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Deadlock (episode)

2013-07-28T13:53:31Z

Nebroadwe:

{{disambig2|the Prime episode|the Generation 1 Decepticon|Drift (G1)}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 65
|prev=Synthesis
|next=Predacons Rising (Prime)
|image=Tfp deadlock omega lock.jpg
|caption=Take that to the secondary cargo hold. We need to make room for the Stargate.
|title="Deadlock"
|airdate=[[July 26]], [[2013]]
|written by=[[Steven Melching]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''The Autobots face the Decepticons for a last showdown.'''

==Synopsis==
The [[Autobot]]s storm the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'' via the outer hull, while [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] lets them know he's heading for the [[Omega Lock]]'s control station. As he approaches the ship, [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus]] orders [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]]'s team to join Ratchet while [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] and the [[Wrecker]]s take the bridge. Arcee asks if they should destroy the lock, but Optimus intends to use it to restore [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] has to be prompted to follow the others when he's momentarily distracted by the sight of [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] arriving on the top of the ship to face Prime. The Decepticon leader uses the [[Dark Star Saber]] to damage Optimus's jet pack. Optimus manages to land on one of the lower spires and starts climbing up.

Telling them he has something he needs to do, Smokescreen leaves Arcee and [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]]. Meanwhile, Ratchet reaches the control station and begins fighting [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]]. Arcee and Bumblebee approach the control station, as well, but they're cut off by [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] and a bunch of Seekers who open fire on them. While this is going on, [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] packs for a sudden journey he has to make right now. Smokescreen soon reaches the warship's storage area and retrieves the [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]].

Ultra Magnus and his team reach the bridge; however, their attempt is cut short by [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]], who [[GroundBridge]]s them to another part of the ship, where they're quickly surrounded. Ultra Magnus notifies everyone that his team has been delayed, which gives [[Jack Darby|Jack]] an idea. He asks [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] to bridge him onto the ''Nemesis'' bridge as he's come up with a plan.

On the warship, Shockwave finishes pummeling Ratchet, but is interrupted by the Omega Lock signalling that it's ready to fire. As he opens the huge portal to prepare for firing, he spots Optimus hanging out on the Omega Lock's structure and is forced to take cover as Optimus opens fire. Megatron soon arrives to engage Optimus directly and orders Shockwave to begin the firing sequence.

Knock Out, wandering the corridors, finds himself cut off by the fighting. The bridge, meanwhile, is invaded by Jack and an [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]]-clad [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]]. She quickly finishes off the Vehicons on duty, but Soundwave advances on her with an open GroundBridge. Jack tells Raf to open a GroundBridge right next to Soundwave, and the conflicting bridge energies promptly transport Soundwave into the [[shadowzone (dimension)|shadowzone]]. As Jack and Miko head to the controls, the Omega Lock begins powering up on the bottom of the ship. On its rim, Optimus and Megatron continue to battle, with Optimus knocking the Dark Star Saber from Megatron's grip and decking him. Megatron orders Shockwave to prepare to fire, but is interrupted by the ship lurching while under Jack's control.

[[File:Tfp bee down.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Cue the tears of children worldwide.]]

Down below, Smokescreen passes Arcee and Bumblebee, carrying the Star Saber into the Omega Lock control room. He attempts to throw the sword down to Optimus, only to be blasted by Shockwave. Arcee, Bumblebee, Starscream and Shockwave all run for the weapon, but Arcee takes out Starscream, and Bumblebee reaches it first, decking Shockwave before grabbing the saber in midair. Ratchet warns Optimus he must use the Star Saber to destroy the Omega Lock; however, as Bumblebee jumps to pass the weapon to Optimus, he's blasted repeatedly by Megatron. As other Autobots watch in horror, Bumblebee dies. He plunges lifelessly into the Omega Lock's energy field.

Outraged, Optimus smacks Megatron around, only to be knocked off the Omega Lock when Megatron recovers the Dark Star Saber. As Prime clings to the side, Megatron prepares to finish the Autobot off, only to turn around in response to someone calling his name. Bumblebee runs him through with the Star Saber, and as everyone looks on in shock, Megatron dies, his body falling from the Omega Lock and plunging Earthward. Bumblebee helps Optimus climb up as the remaining [[Decepticon]]s scramble to escape. As the Autobots reunite, they marvel at the fact that Bumblebee has his voice back, and Optimus passes on the news to Magnus's team and [[Hangar E]] that Megatron has perished. With the ship now under Autobot control, Optimus orders Magnus to set course for Cybertron. Bumblebee radios Raf to let him know to come up so he can be there for the restoration of Cybertron.

