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Revelation (episode)

2026-05-12T10:32:41Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Real-world references */

{{disambig3|Revelation}}
{{episode|
|series=Cybertron
|ep=26
|series2=Galaxy Force
|ep2=27
|title="Revelation"
|japanese=宇宙滅亡へのカウントダウン
|romaji=Uchū Metsubō he no Countdown
|translation=Countdown to Universal Destruction
|image=Cyb ep26 death machine gun.jpg
|caption=Oh. They ''weren't'' lucky.
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Aichi]], [[We've]], [[Tōkyū Agency]]
|writer=[[Hiro Masaki]]
|director=[[Atsushi Nakayama]]
|animation studio=[[GONZO]], Radix
|airdate=[[July 9]], [[2005]] (Japanese) [[October 24]], 2005 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy cartoon timeline|Unicron Trilogy cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''As if searching for Starscream and decoding a mysterious message from Cybertron wasn't trouble enough for the Autobots, Megatron and the Decepticons are free and back on Earth!'''

==Synopsis==

[[File:Cyb ep26 you shall not pass.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|I think the giant alien robots can handle ''one'' shady government agent just fine, Bud.]]

Out in space, riding atop an asteroid, [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] leads [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]] to the sphere holding [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and the other [[Decepticon]]s prisoner. Scourge's flame breath and axe fail to even make a dent in the globe, but Megatron knows that it is only a matter of time until he is free.

On [[Earth]], the [[Autobot]]s are confronted by [[Mike Franklin|Colonel Franklin]], who tells them his story. As a child, he fell into the [[Green River Rapids]] during a [[fishing]] trip, and was rescued by a shadowy figure that changed shape into a helicopter. Nobody ever believed his story, but he knew what he had seen was real, and dedicated himself to finding other such stories. As he grew older, he joined the military to further his search for the truth, and now, it's standing right in front of him. It even turns out that his rescuer was [[Evac (Cybertron)|Evac]]! Now that everyone at last realizes that Colonel Franklin is on the side of the angels, he offers up all his military resources to help the Autobots find [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and the stolen [[Omega Lock]] and [[Cyber Planet Key]]s.

[[File:Cyb ep26 starscream with key.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|"And now to spend episode after episode standing around this thing glowing!"]]

In the seas of the South Pacific, one of the [[Ancient Decepticon]]s awakened by Starscream, the wily [[Thunderblast (Decepticon)|Thunderblast]], is out looking for some fun, and scans a human speedboat for an [[alternate mode]]. As she is enjoying the sun and surf, [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] appears in the sky overhead. They fight briefly, before Thunderblast suddenly vanishes into thin air. Jetfire transmits the info to the Autobot base, where [[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] deduces that Thunderblast has disappeared into a [[Camouflage Shield]] that is hiding something in the middle of the ocean. That something, as we soon learn, is a volcanic island that Starscream is using as a staging base, to which Thunderblast returns, arriving just in time to witness Starscream adding the Earth's Cyber Planet Key to the Omega Lock. As in the past, the addition of the key causes the lock to open a [[space bridge]], launching a beam of energy into space, and into the heart of the [[Unicron Singularity|black hole]]. Across the galaxy, on [[Velocitron]], on [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Jungle Planet]] and on Earth, a space bridge portal hangs in the sky, displaying the terrifying image of the black hole to all onlookers. Concerns over the secrecy of the Autobots' mission have to be put on the back burner, however, when a strange energy burst is detected by the Autobots' computers. Despite fears that it has come from the black hole or the space bridge, it turns out that it is an encrypted signal sent back from Cybertron itself, a response to the original signal the Omega Lock sent out in the past.

In space, Scourge and Megatron combine their power, striking the sphere from within and without simultaneously. The tactic succeeds in shattering the sphere, freeing the Decepticons within, and Megatron immediately plans to head for Earth and revenge himself upon Starscream. Scourge requests that he be allowed to join Megatron, as he hungers to visit new worlds and experience new challenges. Megatron permits it, and the group leaves through a [[warp gate|dimension gate]].

[[File:Cyb ep26 message.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|The Autobots were prepared for Decepticon hacks but 4chan's DDoS attack was beyond their ken.]]

Back on Earth, while [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] randomly reveals he's ''not'' from Cybertron after all, [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] and [[Vector Prime]] have decrypted all they can of the signal from Cybertron, which seems to be telling the Autobots to bring the Omega Lock and Cyber Planet Keys back to the planet. Of course, they have to get them back from Starscream, first...but before they can start making plans to do so, Megatron's dimension gate appears in the sky above [[Niagara Falls]]. Acting quickly, Prime's team calls upon the help of several refugee Autobots to evacuate the humans out of the surrounding area with warnings of a tornado, after which Scattorshot surrounds it with a camouflage shield to hide what is about to transpire. The Autobots roll out for Niagara Falls and meet Megatron's forces there, but when both sides admit that there are more pressing concerns at hand, the Decepticons attempt to depart. As letting them go is not an option, Optimus Prime opens fire on their dimension gate, collapsing it, and starting off a major battle. As [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] and [[Crosswise (Cybertron)|Crosswise]] deal with Crumplezone and [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]], and [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]] and [[Snarl (Cybertron)|Snarl]] clash with Scourge, [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] is confronted by [[Mudflap (Cybertron)|Mudflap]] and almost paralyzed with shock. Vector Prime comes to his aid, and Landmine reveals that he practically raised Mudflap back on Cybertron.

[[File:Cyb ep26 machine gunned.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|"Thanks Megs, we wanted some new toys!" "No problem, guys!"]]

Megatron and Prime go head-to-head, meanwhile, but their battle is interrupted by Red Alert, Scattorshot and [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], who entreat their leader to help Leobreaker and Snarl, who have been trapped by Scourge's flame, while they hold off Megatron. Prime does so, and the three Autobot troops give a surprisingly good account of themselves against the much more powerful Decepticon leader. As his rage at being thwarted by weaker warriors boils over, Megatron taps into the power of the Omega Lock and Earth's Cyber Planet Key. The Lock fires a beam of energy around the planet, which strikes Megatron and unlocks in him a new [[Cyber Key]] Power: a powerful machine gun that he uses to mow down Hot Shot, Red Alert and Scattorshot in one deadly volley. Optimus Prime turns in time to see his warriors fall, and charges at Megatron with a howl of fury...
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Six-Speed (Cybertron)|Six-Speed]] (7)
*[[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]] (8)
*[[Crosswise (Cybertron)|Crosswise]] (12)
*[[Evac (Cybertron)|Evac]] (13)
*[[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] (14)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (16)
*[[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]] (18)
*[[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (19)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (20)
*[[Snarl (Cybertron)|Snarl]] (22)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (23)
*[[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] (24)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (25)
*[[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] (26)
*[[Vector Prime]] (30)
*[[Backstop (Cybertron)|Backstop]] (31)
*[[Brakedown (Cybertron)|Brakedown]] (32)
*[[Clocker (Cybertron)|Clocker]] (33)
*[[Phreaker|Payphone Autobot]] (34)
*Trash bin Autobot (35)
*[[Joyride (Cybertron)|Motorcycle refugee]] (36)
*[[Signal Lancer (Cybertron)|Signal Lancer]] (37)
*Sports car Autobots (38-40)

|c2=
*[[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] (1)
*[[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]] (2)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Mudflap (Cybertron)|Mudflap]] (4)
*[[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] (5)
*[[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] (6)
*[[Thunderblast (Decepticon)|Thunderblast]] (27)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (28)
*Hundreds of [[Ancient Decepticon]]s

|c3=
*[[Bud Hansen]] (9)
*[[Coby Hansen]] (10)
*[[Mike Franklin|Colonel Franklin]] (11)
*[[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] (15)
*[[Lucy Suzuki]] (17)
*Franklin's father (21, flashback)

|c4=
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (29)
}}

==Quotes==

'''Jetfire:''' No sign of Starscream...but most speedboats on Earth don't come with missile launchers! 
''[Jetfire's shadow appears over Thunderblast]'' 
'''Thunderblast:''' Hey! Where's my sun? 
'''Jetfire:''' Ahoy there! I haven't seen you around here before! 
'''Thunderblast:''' Quit blocking my sun, you big goon! 
'''Jetfire:''' Well, excuse me! 
'''Thunderblast:''' You spend thirty years in an ice cave and see how friendly you are! 
'''Jetfire:''' You mean you're one of those escaped monsters? 
'''Thunderblast:''' HEY! Who are you calling a monster?! 
'''Jetfire:''' But that's... I didn't mean...! 
''[Thunderblast shoots Jetfire down]'' 
'''Thunderblast:''' Sayonara, Mister Buzz-Kill! 
'''Jetfire:''' No doubt about it... she really is a monster! 
:—Croikey! She's a feisty Sheila!

'''Crumplezone:''' I missed you, Ransack! *sobbing* 
'''Ransack:''' Hey, hey - ''hey!'' No hugging! 

"So you're pretty sure the black hole isn't going to turn us all into a cosmic smoothie?" 
"Oh, come on, Lori, now you're just being silly! We'd look more like root beer, anyways."
:—'''Lori''' discusses astrophysics with '''Bud''' in his own inimitable fashion.

'''Landmine:''' What ''happened'' to you? Mudflap, you're no Decepticon! 
'''Mudflap:''' Landmine, listen, I... you know you and me go way back. I don't want to hurt you, but I gotta do what I gotta do! ''Cyber Key Power!'' Walk away, Landmine. Just walk away! 
'''Landmine:''' Mudflap! Look at what you're ''doing here''! 
'''Mudflap:''' ''I said walk away!''

"Nice moves." 
"I know."
:—'''Override''' and the ever-humble '''Crosswise'''

"Gee, Megatron, who's the pathetic one now?" 
"Insolent...worms. You will ''PAAAAAY''!!!"
:—'''Hot Shot''''s taunts drive '''Megatron''' into a rage. This is not going to end well.

"A brand new weapon - a gift from the Cyber Planet Key of Earth, you should feel honored. And now - Goodbye!"
:—'''Megatron''', before using his new weapon.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Galaxy Force''===
*As ever, ''Cybertron'' adds the customary reference to the [[Omega Frequency]] when the Omega Lock is fired up.
*''Galaxy Force'' sees Bud make a lot of rather uncharacteristic scientific observations, as he tells Lori that a normal black hole could never expand, and that it wouldn't return anything sent into it. ''Cybertron'' just replaces it with him making jokes (mostly about brownies). In large part, this change is also necessitated by the fact that in ''Galaxy Force'', it's a lead-in to the shocking discovery that Cybertron is still intact within the black hole. Since ''Cybertron'' changed things so that the planet was never consumed in the first place, this lead-in is entirely unnecessary, and excised.
*When the battle starts, Crumplezone and Ransack transform and...just drive off. ''Galaxy Force'' gives no reason for this odd "tactic", least of all why Override should bother following a fleeing enemy, so ''Cybertron'' adds the explanation that they are attempting to exit the camouflage shield.
*In ''Cybertron'', Mudflap is much more apologetic to Landmine, and would rather not fight him if he could avoid it. In ''Galaxy Force'', he's terribly righteous. Jerk!
*Additionally, ''Cybertron'' includes bizarre dialogue from Landmine that he "practically raised " Mudflap (Transformers can be babies?), while in ''Galaxy Force'' he merely states that they used to be best friends.
*Of some significance is the different spin on the dialogue between Scourge and Megatron once Megs is free from his spherical prison. In both series, Scourge recounts a desire to visit new worlds now that he has learned of their existence, but, in ''Cybertron'', Megs goads Scourge into admitting he also wants to come to Earth to enact "revenge" on Optimus, Snarl, and Leobreaker. This makes absolutely no sense, as the Autobots left Jungle Planet on equitable terms with Scourge. ''Galaxy Force'', on the other hand, has Megs prod Scourge into admitting that he's just lonely now without a strong opponent to fight on Animatros, to which Scourge sheepishly agrees, then follows with a good belly laugh. A good sparring partner is apparently worth abandoning your homeworld for!
*Crosswise is apparently much less humble in ''Cybertron'' than his counterpart Autovolt in ''Galaxy Force.'' After he and Override (Nitro Convoy) cooperate in blasting Crumplezone (Landbullet) off the road, in response to Override's complimenting his awesomeness, he replies "It was nothing" in ''Galaxy Force,'' but "Yes, I know" in ''Cybertron.''

===Animation and/or technical glitches===
*When the Autobots confront Megatron, a dubbing error sees Optimus Prime deliver a prolonged speech while Vector Prime's mouth is moving, carrying on directly into when his own mouth starts moving. Presumably, the first part of Optimus' speech was intended for Vector Prime, with Optimus carrying on afterwards as in the final dub.
*When Megatron absorbs the power of the Omega Lock to get a new weapon, a beam of light is shot into space and we get a view of Earth from space as the beam descends to Megatron's exact position. Megatron is in Niagara Falls, which is in Ontario and New York, but the beam lands somewhere in Kansas or Oklahoma.
**In addition, the way Canada is drawn is incredibly inaccurate, with the Hudson Bay replacing most of where Ontario and Quebec should be.

===Continuity errors===
*''Cybertron'' has Thunderblast intimate that Crosswise only sealed her away thirty years ago. This doesn't jibe with Lucy Suzuki's remark upon first finding Crosswise in the ice that he had been frozen for a thousand years. Maybe she's trying to lie about her age?
*The sphere containing Megatron and the Decepticons has changed from an opaque metallic globe to a translucent purple shimmering one. This may have been an intentional choice to better show Megatron's interactions with Scourge.
*Vector Prime claims that a signal was sent into space "each time" a Cyber Planet Key was placed into the Omega Lock, when it only happened with the Velocitron Key. The error is not present in ''Galaxy Force'', where Vector Prime only mentions the Velocitron Key incident.

===Transformers references===
*When faced with Leobreaker and Snarl, Scourge transforms to [[beast mode]] himself, with the promise of giving them a "[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast War]]".
*A black tanker truck resembling the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' franchise]] [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]] can be seen in the traffic jam created by the Autobot refugees after Scattorshot tries to stop Megatron's warp gate.

===Real-world references===
*In response to the sight of Scourge unleashing his fire breath, Crumplezone gasps "Woah, flame on!", quoting the catchphrase of superhero Johnny Storm (aka the [[Human Torch]]), a member of the [[Fantastic Four]].
*When the black hole opens up above Earth, multiple real world locations and their iconic landmarks are shown, including Big Ben in London, England, Himeji Castle in Himeji, Japan, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa, and Merlion Park in Singapore.

===Trivia===
*"Revelation" was the last episode of the series to premiere on [[Kids' WB]], and the final new episode to air in 2005. When the series returned in 2006, it was back on [[Cartoon Network]]. This was... upsetting to ''Cybertron'' fans without cable, many of whom had to wait years to see the rest of the series.
*Scourge is voiced by [[Colin Murdoch]], instead of [[Trevor Devall]] in this episode. This is fairly noticeable, as Murdoch's Scourge voice is significantly deeper than Devall's.
*As in "[[Retreat]]", actress [[Chiara Zanni]] stands in for [[Sarah Edmondson]] as Lori for this episode. She will do so once more, in "[[Inferno (episode)|Inferno]]".
*When the Decepticons arrive on Earth, Crumplezone gets the planet's name wrong, calling it "Dirt". The same joke would later be made in the ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' movie by [[Jetfire (Movie)|Jetfire]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Galaxy Force'' — Vol. 07 ([[Victor Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Cybertron episodes]]

Sacrifice

2026-03-06T21:23:55Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Differences with Legends of the Microns */

{{Picsneeded}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=33
|prev=Past II
|next=Regeneration (Armada)
|title="Sacrifice"
|furigana=すていし
|japanese=犠牲
|romaji=Suteishi
|translation=Scapegoat: Sacrificed Stone
|image=sacrifice.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-33
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Shigeki Hatakeyama]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[April 12]], [[2003]] (English) [[August 22|22 August]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''Megatron sends Starscream on a suicide mission and an Autobot falls in battle.'''

==Synopsis==
On the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] discuss the necessary tactics needed for the [[Decepticon]]s to obtain the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]. Megatron agrees to give up the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] for the time, but only on the condition that Thrust's plan is effective, or else Thrust will pay.

[[File:Autobot_stealth_sacrifice.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Has it occurred to them that if they want to hide, they might be slightly less visible in vehicle mode?]]
The [[Autobot]]s hide in the jungle due to an anonymous tip that the Decepticons are in the area. [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] stay behind at the Autobot base, protecting the [[Space Mini-Con Team|Space Team]] [[Mini-Con]]s, in case the Decepticons attack. Smokescreen tries to make friends with the Mini-Cons, while the kids debate the ethics of using the Mini-Cons in battle. At the same time, the Autobots in the jungle have a similar debate.

[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] detects Starscream in the area. Armed with the Star Saber, [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] screams and tries to draw out the Autobots with yelling. After Starscream begins to destroy the jungle, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] combine to fight back. Spying from a distance, Megatron and his goons wonder where the Requiem Blaster is. [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] and the [[Sea Mini-Con Team]] also fire into the forest to draw out the rest of the Autobots.

The kids and Red Alert find their equipment at the base is malfunctioning, courtesy of [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]]. Sideways also telepathically whispers images of the Requiem Blaster in the Autobot base to Thrust, but the tactician dismisses the message as a hallucination.

In the sky, Starscream strikes at Optimus Prime. With a flash of lightning, it suddenly starts to rain all over the forest. After the two warriors land, Optimus tries to reason with Starscream, but Starscream never listens and attacks the Autobot leader. Yet, not a single slash connects. Eventually, the Star Saber deactivates (possibly damaged from the rain), so Starscream calls for help from the other Decepticons. But to his dismay, Starscream finds all the other Decepticons have abandoned him, leaving Starscream on his own against the six Autobots. Before the six can beat down on the lone Decepticon, Laserbeak relays to the team that the Decepticons have invaded the base. The Autobots teleport home, leaving Starscream to cry in the rain.

[[File:Smokescreen dies sacrifice.jpg|200px|thumb|If you squint really, ''really'' hard, you can see that he's giving Megatron the finger.]]
The Autobots find their base trashed, with the kids in hiding. With help from Sideways, the Decepticons were able to invade the base and bypass the security systems that stopped them [[Swoop (episode)|before]]. In another section of the base, Smokescreen tries to protect the Mini-Cons. Megatron blows into the room and tears past Smokescreen, claiming the three Mini-Cons and combining them into the Requiem Blaster. Smokescreen refuses to stay down and takes on Megatron by himself, but Megatron fires his blaster right at Smokescreen.

A torrent of energy pours from the blaster, shoving Smokescreen right through one of the walls, his scream stunning the Autobots and humans. Smokescreen rises again with a vast hole through his torso and his pieces in lousy shape even after heavy abuse. The Autobot approaches Megatron while the air around him still ripples in the heat of the last blast. The determination of the melting Autobot scares the Decepticons into retreating with their prize.

In Optimus's arms, Smokescreen deactivates. The Autobots salute their fallen comrade and Optimus screams in sadness.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (3)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (4)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (5)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (6)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (7)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (10)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (16)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (17)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (2)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (18)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (20)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (21)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (24)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (25)

|c3=
*[[Rad White]] (11)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (12)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (13)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (14)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (15)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Space Mini-Con Team]] (9)
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (19)
*[[Sea Mini-Con Team]] (22)

|c5=
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (23)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Starscream:''' "Here I come, Autobots! You're all mine! So come out from your hiding places, you cowards, and face the most powerful Decepticon in the universe!" 
'''Jetfire:''' "Boy, sure doesn't have a self-image problem, does he?"
:—'''Jetfire''' calling the kettle black.

'''Demolishor:''' "I'm not talking to you, Eraserhead, I'm talking to Megatron. So butt out, will ya?"
:—Not the [[Crisis (Armada)#Quotes|last time]] someone will mock Thrust's head.

'''Sideways:''' "There shall never be peace in this universe, there must always be war."
:—A glimpse of Sideways's true motives.

"You're trying to intimidate me! But it won't work! NEVER! <s>Tidal Wave!</s> Shockwave! Thrust! Cyclonus! Megatron! Demolishor! AAAANYYYBOOODYYY!? WHY HAVE YOU ALL ABANDONED MEEEE?!"
:—'''Starscream''' realizes he's been abandoned by the Decepticons.

"''(inhales)'' WHY HAVE YOU ABANDONED ME, MEGATRON?! WHY?! WHY?! WHYYYYY?!"
:—'''Starscream''' is left all alone, and has what can only be described as a full-blown mental breakdown.

"Okay... now take it easy, soldier..."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' comforts a fatally injured Smokescreen.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*The opening dialogue between Megatron and Thrust is largely unchanged but has a few differences: In ''Armada'', Thrust plans to draw out the Autobots, so the Decepticons should prepare. Megatron wants to give the Autobots "a warm Decepticon welcome" and threatens Thrust with serious consequences should he fail. ''Legends of the Microns'' makes the exchange cryptic as it gives no clear details. Megatron asks if Thrust requests to take charge of the plan, which Thrust confirms. Then Megatron says he pities "that poor fool" (Starscream) before entrusting Thrust to lead the operation, which Thrust swears to make successful by putting his life on the line.
*In the first half of Rad's opening narration for ''Armada'', he claims the Autobots were "mysteriously informed" about the Decepticons being in the jungle but were unknowingly walking into a trap. However, in the Japanese dub, he says the Decepticons issued the Autobots a challenge in a jungle location; it ends mid-sentence without mentioning the trick as the Autobots' dialogue begins.
*In ''Armada'', Jetfire has a bad feeling, but Scavenger couldn't care less and tells him to focus. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Jetfire asks what kind of "party locale" the Decepticons invited them to, and Scavenger says they need to be ready to counter the 'Cons as the Autobots can't predict their movements. After Hot Shot and Blurr speak, Jetfire complains about the humidity in ''Armada'' but asks if the invitation mentioned the party's starting time in the Japanese dub. Then Optimus says it only said the place and date, and Jetfire curses how it's annoying in ''Legends of the Microns''. In ''Armada'', Optimus lectures Jetfire on how "patience is a virtue," and the latter expresses casual indifference.
*During the second half of Rad's narration, he says Optimus would have perished, and the Decepticons would've won and conquered the universe if the Requiem Blaster hadn't arrived during the previous fight. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad says that the Autobots underestimated how the combat would escalate during the last battle, and the Requiem Blaster's arrival saved them.
*Smokescreen says Optimus called him the best one for the job to look after the Mini-Cons, and he'll guard them with his life. Instead of explaining things to the Requiem Blaster Mini-Cons in "plain English," Smokescreen says he still can't understand their language.
*In ''Armada'', Rad tells Carlos that the Mini-Cons don't want to fight, and Carlos says they have to. Then Alexis says they're missing the point of what Optimus is doing. Rad and Carlos aren't arguing in the Japanese dub, as Rad doesn't speak to Carlos here, and Alexis says the Mini-Cons' reluctance to fight is why Optimus is letting the Decepticons think the Autobots took the Requiem Blaster with them. Then, in the Japanese dub, Jetfire says the 'Cons won't dare attack directly if they believe the Autobots will use it even if they don't use the weapon, and it's what Optimus plans.
*Scavenger tells Hot Shot to quit yapping about not bringing the Requiem Blaster and says that Optimus knows what he's doing in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Scavenger says the Decepticons can't "grasp the concept of someone not using a powerful weapon," and that by leaving the Mini-Cons with Smokescreen, the Autobots can still follow their ideals while battling the Decepticons.
*Hot Shot hates not having the Requiem Blaster before Jetfire calls the Autobots sitting ducks in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot tells Scavenger he understands, and then Jetfire asks what the hosts are doing as the guests have arrived.
*After Rad says Starscream has shown up, Jetfire and Hot Shot sound slightly on edge in ''Armada'', but not as much in ''Legends of the Microns'' as Jetfire quips about the Decepticons sending out "a single maid."
[[File:Sacrifice animation changes.jpg|thumb|290px|Animation changes between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' screencaps (right).]]
*Instead of repeating that Starscream is an idiot for thinking he's invincible, Hot Shot jokes that he's an "adorable little guy."
*Starscream announces using his Null Ray Cannon to force the Autobots from hiding in the Japanese dub, whereas ''Armada'' extends his line about flushing them out.
*The two first-person POV shots of Demolishor looking through the binoculars have the center boundary box surrounded by black in ''Armada'', but ''Legends of the Microns'' fills in the black with the surrounding environment: the jungle (see right) and later the clouds.
*Thrust doesn't speak until the close-up of the other Decepticons in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Demolishor talks after Megatron to confirm the Autobots still haven't shown themselves as the camera zooms toward the Decepticons, leading into the next scene. Thrust stops talking before Megatron turns his head, while ''Armada'' extends Thrust's line and removes the pause between him and Starscream present in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The Japanese dub gives Jetfire a line before Optimus gives the go-ahead for him and Jetfire to Powerlinx. ''Armada'' extends Starscream and Optimus's lines; Prime doesn't speak until he turns his head in the Japanese dub. ''Legends of the Microns'' plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Cybertrons, Transform!]]" during Prime and Jetfire's Powerlinx sequence; ''Armada'' plays the insert Transformers theme.
*Megatron orders Tidal Wave to combine with him instead of going after Jet Optimus. Megatron later declares he must always know the Requiem Blaster's location and orders Thrust to tell Starscream to keep Jet Optimus busy by creating as much havoc as possible.
*While the Sea Mini-Con Team fires at them, Hot Shot says they need to keep running and tells Blurr that he'll see him later in the Japanese dub. He says the laser blasts still sting regardless, and Blurr urges him to follow in ''Armada''.
*Instead of telling Demolishor to keep looking for the Requiem Blaster, Megatron says Smokescreen may be the key. Thrust agrees but says they'll have to use all their strength to draw Smokescreen out since they don't know where he's hiding. ''Armada'' has Thrust call Demolishor a moron before the latter leaves to remove the Japanese dub's silence.
*In ''Armada'', Megatron asks if anyone can follow a simple order before explaining why he gave the Star Saber to Starscream. ''Legends of the Microns'' slightly reverses Megatron's dialogue as he first says he wouldn't have loaned the Star Saber to Starscream if he was going to fight Optimus and asks why Starscream can't follow a simple objective.
*''Armada'' gives Thrust an extra line after the scene cuts to Jet Optimus and Starscream; Starscream and Optimus each have a line during that time in ''Legends of the Microns'', with Starscream threatening to behead Jet Optimus with the Star Saber. Then Starscream brags that Megatron gave it to him personally; Optimus asks if Starscream can handle the sword's power, and Starscream tells him to shut up, so he will let Prime find out.
*Red Alert reacts in shock when Smokescreen and the Space Mini-Con Team appear on the monitor, asking how it's happening when the scene cuts to Rad. In ''Armada'', Red Alert is relatively calm, merely chalks it up to "the switcher" malfunctioning, and the English dub changes his line to be that the system is unresponsive. Rad is entirely redrawn with a more detailed model at the end of the scene in the Japanese dub (see right).
*Sideways's laughing starts as Rad looks up in ''Legends of the Microns'' but after the scene cuts to the monitor in ''Armada''. Then he says, "Surprise!" in ''Armada'', but says that he found the Blaster Mini-Cons in the Japanese dub. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds an audio effect to his voice, making it sound disembodied, while he sounds normal in ''Armada''.
*As Starscream and Jet Optimus discuss the war's meaning in the rain before dueling again, there is a wide shot that's static in ''Armada'', but ''Legends of the Microns'' makes it a focus-shifting pan over from a praying mantis eating a snail added to the foreground (see right). Curiously, ''Armada'' does include the follow-up shot of the goo-dripping shell falling. Their argument differs considerably between the dubs:
**In ''Armada'', it starts with Optimus asking Starscream the standard question, "After you beat me, then what?". Starscream replies that the Decepticons will win, the Autobots will be over, and Megatron will soon rule the universe. Then Jet Optimus says it's not about them but control over the Mini-Cons, who don't want to fight, so Starscream retorts that the Mini-Cons are only pawns in the war.
**''Legends of the Microns'' has more intellectual dialogue as they examine their natures as Transformers. Jet Optimus asks Starscream if he's ever thought about what's the point of them fighting. Starscream says achieving victory is combat's purpose but admits to also contemplating why they fight. Starscream says he became a Decepticon while Prime became an Autobot after eons of fighting in an endless war, but it doesn't change that he keeps asking why they're fighting. Jet Optimus states the Autobots and Decepticons can learn from the Mini-Cons since they have no desire to fight. Starscream exclaims that Autobots and Decepticons only exist to fight each other and, questioning Prime's claim about the Mini-Cons, shouts that the Star Saber moves as he wants.
*Sideways appearing to Thrust seems out-of-nowhere in ''Armada'' and appears in a close-up shot. Sideways alerts Thrust to his appearance with his laughter and appears, making the latter transform in ''Legends of the Microns'' (see right). More of Sideways's head is visible in the next shot, and there's now an effect over the images of him, Smokescreen, and the Mini-Cons, making them look distorted instead of faded as they are in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' also has Sideways visible in the background when he talks to Thrust, and his image wipes out from top to bottom instead of fading away. Besides saying there will never be peace (as quoted above), the specter of Sideways tells Thrust he found "the key to the fighting." The Japanese dub maintains the effect on Sideways's voice while he still sounds normal in ''Armada''.
*After wondering what Sideways is planning this time, Thrust decides that if the image he saw of Smokescreen and the Blaster Mini-Cons is a fact, it explains everything. Then he says sacrificing Starscream is now the best option. In ''Armada'', Thrust believes he imagined the image before saying it's time to end Starscream. The next shot of Megatron has him asking where the Requiem Blaster is like a frustrated child in ''Armada'', but asking, "What? The Requiem Blaster is...?" in a surprised tone as if Thrust told him about what he saw off-screen.
*The next shot of Jet Optimus is silent in the Japanese dub. Then Starscream asks what's wrong and if he won't shoot back due to fearing the Star Saber. Starscream calls him a fool, and Optimus demands that he leave the Mini-Cons out of the war. Then Starscream says he's the only one the Star Saber Mini-Cons want to fight alongside, making their sudden unresponsiveness flow more naturally than in ''Armada''. After they refuse to respond, Starscream tries using his Null Laser Cannon, but Swindle ignores him too. Determined to end Jet Optimus's "foolish banter," Starscream calls for Tidal Wave and Cyclonus so they can crush Jet Optimus together and shouts if they don't know how to follow their battle captain's orders when they don't show up.
*Hot Shot tells Starscream that his fellow 'Cons already left, and Starscream refuses to believe it; Side Swipe says it to Starscream in ''Armada''. Then Blurr mocks Starscream for his team betraying him. Starscream still thinks they're lying, but Scavenger says it's true, after which Hot Shot repeats to Starscream how the Decepticons abandoned him.
*After crying out for Megatron and his teammates, Starscream demands them to open the warp gate for him in ''Legends of the Microns'', but distraughtly asks why they abandoned him in ''Armada''. He later demands the Autobots to wait as they warp back to their base in the Japanese dub. Alone in the rain, ''Armada'' has Starscream continue screaming to the heavens about being stranded. He subtly contemplates his situation in ''Legends of the Microns'', asking himself, "I've truly been abandoned? I...What am I...doing?" The Japanese dub removes the musical sting at the end of the scene.
*After Blurr asks the boys if they're okay, ''Armada'' adds Fred's line as he merely makes a sound in exasperation in the Japanese dub. Then Scavenger asks if Red Alert left, and Carlos answers that he did but can't protect Smokescreen alone, so Hot Shot says the Autobots will back them up.
*Smokescreen says he'll protect the Requiem Blaster Mini-Cons at all costs to repay Prime's trust in him. Instead of telling them to quiet down, Smokescreen says they're friends, so there's no need to thank him. Thrust doesn't speak until the camera cuts to him and Megatron and doesn't finish his train of thought about Smokescreen's fate should he refuse to comply. After attacking Thrust, Smokescreen says the Autobots' strength stems from their unity, and Megatron dismisses it as nonsense and asks if Smokescreen blindly trusts his comrades to save him.
*Instead of the insert Transformers tune that's inappropriate for the Autobots' dire situation, ''Legends of the Microns'' continues playing "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 2|Crisis on Planet Cybertron]]" from the previous scene.
*Rather than saying to Scavenger how he thought he could hold off the Decepticons, Red Alert says, "Megatron and Thrust...If...If this continues..." Red Alert swears, Scavenger tells him not to give up, and Optimus says he's right. After telling Smokescreen that he doesn't have time for this, Megatron says the Mini-Cons combined into the Requiem Blaster at his command. Then Megatron brags about an unexpectedly easy victory in ''Armada'' but derides how trust is a fragile thing in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron says the Requiem Blaster Mini-Cons don't have a consciousness anymore; only their capacity as a weapon remains. Then he muses at the irony in how the Autobots will be beaten by what they protected. Smokescreen doesn't speak again until he's back on his feet and says trust is powerful, as he said before.
*Smokescreen's death scene is slightly different in ''Legends of the Microns''. The background is colored deep red and white in the shot where the Requiem Blaster's beam pierces him (see right); the shot of everyone's reactions is silent and colored deep red, and Smokescreen is silent while going through the wall.
*Megatron remarks on the Requiem Blaster's incredible power and laughs maniacally in the Japanese dub, but ''Armada'' gives him an extra line.
*When the fatally wounded Smokescreen tries walking, he glows with orange energy that fades away when Optimus takes him in his arms (see right).
*As the wounded Smokescreen slowly approaches Megatron in ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron almost sounds afraid of him as he screams at everyone to warp. In ''Armada'', he simply tells his men to hurry up and retreat.
*When Optimus comes around the corner and says Smokescreen's name, the shot pans out in ''Armada'', but it's a still image in ''Legends of the Microns''. After standing, Smokescreen says Megatron will never have the Mini-Cons as long as he lives; Smokescreen only moans in pain in ''Armada''. The Decepticons have more appalled reactions to him.
*Optimus doesn't talk until after Smokescreen's last words, and the other Autobots are silent after Smokescreen deactivates. Only Carlos and Fred say anything as the kids grieve, and the Autobots salute Smokescreen in the Japanese dub; Optimus's line is an ''Armada'' addition.
*''Armada'' extends and dramatizes Rad's ending narration as he says it's the first time he saw Optimus so emotional, realizing the Autobots could feel pain, that the fight was personal for Optimus and Prime wanted revenge at any cost. ''Legends of the Microns'' keeps it short and frank but makes it more compelling as Rad says it was the first time the kids heard Optimus intensely cry out of grief and the first time they saw what happens in battle.
*In ''Armada'', the Earth moves to the right, partially going behind the portion of the Moon. The shot slowly pans away from Earth and stays visible in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The episode's last few seconds, where Optimus holds Smokescreen's body in the pillar of light, are silent.

