generators for energon creation.

[[File:TransporttoOblivion Cliffjumper attacks Megatron.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|If Megatron were human, that'd be really painful.]]
While cruising the city, [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] encounter a traffic jam—the cause of which is a city-wide blackout. Both decide they need to head back to base to check in. [[Teletraan I]] shows that the blackout has spread across the city. Optimus has Teletraan survey the surrounding power stations. At the solar plant, Optimus sees Megatron.

Optimus puts together a small strike team consisting of [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]], [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]], [[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]], Cliffjumper, [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], and [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] to take care of the Decepticon raid (the rest of the force are out on patrol). The Autobots arrive and drive off the Decepticons, but not before they manage to steal a large amount of energy. During the battle, Ironhide is injured while saving Optimus from an attack.

Back at base, Ironhide is worked on by Ratchet and [[Sparkplug Witwicky]], but his pride is more wounded then his chassis. Wanting to know how they plan to get the energon to Cybertron, Optimus sends Bumblebee out on recon to search for signs of the Decepticons in the surrounding area; Spike offers to go with him.

The two stumble upon the location of the Space Bridge and witness the Decepticons' first failed attempt to transport a small vehicle across space. Bumblebee and Spike attempt to leave, but are captured before they can report back. Megatron decides to use his two captives as pilots for the shuttle to help keep it on its course to Cybertron.

[[File:TransporttoOblivion Bumblebee escapes.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|left|That's what happens when you drive your car too close to Area 51.]]
Bumblebee and Spike are placed in the second test vehicle and sent toward the Space Bridge portal, but the Decepticons run out of time and the alignment between Cybertron and [[Earth]] passes. The Bridge can't be reactivated for 3,000 astro-seconds. While the Decepticons grouse about the delay, Bumblebee transforms into his car mode and smashes free of the transport vehicle. Spike is recaptured immediately. Bumblebee manages to evade them for a short time but is also recaptured. Megatron alters Bumblebee's memory chips so he can lead the Autobots into a trap.

Bumblebee returns to [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters]] and tells the gathered Autobots that Spike has been captured. They head for the Space Bridge, but Bumblebee has given them an incorrect location. The false location leads them to a cave where the Decepticons, tipped off by Laserbeak, have been waiting in ambush.

[[File:TransporttoOblivion Bumblebee rescues Spike.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Spike performed his own stunts.]]
The battle is cut short as the dimensional alignment between Cybertron and Earth recurs, allowing for Space Bridge transport. The Decepticons leave, but not before Megatron blasts the cave, sealing the Autobots within. During the battle, Bumblebee is injured and Ratchet discovers that a bank of Bumblebee's memory chips have been altered. The Autobots soon learn the true location of the Space Bridge and once free of the cave, roll out.

The Autobots engage the Decepticons once more at the true location of the Space Bridge, managing to rescue Spike and destroy the shipment of energon. As the battle nears its conclusion, Megatron is knocked into the active Space Bridge and is presumed destroyed. [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] assumes command and orders a retreat. But within [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Cybertron)|the Decepticon base]] on Cybertron, Megatron emerges intact from the Space Bridge, and swears vengeance on his enemies.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (2)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (3)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (11)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (13)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (14)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (15)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (16)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (20)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (22)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (23)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (24)
|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (4)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] (5)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (6)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (8)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (9)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (10)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (17)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (19)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (21)
|c3=
*[[Ed (worker)|Ed]] (7)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (12)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (18)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Cliffjumper:''' "Don't worry, Megatron. I'll get them after I've taken care of YOU!" 
(Cliffjumper punches Megatron downstairs. This has no effect, and he is brushed aside like a rag doll.) 
'''Megatron:''' "WHO will take care of me?" 
'''Optimus Prime:''' "I will, Megatron."
:—Megatron gets put in his place for picking on the short one.

'''Skywarp:''' "Starscream! Behind you!" 
(Starscream turns to see Cliffjumper and Gears running towards him) 
'''Cliffjumper:''' "Too late, Starscream!" 
'''Starscream:''' "It's never too late, Autobot." 
[''calmly raises his left arm and fires'']

[[File:G1 Transport RatchetSparkplug fixingIronhide.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Ok Ironhide, turn your head and cough."]]
"No more backtalk, or I'll short your mouth circuit."
:—'''Ratchet'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s bedside manner toward Ironhide.

"How're we gonna get out of this?" 
"By the skin of our teeth!" 
"I didn't know human teeth had skin!"
:—'''Bumblebee''' and '''Spike'''

"Well, uh... I guess I served my time and I'm free to go, huh?" 
"Free to go... to Cybertron."
:—"Inmate" '''Spike''' finds out the "warden", '''Soundwave''', also took smart-ass lessons.

"The Autobots robbed me of my victory, but they have not seen the last of Megatron. I shall be avenged!"
:—'''Megatron''', for the first time, but not the last.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 4 June 1984
* Revised script: 8 June 1984
* Finalised script: 22 June 1984
* Main dialogue recording: 27 June 1984
* [[Frank Welker]] and [[Michael Bell]] pickup sessions: 2 July 1984
* Returned to the US for telecine: 24 September 1984
* Official Sunbow Productions synopsis:
:''The Decepticons, working with Shockwave on Cybertron, create the "space bridge" -- a device to transport energon cubes between the two planets. When Spike and Bumblebee stumble across the river bed where the space bridge is being tested, they are captured by the Decepticons, who intend to use the boy to guide the energon shipment through the dangerous device. Bumblebee escapes, and ultimately leads the Autobots back to rescue Spike and destroy the shipment.''

===Continuity notes===
*Ironhide says the Decepticons were sent to the bottom of the sea "months ago". In real-world terms, this episode only aired about two weeks after "More than Meets the Eye, Part 3". However, there were three months between the pilot being written and this episode being written, so... that works?
*This episode does a fair bit to establish the status quo for the rest of Season 1 and all of Season 2:
**The Decepticons are shown to have converted their crashed space cruiser into the vast [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|Decepticon Headquarters]] complex.
**The Decepticons re-establish contact with Cybertron.
**The 'Cons make their first use of the [[space bridge]], a device that will feature in many future episodes. The space bridge's erratic performance and seemingly random opening times and locations would feature in a few more episodes, but would largely be downplayed.
*The stock party music originally from Johnny Douglas' "Spider-Man" score makes its Transformers debut in this episode; the guitar section is featured as source music played by both Jazz and Soundwave.
*Prime's casual reference to "the entire city losing power" might be construed by continuity hounds as meaning that the traffic jam that Spike and Bumblebee run into is in [[Central City (Earth)|Central City]], a city later demonstrated to be close to, and have some legal jurisdiction over, the land where Autobot Headquarters is located. That might be giving the continuity editors too much credit, however.
*This episode continues the trend of Cybertron being located outside the [[Milky Way]] galaxy, as Shockwave refers to the space bridge as an "intergalactic transport system".
*Gadgets and powers:
**When Cliffjumper opens fire on the rock formation, he is carrying Jazz's gun.
**Ratchet describes Starscream's fire as "a concussion blast" (it's supposed to be a null ray.)
**Ratchet has a [[laser scalpel]] (or something similar) that emerges from his forearm. Later, he uses a less focused device that slides out of his wrist.
**Megatron has a chest-mounted hose-like memory scrambler... and a gauntlet-launched saw blade... and a wrist laser.
**Starscream apparently wears a wristwatch. Who knew?
**Watching Bumblebee make his scrambled report, Laserbeak uses a head-mounted retractable microphone. Later episodes (and the Movie) would have a video camera in the same spot instead.
**Ratchet has a wrist-based net launcher, that fires a Pac-Man shaped net (which for some reason brings down Laserbeak.)
**Ironhide totes a [[Cliffjumper's bazooka|HUGE bazooka cannon laser gun thing]] when the Autobots attack the space bridge. While he's never had this weapon before, it is in fact a reuse of [[:file:Cliffgun.JPG|Cliffjumper's bazooka]] from the pilot miniseries in green. He would VERY briefly wield it again (this time in grey) in "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]]".
**Optimus Prime's laser rifle has a variable focus barrel that allows him to shoot a needle-beam blast.
**The blue button on Megatron's tummy blinks to show him communicating with Shockwave. [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Later]], it would be the two trapezoids on his pecs that blinked.
*What makes Starscream the leader? Megatron fell into the space bridge! '''[[S.O.S. Dinobots|'''> >]]'''

===Real-world references===
*''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**Laserbeak is a one-bot ''Star Wars'' effects gallery. He launches from his spy mission with the sound of the [[Death Star]]'s superlaser obliterating the planet Alderaan.
**He then arrives at the Decepticon Headquarters docking tower with the sound of the ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' arriving at the Rebel Base on Yavin IV, followed by a repeat of the Death Star/Alderaan effects.
**He then flies into Soundwave's chest with another burst of ''Millennium Falcon'' engines.

===Animation or technical glitches===
*Maybe not an error, but definitely odd: The establishing shots of [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|Decepticon Headquarters]] are two completely different matte paintings that show exactly the same thing.
*A strange establishing shot meant to convey the transition of an Earth-bound scene to one set on Cybertron shows a whole bunch of gray planets near each other, then suddenly cuts to the stock shot of Cybertron. It's possible this was meant to be a pan across our solar system, showing the Moon and then Saturn, but what it actually portrays is more like three moons orbiting a distant ringed planet unlike any in our [[Solar System]].

[[File:TransporttoOblivion colourchanging Ed.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Black-White-Black]]
*The animated glow behind Shockwave when he is communicating to Megatron is mis-aligned with his body.
*Coloring errors:
**Ed, a solar power plant worker, has his skin change color from one shot to the next. He's first seen as an African-American when his coworker tells him to turn the radio down. When he turns to face the radio in the next shot, he's white. As he backs away from Soundwave's transformation, he's black again, possibly suffering from a rapid (but intermittent) form of {{w|Vitiligo}}.
**When the Autobots crash through the skylight, Cliffjumper is colored like Bumblebee.
**After Ironhide is shot protecting Optimus Prime, Prowl's gun is black.
**The sides of Starscream's air intakes are gray instead of red when Megatron restrains him from attacking Bumblebee.
**Starscream's thighs are dark gray instead of light gray as he and Megatron fire on the fleeing Bumblebee.
**As the Autobots are waiting for Bumblebee and Spike's return home, Cliffjumper is colored as Bumblebee. Hey, it's the yellow Cliffjumper toy [[variant]]!
**Megatron's fusion cannon is white instead of black as he threatens to finish Ironhide and Prime.
**After Megatron blasts the cave shut (again) and returns to [[robot mode]], blue sky can be seen between Starscream's arms and torso, in the space where his wings should be. Possibly the artists thought his wings were attached to his arms instead of his back.
**Ironhide's cheek guards are gray instead of red as he patches himself up after the cave battle.
**Megatron's face is black as he listens to Shockwave's instructions about the space bridge.
**Megatron's eyes are blue instead of red as he punches buttons on the space bridge console during the final battle.
**After Megatron falls into the [[space bridge]], two successive shots feature Skywarp in Starscream's color scheme, resulting in two Starscreams appearing on screen at once.
[[File:Soundwave jesus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|So Soundwave and Laserbeak [[Warrior School!|use their alternate forms to sneak into an industrial facility and take it over]]...]]
*A glow effect surrounds Soundwave as he enlarges out of his tape player form. While it is clearly a deliberate artistic choice, this effect is never again seen for Soundwave's transformations.
*Cliffjumper and Gears' voices can clearly be heard among the panicked power plant workers.
[[File:TransporttoOblivion fillingcubes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|...and the Decepticons [[The Next Best Thing to Being There!|re-establish contact with Cybertron]], and [[The Bridge to Nowhere!|build a space bridge]], and [[Rock and Roll-Out!|start making energon cubes]]...]]
[[File:Trans to ob megs spacebridge.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|...and the whole thing ends with [[Gone but Not Forgotten!|Megatron getting tossed into his own space bridge and unceremoniously launched to Cybertron]]. Did [[Bob Budiansky]] watch this episode or what?]]
*As the Decepticons start filling energon cubes, the background cubes filled by Skywarp are layered in front of the foreground cubes filled by Starscream.
*Just before Jazz gets into the traffic jam, he keeps passing by the same buildings with the same signage (see below) multiple times as part of a single straight city block.
*When Jazz slams on his brakes during the traffic jam, the car in front of him is green. When he backs up to leave, the car is blue and a different model.
*On-screen [[Japanese language|translation flubs]]:
**The signage in the city includes some rather odd phrases: Par (maybe this was meant to say "Parking"?), Led Bulue (or Bulve?), Spu Rashu, Mascot, IOU, April, AGF (which might be an incomplete "{{W|Agfa-Gevaert|Agfa}}"), Bell. The only one that does make sense is a vertical "fee", since it could very well be that the top half that's cut off by the edge of the screen says "Cof".
**When Optimus Prime is using Teletraan I to survey nearby power stations, the map on the screen is labeled "EVE ISLAND".
**Teletraan's readout screen has a number of lost-in-translation typographical errors. It reads: SOLOR POWE STATION #001; CAPACITY: 80%; PURRENT PRODUCTION: 0%.
*During Optimus' close-up when he says "Megatron lives.", the background is of a cloudy sky instead of [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters']] interior.
*Skywarp has the wrong voice as he says his "Hurry it up!" and "Starscream! Behind you!" lines.
*As Megatron gloats over Optimus Prime's defeat and prepares to transform into gun mode, he says "Soundwave—Prime is target, Soundwave! FIRE!", an awkward-sounding line that... was actually written that way in the [[dialogue script]]. In the '''original''' script, the line was "Prime is target, Soundwave -- fire!", suggesting an extra instance of Soundwave's name somehow got written in by mistake. (Additionally, Megatron orders Soundwave to fire him before he even finishes transforming.)
*When the Decepticons are leaving the power station, Skywarp is seen flying away twice.
*Laserbeak's caws and cries are not electronically modulated and are much more bird-like than the synthetic trill that would become his standard vocalization later in the series.
*The Autobots storming into the power plant at the battle's end do not have the standard Autobot laser fire sound effects.
*As the space bridge powers up for its first test, the light effects at the back of the ring pass in front of the test vehicle, which is inside the ring.
*Amid the rocks and debris sucked up into the space bridge, the test vehicle can be seen rising... then falling back down again!
*Bumblebee and Spike clearly withdraw from the edge of the river canyon, yet Bumblebee is standing right at the edge again when he transforms (a convenient conceit, so he can fall down and be captured).
*As Megatron says that Bumblebee and Spike have "volunteered", a glint of light plays across his optics. The sound guys mistook this for a powered light-up effect and inserted a sound effect accordingly.
*The animation of test run #2 is recycled from the first test run... which means that the test vehicle is shown inside the ring, even though it shouldn't be there.
*When Shockwave says, "Test run number two aborted," the animation is of Megatron speaking.
*Skywarp and Starscream get the same not-standard-issue laser sound effect that the Autobots at the power plant had.
*Upon arriving, Bumblebee says that "''Pike'' was taken by the Decepticons!" Maybe it's [[The Insecticon Syndrome|a nickname]]?
*Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**Four red(dish) cars are among the group leaving Autobot Headquarters. Ironhide and Cliffjumper should be red; the third could be Gears. The fourth is either a miscolored Prowl or Jazz, leaving the group one man short.
**Best guess is that it's Jazz who is missing from that last shot, because he's also missing from the lineup of Autobot cars outside the cave. His voice shows up once the group enters the cave... but he's not actually ''seen'' until after the first commercial break.
**Brawn, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, and Trailbreaker all appear at various points during the battle in the cave and its aftermath, despite not being part of the group that arrives and leaves the cave.
*As often happens, Soundwave's chest is suddenly see-through transparent when he's playing back a tape report.
*Prowl's car form is horrifically off-model when Ironhide asserts that Bumblebee is never wrong. Gears isn't much better and is missing some of his red coloration as well. When off-model Prowl transforms, his missing headlights and bumper appear out of nowhere.
*Megatron's wrist blaster disappears instantly after he fires it.
*Starscream is holding one of his arm-mounted weapons in his hand as Megatron orders him to blast the cave entrance open.
*Ratchet announces that Bumblebee's memory banks have been altered, despite not doing any work near or inspection of his head. All he does is weld 'Bee's chest for a brief second.
*As Ravage guards Spike, the energy cage is layered over Ravage's neck, even though he is closer to the camera's point of view.
*Spike makes a very strange gesture as the energy cage disappears, seemingly rubbing a rock in the background as if he were wiping it off. Not only is it strange, it's also spatially impossible, as the "rock" is actually the ground below him, meaning he's just making a random wiping motion in the air.
*Soundwave's shadow over Spike disappears a second before the shot ends.
*As Megatron coaches Spike, Soundwave is missing his Decepticon insignia. Megatron's own insignia is missing its central crest.
*When the space bridge opens for the third time (with Spike as the driver), the inside of the ring is bizarrely misdrawn; the outlines and edges of the bridge ring do not line up correctly, resulting in [http://www.blifaloo.com/illusions/impossible.php impossible shapes].
*Ironhide goes from carrying a copy of Jazz's pistol to toting his green bazooka in the space of a shot.
*Starscream is missing his back wing insignia as he takes off.
*As the space bridge beam arrives on Cybertron, the beam is layered in front of the bridge receiver tower that it's supposed to be entering.
*The remastered DVD releases of this episode incorrectly use the closing credits from the [[More than Meets the Eye (mini-series)|pilot mini-series]] instead of the expanded Season 1 credits.

===Rhino DVD errors===
*Two separate shots accidentally show a vehicle inside of the space bridge. The first instance was corrected in the broadcast version by using footage from later in the episode, while the second instance was corrected by using footage from "[[Divide and Conquer]]".
*Megatron's mouth doesn't move when he says, "That's the end of Prime, and the Autobots!"
*A layering error where the space bridge's beams are seen passing through the structure on Cybertron was digitally corrected by Rhino. This fix also carried over to the Shout! Factory releases.

===Continuity errors===
*At the end of the previous episode, the Autobot ship was being refueled and repaired in preparation for the imminent return of the Autobots to Cybertron. At the beginning of this episode, their journey home seems to have been all but forgotten.
**In the original script, just before Cliffjumper blasts the rock formation, Optimus and Ironhide are talking about their ship being ready to launch the next day.
*This is the only time Autobot Headquarters is ever depicted as being near a cliffside overlooking the ocean.
*In the opening scenes, Optimus seems pretty certain that the Decepticons have survived... yet he still seems shocked when Megatron reappears.
*Speaking of which, could the Decepticons really have built this whole huge underwater fortress without anybody noticing their activities?
*If Shockwave is "losing power", then he really shouldn't be up on the roof of [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Cybertron)|Decepticon Headquarters]] shooting at nothing. The animation fails to convey that he had any sort of target or that a battle was occurring.
*Shockwave is clearly the most loyal soldier in all of creation. He's still trying to communicate with Megatron ''four million years after he disappeared'' and clearly expects an answer. What would it take to convince Shockwave that Megatron is actually dead??
*There doesn't appear to be any purpose to Soundwave sneaking into the power station in tape player mode. Megatron just marches right in about five seconds after Soundwave launches his attack.
*A ''solar'' power station would not need generators.
*Again, if Prime is shocked to find that Megatron is alive, it doesn't make a lot of sense for over half the Autobots to be on patrol.
*Ratchet and Sparkplug are working on Ironhide outside, in the desert sand, even though Ratchet has a (presumably) sanitary medical center for such things.
*Given that Starscream is a highly sophisticated living machine, it seems unlikely that he would have to look at his (notably unadorned) wrist to count down five seconds accurately. That said, he also does count an unusually long second.
*Would it really have killed Bumblebee to stop for half a second to let Spike get inside, instead of making him run alongside?
*Jazz is somehow able to use a stalagmite as a bat to knock back a null ray blast at Starscream.
*Optimus Prime's foot gets caught in a boulder for no apparent reason. In one shot, he's just standing around after helping Ironhide; in the next, he's suddenly stuck.
*It's a totally [[The Agenda (Part III)|stock cartoon trope]], but really, how many times can one cave be blasted open and shut? (Two times each in this episode.)
*Megatron can't possibly be dumb enough to think that Prime and company couldn't just blast their own way out of the cave, yet he declares that sealing the cave means "the end of Prime and the Autobots".

===Trivia===
*In an unusual directorial choice, the second and third acts of this episode lack most of the usual flip-symbol [[scene transition]]s, instead using a series of ''Star Wars''-like transition effects (iris out, triangular wipes, radar screen wipe, etc.)
*The third act also features a one-time-only bit of background music as the Decepticons retreat from the cave.
*Seriously, Cliffjumper charges Megatron and punches him in the junk! That takes bearings of chrome steel.
*This was one of twelve episodes of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original cartoon]] released as audio adventures by the [[Germany|German]] company [[Karussell|Karussell Musik und Video]].

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French):'' "'''Transport pour l'oubli'''" ("Transport to oblivion")
:*''Title (Canadian French & European French DVD release):'' "'''Le Pont Spatial'''" ("The Spacebridge")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*About the European French dub:
:::*Megatron briefly calls Soundwave "Shockwave".
:::*This is one if not the only episode in which Bumblebee's name is pronounced correctly. However, it happens only once in that episode (by Optimus Prime). Throughout the rest of the episode, everyone calls him "Bubblebee". Still a little victory for European French dub enjoyers.
:::*Some names are still avoided. At the end of the episode, Optimus even calls Bumblebee "mon gros" ("big boy"). Soundwave calls Laserbeak "Laserobreak" but does not say anything at all for Ravage.
:::*Megatron's line "This time I'll blow more than your shoulder" is dubbed by [[Francis Lax]], Optimus Prime's voice actor. He barely changes his voice, which makes the scene kinda confusing.
:::*When looking for Optimus, Megatron calls him "Primus" instead of "Prime". Interestingly, "Optimus Primus" is the Autobot leader's Canadian French name.

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die Weltraumbrücke'''" ("The Spacebridge"), "Reise nach Cybertron" (''Generation 2'', "Journey to Cybertron")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[May 19]], [[1989]]

'''Hebrew'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Shigoor El Avadon'''" (שיגור אל אבדון, "Transport to Oblivion")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Il ponte spaziale'''" ("The Space Bridge")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*The opening narration is completely changed: instead of talking about Autobots, the narrator talks about Shockwave and the lack of energon on Cybertron.
::*A couple of sentences are changed, making little sense in the context:
:::*Ironhide's: «Cliffjumper!» at the beginning of the episode became: «Look at this, Cliffjumper.».
:::*Optimus's: «What could be causing it?» (while using Teletraan I) became: «An energy signal.».
::*Optimus Prime briefly calls Teletraan I "Supervista", which is [[Perceptor (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Perceptor]]'s name.
::*When talking to Spike during the last transport test, Megatron briefly uses a plural verb, like if he was talking to more than one person.

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Passaggio verso l'oblio'''" ("Passage to the Oblivion")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Space Bridge Sakusen'''" (スペースブリッジ作戦, "Operation: Space Bridge")
:*Original airdate: [[July 27]], [[1985]]
:**'''Cut:''' After Prime discovers that Megatron still lives and orders the Autobots to assemble, following the symbol transition, the role call of Ironhide through Gears is cut. The sequence resumes at his lines about half the force being out on patrol.
:**'''Cut:''' After Megatron gets his "power boost" and punches Prime in the face, the following scene of Starscream lifting Energon cubes, getting shot at, shooting Ratchet and Prowl, Cliffjumper and Gears attacking him, and his line "It's never too late, Autobot" before firing on them have all been cut. The sequence resumes at his transforming to [[alternate mode|jet mode]] and flying off with Skywarp.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Tàikōngqiáo de Xiànluò '''" (太空桥的陷落, "Fall of the Space Bridge")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Transporte Pra Destruição'''" ("Transport to Destruction")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?, [[1986]]
::*This was the first episode of the series to air in Brazil.

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Doroga v nikooda'''" (Дорога в никуда, "Road to Nowhere")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Putovanje u zaborav'''" (Путовање у заборав, "Voyage into Oblivion")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Swedish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Resa in i det okända'''" (Generation 2, "Journey into the Unknown")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
[[File:FHE-TransportToOblivion.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Cliffjumper IS Admiral Ackbar.]]
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 7: "Transport to Oblivion" ([[Family Home Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Two ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume One (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Le Cosmitron ([[UFG Junior]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — The Best of ''The Transformers'' (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — Box-Set (3DVDs) ([[Flex Media]]) — German audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Box-Set (2DVDs) (Flex Media) — German audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 01: Stagione Uno Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — More than Meets the Eye (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1m7-rWq0-_NlWnKopinM__0uP7Xsdj2lH Full episode script, as revised on 8th June 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1T52jANElww5VQEIvtZQV_Q9zldWHdHIY Full episode script, as finalised on 22nd June 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b1edAX7sZ2hEip31lp0-fOixep7yB0ZL/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Fire on the Mountain (episode)

2025-04-27T15:40:23Z

JD1337666: /* Rhino DVD release */

{{disambig3|Fire on the Mountain}}

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=9
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=63
|prev2=Fire in the Sky
|next2=A Plague of Insecticons
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=49
|prev3=Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2
|next3=Countdown to Extinction (episode)
|image=Fire on the mountain.jpg
|caption="I don't understand it, baby. This has never happened to me before, honest."
|title="Fire on the Mountain"
|season=1
|season ep=9
|production code=#700-06
|airdate=[[December 22]], [[1984]]
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fzq3C4hkfNE
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''The Decepticons uncover the Crystal of Power in Peru, and the Autobots resurrect Skyfire to stop them.'''

==Synopsis==
While patrolling a refinery, [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] spot [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] and [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] stealing steel. The [[Decepticon]]s get away with the loot by collapsing the refinery behind them. The Autobots report back to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], who is puzzled about the Decepticons' motives. The [[Autobot]]s launch a [[Sky Spy]] to home in on any Decepticon activity, and the satellite picks up strange energy readings in the [[Peru]]vian [[Andes Mountains|Andes]].

[[File:Crystalofpower.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Almost ablaze, still you don't feel the heat]]
There, the Decepticons have followed an [[Inca]]n legend to an ancient temple that rests on a shaft leading deep into the [[Earth's core]], capped by the [[Crystal of Power]]. With the metal acquired by Starscream, the Decepticons have fashioned a weapon frame to accommodate the crystal. [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] spots the Sky Spy, and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] tests the weapon by blowing the satellite out of the sky. The metal, however, proves inadequate and melts with exposure to the raw energy unleashed from the Earth's core. Starscream tries to shift blame to Thundercracker for the faulty metal, but Megatron blames them both and has them stay behind at the temple while he soars to a nearby mining town to find replacement metal.

The nearby Peruvian mining town is abuzz with the sudden show of power from the ancient temple. A reactionary elder proclaims that long-forgotten gods have come back to punish them, but her more level-headed granddaughter, [[Luisa]], realizes that someone must have uncovered the fabled Crystal of Power.

[[File:G1 FireontheMountain Sideswipe piledriving.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Freud would have had a field day with this.]]
In the [[Arctic]], [[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] are jackhammering through the ice to resurrect the fallen warrior [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]. The massive jet emerges from the ice and transforms into [[robot mode]]. Wheeljack immediately assigns him to fly back to Autobot headquarters to pick up Brawn and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] before heading down to the Andes Mountains.

In short order, Skyfire is in the Andes, closing in on the Decepticons. Windcharger and Brawn skydive from the jet, tangling with [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] while Skyfire goes to investigate the strange energy readings from the Incan temple. While the smaller Autobots are able to hold their own against Megatron's lieutenants, the Decepticon leader proves too powerful for them and they scatter. Windcharger desperately calls for Skyfire to return while Brawn bites off more than he can chew in the form of an angered Megatron.

[[File:FireontheMountain SoundwaveMegsgun.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Men were shot down for the sake of fun 
Or just to hear the noise of their .44 guns]]
Skyfire zooms in to the rescue and gracefully airlifts Brawn and Windcharger from the thick of Decepticon danger. Skyfire quickly returns to the Ark to pick up some reinforcements and streaks back to Peru. He deposits the Autobots near the mining town to take care of Megatron while he goes to investigate the Incan temple.

The Autobots stop Megatron, Reflector and Soundwave mid-raid, with Brawn having the ball-bearings enough to swipe Megatron's [[Fusion cannon|arm cannon]] and blast the Decepticon leader with his own weapon! Laserbeak steals back the weapon and Megatron swears vengeance. He has gathered a metal strong enough for the Crystal, and requests that [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] come to retrieve it, adding further insult to Thundercracker and Starscream who are left guarding the temple.

[[File:Brawnfusioncannon.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Good grief, it's a running gag.]]
A stray blast during the battle nearly drops an electrical tower on top of Luisa, but she is saved by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] and Bumblebee. Luisa quickly explains that these "evil creatures" have stolen the Crystal of Power. She leads Bumblebee and Spike to a secret entrance in the temple. Soundwave detects their presence, and dispatches Ravage to follow them.

Meanwhile, Thundercracker spots Skyfire skulking about the temple. The Decepticon warrior is torn; if he blasts Skyfire, Starscream is likely to take all the credit. Conversely, if he lets Skyfire destroy the Crystal-based weapon, perhaps Starscream can take the blame. Starscream overhears Thundercracker plotting, and blasts Skyfire. He then blackmails Thundercracker to do his bidding, lest Starscream reveal to their leader just how uncertain Thundercracker's loyalties can be.

The Decepticons load up their stolen steel with Skywarp's help and depart. To cover their exit, Megatron blasts a nearby mountain, creating a deadly rockfall that threatens the mining town.

The Autobots use their firepower to reduce the falling boulders to pebbles, saving the village. Meanwhile, Megatron returns to the temple, where he successfully tests a new weapon frame that can handle the power of the crystal. Bumblebee, Spike and Luisa surreptitiously arrive in the temple, spotting the inert form of Skyfire. Spike starts repairing the fallen warrior, just as Ravage pounces. Bumblebee tries holding off the Decepticon jaguar while Spike works as fast as he can.

[[File:G1 FireontheMountain Spike Luisa BB.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|There are [[Bumblebee (Movie)|some]] out there who understand what Bumblebee's about to go through.]]
The rest of the Autobots arrive at the temple, but Megatron pins them down with devastating firepower from his weapon frame cannon. The Autobots are able to outflank Megatron, and the tide of battle is turned by Skyfire, freshly repaired by Spike. Skyfire strafes the weapons frame, destroying it and unleashing the power of the mountain. The Decepticons retreat, and Thundercracker takes fleeting pleasure in seeing Megatron and Starscream fail.

That night, Wheeljack caps the fire stream with a new invention that can contain the power that the crystal formerly held in check. The Autobots celebrate their victory while Bumblebee and Spike drive Luisa back to the mining town, where she promises to introduce Bumblebee to her brother's convertible, Juanita.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{collist|2|
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (3)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (7)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (12)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (15)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (16)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (17)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (18)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (19)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (20)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (21)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (22)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (24)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (25)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (27)
}}
|c2=
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (1)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (8)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (9)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (10)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (11)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (13)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (23)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (26)
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (6)
*[[Luisa]] (14)
}}

==Quotes==
"Looks more like stealing to me… and I'm talking steel!"
:—'''Brawn''' confronts the Decepticons with fists and horrible puns.

"Awww, hexagonal nuts!"
:—'''Trailbreaker''', after he and Brawn totally fail to stop the Decepticons.

"It's cold enough to freeze the ailerons off a [[titanium moose-bot]]!"
:—'''Sideswipe'''

'''Soundwave:''' "The Autobot jet is afraid to fight!" 
'''Brawn:''' "Wrong again, you dipstick tapedeck!" 
'''Windcharger:''' "We just didn't want him to spoil ''our'' fun!"

"Have fun playing crystal nurse, Screamer! Byyyye!"
:—'''Skywarp''', being a jerk.

"Fate, schmate. It isn’t over yet, Megabum!"
:—'''Trailbreaker''', after Megatron prematurely gloats of imminent victory.

"Optimus ol' buddy, this is what separates the Autobots from the robot chickens!" 
"Ain’t no one calling me a robot chicken!"
:—'''Ironhide''' and '''Brawn''' don't know what Adult Swim has planned for their kind in 20 years.

"What’s the matter, fearless leader? You and Starscream look real geeky!"
:—'''Thundercracker''', being a jerk.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* Revised script submitted by Douglas Booth: 2nd July 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 9th July 1984
* Returned to the US for telecine: 10th December 1984

===Continuity notes===
[[File:G1 FireontheMountain SS chestmissiles.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Starscream's dreaded boob bombs.]]
* This episode references "[[Fire in the Sky]]", the previous (and first) episode that Skyfire appeared in.
* Gadgets and powers:
** Starscream has a dozen rockets in hidden chest compartments. This ability will appear again in "[[Full Throttle Scramble Power!]]". The feature was later immortalized in toy form for Starscream's ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'' incarnation through clip-on accessories, and again as part of his ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' figure, this time actually incorporated into the figure.
** Soundwave conceals a tricorder-like scanning device in his left wrist, which was later incorporated into ''his'' Masterpiece toy as a clip-on part. Presumably the Masterpiece toy-designers really like this episode.
** The latest device to come out of Laserbeak's head is the microphone-like thing. It's not clear what purpose it serves, as Laserbeak then broadcasts his findings to Megatron via pulsewaves that come out of his ''eyes'', of all things.
** Brawn has a retractable claw that can extend in his car mode.

[[File:Megatron&crystalofpower.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Seriously, in the cartoon world, crystals are the [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2|most]] [[The God Gambit|powerful]] [[A Prime Problem|things]] [[Fire in the Sky|ever]].]]
* While the concept makes no sense in real-world terms, this is the second time in almost as many episodes that a greenish crystal has been linked to the Earth's core.

* Skywarp refers to Starscream by the nickname "Screamer" in this episode, a nickname used again by Streetwise in the late Season 2 episode "[[B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.]]".

* Fans have long cited this episode when discussing the improbability of Brawn's death in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', observing that Brawn had previously survived direct hits from Megatron's gun mode in this episode... but it simply ain't so. Brawn ''dodges'' every shot that comes from Megatron. It's actually ''Soundwave'', using his own standard weapon, who shoots Brawn in the head to no effect. Not that we're questioning the indestructibility of the all-powerful Brawn, of course.

* This is the only episode to play on Thundercracker's uncertain loyalties, a trait called out in his original [[bio]]. However, the official [[Sunbow Productions|Sunbow]] synopsis for the episode indicates that it was originally going to take the idea even further:

::"The Autobots arrive to stop [the Decepticons], and Jetfire tries to convince a beleaguered Thundercracker to switch loyalties and join the Autobots. He is caught and wounded by Starscream. Spike, with the help of a local native girl, goes to his rescue, and Jetfire--with a little assist from Thundercracker--turns away the Decepticons and destroys the "Crystal of Power."<ref>http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#069</ref>

[[File:Fireonthemountain soundwave vs brawn round1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Better get used to this, Soundwave.]]

*Had the audio gaffe mentioned below not taken place, this episode would mark the only instance of Thundercracker using his sonic boom powers in the entire cartoon, as the Decepticons retreat at the end of the episode. The power will ''actually'' be used by Megatron in "[[Heavy Metal War]]".

* This episode begins a mini-tradition of Bluestreak [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2|shooting]] [[Brainstorm!|down]] Laserbeak.

* '''Brawn vs. Soundwave''', Round 1: Brawn flies Soundwave into a mountainside! Brawn 1, Soundwave 0 [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3|>>]]

===Real-world references===
* The title of this episode may be a reference to the Grateful Dead song of the same name.
* The Transformers visit Peru, an ancient Incan temple, and a <s>steel manufacturing</s> mining village where everyone speaks heavily accented English.
* ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** Laserbeak pursues Windcharger with a [[TIE Fighter]] engine roar, and fires on him with the sound of the [[Death Star]] super laser firing. After the commercial break, he gets more TIE sounds along with some ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engines, during several different shots.
** Megatron launches to attack Brawn with another ''Falcon'' engine burst. The roar continues into the next shot as the sound of Skyfire's jets.
** ''Falcon'' engine whine as Laserbeak dives to retrieve Megatron's fusion cannon from Brawn, and again as Bluestreak and Windcharger jump out of the way, and again as Laserbeak starts chasing Bumblebee.
** More TIE engine as Laserbeak continues harassing Bumblebee, along with Death Star superlaser/Alderaan exploding.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as Skywarp leaves the temple, and ''Falcon'' engine whine as he arrives at the battle site.
** ''Falcon'' whine as Laserbeak perches on Megatron's shoulder.

===Animation or technical errors===
* Coloring errors:
** When Brawn tells Trailbreaker the jets are Decepticons, Trailbreaker is fully red.
**One of Thundercracker's intakes are blue.
**Only one of Starscream's "boobs" is colored its proper gray as he reminds Thundercracker of who is in charge.
** The back of Brawn's backpack is yellow after he transforms to [[robot mode]].
** The blue color of Trailbreaker's eyeband kind of drips down onto his face while the steel plant is collapsing around him.
** Brawn's helmet is light gray as he watches Teletraan's screen.
** Soundwave has a white leg as he follows Megatron down the pyramid's staircase.
** Starscream's eyes are blue as he drags the weapon frame over to Megatron. His Decepticon wing emblems are also red.
** Starscream has extra yellow bits above and below his canopy as Megatron helps him to his feet.
** The lower "cheeks" of Megatron's Decepticon symbol aren't colored in just before he transforms to fire on Brawn.
** Megatron's gun mode is entirely white as Soundwave grasps him two-handed, right before the first commercial break.
** Ironhide is colored gray in the aerial shot of the Autobots approaching the <s>steel mill</s> mining town.
** As Starscream rebukes Thundercracker, his air intake is the same dark gray as his helmet, instead of red.
** Rumble's eyeband isn't colored in as the Decepticons fly out of the <s>steel mill</s> mining town.
** Bumblebee's nose is yellow as he tells Spike he can't hold Ravage off much longer.
** In the shot where Megatron's cannon shots are going wild, Starscream's leg is colored Brawn-green.
** In the wide shot of the temple top, Ironhide's head is gray instead of red; the colorists might have gotten him mixed up with Windcharger.
** Megatron's fusion cannon is light gray instead of black as Prime hoists and throws him.
* As Brawn confronts Starscream and Thundercracker, the Decepticons switch places between shots.
* After the Sky Spy explodes, we can still see a picture of the pyramid on Teletraan I's screen.
* As Wheeljack encourages Sideswipe, the glow of his right ear isn't quite aligned with the ear itself.
* As he first bursts to the surface encased in ice, Skyfire's (vaguely drawn) profile looks a lot more like his toy than his animation model, with separate booster jets and a rounded cockpit.
* When Sideswipe says "It's Skyfire", he speaks in a raspy voice that is vaguely similar to Scrapper's voice, even though Scrapper won't appear for another seven episodes.
* The parts of Skyfire's tail end that light up as he activates his jets don't actually correspond to his jet thrusters.

[[File:FireOnTheMountain Windcharger vehiclemode.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|The legs on the animator's Windcharger toy would never stay folded up. Your wiki editors can sympathize.]]
* Someone must have been drawing Windcharger's car mode straight off his toy. As he flees from Laserbeak, his rear section, which is his folded-up feet, is not aligned with the rest of his car body... a problem very commonly found on his toy.
* Soundwave fires on Brawn with his own gun, but with Megatron's cannon sound effect.
* Skyfire's engines don't glow throughout the whole sequence of him rescuing Brawn and Windcharger.
* Ironhide and Ratchet have crazy huge side windows as they drive alongside Prime. The same error (and animation?) pops up again in "[[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction]]".
* When Optimus Prime rams Megatron through the wall, the inside of the wall momentarily becomes bright white for some reason, while the view through the newly created hole shows apparent nighttime outside.
* Flying Autobots:
** Bluestreak and Windcharger get an engine-burst noise as they leap out from beneath the collapsing transmission tower.
** Brawn gets a flight sound as he leaps the final distance between him and Starscream.
** Ironhide gets the same treatment as he leaps to attack Megatron.
** And then Prime also gets the same sound effect as he tackles Megatron.
* Bluestreak's mouth isn't moving as he delivers his "watch the birdie" line.
* Soundwave's eject button is on the wrong side (his right shoulder) as he ejects Ravage.
* Thundercracker's weapon barrel has almost no interior as he threatens Skyfire.
* When Megatron follows Starscream and Thundercracker out of the pyramid, his Decepticon emblem disappears for a moment.
* As Trailbreaker says his "isn't over yet" line, his leg is red instead of black. Then Wheeljack pops out of the rubble from the spot where Sunstreaker was buried a moment ago.
* One gun, many lasers:
** No fewer than five laser beams are shown flying at Windcharger when Laserbeak isn't on-screen. Even if you count his eye beams, Laserbeak only has four guns.
** As the battle gets fully underway, four laser beams are shown coming from Megatron's crystal weapon.
** Starscream only has two guns to fire at Brawn, but three lasers are shown streaking past him as he runs up the stairs.
* After Skyfire revives, he doesn't have the exterior damage to his chest. Spike was barely able to get Skyfire's interior damage fixed before Ravage batted Bumblebee away and tried to attack the humans. As he transforms to [[alternate mode|jet mode]], Skyfire also has an odd blue panel on his undercarriage which is not normally present.
* When Starscream lands on the temple and starts firing at Brawn and Windcharger, his lasers are Autobot orange instead of Decepticon pink. The next shot shows the usual pink lasers hitting Windcharger.
* As Reflector and Soundwave fire from the cover of the ruins, Reflector is using a tiny gun mode Shockwave as his weapon!
* In the wide shot a second later, ''all'' the lasers are colored Decepticon pink, even though some are supposed to be Autobot shots.
*When Skyfire swoops over Soundwave and Reflector and destroys their stone bunkers, both the lasers hitting their targets and the explosions are missing, so it appears the walls just fall apart.
* The crystal cannon's barrel isn't hollow as Megatron aims it at Prime and Ironhide.
* Starscream's dialogue as he whines about Thundercracker making that "awful thunder noise" as the Decepticons retreat indicates that Thundercracker was supposed to be using his sonic boom powers in the scene (see "continuity notes", above). In practice, only the standard Decepticon jet engine sound effect is heard, no louder than normal.
* The Autobots get a ridiculously loud sound effect for the act of turning on their headlights.
* Bumblebee has no interior when he opens his door to offer Spike and Luisa a lift.

===Continuity errors===
* Skyfire's resurrection is one of the cartoon's most infamously problematic bits of continuity:
** Skyfire was left for dead and mourned as such in his previous, debut appearance in "[[Fire in the Sky]]". Now, suddenly, it just takes Sideswipe's pistons to dig him up out of the ice, and Wheeljack isn't the slightest bit surprised to find him alive and well. Why didn't they just dig him up right after he crashed? They only dug him up when they needed a ride?
** As no mention is made of how they get to the North Pole, on the face of it, the episode makes it appear that Wheeljack and Sideswipe have ''driven'' there, calling into question why, if they can make such a large journey this way, the Autobots can't simply drive to South America instead of requiring Skyfire to fly them. Notably, however, per their [[bio]]s, both Wheeljack and Sideswipe are two of the very small number of Autobots capable of independent flight (Sideswipe via his [[jet pack|rocket pack]], Wheeljack via jets in his arms), so it seems logical that the scriptwriter selected them for this scene as they could have flown themselves to the Arctic. Of course, nothing explicitly indicates this in the episode itself.
** Presumably as a result of some kind of miscommunication in production, Sideswipe is seen using an actual hand-held jackhammer to unearth Skyfire, rather than his customary built-in arm-mounted jackhammers.
* The Decepticons leave the temple to attack the mining town. En route, they're attacked by Brawn and Windcharger and drive them off. Skyfire then flies all the way back to Autobot Headquarters, picks up the rest of the Autobots, flies all the way back to Peru... and the Decepticons have apparently just reached the mining town like five minutes earlier.
* Rumble leaves with Megatron, Soundwave and a Reflector to acquire new/better metal, but is nowhere to be seen during the battle with Brawn and Windcharger.
* Soundwave was last seen at the <s>steel mill</s> mining town battle, but suddenly pops up outside the temple to send Ravage after Bumblebee and the humans.
* The energy that threatens to blow up the entire mountain is erupting from the plinth on which the crystal was installed, ''inside'' the temple. Why, then, do the Autobots install a cap on the ''roof'' of the temple, instead of in the same spot where the crystal was previously installed?

===Rhino DVD release===
[[File:Fitm dvd broadcast.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|You call this restoration?]]
The Rhino DVD version of this episode uses a number of erroneous takes as the basis of its remastered animation. As a result, the DVD introduces several coloring errors that were not present in the broadcast version:
* Trailbreaker, Brawn, and Starscream are colored red, brown, and purple (respectively) in their introductory shots.
* When Skywarp mocks Starscream for having to guard the Crystal, he is colored like Thundercracker.
* When Starscream and Thundercracker carry Skyfire's inert form, Skyfire has Skywarp's colors.
* "Skyfire is an excellent catch!" In the first shot, Megatron steps up to stand next to Thundercracker (who has a white-instead-of-blue wingtip); in the second shot, Thundercracker has been replaced by Starscream. This is one of a handful of Rhino errors not corrected by the later [[Shout! Factory]] DVD release.
* When Skyfire is about to destroy the cannon, it already appears to be melted to slag.
* When Skyfire strafes the crystal-powered weapon, he momentarily has Skywarp's colors.
* In addition, several scenes in the episode appear to have been taken straight from the broadcast master, judging by their poor quality. This may have been done to cover up scenes that were entirely missing from the workprints that Rhino was using.

The chapter stops for this episode on the Rhino DVD include: Opening / Stolen Steel / It's Skyfire / To The Mining Town / Visiting Decepticon / Invention Works

===Trivia===
[[File:FireontheMountain Optimus pats Skyfire.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Just good friends.]]
* Luisa's name is never spoken in the episode.
* A hissing sound effect (like the sound of air escaping from a canister) is heavily used in this episode, especially when a character is jumping or taking off into the air. It's never used in such a manner again. {{fact}}
*This was one of the six episodes featured on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (video games)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|console game]], and the three on the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (PSP)|PSP game]], though it is in ''astonishingly'' low quality.
* When the Hub re-aired season 1 and 2, this episode was left out the first time
* After Skyfire flies the Autobots to Peru, Optimus Prime pats him on the nosecone affectionately. It seems he doesn't recall that section is Skyfire's robot mode crotch.
* During the original recording of the episode, Skyfire was referred to by his original name of Jetfire, but due to his [[Jetfire (G1)#Why "Skyfire"?|name change]], several lines had to be re-recorded prior to airing. Clips of these original recordings later surfaced in early 2017.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4jM2nittQk Transformers Fire On The Mountain Extended and Deleted Scene Audio - YouTube]</ref>

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le feu dans la montagne'''" ("The fire in the mountain")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*About the European French dub:
:::*Starscream calls Thundercracker "Thunder". Later in the episode, Megatron uses his full name "Thundercracker".
:::*When Spike wishes good luck to Skyfire, there is a radio effect on his voice for some reason.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Il segreto degli Incas'''" ("Secret of the Incas")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Megatron's laugh when preparing to attack the Autobots with the weapon was not dubbed, so you can see him moving his mouth without saying anything.

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Fuoco sulla montagna'''" ("Fire on the mountain")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Inca no Hihō'''" (インカの秘宝, "Incaic Jewel")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 3]], [[1986]]
::*The Japanese ordering of this episode places it toward the end of the series. This was done as it featured Skyfire prominently and with his toy being of [[Bandai]] design (and not sold in Japan as a Transformer), that caused some legal concerns amongst Takara (many of Skyfire's smaller scenes in other episodes were cut entirely). Though the episodes featuring him as a main characters were eventually shown, the scripts were not reworked to adjust to the new chronological placement, simply being more or less direct translations of the original English versions.
::*'''Cuts:'''
:::* After Brawn declares, "It's fightin' time", the following overhead shot of Starscream and Skywarp fleeing the room is cut. The sequence resumes at the close-up of Starscream saying "Correction, Autobot...".
:::* After Starscream and Thundercracker take-off with the materials, the following scene of Brawn and Trailbreaker crawling out of the rubble, lamenting that they lost the steel and rolling out for headquarters have been cut.
:::* The close-up of Spike's head and his line, "Uh oh, it's picking up a weird energy reading from those ruins", and the monitor shot displaying the ruins, have been cut. The sequence picks up at Laserbeak flying through the air.
:::* When Megatron and the Decepticons take off for the mining town in Peru, the following scene of them flying through the air and Megatron's line, "Any who stand in our way will be demolished", have been cut.
:::* After Skyfire tells everyone to buckle-up and blasts off for Peru, the following scene of him flying over the Peruvian mountains has been cut.
:::* The scene panning over the mountain road leading to the metal forging facility has been cut.
:::* During the attack on the Decepticons at the metal forging facility, the scene of Megatron slowly marching forward as laser beams bounce off him has been cut. The sequence resumes at his lines, "Skywarp, I have created a steel alloy...".
:::* The scene of Starscream and Thundercracker carrying Skyfire's unconscious body has been cut. The sequence resumes at the close-up of Skyfire's head as he's being dropped.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Shāndǐng zhī Huǒ '''" (山顶之火, "Fire on the Top of the Mountain")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fogo na Montanha'''" ("Fire on the Mountain")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Skhvatka na vershine'''" (Схватка на вершине, "The Engagement at the Very Top")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Vatrena planeta'''" (Ватрена планета, "Fiery Planet")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 8: "Fire on the Mountain" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1997 — ''The Transformers'' — War of the Dinobots ([[Malofilm]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume One ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Two (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 2 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==References==
<references />

==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1FzYHjnRjuKTVesZj7ZiNFLePZf37iE9t Full episode script as revised by Ron Friedman 9th July 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cQj-QHd7sbWQLXAPr7UdyT5mNsOHg6de/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

The Burden Hardest to Bear

2025-04-26T05:59:20Z

JD1337666: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=93
|series2=2010
|ep2=28
|prev2=The Face of the Nijika
|next2=Daniel's Adventure
|image=Matrix burden 2.jpg
|caption=You found me beautiful, once.
|title="The Burden Hardest to Bear"
|season=3
|season ep=28
|production code=700-114
|airdate=[[November 19]], 1986
|written by=[[Michael Charles Hill]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]], [[Trans Arts Co.]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN3QiWn-MOM
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Overwhelmed by the burdens of leadership, Rodimus Prime doesn't care too much when the Decepticons steal the Matrix of Leadership away from him.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:BurdenHardest Defensor Bruticus.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|So, uh... If what looks like is about to happen happens... does it count as an orgy?]]

At dawn, the people of [[Japan]] are awakening to do their daily tasks: fishing, going to shrines, and sword practice. Then, the [[Decepticon]]s show up to cause random trouble.

[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] begin harassing a few fishermen, but are chased off by [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]]. [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] tries to ram a train head on (real smart) only to have the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] drive him away. [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] and [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] fight it out, when [[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] and the [[Sweep (G1)|Sweeps]] arrive, but are driven off by [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus]], [[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]], and [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]]. However, instead of thanking the [[Autobot]]s for saving many lives, the government of Japan is very upset, saying that the Autobots frightened people and ruined business (thankless bipeds). When [[Marissa Faireborn]] arrives and brings more problems to Rodimus, the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] loses patience, [[Transformation|transforms]], and drives off. Marissa is perplexed, and Kup says that Rodimus is struggling with his ''giri'', a Japanese word he translates as "the burden hardest to bear". He says that [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] went through the same process after he first received the [[Matrix of Leadership]], eventually learning to live with and respect his ''giri''. Marissa decides to follow Rodimus, to let him have someone to talk to.

[[File:Matrix burden 1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Galvatron takes the brown acid.]]

Meeting up on the highway, however, the two are attacked by [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] and [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]], who knock Marissa's [[spinner]] into a lake and force Rodimus off a cliff. When they inspect Rodimus, they find the Matrix. Realizing that [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] will be ''really'' happy, they steal it and return to [[Chaar]]. In his throne room, Galvatron inserts the Matrix into his cannon, but instead of making it even more powerful like he had hoped, visions of the [[Ancient Autobots]] (including Optimus Prime himself) seep out of the barrel and demand that Galvatron return the Matrix. Galvatron orders [[Scourge (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]] to destroy the Matrix, believing it better to be destroyed if the Decepticons can't have it. But instead, Scourge inserts the Matrix into himself, gaining immense power even as he mutates grotesquely.

[[File:BurdenHardest Hot Rod recover.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Augh... can't get the mental image of Bruticus/Defensor out!]]