[[File:Tfp cybertron restored.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Peace.]]

As the ship passes through the [[space bridge]], Starscream and Shockwave reach the escape pods to find there's only one left. They cram into it and eject, though Starscream complains about the cramped conditions. Ratchet explains that he does not have the complete formula to synthesize cyber-matter, and the current amount was intended to cyberform Earth, not the much larger Cybertron. Optimus directs the ship to the [[Well of All Sparks]], so they can revitalize Cybertron's core. The beam of energy strikes Cybertron's core, and the planet is soon completely restored and glowing a healthy blue. On the bridge, Knock Out admires the planet's new luster, and claims to be "joining the winning team", only to be decked by Miko. [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]], still clinging to the hull, looks out over Cybertron before transforming and flying off.

Back on Earth, Optimus gives a speech about how they're going to miss [[Earth]]. Fowler says the three kids will be members of Unit:E, June modifying it by mentioning that they'll be in a consulting capacity only until they're of age, and Ratchet takes the opportunity to announce he's staying on Earth. Bumblebee, Bulkhead and Arcee give a tearful farewell to their respective partners, while Fowler, Magnus, Wheeljack and Smokescreen share a mutual salute. As the Autobots head through the space bridge, Optimus gives Ratchet a last goodbye, and with a final lingering look at his human companions, strides through after his team.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (2)
*[[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] (3)
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (4)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (5)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (6)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (7)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (8)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (9)

|c2=
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (1)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (14)
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] (15)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (16)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (17)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (18)

|c3=
*[[William Fowler]] (10)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (11)
*[[Jack Darby]] (12)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (13)
*[[June Darby]] (20)

|h5=[[Predacon (Prime)|Predacons]]|c5=
*[[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] (19)
}}

==Quotes==
"Pack light. Pack light! [''Finds his rotary buffer''] Oh! Pack ''smart''!"
:—'''Knock Out''', not needing to be told that [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|cowards survive]].

"Raf, showtime!" 
"Are you sure about this, Jack? Last time we crossed the streams — " 
"Do it, Raf! Now!"
:—'''Jack''' and '''Raf''' prepare to hoist Shockwave with his own petard. [[wikipedia:Petard#.22Hoist_with_his_own_petard.22|Shakespeare]] would be proud.

"You took my voice. You will never rob anyone, of anything, ever again."
:—'''Bumblebee''', getting payback at last.

"I will avenge you, Master!" 
[''Shockwave grabs him''] 
"Starscream, do not be a fool!" 
[''They flee as Starscream resists''] 
"Curse you and your logic!"
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Shockwave''' debate the merits of revenge.

"Bumblebee..." 
"Your voice..." 
"My voice? What're you g-...My voice!" 
[''grabs '''Ratchet''' in a great big hug''] 
"Ratchet! I have my pipes back!" 
"Errhmm, y-yes! Yes we noticed!"
:—'''Arcee''', '''Bumblebee''', and '''Ratchet''' in a crazy-happy moment. Admit it, you smiled too.

"Optimus Prime to all units: Megatron is no more."
:—Recent news is announced by '''Optimus'''.

"Rrrgh, your elbow articulator is digging into my lateral flexer!" 
"Do you intend to whine for the duration of the voyage?" 
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Shockwave''' get used to each other's company. This is going to be a long trip.

"Ah, such luster." 
''[Autobots stare in disbelief]'' 
"What? I'm joining the winning team."
:—'''Knock Out''' proves once again just how self-important he really is, right before Miko shuts him up.

"Raf..." 
"I know Bee. You don't have to say anything." 
"I never did."
:—'''Raf''' and '''Bumblebee''' share their last exchange...for now.

"Until we meet again, old friend..."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Ratchet''' also share their last exchange, and in a way, to us.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* Ultra Magnus goes into the battle using his built-in blasters, but in the next scene is lugging around the same handheld cannon he used in "[[Rebellion]]".
* Even though the ship is orbiting Earth, Transformers and objects fall at a rate consistent with Earth-normal gravity outside of the ship.
* Though it makes sense that Megatron and Optimus failed to notice Bumblebee's revival, certainly the assembled Autobots and Decepticons should have, considering Bumblebee would have had to climb out of the cybermatter pool, grab the sword, then walk over to Megatron to stab him with it.
* Before Jack arrives in the ship, we see Soundwave and Laserbeak (on his chest) missing it's left wing.