===Animation and technical errors===
*In the Japanese dub's opening scene, Megatron has a line during his first close-up, but his mouth doesn't move. ''Armada'' changed it to have Thrust speak at that point; however, when Megatron talks after him, Megatron's mouth still doesn't move, although it's mostly out of frame. Their dialogue here might be internal, but it isn't clarified.
*The background with Megatron's throne is missing during his final shot before the opening bumper; only a black void is visible.
*Smokescreen's left-hand fingers are miscolored orange during one shot when he talks to the Requiem Blaster Mini-Cons.
*At one point, Scavenger's hands are mismatched: His right hand has square-shaped fingertips, while his left hand has pointy triangular fingertips. Fortunately, only one of the square-shaped fingers is visible due to Scavenger's arms' position, so the error is excusable.
*Jetfire's mouthplate is colored white in one shot after the kids point out that Starscream has appeared.
*Starscream appears back in the jungle despite his previous shot showing him in the sky. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes it so that he's above the trees in both shots (see above).
*Starscream's Null Ray Cannon is miscolored yellow.
*After Thrust speaks to him on the cliff, Megatron's left eye is off-model.
*Although Starscream is heard during Jetfire's close-up before he Powerlinx with Optimus, Starscream is nowhere in sight. The Japanese dub animates Starscream flying overhead and out of the shot.
*In the next shot of Optimus, part of his chest grille is miscolored yellow. The Japanese dub corrects the mistake.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron's mouth doesn't move during his line before commanding Tidal Wave to Powerlinx with him.
*Jet Optimus tells Starscream that his objective is to free the Mini-Cons ''"and'' they make up the Star Saber," which is grammatically incorrect since he means the Mini-Cons in general, not only the Air Defense Mini-Con Team. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects the error as Jet Optimus refers to the Star Saber Mini-Cons.
*In one shot in the rainy forest, Starscream looks like he'd shrunk to half the Autobots' size.
*As Cyclonus, Wheeljack, and Demolishor blast the base, Wheeljack's slashed Autobot symbol is missing.
*As Megatron stands over Smokescreen while holding the Requiem Blaster, Megatron says that "''those''" Mini-Cons are his now, which is grammatically incorrect as he meant to say "''these''."
*After Megatron blasts Smokescreen, Cyclonus has three extra windows on his chest. He still has the extra windows in the shot of the Decepticons reacting to the wounded Smokescreen.
*Just before the Decepticons teleport out of the Autobot base, Smokescreen's antenna/horn is colored blue instead of orange. In the scenes of Smokescreen dying afterward, his antenna/horn is missing.

===Continuity notes===
*The Decepticons using an unaware Starscream as a distraction and abandoning him is the last straw. The ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' says Starscream's moment alone in the rain in his final shot begins a new story focused on him.
*The [[Sea Mini-Con Team]] debuts in this episode; the Decepticons seemingly captured them off-screen at some point.
*Demolishor calls Thrust "squid-head" in the Japanese dub.
*Before Jet Optimus and Starscream's fight in the rain begins, their discussion in ''Legends of the Microns'' is somewhat a spiritual continuation of when Starscream pondered why the Transformers keep fighting in "[[Rebellion (Armada)|Rebellion]]."
*The Anti-Sideways firewall Red Alert installed all the way back in "[[Tactician|Tactician]]" isn't doing its job whatsoever.
*In the Japanese dub, Scavenger tells Starscream that he should know Megatron's penchant for dirty tricks better than anyone... and he should. He ''really'', ''REALLY'' should.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron will bring up Smokescreen's words to him about trust between the Autobots in "[[Cramp]]."
*Gadgets and powers:
**Starscream uses his Null Laser Cannon.
*Powerlinx forms:
**Starscream wields the Star Saber.
**Optimus and Jetfire combine into Jet Optimus.
**Megatron Powerlinx with the Requiem Blaster for the first time.

===Continuity errors===
*The Autobots should stop frequently talking aloud about how they left the Requiem Blaster behind if they don't want the Decepticons to know they didn't bring it with them, especially Hot Shot.
*Why does Rad introduce himself in the opening narration when we already know his voice by now? He doesn't do this in the Japanese dub. He also says the Autobots ''learned'' the Mini-Cons didn't want others using them as weapons, but they've already known this for a while. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad says they ''understood'' the Mini-Cons' reluctance to be weaponized.
**In both dubs, Rad says the Reqiuem Blaster revealed itself during the last battle when the weapon's first appearance was ''four'' episodes ago in "[[Desperate]]."
*The Autobots have somehow forgotten they also possess the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]].
*In ''Armada'', Tidal Wave is referred to by his Japanese name, Shockwave, throughout this episode.
*Smokescreen has seemingly forgotten that the Decepticons [[Swoop (episode)|already invaded the base once]].
*Why is Carlos arguing with Rad again that the reluctant Mini-Cons have to fight after coming to understand otherwise like everyone else in "[[Runaway]]"? ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this mistake by having Carlos say that not wanting to fight is what the Mini-Cons said.
*Rad states the obvious about Laserbeak locking onto something. He instead says, "They're here!" in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*After Thrust tells him Starscream is fighting Optimus, Megatron says he ordered Starscream to leave Prime for him; however, Megatron said no such thing. Megatron correctly reiterates that he commanded Starscream only to keep Optimus distracted in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Why don't the other kids believe Fred about someone messing with the camera when Rad said the monitor crashed a few seconds ago? The Japanese dub changes Rad's line to him saying that the Transformers are locked in a stalemate, making Fred noticing the camera getting switched around more of a surprise.
*Why does Thrust decide to ditch Starscream after dismissing what Sideways showed him as a hallucination, jokingly or not? Thrust doesn't write it off in ''Legends of the Microns''.
**Plus, deserting Starscream for "playing way above his head" seems like a weak reason, especially since Thrust gives a somewhat different rationale in the following episode. In ''Legends of the Microns'', it's clear from the get-go that abandoning Starscream was always part of the plan.
*In the Japanese dub, Blurr asks, "How could this happen?" after Alexis says the Decepticons invaded the base so smoothly because of Sideways. Maybe it's for drama's sake, but Blurr has no reason to ask that question as Alexis already gave it.
*Rad's ending narration makes several ridiculous claims: he realized the Autobots feel pain; the fight was personal for Optimus, and Prime wanted vengeance. First off, Rad learned the Autobots are more than just machines and capable of emotion at the end of "[[Jungle]]." Then, about Optimus, the fight is personal for everyone rather than only him, and he never seeks retribution for Smokescreen in future episodes. Hot Shot and Side Swipe are the only ones who try to avenge him at all, as the following episode shows. Therefore, Rad's closing monologue in ''Armada'' is a load of bull. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it so that it makes sense.

===Real-world references===
*In one scene from the Japanese dub, Thrust compares Starscream to a stone to sacrifice in {{w|Go (game)|Go}}, a board game that originated in ancient China. It has a strategy where a player sacrifices a stone to gain more territory, similar to a chess player forgoing a pawn to gain an advantage against the opponent. Hot Shot also calls Starscream a sacrificial stone in a later scene.
*In one scene, Demolishor calls Thrust "Eraserhead" (quoted above), another clever insult for his head shape. "Eraserhead" is also the name of an acclaimed {{w|Eraserhead|David Lynch film}}.

===Trivia===
*The kanji 犠牲 would be ''gisei'', while ''suteishi'' is used for 捨て石, 捨石, 棄て石, or 棄石.
*As the ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' explains, the episode title refers to Starscream ''and'' Smokescreen: the Decepticons abandon Starscream as their "sacrificed stone," pushing him into a corner, and Smokescreen ironically gets shot by the thing he tried to protect.
**It also explains that this episode is where the kids truly realize they are fighting in a war.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Smokescreens Ende'''" ("Smokescreens End")
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Áldozat'''" ("Sacrifice")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il sacrificio'''" ("The Sacrifice")
::*Unlike in English, Tidal Wave is never called by his Japanese name.

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''값진 희생'''" ("Precious Sacrifice")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sacrifício'''" ("Sacrifice")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 9 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Siege episode 1

2026-03-04T01:42:30Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy (cartoon)|Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy: Siege]]''
|image=WarForCybertronSiege_Ep1.jpg
|caption=''It was on that day, the Autobots received a grim reminder...''
|prev=
|next=Siege episode 2
|title=Episode 1
|airdate=[[July 30]], [[2020]] (Netflix)
|production company=[[Allspark Animation]], [[Rooster Teeth]]
|written by=[[George Krstic]]
|director=[[Takashi Kamei]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|video=https://www.netflix.com/watch/81056813
|videosite=Netflix
}}
'''Weary from war with the Decepticons and desperate for energy, Optimus Prime attempts to recruit an energon scavenger named Bumblebee to the Autobot cause.'''

==Synopsis==
War rages across Cybertron. [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] skulk about on the ravaged surface, hiding from the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] overhead. Wheeljack's stumbling nearly gets the pair caught by [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]; after the [[Decepticon]] abandons his quick search, Bumblebee berates Wheeljack for his lack of stealth. As Wheeljack grows impatient with the scavenger, Bumblebee leads him to a hidden chamber that contains a cache of energon. More surprising, however, is the presence of a derelict [[space bridge|spacebridge]]! Wheeljack can hardly contain himself, earning rebukes from Bumblebee as he rushes to activate it. For Wheeljack, the spacebridge is a matter of the [[Autobot|Autobots']] survival and could turn the course of the war in their favor. But Bumblebee explains he was only hired to scout for [[energon]] and has no interest at all at choosing an allegiance in the Autobot-Decepticon war. Unfortunately, [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] and his Seekers arrive and force the issue.

[[File:SiegeEp1JetfireSlicesStarscream.jpg|left|thumb|300px|The dreaded "pecking order establishment" maneuver.]]
[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] prepares to attack them both, but Jetfire puts him in his place for overstepping his authority by slicing off his arm just above the wrist. An agonized Starscream accuses Jetfire of weakness before their enemies and rallies the other Seekers against him. As Jetfire battles against his own team, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] arrives, cutting off Wheeljack's and Bumblebee's retreat.

Megatron mocks the "disarmed" Starscream and offers empathy to the war-weary Wheeljack, claiming that ''he too'' wants the war to end. Wheeljack resists his attempt to recruit him to the Decepticon cause. Megatron then chastises Bumblebee for remaining neutral and orders that the two be executed just as [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] arrives. The two leaders argue, with Megatron claiming the war will end as soon as Prime signs a treaty. Prime rebuts that the treaty will enslave all of Cybertron. They discuss their shared legacy from [[Alpha Trion]] and lament how far they've strayed from his teachings. At an impasse, they begin to fight, with Megatron quickly gaining the upper hand. As Megatron prepares to deal the deathblow, [[Elita One (G1)|Elita-1]] ambushes him from above, sending the Decepticons into disarray. Prime orders Elita to detonate hidden explosives around the Decepticons, covering the Autobots' (and Bumblebee's) retreat.

En route to the Autobots' base, Elita doubts Bumblebee's trustworthiness; he in turn has no interest in following the Autobots, but throws in his lot with them rather risk encountering the Decepticons again. He follows the Autobots into their hologram-cloaked base, a Vanguard-class starship. Inside, Bumblebee understands the Autobots' desperation for energon as he witnesses their beleaguered state; low on energon, many lie near-deactivated waiting for medic [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] to repair them.

Meanwhile, Prime goes to confer with military commander [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], after Elita expresses her concern over Prime's safety. Magnus believes that the interminable struggle is useless and urges Prime to sign Megatron's treaty. After Prime refuses to sign it again, Magnus bitterly notes his stubbornness and leaves.

At his repair bay, Red Alert patches up Bumblebee as Prime enters. Bumblebee is not moved by the Autobots' plight or mission, and rejects Prime's invitation to join them. As [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] and Elita express concern that Bumblebee may reveal their hidden location to the enemy, Prime demands they allow him to leave.

Meanwhile, Megatron gives a speech to the Decepticons, stating that the Autobots not only refuse to sign the treaty, but also attempted to assassinate him. This galvanizes the Decepticons to attack the Autobots and end the war as soon as possible. Afterwards, as Jetfire and Starscream bicker over how to destroy the Autobots, Megatron claims he knows Prime's weakness: his sense of honor and brotherhood.

This discussion is interrupted by the arrival of a lone, cloaked figure, seeking an audience with Megatron...

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wheeljack (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy cartoon|Wheeljack]] (2)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy cartoon|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Elita One (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy cartoon|Elita-1]] (9)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy cartoon|Ultra Magnus]] (10)
*[[Chromia (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy cartoon|Chromia]] (11)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy cartoon|Sideswipe]] (12)
*[[Red Alert (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy cartoon|Red Alert]] (13)
*[[Hound (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy cartoon|Hound]] (14)

|c2=
*[[Skywarp (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy cartoon|Skywarp]] (3)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy cartoon|Thundercracker]] (4)
*[[Jetfire (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy cartoon|Jetfire]] (5)
*[[Starscream (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy cartoon|Starscream]] (6)
*[[Megatron (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy cartoon|Megatron]] (7)

|h3=Others|c3=
*[[Bumblebee (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy cartoon|Bumblebee]] (1)
}}

==Quotes==
"The Autobots ain't paying you for attitude, we're paying you to find energon".
:—'''Wheeljack''' reminds Bumblebee why they're here.

"If the Seekers were under my command, you would be dead by my hand." 
"You mean ''that'' hand?"
:—'''Starscream''' got his arm sliced off by Jetfire, but it's '''Wheeljack''' who ''really'' cut him.

"Cybertron needs freedom." 
"Cybertron needs strength...''my'' strength." 
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Megatron''' summarize their philosophies

"He’s a pain in the ass, that’s who he is." 
:—'''Wheeljack'''’s low opinion of Bumblebee challenges the show’s initial TV-Y7 rating.

"We're facing extinction at the hands of the Decepticons." 
"It is extinction either way." 
"You're just as stubborn as Megatron!"
:—Pragmatic '''Ultra Magnus''' walks off in a huff as '''Optimus''' the idealist refuses to consider a treaty with '''Megatron'''

"No, I'm not signing up for your fight!" 
"I was not asking you to—" 
"You were ''about'' to." 
"Huh...am I that obvious?"
:—'''Bumblebee''' is wise to '''Optimus Prime's''' game.

==Notes==
===Transformers references===
*The series opens with Bumblebee and Wheeljack searching for energon while evading enemies, mirroring the first moments of [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|the original ''Generation 1'' cartoon pilot]].
*Optimus Prime's plan to blow up a bridge to separate the Autobots from Megatron's forces similarly mirrors the events of "[[And There Shall Come...a Leader!]]", an early story about the war on Cybertron from the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|Marvel UK comics]].
*Wheeljack speaks by flashing his "ears", a technique not seen since the original cartoon and briefly in the ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]'' movie.
*A yellow/black, green/black, and blue/black trio of Seekers appear in the opening scene (the blue one is shot down immediately), but these are not [[Ion Storm]], [[Acid Storm (G1)|Acid Storm]], and [[Nova Storm (G1)|Nova Storm.]] The real Rainmakers in their real colors show up in [[Siege episode 6|Episode 6]].
*Bumblebee mentions racing on [[Velocitron]].
*As with many versions of the character, Jetfire starts as a Decepticon. However, his position as Starscream's commanding officer stands in contrast to their traditional portrayal as old friends. He is also not a scientist like most versions of the character before, but a warrior, much like his [[Jetfire (Armada)|''Unicron Trilogy'']] and [[Jetfire (Cyberverse)|''Cyberverse'']] counterparts.
*As he defies Megatron, Wheeljack quotes Optimus Prime's original motto.
*Red Alert is an Autobot medic, much like his [[Red Alert (Armada)|''Armada'']] and [[Red Alert (Animated)|''Animated'']] counterparts.
*As has become the standard for his character, Megatron is portrayed as a revolutionary who rebelled against Cybertronian corruption alongside Optimus Prime after ascending from a life in the energon mines and [[Gladiatorial combat|gladiatorial pits]]. His insistence that his followers were oppressed for how they were born draws parallels to [[Functionism]].
*From its notable mentions of Alpha Trion as a revolutionary leader to Autobots and Decepticons being separate types of Transformers constructed for different purposes, ''Siege'' seems to be using elements of the G1 cartoon's [[Quintesson]] origin alongside the Aligned-esque conventions that Hasbro has tried to standardize in recent years.

===Animation and technical errors===
*Megatron's fusion cannon disappears after he offers Wheeljack a chance to renounce the Autobot cause, and doesn't reappear until Optimus arrives.
*When Thundercracker grunts as he punches Wheeljack, the English subtitles refer to him as Jetfire.
*When a red and black generic Seeker is beheaded by one of Elita-1's shots, the English subtitles refer to him as Thundercracker.

===Trivia===
*Unlike most of the cast, [[:File:Netflix-poster-Siege-Bumblebee.jpg|Bumblebee]] and [[:File:Netflix-poster-Siege-Elita-1.jpg|Elita-1]] sport original character models instead of using toy designs. The same designs were previously used for the characters' appearances in [[IDW Publishing]]'s [[2019 IDW continuity|contemporary comic series]], although given the production timescales involved, it's ambiguous where the designs actually originated – they may have been developed for use in the cartoon, and then passed to IDW while work on the show was still ongoing.
**Bumblebee's model in particular appears to be a rather strange case since it has a few design cues taken from the ''Earthrise'' Cliffjumper toy (which would later be retooled to make Bumblebee's ''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' toy). However, unlike the majority of characters in the cartoon—which used adjusted CAD files for their models—Bumblebee's design appears to have been created brand-new using whatever toy references may have been available, while filling in the blanks with existing Generation 1 Bumblebee designs. This is evident as most of his arm and leg detailings (including the pins in his shoulders) are taken straight from the toy, while the spare tire on his back, the extra windows on the sides of his torso, his head and his feet are all classic [[Sunbow Productions|Sunbow]]-esque additions.
*Jetfire is seen using a forearm-mounted laser sword, a weapon not seen on prior versions of the character nor included with his ''Siege'' toy.
*Wheeljack threatens Bumblebee with a blaster resembling an "RT-5 Circuit Welder" pistol included with the ''Siege'' Cog mold. This particular blaster design would be used in future episodes as a generic firearm used by the Autobots.
*The gun Elita-1 uses to fire on Megatron is the "RT-5 Anti-thermo Blaster" with the "SR Hushfuze" barrel attachment which is included with both releases of the ''Siege'' Chromia mold. This is also among the few blasters that get re-used as generic Autobot weapons.

===Foreign localization===

[[Category:War for Cybertron: Siege‎]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron Trilogy episodes]]

Galvatron Terror

2026-02-10T23:58:49Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Lost in translation */

{{episode|
|series=Energon
|ep=48
|prev=Formidable
|next=Destructive Power
|title="Galvatron Terror"
|japanese=恐ろしや! 巨大ガルバトロン
|romaji=Osoroshi ya! Kyodai Galvatron
|translation=Terrifying! The Giant Galvatron
|image=E48 titlecard.jpg
|caption=Galvatron TERROR. Fire BAAAD.
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Kei'ichirō Kawaguchi]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[December 3|3 December]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[March 4]], [[2005]] (Canada) [[May 26]], 2005 (USA)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy continuity family]]
}}

'''Six Shot and Galvatron both want the Super Energon... who will succeed?'''

==Synopsis==
[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] bashes [[Six Shot (Energon)|Six Shot]] into a wall and holds [[Energon Sword|his sword]] to his throat for his insubordination. Six Shot's promises to be loyal manage to save him. [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] points out that [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] becomes more powerful when he combines with the other [[Autobot]]s.

In a passageway below ground, [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] chastises [[Sally Jones|Sally]] for recklessly squeezing her way into a damaged side passage, with much butt-wiggling and almost-upskirt and ''yeesh''.

In the control room, Six Shot tries to relax with a good comic book about [[Nekomimi A and Nekomimi B|catgirls]]... but it's hard to read with [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Mirage]], [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] and [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Snow Cat]] glowering at him from inches away. He suggests that, since not much is going on, their time might be better used getting some [[Super Energon]] for themselves, since Galvatron will inevitably use more of it to help him defeat the powered-up Optimus, and Starscream will get a dose too, moving him even further up the ladder and leaving them behind. The three goons transform and leave; Six Shot sets to work and quickly traps the three in a corridor. He sets off for the Super Energon himself, leaving the control room empty... as a watching Sally notes.

[[File:Energon-Sally-Bum.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|]]
Starscream blasts his way to where the goons are trapped, having come to see why the corridors were blocked. He's not happy to realize that they've left Six Shot alone in the control room.

[[Kicker Jones|Kicker]], [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] and their crew of [[Omnicon]]s arrive at the [[Primus]] chamber. [[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]] greets his son warmly, only to be totally ignored. [[Rad White|Rad]] informs him that Primus is visibly weaker since powering up Optimus. Suddenly, Sally's voice rings out; she informs the others of the empty control room and that Galvatron is heading for the control room. The group splits up, some heading to stop Galvatron, the rest going to the control center.

Starscream arrives in the control room, prompting Sally to hide. Meanwhile, Six Shot descends toward the Super Energon chamber, with Galvatron not far behind. Six Shot ambushes him when he arrives; Galvatron sics Scorponok on the traitor.

Ironhide, Kicker and the Omnicons are climbing down the elevator shaft, when an impact knocks them loose and sends them falling the rest of the way. After seeing the battling [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]]s, Kicker and the Omnicons head after Galvatron, but are delayed by a swarm of Terrorcons. Six Shot's battle with [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] likewise delays him, and Galvatron enters the Super Energon chamber.

[[File:Energon-Cel-Arcee.jpg‎|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Say Arcee, something's different about you.]]
Remember the Unicron orb? It's still there.

Galvatron laughs as he bathes in the Super Energon, feeling its power.

Remember the painting on the [[Super Energon Temple]] ceiling? It's still there.

Starscream and the goons are fighting the Autobots who have managed to make it to the base and can't get into the control chamber, which Sally has sealed off. Starscream suspects the humans are responsible for their troubles. Sally also opens the space gate, and Rodimus and the others arrive over [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].

The planet quakes, signaling to a frustrated Six Shot that Galvatron has reached the Super Energon. Galvatron emerges from the pool, empowered. Starscream senses him powering up, and heads to the surface; the goons follow.

[[File:Sally hugs Rad.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Doctor Jones, Jones, calling Doctor Jones]]
Sally's control panel explodes, but salvation comes—sort of—in the form of stuck-in-the-sliding-doors Dr. Jones. Sally promptly ignores her oblivious father to run into the arms of Rad. The Autobots arrive, and order the humans to evacuate to safety on [[Ocean Planet]].

The planet quakes as a gigantic Galvatron emerges, and Six Shot is the first to feel his new might. Despite his pleadings, Galvatron obliterates him, grinding him under his heel. A wounded Scorponok limps back to his master.

[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and some Omnicons head for Ocean Planet with Sally and [[Miranda Jones|Miranda]]. Rad notes that Sally sure is growing up fast... a sentiment that earns him a sharp warning from Dr. Jones.

Galvatron is huge and powerful, and his troops exult. A broken Six Shot tells Scorponok that he's finally free of Galvatron's tyranny, but Scorponok points out the price he paid.

Optimus, Omega and the others head back to Cybertron, while [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] frets over what they'll find there.

{{--}}
==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (7)
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (9)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (11)
*[[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] (12)
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] (13)
*[[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]] (18)
*[[Arcee (Energon)|Arcee]] (20)
*[[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] (24)
*[[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (25)
*[[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] (26)
*[[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]] (32)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (33)

|c2=
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (1)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Snow Cat]] (2)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Mirage]] (3)
*[[Six Shot (Energon)|Six Shot]] (4)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (5)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (6)
*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (19)
*[[Battle Ravage]] drones (21)
*[[Constructicon Maximus]] (22)
*[[Bruticus Maximus (Energon)|Bruticus Maximus]] (23)
*[[Construction Team]] (27–31)

|c3=
*[[Sally Jones]] (8)
*[[Kicker Jones]] (10)
*[[Miranda Jones]] (14)
*[[Brian Jones]] (15)
*[[Rad White]] (16)

|c4=
*[[Primus]] (17)
*[[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] (34) (voice only)
}}

==Quotes==
"And I've been so loyal! How could Galvatron not know how I feel about him?"
:—'''Mirage''' provides fuel for twisted fangirl imaginations

"I can feel the energon vibes." 
"Vibes, kewel..." 
"We're totally vibin' now."
:—'''Kicker''' and a pair of stoner '''Strongarms'''

'''Snow Cat''': Oh, no! The Auto-brats have gotten some more firepower! 
'''Mirage''': There will be more of them. But at least we'll always have each other. 
'''Snow Cat''': Aw, Mirage. You've really gotta stop reading all those romance novels. 
:—Mirage, hopeless romantic

'''Galvatron:''' You're finished! 
'''Six Shot:''' No, I'm Six Shot! Don't you remember? 
:—Six Shot doesn't get the most epic death scene.

==Notes==
===Lost in translation===
* It starts right away ''again'', as dub Starscream randomly states that Optimus becomes more powerful when combining with the other Autobots—as if anybody hadn't figured that out 40 episodes earlier. In ''Super Link'', he notes a similarity between Optimus's recent [[Formidable|super-sized power-up]] and that of the [[Insecticon (Energon)|Terrorcon drones]] not long before that.
* Immediately thereafter, the dub omits Six Shot vowing not to give up the [[Super Energon]] to Galvatron.
* The green energon gas overlay is missing from the dub's animation as Galvatron enters the Super Energon chamber.
*Six Shot's last line before Galvatron steps on him is "I'm Six Shot" in ''Super Link''. There was a running gag of everyone calling him "Little Brother", and Six Shot was correcting yet another instance.
* The dub omits the echo sound effect in Six Shot's voice present in ''Super Link'' when he tells Scorponok he's free, making it less obvious to the viewer that somehow, he's talking to Scorponok through the afterlife.

===Pain count===
* "Uh?": 2

===Continuity Errors===

* Galvatron has his wings and shoulder cannons blown off by Six Shot, and they stay that way until he dives into the Super Energon... at which point they're inexplicably back, with nothing to show how.

===Trivia===
[[File:Energon-Cel-Super-Galvatron.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Super Energon — more powerful than CGI rendering.]]
* [[Arcee (Energon)|Arcee]] is hand drawn while she, Kicker, Ironhide, and the Omnicons watch Scorponok battle Six Shot.
* Galvatron's face also gets the hand-drawn animation upgrade as he bathes in the Super Energon.
* [[Steamhammer (Energon)|Steamhammer]] actually gets a rare [[robot mode]] appearance; he's briefly seen wrestling with Landmine.
* Six Shot doesn't seem terribly upset about being killed; he just kind of goes "Gah" as Galvatron steps on him.
* Six Shot is reading a comic about [[Nekomimi A and Nekomimi B]] at one point.

===Foreign localization===
'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Lotta per il potere'''" ("Fight for the Power")
::*After Sally says: "Yeah, as long as Kicker doesn't come with you!", her brother is supposed to make an angry grunt, but in Italian, he doesn't. Because of this, him spreading his legs becomes a ''non sequitur''.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2005 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 013 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Energon episodes]]

Nemesis Part 2

2026-01-26T23:32:24Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Continuity notes */

{{episode
|series=BWtoon
|ep=52
|series2=Metals
|ep2=25
|next=The Reformatting
|prev2=Nemesis Part 1
|next2=Remix: I Forgot the Banana!
|image=Nemesis2 shuttle crash.jpg
|caption=It had a good run, but ''Beast Wars'' [[Furmanism|never did want to live forever]].
|title="''Nemesis'' Part 2"
|season=3
|season ep=13
|production company=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|airdate=[[May 7]], 1999
|written by=[[Simon Furman]]
|directed by=[[Cal Shumiatcher]], [[Steve Sacks]]
|animation studio=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|continuity= [[Beast Wars continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o7EhlCLcZs
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Megatron has possession of the ''Nemesis'', and the Maximals need a last-minute miracle to defeat him as the Beast Wars come to an end.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Nemesis2 Primal and Tigerhawk charge.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Optimus and Tigerhawk conclude that it is better to fight and die than run.]]
[[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] has raised the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' from its watery grave and has begun a random attack on everything in sight, all the while quoting the [[Covenant of Primus]]. After telling Rhinox to "deploy [[Operation Eternity]]", [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] and [[Tigerhawk]] attempt to fight it off, but their weapons don't even scratch the hull. Tigerhawk tells Primal to rally the Maximals and that he will remain to fight. On the ''Nemesis'', [[Dinobot II|Dinobot]] is commenting that his [[spark]] has changed and feels complete. Aspects of [[Dinobot (BW)|the original Dinobot]] begin to emerge. He admires Tigerhawk's defense. Tigerhawk is able to damage power on several decks, limiting Megatron's offensive options to using the fusion cannon, which he uses to destroy Tigerhawk. Going to the [[anthropoid]] settlement, Megatron prepares to destroy it. Dinobot objects, asking where the honor is in such an act, but Megatron fires anyway, killing [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] and [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] in the process.

[[File:Nemesis2 Nemesis over Mount St. Hilary.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|The Nemesis hovering like some vast, predatory bird over Mount St. Hilary.]]
At [[Mount St. Hilary]], the Maximals are preparing a last-ditch strategy—bring the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' online and fight the ''Nemesis''. However, the ship has been offline too long, and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] are having trouble restoring power. The ''Nemesis'' arrives, but Tigerhawk's attack, as well as the wasted attack on the anthropoids, has depleted its [[energon]] reserves, and the fusion cannon requires time to recharge. Megatron activates its [[tractor beam]], and Primal enters the ''Nemesis''. He and Megatron duke it out, but the Predacon clearly has the advantage. On the ''Ark'', the Maximals manage to get the engines on line, but they burn out almost instantly. [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] proclaims that they are all going to die, and for once, no one tells him to shut up. Instead, the characteristically stoic Rhinox simply responds with "Yup".

[[File:Megatron Primal Nemesis 2.JPG|left|upright=1.1|thumb|If Optimus can't beat Megatron, what chance do we have?]]
However, Dinobot, disapproving of Megatron's actions, sends a message to the Maximals of an [[Autobot Shuttle Omega Delta|Autobot shuttle]] stored in the ''Ark''. Megatron orders Dinobot to fire, but he refuses, stating that he has his honor. In a last bid to save them all, Rhinox pilots the shuttle on a collision course with the ''Nemesis''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s bridge, crashing through the viewport and going out the other side, dragging Megatron along. Optimus urges Dinobot to save himself, but he simply bids farewell to Primal and remains as the bridge explodes around him. As the ''Nemesis'' crashes, Primal rejoins the other Maximals.

[[File:Nemesis2 Autobot shuttle Earth.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|The Beast Wars are over—finished. But [[The Reformatting|it never ends]]!]]
Sometime later, after repairing the shuttle and rigging a [[transwarp cell]] to it, the Maximals leave [[Earth]] for [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Optimus, piloting the ship, declares that the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] are over, and memorializes the Maximals who fell during the war. Rattrap, however, is more happy to be going home and points out that they won't have to see Megatron 'til they get there, as the Predacon is tied to the hull of their shuttle. As the shuttle enters [[unspace|transwarp]], the scene shifts to the anthropoids, who have built a village and are using parts of Inferno and Quickstrike in a ritual to celebrate their new leader...[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]].

Waspinator declares that he is "happy at last".

[['Til all are one|'Til all are—]] [[The Reformatting|waaaaait a cycle...]]
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in video footage. 
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal]]s|c1=
*[[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] (1)
*[[Tigerhawk]] (2)
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (3)
*[[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] (4)
*[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (5)
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (6)
*[[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] (7)
*''[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]]'' (15)

|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]|c2=
*[[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (8)
*[[Dinobot II|Dinobot]] (9)
*[[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] (11)
*[[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] (12)
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (16)

|h3=[[Anthropoid]]s|c3=
*Anthropoid (10)
*[[Blix|Neanderthal Leader]] (13)
*[[Una]] (14)
}}

==Quotes==
"'I am that which is, which was, and is yet to come! And you will know my name is [[Megatron (myth)|Megatron]] when I lay my vengeance upon you!'" 
"You have already read the Covenant of Primus?" 
"Just the good parts."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Dinobot'''

"I'll say one thing for my namesake, he liked his artillery big and plentiful. Now, where was I? Ah yes, mindless destruction! Good for the spark, I always say." 
:-'''Megatron''', commenting on the Nemesis' firepower.

"Quickly, go to your fellow Maximals. Prepare them! If Megatron destroys the ''Ark'' and its occupants, history as we know it will unravel." 
"You can't stop that thing alone." 
"Perhaps, but it is my destiny to try. I will hold the line here. Go!"
:—'''Tigerhawk''' and '''Optimus Primal'''

"Hmm, I suppose, given my imminent godhood, these primitives should really be beneath my intention. Ah, still, no score is too small to settle, I always say." 
[''stops Megatron from activating the weapons''] "You would turn the full fury of this mighty warship on a lone anthropoid?! Tell me, Megatron, where's the honor in that?!" 
[''growls''] "You dare use the h-word to me?!" 
"I…I apologize. I merely felt our power should be conserved for…the larger battle." 
"Duly noted...and ignored!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Dinobot'''

"Well, come on, let's have it. The usual 'destiny and honor' speech." 
"Speech ''this''!"
:—'''Megatron''' gets decked by '''Optimus Primal'''

"'And there came a hero who said, "Hurt not the earth, nor the seas, nor the trees, nor the very fabric of time." But the hero would not prevail'". 
"Finish the quote, Megatron. 'Nor would he surrender!'"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Primal'''

"Destroy them!" 
"...Negative." 
"''What?!'' What possible reason could you have to disobey me?! I am your master! I am your creator!" 
"And I...have my HONOR!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Dinobot'''

"Waspinator happy at last."
:—The most well known ending of all. [[Thrust (BM)|Until he gets chased away.]]

==Notes==
===Script timeline===
* First script: 16th November 1998
* Second draft: 22nd November 1998
* Finalised: 22nd November 1998
* As Air: 27th March 1999

===Animation and technical errors===
*As Tigerhawk is about to be overwhelmed by the fusion cannon, it cuts to a reaction shot by Dinobot, whose "monocle" is on the wrong eye.
*In the same scene, Tigerhawk is shown being stripped apart to a skeletal structure by the beam, but is shown fully intact before the beam finally destroys him.
*When Optimus returns to the Maximal base and tries to communicate with Tigerhawk, his right wing is missing.
*At one point, Optimus tears his wing off and tosses it to jam the giant grinder mechanisms on the bottom of the ''Nemesis''. However, in the next scene in which he appears, his wing has been replaced with no explanation.
*The conduit Blackarachnia splices with Rattrap's tail can be seen in an earlier scene with the tail already installed.
*As the Maximals await their doom inside the Ark and Rattrap comments on how they're "all gonna die", he's missing his [[robot mode]] "backpack".
*Megatron apparently transforms to dragon mode off-screen, transforms back to robot mode on-screen before the scene cuts away, then when next we see him, he is in dragon mode again!
*For most of the episode, Optimus is missing the "blast shields" that he usually wears on either his forearms or shoulders. He tends to have them when he's in vehicle mode, but not consistently.
*When Megatron grabs Optimus Primal by the head during the battle on the ''Nemesis''' bridge, Primal's suddenly got his missing blast shields back. They go missing again in the very next scene.
*In the final battle scene, Dinobot is flipped horizontally. (See first glitch.)
*Bringing us full circle with how the planet tended to look in season one, the shots of Earth from space look nothing like the planet should. (See picture above.)
* As in the previous episode, [[Scott McNeil]]'s name is misspelled as "Scott McNiel" in the credits.

===Continuity errors===
[[File:G1Megs Nemesis part2 deletedclip.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Ploink!]]
*Although it was cut from the final episode for time, the script called for Generation 1 Megatron's spark to be removed from Megatron and placed back in its proper body before the Maximals leave Earth. This very brief scene was animated and can be seen on the ''Beast Wars'' Season 3 box sets produced by [[Rhino Entertainment|Kid Rhino]] and [[Madman Entertainment]].<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYS71y5Z3zs Deleted scene on YouTube]</ref> It should be noted, however, that despite the cut, Optimus's lines from that segment were still included in the episode, albeit used in a different context.
**Furman later wrote the short story "[[A Meeting of Minds]]", which is mostly set between "[[Master Blaster]]" and "[[Other Victories]]" but includes a short epilogue effectively recounting the events of this deleted scene. Almost two decades later, [[Ask Vector Prime]] claimed that the deleted scene was "canon".