Meanwhile, the Autobot leader wakes up, to learn that he's reverted to Hot Rod. [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] argue that they should go after the Decepticons, but Hot Rod feels that the Matrix isn't worth it, and jets off. Real smart idea, Roddy. On Chaar, Scourge challenges Galvatron, defeating him and Cyclonus easily, before leading the Decepticons off to Earth. Galvatron and Cyclonus still function, and set off in pursuit in the ''[[Revenge (G1)|Revenge]]''.

[[File:BurdenHardest Hot Rod retrieves matrix.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Yoink!]]

On Earth, Hot Rod, while watching a martial arts class, gets some perspective and some wisdom from the kendo instructor, and realizes that he needs to get the Matrix back. Meanwhile, Scourge arrives in Japan with his forces, tossing around the Autobots. Broadside tosses him to the ground and he frightens an elderly woman. Ozu, one of the kendo students, comes to her aid, attacking Scourge with a sword and he begins to chase the pair. He corners them in a blind alley, only for Hot Rod to arrive. Shocked at the changes the Matrix has wrought in Scourge, Hot Rod defeats the Decepticon and reclaims the Matrix, becoming Rodimus Prime once more. Galvatron and Cyclonus find a less powerful, and very frightened, Scourge. And they are none too happy with him...

As the Decepticons retreat, Rodimus realizes that he must deal with his missing part, as have those who came before him. Kup reminds him that no matter who carries the Matrix, he will retain that part forever.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] (1)
*[[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (8)
*[[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] (9)
*[[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (10)
*[[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (11)
*[[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (12)
*[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (13)
*[[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (14)
*[[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] (21)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime/Hot Rod]] (22)
*[[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]] (23)
*[[Ancient Autobots]] (35)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (36)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (37)
*[[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (38)

|c2=
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (2)
*[[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] (3)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (4)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (5)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (6)
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (7)
*[[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (15)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] (18)
*[[Scourge (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]] (19)
*[[Sweep (G1)|Sweeps]] (20)
*[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (24)
*[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (25)
*[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (26)
*[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (27)
*[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (28)
*[[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] (31)
*[[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (32)
*[[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (33)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (34)
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (39)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (40)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (41)
*[[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]] (42)
*[[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (43)

|c3=
*[[Ozu's sensei]] (16)
*[[Ozu (G1)|Ozu]] (17)
*Disgruntled businessmen (29)
*[[Marissa Faireborn]] (30)
*[[Old Japanese lady]] (44)
}}

==Quotes==
"Eh, you've had worse times." 
"Yeah, when do they get better? That's what ''I'' wanna know."
:—'''Kup''' and '''Rodimus'''

"{{w|Second City Television|He done blowed up real good}}."
:—'''Wildrider''', master of grammar

"You dropped it, didn't you? You broke the Matrix, didn't you?!"
:—'''Galvatron'''

"Return the Matrix! Return the Matrix!"

:—'''Ancient Autobots'''

"Scourge, take this and destroy it!" 
"But mighty Galvatron, you agreed to return it." 
"I lied! If we can't have it, then no one shall!"
:—'''Galvatron''' ordering '''Scourge''' to destroy the Matrix.

"Aren't you getting a little carried away here? I'm still me, you're still you: Matrix, schmatrix."
:—'''Hot Rod''' is flippant after losing a hand-me-down.

"I...still....function...."

:—'''Cyclonus''' referencing a [[The Transformers: The Movie|callback]].

"We're too late, Galvatron! Scourge has already launched his assault!" 
"He doesn't know the meaning of the word assault, but he's going to learn!"
:—'''Cyclonus''' and '''Galvatron'''

"Oh no, we're trapped! We'll be killed!" 
"Remarkable. The woman is clairvoyant!" 
:—'''Scourge''' mocks [[Old Japanese lady|his intended victim]].

"The Matrix did this to you? Then I have to take it back. I see now it is my obligation. I belong to it... as much as it belongs to me!"
:—'''Hot Rod'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s realization at last.

"Well, son of a gun. Found that missing part, huh?" 
"Not just the Matrix, Kup, a missing part of... myself."
:—'''Kup''' and '''Rodimus Prime'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
[[File:Burdenhardest marissa finds rodimus.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Spend $14.99 to get the same guy, just minus two lines on his face.]]
*Broadside appears in his more toy-based model, with a faceplate, smaller head and large separated optics. He's also shown to be ''huge'', in keeping with his aircraft carrier mode, something which other episodes often failed to convey.
*This episode is one of a handful that finds excuses to turn Rodimus back into Hot Rod, presumably since that toy needed to be plugged as well.
*The Matrix's adverse effects on Scourge could be explained as a result of him having been created by [[Unicron]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Bruticus can somehow tilt his back cannons forward and fire them over his shoulders, something his ''Generations'' toys can do.
**It seems that ''someone'' remembered the Stunticons' "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1|automatic forcefields]]", as Wildrider survives a head-on collision with Rodimus without a scratch, while Rodimus goes down in flames.
*When Galvatron inserts the Matrix into his cannon, he says "Now, [['Til all are one|all shall become one]], under Galvatron's rule!"
*After he rams Scourge, Hot Rod transforms in a manner similar to one of his transformations from the movie.
*This episode marks the last appearance of Springer, Broadside, Astrotrain, Devastator and Marissa Faireborn in US continuity.
*Astrotrain actually travels on the railroad his locomotive mode was designed for in this episode.
*The Ancient Autobot "ghosts" emerging from the Matrix include:
**A [[generic]] character design that was previously seen in "[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2]]" and "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1]]". His colors have changed, though, and he dropped the antennas on the sides of his head he sported in "The Key to Vector Sigma".
**Optimus Prime (he'll be back next episode)
**A variety of other designs appear alongside him, none of which match either the leaders we saw back in "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4|Five Faces of Darkness]]" or will see in "[[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2]]". At least one is based on [[Internuncio|these guys]].
***The yellow, the red and the orange-and-blue Matrix ghosts' character models were reused in the Japanese [[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|''The Headmasters'' cartoon]] as various generic Autobots.
*While the episode order can vary, it's a little funny that the episode about Rodimus finally getting used to being leader of the Autobots was followed by the episode in which Optimus returns to replace him.

===Real-world references===
[[File:BurdenHardesttoBear MountFuji.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
[[File:BurdenHardestBear Sensei.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
[[File:BurdenHardestToBear Japanese PM.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|[[Netflix]] lied to us! This is nothing like ''Aggretsuko'' at all!]]
[[File:Burden-hardest-to-bear-imperial-palace.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
*Set in Japan (see also: "[[Kremzeek!]]"), the episode is replete with references to Japanese culture. We see a fishing boat (all wood, with hand-cast nets), a flock of sacred {{w|red-crowned crane}}s, a high speed bullet train passing by Mt. Fuji, a kendo dojo, a woman about to offer prayer at a Shinto shrine garden, and a surprisingly accurate rendition of the {{w|Tokyo Imperial Palace}} and its Seimon Ishibashi bridge, where Rodimus meets with the [[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]]. We also see Rodimus get chewed out by government guys who are stereotypically worked up about robot battles being "very bad for business." And of course there's that metaphorical rising sun in the opening shot.
*''{{w|Giri (Japanese)|Giri}}'' (義理) is a real Japanese word and concept with long roots, but the specific translation of "the burden hardest to bear" comes from ''{{w|The Yakuza}}'', an American crime film from the 1970s.<ref>[https://www.moviequotedb.com/movies/yakuza-the.html Quote from ''The Yakuza''] whence comes "the burden hardest to bear"</ref> Defining it this way is questionable, as ''giri'' more accurately refers to one's social responsibilities and duties, regardless of their difficulty. But in broad strokes, Rodimus's arc does echo the tension between ''giri'' and ''{{w|ninjō}}'' (or "human feeling") that has historically driven much of Japanese drama.
**In addition to ''{{w|The Yakuza}}'', Hill took inspiration from ''{{w|Hagakure}}'', an 18th century book on bushidō written by the samurai {{w|Yamamoto Tsunetomo}}.
*The train driver calls in the incident with Astrotrain to "JNR Central", referring to {{w|Japanese National Railways}} (which in the real world would be broken up and privatized only a year after this episode aired.) The specific line is called out as the {{w|Yamanote Line}}, which... is an urban transit line entirely within Tokyo, and certainly doesn't pass by Mt. Fuji, but hey, points for trying! The train itself appears to be very loosely based on the {{w|0 Series Shinkansen}} trainsets.
*The voice acting for several Japanese characters in this episode employs a very stereotypical Western view of Asian people and their pronunciation of English words.
*The naming of Marissa's vehicle as a "spinner" presumably comes from the hovercar vehicles of the same name in ''Blade Runner''.
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**Scourge launches for Earth with the ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine burst noise.

===Animation and technical errors===
*Coloring errors:
**Devastator is colored olive green rather than light green in the opening battle.
**Behind him, Predaking is colored entirely orange.
**The first time we see Cyclonus, his nose cone is purple. In the next shot, part of it is grey.
**Onslaught - visible for only a split second as Bruticus separates - remains in the light gray color of Bruticus's torso, even though he should be dark blue. Swindle's weapons are also colored the same yellow as Swindle himself, instead of dark gray.
**Rodimus' spoiler should be orange in the middle, but many shots have it colored completely in yellow.
**Magnus's missiles are white instead of red as he turns to receive Kup's report on the missing Hot Rod. In the same shot, Springer's cheekguards are abnormally huge.
**In one shot of Optimus Prime's "ghost", he is colored completely blue.
**The orange shapes on Cyclonus' chest are colored red in several shots.
**In the pan across the fallen Cyclonus, Hook (standing between Predaking and Drag Strip) is colored like Dead End.
*Devastator splits apart into the Constructicons off-screen, with no transformation sound and no indication of ''why'' he separated.
[[File:BurdenHardestBear Constructicons water.JPG|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
*Hook has two optics instead of a visor as the Constructicons retreat.
*A shot of Astrotrain from the human train's perspective shows no tracks on the ground.
[[File:BurdenHardest superion in flight.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
*Superion's mouthplate doesn't move as he speaks; his voice continues giving the command to separate after his components have separated.
*The Aerialbots' lasers simply come from unmarked points on their wingtips.
*Rodimus' crest is missing the horizontal line during most shots in this episode.
*When Rodimus is called to the palace, he's missing his Autobot logo.
*As he says, "When do they get better, that's what I want to know," Rodimus' face becomes all glitched up, with a partially miscolored helmet and a huge shadow line where his eyes should be.
*For some reason, the [[Earth Defense Command|EDC]] [[insignia|logo]] on Marissa Faireborn's shoulder has been replaced with "AOC".
*When Rodimus drives away from Marissa, his smoke trail appears behind Kup instead of in front of him and his vehicle form is about half of Marissa's height. Also, Sky Lynx is missing in the shot.
*Improbable viewpoints:
**Rodimus' display shows a rear angle shot of Dead End and Wildrider, but he's in'' front'' of them.
[[File:BurdenHardesttoBear Stunticons Matrix.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
*When Wildrider holds the matrix, it looks like a big yellow blob. The next shot shows it in the usual colors and configuration.
*After Wildrider and Dead End drive off with the Matrix, Rodimus reverts to robot mode; the animation of him settling into place is played twice.
*While Rodimus is reverted to Hot Rod, he's still occasionally drawn using Rodimus Prime's [[character model]].
[[File:BurdenHardest Chaar and moons.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|"...A burnt-out hulk of a planet called Chaar, a world of... ash... and ruin? What?"]]
*Chaar is portrayed using Cybertron's post-Movie model, with two similarly designed moons.
*Attending Galvatron's throne room are several Decepticons of made-up design, colored as Constructicons (in the same olive-yellow seen previously.)
*Galvatron's throne changes color and design multiple times throughout one scene.
*The ghost image of Optimus has two fog lights instead of four.
*As Galvatron tosses the Matrix to Scourge:
**[[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] and [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] have replaced the generic non-Constructicons that were there previously; they are also drawn as normal-scaled Decepticons.
**The Matrix is missing its handles.
*When Rodimus wakes and touches his forehead in the next scene, his face is partly purple.
*A few shots later (during the "Matrix, schmatrix..." lines), the depressions in Rodimus' shoulders are blue instead of white.
*Galvatron is missing the red squares on the tops of his shoulders in most shots.
*Wrong lasers:
**Cyclonus' gun fires a yellow laser. That's the Autobot color (it should be purple). It also uses a non-standard sound effect.
**Hot Rod carries a gray laser gun rather than the usual red rifle. It has a non-standard sound effect instead of Prime's rifle sound effect.
**In the battle scenes just before the Decepticons retreat, ''nobody'' has the standard Autobot or Decepticon laser sound effects.
[[File:Burden-hardest-to-bear-scourge-morphs.jpg|thumb|right|upright=2.2|It's an evolution revolution! or I'm your ice cream man, stop me when I'm passin' by!]]
*After he dispatches Galvatron and Cyclonus, Scourge transforms with one of the most cheatsy sequences in the whole series - he simply melts or morphs into his vehicle form.
*When Cyclonus helps Galvatron up from the cliffside, he speaks in mutated Scourge's voice.
*The sensei continues making aggressive fighting noises long after his student opponent has lost his weapon and retreated.
*Galvatron's ship is gray instead of purple.
*The first shot of Galvatron aboard his ship has the whole bottom half of his face in dark gray instead of just his chin
*Two of the hovercraft-mode Sweeps accompanying Scourge are drawn with the heads-sticking-up model.
*Confusing animation and editing makes it very unclear what's happening at the start of Scourge's assault. We're supposed to see a large outdoor video screen showing a character firing a laser gun; then a transport passing by on the street gets blown up by Scourge, making it seem like the movie character blew up the transport - but it all happens so fast there's no time to figure it out.
*Scourge's energy blasts are very poorly animated, often lacking their glow effect and sometimes failing to connect with their targets at all.
*Kup's cry of pain comes ''before'' Scourge actually blasts him.
*When Galvatron opens the airlock door, one shot has "AIR LO'''O'''K" written on it. Also, it's not actually an {{w|airlock}} - it's just a door directly into space, with no airlock chamber and no apparent mechanism to adjust either pressure or air.
*The Matrix is in Scourge's chest, but later Hot Rod pulls it out of his stomach.
*When Hot Rod fires his first shots at Scourge, the background behind him has turned from a dark, grubby alleyway brick wall into a lit-up building - the same building he pulls up in front of as Rodimus Prime once the Decepticons pull out.
*As Hot Rod holds the Matrix, one shot has his arm pipes clipping through it.
*Hot Rod sticks the Matrix into his chest without opening a compartment for it.
*As Galvatron and Cyclonus fly Scourge away from the city, Galvatron is mouthing something, but there's no dialogue.
*In the last shot of the episode, Ultra Magnus is missing his shoulder missiles and Kup is missing the white part of his chest.
*The version of this episode on the [[Shout! Factory]] DVDs (as well as the Hasbro Pulse upload on YouTube) features a glitch with an unstable horizontal line appearing at the top of the picture throughout the episode. The error appears to be on the episode's master copy, as the version included on the [[Rhino Entertainment|Kid Rhino]] DVDs has the picture slightly zoomed in order to avoid showing the offending line.

===Continuity errors===
*It's not clear what caused the Constructicons to separate and retreat; they seemed to be handling Broadside with ease up to that point.
*The humans who call out "Mayday! Mayday!" don't appear to have a radio on their ship.
*The wanton assault of the Aerialbots seems more likely to blow up the railroad tracks than actually blast Astrotrain off of them.
*Wildrider now has a very bad Southern accent, perhaps in response to his "dun blowed up real good" line.
*Galvatron says the Matrix eluded the Decepticons for year'''s''', but he had it for a while during the movie (which happened less than one year ago in the timeline).
*It's not really clear why Galvatron puts the Matrix in his cannon rather than his chest.
*Why didn't the ancient Autobots pop up when Galvatron had the Matrix during the movie? (one possible explanation: he never placed the Matrix inside himself in the movie, instead only wearing it on a chain.)
*Likewise, why does Scourge get all mutated when Galvatron didn't?
*We don't hear Optimus' voice during the "return the Matrix" chant.
*Galvatron comes to the rather odd conclusion that Dead End and Wildrider "dropped" and "broke" the galactically powerful, ancient-beyond-all-history, mystical Matrix, despite learning first-hand during the movie that he cannot use it, "not by a Decepticon." Of course, Galvatron isn't exactly renowned for his logical reasoning skills . . .
*After Galvatron tells Scourge to get rid of the Matrix, the [[scene transition]] has two Decepticon logos, but the next scene is of the Autobots.
*Just before he quits the Autobots, Hot Rod states that "this war has been going on now for a few dozen millennia". Back in "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]", we learned that the Third Cybertronian War started nine million years ago, which is about ''750'' dozen millennia... assuming, of course, that we want to take Hot Rod's pointedly off-handed remark as being based on historical accuracy, which is kind of a stretch for a guy who's at the end of his rope and sarcastically railing about "the known universe and its outlying suburbs".
*The Decepticon army is inexplicably small in the second half of the episode, consisting of just Predaking, a couple of Sweeps, and some Constructicons who come and go.
*Ozu injures Scourge (a giant metal robot, juiced up on Matrix steroids) with his sword.
*Scourge is portrayed as ultra-powerful early on, but is defeated by a ramming and three shots from Hot Rod's gun at the episode's end. This downfall comes on the heels of him abandoning his "destroy everything!" mission in order to fixate on chasing an old lady around, making it a somewhat fitting defeat.

===Trivia===
[[File:Burden-hardest-to-bear-galvatron-cannon.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|" 'Front Toward Enemy'? What does that mean?! ARE YOU THREATENING ME?!"]]
*This is one of the most well-illustrated episodes of season 3, with lots of deep, detailed shading and well-proportioned characters. That said, there ''are'' some instances where the animation gets overly sketchy to the point of being indecipherable during Scourge's attack of Japan. And the general aesthetic looks a lot like the yet-to-be-released ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|Headmasters]]'' series.
*The Japanese train drivers appear to be wearing... spacesuits?
*When Scourge starts mutating, at one point it looks like he's... [[Humanization|crying]]?
*Isn't it convenient that Scourge launches his attack on Earth in Japan, where the Autobots happen to be located?
*When Galvatron inserts the Matrix into his cannon and it fails to fire, he briefly looks directly ''into the barrel of his cannon'' before berating [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] and [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]].

*Those government spokesmen who complained about the fighting in the beginning must be ''pissed'' after all the destruction we see at the end!

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French broadcast):'' ?
:*''Title (Canadian French broadcast and European French DVD release):'' "'''Le fardeau d'être chef'''" ("The Burden of being a Leader")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*To date, and although there is probably one in existence, the European French dub of this episode is lost. The French DVD editions use the Canadian French dub instead.
::*In that same Canadian dub, Sky Lynx is still called by his English name instead of "Chaînon".

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die Last der Verantwortung'''" ("The Burden of Responsibility")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (first dub):'' "'''Il fardello del comando'''" ("The Burden of Command")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*For the first time in the series, Bruticus is called by his Italian name, Mutiforce. In season 2 he kept his English name.
::*Like in ''[[Kremzeek!]]'', in this episode some Japanese people's accent sounds more Chinese than Japanese. Still, someone simply speaks in perfect Italian.
::*The name "Otoboto-san" oddly becomes "Autobotu-san". This makes even less sense if you consider that Autobots are known in Italy as "Autorobot".
::*At least once, Springer speaks in rhymes.
:*''Title (second dub):'' "'''Il peso più difficile da portare'''" ("The Hardest Weight to Carry On")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Omo Sugi ta Shimei'''" (重すぎた使命, "The Mission Too Heavy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 11]], [[1987]]
::*When they recover the Matrix of Leadership, [[Issei Masamune|the Narrator]] misidentifies [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] and [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] as [[Runabout (G1)|Runabout]] and [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]]. Which is very strange because the [[Battlecharger]]s weren't sold at Japanese retail, but the Stunticons were.
::*A "[[Secret Files of Teletraan II]]" segment unique to Japan was attached to this episode. It focuses on the many battles between [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and [[Superion (G1)|Superion]]. It replaces the original "Secret Files" segment which focused on the Decepticons.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Jiān Fù Zhòngrèn'''" (肩负重任, "The Heavy Responsibility to shoulder")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Samaya tyajkaya nosha'''" (''Самая тяжкая ноша'', "The Heaviest Burden")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2000 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 11: The Decepticon Possession ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 2 & Season 4 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 3 and Season 4 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 5: Series 3.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2005 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 22 ([[Déclic Images]]) — Canadian French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season's Three & Four {{sic}} (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2010 — ''The Transformers'' — Seasons Three & Four: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — Seasons Three & Four: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==References==
<references />

==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=13b6eCCSpSPkAYm5DeADnJIsoGE72PrZ9 Episode dialogue script]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Burden Hardest to Bear}}
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]

Barry Gjerde

2025-04-23T22:44:37Z

JD1337666:

[[Image:Barry_Gjerde.jpg|thumb|right|190px|You were almost a Jill Sandwich!]]
'''Barry Gjerde''' (born [[August 13]], [[1951]]) is a Norwegian-born Canadian voice actor residing in Japan. His voice should be familiar to players of ''Resident Evil'' as that of the infamous Barry Burton.

Live action work includes a [[Pepsi]] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNlnzMIr23o commercial].

==Voice roles==
===''The Transformers'' (PS2 game)===
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]
*[[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]
*[[Octane]]

==External links==
*[http://www.gaikokujin-talent.com/profile/barry_gjerde.html Barry Gjerde] at Gaikokujin Talent (Japanese)

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gjerde, Barry}}
[[Category:English voice actors]]

Knockoff

2025-04-23T04:21:29Z

JD1337666: /* 1980s - 1990s */

[[File:DSC00021_Skylynx_Soundwave_Perceptor.jpg|right|320px|thumb|Although Christians and atheists largely differ in their theological beliefs, both seem to find common ground on at least one thesis: if there really is a hell then this is probably what a copyright lawyer will see at its gates.]]

A '''knockoff''' is a product similar or identical to a product of one company, but made by another without the authorization of the original maker. In the ''Transformers'' fandom, the term is commonly abbreviated '''KO'''. The term '''bootleg''' is also sometimes used as a synonym.

{{bigquote|I hate cheap knockoffs.|[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Transformers: Age of Extinction]]''}}

==Introduction to knockoffs==
===What's a knockoff?===
Not all transforming robots from makers other than [[Hasbro]], [[TakaraTomy]], [[Bandai]], or other major toy makers are knockoffs, but those toys which wholly or partly duplicate pre-existing designs are well-qualified for the term. The term is also applied by fans, however, to some robots whose design was entirely original with the manufacturer, if said manufacturer is commonly associated with knockoffs, or if this maker's products are often sold in company with knockoffs. Original designs based on Hasbro characters, commonly referred to as "third party toys", have their own page under "[[IP theft]]".

Whether an original design, modified, or slavishly copied, knockoffs are often cheaper than the products of major toymakers. However, the quality of knockoffs is often poorer than that of the originals, including bad plastic quality, bad sticker application, and bad paint applications. Odd colors, excess chrome, resizings, and modifications are common. The world of knockoffs is a strange land of gigantic chromed swords, Gundam/[[Brave (franchise)|Brave]] card art, and wacky packaging translations.

===A typology of knockoffs===
Although there are way, ''way'' too many instances of Transformers bootlegs in existence to ever be comprehensively listed, we can broadly identify most of them as belonging to '''three distinct categories'''.

[[File:Transformation-Deformation-Robot-Yellow-Car-Compatible-Model-Building-Kid-s-Block-Hobbies-Car-Model-early-education.jpg|thumb|upright=1|left|Join the rainbow club!]]
====Dollar store variety====
By far and away the most common type of bootlegs, the "dollar store variety" - or the ''Poundland'' variety if you're [[United Kingdom|British]], or the ''camelô'' variety if you're [[Brazil|Brazilian]], or the ''bazar Chino'' variety if you're [[Spain|Spanish]], or whatever other regional name applies to where you live - comprises the knockoffs you will usually find in the toy aisles of stores primarily oriented towards the sale of cheap goods. For the most part, these are first and foremost targeted at kids and parents alike who are either on a budget or simply don't know or care about a transforming toy robot having an official [[Hasbro]] / [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] logo on the box.

Since pedantic adult collectors with high standards aren't the target demographic of these releases, fidelity to the original figures is not as much of a priority as simply producing something vaguely identical on as little of a budget as it can possibly be churned out, often resulting in limited or non-existent paint applications, garish plastic colors, and, of course, mediocre to terrible quality control. This is not necessarily always the case and some instances of regular retail bootlegs with surprisingly decent quality exist (for instance, the ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]''-derived combiners of Taikongzhan are popular amongst collectors as respectable budget alternatives to their pricey originals), but these are the rare exceptions rather than the rule: most modern dollar store-type knockoffs are usually instead inspired by simpler toys like the [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] / [[Cyberverse (toyline)|Legion Class]] figures of the 2000s and 2010s, given that these are usually the cheapest and least elaborate figures that a manufacturer could imitate. Older retail knockoffs from the 2000s and before usually tended to have a little more variety in regards to their source figures, with everything from [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] to the "[[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]]" getting its fair share of dollar store bootlegs with varying degrees of quality and accuracy, but alas, these times are now long gone.

Although there's usually very little collector appeal towards these toys given their poor quality, we can still identify a small niche of fans with an interest towards dollar store bootlegs, especially older and rarer ones inspired by earlier toylines like Generation 1. It is not uncommon to see something like old cardbacked multicolored knockoffs made in the 90s and 2000s going for over three digits on Ebay... Regardless of whether or not someone is actually paying that much for them. Yeah, a problem with so many bootlegs being churned out by unknown companies with their distribution practices and total volume of produced units being a mystery is that some collectors of these things usually believe that they're in possession of scarce relics that might go for just about any price, even though, of course, the secondary market for these toys is actually extremely small. Sorry to break the news to any prospective KO resellers reading this page, but no, you're probably not gonna sell a shoddy lime green G1 [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] called "PLANE DEFORMATION ROBOT" with off-color Gundam art on the blister card for 200 bucks.

====High-fidelity counterfeits====
[[File:Shockwave-MP-vs-KO.jpg|right|upright=1|thumb|220px|The same toy for half the MSRP? Illogical! (Knockoff on the left, official on the right)]]
In contrast, there's another category of knockoffs that are less interested in cutting as many corners as possible to only vaguely resemble their original molds and more with, simply, providing direct 1-to-1 copies of the figures they're bootlegging, with the prices often being less on the "extremely cheap" side and more on the "relatively cheap compared to the official thing". There might be some Sorites-type vagueness between these two categories - how much fidelity does a knockoff need to have to count as a high-fidelity counterfeit, after all? - but for the purposes of this wiki, we are counting specifically the ones that can easily pass for official products at most glances, with even the packaging of these bootlegs often being identical to their original versions.

Bootlegs of this caliber were often unseen in the early history of ''Transformers'' (some early ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''The Transformers'' figures did get high-quality bootlegs but these were often sold in pretty unmistakably bootleg boxes), but starting around [[2005]], a series of ''Generation 1'' knockoffs with packaging, molding, and deco work that's pretty much virtually identical to the originals cropped up in high volumes on Ebay. These are still being manufactured and sold up until today, and unlike most knockoffs, they're distributed under some relatively high prices (the [[Diaclone#1982 - Car Robots|''Car Robots''-derived characters]], for instance, usually go for 40-50 bucks) that are often on par with or even higher than what concurrently available Generation 1 reissue toylines price these molds at - although, of course, these values are still nonetheless well below what you'd normally expect an original sealed 1980s ''Transformers'' toy to cost, hence why it seems that they've been consistently selling well for the past two decades. The fact that these are near-perfect replicas of expensive vintage toys was inevitably the product of high controversy during their release, since it quickly raised concerns about unscrupulous dealers selling bootlegs as genuine articles and scrupulous ones unknowingly doing the same. These are also often confused with the legitimate [[The Transformers (Chinese toyline)|Hasbro-made re-releases for the Chinese market produced from 1989 through 1995]].

Starting in [[2012]], the ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' line has also generated large numbers of high-quality, nearly indiscernible knockoffs (the [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|MP-12 Lambor]] sculpt being the first and therefore one of the more notorious examples). Many such knockoffs look identical to their original counterparts at first sight and can only be distinguished by the quality of the box graphics (especially the gradient in the background and the lighter black color), slight sculpting differences, and rare differently colored [[paint operation]]s. Many theories have been proposed as to where they came from, from being cleverly reverse-engineered, to (the most popularly suggested) factory rejects being found and sold. Fortunately, there are numerous reviewers and websites dedicated to pointing out the differences.

Other toys that were the victims of high-quality bootlegs include some [[Henkei]] figures from Chinese company CHMS, a handful of [[Human Alliance]] figures, ''Revenge of the Fallen'' [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] [[Devastator (ROTF)#Legends Class toys|Constructicon Devastator]] (coming in a replica of the Hasbro packaging but sporting the additional red paint operations for the head of TakaraTomy's release, and later reissued in a replica of TakaraTomy's ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)#Movie Advanced Series|Movie Advanced Series]]'' packaging) and a multitude of [[Prime Wars Trilogy]] Legends class figures, with the "factory reject" theory being pretty popular for the latter as they often tend to be mired in QC issues not present in the original releases. And who knows, there might be even more of such good quality that we just never found them out!

====Variant-based / collector-oriented / "Fourth Party" counterfeits====
[[File:Baiwei-Bumblebee.jpg|left|upright=1|thumb|We know Bumblebee hates cheap knockoffs, but what about ''expensive'' knockoffs?]]
Finally, there's a more recent genre of knockoffs that has an interesting shift in focus. Often, these are also of high-quality, but they distinguish themselves from the previous category by being less concerned with providing high-fidelity copies of a given toy and more by providing a deliberately different variant of said toy, usually with either improvements in engineering or new deco work or new accessories or upscaling or downscaling to be more compatible with other toylines or sometimes even featuring extensive [[Retool|retooling]] with the aim of increasing accuracy - thus, these are primarily aimed at the collector market and have less of an interest in deceiving customers by trying to pass off as original products and more in explicitly providing them with alternatives to said official products. Although these are also usually cheaper than their original counterparts, they're nonetheless on the more expensive side of what we would understand as bootlegs, and almost always, they cannot be found on retail, instead being relegated to online stores.

The first instances of collector-oriented bootlegs started showing up in the late 2000s and early 2010s, pioneered by online companies like iGear with their downscaled ''Masterpiece'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|MP-1 Optimus Prime]] and a set of [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|MP-3]]-based [[Coneheads]] and the aforementioned CHMS with a multitude of ''Henkei'' [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] repaints based on minor characters like the [[Rainmaker|Rainmakers]], but this practice only became increasingly common in the late 2010s, with Chinese manufacturer Weijiang having pioneered the concept of "upgraded" bootlegs (predominantly based on movieverse toylines, particularly ''[[Studio Series]]'') and later companies like BaiWei and MHZ Toys following in its footsteps (more about all of these can be read on the [[Knockoff#2010s - Present_day|section about bootleg companies]] below). A lot of the newer high-quality ''Masterpiece'' knockoffs - especially those of the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' variety - have also tried to expand beyond the reach of toy-replication, to adding additional changes to the molding and/or finding ways to streamline the original toy's look by adding hinges, panels and other bits and pieces that couldn't be added to the official version due to budget constraints or safety standards, to further appeal to collectors searching for the "perfect" representation of a character on their shelf. In another collector grab attempt, some companies have even gone so far as to take iconic audio clips from the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1]] and ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' cartoons to replace the Japanese voice actor recordings given to the toys with sound boxes, in order to appeal more to the Western fans who have more of a connection to actors like [[David Kaye]] over [[Shigeru Chiba]].

When it comes to [[fandom]] classification of these retooled knockoffs, a common term thrown around aside from "KO" is "'''fourth party'''", which is usually to differentiate it from the standard bootleg and counterfeit knockoffs, as well as keeping it separate from the original-mold "[[IP infringement|third party]]" toys made by companies outside of Hasbro and TakaraTomy.
{{-}}

==History of knockoffs==
[[File:JBootleg.jpg|thumb|On your knees, Jumpstarters! Kneel before your living GOD!]]
===Early era (1980s - 1990s)===
While less prevalent than today, knockoffs were already a real problem for Hasbro in the mid-1980s. ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Micro Change]]'' toys had bootlegs of several highly popular releases including MC-01 Micross, MC-02 Jaguar, MC-03 Condor, MC-10 Cassette Man. This was a very organized and global issue as they were released in up to six different package and production variations. The Construction Team in both individual member boxes & later ''Build Combination 6 Figure Set'' (the [[pre-Transformers]] name for [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]) also appeared across Italy via several companies. The [[Jumpstarters]] also became common targets for bootleggers, with various wild and extravagant variants being made by multiple companies.

As the majority of the line came from ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Micro Change]]'' toys that had been released in Japan a year or two earlier, Taiwan & Hong Kong bootleggers had plenty of time to copy the molds. Because of this, there were bootlegs on the shelf at the same time as their legitimate Hasbro counterparts. Some bootlegs even preceded their ''Transformers'' counterparts like [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]]. To combat this, the [[rubsign]] was developed, made with a patented technology that was difficult (at that time) to forge. There was also an accompanying TV ad campaign in which Optimus Prime and Megatron stress brand loyalty by stating, "We are the only ones that have the right to wear [ [[Autobot]] & [[Decepticon]] [[Insignia|symbols]]]". Other Transformers competitors, like the ''[[GoBots]]'', also experienced their fair share of bootlegs.

Through most of the [[1990]]s, knockoffs were relatively difficult to find in the West. Many fans had luck finding them at flea markets, hole-in-the-wall non-chain toy stores, or discount stores like {{w|Big! Lots|Big Lots}}. Some knockoff transforming robot toys did show up in chain toy stores, such as the Convert-A-Bots [[Sky Garry (G1)|Sky Garry]] and the Transformers-related Tek Toys ''Voltron'' I—both widely available at Toys"R"Us—but they were few and far between.

===Rise in popularity (2000s - 2010s)===
[[File:TFA Prime KO.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|left|Hey, I'm not the knockoff, [[Optimus Prime (Animated)/toys|he]] is!]]
The reemerging popularity of the Transformers franchise during the 2000s, together with the increased prevalence of Chinese products in global supply chains, led to a massive hike in the amount and variety of Transformers knockoffs. This was the peak era for dollar-store bootlegs: Gestalt knockoffs from Chinese company Polyfect were widely available at Family Dollar and [[KB Toys|Kay Bee]] Toy Liquidator stores and saturated [[eBay]]. Happy Well knockoffs took up shelf space next to ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' toys at [[Walmart]]. And of course, the realistic counterfeit G1 toys were also widely available on eBay from any number of different sellers. Add to this the fact that older targets of bootlegging like the Jumpstarters and Sky Garry were still being pumped out by multiple different companies, and this made for a market practically flooded by fake toys: if there was a store near you during this time that sold budget goods and had a toy aisle then it was almost a given that you'd find some sort of Transformers KO within it, whether that'd be an undersized G1 gestalt, [[Cyberjet|Cyberjets]] in all possible colors, a ''[[Titanium_Series|Titanium Series]]'' [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] with holographic stickers, or a ''[[Binaltech]]'' [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Alternators|Grimlock]] / [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Alternators|Wheeljack]] that disintegrates in your hands the minute you try to transform it. Truly, Transformers bootlegs were ''everywhere''.

This was only exacerbated by the release of the [[Transformers (film)|2007 ''Transformers'' movie]] where an even greater amount of bootlegged figures entered the market, with some movie line figure knockoffs appearing within a month of the official product's debut. The figures ranged from high-quality clones to ''very'' low-quality copies and strange variations, such as random Generation 1 figures being redone in movie paint decos (usually [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys|Optimus Prime]]'s flame scheme or [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Bumblebee]]'s yellow with black stripes).

One notable release was a knockoff of ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' Voyager Class [[Optimus Prime (Animated)/toys|Optimus Prime]] (pictured on the left), which came out in China several weeks ''before'' the release of the original in the United States! The reason this occurred is that Hasbro shelved their already-manufactured ''Animated'' toys for several months in order to extend selling their popular movie line. Thus, finished ''Animated'' toys were able to leak out of factories and into the hands of bootleggers long before they were to finally be released.

With the release of the [[2009]] ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' toyline various knockoff toys also emerged. These included oversized versions of the new Scout Class sculpts, redecoes of new Deluxe sculpts and sculpts from other lines redecoed to more closely resemble new characters (for instance the ''Animated'' Deluxe Class [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] sculpt recolored to look like [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]], complete with door detailing).

Another popular set of toys to be targeted by knockoffs were the ''[[Transformers Device Label|Device Label]]'' computer accessories, in particular the [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Device Label|Ravage flash drive]] and its redecos, which started cropping up online during the early 2010s, often featuring significantly more storage capacity than the measely 2 GBs of its original version. These fake drives are still sold and vastly outnumber the real ones on the secondary market, and in a frightening example of how bad knockoffs can be, many have been reported as containing malware in addition to an equally bootlegged copy of the "desktop pet" software from the real versions. Who actually manufactures them can be difficult to discern, since they tend to come loose-packed without any manufacturing marks.

[[File:KO AOE Optimus Prime.jpg|Now this would be hard to tell without scale references wouldn't it?|upright=1.25|thumb]]
It was also during the late 2000s when knockoff companies with high-quality knockoffs aimed specifically at collectors - the previously mentioned "fourth party" types - started popping up online. These include the "KOLD" ("Knock Off Lucky Draw") bootlegs from company CHMS sold through kotoys.com, which attempt to imitate [[Lucky Draw figure|Lucky Draw]] and other rare ''Transformers'' toys. There have also been high-quality knockoffs of ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Classics (2006)|Starscream]] and the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] in their ''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei]]'' decos (plus other redecos such as [[Sunstorm (G1)#Machine Wars|Sunstorm]] and the generic "[[Air Warrior]]s", who didn't get an official release from this sculpt until [[BotCon 2013|much later]]), as well as ''Classics''/''Henkei'' [[Mirage (G1)#Classics 2|Mirage]] in several of his rarer color schemes. However, the "high-quality" part often turned out to be in concept only, with the execution failing to live up to the promise.

Following the launch of the ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' line in 2011, reports of knockoff [[Dino|Mirage]] seen in alleged ''Dark of the Moon'' packaging with [[MechTech]] weapons appeared many, many months before [[Dino#Cyberverse|any ''actual'' Mirage]] ever hit the shelves. It was, however, a cleverly retooled and enlarged knockoff of Legends Class [[Barricade (Movie)/toys#Legends Class toys|Barricade]] released alongside equally upsized versions of ''Movie'' Legends Class Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and a mostly unaltered version of Barricade himself. The packaging design was styled after the ''Dark of the Moon'' look down to use of the "MechTech" logo, but changing the name of the "line" from ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' to "''Distortion Android: The New Deformation Robot Movie 3''", with the figures themselves sporting "creative" names such as "Super Racing", "Justice Leader", "Justice Warrior" and "Evil Demons". Nearly two years later, knockoffs of Voyager Class Optimus Prime and Deluxe Class Bumblebee began to show up in China as well.

Knockoffs of 2014's ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|Age of Extinction]]'' figures included [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#First Edition toys|"First Edition" Optimus Prime]] downscaled to Voyager size, with an additional "variant" that swapped out the red and blue colors... And they were copied and remade by many, ''many'' other companies. Yet another Bumblebee knockoff, as well as several other unidentifiable "Transformers", showed up as well. As is often the case, the packaging imitated the font used for the real thing, only having the words altered.

===A changing market (2010s - present)===
[[File:WeiJiang-Hound.jpg|left|220px|upright=1.25|thumb]]
The middle to late 2010s brought about a number of different distribution and manufacturing practices for knockoffs, with the primarily retail-based arm of the knockoff scene becoming significantly less prevalent. Meanwhile, a parallel market of online direct-to-consumer bootlegs started cropping up thanks to the emergence of Chinese e-commerce websites like AliExpress.

From 2017's ''[[Transformers: The Last Knight (toyline)|The Last Knight]]'' and beyond, bootlegs based on current movie toylines became less present on retail as modern bootleg manufacturers shifted to focusing more on re-releasing copies of old Legends Class / Legion Class type figures rather than going for imitations of more modern and elaborate toys. Part of this might be attributed to the yawning popularity and thus decreasing commercial appeal of the Transformers franchise - it was still a broadly successful mass-media property during the mid 2010s, but the novelty and hype generated by the [[Michael Bay]] era movies just wasn't as strong as it had been in the previous decade - but, for the most part, this change seems more easily attributed to the inherent appeal of the cheaper production costs associated with simpler figures.

The high-quality G1 counterfeits that were born out of the 2000s have continued being made and are still around all the way into the 2020s, with many more figures joining the catalogue of available "reissues" (a term that started being used by online retailers to distinguish them from the originals, so as to subtly declare their non-original nature without ''actually'' admitting they're bootlegs). Meanwhile, a novelty in the high-fidelity counterfeit market were the Masterpiece knockoffs, also again pioneered by the emergence of AliExpress and other e-commerce Chinese importers allowing manufacturers to easily distribute these counterfeits to all over the world.

The story of Transformers knockoffs would not be complete without also mentioning how the emergence of collector-oriented "third party" toys during this time also generated numerous knockoffs, with some of the most commonly bootlegged figures being the not-Devastators produced by various companies like TFC Toys' ''Hercules'', Generation Toys' ''Gravity Builder'', and DX9's ''Hulkie'' - indeed, bootlegs for all of these have become far more prevalent than copies of their original versions, so much so that even a handful have shown up in general retail.

Paralleling the emergence of "third party" companies and their respective bootlegs, it was also during the late 2010s when "fourth party" bootlegs like WeiJiang with an interest in providing modified and improved figures to collectors started showing up. These now make up a large portion of the current bootleg landscape in the 2020s, with most offerings on Chinese e-commerce websites being either of this sort, or high-quality counterfeits, or the aforementioned basic dollar-store variety Legends / Legion / etc. inspired toys.

==Manufacturing and distribution==
[[File:SENDTHEBOOKS.jpg|thumb|SEND THE BOOKS!]]
===Countries and Regions that produce or once produced knockoffs===
Most knockoffs originate outside of North America and Europe. Although most knockoff-producing countries have joined the Berne Convention and have thus obligated themselves to protect the copyrights of other countries, lax enforcement has allowed manufacturers in many foreign countries, such as China, to continue to produce knockoffs. However, manufacturers in other countries like South Korea, which was once a huge source of knockoff ''Transformers'', have in the last decade made efforts to legitimize themselves by buying the rights to produce official Korean versions of the toys they had long been copying.

* [[China]] — The main source of the world's Transformers knockoffs and notorious for their use of gigantic blister cards. Although they are typically low quality, such as the combiner gift sets produced by Kidi Toys, it is also the home of Playcenter, the high quality counterfeit Generation 1 toy manufacturer. China has signed the Berne Convention obligating them to protect foreign copyrights, and has enacted legislation to do so, but their enforcement remains at a pitifully weak level.

* [[South Korea]] — Was once a hotbed of Transformers knockoff activity. It was not uncommon in South Korea for there to even be animated series, like ''[[Inferno (G1)|Phoenix King]]'', that incorporated multiple knocked-off properties, such as [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] fighting a Gundam or any other number of famous characters. Hilariously, "Gundam" was so embedded in the South Korean public psyche as a synonym for "giant robot" via these different bootleg outlets that the ''Gundam'' property owner Sunrise's attempts to [[trademark]] the word were entirely rejected by the courts.<ref>[http://www.comipress.com/article/2006/10/28/938 "Gundam and Giant Robots in South Korea"]</ref> Some Korean knockoff manufacturers took great liberties with Transformers molds, such as significantly increasing their size,<ref>[http://www.pleasesavemerobots.com/scrambledcity/skorbia/skorbydestrong.html South Korean Combatron / Combaticon bootlegs] at Skorbia</ref> and/or retooling their [[alternate mode]]s to resemble completely different vehicles.<ref>[http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=17850203&uid=5138952] ''(dead link)''</ref> South Korea is known for such knockoffs as oversized Combaticons, Overlord with Starsaber's face, multiple Power Master Optimus cab knockoffs, and the white Oversized ''Generation 2'' Optimus Prime (the legitimacy of which has been debated). Since the mid-/late-1990s, South Korea has begun enforcing foreign copyrights and is no longer a major source of knockoff Transformers toys.

* [[Taiwan]] — Known for knockoffs with a lot of English text on them and higher quality than other knockoffs. Many Taiwanese knockoffs found their way into Italy in the 1980s and 1990s and can often be spotted on Italian eBay. [[GiG]], the official ''Transformers'' licensee in Italy, even imported a Taiwanese knockoff [[Shockwave (G1)/toys|Shockwave]]. One of GiG's competitors in Italy, Globo Giocattoli, imported for distribution a knockoff of the six individually boxed (No. 1 through 6) Diaclone Construction Team & No. 600 Team Set from Taiwan. They also had a repackaged Transformers Knockoff line, titled Meta Morphs, that covered several G1 toys including the six individually boxed Takara Constructicons complete with UPCs to scan from Taiwan. Like South Korea, Taiwan is no longer a major source of knockoffs.

===Knockoff companies===
While it is borderline impossible to make a comprehensive list of every Transformers bootlegger, at least more than a handful of knockoff companies - both as manufacturers and distributors - have become notable over the years for one reason or another:

====1980s - 1990s====
[[File:Bootleg.jpg|right|250px|thumb|One sold for $350 on eBay. Feel free to throw up in your mouth a little.]]
* '''Four Star''' - One of the earliest progenitors of the Transformers knockoff scene, Four Star were known during the 1980s for taking any number of ''[[Diaclone]]''-descendant [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1 molds]] and making massive [[retool]]s of them, usually changing 75% of the mold or more. They are especially known for "Mr. Hardhat", a [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] imitation that is made up of six entirely changed [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] that combine in an entirely different way.<ref>[http://toys.tfw2005.com/mr-hard-hat-four-star-combiner-4967 Mr Hard Hat gallery] on TFW2005</ref> The fully combined form uses [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]'s head, and weapons for the smaller robots included unchromed grey versions of Starscream's launchers (non-firing), Mirage missiles, retooled Soundwave missiles, and the three Omnibot guns. Despite only being known to exist during the '80s, previously unknown Four Star bootlegs seem to appear every few years, bringing into question exactly how many figures they retooled and how these figures were distributed to stay hidden for so long.

*''' Hsiang Shan Electron''' - Despite being best known for their car models with battery-operated functions, this Chinese company dipped into the knockoff market in the mid 80s with the utterly bizarre toy that is "Super Combination Robot B/O 17-in-1.", pictured on the right: a mishmash of ''Voltron'' components, [[Yonezawa Toys|Yonezawa]]'s Eagle & Robo (originally sold in the UK as the ''[[Pre-Transformers#Licensed international releases of pre-Transformers|Convertors]]'' Deltatron from Grandstand), and the head, back, and rear portion of the legs of [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] - even retaining his famous walking feature! Despite its obscurity, this toy is surprisingly valuable on the aftermarket, with asking prices on websites like Ebay frequently being in the hundreds.

* '''Gisima''' - A Spanish company that released multiple cheap bootlegs of Generation 1 [[Beachcomber (G1)#Toys|Beachcomber]], [[Windcharger (G1)#Toys|Windcharger]], and [[Seaspray (G1)#Toys|Seaspray]] throughout the 80s and up until the early 90s, decoed in a variety of odd color schemes. These were mostly available in small stores and kiosks and, surprisingly, sometime in the 2000s, they would also show up on gumball machines.<ref>https://tfsource.com/blog/2014/04/16/the-lost-tribe/</ref> While these figures were sold individually inside a small bubble-like plastic container without any attached blister cards, they were distributed to stores in styrofoams bearing a label shamelessly calling them "''Transformers''" (albeit with a unique made-up logo), something unusual for knockoffs at the time.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/groups/783383762837500/posts/1348217749687429</ref> Interestingly, [[Milton Bradley]] would only have the license to release Transformers toys in Spain starting in 1986 whereas some of these bootlegs are dated to 1985, thus; it is likely that they actually predate the introduction of Transformers toys to mass retail in their home country!

* '''ABC Timely Ent Inc.''' - A Taiwanese company which produced a handful of relatively high-quality Generation 1 knockoffs throughout the 80s and 90s, usually retaining their original color schemes and releasing in packaging nearly identical to their Hasbro originals (featuring the same character art and graphic design layouts) but with the Transformers name switched up to ''Metamorphs'' in an identical font instead. Most notably, they released a ''staggering'' volume of [[Micromasters]] bootlegs under the ''Micro Metamorphs'' name (and, at a later point, under ''Combinable Microbot'' instead) which would be distributed across Europe by many, many different companies, a handful of which will occupy the next entries in this list. The ''Metamorphs'' would also sometimes get their manufacturing stamp attributed to other companies like '''Wise Trading Company''' and '''Leajena Industrial Corp''', but with all of these being Taiwanese and all of them featuring identical packaging and no known differences in terms of the manufactured figures, it is very likely that they were simply either rebrandings of and/or different entities owned by ABC Timely Ent Inc.

* '''Globo''' - An Italian company which distributed - and might or might not have also manufactured - a large amount of Transformers knockoffs throughout the span of the Generation 1 toyline, most of them being Taiwanese imports bearing the aforementioned ''Metamorphs'' name. Among these were the Constructicons <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/247808869499189/?multi_permalinks=753056008974470 A listing for various Transformers knockoffs while includes all six Globo Constructicons]</ref>, [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]], the [[Breastforce]], and, of course, the ABC Timely Ent Inc. Micromasters. One of their most notable releases was an odd version of Generation 1 Optimus Prime - bearing a packaging loosely inspired by his ''Diaclone'' version and shamelessly featuring the "Diaclone" name written on the top right - which, unlike most other Globo bootlegs, actually featured quite a few alterations from its original tooling; like the truck windshield not being split in half, the left smokestack being replaced by a ladder, and the rifle being based on that of ''Dorvack'' Jeeps (AKA the later Generation 1 [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]]). <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/247808869499189/?multi_permalinks=374158430197565 A listing for the Globo-branded Generation 1 Optimus Prime knockoff, with the (Italy-based) seller explicitly referring to it as an "import"]</ref>. He first showed up on a 1987 Italian toy catalogue and was later distributed by multiple other companies, with the oddest of these being a 1997 release in Korea bearing the official 90s Transformers logo and a "1997 Hasbro International, Inc" copyright stamp on the bottom right, as well as the addendum of “With Permission of 3D Licensing International Represented by ToonTown”! <ref>https://lmb3.net/2024/12/29/blog-2500-toy-review-transformers-korean-modified-optimus-prime/</ref> It is still very much up in the air whether or not this, as well as other Korean Transformers toys marked as "Represented by ToonTown", were legitimate Hasbo-branded releases of not - more about it and other similar cases will be discussed on [[Knockoff#From bootleg to official toy|a further section of this article]] - but at least insofar as this particular toy is concerned, it seems undeniable that it begun its life as a bootleg. A similar version to this release with identical packaging but translated into English also showed up in Canada during 1998, but this time bearing the name "Battle Supbot" without the Transformers logo and without any mention of Hasbro licensing. <ref>https://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Knockoffs/G2/OptimusPrime1.html</ref> Again, it is difficult to tell whether Globo's whole stock was either entirely imported from foreign manufacturers or instead perhaps produced through a hybrid of foreign imports and local manufacturing, but given how extensive their catalogue is, the latter option does not seem entirely unlikely.

[[File:ABCTimelyEnt-MicroMetamorphs.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Yes, that is an actual promotional Micromasters tagline rather than an unintentionally phallic mistranslation.]]
* '''Ceppi Ratti''', '''Fantastiko''', and '''ADG''' were other Italian companies which also distributed the aforementioned the ABC Timely Ent Inc. ''Micro Metamorphs''-named Micromasters bootlegs. Ceppi Ratti is famous for manufacturing and distributing regional versions of imported Japanese robot toylines, some bearing legitimate licensing - notably, they released various variants of the infamous Clover ''Mobile Suit Gundam'' RX-78-2 with the packaging featuring [[Bandai|Nippon Sunrise]] branding - but with others just being straight-up knockoffs. Noticeably, Fantastiko's Micromasters didn't use the ''Micro Metamorphs'' name in their packaging, with the title simply being replaced by "''Micro''" + "(The name of the specific Micromaster team/base set)" instead.