===Continuity notes===
* Jack, Miko, and Raf experienced the effects of crossed GroundBridges firsthand in "[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]".
* Bumblebee gets his voice back in this episode. His voicebox was destroyed in the events of Tyger Pax as explained in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 1]]" and the novel, ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]''. His voicebox, as well as his wounds, were restored through the energy field generated by the Omega Lock. It is rather fitting that he delivers the final blow to Megatron.
* Miko previously used the Apex Armor in "[[Chain of Command (Prime)|Chain of Command]]".
* The Star Saber was previously seen in the Decepticon vault in "[[Prey (episode)|Prey]]". Despite not making a note of it then, that fact did not escape Smokescreen's notice.
* Ultra Magnus refers to Soundwave's combat GroundBridging as a "relocation trick", which he had used on Arcee in "[[Orion Pax, Part 1]]", a Predacon bone fragment in "[[Project Predacon]]", and [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] and her [[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticons]] in "[[Thirst]]".
* Soundwave isn't the only [[Skyquake (Prime)|Decepticon who is trapped in the Shadowzone]].
* The Autobots fire the Omega Lock into the Well of All Sparks, last seen in flashback in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 1]]".
* Predaking is revealed to have survived Megatron's attack from the previous episode.
* The [[Immobilizer]] is seen in a stasis field in the vault, thus accounting for all the Iacon relics left on Cybertron last season.
* Wheeljack takes the lobbing ball with him to Cybertron. It was last seen in "Project Predacon".

===Transformers references===
* This is not [[Megatron (Movie)|the]] [[Megatron (Animated)|first]] incarnation of Megatron to free fall through Earth's atmosphere.
* Likewise this is not the first time [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Mobile App)|is killed from behind by]] [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]].
* Also this isn't the [[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|first time]] Bumblebee gets a fatal hole blown in his torso by Megatron.

===Real-world references===
* Raf refers to opening conflicting Space Bridge portals as 'crossing the streams', a term from ''Ghostbusters'' for a method of last resort with potentially devastating consequences. The same term was used the first time this happened.
* The Dark Star Saber makes a brief sound similar to a [[lightsaber]] from ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' as it falls from the ''Nemesis''.

===Trivia===
* Just before Megatron retrieves the Dark Star Saber from the Omega Lock to use its wave attack to push Optimus off the side, the Dark Star Saber emits a sound very similar to the original [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber sword whenever it was activated]].
* Ratchet kept saying that he wanted to go back to Cybertron, and that he wouldn't forgive Optimus for leaving him on a planet with humans. Evidently, he has grown used to them, and stays behind anyway, claiming that he's needed in Unit:E.
* Bumblebee was wearing a battle mask over his mouth for the whole series, which is revealed when he retracts it upon discovering he can speak again.
* Soundwave has his Spacebridge trump card used against him (at last). One has to wonder what purpose he will serve in the Shadowzone.
* Between solicitations for upcoming issues of the ''[[Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters (comic)|Beast Hunters'' comic]] (which revealed that Cybertron would be restored), the press release for the ''[[Predacons Rising (Prime)|Predacons Rising]]'' movie (which revealed that Megatron was going to die) and a clip shown at the ''Prime'' panel at the San Diego Comic Con and later released online (which revealed that Bumblebee would regain his voice), a well-informed Transfan had pretty much ''every'' surprise of this episode spoiled ''by official sources'' well in advance of its airing. Boo.
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Persuasion

2013-07-13T23:40:23Z

Nebroadwe: /* Quotes */ Added a quote.

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 63
|prev=Minus One
|next=Synthesis
|image=
|caption=
|title="Persuasion"
|airdate=[[July 12]], [[2013]]
|written by=[[Michael G. Stern]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Megatron appeals to Ratchet; Optimus takes on Predaking.'''

==Synopsis==

[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] struggles to his feet after having been knocked out of the sky by [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]], who transforms to robot mode and lands nearby. The [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]] charges up his blaster, but Optimus rebounds with a flurry of punches.

Inside the Solaris building, a firefight between [[Autobot]]s and [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s is brought to a swift end by one of [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]]'s grenades. The Autobots make their way into the next room, where [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] is overseeing the theft of the particle collider, and begin fighting the [[Decepticon]] forces there.