===Continuity notes===
*Was Dinobot's spirit influencing Dinobot II, or was something else going on? After Dinobot flashes between himself and the original Dinobot, his voice no longer has the electronic effect. The 2010 [[Transformers Hall of Fame]] competition would eventually say that Dinobot's "consciousness" was influencing him. "[[Dark Glass]]" provides a more direct explanation but it was ultimately not produced.
*There are echoes of musical cues from "[[Code of Hero]]" playing as Dinobot starts to recall the life of the original Dinobot, and when Rattrap mentions Dinobot II as the Maximals leave Earth.
*As they leave Earth, Optimus Primal asks the survivors to reflect on the Maximals who lost their lives in the conflict, implicitly referring to [[Tigatron]], [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]], [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]], and [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]].

===Transformers references===
*The ''Nemesis'' uses a tractor beam, which it had also used to snag the ''Ark'' in Generation 1 media.
*The ''Ark'''s engines ignite one after another, not simultaneously; this matches how they were shown to ignite in ''[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]''.
*"In the darkest hour, there will be a light," a line from the Covenant of Primus most likely derived from "Light our [[darkest hour]]" in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
*Speaking of that movie, Primal's declaration of "This has to stop! At any cost" mirrors Optimus Prime's declaration of "Megatron must be stopped! No matter the cost".
*Though possibly coincidence, Megatron's line "Duly noted... and ignored!" rings similar to a quote by [[Masquerade#Quotes|the original Megatron]].

===Real-world references===
*Megatron targeting grid 3H was a shout-out to [[3H Productions|3H Enterprises]], then-organizers of [[BotCon]].
*The lines Megatron reads from the Covenant of Primus bear some similarities to lines from English translations of the {{w|Bible}} of [[Earth]]'s [[human]]s.
*One of Megatron's Covenant of Primus quotes bears stronger resemblance to the paraphrase of {{w|Book of Ezekiel|Ezekiel 25:17}} in the film ''{{w|Pulp Fiction}}'' than it does to the original Bible quote.
*The anthropoid celebration, with the jubilant primitives happily using the parts of their defeated enemies as musical instruments, is reminiscent of the Ewok celebration in ''[[Star Wars|Return of the Jedi]]''.

===Trivia===
[[File:Transwarpcellanimaticnem2.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Yoink!]]
*In an interview, Furman stated he was approached at BotCon 1998 to write a "G1-centric" episode, and worked closely with Bob Forward on what would become "''Nemesis''" (they originally weren't sure who'd write which part). Various ideas were pitched, but for reasons of budget and a lack of a fourth season meant everything needed to be wrapped up here; one key decision was to ensure the core cast "got a good send off, one that didn't leave them in limbo". Bob would do most of the Dinobot writing. [http://www.bwint.net/interviewsimonfurman.htm] Despite the rewrite to turn this into a series finale, Forward and Larry DiTillo learnt "too late" that they were being replaced after Season 3 "to tie up all the threads".<ref>[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/beast-wars-creative-team-to-change-after-season-3/18271/ Beast Wars Creative Team to change after Season 3]</ref>
*[[Rhino Entertainment|Kid Rhino's]] Season 3 box set contains an animatic with additional footage cut out from the final episode (presumably to save time). One of the edits shows Optimus Primal tearing a [[transwarp cell]] from the ''Nemesis''<nowiki>'</nowiki> control deck prior to telling [[Dinobot II|Dinobot]] to save himself. The transwarp cell is visible in the (finished) episode in Primal's hand as he escapes the exploding ''Nemesis'', and is later seen installed on the controls of the Autobot shuttle, explaining how the Maximals were able to travel through both space and time and return home.
*In the early plot of the episode, the Maximals successfully launch the ''Ark'' itself, instead of an Autobot shuttle. Also, [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] would have reactivated, ramming into the ''Nemesis'' instead of the Autobot shuttle.
*This episode addresses the Teletron vs Teletraan pronunciation debate. When Blackarachnia refers to it as "Teletron-1", Rattrap annoyedly corrects her with "Teletraan". Blackarachnia dismisses him presumably because she's got more important things to worry about than how to pronounce the computer's name.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''''Némésis'' 2'''" (Canada)

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Destini - Parte 2''' ("Fates - Part 2")
::*The recap off-screen voice says: «In the previous episode of the ''Beast Wars''...», titling the series by its English name instead of the Italian one, and saying "'''the''' ''Beast Wars''" like if "Beast Wars" was the name of a group of characters.
::*Unlike in English, the Italian dub always managed to get the correct pronunciation of Teletraan's name, instead of "Teletron". Still, the dialog between Rattrap and Blackarachnia about the misnaming is kept the same as in English, making Blackarachnia the only character who ever pronounced the name wrongly in this dub.

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Happy? Kore de ii no da'''" (ハッピー?これでいいのだ, "Happy? This Should Do It")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[March 22]] [[2000]]

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''''Nemesis'' Parte 2'''" ("''Nemesis'' Part 2")

'''Spanish'''
:''Title:'' "'''''Nemesis'' Segunda Parte'''" (America, "''Nemesis'' Second Part")

'''Mandarin'''
:''Title:'' "'''Zhèngyì de Jiéjú'''" (正义的结局, "End of Justice")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers: Metals'' — Happy? This Should Do It ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Volume 4 ([[Universal]])
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers: Metals'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — English and Japanese audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete Third Season ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Seasons 2 & 3 ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Season 3 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Beast Wars'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Beast Wars episodes]]

Landmine (episode)

2026-01-02T03:52:35Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Differences with Galaxy Force */

{{disambig3|Landmine}}

{{episode
|series=Cybertron
|ep=4
|series2=Galaxy Force
|ep2=5
|title="Landmine"
|japanese=チップスクエアを探せ!
|romaji=Chip Square o Sagase!
|translation=Find the Chip Square!
|image=Cyb ep4 optimus and landmine.jpg
|caption=
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Aichi]], [[We've]], [[Tōkyū Agency]]
|writer=[[Genki Yoshimura]]
|director=[[Kunitoshi Okajima]]
|animation studio=[[GONZO]]
|airdate=[[February 5]], [[2005]] (Japanese) [[July 9]], 2005 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy cartoon timeline|Unicron Trilogy cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''The Autobots investigate their first clue to the Omega Lock, and Landmine reveals there's more to him than meets the eye.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Cyb ep4 megatron in pursuit.jpg|left|thumb|225px|You two seem useless and inept enough. Welcome to the club.]]
On [[Velocitron]], native racers [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] and [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] are driving along, minding their own business, when they suddenly find [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] standing in their paths. The Decepticon leader attacks the pair, and they opt for flight over fight, but Megatron has no intentions of letting them escape. The pair transform to [[robot mode]] to try and give a decent account of themselves, but Megatron slaps them around with ease and informs them they now work for him. The defeated duo can do little but obey.

Meanwhile, on [[Earth]], [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] is feeling useless due to the fact that he is still recovering from his injuries at the hands of [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]]. [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] reassures him he'll be back up to fighting strength again soon. Soon, [[Coby Hansen|Coby]], [[Bud Hansen|Bud]] and [[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] arrive to cheer Landmine up, and Optimus leaves them alone, departing for a meeting with the other Autobots to discuss a plan of action for finding the [[Cyber Planet Key]]s. They agree that more info on the [[Atlantis Pattern]] and the [[Omega Lock]] is needed, so [[Vector Prime]] begins analyzing the pattern while the others head out to gather intel. Lori and Bud go too, with [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]], respectively. Optimus, meanwhile, goes looking for [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], and finds him goofing off at a local race track. Optimus reprimands him for being reckless when discretion is needed, and the apologetic Hot Shot swears it won't happen again.

[[File:Cyb ep4 landmine altmode.jpg|thumb|225px|With the kibble he exposes in robot mode, it's hard to imagine what Landmine transformed into before he chose this.]]

Back at the base, Coby is giving Landmine a checkup. He tells him he's not completely healed yet, but Landmine is eager to help look for info, so Coby agrees to let him go out, so long as he picks an Earth vehicle mode, first. They head out to a construction site, where Landmine chooses a front loader as his [[alternate mode]], then he and Coby start their search.

Elsewhere, Bud has been surfing the net from within Jolt, and has discovered a report of an archaeological artifact bearing the Atlantis Pattern at a museum in [[Mexico]]. Jolt passes the news to Optimus, who orders the whole team to the museum. Unfortunately, Starscream and [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] spot them en route, and follow them to Mexico.

[[File:Cyb ep4 landmine vs starscream.jpg|left|thumb|225px]]

The Autobots arrive at the museum first, under cover of night, but it isn't long before the two Decepticons show up. Thundercracker shows off his new [[Cyber Key]], blasting Jetfire, and the two airborne nemeses take off to duel in the skies. The [[Recon Mini-Con Team]] and the kids clear the battlefield, and Vector Prime heads inside to check out the pattern, covered by Hot Shot and [[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] while Optimus Prime faces down Starscream. The treacherous Decepticon unveils his own Cyber Key Power, but before a fight can begin between the two, Landmine comes charging in, determined to get a piece of the Decepticon. Prime orders him to stand back, as he's not ready for combat, but Landmine hesitates, and Starscream takes the opportunity to shoot at him. Optimus takes the shot for Landmine, and Landmine charges at Starscream with righteous fury, but the Decepticon knocks him down, and flies toward the museum to take out Vector Prime. Scattorshot and Hot Shot hold him off, but as they battle, Jetfire and Thundercracker appear overhead, still dogfighting. One of Thundercracker's shots goes wide, heading for the kids and Mini-Cons, and Landmine leaps to defend them. Summoning his Cyber Key for the first time, Landmine activates his "Cyber Tempest" attack to detonate the incoming fire, proving that he's ready for action again.

[[File:Cyb ep4 velocitron landscape.jpg|thumb|225px|Something that is ''never'' seen in a normal city.]]

At this point, Vector Prime emerges and declares that the object inside is not the Omega Lock, but rather an imitation. With the object of their search proven a fake, and with [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] and [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]] arriving to reinforce the Autobots, Starscream calls for a retreat.

Back at base, Landmine and Coby share a moment, as Landmine tells him that their friendship has made saving Earth just as important to him as saving Cybertron. As the Autobots lament that they appear to be back to square one, Vector Prime reveals that while the object at the base was an imitation, it did contain a star map giving the location of Velocitron, where one of the Cyber Planet Keys is located. Optimus dispatches Hot Shot and Red Alert to Velocitron, with orders to be discreet and make no contact with the locals. Vector Prime combines the power of his [[Rhisling|sword]] with Optimus's [[Matrix of Leadership]] to open a dimension gate to Velocitron, and the pair waste no time in heading through. Hot Shot is agog at the endless speedways of the planet...and aghast when he is suddenly passed by the speeding form of a [[Override (Cybertron)|female Velocitronian]], who seems to be even faster than him.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Vector Prime]] (9)
*[[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] (10)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (11)
*[[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]] (12)
*[[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] (13)
*Generic sports cars (14, 15)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (16)
*[[Six-Speed (Cybertron)|Six-Speed]] (20)
*[[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]] (21)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (21)
*[[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] (22)

|c2=
*[[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] (1)
*[[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] (2)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] (17)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (18)

|c3=
*[[Coby Hansen]] (6)
*[[Bud Hansen]] (7)
*[[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] (8)
*Museum guard (19)
}}

==Quotes==
"Hey, there's [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|some big guy]] parked up on the road! So, you think he's friendly?" 
"Ah . . ." [''Megatron fires on them''] "No, ''not'' friendly!" 
"AAAAAHHH! Make tracks, buddy!" [''They scamper.''] 
"What's with him?" 
"I don't know, maybe he's related to that cute scooter you dumped. You should have been ''nicer'' to her." 
:—'''Crumplezone''' and '''Ransack'''

"Jolt! Jetfire and Lori just burned us! Can't you fly any faster?" 
"If you wanted to fly fast, you picked the wrong Mini-Con."
:—'''Bud''' and '''Jolt'''

"Man, wha'cha reckon this Omega Lock thing looks like? Where exactly ''are'' we headed? Gotta picture of it?" 
"Oh, quit ''whining'' and keep searching." 
"Aww, whining?! I'm ''thinking!'' Out ''loud!'' [''Starscream accelerates away.''] Hey, I was talking to you!"
:—'''Thundercracker''' and '''Starscream''' keep up the Decepticon army's record of jovial camaraderie.

"So, Atlantis is in Mexico?" 
"Can't say that for sure, but I do love tacos!"
:—'''Jolt''' and '''Bud'''

"I don't wanna work!" 
"Ah, it's an offer we can't refuse, Crumplezone." 
"But this guy is mean! He kinda scares the [[oil]] out of me." 
"Eh, go with the flow."
:—'''Crumplezone''' and '''Ransack''' having been recruited into the Decepticon army.

"Got it. Keepin' it on the down-low. The D.L." 
"Oh, be still my beating heart. A secret mission with Hot Shot? I'm dizzy..."
:—'''Hot Shot''' x '''Red Alert''' OTP!

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Galaxy Force''===
[[File:Cyb ep4 deleted scene.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*Rather inexplicably, ''Cybertron'' cuts off the short sequence which precedes the title card of the ''Galaxy Force'' version of the episode, in which Crumplezone and Ransack are racing along, discussing the weather. They run a white car off the road, then drive into the mouth of a tunnel, which is where we rejoin them after the title card, and where the ''Cybertron'' episode begins.
*Crumplezone and Ransack's reaction to Megatron's proclamation that they work for him is reversed; in ''Galaxy Force'', Crumplezone immediately agrees to work for him, prompting an irritated Ransack to ask why he's speaking for him, while in ''Cybertron'', it is Crumplezone who turns Megatron down, with Ransack claiming it's an offer they can't refuse.
*When Bud and Lori are almost hit by the missile that Starscream deflects, they are drawn slightly differently. In ''Cybertron'', Bud's mouth is opened much wider, and Lori is doing a similar yet noticeably different pose when she looks up.
*During Landmine's talk with Coby at episode's end, ''Galaxy Force'' has Landmine refer to Cybertron being swallowed up by the black hole, a plot point consistently excised from the ''Cybertron'' dub. In its place, Landmine talks about how he was not initially interested in saving Earth, but that his new friendship with Coby has convinced him otherwise.

===Animation or technical errors===
[[File:Vector_Prime-Landmine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]

*When Optimus, Hot Shot and Reverb leave the base to go for the supposed Omega Lock in Mexico, Optimus is missing his rear end, with his legs in plain view, and his back pack missing a the middle piece.
*Upon arrival, Optimus's hands are open in truck mode. Grabbing the tail end of a cute little sedan or what?
* On the same scene, Vector Prime appears gigantic when compared to everyone else.
*When Starscream and Thundercracker arrive at the museum, they both announce their own names...but the cry of "Transform!" that should follow is absent.
*When Thundercracker says, "I just love parties, don't you, Starscream?" his mouth is not moving.
*While the Autobots are planning near the beginning of the episode, the doors on Overhaul's shoulders are closed.
*Coby and Landmine can somehow drive from Colorado to Mexico in a single evening, even though it should take just over 20 hours.
*In ''Galaxy Force'', the TV show that the security guard fell asleep watching is spoken in English. It's not impossible, but it's a little unusual considering the museum scenes are supposed to take place in Mexico.

===Continuity notes===
*Landmine is still recovering from injuries he took back in "[[Fallen (episode)|Fallen]]".

===Transformers references===
*The generic sports car Autobots based on [[Blurr (Cybertron)|Blurr]]'s bodyform appear again in this episode, having previously been seen in "[[Hidden]]". The white Velocitronian sports car cut from the ''Cybertron'' version of this episode is also a Blurr-type.
*In the first scene [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] is seen in this episode, he refers to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus]] as "[[Cheetor (BW)|Big Bot]]".

===Trivia===
*Landmine takes an Earth [[Alternate mode|altmode]] in this episode. However, he pretty clearly had a lot of [[kibble]] from this altmode before he acquired it (as the animators didn't have the budget to design a pre-Earth body... but couldn't they at least have removed the shovels before then? 'Course, he could have been a ''Cybertronian'' loader).
*Thundercracker and Starscream can now summon Cyber Keys, despite the fact that back in "[[Haven]]", the Autobots could not do so before Vector Prime awoke the ability within them. It is never explained how these two Decepticons (as well as Megatron, who will soon get in on the act) obtained the ability. On the colony worlds the Transformers will go on to visit through the series, however, Cyber Key Powers are common knowledge, and all the Transformers there have always had them.
*Landmine's transformation to [[robot mode]] is awfully ''balletic'' for a rough, tough, front loader.
*Landmine can use his shovel halves as shields, capable of blocking Starscream's Null Cannons, hence his ''Galaxy Force'' name 'Guardshell'.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Landmine'''"

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A tutta velocità...'''" ("Going at Full Speed...")
::*The title as very little to do with the actual episode...
::*"Atlantis pattern" is weirdly translated as "modello Atlantis" ("Atlantis model").
::*"Surf the net" is literally translated in Italian... despite the fact that in Italy people say "to sail the net" and not "to surf the net"!
::*Instead of saying that "the others are risking their necks", Landmine says that they're risking "their neck bone", which makes little sense giving the fact that they don't have bones, being robots! (Well, okay, the sentence was possibly not meant to be taken literally, but it still sounds weird...)
::*Coby and Landmine jocking using the word "dig", well, makes totally no sense here. Coby now says: "Wow, I created your new look!" and Landmine then says: "'Created'! Haha, it's just a joke, right? I get it!". Seriously, what is this dialog supposed to mean?
::*In Optimus's line "This may indeed be the artifact we see! That means there's not a moment to loose!", the first part ("This may indeed be the artifact we see!") is voiced by Vector Prime's actor, while the rest of the line is correctly given by Optimus's.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — A New Beginning ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — A New Beginning (Paramount)
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Galaxy Force'' — Vol. 02 ([[Victor Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — A New Beginning (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — A New Beginning (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — A New Beginning (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Ultimate Collection (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Cybertron episodes]]

Landmine (episode)

2026-01-02T03:45:02Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Animation or technical errors */

{{disambig3|Landmine}}

{{episode
|series=Cybertron
|ep=4
|series2=Galaxy Force
|ep2=5
|title="Landmine"
|japanese=チップスクエアを探せ!
|romaji=Chip Square o Sagase!
|translation=Find the Chip Square!
|image=Cyb ep4 optimus and landmine.jpg
|caption=
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Aichi]], [[We've]], [[Tōkyū Agency]]
|writer=[[Genki Yoshimura]]
|director=[[Kunitoshi Okajima]]
|animation studio=[[GONZO]]
|airdate=[[February 5]], [[2005]] (Japanese) [[July 9]], 2005 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy cartoon timeline|Unicron Trilogy cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''The Autobots investigate their first clue to the Omega Lock, and Landmine reveals there's more to him than meets the eye.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Cyb ep4 megatron in pursuit.jpg|left|thumb|225px|You two seem useless and inept enough. Welcome to the club.]]
On [[Velocitron]], native racers [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] and [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] are driving along, minding their own business, when they suddenly find [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] standing in their paths. The Decepticon leader attacks the pair, and they opt for flight over fight, but Megatron has no intentions of letting them escape. The pair transform to [[robot mode]] to try and give a decent account of themselves, but Megatron slaps them around with ease and informs them they now work for him. The defeated duo can do little but obey.

Meanwhile, on [[Earth]], [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] is feeling useless due to the fact that he is still recovering from his injuries at the hands of [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]]. [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] reassures him he'll be back up to fighting strength again soon. Soon, [[Coby Hansen|Coby]], [[Bud Hansen|Bud]] and [[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] arrive to cheer Landmine up, and Optimus leaves them alone, departing for a meeting with the other Autobots to discuss a plan of action for finding the [[Cyber Planet Key]]s. They agree that more info on the [[Atlantis Pattern]] and the [[Omega Lock]] is needed, so [[Vector Prime]] begins analyzing the pattern while the others head out to gather intel. Lori and Bud go too, with [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]], respectively. Optimus, meanwhile, goes looking for [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], and finds him goofing off at a local race track. Optimus reprimands him for being reckless when discretion is needed, and the apologetic Hot Shot swears it won't happen again.

[[File:Cyb ep4 landmine altmode.jpg|thumb|225px|With the kibble he exposes in robot mode, it's hard to imagine what Landmine transformed into before he chose this.]]

Back at the base, Coby is giving Landmine a checkup. He tells him he's not completely healed yet, but Landmine is eager to help look for info, so Coby agrees to let him go out, so long as he picks an Earth vehicle mode, first. They head out to a construction site, where Landmine chooses a front loader as his [[alternate mode]], then he and Coby start their search.

Elsewhere, Bud has been surfing the net from within Jolt, and has discovered a report of an archaeological artifact bearing the Atlantis Pattern at a museum in [[Mexico]]. Jolt passes the news to Optimus, who orders the whole team to the museum. Unfortunately, Starscream and [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] spot them en route, and follow them to Mexico.

[[File:Cyb ep4 landmine vs starscream.jpg|left|thumb|225px]]

The Autobots arrive at the museum first, under cover of night, but it isn't long before the two Decepticons show up. Thundercracker shows off his new [[Cyber Key]], blasting Jetfire, and the two airborne nemeses take off to duel in the skies. The [[Recon Mini-Con Team]] and the kids clear the battlefield, and Vector Prime heads inside to check out the pattern, covered by Hot Shot and [[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] while Optimus Prime faces down Starscream. The treacherous Decepticon unveils his own Cyber Key Power, but before a fight can begin between the two, Landmine comes charging in, determined to get a piece of the Decepticon. Prime orders him to stand back, as he's not ready for combat, but Landmine hesitates, and Starscream takes the opportunity to shoot at him. Optimus takes the shot for Landmine, and Landmine charges at Starscream with righteous fury, but the Decepticon knocks him down, and flies toward the museum to take out Vector Prime. Scattorshot and Hot Shot hold him off, but as they battle, Jetfire and Thundercracker appear overhead, still dogfighting. One of Thundercracker's shots goes wide, heading for the kids and Mini-Cons, and Landmine leaps to defend them. Summoning his Cyber Key for the first time, Landmine activates his "Cyber Tempest" attack to detonate the incoming fire, proving that he's ready for action again.

[[File:Cyb ep4 velocitron landscape.jpg|thumb|225px|Something that is ''never'' seen in a normal city.]]

At this point, Vector Prime emerges and declares that the object inside is not the Omega Lock, but rather an imitation. With the object of their search proven a fake, and with [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] and [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]] arriving to reinforce the Autobots, Starscream calls for a retreat.

Back at base, Landmine and Coby share a moment, as Landmine tells him that their friendship has made saving Earth just as important to him as saving Cybertron. As the Autobots lament that they appear to be back to square one, Vector Prime reveals that while the object at the base was an imitation, it did contain a star map giving the location of Velocitron, where one of the Cyber Planet Keys is located. Optimus dispatches Hot Shot and Red Alert to Velocitron, with orders to be discreet and make no contact with the locals. Vector Prime combines the power of his [[Rhisling|sword]] with Optimus's [[Matrix of Leadership]] to open a dimension gate to Velocitron, and the pair waste no time in heading through. Hot Shot is agog at the endless speedways of the planet...and aghast when he is suddenly passed by the speeding form of a [[Override (Cybertron)|female Velocitronian]], who seems to be even faster than him.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Vector Prime]] (9)
*[[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] (10)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (11)
*[[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]] (12)
*[[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] (13)
*Generic sports cars (14, 15)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (16)
*[[Six-Speed (Cybertron)|Six-Speed]] (20)
*[[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]] (21)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (21)
*[[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] (22)

|c2=
*[[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] (1)
*[[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] (2)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] (17)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (18)

|c3=
*[[Coby Hansen]] (6)
*[[Bud Hansen]] (7)
*[[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] (8)
*Museum guard (19)
}}

==Quotes==
"Hey, there's [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|some big guy]] parked up on the road! So, you think he's friendly?" 
"Ah . . ." [''Megatron fires on them''] "No, ''not'' friendly!" 
"AAAAAHHH! Make tracks, buddy!" [''They scamper.''] 
"What's with him?" 
"I don't know, maybe he's related to that cute scooter you dumped. You should have been ''nicer'' to her." 
:—'''Crumplezone''' and '''Ransack'''

"Jolt! Jetfire and Lori just burned us! Can't you fly any faster?" 
"If you wanted to fly fast, you picked the wrong Mini-Con."
:—'''Bud''' and '''Jolt'''

"Man, wha'cha reckon this Omega Lock thing looks like? Where exactly ''are'' we headed? Gotta picture of it?" 
"Oh, quit ''whining'' and keep searching." 
"Aww, whining?! I'm ''thinking!'' Out ''loud!'' [''Starscream accelerates away.''] Hey, I was talking to you!"
:—'''Thundercracker''' and '''Starscream''' keep up the Decepticon army's record of jovial camaraderie.

"So, Atlantis is in Mexico?" 
"Can't say that for sure, but I do love tacos!"
:—'''Jolt''' and '''Bud'''

"I don't wanna work!" 
"Ah, it's an offer we can't refuse, Crumplezone." 
"But this guy is mean! He kinda scares the [[oil]] out of me." 
"Eh, go with the flow."
:—'''Crumplezone''' and '''Ransack''' having been recruited into the Decepticon army.

"Got it. Keepin' it on the down-low. The D.L." 
"Oh, be still my beating heart. A secret mission with Hot Shot? I'm dizzy..."
:—'''Hot Shot''' x '''Red Alert''' OTP!

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Galaxy Force''===
[[File:Cyb ep4 deleted scene.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*Rather inexplicably, ''Cybertron'' cuts off the short sequence which precedes the title card of the ''Galaxy Force'' version of the episode, in which Crumplezone and Ransack are racing along, discussing the weather. They run a white car off the road, then drive into the mouth of a tunnel, which is where we rejoin them after the title card, and where the ''Cybertron'' episode begins.
*Crumplezone and Ransack's reaction to Megatron's proclamation that they work for him is reversed; in ''Galaxy Force'', Crumplezone immediately agrees to work for him, prompting an irritated Ransack to ask why he's speaking for him, while in ''Cybertron'', it is Crumplezone who turns Megatron down, with Ransack claiming it's an offer they can't refuse.
*During Landmine's talk with Coby at episode's end, ''Galaxy Force'' has Landmine refer to Cybertron being swallowed up by the black hole, a plot point consistently excised from the ''Cybertron'' dub. In its place, Landmine talks about how he was not initially interested in saving Earth, but that his new friendship with Coby has convinced him otherwise.

===Animation or technical errors===
[[File:Vector_Prime-Landmine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]

*When Optimus, Hot Shot and Reverb leave the base to go for the supposed Omega Lock in Mexico, Optimus is missing his rear end, with his legs in plain view, and his back pack missing a the middle piece.
*Upon arrival, Optimus's hands are open in truck mode. Grabbing the tail end of a cute little sedan or what?
* On the same scene, Vector Prime appears gigantic when compared to everyone else.
*When Starscream and Thundercracker arrive at the museum, they both announce their own names...but the cry of "Transform!" that should follow is absent.
*When Thundercracker says, "I just love parties, don't you, Starscream?" his mouth is not moving.
*While the Autobots are planning near the beginning of the episode, the doors on Overhaul's shoulders are closed.
*Coby and Landmine can somehow drive from Colorado to Mexico in a single evening, even though it should take just over 20 hours.
*In ''Galaxy Force'', the TV show that the security guard fell asleep watching is spoken in English. It's not impossible, but it's a little unusual considering the museum scenes are supposed to take place in Mexico.

===Continuity notes===
*Landmine is still recovering from injuries he took back in "[[Fallen (episode)|Fallen]]".

===Transformers references===
*The generic sports car Autobots based on [[Blurr (Cybertron)|Blurr]]'s bodyform appear again in this episode, having previously been seen in "[[Hidden]]". The white Velocitronian sports car cut from the ''Cybertron'' version of this episode is also a Blurr-type.
*In the first scene [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] is seen in this episode, he refers to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus]] as "[[Cheetor (BW)|Big Bot]]".

===Trivia===
*Landmine takes an Earth [[Alternate mode|altmode]] in this episode. However, he pretty clearly had a lot of [[kibble]] from this altmode before he acquired it (as the animators didn't have the budget to design a pre-Earth body... but couldn't they at least have removed the shovels before then? 'Course, he could have been a ''Cybertronian'' loader).
*Thundercracker and Starscream can now summon Cyber Keys, despite the fact that back in "[[Haven]]", the Autobots could not do so before Vector Prime awoke the ability within them. It is never explained how these two Decepticons (as well as Megatron, who will soon get in on the act) obtained the ability. On the colony worlds the Transformers will go on to visit through the series, however, Cyber Key Powers are common knowledge, and all the Transformers there have always had them.
*Landmine's transformation to [[robot mode]] is awfully ''balletic'' for a rough, tough, front loader.
*Landmine can use his shovel halves as shields, capable of blocking Starscream's Null Cannons, hence his ''Galaxy Force'' name 'Guardshell'.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Landmine'''"

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A tutta velocità...'''" ("Going at Full Speed...")
::*The title as very little to do with the actual episode...
::*"Atlantis pattern" is weirdly translated as "modello Atlantis" ("Atlantis model").
::*"Surf the net" is literally translated in Italian... despite the fact that in Italy people say "to sail the net" and not "to surf the net"!
::*Instead of saying that "the others are risking their necks", Landmine says that they're risking "their neck bone", which makes little sense giving the fact that they don't have bones, being robots! (Well, okay, the sentence was possibly not meant to be taken literally, but it still sounds weird...)
::*Coby and Landmine jocking using the word "dig", well, makes totally no sense here. Coby now says: "Wow, I created your new look!" and Landmine then says: "'Created'! Haha, it's just a joke, right? I get it!". Seriously, what is this dialog supposed to mean?
::*In Optimus's line "This may indeed be the artifact we see! That means there's not a moment to loose!", the first part ("This may indeed be the artifact we see!") is voiced by Vector Prime's actor, while the rest of the line is correctly given by Optimus's.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — A New Beginning ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — A New Beginning (Paramount)
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Galaxy Force'' — Vol. 02 ([[Victor Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — A New Beginning (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — A New Beginning (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — A New Beginning (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Ultimate Collection (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Cybertron episodes]]

Landmine (episode)

2026-01-02T03:44:41Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Animation or technical errors */

{{disambig3|Landmine}}

{{episode
|series=Cybertron
|ep=4
|series2=Galaxy Force
|ep2=5
|title="Landmine"
|japanese=チップスクエアを探せ!
|romaji=Chip Square o Sagase!
|translation=Find the Chip Square!
|image=Cyb ep4 optimus and landmine.jpg
|caption=
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Aichi]], [[We've]], [[Tōkyū Agency]]
|writer=[[Genki Yoshimura]]
|director=[[Kunitoshi Okajima]]
|animation studio=[[GONZO]]
|airdate=[[February 5]], [[2005]] (Japanese) [[July 9]], 2005 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy cartoon timeline|Unicron Trilogy cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''The Autobots investigate their first clue to the Omega Lock, and Landmine reveals there's more to him than meets the eye.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Cyb ep4 megatron in pursuit.jpg|left|thumb|225px|You two seem useless and inept enough. Welcome to the club.]]
On [[Velocitron]], native racers [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] and [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] are driving along, minding their own business, when they suddenly find [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] standing in their paths. The Decepticon leader attacks the pair, and they opt for flight over fight, but Megatron has no intentions of letting them escape. The pair transform to [[robot mode]] to try and give a decent account of themselves, but Megatron slaps them around with ease and informs them they now work for him. The defeated duo can do little but obey.

Meanwhile, on [[Earth]], [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] is feeling useless due to the fact that he is still recovering from his injuries at the hands of [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]]. [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] reassures him he'll be back up to fighting strength again soon. Soon, [[Coby Hansen|Coby]], [[Bud Hansen|Bud]] and [[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] arrive to cheer Landmine up, and Optimus leaves them alone, departing for a meeting with the other Autobots to discuss a plan of action for finding the [[Cyber Planet Key]]s. They agree that more info on the [[Atlantis Pattern]] and the [[Omega Lock]] is needed, so [[Vector Prime]] begins analyzing the pattern while the others head out to gather intel. Lori and Bud go too, with [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]], respectively. Optimus, meanwhile, goes looking for [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], and finds him goofing off at a local race track. Optimus reprimands him for being reckless when discretion is needed, and the apologetic Hot Shot swears it won't happen again.

[[File:Cyb ep4 landmine altmode.jpg|thumb|225px|With the kibble he exposes in robot mode, it's hard to imagine what Landmine transformed into before he chose this.]]

Back at the base, Coby is giving Landmine a checkup. He tells him he's not completely healed yet, but Landmine is eager to help look for info, so Coby agrees to let him go out, so long as he picks an Earth vehicle mode, first. They head out to a construction site, where Landmine chooses a front loader as his [[alternate mode]], then he and Coby start their search.

Elsewhere, Bud has been surfing the net from within Jolt, and has discovered a report of an archaeological artifact bearing the Atlantis Pattern at a museum in [[Mexico]]. Jolt passes the news to Optimus, who orders the whole team to the museum. Unfortunately, Starscream and [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] spot them en route, and follow them to Mexico.

[[File:Cyb ep4 landmine vs starscream.jpg|left|thumb|225px]]

The Autobots arrive at the museum first, under cover of night, but it isn't long before the two Decepticons show up. Thundercracker shows off his new [[Cyber Key]], blasting Jetfire, and the two airborne nemeses take off to duel in the skies. The [[Recon Mini-Con Team]] and the kids clear the battlefield, and Vector Prime heads inside to check out the pattern, covered by Hot Shot and [[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] while Optimus Prime faces down Starscream. The treacherous Decepticon unveils his own Cyber Key Power, but before a fight can begin between the two, Landmine comes charging in, determined to get a piece of the Decepticon. Prime orders him to stand back, as he's not ready for combat, but Landmine hesitates, and Starscream takes the opportunity to shoot at him. Optimus takes the shot for Landmine, and Landmine charges at Starscream with righteous fury, but the Decepticon knocks him down, and flies toward the museum to take out Vector Prime. Scattorshot and Hot Shot hold him off, but as they battle, Jetfire and Thundercracker appear overhead, still dogfighting. One of Thundercracker's shots goes wide, heading for the kids and Mini-Cons, and Landmine leaps to defend them. Summoning his Cyber Key for the first time, Landmine activates his "Cyber Tempest" attack to detonate the incoming fire, proving that he's ready for action again.

[[File:Cyb ep4 velocitron landscape.jpg|thumb|225px|Something that is ''never'' seen in a normal city.]]

At this point, Vector Prime emerges and declares that the object inside is not the Omega Lock, but rather an imitation. With the object of their search proven a fake, and with [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] and [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]] arriving to reinforce the Autobots, Starscream calls for a retreat.