* '''Leader Shine''' (AKA Champion Crown) - Known during the 1990s for bootlegging the living hell out of the [[Jumpstarter]] molds, producing clones, minor retools, major retools, and almost unrecognizable retools. They also produce "original" toys whose transformation schemes are derived from either ''Transformers'', the ''Brave'' series, or ''Power Rangers''. They still release new and varied Jumpstarters to this day. Leader Shine is also responsible for the very [[Dalung Master|Godzilla-themed knockoff of Grimlock]] that reappears every few years. They also have an amusing habit of putting "Pat. P." (Patent Pending) on almost all of their packages in spite of whether their product is a direct copy or completely changed. However under the trade names "Leader Shine" and "Champion Crown" there are no patents held.

* '''ES Toys''' - A less overtly "bootleg-y" but still very famous example, ES Toys was a Hong Kong-based company with facilities in mainland China that often produced some more legitimate toys for general retail, including a handful of licensed vehicles. Sometime during the early 1990s, they started a toyline of transforming robots called ''The Formulator Force'', a series of otherwise ''mostly'' original toys - with a good portion of their overall engineering being swiped from the ''Brave Exkaiser''s Max Team <ref>[https://x.com/VF5SS/status/1810641576110014847 A post comparing the three main Formulator Force with their Brave Exkaiser equivalents]</ref> - that also feature a few design traits taken from Generation 1 Transformers, like the "F-Force Transforming Tank" and the "F-Force Transforming Ground Vehicle" both featuring heads noticeably inspired by [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Sunstreaker]] and the latter also having a transformation scheme partly inspired by [[Onslaught (G1)#The Transformers|Onslaught]] and [[Hot Spot (G1)#The Transformers|Hot Spot]]. Most notably on the explicitly bootleg side, ES Toys produced a ''Formulator Force'' sub-series called the ''Mighty Mini Force'', featuring multiple small ''[[Micro Machines]]''-style transforming toy vehicles with very similar engineering to the Micromasters and a handful of chest designs that were very much just blatantly copied off the aforementioned toyline <ref>https://www.builtstlouis.net/tf/mmkos/formulator.html</ref>. All of these were re-released under various different names like ''Super Galaxy Space Former'' and ''Super Transformable Expanders'', and their availability in mass retail means that they're also some of the most commonly misidentified figures that people might find amongst flea markets and old junk lots of otherwise legitimate Transformers toys (now you know what that one odd light blue and gold tank with a Sunstreaker head is! <ref>https://toysfromthepast.blogspot.com/2014/05/412-formulator-force-f-force.html</ref>).

* '''B & J Toys''' - [http://www.bjtoys.co.uk/index.html] - based in Ireland, UK - are a still-active company that prides themselves on providing pocket money toys. Their products are traditionally manufactured in China & imported for resale as stand displays. Most recognizable product sold for 99p are the carded, oversize G1 Cassettes of the 5 in 1 line named "Robotic Transform Cassette", represented by knockoff's of Micross (Rumble/Frenzy), Jaguar (Ravage), Ramhorn, Steeljaw & Squawktalk in multiple colors.

* '''Citi Toys''' - Based in Thailand, the same company that was producing toys for McDonald's Happy Meals was also producing knockoffs of transforming robots in the late 1990s, albeit mostly ''Brave'' and ''Power Rangers''. After news leaked out that they used child labor, new knockoffs with their "CT" logo stopped appearing, which suggests that the child labor scandal caused them to shut down.

* '''Agglo''' - A Hong Kong-based company that has produced numerous Transformers knockoffs over the years. Their products have ranged from knockoffs of Generation 1 figures, to ''Beast Wars'' and Japanese Beast Wars characters and even ''Robot Masters'' and ''Generation 2'' Cyberjets. They are notable for giving their lines rather long names, one of their Beast Wars KO lines being ''Space Warriors Transformable Beast Tech Fighter''. They are one of the primary suppliers to the American ''Big Lots!'' stores and generally use their toy molds until they are virtually destroyed, as evidenced by their bootlegs of a number of Leader Shine products which have been retooled to have fewer and fewer parts as time goes by.

====2000s====

* '''Happy Well''' - One of the most prominent knockoff companies from the mid-2000s, Happy Well was bold enough to strike a contract with [[Walmart]], CVS Pharmacies, and Walgreens, making them possibly the first company to have a knockoff "name brand", namely the ''Galaxy Defender'' series. Though most of their knockoffs were based on ''Brave'', this did not stop Happy Well from occasionally bootlegging Transformers, most notably; with their upscaled and extensively remolded version of ''Armada'' [[Megatron (Armada)/toys|Megatron]] in tan and grey camouflage. Happy Well uses relatively high-quality materials, and most of their products are boxed rather than being sold on blister cards: some even come with sticker sheets and [[die-cast]] parts! They have since created their own properties, most notably the ''Roadbot'' line - a series of licensed scale transforming cars that was once the only direct competitor to the ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' line - and now mostly shy away from bootlegs... Mostly. In the turn of the 2020s, they started repackaging some of their older toys under the ''X-Bot'' label, including the aforementioned Brave and Armada Megatron bootlegs. Included in this toyline is also a "Transform Jetbot" - which is, very clearly, a blatant copy of a ''Macross'' VF-1S Super Valkyrie like the one that later became [[Jetfire (G1)/toys|Jetfire]]. <ref>https://www.happywell.com.hk/x-bot</ref>

* '''Zhong Jin, aka Playcenter''' - Zhong Jin/Playcenter was the original company behind the previously mentioned massive wave of ''Generation 1'' knockoffs that cropped up online in the mid 2000s. Since then, many counterfeit Generation 1 products have surfaced from Zhong Jin, including Optimus Prime, Minibots, Cassettes, Autobot cars, Devastator, Dinobots, and Gnaw. Zhong Jin also has produced many color and plastic variants of their knockoffs, such as translucent versions, which were never previously released (and some of which that were, like Jafcon Black Optimus Prime). Counterfeit Generation 1 parts, stickers, and boxes have appeared from Zhong Jin as well, including many that have not had a corresponding whole knockoff released, like repro [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] sticker sheets. The company was first identified as the manufacturer of the knockoffs in September 2007, when fans noticed pictures of most of the current counterfeit G1 knockoffs on their <ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20080329180144/http://china.alibaba.com/company/detail/playcenter.html Alibaba supplier website], including then-upcoming counterfeits like Warpath. Apparently aware of this, Zhong Jin took down images of all their counterfeit Transformers from the website in October or November.</ref> - The first and primary manufacturer of the high-quality counterfeit Generation 1 knockoffs. Zhong Jin has been making their counterfeit Transformers since 2005, starting with [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]], but in 2007 began greatly increasing their range of counterfeit Generation 1 knockoffs, which now includes at least 47 different G1 Transformers, filling in many of the gaps left by the official reissues. They have also done many plastic/paint variants of their knockoffs, including many clear plastic versions. It's also sometimes claimed (though never sufficiently proven) that at least some of these counterfeits are actually being manufactured by the same Chinese factories that had produced those originals for Hasbro, using the original toolings, which would explain why some of these toolings are "lost" as far as Hasbro is concerned.
[[File:PolyfectCombiners.jpg|right|thumb|265px|POV: You are a zillennial in the mid 2000s and this is your first contact with G1 Transformers toys.]]

* '''Kidi Toys'''<ref>[http://www.toysghost.cn Kidi Toys' web site]</ref> - Another Chinese company which, following Zhong Jin's lead, they briefly produced a couple realistic counterfeit Generation 1 knockoffs ([[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]], and [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]). Among their other notable knockoffs are [[Transformers: Alternators|Alternator]] figures with new or copied paint schemes of reasonable quality. They are the knockoff company responsible for the infamous fake Metroplex Encore Reissues, which deceived major online Transformers stores.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-toy-discussion/199973-what-heck-encore-12-metroplex-i-got-tfsource-fake.html</ref>

* '''Polyfect Toys''' - A company based in Quangdong, China, which has produced a staggering amount of Transformers knockoffs during the 2000s that were commonly found in Family Dollar, Tuesday Morning, and Big Lots among other stores - the most notorious of these easily being their extensive series of downscaled G1 combiner teams (as well as Fortress Maximus and a few other downscaled ''Brave'' figures), although they also used to venture into bootlegging newer toylines like ''Beast Wars'', ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'' and the inevitable oversized ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' Minicons under the "Quick Change Transforming System" brand. Their combiner teams were produced in three sizes: as full-scale sets (albeit only Devastator and the Scramble City-type combiners got this treatment), at a medium-sized scale close to 7 inches (which, technically, would make their Micromaster combiners more or less full-scaled) and most famously, at a "[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]"-type scale at only around 5 inches. Sets on the first two scales can still be commonly found on websites like AliExpress, which might suggest that these are still being churned out of a factory somewhere, however; as an apparent cost-cutting measure, it seems that Polyfect has remolded the 7 inches figures sometime during the 2010s to only include engineering necessary for the combined and vehicle modes of the characters, therefore leaving the newer batches of these toys without proper individual robot modes. More surprising than this, the generally more esteemed 5 inch figures do not seem to have been made at any time since the 2000s, leaving these to sometimes fetch surprising prices on the aftermarket. The plastic quality on these figures is notoriously cheap, and even before the aforementioned removal of robot modes in the 7 inch figures they still often simplified some aspects of the molds to keep manufacturing costs down - something perhaps not as noticeable in the underscaled sets, but very much visible in the full-scaled ones when compared to their original counterparts. The packaging for these figures was adorned with plagiarized artwork and random nonsensical English phrases, such as "FREIGHTERPAN" to refer to their KO Menasor (which, by the way, includes Nosecone and Afterburner instead of Dead End and Wildrider) and featuring the brand's own custom insignia, a sort-of Decepticon symbol with a crown within it that is applied to all toys in the place of usual Autobot / Deception logos.

* '''iGear''' - Despite being mostly known as one of the earliest progenitors of the [[IP infringing item]] scene, iGear had its roots as a producer of high-quality downsized and retooled knockoffs of Masterpiece Transformers toys, particularly the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]] molds, usually costing as much as the original full sized toys themselves. Eventually, they slowly transitioned into creating original molds, resulting in fully-original designs such as [[Ironhide (G1)/toys|Weapons Specialist]] and [[Huffer (G1)|Rager]]. Unlike the others listed here, iGear products can't be found on western store shelves and were instead known for their online presence, thus marking the first instance of what would become a trend of more "premium" bootleggers oriented towards the collector market.

* '''CHMS''' - Already mentioned in this article multiple times, CHMS is a company mostly specializing in knocking off [[Classics]] and [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe (2008)]] molds, and arguably the first progenitors of the variant-based / collector-oriented / "Fourth Party" scene, with ther most famous output being the numerous variants of the ''Classics'' [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] mold in just about any color of the rainbow. CHMS appeared roughly around 2008 and tended to copy not only the toy but the entire style of packaging as well, usually of the Henkei exclusive variety. Like iGear, they are known to western consumers mainly through the internet and, like iGear, their output seemed primarily aimed towards collectors: their bootlegs were relatively high-quality and usually attempted to copy either rare figures like [[Breakdown (G1)#Timelines|Timelines Breakdown]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Henkei|Lucky Draw Henkei Optimus Prime]] or, alternatively, tried to provide variants of said molds that didn't yet exist in their respective toylines like the aforementioned Seekers. It appears that they've ceased activity sometime during the early 2010s, with no newer bootlegs based on the succeeding [[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]] figures being known to exist.

====2010s - Present day ====
[[File:WeiJiang-VS-StudioSeries-Blackout.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Imagine stepping out of a time machine in 2007 and telling someone that the bigger, more detailed, and more expensive toy in this image is actually the bootleg.]]
* '''Weijiang''' - Cropping up during the second half of the 2010s, Shanghai-based company Weijiang has become one of the most notorious names in the Transformers bootleg scene, producing an extensive roster of figures mostly taken from the [[Live-action film series|live-action film series]] toylines that were often cheaper than their official Hasbro / Takara counterparts while also featuring extensive improvements, such as extra paint applications, new molded details, and even occasional full engineering overhauls that'd fix the rougher aspects of the original molds. Their products were heavily proliferated on websites like AliExpress and became highly regarded amongst collectors - something previously unseen coming from a bootleg manufacturer - and the company even ventured into making their own original "IP infringing items" with toys like Ultima Guard, an Omega Supreme lookalike aimed towards compatibility with the ''Masterpiece'' line. Ultimately, Weijiang's career came to an abrupt end in 2020 when the Shanghai police arrested its owners for copyright infringement <ref>https://natlawreview.com/article/shanghai-police-announce-arrests-hasbro-transformers-criminal-copyright-case</ref>, though ultimately, it seems that the Pandora's box was now open: as seen below, it was only a matter of time until more companies started cropping up with the same model.

* '''KuBianBao / KBB''' - A company that tends to focus more on simple plain copies of Transformers figures, with their catalogue spanning everything from standard bootlegs of Deluxes and Voyagers from the live-action film series (with the occasional odd variant thrown in, like a police car version of [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Studio Series|Studio Series 16 Bumblebee]]) to different versions of Masterpiece toys, usually either arbitrarily upscaled or downscaled. Despite not having the same fancy engineering overhauls of Weijiang, KBB's figures are usually nonetheless considered to be of a passable quality given their very cheap value, with their [[Transformers Expo]]-exclusive ''Age of Extinction'' [[Nemesis Prime (AOE)|Nemesis Prime]] in particular having attained some popularity amongst collectors given the rarity of its original version. KBB figures are still commonly found in stock on the likes of AliExpress, however, no newer models seem to have been manufactured by the company after the 2010s, so it is presumed that they ceased activity sometime since.

* '''Taikongzhans''' - A more recent company that focuses exclusively on high-quality knockoffs of [[Combiner Wars (franchise)|Combiner Wars]] figures, sometimes in their original scales and sometimes downsized or upscaled. Interestingly, they use the same custom insignia featured in the aforementioned Polyfect combiners - which begs the question; is Taikongzhans a rebranding of Polyfect or is it a separate company paying homage to their combiner bootlegging ancestors? [[You]] decide!

* '''BaiWei''' - A more recent manufacturer which used to release simple [[Studio Series]] bootlegs with a noticeably lower quality compared to their original counterparts, however; they've lately started embracing the Weijiang model and are now also producing molds that add new paint applications, sculpting details, and accessories to the molds being copied.

* '''MHZ Toys''' - Yet another manufacturer that is also now entering the market for overhauled live-action film series figures, primarily focusing on the [[Rise of the Beasts]] characters in ''Studio Series''.

* '''APC Toys''' - A company that focuses on surprisingly high quality toys based on ''Transformers Prime,'' typically including screen-accurate accessories never included with the original toyline.

===Transitional companies and toys===
[[File:Trendmasters BeetVadam.jpg|left|thumb|AND I'LL FORM THE HE—oh, wait.]]
====From bootlegger to reputable company====
Although rare, some knockoff companies eventually venture into legitimate toy design territory. One such example is Trendmasters, which started out as a budget manufacturer and at one point produced an extensively retooled version of Takatoku's 'Beet-Vadam' figure from the ''Beetras'' toyline (which would later become [[Ransack (G1)|Ransack]] in the Transformers ''Generation 1'' toyline), before eventually legally securing the ''{{w|Voltron}}'' and ''[[Godzilla]]'' licenses and becoming an established company in the 90s toy market. Another such company was Korean knockoff manufacturer Academy, best known for releasing the Overlord knockoff with Star Saber's head as well as the huge, up-sized ''Gundam'' Cloth MK-II. In the world of plastic scale models, they were also known for producing low-quality knockoffs of Japanese manufacturer Tamiya's kits with copied box art. Academy has since gone legit, legally acquiring such licenses as ''Gundam'', ''Naruto'', ''Tom and Jerry'', and ''[[Zoids]]''.<ref>[http://www.academy.co.kr/5c/5c_main.asp Character products page] at academy.co.kr</ref> And as previously mentioned, Happy Well has also shifted its focus from producing knockoffs to becoming a more reputable company, with their original ''Roadbots'' and ''V-Create'' Transforming robot toys seeing worldwide retail distribution.

So, we have seen that companies which formerly produced and/or distributed fake Transformers toys can end up becoming legitimate enough to get licensing deals with other more well-established franchises, but what about producers and/or distributors of Transformers knockoffs later getting licensing deals to make toys... For the ''Transformers'' brand itself? Could such a thing ever happen? Well, guess what, it did, ''twice''!

Former U.S. electronic retail giant [[RadioShack]] is often accused of being a bootlegger for their release of the pre-Transformers [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] mold under the name of "Galactic Man" (nicknamed "Shackwave" by Transformers fans), but this release was actually fully licensed by the original toy's manufacturer [[ToyCo]]. Except, the accusations of bootlegging aren't completely wrong either: at one point, they sold a toy under their in-house Tandy brand called "AM Robot Radio" - which, as its named indicates, was an AM radio shaped like a robot - with its design being very obviously a crude retooling of the official ''Transformers'' [[Nasta]] Optimus Prime-shaped radio that was sold under the name of "Robot AM Radio" during the 1980s. About two decades later, RadioShack would partner up with Hasbro and Paramount to produce a multitude of official merchandise for the [[Transformers (film)|2007 ''Transformers'' movie]], including radio-controlled cars, radio-controlled aircraft, and - ironically - a set of clip-on radios with designs based on Autobot and Decepticon insignias.

A much baffling example of the knockoff-producer-to-Hasbro-associate pipeline is [[Simba Dickie Group]], a popular German toy company (perhaps best known for being the parent company of notorious railway model manufacturer Märklin) that once released multiple generic transformable robots under their ''Planet Fighter'' series of assorted sci-fi budget toys - amongst these being various straight-up knockoffs of Jumpstarters, oversized Mini-Cons, a plethora of [[Brave]] bootlegs, and even a regional European release of the aforementioned Happy Well Armada Megatron. Bizarrely enough, not even a decade later, they would go on to actually produce official Transformers merchandise for Hasbro, [[Optimus Prime (WFC)/merchandise#Dickie Toys|starting with replica and remote controlled cars]] for ''Robots in Disguise'' and later expanding towards die cast figurines for ''The Last Knight'' and ''Bumblebee''. [[Jada Toys]], which would go on to produce more Transformers merchandise, is also part of the Simba Dickie Group, meaning that their relationship with the Transformers brand continues to last until today - and yet, despite this, their Jumpstarter knockoffs are still being sold on the company's official web store! <ref>https://www.simbatoys.com/simba_en/brands/planet-fighter/pf-space-bot-pro-6-ass-103572535-en.html</ref> It appears that Simba has redesigned their version of the Jumpstarter mold multiple times over the years to the point where their resemblance with the original toys has diminished slightly, but alas, the core design of the old G1 / Diaclone figures is still very much unmistakably there.
{{-}}

====From reputable company to bootlegger====
The opposite direction is also possible: [[GiG]] acquired a license from [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] for distributing ''[[Diaclone]]'' toys in Italy before Hasbro even launched their ''Transformers'' line. Subsequently, they obtained a second license from Hasbro to distribute ''Transformers'' toys proper, which they did all the way up until 1997. By 1998, Hasbro abandoned GiG as their Italian license in favor of their own, newly formed Italian Hasbro branch. Subsequently, GiG released several knockoffs, such as off-color versions of the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s.

Something similar, abeit at a smaller scale, happened with [[Estrela]] in Brazil when they released a set of transforming dinosaur robots that swiped the engineering of ''Beast Wars'' [[Dinobot (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|Dinobot]] (albeit with far less detail and articulation) under their ''Mutantes Dinossauros'' toyline in 2014, a whole eight years after losing the license to distribute official Hasbro figures. It is questionable whether Estrela even knew these were bootlegs since, as with many Transformers-like budget toys in the 2000s, they were originally produced by a different unknown company and then sold to various toy manufacturers around the world (it is very likely that you might have seen these same dinosaur molds on retail elsewhere at the time), but alas, it is nonetheless an interesting peculiarity that the "official distributor to bootlegger" pipeline happened twice.

[[File:RadioAMRobot02.jpg|right|220px|thumb|Not a proponent of [[wikipedia:Dialetheism|dialetheism]]? Well then, explain how I'm both a bootleg and also not a bootleg!]]
====From bootleg to official toy====
Last but certainly not least, perhaps the wildest case of a transition from knockoff to official product might be [[Best Join]]'s 1985 toy "Radio Robot" , a robot that transformed into a fully-functional AM radio with a design blending various elements of the Generation 1 [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] toys (the original source for most or all of these most likely being their [[Micro Change]] and [[Toybox]] versions, as Hasbro had not yet released Blaster and Omega Supreme at the time and the other two toys were relatively new to the market). Surprisingly, ''Robotic Radio'' was later released by Argentinian toy company [[Comando Toys]] in 1987 under the name of [[Radio AM Robot]], now featuring official ''Transformers'' branding with Hasbro copyright on the packaging! He would be later mentioned in the ''[[Transformers Timelines (fiction)|Transformers Timelines]]'' story [[A Team Effort]] as an in-universe musician, thus leading to the first and only confirmed case of a toy that ascended from bootleg to official branded release and finally to the status of canonized ''Transformers'' character in official media.

Another Transformers-branded Comando Toys offering that also borders on bootlegging was [[Walkie Talkie Robot]], a pair of - as the name suggests - robot walkie talkies originally made by Hong Kong company Arlight, featuring a design that's clearly ripped off the titular mecha from ''[[wikipedia:God Mars|Rokushin Gattai Godmars]]''. Still, this only copies the overall design of the character, not a specific Godmars toy, thus; unlike Radio AM Robot, it technically avoids the knockoff classification. ''Technically''.

Finally, it's impossible to not mention the odd Korean releases of bootlegs presumably done under the official Transformers brand, with their packaging attributing licensing permissions to both Hasbro and Korean company ToonTown. Beyond the aforementioned Generation 1 Optimus Prime retool released by Globo and others in different regions, there's also an oversized, off-color ''Generation 2'' Optimus Prime <ref>https://x.com/tfwiki/status/1036114311142363136/</ref>, as well as multiple re-releases of [[Kabaya]] ''[[Transformers Gum]]'' kits, all of these arriving to Korean stores at around 1997 - 1998 with the same "1997 Hasbro International, Inc | With Permission of 3D Licensing International Represented by ToonTown" identifiers on their packaging. There still isn't a consensus as to whether these are legitimate Hasbro-branded products or not - the regular-sized Optimus Prime clearly has bootleg origins, but a bootleg match to the oversized G2 Prime hasn't been found as of yet, even though oversizing toys seems like a very distinctively bootleg thing to do - but to err on the side of caution, insofar as this Wiki's concerned, they will be mentioned here as of now, until new details or a consensus on how to classify them emerges.
{{-}}

==Law and copyright infringement==
[[File:DOTM.MIRAGEKO.jpg|upright=1.00|left|thumb|Were you fooled by this in 2011? Don't be shy, we were [[Misconceptions and urban legends about Transformers|fooled too]].]]
===Legal analysis of knockoffs===
Despite myths to the contrary, most ''Transformers'' knockoffs are illegal. In ''HASBRO BRADLEY, INC. v. SPARKLE TOYS, INC.'', 780 F.2d 189 (2nd Cir. 1985), the Second Circuit granted an injunction on Sparkle Toys' [[Jumpstarter]] knockoffs, where Hasbro showed a likelihood of success for infringement of their copyright in the Jumpstarters toys.<ref name="sparkle">[http://www.law.cornell.edu/copyright/cases/780_F2d_189.htm HASBRO BRADLEY, INC. v. SPARKLE TOYS, INC.] at the Legal Information Institute</ref> For those not law literate, this basically means that (A) Hasbro held a valid [[copyright]] in the Jumpstarters, and (B) Hasbro had a strong enough case that this would have gone to a jury, which would ultimately decide whether there was infringement.

Although Hasbro and Takara's design patents on ''Transformers'' toys expire after 14 years from issuance, their copyright in ''Transformers'' toys lasts for 95 years from publication, i.e., sale to the public. Thus, while the design patents on some ''Transformers'' toys have expired, the copyright protection on all ''Transformers'' toys is still in effect. For useful articles, such as a reconfigurable toy, copyright protects only those expressive elements that are separable from the function. While a transformation is probably not protectable because it is functional, the overall look of the robot or alternate mode is protectable. Thus, while a heavily retooled knockoff that only retains the [[transformation]] of the original toy may avoid infringement, a toy that is only resized or is only painted in different colors would infringe on Hasbro and Takara's copyright regardless of the slight modification.

In a second case, ''WALES INDUS. INC. v. HASBRO BRADLEY, INC.'', 612 F.Supp. 510 (1985), Wales Industrial attempted legal steps ''against Hasbro'' to ''stop them from taking legal steps against Wales'' for selling knockoffs of Hasbro's ''Transformers'' toys, arguing that Hasbro was not the copyright holder, but merely a licensee, and the original Takara versions of the toys were lacking copyright stamps, thus making the toys fall into public domain. The court shot down the case by declaring that through their contract with [[TakaraTomy|Takara]], Hasbro was legally authorized to represent them as copyright holder; the lack of copyright stamps on Japanese releases of the toys was irrelevant due to different domestic laws, as what mattered was that the toys had copyright stamps when they were released to the United States market; and Wales Industrial had even acted in full knowledge of a potential copyright conflict by having their knockoff toys slightly modified as to not be exact carbon copies of Hasbro's versions.<ref name="wales1">[https://casetext.com/case/wales-indus-inc-v-hasbro-bradley-inc-2 WALES INDUS. INC. v. HASBRO BRADLEY, INC.] and [https://casetext.com/case/wales-indus-inc-v-hasbro-bradley-inc supplementary item] at Case Text.com.</ref>
{{-}}

===Hasbro's intervention (or lack thereof)===
[[File:Knockoff advertisement.jpg|right|thumb|upright=0.7]]
To date, Hasbro apparently has taken few actions against knockoff manufacturers. Only the above cases of Hasbro shutting down a ''Transformers'' knockoff operation in the 1980s exist, and no such cases exist from the 1990s onward. Hasbro's ''Transformers'' design director [[Aaron Archer]] was once quoted as making a comment at [[BotCon]] implying that Hasbro was unconcerned with knockoffs.{{fact}} Strangely, Hasbro recently contacted small online toy store AgesThreeAndUp and told them to take down their knockoff listings. At [[BotCon 2008]], [[Greg Lombardo]] read an official Hasbro policy discouraging fans from purchasing knockoffs—even in the main dealer room just a few yards away—and vaguely threatening future legal action against their producers. In May 2008, eBay began taking down auctions for knockoff Transformers (the high end counterfeits in particular), but it's unclear whether this was Hasbro's doing or not.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/other-news-20/knockoff-transformers-auctions-being-pulled-from-ebay-165004/</ref> Eventually, whatever action Ebay took would not last long since, as of the 2020s, Ebay is still packed with bootlegs, both new and old alike.

===Myths about knockoffs===
Over the years, there have been a lot of widespread myths about knockoffs. Perhaps the most preposterous myth is that knockoffs are legal. See the Legal Analysis section above for why this theory is incorrect. Although few proponents of this theory exist, those that do claim vigorously that the presence of knockoffs on Family Dollar or Wal-Mart's shelves means that those products must be legitimate. The flaw in the reasoning here is that it assumes big chain stores would never do anything ignorantly or illegally, which is certainly [http://www.google.com/search?q=walmart+lawsuit not the case].

As previously mentioned, one long-held myth among fans (due to a general lack of information), is that the Generation 1 ''Transformers'' with Chinese stickers in the corner are high-quality counterfeits. After all, they look just like the original Generation 1 releases, but with some very small differences and oftentimes slightly inferior plastic quality. But again, it's come out that these were, in fact, [[The Transformers (Chinese toyline)|re-releases for the Chinese market produced from 1989 through 1995]], not unlike their Chinese ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' counterparts from around the same period. The modern high-quality Chinese Generation 1 counterfeits wouldn't be until 2005, a decade later.

Numerous international releases based on licenses [[pre-Transformer#Licensed international releases of pre-Transformers|predating the success of the ''Transformers'' brand]] (some of them available concurrently with their ''Transformers'' counterparts) have also been mistaken for knockoffs. The fact that ''actual'' knockoffs of these figures (and even knockoffs of ''these very licensed versions'') exist doesn't exactly help matters.

==So, are knockoffs worth buying?==
As a final consideration, you might be wondering if purchasing a knockoff figure is actually worth your money or not. Here are some factors you might want to consider:

===Pros===
* Unsurprisingly, knockoffs are generally far cheaper than their official counterparts. This is obviously balanced by the generally lower quality, but there are still some pretty intuitive advantages in getting a copy of a figure for a fraction of its original price, especially in cases where a buyer might not have the money to purchase an official version. This is further substantiated by the few knockoffs that actually do have surprisingly good quality and can easily pass for original collector-grade items, like the aforementioned Generation 1 and Masterpiece counterfeits. In the end, when a rare figure like the 2014 gold version of Masterpiece Megatron can often cost past the $600 mark on eBay, getting the mass manufactured reproduction that looks virtually indistinguishable from the original for $60 might not sound completely unreasonable. Most recently, there has even been an onslaught of fan-oriented KOs designed to not just copy the originals but also to surpass them with improved sculpts and paintjobs, like the repainted and slightly remolded movie figures of WeiJiang.
[[File:AlphaBaseRobot.jpg|right|thumb|Oh, hi. I cost more than a [[Mint in sealed box|MISB]] ''G1'' Overlord. Want to touch me?]]

* Surprisingly enough, some older knockoffs do have collectible value, especially those produced in Taiwan and South Korea during the 1980s. As an example, the pre-transformer version of Shockwave (originally manufactured in grey by Toy Co as a figure called "Astro-Magnum") was the victim of multiple knockoff copies which are now actually more valuable than an original Generation 1 Shockwave. The bizarre Academy version of Overlord is another example in the same vein.

* Sometimes they're just funny and weird and interesting. Yes, even the cheap dodgy cheese-plastic ones. Sometimes ''especially'' the cheap dodgy cheese-plastic ones.

===Cons===

*As a rule, knockoffs are generally inferior to their original versions. Keep in mind that the previously mentioned WeiJiangs and Masterpieces are only rare exceptions amongst the usual pile of counterfeit junk, the vast majority of KOs you'll find in dollar stores are nowhere near the level of an official Hasbro or Takara product. These are often conceived with the most rudimentary plastic that can be shunned out at the most affordable rate, with little to no [[quality control]] behind their manufacturing, and in numerous occasions without even featuring any paint operations besides the actual color of the plastic they're molded in.

*As already previously explained, knockoffs are illegally produced copies of Transformers designs. This might not be too much of a detractor for collectors, especially considering how little Hasbro and Takara themselves seem to care about modern knockoffs, but it does imply that, by purchasing a fake figure over a genuine one, you are not monetarily contributing to the team that actually designed and engineered that original figure.

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
[[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] referred to the [[Starscream clone (Animated)|Starscream clones]] as "an army of cheap knockoffs". {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part II}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
"Knockoff" was considered an offensive epithet against Transformers who were [[Reproduction#2005 IDW continuity|"constructed cold."]] {{storylink|Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|The Fecund Moon}}

===''Age of Extinction'' film===
After defeating [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]], [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] smugly referred to his defeated doppelganger as a "cheap knockoff." {{storylink|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction}}

==External links==
*[http://highendtfs.com/?q=node/17 HighEndTFs' ID Guide for high quality counterfeit Generation 1 Transformers]
*[http://www.actionfigurechecklist.com/Images/Album/index.php?v=list&i=0&p=Transformers_KnockOff_KO Action Figure Checklist's Transformer Knock-Off Photo Album]
*[http://www.reocities.com/TelevisionCity/3230/tfother.html All Things Transformers - Other Transforming Toys]
*[http://www22.pos.to/~butto/ttot.html Butto's Other Transforming Toys (Japanese)]
*[http://www.netlaputa.ne.jp/~m-akao/GALLERY/fakehp.html Fake Toy Gallery (Japanese)]
*[http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/listing/user/bootlegs Hatch's Bootleg Transformers]
*[http://www.geocities.ws/kidk0rrupt/ Kid K0rrupt's Bootleg Gallery]
*[http://www.builtstlouis.net/tf/mmkos/index.html Rob's Pile of Transformers: Micromaster Knockoffs]
*[http://www.tfarchive.com/toys/gallery.php?g2_itemId=7302 TFArchive.com's Bootleg Gallery]
*[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-3rd-party-discussion/191817-knock-off-transformers-thread.html TFW2005 Ongoing Knock-Off Transformers Thread]
*[http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Knockoffs/Genertaion1KnockOffs.html Toyarchive.com's Gallery of Generation 1 Knockoffs]
*[http://zobovor.20megsfree.com/knockoffs_archive.html Zobovor's Knockoff Toys Archive (text)]
*[http://pleasesavemerobots.com/scrambledcity/skorbia/index.html SKORBIA-Crazysteve's South Korean Bootleg Information Archive]
*[https://www.instagram.com/tf_kollector/ TF_KOllector Vintage Transformer Bootleg Instagram Gallery]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Toys]]

A Strange Friendship: Cancer and Minerva

2025-04-14T15:02:53Z

JD1337666: /* Trivia */ I thought this was a really interesting piece of info

{{episode|
|series=masterforce
|ep=12
|title="A Strange Friendship: Cancer and Minerva"
|japanese=奇妙な友情キャンサーとミネルバ
|romaji=Kimyō na Yūjō: Cancer to Minerva
|translation=
|image=Strangefriendship.jpg
|caption=They're being forced to sit through ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]''.
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|written by=[[Toyohiro Andō]]
|directed by=[[Hiroki Shibata]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|airdate=[[June 28|28th June]] 1988
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''In an attempt to learn the secrets of the Godmasters, the Autobots capture Cancer, who develops the world's worst case of Stockholm Syndrome.'''

==Synopsis==
Driving down a deserted highway in his [[transtector]] in the dead of night, [[Ginrai (human)|Ginrai]] is suddenly swept up by a tornado and tossed to the side of the road. Thrown from his truck, he lies unconscious for some time before awakening to see a strange, shimmering ball floating in the air above him. Bolts of energy lance from the sphere, and Ginrai attempts to flee, but he is caught by one and trapped in it, unable to cross his [[Master-Brace]]s. Just then, three small figure-eight shapes descend from the sky and fire their own energy at the sphere, causing it to vanish. The figure-eights glow brightly and surround Ginrai...

[[Image:StrangeFriendship Truck punch.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Wilder (G1)|Wilder]] fails miserably at the car smashing bonus level.]]

...who awakes with a start in his bed. The dream has left the [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmaster]] vaguely unsettled, and the feeling is only worsened when he gets in his transtector and discovers that three new sets of Master-Braces have appeared in its glove box! He immediately meets with [[Diver (G1)|Diver]], who contacts [[Metalhawk (G1)|Hawk]], and they arrange for Ginrai to bring the bracelets to the [[Autobot]] base in [[Japan]] for study. The [[Headmaster Junior]]s meet him at the harbour as his ship comes in... but watching from the rooftops nearby are the [[Decepticon]] Juniors, having been dispatched to keep an eye on the situation. As the four Autobots return to their base, the young Decepticons shadow them by moving through the forest at the side of the road, but [[Shūta Gō|Shūta]] spots them, and a battle ensues. Ginrai makes quick work of the three punks, and when [[Wilder (G1)|Wilder]] and [[Bullhorn (G1)|Bullhorn]] come around, they discover that the Autobots have captured [[Cancer (G1)|Cancer]]!

[[Image:StrangeFriendship Ginrai Cancer struggle.jpg|thumb|right|200px|I will let you go Ricky. But first, I want you to say..."I...love...crepes."]]
Back at [[Autobot Base]], Cancer fights and wriggles for all he's worth as Ginrai handcuffs him to a cot, much to [[Minerva (human)|Minerva]]'s disgust. She treats a cut on Cancer's cheek with minimal protestation from the boy, but when she tries offering him a glass of orange drink, he kicks it from her hand, shattering it and cutting her. Shūta and Cab are furious, but still Minerva prevents them from taking out their anger on Cancer. Meanwhile, Ginrai and Hawk attempt a scan of the bracelets Ginrai found, only for the equipment to explode when they attempt to gauge the level of power they contain. There is no doubt that these are the Master-Braces of three future Godmasters, but Ginrai is less than enthused, as his free-floating life is becoming increasingly tied down by what feel like the manipulations of destiny. In a moment of anger, determined to understand properly what is happening to his life, he bursts into Cancer's cell and seizes the boy, demanding that Cancer tell him everything he knows about what Godmasters are. Minerva intervenes, getting Ginrai to back down, and offers Cancer the drink again. He relents and thirstily accepts. The Juniors are ordered from the room, and Ginrai repeats his question. This time, Cancer starts to give him answers...

[[Image:StrangeFriendship Minerva monitors.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
Cancer relates the story of Godmasters as he has been told it by Giga and Mega. Godmasters, Giga claims, are godly beings from the depths of space, who serve as messengers for the Decepticons. The Godmasters currently on Earth came to the planet in the ancient past, although originally, they were not multiple beings, but [[Godmaster (god)|one giant entity]] which split seven "offspring" off from itself when it entered Earth's atmosphere. The seven offspring fell on land, while the main body was buried deep in an ocean trench until the present day, when they awoke, took the form of transtectors, and awaited human life with which to bond. Giga and Mega, it is revealed, are bonded to the [[Overlord (G1)|main body]].

[[Image:StrangeFriendship Minerva thanks Cancer.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Now aware that, although they have only three sets of Master-Braces, there are four more Godmasters hidden somewhere on Earth, the Autobots make a show of releasing Cancer. Ginrai, however, slips a homing beacon onto the back of his shirt as he is taken back to the forest where Wilder and Bullhorn are still searching for him. As Cancer is being transported, [[Hydra (G1)|Hydra]] and [[Buster (G1)|Buster]] rendezvous with the two remaining Decepticon Juniors, arriving on the scene just as Cancer is being set free (with a wayward glance back in Minerva's direction). Hydra instantly spots the homing beacon and crushes it. The signal cutting out allows Ginrai and Hawk to realize that something is wrong, and Ginrai speeds to the Juniors' aid in battle against the Godmasters. Buster, however, has his blaster to Minerva's head... only for Cancer to snatch her away, begging the Godmaster brothers not to kill anyone! Surprised and distracted by this turn of events, Hydra is flattened by Ginrai and orders a retreat. Cancer blushes furiously as Minerva thanks him, claiming that it was merely payback for the drink and rushing off after his comrades.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]] (2)
*[[Diver (G1)|Diver]] (3)
'''Human Autobots'''
*[[Ginrai (human)|Ginrai]] (1)
*[[Shūta Gō]] (12)
*[[Minerva (human)|Minerva]] (13)
*[[Cab (human)|Cab]] (14)
|c2=
*[[Devil Z]] (2)
*[[Blood]] (11)
'''Human Decepticons'''
*[[Giga]] (4)
*[[Mega]] (5)
*[[Cancer (G1)|Cancer]] (6)
*[[Bullhorn (G1)|Bullhorn]] (7)
*[[Wilder (G1)|Wilder]] (8)
*[[Hydra (G1)|Hydra]] (9)
*[[Buster (G1)|Buster]] (10)
}}

==Quotes==
"Man, nothing but the inconceivable happens to me."
:—'''Ginrai'''

"So my tractor-trailer is from outer space..."
:—'''Ginrai''' sums up what they've learnt.

==Notes==
===Continuity errors===
*While their sudden appearance is basically just intended to be creepy and prophetic, the fact is, it's never actually explained where in the hell the other Master-Braces came from (they couldn't simply have been lying in the truck, or Ginrai would have found them when he found his own), nor why they weren't with their own transtectors, the way [[Hydra (G1)|Hydra]] and [[Buster (G1)|Buster]]'s were, or how [[Clouder]]'s will be shown to be later in the series.
*When Shūta transforms shortly before Minerva is taken hostage, he's driving along in his transtector for no apparent reason.

===Continuity notes===
*The sphere of light seen by Ginrai in his prophetic dream is the same mysterious orb that viewers have been occasionally seeing in [[Decepticon Base]]. As we've explained before, it's the Decepticon emperor, [[Devil Z]], but that has not yet been revealed in the show, and the mystery surrounding it only increases with this episode.
*This episode returns to the enigmatic claim made by Mega and Giga that Godmasters are their children, as seen back in "[[A Hero Is Chosen - His Name Is Ginrai]]". We are now able to understand that claim—they are bonded to the "main body" (the identity of which will not be revealed until "[[Super Ginrai Gets Blown Away in the Desert!?]]", a dozen episodes away) from which the other seven Godmaster transtectors split off. Hence, they consider those seven Godmasters their children. HOWEVER, this story does not fit in the slightest with what "[[Shūta and Grand's Masterforce Super-Secrets!]]" reveals about Godmasters and their origins, or, indeed some other things seen in the show itself—least of all why, if they were all originally Decepticons, Ginrai's Master-Braces had Autobot symbols on them from the outset. Go read the [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmaster]] article for the proper origin of these guys. All indications would be that the story related in this episode is a skewed version of the truth, full of lies and half-truths passed on to Giga and Mega by Devil Z. So it's not particularly helpful that it's the ''only'' origin story told in the entire broadcast series.
*The silhouetted figures that Ginrai imagines when thinking of the Godmasters for the first time are, indeed, the animation models for [[Lightfoot (G1)|Lightfoot]] and [[Road King]] at least; the third one doesn't look bulky enough to be [[Ranger]]. However, the second time they are shown, at the end of the episode, none of them really seem to match up.

===Real-world references===
*As well as mysterious bracelets, the glove compartment of Ginrai's truck contains a packet of {{w|Lucky Strike}} cigarettes.
*One of the ships visible in the harbour scene bears a resemblance to the ocean liner ''{{w|SS Canberra|Canberra}}''.
*Cancer seems to have developed {{w|Stockholm syndrome}} in this episode.

===Trivia===
*It is not explicitly stated in the anime how Mega and Giga discovered the transtector with which they became bonded. The ''Super-God Masterforce'' comic, however, reveals that they were a couple who drowned at sea. Drifting to the bottom of the chasm where the transtector lay, they were restored to life by Devil Z and bonded with it.
*The scene of Cancer being handcuffed to his bed is animated by future industry legend Mitsuo Iso, director of such anime as ''Dennou Coil''.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Friendship is Born'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 19]], [[1990]]

:*''Title:'' "'''A Strange Friendship: Squeezeplay and Minerva'''" ([[Shout! Factory]] sub)

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''È nata un'amicizia'''" ("A friendship is born")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*When Minerva gives Cancer the glass, she tells him to drink "a bit of water" and then, when she gives him another glass of... the same thing, she asks him if he wants "a bit of lemonade". Really, what's inside those glasses?!

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|jsubs}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Super-God Masterforce'' — DVD Box 01 ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — The Takara Collection Vol 2 — ''Transformers: Super-God Masterforce'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2008 — ''The Transformers: Super God Masterforce'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Super-God Masterforce'' (Shout! Factory)

{{DEFAULTSORT:Strange Friendship: Cancer and Minerva}}
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce episodes]]

Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)

2024-06-10T14:57:28Z

JD1337666: /* Prominent adaptational changes */

{{disambig3.5|the 2001 cartoon|the 2015 cartoon|Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise}}
{{picsneeded}}
{{nav-rid2001}}
[[File:Ridcartoon.jpg|200px|thumb|The George Lazenby of major ''Transformers'' iterations.]]

'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise''''', known as '''''Transformers: Car Robots''''' (トランスフォーマーカーロボット) in Japan, is the first Japanese-original ''Transformers'' cartoon ever officially dubbed and broadcast for a US audience. Debuting about eighteen months after its Japanese incarnation, it aired—not without problems—from [[September 8]], [[2001]] to [[March 30]], [[2002]], in support of the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|toyline]] of the same name.

{{bigquote|Only Koji and the Autobots can save the Earth from the evil Predacons! The Predacons have been battling the Autobots for thousands of years, but this time, they're kidnapped the world's greatest minds, including Dr. Onishi, a brilliant scientist. Optimus Prime, the leader of the Autobots has dispatched his troops to try to save Onishi and the others, enlisting the help of Koji, Onishi's son. But can these heroes outwit the evil Megatron, leader of the Predacons in time to save the Earth?|"About The Show"|[http://web.archive.org/web/20020124163134/http://www.foxkids.com/tvshows/transformers/about.asp FoxKids.com]}}
{{TOCclear}}

==Story==
[[File:RiD Cartoon Intro Title.JPG|thumb|upright=1.15|left|There's the signpost up ahead... your next stop: The T-AI-Light Zone.]]
When Earth is targeted by [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] and his [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]], [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and his Autobots prepare for their coming by installing themselves in secret among human society, masquerading as everyday vehicles used by humankind with no knowledge of their true nature. When Megatron strikes and kidnaps famous scientist [[Kenneth Onishi|Dr. Kenneth Onishi]], the Autobots ally with his son [[Koji Onishi|Koji]] to rescue him before Megatron can pry from his mind the truth about an ancient secret hidden somewhere on Earth.

After successfully re-energizing his ailing craft, the ''[[Megastar]]'', Megatron rips the first clue from Doctor Onishi's mind, and tracks the location of an ancient Cybertronian [[O-Part]], only to lose it to the Autobots. Incensed by failure, Megatron recovers six Autobot [[protoform]]s from a crashed spaceship and brainwashes them into the [[Decepticon]]s, led by the dark clone of Optimus Prime, [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]]. These new warriors prove much tougher opponents for the Autobots, who then have to deal with attacks from their own side when Optimus Prime's embittered brother, [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]], arrives on Earth to steal the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] from Prime. Realizing the Matrix can be shared between them, the brothers put aside their differences and gain the power to combine into [[Omega Prime]], as well as using the Matrix's power to give the [[Autobot Brothers]] new super-charged bodies.

Fearful of losing his position to Scourge, the bumbling [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] accidentally frees Doctor Onishi when he attempts to use the scientist to locate all the remaining missing O-Parts. Onishi is then able to help the Autobots gather all the O-Parts, which together form a map that points the way to [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]], an ancient Cybertronian battle station hidden on Earth for untold ages and controlled by the will of human children. The awakening of Maximus in turn awakens Scourge's ambition, and he leaves Megatron to perish in a collapsing temple so that he can take command for himself. Megatron, however, is transformed into the more-powerful Galvatron and puts down Scourge's rebellion before confronting Omega Prime in a final battle at the [[Earth's core]], where he is defeated by the [[Matrix Blade]] created by a fusion of Maximus's energy with Magnus and Prime's Matrix.

==Cast==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Autobot#2001 Robots in Disguise|Autobots]]|c1=
{{collist|2|
;Main Cast
*[[Omega Prime]] ([[Daniel Riordan]])
**[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Neil Kaplan]])
**[[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] ([[Kim Strauss]])
*[[T-AI]] ([[Sandy Fox]])
*[[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] ([[Wayne C. Lewis]])
*[[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] ([[Wally Wingert]])
*[[X-Brawn]] ([[Bob Joles]])
*[[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]] ([[Steve Blum]])
**[[Emissary (RID)|The Emissary]]
**[[Cerebros (RID)|Cerebros]] ([[Steve Kramer]])
;[[Team Bullet Train]]
*[[Rail Racer (RID)|Rail Racer]] ([[David Lodge]])
**[[Railspike (RID)|Railspike]] ([[Mike Reynolds]])
**[[Rapid Run (RID)|Rapid Run]] ([[Keith Diamond]])
**[[Midnight Express (RID)|Midnight Express]] (David Lodge)
;[[Spychanger]]s
*[[Hot Shot (RID)|Hot Shot]] ([[Michael McConnohie]])
*[[R.E.V.]] (Steve Kramer)
*[[Crosswise (RID)|Crosswise]] ([[Dan Woren]])
*[[W.A.R.S.]] (Steve Blum)
*[[Ironhide (RID)|Ironhide]] (Michael McConnohie)
*[[Mirage (RID)|Mirage]] (Wally Wingert)
;[[Build Team (RID)|Build Team]]
*[[Landfill (RID)|Landfill]] ([[Michael Reisz]])
**[[Wedge (RID)|Wedge]] (Michael Reisz)
**[[Heavy Load (RID)|Heavy Load]] ([[Daran Norris]])
**[[Hightower (RID)|Hightower]] ([[Joe Ochman]])
**[[Grimlock (RID 2001)|Grimlock]] ([[Tom Wyner]])
;Others
*[[Skid-Z (RID)|Skid-Z]] ([[Michael Lindsay]])
*[[Tow-Line (RID)|Tow-Line]] ([[Lex Lang]])
}}

|h2=Antagonists |c2=
;[[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]
*[[Megatron (RID)|Megatron/Galvatron]] (Daniel Riordan)
*[[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] ([[Peter Spellos]])
*[[Predacon Field Squadron]]
**[[Slapper (RID)|Slapper]] ([[Peter Lurie]])
**[[Gas Skunk]] ([[Jerry DeCapua]])
**[[Dark Scream]] (Steve Blum)
;[[Decepticon]]s
*[[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]] ([[Barry Stigler]])
*[[Commando (RID)|Commandos]]: [[Ruination (RID)|Ruination]] ([[Bob Papenbrook]])
**[[Mega-Octane]] (Bob Papenbrook)
**[[Ro-Tor (RID)|Ro-Tor]] (Neil Kaplan)
**[[Armorhide (RID)|Armorhide]] ([[Richard Epcar]])
**[[Rollbar (RID)|Rollbar]] (Michael Lindsay)
**[[Movor]] ([[Robert Axelrod]])

|c3=
;Main Cast
*[[Koji Onishi]] ([[Jason Spisak]])
*[[Kelly (RID)|Kelly]] ([[Philece Sampler]])

;Others
*[[Kenneth Onishi|Doctor Kenneth Onishi]] ([[Kirk Thornton]])
*[[Dorie Dutton]] ([[Tifanie Christun]])
*[[Carl (RID)|Carl]] ([[Joshua Seth]])
*[[Jenny (RID)|Jenny]] ([[Colleen O'Shaughnessey]])
|nonumbering=true
}}

==Episodes==
{{main|List of Robots in Disguise (2001) episodes}}

The three clip shows of ''Robots in Disguise'' differ between the English and Japanese versions. Both are listed at the appropriate numbers.

{{collist|4|
#[[Battle Protocol!]]
#[[An Explosive Situation]]
#[[Bullet Train to the Rescue]]
#[[Spychangers to the Rescue]]
#[[The Hunt for Black Pyramid]]
#[[The Secret of the Ruins]]
#[[Sideburn's Obsession]]
#[[Secret Weapon: D-5]]
#[[Mirage's Betrayal]]
#[[Skid Z's Choice]]
#[[Tow-Line Goes Haywire]]
#[[The Ultimate Robot Warrior]]
#[[Hope for the Future]]{{dag|red}} [[Gigatron's Ambitions Revealed!]]{{dag|red}}
#[[The Decepticons]]
#[[Commandos]]
#[[Volcano (episode)|Volcano]]
#[[Attack from Outer Space]]
#[[The Test (episode)|The Test]]
#[[The Fish Test]]
#[[Wedge's Short Fuse]]
#[[Landfill (episode)|Landfill]]
#[[Sky-Byte Saves the Day]]
#[[A Test of Metal]]
#[[Ultra Magnus (episode)|Ultra Magnus]]
#[[Ultra Magnus: Forced Fusion!]]
#[[Lessons of the Past]]{{dag|red}} [[Assemble! New Troops]]{{dag|red}}
#[[The Two Faces of Ultra Magnus]]
#[[Power to Burn!]]
#[[Fortress Maximus (episode)|Fortress Maximus]]
#[[Koji Gets His Wish]]
#[[A Friendly Contest]]
#[[Peril from the Past]]
#[[Maximus Emerges]]
#[[The Human Element]]
#[[Mystery of the Ultra Magnus]]{{dag|red}} [[Gelshark's Blues]]{{dag|red}}
#[[Mistaken Identity]]
#[[Surprise Attack!]]
#[[Galvatron's Revenge]]
#[[The Final Battle (RID)|The Final Battle]]
}}
{{dag|red}} ''[[Clip show]]''

==Original Japanese release==
{{Nav-cr}}
[[File:CarRobots poster.jpg|thumb|200px|]]
Running from [[April 5]] to [[December 17]], [[2000]] immediately following the conclusion of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)#Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Metals|Beast Wars Metals]]'', ''Transformers: Car Robots'' inherited the by-then-traditional ''Transformers'' slot at [[TV Tokyo]] from [[Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers|Japan's ''Beast Wars'' franchise]], airing at 6:30 PM on Wednesdays. ''Car Robots'' utilized the same traditional cel-based 2D animation as prior Japanese-only productions ''[[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars II]]'' and ''[[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Neo (cartoon)|Beast Wars Neo]]'', and featured a healthy contingent of returning cast and crew. In a major change from prior productions, principal animation duties were handled by [[Studio Gallop]] and [[Dong Woo Animation]] rather than long-time ''Transformers'' veterans [[Ashi Productions]]. The cartoon was produced by [[We've]], [[Nihon Ad Systems]], and (unsurprisingly) TV Tokyo, all also returning from the Japanese ''Beast Wars'' seasons and all of whom would return for the [[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|''Armada'' cartoon]] in [[2002]].