Outside, Optimus continues to hammer away at Predaking, temporarily keeping him on the defensive. But the Predacon lashes out with a savage kick that sends Optimus sprawling. Predaking transforms back to beast mode and is about to unleash a blast of flame at the prone Autobot when [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] contacts him over the comm, ordering him to help secure the collider. Frustrated, Predaking fires his flame into the night sky.

Inside, the Autobots finish mopping up the Vehicons as [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] beats Shockwave to his knees. He offers the Decepticon a chance to surrender before Predaking bursts in, makes short work of the Autobots, and flees with Shockwave and the collider. Outside, Optimus Prime rises shakily to his feet, just in time to see Predaking [[GroundBridge]] out.

[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] radios [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] to return them to base. [[William Fowler|Fowler]], [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]], and [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] are just coming to after being knocked out by [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]], and Bulkhead reports that Ratchet is gone.

Aboard the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', Megatron informs the captive Ratchet that he requires his assistance. Ratchet defiantly refuses to cooperate. Megatron says that cooperation isn't required, as Shockwave approaches the Autobot with a [[cortical psychic patch]].

At the Autobot base, Arcee examines the piece of [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]]'s wing that Smokescreen shot off while the young Autobot laments his poor aim. Ultra Magnus and Bulkhead confirm that Ratchet is nowhere on the premises, and that he didn't leave via the Autobot GroundBridge. Because there have been no ransom demands, Optimus reasons that Ratchet has something the Decepticons want.

Predaking learns that an Autobot is aboard the ship, and states that he's going to do to him what he failed to do to [[Prime (rank)|the Prime]]. Megatron explains that the captive is necessary for the restoration of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], but once that's no longer the case, he will be turned over to the Predacon.

While Fowler barks orders for increased surveillance and satellite monitoring into the phone, Wheeljack theorizes that the Decepticons took Ratchet for his [[Synthetic Energon|synthetic energon]] formula. Smokescreen asks why that would be necessary when the Decepticons already control most of the planet's [[Energon]]. Optimus remembers Ratchet's belief that Megatron is attempting to rebuild the [[Omega Lock]], and deduces that Synth En could be a necessary component. Fowler, now off the phone, relays his concern to the Autobots; if the Decepticons found Ratchet, it means they know the location of their base.

Shockwave reports that the psychic patch only confirms Ratchet has not yet stabilized the synthetic energon formula. Megatron tries a different tactic, waiting for Ratchet to revive and telling the Autobot directly that he wants to help him complete the formula. Ratchet rejects the idea outright, until Megatron reveals his intentions; that the Synth En, when combined with [[CNA]], forms the basis for an alternative [[Cyber Matter]] that can be used to restore Cybertron. Ratchet refuses to collaborate with Megatron, calling him a barbarian responsible for destroying Cybertron in the first place and crushing [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]]'s [[voice box]]. Megatron offers him a choice: the first option is to complete the formula. The second option is represented by an image of [[Jack Darby|Jack]], [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]], and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] displayed on [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]]'s visor. Ratchet tries to feign disinterest in the humans, but the image on Soundwave's visor changes to that of the Autobot base. Megatron tells Ratchet that if he agrees to cooperate, the humans and the Autobots will not be harmed. The Decepticons leave him to ponder the offer, and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] asks if Megatron was being serious. Megatron says of course he wasn't, and tells Starscream to assemble his armada and destroy the Autobot's base once again.

At the base, Fowler and the Autobots are uneasy about the lack of Decepticon activity. Optimus notes that since the Cons aren't stealing Predacon bones or [[Earth]] technology anymore, there's no way to track them. Ultra Magnus suggests splitting into teams for some "old school" searching, but is interrupted by alarms signaling an incoming attack. As Starscream and a fleet of Vehicons emerge from the skies, soldiers rush to their jets to prepare a defense. Starscream commands his troops to concentrate their attack on Hangar E as the military jets open fire. Starscream evades the humans' artillery and lets loose a volley of missiles that hit Hangar E and reduce it to a fiery ruin. He reports to Megatron that the mission has been accomplished, and the Decepticons depart.

The Autobots watch as soldiers put out the flames amidst the rubble that used to be the mess hall, and Ultra Magnus muses that the Decepticons were fooled by a simple paint job. The actual Hangar E, now repainted to say F, is still in one piece.