Back at base, Landmine and Coby share a moment, as Landmine tells him that their friendship has made saving Earth just as important to him as saving Cybertron. As the Autobots lament that they appear to be back to square one, Vector Prime reveals that while the object at the base was an imitation, it did contain a star map giving the location of Velocitron, where one of the Cyber Planet Keys is located. Optimus dispatches Hot Shot and Red Alert to Velocitron, with orders to be discreet and make no contact with the locals. Vector Prime combines the power of his [[Rhisling|sword]] with Optimus's [[Matrix of Leadership]] to open a dimension gate to Velocitron, and the pair waste no time in heading through. Hot Shot is agog at the endless speedways of the planet...and aghast when he is suddenly passed by the speeding form of a [[Override (Cybertron)|female Velocitronian]], who seems to be even faster than him.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Vector Prime]] (9)
*[[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] (10)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (11)
*[[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]] (12)
*[[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] (13)
*Generic sports cars (14, 15)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (16)
*[[Six-Speed (Cybertron)|Six-Speed]] (20)
*[[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]] (21)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (21)
*[[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] (22)

|c2=
*[[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] (1)
*[[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] (2)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] (17)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (18)

|c3=
*[[Coby Hansen]] (6)
*[[Bud Hansen]] (7)
*[[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] (8)
*Museum guard (19)
}}

==Quotes==
"Hey, there's [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|some big guy]] parked up on the road! So, you think he's friendly?" 
"Ah . . ." [''Megatron fires on them''] "No, ''not'' friendly!" 
"AAAAAHHH! Make tracks, buddy!" [''They scamper.''] 
"What's with him?" 
"I don't know, maybe he's related to that cute scooter you dumped. You should have been ''nicer'' to her." 
:—'''Crumplezone''' and '''Ransack'''

"Jolt! Jetfire and Lori just burned us! Can't you fly any faster?" 
"If you wanted to fly fast, you picked the wrong Mini-Con."
:—'''Bud''' and '''Jolt'''

"Man, wha'cha reckon this Omega Lock thing looks like? Where exactly ''are'' we headed? Gotta picture of it?" 
"Oh, quit ''whining'' and keep searching." 
"Aww, whining?! I'm ''thinking!'' Out ''loud!'' [''Starscream accelerates away.''] Hey, I was talking to you!"
:—'''Thundercracker''' and '''Starscream''' keep up the Decepticon army's record of jovial camaraderie.

"So, Atlantis is in Mexico?" 
"Can't say that for sure, but I do love tacos!"
:—'''Jolt''' and '''Bud'''

"I don't wanna work!" 
"Ah, it's an offer we can't refuse, Crumplezone." 
"But this guy is mean! He kinda scares the [[oil]] out of me." 
"Eh, go with the flow."
:—'''Crumplezone''' and '''Ransack''' having been recruited into the Decepticon army.

"Got it. Keepin' it on the down-low. The D.L." 
"Oh, be still my beating heart. A secret mission with Hot Shot? I'm dizzy..."
:—'''Hot Shot''' x '''Red Alert''' OTP!

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Galaxy Force''===
[[File:Cyb ep4 deleted scene.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*Rather inexplicably, ''Cybertron'' cuts off the short sequence which precedes the title card of the ''Galaxy Force'' version of the episode, in which Crumplezone and Ransack are racing along, discussing the weather. They run a white car off the road, then drive into the mouth of a tunnel, which is where we rejoin them after the title card, and where the ''Cybertron'' episode begins.
*Crumplezone and Ransack's reaction to Megatron's proclamation that they work for him is reversed; in ''Galaxy Force'', Crumplezone immediately agrees to work for him, prompting an irritated Ransack to ask why he's speaking for him, while in ''Cybertron'', it is Crumplezone who turns Megatron down, with Ransack claiming it's an offer they can't refuse.
*During Landmine's talk with Coby at episode's end, ''Galaxy Force'' has Landmine refer to Cybertron being swallowed up by the black hole, a plot point consistently excised from the ''Cybertron'' dub. In its place, Landmine talks about how he was not initially interested in saving Earth, but that his new friendship with Coby has convinced him otherwise.

===Animation or technical errors===
[[File:Vector_Prime-Landmine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]

*When Optimus, Hot Shot and Reverb leave the base to go for the supposed Omega Lock in Mexico, Optimus is missing his rear end, with his legs in plain view, and his back pack missing a the middle piece.
*Upon arrival, Optimus's hands are open in truck mode. Grabbing the tail end of a cute little sedan or what?
* On the same scene, Vector Prime appears gigantic when compared to everyone else.
*When Starscream and Thundercracker arrive at the museum, they both announce their own names...but the cry of "Transform!" that should follow is absent.
*When Thundercracker says, "I just love parties, don't you, Starscream?" his mouth is not moving.
*While the Autobots are planning near the beginning of the episode, the doors on Overhaul's shoulders are closed.
*Coby and Landmine can somehow drive from Colorado to Mexico in a single evening, even though it should take just over 20 hours.
*In ''Galaxy Force'', the TV show that the security guard fell asleep watching is spoken in English. It's not impossible, but it's a little unusual considering museum scenes are supposed to take place in Mexico.

===Continuity notes===
*Landmine is still recovering from injuries he took back in "[[Fallen (episode)|Fallen]]".

===Transformers references===
*The generic sports car Autobots based on [[Blurr (Cybertron)|Blurr]]'s bodyform appear again in this episode, having previously been seen in "[[Hidden]]". The white Velocitronian sports car cut from the ''Cybertron'' version of this episode is also a Blurr-type.
*In the first scene [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] is seen in this episode, he refers to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus]] as "[[Cheetor (BW)|Big Bot]]".

===Trivia===
*Landmine takes an Earth [[Alternate mode|altmode]] in this episode. However, he pretty clearly had a lot of [[kibble]] from this altmode before he acquired it (as the animators didn't have the budget to design a pre-Earth body... but couldn't they at least have removed the shovels before then? 'Course, he could have been a ''Cybertronian'' loader).
*Thundercracker and Starscream can now summon Cyber Keys, despite the fact that back in "[[Haven]]", the Autobots could not do so before Vector Prime awoke the ability within them. It is never explained how these two Decepticons (as well as Megatron, who will soon get in on the act) obtained the ability. On the colony worlds the Transformers will go on to visit through the series, however, Cyber Key Powers are common knowledge, and all the Transformers there have always had them.
*Landmine's transformation to [[robot mode]] is awfully ''balletic'' for a rough, tough, front loader.
*Landmine can use his shovel halves as shields, capable of blocking Starscream's Null Cannons, hence his ''Galaxy Force'' name 'Guardshell'.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Landmine'''"

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A tutta velocità...'''" ("Going at Full Speed...")
::*The title as very little to do with the actual episode...
::*"Atlantis pattern" is weirdly translated as "modello Atlantis" ("Atlantis model").
::*"Surf the net" is literally translated in Italian... despite the fact that in Italy people say "to sail the net" and not "to surf the net"!
::*Instead of saying that "the others are risking their necks", Landmine says that they're risking "their neck bone", which makes little sense giving the fact that they don't have bones, being robots! (Well, okay, the sentence was possibly not meant to be taken literally, but it still sounds weird...)
::*Coby and Landmine jocking using the word "dig", well, makes totally no sense here. Coby now says: "Wow, I created your new look!" and Landmine then says: "'Created'! Haha, it's just a joke, right? I get it!". Seriously, what is this dialog supposed to mean?
::*In Optimus's line "This may indeed be the artifact we see! That means there's not a moment to loose!", the first part ("This may indeed be the artifact we see!") is voiced by Vector Prime's actor, while the rest of the line is correctly given by Optimus's.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — A New Beginning ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — A New Beginning (Paramount)
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Galaxy Force'' — Vol. 02 ([[Victor Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — A New Beginning (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — A New Beginning (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — A New Beginning (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Ultimate Collection (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Cybertron episodes]]

Reinforcement

2025-11-14T14:49:36Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Quotes */ Corrected one of Blurr's quotes

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=20
|prev=Vacation
|next=Decisive Battle
|title="Reinforcement"
|furigana=あらて
|japanese=援軍
|romaji=Arate
|translation=Reinforcement: Newcomer
|image=Reinforcement-Blurr.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-20
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|director=[[Shigeki Hatakeyama]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[January 23]], [[2003]] (English) [[May 23|23 May]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''Scavenger introduces the Autobots to Blurr, the Autobot who nobody really gets along with.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Reinforcement-Demolishor target practice.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Let the guy with gun-fingers hold onto the valuable item? Brilliant!]]
It's another day at the office where the [[Autobot]]s battle the [[Decepticon]]s for a [[Mini-Con]]. The kids watch the Autobots' base (with [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] also there this time). While [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] holds off the Autobots, [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] digs up the Mini-Con. In a rare moment of competence, [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] blasts away Red Alert's attempt to snipe Demolishor. But just as the Decepticons teleport home, the Mini-Con is blasted from Demolishor's hands by a new Autobot, who [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] introduces as [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]]. Blurr activates the Mini-Con panel, which turns out to be [[Incinerator (Armada)|Incinerator]].

The kids greet the Autobots returning home from victory and show interest in their new friend Blurr, who barely acknowledges the kids.

[[File:Reinforcement-Blurr's people skills.jpg|200px|thumb]]
Later, Incinerator makes beepy conversation with the Street Action Mini-Cons. The five kids try to start a discussion with Blurr but get sidetracked by the topic of Fred's fat stomach. When [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] arrives, Blurr icily departs, so [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], Billy, and Fred give chase. Blurr almost mistakes them for the enemy when they jump out and surprise him, so he tells them off. Hot Shot tries to break through Blurr's tough-guy persona, and Blurr explains that he doesn't need to have a personality.

The Decepticons detect the activation of a new Mini-Con and head out. Demolishor takes extra caution not to lose the Mini-Con at the last minute like last time. And Megatron barely registers that the two captured panels containing the components of the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] have begun resonating.

The Decepticons arrive at the general location where the Mini-Con [[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]] has already activated and begun to run laps around a human-made racetrack. The Autobots arrive soon after and try to intercept Downshift. Hot Shot and Blurr pursue while the rest of the Autobots and Decepticons get into a standing firefight.

[[File:Reinforcement-Cyclonus yoink.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Yoink!]]
On the track, Hot Shot and Blurr have conflicting directions and impact each other a few times. Blurr, however, is unresponsive. [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] uses his Mini-Con [[Liftor]] to blast away [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]], and Cyclonus. Blurr and Hot Shot have to stop and combine with their Mini-Cons to overcome the chasm interrupting the racetrack.

On the other side of the track, Blurr, in car mode, begins to rotate rapidly, blowing away Cyclonus and blowing Downshift into the empty stands. Blurr opens up fire on the Mini-Con, causing it to fall beneath the stands where Hot Shot catches it to Blurr's confusion. Cyclonus yanks the Mini-Con away, and the Decepticons retreat.

[[File:Reinforcement-Fist pound at sunset.jpg|200px|thumb|Robo-terrorist fist jab!]]
At the Autobot base, the kids scold Hot Shot for not getting along with Blurr. Hot Shot heads to apologize to Blurr, who appreciates the sentiment and concedes that he was unaware that the Mini-Cons were more than just tools, and that he doesn't interact with others very smoothly. Hot Shot and Blurr fistbump each other in respect, and everybody is happy they made a new special friend.

On the moon, Megatron returns with Downshift to discover that [[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]] and [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] have awakened on their own, and they combine to form the Skyboom Shield.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (1)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (3)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (4)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (5)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (11)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (17)

|c2=
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (6)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (7)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (8)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (9)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (10)

|c3=
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (12)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (13)
*[[Rad White]] (14)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (15)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (16)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Incinerator (Armada)|Incinerator]] (18)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (19)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (20)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (21)
*[[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]] (22)
*Sideways's [[Mirror|rider]] (23)
*[[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (24)
*[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] (25)
*[[Liftor]] (26)
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (27)
*[[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]] (28)
*[[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] (29)
}}

==Quotes==
"I hate when she's right, but this is one of those times."
:—'''Rad''', about Alexis

"I found my very own Mini-Con! Megatron will love me for this!"
:—'''Demolishor''', head of the Megatron/Demolishor slash club

"Sorry to break up the party."
:—'''Red Alert''', about to take a shot on Demolishor

[[File:Reinforcement-Fred's stomach.jpg|thumb|200px]]
"Arrogance and pride, a tragic combination, they cause a bot to make mistakes—like this."
:—'''Blurr''', also about to take a shot on Demolishor

"Hey, do you happen to have a website I could check out?"
:—'''Fred''', on meeting Blurr

"You might find such foolishness amusing, but remember; these are serious times. There's no room for childish pranks in an era of combat. Take my advice and act your age."
:—'''Blurr''' tells the kids to grow up

"Fry, Autobots, fryyy! HahaHAHAHA!"
:—Just '''Cyclonus''' being Cyclonus.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*The first line of dialogue heard in ''Legends of the Microns'' is when Megatron charges at Optimus with the Star Saber. Later, instead of offering to be "diplomatic" in choosing who to dismantle first, Megatron says he doesn't care either way.
*''Armada'' extends Carlos's line about the Decepticons, possibly grabbing another Mini-Con to cover the silence in the Japanese dub. During the shot of Red Alert running in the background behind Cyclonus, Rad's line about it being an ambush is exclusive to the English dub.
*Then, Rad's opening narration in ''Armada'' is about how, despite the Decepticons' long winning streak, the kids and Autobots are more determined than ever to save the Mini-Cons. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it slightly to have Rad say the 'Cons are holding a massive advantage in battle, but everyone believes the Autobots will rescue the Mini-Con from today's fight.
*Rad, Alexis, and Carlos's lines after Cyclonus shoots Red Alert fittingly sound more distressed and annoyed than the English version.
*Blurr's first line in ''Armada'' is about pride and arrogance (quoted above). In ''Legends of the Microns'', it's about the goddess of victory smiling upon him.
*Rad's monologue introducing Blurr is shortened a bit in ''Legends of the Microns'' to end just before the scene cuts to the close-up of Blurr holding the Mini-Con panel.
*Optimus doesn't understand Incinerator, so he doesn't refer to him by name.
*Hot Shot's line of asking if Blurr was on there side in is cut in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*After seeing Blurr on the launch gate, Billy's off-screen lines are exclusive to the English dub. Also, unlike ''Armada'', Carlos, Billy, and Fred tell Blurr their names when the kids introduce themselves.
*Instead of threatening that Demolishor will never step foot in the base again, Megatron threatens to sever Demolishor's hand.
*In ''Armada'', Fred comments on how he needs to work out, and Billy and Carlos ridicule and scold Fred for his stupidity and overeating. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Fred says his body isn't hard like Blurr's before Billy and Carlos say that's obvious since all the Transformers' bodies are hard. When Billy fights with Fred over his bag of chips, Billy tells Fred to share them in ''Armada'' but to hand them over in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When Hot Shot arrives, his line of wondering if he said something wrong is an ''Armada'' addition. Instead of telling Blurr to do better in trying to give him a complex, Hot Shot asks Blurr if he is listening.
*When Carlos and Billy surprise Blurr, Carlos's line ends when Blurr jumps into the air. In ''Armada'', Carlos has two separate lines in the scene: the first, where he says Blurr wasn't expecting them; the second is Carlos regretting sneaking up on Blurr. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he has the one line where he sheepishly tells Blurr that he and the others want to hang out.
*In ''Armada'', Blurr scolds the boys (as quoted above). ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it to Blurr not sounding as harsh, saying the Autobots are still on the front lines despite being in the base, and the boys should remember that messing around on the battlefield results in dire repercussions.
*Carlos and Alexis's lines heard in the next shot before Rad speaks are only in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos sounds more hurt by Blurr's scolding as he says they don't seem to be the type that Blurr likes. Then Alexis says, "No way..." in disbelief. The rest of the scene is silent except for Hot Shot's frustrated grunt at the end.
*When confronting Blurr, Hot Shot doesn't speak until entering the frame, and instead of accusing Blurr of being anti-social, he asks if Blurr heard his question. Blurr says it has nothing to do with Hot Shot. Hot Shot accuses Blurr of not caring about his comrades. Then Blurr says there's no time for that and that he can only rely on himself in battle.
*Smokescreen's line about Blurr "getting to know the staff" is replaced by him thinking that Blurr and Hot Shot are forming a rivalry, and instead of asking Red Alert about Blurr, Smokescreen takes Hot Shot's response as proof of his theory.
*Rad tells Optimus about ''two'' Mini-Cons heading toward the Autobots in ''Armada''; he only says one Mini-Con in ''Legends of the Microns''. The English dub is correct in this case as Rad is talking about Downshift ''and'' Swindle.
*''Armada'' adds Hot Shot's internal monologue about being stuck with Blurr.
*Red Alert tells Blurr off for throwing Swindle to him so hard. When Starscream calls for Swindle, he also tells Swindle to Powerlinx with him before repeating it.
*While driving after Downshift, Hot Shot only tells Blurr to stay out of his way. The English dub added his extra lines.
*Instead of Billy's "bot testosterone thing" line, he says Blurr and Hot Shot must think they're in a race, and later, he doesn't say that it's cool. Later, Smokescreen says he can't aim at Cyclonus because he's moving all over the place.
*After Blurr blows Hot Shot and Downshift into the stands, he says the Mini-Con won't "die" from it after Hot Shot asks if he was trying to "kill" the Mini-Con.
*Hot Shot sounds more aggravated when Blurr says they must capture the Mini-Con in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When Blurr starts shooting at the bleachers, even after Hot Shot tells him it's supposed to be a rescue, the latter calls the former a psycho in ''Armada'', whereas he just says no way in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*''Armada'' extends Blurr's dialogue in the scene of him asking Hot Shot why he saved Downshift.
*When Megatron announces that the Skyboom Shield is now complete, Scavenger simply replies in shock while repeating the weapon's name ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' changes this to have him hope he heard what Megatron said wrong.
*In the scene of the kids scolding Hot Shot, he says he has no excuse for his actions, and Rad says Hot Shot doesn't need to trust Blurr like he does Optimus and ''Scavenger''.
*In the ending talk between Hot Shot and Blurr, ''Armada'' adds some extra lines, including internal monologues for Hot Shot, and extends them to cover the moments of silence from the Japanese dub. In ''Legends of the Microns'', after Blurr recognizes Incinerator as his partner, he says the same about the kids, and the battle taught him that.
*Rad's closing narration in ''Armada'' is more touchy-feely as he says making a new friend and having more people on their side makes up for losing another Mini-Con. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad says instead of the team being discouraged about losing the Mini-Con, Blurr joining them gave them hope.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Reinforcement-Shrinking Incinerator.jpg|200px|thumb]]
*The Autobot and Decepticon [[insignia]]s disappear regularly in some shots.
*After Blurr first transforms and during the Autobot pan, Smokescreen is missing his antenna/horn.
*Incinerator, relative to Blurr, shrinks visibly between his first appearance and the epilogue.
*In his first scene with Incinerator, Blurr is missing the shadow around his eyes.
*In some scenes, there is a black spot on either one or both of Hot Shot's arms.
*Hot Shot's mouth doesn't move when he asks if Blurr is on their side because the line is an ''Armada'' addition.
*As he tries to keep up with Billy and Carlos when they try to sneak up on Blurr, Fred's dialogue crosses over into the next shot of Blurr walking toward the screen.
*The background of the shot of Blurr reaching for his blaster before Carlos and Billy surprise him looks like it's from the control room instead of the corridor.
*When Demolishor says the new Mini-Con is nearby, it's as though he is talking to Blackout. The Japanese dub fixes this mistake so that Demolishor refers to Megatron instead.
*When the Decepticons jump the track's cliff, and the camera adjusts to a different angle, Swindle is visible as the first one to jump when it should be Downshift.
*As Blurr lowers his hands to grab Swindle, his hands already show Swindle on them even before he gets a hold of him. The same applies to Hot Shot when he grabs Downshift, and Downshift is miscolored red like Swindle in Hot Shot's hands.
*After Megatron and Demolishor jump off the cliff, the top of Optimus's mouthplate is miscolored blue.
*In one shot of Blurr and Hot Shot chasing Downshift in vehicle mode, Blurr's right side is orange instead of white.
*In the shot of the kids discussing Hot Shot and Blurr going at each other, Carlos's jacket is closed instead of open.
*Once Powerlixed with Liftor, Smokescreen calls him Longarm. This mistake never occurs in the Japanese dub.
*When Hot Shot catches Downshift and says, "Got ya," his mouth doesn't move. He doesn't say anything in the Japanese dub.

===Continuity notes===
*Scavenger was the one to call on Blurr to aid the Autobots on [[Earth]]. He trained the younger sharpshooter back on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].
*After the Decepticons recovered the other two [[Race Mini-Con Team|Race Team Mini-Con]]s, Downshift somehow found a way to activate himself, something that hadn't been displayed in the show until now. The ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'' comics would establish in the [[Linkage Part 1|first issue]] that this [[Super Stunt Team|isn't exactly uncommon]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Blurr uses his gun like a sniper's rifle.
**Downshift can deploy his robot head in vehicle mode.
**Smokescreen fires lasers from the end of his crane arm in robot mode. He hasn't Powerlinxed with Liftor and the gun isn't flipped out either. Weird.
**Despite the odd laser blasts he did before, Smokescreen later Powerlinx with Liftor for the first time, activating his "Longarm Cannon".
**Starscream Powerlinx with Swindle in vehicle mode. This move is only used in this episode as a source of transport for the Mini-Con.
**Scavenger fires lasers from his fist.
**Blurr Powerlinx with Incinerator for the first time, activating his vehicle flight mode.
**Blurr can create hurricanes by doing donuts in vehicle mode.

===Continuity errors===
*Demolishor says that he found his very own Mini-Con, [[Blackout (Armada)|although he already has one]]; interestingly, [[Palace|this happened to Demolishor before]] with [[Bonecrusher (Armada)|another Mini-Con]]. In the Japanese dub, he says, "I did it! Yours truly is greatest!" instead.

===Trivia===
*The kanji 援軍 would be pronounced as "''engun''," while "''arate''" uses 新手.
*Carlos nicknamed the Decepticons the "D-Cons."

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Un précieux renfort'''" ("A Valuable Reinforcement")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 13]], [[2003]]
::*This is the last episode released on DVD in French. The French dubs of episodes 21 to 52 are currently considered [[lost media]].

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Bajtársak'''" ("Comrades")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il nuovo alleato'''" ("The New Ally")
::*After Optimus tells the other Autobots that they have to do everything they can to save the Mini-Cons, the others are all supposed to talk at the same time, but in Italian, all the voices outside Blurr's are at a significantly lower volume. As a result, it looks like only Blurr is talking, with... someone else saying something in the background...
::*When Scavenger says: "I hope I just heard him wrong!", he's supposed to sound worried, but in Italian he actually sounds like he was almost sarcastic, like if someone just said something stupid and he replied ''à la'' "Please, tell me they didn't just said what I think they said...".
::*When Blurr says: "Apparently I know a lot about combat, and nothing about what it means to work with others..." and Hot-Shot replies: "Well, I wouldn't exactly say 'nothing'...", the word "nothing" is translated as ''nulla'' when Blurr says it, and as ''niente'' when Hot-Shot repeats it. ''Nulla'' and ''niente'' are both correct translations of "nothing", but the fact that Hot-Shot uses a different word while he was in fact supposed to quote Blurr makes little sense.

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''선볼트의 등장'''" ("Sunbolt's Appearance")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Wsparcie'''" ("Reinforcement")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Reforço'''" ("Reinforcement")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 5 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Le combat recommence... ([[TFou Vidéo]]) — French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Insecticon (Energon)

2025-10-13T00:17:51Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Energon */ The figure is called "Nightscream Reverse" not "Nightscream Rebirth"

{{factions|quintesson|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Insecticon}}
:''Insecticon is a [[Decepticon]]-allied [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]] from the [[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:Energon Insecticon art.jpg|upright=1.95|thumb|I am not a [[Barrage (Insecticon)|Barrage]] [[homage]].]]
'''Insecticon''' is a swarming, [[energon]]-devouring killing machine. Possibly a semi-sentient [[drone]], certainly dull-witted, he is vicious and well-armed, without mercy toward any, and with loyalty only to his Decepticon masters who hold him in thrall.

Like most Terrorcons, Insecticon represents both an individual and a species. A variant is [[Chromhorn]].

==Fiction==
===Toy pack-in comics===
[[File:Energon V2 Terrorcon Beetles.jpg|thumb|left]]
When a trio of [[Autobot]]s surveyed a hill for [[energon tower]] sites, [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] sent a flock of [[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebombs]] to attack them. The attack was a distraction to keep the Autobots from noticing the Insecticons that were consuming the energon underground. When the beetles emerged from the ground to support the Decepticon attack, the Autobots were overwhelmed and fled. {{storylink|Energon Volume 2}}
{{--}}

===Cartoon continuity===
====''Energon'' cartoon====
[[File:Energon-Insecticons-1st-Appearance.jpg|thumb]]
The Insecticons first appeared when they confronted [[Misha Miramond|Misha]] on her way to speak with [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]]. [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] ran up with the intention of destroying them with the [[Energon Saber]], but Misha prevented it. She then freely passed them and left them with Kicker. With the help of [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]], Kicker flew past the Decepticons to follow Misha. {{storylink|Each One Fights...}} Later a large number of Insecticons followed [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] into battle against [[Unicron]]. {{storylink|Unicron Unleashed}}

After his change of allegiance Scorponok continued to lead Insecticons as they arrived to back up the Decepticons. They opened fire on [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], but he defended himself with an Energon shield. {{storylink|Imprisoned Inferno}} Another team, once again led by Scorponok, later attacked [[Rock Planet]]. [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] did the same at [[Blizzard Planet]]. Most were destroyed when the newly installed [[energon tower]]s became operational. Another set attacked the energon tower being deployed to [[Ocean Planet]]. Yet more were destroyed by the combined Autobot effort while the rest succumbed to the energon grid when that tower became operational as well. {{storylink|Farewell Inferno}} However, they were able to get their claws on some energon and proceeded to feed it to [[Unicron]] {{storylink|Crash Course}}

[[File:Insecticons-Decepticon Army.jpg|thumb|left]]
The Insecticons guarded a train station on Cybertron while the Omega Train came through. [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] and [[Arcee (Energon)|Arcee]] opened fire, destroying them all. Meanwhile, Megatron led a series of Insecticons against Optimus Prime and his allies. They hovered in wait as Megatron monologued. {{storylink|Decepticon Army}} Another set of Insecticons accidentally made their way into the super energon pool and when discovered by [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Snow Cat]] and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]], chased them away. They had grown giant and were going berserk. The Decepticons sent Scorponok to subdue them. They would not acknowledge his orders, but followed him around nonetheless. When Scorponok was injured in battle, the Insecticons healed his wound with an energon infusion. {{storylink|Ironhide Team}}

The overly large Insecticons closed in on Arcee and Kicker when they tried to themselves reach the super energon pool, but were unable to continue pursuit when their quarry jumped over a ravine. More of the Insecticons managed to get in front of Kicker and his team, but Arcee drew their attention by blasting at them while Kicker jumped over and atop of them. Nearby, Scorponok received a grievous injury battling Ironhide once more. The remaining Insecticons rushed to his aid, allowing Scorponok to view the true merit of loyalty to one's subordinates. {{storylink|Destructive Power}}

====''Force of Habit''====
Several Insecticons survived past the destruction of [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] and [[Unicron]], emerging on the side of the Decepticons during the events surrounding the [[Unicron Singularity]]. They attacked [[Ultra Magnus (Energon)|Ultra Magnus]] and the ''[[Iron Hope (Cybertron)|Iron Hope]]'' during the Autobots' search for the [[Cyber Planet Key]]s. {{storylink|Force of Habit}}

===''Energon'' comic===
[[File:WhatLiesBeneath3 InsecticonHotShot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Giving Hot Shot the purplest of nurples.]]
Insecticon was one of [[Alpha Quintesson]]'s minions, collecting [[energon]] for his shadowy goals. He and the other Terrorcons busted up an energon processing plant in [[Cyber City]] before warping to [[Unicron]] to present their master with a new recruit, [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]]. {{storylink|This Evil Reborn}} They later traveled to [[Earth]] to siphon an energon vein in [[Australia]], easily brushing aside any [[human]] resistance in the process. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath}} Insecticon was present when [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] decided to infuse energon into the Terrorcons rather than giving it all to Alpha Quintesson. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Two}} After using the energon to power up, the Terrorcons attacked an Autobot team sent to stop their attacks on humans. The power of energon let them make short work of the Autobots, with Insecticon literally taking a bite out of [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]]. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Three}} However, the defeated Autobots soon returned for a rematch, and using both [[Powerlinx]] tricks and [[Omnicon]] reinforcements, they fared much better against Insecticon and his comrades. With their mission ending in failure, the Terrorcons were forcibly pulled off-Earth by Alpha Quintesson. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Four}}

Later, as part of the Terrorcon attacks on several major Earth cities, thousands of mindless Insecticon clones entered [[Los Angeles]] and began destroying everything in sight. {{storylink|Multiplicity}} A small team of Autobots led by [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] came to the city's rescue, easily taking out Insecticons left and right. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 2}} However, they quickly began to run low on energy in the face of the seemingly endless swarm. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 3}} The Insecticon clones were eventually exterminated when the Autobots received an energon powerup and an insanely powerful [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] showed up to lend a hand. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 4}}

===Swindle's Spiel===
[[Swindle, Swindle and Swindle]] had Insecticons among their Terrorcon drones for sale. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Swindle's Spiel|Swindle's Spiel, 5/10/2015}}

===Spacewarp's Log===
At some point, a lost Insecticon patrol crash-landed on the planet [[Serton]]. One of their number interfaced with the database which operated the ruined underwater city [[Sertlandia]], becoming [[Chromhorn]]. Chromhorn sent his troops out to raid local villages for slaves in order to rebuild the ancient Sertlandians' [[Temporal Analysis & Replication Dampening Interference Subjugator]]. Unfortunately for Chromhorn, the villagers of [[Azurala]] paid the visiting Decepticon [[Spacewarp]] to investigate the abductions. To keep the powerful TARDIS out of Chromhorn's possession, Spacewarp and her crew tried to take it for themselves, only to be confronted by the Insecticons. Spacewarp proceeded to trick Chromhorn into turning the TARDIS on, and Chromhorn was trapped in his own increasingly unlikely future. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Spacewarp's Log|Spacewarp's Log (1), 2015/10/29}}

===Ask Vector Prime===
In an unspecified reality, [[Killswitch]] employed hordes of Terrorcons, including Chromehorns, to guard [[Existimus]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 6/11/2015}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Transformers Energon: Battle for Megatron''===
Insecticon and his fellow Terrorcons went on a mission to retrieve Megatron, held deep within Unicron's defenses. In order to destroy the many units standing in their way, Insecticon could use his Energy Blaster and his "Acid Splash" attack. He also acted as the team's sniper, and could repair his fellow Terrorcons if the need arose. The Terrorcons were eventually successful in liberating Megatron from Unicron's clutches. {{storylink|Transformers Energon: Battle for Megatron}}

==Toys==
===''Energon''===
[[File:En-toy Insecticon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Want to taste my lollipop?]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Insecticon''' (Energon Class, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''Takara name:'' '''Chromhorn''' (クロムホーン)
:*''Takara ID number'': '''SD-16'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[June 10|10 June]] 2004
:*''Accessories'': "Horn Spear" drill-sword, "Horn Shot" gatling-cannon, Decepticon energon chip
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)|[[Joe Ng]] (packaging artist)}}

: Released in the third wave of Hasbro ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' "Energon Class" toys (effectively "Basics"), Insecticon transforms into a robotic rhinoceros beetle. In robot mode, his front pair of insect-legs swing up to become over-shoulder (non-firing) blaster-cannons.

: He comes with two [[energon weapon]] parts, a drill-sword and a rotating gatling-cannon. The gatling-cannon is designed to fit over his insect-mode head as a helmet, and while the quad-barreled portion can turn, how freely it spins seems to vary wildly from sample to sample. The cannon also has a [[Mini-Con]]-style [[Powerlinx]] port, letting it activate ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]''-mold Powerlinx gimmicks. The cannon and sword combine to form a large "Energy Tornado" Ultimate [[energon weapon|Energon Weapon]] (unnamed in the Hasbro release); this form is also basically the only way to store the drill-sword in his insect mode. He also comes with a Decepticon-style [[energon star|energon chip]] that can attach to the [[spark crystal]]s of most other ''Energon'' toys.

: The [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] ''Super Link'' version of "Chromhorn" has transparent bright green energon parts, matching (most of) the other Takara Terrorcons' energon color, rather than the Hasbro version's yellowish energon. The base toy is otherwise identical.

: This mold was used to create [[Chromhorn|Chromhorn Limited Forest Type]]. A [[redeco]] of the Energy Drill came with the "[[Starscream (Armada)/toys#EnergonEnergon|Nightscream Reverse]]" toy in Japan.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Decepticon/Insecticon/insecticon.htm More information on Insecticon at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''Universe'' (2003)===
[[File:TFU03-toy EnInsecticon.jpg|thumb|upright=.85]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Insecticon''' (Basic Class, 2005)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': drill-sword, energon cannon, Decepticon energon chip

: Insecticon was repackaged on a ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]''-themed card and sold through discount chains in the US like Big Lots!. There are no notable differences between this release and the original ''Energon'' release.
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===''Attacktix''===
*'''Insecticon''' (Booster, 2006)
{{attacktix
|ID=TF04
|faction=Decepticon
|class=Trooper
|special=Recruit - 4/26 (15%) success ratio
|cost=10
|speed=4
|attacktype=Shooter (Small Missile)
}}
{{-}}

:''[[Attacktix]]'' Insecticon is basically a support figure for the much more powerful [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] figure, whose ''Recruit'' special summons up to two Insecticons into play from back-ups. Insecticon also has a ''Recruit'' power, summoning another Insecticon into play from backups. This combination of powers replicates nicely the swarms of Terrorcons from the Energon cartoon. Insecticon hordes can be effectively reduced by [[Vector Prime]]'s special power which removes up to two Insecticons from play.

:Each Insecticon figure has four points of articulation; waist, head and shoulders. While the strength of Insecticon figures is in swarms, individual Insecticons can use their articulation to form an effective defensive tripod.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Decepticon/AttacktixInsecticon/insecticon.htm More information on ''Attacktix'' Insecticon at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:Energon-toy Insecticon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*The Insecticon shown in [[Hasbro]] stock photography has a slightly different coloration from the final product, mainly the use of orange rather than brown plastics. Hasbro representatives noted at [[OTFCC 2004]] that they were considering making a [[variant|running change]] to Insecticon so this orange-limbed version could be released, but this never happened, similar to how the intended running change to ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] never came to be.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Chromhorn''' (クロムホーン ''Kuromuhōn'')

[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Drones]]
[[Category:Energon Terrorcons]]
[[Category:Mass-produced Transformers]]
[[Category:TransTech characters]]
[[Category:Universe Decepticons]]

Scorpinok (episode)

2025-10-05T13:07:43Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Differences with Super Link */

{{disambig2|the ''Energon'' episode|the characters whose names you can't spell correctly|Scorponok (disambiguation)}}

{{episode|
|series=Energon
|ep=3
|prev=Energon Stars
|next=Megatron's Sword
|title="Scorpinok"
|japanese=メガザラックの罠
|romaji=MegaZarak no Wana
|translation=MegaZarak's Trap
|image=Scorpinok Scorponok.jpg
|caption=''Nokus scorpiones'' in his natural desert habitat, about to go on the hunt.
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|director=[[Naoki Ōhira]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[January 23|23 January]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[February 14]], 2004 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''At Desert City, the Autobots fend off the first Terrorcon attack against Earth.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Energon-Tidal-Wave-Meets-Scorponok.jpg|230px|thumb|left|Scorponok tells Tidal Wave they can resurrect Megatron. Unfortunately for Scorponok, he will shortly discover he was telling the truth.]]

Somewhere in space, a [[Decepticon mobile fortress|mobile fortress]] emerges from [[Unicron]]. Within, as [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] prepares to depart aboard it, [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] gives him a little gift: a holographic image of [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]'s corpse.

Not long after, the mobile fortress arrives to pick up the kidnapped [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]]. Scorponok tells him that they require his services... and he doesn't get a say in the matter.