Still set on [[Earth]] at the turn of the century, the story of original ''Car Robots'' cartoon features a subtly distinct framing from ''Robots in Disguise'' as it follows a "[[Dimensional Patrol]]" led by "[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Fire Convoy]]" protecting the planet and its long-lost Cybertronian artifacts from the ambitions of the evil "[[Megatron (RID)|Gigatron]]" and his new "[[Predacon (BW)#Japanese Generation 1 continuity|Destronger]]" faction.

What exactly that *means* was the subject of [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)#The continuity kerfuffle|no small amount of confusion]], but to skip to the end, ''Car Robots'' is the final Japan-exclusive season of the behemoth [[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]], with a cast composed of all new characters, having time-traveled from the distant future some time after the events of ''Neo''.

''Car Robots''<nowiki>'</nowiki> opening song is "[[Honō no Overdrive: Car Robot Cybertron|Honō no Overdrive ~Car Robot Cybertron~]]" and its ending theme is "[[Marionette]]".

==Continuity==
[[File:Convoy and Fire Convoy.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|In Japan, these two are completely [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|separate]] [[Optimus Prime (RID)|characters]] in the [[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity|same universe]]. In the West, they are instead [[Generation 1 continuity family|alternate]]-[[Robots in Disguise continuity family|universe]] versions of the [[Optimus Prime (disambiguation)|same character]].]]
{{main|Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)#The continuity kerfuffle}}
When the series first aired in Japan as ''Car Robots'', and then later in the West as ''Robots in Disguise'', it was initially the subject of great debate and confusion, continuity-wise, within the [[fandom|''Transformers'' fandom]].

While not initially clear at the time, evidence from both pre-series production materials and post-series additions made by Takara indicate that ''Car Robots'' was always supposed to have been part of the larger Japanese continuity of series that had come before it. However, this was simply not made clear in the cartoon itself, which instead presented itself as a mostly standalone series. While such series as the ''[[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' and ''[[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars II]]'' cartoons were similarly standalone, both of them had a brief guest appearance by a familiar face ([[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]], respectively) to help connect them to their immediate predecessors (''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|The Headmasters]]'' and ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''). By contrast, ''Car Robots'' received no such treatment; there were no guest appearances from any previous series' characters, nor any other obvious indications that the series actually took place in the same world as the shows that came before it.

There were hints, though. Small references to things originally from ''Beast Wars II'', ''[[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Neo (cartoon)|Beast Wars Neo]]'', ''The Headmasters'', and even the American ''Beast Wars'' series. In hindsight, it has become apparent that these little nods ''were'' meant to help tie ''Car Robots'' back into the preceding Japanese continuity, but most of them came during the series' latter half. By that point, the majority of fans had largely given up on thinking of ''Car Robots'' as part of the existing continuity, and had instead grown to perceive it as the first brand new continuity. Anyone who did catch these references (which, admittedly, were also presented rather subtly) simply wrote them off as fan service-y aspects of the series' rebooted continuity, rather than their intended means of directly tying ''Car Robots'' back in with its predecessors.

When the show was brought over to the West as ''Robots in Disguise'', it was unquestionably treated as a new continuity separate from everything that had come before it. The English dub's scripts were written to indicate that this was a unique world of "Autobots vs. Predacons", as opposed to the traditional setup of "Autobots vs. Decepticons" or even the [[Beast Era]]'s "Maximals vs. Predacons/Vehicons" cases. Though the series would later introduce a group of Decepticons into the mix, they were explicitly depicted as an offshoot of the Predacons, a reverse of the normal relationship between the two. While the dub scripts also added even more overt references to past series, they were done in such a way that made the series even less compatible with either the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] or the [[Marvel Comics continuity]].

Since the concept of continuity reboots was still very new to ''Transformers'' at the time, some fans in the West initially didn't know what to make of ''Robots in Disguise'', confused over how it could possibly fit with any of the three English-language cartoons that had come before it. The aforementioned added references in the English dub certainly sparked numerous debates in the western fandom over how the series could possibly fit with any of the three preceding Transformers cartoons. But as the fandom grew to better understand the nature of reboots, ''Robots in Disguise'' became better accepted as such, helped along by the next series, ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Transformers: Armada]]'', being the first unambiguous continuity-reboot on ''both'' sides of the Pacific, and but one of many more major reboots yet to come.

All seemed to make sense until the mid-2000s, when Takara began to make more additions to their original ''Transformers'' continuity and even started to really organize everything together. Such additions as ''[[Transformers: The Battle of the Star Gate|The Battle of the Star Gate]]'', ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'', ''[[The Transformers: Binaltech Asterisk|Binaltech Asterisk]]'', and ''[[Transformers: Kiss Players (franchise)|Kiss Players]]'' made multiple efforts to illustrate the fact that ''Car Robots'' really had been part of the [[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]] all along. This was initially met with much shock and confusion by the fans, who had long since accepted ''Car Robots'' to be just as much of a reboot as its ''Robots in Disguise'' counterpart. Evidently, Takara never felt this way and always viewed ''Car Robots'' as merely the final televised installment of the original Japanese G1 continuity,<ref>That is, until ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' was later dubbed in Japanese and aired in Japan in [[2004]] as ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)#Japanese release|Beast Wars Returns]]'', making ''Car Robots'' instead the second-to-last "[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity|JG1]]" cartoon.</ref> regardless of how much the fandom had felt otherwise thanks to ''Car Robots'' itself having been so halfhearted on the matter.

And with the English ''Robots in Disguise'' version remaining a distinctly non-G1 entity unrelated to any other series, what is left is the unique situation of one show that is simultaneously both a part and ''not'' a part of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]], depending on which language version of the show one watches. When viewed in Japanese, ''Car Robots'' is set in the same universe as the Japanese versions of all of the Generation 1 and ''Beast Wars'' cartoons from [[1985]]–[[2000]]. While, when viewed in English, ''Robots in Disguise'' takes place in [[Robots in Disguise continuity family|its own separate continuity family]], in a brand new reality where the dominant factions on Planet Cybertron are Autobots and Predacons, while the Decepticons are a new subfaction of the Predacons.

==Production==
When [[Hasbro]] scrapped their plans for the ''[[Transtech]]'' series that was initially intended to follow ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'', material was suddenly needed to fill the void until a new series could be developed. At the eleventh hour, the Japanese series ''Car Robots'', which had screened in Japan the previous year, was selected for this task, and in the process, it became the first ''Transformers'' anime to make the leap across the Pacific in an official capacity. Although "only" filler, the series marked a partial return to the roots of Transformers fiction, reintroducing the Autobot and Decepticon factions and [[insignia]]s and realistic modern Earth vehicles to the brand, after the [[Beast Era]]'s five years of [[Maximal]]s, [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s and [[alternate mode]]s based on animals or abstract/futuristic vehicles.

Given Takara's method of operation at the time, ''Car Robots'' was aimed at a younger audience than that targeted by Hasbro, meaning that it featured a more light-hearted, comedic tone overall, with storylines that were typically light or goofy and sometimes relied on bad jokes, absurd imagery and slapstick. This approach divided fans, but regardless, comic foil [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] became the real breakout character of the series and a fan-favourite whose enduring popularity saw him break into the top five nominations for the [[Transformers Hall of Fame/2012|2012 Transformers Hall of Fame]]'s fan vote.

The animation of the series, meanwhile, was cel-based, a significant change from the CGI that had been a hallmark of ''Transformers'' television series in the US since 1996. In-keeping with the show's general tone, the cartoon features many standard anime light-comedy stylings, and is replete with overdone facial expressions, comic effects like sweat drops surrounding a character's head to signify confusion or consternation, and the traditional streaked background behind the character for high-action shots or [[stock footage]] transformation/attack sequences.

The ''Robots in Disguise'' English dub was produced by [[Saban Entertainment]], who were riding high at the time with the early 21st Century anime boom in full force, and broadcast on the [[Fox Kids]] programming block, which was at the peak of its popularity. The series was subject to some notable editing and re-writing in the traditional Saban style ([[#Prominent adaptational changes|see below]]). As a dubbed product, most of the voice actors involved in the series, though veterans of other Saban properties, had never worked on a Transformers series before, save for actor/director [[Michael McConnohie]].

Perhaps the best-remembered element of ''Robots in Disguise''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s legacy, however, was the fate that befell it following the [[September 11]], 2001, terrorist attacks, which occurred after only two episodes of the series had been broadcast. A scramble resulted to re-edit multiple episodes of the series before they reached air to remove scenes that were considered distasteful after these events, but as the first two-thirds of the series was airing ''six days a week'', this quickly left the series airing in a somewhat disjointed, slightly out-of-order fashion, with sheer misfortune causing the majority of episodes effected to be ones that dealt with the show's already sporadically-referenced ongoing [[O-Part]]s plot. The first victim was "[[The Secret of the Ruins]]", production on which had already been finished, and had to be pulled from broadcast to be re-written. A trio of episodes—"[[Attack from Outer Space]]", "[[Landfill (episode)|Landfill]]" and "[[Sky-Byte Saves the Day]]"—could not be salvaged and were simply not aired in the US at all; it seems that at least two of the English dub's three clip shows (see "Prominent adaptational changes", below) were specifically created to patch over the holes in the plot that resulted from the removal of these "banned" episodes (though these three did later air in the [[United Kingdom]] and [[Canada]] with their questionable plot elements intact).

The Walt Disney Company acquired ownership of ''Robots in Disguise'' when it purchased Saban's assets in late 2001. Disney's ownership and apparent lack of desire to do anything with the show has resulted in it being the only American-broadcast Transformers cartoon to not be even partially released on DVD in the United States (though the complete series was released in the UK). Although Saban did reacquire several of their programmes in 2010, there is presently no evidence that ''Robots in Disguise'' was among them. Due to these factors, as of this writing, it remains the sole cartoon released in English-language markets that Hasbro does not retain full ownership of.

===Prominent adaptational changes===
[[File:FishTest removed reaction shots.jpg|thumb|200px]]
As tended to be the wont of Saban productions, ''Robots in Disguise'' was altered from the original Japanese ''Car Robots'' in multiple ways—some subtle, others less so. Dialogue would, for the most part, stick to the intent of the original, but at times certain conversations could be about entirely different things in English versus Japanese; as a lighthearted show, ''Car Robots'' is particularly fond of Japanese cultural humor and wordplay, and ''Robots in Disguise'' often had to work around such exchanges, replacing them with English-language jokes that could either be comparable or entirely different. Several characters' personalities were entirely reworked for the English dub; Dark Scream, for instance, lost the samurai overtones of his Japanese counterpart and became more thuggish in character, Megatron became incredibly theatrical and prone to explosive tantrums, Rapid Run went from being a gruff, older warrior into a young, cool dude, and Midnight Express was changed from the timid, junior member of Team Bullet Train into a British fusspot, to name a few.

The total episode count was originally slated to be 36, reduced from the Japanese version's 39 by removing the three [[clip show]]s that were originally part of ''Car Robots''.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Unlike the Japanese series, this show will feature 36 episodes, removing the three "clip shows" that only featured cuts of old footage with the voices of characters discussing the various scenes in the off screen. |link=http://web.archive.org/web/20010716204134/http://www.bwtf.com/rid/intro/|title=''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' (Introduction)|name=[[Ben Yee]]|site=Ben's World of Transformers|year=2001}}</ref> Serving mostly as digressions from the series' storytelling, these clip shows were presented in a format where the characters' disembodied voices simply talked over various recycled clips like a radio production—a practise not uncommon for Japanese anime clip shows but very uncommon for children's television in the West. As such, these three episodes added very little to the plot, making them easily skippable by the English dub.

However, when the aforementioned September 11, 2001 attacks called for the removal of three ''other'' episodes, the American production team created three brand ''new'' clip shows whole cloth from reused footage, in order to fill in some of the story gaps left by the three "banned" episodes. Although, the banned episodes did eventually air in both Canada and the United Kingdom, which ended up restoring the series' total episode count back to 39, matching the same original number of ''Car Robots'' episodes. And when the series was released on DVD in the UK, the three dub-original clip shows were placed in the same spots as the original Japanese clip shows (to varying results, continuity-wise).

The visuals of the show were also edited, with new CGI [[scene transition]]s based on the classic [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]] transitions inserted into the proceedings, sometimes in place of the simple wipes used in ''Car Robots''. In the early portion of the series, CGI "POV" overlays were occasionally added as characters targeted their opponents for attack, though this particular practise was not employed much as the series went on. The entire soundtrack of the show was also changed, with new tunes for ''Robots in Disguise'' being provided by Saban mainstays [[Shuki Levy]] and [[Paul Gordon]] as well as [[Glenn Scott Lacey]], and heavily altered sound effects.

Perhaps one of the most notable traits of the ''Robots in Disguise'' dub was the insertion of numerous references to other ''Transformers'' series, typically added to scripts by Hasbro employee [[Andrew Frankel]] after they were submitted for approval—though this did create some debate in the fandom (as noted above in "[[#Continuity|Continuity]]").

Outside of these major overarching examples, there are sometimes other changes both major and minor made to the content of individual episodes for numerous reasons. {{SITENAME SHORT}} notes such changes on the individual episode articles.
{{--}}

===Credits===
{{see|Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)/credits}}

==Home video releases==
===''Car Robots''===
[[File:Tf car robots vol 01.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85]]
{{main|Pony Canyon}}
The ''Car Robots'' version of ''Robots in Disguise'' was released on VHS and DVD by Pony Canyon in [[Japan]] while the series was still on air.
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 1 (2000)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 2 (2000)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 3 (2000)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 4 (2000)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 5 (2000)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 6 (2001)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 7 (2001)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 8 (2001)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 9 (2001)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 10 (2001)
{{--}}

===2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon===
[[File:RiD Box Set 1.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85]]
{{main|Maximum Entertainment}}
Maximum Entertainment, in association with [[Fox Kids|Jetix]], released the entire ''RiD'' series in the UK... several times.
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Volume One (2004)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Three-Disc Box Set: Part 1 of 2 (2004)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Three-Disc Box Set: Part 2 of 2 ([[April 15]] 2005)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Battle Protocol (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Evil Intent (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Battling the Predacons (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — 3 DVD Mega Pack (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise / RoboCop: The Animated Series / M.A.S.K.'' (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise / Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation / Action Man'' (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Special Edition 2-Disc Set (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Season One (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Season Two (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Ultimate Collection (2008)

===Italy===
{{main|Stormovie}}
Stormovie released ''RiD'' in Italy, but... not entirely. At first the first 16 episodes were released in 4 DVDs, then the series was interrupted and later they released two "movies" made of various episodes. While the first one is just five episodes back to back, the second one is slightly messier, being made of five episodes back to back with two 1-minute clips from other episodes to stitch them (the scene in "[[Koji Gets His Wish]]" where Scourge lets Sky-Byte go to search for Cerebros and the part of "[[Maximus Emerges]]" when the Autobots find Cerebros), but still kinda confusing since the beginning part of "[[Surprise Attack!]]" has the characters talking about things that were left out from the "movie".
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Volume 1''' (2005)
:Contains episodes 1-4.
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Volume 2''' (2005)
:Contains episodes 5-8.
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Volume 3''' (2005)
:Contains episodes 9-12.
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Volume 4''' (2005)
:Contains episodes 13-16.
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Il Film''' (2007)
:Collage movie made from episodes [[Battle Protocol!|1]], [[An Explosive Situation|2]], [[The Decepticons|14]], [[Volcano (episode)|16]] and [[The Fish Test|19]].
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Il Film: Battaglia Finale''' (2007)
:Collage movie made from episodes [[Fortress Maximus (episode)|29]], [[Koji Gets His Wish|30]], [[Peril from the Past|32]], [[Maximus Emerges|33]], [[Surprise Attack!|37]], [[Galvatron's Revenge|38]] and [[The Final Battle (RID)|39]].
{{--}}

==Notes==
* ''Robots in Disguise'' is the lone ''Transformers'' show that aired between 1996 and 2006 that does not feature a Canadian voice cast for its English language release, being recorded in [[Los Angeles]], [[California]]; all others, including its [[Beast Era]] predecessors and its [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]] successors, were recorded in Vancouver, [[British Columbia]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers: Car Robots''''' (トランスフォーマーカーロボット ''Toransufōmā Kā Robotto'')
*''Korean:'' '''''Jeonguiui Yongsa: Car Bot''''' (정의의 용사 카봇, "Brave Heroes of Justice: Car-Bots")
*''Portuguese:'' '''''Transformers: A Nova Geração''''' (Brazil, "Transformers: The New Generation")
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers: Nueva Generación''''' (Latin America, "Transformers: New Generation")

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.ridforever.info RiD Forever]
*{{w|lang=ja|トランスフォーマーカーロボット|''Transformers Car Robots'' on Japanese Wikipedia}}
*[https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/carobot/index.html ''Transformers: Car Robots'' on TVTokyo]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Robots in Disguise (cartoon)}}
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001)| ]]
[[Category:Television series]]

Drop

2024-06-09T05:52:01Z

JD1337666:

{{lowercase}}
'''drop''' (ドロップ) was a Japanese animation studio established in 2004 as an offshoot to the now-defunct animation studio Tama Production (who themselves would provide key animation to the [[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]] anime). They primarily worked within the realm of animation subcontracting, with credits including anime such as ''Aku no Hana'', ''Naruto Shippuden'', ''Yuri!!! on Ice'', ''Subete ga F ni Naru: The Perfect Insider'', ''Parasyte -the maxim-'', the 2008 ''Yatterman'' series, ''Black Clover'', and [[The Answer Studio]]'s ''Golgo 13'' adaptation, as well as the music video to Radiohead's 15 Step. The studio declared bankruptcy in 2018 and is now defunct.

They were one of the two studios (alongside [[GONZO]]) hired by [[Polygon Pictures]] to do the 2D animation effects and background paint for the 2015 [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|''Robots in Disguise'']] series and assisted [[Tatsunoko Production]] with the production of [[Triple Combination: Transformers Go! (cartoon)|''Transformers Go!'']].

==''Transformers'' work==
*''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)]]'' ([[Deep Trouble (RID)|Deep Trouble]], [[Lockout]], [[Battlegrounds, Part 1]] in season 1; [[Overloaded, Part 1]]-onward)
*[[Triple Combination: Transformers Go! (cartoon)|''Transformers Go!'']] (Key, finish and inbetween animation for Samurai episode 2)

==External Links==
*[http://www.web-drop.co.jp/top/index.html Official Site]
*[http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/company.php?id=4829 ANN Encyclopedia]

[[Category:Animation companies]]

War of the Dinobots

2023-08-03T04:25:37Z

JD1337666: /* Rhino DVD release */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=10
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=8
|prev2=S.O.S. Dinobots
|next2=Countdown to Extinction (episode)
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=14
|prev3=Prime Target (episode)
|next3=Atlantis, Arise!
|image=Wotd wheeljack meteorite.jpg
|caption=
|title="War of the Dinobots"
|season=1
|season ep=10
|production code=#700-07
|airdate=[[November 24]], 1984
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCiGsIbZsPI
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''Snarl and Swoop are added to the Dinobot roster... and just in time!'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:WaroftheDinos Meteorite.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Meteorini Chipper—ah, forget it.]]
At an observatory, [[Chip Chase]] and his colleague [[Jeff (astronomer)|Jeff]] spot an [[Meteorini Chipperoni|unidentified meteor]] through the telescope. Its strange readings cause Chip to call in the [[Autobot]]s, who soon arrive. Chip's already calculated when and where the meteor will land, and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] decides that the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] will be useful backup when it does.

At Decepticon headquarters, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is watching video footage of the Dinobots and raging about how the dim-witted robots have defeated his warriors. Though [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] protests that the Dinobots are brilliant as warriors, Megatron insists they must have weaknesses and orders [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] to find them.

Soundwave finds the Autobots in a derelict area waiting for the meteor to arrive. The Autobots take cover as the meteor crashes down. Once it has crash-landed, Optimus announces that they must analyze it, and blasts a clunk off for [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] to take back to [[Ark (G1)|headquarters]]. Leaving the Dinobots to guard the meteorite, the Autobots roll out for home. As they drive, Optimus announces that he's decided to get [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] and Wheeljack to build two more Dinobots, and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] and Chip offer to help. Back at base, Chip selects a ''Stegosaurus'' and a ''Pteranodon'' for the [[alternate mode]]s of the new Dinobots.

[[File:War of the dinos 1.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Me Grimlock say "Pull!"]]
At the meteor site, Soundwave scans the Dinobots' brains while in hiding and reports back to Megatron. The Decepticon leader declares [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] is arrogant, [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] is hostile, and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] is stupid. He vows to use those weaknesses against the Dinobots.

Megatron's forces arrive at the meteorite's location, and after the Dinobots trash the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]], Megatron comes forth and feigns humility. He wonders aloud why the Dinobots, as powerful as they are, follow a weaker leader such as Optimus Prime. The Dinobots debate Megatron's logic and conclude that Grimlock should be leader and they need to destroy Optimus Prime. The three seekers spirit away the meteorite, and Megatron suggests a plan to the Dinobots which will help them eliminate Optimus.

[[File:WaroftheDinos construction.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Dinobots—built to rule!]]
At the Autobot base, Prime and Ratchet oversee construction of two new Dinobots: [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]. During this, Wheeljack discovers the meteorite's energy is highly unstable. [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] manages to encase the fragment in a force field just before it detonates. Fearing a huge explosion, Optimus Prime rushes out alone to warn the Dinobots.

At the base, Ratchet and Wheeljack have Snarl and Swoop do a test run of their powers. [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]], [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]], [[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] and [[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] attempt to stop the new Dinobots, but get their cans soundly kicked, though Bluestreak claims the Autobots would have won if the fight was for real.

Prime arrives at the crash site to find the meteorite gone. As he attempts to contact headquarters, the Dinobots attack him and he reluctantly fights back. Though he puts up a good fight, Optimus is unable to defeat the Dinobots by himself. Despite his pleas that they're friends, the Dinobots blast him unconscious, however, Grimlock stops Slag from finishing their former leader off, a restraint that Prime attributes to their Autobot training. The Dinobots instead take Prime to the Decepticons. In a nearby canyon, the Decepticons are draining energy from the meteorite, though Starscream's warning that the energy appears unstable is dismissed by Megatron. The Decepticon leader is outraged when the Dinobots turn up with Optimus. When Starscream asserts that Grimlock won't destroy Optimus because he's soft, the Dinobot leader shoots Starscream. Optimus attempts to warn Megatron about the unstable nature of the meteorite, but Megatron believes he's lying.

[[File:Grimlockapologize.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"Um… please let go. That hurts." "You mine now…"]]
At Autobot headquarters, [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] and Chip are concerned because Optimus hasn't reported in. [[Teletraan I]] alerts Wheeljack that the meteorite has been moved and is about ready to blow. Snarl and Swoop are sent to stop it.

Megatron finally notices that the energon cubes they've been filling are unstable, moments before the pile of cubes explodes, throwing the nearby Decepticons aside. Starscream is in mid "I told you so" when Swoop and Snarl arrive. A vicious battle ensues, during which the two new Dinobots appear to be equal to the three original Dinobots and the evenly-match fight shows no sign of abating. A blow from Snarl sends Grimlock dangerously near the destabilized meteorite, and as the Decepticons flee, Prime pushes Grimlock to safety, shielding his body as the meteorite explodes.

Realizing that Prime is both strong and has concern for his troops, Grimlock orders the Dinobots to attack Megatron. The Decepticons retreat, and Grimlock asks for Prime's forgiveness as the other Autobots arrive. However, Optimus Prime merely declares that the meteorite menace is over and they should go home.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{collist|2|
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (3)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (4)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (5)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (6)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (7)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (14)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (15)
*[[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] (16)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (19)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (20)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (21)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (22)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (23)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (24)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (25)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (26)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (27)
}}
|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (8)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (9)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (10)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (11)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (12)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (13)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (18)
|c3=
*[[Chip Chase]] (1)
*[[Jeff (astronomer)|Jeff]] (2)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (7)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (17)
}}

==Quotes==
"Well, meteor or no meteor, Optimus Prime, it's great not worrying about the Decepticons for a change." 
"I always worry about the Decepticons, Spike."
:—'''Spike Witwicky''' learns that '''Optimus Prime''' ''really'' needs a vacation.

"I’ve seen enough! My finest warriors defeated by those primitive, pea-brained beasts. Revolting!"
:—'''Megatron''' on the Decepticons' failure to defeat the Dinobots.

"No matter how many times I see it, it's always outrageous."
:—'''Chip Chase''', wondering if they are [[Jem|truly truly outrageous]].

'''Grimlock''': "We destroy Optimus Prime!" 
'''Slag''': "And him, Grimlock, be new leader!" 
'''Sludge''': "Hail him, Grimlock!"
:—The Dinobots plan their coup.

"Great! I'm finally gonna get in a fight!"
:—'''Sideswipe''', finally seeing some action after being largely ignored for several episodes.

"In a ''real'' fight, we'd've creamed 'em! ...mmm, maybe."
:—'''Bluestreak''', after getting pummeled by the new Dinobots

"I do not want to fight you, but you leave me no choice."
:—'''Optimus Prime''''s warning to the Dinobots.

"You, Megatron, tricked us! Make us fight good leader, Optimus Prime. Prime risk own life to save us. Bad Megatron!" 
"Decepticons, retreat now, quick, at once!"
:—'''Grimlock''' switches allegiances again and puts the fear of God into '''Megatron'''.

"Optimus Prime, can you forgive? Me Grimlock was jealous of you."
:—'''Grimlock''', actually showing humility for once.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 6th July 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 15th July 1984
* Final script: 22nd July 1984
* Returned to the US for telecine: 16th November 1984

===Continuity notes===
*The footage of the Dinobots that the Decepticons watch doesn't match up with any scene from their previous appearance ("[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]"), implying that the Decepticons have had at least one more run-in with the Dinobots since then.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Prime can... make his fist crackle with energy??
**Soundwave can snake out a long tentacle-like listening bud, to cover whatever distances between him and his subject he can't cover.
**He can also (in accord with his [[bio]]) remotely mind-read other Transformers, this time by means of a little widget that pops out of his head with a doofy-sounding ''DOING!'' noise.
**The Seekers can deploy grappling claws at the end of long cables.
**Ironhide creates metal by spraying it out of his fingertips onto the floor.
**Prowl uses a laser fired from his retracted wrist to slice the metal into smaller pieces.
**This may be the most bizarre implementation of Trailbreaker's force field ever. To contain the meteorite fragment's explosion, he starts ''spinning'', disappearing into a black blur. One might presume that this is done to invert the force field, keeping the damaging forces inside instead of outside. (Using this ability causes him to vanish from the animation!)
**When he first appears Snarl is seen holding his sword, the first of the very rare times ''any'' of the Dinobots' swords appear.
**Swoop can extend his robot arms in dino mode if he needs to give somebody a good shove.
*The derelict area where the meteor lands is shown to be across the river from a somewhat largish city which goes unidentified during the course of the episode.
*Huffer has evidently changed his tune about the Dinobots, as he helps build Snarl and Swoop in this episode.
[[File:WarOfDinobots SnarlDebut.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85]]
*Snarl, in a rare move for a Dinobot, actually uses the word "I". All the others always say "me", with the exceptions of Sludge from "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]", and that time Grimlock [[Grimlock's New Brain|was a genius]].
*The energon cube that Soundwave fills is a bit odd; after he creates it, it just floats in mid-air. He then fires his gun into the meteorite, which obligingly sends a stream of energy into the cube. How the heck does that work, exactly?

===Real-world references===
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**[[Luke Skywalker|Luke]] deflecting seeker ball bolts is repurposed as Slag powering up his horn lasers to fire on Optimus. A [[lightsaber]] ignition is used in the same sequence as Prime loses his laser rifle, followed by [[Darth Vader]] and [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]] cutting into some machinery during their duel on the Death Star.
**[[Death Star]] firing/Alderaan exploding, + [[X-wing Fighter|X-Wings]] diving, as the Dinobots take off to return to Megatron.
**''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine burst as Snarl and Swoop take off from Autobot HQ.
===Animation or technical glitches===
*During the scene in Decepticon headquarters when Megatron is watching footage of the Dinobots, there's a short line above and below his fist as if to make it appear to be shaking in anger. Perhaps a shortcut note for the animators that never got carried out?
*Coloring errors:
**Reflector's center bot is missing his green coloration as he turns toward the deactivated viewscreen.
**Soundwave is missing his yellow stripes as he lands in the city.
**Soundwave's cheek guards are blue instead of white as he edges toward the Autobots.
**In our first shot of the Dinobots, Slag's chest plate is red instead of white.
**In the first shot of the Autobots awaiting the meteorite, Hound is colored as [[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]].[[File:GrimSlagSludge.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Okay, sure, Slag's cheekguards are the wrong color, but it's still a totally sweet shot.]]
**Slag's head is miscolored (as it so frequently is):
***As Optimus prepares to blast off a fragment of the meteorite (gray).
***As he transforms to listen to Megatron, and again as he points out that Prime will resist Grimlock (white sides).
***As the Dinobots turn around after the first commercial break (starts red, turns gray).
***As Megatron humbly offers a strategy (red helmet, white face).
***As the three Dinobots form up to confront Optimus Prime (gray with red forehead).
***When the Dinobots investigate Prime's body after blasting him (gray with a red dot - he's a Hindu!).
***As Slag proposes melting down Optimus (white sides, red face, a combo that happens so frequently it might be an alternate color model.)
***As the Dinobots land at the new meteorite site (gray).
***In the shot after Grimlock shoots Starscream.
***At the beginning of the battle between old and new Dinobots, as Slag and Sludge transform to their dino mode (and again when this clip is replayed in reverse, minus Grimlock, after the meteorite exploded).
**Grimlock and Sludge's heads are light gray instead of black after Prime blasts the meteorite fragment.
**After the Seekers' second pass over the Dinobots, two Thundercrackers fly over the Dinobots, both with wrongly-colored air intakes.
**Thundercracker still has blue air intakes in the diving shot after the Dinobots transform.
**"You are stronger than ''all'' the Autobots!" Megatron's waist-sides are gray instead of red, and one of his buttons is blue instead of red.
**"Optimus Prime is leader now. He will ''fight'' if Grimlock lead!" - in addition to his miscolored helmet, Slag has somehow acquired Sludge's already inexplicable glowing orange mouth interior.
**Grimlock's hands are yellow as the Dinobots watch the Decepticons haul the meteorite off.
**The Ark is silver-gray instead of orange in the first establishing shot of Autobot Headquarters.
**As the Autobots are finalizing construction of Snarl and Swoop, Brawn (who is working on Swoop) is colored with a yellow back, a light blue side, and gray limbs.
**Bluestreak's center head crest is red instead of gray at two points during his fight with the Dinobots.
**As the Dinobots prepare to unleash their final attack on Optimus Prime, Grimlock's torso is colored gray instead of yellow.
**Sludge's helmet-sides are once again light gray as the Dinobots carry Optimus toward Megatron.
**As Grimlock tells Megatron that he'll terminate Optimus at his discretion, only the center of Grimlock's visor eyes was colored.
**Soundwave's visor is blue, and his forehead is visor-red, as he recoils from the about-to-explode energon cubes.
**As Grimlock transforms to start the battle, the end of Prime's rifle is colored gold, as if it were one of Grimlock's claws.
**Slag's horns are yellow instead of red as Swoop drops his tail.
**Optimus has a blue square around his neck as he runs to save Grimlock.
**Thundercracker is shown crashing alongside Megatron as the meteorite explodes. As Thundercracker hasn't been shown in this scene at all, and Starscream was last seen taking off alongside Megatron, it probably should have been Starscream.
*As he acknowledges Megatron's order, Soundwave's visor splits into two separate eyes, then reforms. Throughout the shot, he's missing his eject button and waist belt control buttons.
*When Spike "sees" the meteoroid, it's streaking across the sky as if heading somewhere else entirely, yet somehow it lands almost right on top of them.
*Optimus blasts a fragment off of the meteor at night, transforms during the day (courtesy of a shot recycled, unaltered, from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"), leaves the scene around dawn, and drives off into the dead of night.
*In the first shot of the Dinobots guarding the meteorite, Slag's eyes are the same red as the rest of his face, and Sludge's helmet is largely white instead of black.
[[File:WaroftheDinobots Sparkplug with plans.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|" 'Down the breast by the arrow direction' ?"]]
[[File:WarDinobots Chip warning Autobots.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|He ''does'' have some buttons on the arm rest, but nothing for them to control.]]
*As Megatron rants about the Dinobots' weaknesses, Soundwave is missing his insignia.
*As usual, the stock animation of the docking tower of Decepticon Headquarters emerging from the water makes it look like it's tilted about 30 degrees from vertical.
*As the Dinobots prepare to fend off the Decepticon attack, Slag's Autobot insignia is missing as he exults about getting to fight.
*As Megatron starts to talk down the Dinobots from fighting, Grimlock and Sludge's flame breath is layered behind Megatron, despite their being in the background.
*An oddly edited shot has Sludge's face filling the frame, just as Slag answers Grimlock's question about liking to fight.
*"Hail him Grimlock!" - the Dinobot cel layers shift back and forth making them appear to be shaking. Or perhaps highly caffeinated. Just prior to this, Grimlock's back/dino mode head is black. As Slag starts to speak, his face turns white.
*No wonder Sparkplug is puzzled by the blueprints. They're labeled with a rather [[Japanese language|garbled]] title of "Out Line Plan Desge".
*After his bizarre force field use, Trailbreaker is nowhere to be seen in Wheeljack's workshop.
*When Snarl first introduces himself, his chest is missing the Autobot insignia. When Swoop lands next to Snarl to make his introduction, Snarl's insignia is present.
*When Grimlock fires Prime's rifle at Starscream, it gets the normal Autobot sound effect, instead of its own unique sound.
*Chip doesn't appear to be doing anything to roll his wheelchair as he and Sparkplug run through Autobot Headquarters.
*Only one of Wheeljack's "ears" flashes as he reports the meteorite's location.
*Improbable viewpoints:
**The meteorite is on-screen ''before'' Chip has asked Wheeljack to "get a fix on it".
**Teletraan then provides a ground shot of the valley (minus the Decepticons, Dinobots, energon cubes, etc.)
*Megatron's gun barrel is bigger than his head as he gets to his feet after the explosion.

===Rhino DVD release===
*When Wheeljack says "I can't wait to get to work on this", his side light things do not flash. In addition, the meteor's glow effects are different.
*When the Dinobots talk of rebelling against Prime, Slag's face is miscolored, Sludge's mouth moves to Slag's line, and after Grimlock raises his arm there is a zoom take on Slag.
*As Snarl is introduced, Swoop is entirely too dark.
*When Swoop first transforms into Pteranodon mode, the Autobot symbols on his wings are incorrectly colored purple.
*The energon cubes are miscolored in one scene.
*When the Dinobots carry Optimus, Slag is miscolored again.
*When Starscream says Grimlock will never betray Prime, he is colored as Thundercracker.
*At two points, Starscream's fingers are colored grey instead of blue.
*As Swoop carries Snarl, Snarl's torso is colored like Swoop's body.
*When Megatron and Starscream land, Starscream is miscolored again.
*When Slag and Sludge transform back to [[robot mode]], their transformations are reversed. They start in robot mode but transform into dinosaur mode.
*As Grimlock confronts Megatron and Starscream, Starscream is once again colored as Thundercracker.
*When the Dinobots take Optimus to Megatron, Starscream is in Thundercracker's colors.
*When asking for forgiveness from Optimus, Grimlock's eyes are not colored.
*The remastered DVD releases of this episode use an incorrect closing credits sequence, which overlays the text credits from Season 2 over the animation from Season 1.

===Continuity errors===
*Chip calls the Autobots, because "they're the only ones who can save the Earth". Despite being charged with this awesome responsibility, the Autobots don't actually ''do'' anything to ward off or contain the meteorite. It's okay, though, because its actual explosion isn't even enough to damage Optimus and Grimlock, who are maybe fifty feet away when it goes up.
*Optimus Prime is amazingly cavalier about blasting the supposedly dangerous, glowing, energy-laden meteorite with his laser rifle.
*In the long shot of the Autobots standing on the mountain about to test the new Dinobots, Optimus can be seen in the distance driving away from Autobot HQ, despite the implication that some time has passed since he left.
*Slag can be clearly seen wearing a [[jet pack]] on his back when the Dinobots leave to deliver Optimus Prime to Megatron, despite it being previously established that the Dinobots can fly without such equipment. The jet pack appears to be based on Skyfire, complete with a blue "cockpit", white body and red thruster modules!

===Astronomical errors===
[[File:WaroftheDinos Meteorite.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|It's Pizza the Hut's home planet!]]

*A ''meteor'' is a chunk of rock that's in the process of burning up in Earth's atmosphere, a process that rarely takes more than a few seconds. As Chip has plenty of time to observe the incoming projectile, it's clearly still a ''meteoroid'', a chunk of rock that's just floating around in space.
*Despite this, the meteor(oid) is trailing a flaming tail, as if it were already entering Earth's atmosphere. To the writers' credit, Prime refers to it as a ''meteorite'' once it's landed.
*Assuming our first view of the meteor/oid is meant to represent what Chip sees (there is a barely-visible telescopic outline around it), the object would have to be ''huge'' to be so highly detailed in a distant view from Earth. Such a huge object would be catastrophic for humankind if it hit Earth.
*We later learn that the thing is only about 30 feet across, though, which makes it way too small to be such a regular round body.
*Chip's telescope is apparently so sophisticated it can pick up the ''sound'' of the meteorite from across the vacuum of space, including its jet engines.
*A celestial impactor on Earth typically leaves a crater about 10 times its own diameter and annihilates both itself and pretty much everything in a much larger radius around it. Our meteorite here smacks into the middle of an urban downtown area, remains completely intact, and leaves no damage more substantial than a flattened Quonset hut and a largeish pothole.

===Trivia===
[[File:Grimhead.JPG|thumb|"Me Grimlock before, me Grimlock after. Head no matter, always sexpot."]]
*Grimlock's head has been redesigned, though the old version still crops up in a few future episodes. However, the old design remained predominant in the comics all the way until Grimlock evolved into an [[Action Master]] in "[[Still Life!]]". The second head design would be used in all incarnations from then on.
*In an earlier draft of this episode's script, it was not Chip who discovered the meteorite, but an original character named Doctor Lynn Hyashi. In a deleted subplot, Sparkplug's jealousy of her technical expertise would have paralleled Grimlock's jealousy of Prime's leadership. Writer Donald Glut would later {{gb|Doctor Hiyashi|repurpose the character}} for the ''{{gb|Challenge of the GoBots}}'' episode "{{gb|Destroy All Guardians}}".
[[File:Reflector_wrecked.jpg|thumb|Reflector's fate - deleted from two episodes]]
*When Megatron orders the footage of the Decepticons' defeat by the Dinobots turned off, there's a lingering shot of Reflector looking a little alarmed. This is an artifact of the original script for the episode, in which footage from [[S.O.S. Dinobots]] was supposed to be replayed. Showing a rather detailed, gruesome battering the three-in-one Decepticon received from the Dinobots. As this scene was storyboarded (pictured), then cut from the previous episode, it had to be removed from this episode as well.
*This episode marks the only occasion in the entire series that a normally functioning Autobot willingly battles a normally functioning Optimus Prime ("[[Dark Awakening (episode)|Dark Awakening]]" and "[[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1|The Return of Optimus Prime]]" don't count, as Prime was a zombie in the former and Rodimus was infected with the Hate Plague in the latter). The Dinobots have quite a bit of success, too... [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|somebody]] could have used some lessons from them.
*This was one of the six episodes featured on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (video games)|Revenge of the Fallen]] [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|console game]]'', and the three on the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (PSP)|PSP game]]. However, it was erroneously named "War '''on''' the Dinobots". It was also, unfortunately, the Kid Rhino remaster.
*Seriously, Optimus Prime does not forgive Grimlock at all.
*This episode makes a cameo in the 1994 film ''{{w|Léon: The Professional}}'', as Natalie Portman's character fights with her sister over the television, shortly before Gary Oldman turns up and murders pretty much everyone. Fun times.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French broadcast):'' "'''Une si belle planète'''" ("Such a beautiful planet")
:*''Title (Canadian French broadcast & European French DVD release):'' "'''La guerre des Dinobots'''" ("War of the Dinobots")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title (Generation 2 dub):'' "'''Krieg der Dinobots'''" ("War of the Dinobots")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[July 30]], [[1994]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Il meteorite'''" ("The Meteor")
:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''La guerra dei Dinobots'''" ("War of the Dinobots")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Nazo no Kyodai Inseki'''" (謎の巨大隕石, "The Mysterious Giant Meteorite")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 24]], [[1985]]

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Dàzhàn Jīqì Kǒnglóng'''" (大战机器恐龙, "Fight against Dinobots")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Guerra dos Dinobots'''" ("The War of the Dinobots")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Rat Dinobota'''" (Рат Динобота, "War of the Dinobots")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 9: "War of the Dinobots" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1997 — ''The Transformers'' — War of the Dinobots ([[Malofilm]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume One ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Two (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 2 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — Roar of the Dinobots (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ql8lUKsSNgw-Iwe5jwXYuBXsK6R8s4Xi First draft script, submitted 6th July 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=14Rqxgb6t_Ngmxh1hCuayOLtMX-LBl8wZ Finalised script as of 22nd July 1984]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Divide and Conquer

2023-08-03T04:18:57Z

JD1337666:

{{disambig2|the Generation 1 cartoon episode|the Marvel UK comic|Divide and Conquer!}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=6
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=6
|prev2=Roll for It
|next2=S.O.S. Dinobots
|image=DivideandConquer MegatronENEMY poster.jpg
|caption=I thought Cobra was the enemy.
|title="Divide and Conquer"
|season=1
|season ep=6
|production code=#700-03
|airdate=[[October 20]], [[1984]]
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd6-paDJlwo
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''The Autobots must journey to Cybertron to retrieve a vital piece of technology to save the life of the critically wounded Optimus Prime.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Earth]] factories are busily preparing weaponry for use against the [[Decepticon]] menace. [[Chip Chase]] is inspecting one such facility, where the administrators hope he can develop new methods to improve the efficiency of weapons production. The Decepticon [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] suddenly attack the factory, breaching its walls and landing inside. They begin draining the factory of its energy, but have not noticed Chip, who sends out a distress signal to the [[Autobot]]s.

[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] are on a search mission, fruitlessly looking for any trace of the Decepticon [[space bridge]]. Prime intercepts Chip's call for help, and orders the Autobots at the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] to meet him at the munitions plant. Prime arrives at the scene first, and is outnumbered three-to-one. A stray shot hits one of the massive computer banks, which begins a critical meltdown and overload. Prime attempts to shield the humans from the inevitable explosion with his own body. The blast tears through Prime, and the Decepticons take advantage of his weakened state to nail him. Prime collapses under fire.

[[File:Divide and conquer.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|Ohhh, that's REALLY gonna leave a mark on the Matrix.]]
The Seekers hear the approach of the other Autobots, and following [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s orders, retreat with the [[energon cube]]s. The Autobots find Prime's badly damaged form and take it back to base. Prime's power relays are fused. His mobility limited. His speech... slow... and labored. Part replacement... essential....

Wanting to confirm Prime's condition, Megatron dispatches [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] to the Ark to spy on [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]]'s efforts to repair Prime. Optimus's [[electropulse]] is fading. At Megatron's command, Laserbeak attacks the incredibly vulnerable Prime, tearing into his exposed chest cavity and causing a tremendous explosion.

[[File:DivideandConquer shutupHuffer.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Shut up, Rattrap.]]
It's more smoke and sparks than fiery blast, and Prime survives the explosion, though his energy is fading fast. His very [[laser core]] is at risk of snuffing out, and Ratchet needs a [[cosmitron]] to keep his Prime's energy levels from draining. Wheeljack only knows of one in existence, but it's in his shop back on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], which the Decepticons had placed under a computerized lock. The Autobots need to get back to their homeworld and pick this lock. Naturally, Chip Chase is the only one of them familiar enough with Cybertronian computers to make this possible.

[[File:DivideandConquer Farewellwarrior.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|If I tell you go, then you GO!]]
Chip uses [[Teletraan I]] to do what Optimus could not: triangulate the likely coordinates for the Space Bridge's next appearance. Following Chip's detective work, the Autobots drive into the woods and discover the Space Bridge site. [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] oversee the transport of a shuttle module filled with Energon cubes, with a hapless [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]]-type soldier sent to pilot it across the gulf of interstellar space. With the Autobots' arrival, a fray breaks out–and so does a sudden thunderstorm.

Surprisingly, Megatron (who has been monitoring the battle) orders the Decepticons to let the Autobots win. The thunderstorm has given him an idea, but he does not elaborate. The Autobots—[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]], [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]], [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] and [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]]—drive into the Space Bridge and are teleported to [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Cybertron)|Shockwave's base]]. They blast their way past a shocked Shockwave and into Cybertron's streets. Megatron orders the [[Rainmaker]]s to destroy the Autobot infiltrators with [[acid rain]].

At [[Wheeljack's workshop]], Chip works his way past the locking mechanism, and Ironhide instantly finds the cosmitron. Outside, a trio of Seekers somehow seed the clouds over the workshop so they produce incredibly debilitating acid rain.

[[File:DivideandConquer Starscreampowerfist.jpg|right|upright=0.85|thumb|"THIS HAND OF MINE GLOWS WITH AN AWESOME POWER!"]]
The acid rain shorts the circuitry of the Autobots, who collapse at the touch of the deadly downpour. Chip is immune to the rain's effects, and implores the Autobots to continue. Trailbreaker musters up the energy to project his force-field, sheltering the Autobots from the rain, giving their automatic repair systems time to kick in. Bluestreak fires some blasts into the clouds overhead, dispersing the rainmaking seekers and the toxic clouds. Rejuvenated, the Autobots return to Shockwave's tower and ride the Space Bridge back to Earth.

On Earth, Megatron recognizes that without Prime, the conquest of the Autobots is a foregone conclusion. He leads an attack on the Ark. The Autobots recognize the hopeless battle up ahead, but Spike musters up his courage, grabs [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]]'s rifle, and rallies the troops. He even manages to inspire perpetual downer [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] to take charge.

An enormous battle breaks out in front of the Ark, just as the Autobot mission returns from Cybertron. Chip and Spike race the cosmitron to Prime. Optimus emerges in time to personally challenge Megatron and soundly beats him, forcing the Decepticon leader to yield. With Megatron down, a self-satisfied Starscream orders the Decepticons to retreat.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (7)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (8)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (9)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (10)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (11)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (12)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (13)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (14)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (18)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (19)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (20)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (21)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (22)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (23)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (24)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (31)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] (32)
|c2=
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (3)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (4)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (5)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (6)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (15)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (16)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (17)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] (25)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (26)
*"Warrior" (27)
*[[Acid Storm (G1)|Green Rainmaker]] (28)
*[[Ion Storm|Blue Rainmaker]] (29)
*[[Nova Storm (G1)|Yellow Rainmaker]] (30)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (33)
|c3=
*[[Chip Chase]] (1)
*Weapons factory manager (2)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (13)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (14)
}}

==Quotes==
"Heh, I wonder if I'll ever get used to that."
:—'''Sparkplug''' witnessing the Autobots transform

"He's doomed. I know it. I can feel it in my [[Database|databank]]."
:—'''Huffer''', hoping the best for a dying Prime.

"They sure don't build 'em like that anymore."
:—'''Sparkplug''', commenting on the fact Optimus Prime is still alive after ''his chest explodes''.

"Just like [[Sherlock Holmes]] with [[floppy disk]]s!"
:—'''Spike''', hopelessly over his head when it comes to computer talk.

"No one's ever really disabled as long as he has courage."
:—'''Chip Chase''', and that’s one to grow on.

"My talents are wasted on this project. I should be in sole command of everything!"
:—'''Starscream''', not giving up on his dreams.

"I'm sorry, Spike. Sometimes nothing you do makes any difference."
:—'''Sparkplug''' to Spike, which, if you don't read as the general you, is actually kind of mean and funny.

"We can't go down without ''trying!'' Prime would want us to go for it, no matter what the odds! Well, are you with me, or do I fight this battle alone?"
:—'''Spike''' gives an inspirational battle rally to the Autobots after taking Jazz's gun.

"Is there anyone in the universe who will challenge the might of Megatron?" 
"There is one, Megatron! I, Optimus Prime, challenge you!"
:—'''Megatron''' is scared to death by a now healthy '''Optimus Prime'''.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 21st June 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 29th June 1984
* Finalised script: 2nd July 1984
* Official Sunbow Productions synopsis:
:''When Optimus Prime damages an intrinsic part during a clash with the Decepticons, some of the other Autobots -- with Chip's help -- take the space bridge to Cybertron. There they find a replacement part in Wheeljack's old workshop -- while avoiding the attack of the Decepticons on this alien planet. They return in time to repair Optimus and blow up the space bridge.''

===Continuity notes===
*The episode opens with a short narration by [[Victor Caroli]], describing the humans' efforts to build anti-Decepticon weapons.
[[File:ReflectorCartoon1.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
[[File:DivideandConquer Ratchet at work.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
*Gadgets and powers:
**Jet mode Starscream fires lasers right out of his air intakes!
**Laserbeak deploys yet another video camera. This one's a huge telescoping camera that comes out of one of his air vents.
**Ratchet once again uses his welding tip arm while fixing Optimus Prime.
**Reflector can emit a light that shorts out optic sensors.
**Reflector displays an odd ability in this episode: he can absorb his fellow units into his body. This is due to the original intent that Reflector was one guy with duplication powers; however, every other scene that would have shown his power in action got cut, which makes this look rather out-of-nowhere.
**Shockwave is once again shown with two hands in this episode. In one scene, he reaches off-screen with a hand, and when his arm returns to the shot, his blaster-arm has taken its place.
**Ironhide's wrists can emit liquid glop launchers that trap the Decepticons to the surface with a thick adhesive.
**Trailbreaker's force field is fired like a stream from his shoulder cannon the first time he uses it; the second time, it just drifts out from behind his back.
**Autobots have built-in repair systems.
**Sideswipe is capable of emitting a smokescreen from his chest ... for little effect.
**Optimus Prime displays the unusual ability to [[Optic weaponry|fire energy beams out of his optics...]] right into Megatron's face.
*This is the third consecutive episode to feature the Space Bridge.
*Skywarp says they've wrung every last "micro spark" of energy from the factory.
*The damage to Optimus Prime includes his "power relays" being fused.
*There's quite a bit of fuss over Optimus Prime's [[laser core]] (and the extinguishing thereof), apparently a critical component of Transformer life.
*Optimus Prime has an "electro-pulse" that can fade.
*The Cosmitron is a piece of internal anatomy whose failure can end the life of a Transformer.
*Cybertron has an atmosphere breathable by humans. And this is ''before'' it [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1|steals a chunk of Earth's atmosphere]].
*The tetrahedral seeker jets return; they first appeared in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|More Than Meets The Eye, Part 1]]."
*Once Trailbreaker blocks the acid rain with his forcefield, Chip says the Autobots' "[[automatic repair system]]s" will put them back in shape. Handy!
*The Transformers have a personal battle code where customs dictate personal challenges be settled in personal combat.
*This is the only episode where Laserbeak displays any cowardice, a trait described in his original tech spec bio and usually associated with the character.
*The Autobot Matrix of Leadership is nowhere to be found in Prime's chest when Wheeljack and Ratchet are repairing him.

===Real-world references===
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**[[X-wing Fighter|X-Wing]] diving whine: as the jets land and transform inside the factory.
**A waving [[lightsaber]] provides the necessary noise for Bumblebee's headlights.