Back on the ''Nemesis'', Megatron has Ratchet released to give him a tour of the ship. Ratchet's first instinct is to attack, but he finds himself reluctantly impressed by the Decepticon technology. Megatron uses the opportunity to convince him that Autobots and Decepticons share a common goal in the restoration of Cybertron. Ratchet says that bringing back Cybertron would not stop Megatron's ambitions, which the Decepticon leader doesn't deny, but at least they would have a world worth fighting over. Ratchet asks what assurance he would have that Megatron would leave Earth alone. Megatron simply replies that no assurance is being offered, confident that Ratchet's desire to restore Cybertron will overpower his reservations.

At their base, the Autobots have realized that the piece of Laserbeak which Smokescreen shot off is his transponder. Raf hooks it up to his laptop and says that it's trying to communicate with the Decepticon warship. Jack asks how Raf can understand [[Cybertronian language|Cybertronian code]], and Raf says that Ratchet used to teach him in his free time. Fowler asks if they can triangulate the signal, but Ultra Magnus reminds him it's going to a shielded ship. Arcee notes that if the transponder was still attached to Laserbeak, they could follow it. Wheeljack proposes giving it wings, and he and Raf start putting the idea into action.

Jack sees Fowler staring thoughtfully at the [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]] and asks if anything's wrong. Fowler admits he's been thinking of humanity's close calls at the hands of the Decepticons, and that technology like the armor could give their military agents a fighting chance even when the Autobots aren't around to protect them. He also suggests that Jack could be one of those agents himself someday, an idea he's apparently discussed with [[June Darby|Jack's mother]]. Jack isn't thrilled to hear they've been talking about him, but his protest is interrupted by the result of Raf's work: [[Chip (Prime)|Chip]], a small flying device built to house Laserbeak's transponder, which will lead them straight to the Decepticon warship.

Ratchet posits that even if the Omega Lock could be reconstructed, there's no way to scientifically replicate the device's mystical properties. Megatron says they won't know until they try, and shows Ratchet their progress: an almost-completed Omega Lock, attached to the underbelly of the ''Nemesis''. Realizing just how close they really are to being able to restore Cybertron, Ratchet agrees to complete the Synth En formula.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (4)
*[[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] (5)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (6)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (7)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (10)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (11)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (12)

|c2=
*[[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] (2)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (3)
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] (8)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (13)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (14)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (15)

|c3=
*[[William Fowler]] (9)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (16)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (17)
*[[Jack Darby]] (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"This is no place for a one-handed Autobot." 
"I'll take one bum hand over one good eye any day."
:—'''Shockwave''' and '''Ultra Magnus''' trade politically incorrect barbs.

"Humans. Always the weak link."
:—'''Starscream''' showing that he still doesn't quite get it.

"Ratchet didn't think this new hand he built for me was good enough. But I'll tell you what truly isn't good enough: giving up."
:—Keep practicing those speeches, '''Ultra Magnus''', profundity will come someday.

'''Ratchet''': Megatron, you would just try to conquer Cybertron all over again, and enslave anyone who refuses to pledge allegiance to you. 
'''Megatron''': Of course I would!
:—Decepticon or not, '''Megatron''' has little use for guile.

'''Ratchet''': What assurance do I have that you would leave humankind be, and that you wouldn't instantly terminate me once you get what you need? 
'''Megatron''': None whatsoever. After all, we both know that as a Decepticon, any assurances I might offer would be worthless.
:—Seriously, '''Megatron''' is crazy honest about lying.

"Miko, I needed that!"
:—'''Raf''' hangs around Ratchet entirely too much.

'''Megatron''': It will not take long for this Omega Lock's drives to be fully operational. All that is still needed to restore our home is the cybermatter to launch through it. 
'''Ratchet''': Which requires a stabilized formula for the production of synthetic energon. 
'''Megatron''': I have every confidence in you, doctor. 
'''Ratchet''': I'll do it. But then you already knew that, didn't you? 
:—Ratchet makes a deal with the [[The Fallen|aptly named]] Megatron, after which one can only hope that he has [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Devil_and_Daniel_Webster Daniel Webster] on speed dial.

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

===Continuity notes===
* Megatron tearing out Bumblebee's vocoder is again referenced, this time explicitly. It was first detailed in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 1]]" and the novel ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]''.
* Soundwave's picture of the children was taken way back in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]".
* Starscream has previously described humans as "the weak link" in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]".
* The Decepticons already destroyed [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|one Autobot base]] in "[[Darkest Hour (episode)|Darkest Hour]]".
* Miko obtained the Apex Armor in "[[Chain of Command (Prime)|Chain of Command]]".
* Fowler mentions being stuck in [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out's]] trunk with June Darby, which occurred in "[[Plus One]]".