In his [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] orbital station, [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] searches video records for evidence of where Tidal Wave and [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] went. Suddenly, he observes Scorponok's mobile fortress, believing it to be a large comet of some kind before it abruptly vanishes.

In [[Ocean City]], [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] briefs his troops on the mining operations underway there and in [[Plains City]] and [[Desert City]]. He sends [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] to defend the other two stations. [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] passes along Carlos's comet sighting. [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] continues to grumble about his assignment, and Prime gives him a short dressing-down. Elsewhere, [[Misha Miramond|Misha]] continues to refuse leaving Desert city, to which [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] responds in frustration.

Aboard his mobile fortress, Scorponok explains that they need Tidal Wave's help in reviving someone. Tidal Wave asks who, and Scorponok shows him the hologram of Galvatron's corpse. Scorponok explains to Tidal Wave that his superior needs his help to revive "Megatron",<ref>''Energon'' had reverted Galvatron's title back to "Megatron" at [[Hasbro]]'s request in order to keep the trademarks for the name. For the sake of chronological accuracy between the English versions of the two shows, we've opted to refer to the corpse as "Galvatron", while still referencing him as "Megatron" whenever he is mentioned as such by someone on-screen.</ref> via large quantities of [[energon]]. Tidal Wave is ready and willing.

[[File:Energon-Ironhides-1st-Energon-Weapon.jpg|230px|thumb|This'll last a whole battle, right?]]

Hot Shot arrives at Desert City, reassures Misha, and briefs some [[Generic|Autobot troop]]s on the [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]] threat. Jetfire does likewise at [[Plains City]]. Just then, an enemy force is detected heading for Earth. The [[Autobot]]s wonder where the enemy is headed, but Kicker's intuition suggests they're headed for Desert City. Optimus makes note of this and they prepare to move out. Just before leaving, the [[Omnicon]]s power them up with new [[energon star]]s equipped with [[energon weapon]]s.

Hot Shot's troops defend Desert City as Tidal Wave leads a fleet of Terrorcons. Hot Shot is miffed to see that their former ally is attacking. That anger turns to shock when he hears Tidal Wave mention a plan to revive Megatron. Scorponok soon follows behind Tidal Wave. As Tidal Wave advances, the Autobots fall back to defend the mine entrance.

Misha frets as the battle closes in on the research center. The [[Omnicon]]s continue purifying the energon, deciding not to abandon their posts.

The Terrorcons break through Hot Shot's defenses and begin collecting the energon from the mine's reserves. Optimus Prime and company arrive via [[space bridge]] and head for the mine entrance. Tidal Wave intervenes, forcing Optimus to hold him off while Ironhide, Kicker and [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] head for the mine.

[[File:Energon-Ironhide-Faces-Sunset.jpg|230px|thumb|left]]

During the scuffle, Optimus demands an explanation from Tidal Wave, getting a "Must revive Megatron" in response. Scorponok, overlooking the battle from the sky, introduces himself, then immediately orders Tidal Wave to destroy Optimus. The rest of Optimus's squad locate the injured Hot Shot. Informed that Misha is still in the [[Extraterrestrial Research and Development Center|Research and Development Center]], Kicker (riding Grindor) heads that way with Ironhide following on Hot Shot's orders.

On their way there, Ironhide defends Kicker from incoming Terrorcons depleting his energon star in the process. Outside the mine, Optimus uses up all of his energon against Tidal Wave.

After arriving at the Research and Development Center to evacuate the [[human]] scientists, Kicker and Ironhide discover the Omnicons there creating a special energon star to help Hot Shot. The group loads up with the star and they head out the back exit of the mines. Just ahead of the swarming Terrorcons, they find themselves face-to-claw with the mighty Scorponok. Ironhide attempts to hold him off but is no match for him. The Omnicons give Ironhide the energon star meant for Hot Shot, but Scorponok leads the Terrorcons away before Ironhide can attack them. Tidal Wave attempts to grab a raw energon star with his bare hand and gets scarred in while doing so.

After the battle, Ironhide is awarded a [[Spark of Combination|Combination Spark]] for his bravery, making him a full-fledged member of Prime's team.

At Ocean City, Demolishor wonders if Tidal Wave is right; can Megatron really be revived?
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] (9)
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (10)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (11)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (12)
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]]s (18)
*[[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]]s (19)
*[[Prime Force|Copter-2]] (21)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]'s corpse (3)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (6)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (15)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (7)
*[[Kicker Jones]] (13)
*[[Misha Miramond]] (14)
*[[Desert City]] scientists (20)

|c4=
*[[Alpha Quintesson]] (1)
*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (2)
*[[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb]]s (4)
*[[Battle Ravage]]s (5)
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (16)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (17)
}}

==Quotes==
"Tidal Wave! Tidal Wave! Tidal Wave! Tidal Wave!(...)"
:—'''Tidal Wave''' works really hard to not forget his name.

"Tidal Wave! Tidal Wave! Where are you taking me?!"
:—'''Tidal Wave''' demands answers in his own unique style.

"Holy Frijoles! I know Tidal Wave was big, but this is ridiculous!"
:—'''Carlos''' calls out to [[Frijoles|his deity]] in surprise.

"Hey, let me put it this way. 'Worried' is putting it mildly."
:—'''Hot Shot''', master orator

"Man! Why doesn't that girl ever ''listen'' to me?!" 
"Hm. That kid might want to eat more fiber."
:—'''Kicker''', observed by '''Demolishor'''

"Wouldn't a cannon have been simpler?"
:—'''Ironhide''' comments on the Omnicons' energon weapons.

"You can never have too many weapons."
:— '''Optimus Prime''', champion of the Autobot ideals of peace and justice.

"Man, that kid really gets under my armor!"
:—'''Ironhide''''s reaction is not exactly unique among the Autobots.

"This just doesn't make any sense. How is it possible Tidal Wave said 'reanimated'?"
:—'''Demolishor''' questions Tidal Wave's potential to have a vocabulary.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Super Link''===
[[File:Energonep3 shock shock shock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
Amazingly, not a lot is different:
*During the cutaway gag of Kicker taking out his anger on a wall in Ocean City, ''Super Link'' adds the small detail of Demolishor approaching Kicker instead of just cutting to him. On top of that, ''Energon'' adds silly music to the background, while it's completely silent in ''Super Link''.
*Jetfire mentions the enemy's penchant for rushing blindly toward energon, not mentioned in ''Energon'' but pretty clear from the animation.
*Misha and her fellow scientist are worried about getting attacked because of the energon star the Omnicons are working to create, a point lost in ''Energon''.
*In ''Super Link'', when Tidal Wave grabs the Energon star, we see a full-body shot of him writhing as he is shocked, which concludes with the appearance of his "lightning" scars and him collapsing on his back. ''Energon'', apparently working with unfinished animation, substitutes all of this with a still close up of Tidal Wave's head taken from earlier in the episode (and hence featuring a space backdrop), with white flashes superimposed over the top of it.
*At the end of the battle, Ironhide originally comments on Tidal Wave's intelligence, prompting Kicker to make a similar crack about Ironhide. This is why Ironhide is visibly frustrated at the end of the scene.
*When Ironhide gets his reward from Optimus at the end of the episode, it's sunset. In the next scene, a lonely Demolishor watches the sunset in Ocean City and thinks to himself. In ''Energon'', everything has an orange glow to it, most noticeably the Transformers. This effect was removed in ''Super Link''.
*As Demolishor watches the sunset alone in Ocean City, he wonders if Tidal Wave changing sides means Megatron could, somehow, still be alive in ''Super Link''. In ''Energon'', Demolishor doesn't believe that Tidal Wave said "reanimated" (see above), and wonders if Megatron could be awakened.

===Pain count===
*"Uh?": 7
*"It's time to:" 2
*"Gimme a break": 1
*"We're a team": 3

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:E3 titlecard.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
*Misha is mistakenly referred to as "Meeka".
*The Terrorcons' energon stars are animated differently in ''Super Link''. In ''Energon'', the entire Terrorcon glows purple as the star is generated; in ''Super Link'', just the star itself lights up.
*Scorponok's mouth flashes between 2 different shades of orange when he says "Could there be any other?" before showing Megatron's corpse to Tidal Wave in his orb doohickey.
*After Skyblast gives Optimus an energon star, Optimus thanks Strongarm.
*When Ironhide runs toward the mine entrance, the background is animated so slowly it appears to be staying still. A more visible scroll was used in the ''Super Link'' version.
*The whereabouts of the missing "o" in "Scorpinok" (and the source of the "i") would eventually be revealed in "[[Imprisoned Inferno|Improsoned Inferno]]".
*Scorponok's tail stinger is miscolored white in parts of this episode, instead of the usual purple.
*Scorponok's scorpion mode is incredibly out of scale this episode, exaggerated in size much like Tidal Wave would in ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]''.
*Perceptor's shoulder pads/High Wire's legs are—for whatever reason—rendered weirdly. The CGI model generally has the hollow inner parts facing forward, yet his right shoulder pad is just a flipped version of the left one. The [[Cybertron City (episode)|first episode]] had [[:File:Cybertron City Perceptor.jpg|both shoulder pads rendered properly]], which makes this all the more odd. Further, High Wire's foot is flipped up which is also inaccurate.
*In both ''Super Link'' and ''Energon'', Kicker comments that Ironhide is blushing when he receives this Combination Spark. He's not blushing in either version.

===Continuity notes===
*This episode marks the first appearance of Galvatron's corpse in the Paramount DVD version of the series.
*Carlos, while doing his job as he searches for the missing Cyclonus and Tidal Wave, expresses a lack of sympathy for the missing pair, further establishing a lack of equality. It's no wonder the Decepticons end up joining the opposing side—even the less violent and merciless Decepticons get treated poorly.
*This episode has a surprising amount of generic casualties as Tidal Wave almost single-handedly wipes out an entire army of Autobots. This is something that wasn't seen previous in ''Armada'' and will continue throughout the rest of ''Energon''.
**Credit where it's due: this show has some fairly dark moments for a kids cartoon, they just usually get glossed over due to the violence being primarily focused on expendable generics.
*And thus, the Scorponok and Ironhide subplot begins.
*As mentioned [[#Lost in translation|above]], Tidal Wave touching the raw [[energon star]] causes him to be scarred with the lightning patterns of his toy.
**Depsite doing the same thing in the [[Energon Stars|previous episode]], Ironhide shows no signs of scarring. This isn't entirely surprising, [[To sell toys|as his toy doesn't have a lightning deco]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Optimus Prime wields Skyblast's [[Energon weapon|Energy Spear]].
**Ironhide wields Strongarm's Energy Axe.
**Divebombs can fire blasts from their energon weapons in beast mode. They can also launch their energon weapons as bombs (which partially explains their name).
**Battle Ravages fire laser beams from their mouths.
**The Omnicons show off their ability to convert raw energon into energon stars.
*[[Powerlinx]] forms:
**Perceptor

===Continuity errors===
*The disappearing comet is Scorponok and Alpha Q's ship, but its disappearing act is never explained.
*Apparently Ironhide suffers from the same selective blindness that Hot Shot did in the previous episode. When Ironhide's energon weapon vanishes, Kicker says he's out of energon. Ironhide replies "You're right!" as he looks straight at the energon star which is still on his forearm. (And like last episode, the star ''does'' fade away completely in ''Super Link''.)
*Kicker's shout of "We're surrounded!" doesn't really translate to the reality of "A single rather big thing is ahead and to our right."
*So, did Tidal Wave retreat, or what? He's last shown getting zapped by the energon star he attempts to grab.

===Trivia===
[[File:Scorpinok Perceptor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*When Alpha Q tells Scorponok to wait, he responds with a delayed "pardon?" instead of the usual delayed stock phrase "uh?"
*There's a lot of sweet looking generic bots shown in Desert City and Plains City.
**Multiple generic [[Padlock (Energon)|Padlocks]] and "[[orange jet Autobot]]s" are among Hot Shot's troops in Desert City.
*When Sureshock disengages from Perceptor, the other two [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] members remain combined—something that can be easily replicated with the toys.
*Nobody appears to care about all the generics who get killed in this episode, seemingly exploding and dying after a single shot. [[To sell toys|Only Hot Shot matters]]!
*As Kicker emerges from the space bridge, he's animated in CGI for animation conveniences (easy to hide since he's wearing his protective suit). This is a really rare occurrence in the series, as humans are usually always hand-drawn.
*Ironhide thinks it's a good idea to grab onto Scorponok's giant glowing tail blade of all places, with predictable results. Having touched a Battle Ravage's raw energon star in the previous episode, this is hardly surprising.
*When Ironhide first encounters Scorponok, he calls Scorponok an "oversized insect". Scorpions are actually arachnids!
{{--}}

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''Scorpinok'''"
::*Optimus Prime says "You two!" instead of "Hot Shot, Jetfire!".
::*Like in the English dub, Misha is called "Mika".
::*Kicker's line "Sureshock ! Vehicle mode!" is dubbed by "No time to waste! My vehicle!".
::*For some reason, [[Olivier Destrez]] says his Scorponok's line "Keep working you mindless minions!" with a rural accent.
::*Skyblast's line "Okay, it's ready!" is said by [[Yoann Sover]] in his Strongarm voice.
::*Like in the Italian dub, Demolishor's line "How is it possible Tidal Wave said re-animated? Couldn't be true. Can Megatron be awakened?!" is non-sensically changed to "How '''did they revive''' Tidal Wave? Can Megatron really be awakened '''too'''?".

'''Italian'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''Scorpinok'''"
::*Misha's name is corrected.
::*Ironhide's line: "We don’t have a minute!" starts being heard when he's pictured instead of after that, despite the fact that he's not seen moving his mouth.
::*Demolishor saying: "How is it possible Tidal Wave said re-animated? Couldn't be true. Can Megatron be awakened?!" is non-sensically changed to: "How is it possible Tidal Wave '''has been''' regenerated? I wonder if Megatron can be awakened '''too'''".

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount)
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 001 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume One (Shout! Factory)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Energon episodes]]

Crash Course

2025-08-01T01:47:47Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Lost in translation */

{{episode|
|series=Energon
|series2=Transformers: Super Link
|ep=33
|ep2=34
|prev2=Return! Our Scorponok
|prev=Farewell Inferno
|next=Omega Supreme (episode)
|title="Crash Course"
|japanese=特訓だぁ! ロードバスター
|romaji=Tokkun dā! Roadbuster
|translation=Special Training! Roadbuster
|image=E33_titlecard.jpg
|caption= That moment when ''Energon'' went all ''{{w|Wacky Races}}''. We're just as befuddled as you are.
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Kei'ichirō Kawaguchi]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[August 27|27 August]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[November 8]], 2004 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''The Autobots hold a race to unwind for a bit, while Megatron beats up Shockblast.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] views a video message from his [[Brian Jones|dad]], [[Miranda Jones|mom]], and [[Sally Jones|sister]], with Dr. Jones waxing enthusiastic over the new [[energon grid]]. Of course, he urges Kicker to keep looking for more [[energon]]. Kicker turns the message off in frustration, only to have Sally show up in person. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] also arrives and tells everyone that their work is not done yet, as the [[Decepticon]]s are still running rampant.

[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] leads a horde of [[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb]] and [[Insecticon (Energon)|Insecticon]] drones on a bombing run. Below ground, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is impatient for [[Unicron]]'s restoration to be completed. [[Shockblast]] comments that it's his own fault for failing to defeat the [[Autobot]]s, and Megatron orders him to fight him.

[[File:E33 skyblastemcees.jpg|thumb|Skyblast is...um...what in the world are you doing, Skyblast?]]

[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] laments that he still feels like a rookie. Hot Shot takes him off on a [[space bridge]] run, to "show him something". Feeling bored, [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and Kicker follow, to [[Misha Miramond|Misha]]'s frustration. [[Arcee (Energon)|Arcee]] notes that "the boys" are treating the new planet as their personal playground. Hot Shot and Ironhide arrive there, and Hot Shot announces that they're going to work on driving skills.

They arrive to find they're here for the [[Autobot Grand Prix]], hosted by Sally and [[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] (who somehow found sunglasses in his size)... and Ironhide's entered! The other 'bots are doubtful that the rookie can handle it, but Hot Shot gives him a vote of confidence.

[[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] reports the race to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], who's a bit surprised, but takes it in stride when Rodimus admits to organizing it. Ironhide crashes while trying to pass the others, and Kicker joins him to help out. Jetfire and [[Bulkhead (Energon)|Bulkhead]] go to "make things interesting". [[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]] and [[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] wind up in a pileup, but keep going. Kicker shows Ironhide how to cheat by drafting off of Downshift, which Ironhide interprets as a cue to sideswipe Prowl out of the way.

[[File:Energon-Ironhide-Cel-Crash.jpg|thumb|left|Ah, what's the use? I'm just not good enough to be CGI-rendered.]]

Bulkhead decides it's a good idea to open fire on the track, destroying a section of it, delaying some of the racers. Kicker lectures Ironhide on what Hot Shot's been trying to teach him.

Only Hot Shot and Ironhide make it past all the obstacles, when Jetfire decides to add more missile fire to the mix. Optimus shows up with <s>his valet</s> [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] in tow and, after verifying that the laser fire is harmless, decides to join in the shooting-at-one's-comrades fun.

Prime lands in the race course, and Hot Shot and Ironhide must get past him. Ironhide ends up holding Optimus at a standstill, and urges Hot Shot to reach the finish line. But before Hot Shot can get there, Arcee and a mysterrrrious helmeted rider with a lot of long, flowing black hair passes them all and reaches the finish line. It's Misha! OMG! Who coulda guessed?

In a shiny place, [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] laughs with the Autobots as they celebrate, and finds he likes laughing. His planet is safe!

[[File:E33 mishakamenrider.jpg|thumb|Misha rides Arcee hard.]] Hot Shot and Sally says farewell to Kicker and Misha, and depart.

Megatron has beaten the stuffing out of Shockblast, and only stops at the behest of Starscream, who needs him to finish the reconstruction of Unicron.

Dr. Jones finds what he suspects is an ancient temple where an ancient life force awaits to help protect the planet. Suddenly a figure emerges from the floor; energy strikes it, bringing it to life: [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]]!
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (6)
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (13)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (14)
*[[Arcee (Energon)|Arcee]] (15)
*[[Cliffjumper (Energon)|Cliffjumper]] (16)
*[[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (17)
*[[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] (18)
*[[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]] (19)
*[[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]] (20)
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] (21)
*[[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] (22)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (23)
*[[Bulkhead (Energon)|Bulkhead]] (24)
*[[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] (25)
*[[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]] (27)

|c2=
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Snow Cat]] (8)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (9)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (10)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (11)
*[[Shockblast]] (12)

|c3=
*[[Brian Jones]] (1)
*[[Miranda Jones]] (2)
*[[Sally Jones]] (3)
*[[Kicker Jones]] (4)
*[[Misha Miramond]] (5)

|c4=
*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (7)
*[[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] (26)

}}

==Quotes==
"What's going on?! Is it an earthquake?" 
"It's Megatron. He's on the throne again!" 
"What has he been ''eating''?" 
"It's energon. He's crazy for it! He sits around in the dark 'cause he doesn't want to waste any of it."
:—'''Snow Cat''' and '''Demolishor'''

"Hot Shot, why do I have to practice my driving? Hey! Did Kicker say I was a lousy driver or something?! Hot Shot!"
:—'''Ironhide''', as he and Hot Shot walk to their destination.

"I hope you're using blanks." 
"Oh, I am, sir."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Jetfire''' pretty much sum up the entire show

"Go.. get 'em... sir?"
:—'''Jetfire''', suitably confused

"What happened? It feels like I've been hit by a semi."
:—'''Kicker''', stating the obvious

==Notes==
===Lost in translation===
* Ironhide is particularly miserable in this episode because of his recent defeat at the hands of [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]], and his desire to beat him is mentioned several times in the original version of the episode. This defeat, however, occurred in the undubbed episode "[[Return! Our Scorponok]]", and these references are removed from the dubbed version of this episode to pave over the hole that the absence of "Return!" left.
*In ''Energon'', Cliffjumper makes a transformation noise when doing an epic front flip in robot mode. ''Super Link'' fixes this issue by removing the sound.
* The dub omits the fact that while Jetfire is firing blanks at the competitors, Optimus uses ''real'' shots, which is why Hot Shot actually gets affected when he's hit.
*While Ironhide grapples Optimus, he yells at Hot Shot to cross the finish line because he deserves to win more than him in ''Energon'', while in ''Super Link'', Ironhide is more modest, and says that Hot Shot should go ahead if it means achieving victory against the "enemy".
* Continuing the ''Energon'' dub's bizarre fixation with trying to push Primus out of the picture by giving his lines to other characters or just cutting it out entirely, the final scene of this episode totally omits the dialogue between Primus and Doctor Jones featured in the original version. All the necessary information is still conveyed by Doctor Jones (who is, uh, talking to himself), but it makes it seem as though he has somehow discovered Omega Supreme's shrine on his own, when Primus originally led him there.

===Pain count===
* "Uh?": 9
* Team: 2
* Energon is great: 2
* "Let's do it!": 6
* Stock footage: 1

===Continuity errors===
*Dr. Jones tells Kicker he's just arrived on Cybertron via the ''[[Miranda II]]'', and points helpfully to the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]''.
*Why are Arcee and Misha ''both'' considered the winners? Shouldn't Arcee be the only one? With Arcee being a living bike, everything Misha did was sit down and wait for Arcee to cross the finish line...

===Real-world references===
*Jetfire references the famous proverb "{{w|All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy}}", except instead of "Jack a dull boy", he says "Me a bored Autobot".

===Transformers references===
*In response to their trash talk, Hot Shot tells Prowl, Cliffjumper, and Downshift that there's a lot more to Ironhide than meets the eye.

===Trivia===
* When Kicker first asks who brought Sally from Earth, the music playing is a considerably inappropriate violin piece. When combined with Hot Shot's also inappropriately sombre delivery of the line "I'm sorry, Kicker", it makes it seem like something sad has happened. It's the sort of music that would play if Hot Shot was about to tell Kicker his parents were killed and he brought Sally there for safety. Instead, he just brought Sally there so she could be the commentator for the race, and apologizes because Kicker isn't the only one on a special mission. Even with the Decepticons, nothing particularly dark is happening in this episode, so who's idea was it to slap that score into that scene?!
* This is the first episode where they finally unscramble [[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift's]] and [[Cliffjumper (Energon)|Cliffjumper's]] names and voice actors.
* Although Inferno himself doesn't put in an appearance, there are a number of generic bots that use his animation model; all of them are white with limited highlights. The first one appears in the background of the sequence where the pit is shown, and the rest are in an early pan shot of the audience.
** Additionally a number of silver Hot Shots in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] appear throughout the episode, a few bots using Arcee's animation model towards the end.
* After he crashes on a curve, there's yet another scene with Ironhide drawn by hand.
* Arcee is also hand-drawn in the final scene.
*Two robots who turn into cars arrive on a racetrack planet... and ''walk'' to their destination.

===Foreign localization===
'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La grande corsa'''" ("The Great Race")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 4: Omega Supreme ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]])
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2005 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 009 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 4: Omega Supreme (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Energon episodes]]

Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys

2025-07-31T14:30:19Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Cybertron */ Removed "Inexplicably" from Galaxy Convoy's nose being painted silver. It's to replicate his design in the cartoon, where he does not have a visible nose.

{{factions|hofsilver}}
{{suite}}
[[File:OptimusPrimeUT-Armada.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Hiyaaah...]]
Like [[Optimus Prime (disambiguation)|other Optimuses]], [[Unicron Trilogy]] '''[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]''' has a lot of toys.

{{TOCclear}}

==''Armada''==
{{anchor|SuperBase}}
[[File:Superbase ArmadaPrime.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Stand up and be counted, container! (''Hasbro version pictured'')]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Super Base, [[2002]]/[[2003]])}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Convoy Super Mode'''
:*''Sonokong name'': '''Super Optimus'''
:*''Takara/Sonokong ID number'': '''MC-01'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[December 26]], 2002
:*''Accessories'': Trailer/base/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks
{{toydesigner|[[Aaron Archer]] (Hasbro), [[Hironori Kobayashi]] (Takara)}}

: The first [[Unicron Trilogy]] Optimus Prime toy transforms into a long-nose truck cab of made-up model. His clear-plastic smokestacks can detach and form a double-barrelled pistol that he can hold in [[robot mode]], and a button on top of his head causes his [[mouthplate]] to jiggle up and down as if he were talking (the irony being that while this was a familiar trait of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|G1 cartoon Optimus Prime]], in the ''Armada'' animated series, this Prime's mouthplate remained static when he talked). He can also hold a large cannon—inspired by his G1 counterpart's [[ion blaster]]—that is stored within his [[trailer]], and his chest flips down to reveal a (non-removable) [[Matrix of Leadership/toys|Matrix of Leadership]]. He is packaged with his Mini-Con partner [[Sparkplug (Armada)#Toys|Sparkplug]]. His tires are branded with the fictional tyre company "[[Monster Convoy|MONSTER CONVOY]]".<ref>{{citesocial|quote=So it was never going to be called Monster Convoy, but I think I wanted something on the wheels. Again, I wanted an ultimate sense of storytelling that wherever you're looking at these things you're getting- it's just some sort of brand, the fake-out brand they use on Cybertron or whatever. Nothing other than that, it was never a name of the character or any of that.|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_iWRrz1W1o&t=932s|name=Aaron Archer|site=''The Toy Armada''|title="11 - Creating A Legend: Transformers Armada Optimus Prime"|year=2023|month=11|day=03}}</ref>

: The toy's primary gimmick is its auto-transforming trailer, which assumes one of three configurations when [[motorized movement|triggered]] by an infra-red signal transmitted from the cab robot. Transforming the cab into robot mode will cause the trailer to automatically flip open into a battle station for Mini-Cons, which Prime can stand in the centre of. The base features a central tower with a pop-out artillery emplacement and a mount for Prime's large cannon; a rotating missile-firing turret; two Mini-Con storage bays, one of which featured a manually-activated tab to launch Mini-Cons out; and two live [[Powerlinx]] hardpoints, one of which pops up a non-firing turret, the other activating a laser noise.

[[File:Armada JetOptimusMegaweapon toy.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Gunjob Spacepants! (''Jet Optimus on the left, Optimus Prime Megaweapon on the right'')]]
: Prime's cab and trailer can also combine to form his "[[Super Mode]]". Transforming the cab into the torso portion sends the transformation command to the trailer, which raises itself up off the ground to become a pair of immobile, statuesque legs (as long as you're not playing with it on carpet), and when the pair are connected, the Super Mode head pops up with a metallic shriek sound effect. Pressing the Autobot symbol on the figure's chest activates a pulsing laser sound effect, and the small grey button on his right shoulder illuminates his fist with a red LED, which can illuminate either of his guns, as well as the [[Star Saber (Armada)#Toys|Star Saber]] (the Star Saber was specifically cast in clear plastic for this purpose, but in practice, the light failed to carry even halfway up the blade). Prime's firing missile and Mini-Con activated gimmicks remain accessible in this mode, but look a bit doofy if you deploy them. The initial [[Hasbro]] release of Prime had tabs in its Super Mode shoulders that prevented them from rotating above the horizontal default position, so as not to break the wires that run through the toy's right arm. Coupled with the limited elbow joints, this left Optimus Prime able only to point his weapons towards the ground, and the tabs were removed on subsequent editions of the figure.

[[File:LOTM Convoy.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|(''Takara version pictured'')]]
: Instead of his trailer, Prime can alternately combine with ''Armada'' [[Jetfire (Armada)#Toys|Jetfire]], who forms a pair of legs, as "'''Jet Prime'''" ('''Jet Optimus''' in the cartoon and Korea; "'''Jet Convoy'''" in Japan). In addition to this, ''Armada'' [[Overload (Armada)#Toys|Overload]] (Ultra Magnus in Japan and Korea) can form a pair of massive cannons that attach to either Prime's base mode, or mount over the shoulders of his Super Mode torso (with either his trailer or Jetfire as legs), forming '''Optimus Prime Megaweapon''' ('''Magna Convoy'''/'''Magna Jet Convoy''' in Japan; '''Magna Optimus'''/'''Magna Jet Optimus''' in Korea). When combined with Overload, Prime's smokestacks have to be removed, so that his smaller robot forearms' [[5 mm post]]s can plug into the designated ports on Overload. It appears that Overload wasn't entirely designed with the Jetfire combination in mind, as Jetfire's cockpit section interferes with Overload's speaker box, causing the cockpit to either pop off the friction hinge, or Overload to not sit properly in his designated spot with the 5 mm posts in Prime's smaller robot forearms, so one either has to remove the cockpit or leave Overload hanging "loosely" in the friction slots, without the 5 mm posts and ports lined up.

[[File:LOTM Convoy Combos.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|'''From left to right:''' "Jet Convoy", "Magna Convoy", and "Magna Jet Convoy".]]
: The [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] ''Legends of the Microns'' '''Convoy Super Mode''' and [[Sonokong]] ''Eunha Yeongung: Cybertron'' '''Super Optimus''' releases of Optimus Prime from the following year made a few changes, noticeably replacing the gold paint and plastic of the Hasbro toy with bright yellow and much brighter gold. The deco had been tweaked to be a bit closer to the original prototype glimpsed in early catalogs, with yellow added back to cab Prime's feet, the cab grill painted silver, and the Super Mode's waist getting much more paint. This version of the figure was never burdened with the mobility-inhibiting shoulder tabs of the initial Hasbro release. Completing the Super Mode combination triggers a new clip of Prime shouting "Convoy, Super Mode!" in Japanese instead of generic mechanical sounds. It's currently unknown what sounds the Korean release makes. There are two variants of the Takara packaging: one uses artwork closer to the toy's design and the other closer to the animation model.<ref>[https://x.com/doratimus_prime/status/1878032142548263130 MC-01 Convoy Super Mode package art variants]</ref>

: Care must be taken while articulating the toy's base-robot elbow joints, as the lower joint has been known to snap. This doesn't appear to be [[Gold Plastic Syndrome]] like many in the [[fandom]] have hastily concluded—instead, it seems likely that the break occurs when the elbow joint is moved while the arms are positioned on the back of the combined mode, and have been forced ''just'' enough for them to break. To prevent this, pull the shoulder out and bend the elbow at the red joint first, before moving the arm in any other direction. Other uses of the mold have been known to break in the same place, in the exact same way, and with ''very'' noticeable stress marks, indicating no form of GPS is present. Remember, kids: if a figure breaks and leaves visible cracks and stress marks, it's ''not'' GPS. GPS occurs with no warning signs, and leaves a clean break. The rivets and pins in the elbows being misfired also likely play a big part in these breaks too.

: As the flagship toy of the line, this set was central to a number of [[campaign item|store-exclusive promotional freebies]] in Japan. Ito Yokaido offered one of the three [[Destruction Mini-Con Team#Undergrove|Undergrove Edition Destruction Microns]] with purchase in [[January]]. [[Toys"R"Us]] offered one of three [[Land Military Mini-Con Team#Ultimate|Ultimate Edition Land Military Microns]] in [[March]], with Hello Mac stores having the same offer in [[May]]. Most infamous though was [[AEON|JUSCO]] stores' [[Destruction Mini-Con Team#SpaceGalaxy|Space Galaxy Edition Destruction Micron]] promotion, where one member of this team was [[blindpacking|blind-packed]] into the actual Convoy Super Mode boxes in May. Yes, ''inside''. Good luck.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Armada Super Base Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{ArmadaSuperBaseOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|Super-Con}}
[[File:Supercon ArmadaPrime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Fans typically refer to this mold as "Bendy Prime", but it's really more of a shimmy-shimmy Prime. Mini-Con-activated shimmy-shimmy.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Super-Con Class, 2002)}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''STD Convoy'''
:*''Takara ID number'': '''MC-06'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[December 26]], 2002
:*''Accessories'': Left & right smokestacks
{{toydesigner|[[Aaron Archer]] (Hasbro), [[Hironori Kobayashi]] (Takara)}}

: This highly-poseable "Super-Con Class" version of ''Armada'' Optimus Prime is an entirely original mold, retaining the ability to tow Super Base Optimus Prime's trailer, though he cannot combine with it. He comes with the Mini-Con [[Over-Run (Armada)#Toys|Over-Run]] (Surge in Japan), who can transform into a gun for him, or can peg onto the Powerlinx plug on Optimus's back to activate a double-fisted "punching" action. Like the Super Base figure, Prime has a flip-down chestplate, but in a deliberate choice he lacks a molded-in Matrix (though he does have a molded gap in the center where the Matrix would go, which ''does'' match the end of the show, after he [[:File:Armada 52 - Prime and no Matrix.jpg|relinquishes]] it).<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Dlx Optimus does Not combine with Jetfire. He is able to pull the "big" optimus trailer. Dlx Optimus Mini-con feature is a punching feature, Arms move side to side. Dlx Optimus Mini-con Over-Run (silver-jet) will probably not be in the show. 98% of the Autobots/Decepticons are in the show. 65% of the available Mini-cons are in the show. with redecos and partner Mini-cons we are talking almost 75 Mini-cons! That is way to many to include in the show. To plate on Dlx Optimus opens up like "big" Optimus but the Matrix is not there.... (story TBD) "big" Optimus combines with Jetfire and a item to be shown later. SUPER COOL. Dlx Megatron is NOT planned. Thats the facts,|name=Aaron Archer|site=TFW2005|year=circa 2002}}</ref><ref>{{citesocial|quote=He might get small in the show for an episope, but it is not final. It would be a way to explain the scale change.|name=Aaron Archer|site=TFW2005|year=circa 2002}}</ref><ref>"So our idea was there that, yeah we had already done it for the 'super build' part of the torso and I think my thought process at the time—remember this is early days, I don't know everything future me would know—I was like well maybe he's this little guy and when he puts the Matrix in his chest that's when he becomes super. So the little guy wouldn't have the Matrix just sitting there, or maybe he hasn't earned it yet, or just some other… and you noticed it right, that it ''wasn't'' there so… that was the point."—[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow2iKv7DrL4&t=1948s Aaron Archer on ''The Toy Armada'', 2022/10/25]</ref> His smokestacks can be removed (and in many cases will simply fall off), but cannot peg together as a gun. Shipping in a great many waves throughout most of the later run of the line, Super-Con Optimus became a notorious [[shelfwarmer|pegwarmer]].