===Animation or technical glitches===
[[File:Ironhideinblack.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|So ''that's'' why [[Ironhide (Movie)|Movie Ironhide]] is black.]]
*Coloring errors:
**Starscream's air intakes are gray instead of red as he and the other two jets dive at the factory.
**A teleporting Skywarp is mistakenly colored with Starscream's colors, and then Thundercracker's colors.
**As Ironhide repeats his order to transform, Wheeljack's missing all his orange and much of his green; Trailbreaker's upper cheeks are colored as his eyes (it's his reading glasses look!)
**Starscream's cheeks are dark gray instead of light gray as he calls in to Megatron.
**Laserbeak's beak is the same dark gray as the rest of his head as he refuses Megatron's order. It should be light gray.
**In the shot of him still holding the tree after Megatron tells him to let the Autobots win, Starscream is colored like Thundercracker.
**Rumble's face is purple instead of light gray as he waves goodbye to "warrior".
**As Shockwave and a Reflector soldier unload the Space Bridge's shipment of Energon cubes, the Energon is not filled with an illumination effect, and appears as solid black bars.
**When the Autobot away team races back to Shockwave's tower, Ironhide is painted with Trailbreaker's colors, making him resemble a Diaclone incarnation of his toy.
**As he scans for the Decepticons, Hound's left cheekguard is white instead of green.
**After returning to Earth, Bluestreak emerges from the Space Bridge painted as Prowl.
**In a pan across the defeated Autobots, a prone form of Ironhide is colored with Ratchet's white and red hue (Ratchet's inside Autobot Headquarters at this point) and Sideswipe has Shockwave's colors.
[[File:DivideandConquer Factoryguardworkers.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|Note the standard issue army hardhats]]
*Due to a mix-up in animation models, the green-uniformed human soldiers protecting the weapons factory in one shot turn into [[hard hat]]-wearing factory workers in another shot.
*Between the first and second shots of their [[robot mode]]s inside the factory, Skywarp and Thundercracker have switched places.
*Skywarp's voice is off throughout the episode. In the factory, it's more nasal than usual. When he accuses Laserbeak of being "chicken", it sounds like he's channeling Thundercracker (he also has an unusually fat head.)
*Starscream and Soundwave are both missing their insignias as Soundwave transforms.
*Optimus is supposed to be in the same dry canyon where the space bridge first showed up in "[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]]"... but the canyon is now about ten feet deep, rather than the 50 or so it was before.
*Wrong transformation noise:
**Prime gets the ascending pitch noise as he transforms to [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]].
**Trailbreaker, Wheeljack & co. get the descending pitch version as they convert to robot mode at the factory.
[[File:DivideandConquer slopedPrime.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Prime in his seldom-used "aerodynamic" alternate mode.]]
*Improbable viewpoints:
**The Autobots get a full-torso view of Optimus as he stands in the middle of empty desert.
**Megatron likewise gets a full-torso view of Starscream, even though Starscream isn't talking into any kind of communicator.
**Megatron then gets a tracking shot of Prime running through the factory!
**Megatron manages to have a camera, with audio, right next to where the Cybertron team happens to fall as the acid rain disables them.
[[File:DivideandConquer LaserbeakonBrawns shoulder.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Laserbeak disguised as Brawn's dandruff]]
*A peculiar design has Optimus Prime's cab face sport a 45-degree slope as he drives into the factory.
*Starscream's voice is not electronically enhanced when he reacts to Optimus Prime barreling into the factory.
*Prime's trailer recedes into a cloud of dust as he transforms inside the factory. As he flies up into the air, the dust cloud flies up with him, and so does the shrinking trailer!
*After Megatron tells Starscream and the others to "gang up" on Optimus Prime, Starscream turns to fire on Optimus Prime running down a room with no doors or other entry points.
*Skywarp mouths Thundercracker's "I'm with you!" line.
*Just for this one scene, Brawn has conveniently gigantic shoulders for Laserbeak to land on.
*Before Brawn enters the room where Optimus Prime is being worked on, he is shown standing inside.
*Wheeljack's missing some of his dark gray as he asks Ratchet for a diagnosis.
*Wheeljack's ears don't flash as he asks how long until Prime's energy drains completely, nor as he examines the cosmitron.
*As Wheeljack pontificates about the Cosmitron, his right "ear" phases through his missile.
*There's a big nasty S-shaped hair in the center of the screen as Wheeljack describes the lock on his workshop on Cybertron.
*The part of Huffers' shoulders that are inside his hood are colored orange instead of purple as he moans about how hopeless it is.
[[File:Divideandconquer wheeljack cosmotron.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
*Prime's damage constantly changes as he lays on the repair table:
**First shot: his window glass is missing.
**Second shot: his window frames and grille are neatly removed.
**Third shot: his grille is missing, and one window is broken.
**As Laserbeak attacks: the left window has no glass.
**As Laserbeak fires: the left window is intact, and the right window broken.
**Prior to exploding: both windows have no glass.
**After the attack, both cab window frames have been neatly removed.
**As Ironhide proposes heading to Cybertron, he's back to a broken right window and intact left window, with a damaged grille.
*GAH! Chip has no pupils as he accepts the mission to pick the lock on Wheeljack's lab.
*No insignia on Soundwave as Megatron lectures his troops about the loss of Prime. The same shot has two Starscreams.
*The layering of Rumble's cubes is all messed up as he walks up behind Starscream; part of the cube stack phases through Starscream, and part of it loses its glow.
*Starscream reacts to Rumble dropping his cubes before he's actually dropped them.
*Recycled animation repeats the strange animation error of the space bridge transport vehicle rising, then falling and disappearing.
*As the Autobots come to a halt at the Space Bridge site, the camera pans across the scenery, but a painted foreground tree travels with the move, making it look like the tree is mobile.


[[File:Bluestreakpotatovehicle.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|When he transforms to drive into the space bridge, Bluestreak turns into this.]]
*The ramp leading to the space bridge has turned a light blue as the Autobots drive into the receiver ring.
*The nitrogen pack that Ironhide uses in Shockwave's control center is labeled "NITRGEN". In English, [[Japanese language|sorta]]. And Ironhide shouldn't have to use a pack anyway, since he has a built in liquid nitrogen projector.
*A strange cut occurs while Megatron is rallying the Decepticons for their assault on the Autobots. This is visible as Skywarp's arm, which he appeared to raise for their cheer, suddenly lowers (he raises it again when Megatron finishes his speech), and both Reflector and Starscream change poses in a single frame.
*When the Decepticons exit their base to attack the Autobots, a fourth Decepticon jet is shown.
*Shockwave's eye-glow doesn't move with his eye as he sets "warrior" free.
*The flashing of Wheeljack's ears moves out of sync with the rest of his body while he reacts to the security alarm.
*Teletraan's screen shows ''twenty-six'' Decepticons. There should be about a dozen at most. About fifteen are shown retreating at the end of the episode.
*Reflector's mouths don't move for his "earth germ" line.
*As Bluestreak drives over the horizon to join the battle, his car form floats above the ground.
*Starscream steals Megatron's fusion cannon sound effect as he attacks Ironhide's team.
*Shockwave and Ratchet are both among the defeated Autobots in the wreckage of the final battle.
*Optimus Prime's mouthplate moves when Megatron concedes defeat.
*Starscream's missing his wing stripes as he order a retreat... but for once, they remembered his wing insignia, which have been repeatedly omitted through the episode.
*The remastered DVD releases of this episode use an incorrect closing credits sequence, which overlays the text credits from Season 2 over the animation from Season 1.

===Continuity errors===
*Shouldn't a ''weapons factory'' have better defenses, particularly against the enemy that's the reason they're making the weapons in the first place?
*Soundwave kind of transforms out of nowhere in the factory.
*It is unclear how Chip knows Skywarp's missile is of the heat-seeking variety before it does anything to suggest such.
*Optimus Prime somehow deflects the heat-seeking missile by hitting its ''warhead'' with his arm.
*Thundercracker and Skywarp don't seem to know what "gang up" means. In spite of Thundercracker claiming to comply with Megatron's directions instead of his own preference for "one-on-one", both he and Skywarp launch individual one-on-one attacks on Optimus Prime.
*Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**Sunstreaker is shown transforming to leave for the factory; however, when the team arrives, Bumblebee has taken his place.
*It sure woulda made a lot more sense for Prime to cover the two humans, rather than throwing himself right in front of the explosive computer.
*Are computers really that explosive?
*Soundwave is shown flying off with the jets, but he's nowhere to be seen during the battle.
[[File:Divandconq liquid nitrogen.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Good thing there just happens to be a random thing in Decepticon HQ which does exactly what I can do all on my own!]]
*Megatron orders Starscream to throw the fight, to allow the Autobots to travel to Cybertron so he can destroy them with acid rain. It sure seems like he didn't let Shockwave in on the plan though, since the cyclops seems surprised at their arrival and determined to stop them.
*Megatron demands proof, not just Starscream's word, that Optimus Prime has finally been deactivated. Yet he's very quick to switch off the viewscreen and conclude that "four of their number have been vanquished on Cybertron." Maybe it's just because it was Starscream...
*Megatron's order to let the Autobots win really makes no logical sense. If his soldiers had beaten them, they'd have been just as out of the way, and if they didn't he could still try his acid rain plan.
**It sure seems like in however many millions of years the war has been raging, the Decepticons never before thought to do this acid rain thing on the ground-restricted Autobots.
*Ironhide grabs some sort of tank off the wall and uses it to spray some liquid, facilitating their escape. This probably was meant to be from his own internal "[[water gun]]".
*Ironhide pointedly comments that they can't let the acid rain hit their circuits... so why not just duck back into the shelter of Wheeljack's workshop, which is still right behind them?
[[File:Divideandconquer spike grabs gun.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
*Superhuman <s>Spike</s> Chip:
**Chip somehow knows how to find the Space Bridge better than Optimus can, since Chip thinks to use Teletraan I, a tactic that somehow escaped Prime.
**Chase can crack a Cybertronian lock (apparently by just punching in every possible four-digit code combination until he stumbles on the right one.)
**Chip is immune to Cybertronian acid rain. And so is his wheelchair.
*Superhuman Spike:
**Spike rather effortlessly hefts Jazz's six-foot-long metal gun around.
**Spike survives being tackled by Ravage, the first of his [[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1|many]] [[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2|clashes]] [[Fire on the Mountain (episode)|with]] him.

===Rhino DVD release===
*The panning shot of the Autobots transforming has a strange black bar at the bottom of the screen in the broadcast version that is missing in the DVD version.
*The shot of Optimus saying "Losing...energy...rapidly..." has a "heat" effect in the DVD version that is not present in the broadcast version.
*The glowing effects of the energon cubes are different in several shots.
*Shockwave's eye is missing its glow in one scene.
*Rumble disappears for a single frame when he says "Trash 'em!"
*The rain effects are missing in several shots.
*Starscream is miscolored as Thundercracker in one shot.
*The acid rain effects are different in several shots.
*The chapter stops on the Rhino DVD version of this episode are Opening / Weapon Factories / Off to Cybertron / New Age of Decepticons / Fight For Optimus / Optimus Saved!

===Trivia===
[[File:DivideandConquer SympatheticDecepticon.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"Hey Reflector, want this candy bar?"
 
''*tosses it to the ground and stomps on it.*'']]
*The [[Photon|Reflector-type Decepticon warrior]] that Starscream forces to pilot the Space Bridge transport has an oddly sympathetic and very human-sounding voice.
*Brawn really is a dumbass to not notice Laserbeak sitting on his shoulder.
*Due to the fact there was no original [[dialogue script]] of "Divide and Conquer" on any of the original ''Transformers'' cartoon DVD sets, the actual spelling of Optimus Prime's Cosmitron was unknown until a copy of Don Glut's script made its way into the fandom's hands. However, the true spelling had in fact been previously suggested by the French title of the episode, which was "Le Cosmitron".
*Speaking of, the script originally referred to the device as a "Cosmitronic Transformer", but the rest of the device's name was consistently blotted out with pen in all the dialogue. This was presumably done so the kiddies watching ''Transformers'', the show, wouldn't be confused.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French broadcast):'' "'''Diviser pour régner'''" ("Divide and rule")
:*''Title (Canadian French broadcast & European French DVD release):'' "'''Le cosmitron'''" ("The cosmitron")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Hebrew'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Anti Hómmer'''" (אנטי חומר, "Antimatter")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Un ricambio per Commander'''" ("A Spare Piece for Optimus Prime")
:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Dividi e conquista'''" ("Divide and Conquer")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''SOS! Cybertron'''" (SOS! サイバトロン)
:*Original airdate: [[August 10]], [[1985]]
:**In the scene where Skywarp teleports and is mistakenly colored as Starscream, he is dubbed in Japanese with ''Starscream's'' voice, meaning that ''he'' is the one teleporting in this version, not Skywarp. Considering ''Thundercracker'' was mistakenly dubbed teleporting in the Japanese version of "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]" as well, it would seem that teleportation is a natural trait of the Seekers in the Japanese version of the show. Either that, or they just did a real shoddy job on the dub.
:**'''Cut:''' After Chip orders the Autobots to "Transform and roll for his life", the scene is cut short with the removal of the transitional wipe across the screen. The following scene of Shockwave freeing Reflector, the Autobots barging in, his firing at them and their escaping over the Space Bridge have also been cut. The sequence resumes at the pan across space followed by the shot of the Earth Space Bridge receiving the Autobots.
:**In true anime fashion, when Reflector fights the Autobots at the Space Bridge, he yells out the name of his special attack: "Flash Beam!"

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fēn ér Zhìzhī '''" (分而治之, "Divide and Conquer")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Dividir e Conquistar'''" ("Divide and Conquer")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Rasdelyai i vlastvuy'''" (Разделяй и властвуй, "Divide and Conquer")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Zavadi i vladaj'''" (Завади и владај, "Divide and Conquer")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Latin Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Dividir y conquistar'''" ("Divide and conquer")
:*Original airdate: ?
:**The Latin Spanish dub had the tendency to change some lines, mostly keeping the same point of the original dialogue. However, in this episode in particular, when Megatron orders Laserbeak to infiltrate in the Ark, Laserbeak actually ''speaks'', asking "Do you want me to go alone?"

===Toys inspired by this episode===
[[File:TF-Generations-WFC-S-Rainmaker-3-pack.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|]]
Like the yellow generic Seeker from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]" who subsequently grew to prominence as the neo-G1 character [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]], Acid Storm would also spawn a plethora of additional toys, including his own ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' figure. Later still, the other two Rainmakers would receive toys of their own.
*''[[Acid Storm (G1)#Toys]]''
*''[[Ion Storm#Toys]]''
*''[[Nova Storm (G1)#Toys]]''
{{-}}

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
[[File:DivideAndConquerBetamax.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|More or less antiquated than the TF storybooks that came with records? You decide!]]
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 5: "Divide and Conquer" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1995 — ''The Transformers'' — The Autobots vs. The Decepticons ([[Malofilm]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1995 — ''Transformers'' — Autobots vs. Decepticons (Malofilm) — French audio only.

;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.

;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Two ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Two (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Le Cosmitron ([[UFG Junior]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 01: Stagione Uno Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Ojk_a2gFrwuksdtE8yR8GketnxZMZ55i Full script as revised on 2nd July 1984]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]

Heavy Metal War

2023-08-03T04:00:49Z

JD1337666: /* Rhino DVD release */

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the mobile game event|Heavy Metal War - Part 1}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=16
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=10
|prev2=Countdown to Extinction (episode)
|next2=Autobot Spike
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=5
|prev3=S.O.S. Dinobots
|next3=The Autobot Run
|image=HeavyMetalWar Primedefeated.jpg
|caption=The agony of defeat.
|title="Heavy Metal War"
|season=1
|season ep=16
|production code=#700-13
|airdate=[[December 15]], 1984
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]], [[Ashi Productions]], [[Nakamura Production]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4eqsJ72_7Q
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''Megatron challenges Optimus Prime to a one on one battle to end the war.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:HeavyMetalWar Megatron invitation.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Silly Megs, tricks are for kids!]]
A busy construction site is attacked by driver-less construction equipment, and several components are stolen. The construction vehicles return to Decepticon headquarters and are revealed to be the newly built [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. The components they stole are parts to a machine that will allow [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] to absorb the [[power chip rectifier]]s from his [[Decepticon]] warriors.

While the final preparations are completed on the machine, Megatron flies to [[Autobot]] headquarters and makes [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] an offer he cannot refuse. Megatron offers the Autobot leader a one on one battle with the winner staying on [[Earth]] to do as he pleases, and the loser taking his army and exiling themselves to deep space. Confident in his own abilities, Prime accepts the challenge and sets the match.

[[File:HeavyMetalWar Megatron powerup.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Fear me, for I have the power of... poo gas!!]]
Knowing that Prime would be unable to resist a chance to honorably end their conflict, Megatron returns to the Decepticon base and uses the newly completed machine to gain all of the special powers of his warriors. [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]]'s teleportation, [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]]'s sonic boom, [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s seismic attack, etc. Knowing that Megatron would now be unbeatable, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] voices concerns that the Autobot computer [[Teletraan I]] would be able to detect what Megatron had done. Anticipating this problem, Megatron dispatches the Constructicons to take care of the computer.

The two armies arrive at the battle site, and the contest begins. Megatron unleashes a barrage of powers (while Starscream gives a running commentary), and Prime is outclassed at every step. Not knowing that he has been deceived, Prime concedes the fight and comments that he underestimated Megatron. The shocked Autobots begin the trek back to base, and the Decepticons follow to make sure they leave.

[[File:Heavy Metal War Devastator.JPG|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Not Brawl.]]
Meanwhile, the Constructicons have nearly tunneled their way into the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and Teletraan I. Sensing the imminent danger, Teletraan I activates the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. The Dinobots respond and start pounding on the Constructicons, opening up a lava channel in the process. The battle not going in their favor, the Constructicons pull out one last trick and combine into the super warrior, [[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]]. The returning Autobots see the battle, but are unable to help. Inside the Ark, Teletraan I is able to show that Megatron cheated, and the Autobots rush outside to help the Dinobots.

[[File:Heavy Metal War Decepticons beat.JPG|upright=1.1|thumb|You'd think Starscream would be used to this, but no...]]
Despite the arrival of the rest of the Autobots to the fight, Devastator is still too powerful to be defeated, so [[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] distracts the monstrous Decepticon with a [[hologram]] of [[Halonix Maximus|a colossal Autobot]]. Stunned at the sudden appearance of a robot even bigger than he is, Devastator is shot by Optimus Prime and falls apart. The Constructicons try to drive away, but the Dinobots blast them into the lava. The other Decepticons are routed by the Autobots and also pushed or knocked back by gunfire into the lava. There is much rejoicing.

...Until Megatron rises from the lava, vowing that the Decepticons will rise again.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (13)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (14)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (15)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (16)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (20)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (21)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (24)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (25)
*[[Teletraan I]] (26)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (27)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (28)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (29)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (30)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (31)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (32)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] (33)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (36)
*[[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] (37)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (38)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (39)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (40)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (41)
*[[Halonix Maximus|Giant Autobot]] hologram (43)
|c2=
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (2)
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (3)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (4)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (5)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (6)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (7)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (8)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (9)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (10)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (11)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (12)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (22)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (23)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (34)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (35)
*[[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]] (42)
|c3=
*Construction Workers (1)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (17)
*[[Chip Chase]] (18)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (19)
}}

==Quotes==
"Forgive me, but I believe your boast sounds vaguely familiar."
:—'''Starscream''', after hearing another of Megatron's promises to destroy the Autobots.

[[File:Shockblastcannon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I'm alright! I'm alright. That was supposed to happen.]]
"Let's see how he likes my new [[Shock blast cannon|shockblast cannon]]! ''[The cannon explodes in his hands]'' Uhh... hnh... that's a shock, all right."
:—'''Wheeljack'''

"But I need my power chip rectifier. Besides, the Cybertron Code of Combat requires each warrior to fight as he is, without additional reinforcement. You wouldn't want to cheat, would you, Megatron?" 
"I will win by any means! At any cost! Even if it means terminating ''you'', Starscream!" 
"I was only raising a legal point..."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron'''

"Doesn't this remind you of the gladiatorial combats in ancient Rome?" 
"Maybe it would if I knew what you were talkin' about."
:—'''Chip''' and '''Ironhide''' on the duel between Optimus and Megatron.

"Sludge not see these Decepticons before." 
"Not see again either. Because we dino-mite them to pieces!" 
:—'''Sludge''' and '''Snarl''' vs. the Constructicons.

"It is ended." 
"Is it really over, Optimus? I mean, have we seen the end of this war? Forever?" 
"Who can say, Spike? In this vast universe, is anything truly forever?"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Spike''', with a question that is quickly answered, at least for the audience

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 27th July 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 1st August 1984
* Final script: 13th August 1984
* Dialogue recording: 23rd August 1984 (Note - [[Gregg Berger]] not present for main session, later pick-up session required)
* Returned to the US for telecine: 3rd December 1984

===Continuity notes===
*This episode introduces the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] and [[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]].
[[File:Heavymeatlwar megatron powers.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|This fist of mine glows with an awesome power chip rectifier!]]
[[File:HeavyMetalWar Scavenger.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|This shovel of mine glows with an awesome sensor reading!]]
*Gadgets and powers:
**The Constructicons show off a variety of armaments and abilities, such as Mixmaster melting a whole steam roller into goop and later firing a stream of rock-melting liquid (the cannon flipping up from his cab is perhaps a nod to his toy's "attack mode"), Long Haul having dump truck mode missile launchers (also a possible nod to his toy's "attack mode"), and Scavenger's shovel-based sensors.
**Long Haul has the rather ''amazing'' ability to fill up his cargo bed with a payload, transform to robot mode, then convert back to dump truck mode... and still have the cargo be there!
**Ironhide detects Megatron's approach using a sensor that displays on his chest, not unlike abilities he displayed in "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]" and "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]".
**Cliffjumper's [[glass gas]], if that's what it's supposed to be, acts a lot more like Ironhide's liquid nitrogen. He shoots a huge stream of it from his retracted wrists, and it encases Megatron in ice.
**Speaking of which, being encased in ice does not affect Megatron's ability to fly.
**Ironhide doesn't even bother retracting his fists; he just shoots lasers right out of them. It's an unusual conceit for ''Transformers'', though [[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2|not]] [[Dinobot Island, Part 2|unheard of]].
**As explained in this episode, [[power chip rectifier]]s are what give Transformers their unique special abilities.
**The episode gives us a showcase of the Decepticons' most notable abilities, as Megatron uses Starscream's [[cluster bomb]]s and null rays, Reflector's light-generating abilities, Rumble's earthquakes, Skywarp's teleportation, and Thundercracker's sonic abilities.
***Incidentally, this is the first time said sonic abilities have been used explicitly. And it's not even by the guy they belong to.
**Optimus shows the strange ability to fire lasers out of his palm. He's blocking Megatron's shot with the other arm at the same time, almost like he's [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity#Beast Machines cartoon|absorbing the energy and shooting it back]].
**Teletraan-1 can make up its own mind to wake up the Dinobots when a threat is detected.
**Grimlock actually uses his rocket launcher, though it's drawn as one of the barrels of his laser rifle shooting off like a rocket.
**Snarl's sword can fire energy blasts from its tip. The Dinobots actually using their swords is something that doesn't happen often, but this is the second time Snarl has been shown with his. Instead of being red, as per the toy and comics, it uses the gray coloring it has in Snarl's package art.
**While the lasers in the Dinobots' dinosaur modes come out of their eyes, horns or mouths, Snarl's dinosaur mode lasers come out of his nostrils. ''Yeah.''
**Hound projects one of his holograms out of both fists.
**Hey, turns out the Constructicons can turn themselves all into one big robot! Wonder if the toys can do that??
*When the Constructicons are tunneling, Scrapper refers to [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] with his working name "[[Scrounge (G1)|Scrounge]]". In their [[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|''More than Meets the Eye'']] bio, Dreamwave would paint this as a deliberate derogatory term other Decepticons sometimes refer to him as.
*Soundwave totally pets Ravage on the head like a kittycat. Adorable!
*This episode is also the "source" of the aborted "Lava Bath Safety" deco for the original Megatron toy.
*The ''Law of Cybertron'' will be invoked again many years later, to resolve the Generation 2 War. {{storylink|Transformers: G-2 (story page)|The Autobots Triumph in the Battle of Good Vs. Evil!}}

===Real-world references===
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine burst/whine as the Constructicons take off from the construction site.
**Same effect as Megatron leaves Autobot Headquarters.
**[[Lightsaber]] ignition sound when Megatron activates Reflector's light powers.
*Chip provides the episode's requisite dose of "Oh, it's ''educational''" by likening the leaders' combat to the gladiatorial matches of ancient Rome.
*Mixmaster gets in on the act by naming a couple of acids by formula: H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) and HCl (hydrochloric acid).
*Oh, and the construction site will make energy from the earth's magnetic field. "Magnetic field" sounds like science, right??

===Technical or animation glitches===
*It seems the artists might have had only script directions to go by when drawing the Constructicons' vehicular attack modes, and not actual character models. Both Long Haul and Mixmaster deploy weapons that are of similar description to their toys' attack forms (cab-mounted cannon, twin missile launchers), but look nothing like them.
*Coloring errors:
**As Long Haul deploys his missiles, his Decepticon symbol is red, and missing its "cheeks".
**The top of Hook's head is green as Scrapper bows to Megatron... and again in the very next shot.
**Scavenger's face is colored all-green as he welds. If it was a stylistic decision to show the light from his welding, then it should flicker along with the welding lights.
**As Scrapper directs the others working on the infuser, his head is green instead of black, and Mixmaster's drum and torso are purple instead of green.
**The top of Wheeljack's chest is colored glass-blue instead of white after the shock cannon blows up.
**During the pan across the Decepticons before the strength transfer, Soundwave is missing the line in the middle of his mask, and his yellow stripes are mostly colored blue.
**Megatron's waist is red instead of silver after the transfer.
**When Megatron talks to Starscream after that, Starscream's air vent "boobs" are colored white instead of black.
**The front of Scrapper's head is red instead of black as Megatron orders him to move out.
**As Scrapper transforms, his whole helmet is green.
**As Optimus explains the code to Spike, Ironhide's forehead isn't fully drawn in.
**"Defeat, Megatron?" Megatron's fusion cannon is white instead of black during this line.
**At the end of the across the Decepticons seating themselves, Soundwave's optic visor is blue instead of red.
**Laserbeak's head is light gray as he ejects from Soundwave.
**Megatron's faction emblem is missing before he teleports.
**And it's missing again as he says the Autobots must exile.
**After Megatron teleports, Skywarp is colored like Starscream as he talks about the his ability.
**Starscream's right arm is colored dark gray for a moment, while he talks to Skywarp about the rectifiers.
**Wheeljack's missing one of the lines on his "ears" as he and the others listen to Optimus say he was not prepared.
**Prime's tires are light gray as he transforms to truck mode, and his headlights aren't colored in.[[File:Heavymetalwar constructicons target teletraan.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Oh, and Scavenger's chest shouldn't be purple, either.]]
**Scrapper's helmet is green in two shots as he and the others run into Autobot Headquarters.
**Scavenger's back is purple as he and the others back away from the Dinobots.
**Snarl's helmet is the same medium gray as his body as he joins Sludge.
**As Devastator walks toward the Dinobots, Swoop's head is white, while Sludge and Slag are block-colored gray.
**Devastator's hand is green instead of purple as he throws Grimlock.
**The top of Starscream's chest is red instead of gray as Megatron rants about the hologram.
*"Besides, the Cybertron code of combat requires..." Starscream's hand phases behind the transfer machine's light during his monologue.
*There's a discontinuity between shots as Megatron is infused; in one shot he's moving and reacting in visible pain to the power transfer; in the next, he's just standing there like a statue.
*Also in the above scene, when Megatron says "I now possess all your powers in addition to my own" his "helmet" is significantly wider than his usual onscreen character model's, and in the NEXT shot ("Optimus Prime and the Autobots... are FINISHED!! Huhuhwarhahahahaha!!") his helmet suddenly shrinks back to its usual narrow width. It would therefore be reasonable to surmise the animators were using Megatron's G1 Toy as a drawing reference for the former shot, as his helmet IS significantly wider than the "normal" Megatron's onscreen model.
*After Megatron talks of the Constructicons destroying Teletraan I, he's suddenly no longer attached to the machine.
*When Megatron laughs maniacally after being infused with the power of the other Decepticons, his head is disproportionately small, and his Decepticon insignia moves independently of his body.
*When the Autobots transform into their alternate modes right before leaving to the duel, Trailbreaker transforms outside the Ark somehow.
*When the Autobots transform back into robot mode when they arrive at the duel, Ironhide, already in robot mode, transforms into his alternate mode. The next scene shows him in robot mode again.
*When Starscream lands behind Megatron before the latter's duel with Optimus Prime, the animators forgot to animate the dust Starscream's feet stir up, so we can see that his legs are not fully drawn, and instead of feet, they end in paint blotches.
*Chip is drawn speaking Spike's line "It's Earth history, Ironhide!"
*During the duel, what are the Autobots supposed to be sitting on? Air?
*After the boulder Prime threw at Megatron splits in two, it completely disappears before the shot ends.
[[File:HeavyMetalWar Huffer towing Prime's trailer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Rise Huffimus Prime!"]]
*Huffer is drawn with six wheels instead of four as he takes Prime's trailer.
*Only a moment after Huffer takes Prime's trailer, as the Autobots depart the battlefield, the animators have drawn Prime towing his trailer again, but covered up their error by coloring him orange like Huffer.
*Mixmaster's cab-weapon changes color and form between scenes (it's a gray sphere when the Constructicons start tunneling; it's a green gun when they reach Autobot Headquarters.)
*Mixmaster's acid-laser changes from pink to orange between shots. The weapon that fires it has gone back to gray in the second shot.
*The animation doesn't really show a hole ''melting'' in the floor; a section of the floor just vanishes and is replaced with a melted hole.
*Grimlock has his original head design in this episode, rather than the later, toy-based one he normally is drawn with.
*Grimlock's [[galaxial rocket launcher]] is drawn as one of the barrels of his laser rifle shooting off.
*The Dinobots' voices are ''heavily'' processed in his episode, far beyond the norm, giving them a crunchy, gravely sound.
*The inside of Sludge's [[robot mode]] mouth is glowing orange ''again''. Clearly this is part of his character model, but why and how did such a bizarre choice come about in the first place?
*As Scrapper clutches his wounded shoulder, he has two small eyes instead of a visor. (It makes him look a lot like [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]].)
[[File:G1DevastatorHeads.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|But let's face it - he looks much, much cooler with the visor.]]
*Much like [[A Plague of Insecticons|Kickback's insect head]], the cartoon could never quite make up its mind whether Devastator was supposed to have two small eyes or one big visor. This episode shows him with eyes as he monologues, then the visor shows up just a shot or two later.
*"Then -- Then Megatron cheated!" Ironhide's mouth is drawn with [[teeth]] and a [[tongue]].
*When the Autobots cheer inside their headquarters, [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]]'s insignia is missing, Wheeljack's ears aren't flashing, and Jazz's mouth is blinking on and off.
*As the hologram fades out, Hound isn't shown in the nearby cave from which he's supposed to be projecting it.
*When [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] finds out the "Giant [[Autobot]]" is a hologram, his cannon [[kibble]] is gone for a brief second.
*In the final closeup of Megatron's face, several of the lava streams are flowing ''behind'' his eyes and back out. OUCH!
*When we first see the Autobots in the Ark after the duel, Ironhide punches empty air, the whole screen shakes, and he says, “Uh, sorry about that” to no-one.

===Rhino DVD release===
More than most episodes, the [[Rhino Entertainment|Kid Rhino]] DVD version of this episode is full of animation errors that do not appear in the original broadcast version or prior home video releases (as a result of incomplete film masters being used for the DVD), as well as crude attempts made by Rhino to fix some of these errors.

Some are merely aesthetic complaints:
*In one shot, the camera pans sideways to follow the Constructicons, however they aren't moving, so they actually lag behind the screen. Then, as they round a corner, they are animated above the animation cel of the building they drive around, and you can see they are not fully drawn. Their [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]s end in unfinished lines and paint blotches until they come fully into view.
*As the Constructicons make their big introductory transformations, the camera doesn't pan up with Bonecrusher, Long Haul, and Mixmaster, leaving them cut out of the shot from the thighs upward. Bonecrusher is also visibly floating above the ground.
*After Long Haul transforms, the equipment he's supposedly carrying simply pops into view. As the outlines tell us, it has been retroactively shopped into the image.
*The Rhino DVD portrays the power-chip smelter as a featureless rectangular smear, lacking all the light effects and animation that should be present.
*When Megatron says "Scrapper, you have your orders...", the Constructicons' eyes / eye visors no longer glow red in response.
*As he drives up to start digging, [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] is constantly jumping a bit back and forth while driving, as if the animation frames are not ordered properly.
*The shot of Spike saying "I mean, they don't call those creeps Decepticons for nothing." is much cruder and more anime-esque.
*When the Autobots transform to leave base for the battlefield, Optimus Prime's left headlight blinks in and out a couple of times.
*Then, as they all drive out of the Ark, the screen freezes for a moment. The Autobots seem to have teleported after the animation finally continues.
*Spike's animation during the shot of Chip saying "That answer your question, Ironhide?" is different.
*The sky behind Ironhide, when he is informing us of his ignorance of Earth's history, jumps noticeably at the beginning of the shot, and the shadowy outlines around him vibrate wildly.
*The audience isn't actually sitting on the edge of the pit, rather they are all somehow seated on the slopes.
*The black shading around Megatron's eyes is missing during a closeup shot of him. In the same shot, his body is wildly moving around as if he is running.
*At two points during the duel with Optimus Prime (one of them recycled as him landing at Autobot Headquarters), Megatron is colored dark gray.
*When the miscolored Megatron blasts Prime away, the background isn't moving to simulate the camera pan, whereas Prime's animation is.
*The humans in one shot are drawn horribly off-model, with terrible looking teeth, may we add. Spike shows his pre-final print uppers again in a later shot.
*When Skywarp boasts that Megatron acquired the power of teleportation from him, he is colored like Starscream, who is seen sitting right next to him.
*During the Dinobots' fight scene with the Constructicons, some of the laser-firing animation is missing, leaving the characters with huge "holes" and gaps on their bodies where said laser shots should have been animated. This also renders the shot of Sludge firing his eye-beams completely pointless.
*And as Swoop fires his missiles, the background art isn't moving, making it look like he is floating.
*Also in one shot, the rock covering the Constructicons is missing from the foreground, and again, we see incomplete drawings instead of fully-drawn robots.
**However a later shot has a cave mouth drawn over the screen's outer rim, which shouldn't be there, as the scene takes place outside.
*The shot of the Constructicons falling in lava features slightly less detailed lava.

However, some of the screwups actually confuse the plot:
[[File:HeavyMetalWar-Rhino VS Shout.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Rare appearance of the yellow Cliffjumper variant.]]
*Power chip rectifier only appear in the finished animation as little more than small glowing pink dots. When Starscream removes his, this glowing effect is missing, meaning he's holding nothing, and that none of the rectifiers ever actually appear on-screen in the Rhino version.
*When Rhino DVD Optimus Prime hurls a boulder at Megatron, Megatron still lights up to use Skywarp's teleportation ability to get out of the way... but after the teleporation glow effect fades, Megatron is ''still standing there''. The boulder ''flies straight through him'' with nobody seeming to care, including Megatron himself.
*When Megatron is talking to Starscream while the Constructicons are building the infuser machine, Starscream is colored like Skywarp.
**Speaking about the Constructicons being hard at work, this sequence is completely missing. We are instead treated to a shot of Megatron and Starscream standing silently for seconds.
*When [[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] runs up and uses his [[glass gas]], he is coloured like [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]].
[[File:HeavyMetalWar Mixmaster spray.JPG|thumb|upright=1.1|That sure isn't a cave you're in there, Mixmaster.]]
*The animation sequence of Megatron landing at the Autobot base ''is missing entirely'', and is replaced by looped animation from later in the episode of Megatron landing after a jump, along with a recycled snippet of Cliffjumper looking elated after encasing Megatron in ice from just a few seconds earlier.
*When Megatron lands, there are two Optimus Primes and Ironhides there to greet him.
*As the Autobots help Prime make his decision, the camera pans are missing, and the scene is instead shown as multiple, separate shots. Secondly, Wheeljack's light effects are mis-aligned. Finally, the added lens-effects in Prime's optics makes him look like he's about to cry.
*When the Constructicons move out to dig the passage to the Autobot headquarters, they're all shown outdoors instead of inside the base.
*A transformation sequence for Trailbreaker, recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]", still retains its exterior background even though it's supposed to happen inside Autobot Headquarters.
*When the Autobots arrive at the pit in vehicle mode, Ironhide is seen transforming from robot mode to vehicle mode. Then, he is back in his robot form.
*Where the finished episode tries to disguise the fact that the animators have drawn Prime towing his own trailer by coloring him life Huffer, in the unfinished animation used for the DVD, Prime is colored in his normal colors.
*Instead of using the finished shot, we see recycled animation of a standing Prime being hit when Megatron delivers his final blow. He should be lying on the ground.
*The animation of the lava is absent in a couple of shots.

But, uhhh, hey, that silver DVD case sure is shiny and pretty!

===Shout! Factory DVD release===
*Like "[[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction]]" before it, the sound effects of this episode are cranked down to near-inaudibility, compared to the music and vocal tracks.
*This episode is also one of several affected by Shout!'s inability to obtain complete master reels to restore the incomplete animation used in the Kid Rhino releases, resulting in 1-inch tape versions being used instead. Picture quality is thus all over the map. The scenes of Megatron approaching Autobot Headquarters are noticeably under-lit. Several scenes are in visibly softer focus compared to shots before and after, such as the pan of Autobots as Cliffjumper says "I don't trust 'im!"

===Continuity errors===
[[File:Lineup.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|"Where'd you get the Constructicons?" "We found them." "Found them? On Earth? Constructicons are Cybertronian!" "The Cosmos may fly into the sun or the Omega Supreme or the Astrotrain may seek warmer climes in winter, yet these are not strangers to our land." "Are you suggesting that Constructicons migrate?"]]
*This episode gives the first of [[Constructicon (G1)|three contradictory origins]] for the Constructicons.

*The building site that the Constructicons raid is a power plant. One of the construction workers states that it will be able to provide the whole planet with limitless energy, raising the question of why the Decepticons didn't raid such a powerful energy source for energon.

*So this head worker guy sees driverless, talking construction vehicles, that turn into giant malevolent thieving robots with the Decepticon symbol on 'em... but somehow he only figures out that they're Decepticons when Scrapper says they work for Megatron. Is Megatron's name more famous than all the defining aspects of his faction?

*Ironhide is apparently able to detect the Decepticons by himself, without relying on Teletraan I. However, in "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]", the Autobots were unable to detect the approaching Decepticons with Teletraan I sabotaged.

*Optimus Prime takes out Devastator with a single shot from his laser rifle, something rather at odds with the later portrayal of combiners as nigh-invulnerable. Maybe they were upgraded?

*It's a bit strange that Starscream of all mechs should be concerned with legalities and suggest that Megatron try to fight honorably... but there ''is'' a touch of sarcasm when he says "You wouldn't want to ''cheat'', would you, Megatron?"

*There is a rather ''huge'' hole in Megatron's "Destroy Teletraan I" plot: When the Autobots come back from Optimus Prime's defeat, wouldn't a burning-and-smoking Teletraan I ''immediately'' scream "Megatron DID cheat" rather than cover that fact up?

*Mind you, the Autobots confidently rely on Teletraan I to let them know if Megatron is cheating but then don't leave anyone monitoring it or have a real time communication link with it. It's only by the Decepticon's good graces that they were allowed to go back to Autobot HQ and check its findings before potentially taking up their exile in space.

[[File:DinobotsG1.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2]]
*The Autobots return to headquarters as the Dinobots have begun their battle with Devastator. They have time enough to repair Optimus Prime and detect the Decepticon deception, and meanwhile, the Dinobots are ''still'' fighting Devastator.
**On that note the Autobots don't even try to tell the Dinobots that they were leaving and the fight was over. Were the Autobots going to leave the Dinobots behind and strand them on Earth!?

*Speaking of which, didn't anybody notice the big flaming hole in the floor of Autobot Headquarters?

*So the Decepticons couldn't '''FLY''' out of the lava when they fell in?

*Doesn't anybody notice Megatron down there floating in the lava?

===Trivia===
[[File:SnarlG1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|''Transformers'' was anime before it was [[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|anime]].]]
*The art style of this episode has a distinctively Japanese flavor to it (in a handful of scenes), similar to that of "[[Roll for It]]" and "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]". [[Masami Ōbari]]'s believed to be involved with this episode.<ref>http://mimizun.com/log/2ch/ranime/1118994758/</ref> [[Nobuyoshi Habara]] was also involved with the episode, working on some shots during the actual battle between Optimus Prime and Megatron, though which shots are unspecified.<ref>https://w.atwiki.jp/sakuga/?cmd=word&word=%E3%83%88%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B9%E3%83%95%E3%82%A9%E3%83%BC%E3%83%9E%E3%83%BC&type=&pageid=309</ref>
*The animation pretty much gets Devastator's transformation spot-on. Enjoy it while you can; it [[The Core|won't]] [[The Autobot Run|last]].
*Storyboards for this episode indicate that at one point in the scripting process, power chip rectifiers were also tied into the ability to transform. Upon giving up their rectifiers, the Decepticons lose their ability to transform, and during the fight, Megatron transforms into a jet! <ref>[http://cartoonpaperwork.com/network/dt/003.shtml "Heavy Metal War" storyboards at CartoonPaperwork.com]</ref>
*Scenes and dialogue deleted from this episode include Wheeljack showing off the latest improvements he has made to the Dinobots outside Autobot Headquarters (during which Megatron arrives), Scavenger referring to Scrapper with his working name "[[Gravedigger]]", Megatron using Soundwave's mind-reading powers on Optimus Prime during their fight, and Starscream sarcastically pointing out that the other Decepticons could help Devastator fight the Dinobots - except that they don't have their powers (to which Megatron retorts that "my Devastator needs no help").
**An extended portion of dialogue is also cut from Megatron's address to Optimus Prime, resulting in the rather clumsy line in the finished episode, "Our war has gone on for millions of years — Decepticons fighting Autobots — in which opposing leaders — you and I, Optimus Prime — may do battle." In the episode's dialogue script, following "Decepticons fighting Autobots," Megatron finishes his first sentence by lamenting the endless nature of the war. Prime shares in his regret, but deems it necessary as long as Megatron continues his pursuit of conquest. Megatron then speaks again, raising the topic of the "age-old law of combat," then picking up the finished line from "in which opposing leaders..."
**Ironhide's "sorry about that" non-sequitur is the result of a cut to the start of the scene: while watching the battle through the hole blasted out the side of the volcano and frustrated at not being able to join in, Ironhide slams his fist against the cavern wall, causing it to shake. He sheepishly apologizes.
[[File:RumbleisRed.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|The "red robot" is clearly blue.]]
*During Teletraan I's montage of the sources of Megatron's acquired powers, the descriptions for the individual Decepticons are verbatim quotes from the [http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/ Transformers Series Bible's "Decepticon Rollcall" page], albeit including several lost-in-translation typographical errors ("Decepticon Lider", "Decepticon Commicator", "Sky Warp"). The most notable of those is [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (misspelled as "Runble") being identified as a [[FIRRIB|"red robot"]]. Furthermore, the seemingly random numbers listed on those screens are actually Hasbro's product codes for the respective toys. Interestingly enough, [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] is given a product number, even though he was never released at mass retail. However, the renditions of the Decepticons are ''not'' the official [[character model]] poses for those characters, but rather all-new drawings.
*The head construction worker's cry as Scavenger drops him is recycled from "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2]]" (from when Laserbeak kidnaps two security guards.)
*The episode's ending sure seems intended as a potential conclusion to the series, just in case it wasn't renewed for a second season. Turns out that ''Transformers'' was a bit of a hit, so that whole falling-into-lava thing was ignored (though it was alluded to in the [[title sequence]] animation for season two, as the Insecticons traverse in lava).
*The giant Autobot hologram image Hound projected went anonymous for 26 years until it received an identity at [[BotCon 2010]] as the [[Elite Guard]] member [[Halonix Maximus]].
[[File:RavagePet.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Who's a good widdle killy-kitty? YOU IS!]]
*When the Autobots and Decepticons are getting ready to watch the fight, Soundwave lets Ravage out and Ravage then sits beside Soundwave and audibly ''purrs'' while Soundwave pets him. This is both very cute and very creepy.
*Devastator referring to himself as "the Devastator" might be a leftover reference to the character's working name of "the Destructoid".
*When aired on [[Hub Network]]'s video-on-demand, the Kid Rhino version is used for some reason, even though Hub Network otherwise airs the original pre-Kid Rhino versions.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French broadcast):'' "'''Le sursis'''" ("The reprieve")
:*''Title (Canadian French broadcast & European French DVD release):'' "'''La guerre du métal lourd'''" ("Heavy metar war")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title (Generation 2 dub):'' "'''Der Zweikampf'''" ("The Duel")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[May 28]], [[1994]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (both dubs):'' "'''Il duello'''" ("The Duel")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Cybertron-sei no Okite'''" (せイバートロン星の掟, "The Laws of Planet Cybertron")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 7]], [[1985]]
::*In Japanese anime fashion, Megatron yells the names of several of the special attacks he's purloined from his minions; namely, Reflector's "Flash Beam" and Thundercracker's "Sonic Beam".

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Shuāng Xióng Dàzhàn '''" (双雄大战, "Fight between Double Leaders")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Guerra dos Metaleiros'''" ("The War of the Metalheads")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Voyna tyazhelogo metalla'''" (Война тяжёлого металла, "Heavy Metal War")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sukob metalnih ratnika'''" (Сукоб металних ратника, "Battle of the Metal Warriors")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Latin Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fuerte Guerra de Metal'''" ("Heavy Metal War")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

===Toys inspired by this episode===
* '''''[[War for Cybertron: Kingdom]]'' [[Huffer (G1)#War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Huffer]] (2021)'''
:This Deluxe class version of Huffer is specifically molded to be able to tow the trailer of ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Optimus Prime]], recreating a scene from this episode.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[1986]] — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 10: "Heavy Metal War" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[1987]] — ''Transformers'' — Heavy Metal Wars / The Girl Who Loved Powerglide ([[Tempo Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[1989]] — ''Transformers'' — A Ghost in the Machine / Heavy Metal Wars (Tempo Video) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[1990]] — ''Transformers'' — Heavy Metal Wars / The Girl Who Loved Powerglide ([[Tempo Video|Abbey Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2000]] — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 6: Evolution Revolution ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1994]] — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1998]] — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[2001]] — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2002]] — ''Transformers: Generation 2'' ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] [[2003]] — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2004]] — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 4 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] [[2006]] — The Best of ''The Transformers'' (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2007]] — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Episodes (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] [[2008]] — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2009]] — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2011]] — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2014]] — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — Roar of the Dinobots (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1vbr04lZGZRfV8r8xDO7WeRH_HKAurRfQ Full episode script, finalised on 13th August 1984]
*[https://sunbowmarvelarchive.blogspot.com/p/the-transformers-mp-700-13-heavy-metal.html Gallery of full episode storyboards]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

A Plague of Insecticons

2023-08-03T03:42:19Z

JD1337666: /* Rhino DVD release */

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the similarly-named Marvel UK Annual story|Plague of the Insecticons!}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=15
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=64
|prev2=Fire on the Mountain (episode)
|next2=The Autobot Run
|image=Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG
|caption=We're gonna need a big [[Rustbug hoop|swatter]]! A really big swatter!
|title="A Plague of Insecticons"
|season=1
|season ep=15
|production code=#700-12
|airdate=[[December 29]], 1984
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGRGcFYVWVs
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''Reports of giant insects terrorizing Bali lead the Decepticons to discover their long-lost comrades, the Insecticons.'''

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

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

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

[[File:Optimus ram.jpg|thumb|Where we're going, we don't need roads!]]
Elsewhere, Sideswipe is getting nowhere slowly with his drilling, so Optimus Prime decides on a simpler tactic and drives right through the rock wall. Coming up on the farm just in time, Sideswipe and [[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] tackle the Decepticons, who withdraw to a nearby [[oil]] refinery to recharge before they destroy the Autobots. During the respite, [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] repairs Skyfire, who follows them in the air while the Autobots follow from the ground. The Insecticons attack Skyfire, and Wheeljack goes to help but is knocked out of the air by Kickback. Shrapnel takes control of Sunstreaker and Sideswipe, causing them to drive toward the Autobots, but [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] disrupts Shrapnel's control with his [[force field]]. Optimus throws Brawn at Shrapnel, but Kickback knocks him off. Fortunately, Skyfire is able to catch Brawn.

[[File:Skeet surfin.jpg|left|thumb|"First wave, don't get tired. Second wave, aim higher. Third wave, pull and fire. Skeet Surfin'..."]]
At the refinery, the Decepticons are busy making some [[energon cube]]s. Megatron offers the Insecticons a tanker filled to the brim, and the trio gorge themselves. Unfortunately, it also causes the oil to leak into the ocean. As the Autobots arrive, the Decepticons force them to take some cover. Shrapnel uses a shrapnel grenade to knock Optimus, Brawn, and Wheeljack into the ocean, where the Autobot leader warns that the oil could ignite. On cue, Thundercracker lights the oil on fire, only for the Autobots to knock him into the flaming water. Before the ship goes kaboom, [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] is able to douse the flames. However, storm clouds appear overhead, and Shrapnel uses them as a means to fire electricity at the Autobots. Spike realizes that the rubber in their tires will serve as insulation. Some Autobots go to [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], while others stand on them, neutralizing Shrapnel's abilities. In addition, Trailbreaker uses his force field to neutralize Shrapnel's control over the clones, causing them to go to pieces.

[[File:Tanker throw.jpg|thumb|Optimus shows why he's a three time World's strongest Bot champion.]]
Megatron realizes that he's losing, so the Decepticon leader employs a time-honored strategy: "If I can't have it, no one can." Megatron sets the tanker on fire and pushes it toward the refinery. However, Optimus pushes the tanker underwater, and Megatron with it. Rising to the surface, Megatron prepares to blast Bumblebee and Spike, only for Optimus Prime to throw the tanker ''through the air'' at Megatron.

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

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

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

[[File:PlagueofInsecticons Skyfire sitting in puddle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
"Still think they're optical illusions, Brawn?"
:—'''Skyfire''', after getting his ass handed to him by an army of Insecticon clones.

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

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

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

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

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

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

==Notes==
===Production information===
*First draft script: 27th July 1984
*Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 6th August 1984
*Final script: 13th August 1984
*Returned to the US for telecine: 17th December 1984

===Continuity notes===
*It may or may not be an intentional bit of continuity, but Starscream, [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|last seen]] being hauled off by Megatron for unspecified punishment, is absent from this episode. Then again, Skywarp and Frenzy are missing too, which tells us absolutely nothing.
[[File:Plagueofinsecticons fire fighting.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|It can't be [[fire-retardant foam]]; if it was, the Autobots would've won the war eons ago.]]
[[File:PlagueOfInsecticons Windcharger repulsorfield.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Funny part is, there isn't actually any button there.]]
[[File:ShrapnelG1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|When there's lightning, you know it always brings me down]]
[[File:PlagueInsecticons Kickback harvester.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Rideeeer Kick!]]