===Transformers references===

===Real-world references===
* Fowler's dazed ramblings about there being "a man on the wing of this plane" refers to the famous ''[[Twilight Zone|The Twilight Zone]]'' episode [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nightmare_at_20,000_Feet "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet"].

===Trivia===
* Though Predaking named himself in "[[Evolution]]", this episode marks the first instance of him giving it to the Autobots.
* Shockwave mocks Ultra Magnus's bad hand during their fight, even though he likewise only has one functional hand and a permanently affixed cannon.
* This is the first episode to lack a title sequence since [[Darkness Rising, Part 5]].
* When visiting the laboratory aboard the ship with Megatron, Ratchet notices and picks up a device, called Quantum Cyro Inducer. The design features of this device bear some resemblance to Shockwave himself. The sides look like they're stacked with rough mini versions of his head, while the top has something that could be interpreted as a big red eye.
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Minus One

2013-07-06T12:07:22Z

Nebroadwe: Added a quotation; cleaned up a typo.

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 62
|image=MinusOne-facereflection.jpg
|prev=Evolution
|next=Persuasion
|title="Minus One"
|airdate=[[July 5]], [[2013]]
|written by=[[Michael Cassutt]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''The Autobots question a captured enemy for information regarding Megatron's plans.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] explains to [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] that the combination of elements in the [[Cyber Matter]] that was accidentally created in his lab would allow them to [[Eco-structuring|cyberform]] entire planets. [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] mocks what sounds like another "Shockwave plan", until Shockwave grabs him with an angry reminder about how Starscream recently left him to the mercy of the [[Autobot]]s. Megatron does not object as Shockwave forces Starscream's face closer and closer to a jagged protrusion of Cyber Matter. Scrambling for a defense, Starscream notes that his actions made their current situation possible. Shockwave accepts the logic of this and lets Starscream go. Without missing a beat, Megatron asks Shockwave why the Cyber Matter appears so chaotic, and the scientist pledges to correct the instability of the elements. Megatron notes that they will require a launch mechanism from which to use the Cyber Matter, and declares that they will focus their resources on reconstructing the [[Omega Lock]].

[[File:MinusOne-UltraMagnus.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Oh no! My Me Time hand!]]

At the Autobot base, [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] finishes his repair of [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]]' mangled right hand. Due to a lack of equipment and spare parts, the repair consists of an unsightly hook appendage that Ratchet says will be functional, but potentially unfit for battle. [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] tries to assure [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] that Ultra Magnus will overcome this setback. [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] bets that the hook will become Magnus' signature, making a comparison to [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]]'s [[voice box]] that the scout doesn't appreciate. Bumblebee buzzes angrily and storms off. [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] explains to [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] and [[Jack Darby|Jack]] that Bumblebee still misses the sound of his old voice. [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] tries to lighten the mood by focusing on the defeat of the [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]] cloning project, but [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] reminds them all of [[Predaking (Prime)|the Predacon who recently revealed his abilities in transformation]].

Aboard the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', Megatron tells Predaking that they will soon punish the Autobots for destroying his brethren. Predaking vows that revenge will come, but that Project Predacon was only ever a starting point. He says that if Megatron truly wishes to restore [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], this should include resurrecting the entire Predacon race from the remains that lie there, so that Predaking can lead them against their shared enemies. Megatron regards this request with skepticism.

Shockwave reports that they've salvaged the wreckage of the Omega Lock, but that the damage was severe, and Earth technology will be needed to retrofit its systems. Megatron orders Starscream to acquire whatever materials Shockwave requires.

The next day, [[William Fowler|Fowler]] reports that [[Decepticon]]s stole twenty tons of control rods from a nuclear plant during the night. Optimus wonders gravely what they're attempting to build.

Shockwave reports to Megatron that the [[Synthetic Energon|synthetic energon]] formula provided by [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] is incomplete, resulting in the instability of the Cyber Matter. Megatron tells him to complete it quickly, citing the need for enough Cyber Matter to restore Cybertron and cyberform [[Earth]]. Shockwave respectfully asks what the logic is in ruling two planets, to which Megatron replies that the two are linked, one [[Unicron]] and the other [[Primus]], and to rule only one would be ruling neither.