: The initial release of the figure featured silver lights on his roof; later on, the lights were changed to yellow, and later still, an Autobot emblem was added to the hood of the vehicle. These changes were not made on the Japanese release of the figure, which bore the unfortunate appellation of "STD", meaning "standard".<ref>Written in Japanese as {{ruby|STD|スタンダード}}コンボイ (''Sutandādo Konboi''). "STD" is actually a common naming format used in Japanese toylines that release a toy in two different sizes or price points; these usually being the smaller, "Standard" or "STD" release, and the larger "Deluxe" or "DX" (or something else along those lines) release. ''Legends of the Microns'' "Convoy Super Mode" (aka ''Armada'' Super Base Optimus Prime) would be the equivalent of a "DX" figure. Takara notably used these two price points and titles quite a bit during the [[Brave series|''Brave'' series]].</ref>

: The toy is notable for being one of the earliest instances of an important character receiving a second, more affordable toy without this being rationalised as an entirely new body in-fiction—as not all markets would receive the bigger price-points.<ref>"There was a very literal sense, even with ''Beast Wars'' and stuff, where we had to come up with a whole new gimmick for a reason to redo a different guy, right? We had to have Transmetals, Transmetals 2, and Fuzors and stuff like that. […] It had been traditionally: go, well, you put your high-end, most important characters, the leaders, in the highest price point—or a higher price point—so that you guarantee a certain level of sale I guess, or you're putting your best foot forward because you certainly don't want to have a high-end Rando, that would be even worse. So this was an opportunity where we were also, as co-development goes, trying to get more global, trying to expand the reach of just ''Transformers'' being in- England, Japan, Italy, […] North America let's call it. But there were still parts of the globe that couldn't engage with ''Transformers''; the price points weren't right, the scales weren't right, the- various things. So what that Optimus originally did—and would continue to do until the molds literally fell apart—was offer a more affordable leader character that is the primary character in the animation. So that was a very important step in this whole process to get Optimus at a ten-dollar-or-under price point."—[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow2iKv7DrL4&t=1765s Aaron Archer on ''The Toy Armada'', 2022/10/25]</ref>

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/SuperConPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Armada Supercon Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{ArmadaSuperConOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|GoldArmada}}
[[File:Armadatoy gold convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''''Kinpika'' Convoy''' (Lucky Draw figure, [[August]] 2003)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' Trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

:This Japanese-exclusive [[vacuum metallizing|vacuum metalized]] golden redeco of Convoy Super Mode, whose name means "Shining Golden", was available as a prize in several draws, including a colouring contest held in the pages of ''[[TV-Kun]]'' magazine, and in-store lottery draws at Tobu Department Stores. Between the draws, at least 58 "''Kinpika'' Convoy" toys are known to have been given away, making it one of the more widely available [[Lucky Draw figure]]s, comparatively speaking. It came packaged in a plain white box, and including all the accessories and features of the standard release of the figure, including a gold-chromed "Prime" Micron.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/gold+super+mode+convoy/1084/gold+super+mode+convoy.html More information on Kinpika Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''
{{ArmadaSuperBaseOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|Powerlinx}}
[[File:Powelinx Armadaprime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Dracula Prime?]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Powerlinx Optimus Prime with Corona Sparkplug''' (Super Base, 2003)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' Trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

: A late-run extensive redeco of the Super Base ''Armada'' Optimus Prime toy, "Powerlinx Optimus Prime" sports the darker color scheme the character takes on in the [[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|''Armada'' cartoon]] episode "[[Origin]]" following a Mini-Con power-up, but he is not precisely [[show-accuracy|show-accurate]]—the deco would later be fine-tuned with more accurate details for release in Japan as the Magna Convoy DX giftset ([[#MagnaConvoyDX|see below]]). In addition to now sporting fully-mobile Super Mode arms without the movement-impeding tabs, Prime still comes with all his features and accessories, though for this release, his Mini-Con partner Sparkplug got retooled with a new rear chassis and a blinged-out golden chrome body as "Corona Sparkplug".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Powerlinx Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Crystal}}
[[File:Armada CrystalConvoy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Optimus Prime can't avoid his toy contracts even when he's dead!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Crystal Convoy''' (Lucky Draw figure, [[October]] 2003)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' Surge Mini-Con, left and right smokestacks

: A Japanese ''[[TV Magazine]]''-[[exclusive]], this release of the STD Convoy toy has almost all of his parts cast in translucent coloured plastics—hence the "crystal" moniker—representing the character's disembodied [[spark]] after his destruction in the ''Armada'' cartoon episode "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]" and resurrection in "[[Miracle (episode)|Miracle]]". What that means for poor "Surge" (Over-Run), also cast in translucent plastic, we couldn't say! Available via mail-order, only 5000 pieces were distributed in October of 2003.
{{ArmadaSuperConOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|MatrixMultipack}}
[[File:Armada-optimus-prime-gold-kmart.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Battle for the Matrix''' (Multi-pack, 2003)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' Trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

: A K-Mart-exclusive set released on "[[Black Friday (event)|Black Friday]]" (the day after Thanksgiving, the most hellishly busy shopping day of the year), this set consists of Super Base "Powerlinx Optimus Prime" (not to be confused with the ''actual'' Powerlinx Optimus Prime), "[[Jetfire (Armada)#MatrixMultipack|Powerlinx Jetfire]]" (again, not really), their respective partner Mini-Cons "Corona Sparkplug" (seriously, not that ''actual'' Corona Sparkplug) and [[Comettor (Armada)#MatrixMultipack|Comettor]], the [[Adventure Mini-Con Team#MatrixMultipack|Adventure Mini-Con Team]], and oddly enough, [[Longarm (Armada)#MatrixMultipack|Longarm]]. Optimus Prime's red plastics and paint were replaced with gold, the only changes made to anyone in the set. It is this set from which the name of Optimus Prime's combined mode with Jetfire, "Jet Prime", comes.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/KMartPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Battle for the Matrix Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{ArmadaSuperBaseOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|MagnaConvoyDX}}
[[File:Armada MagnaConvoyDX1.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|I think he needs another gun.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Magna Convoy DX Set''' (Multi-pack, 2003)}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''MC-XX'''
:*''Release date'': [[November 19]], 2003
:*''Accessories'': Trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

: This set is a [[Toys"R"Us]] Japan exclusive, consisting of "Convoy Final Battle Coloration" (Powerlinx Optimus Prime), redecoed with more show-accurate colours, principally a silver [[mouthplate]] instead of red and varying color saturation from the Hasbro version), "[[Overload (Armada)#MagnaConvoy|Ultra Magnus Special Clear Version]]", and an exclusive [[Exdimensions]] redeco of the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team#Exdimension|Street Action Microns]]. This set is entirely "new" content not available in the normal mass-retail ''Legends of the Microns'' line, and is also the last release of Exdimensions Microns. Rather than come with individual bio cards for the various characters, the set came with only a single card for the combined "Magna Convoy" form.
{{--}}

==''Built to Rule!''==
{{anchor|AmradaBTR}}
[[File:BTR-toy Optimus-Armada.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|"My Matrix for a quick death." (How could this happen to me?)]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (2003)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': 2 missiles

:''Armada'' ''[[Built to Rule!]]'' Optimus Prime transforms into a fair approximation of his [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], but the robot mode is quite inaccurate, due to the very broad, flat Trans-Skeleton with thin, stick-like limbs attached to it. The set came with a very simplistic "Mini-Con" Sparkplug partner kit that did have a more dedicated "Powerlinx" connector than the standard construction pegs, though these are a bit too thin to be used as attachment points for regular Mini-Cons (they stay, sort of, but it's a very loose connection). The 101-piece set also features pressure-launch missile-firing "smokestack" cannons.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/BTROptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Built to Rule! Armada Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|EnergonBTR}}
[[File:BTR EnergonPrime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Blocktimus Prime]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Built to Rule!, [[2005]])}}</ul>
**''Accessories'': 2 missiles''

: The ''Energon'' version of ''[[Built to Rule!]]'' Optimus Prime was designed with a much more solid skeleton with larger, blockier limbs. He can be rebuilt from a Cybertronic truck cab with a trailer-mounted, pressure-launch dual-missile cannon (with electronic lights and sounds) to a robot, to basically whatever you feel like doing with the parts.

: Unfortunately, due to the slow performance of the ''Built to Rule!'' line overall, the ''Energon'' versions only had a limited, test-market release initially in and around Cincinnati, Ohio. The sets later filtered out into many Tuesday Morning and Ollie's chain stores at drastically dropped prices.
{{--}}

==''Energon''==
{{anchor|EnergonSuper}}
[[File:Energon Prime toy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Form feet and legs! Form arms and body! And I'll form... the head!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Leader Class, [[2003]]/[[2004]])}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Grand Convoy'''
:*''Takara ID number'': '''SC-01'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[December 25]], 2004
:*''Accessories'': "Fire-1", "Copter-2", "Digger-3", "Submarine-4", trailer, rifle, missile
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Takashi Kunihiro]] (Takara)|[[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] (detailing)}}

: Leader Class ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' Optimus Prime transforms into a Cybertronic short-nosed truck cab. A switch on his back offers four selectable sound effects, each one corresponding to one member of the [[Prime Force]] ("Grand Force" in Japan), the four drone vehicles contained within Prime's parallelogram-shaped trailer. A tiny, slightly recessed button above the switch activates the sounds. When Prime transforms to [[robot mode]], the trailer stands upright to become a launch base of sorts for the Prime Force, with three of the trailer's four storage compartments featuring launching mechanisms that propel the vehicles into action. The Prime Force consists of "Fire-1", a fire truck with an extending ladder and rotating turret; "Copter-2" ("Gyro-2" in Japan), a helicopter with spinning rotors; "Digger-3", a drill tank with a gear-wheel-activated spinning drill; and "Submarine-4", a submarine with opening capture claws beneath its bow. The four interchangeable drones can combine with Prime to create his [[Super Mode]]; any drone is capable of forming any limb. When in Super Mode, Prime's chest panels are opened, in turn pressing a button on his side that creates more electronic sounds and lights up a red LED in his chest, representing the [[Spark of Combination]].

: Prime is armed with a spring-loaded missile launcher that stores on the rear of his truck mode (which becomes the backpack of his robot mode) when not in use. Like most of the weapons of the ''Energon'' line, it sports a [[5 mm post]], allowing it to be held by most every ''Energon'' figure, to combine with assorted other weapons and [[energon weapon]]s released in the series, and to peg into numerous compatible ports shared by many figures, like the hole in the radar of Prime's own trailer, or even conveniently placed 5mm screw holes like those of the Prime Force.

[[File:Energontoy prime combinations.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
:In lieu of combining with the Prime Force, Optimus Prime can also merge with ''Energon'' [[Wing Saber (Energon)#Toys|Wing Saber]] in a similar fashion, with Wing Saber splitting into four components that connect to Prime as limbs. Wing Saber's red and white torso components can become arms for Prime while his legs attach to Prime's own, creating Prime's "Flight Mode", but the parts can also be swapped around, with Wing Saber's legs deploying large missile launchers and becoming arms to make Prime's "Fight Mode" (both forms are just called "Wing Convoy" in Japan). Alternately, Prime can combine with ''Energon'' [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]] to form what his packaging calls "Powerlinx Omega Supreme" ("Optimus Supreme" in the cartoon; "Omega Convoy" in Japan). The Prime Force drones can attach to four connectors on Optimus Supreme's body.

: The earliest releases of ''Energon'' Optimus Prime have no ridges on the inside of the chest windows, and a different head sculpt featuring an [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]-style mouth-slit in his mouthplate. This was soon replaced with a full mouthplate, and it was this version of the toy which appeared in the [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|''Energon'' cartoon]] and was released by Takara. Other changes made to the Takara ''Super Link'' "Grand Convoy" release of the toy involved a chromed front grill, more vibrant plastic colors on Digger-3 and Submarine-4, a darker blue plastic on Prime himself, and more intricate [[paint operation]]s. Takara's release also lacks the electronic sound effects seen in Hasbro's version, which were also commonly gutted for the Japanese releases of any Autobot toys who had them, though Prime still retains his light-up chest.

: The Takara's Grand Convoy was also tied to a number of [[campaign item|store-exclusive promotional items]], namely a series of unique-colors [[energon weapon]]s. In late December/early January, buying the toy at [[AEON|JUSCO]] stores netted you the [[:File:En-toy EnergonSpear-CoronaFlame F2F.jpg|Energy Spear Corona Flame Edition]], the [[:File:En-toy EnergyAxe-BlackHole.jpg|Energy Axe Black Hole Edition]] at Ito Yokado, and finally the [[:File:En-toy EnergonSpear-RoyalClear F2F.jpg|Energy Spear Royal Clear Edition]] came with buying Grand Convoy at Hello Mac, Posful, Pelican, Joshin Denki & Heiwado stores. Later in [[July]], Grand Convoy and Wing Saber were the promo-buy-items for the [[:File:En-toy EnergyCutter-DaylightAttack.jpg|Energy Cutter Daylight Attack Edition]] and [[:File:En-toy EnergonBlade-PhantomNight F2F.jpg|Energy Blade Night Phantom Edition]], but this promotion was never advertised, and the most information anyone could get out of Takara's customer service after the fact was that they were available at "1500 select stores".

: The mouth-plated version of this mold was redecoed into ''[[Transformers: Platinum Edition|Platinum Edition]]'' "Year of the Snake" [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Platinum Edition|Optimus Prime]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Energon Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|EnDx}}
[[File:Energontoy sl grand convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Those upper legs vs. [[Chun-Li]]'s - whose are more powerful??]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''SL Grand Convoy''' (2004)}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''SC-13'''
:*''Release date'': [[March 25]], 2004
:*''Accessories'': Rifle

: As had first been done in the ''Armada'' line, Takara elected to supplement their release of the Leader-sized Grand Convoy figure with a new-mold Combat Class-sized toy called "SL Grand Convoy" ({{ruby|S|スーパー}}{{ruby|L|リンク}}グランドコンボイ, pronounced "Super Link Grand Convoy"). Coming without his trailer, the Grand Force, or electronics, this Grand Convoy discarded the larger toy's ability to form his Super Mode in favor of being able to [[Powerlinx]] with the other compatible toys of the ''Super Link'' line, forming either a torso or a pair of legs that the other Cybertrons (Autobots) could connect to. Like the ''Legends of the Microns'' "STD Convoy", this one too was on the small side for its "size class", but just as that figure could, this small Convoy can still tow the Leader-sized figure's trailer.

: Customers who bought this toy at [[AEON|JUSCO]] stores received the [[:File:En-toy EnergyAxe-VioletCluster.jpg|Energy Axe Violet Cluster Edition]] as a [[campaign item|freebie]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/PXOptimusPrime/pxoptimusprime.htm More information on SL Grand Convoy at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Kicker2pack}}
[[File:En-toy OptimusPrime SLGrandKicker.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Kicker! I have escaped from the box! I'll come back for you!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''SL Grand Convoy & Kicker''' (multi-pack, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''SS-03'''
:*''Release date'': March 25, 2004
:*''Accessories:'' Rifle

:A slight redeco of Takara's Combat Class-size Grand Convoy was released as part of a special set commemorating both the 20th anniversary of ''Transformers'' and the 30th anniversary of its progenitor, ''[[Microman]]''. Coming with an exclusive metallic redeco of Takara's [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]], which was based on the ''Microman'' body, this Grand Convoy featured a chromed grill where the original had painted plastic, and supposedly slightly shinier plastics. ''Very'' slightly.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/AnnivGrandConvoy/grandconvoy.htm More information on 20th Anniversary SL Grand Convoy at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|OprimusMegsTRU}}
[[File:Energontoy prime vs megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Powerlinx Optimus Prime versus Megatron''' (2-pack, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' Rifle

: The SS-03 version of Takara's Combat Class-sized Optimus figure, based on the Anniversary release, was released in Hasbro markets in a two-pack with the smaller Japanese Mega Class-sized "[[Megatron (Armada)/toys#Energon|Galvatron]]" figure (aka Takara's release of Megatron). There are some tiny but notable differences between this and the Anniversary figure; the Hasbro version uses a more neutral dark-gray for the main body as opposed to the Takara version's blue-tinted dark-gray, plain dark-blue plastic rather than dark-blue-with-sparkles, and plain yellow paint for the cab's lights rather than sparkly-yellow/gold.

: This set was a Toys"R"US-[[exclusive]] in the US, but sold at pretty much any retailer that wanted to carry it elsewhere in the world.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/PXOptimusPrime/pxoptimusprime.htm More information on Deluxe Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|EnergonGold}}
[[File:Energontoy gold grand convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Core Change: '''Re-Rising Gundam!'''"]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Gold Grand Convoy''' (Lucky Draw figure, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' "Fire-1", "Gyro-2", "Digger-3", "Submarine-4", trailer, rifle, missile

: This golden-chromed redeco of the Leader-sized Grand Convoy figure was initially offered as a prize to five lucky winners of a colouring contest held in the pages of the ''TV Magazine''. Additional units were later given away via in-store draws at Toys"R"Us Japan; precisely how many is unknown, but the regularity with which the toy appeared on auction sites throughout 2005 suggests it was quite a few.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/gold+grand+convoy/1094/gold+grand+convoy.html More information on Gold Grand Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|FireSL}}
[[File:Firegrandconvoy.JPG|upright=1.67|thumb|Am I Fire Guts or Burning Convoy? I can't decide!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Fire SL Grand Convoy''' (''TV Magazine''-exclusive, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' Rifle

: This vibrant red and orange redeco of the Combat Class-sized Grand Convoy figure was a ''TV Magazine'' exclusive, limited to 3,000 pieces. It shipped in a unique monochrome red version of the traditional ''Super Link'' packaging, and did not include a character card.

{{-}}{{anchor|EnergonSLGold}}
[[File:Energontoy gold sl convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''SL Grand Convoy Mekki Version''' (Lucky Draw figure, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' Rifle

: Released as part of the "W Convoy" campaign ("Double" Convoy, that is!) alongside a silver chrome version of "[[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus Convoy]]", this gold chrome "Mekki" ("plating") version of the Combat Class-sized Grand Convoy toy was available only as a prize in a mail-in [[Robot Point]]s contest. Initially limited to 20 units in the original draw, it appears that many more were made available through toy store drawings, given how many went on to appear on online auction sites through 2005 and 2006.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/gold+sl+grand+convoy/1091/gold+sl+grand+convoy.html More information on SL Grand Convoy Mekki Version at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|CostCoOverload}}
[[File:Energontoy costco prime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|How many times has this set been reused?]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Overload with Rollout & Optimus Prime with Corona Sparkplug''' (Multi-pack, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' Trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

: A [[Costco]]-exclusive redeco of the ''Armada'' Super Base Optimus Prime toy in black, yellow, and brick red, it also came with a redeco of ''Armada'' [[Overload (Armada)#Energon|Overload]]. It is from this set that the name of Prime's combined form with Overload, "Optimus Prime Megaweapon", comes (though the term "Megaweapon" first appeared on Powerlinx Optimus Prime's packaging).

: The stock images to the right are not accurate to the final product. All of Optimus Prime's translucent parts on the final figure are yellow. This includes the windshield, the smokestacks, his rifle, the sensor on the trailer, and the flip-up screen in the trailers' base mode.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/CostcoPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Costco Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{ArmadaSuperBaseOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|CustomColorEnergon}}
[[File:Energontoy custom color prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Grand Convoy Custom Color Version''' (Lucky Draw Figure, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''SC-01'''
:*''Accessories:'' "Fire-1", "Gyro-2", "Digger-3", "Submarine-4", trailer, rifle, missile

: The color scheme of this special redeco of the Leader-sized Grand Convoy was decided through a colouring contest held in the [[December]] 2004 issue of ''TV Magazine'', in which entrants coloured in lineart of Convoy in the scheme they wanted to see. The winning entry rendered Convoy in a… ''distinct'' palette of grey, cream, dark red, and purple chrome, with blue, white, and yellow drones. It was limited to only ten pieces, making it one of the rarer ''Transformers'' toys in existence.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/custom+grand+convoy/1105/custom+grand+convoy.html More information on Custom Color Grand Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Santa}}
[[File:Energontoy unreleased prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Leader Class, unreleased)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': "Fire-1", "Copter-2", "Digger-3", "Submarine-4", trailer, rifle, missile

:A redeco of the Leader Class Optimus Prime mold with a primarily red cab, much deeper blue, and a Prime Force uniformly colored in black was planned to be released with ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Generation 1 Optimus Prime]] as a [[Target]]-exclusive. The toy got far enough along in development to have package artwork created by [[Dan Khanna]], which was later revealed online, but it was canceled shortly before making it to full production. Its red, white, and black coloration earned it the festive nickname of "Santa Prime" among fans online.

::*''[http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/energon-autobots-166/optimus-prime-with-mini-optimus-prime-unreleased-4079/ More information on this unreleased Optimus Prime at TFW2005]''
{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

==''Cybertron''==
[[File:Cybertrontoy leader optimus prime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|"Well... a fire truck is bigger." (''Hasbro version pictured'')]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Leader, 2004 / 2005)}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Galaxy Convoy'''
:*''Takara ID number'': '''GC-01'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[December 28]], 2004
:*''Accessories'': Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Matrix [[Cyber Key]]
:*''Cyber Key Code'': '''l8p3'''
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Takashi Kunihiro]] (Takara)|[[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] (detailing), [[Marcelo Matere]] (packaging artist)}}

: The first ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' Optimus Prime toy transforms into a heavily-armed fire truck of made-up model, topped with two large cannons. The cannons and the sides of the truck fold down to create an unlikely flight mode for the vehicle. His right-side cannon fires a spring-loaded missile, while plugging a [[Cyber Key]] into its key jack pops two more spring-loaded missile launchers out from its sides. Plugging a Cyber Key into his left-side cannon opens up the cannon's outer casing, revealing the inner barrel, lighting the red LED at its tip and playing an electronic "charging up" noise. Pressing the small blue button just over the battery casing plays a "firing" sound effect with accompanying light flash. In this mode, he can also deploy ''another'' pair of (non-firing) cannons from under the main cannons.

: In true Prime style, the forward portion of the vehicle mode detaches to become Optimus himself, while the rear "trailer" transforms into a gun emplacement. In robot mode, the barrel of the missile-launching cannon detaches to become a hand-held rifle. Atypical of most Unicron Trilogy figures, Prime's hands are ''not'' designed to accommodate weapons with [[5 mm post]]s, instead featuring a small peg-hole in his palm that allows him to tightly grip objects designed to fit there, like his own rifle, [[Overhaul (Cybertron)#Toys|Leobreaker]]'s whip, ''Cybertron'' [[Wing Saber (Energon)#Cybertron|Wing Saber's]] swords, and ''Cybertron'' [[Metroplex (Cybertron)#Toys|Metroplex]]'s [[Sparkdrinker|axe]]. However, Wing Saber's sword hilts ''can'' be used as adaptors, allowing Prime to hold and use 5mm weapons. His chest has a compartment to hold his removable Matrix of Leadership accessory; Prime's gigantic hands mean that he can't hold it especially ''neatly'', but he can certainly get a grip on it.

: Of course, Optimus can transform into a Super Mode by combining with his vehicle-mode back end, which becomes a massive winged backpack with under-slung main guns, and a pair of large boots, with the non-firing cannons ending up around his knees. To complete his Super Mode look, a small lever of the back of Prime's head raises his traditional mouthplate into place, covering his Optimus Primal-style mouth slot, and two "crests" fold out from either side of his helmet. Hasbro's instructions and stock photography awkwardly orient the wings so that the two cannons point ''over'' Prime's shoulders; the cartoon portrayed them in the under-slung orientation, as would all subsequent Hasbro redecos of the toy. In Super Mode, Prime is a rather top-heavy robot, and his hip joints are not that tight, which makes standing him up a challenging prospect.

: In Super Mode, Optimus Prime can combine with [[Overhaul (Cybertron)#Voyager|Leobreaker]] to form "Savage Claw Mode", which sees the feline Autobot become a gigantic clawed arm for his leader. Alternately, if Prime's backpack is removed, he can merge with [[Wing Saber (Energon)#Cybertron|Wing Saber]] into "Sonic Wing Mode", with the aerial ace forming a new winged backpack and chestplate for Optimus, and providing him with new hand-held sword weapons and firing missile launchers that connect to his Super Mode boots. The nature of the combination means that the two partners cannot combine with Prime at once—at least, not without physically removing one of Prime's own arms.

: The Takara ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)#Takara Galaxy Force toyline|Galaxy Force]]'' "Galaxy Convoy" version of the toy was released first, and features a number of paint differences from the later Hasbro ''Cybertron'' release. The most immediately-noticeable is that Galaxy Convoy's unique Matrix-shaped Cyber Key has its "frame" painted gold, where Optimus's is unpainted clear-blue plastic, save for the Autobot symbol and the Hasbro-only [[Cyber Key Codes|Cyber Key Code]] printed on its back. The other differences are small but numerous: Galaxy Convoy has more thoroughly painted knees, main cannons and leg-armor cannons, the signal lights above the cab are painted yellow, his leg-wheel hubcaps are painted gold, and his nose is painted silver. Galaxy Convoy's wings are also held in place with long metal pins, where the Hasbro version has them just held in place with friction so they can pop off rather than ''break'' off if the toy is dropped.

: Galaxy Convoy was three-part [[AEON|JUSCO]] promotion, tied to the release of Ligerjack and the ''[[Hybrid Style]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Hybrid Style|THS-01 Galaxy Convoy]] in late April: buying him netted you the free all-white version of [[Hellflame Mini-Con Team|Hellflame Micron]] [[Quasar]]. (Buying the other two toys got you the other two all-white Hellflame Microns.)

: Optimus is slightly mistransformed in the image to the right: in vehicle mode his chest windows should be folded around to the sides of the cab to cover the arm sockets.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Cybertron Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|LOC1}}
[[File:LOC CybertronPrime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Takara's version pictured on the left, Hasbro's version pictured on the right.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Legends of Cybertron, 2005)}}</ul>

: [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends of Cybertron]] Optimus is a very simplified version of ''Cybertron'' Optimus Prime, with no weapons or trailer, just the front portion of the truck. It transforms into the standard robot mode, with a very similar transformation scheme to the full-sized toy, and has no useful articulation of the shoulders.

: The figure was released in Japan under the "EZ Collection" banner, in the same packaging as the Hasbro release but with a small card insert featuring the Japanese logo and nomenclature, similar to a [[USA Edition]]. As with all the EZ Collection figures, this release features a substantially greater number of paint operations that increase Optimus's resemblance to his larger figure.

: This mold was redecoed to create ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' [[Menasor (G1)#Classics|Menasor]] and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Hot Spot (G1)#Universe (2008)|Hot Zone]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/LOCOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Legends of Cybertron Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|MegaloConvoy}}
[[File:GF MetallicGalaxyConvoy Legends toy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|To [[scale]] with something? Blasphemy!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Megalo Convoy''' (Leader Class, 2005)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''GC-23'''
:*''Release date'': [[August 29]], 2005

: A special metallic-paint version of Legends of Cybertron Optimus Prime was included with the Takara ''Galaxy Force'' release of [[Metroplex (Cybertron)#Toys|Megalo Convoy aka Metroplex]], as a demonstration of their actual size difference as depicted on the television series.

{{-}}{{anchor|GoldGF}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy gold galaxy convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Galaxy Convoy Gold Version''' (Leader Lucky Draw figure, 2005)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip

: This gold-chrome and clear-plastic redeco of the Leader-class Optimus Prime figure was first offered as a prize in a mail-in contest held through ''[[TV Magazine]]'' alongside a silver chrome version of the same toy ([[#SilverGF|see below]]). Both figures were later made available again as prizes in a second contest in the September 2005 issue of ''TV Magazine'', together with "Galaxy Convoy Custom Color Version" (again, [[#CustomGF|see below]]).

: Optimus is slightly mistransformed in the image to the right, in vehicle mode his chest windows should be folded round to the sides of the cab to cover the arm sockets.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/gold+galaxy+convoy/1099/gold+galaxy+convoy.html More information on Gold Galaxy Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|SilverGF}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy silver galaxy convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Galaxy Convoy Silver Version''' (Leader Lucky Draw figure, 2005)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip

: This silver-chromed redeco of the Leader-class Optimus Prime figure first saw the light of day as a prize in a ''TV Magazine'' mail-in, offered alongside a gold chrome version of the same toy ([[#GoldGF|see above]]). Both figures were later made available again as prizes in a second contest in the September 2005 issue of ''TV Magazine'', together with "Galaxy Convoy Custom Color Version" ([[#CustomGF|see below]]). Despite being offered in equal quantities in these contests, this silver version is apparently much harder to come by.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/silver+galaxy+convoy/1797/silver+galaxy+convoy.html More information on Silver Galaxy Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|CustomGF}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy custom color convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|It's not that easy being Prime.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Galaxy Convoy Custom Color Version''' (Leader Lucky Draw figure, 2005)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip

: One of the single rarest [[Lucky Draw figure]]s in existence, this "Custom Color" redeco of Super Optimus Prime was limited to only ''one'' in the world. It was the grand prize of a coloring contest held in September 2005's ''TV Magazine'', in which entrants colored in line-art of Prime with the deco they wanted to see. The winning entry was in green, blue and gold, while ten runners-up received one of five gold or five silver Lucky Draw versions of Prime.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/custom+colour+galaxy+convoy/1104/custom+colour+galaxy+convoy.html More information on Custom Color Galaxy Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|EZClear}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy ez clear optimus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''EZ Collection Clear Set''' (Multi-pack, 2005)}}</ul>

: A Takara exclusive multi-pack of "EZ Collection" [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#EZClear|Megatron]], Optimus Prime and [[Starscream (Armada)/toys#EZClear|Starscream]] recast the figures using primarily clear plastics; in Prime's cast, both his blue and red plastics became translucent. A mail-away exclusive to ''[[TV Magazine]]'' in October 2005, the set was limited to 3000 pieces.

::*''[http://plasticcrack.net/archives/2007/07/photo-review-takara-galaxy-force-ez-telemag-exclusive-3pack More information on the EZ Collection multi-pack at PlasticCrack.net]

{{-}}{{anchor|SonicConvoy}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy sonic convoy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|I'm gorgeously shiny!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Sonic Convoy''' (Multi-pack, 2005)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''EX-02'''
:*''Accessories:'' Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip

: This redeco of Leader-class Optimus Prime replaced most of the plastics in the cab robot with colored translucent equivalents. He also has numerous chromed parts, including chrome-silver wrist-pipes, red chrome window frames and side-cannons, and a chromed Autobot symbol on his Key. His trailer remained opaque, but was cast in much deeper red plastic, with a more metallic silver used for his cannons. He also lacks the weird silver nose-paint, and has the Hasbro trailer assembly with the pop-off-able wings.

: He was available only in a [[Toys"R"Us]] Japan exclusive giftset released in October 2005, packed in with a redeco of [[Wing Saber (Energon)#SonicConvoy|Wing Saber]] and the [[Cobybot|Coby ''Sen'yō'' Ramble]].

: None of the toys in this box set were given bio cards. Aww.

::*''[http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/galaxy-force-cybertrons-341/galaxy-convoy-clear-2412 More information on Sonic Convoy at TFW2005]''

{{-}}{{anchor|GoldMetroplex}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy gold ez convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Megalo Convoy Gold Version''' (Leader Lucky Draw figure, 2005)}}</ul>

: A golden-chrome redeco of ''Cybertron'' Metroplex was offered as a contest prize in the December 2005 issue of ''TV Magazine'', and came with an equally blinged-out Legends/EZ Collection Optimus Prime figure. Fifteen of this set were available as prizes in the initial contest; a single Metroplex was later offered as one of many prizes in a Takara website contest, but this version came only with the standard metallic paint version of Prime.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/gold+galaxy+convoy/1103/gold+galaxy+convoy.html More information on Gold EZ Collection Galaxy Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Magnus2-pack}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy ridprime magnus 2pack.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Ultra Magnus & Optimus Prime''' (Multi-pack, 2005)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Cannon, 2 missiles

: A red redeco of the 2003 ''Universe'' [[Optimus Prime (RID)#Cybertron|Optimus Prime]] was sold with a repackaged version of the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' version of [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] Ultra Magnus in a [[Costco]]-[[exclusive]] multi-pack in 2005. Sold under the ''Cybertron'' banner, their continuity of origin was ambiguous for years until clarified in 2015 by the Facebook edition of [[Ask Vector Prime]].

{{-}}{{anchor|LeaderGalaxyForce}}
[[File:Cyb GalaxyForceOptimusPrime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Sowing confusion on message boards everywhere.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Galaxy Force Optimus Prime''' (Leader, 2006)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Cyber Key
:*''Cyber Key Code'': '''lo9x'''
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro)|[[Marcelo Matere]] (packaging artist)}}

: Released in fourth and final wave of ''Cybertron'' Leaders, this redeco of the Leader-class Optimus Prime figure introduced a new color scheme that several other tail-end releases would emulate. Taking its name from the Takara version of ''Cybertron'' and with a bio noting that this new body depicts Prime after he embarks on his galaxy-spanning mission at the end of the ''Cybertron'' cartoon, "Galaxy Force" Optimus Prime replaces the original toy's blue parts with black and the translucent blue with smokey clear, and molds several—but not all—grey parts out of red plastic, including the toy's rifles, rail gun covers, missile launchers, and Super Mode leg guns. In the realm of new paint operations, Prime now sports all four Cyber Planet Key symbols on his shoulders, and his unique Matrix-shaped Cyber Key finally has a gold-painted border, as it had always had in Japan. Additionally, Prime's hip joints were tightened up with this release, making it easier to stand him up in Super Mode.

: This toy was later re-released in a [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|2008 ''Universe'']] multi-pack ([[##VsCrumplezone|see below]]).

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/GFOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Galaxy Force Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.transformers-universe.com/include.php?path=content/ToyDB_Info.php&Toy_ID=1839 More information on Galaxy Force Optimus Prime at Transformers Universe]''

{{-}}{{anchor|CybDx}}
[[File:Cybertron OptimusPrime deluxe toy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|You've [[:File:Supercon ArmadaPrime.jpg|already]] [[:File:Armada CrystalConvoy.jpg|bought]] [[:Nemesis Prime (Armada)|me]] [[:Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Universe|five]] [[:File:Cybertron OptimusPrime deluxe toy.jpg|times!]]]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Deluxe, 2006)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Left and right smokestacks, Cybertron Cyber Key
:*''Cyber Key Code'': '''d56b'''
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (deco artist)|[[Marcelo Matere]] (packaging artist)}}

: Premiering in the eighth wave of ''Cybertron'' Deluxes, this Optimus is a redeco of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[#Super-Con|Super-Con ''Armada'' Optimus Prime]], recolored in red and black to resemble the Leader Class Galaxy Force Optimus Prime figure.

: He does not come with the mold's nominal Mini-Con partner. Instead, Optimus Prime and his [[wave]]-mate [[Demolishor (Armada)#Cybertron|Demolishor]] debuted a new brand of Cyber Key: [[retool]]ed from the standard Cybertron style key, this version lacked a sculpted [[insignia]], so that any symbol could be [[tampograph]]ed on to it, and featured a [[Mini-Con]]-style [[Powerlinx]] socket on the back, allowing it to operate the figure's formerly-Mini-Con-activated "punching" feature without the figure itself having to be retooled.

: The key sports a tampographed Autobot insignia, a red border, and the [[Cyber Key Codes|Key Code]] "d56b" tampographed on the back. This code, when entered on Hasbro's website, was ''supposed'' to unlock additional information on the character or the toy, but due to an error on behalf of Hasbro, it unlocked information intended for his wave-mate Demolishor. Optimus Prime's information was instead unlocked using the code "dt67", which was on the back of Demolishor's Cyber Key.

: As was the case with the ''Universe'' [[Ultra Magnus (Energon)#Universe .282003.29|"Battle in a Box" Ultra Magnus]] release of this sculpt, initial shipments of Optimus Prime had the forearms [[Misassembly|swapped]], leaving his elbow joints useless. This was corrected for later shipments. A further [[variant|running change]] saw tampographed graphics depicting the four planet symbols added to the truck mode's cab.