*Gadgets and powers:
**Laserbeak slides yet another gadget out of his head, this one a micro radar dish that he uses to contact Megatron.
**Megatron has the flashing pectoral rectangles to acknowledge Laserbeak's signal, as seen [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|last episode]].
**The Insecticons, presumably like all Transformers, have [[idento-computer]]s that somehow "adapted them for life on Earth by turning them into Insecticons". Depending on your interpretation of this statement, it might be considered the first instance of a Transformer gaining a new [[alternate mode]] through internal reconfiguration, rather than through external reconstruction, a premise that would not gain traction until the ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' franchise in 2002.
**Not for the last time, Skyfire extends his legs in a sort of mid-transformation pause. (Sorry, ''Macross'' dorks, it's not a GERWALK/Guardian. Those have arms.)
**Rather than use his rather well documented pile driver abilities to dig his tunnel, Sideswipe just retracts his hands and ''smashes his way through with his arms''. Looks like some animator misunderstood a script direction. They ''finally'' got it right in the final tunnel digging scene...and then they show him with drills on his hands.
**Windcharger activates a magnetic "repulsor field" by pressing a button on his chest.
**Wheeljack uses his documented ability to fly. He even (mostly) keeps his arms at his side like he's supposed to, considering it's supposed to be wrist rockets that let him do it. He also uses his missile launcher... sorta. Actually the missiles just kind of fly out from behind his back.
**It's a showcase for Trailbreaker's forcefield, as he uses it first to cut off Shrapnel's override waves and then his control beams, the latter destroying the Insecticon clones. It's also a rare instance of it actually being projected from the right place, namely the silver box gadget thing behind his head.
**Thundercracker uses his flamethrower again, previously seen in "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]" and "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2]]". As noted before, this was likely an interpretation of the "incendiary guns" his bio described him as being armed with.
**Ironhide puts out a fire with [[Fire-retardant foam|foamy gassy white stuff]] that he fires from both retracted wrists.
**Kickback materializes a gun out of thin air in a flash of light, one of those occasional shots leading to fandom "subspace" theories about weapons and parts storage.
**As the stars of the episode, the Insecticons get a whole host of special powers:
***They quickly demonstrate one of their most characteristic powers, the ability to create clones of themselves, a power which was ''never'' mentioned in any of their Tech Spec writeups and was created solely for the cartoon. Shrapnel claims ownership of the cloning beams, but Kickback is also shown generating them. Bombshell is also involved, but the animation does not convey the full intent of the script when it comes to his role: the visuals imply that all he does is blow up a derelict tractor with his "Insecta-shells" to create debris to form the clones, but the script explains that the Insecta-shell was supposed to release streams of filament and micro-circuitry to connect the debris together, through which Shrapnel's beams are then channelled to form and animate the clones.
***Shrapnel uses his [[grenade launcher]], firing a steel ball from his wrist which then explodes into a bazillion razor-sharp fragments. His Tech Spec has the launcher as his hand-held weapon, but otherwise the ability is correct as shown. Later he identifies it as a "[[shrapnel grenade]]" (or perhaps a Shrapnel Grenade?)
***Shrapnel uses his "special override wave" to control Sideswipe and Sunstreaker.
***Shrapnel uses his famous ability to capture and fire lightning. He seems to need Bombshell's help to do it, though. The Autobots are able to counter the effects of the lightning by transforming and electrically insulating themselves from the ground with their rubber tires.
*Optimus demonstrates ''highly improbable'' amounts of strength, lifting an entire sunken [[oil tanker]] out of the water and throwing it at Megatron.
*The episode's closing dialog provides us with the interesting factoid that Spike is not yet old enough to drive, capping his likely age in 1984 at 15.

===Real-world references===
[[File:PlagueOfInsecticons Bali establishing shot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Come for the farms. Stay for the Insecticons!]]
*The Insecticons inhabit the real world island of [[Bali]], which is part of the nation of [[Indonesia]].
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine burst as Kickback launches to pursue the last boat.
**''Falcon'' engine burst ''and'' [[Death Star]] superlaser as the Insecticons fly out of the swamp.
**[[X-wing Fighter|X-Wing]] diving whine as Laserbeak reports his findings.
**Death Star superlaser again as the Insecticons launch to attack the farm.
**''Falcon'' engine burst as the Insecticons fly to attack Skyfire.
**Death Star superlaser as Shrapnel and Bombshell cling to Skyfire's wings.
**X-wing diving whine in the same sequence.
**Luke deflecting seeker ball bolts as Thundercracker compresses the energon cubes.
**X-Wing diving whine as the Insecticons attach to the tanker.
**Death Star superlaser as Megatron launches to re-ignite the tanker.
**Death Star superlaser as the Insecticons flee from the refinery.

===Technical or animation glitches===
[[File:G1 PlagueofInsecticons Bombshell blast.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Shrapnel's back should be black, not yellow. His bug legs should probably be white, but the show changes their color so much that it's kinda hard to tell for sure.]]
*Coloring errors:
**Bombshell loses all his yellow and purple coloration as he throws the first boat in the swamp.
**Shrapnel's bug head is purple instead of black as he notes that Kickback's meal is escaping.[[File:Ark silver.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|.995 percent pure silver leaf]]
**In the establishing shot of [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters]], the ship is colored silver instead of orange.[[File:Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG|thumb|upright=1.1|Seriously, a human comes up to the Insecticons' knees. How big ''is'' this tree??]]
**As the Insecticons stand on the (unfathomably huge) tree branch, both Shrapnel and Kickback's faces are dark gray instead of silver.
**As Skyfire arrives at the farm, his booster pack is white instead of red.
**In the next shot, Kickback's face is still dark gray.
**After the Autobots transform at the end of Sideswipe's "shortcut", Sunstreaker's engine intake is yellow instead of silver.
**As Ironhide and Sunstreaker watch Sideswipe work on the tunnel, Sunstreaker's entire helmet is yellow, rather than just his ear-wings.
**Skyfire's face is white instead of gray as he tries to transform, and his antennae are blue instead of white.
**Bombshell's eyes are a creepy, empty, yet toy-like white (instead of red) as Shrapnel first addresses Megatron.
**Soundwave's missing his cassette door stripes again as the Decepticons take aim.
**When Sideswipe and Sunstreaker get ahead of Optimus Prime after breaking out of the tunnel, both are coloured in Sunstreaker's yellow color scheme for a brief moment.
**Thundercracker is a dark, toy-like blue as he fills the energon cubes, rather than his usual medium blue.
**Prime's tires are white instead of black as Shrapnel takes control of the twins.
**In the following overhead shot, Sideswipe is colored black instead of red.
**The blue vehicle next to out-of-focus Prime doesn't correspond to any Autobot present, and there wasn't anyone in that location in the previous shot anyway.
**Shrapnel's [[beast mode|bug mode]] front half is white as he sends the twins on a second attack run.
**Skyfire's cockpit, boosters and thruster nozzles are white as he fires on the refinery, rather than blue, red and black, respectively.
**Sunstreaker is [[Diaclone#Car Robots|red instead of yellow]] as the Autobots arrive at the refinery and transform.
**Wheeljack is in Bombshell's colors as the Autobots start to run for cover.
**Brawn's helmet is yellow instead of gray as he and the others dive into the water.
**Wheeljack is missing his orange chest details as he stands in the water.
**Brawn is in Skyfire's colors as Thundercracker prepares to ignite the spilled oil.
**As the Decepticons retreat from battle and fly towards the oil refinery, Skyfire is part of the formation.
**Prime's hand is red instead of blue as he orders Bumblebee to stay back.
**Bombshell is missing his purple color as he speculates on whether they picked the right allies.
**In the final shot of the assembled Autobots, Sunstreaker's head is yellow again. Trailbreaker's cheeks are colored blue instead of his eye visor (it looks like he's wearing reading glasses!) Sideswipe's eyes are red instead of blue. Brawn's green is very washed out.
*Bombshell's animation model totally cheats. His [[robot mode]] color scheme is completely lacking in purple, yet the same parts that are colored black instead become purple when he transforms.
*The show was ''never'' able to make up its mind about Kickback's insect mode head. Sometimes it's drawn with his robot mode face underneath it, just like the toy, even having him talk and emote with it. Other times it's just plain black, with his robot face replaced by a mechanical bug mouth, more like you'd expect from a giant super-advanced space robot trying to pass himself off as an ordinary giant metal robot grasshopper. This episode shows ''both'' versions at various times, even changing it between successive shots (such as the "there's more food to devour on a farm!" sequence.) At least once it splits the difference, showing abstract details colored like his face and eyeband.
*The "Wait for me!" rower makes a pretty spectacular and improbable leap onto the last boat.
*Kickback has no transformation noise as he swims up to his buddies and transforms.
*As Megatron orders his troops to move out, his faction emblem is all blurry.
*As Thundercracker exposits that the Insecticons are Decepticons, Soundwave is missing the yellow lines around his tape door.
*Bombshell is missing his head cannon as the Insecticons raise their guns to fire.
*Brawn and company fall over into the pond before the Insecticons' fire actually hits them.
*In the first shot after the first commercial break, all of the Insecticon clones have disappeared from the field.
*As the Insecticons charge, Bombshell's head launcher is missing its little side laser dealies, and Bombshell's Decepticon insignia is blinking.
*Windcharger is drawn delivering Bumblebee's "I sure hope Prime" line.
*As he stands aside to let Optimus through, Sideswipe's pile drivers have turned into drills.
*Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**Ratchet is shown transforming with the rest of Prime's team, despite not being part of it.
*When the Decepticons and Insecticons flee from the field, Thundercracker in jet mode is colored in Skyfire's white-and-red palette. The clones finally reappear in the same shot, after going missing for several scenes.
*At the line "bite down, it's our only chance to hang on!" the voice is Bombshell's, but Shrapnel is shown. Since they're in bug mode and Bombshell was shown in the preceding shot, this may not be an animation error exactly, but at the very least it's poor framing.
*Kickback's robot head shows up beneath his bug head as he turns to kick Brawn off of Shrapnel.
*Thundercracker's arm laser is mounted on the wrong side and in the wrong spot as he aims at Skyfire.
*Soundwave's chest compartment isn't drawn in as Ravage ejects.
*Megatron is missing his insignia as he wonders what Kickback is talking about.
*Shrapnel is missing his insignia as he wonders what went wrong.
*Someone got their signals crossed; after the Autobots prove able to defeat Shrapnel's lightning blasts by rolling on their tires, Optimus is also totally immune to ''normal'' Insecticon firepower.
*Reflector shows up out of nowhere as Megatron rails about the Insecticons stealing their energon, despite not having been seen in the entire episode.

====Rhino DVD release====
The [[Rhino Entertainment|Kid Rhino]] release of this episode had errors not present in the original broadcast version, due to their use of incomplete film masters:

*A cel layering error causes Skyfire's door to appear behind Spike and the Autobots as he boards them. As a result, the door closes ''behind'' Bumblebee and Spike as they wave to Optimus, only for them to disappear when it closes fully.
*When Shrapnel shoots his ball shaped bomb, the flame and bomb are missing thus leaving him to fire absolutely nothing; the ball is shown a second later.
*As Sideswipe and Sunstreaker are being controlled by Shrapnel's control beams, Shrapnel is missing from the shot and is nowhere to be seen.
*As the two of them are forcefully driven toward the other Autobots, Sunstreaker is colored black and the frame of animation is not arranged properly.
*Just before Brawn asks Optimus to throw him, Prime is in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], then he transforms from robot to vehicle mode, and is then standing in robot mode.
*A shot of Optimus and Wheeljack in the water is missing one of the water cel layers. As a result, the bottom half of Optimus's body is completely missing.
*The animation of the approaching storm clouds is missing. Instead, a single dark cloud simply floats across the screen.
*The lightning flashes as Megatron declares that the enemy is on the ground differ slightly in the DVD version.
*When Shrapnel says the line "Has brought it to us us now now" his dialogue lags behind the scene where he speaks. In addition, the sky has inexplicably turned sunny again in the DVD version.
*Some instances of Wheeljack speaking, like when he says "Thanks Prime, keep on truckin'", are missing the flashing "ears" effect.
*When Bumblebee says "There's gotta be something we can do before we all get fried", his mouth and head do not move until he says the word "fried".
*A laser beam that hits Bumblebee while he is in vehicle has a different glow effect in the DVD version. The same thing happens with Wheeljack a few shots later.
*Spike's mouth flaps are slightly different when he talks about the rubber tires.
*When Shrapnel jumps out of the way of a laser blast, the refinery background behind him is different.
*When Optimus blasts the Insecticons away, the refinery background behind them is different yet again.
*Wheeljack's glow is stationary at the end of the episode.

===Continuity errors===
*The Insecticons' origin is fraught with problems. The story seems to be that they were aboard [[Nemesis (G1)|the Decepticon ship]], and ejected in an escape pod before it crashed, four million years ago. What happened after that is not clear, but no version of the story completely jibes with the known facts:
**Megatron says that the Insecticons' escape pod was launched "before [[Nemesis (G1)|our own ship]] crashed here millions of years ago". One might reasonably take this to mean that the Insecticons were aboard the ''Nemesis''; however, upon meeting Megatron a few scenes later, Shrapnel says to him "I don't know you", implying that they ''weren't'' aboard the ''Nemesis''. The summary of the episode in the [[production bible]] clarifies this, saying the pod "...was originally part of the Decepticon spacecraft that jettisoned away just before the Autobots and Decepticons crash landed on Earth".<ref>http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#072</ref> Guess Shrapnel was just feeling conveniently forgetful that day day.
*** (Or he's saying he doesn't know Megatron very well. Or their memory banks were a little fuzzed after four million years in a swamp.)
**The narration ("a strange new form of robot") makes it sound like the Insecticons just recently awoke, as does the sudden distress call from the residents of Bali. But if that's the case, it's a ''huge'' coincidence that, after four million years, they were revived just a few months after their kin aboard the Ark.
*** (Maybe their pod was activated after intercepting an automatic signal from the now-active Ark or Nemesis?)
**The alternative - that the Insecticons have been up and running around for millions of years - doesn't make sense either. How could neither the Autobots nor the Decepticons have ever learned of their existence until this episode?
[[File:Plagueofinsecticons Sideswipe drilling.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*''Digging a tunnel'' is seriously faster than just backtracking a mile or two to find another way around? Seriously?
*Michael Bell seems to have gotten a bit confused. Throughout this episode he uses his Prowl voice for Sideswipe.
*How does Skyfire manage to hide in the bushes with the other, shorter Autobots? He's about four Bumblebees tall! In fact the entire notion of corn that's tall enough to hide an Autobot is a bit far fetched. The absurdity is further called out a few shots later when the Autobots (and Spike!) are shown ''towering'' over the corn.
*How does Skyfire know Kickback's name? None of the Insecticons have introduced themselves.
*How does Optimus Prime's team ''drive to Bali'', an Indonesian island which is clear across the Pacific Ocean? They needed Skyfire to get to Peru. Even if we accept they used the "hydrofoils" from "The Ultimate Doom, Part 1," they arrive only moments after the Decepticons, who are already in Bali. They would have arrived even sooner if not for their "detour."
*Per the cartoon physics norm, if ''anything'' besides the ground breaks your fall, you're just fine. Thus, Wheeljack smacking into Prime's trailer does absolutely no damage to him.
*Brawn gets the same treatment a second later, as Skyfire "catches" him.
*Megatron gives the very strange order to "activate the Ravage cassette".
*As they arrive at the refinery, Optimus Prime orders "let's get them, Autobots!" They immediately run for cover, firing no weapons.
*Kickback claims there is no spray capable of stopping the Insecticons. Guess he's never heard of [[robotic insecticide]]!
*When Megatron and company arrive at the Balinese oil refinery, a human shouts "the monsters are back!" Neither the Insecticons nor Decepticons have been shown attacking an oil refinery in this episode. Unless one of the refinery workers just happens to moonlight as a swamp boater. Or knows someone who does.

===Trivia===
[[File:PlagueOfInsecticons Trailbreaker projecting forcefield.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*The Shout! Factory release (incorrectly?) credits this episode as being written by [[Donald F. Glut]].
*Wheeljack refers to the idea of a motorcycle alternate form as "[[Groove (G1)|something new]]". Ah, Transformers was so young and new back then!
*Some episodes provide plot, character development, and storytelling. Others are a big parade of battles and special buy-my-toy powers. The reader may draw their own conclusions as to which category this episode falls under.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Un fléau d'Insecticons'''" ("A plague of Insecticons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Gli Insekticons'''" ("The Insecticons")
:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''La piaga degli Insecticons'''" ("The Plague of the Insecticons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Insectron no Nazo'''" (インセクトロンの謎, "The Mystery of the Insectrons")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 24]], [[1986]]
::*Due to [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]'s status as a [[Bandai]] toy in Japan, the Japanese broadcast of this episode had to be delayed until near the end of the series, when the legal matters could be resolved.
::*Being a Japanese dub and all, Shrapnel dramatically announces the name of his lightning blast as though it were a special move: "Thunder Attack!" ...Yes, ''thunder''. Not lightning.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Jīqì Kūnchóng '''" (机器昆虫, "The Insecticons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Praga de Insecticons'''" ("The Plague of Insecticons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Nashestviye Insecticonov'''" ("The Invasion of Insecticons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Nајezdа Insektikonа'''" (Најезда Инсектикона, "Insecticon Invasion")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[1986]] — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 12: "The Secret of Omega Supreme", "War Dawn", "A Plague of Insecticons" ([[Family Home Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1995]] — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1999]] — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[2001]] — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2002]] — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] [[2003]] — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2004]] — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 3 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2006]] — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2007]] — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] [[2008]] — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2009]] — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2011]] — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2014]] — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1j7OGUiXk5ZF-BuqIPg3hYQfFdqXF3q4_ Full episode script, finalised on 13th August 1984]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Plague of Insecticons}}
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]

The Ultimate Doom, Part 3

2023-08-03T03:27:13Z

JD1337666: /* Rhino DVD errors */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=13
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=68
|prev2=The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
|next2=Earth's Greatest Crisis
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=43
|prev3=The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
|next3=B.O.T. (episode)
|image=Ultimate Doom 3 Autobots fire.JPG
|caption=Autobots, transform and kick some diodes!
|title="The Ultimate Doom, Part 3"
|production code=#700-10
|airdate=[[November 17]], 1984
|season=1
|season ep=13
|story by=[[Dick Robbins]], [[Bryce Malek]], [[Douglas Booth]] and [[Leo D. Paur]]
|teleplay by=[[Leo D. Paur]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]], [[Ashi Productions]], [[Nakamura Production]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42tsk3EJLpo
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''As Cybertron's orbit ravages Earth, the Autobots take the fight to the Decepticons.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Ultimate Doom 3 Autobots Cybertron.JPG|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Not the friendliest homecoming.]]
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], a brainwashed [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] sounds an alarm on [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]], [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], and [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]]. As [[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] and [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] attempt to destroy them, [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]], [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]], and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] rescue them. Heading to Wheeljack's lab, they review the [[hypno-chip]] data they've gained.

[[File:SurfsUp.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|This sort of embarrassment is why they finally just recruited Seaspray.]]
On Earth, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is overseeing the construction of a large hydroelectric generator that will allow the Decepticons to harvest more energy. [[Doctor Arkeville]] is becoming increasingly dissatisfied with Megatron's disregard of his interests, and feels that [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] may be more sympathetic. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] leads [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]], [[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]], [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]], and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (on surfboards) to the generator, where their wipeout prevents them from being able to stop the Decepticons from leaving in a [[Decepticon shuttle|shuttle]] carrying [[energon cube]]s. Arkeville is left to die, but Starscream saves him, having his own plans for the scientist.

On Cybertron, Wheeljack develops a device that should disrupt the hypno-chips' control over the humans. Spike attempts another rescue of his father, but is discovered by Shockwave. However, Wheeljack's device works as planned, and the Autobots flee back to Earth with Sparkplug, who is now freed from Decepticon control.

[[File:Ultimate Doom 3 Bumblebee Tarzan.JPG|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Jungle Love Bug]]
On an island, Megatron is overseeing the loading of a shuttle with energon cubes while [[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] goes to see if he can direct the humans away from the ship. Nearby, Starscream's own experiments in draining neural energy from Arkeville have failed to fill a single energon cube. Megatron discovers them and prepares to execute Starscream for treason (again). However, Mirage manages to direct the humans away from the shuttle, and Prime orders an attack. The Decepticons outnumber the Autobots, but Skyfire and company soon arrive to even the odds as well as to free the slaves from the Decepticons' control. However, Cybertron comes into view of the island, causing a tidal wave, and Megatron flees in the shuttle for Cybertron.

[[File:Ultimate Doom 3 Cybertron leave.JPG|upright=1.1|thumb|Im in ur orbit, killin ur planet.]]
Spike declares that they just need to knock Cybertron out of Earth's orbit, but Prowl says that they'd need the equivalent of ten billion astroliters of energy to do that. Suddenly, Prime realizes that the [[energon]] on board the shuttle could theoretically be enough to move Cybertron. Prime orders the Autobots to shoot Megatron's shuttle. The plan works, with the energon on board moving Cybertron away from Earth.

Back on the island, Spike remarks to Optimus that Megatron appears to be gone for good, but the Autobot leader, knowing his mortal enemy's survival rate, is not so sure. In space, Megatron comes back online and flies away from the wreckage of the shuttle, vowing revenge.
{{--}}

==Featured Characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (1)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (2)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (9)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (10)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (11)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (13)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (14)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (15)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (16)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (17)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (26)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (28)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] (29)
|c2=
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] (5)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (6)
*Dark Blue [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] (7)
*Light Blue Seeker (8)
*[[Watchdog (G1)|Watchdogs]] (12)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (19)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (20)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (21)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (24)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (25)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (25)
*Green Seeker (27)
*Thundercracker-colored seekers
*Skywarp-colored seekers
*Starscream-colored seekers
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (3)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (4)
*[[Doctor Arkeville]] (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"Take them!" 
"I don't 'take' so easy."
:—'''Soundwave''' and '''Brawn'''

"Prepare for termination!" 
"Prepare for a very large ''headache!''"
:—'''Shockwave''' vs. '''Brawn'''

"You cannot get out!" 
''[Shockwave unleashes a massive blast, but blows a hole in the wall instead of Skyfire]'' 
"I can now!"
:—'''Shockwave''' and '''Skyfire'''

"All the comforts of home... if you like living in an auto-robotic factory."
:—'''Wheeljack''', on [[Wheeljack's workshop|his workshop]]

"My slaves will be caught in the tidal wave!" 
"I thought humans ''liked'' to play in the ocean!"
:—'''Dr. Arkeville''' teaches '''Megatron''' an important fact about human anatomy.

"Surf's up! And I'm talkin' UP!" 
:—'''Bluestreak''' spots an approaching tsunami.

"Thanks, guys, for not giving up on me. Especially you, Spike." 
"Dad, it's like you taught me: You never quit on the people you love." 
"Mushy, but true."
:—'''Sparkplug''' and '''Spike''' have a touching father-son moment, with an addendum by '''Brawn'''.

"You're not pushing slaves around this time."
:—'''Optimus Prime''', preparing to open a [[Kremzeek]] brand can of whup-ass.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: undated
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 28th July 1984
* Final script: 6th August 1984

===Continuity notes===
[[File:Watchdog tud3.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
[[File:Shockwavelightdoom3.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|''Hello'', my face is up here?]]
* Wheeljack's place on Cybertron, previously seen in "[[Divide and Conquer]]", is shown again.
* A couple of [[Watchdog (G1)|Decepticon cars]] are shown in this episode, but it's not clear if they are Transformers. They have a Reflector-like color scheme.
* Gadgets and powers:
** Rather than the hydrofoils they were using just two episodes ago, the Autobots are now traveling the oceans on motor-powered surfboards.
** Both Prime and Ironhide have "early warning scanners" which can detect mountain-sized tidal waves just slightly over the horizon. Man, those aren't very effective scanners.
** Rumble can extend his optic visor to make it function like binoculars.
** Shockwave can light up his chest like a searchlight. It's not clear if this is meant to be some kind of force field holding Spike in place, or if Spike just stops due to some deer-in-the-headlights psychological effect.
** Ironhide briefly carries a grey copy of the bazooka he had in "[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]]"... which was itself a green version of the bazooka Cliffjumper had in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]".
** Megatron transforms and fires at Skyfire unassisted... which kinda puts the lie to all those sarcastic fan claims that his gun mode is oh-so-totally-useless without someone to fire him. Of course, he also does this ''in the show's title sequence'', so it really shouldn't be such a surprise. (Granted, title sequences also give us things like flying Autobots and Insecticons swimming around in lava, so their relevance is debatable.)
* [[Fire on the Mountain (episode)|<<]] '''Brawn vs. Soundwave''', Round 2: Brawn dispatches Soundwave with a single mighty blast to the chest! Brawn 2, Soundwave 0 [[Autobot Spike|>>]]

===Real-world references===
* Prowl's line "Ask, and you shall receive!" is from the Gospel of John in the New Testament.
* Starscream's dramatic proclamation "I shall return!" is a popular TV trope referring to the famous speech of {{w|Douglas MacArthur#Escape to Australia and Medal of Honor|U.S. General Douglas MacArthur upon his retreat from the Philippines in World War II}}.
* ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine burst as Starscream grabs Dr. Arkeville and escapes from the island.
** [[TIE Fighter]] engine and some ''Falcon'' engine whine as Skywarp and Thundercracker strafe the Autobots.
** An igniting [[lightsaber]] serves as the sound of an energon cube being dropped by the freed slaves.
** ''Falcon'' engine whine as the Seekers depart the island.
===Technical or animation glitches===
* In his opening recap narration, [[Victor Caroli]] mispronounces Dr. Arkeville's name as "Ark-vill".
* Both Spike and Sparkplug were wearing their signature hard hats at the end of last episode, but are missing them now.
* Coloring errors:
** Bumblebee's nose is yellow as Brawn tells Spike they need to roll out.
** Wheeljack is missing the orange on his chest as Spike takes shelter behind his leg.
** The two Seekers guarding the entrance of [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Cybertron)|Decepticon Headquarters]] are shown with Starscream and Thundercracker's color schemes.
** Wheeljack's roof is plain white as the tetrajets appear above him.
** The two tetrajets that chase the Autobots first have the same color schemes as Thundercracker and Skywarp; however, when Skyfire is shooting at them, they're both colored like Skywarp. In the same shot, Skyfire's red has become blue, and his whites have become red.
** When Skyfire blasts one of the tetrajets, both of them are colored like Thundercracker.
** Wheeljack's chest (i.e., his roof) is again missing its colors in the overhead shot of his lab.
** As Wheeljack studies the mind control program, the side of Trailbreaker's chest is colored as though it were a windshield, and only the front side of Wheeljack's "ears" flash.
** Ironhide's helmet rim is gray instead of red as he turns to look at the oncoming tidal wave.
** The inside of Prime's cheek guards are gray instead of blue as he announces that they're almost there.
** The area around Starscream's cockpit is colored the same orange as the cockpit itself as he rises from the ocean to collect Dr. Arkeville.
** Skyfire's cockpit canopy is colored white instead of blue as he appears over the Autobots on Cybertron.
** As Prime announces his intention to attack, Prowl is colored like Skywarp. Prime's waist is also unusually huge.
** Skywarp's cockpit is black instead of orange as Megatron says "A fool's ploy".
** Gray helmet rims on Ironhide again as he advises Cliffjumper to save his ammo.
** Prowl's doors are all-black instead of half-black as he says they're outnumbered.
** Bumblebee's side is colored like glass as he observes the approaching crevasse.
** When Thundercracker launches to follow Megatron, he's a much darker blue than usual.
** Wheeljack is missing his orange chest colors as the Autobots brush themselves off after the explosion of Megatron's ship.
* As Shockwave melts Brawn's girder, Brawn's mouth moves, but there's no dialog. (It sure looks like he's mouthing a shocked obscenity, though!)
* Wheeljack's transformation sound doesn't play till after he's transformed.
[[File:SoundwaveButtonUD3.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1| GAH! Don't do that on camera!]]
* As the Autobots escape from Decepticon HQ, Soundwave's Decepticon insignia is missing in two successive shots.
* Shockwave's eye isn't flashing as he says "You cannot get out!"
* When Skyfire says "I can now", his mouth does not move with the dialogue.
* When Spike says, "More Watchdogs on our tail, Wheeljack!", Wheeljack follows up by replying, "We've gotta lose them!" Spike smiles in reply to this sentence, not the next one, which is "My workshop's just ahead". Perhaps Wheeljack was supposed to say: "We're ''gonna'' lose them!".
* Prime's faceplate doesn't move as he reports his sensor readings to Ironhide.
* During his "Surf's up" lines, Bluestreak has only one door and one missile launcher.
* The generator Megatron throws at Starscream changes its relative size mid-air. It is initially almost as big as Megatron himself, but becomes only about as big and as wide as Starscream's chest.
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** The establishing shot of the surfing Autobots shows only five 'bots (Prime, Ironhide & Ratchet, Jazz, and either Prowl or Bluestreak.) Prowl ''and'' Bluestreak are shown in the same shot a moment later, making six total. Most successive shots show only 3 or 4 surfing bots. We finally see all six as the tidal wave pursues them down the [[sea funnel]].
** There's plenty of time for Mirage and Cliffjumper to join the group as they travel to the island, but the addition of ''just'' those two seems a bit odd. Where are Sunstreaker, Gears, Sideswipe, etc. during all this?
* As Prowl grouses about Megatron's energon supply, Jazz has some weird extra lines on his optic visor.
* Reflector's voice comes in its usual triplicate form... even though there's only one of him present.
* Wheeljack is missing his Autobot insignia as he reports to Optimus.
* Wheeljack's ears are waaaay too small as he proposes field testing the anti-hypnochip device.
* Spike slightly phases through a wall just before Shockwave lights him up.
* The two Seekers that accompany Shockwave just can't make up their minds who they want to be:
** As Shockwave reaches to pick up Spike, the two generic Seekers behind him have been replaced by two Skywarps.
** As the Autobots show up, the two Skywarps have become a Thundercracker and a pine-green generic.
** As the Autobots escape, the two Seekers are colored as Thundercracker and Starscream.
** And then one of them is Skywarp again as he fires after the escaping Autobots.
* Spike has no pupils as he reacts to his father pulling a gun on him.
[[File:Tud3 wheeljack little present.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Well, we don't need Aquaman any more."]]
* As Wheeljack activates the hypno-chip-un-hypnotizer, Bumblebee is represented by a yellow-colored Cliffjumper.
* Shockwave's eye doesn't flash as he orders "After them!"
* Only the front side of Wheeljack's "ears" flash as he radios Skyfire.
* The background music overlaps the scene transition as the Autobots prepare to leave Cybertron.
* Mirage's invisibility power is strangely portrayed in this episode; he lacks the usual glowing prism and energy sound effect as he activates his power, instead merely turning transparent and ''monochrome''. They get both the sound and the effect correct when he reappears in Act 3.
* Megatron is missing his Decepticon symbol as he appears behind Starscream.
* The last of the slaves to be turned around by Mirage just kind of stops, then slides off-screen rather than walking off.
* When Ironhide runs a trench to get to Optimus and Prowl, he's carrying a bazooka that disappears after he reaches them.
* In what is otherwise a beautiful depiction of his [[robot mode]], Rumble is missing his mouth after he blasts Mirage.
* Wheeljack's ears don't flash as he announces the coming of "independence day".
* The energon cubes dropped by the slaves are a strange translucent yellow-white-purple, rather than the usual solid glowing pink-purple. In the same shot, we cannot see the torso of the fat mustached slave through the energon cube that he's carrying... but we ''can'' see his feet through the cube after he drops it.
* The chunks of earth falling into Rumble's [[earthquake (event)|earthquake]] crevasse have grass that disappears and reappears between frames.
* The exploding energon cubes are shown against a completely black background. Even if they're in an unlit cargo compartment, the cubes themselves should illuminate the space.
* A series of "natural disaster" shots is recycled from Part 1 as Megatron's ship explodes... including one of Prime talking to himself, this time without any dialog to go with his moving mouthplate.
* The last shot of orbital Cybertron once again includes clouds ''behind'' the orbiting planet.
* Optimus is missing the horizontal lines on his tummy grille as Spike takes stock of the day's work.

===Continuity errors===
* The opening recap takes some liberties with events that happened for the sake of drama:
**Bumblebee's fall down the crevasse is cut into the scenes of the volcano housing the Ark erupting to make it appear as if he tumbled into the mouth of the volcano itself.
**But the most puzzling change is that the scene of Megatron's forces attacking the Ark from part 1 are mixed with scenes that have yet to occur (The Decepticons responding to the alarm Sparkplug pulled) to make it appear as if Megatron shot Brawn. [[The Transformers: The Movie|Ominous!]]
* As seen last episode, Ironhide is part of the Autobot rescue party that boards Skyfire and arrives on Cybertron, only to disappear immediately after. In this episode, we see that he actually stayed behind on Earth.
* Soundwave's presence on Cybertron is not inexplicable — there's no reason he couldn't just fly there, and later have flown back to Earth before Cybertron was knocked out of its orbit. But it's a bit odd for him to have made the trip for no obvious reason or explanation.
* When we last saw [[Wheeljack's workshop]] in "[[Divide and Conquer]]", it was sealed by a computerized Decepticon lock. This time, the Autobots just drive right into it, no problem.
** It’s entirely possible that the Autobots were able to remove it after Chip cracked it, but this is never mentioned.
* When the Autobots and Spike arrive in the workshop, Wheeljack is wondering how the Decepticons are controlling Sparkplug, Bumblebee says that it is mind control, to which Wheeljack replies, "Mind control! Of course!" ...Seriously, what else could it have been? And how did Wheeljack, master inventor, not realize this when Bumblebee did?
[[File:SpikeshockwaveUD3.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Shockwave investigates the [[Aerialbots over America!|pivotal question]] of how well humans bounce.]]
* Superhuman Spike:
** Survives being dropped from shoulder height by Shockwave.
** Can lift Optimus's giant metal rifle.
* Holy crap, how freaking stupid ''is'' Starscream? With a whole planet going crazy with energy sources all around him—storms, earthquakes, volcanoes, tidal waves—he makes the bizarre decision to try and suck energon out of a human's brain. He further decides to do this ''right under Megatron's nose''. His attempts to convert Doctor Arkeville's neural energy into energon fail, of course; what this says about the intelligence of both scientists is debatable.
* As [[Carnage in C-Minor|often]] [[The Transformers: The Movie|happens]], the Autobots' claim to be outnumbered is a bit dubious. There are 8 Autobots (Prime's surfer six, plus Mirage & Cliffjumper) against only Megatron, Thundercracker, Skywarp, Rumble, and a couple of Reflectors.
* Prime's comment to Prowl ("If we lose now, Cybertron's next orbit will tear the earth apart!") doesn't make much sense, and calls out the same total lack of strategy that the Autobots had in the last episode - namely, they aren't doing or planning ''anything'' to actually make Cybertron go away.
* Prime really does just kind of sit there and let Megatron run off into his spaceship.
* Did Spike and Prowl both hit on the idea of blowing up Megatron's ship, and just not actually ''say'' so? Or were they both hoping to ''shoot'' Cybertron out of its orbit?
* Wouldn't blowing up Megatron's ship be a good idea anyway? Why were they just letting him go?
* Megatron is able to survive an explosion which had enough energy to shift the orbit of Cybertron. Considering previous evidence of his durability, how he could survive a planet-moving blast is a mystery.
* Wouldn't a giant explosion just wreck both planets, rather than neatly pushing one of them away?
*And for that matter, if the explosion pushed Cybertron away, why wasn't Earth moved in the opposite direction?

===Rhino DVD errors===
[[File:Tud3 mirage rhino fix.jpg|thumb|315px]]

* In several of Shockwave's speaking scenes, the glow from his eye is missing while some are managed by overlays added.
* Only one segment of Wheeljack's "ears" flash as he delivers his "We figured you might be getting lonesome" line.
* As Skyfire is shooting at the Decepticons while saying his house cleaning line, the laser fire out of his gun is missing but the sound can still be heard.
* Various shots of the Autobots "surfing" are different, more poorly-animated versions.
* The scene of Shockwave saying "We've been expecting you!" has a bizarre purple tint.
* When Mirage reappears inside the Decepticon ship, a piece of missing footage in the production master Rhino were using meant he actually ''didn't'' reappear. Rhino actually took a crack at fixing this, though, but the "fix" constituted taking a ghastly, high-contrast, low-res, single-frame figure from another version of the episode and primitively copy-pasting it into the scene.
* As he observes Skyfire's approach, [[:File:Wheresmyface.jpg|Prowl's face disappears]], leaving only his helmet.
* Skywarp is colored as a second Thundercracker as the pair follows their retreating leader from the island.
* The shot of the energon cubes exploding is missing its background.
*The remastered DVD releases of this episode use an incorrect closing credits sequence, which overlays the text credits from Season 2 over the animation from Season 1.
{{-}}

===Trivia===
*This episode is subtitled "Revival" in scripts and other official materials.
*This was one of the six episodes featured on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (video games)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|console game]]. For some unknown reason, this version of the episode makes use of the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Generation 2]]'' broadcast's audio, as the [[Cybernet Space Cube]] can be heard throughout without the Cube's visuals.
* The episode shares many of the same visual hallmarks that "[[Roll for It]]" and "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]" had, including overly rounded appearances for Optimus and Wheeljack, and the stylized flying poses by the Decepticons. The main difference between those episodes and this one is that instead of orange, Wheeljack's headlights flash their usual blue color.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French):'' "'''Le dernier jugement, partie 3'''" ("The last judgement, part 3")
:*''Title (Canadian French):'' "'''L'ultime destin - Partie 3'''" ("The ultimate doom - Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''La resa dei conti'''" ("The Last Stand")
:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Destino finale - III'''" ("Final Destiny - III")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hametsu no Hi PART III'''" (破滅の日 PART III, "Day of Destruction PART III")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 7]], [[1986]]
::*Due to [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]'s status as a [[Bandai]] toy in Japan, the Japanese broadcast of "The Ultimate Doom" three-parter was delayed to the end of the series, when the legal issues were resolved (as were most Skyfire episodes). All three episodes of "The Ultimate Doom" aired on the same day in Japan as an extra length series finale.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Miè Dǐng zhī Zāi (Xià)'''" (灭顶之灾(下), "Catastrophe of Extinction, Part III")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Destruição Final, Parte 3: Reavivamento'''" ("The Final Destruction, Part 3: Revival")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sudnji dan, treći deo'''" (Судњи дан, трећи део, "Judgment Day, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Latin Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La Destrucción Máxima, Parte III'''" ("The Maximum Destruction, Part III")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

===Toys inspired by this episode===
[[File:MP-20 Wheeljack.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|right|The Ultimate Masterpiece, Part 1.]]

*'''''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' '''[[Mirage_(G1)/toys#Henkei.21_Henkei.21|Electro Disruptor Ligier]]''' ([[TakaraTomy]], Deluxe Class, [[2009]])'''
:"Electro Disruptor Ligier" is a translucent plastic version of ''Henkei'' Mirage offered as a mail-away exclusive to those who have bought the book ''[[Transformers Generations 2009 Volume 1]]''. Its monochrome color scheme suggests it was based on the one-time depiction of Mirage's invisibility power in this episode.

*'''''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' MP-20 [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Wheeljack]] (TakaraTomy, 2015)'''
:A ''Masterpiece'' toy of Wheeljack that includes a weapon accessory based on the generic laser pistol he wields in this episode. Additionally, if purchased in Japan through [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]], one additionally gets a toolbox based on the hypno-chip disabling device he also uses in this episode.

*'''''Masterpiece'' MP-20+ Wheeljack (TakaraTomy, 2019?)'''
:A redeco of ''Masterpiece'' Wheeljack in a more [[show-accuracy|cartoon-accurate]] color scheme that again includes the laser pistol from "The Ultimate Doom, Part 3".
{{-}}

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 2: "The Ultimate Doom" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''The Transformers'' — The Ultimate Doom ([[Malofilm]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume One ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 3 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20200329102144/http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-1/synopses/700-10.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=14Guog-xImTF-a2Qur4hV61WkSZ_2spRq Full episode script, finalised on 6th August 1984]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ultimate Doom, Part 3}}
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Return of the Immortal Emperor

2023-08-01T00:33:43Z

JD1337666: /* Quotes */

{{episode
|series=Headmasters
|ep=16
|image=Immortalemperor.jpg
|caption=You know what would be awesome? If they gave away the surprise ending on the title screen! YEAH!
|title="Return of the Immortal Emperor"
|japanese=帰って来た不死身の帝王
|romaji=Kaette Kita Fujimi no Teiō
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|airdate=[[November 20]], [[1987]]
|writer=[[Yoshihisa Araki]]
|director=[[Takao Yoshizawa]]
|animation studio=Toei
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''In the middle of Scorponok's coronation as the new Decepticon emperor, the Autobots attack and an old enemy makes a surprising return!'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:UFO Athenia.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|When skipping stones Wheelie always has to show off.]]
In the aftermath of the destruction of [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], [[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] and [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] survey the field of rubble that remains, attempting to discern what effects the loss of the planet has had on the solar system. They report back to [[Athenia]] that the damage done is just within safety limits, and [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] and the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] become determined to keep track on the Decepticons' movements before any further planets can fall victim to them. As they talk, outside, [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] argue, with Wheelie's fears for Autobot safety being shouted down by Daniel insisting that Fortress is stronger than [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. Daniel pushes Wheelie in a lake, but their argument is immediately forgotten when [[Galvatron's UFO|a mysterious, iridescent globe of light]] swoops down out of the sky, spraying water everywhere as it flies low over the lake, and then vanishes into the sky.

[[File:HM16 Scorponok dangles under Maximus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Scorponok realizes, to his horror, that from this end Fortress looks like a giant shoe.]]
The Headmasters have since departed to monitor the Decepticons' movements, and Fortress soon receives a report of Daniel and Wheelie's mysterious UFO sighting. Such things are not the concern of [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], however, who refuse to partake of such passive action against the Decepticons—in an attempt to be proactive, they sneak out of Battleship Maximus and head to attack [[Chaar]] on their own. Although they are able to sneak past the lone sentry patrolling the planet's perimeter, [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], they are unaware of the fact that Scorponok has been made aware of the Headmasters' movements by his intelligence officer, [[Punch (G1)|Counterpunch]], and has allowed the two [[Autobot]]s to get as close as they have. Scorponok transforms to scorpion mode and carries the Decepticon Headmasters into space, where they defeat Chromedome and Hardhead, and send them hurtling back, to collide with the approaching Battleship Maximus. The two warships collide, and Scorponok transforms to robot mode and thrashes Maximus, when suddenly, the strange glowing UFO appears over their heads. Using the distraction, the Autobots are able to escape, and the Decepticons puzzle over what the mysterious object is as it disappears into the depths of space.

Back down on Chaar, [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]] receives an unhappy report from [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] on how Counterpunch has shown them up by finding out information that they couldn't. Soundblaster takes his team to [[Earth]] in the hopes of digging up some new information to improve his standing, but a search meets with nothing but failure—a fact that [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] is not afraid of pointing out. As the two stand outside the Decepticons' Earth base, the UFO appears in the sky and floats down. Soundblaster dives behind a rock for cover when the UFO bathes Sixshot in bright light, and a second later, as the amazed communications officer emerges, both Sixshot and the UFO have vanished.

[[File:HM16 Scorponok in front of crowd.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Scorponok addresses the ant people.]]
As the Headmasters return to Athenia, Daniel is trying out a trick he saw in a {{w|Close Encounters of the Third Kind|movie}}, using a musical keyboard to play a tune in hopes of contacting the UFO. The Headmasters crowd around, with Fortress wondering if the alien is friend or foe, but time passes, and nothing happens. A little later, Fortress is led by [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Twincast]] to meet the Autobots' new informant—it is Counterpunch, who steps from the shadows with his gun drawn! He's just fooling around, however, and reveals his true identity—Counterpunch is really [[Punch (G1)|Punch]], an Autobot double-agent within the Decepticon camp. Punch explains to Fortress that the Decepticons are active on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], where they are planning to hold a ceremony for Scorponok's coronation as the new Decepticon emperor.

[[File:HM16 spotlight Galvatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"I planned each charted course Each careful step along the byway And more, much more than this I did it my way"]]
In [[Moon Stadium]] at [[Mare Tranquillitatis]] on the Moon, [[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] introduces Scorponok to the assembled Decepticons, and Scorponok proclaims himself the new Decepticon emperor. No sooner are these words spoken, however, than Battleship Maximus and the [[Trainbot]]s appear overhead, deploying the Headmasters, [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] for battle. Scorponok again transforms into his giant robot mode and attacks Battleship Maximus, and once again, the UFO suddenly appears, just as Soundblaster arrives to try and inform Scorponok of what he has learned. The Autobots are all cut down by energy beams emanated from the UFO, and Sixshot steps out of the light, much to all the Decepticons' surprise. Then, the light dims, and its source is revealed—the UFO is a spacecraft, which projects a beam of purple light down to the lunar surface. From this beam, a familiar figure strides—[[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] lives! Both Autobot and Decepticon react with total shock, but the reappearance of their leader gives the villains their second wind, and the Autobots are forced to retreat. Quietly incensed that his leadership is clearly over before it has even truly begun, Scorponok demands to know where Galvatron has been; Galvatron claims to have been observing, interested in seeing how the Decepticons function without him. He commends Scorponok for the strides he has made for the Decepticons' cause in his absence, but quickly makes it clear that he is now back in charge.

As the Autobots observe the ceremony from back on Athenia, Daniel, now realizing what the UFO was, smashes his keyboard and runs from the room, more angry at himself than anything. Wheelie catches up to him and soothes his temper, but the spectre of Galvatron's renewed evil hovers over the Autobots...

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] (1)
*[[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]] (2)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (4)
*[[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (5)
*[[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] (6)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (7)
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] (8)
*[[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (10)
*[[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Twincast]] (27)
*[[Yukikaze (G1)|Yukikaze]] (33)
*[[Suiken]] (34)
*[[Getsuei]] (35)
*[[Computron (G1)|Computron]] (36)
*[[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (37)
*[[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (38)
*[[Shouki]] (40)
*[[Seizan]] (41)
*[[Kaen]] (42)
|c2=
*[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] (11)
*[[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] (12)
*[[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (13)
*[[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] (14)
*[[Punch (G1)|Punch/Counterpunch]] (15)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (16)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (17)
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (18)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (19)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (20)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (21)
*[[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] (22)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]] (23)
*[[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] (24)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] (25)
*[[Scourge (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]] (26)
*[[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] (28)
*[[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]] (29)
*[[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] (30)
*[[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]] (31)
*[[Headstrong (G1)|Headstrong]] (32)
*[[Sweep (G1)|Sweeps]] (39)
*[[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (40)
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (3)
*[[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (9)
}}

==Quotes==
"It's an honour to drive with a woman, and I even get to see her transform."
:—'''Chromedome''' making his best attempt to try and creep Arcee out.

"I HATE IT!!! I hate UFOs, I hate it!"
:—'''Daniel''' is very upset once he finds out the UFO's true identity.

==Notes==

===Continuity notes===
*It's taken a while for the other [[Mini-Cassette|cassettes]] to catch up to [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], who first spoke in robot mode in "[[The Great Cassette Operation]]", but beginning with this episode, Ravage and Laserbeak are heard to clearly speak in their animal forms.
*This episode continues the running joke of Chromedome having something of a crush on Arcee, which we first got a hint of when the Statue of Liberty's look was compared to Arcee's in "[[Terror! The Six Shadows]]". The big lug got up the courage to ask her for a dance in "[[The Shadow Emperor, Scorponok]]", and here, he's just happy to get the chance to drive alongside her, as well as to, ahem, watch her transform. Kinky?
*Galvatron met his apparent end in "[[Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2]]". How he survived an explosion capable of destroying a planet and where he acquired the ship he has in this episode are never explained.
*[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] professed to know where Galvatron was, and to have been appointed leader in his absence, in "[[The Shadow Emperor, Scorponok]]". It was clear to the audience that he was lying from the outset, but although this episode makes his deception publicly obvious, he doesn't actually suffer any repercussions for it. Well, Galvatron basically turns him into a bus for the next eight episodes, so maybe that counts.

===Real-wold references===
*The movie that Daniel picked up the musical communication trick from is, of course, ''{{w|Close Encounters of the Third Kind}}''.

===Animation and technical errors===
*In the group shot of Decepticons at Scorponok's coronation, Skullcruncher is colored yellow instead of green.
*As the Trainbots arrive on the Moon, Soundblaster is again colored like Soundwave.
*When Computron combines, he is colored as Superion.
*When Fortress gives the order for all Autobots to retreat from the Moon, he is missing his chest Autobot insignia.

===Continuity errors===
*Daniel and Wheelie want to make contact with aliens while the other Autobots and Spike state that there ''is no such thing'' as an alien. But, but [[Transformer|giant shape-shifting alien robots from outer space]]!
*We don't see the [[Earth Defense Command]] in the course of Headmasters, but you have to wonder what sort of condition they're in that they apparently didn't notice or stop the Decepticons building a giant stadium in the Sea of Tranquillity. It's not even subtle; there's a massive Decepticon symbol in the centre!
*Superhuman <s>Spike</s> Daniel
**Daniel is able to fully shove a well-balanced Wheelie into the pond on Athenia.
**When throwing his final paddy, Daniel utterly crushes his synthesiser by walking over it.

===Trivia===
*With the wrapping up of its major running plot points in the previous episode, ''The Headmasters'' took a five-week break before it returned to Japanese TV screens with this new installment.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''The Indestructible King Galvatron'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 1]], [[1992]]

:*''Title:'' "'''The Return of Galvatron!'''" ([[Shout! Factory]] sub), "'''Return of the Immortal Emperor'''" (Shout! Factory menu)
::*The Decepticon Earth Base is subtitled as "Planet Earth Decepticon Command".

:*''Title:'' "'''Return of the Immortal Emperor'''" ([[Metrodome]] sub)
::*The Metrodome sub is no stranger to the odd mistake, usually with names, but this episode is particularly poorly translated. Soundblaster's conversation with the cassettes is rendered nigh on incomprehensible, while there's frequent, awkward phrasing of characters being "on" territory.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Guīlái de Pòhuài Dàdì Jīngpòtiān '''" (归来的破坏大帝惊破天, "The Return of Galvatron the Emperor of Destruction")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Nepobedimy Galvatron'''" (Непобедимый Гальватрон, "The Invincible Galvatron")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''L'immortale imperatore è tornato'''" ("The emperor immortal is back")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|omni}}
;Laserdisc
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1996 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2002 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' — DVD Box ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — The Takara Collection Vol 1 — ''Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Headmasters'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' (Shout! Factory) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only.

[[Category:The Headmasters episodes]]

A Deadly Battle

2022-09-20T00:50:53Z

JD1337666:

{{episode|
|series=Victoon
|ep=25
|title="A Deadly Battle"
|japanese=死を賭けた激闘
|romaji=Shi o Kake ta Gekitō
|image=Victory deadlybattle.jpg
|caption=Don't go {{w|Live action role-playing game|LARPing}} with this dude.
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|writer=[[Yoshihisa Araki]]
|director=[[Katsutoshi Sasaki]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|airdate=[[September 19]], 1989
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''With Blacker injured after the Autobots' last battle, Star Saber is forced to brave his own injuries to face down Deathsaurus's latest trap.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:DeadlyBattle Autobots and Blacker.jpg|thumb|left|200px| "Oh, Primus! Chest-bursters!" "Yeah, I think you over-did the anaesthetics, doc."]]
At the [[Autobot]]s' [[Rocket Base|Shuttle Base]], the [[Rescue Patrol Team]] performs the latest check-up on [[Blacker]], who is still recovering from the injuries he sustained in his last battle. Blacker is more concerned with his own failure than with getting better, which doesn't surprise [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]], who tells him to concentrate on resting. As they talk, [[Laster]] radios through with a communiqué from [[Ginrai (robot)|God Ginrai]], who wants to offer his sympathies to Blacker. The Autobots' reduction in fighting power is ruefully discussed, and Ginrai offers his services if they need him.

[[Image:Deathsaurus vs leozack.jpg|right|200px|thumb| "You will obey, Leozack. Get the point?" "Just kill me!"]]
Elsewhere, aboard the ''[[Thunder Arrow]]'', [[Leozack]] studies a map of [[Earth]], trying to choose the [[Decepticon]]s' next target. [[Guyhawk]] arrives to inform him that he has assembled the rest of the [[Breastforce]] to hunt down [[Sixshot (G1)|Greatshot]], but Leozack is not happy that he has done so without his permission, and for so trivial and personal a goal. An argument nearly breaks out between the two, until [[Jallguar]] arrives to tell Leozack that [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] wishes to see him. The "meeting" doesn't go very well for Leozack—he is immediately pounced on by Deathsaurus's [[Breast Animal]]s and has a sword jammed in his face. Deathsaurus announces that up until now, he has overlooked all of Leozack's treachery, but that it is time for things to change. Faced with either swearing total loyalty or death, Leozack capitulates and pledges himself to Deathsaurus utterly.

[[Image:DeadlyBattle Star Saber with bomb.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"Where's [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] when you need him?!"]]
Soon, word reaches the Autobots of an attack by the Breastforce on their Asian garrison headquarters. Knowing that there is no energy stored there or for miles around, the Autobots realized that the attack is clearly a trap, but Star Saber decides to face the villains head on despite his own injuries, and heads out with the Rescue Team, leaving the [[Brainmaster]]s to guard the base and protect Blacker. Laster tries to hide from Blacker the fact that anything is going on, but although he doesn't believe him, his injuries prevent him from investigating any further.

At the Asian headquarters, the Breastforce press their attack until Star Saber and the Rescue Team arrive. While the Rescues do their thing, Leozack, Guyhawk and [[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]] dazzle Star Saber with some aerial optic trickery, and chain bombs to him. Star Saber separates from the [[V-Star]] to try and remove the bombs, but the Breastforce keep him busy until the explosives detonate, sending Star Saber and the V-Star crashing down into the mountains nearby. The Breastforce pursue him and continue their attack, forcing him to combine with the damaged V-Star, in response to which villains merge into [[Liokaiser]].