Fowler reports another Decepticon theft in progress. Ratchet opens a [[GroundBridge]], but stops Ultra Magnus when he tries to go through, citing the need for further rehabilitation. Optimus says that Ratchet has the final word in medical matters, to which Ultra Magnus reluctantly agrees. Wheeljack watches the exchange with discomfort.

[[File:MinusOne-staredown.jpg|right|thumb|300px|So, you Autobots about ready to give up yet?]]

The Autobots arrive on the scene and immediately advance on squad of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s, who are carrying away their spoils. [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] emerges from the sky in alt-form, opening a GroundBridge directly in front of the retreating Vehicons. [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] is deployed, and Optimus transforms and takes to the air with his jet pack to engage them both. The Vehicons escape through the bridge, but Optimus' gatling gun is able to bring Soundwave crashing to the ground. Laserbeak escapes, and Optimus contacts Ratchet to let him know they will be returning with a prisoner.

At the Autobot base, Soundwave finds himself secured to a table. Ratchet notes that the base's shielding will prevent the Decepticon from contacting his ship. Wheeljack gleefully says that they have all the time in the world to make Soundwave talk, and Miko wonders if he even does talk.

On the ''Nemesis'', Starscream asks Megatron if he's worried about what the captive Soundwave might say. Megatron states his confidence in Soundwave's ability to withhold information.

[[File:Soundwave Mocks.jpg|thumb|left|I punch those numbers into my calculator and it makes a happy face.|250px]]
Optimus asks Soundwave why the Decepticons have been stealing human technology. Soundwave mockingly plays back a remix of the question set to music, and punctuates it with a smiley face emoticon on his visor. Optimus threatens a less civil method of interrogation, and Soundwave broadcasts a sonic pulse throughout the room that causes humans and Autobots alike to double over in pain. Ratchet angrily suggests opening Soundwave up to get the information they need, but the Decepticon responds by erasing data directly from his own drives. With a final taunt spoken in his own voice, he says, "Soundwave superior, Autobots inferior." His visor blinks out and he slumps down on the table, off-line. An astonished Ratchet reports that the Decepticon's vital signs are stable, but that he crashed his own drives rather than allow them to be read.

Shockwave locates the only item on Earth with enough raw tonnage to power the rebuilt Omega Lock; a particle collider synchrotron. However, his efforts to complete the synthetic energon formula have met with less success. Megatron recalls that Knock Out obtained the formula from Ratchet, and muses that the simplest solution is to recruit him. Shockwave says that Laserbeak can upload the order to Soundwave after reconnecting with him, but Starscream notes that they don't know the location of the Autobot base. Shockwave recalls that Soundwave kept surveillance records on all the Autobots' human allies, not just the children.

From his car phone, Fowler tells Optimus that he's on his way to a meeting with [[Bryce|General Bryce]] about the recent Decepticon heists, and that he'll be back to the base as soon as possible. Behind the car, Laserbeak follows from the sky.

Megatron orders Predaking to be present at the Decepticons' next objective, as they expect the Autobots will interfere. Predaking says that he looks forward to facing the [[Prime (rank)|Prime]] again. This cavalier attitude enrages Megatron, who screams at the Predacon about their dwindling forces. Predaking merely states that he will have to fight twice as hard.

On his way back to the base, Fowler contacts the Autobots and reports that the Decepticons are attacking the Solaris particle collider project at the South Pole. Optimus readies the Autobots for action. Ratchet attempts to hold Ultra Magnus back again, but Wheeljack declares that the commander is ready. Wearily, Ratchet relents and opens a GroundBridge. Optimus commands Bulkhead and Smokescreen to stay behind and help Ratchet guard Soundwave, then he and the others depart. While the younger Bots comment on the prone Decepticon, Ratchet wonders what Megatron wants with a device powerful enough to open a [[black hole]].

Outside, Fowler parks in front of the base, still followed by Laserbeak.

It dawns on Ratchet that enough power to swallow a world could also be enough power to create one. He contacts Optimus at the South Pole and relays his suspicion that Megatron plans to rebuild the Omega Lock. He wonders if they should let him, but Optimus knows Megatron will use the Lock to cyberform Earth as well as Cybertron. Disappointed, Ratchet says he understands.

Just then, Predaking strikes from the sky, firing blasts of flame breath that send the Autobots scattering. Optimus returns fire and orders the Autobots to stop the Decepticons from obtaining the collider while he faces the Predacon alone. As the Autobots race to the Solaris building, Optimus draws his gatling gun and engages in an aerial duel with the Predacon. Optimus pours on the firepower, but is unable to keep the beast at bay. With a final, savage swipe of his tail, Predaking sends Optimus crashing down to the ground far below.