: This sculpt was later redecoed once again for a 2008 ''Universe'' [[#Universe (2008)|multi-pack version of ''Cybertron'' Optimus]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/DlxOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Deluxe Cybertron Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{ArmadaSuperConOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|LOCGalaxyForce}}
[[File:Cybertron GFOptimusPrime Legends toy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Cause we gotta little ol' convoy, rockin' through the night]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Legends of Cybertron, 2006)}}</ul>

: Like the Deluxe Class figure before it, this redeco of ''Legends of Cybertron'' Optimus Prime was designed to resemble the Leader class Galaxy Force Optimus Prime figure, essentially replacing the blue with black, the yellow with silver and adding the Cyber Key symbol tampographs onto his shoulders. It was released in the fourth and final wave of the ''Cybertron'' Legends-class assortment.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/LOCGFOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on "Galaxy Force" Legends Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Gorilla}}
[[File:Cybertron OptimusPrime beast toy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|It's a Double [[Garry Chalk]].]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Deluxe, 2006)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories''" "'Jet-powered' flying board", missile, Jungle Planet Cyber Key
:*''Cyber Key Code'': '''d7s9'''
{{toydesigner|[[Marcelo Matere]] (packaging artist)}}

: Available in the ninth and final wave of ''Cybertron'' Deluxes, this unusual iteration of Optimus Prime is a redeco of ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars 10th Anniversary|Beast Wars 10th Anniversary]]'' [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Beast Wars 10th Anniversary|Optimus Primal]], transforming into a robotic gorilla in the pseudo-[[technorganic]]-looking style of the other [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Jungle Planet]] toys. He comes with a "'jet-powered' flying board" with two [[5 mm post|5mm post]]s at the base, allowing him to ride it in his gorilla mode, or hold it in robot mode via the 5mm posts on his robot palms/gorilla feet. When a [[Cyber Key]] is inserted at the rear of the board, a spring-loaded extending "assault blade" deploys, and a trigger is revealed to allow one to use the spring-loaded missile launcher at the tip. Though it is not intended to be removed, the blade can be popped off and held in Primal's hand thanks to his poseable thumbs.

: This figure contains an unusual amount of sculpted detail on the inside of the plastic. The gorilla mode's chest has a ribcage, and the inside of the gorilla's face has a sculpted microphone, which lines up perfectly with the robot mode's head! Also, opening this toy's chest in robot mode reveals sculpted detail resembling the [[Key to Vector Sigma]] as it appeared in ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]''. His beast mode features a painted scar over his one eye, a seeming homage to Peter Jackson's ''[[King Kong]]'' (released the previous year).

: While this mold was first released as part of the ''Beast Wars 10th Anniversary'' line and is obviously meant to be Optimus Primal, it was developed to fit in with ''Cybertron's'' Jungle Planet aesthetic, "in case" the ''Beast Wars'' Anniversary release didn't pan out (according to [[Aaron Archer]]'s statements at [[BotCon 2005]]).

: This mold was also used to make [[BotCon 2014]] [[Apelinq (BM)#Timelines|Apelinq]] and [[Primal Prime#Timelines|Primal Prime]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Jungle Planet Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Costco2pack}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy prime wingsaber 2pack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime / Wing Saber''' (Multi-pack, 2006)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Cyber Key

: Released in Fall of 2006, this Costco-exclusive two-pack bundled the original version of the Leader-class Optimus Prime figure with his combination partner [[Wing Saber (Energon)#Cybertron|Wing Saber]] and a DVD including the [[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|''Cybertron'' cartoon]] episode "[[United (episode)|United]]".

: This set comes in a particularly huge box, and sold for $35.99, five dollars less than the MSRP for Optimus Prime by ''himself''. Now that's a deal!

{{-}}{{anchor|LOCTarget4pack}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy LOCtarget4pack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Megatron / Soundwave / Jetfire / Optimus Prime''' (Multi-pack, 2007)}}</ul>

: This four pack of Legend-class Optimus Prime, [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#LegendsMegs|Megatron]], [[Jetfire (Armada)#LOC|Jetfire]], and [[Soundwave (Cybertron)#Legends|Soundwave]] was exclusive to [[Target]] stores. All of the toys were identical to their individual releases.
{{-}}

==''Hybrid Style''==
{{anchor|THS01}}
[[File:HybridStyletoy galaxyconvoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Galaxy Convoy''' ([[2006]])
**''ID number:'' '''THS-01'''
**''Accessories'': Trailer/backpack, leg armor (x2), standard head, Super Mode head, left and right fists, left and right pointing hands, left and right open hands, left and right gripping hands, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip (x2)

:The first in TakaraTomy's ''[[Hybrid Style]]'' series, Galaxy Convoy is a partly die-cast figure with scaled-down equivalents of the accessories that came with the Leader-class figure. This highly-intricate figure retains all the transformation abilities of the original figure—vehicle, flight mode, robot, and Super Mode—and even its Cyber Key-activated features (even coming with two keys so they can be deployed simultaneously), with additional touches like spring-loaded mechanisms that snap his cannons into place, and hand-grips on the weapons for Super Mode. While he does lack electronics or firing missiles, Prime still includes his Matrix, super-tiny yet still removable, and has four alternate sets of hands: two clenched fists, two with pointing index fingers, two with splayed palms, and two curved hands for holding his various weapon handles. Given the figure's small size, a reconfigurable head was infeasible, so it also comes with an alternate Super Mode head with a mouthplate and crests deployed, though the standard head must be attached in order for the figure to be transformed to vehicle mode.

: Starting in late April, customers who purchased this toy at [[AEON|JUSCO]] stores received an exclusive all-white version of the [[campaign item|promotional freebie]] [[Hellflame Mini-Con Team|Hellflame Micron]] [[Graviton (Cybertron)|Graviton]].

::*[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Cybertron/HybridGalaxyConvoy/galaxyconvoy.htm More information on Hybrid Style Galaxy Convoy at TFU.info]
{{--}}

==''Classics''==
[[File:Classicstoy legends cybertron prime.jpg|thumb|125px]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Legends, [[2007]])

: Bizarrely enough, Optimus Prime was one of three ''Cybertron'' Legends toys straight-released in ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' packaging, though with the modifier "Cybertron Collection" printed on the cardfront. The toy itself is identical to the ''Cybertron'' release.
{{--}}

==''Transformers'' (2007)==
[[File:TargetGenerationsLegends.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Generations Legends''' (Target exclusive multi-pack, 2007)

: A Target exclusive, this four-pack of Legends Class figures contains two versions of both Optimus Prime and Megatron, namely Legends of Cybertron Optimus Prime, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys|Movie Legends Optimus Prime]], Legends of Cybertron Megatron and [[Megatron (Movie)/toys|Movie Legends Megatron]]. The toy itself is identical to the ''Cybertron'' release.
{{--}}

==''Universe'' (2008)==
[[File:Universe2008toy BftCPK optimus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Battle for the Cyber Planet Keys''' (Sam's Club exclusive multi-pack, 2008)
**''Accessories'': Left and right smokestacks, Cybertron Cyber Key
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (deco artist)}}

: For ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'', a redeco of the ''Armada'' Super-Con [[#Super-Con|Optimus Prime]] in more Generation 1-inspired colors was released in a [[Sam's Club]] exclusive five-pack alongside [[Runamuck (Cybertron)#Universe (2008)|Runamuck]], [[Longrack (Cybertron)#Universe (2008)|Longrack]], [[Buzzsaw (Cybertron)#Universe (2008)|Buzzsaw]], and [[Blurr (Cybertron)#Universe (2008)|Blurr]]. Optimus was the only toy in the set different from the original releases. He came with a translucent red version of the remolded style of Cyber Key previously included with this mold's release during the ''Cybertron'' line, featuring a Powerlinx port to activate his punching gimmick.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/SamsClubOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Universe Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{ArmadaSuperConOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|VsCrumplezone}}
[[File:Universe2008CybOptimusPrimeAndCrumplezone.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Optimus Prime vs Crumplezone''' (Costco exclusive multi-pack, 2008)
**''Accessories'': Trailer/armor, rifle, three missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Cyber Key

: This Costco exclusive set contains [[#LeaderGalaxyForce|Leader-class "Galaxy Force" Optimus Prime]] and the original [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Crumplezone]]. Both toys were unchanged from their previous individual releases.
{{--}}

==''Bot Shots''==
{{anchor|BotShotJumpShot}}
[[File:BotShots JumpShot Optimus Prime.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2013)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''B004'''
***''Fist strength'': '''515'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''625'''
***''Sword strength'': '''475'''

: Part of the second wave of ''Bot Shots'' Series 2 single-packs, this new-mold Optimus Prime is heavily based on ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], transforming from a robot armed with a gun, into a futuristic firetruck. As a Jump Shot, he springs up when auto-transforming.

:He was redecoed into [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Bot Shots|Ultra Magnus]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Autobot/BSJSOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Jump Shot Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BotShot3pack}}
[[File:BotShots 3pack Optimus Prime.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
*'''Optimus Prime / Cindersaur / Autobot Jazz''' (Multi-pack, 2013)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''BP008'''
***''Fist strength'': '''404'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''854'''
***''Sword strength'': '''362'''

: Part of the second wave of ''Bot Shots'' Series 2 three-packs, this redeco of Jump Shot Optimus Prime has a brighter red, a painted silver forehead crest and "nose-strap", blue windows, and glossy blue paint on his legs, head, and firefighting section, among other minor deco changes. He comes with [[Cindersaur (G1)|Jump Shot Cindersaur]] and [[Jazz (G1)/toys#SuperBot|Super Bot Autobot Jazz]].

:The second wave of Series 2 three-packs didn't reach mass retail in the United States, only showing up in discount stores like Ross.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Autobot/BSJS3pkOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on 3-pack Jump Shot Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==''Platinum Edition''==
[[File:PlatinumEditiontoy-YOTSOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|Platimus.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Year of the Snake exclusive, 2013)
**''Accessories:'' Firetruck drone, helicopter drone, drill tank drone, submarine drone, trailer, rifle, missile
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}

: ''[[Transformers: Platinum Edition|Platinum Edition]]'' "Year of the Snake" Optimus Prime is a redeco of [[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|''Energon'']] [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Energon|Super Class Optimus Prime]] inspired by his [[Show-accuracy|Generation 1 color scheme]]. In lieu of combining with his drones, Optimus Prime can also combine with ''Platinum Edition'' [[Omega Supreme (WFC)#Platinum Edition|Omega Supreme]] to form what his instructions ''also'' call "Super Optimus Prime". The drones are color-matched to Omega Supreme, and can attach to four connectors on his body. In an undocumented feature, Prime can also merge with ''Energon'' [[Wing Saber (Energon)#Energon|Wing Saber]].

:Though the [[stock photography]] shows the original mouthed-face head and smooth inner chest windows, the final toy uses the face-plated head and ridged inner windows. The [[packaging]]'s [[bio]] is every [[Optimus Prime (disambiguation)|Optimus Prime]] bio ever (well, [[Optimus Prime (SG)|mostly]]), [[Ask Vector Prime]] would eventually declare him to be a version of Unicron Trilogy Optimus.

:''Platinum Edition'' Optimus Prime is exclusive to BigBadToyStore and Amazon.com in America, but was also released at Philippine mass retail in limited quantities, in Australia as a Kmart exclusive and in Canada as a [[Toys"R"Us]] exclusive. All electronics have been omitted from this version, even the light-up feature retained by Takara's Superlink release, trading the LED for an open hole in the chest.
{{--}}

==''Kre-O''==
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Mini-Con Combiners, unreleased)
**''Accessories'': Bazooka, [[Phaser (weapon)|phaser]], Uzi, scoped pistol, [[Klingon]] blaster

:"Mini-Con Combiner"' Optimus comes with one standard Kreon and four ''Cityville''-syle mini-Kreons of the same character, each one a different incarnation from various franchises. With some extra parts, the mini-Kreons become limbs to make a larger combiner-bot.

: Two of his limbs are based on ''Armada'' Optimus Prime; one "normal" (Inferno helmet), one pre-[[Earth]]-body (Knock Out helmet). The main torso-bot is based on Generation 1 Optimus's original body. Another limb-bot is based on [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|live-action Optimus]] (Soundwave helmet), and the remaining one (Ironhide helmet)... actually looks to be based on the Optimus-like-but-not-Optimus [[Micromaster]] [[Overload (G1)|Overload]]! The heck?

:[https://www.seibertron.com/events/fullsize.php?event_id=400&size=1&image=29 First shown at New York Toy Fair 2015], the Mini-Con Combiners were apparently cancelled without fanfare... a decision that must have come late in the day, as they went on to star in their own promotional animation, "[[Stuck in a Tree]]", released about eight months after the trade show.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

==''War for Cybertron: Siege''==
[[File:WFC-Siege-WFC-S40-Leader-Class-Galaxy-Upgrade-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Technically not ''Cybertron'' Optimus by this wiki's classification.]]
{{main|Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#S40}}

:The [[2019]] ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' subline of ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' includes "Galaxy Upgrade Optimus Prime", which is based heavily on ''Cybertron'' Optimus Prime in its vehicle and Super modes.
{{--}}

==Canceled prototype==
[[File:Generations_Armada_Convoy_Prototype.jpeg|thumb|''Life could be a dream...'']]
*'''Armada Convoy'''
{{toydesigner|[[Hisashi Yuki]]}}

:Revealed as a grayscale prototype at the [[Wonder Festival]] [[2019]] Winter convention, this Voyager-sized Optimus Prime mold is modelled after his ''Armada'' design, though adding many stylized details. Though a pair of hands are visible in the hollows of his legs, the prototype was not designed with a super-mode conversion<ref>{{citesocial|quote=When I [pitched ''Legacy'' Armada Optimus Prime] to TT, I actually sent over the Wondercon Takara Tomy prototype image that was shown at that event. They explained to me that the grey model their domestic team showed off did not have the super mode combining ability.|link=https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr2DhHyscWT/|name=Mark Maher|site=Instagram|year=2023|month=05|day=05}}</ref> (and was likely too early in its production to be able to change at all).

:TakaraTomy claimed at Wonder Festival [[2020]] Winter that this figure was not "cancelled", but was not a development priority at that time, and that its proper toyline was not determined.<ref>[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/2020-winter-wonder-festival-information.1188365/page-21#post-17643985 Report from Gamerlingual on the TFW2005 Forums, 9 February 2020]</ref> [[#Legacy|An entirely different tooling of the character]] was later released as part of the ''Legacy'' line; Hasbro had requested the prototype model from Takara, but by that point it had been misplaced, so the Commander Class toy was developed from scratch.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=The Takara Prime was developed by a different team at Takara that doesn’t work with the Hasbro toy team, the Hasbro team asked for it but the model couldn’t be located, so the Commander toy was made from scratch. I think it turned out for the better.|link=https://news.tfw2005.com/2023/07/28/sdcc-2023-hasbro-show-floor-qa-legacy-studio-series-video-games-more-488215|name=Evan Brooks|site=TFW2005|title=SDCC 2023 Hasbro Show Floor Q&A – Legacy, Studio Series, Video Games, More!|year=2023|month=07|day=28}}</ref> However, the unproduced prototype did make one final appearance in the ''Legacy: Evolution'' box art mural (the stylized chest grill and curved forearm smokestacks being a dead giveaway), presumably because it was the reference material on hand at the time.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

==''Legacy''==
[[File:TF-Legacy-Commander-Class-Armada-Optimus-Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|The time has come for...SUPER Bendy Prime!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Armada Universe Optimus Prime''' (Commander Class, [[2023]], [[2024]])}}</ul>
:*''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''TL-48'''
:*''TakaraTomy release date'': [[November]], 2023
:*''Accessories'': Ion blaster, Matrix, insignia plate, left and right smokestack guns
{{toydesigner|[[Mark Maher]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}<ref>[[April 4]], [[2023]]'s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qv8dh66d48 Hasbro Pulse Transformers Fanstream] on YouTube, with [[Ben MacCrae]], [[Evan Brooks]], [[Mark Maher]], [[Sam Smith]], [[Shogo Hasui]] and [[Delaney Norris]]</ref>

: Marking the 20th anniversary of the ''Armada'' franchise, ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy: Evolution]]'' "Armada Universe Optimus Prime" is a Commander Class figure modeled after the original Super Base toy listed above, but trades the trailer's remote-controlled autotransformation [[gimmick]] and primary robot's electronics for markedly superior articulation in both regular and "super" robot modes. The deco and some elements of the sculpt are heavily based upon Prime's appearance in the [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|anime]], hence the regular robot mode's silver fists, black chest stripes, and the layout of the gold waist deco on the super mode. The gold itself is a compromise between the original Hasbro figure's darker gold and Takara's bright yellow.

: He comes with a large ion blaster that can be held in both robot modes and smokestacks that can detach and combine (though they cannot form into a singular gun like the original toy) with the rifle as part of his [[Evo-Fusion]] feature; however, the gimmick's logo is oddly absent from the box itself. His trailer unfolds into a base mode and combines with him to form his super mode. The smaller robot is a roughly Voyager-sized figure with a removable [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]. An undocumented feature beneath the Matrix chamber is what appears to be a spark chamber modeled after the one seen inside ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' Leader Class Optimus Prime's chest. The Autobot insignia on his truck roof/super mode chestplate is also removable — a sign of [[Jetfire (Armada)|things to come]], perhaps? He also has an extra point at the back of his trailer that appears to be meant to pull a second trailer, for possibly [[Overload (Armada)|another future feature.]]

: The turret section for Optimus' trailer/base comes separated in the packaging and must be attached by slightly reconfiguring the trailer, bending the turret's hinges appropriately, then finally pegging it in and tabbing the trailer back into place. The blaster can also be stored on the super mode's back via a 5mm hole.

: The instructions for transforming Optimus into super mode have the torso clip into the backpack first, then drop down onto the legs. You technically ''can'' do these steps in reverse to better replicate the original ''Armada'' super mode transformation, but doing so makes hooking Optimus into the backpack much more difficult. Also, the instructions don't show how the clips work; you need to fold the small red flap all the way out and push the grey tabs on the hips in in order to unlatch them. On another note regarding the super mode, all Hasbro photography has the trailer's stabilizer posts mistransformed in super mode. As the instructions show, they're meant to flip out and peg into the gold sections on Super Optimus' shins, mimicking the cannon detailing of the original Super Base toy.

: An undocumented feature involves a conspicuous rectangular red port located on the trailer/base section which forms Super Optimus' backpack. If you have an ''Armada'' [[Overload (Armada)#Toys|Overload]] figure in cannon-pack mode on hand, you can slot Overload into this port and the gap just above it to form "Megaweapon" Optimus! Unfortunately, due to the connection point being on the trailer base for ''Legacy'' Armada Optimus instead of being on the cab like the original ''Armada'' Super-Base Optimus, Overload will sit further back when combining and make ''Legacy'' Armada Optimus become extremely back heavy. This changed position will also make Overload's cannons be further back, making the shoulder stocks of Overload sit behind ''Legacy'' Armada Optimus' shoulders instead of in front of them, thus making them useless if they were real shoulder stocks. Additionally, because of how Overload's gun-feet are molded, the cannons won't sit horizontal due to clearance issues with Optimus' shoulder armor. Easy way to get around this is to just have ''Legacy'' Armada Optimus strike a pose while wearing Overload.

: The extra port at the back of ''Legacy'' Armada Optimus' trailer can also be used to tow Overload as a second trailer. However, unlike the original ''Armada'' Super-Base Optimus' trailer there is no lip to secure the hitch, and the port is much lower, causing him to be towed at an angle that causes his robot mode shoulders to drag on the ground despite his wheels still making contact with the floor. Additionally, the lower port location prevents him from having enough clearance to have [[Rollout (Armada)|Rollout]] provide structural support. Also, due to the cab-side of the hitch of ''Legacy'' Armada Optimus' being a port rather than a peg, he cannot tow ''Armada'' Overload by himself.

: While it needs to be transformed in place for the two modes, the butt-end of the blue-colored frame (the one that holds the wheels) can hinder the full rotation of the golden Super Mode hands.

: He was officially revealed on the [[April 4]] [[Hasbro Pulse]] Fanstream, and went up for pre-order on [[April 18]].

: The Japanese release of this figure comes in an additional outer sleeve that features the Hasbro version's package art with the Japanese ''Legacy: Evolution'' logo and the toy's Japanese name on the front, and a modified reprint of the package art for [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Super Base|the original Super Base]] toy on the back of the box. Inside the sleeve, however, is the normal Hasbro version's packaging with additional stickers in Japanese.

: ''Legacy'' Armada Optimus Prime was reissued in mid-2024 with preorders listed on April of that year.

:*''[https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr2DhHyscWT/ Designer commentary on ''Legacy'' Armada Optimus Prime (and the above prototype) from Mark Maher on Instagram]''
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[File:MonsterConvoy.jpg|upright=1|thumb|Arise, Bigfootimus Prime.]]
* The first test shots of Superbase Optimus Prime had a [http://www.behindthetoys.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7661 molded and recessed Autobot insignia] on the chest button rather than a flat surface with a tampographed symbol. It is unknown why this change was made.
* One of the earliest ''Armada'' Optimus Prime concepts depicts him as being an ENORMOUSLY HUGE MONSTER TRUCK.
* Pre-dating Powerlinx Optimus Prime, designer Aaron Archer asked fans on the TFW2005 forums what they'd want out of a redeco of the large toy—throwing out ideas such as a Scourge deco, a modified vehicle mode, new SFX, a transparent trailer, an added sword accessory, and the remote possibility of a new Mini-Con!<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Okay I give. If we did redeco the Elec. Optimus item as is (no new tools) what would you like to see to make you buy it again? Deco excatlly like Scourge? or another ? VM? New sound FX? New Mini-con probably wouldn't happen but what would be a good Vh for a evil Optimus? Clear trailer? Added Sword weapon? Keep this orderly and helpful, I have timing and cost issues to deal with so if you want to complain about next getting a new trailer and that we are killing you with cost them I understand but keep it to yourself. If you want to help make this worth rebuying them let me hear it...!|name=Aaron Archer|site=TFW2005|year=circa 2002}}</ref> In the end, Prime's Mini-Con was in fact retooled into the [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]]-like Corona Sparkplug.
* ''Energon'' Optimus Prime's combination with the Prime Force is...well, it's pretty much as close to a Sentai Robo that ''Transformers'' has ever gotten. It's also highly reminiscent of Voltron, as noted by our captions for that toy's image. That being said, Transformers characters who combine with non-sentient drones have become more common in the years since ''Energon'', so it seems less unusual now than when it was new.
*Under his various Japanese names, Optimus was ''three'' candidates in [[TakaraTomy]]'s [[Fan polls#Masterpiece Fan's Choice|''Masterpiece'' Fan's Choice]] poll, which asked fans to determine which Autobot/Maximal leader from the franchise's then-30 year history should receive a new toy in the prestigious ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' line. ''Armada'' Optimus placed second (with 24.3% of the votes), ''Energon'' Optimus placed tenth (with 1.5%), and ''Cybertron'' Optimus placed seventh (2.5%).
* Though not marketed as ''Energon'' Optimus Prime, several major details of that figure would be homaged in the 2015 ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' toyline's two [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#Combiner Wars|Optimus Prime]] releases and a [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Unite Warriors|third deco]] in ''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]''. Unlike "Galaxy Upgrade Optimus Prime" above, we're not putting any of them on this page because the influence is largely confined to the Combiner torso mode. None has a totally accurate deco, though [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]] is the combined form of a [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#BattleCoreOP|largely white release]] and [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|limbs]] [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|that]] [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|roughly]] [[Mirage (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|match]] the [[Prime Force]] in color, while Takara's [[Optimus Maximus (G1)#Unite Warriors|Convoy Grand Prime]] splits the difference between an Energon-accurate combined mode deco and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#Unite Warriors/Legends|G1 cartoon-based]] individual modes.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm Optimus Prime at TFU.info]
*[http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d75/binalternator/unreleased/optimus_prime_mini_optimus_prime/ Energon Optimus Prime redeco with Smallest Transformers Optimus Prime gallery]

[[Category:Amazon exclusives]]
[[Category:Armada Autobots]]
[[Category:Armada combiners]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Bot Shots Autobots]]
[[Category:Built to Rule!]]
[[Category:Costco exclusives]]
[[Category:Cybertron Autobots]]
[[Category:Cybertron combiners]]
[[Category:Energon Autobots]]
[[Category:Energon combiners]]
[[Category:Kmart exclusives]]
[[Category:Legacy Autobots]]
[[Category:Matrix bearers]]
[[Category:Platinum Edition]]
[[Category:Sam's Club exclusives]]
[[Category:Toys"R"Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Toys"R"Us Japan exclusives]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Race

2025-06-17T13:33:21Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Animation or technical errors */

{{episode
|series=Cybertron
|ep=14
|series2=Galaxy Force
|ep2=15
|title="Race"
|japanese=バドとホップの都会旅行
|romaji=Bud to Hop no Tokairyokō
|translation=Bud and Hop's Trip to the City
|image=Cyb_ep14_override_victorious.jpg
|caption= Insert Speed Racer reference here.
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Aichi]], [[We've]], [[Tōkyū Agency]]
|writer=[[Kazuhisa Sakaguchi]]
|director=[[Masashi Nagao]]
|animation studio=[[GONZO]], Azeta Pictures
|airdate=[[April 16]], [[2005]] (Japanese) [[September 17]], 2005
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy cartoon timeline|Unicron Trilogy cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''While the great race kicks into high gear on Velocitron, Bud and Lori go undercover on Earth, and Starscream recruits a new Decepticon.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Cyb ep14 secret mission.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2]]

On [[Velocitron]], the great race for the [[Planet Cup]] has finally begun! [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] and [[Dirt Boss (Cybertron)|Dirt Boss]] battle it out for the lead, while the other [[Autobot]]s keep an eye on [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] and [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]]. [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] blocks the two goons' path, while [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] and [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] watch them from behind. The two trouble-makers allow the Autobots to pass...but only so they can fire on them from behind! The explosions catch Hot Shot's attention, but Prime encourages him to leave things to the other Autobots and for him to focus on winning.

Video of the race is transmitted to the Autobots on [[Earth]], where it proves to be the only entertainment available for [[Bud Hansen|Bud]], who is caught in a traffic jam in the city, having been sent there on a mission with [[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] and the [[Recon Mini-Con Team]] by [[Vector Prime]]. Bud is not happy to be in the noisy, cramped city, but Lori is thrilled to be back in her element. Once they get out of the traffic jam, Jolt leads the team to a university campus to search for a strange gear-shaped artifact, but when they try to sneak inside, a security guard chases after them.

[[File:Cyb ep14 little red wagon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|haw haw.]]

Back with the race, Ransack transforms to [[robot mode]] and leaps on top of Crumplezone, using his new position to launch a spring that hooks onto Optimus Prime's rear end. The spring catapults Ransack ahead of the Autobots, where he unleashes a smokescreen that allows Crumplezone to sneak up to join him. The pair then switch positions, with Crumplezone riding on top of Ransack! They draw up level with Hot Shot and Dirt Boss, and are able to cause the two racers to crash into each other, allowing them to pull ahead. Hot Shot recovers from his spin first, and gives chase.

[[File:Cyb ep14 mudflap recruited.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|Typical, the two guys with Generation 1 counterparts bully the new character.]]

Also watching the race from Earth are [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]], who are soon contacted by [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. When Megatron instructs Starscream to go to Velocitron and aid Crumplezone and Ransack, Starscream refuses point-blank and Megatron silently terminates their communication links. Thundercracker is shocked at his actions, but Starscream intimates that it is time for them to start making some decision for themselves, and their first one is to approach the civilian Autobot, [[Mudflap (Cybertron)|Mudflap]]. A fight immediately breaks out between Thundercracker and Mudflap, but Starscream steps in to stop the brawl and offers Mudflap membership in the [[Decepticon]]s. Unable to fathom humans and discontented with life on Earth in general, Mudflap is swayed by Starscream's honeyed words and agrees. Switching his symbol to a Decepticon [[insignia]], Mudflap hops aboard Thundercracker and is taken back to the [[fire dimension]], leaving Starscream to cackle to himself at the beginning of the "fall of Megatron".

[[File:Cyb ep14 kids meet suzuki.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|So, what do you think of the caption?]]

Meanwhile, Bud and Lori manage to evade the campus security guard by ducking into a room. No sooner do they have time to observe that the room is a mess before someone else enters, and the pair quickly dive into a supply closet. Their hiding place is immediately discovered when the female professor who has just entered spills a cup of orange juice and opens the closet in search of cleaning supplies. Surprisingly enough, she takes this quite well, introduces herself as Professor [[Lucy Suzuki]], and even shows the kids her collection of strange archaeological artefacts, which she believes to be alien in origin. One of the pieces turns out to be the object Bud and Lori are looking for, so the kids quickly excuse themselves and depart. Lucy is poised to go after them before she gets a phone call from the front desk to inform her that [[Mike Franklin|someone from the government]] is here to see her urgently...

[[File:Cyb ep14 feeling flat.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|Crumplezone and Ransack hass planzzz]]

Back on Velocitron, Crumplezone and Ransack use their lead to blast out a bridge, leaving Dirt Boss and all the Autobots behind them unable to proceed. Optimus helps Hot Shot clear the gap by driving off the edge into mid-air and using his cannons as a ramp for Hot Shot to vault off of, making it safely to the other side. Dirt Boss, meanwhile, goes off-road, and quickly closes the gap on Crumplezone and Ransack, crashing down on top of them from above and flattening them down into the asphalt. While all this excitement goes on, Override crosses the finish line in first place, and Hot Shot then uses his [[Cyber Key]] Power to take second, securing his position in the next heat of the race.

Across the galaxy on [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Jungle Planet]] , [[Backstop (Cybertron)|Backstop]] entreats [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]] to listen to [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]]'s pleas. Unfortunately, Overhaul's gruff, confrontational manner means that the "discussion" doesn't go very well, almost immediately degenerating into a face-off between the two...
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] (2)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Brakedown (Cybertron)|Brakedown]] (8)
*[[Clocker (Cybertron)|Clocker]] (9)
*[[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (10)
*[[Vector Prime]] (11)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (12)
*[[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] (14)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (15)
*[[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]] (17)
*[[Six-Speed (Cybertron)|Six-Speed]] (18)
*[[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] (20)
*[[Snarl (Cybertron)|Snarl]] (29)
*[[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]] (31)
*[[Backstop (Cybertron)|Backstop]] (32)

|c2=
*[[Dirt Boss (Cybertron)|Dirt Boss]] (3)
*[[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] (6)
*[[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] (7)
*[[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] (22)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (23)
*[[Mudflap (Cybertron)|Mudflap]] (24)
*[[Undermine (Cybertron)|Undermine]] (27)
*[[Brimstone (Cybertron)|Brimstone]] (28)
*[[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]] (30)

|c3=
*[[Coby Hansen]] (13)
*[[Bud Hansen]] (16)
*[[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] (19)
*Campus guard (21)
*[[Lucy Suzuki]] (25)
*[[Mike Franklin]] (26)

|c4=
*Race announcer (1)
}}

==Quotes==
"My theory... is that the item... is in a ''room''."
:—Elementary, my dear '''Bud'''!

"Has Crumplezone overheated and mistaken Ransack for his little red wagon?"
:—'''Race announcer''' after Crumplezone jumps upon Ransack

"You rode on ''my'' back!"
:—'''Crumplezone''', on why he is riding Ransack

"What's weeth zeez humans, anyway? Zey are one bunch of deesorderly cats, eh?"
:—Zut alors! '''Mudflap''' is French! Why? Dang if we know!

"Ask yourself, friend, why is Optimus Prime so concerned with humans? Shouldn't the focus be on us? Do you enjoy a life suffering humans?" 
"No. I don't." 
"Just join with me, and you will no longer have to worry about trivial human problems!" 
"But... you are evil. So is Megatron." 
"That, Mudflap, is an unfortunate misunderstanding! The Decepticons and the Autobots want the same thing! We all live in the same universe. ''We're'' just trying to save it with a more ''direct'' method." 
"Hmmm..." 
"You ''know'' I'm right." 
"...we should come first! Forget the humans! I'll join!"
:—'''Starscream''' wins over '''Mudflap'''

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Galaxy Force''===
*This episode features no notable changes from the ''Galaxy Force'' version, beyond the usual modifications and extensions made to dialogue and music.
*''Cybertron'' adds multiple fart sound effects that are absent in ''Galaxy Force'' when Ransack and Crumplezone get flattened by the other racers. Real mature, guys.

===Animation or technical errors===
*When complaining about life in the big city, Bud's voice actor makes a common error and mispronounces "espresso" as "expresso."
*Ransack and Crumplezone fire at the Autobots after Red Alert and Landmine ride past them. However, as they're both in vehicle mode, they end up launching energy blasts from their headlights.
*If you listen carefully during the scene where Ransack and Crumplezone get flattened by the other racers, you can hear Ransack was about to yell at Mudflap before being cut off, while it was Red Alert and Landmine who had just run them over. On top of that, Mudflap isn't even participating in the race in the first place.

===Continuity notes===
*Megatron is still being nursed back to health in a green filter-like bubble after damages he sustained at the end of the episode 'Ship'.
*The ''Galaxy Force'' version of "[[Ship]]" had Vector Prime inform the kids he had something for them to do while he was on Velocitron. While it's not directly stated, evidently, this mission was the task in question.
*The mysterious government operative previously appeared in "[[Hidden]]" and "[[Collapse]].

===Transformers references===
*Thundercracker says of Mudflap, "This guy's about as neighborly as a hungry [[Tigatron]]!"

===Real-world references===
*Bud dubs Jolt "Double-Oh-Zero", a variation of famous spy {{w|James Bond}}'s codename, Double-Oh-Seven (the joke is also in ''Galaxy Force'', though the term used is "0099"). Bud later does his best impression of Bond-as-played-by-{{w|Sean Connery}}, referring to a "Miss Pennymoney" (a reference to Bond's eternally unrequited love interest, {{w|Miss Moneypenny}}).
*Hot Shot says "I've got a long way to go and a short time to get there"; a clear reference to the popular {{w|Jerry Reed}} song "{{w|East Bound and Down}}" which was featured in the equally as popular action film ''{{w|Smokey and the Bandit}}'' starring {{w|Burt Reynolds}}.

===Trivia===
*"Race" was the last episode of ''Cybertron'' to premiere on [[Cartoon Network]] in 2005; following its broadcast, the series moved to [[Kids' WB]] and switched to a daily broadcast, beginning with the debut of the first two episodes of the series, "[[Fallen (episode)|Fallen]]" and "[[Haven]]", which Cartoon Network had originally skipped.
*The unknown actor who replaced [[Ryan Hirakida]] as Bud in "[[Hero (episode)|Hero]]" continues to voice the character in this episode.
*Ransack is somehow able to bear Crumplezone's weight without appreciably slowing down. What is ''in'' that guy's Energon?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Galaxy Force'' — Vol. 04 ([[Victor Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Cybertron episodes]]

Race

2025-06-13T13:42:38Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Differences with Galaxy Force */

{{episode
|series=Cybertron
|ep=14
|series2=Galaxy Force
|ep2=15
|title="Race"
|japanese=バドとホップの都会旅行
|romaji=Bud to Hop no Tokairyokō
|translation=Bud and Hop's Trip to the City
|image=Cyb_ep14_override_victorious.jpg
|caption= Insert Speed Racer reference here.
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Aichi]], [[We've]], [[Tōkyū Agency]]
|writer=[[Kazuhisa Sakaguchi]]
|director=[[Masashi Nagao]]
|animation studio=[[GONZO]], Azeta Pictures
|airdate=[[April 16]], [[2005]] (Japanese) [[September 17]], 2005
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy cartoon timeline|Unicron Trilogy cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''While the great race kicks into high gear on Velocitron, Bud and Lori go undercover on Earth, and Starscream recruits a new Decepticon.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Cyb ep14 secret mission.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2]]

On [[Velocitron]], the great race for the [[Planet Cup]] has finally begun! [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] and [[Dirt Boss (Cybertron)|Dirt Boss]] battle it out for the lead, while the other [[Autobot]]s keep an eye on [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] and [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]]. [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] blocks the two goons' path, while [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] and [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] watch them from behind. The two trouble-makers allow the Autobots to pass...but only so they can fire on them from behind! The explosions catch Hot Shot's attention, but Prime encourages him to leave things to the other Autobots and for him to focus on winning.