Back at the Shuttle Base, Blacker finally wrings the truth from Laster and [[Braver]] and demands to know why they didn't accompany Star Saber. They explain that Star Saber instructed them to stay for Blacker's sake. This leads the proud Autobot to pull rank on Braver and Laster and order them into battle, leaving him to protect the Shuttle Base himself.

[[Image:DeadlyBattle Star Saber Deathstatue.jpg|thumb|right|200px|I never knew Deathsaurus had such slender ankles!]]
Star Saber and Liokaiser's battle heats up as the Autobot leader disarms his opponent. Liokaiser flees into the midst of a nearby field of ancient statues and activates his invisibility powers, hiding amongst the statues and baiting Star Saber to attack. When Star Saber strikes one of the statues, it violently explodes, setting off a chain reaction that collapses the valley and sends the [[Supreme Commander]] tumbling into an underground chamber. There, Star Saber is immediately attacked by another statue, but this one is Deathsaurus in disguise, who is ready for another go-round with his [[Living-Metal-Destroying Cannon]]. [[Jan Minakaze|Jan]] and [[Holi]] arrive to watch the battle from above as Liokaiser drops a boulder on Star Saber, pinning him for Deathsaurus.

[[Image:DeadlyBattle Ginrai fatally wounded.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"Kiss me, Hardy" "... neither of us has lips."]]
As the Living-Metal-Destroying Cannon is primed, Holi attempts to contact the Shuttle Base to summon help, and as the trigger is pulled, a shadow leaps in front of the blast, protecting Star Saber. God Ginrai has arrived! Weakened by the blast, Ginrai lunges at Deathsaurus with a sword and is overpowered, taking another hit from the cannon. Star Saber manages to break free of the boulder, but is seized by Liokaiser, and forced to watch as Deathsaurus bears down on Ginrai, about to deliver the killing blast. Luckily, Ginrai is able to surprise Deathsaurus with his God Cannon, blinding him and causing him to fire wildly, giving Star Saber his chance to escape Liokaiser's grip. Star Saber races into action, and slices Deathsaurus's cannon in two with his Saber Blade, before impaling the Decepticon leader for good measure. Deathsaurus still has some fight in him, but when Braver and Laster arrive to tip the odds, Liokaiser persuades his leader to retreat to fight another day. The cavern begins to cave in, covering the villains' escape route, but as Laster and Braver go to help Holi and Jan down from the crumbling rocks, God Ginrai collapses into Star Saber's arms. As Star Saber asks if his friend is all right, Ginrai chokes out that "[[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmasters]] are... immortal..." and passes out...

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Galaxy Shuttle]] (1)
*[[Fire]] (2)
*[[Holi]] (4)
*[[Blacker]] (5)
*[[Boater]] (6)
*[[Pīpō]] (7)
*[[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] (8)
*[[Laster]] (9)
*[[Ginrai (robot)|God Ginrai]] (10)
*[[Braver]] (11)

|c2=
*[[Leozack]] (12)
*[[Guyhawk]] (13)
*[[Jallguar]] (14)
*[[Eaglebreast]] (15)
*[[Tigerbreast]] (16)
*[[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] (17)
*[[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]] (18)
*[[Drillhorn (G1)|Drillhorn]] (19)
*[[Killbison]] (20)
*[[Liokaiser]] (21)

|c3=
*[[Jan Minakaze]] (3)
}}

==Quotes==
"Is there no limit to your cowardice?! Treachery spouts from your mouth like a fountain and never shuts up!!" "So your last words are that of a sore loser. How amusing."
:—'''Star Saber''' and '''Deathsaurus''', who kind of has a point.

"Damn you, God Ginrai!"
:—'''Deathsaurus''', after being shot in the face by God Ginrai's shoulder cannon.

{{Note|The following quotes are from the [[Omni Productions]] dub}}

"Shut up! There's no point in wasting our time and energy on Sixshot!"
:—'''Leozack'''

"This is a trap!"
:—'''Star Saber''', about 5 minutes too late.

"You evil swine!"
:—'''Star Saber'''

"Bahahahaha!!! Shut up, Star Saber, you're gonna DIIIIE!!! And so are the Autobots!!!"
:—'''Deathsaurus'''

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*As Deathsaurus pins Leozack down with his sword, his helmet is completely blue except for his crest.
*The red arrows on the bombs attached to the V-Star change direction repeatedly. In closeups, they tend to point outward, but in wider shots of Star Saber trying to remove them, the arrows point inward.
*A reverse of the subtitling error from the previous episode happens on the Shout Factory release of this one. Up until this point, Blacker has been consistently referred to by the name of his European Motorvator counterpart, Gripper. In this episode, it's switched back to his Japanese name the entire time.
*Also from the Shout Factory release, the timing of the subtitles on this particular episode are noticeably off by a second.

===Continuity errors===
*God Ginrai says that he was alerted to the battle by an SOS he picked up. We're not seriously expected to believe that that's the SOS Holi sent less than ''eight seconds before his arrival'', are we? And if not... who sent it?

===Continuity notes===
*Blacker's severe injuries occurred in the previous episode, while Star Saber may still be recovering from wounds suffered over the last three or four episodes.
*Deathsaurus's Living-Metal-Destroying Cannon was previously seen in "[[Resurrection!? The Decepticon Fortress]]".
*Back in ''Super-God Masterforce'', Ginrai could have easily healed from an injury of this severity, and he still seems to think he should be able to, given his belief that "Godmasters are immortal." Evidently, though, the loss of his human component and his [[Chōkon Power|Jinchōkon]] has left him a lot weaker than he used to be.

===Real world references===
* The ancient statues in this episode appear to be inspired by the {{w|Terracotta Army}} of China.

===Trivia===
* This episode firmly establishes that there are other Autobot forces on Earth, which makes sense, since up until now we've been asked to believe that less than a dozen Autobots have been patrolling the entire planet. The previous episode first suggested this in a somewhat bizarre, disjointed scene.
* How the heck does Deathsaurus fit inside that statue?
* Star Saber doesn't come off very well in this episode. He knowingly flies into a trap (the attack on the Asian base), lets himself get lured into another trap (lured by Liokaiser into the statue field), falls for yet another ambush (Deathsaurus' surprise attack) and when he's held dead to rights by Deathsaurus can only spout nonsense on how treacherous the Decepticon is. Sore loser indeed.
* In a rare move, the usual catchphrase for the next episode preview “Now, together with me, ‘Let’s say go!’.” Is replaced with Star Saber saying “My friend, rest eternally.”

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Battle of Life and Death'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 3]], [[1991]]
::* While threatening Leozack, Deathsaurus doesn't make any mention of a new plan.
::* Star Saber says he'll call on Braver and Laster for help if necessary, rather than the Multiforce.
::* Blacker accuses Laster of lying when the latter claims there's nothing wrong.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|jsubs}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Victory'' — DVD Box 02 ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — The Takara Collection Vol 3 — ''Transformers: Victory'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2008 — ''The Transformers: Victory'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) — Optional [[Omni Productions|Omni]] dub. 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) — Optional Omni dub. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Victory'' (Shout! Factory)

{{DEFAULTSORT:Deadly Battle}}
[[Category:Victory episodes]]

Crisis! Ambush in the Desert

2022-09-12T00:53:10Z

JD1337666:

{{episode
|series=Victory
|ep=24
|image=Crisisdesertambush.jpg
|caption=OBJECTION!
|title="Crisis! Ambush in the Desert"
|japanese=危機! 砂漠の待ち伏せ
|romaji=Kiki! Sabaku no Machibuse
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|airdate=[[September 12|12 September]] 1989
|writer=[[Yoshihisa Araki]]
|director=[[Hiromichi Matano]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''The Brainmasters stumble into a Decepticon trap in the desert, but luckily for them, Greatshot is on hand to help.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:CrisisAmbushDesert Greatshot ThunderArrow sea.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left|Oh, like what guy ''doesn't'' have mornings like this?]]
Deciding to visit the [[Autobot]]s on [[Earth]], the weary [[Sixshot (G1)|Greatshot]] arrives on the planet and spends the night sleeping in a seaside cave. Awakening the next morning, he looks out over the ocean... only to have the ''[[Thunder Arrow]]'' suddenly burst out of the water!

Meanwhile, the Autobots, currently stationed on the Tibetan Plateau, receive word of an attack by the [[Dinoforce]] on an [[oil]] field in the desert. With [[Blacker]] confident that the Dinoforce will pose little problem, the [[Brainmaster]]s head out aboard [[Galaxy Shuttle]] with the [[Rescue Patrol Team]], while [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] remains on standby in the [[Shuttle Base]]. [[Goryu (G1)|Goryu]] immediately spots the airborne Autobots as they fly towards the oil field, but merely smirks, instructing the Dinoforce to carry on draining energy. The reason for his complacency soon makes itself clear, as [[Killbison]] and [[Drillhorn (G1)|Drillhorn]] burst out of the sand and blast the unsuspecting Galaxy Shuttle out of the sky. As the Brainmasters climb out of the wreck and return fire, the two [[Breastforce]] members turn tail, and the Autobot trio quickly transform and give chase. This, it turns out, is all part of the plan, as [[Laster]] and [[Braver]] find themselves unable to manoeuvre in the deep sand, leaving them wide open for enemy fire. As a dune buggy, Blacker is still able to move freely, and occupies Killbison while his team-mates transform and tackle the burrowing Drillhorn.

[[File:CrisisAmbushDesert Fire vs Kakuryu.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
Back at the oil field, the Rescue Team formulate a plan to rescue the captive workers, who are being guarded by the sleeping [[Kakuryu (G1)|Kakuryu]]. The approach they decide to take is a direct one—[[Fire]] transforms to [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] and rolls right up to the prehistoric pea-brain, who awakens just in time to be blinded by a deluge of foam from Fire's cannons. The workers are rushed to safety aboard Galaxy Shuttle, as the foam-covered Kakuryu staggers away. He eventually finds his way to Goryu, and requests permission to wash himself off.

[[File:CrisisAmbushDesert form Road Caesar.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left]]
Out in the desert, Laster and Braver fall afoul of Drillhorn's subterranean scheme, as he lures them into a patch of loose sand, where they promptly sink up to their waists. As Blacker arrives to help, but can't because he will sink too if he transforms, [[Leozack]] and [[Guyhawk]] emerge from beneath the sand, cackling over the successful deployment of their plan. The Brainmasters merge into [[Road Caesar]] in an attempt to use his strength to break free, but the gestalt only winds up sinking faster, unable to even focus his energy thanks to the hail of Ice Needles Guyhawk rains down upon him. The trio are separated back into their component parts, and Blacker finds Killbison's blaster jammed into the side of his head. Thankfully, Greatshot chooses this moment to arrive, and Guyhawk immediately takes to the sky in search of revenge. Greatshot tricks him into colliding with Leozack, and the two villains are grounded, but they keep up the fight... or rather, they run as fast possible to avoid being run over by the six-changer's car mode. Suddenly, a chasm opens up in the desert sand and Greatshot tumbles in, finding himself on top of the rising ''Thunder Arrow'', which had concealed itself beneath the sand.

[[File:CrisisAmbushDesert Blacker flesh wound.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|All together now: "It's just a flesh wound!"]]
[[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] appears to confront Greatshot himself, impaling his arm with an arrow from his [[Breast Animal]] weapon. [[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]] and [[Jallguar]] also appear and attack Greatshot from both sides, but at the last moment, Blacker leaps to his aid, and has his arm blown off in the effort. With one Autobot injured and two buried in sand, things look bad... but luckily, [[Jan Minakaze|Jan]] has called on Star Saber for help, and the [[Supreme Commander]] comes swooping down out of the sky to quickly airlift Braver and Laster out of the sand so they can get Blacker to safety. While Star Saber transforms to [[robot mode]] and clashes with Deathsaurus atop the ''Thunder Arrow'', Greatshot hacks his way through the Breastforce, forcing them to pull out—much to Guyhawk's frustration. With his opponents beating a retreat, Greatshot goes to Star Saber's aid, and together, the pair cripple the ''Thunder Arrow'' and leave Deathsaurus with no option but the better part of valor. At the same time, Braver and Laster leave Blacker in the care of the Rescue Team and return to the oil field, quickly disposing of the Dinoforce by blowing up their [[energon cube]]s.

As the Autobots get back together after the battle, everyone crowds around the injured Blacker. Although he downplays the seriousness of his wounds, he admits that he was too careless in his strategy. Star Saber prefers to think of him as brave, but he can see that the Decepticons are growing desperate, and that Autobot resolve must tighten.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Sixshot (G1)|Greatshot]] (1)
*[[Galaxy Shuttle]] (2)
*[[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] (8)
*[[Braver]] (9)
*[[Laster]] (10)
*[[Blacker]] (11)
*[[Fire]] (12)
*[[Holi]] (14)
*[[Boater]] (15)
*[[Pīpō]] (16)
*[[Road Caesar]] (22)

|c2=
*[[Rairyu]] (3)
*[[Yokuryu]] (4)
*[[Gairyu]] (5)
*[[Kakuryu (G1)|Kakuryu]] (6)
*[[Goryu (G1)|Goryu]] (7)
*[[Doryu]] (17)
*[[Killbison]] (18)
*[[Drillhorn (G1)|Drillhorn]] (19)
*[[Leozack]] (20)
*[[Guyhawk]] (21)
*[[Bisonbreast]] (23)
*[[Hornbreast]] (24)
*[[Hawkbreast]] (26)
*[[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]] (27)
*[[Jallguar]] (28)
*[[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] (29)
*[[Tigerbreast]] (30)

|c3=
*[[Jan Minakaze]] (13)

}}

==Quotes==
"I do not have time to play with you!" 
"You're still gonna play with us!"
:—'''Greatshot''' and '''Leozack'''

"I will not forgive a single interloper!"
:—'''Deathsaurus'''

"Huh? How dare they retreat without permission! I suppose there's no point in me straining myself..."
:—'''Deathsaurus''' noting he has achieved his evil deed quota for the week.

{{Note|The following quotes are from the Omni Productions dub}}

"Sure, chief, there's only the dinosaurs—that's no problem. We'll take care of them very easily."
:—'''Blacker''' on the Dinoforce's fearsome reputation.

"OW, MY EYES HURT!! WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO??!???"
:—'''Kakuryu''', after getting covered in foam.

"I don't get it! Our concentrated energy is being dissipated right now!"
:—'''Road Caesar'''

"Muahahahaha! Autobots, you won't see the sun tomorrow!"
:—'''Tigerbreast'''

"Sixshot again! That busybody!"
:—'''Guyhawk'''

"You evil swine!"
:—'''Star Saber'''

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* Normally, the Brainmasters and Breastforce are about the same size in vehicle mode, but Killbison is almost twice as large as Blacker when he's chasing him around.
* As Blacker blocks the attacks meant from Greatshot, his left arm is sent flying through the air. In all future scenes, it is the right arm that was destroyed.
*When Guyhawk suggests the Breastforce unite into Liokaiser, he has individual eyes instead of goggle eyes.
*The subtitled Shout Factory release of the series typically refers to Laster and Braver by their Japanese names. For some reason, this episode switches them to the names of their European Motorvater repaints, Flame and Lightspeed.

===Continuity errors===
* There is a short and positively ''bizarre'' scene dropped into the middle of this episode, in which Greatshot comes upon a bunch of dead robots in the middle of the desert. He removes a photo of a robot family (!) from the hand of one corpse, and then crumples it, angrily demanding to know what the Decepticons are planning. The ''implication'', one supposes, is that he's followed the ''Thunder Arrow'' this way, and that the Decepticons have killed these robots. Which would be all well and good, except that it's got ''nothing'' to do with the rest of the episode. The Decepticons aren't planning ''anything'' that requires randomly killing some robots... and much more importantly, who the hell ''are'' these dead robots, anyway?! There's never been ''any'' indication that there are any Autobots on Earth except Star Saber's team!
* The sand is shown to be level around the hole which Greatshot falls into, yet after the buried ''Thunder Arrow'' rises into the air, there's clearly a huge section right behind said hole which should have been sticking out of the sand!

===Transformers references===
* Greatshot returns after his previous appearances in "[[Planet Micro - The Mysterious Warrior]]" and "[[Rescue! Guyhawk]]".
* Guyhawk's troubled past with Greatshot was covered in "Rescue! Guyhawk".

===Real-world references===
* Killbison refers to the impending destruction of the Brainmasters as the "end of the {{w|The Three Musketeers|Three Autobot Musketeers}}".

===Trivia===
* Yet another episode that does away with the standard ''Victory'' title cards, and presents the title as white text on a black screen.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ambush in the Desert'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 27]], [[1991]]
::* The narrator specifically mentions that Greatshot is on his way to Earth from [[Micro]].
::* While Galaxy Shuttle is crashing, Braver announces "Come on Decepticons, we're not scared of you!" instead of mentioning the important information that the landing gear is busted.
::* While applying first aid to Blacker, Pīpō reports that his "control computer" is undamaged.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|jsubs}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Victory'' — DVD Box 01 ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — The Takara Collection Vol 3 — ''Transformers: Victory'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2008 — ''The Transformers: Victory'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) — Optional [[Omni Productions|Omni]] dub. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) — Optional Omni dub. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Victory'' (Shout! Factory)

[[Category:Victory episodes]]

Fight to the Death!! Antarctic Battle

2022-09-11T15:21:07Z

JD1337666:

{{episode
|series=Victory
|ep=23
|image=Antarcticbattle.jpg
|caption=It's a title card of a white cat in a snowstorm.
|title="Fight to the Death!! Antarctic Battle"
|japanese=死闘!! 南極の攻防戦
|romaji=Shitō!! Nankyoku no Kōbōsen
|airdate=[[September 5|5 September]] 1989
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|writer=[[Hajime Suzuki]]
|director=[[Jōhei Matsūra]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''When a Decepticon drilling operation begins to melt the polar ice caps, Star Saber clashes with Liokaiser and Deathsaurus to save the life of Jan's classmate's father.'''

==Synopsis==
Somewhere in the frozen wastes of [[Antarctica]], electricity crackles in the night, and with sudden, frightening speed, glaciers begin to melt, pouring into the ocean. The [[United Nations Wintering Observation Base]] nearby attempts to catalog the seismic disturbances, but when the most powerful tremor yet hits, the station is devastated by an avalanche.

[[File:AntarcticBattle Wingwaver rescuer.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|"Sorry guys, this is all I could scavenge up for lunch."]]
At the tip of [[South America]], the [[Multiforce]] perform rescue operations in a coastal city that has become flooded due to sudden rising water levels. [[Machtackle]] randomly speculates that the hypothetical melting of the polar ice caps could be responsible, and as if on cue, [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] radios the team and orders them to Antarctica to investigate the sudden loss of contact with the monitoring station.

At the same time, at the [[Shuttle Base]] [[Jan Minakaze|Jan]] and his school friends are half-heartedly working on their summer schoolwork when [[Holi]] peeps his head around the door, and is very nearly press-ganged into doing all their work for them. Holi refuses, so Jan decides instead to ask Star Saber for permission to use the computer, but Holi tells him that Star Saber is leaving to investigate the Antarctic base. Jan's friend [[Clump]] flies into a panic, as [[Clump's father|his father]] works at the base, and he and Jan accompany Star Saber and [[Galaxy Shuttle]] to the South Pole.

[[File:AntarcticBattle Landcross invisible fight.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Invisible knuckle sandwich.]]
In Antarctica, the cause of the disturbances becomes evident—it is, of course, the [[Decepticon]]s, who are drilling for [[oil]] beneath the permafrost. Their crackling drilling equipment is observed from afar by Clump's father, who has holed up in an ice cave with a small group of survivors from the monitoring station. Unable to risk trekking across the ice to the next nearest base, they are out of options until they hear engines overhead, and spot [[Wing (G1)|Wing]] and [[Mach (G1)|Mach]] investigating the area. The two [[Multiforce]]rs transform to help the humans, but are spotted by the [[Breastforce]], who combine into [[Liokaiser]], leaving the two Autobots in serious trouble. Thankfully, the other members of their team soon arrive (with [[Waver]] towing the others across the icy sea), and the group merges into [[Landcross (G1)|Landcross]] to even the battle out. Liokaiser tips the scales in his favor by revealing his previously-unseen power of invisibility, vanishing from sight and pummelling Landcross with ease.

To escape being hurled into the drilling shaft, the Multiforce separate, and Wing and Mach manage to send Liokaiser to that fate instead by following his footprints in the snow and snagging him with a trip-wire. To break his fall, Liokaiser grabs onto the drilling machine, throwing it off-kilter and causing the ice surrounding Clump's father and the other survivors to break and melt, carrying them away. The Multiforce form Landcross again as Liokaiser climbs to safety and fights back, but Star Saber arrives in time to take over the battle. Liokaiser surprises Star Saber with his "Battle Explosion" technique, separating into his component parts, attacking individually and recombining in one smooth motion, but Star Saber keeps on fighting, even as Galaxy Shuttle arrives with Jan, Clump, Holi and [[Boater]].

[[File:AntarcticBattle Galaxy Shuttle fight interrupt.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1]]
As Boater takes Jan and Clump to rescue Clump's father and the other survivors from the ice floe on which they are trapped, Galaxy Shuttle tends to Landcross and then attempts to aid Star Saber in battle, only to fall victim to Liokaiser's invisibility powers as well. Star Saber is finally flattened by his invisible foe, but as Liokaiser looms over him to deliver the final blow, [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] emerges and prepares to take that pleasure for himself. Liokaiser is taken aback by this, but steps aside to allow his emperor to strike, only to have Star Saber exploit the momentary distraction by transforming and taking to the air.

[[File:AntarcticBattle Deathsaurus chokehold.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|[[Garry Chalk|Luca Saberasi]] sleeps with the fishes]]
Deathsaurus pursues the Autobot leader and blasts him out of the sky, but Star Saber recovers quickly and takes the fight under the freezing water, where he manages to turn things around and blast Deathsaurus into an iceberg. Deathsaurus retreats back to the surface, where the fight continues in the air until Star Saber is able to ground his enemy. Deathsaurus still has plenty of fight left in him and begins choking Star Saber with the chain of his flail, but Star Saber is able to flip the villain over his shoulder as Liokaiser stands back and watches, grunting to himself that Deathsaurus should have left Star Saber to him. Meanwhile, ignored by the villains, Galaxy Shuttle snipes the Decepticons' drilling equipment, and it explodes rather dramatically, prompting Deathsaurus to call retreat.

After the Decepticons flee in the ''[[Thunder Arrow]]'', the Autobots and humans all gather together, and Clump's father thanks Star Saber for saving them all. Jan remarks that it looks like a happy ending for everyone, until Holi reminds him that he's still got homework to do!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wingwaver]] (2)
*[[Dashtacker]] (3)
*[[Machtackle]] (4)
*[[Galaxy Shuttle]] (5)
*[[Holi]] (8)
*[[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] (9)
*[[Boater]] (10)
*[[Wing (G1)|Wing]] (17)
*[[Mach (G1)|Mach]] (18)
*[[Waver]] (21)
*[[Tacker]] (22)
*[[Tackle]] (23)
*[[Dash (G1)|Dash]] (24)
*[[Landcross (G1)|Landcross]] (25)

|c2=
*[[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] (11)
*[[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]] (12)
*[[Leozack]] (13)
*[[Guyhawk]] (14)
*[[Drillhorn (G1)|Drillhorn]] (15)
*[[Killbison]] (16)
*[[Jallguar]] (19)
*[[Liokaiser]] (20)

|c3=
*[[Clump's father]] (1)
*[[Jan Minakaze]] (6)
*[[Clump]] (7)
}}

==Quotes==
"How do you feel, Star Saber!? Your life is in my hands!" 
"Deathsaurus! Do you know what makes a Brainmaster!?" 
"What nonsense are you talking about!?" 
"Strength... Ability... Intelligence... and... COURAGE!"
:—'''Deathsaurus''' and '''Star Saber'''

{{Note|The following quotes are from the Omni Productions dub}}

"Brr, so cold!"
:—Various citizens

"Try to be smart!"
:—Wise words from '''Guyhawk'''.

"Listen carefully: we won't let the Autobots get in our way again. Let's attack them before they attack us, so let's merge now!"
:—'''Leozack''' needs a new writer.

"I'm gonna tear you apart, then melt you down and use you for energy!"
:—'''Leozack''' is going to do horrible things.

"Come on, Liokaiser! As long as we're alive, you won't succeed!" 
"Ha ha ha, do you really think you can stop me? You're not good enough yet! PREPARE TO DIIIIE!"
:—'''Landcross''' and '''Liokaiser'''

"Listen, I won't allow anyone to destroy the Earth!" 
"What do you mean? The Earth doesn't belong to you! You're just asking for trouble!"
:—'''Star Saber''' and '''Liokaiser'''

"I'm gonna torture you and kill you slowly, one by one!"
:—'''Liokaiser'''

"If you think you can beat me you're just DREEEEAAAAMIIIING, you are!!!"
:—'''Deathsaurus''', just as hammy as ever.

"Meekon, you seem to have forgotten one thing." 
"Huh? Eh? What's that?" 
"You haven't finished your schoolwork!" 
"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!"
:—'''Holi''' and '''Jan''' make a wacky duo!

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:AntarcticBattle Liokaiser tinyhead.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Argh! Forced perspective overload!]]
* While invisible, Liokaiser's details vanish and reappear between shots. The jet wings on his shoulders, the fins on his forearms, and the drill kibble on his leg are consistently absent, but Guyhawk and Hellbat's nosecones (on Liokaiser's shoulders) disappear in some scenes and appear in others.
* When Liokaiser starts swinging his [[Electromagnetic Nunchaku]] at Star Saber, his head is really tiny in comparison with his body. In contrast, when Deathsaurus declares that he will kill Star Saber, Liokaiser's head is quite large-especially compared to the next shot.
* Throughout the battle scenes, Liokaiser's legs switch their positions periodically-Killbison is replaced with Drillhorn and vice versa.
* After he starts riding around on the V-Star, Star Saber's head is drawn tiny in comparison with the rest of his body. Deathsaurus' head also seems narrower than normal as he battles Star Saber in the air.

===Transformers references===
*It is noted that Star Saber goes to Antarctica instead of [[Road Caesar]], due to injuries the combiner suffered in the [[Battle Up of Wrath!!|previous episode]].

===Trivia===
*Talk about filling for time: Liokaiser, Landcross ''and'' Star Saber have their complete combination/transformation stock footage used TWICE each in this episode. And they ain't short!
* The [[energon cube]]s the Decepticons are making in this episode have beveled edges, for no readily apparent reason.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Battle in the Antarctic'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 20]], [[1991]]
::* The tremor which hits the base is referred to as "wind", and the electromagnetic interference is "alien shortwave".
::* During the flight to Antarctica, the [[narrator]] tells us that Wingwaver is in charge of the mission, since Star Saber isn't completely recovered from his previous battle.
::* Leozack claims the credit for the idea of checking Antarctica for energy.
::* Instead of calling a retreat when the drilling equipment is destroyed, Deathsaurus yells "You're finished, Star Saber!"... and then he and Liokaiser run away.
::*After Galaxy Shuttle transforms, Star Saber tells him "Countdown and Landcross are both injured. Can you look after them?" Countdown is Galaxy Shuttle's dub name, so this line doesn't make any sense and appears to be a mistranslation of the original Japanese dialogue.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|jsubs}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Victory'' — DVD Box 01 ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — The Takara Collection Vol 3 — ''Transformers: Victory'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2008 — ''The Transformers: Victory'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) — Optional [[Omni Productions|Omni]] dub. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) — Optional Omni dub. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Victory'' (Shout! Factory)

[[Category:Victory episodes]]

Battle Up of Wrath!!

2022-09-11T14:52:13Z

JD1337666:

{{episode|
|series=Victory
|ep=22
|title="Battle Up of Wrath!!"
|japanese=怒りのバトルアップ!!
|romaji=Ikari no Battle Up!!
|image=Battleupofwrath.jpg
|caption=Thundercats, HOOOO!
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|writer=[[Toyohiro Ando]]
|director=[[Yoshikata Nitta]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|airdate=N/A
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Star Saber unleashes his full fighting potential when the Decepticons make a play for the Autobot power source, Schaeffer Energy.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Braver schaefferenergy.jpg|thumb|left|200px|These rads are really rad!]]
[[Braver]] brings [[Jan Minakaze|Jan]] and [[Holi]] to the [[Schaeffer Energy]] plant in [[United States of America|America]], where they get to watch as a spaceship arrives with a payload of [[Mars (planet)|Martian]] ore, which is then used to create the powerful Schaeffer Energy. Braver excuses himself to attend a conference, so Jan and Holi watch spaceships taking off, wondering where they might be going. When Holi suggests a ship might be on the way to planet [[Micro]], Jan is reminded of their recent trip there, and [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]]'s defeat at the hands of [[Liokaiser]].

At the [[Rocket Base|Shuttle Base]], the [[Autobot]]s review the [[Decepticon]]s' most recent activities, concluding that their recent expenditure of energy in the [[Dark Nebula]] will only cause their energy raids to increase.

Not unexpectedly, the villains are indeed already making plans for a new attack aboard the ''[[Thunder Arrow]]''. [[Leozack]] proudly gloats about the [[Breastforce]]'s victory over Star Saber on Micro, but can't catch a break from [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]], who instead praises [[Guyhawk]] for his role in the battle, and then [[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]], for his discovery of the Schaeffer Energy plant.

[[Image:BattleUpWrath Star Saber impaled.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Oooohhh, dat's gotta hoit.]]
Back in the Shuttle Base, Jan has a nightmare in which Liokaiser kills Star Saber and awakes with a start. Distressed, he hops onto his hover disc and goes looking for Star Saber; [[Blacker]] directs him outside, where Star Saber is sitting on the beach, staring out over the ocean. Jan begs for Star Saber to win against Liokaiser in their next fight, and Star Saber says that he will not fail again. This peaceful moment between father and son does not get to last very long, though, as news soon arrives that the Breastforce and [[Dinoforce]] have attacked the Schaeffer Energy plant.

[[Image:BattleUpWrath Star Saber supporting tower.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
Star Saber, the [[Brainmaster]]s, the [[Rescue Patrol Team|Rescue Team]] and Jan head out, arriving at the plant as the new day begins. With Jan and the Rescues evacuating civilians, Star Saber keeps the Breastforce busy while the Brainmasters head into the plant to stop the Dinoforce from pillaging its energy storehouse. Unfortunately, the Brainmasters are too late to stop them from clearing out the stockpile, and follow them back outside, emerging just as the Breastforce combine into Liokaiser and engage Star Saber in battle. A blast from Liokaiser sends one of the plant's towers toppling over, but Star Saber leaps into action, holding it up and preventing it from crushing the humans below. With their commander thusly occupied, the Brainmasters combine into [[Road Caesar]] to take on Liokaiser in his place until Jan and the Rescues are able to clear all the humans to safety. With this task accomplished, Star Saber allows the tower to fall safely, and joins Road Caesar in the fight against Liokaiser.

[[Image:BattleUpWrath Liokaiser byebye.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Holding his sword aloft, Star Saber summons up so much energy that his entire body becomes sheathed in a cone of force, then delivers slash after vicious slash, knocking Liokaiser to the ground. Before the fight can go any further, however, Deathsaurus broadcasts a message from the ''Thunder Arrow'', announcing that they have successfully stolen the Schaeffer Energy and ordering Liokaiser to retreat.

With the Decepticons gone, the Autobots survey the damaged plant, and Road Caesar apologises for allowing the theft to take place. Star Saber brushes it off, saying that while the energy may have been stolen, the fact that they were able to save lives is much more important.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Holi]] (2)
*[[Braver]] (3)
*[[Clipper (G1)|Clipper]] (4)
*[[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] (6)
*[[Blacker]] (7)
*[[Machtackle]] (8)
*[[Dashtacker]] (9)
*[[Wingwaver]] (10)
*[[Laster]] (20)
*[[Fire]] (27)
*[[Pīpō]] (28)
*[[Road Caesar]] (30)

|c2=
*[[Liokaiser]] (5)
*[[Leozack]] (11)
*[[Drillhorn (G1)|Drillhorn]] (12)
*[[Jallguar]] (13)
*[[Guyhawk]] (14)
*[[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]] (15)
*[[Killbison]] (16)
*[[Eaglebreast]] (17)
*[[Tigerbreast]] (18)
*[[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] (19)
*[[Goryu (G1)|Goryu]] (22)
*[[Kakuryu (G1)|Kakuryu]] (23)
*[[Rairyu]] (24)
*[[Yokuryu]] (25)
*[[Doryu]] (26)
*[[Gairyu]] (29)

|c3=
*[[Jan Minakaze]] (1)
*Schaeffer Energy plant personnel (21)

}}

==Quotes==
"Leave it to my all-seeing eyes and devilish ears."
:—'''Hellbat'''

"On this silent night, all living things hold the power for tomorrow. To protect them, we also need the courage to endure."
:—'''Star Saber'''

"Just suck on some methane gas!"
:—'''Goryu'''

"Liokaiser! See if you can take the power of justice!"
:—'''Star Saber'''

{{Note|The following quotes are from the Omni Productions dub}}

"Ah. Wow."
:—'''Jan's''' "excited" reaction to the energy plant's many sights.

"Stop talking about Miclot, will you?" 
"Hey, what's wrong with you, Meekon? Why are you upset?" 
"I don't wanna hear that name again, okay?!?" 
"Why is that, then?" 
"You don't understand..."
:—'''Jan''' gets upset about '''Holi''' bringing up Micro.

"I can promise you, I'll become King of the Universe!"
:—'''Deathsaurus'''

"Next time, Star Saber is a dead man, sir!"
:—'''Guyhawk'''

"OK, let's get him down on the ground and then kill him!"
:—'''Leozack''' on how they'll defeat Star Saber.

"I'm gonna bury you right here today!"
:—'''Leozack'''

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* Deathsaurus seems [[Scale|unnaturally huge]] compared to the Breastforce during his opening scenes.
* During Jan's nightmare, Liokaiser throws one of his spiked rings into Star Saber's shoulder. Subsequent shots lack the ring, and the damage also appears and disappears between shots (see the above screenshot for an example).
* As the Breastforce begin their attack on the Schaffer Energy plant, we see a closeup of missiles being launched from what appears to be Hellbat's underside. However, only Leozack and Guyhawk are shown to be bombarding the facility, with the next scene showing Hellbat taking off to join the attack.
* Hellbat's voice is quite distorted as he hypnotizes the guards. It's especially noticeable because his voice is back to normal afterwards.
* When Guyhawk fires missiles at Star Saber, the panels from which they emerge briefly turn green.
* While Star Saber is powering up his attack of [[burning justice]], there's a repeated piece of footage of Liokaiser stepping back and his weapon materialising in his hand.

===Continuity errors===
* When Hellbat hypnotises the staff at the Schaeffer Energy plant, his normal chant ("Hypnotism, Sleep, Hibernation! Hellbat!") is inexplicably cut down to "Hypnotism, Sleep, Hellbat!"

===Transformers references===
* Star Saber was defeated by Liokaiser in "[[Unite! Liokaiser]]".
* The Decepticons used up their energy stockpile on Deathsaurus's fortress in the Dark Nebula in the "[[Resurrection!? The Decepticon Fortress|previous episode]]".

===Real world references===
[[Image:R2d2 c3po.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Hey, there go the droids we're looking for!]]
* In the first minute of the episode, as Jan, Holi and Braver travel along a moving walkway inside the Schaeffer Energy plant, robots ''incredibly'' similar to [[C-3PO]] and [[R2-D2]] of ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' fame pass by them in the opposite direction. The following shot has another R2 unit some distance ahead of them on the same conveyor.
* Kakuryu holds up a small white flag after Goryu yells at him.

===Trivia===
* This episode did not air on Japanese television. Quite why it didn't is a bit of a mystery.
* The slightly odd-sounding title of this episode refers to Star Saber's [[activation code]] for his [[Super Mode|super mode]]: "Battle Up!" Japanese fiction has a strange habit of using these English phrases as verbs or nouns, often leading to strange-sounding English translations (for example, "[[Ginrai: God On of Rage!!]]", or lines like "Before he was able to Head On again..." or "Ginrai God Onned it...").
* Some of the computer screens display rather strange writing. Just before Blacker says that the Decepticons are out of energy, a monitor displays some {{w|Romanization of Japanese|Rōmaji}} which presumably would be some form of [[Easter egg]] to Japanese viewers. Later, when the Decepticons attack, we see a monitor displaying the word EMERGENCY in big red letters; above it are the phrases "Seeing is believing", "It never rains but it pours", and "Come up to the scratch!"
* The Brainmasters don't do a stellar job today; they come across the Dinoforce when Goryu is clearly telling his troops to take the Schaeffer Energy to the ''Thunder Arrow'', but still think that the villains haven't gotten the energy yet, despite presumably knowing the facility well enough to realize that the Decepticons are heading away from the storage room. Their subsequent beating at the hands of Liokaiser isn't exactly impressive, either.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''The Power of Rage'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 13]], [[1991]]
::* Schaeffer energy isn't mentioned — according to Braver, the ore emits ''radioactive'' energy. Both he and Holi produce large chunks of the stuff to show to Jan shortly afterwards, so Jan can pretty much forget about children.
::* Deathsaurus announcing they're out of energy turns into him asking Leozack if he's found any more energy. When Leozack replies in the affirmative, Deathsaurus reminds him they need a lot more to reactivate the fortress.
::* Deathsaurus credits the victory on Micro to the presence of Guyhawk. Technically, he's right; Guyhawk's presence allowed the Breastforce to combine into Liokaiser and defeat Star Saber.
::* Mention of there being residential buildings near the plant are removed.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|jsubs}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Victory'' — DVD Box 01 ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — The Takara Collection Vol 3 — ''Transformers: Victory'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2008 — ''The Transformers: Victory'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) — Optional [[Omni Productions|Omni]] dub. 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) — Optional Omni dub. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Victory'' (Shout! Factory)

[[Category:Victory episodes]]

Resurrection!? The Decepticon Fortress

2022-09-09T00:27:44Z

JD1337666:

{{episode
|series=Victory
|ep=21
|image=Resurrectedfortress.jpg
|caption=You know of what I speak, Gandalf. A great eye, lidless, wreathed in flame.
|title="Resurrection!? The Decepticon Fortress"
|japanese=復活!? デストロン要塞
|romaji=Fukkatsu!? Destron Yōsai
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|airdate=[[August 29|29 August]] 1989
|writer=[[Yoshihisa Araki]]
|director=[[Hiromichi Matano]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''The bitter memories that rise to the surface when Deathsaurus attempts to re-energize his fortress force the Decepticon leader into a deadly outer space battle with Star Saber. '''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:ResurrectionFortress powered Fortress.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Transformers: Conquest of the Giant Green Jello.]]
The work on planet [[Micro]] done, the [[Autobot]]s head back to [[Earth]]. The [[Rescue Patrol Team|Rescue Team]] bid their homeworld a tearful farewell, while [[Jan Minakaze|Jan]] teases [[Holi]] about being parted from [[Clipper (G1)|his girlfriend]]. The other Rescues get in on the yuks... until they realize that they don't even ''have'' girlfriends, and start crying even harder.

Meanwhile, [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] and the [[Dinoforce]] are heading for the black depths of [[Dark Nebula]] aboard the ''[[Thunder Arrow]]'', in order to locate the Decepticon leader's massive [[Planet-Destroying Fortress]]. As the Dinoforce stare slack-jawed at the immense fortress, the ''Thunder Arrow'' flies into its depleted energy reactor and transfers its own stockpile of energy into the fortress's systems. As the villains watch, pinpricks of light begin appearing throughout the fortress as the energy steadily reactivates its systems... but as the Dinoforce cheer and dance, the lights suddenly go out, and the fortress becomes dark once more. [[Goryu (G1)|Goryu]] points out that they did not bring enough energy to fully power the fortress, but Deathsaurus explains that he was aware of that, and merely wished to make sure that the fortress was still in working order. The mission accomplished, Deathsaurus recounts the tale of how he built his fortress years earlier, while he was still vying for the position of [[Emperor of Destruction]]. The young Autobot commander, [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] discovered his plans and led a massive attack on the fortress, clashing personally with Deathsaurus while his teams planted a series of gravity boosters on the fortress's surface. Upon activation, the gravity boosters absorbed the fortress's energy and encased it in a gravity cell, in the hyperdense depths of the Dark Nebula. Deathsaurus vowed vengeance upon Star Saber, but as he concludes his story, the possibility of revenge suddenly seems very close at hand, as [[Yokuryu]] reports that Star Saber is flying nearby!

[[Image:ResurrectionFortress Deathsaurus beast cannon.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Off out in space, as Star Saber and [[Galaxy Shuttle]] continue on their way, they suddenly pick up something on their radar. The hail of laser fire that quickly surrounds them heralds the arrival of the ''Thunder Arrow'', and Star Saber swings around to face the ship head on. Deathsaurus leaps from the hull of the ''Thunder Arrow'' and he and Star Saber begin a brutal one-on-one battle, punctuated by Deathsaurus's unveiling of his mightiest weapon: the [[Living-Metal-Destroying Cannon]]!

[[Image:ResurrectionFortress Dinoforce panic.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"We Dinobots want word with you"]]
At the same time as this battle rages, the Dinoforce decide to follow their emperor's example and take on their foes face-to-face. Linking the ''Thunder Arrow'' and Galaxy Shuttle with an energy tube, they attempt to board the Galaxy Shuttle, but the Rescue Team repel their approach with a hail of debris. When [[Fire]] blasts the whole team back down the tube into the ''Thunder Arrow'' with a high pressure water blast, Goryu opts for a "no mercy" approach, and launches a bomb down the energy tube instead. Jan is quick to act, activating Galaxy Shuttle's external manipulator arms and using them to squeeze down on the tube, narrowing it so that the bomb cannot pass through. The bomb drifts back down to the ''Thunder Arrow'' before the Dinoforce can disengage the tube and smashes straight through the hull and out the other side... all without exploding, since [[Kakuryu (G1)|Kakuryu]] forgot to install the ignition plug in the first place!

[[Image:ResurrectionFortress Star Saber fizzle.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Back with Star Saber and Deathsaurus, the Autobot's body is wracked by the deadly blasts of the Living Metal Destroying Cannon, which steadily eats away at the metal cells of his body. Deathsaurus transforms to robot mode and links the cannon up with his internal systems to increase its power, but as he monologues about his fortress and presses the cannon against Star Saber's head, Galaxy Shuttle swoops in and opens fire on the villain. He turns the cannon on the shuttle and clips it with a blast, then swings back around to face Star Saber, quickly pulling the trigger, only for the energy beam to fizzle out before it can strike his foe. Both the cannon and Deathsaurus's sword disappear into subspace, and he realizes that he has depleted too much of his energy in reactivating the fortress, leaving him unable to summon them. The crippled ''Thunder Arrow'' drifts by overhead, and Deathsaurus cackles that he will let Star Saber live for now, before flying off to rejoin his troops. Star Saber realizes how close he came to death, and resolves not to underestimate Deathsaurus's power, or his fearsome obsessiveness.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Galaxy Shuttle]] (1)
*[[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] (2)
*[[Boater]] (3)
*[[Pīpō]] (4)
*[[Fire]] (5)
*[[Holi]] (6)
*[[Clipper (G1)|Clipper]] (8)

|c2=
*[[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] (9)
*[[Goryu (G1)|Goryu]] (10)
*[[Rairyu]] (11)
*[[Doryu]] (12)
*[[Yokuryu]] (13)
*[[Kakuryu (G1)|Kakuryu]] (14)
*[[Gairyu]] (15)
*[[Tigerbreast]] (16)
*[[Eaglebreast]] (17)

|c3=
*[[Jan Minakaze]] (7)
}}

==Quotes==
"Surprise attacks are cowardly!"
:—'''Star Saber''', who apparently has never read books on strategy.

"Looks like you're out of luck, Deathsaurus!"
:—'''Star Saber''' after Deathsaurus realises he doesn't have enough energy to summon his weapons. Note that at this point, Star Saber's half-dead.

{{Note|The following quotes are from the Omni Productions dub}}

"Don't talk like that! It'll depress the captain."
:—'''Boater'''

"A few years ago, a very ambitious man arrived in one corner of the universe; he was Deathsanrus. He owned a space city, and he planned to conquer the Universe."
:—The '''Narrator''' fills us in on Deathsaurus's origin story.

==Notes==
===Continuity errors===
* The incongruities with the ''Thunder Arrow''{{'}}s location in this episode (See Trivia, below) brings up the point that in "Rescue Guyhawk!" Blacker stated that the Dinoforce were on Earth, and engaged in random, unguided attacks. Here they are in space, however, on the ''Thunder Arrow'', with the Breastforce nowhere to be seen throughout the episode.
* Shouldn't the huge hole the Dinoforce made in Galaxy Shuttle cause decompression? Jan spends the whole time without a helmet on.
* The bomb which the Dinoforce send towards Galaxy Shuttle takes a little over two minutes screen time to get as far as it does, and about fifteen seconds to return to the ''Thunder Arrow''.
* On several occasions, Deathsaurus has launched the bottom of his wings are blades and even used them as hand weapons (as he did at the start of the battle). Since they're part of his body rather than summoned weapons, one would wonder why he didn't use them. Or, while we're at it, simply beat Star Saber to death with his bare hands.

===Transformers references===
* Star Saber and the other Autobots have been on planet Micro since "[[Planet Micro - The Mysterious Warrior]]".
* The Dark Nebula was first name-checked in the first episode, "[[The Brave Hero of the Universe - Star Saber]]."
* The existence of Deathsaurus's fortress was revealed in "[[Explosion!! The Energy Base]]".

===Trivia===
[[Image:ResurrectionFortress slackjawed Dinoforce.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
* Those Dinoforce can sure drop their jaws.
* Apparently, Star Saber does not approve of sneak attacks, dubbing them "cowardly". Makes you wonder how he managed to become Supreme Commander of the Autobots without a single ambush tactic-and whether or not he really approved of the Brainmasters' tactics in [[The New Warrior - Hellbat|an earlier episode]]...
* Although it was not a common occurrence in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|American cartoon]], weapons would on very rare occasions appear and disappear in a flash of light, as a sort of animation cheat that sidestepped the bothersome question of where the guns went when the robots transformed (totally [[subspace storage pocket|subspace]]). ''Super-God Masterforce'' turned it into a moderately regular thing, with God Ginrai summoning and dispelling his guns, but ''Victory'' does it like it was going out of style, with literally ''every'' character who wields a weapon simply summoning up said implement in a flash of blueish light, without even making a mock "reach-behind-their-back" motion. This episode actually makes a bit of plot point out of it, with Deathsaurus being unable to summon up his weapons because he has run out of energy.
* The ''Thunder Arrow'' was shown in "Rescue Guyhawk!" on Planet Micro, being used as the Breastforce's temporary base. It appears in this episode with only Deathsaurus and the Dinoforce present, implying that the Breastforce has not yet rendezvoused with the rest of the Decepticons. So, either the Breastforce is hiding (possibly recuperating after the battle in "Unite, Liokaiser!"), there's a ''Thunder Arrow'' lookalike in Deathsaurus' possession used by the Breastforce for the Planet Micro operation, or the Breastforce had enough of a lead on the Autobots to return the ship to Earth, allow their Emperor to load it with energy, and head for the Dark Nebula-while the Autobots were still returning from Planet Micro.
* Jan and the Rescue Team ''did'' save Star Saber's life in this episode, albeit not the way they'd hoped; by firing on Galaxy Shuttle, Deathsaurus depleted the last of his energy, leaving him unable to finish off Star Saber.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' '''"The Reactivation of the Space Headquarters"''' ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 6]], [[1991]]
::* Instead of the ignition plug, Kakuryu says he forgot to put dynamite in the bomb. Yup!

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' '''"La Reactivación de la Base Maléfica"''' ("The Reactivation of the Evil Base")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|jsubs}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Victory'' — DVD Box 01 ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — The Takara Collection Vol 3 — ''Transformers: Victory'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2008 — ''The Transformers: Victory'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) — Optional [[Omni Productions|Omni]] dub. 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) — Optional Omni dub. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Victory'' (Shout! Factory)

[[Category:Victory episodes]]

Unite! Liokaiser

2022-09-08T02:51:59Z

JD1337666:

{{episode
|series=Victory
|ep=19
|image=Uniteliokaiser.jpg
|caption=Having a tiny person stand on your crotch looks uncomfortable.
|title="Unite! Liokaiser"
|japanese=合体! ライオカイザー
|romaji=Gattai! Liokaiser
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|airdate=[[August 15|15 August]] 1989
|writer=[[Hiroyuki Hoshiyama]]
|director=[[Takao Yoshizawa]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
''' Trouble is brewing for Hellbat when the Breastforce bring in a new member, but to what lengths is he willing to go to ensure his place on the team when their ultimate power is finally revealed?'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:UniteLiokaiser Hellbat mocked.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Decepticons come in six fruit flavors.]]
Aboard the ''[[Thunder Arrow]]'' on planet [[Micro]], the freshly-liberated [[Guyhawk]] is properly reunited with his [[Breastforce]] comrades, with the exception of [[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]], who [[Leozack]] has had step outside. Hellbat's paranoia immediately gets the better of him and he listens in on the conversation, discovering that Leozack has summoned an old subordinate, [[Deathcobra (G1)|Deathcobra]], to take Hellbat's place on the team.

Meanwhile, [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] and Governor [[Riker]] are busy scanning the planet to find some trace of the Breastforce, while speculating on why the villains put such effort into rescuing Guyhawk in the first place. Star Saber checks in with [[Holi]], who is out searching with [[Jan Minakaze|Jan]] and [[Clipper (G1)|Clipper]], and directs him to investigate the mountains outside the city. As bad luck would have it, the trio spot Hellbat flying over the mountains and observe him trailing a green helicopter.

[[Image:Hellbat kills deathcobra.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
The helicopter, as it turns out, is Deathcobra, and Hellbat has intercepted him with the intention of making a request. The two transform to robot mode to discuss it, and Deathcobra is rather disgusted to find that Hellbat wants him to go back to where he came from so that he can ensure he will still have a place on the Breastforce team. Deathcobra swats him away in revulsion and moves to leave, forcing Hellbat to pull his weapon on his would-be teammate. Deathcobra dares him to shoot, marching up and seizing the weapon's barrel, but Hellbat even surprises himself when he winds up pulling the trigger, blasting Deathcobra in his side. Holi, Jan and Clipper choose this moment to arrive, peering at the pair of Decepticons from the edge of a nearby cliff just as Deathcobra returns fire on Hellbat. The terrified Breastforcer dives behind a nearby boulder, wailing that he didn't mean it and begging Deathcobra to stop as he fires back blindly over the top of the rock. When the shooting suddenly stops, however, Hellbat peeps out to see that... he's managed to accidentally score a fatal hit on Deathcobra, killing him! Unsurprisingly, Hellbat panics and starts coming up with ways to hide the body, but when he looks around, he spots the Autobot trio on the cliff, and inspiration strikes. He immediately transforms and races back to the ''Thunder Arrow'', where he blames Holi for Deathcobra's death.

[[Image:Leozack and deathcobra.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
As Holi and co. cautiously examine Deathcobra's body, Holi reports the strange occurrence to Star Saber, who tells them to be on their guard. Unfortunately, the warning comes just as the rest of the Breastforce appear, and Hellbat leads the charge on the three diminutive heroes. Star Saber immediately heads out to their rescue, arriving just in time to save an injured Clipper from Guyhawk. Although confused by Hellbat's claim that the Autobots are responsible for Deathcobra's death, Star Saber is ready for battle nonetheless, and manages to hold the Breastforce at bay, until Leozack makes a startling announcement, and orders the warriors to combine! The six Decepticons merge into [[Liokaiser]], and Star Saber, realizing why rescuing Guyhawk had been such a necessity, links up with the V-Star to take on the giant combiner. As Star Saber and Holi struggle with Liokaiser, Jan and Clipper race off to inform Riker. The fight does not go well—Holi is injured, and Star Saber is robbed of his sword, punctured by spiked rings and skewered by Liokaiser's staff before being laid out.