Inside the building, the other Autobots find a squad of Vehicons lying in wait for them. As the two groups exchange fire, Shockwave oversees the retrieval of the particle collider in the next room.

At the Autobot base, Smokescreen is trying to convince Ratchet that they'll restore Cybertron somehow when Fowler walks in. He is followed a moment later by Laserbeak crashing through the window. The [[Deployer (Prime)|Deployer]]'s lasers keep the Autobots at bay long enough for him to sever Soundwave's bonds. Smokescreen returns fire, hitting Laserbeak's wing, but is unable to prevent the bird from reuniting with his master. Soundwave springs back to life and effortlessly dispatches Smokescreen, Bulkhead, and Fowler with his tentacles before advancing on Ratchet.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (6)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (7)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (8)
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (9)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (10)
*[[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] (11)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] (3)
*[[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] (15)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (17)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (18)
*[[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] (19)

|c3=
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (12)
*[[Jack Darby]] (13)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (14)
*[[William Fowler]] (16)
}}

==Quotes==
"Master! Are you going to allow one lieutenant to harm another? Master?!" 
"I'm thinking."
:—'''Starscream''' discovers that '''Megatron''' has been reading The Hands-Off Manager.

"I am tempted to force you to share my perception of things."
:—'''Shockwave''' really hates or really loves having one eye, as he tells Starscream.

"Exemplary teamwork."
:—'''Megatron''', after Starscream convinces Shockwave not to share his perspective.

"It has taken me quite some time to fully comprehend that Earth and Cybertron have always been linked. Two halves of one whole; Primus and Unicron. And that to rule only one, would be to never truly rule either."
:—'''Megatron''' on the significance of Earth.

"Soundwave superior, Autobots inferior."
:—'''Soundwave''' quotes a little-known line from [[The Transformers: The Movie|an obscure movie]].

"Can't we throw a tarp over him? He's creeping me out." 
"Yeah, it's like he's watching. No matter where you go."
:—'''Bulkhead''' and '''Smokescreen''' are intimidated even by a deactivated Soundwave.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*After the Vehicons get away during the Autobots first call out, the other Autobots sit motionless in vehicle mode while Optimus engages Soundwave and Laserbeak, only transforming after Soundwave is shot down. What are they doing?
*[[Captain Fanzone's car|Fowler must have a bunch of the same car.]] It was wrecked back in "[[Nemesis Prime (episode)|Nemesis Prime]]", but the one he's seen driving sports the same [[license plate]].
*Shockwave was always described as 'incapable' of emotion. But when he threatens Starscream he actually sounds angry, which is uncharacteristic of him even if he 'feels' angry.

===Continuity errors===
*Smokescreen damages Laserbeak's wing, but the damage disappears once Laserbeak reattaches to Soundwave.

===Continuity notes===
* The [[Omega Lock]] was destroyed by Optimus the last time Megatron tried using it to cyberform Earth, in "[[Darkest Hour (episode)|Darkest Hour]]".
* Ratchet managed to give Ultra Magnus a replacement hand (well, claw), which was mangled by [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] in the [[Evolution|previous episode]].
* The story of how Bumblebee lost his vocoder was established in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 1]]" and the novel ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]''.
* Megatron recalls how the formula for synthetic energon was collected from Ratchet in "[[Stronger, Faster]]".
* Unicron was discovered to be buried within the Earth in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 1]]".

===Transformers references===
* Soundwave paraphrases one of his most famous lines, directly from the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 movie]].

===Trivia===
* Soundwave speaks in his own voice for the first time in the series. And, to the surprise of few, it's a paraphrased quote that originated from the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 movie]]. His voice is the same as his [[Soundwave (G1)|G1 counterpart]] (again provided by [[Frank Welker]]), only with his voice distortion slightly less enhanced. The Soundwave from ''Transformers Animated'' states the same line only backwards, "Autobots inferior, Soundwave superior," in the episode "[[Human Error, Part I]]".
*Ultra Magnus appears unable to use the blaster in his right arm with his hand destroyed.
*Laserbeak carries a complete backup of Soundwave's data banks.
*This is not the first time a human hopelessly tries to use a fire extinguisher against a much more powerful enemy. We last saw Jack try this against Silas' men in "[[Convoy (episode)|Convoy]]".
[[Category:Prime episodes]]