[[Image:Starsaber vs liokaiser.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
As Liokaiser presses his blaster into Star Saber's face, a shining figure suddenly descends out of the sky—[[Ginrai (robot)|God Ginrai]] has arrived to join the battle! Even God Ginrai cannot handle Liokaiser alone, but when he and Star Saber double-team the Decepticon combiner, the villain is overpowered and separates back into his component parts. As the Decepticons flee, Star Saber attempts to give chase, but collapses and is caught by God Ginrai. Star Saber thanks his friend, but God Ginrai tells him that ''he'' is the one who should be giving thanks, for all the help Star Saber has given him protecting his sector of space. Jan and Clipper return just as Holi is blaming himself for getting Star Saber injured, but Star Saber assures him that it was not his fault. Concerns for his health are now secondary—the Decepticons are on their way back to Earth, and the Autobots have to hurry and catch up to them!
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] (8)
*[[Riker]] (9)
*[[Holi]] (10)
*[[Clipper (G1)|Clipper]] (12)
*[[Ginrai (robot)|God Ginrai]] (22)

|c2=
*[[Jallguar]] (1)
*[[Drillhorn (G1)|Drillhorn]] (2)
*[[Killbison]] (3)
*[[Guyhawk]] (4)
*[[Leozack]] (5)
*[[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]] (6)
*[[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] (7)
*[[Deathcobra (G1)|Deathcobra]] (13)
*[[Kōmoribreast]] (14)
*[[Cobrabreast]] (15)
*[[Jaguarbreast]] (16)
*[[Hornbreast]] (17)
*[[Lionbreast]] (18)
*[[Bisonbreast]] (19)
*[[Hawkbreast]] (20)
*[[Liokaiser]] (21)

|c3=
*[[Jan Minakaze]] (11)

}}

==Quotes==
"This didn't turn out very well..."
:—'''Hellbat''' makes the understatement of the series.

{{Note|The following quotes are from the Omni Productions dub}}

"Darn Autobots! I swear I'll get revenge for you!"
:—'''Leozack'''

"Star Saber, you killed my best friend!"
:—'''Leozack''', again.

"I'll get your kids first, then I'll come back for you!"
:—''Leozack'', yet again.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*After Hellbat shoots him the second time, the lower panels of Deathcobra's chest are yellow instead of green.
*The sides of Deathcobra's chest are completely yellow as Hellbat examines his remains.
*When Holi and Clipper first shoot at the Breastforce, their gunfire is pink instead of green.
*Drillhorn's chest is completely blue as Hellbat slides down the rocky slope to attack the Autobots, as though he had deployed his Breast Animal.
*As Holi and Clipper flee to cover, lasers are flying all around them. However, only Hellbat is firing in the previous scene; the rest of the Breastforce starts attacking in the next shot.
*Liokaiser's eyes are blue instead of red when he is standing over Star Saber post-combination. This happens again while he twists his spear in Star Saber's arm.
*When Liokaiser first impales Star Saber's arm, his staff ends in a spearhead. When Star Saber rips the point out of his arm, it is a needle-like spine that appears to be a sharpened tip to the staff itself.
*The spikes on Liokaiser's ring projectiles go from long and thin to shorter and thicker between shots-compare the initial readying of the ring to when one of them slams in front of Clipper.
*As Star Saber attempts to attack a distracted Liokaiser, his helmet is blue instead of red. The error happens later on as he picks up his fallen sword.
*Star Saber's back is missing its injuries when Liokaiser knocks away the Saber Blade.
*When Liokaiser's second spiked ring hits Star Saber's back, the gash from the first one is slightly above it, parallel to the ring. When Star Saber falls in front of Holi, however, the gashes are slightly larger and crossed in an "X" shape.
*At one point, Liokaiser's rings fire several spikes into Star Saber's chest. The extent of the damage fluctuates for the rest of the battle, but is never quite the same as the initial impact would suggest.
*God Ginrai's facial proportions vary wildly across his scenes-compare his face as he moves in front of Star Saber after throwing Liokaiser to his face as he thanks Star Saber for covering his sector for the last few episodes.

===Transformers references===
*The Autobots and Decepticons have been on Planet Micro since "[[Planet Micro - The Mysterious Warrior]]". That episode also featured the debuts of Clipper and Riker, and established that Micro was under Ginrai's protection.
*The Breastforce rescued Guyhawk in the [[Rescue! Guyhawk|previous episode]]. This episode reveals why the rescue was so important.

===Trivia===
*This episode is another one which foregoes either of ''Victory''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s stock title cards and uses white text on a black screen.
*Seriously, the Breastforce believed that Holi and Clipper, a pair of ''Micromasters'', killed Deathcobra?
*Despite taking no obvious damage itself, Deathcobra's Breast Animal appears to have gone offline at the same time as Deathcobra himself, suggesting the Breast Animals are entirely dependent on their Breastforce partner.
*Isn't it slightly odd that Deathcobra has an Earth vehicle for an alt-mode, despite the fact he's yet to visit the planet? For that matter, all the Micromasters seem to turn into Earth cars too.
*From his dialogue with Hellbat, Deathcobra seems to have been a pretty upstanding, honest kind of guy (for a Decepticon). Among other things, when he believes Hellbat has come to escort him back to base, he is quite appreciative. Later on, after refusing Hellbat's request to leave, he informs the schemer he will say nothing of his pathetic plea simply because they are fellow Decepticons. The good die young, it seems.
*Despite all the talk about how evil the Decepticons are, Leozack is actually pretty torn up about Deathcobra's death. He even sounds like he's barely holding back tears at one point. Of course, he then orders the Breastforce to massacre the Micromasters.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''The New Combination Robot, Liokaiser'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 22]], [[1991]]
::*Clipper says her legs have been injured rather than her arm.
::*After the big battle, rather than announcing that she's called for a relief squad, Clipper offers Star Saber the use of a first aid kit.

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''El Nuevo Robot Destructor'''" ("The New Robot Destroyer")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|jsubs}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Victory'' — DVD Box 01 ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — The Takara Collection Vol 3 — ''Transformers: Victory'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2008 — ''The Transformers: Victory'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) — Optional [[Omni Productions|Omni]] dub. 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) — Optional Omni dub. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Victory'' (Shout! Factory)

[[Category:Victory episodes]]

Rescue! Guyhawk

2022-09-08T02:32:56Z

JD1337666:

{{episode
|series=Victory
|ep=18
|image=Rescuegaihawk.jpg
|caption="I can seeeeeeeeee youuuuuuuuuu..."
|title="Rescue! Guyhawk"
|japanese=奪還! ガイホーク
|romaji=Dakkan! Guyhawk
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|airdate=[[August 8|8 August]] 1989
|writer=[[Hajime Suzuki]]
|director=[[Katsutoshi Sasaki]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
''' The Breastforce seek to expand their ranks when they attack a prison in order to free their old comrade, Guyhawk.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:RescueGaihawk Leozack and Hellbat scheme.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Kiss me you fool.]]
After [[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]]'s recent attack on planet [[Micro]], [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] checks in with [[Blacker]] for an update on [[Decepticon]] activity on [[Earth]]. Blacker reports that although there has been a random, unfocused attack by the [[Dinoforce]], there have been no sightings of the other [[Breastforce]] members. This, we soon learn, is because the Breastforce are all also on Micro, stewing aboard the ''[[Thunder Arrow]]'' and grumbling about Hellbat's self-serving scheming. Although [[Drillhorn (G1)|Drillhorn]], [[Jallguar]] and [[Killbison]] are all in favour of disposing of Hellbat, [[Leozack]] silences them with the reminder that they are about to get a new comrade, which will enable them to better keep an eye on the sneak. Hellbat chooses this moment to return to the ''Thunder Arrow'', and is promptly accosted by his teammates and grilled over his recent operation with [[Blue Bacchus]] and [[Black Shadow (G1)|Black Shadow]]. Luckily for him, he is able to weasel out of trouble by appealing to Leozack's sense of treachery and claiming that he was attempting to acquire a personal supply of energy for the Breastforce that would enable Leozack to attain his dream of one day overthrowing [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]]. With that matter dealt with, he announces the Breastforce's latest plan—an attack on planet Micro's [[Planet Micro Satellite Penitentiary|maximum security lunar prison]] to free their old comrade, [[Guyhawk]].

[[Image:RescueGaihawk Breastforce invasion.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Attack! Attack! Attack! Over the top, lads! CHAAAAARGE!]]
A little later, a crippled shuttlecraft appears in the sky above the prison, repeatedly issuing a mayday. The [[Satellite Penitentiary personnel|prison staff]] decide to let it land, but as the shuttle touches down and scrapes along the macadam, it suddenly explodes, destroying the bridge which connects the prison to the mainland. While the prison drifts off across the sea of lava upon which it floats, the Breastforce make their move, having escaped the shuttle before its detonation. As the tremors of the explosion reverberate through the prison, Guyhawk realizes that his teammates have finally arrived. Guards rush to fend off the Breastforce's attack, but they are sorely outmatched, and it is decided to move Guyhawk to a more secure location. Unfortunately, the villain is prepared, and cuts down the contingent of guards who come to move him with a concealed blade.

[[Image:RescueGaihawk Hellbat hugs Gaihawk.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"That's not how you do a piggyback ride!"]]
News of the attack quickly reaches the [[Autobot]]s down on Micro, and Star Saber instructs [[Holi]] to search for [[Sixshot (G1)|Greatshot]] while he and the other [[Rescue Patrol Team|Rescue Team]] members head to the moon. Their arrival is observed by Hellbat, who quickly informs the other Breastforcers and leaves them to battle the Autobot leader while he ventures into the prison to find Guyhawk. Hellbat hypnotises the guards and frees the [[Satellite Penitentiary inmates|entire prison]], sending them out to fight the Autobots, but as he thinks out loud about the jeopardy that the arrival of Guyhawk will place his position in the Breastforce in, Guyhawk himself arrives. Blustering to hide his scheming, Hellbat hugs Guyhawk, who hurls him off and demands to be taken to the energy room.

[[Image:Gaihawk vs greatshot.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Outside, Star Saber struggles with Killbison and Leozack, but just as he gets the upper hand, the escaped prisoners appear, tipping the side in evil's favor. Watching the whole scene through a grating in the floor, meanwhile, are Greatshot and Holi, who are sneaking into the prison through the sewer system. The approach proves successful, as they emerge within the prison energy room just as Guyhawk finishes re-energizing himself and freeing his [[Breast Animal]] from captivity. It turns out that Guyhawk and Greatshot are old friends, and Guyhawk is not impressed with the fact that Greatshot is now on the side of the angels. As the two old "friends" begin battling, damaging the energy room equipment and destabilizing the flow of lava around the prison, Hellbat races back outside as the prison begins to erupt with geysers of magma. Guyhawk and Greatshot's battle carries them to a walkway above a massive vat of lava, where Guyhawk nails his Autobot opponent with his super-cooled plasma "Ice Needle" attack and sends him tumbling into the tank. Although Greatshot saves himself at the last minute with a grappling line, Guyhawk opts for escape rather than continued battle as the explosions within the prison worsen.

Outside, the Autobots guide the prisoners and guards into [[Galaxy Shuttle]] to take them to safety, while Leozack and Hellbat carry their non-flying comrades away. When Holi and Greatshot do not appear, Star Saber ventures into the prison to find them. Holi is hauling Greatshot out of the pit when a tremor hurls him in as well, but Star Saber arrives in the nick of time to save them from a molten fate. Everyone gets to safety, but the prison is lost for good as it sinks beneath the lava sea. Although the Decepticons have escaped, something good has come of the whole affair—a friendship has been born between Holi and Greatshot. Ain't that lovely?

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Boater]] (1)
*[[Fire]] (2)
*[[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] (3)
*[[Holi]] (5)
*[[Blacker]] (6)
*[[Satellite Penitentiary personnel]] (14)
*[[Galaxy Shuttle]] (15)
*[[Pīpō]] (16)
*[[Sixshot (G1)|Greatshot]] (18)

|c2=
*[[Killbison]] (7)
*[[Jallguar]] (8)
*[[Drillhorn (G1)|Drillhorn]] (9)
*[[Leozack]] (10)
*[[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]] (11)
*[[Satellite Penitentiary inmates]] (12)
*[[Guyhawk]] (13)
*[[Lionbreast]] (17)
*[[Hawkbreast]] (19)

|c3=
*[[Jan Minakaze]] (4)

}}

==Quotes==
"The amount of energy we'll need can't be predicted! ...especially General Brute Strength here. Since the screws in his head are rusty, he uses too much energy."
:—'''Hellbat''' on Killbison.

"Excellent! Rage with all your might!"
:—'''Leozack'''

{{Note|The following quotes are from the Omni Productions dub}}

"The central prison on Miclot is a huge lava pool. It's situated on a satellite, and it's really like Hell on Earth."
:—The '''Narrator''' gives a confused description of Micro's prison.

"Because you're no use to us!"
:—'''Holi''' evaluates the worth of human children.

"The Decepticons are here, right?" 
"How do you know?" 
"Heh heh heh. GOODBYE!"
:—'''Guyhawk''' outsmarts some pesky guards.

"Listen to me, Hellbat. Don't you try any stupid tricks on me, or you know what I'll do? I could crush you singlehanded!"
:—'''Guyhawk'''

"Oh, my bottom! It's so hot!"
:—'''Hellbat'''

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
[[Image:RescueGuyhawk drowning inmate.jpg|right|thumb|180px]]
* As Guyhawk and Greatshot begin their battle, Greatshot fires a pink laser instead of a green one.
* When the inmates and the Breastforce are fighting off the Autobots, among them are Guyhawk and the inmate that died earlier in the episode.

===Transformers references===
* The Autobots' trip to planet Micro, their meeting with Greatshot and Hellbat's scheme with the [[Crossformer]]s all happened in the [[Planet Micro - The Mysterious Warrior|previous episode]].

===Real-world references===
* [[Lionbreast]]'s roars are recycled from the giant turtle kaiju, Gamera.

===Trivia===
* The Breastforce appears to be operating by themselves on Planet Micro, using the ''Thunder Arrow'' as a base. While this makes sense on its own, it will cause some odd questions about the ship's appearance in [[Resurrection!? The Decepticon Fortress|a later episode]]...
* When the Decepticons start dancing around, Jallguar starts waving a couple of fans.
* While Greatshot was hanging over the lava, did it not occur to him that one of his alternate modes is a jet? Those ice needles probably shocked his transformation systems. Likewise, both he and Holi could have sped up the process of getting to the energy room through the tunnels by transforming into their respective car modes.
* The R4 DVDs include the English narration for the next episode preview, which spoils a lot more than the Japanese narration!
* The seemingly peaceful and inoffensive Planet Micro sure has a hellish prison.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Guyhawk'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 8]], [[1991]]
::* Instead of complaining about all the talk of killing Hellbat, Leozack is skeptical that the other Breastforce members could kill Hellbat by themselves.
::* Rather than suggesting to Leozack that they collect energy so they can overthrow Deathsaurus, Hellbat just thinks they should set up on their own.
::* In the Japanese version, Fire tells Star Saber they'll have to eliminate the prisoners to go on, but Star Saber rejects this, saying the prisoners are being manipulated. In the English dub, Fire says they need to get past the prisoners, and Star Saber responds that the prisoners have too much firepower.
::* Immediately after this, Leozack yells "ATTACK!" and... the rest of the Breastforce starts dancing on the spot. In the Japanese version, they're celebrating because they have the Autobots pinned down.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|jsubs}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Victory'' — DVD Box 01 ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — The Takara Collection Vol 3 — ''Transformers: Victory'' ([[Metrodome]]) — Optional commentary by [[Chris McFeely]]. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) — Optional commentary by Chris McFeely. 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2008 — ''The Transformers: Victory'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) — Optional [[Omni Productions|Omni]] dub. 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) — Optional Omni dub. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Victory'' (Shout! Factory)

[[Category:Victory episodes]]

Planet Micro - The Mysterious Warrior

2022-09-08T01:51:17Z

JD1337666:

{{episode
|series=Victory
|ep=17
|image=Planetmicro mysteriouswarrior.jpg
|caption=Transformers: Bringing a sword to a gunfight for more than twenty years!
|title="Planet Micro - The Mysterious Warrior"
|japanese=マイクロ星・謎の戦士
|romaji=Micro-sei - Nazo no Senshi
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|airdate=[[August 1|1 August]] 1989
|writer=[[Yoshihisa Araki]]
|director=[[Hiromichi Matano]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''On the planet Micro, Star Saber and the Rescue Team join forces with the wandering warrior Greatshot to foil Hellbat's latest plan.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:PlanetMicro mocking Holi.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Ha ha! Holi likes girls!]]
The homeworld of the [[Micromaster]]s, planet [[Micro]], has come under attack from [[Decepticon]]s. Despite the fact that the planet is in the sector protected by his arm of the Galactic Defense Force, [[Ginrai (robot)|God Ginrai]] and his forces are occupied battling [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]]'s army in [[G Nebula 89]], necessitating the assistance of [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]], who quickly heads for Micro. Accompanying him aboard [[Galaxy Shuttle]] are the [[Rescue Patrol Team|Rescue Team]], who are thrilled to be returning home, and [[Jan Minakaze|Jan]], who nearly chokes on a [[soft drink|soda]] when the Rescues inform him that the reason [[Holi]] is being so serious is because he's worried about his girlfriend down on Micro. As Star Saber and Galaxy Shuttle enter the planet's atmosphere, their arrival is observed by a mysterious figure...

Star Saber, the Rescue Team and Jan meet with Governor [[Riker]], who informs them that there have been no further reports of Decepticon attacks. After checking in with God Ginrai via video communication, Star Saber decides to give the Rescue Team a little "shore leave" while he investigates on his own. After Holi's girlfriend, [[Clipper (G1)|Clipper]], fails to show up at the planned meeting place, he and the others go searching for her, and spot her coming up an escalator, just as they're travelling down the adjacent one. She tells Holi that he should have called first, and practically ignores him as she carries on with her work, much to the amusement of Jan and the other Rescues.

[[File:PlanetMicro Holi Jean and Clipper after tea.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|How long have you had that weird growth on your shoulder?]]
Meanwhile, Star Saber is shown around the attacked areas by Riker, and is surprised to discover that the areas were completely levelled, even after energy was successfully stolen. He realizes that this is not traditional Decepticon behaviour, and deduces that mercenaries must be involved. He soon rejoins Jan and the Rescue Team for tea with Clipper (who's quite impressed with the dashing [[Supreme Commander]]), but they are interrupted by an alarm which alerts them to a three-man Decepticon attack on the [[plasma energy]] plant that provides Micro with a third of its energy. Holi gets particularly fired up for battle when Clipper wishes him good luck, but the Micromasters don't manage to get more than a few feet through the exit before their way is barred by the mysterious figure who observed their arrival on the planet. This towering, samurai-like warrior introduces himself as [[Sixshot (G1)|Greatshot]], reveals that he is an old acquaintance of Star Saber, and informs the Autobots that they do not need to involve themselves in the battle, as it is his responsibility. At Star Saber's inquiry, Greatshot explains that he has fought with two of the attackers—mercenaries named [[Blue Bacchus]] and [[Black Shadow (G1)|Black Shadow]]—before, and has been trying to track them down to settle an old score. Star Saber offers to help, and confronts the third attacker while Greatshot deals with the mercenaries and Jan and the Micromasters handle rescue operations with the [[V-Star]].

[[File:PlanetMicro menacing Crossformers.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1]]
The third villain turns out to be [[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]], who has hired the mercenaries to help him raise his standing in the Decepticon ranks, but finds that he has to triple their cut of the stolen energy in order to convince them to take on Star Saber. Before the two mercs can step in, Greatshot attacks them, and it is revealed that he is seeking revenge for a past betrayal from when he used to work with them. The two battles rage simultaneously, with Star Saber reflecting Hellbat's hypnotism waves back at him, and Greatshot deceiving his old allies with his "Disappearing Dust" trick, appearing to self-destruct and then appearing behind them. Realizing that he has no chance against Star Saber, Hellbat opens fire on the energy plant, causing a chain reaction that threatens to reduce a third of the planet to ashes. Hellbat calls to the mercenaries to pull out, but they don't manage to get away without being badly injured by Greatshot. As the trio takes to the sky, a parting shot from Greatshot hits the energy containers Hellbat is carrying, and they explode in his grip, robbing him of the plasma energy he had gathered (although the mercenaries are still quite insistent that Hellbat will be paying them somehow).

[[File:PlanetMicro Star Saber lifts energy plant.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
As fire begins to consume the energy plant, Jan returns with the V-Star just in time. Star Saber reconnects with the V-Star and transforms into his super robot mode, and, knowing that it's too late to stop the plant from exploding, has to think quickly. Swinging his Saber Blade, he severs the base of the energy plant, separating it from the planet, and seizes it in his mighty grip, flying it out of the planet's atmosphere. As everyone watches, the plasma energy explodes in a white fireball, and everyone holds their breath... until Star Saber reappears in the sky above, unharmed. Star Saber and Greatshot shake hands, but Holi is surprised when Greatshot departs, thinking that he would make a good addition to the Autobot forces. Star Saber explains that Greatshot doesn't like being tied down by formalities, but Holi's attention is a bit more caught up in Clipper, who wants to know when he's coming back to Micro. Holi says he isn't sure, but asks if it even matters, since he knows she'll just say she's busy. Clipper says that next time, she wants Holi to tell her everything about his adventures and about the Earth, and Holi blushes... but of course, the little guy can't win either way, since Jan just keeps on teasing him.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Galaxy Shuttle]] (1)
* [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] (2)
* [[Road King (robot)|Road King]] (3)
* [[Ranger (robot)|Ranger]] (4)
* [[Lightfoot (robot)|Lightfoot]] (5)
* [[Ginrai (robot)|God Ginrai]] (6)
* [[Fire]] (12)
* [[Pīpō]] (13)
* [[Boater]] (14)
* [[Holi]] (15)
* [[Sixshot (G1)|Greatshot]] (17)
* [[Riker]] (18)
* [[Clipper (G1)|Clipper]] (19)
|c2=
* [[Buster (G1)|Buster]] (7)
* [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]] (8)
* [[Hydra (G1)|Hydra]] (9)
* [[Cancer (robot)|Cancer]] (10)
* [[Bullhorn (robot)|Bullhorn]] (11)
* [[Blue Bacchus]] (20)
* [[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]] (21)
* [[Black Shadow (G1)|Black Shadow]] (22)
|c3=
* [[Jan Minakaze]] (16)
|h4=[[Breast Animal]]s|c4=
*[[Kōmoribreast]] (23)
}}

==Quotes==

{{Note|The following quotes are from the Omni Productions dub}}

"How can I be happy when our country's being invaded by the Decepticons?"
:—'''Holi''' has his priorities straight.

"Okay! Well, things are getting pretty hot here, I must go now. Take care all of you! Okay? See you later!"
:—Just end the call already, '''Ginrai'''!

"Could they be the Space Mercenaries?!"
:—'''Star Saber'''

"I'm here to get rid of you evil men!"
:—'''Greatshot''' to the Crossformers.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* It'd have been nice if the Micromasters boarding the V-Star had actually been animated, but they just stand there...

===Transformers references===
*God Ginrai and Overlord's forces are battling in G Nebula 89, the nebula in which the [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmasters]]' [[transtector]]s were created. It is here noted that this nebula (and planet Micro) are in "Sector 2", which Ginrai departed to become head of the Galactic Defense Force for back in "[[The Brave Hero of the Universe - Star Saber]]".
*The Autobot and Decepticon Godmaster and Headmaster Junior transtectors that were brought to life at the end of the [[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|''Super-God Masterforce'' cartoon]] are briefly featured in this episode.

===Trivia===
*This episode does not feature either of ''Victory''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s two stock title cards, presenting the title as white text on a black background.
*Star Saber's gun makes another of its scant appearances here. As usual, he doesn't use it.
* Failing to advertise toy gimmicks is nothing new for ''Victory'', and the trend continues here, as it is never explicitly stated that Blue Bacchus and Black Shadow are smaller robots within larger shells. There is an allusion to it, though, in their final scene, in which they are slashed by Greatshot and they fall out of the shot. Two streaks of energy then rise up from where they fell, off-screen, after which, two explosions are seen bursting into shot from where they fell. The streaks of energy then coalesce into the vehicle modes of their small robots. The implication, of course, is that Greatshot has just destroyed their shells, but that the interior robots have been able to escape. Additionally, their sub-group name, [[Crossformer]]s, is never used in dialogue, and—you guessed it—they never appear in the series again.
[[File:PlanetMicro Riker's ride.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
* This is another episode where the English dub narration on the next episode preview is intact on the R4 DVD set.
* Both Holi and Star Saber [[Humanization|blush]] at various points while talking to Clipper. At one point, Holi's entire face glows red.
* Though Riker is small enough to fit inside Star Saber's cockpit, he instead rides on top (minds out of the gutter, please). One might logically assume that this is because Star Saber's smallest component, the Brain of Courage, is inside, but in previous episodes it was always conveniently and inexplicably absent whenever Jan needed a ride or the script called for an interior cockpit view.
* Likewise, as Micro has no water, Boater is forced to get around by riding on Fire's vehicle mode. That is at least a step up in credibility from running alongside in robot mode or somehow flying in boat mode, as had been done repeatedly in previous series.
* Do Star Saber and Greatshot really expect to be able to put out the massive fire by stamping on it?

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Battle on the Planet Miclot'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub )
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 1]], [[1991]]
::* In the Japanese version, Star Saber is surprised by the devastation and concludes from the unusual methods that they're dealing with different Decepticons to those active on Earth. In the English dub, he sees nothing out of the ordinary and just laments that the Decepticons have totally destroyed everything.
::* When Hellbat tells the Crossformers to attack Star Saber, they're reluctant to do so because of the risk of explosion rather than demanding additional payment.
::* Greatshot's speech about how he defected because Star Saber treated him right, becomes generic hero-type speechifying in the dub.
::* The dialogue establishing that Greatshot has destroyed the energy Hellbat stolen is changed in the English dub to remove references to the fact.

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La Batalla en el Planeta Miclot'''" ("The Battle on the Planet Miclot")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|jsubs}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Victory'' — DVD Box 01 ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — The Takara Collection Vol 3 — ''Transformers: Victory'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2008 — ''The Transformers: Victory'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) — Optional [[Omni Productions|Omni]] dub. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) — Optional Omni dub. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Victory'' (Shout! Factory)

[[Category:Victory episodes]]

Mach and Tackle

2022-09-07T20:05:56Z

JD1337666:

{{episode
|series=Victory
|ep=15
|image=Machntackle.jpg
|caption=Mach and Tackle. They're cops!
|title="Mach and Tackle"
|japanese=マッハとタックル
|romaji=Mach to Tackle
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|airdate=[[July 18|18 July]] 1989
|writer=[[Hajime Suzuki]]
|director=[[Yoshikata Nitta]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''Investigating a mysterious land subsidence in Canada, Mach and Tackle uncover the Breastforce's latest plot. '''

==Synopsis==
Somewhere in southern [[Canada]], in the middle of a massive cornfield, a farmer named [[Tom]] is about to take some extreme measures to get rid of a prairie dog that's been digging up his land. Before he can push the plunger that will detonate the dynamite he's laid in the field, however, the ground beneath his feet quakes, and he runs for his life as the field collapses into [[New Grand Canyon|a massive crater]].

[[Image:MachAndTackle Machtackle bar doorway.jpg|thumb|left|200px|I don't know whether you've really considered the advantages of owning a really fine set of modern encyclopedias.]]
News of the subsidence prompts [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] to send [[Machtackle]] to investigate, and the [[Multiforce]] warrior soon tracks down Tom telling patrons of a [[Victory Bar|nearby bar]] about the event (exaggerating his own athletic abilities in the process). Always out for a quick buck, Tom offers to show anyone who wants to see, at which point Machtackle knocks on the window to avail of the offer. Tom takes the presence of a giant robot in stride and leads him up to the fields, where Machtackle divides into [[Mach (G1)|Mach]] and [[Tackle]] to investigate thoroughly. The pair deduce that an underground river had been flowing beneath the field, but that its flow suddenly stopped, causing the land to collapse. Suspecting [[Decepticon]] involvement, they alert Star Saber, who refuses [[Wingwaver]]'s request to go to the aid of his teammate.

As night begins to settle in, Mach and Tackle head west, following the run off of the Rocky Mountains in hopes of locating the cause of the land collapse. They come upon what appears to be a human factory, but while Mach is taken in by the façade, Tackle realizes that there is no guard, and no road leading to the gate. The factory is, in fact, a cover for a subterranean hydroelectric power plant assembled by the [[Breastforce]], which is responsible for draining the river and causing the land collapse. As Mach radios the other [[Autobot]]s to inform them of their discovery, [[Drillhorn (G1)|Drillhorn]] picks up his broadcast, and [[Leozack]] orders the other Breastforcers to spring into action, even as Star Saber and the Multiforce race to Mach and Tackle's aid.

[[Image:Jarugar head in the sand.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
While Mach manages to lure [[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]] into the nearby forest and entangle him in a cluster of trees, Tackle camouflages himself with dirt and grass as he prepares for [[Jallguar]]. Mach nearly gives him away when he radios to let him know that he has dispatched Hellbat, but Tackle is able to pull off his plan and bring Jallguar down. A brief argument between the two Multiforcers ensues, but when they hear [[Killbison]] approaching, they decide to adopt a new tactic, and recombine in a new configuration as Tacklemach! The dim Killbison doesn't even realize who Tacklemach is at first, but realization soon dawns, and Tacklemach finds himself being chased through the forest by the Decepticons' [[Breast Animal]]. Just as the creature is closing, Star Saber drops out of the sky and seizes it, hurling it into Killbison and taking both of them out of the picture.

[[Image:MachAndTackle Drillhorn faceplant.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
Back at the Decepticons' power plant, the other Multiforcers are battling with automated weapon defense systems. Leozack instructs Drillhorn to seal the entrance shaft, but Drillhorn refuses, because the other Breastforcers haven't returned. Star Saber, Mach and [[Wing (G1)|Wing]] approach the factory from above and are able to enter through the open shaft, getting the drop on the two Decepticons. Mach and Wing seize Drillhorn and slam him into the factory's control console, accidentally triggering the self-destruct system and forcing the two Decepticons to flee. The three Autobots manage to fly out of the base just before it goes up in flames.

Back in Tom's field, the money-hungry farmer is showing a group of people the crater, when suddenly a huge geyser of water bursts out of it and sprays high into the sky. The destruction of the Decepticons' base has returned the underground river to its natural flow, and consequently, the crater becomes a huge lake as the river fills it. Tom is dismayed at the end of his tourist business, but as the Autobots make plans to fill the land in for him, he suggests that they hold off, so that he can try his hand at fish farming instead.

{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Machtackle]] (2)
*[[Mach (G1)|Mach]] (3)
*[[Tackle]] (4)
*[[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] (5)
*[[Holi]] (6)
*[[Wingwaver]] (7)
*[[Dashtacker]] (8)
*Tacklemach (15)
*[[Wing (G1)|Wing]] (17)

|c2=
*[[Leozack]] (9)
*[[Killbison]] (10)
*[[Jallguar]] (11)
*[[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]] (12)
*[[Drillhorn (G1)|Drillhorn]] (13)
*[[Jaguarbreast]] (14)
*[[Bisonbreast]] (16)
*[[Hornbreast]] (18)
*[[Lionbreast]] (19)

|c3=
*[[Tom]] (1)

}}

==Quotes==
"Does this bar sell gasoline?"
:—'''Tom''', on spying Machtackle standing outside.

[[Image:Hellbat tree trouble.jpg|thumb|right|200px|And the jungle hates him.]]
"I HATE THE JUNGLE!"
:—'''Hellbat''' wedged between two trees.

"Stay away, Mr. Cow!"
:—'''Tacklemach''' fleeing from Bisonbreast.

"Leozack! Because of you, land has collapsed! I will not forgive the destruction of nature!" 
"That's the only reason you came?" 
"I will never forgive you for destroying nature!!"
:—'''Star Saber''', environmentalist, and '''Leozack'''

{{note|The following quotes are from the Omni Productions dub}}

"I'm gonna get you this time, ya cunning little fellas!"
:—'''Tom''', about to dynamite some prairie dogs.

"Darn! I can't see the wood for the trees!"
:—'''Hellbat''' wedged between two trees with different lines.

"I've lived here a long time, but I've never seen a live robot." 
"Please don't call me a robot. My name's Machtackle" 
"Oh, you've got a name too? Well, I still prefer 'robot'."
:—'''Tom''' and '''Machtackle'''

"That's really something. I'll try it! SPLIIIIT!!! (''does a backflip and hurts himself'') Ow!!!"
:—'''Tom''' tries to "transform".

"I HATE YOU! Oh, I can't. It isn't their fault."
:—'''Tom''' can't decide whether or not he hates prairie dogs.

"But you know I'd look like a colander if he'd managed to shoot me with that gun."
:—'''Tackle'''

"Come and get me if you can!" ''(whirls nunchuck and makes martial arts noises)'' 
"I don't want that thing up my rear!"
:—'''Killbison''' and '''Tacklemach'''

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* During the explosion of the base, there's a frame or two where the explosion is missing, revealing the intact buildings.

===Real world references===
[[File:MachAndTackle Old Tom finger.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
*This episode features quite a few unusual Japanese cultural references and hand motions that are likely to puzzle (and in some cases, leave slack-jawed) Western viewers:
** When Mach radios Star Saber, the communication ends with Tom popping up onscreen and... ''giving Star Saber the finger''. The old coot doesn't mean anything bad by it, however—in Japan, the gesture lacks the offensive connotation it has in the west, and is often used as a silly, random thing in manga and anime. Killbison also does it later in the episode.
** When Killbison attacks Tacklemach, he emits one of those Japanese nonsense-words that is said for emphasis of action (if you're ever watched a fansub, you probably know "sorya" as one). Bizarrely, he transitions from screaming this into screaming "Sōran! Sōran-to!", which are (equally nonsensical) lyrics from a Japanese folk song, "Sōran Bushi." As a final bit of punctuation, he screams one final lyric from the song—"A SEAGULL ON THE OPEN SEA!" That Killbison, he so crazy.
** The final shot of the episode is Tom making a hand gesture in which he touches the tips of his thumb and index finger in a circle. In the west, of course, we know this as the symbol for "okay", but in Japanese culture, it means "money", referring to the scheme Tom's just cooked up.
* The bar is prominently named as the Victory Bar, a reference to... well, you can probably guess.
* The Ennio Morricone-inspired music that was previously heard in the first episode makes a reappearance here, appropriately, as Tom is in the Victory Bar telling his story.

===Trivia===
* There was a two-week break between the airing of this episode and the previous one.
* This is the only time in the entire ''Victory'' series that any of the Multiforce change their combination pattern (as well as probably the most prominent use of any of the singular Multiforce members). Way to promote the gimmicks of your toys, there!
* There's a fun bit of Transformer physiology on display in this episode when Tackle calls Mach's attention to something and the shot cuts (twice) to a macro view of one of the latter's optic sensors inside his visor.
* The Decepticon base's self-destruction starts at the countdown timer, which promptly explodes from its console when it reaches 0.
* Despite separating to allow Wing to go on the assault on the Decepticon base, Waver isn't seen on his own in the episode. As soon as the Autobots regroup for the happy ending, Wing and Waver have already recombined.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''The Underground Water Electricity Plant'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 18]], [[1991]]
::* Tom appears to assume the massive subsidence is the prairie dogs trying to scare him.
::* He also insists on payment from Machtackle in exchange for taking the Autobot to his farm.
::* His seemingly random question of whether Machtackle knows Ninjutsu is replaced by him exclaiming in surprise that the Autobot can separate into two.
::* Tacklemach still refers to himself as Machtackle.
::* When Leozack is about to seal the plant, Drillhorn is concerned the rest of the Breastforce might get killed, rather than doubting he and Leozack can defend the base alone. Aw, he really cares.
::* The English dub of this episode included on the R4 DVDs has the dubbed narration intact over the trailer for the next episode.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|jsubs}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Victory'' — DVD Box 01 ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — The Takara Collection Vol 3 — ''Transformers: Victory'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2008 — ''The Transformers: Victory'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) — Optional [[Omni Productions|Omni]] dub. 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) — Optional Omni dub. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Victory'' (Shout! Factory)

[[Category:Victory episodes]]

Rescue Jan!!

2022-09-07T00:42:32Z

JD1337666:

{{episode|
|series=Victory
|ep=14
|title="Rescue Jan!!"
|japanese=ジャンを救出せよ!!
|romaji=Jan o Kyūshutsuseyo!!
|image=Rescuejean.jpg
|caption=Jean, Jean, you're young and alive/Which beats being old and dead...
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|writer=[[Hajime Suzuki]]
|director=[[Michihiro Kanayama]]
|airdate=[[July 4|4 July]] 1989
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Hellbat invades the Shuttle Base and kidnaps Jan and Holi.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:RescueJean Drillhorn peekaboo.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Is there anywhere Drillhorn ''won't'' stick his head?]]
The [[Decepticon]]s attack a fleet of tankers on the open ocean, destroying their gunship escorts, but [[Leozack]] is furious that [[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]] has not turned up for the mission, as he is the only one who knows which tanker contains the energy they are after. News of the attack quickly reaches the [[Autobot]]s, and [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] takes off to help, accompanied by [[Galaxy Shuttle]], carrying the [[Brainmaster]]s. The whole thing is missed by [[Jan Minakaze|Jan]] and [[Holi]], who arrive just as the heroes are leaving, with Jan planning to use the [[Rocket Base|Shuttle Base]]'s computers to do his summer vacation homework quickly, for which Holi chastises him. Their arrival, however, is observed by Hellbat...

Star Saber and his team arrive at the scene just as Leozack is tearing through the ships to try and find the energy, and as the battle breaks out, Star Saber orders Galaxy Shuttle to return to the Shuttle Base to aid the [[Multiforce]] in protecting it.

[[Image:RescueJean Hellbat makes off.jpg|thumb|200px|right]]
Meanwhile, back at the Shuttle Base, Jan and Holi are out taking a break from work when Hellbat, who has staged the whole tanker ploy to leave the Shuttle Base undermanned, chooses to strike. He sneaks into the base from beneath and manages to avoid laser sensors and security cameras, but eventually trips an alarm when he attempts to access the computer databank for information on Star Saber. He snatches a data disk from the computer in hopes of getting away with something, but as he opens an access hatch to escape through, he finds his way blocked by the gigantic frame of Galaxy Shuttle, who has returned just in time. Galaxy Shuttle reaches his massive arm into the hatch to try and grab Hellbat, but can't quite reach. Holi and Jan return to the strange sight of Galaxy Shuttle grappling with the Shuttle Base and use the teleporter to travel up to the floor in question to ask him what he's doing... only to be immediately seized by Hellbat. With two hostages in his grasp, Hellbat forces the Autobots to stay back, and makes good his escape.

Back on the tankers, Star Saber defeats Leozack, and the [[Breastforce]] leader calls retreat. As the Decepticons pull out, Star Saber receives a communication from the Shuttle Base, alerting him to Jan and Holi's capture.

[[Image:RescueJean Hellbat equations.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Either Jan or one of the animators is bad at fractions.]]
Hellbat brings Jan and Holi to a secret base he has constructed for himself within a cave network, to which he has also summoned the [[Dinoforce]]. Hellbat explains to [[Goryu (G1)|Goryu]] that he plans to discredit Leozack, and offers him the chance to join him in claiming some glory in the eyes of [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] by presenting the emperor with Star Saber's secrets. Unfortunately for the villains, Jan is able to resist Hellbat's hypnosis waves, and Goryu only winds up hurting himself when he starts waving his mace around threateningly, so Hellbat has them tossed back into their pit-cell and goes off to study the data disk he took from the Shuttle Base. While Hellbat is trying to fathom the mathematical code the disk appears to be written in, however, Jan quickly comes up with a plan: using the art class supplies in his backpack, he hastily fabricates a "testcard" pattern, which he slips in front of the security camera watching them. This distracts Kakuryu long enough for them to get out of the pit, but when Hellbat and Goryu uncover the deception, the pair is quickly found scurrying around in the pipes and ducts overhead. Jan manages to reclaim his communicator and radios Star Saber for help as he and Holi flee from Goryu through the caves.

[[Image:RescueJean captives safe.jpg|thumb|200px|right]]
The pair stumbles into an underground stream, which washes them clear out of the cave and falling through the air, but at the last moment, Galaxy Shuttle and Star Saber swoop in to safely catch them. The cliff face then explodes as [[Dinoking]] emerges from within it, and Star Saber transforms to battle the giant Decepticon. Using his Saber Blade attack, Star Saber collapses the mountain on Dinoking, and when Galaxy Shuttle transforms, Dinoking cuts his losses and flees, disengaging and diving back into the water. Jan thanks Star Saber for saving them, but Jan is still worried that Hellbat might have stolen something important. As it turns out, the disk the villain stole was simply the program that Jan was using to do his homework! Jan's not very happy about this, but Holi laughs and says he should have done it himself in the first place.

Back on the ''[[Thunder Arrow]]'', Hellbat grovels before Deathsaurus and blames both Leozack and Goryu for the day's failures, before presenting his emperor with the "valuable data" he has stolen. He inserts the disk into the ''Thunder Arrow''{{'}}s computer, and Jan's math homework flashes up on the screen, followed by a bunch of doodles, including Jan shooting Deathsaurus himself. Deathsaurus screams to the high heavens, and Hellbat drops to his knees in terror.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Galaxy Shuttle]] (1)
*[[Blacker]] (2)
*[[Dashtacker]] (3)
*[[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] (4)
*[[Wingwaver]] (5)
*[[Fire]] (6)
*[[Pīpō]] (7)
*[[Machtackle]] (8)
*[[Boater]] (9)
*[[Braver]] (10)
*[[Laster]] (11)
*[[Holi]] (13)

|c2=
*[[Drillhorn (G1)|Drillhorn]] (1)
*[[Jallguar]] (2)
*[[Killbison]] (3)
*[[Leozack]] (4)
*[[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]] (12)
*[[Kakuryu (G1)|Kakuryu]] (15)
*[[Goryu (G1)|Goryu]] (16)
*[[Doryu]] (17)
*[[Rairyu]] (18)
*[[Gairyu]] (19)
*[[Yokuryu]] (20)
*[[Dinoking]] (21)
*[[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] (22)
*[[Tigerbreast]] (23)

|c3=
*[[Jan Minakaze]] (14)
}}

==Quotes==
"Those who live by the computer will die by the computer!" 
"Who said that?" 
"I did!"
:—'''Holi''' and '''Jan'''

"Nyah-hah! If you can't fit, go on a diet!"
:—'''Hellbat''' cruelly taunts Galaxy Shuttle.

''(under his breath)'' "Convincing an idiot sure is tiring." 
"What was that?!" 
"Ha ha, it's all for glory and for getting Leozack"
:—'''Hellbat''' and '''Goryu'''

{{Note|The following quotes are from the Omni Productions dub}}

"I wish there was a computer that could do the homework for me!"
:—'''Jan''', always looking for the easy way out.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*As Galaxy Shuttle's passengers disembark above the tankers, Wingwaver is animated in place of Blacker.

===Continuity errors===
*In his previous speaking appearance back in "[[Sneak Attack! Dinoking]]", Galaxy Shuttle had a really high-pitched, heavily-modulated "computerized" voice. In this episode, his voice has become a booming, echo-y one.

===Real world references===
*When Hellbat grabs Holi and Jan and thanks the Autobots for these "gifts", Holi cries out for the Decepticon not to treat them like "manjū". Manjū is a kind of Japanese pastry, with many varieties that are unique to specific regions of Japan. As such, a region's specific type of manjū is like a souvenir for that area. To sidestep confusion, the [[Metrodome]] DVD release of the episode just replaces the term with "souvenir".

===Trivia===
*Closed circuit cameras in 2025 are conveniently like those of the late 80s, with analogue error screens.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Rescue Meekon'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 11]], [[1991]]
::*Jan wishes that there was a computer that could do his homework, while in the Japanese audio, he's intent on using the base computer.
::*Machtackle and Dashtacker's conversation about cleaning their guns turns into complaining about Jan having messed up the computer. After saying it'll take a while to fix, they... leave the room for no apparent reason.
::*Hellbat is after all of the Autobots' secrets, rather than just the secret of Star Saber's powers.
::*It's Goryu's turn to have a different voice actor in the English dub.
::*Though the English soundtrack on the R4 DVDs usually stops before the next episode preview, this one has the English narration of preview included.

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hay que rescatar a Marcos'''" ("We must rescue Marcos")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|jsubs}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Victory'' — DVD Box 01 ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — The Takara Collection Vol 3 — ''Transformers: Victory'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2008 — ''The Transformers: Victory'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) — Optional [[Omni Productions|Omni]] dub. 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) — Optional Omni dub. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Victory'' (Shout! Factory)

[[Category:Victory episodes]]

Tanker Hijack Operation

2022-09-07T00:34:01Z

JD1337666: /* Quotes */

{{episode
|series=Victory
|ep=12
|image=Tankerhijackop.jpg
|caption=''But like Heaven above me''
''The spy who loved me''

''Is keeping all my secrets safe tonight''
|title="Tanker Hijack Operation"
|japanese=タンカー強奪作戦
|romaji=Tanker Gōtatsu Sakusen
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|airdate=[[June 13|13 June]] [[1989]]
|writer=[[Toyohiro Ando]]
|director=[[Takao Yoshizawa]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''As part of a plan to steal a tanker of gasoline, the Decepticons stay the Autobots' hands by threatening to blow up Marine City with a neutron bomb.'''

==Synopsis==
Somewhere in the depths of the ocean, [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] "reminds" his troops aboard the ''[[Thunder Arrow]]'' of the large amount of energy they need to gather in other to free his fortress from the [[Dark Nebula]]... by blasting them with a burst of flame. Only [[Drillhorn (G1)|Drillhorn]] stands unmoving as the other [[Decepticon]]s scatter, petitioning his emperor for calmness so that he can outline his plan to steal a tanker. Deathsaurus approves the plan, but [[Leozack]] is not happy that his subordinate has superseded his authority.

[[Image:TankerHijack Drillhorn head.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"Well, hello ladies!"]]
Some time later, on the west coast of [[United States of America|America]], [[Marine City]] suddenly finds its gasoline supplies inexplicably drying up. The strange occurrence naturally attracts the attention of the [[Autobot]]s, and [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]], suspecting Decepticon involvement, dispatches the [[Brainmaster]]s to investigate. Examining gasoline tanks across the city, they find that they have been punctured and drained from beneath. A dog's barking leads [[Blacker]] to catch Drillhorn and [[Jallguar]] in the act, but after a brief pursuit, the Decepticons flee.

Meanwhile, to try and resolve the fuel crisis, Marine City's Mayor Burns requests a shipment of gasoline from a neighboring state, which is delivered in the tanker ''[[Big Baron]]''... just as the Decepticons have planned. Drillhorn contacts the mayor's office, warning him that if the ''Big Baron'' is not left to their tender mercies once it has docked, Marine City will be blown up. The mayor wastes no time in alerting the Autobots to this new development, and as he talks with Star Saber, Blacker radios in a report—he and the Brainmasters have had a scuffle with the [[Dinoforce]], and have learned that the villains have planted a [[neutron bomb]] somewhere in Marine City. Aware of the potential for disaster, Star Saber directs the mayor to evacuate the city, and heads out to the scene himself.

[[Image:TankerHijack Blacker shocks Kakuryu.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Star Saber meets up with the Brainmasters at Marine City, and they begin their search for the neutron bomb, but despite combing the city all night, they turn up nothing. As dawn breaks and the ''Big Baron'' arrives, the Autobots can do nothing but watch as the [[Breastforce]] arrive to take control of the tanker, and the ''Thunder Arrow'' emerges from beneath the ocean to draw the tanker inside itself. Blacker quietly swims over to the tanker to investigate, where he finds Leozack gloating and showing off the remote detonator for the neutron bomb to the human crew, telling them that it's been hidden at the top of the city's [[Marine Tower]]. Blacker radios his discovery to his fellow Autobots, but the Decepticons have planned for this eventuality and the Dinoforce are waiting to attack them as they head for Marine Tower.

[[Image:TankerHijack Dinoking vs Brainmasters.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
While [[Braver]] flies the [[V-Star]] to the top of the tower to deal with the bomb, Blacker, [[Laster]] and Saber battle with [[Dinoking]], even as the tanker is steadily swallowed by the ''Thunder Arrow''. With time running out, Saber summons the V-Star and breaks off to save the tanker, but Leozack forces him to hold back by threatening to detonate the neutron bomb. Saber almost manages to steal away the detonator, but the Breastforce's [[Breast Animal]]s reclaim it, and Saber continues to draw out the battle while the V-Star attacks from below, successfully knocking out the tractor beams the ''Thunder Arrow'' is using to draw in the tanker.

[[Image:MarineLeozack.jpg|thumb|right|200px|"The funeral was at sea."]]
Deathsaurus pulls the ''Thunder Arrow'' out, but Leozack has a parting gift for Star Saber, and activates the detonator... only for nothing to happen. Furiously, Leozack hits the button over and over again, and the remote blows up in his face—Braver has successfully disassembled the bomb and saved Marine City. The singed Leozack makes good his escape, hot on the heels of Dinoking, who has been blinded and bested by the other Brainmasters.

After the battle, sunset, Autobots regroup, burning rage in their hearts, etc. You know how it goes by now.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Galaxy Shuttle]] (11)
*[[Machtackle]] (12)
*[[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] (13)
*[[Braver]] (14)
*[[Blacker]] (15)
*[[Laster]] (16)
*[[Wingwaver]] (17)
*[[Holi]] (18)
*[[Pīpō]] (19)
*[[Dashtacker]] (20)
*[[Fire]] (22)

|c2=
*[[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] (1)
*[[Goryu (G1)|Goryu]] (2)
*[[Leozack]] (3)
*[[Rairyu]] (4)
*[[Drillhorn (G1)|Drillhorn]] (5)
*[[Jallguar]] (6)
*[[Killbison]] (7)
*[[Yokuryu]] (8)
*[[Kakuryu (G1)|Kakuryu]] (9)
*[[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]] (10)
*[[Doryu]] (24)
*[[Gairyu]] (25)
*[[Dinoking]] (26)
*[[Lionbreast]] (27)
*[[Hornbreast]] (28)
*[[Jaguarbreast]] (29)
*[[Kōmoribreast]] (30)
*[[Bisonbreast]] (31)

|c3=
*[[Jan Minakaze]] (21)
*[[Burns]] (23)

}}

==Quotes==

"I think I've seen this car somewhere before..."
:—'''Kakuryu''', sniffing Blacker's car mode.

{{Note|The following quotes are from the Omni Productions dub}}

"Don't ask so many questions! Just do as I say or Maryland will go up in flames!"
:—'''Drillhorn''' means business.

"You idiot, you got caught again!"
:—'''Goryu''' does not tolerate '''Kakuryu's''' stupidity.

"Oh, darn!"
:—'''Leozack''' has a quite understated reaction to '''Star Saber's''' transformation.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
[[Image:TankerHijack MayorBurns count the fingers.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Cellphone use commonly leads to mutations?!]]
*After Drillhorn hangs up on him, the mayor has [[Verity Carlo|six fingers]] on the hand holding the phone.
*When Star Saber imagines the potential destruction the neutron bomb may cause, some footage of an exploding city is recycled from the opening credits.
*When Drillhorn talks to Mayor Burns on the phone, he talks without moving his lips. Later, when Burns calls Star Saber, both are shown performing the same feat of ventriloquism.
*Numerous times throughout the episode, closed shops and gas stations are adorned with signs that say "close." The latter is also advertised as "oil" rather than "gas."

===Trivia===
*Despite the fact that the previous episode featured a subplot about some of the Autobots escorting [[India (ship)|an oil tanker]], this episode's tanker-centric plot has nothing to do with it.
*A number of the characters, including Star Saber and Kakuryu, have different voice actors for this episode in the English dub. Of course, none of the English voice actors are credited...
*Lucky for the Breastforce that the Dinoforce are so stupid they don't realise that guarding Marine Tower entails being at ground zero for a neutron bomb detonation.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Battle over the Super-tanker'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[July 28]], [[1991]]
::*Marine City becomes [[Maryland]], which is consistently pronounced "Mary Land". Accordingly, the mayor is referred to as a governor. The Marine Tower is renamed as the "Congress Building".
::*Kakuryu's singing is, as usual, missing.

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Batalla Peligrosa'''" ("Dangerous Battle")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|jsubs}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Victory'' — DVD Box 01 ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — The Takara Collection Vol 3 — ''Transformers: Victory'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2008 — ''The Transformers: Victory'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) — Optional [[Omni Productions|Omni]] dub. 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) — Optional Omni dub. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Victory'' (Shout! Factory)

[[Category:Victory episodes]]