Video of the race is transmitted to the Autobots on [[Earth]], where it proves to be the only entertainment available for [[Bud Hansen|Bud]], who is caught in a traffic jam in the city, having been sent there on a mission with [[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] and the [[Recon Mini-Con Team]] by [[Vector Prime]]. Bud is not happy to be in the noisy, cramped city, but Lori is thrilled to be back in her element. Once they get out of the traffic jam, Jolt leads the team to a university campus to search for a strange gear-shaped artifact, but when they try to sneak inside, a security guard chases after them.

[[File:Cyb ep14 little red wagon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|haw haw.]]

Back with the race, Ransack transforms to [[robot mode]] and leaps on top of Crumplezone, using his new position to launch a spring that hooks onto Optimus Prime's rear end. The spring catapults Ransack ahead of the Autobots, where he unleashes a smokescreen that allows Crumplezone to sneak up to join him. The pair then switch positions, with Crumplezone riding on top of Ransack! They draw up level with Hot Shot and Dirt Boss, and are able to cause the two racers to crash into each other, allowing them to pull ahead. Hot Shot recovers from his spin first, and gives chase.

[[File:Cyb ep14 mudflap recruited.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|Typical, the two guys with Generation 1 counterparts bully the new character.]]

Also watching the race from Earth are [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]], who are soon contacted by [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. When Megatron instructs Starscream to go to Velocitron and aid Crumplezone and Ransack, Starscream refuses point-blank and Megatron silently terminates their communication links. Thundercracker is shocked at his actions, but Starscream intimates that it is time for them to start making some decision for themselves, and their first one is to approach the civilian Autobot, [[Mudflap (Cybertron)|Mudflap]]. A fight immediately breaks out between Thundercracker and Mudflap, but Starscream steps in to stop the brawl and offers Mudflap membership in the [[Decepticon]]s. Unable to fathom humans and discontented with life on Earth in general, Mudflap is swayed by Starscream's honeyed words and agrees. Switching his symbol to a Decepticon [[insignia]], Mudflap hops aboard Thundercracker and is taken back to the [[fire dimension]], leaving Starscream to cackle to himself at the beginning of the "fall of Megatron".

[[File:Cyb ep14 kids meet suzuki.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|So, what do you think of the caption?]]

Meanwhile, Bud and Lori manage to evade the campus security guard by ducking into a room. No sooner do they have time to observe that the room is a mess before someone else enters, and the pair quickly dive into a supply closet. Their hiding place is immediately discovered when the female professor who has just entered spills a cup of orange juice and opens the closet in search of cleaning supplies. Surprisingly enough, she takes this quite well, introduces herself as Professor [[Lucy Suzuki]], and even shows the kids her collection of strange archaeological artefacts, which she believes to be alien in origin. One of the pieces turns out to be the object Bud and Lori are looking for, so the kids quickly excuse themselves and depart. Lucy is poised to go after them before she gets a phone call from the front desk to inform her that [[Mike Franklin|someone from the government]] is here to see her urgently...

[[File:Cyb ep14 feeling flat.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|Crumplezone and Ransack hass planzzz]]

Back on Velocitron, Crumplezone and Ransack use their lead to blast out a bridge, leaving Dirt Boss and all the Autobots behind them unable to proceed. Optimus helps Hot Shot clear the gap by driving off the edge into mid-air and using his cannons as a ramp for Hot Shot to vault off of, making it safely to the other side. Dirt Boss, meanwhile, goes off-road, and quickly closes the gap on Crumplezone and Ransack, crashing down on top of them from above and flattening them down into the asphalt. While all this excitement goes on, Override crosses the finish line in first place, and Hot Shot then uses his [[Cyber Key]] Power to take second, securing his position in the next heat of the race.

Across the galaxy on [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Jungle Planet]] , [[Backstop (Cybertron)|Backstop]] entreats [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]] to listen to [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]]'s pleas. Unfortunately, Overhaul's gruff, confrontational manner means that the "discussion" doesn't go very well, almost immediately degenerating into a face-off between the two...
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] (2)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Brakedown (Cybertron)|Brakedown]] (8)
*[[Clocker (Cybertron)|Clocker]] (9)
*[[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (10)
*[[Vector Prime]] (11)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (12)
*[[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] (14)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (15)
*[[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]] (17)
*[[Six-Speed (Cybertron)|Six-Speed]] (18)
*[[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] (20)
*[[Snarl (Cybertron)|Snarl]] (29)
*[[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]] (31)
*[[Backstop (Cybertron)|Backstop]] (32)

|c2=
*[[Dirt Boss (Cybertron)|Dirt Boss]] (3)
*[[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] (6)
*[[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] (7)
*[[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] (22)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (23)
*[[Mudflap (Cybertron)|Mudflap]] (24)
*[[Undermine (Cybertron)|Undermine]] (27)
*[[Brimstone (Cybertron)|Brimstone]] (28)
*[[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]] (30)

|c3=
*[[Coby Hansen]] (13)
*[[Bud Hansen]] (16)
*[[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] (19)
*Campus guard (21)
*[[Lucy Suzuki]] (25)
*[[Mike Franklin]] (26)

|c4=
*Race announcer (1)
}}

==Quotes==
"My theory... is that the item... is in a ''room''."
:—Elementary, my dear '''Bud'''!

"Has Crumplezone overheated and mistaken Ransack for his little red wagon?"
:—'''Race announcer''' after Crumplezone jumps upon Ransack

"You rode on ''my'' back!"
:—'''Crumplezone''', on why he is riding Ransack

"What's weeth zeez humans, anyway? Zey are one bunch of deesorderly cats, eh?"
:—Zut alors! '''Mudflap''' is French! Why? Dang if we know!

"Ask yourself, friend, why is Optimus Prime so concerned with humans? Shouldn't the focus be on us? Do you enjoy a life suffering humans?" 
"No. I don't." 
"Just join with me, and you will no longer have to worry about trivial human problems!" 
"But... you are evil. So is Megatron." 
"That, Mudflap, is an unfortunate misunderstanding! The Decepticons and the Autobots want the same thing! We all live in the same universe. ''We're'' just trying to save it with a more ''direct'' method." 
"Hmmm..." 
"You ''know'' I'm right." 
"...we should come first! Forget the humans! I'll join!"
:—'''Starscream''' wins over '''Mudflap'''

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Galaxy Force''===
*This episode features no notable changes from the ''Galaxy Force'' version, beyond the usual modifications and extensions made to dialogue and music.
*''Cybertron'' adds multiple fart sound effects that are absent in ''Galaxy Force'' when Ransack and Crumplezone get flattened by the other racers. Real mature, guys.

===Animation or technical errors===
*When complaining about life in the big city, Bud's voice actor makes a common error and mispronounces "espresso" as "expresso."
*Ransack and Crumplezone fire at the Autobots after Red Alert and Landmine ride past them. However, as they're both in vehicle mode, they end up launching energy blasts from their headlights.

===Continuity notes===
*Megatron is still being nursed back to health in a green filter-like bubble after damages he sustained at the end of the episode 'Ship'.
*The ''Galaxy Force'' version of "[[Ship]]" had Vector Prime inform the kids he had something for them to do while he was on Velocitron. While it's not directly stated, evidently, this mission was the task in question.
*The mysterious government operative previously appeared in "[[Hidden]]" and "[[Collapse]].

===Transformers references===
*Thundercracker says of Mudflap, "This guy's about as neighborly as a hungry [[Tigatron]]!"

===Real-world references===
*Bud dubs Jolt "Double-Oh-Zero", a variation of famous spy {{w|James Bond}}'s codename, Double-Oh-Seven (the joke is also in ''Galaxy Force'', though the term used is "0099"). Bud later does his best impression of Bond-as-played-by-{{w|Sean Connery}}, referring to a "Miss Pennymoney" (a reference to Bond's eternally unrequited love interest, {{w|Miss Moneypenny}}).
*Hot Shot says "I've got a long way to go and a short time to get there"; a clear reference to the popular {{w|Jerry Reed}} song "{{w|East Bound and Down}}" which was featured in the equally as popular action film ''{{w|Smokey and the Bandit}}'' starring {{w|Burt Reynolds}}.

===Trivia===
*"Race" was the last episode of ''Cybertron'' to premiere on [[Cartoon Network]] in 2005; following its broadcast, the series moved to [[Kids' WB]] and switched to a daily broadcast, beginning with the debut of the first two episodes of the series, "[[Fallen (episode)|Fallen]]" and "[[Haven]]", which Cartoon Network had originally skipped.
*The unknown actor who replaced [[Ryan Hirakida]] as Bud in "[[Hero (episode)|Hero]]" continues to voice the character in this episode.
*Ransack is somehow able to bear Crumplezone's weight without appreciably slowing down. What is ''in'' that guy's Energon?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Galaxy Force'' — Vol. 04 ([[Victor Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Cybertron episodes]]

Metamorphosis (Armada)

2025-06-07T19:56:05Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Real-world references */

{{disambig2|the episode of ''Armada''|the ''Cloud'' story|Metamorphosis (Cloud)}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=2
|prev=First Encounter
|next=Base
|title="Metamorphosis"
|furigana=へんしん
|japanese=擬態
|romaji=Henshin
|translation=Mimicry: Metamorphosis
|image=Metamorphcontact.JPG
|caption=Grindor phone home
|production code=TF: A-02
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]
|director=[[Takashi Sano]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[August 23]], [[2002]] (English) [[January 17|17 January]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZSywjy_fps
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''Pursued by the Decepticons, Rad, Carlos, and Alexis find they have allies in the form of Optimus Prime and his Autobots.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Metamorphdeceps.JPG|left|155px|thumb|"Hello, you brats! Welcome to first contact!" "Aw, but I liked "Generations" more..."]]
[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] find that a cave-in has trapped them both underground. Above ground, the fight between [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] continues. [[Rad White|Rad]], [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], and [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] attempt to flee with their new [[Mini-Con]] friend, only to be cut off by two new robots teleporting in: [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]]. As Demolishor reaches for Rad and Carlos, two more robots appear, and the youngsters get surrounded. Alexis begins to lead her friends away, but Starscream spots [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] and moves to grab the Mini-Con. However, [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] blocks him, and the pair grapples.

Alexis has enough time to spy the Autobot sigil on Hot Shot's shoulder before Rad announces they're heading for the caves. Before Demolishor can make a move to stop them, he's tackled by [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] and repeatedly pummeled so that his optical sensor is damaged. Megatron scornfully calls him "a weakling," but he is knocked down to the ground by Optimus Prime a moment later. Optimus demands that they surrender, but Megatron suddenly disappears, promising he will return. The other two Decepticons quickly retreat via teleport, leaving three surprised Autobots. Optimus tells his troops they must stop Megatron from getting hold of the Mini-Cons. Hot Shot points out the Decepticons are using short-[[Warp gate|warp]] equipment and must have a base nearby, which leads to Red Alert suspecting they're on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]].

[[File:Metamorphdeceps2.JPG|155px|thumb|"I wasn't sleeping! I was just, errr... resting my eyes! Yeah, that's it."]]
The Decepticons are indeed using the crashed Mini-Con spaceship as a base. The three Decepticons arrive there, waking [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]], who is taking a nap in a hallway. The latter immediately begins fawning over Megatron and is ignored. His inquiry over whether they found the Mini-Cons gets met with glares, and Starscream suggests Megatron could put him in charge of finding them. Megatron agrees but makes the price of failure clear.

Back in the caves, Rad thinks they're safe, but Alexis is sure the giant robots will come after them, or, more specifically, High Wire. None of the kids can understand High Wire's speech, but they follow the Mini-Con into another chamber, and a door slowly slides closed behind them. Rad and Carlos assure Alexis this is a good thing. The lights come up, and the trio realizes they're standing on the threshold of a spaceship. Rad accesses the ship's computer, letting the kids learn about Megatron and Optimus Prime. Alexis recognizes the Autobot symbol from earlier.

On the Moon, Megatron stands outside the ship musing over how he will find the Mini-Cons and spies a glint of light on the Moon's surface.

High Wire goes nuts, much to the confusion of the three children. He opens a wall panel, revealing two [[Mini-Con storage panel]]s, which Alexis and Carlos activate. The panels unveil an [[Sureshock (Armada)|orange she-Mini-Con]] and a [[Grindor (Armada)|blue Mini-Con]], who pair up with Alexis and Carlos, respectively.

[[File:Metamorphleader1.JPG|left|155px|thumb|Twinkle, twinkle, little star!]]
On the Moon, Megatron has found another storage panel, which he activates to reveal his old Mini-Con [[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]], filling Megatron with evil glee.

Fred and Billy finally manage to free themselves from the cave, only to panic upon seeing a giant footprint. Underground, Carlos and Alexis let the Mini-Cons scan their skateboard and scooter for alternate modes.

Back on the Moon, Megatron demands to know why Cyclonus couldn't detect a Mini-Con right under his nose. Cyclonus can offer no excuse, and Starscream's chuckle only enrages the Decepticon leader further. Megatron tells them to witness the power of his Mini-Con, prompting Leader-1 to show his firepower. The two Decepticons are frightened and astonished. Demolishor arrives to report the news that two more Mini-Cons activated on Earth. Megatron puts Cyclonus in charge of the recovery team and gives his troops new [[Alternate mode|alt-modes]] based on Earth vehicles. Starscream transforms into a supersonic fighter jet; Demolishor can become a self-propelled gun; Cyclonus looks like a military helicopter, and Megatron transforms into a tank. They return to Earth.

Meanwhile, the three kids have a good time with their new Mini-Con friends; they race on them through a forest, across water, and up a cliff before unexpectedly running right into Megatron and his troops. They try to escape, but the Decepticons surround them, as does Megatron's triumphant laughter. It seems to Rad that they're done for... until a big red-and-blue truck rams Megatron into a rock. Cyclonus and Starscream are so astonished that they remain poised in mid-air instead of doing anything. The truck pulls up by the three kids and asks them to get in; Alexis obliges after recognizing the Autobot symbol on its side. Rad and Carlos are more hesitant until Demolishor looms up behind them. The Decepticon attempts to stop the truck from leaving but gets shot repeatedly in the face and run over. Then a yellow sports car rams him when trying to pursue the truck.

[[File:Metamorphsuperop.JPG|155px|thumb|"Do you feel your knees trembling? No? You '''will'''."]]
Safely out of danger, the truck lets them out and transforms into robot mode — naturally, it's Optimus Prime. Likewise, Hot Shot and Red Alert appear in vehicle mode and transform into robots. Then the kids observe the oncoming Decepticon forces, and Optimus combines with his trailer to enter [[Super Mode]]. Rad reflects that the Autobots might need his help while on Earth, and the Autobots and Decepticons prepare to battle.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
({{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (11)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (12)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (9)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (10)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (13)

|c3=
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (1)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (2)
*[[Rad White]] (5)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (6)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (7)
*Truck driver (17)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (8)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (14)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (15)
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (16)
}}

==Quotes==
"What a weakling."
:—'''Megatron''' is not impressed at Demolishor being taken down by Red Alert.

'''Hot Shot:''' They're using short-warp equipment, so they must have a base set up somewhere near here. 
'''Red Alert:''' ''(looking at the Moon)'' They're up there.
:—200,000 miles "near"?!

"You had better not. If you do, I'll have you dismantled for scrap. Then I'll launch what's left of you straight into the sun, understand?"
:—'''Megatron''' on what will happen if Cyclonus fails.

"So he really is from outer space! I bet he came from some distant galaxy a long time ago to escape those big robots. Maybe they use small robots like him to increase their power or something. His ship must have crash-landed on Earth, and now they've tracked him down." 
"Wow, you think so?" 
"That's the only reason I can think of why those big robots would come after him."
:—'''Rad''' comes up with the most far-fetched, unbelievable explanation ever. '''Alexis''' is impressed.

"Hey, guess what? He understands me! He does, he really does!" 
"Are you sure? This one's not reacting to anything I say. Aw, his batteries must be low. Maybe he needs to be recharged or something."
:—'''Alexis''' and '''Carlos''' on meeting their Mini-Cons.

"Shut your mouth, you worthless piece of junk!"
:—'''Megatron''' on Cyclonus' failure.

"Megatron! Uh... sir? What happened in here?"
:—'''Demolishor''' is surprised at Leader-1's redecorating.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus and Megatron's face-off scene is silent until Rad's narration, where he says, "Now in retrospect...This is what started everything." In ''Armada'', Rad recaps Megatron and Optimus appearing at the previous episode's end, mentioning that they're "bitter enemies from an ancient time" and how unbeknownst to him and his friends, they'd have an essential role in the Transformers' battle. The track "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Let's Roll Out, Cybertrons!]]" plays during this scene in the Japanese dub, but ''Armada'' plays the Transformers theme.
*Billy asks what's happening outside, thinking there's another earthquake. After Fred starts crying, he tells him to stop since he doesn't want Rad and the others to hear him. ''Armada'' has Billy resign himself and Fred to their fate of being trapped in the cave, and he tells the crying Fred to get a grip.
*In ''Armada'', when the kids and High Wire get surrounded, Carlos says they're in the middle of a showdown but says trying to run is useless in ''Legends of the Microns''. After Hot Shot saves Alexis and High Wire from Starscream, Rad asks if Alexis is alright before saying they should return to the cave.
*''Armada'' has Red Alert express concern for Optimus after the fight. But as is often the case with Autobots in Japanese fiction, they're all business in ''Legends of the Microns''; Prime immediately talks about short-range warp equipment, and Hot Shot notes the Decepticons being unable to build a warp device in such a short time. The brief extension to the conversation in ''Armada'' means Hot Shot gets the equipment line instead.
*The Decepticons' discussion in the Mini-Con ship is entirely different between the two versions: In ''Armada'', Megatron wants to know if Starscream had any luck finding Mini-Cons by scanning the planet. Starscream suggests that Cyclonus would do a better job, prompting the crazy 'copter to take up the task reluctantly. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the exchange is about how Cyclonus fell asleep instead of searching the ship for Mini-Cons. Megatron tells him to get back to work but is ''far'' less threatening about it than in ''Armada'' since the Autobots don't know about the ship yet, and they can afford to take their time as they set it up as their base. The Japanese dub has Starscream telling Cyclonus to wipe some drool off his face and adds a sniffling sound when Cyclonus wipes his face.
*Once they take cover in the caves, the kids worry about the Transformers coming after them in ''Armada'' but want to tell people about them in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then, rather than ask High Wire if the Transformers are after him as she does in ''Armada'', Alexis decides against telling anyone about the Transformers since people would take High Wire away and asks him if "Mini-Con" is his real name. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad translates that High Wire is a Mini-Con and that he leads Rad, Alexis, and Carlos into an elevator in the Mini-Con ship. When Alexis questions why only Rad can understand High Wire, Carlos says that it's maybe because Rad's the one who found High Wire.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad claims High Wire said he and other Mini-Cons escaped from Cybertron four million years ago, and most of the flashback scene is silent. Then Alexis asks Rad if the Mini-Cons left Cybertron to escape war, and Rad tells her High Wire said Cybertron is far from Earth. The kids only learn Megatron and Optimus's names and that Megatron is a villain, and High Wire says they can trust Prime to protect them. They don't discover the Transformers' factions until [[Base|the next episode]].
*As he looks at the Earth, Megatron doesn't vow to find the Mini-Cons in ''Legends of the Microns''; he's cursing Optimus for going there. ''Armada'' Megatron is relatively calm and collected.
*When High Wire goes crazy, Rad translates him as saying he has friends on the ship, and Alexis asks, "Who's calling?" as she and Carlos react to Sureshock and Grindor, making their link with the Mini-Cons more explicit than in ''Armada''.
*When Billy and Fred exit the cave, Billy's "giant footprint" line is absent; he asks what it is instead.
*In ''Armada'', Megatron recognizes Leader-1 when he emerges from his panel, saying that he was formerly his partner in the past. It's less clear in ''Legends of the Microns''; he seems to recognize the Mini-Con, but later episodes imply the Decepticons also make up names for the Mini-Cons when they free them. However, the later episode, "[[Prehistory]]," would confirm Leader-1 was indeed partners with Megatron in the past and that it wasn't an ''Armada'' addition.
*While the kids merely whoop about how awesome their Mini-Cons are in ''Armada'', in ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos shows Grindor his skateboard, already knowing the Mini-Cons can transform. Then Alexis tells Sureshock to scan her razor scooter and expresses distress over Sureshock's alternate mode, presumably referencing that she's turned into a moped instead.
*After Megatron scolds Cyclonus for failing to find Leader-1, and Leader-1 beeps in seeming agreement, Cyclonus asks what the Mini-Con has just said. Most of Megatron's ensuing tirade involves demanding that Cyclonus refer to Leader-1 with the Japanese suffix "sama" to respect his leader's Mini-Con. After Cyclonus asks his question again with the appropriate suffix, Megatron admits he doesn't know what Leader-1 said because he can't understand the Mini-Con either, prompting Starscream's chuckle. ''Armada'' drops all of this, making the scene an extended run of generic threats and insults from Megatron as Cyclonus grovels and makes excuses, making it seem like Starscream is snickering at his pitiful teammate's plight.
*Instead of claiming a demo of Leader-1's power will inspire them to work harder, Megatron says they will operate as planned, although he can't understand Leader-1's speech yet. He later asks Cyclonus if he's ready rather than stating the latter is leading their recovery team.
*In ''Armada'', while looking at the Decepticons' new vehicle modes, Demolishor wonders what Megatron has done, and he claims to have "modified" their alt-modes. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes the dialogue to have Demolishor impressed by the designs instead. Then Megatron says they will scan the vehicles since they're "the strongest military weaponry." Megatron doesn't mention the Mini-Cons increasing their strength in this scene.
*''Armada'' adds Optimus's lines to the otherwise silent scene in ''Legends of the Microns,'' where he scans the semi-truck that becomes his vehicle form.
*''Legends of the Microns'' changes the children's dialogue during their Mini-Cons' "test drive": Alexis tells Sureshock to go faster. Then Carlos reminds Rad of his previous comment about Alexis not being an excitable type, and Rad says that Alexis is only scary when she focuses on becoming president. After this, Alexis points out the forest ahead.
*When the kids encounter Megatron, Carlos and Rad start screaming during Alexis's close-up in ''Armada'', but the kids all scream after the scene cuts to them and Megatron in the Japanese dub. After landing, Rad says Megatron's name and notes the latter's tank mode after he transforms.
*When Optimus shoots Demolishor in the face while in truck mode, the sound effect differs between versions. In ''Armada'', the missile pod firing sounds like lasers, while it sounds like a real-life gun in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*After Optimus transforms, Rad recognizes him and says his name. Red Alert doesn't have his sirens blaring when he arrives. After Optimus enters Super Mode, he doesn't address High Wire by name and instead says the Autobots will protect them (possibly referring to the Mini-Cons and kids). ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the transformation noise.
*Rad's closing narration is about how the kids were excited as the Autobots surrounded them rather than scared. ''Armada'' takes a lighthearted approach as Rad says he's ready to return the favor and help the Autobots after they save the kids again.
*Red Alert tells Hot Shot not to get scared on him, to which Hot Shot asks if old-timer Red Alert's lower back is alright.

===Animation and technical errors===
*The kids are missing from the previous episode's closing shot of Megatron and Optimus during the opening.
*The whites of Carlos's eyes appear multiple times throughout the episode.
*Megatron and Alexis refer to Mini-Cons as plural, although High Wire is the only one seen at that point. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes it to the singular form.
*When the Autobots and Decepticons surround the kids early on, Alexis says, "Come on, follow me," but High Wire is the only one who responds and follows. ''Legends of the Microns'' explains this with Alexis referring to High Wire specifically.
*Starscream's head is miscolored red when he, Megatron, and Demolishor materialize in the warp gate.
*When Megatron allows Cyclonus to try finding the Mini-Cons' location and threatens him with what will happen should he fail, Megatron's mouth stays shut the entire time he speaks.
*After Megatron threatens him, Cyclonus's hand changes color from its usual dark gray to the same yellow as his forearms and hips. The top half of his chest changes to dark gray, like the lower half when he wipes his face.
*The close-ups of Hot Shot and Prime's Autobot symbols look pixelated.
*When looking at Optimus's hologram in the Mini-Con ship, Alexis looks angry despite saying he tried to help High Wire and the kids. ''Legends of the Microns'' explains that Alexis assumes Optimus is a baddie like Megatron before Rad translates for High Wire and corrects her, saying that Prime is on their side.
*Grindor immediately appears in his alternate colors after scanning Carlos's skateboard.
*When Megatron turns after the kids fly past him, the colors of his eye and its surrounding area are reversed, with his eye appearing black and around it red.
*Megatron's first on-screen transformation includes different animation hiccups: The animation of his arms folding into his shoulders is layered incorrectly; The arms appear to fold on top of his shoulders rather than inside them; Then, as his animation model then moves his upper half outside the camera, his lower body is placed too low in the frame, showing that it's not attached to anything; lastly when his legs fold up, his crotch disappears for one frame.
**For some reason, David Kaye says, "Transform! ''Vehicle mode''!" even though the second part of the line is pointless. Megatron only says, "Transform!" in the Japanese dub.
*After Rad sees the rest of the Decepticons transform, he jumps the gun and says the kids are surrounded moments before it happens. This mistake is fixed in ''Legends of the Microns'' as Rad exclaims in shock at the sight of the Decepticons transforming and says, "We're surrounded!" at the proper time.
*As the Decepticons surround the kids, Grindor is colored all blue, missing his yellow markings.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus's truck horn isn't heard before he rams into Megatron.
*During the shot of Carlos, Grindor, Rad, and High Wire comically running toward the screen, Carlos's mouth doesn't move when he says, "Run for it!" The boys only scream like maniacs in the Japanese dub.
**In the same shot, High Wire's two bottom tires are miscolored.
*Grindor and Sureshock are off-model when exiting Prime's cab.
*Optimus's faceplate is briefly miscolored yellow during his Super Mode [[Stock footage|transformation sequence]]. This mistake will occur throughout the series.

===Continuity notes===
*Grindor and Sureshock debut in this episode and gain their alt-modes, rounding out the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]].
*Cyclonus, Starscream, Demolishor, Red Alert, and Hot Shot debut in their Cybertronian and alternate Earth modes.
*Megatron and Optimus Prime gain their alt modes.
*Starscream reaches for Alexis and High Wire when he tries to grab the Mini-Con and appears beside Alexis when the Decepticons surround the kids and their Mini-Cons. These moments can come across as nothing but might foreshadow what happens between the girl and Decepticon in future episodes.
*The Decepticons warp to their base for the first time.
*The Decepticon [[Lunar Base (Armada)|Lunar Base]] debuts in this episode.
*This episode marks the beginning of the running gag of Cyclonus falling asleep, especially at inconvenient times on the job.
*Megatron reunites with his old partner Mini-Con, Leader-1.
*In ''Armada'', Alexis refers to the female Sureshock as male. Then again, she doesn't indicate understanding anything Sureshock says either, so it's not surprising she has no indication.
*The so-called "giant footprint" that Fred and Billy find is the imprint of Megatron's back from when Optimus pins him down.
*After activating Leader-1, Megatron states that Leader-1 is his old Mini-Con partner. Optimus Prime says something similar upon activating Sparkplug in the episode "[[Comrade]]."
*Gadgets and powers:
**When Starscream first appears, he shows an ability akin to heat vision to detect Mini-Cons amongst humans on the battlefield, accompanied by retracting eyelids. After obtaining his new Earth alt-mode, he never shows this skill again for the rest of the series.
**This episode is the last time Mini-Cons awaken in their Cybertronian forms and scan Earth-based alternate modes. The ones that transform into minimized Earth vehicles have those modes applied upon awakening in future episodes.
**High Wire, Sureshock, and Grindor can cross water in their alt-modes in this episode, but we never see them do it again.
**Sureshock and Grindor establish a psychic link by touching fingers with Carlos and Alexis; this allows them to understand the Mini-Con binary language, a supposedly present feature among all Mini-Cons.
***However, ''Armada'' doesn't explore this ''nearly'' as well as ''Legends of the Microns'' or the ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'' comics—see below for a more in-depth explanation.
**Megatron shows off his ability to ''forcefully'' activate Mini-Con panels by firing an energy beam from his antlers for the first time.
***In later ''Legends of the Microns'' episodes, this supposedly has the same effect as the Mini-Cons scanning their [[Bulk]]'s image.
**Much like the Mini-Cons, Optimus Prime can scan an alternate form without the aid of a ship computer or a [[stasis pod]].
**Leader-1's chest panel with his Mini-Con insignia can flip around to reveal some energy weapon capable of firing fairly powerful beams. This ability is used quite frequently throughout the series.
**Optimus Prime deploys his missile pod from his trailer for the first time while trying to remove Demolishor's grip from his grill.
*Powerlinx forms:
**Optimus combines with his trailer to enter [[Super Mode]] for the first time.

===Continuity errors===
*Rad notes that Megatron and Optimus are "bitter enemies from an ancient time" in his opening narration, but he can't possibly know that at that point unless he's psychic.
*Red Alert immediately figures the Decepticon base is on the Moon, which is a ''huge'' continuity error since the Autobots' lack of knowledge about the villains' base location factors into the plot several times later. It's not an issue in ''Legends of the Microns'' since our heroes don't know where the Decepticons have gone.
*The reason Cyclonus doesn't appear with the other Decepticons on Earth in the opening fight goes unexplained. According to the Japanese dub, he was tasked to search the ship for Mini-Cons but fell asleep instead.
*Like in the previous episode's Japanese version, Rad can consistently translate for High Wire, but he can't in ''Armada'' since the English dub is anything ''but'' consistent. Maybe it's just padding, but despite initially speaking for High Wire, Rad starts guessing stuff, making massive leaps of logic, and reading from another source, including the Mini-Cons' history, who are the Autobots and Decepticons, and why they want the Mini-Cons. This continuity error extends to the other kids too. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis is surprised at understanding Sureshock, but she's amazed at ''Sureshock'' understanding ''her'' in ''Armada''. Meanwhile, Carlos complains that Grindor is ''not'' reacting to ''him'' in ''Armada'', but in ''Legends of the Microns'', he repeats what Grindor just told him: the Mini-Cons have been waiting four million years for the kids to arrive. This cryptic remark sets up a vital plot element explained near the end of the series.
*Megatron claims to have "altered" the Decepticons' vehicle modes though Optimus scanning his truck form afterward renders this detail pointless. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects it to Megatron telling the others that they'll scan Earth military vehicles for their new alt-modes.

===Real-world references===
*Leader-1 is named after [[Leader-1 (GoBots)|Leader-1]], leader of the [[Guardian (GoBots)|Guardians]] from the [[GoBots|''GoBots'' cartoon and toyline]].
*Shortly after Optimus crashes into Megatron while in their respective vehicle modes, Rad does the iconic Akira slide on High Wire.

===Trivia===
*The kanji 擬態 would usually be pronounced as "''gitai''," while "''henshin''" is the kanji 変身.
*Pre-Earth mode Optimus stands on a ledge as a truck passes below. When he's finished scanning, the truck passes by, and we cut back to Optimus, already in his truck alt-mode. [[Transformers (film)|You will see this again.]]
*Demolishor's eye [[Humanization#Crying|tears up]] a little bit in true anime-like fashion as he struggles to hold back truck-mode Optimus.
*This episode is the first one after "First Encounter" without the [[title sequence]].
**However, it's the first to have it in the Japanese dub before the opening song.
*According to ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'', the truck driver is reportedly an aged-up version of Billy's model.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Métamorphoses'''" ("Metamorphoses")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 20]], [[2003]]

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Transformation!'''" ("Transformation!")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 2|2 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Átalakulás'''" ("Transformation")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La rivelazione'''" ("The Revelation")

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''변신하는 초로봇 생명체'''" ("Transforming First Robots Living Beings")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Przemiana'''" ("Metamorphosis")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Metamorfose'''" ("Metamorphosis")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 1 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:01 ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Best Battles ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume 1 ([[TFou Vidéo]]) — French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Triple Collection (Universal) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Bumper Double DVD Collection (Universal) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One (Shout! Factory)

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Past II

2025-06-07T19:36:06Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Differences with Legends of the Microns */

{{picsneeded}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=32
|prev=Past
|next=Sacrifice
|title="Past II"
|furigana=けっちゃく
|japanese=過去後編
|romaji=Ketchaku
|translation=Past, Part 2: Conclusion
|image=pasttwo.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-32
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|englishadaptation=[[Ward Perry]]
|director=[[Shigenori Awai]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[April 5]], [[2003]] (English) [[August 15|15 August]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Hot Shot refuses to do to Side Swipe what he didn't to Wheeljack.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] fires a shot into [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]]'s chest at close range, to finalize his switch to the [[Decepticon]]s. His business for the day concluded, Wheeljack vanishes, leaving an injured Hot Shot wondering how his friend could have made such a dramatic turn for the worse. Unable to cope with the trauma, he blacks out.

Hot Shot wakes up in the [[Autobot]]s' infirmary, having been brought back to the Autobots' base by [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]]. Wondering how he could have been so betrayed, Hot Shot tries to recall the last time he saw Wheeljack.

''On a fiery battlefield on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Wheeljack is left held down while Hot Shot runs to get some help to help lift the debris. But after getting out of the blaze, Hot Shot's superior refuses to allow Hot Shot to return. Ignoring his superior's orders and threats, Hot Shot runs back into the fire, but passes out from the heat. Later, he wakes up alone''.

[[File:Screenshot-arm-32-1.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Guys, I think you're both using the wrong expression.]]
[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] reveals to [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] that he knew about Hot Shot losing his friend, which is why Hot Shot was one of the troops chosen to come to [[Earth]]. Back in the infirmary, Side Swipe tries to convince Hot Shot to forgive himself, even if Wheeljack won't. Trying to collect his thoughts, Hot Shot drives out on his own, and runs into [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]].

[[File:PastII thrust injured.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"Anybody ever tell you that you look like Mojo Jojo?"]]
Wheeljack and Hot Shot meet up at an abandoned industrial station. Wheeljack relates the [[Transformer]]s' obsession with wars to the humans' own tendency to wage wars. The two battle, but Hot Shot shows an initial reluctance to fight back. When Wheeljack draws his weapon, Hot Shot offers to let Wheeljack execute him with no resistance. Side Swipe interferes, and a failed attempt to save Hot Shot sets the industrial complex on fire. Wheeljack laughs and takes advantage of the situation by abducting Side Swipe. As Wheeljack carries Side Swipe into the inferno, he mockingly suggests Hot Shot save his sidekick.

Hot Shot crawls through the burning factory looking for his friend. Thrust tries to play a part in Wheeljack's grudge match, but Wheeljack blasts the Decepticon jet away—revealing his own location to Hot Shot. Working his way through the flames and metal, Hot Shot locates and frees Side Swipe. The two barely manage to get away as the container Side Swipe was set on explodes. Meanwhile, Wheeljack encounters Megatron.

On the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], Wheeljack pledges his loyalty to the Decepticons.

At the Autobot base, Side Swipe declares himself "like family" to Hot Shot and chases Hot Shot for hugs. The other kids have a laugh at Alexis becoming too attached to [[Fighter Machine|the video game]] she learned to play from Billy and Fred.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (2)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (6)
*[[Sentinel Minor|Autobot soldier]] (7)
*[[Endo]] (8)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (3)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (9)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (15)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (16)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (17)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (10)
*[[Rad White]] (11)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (12)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (13)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (14)
}}

==Quotes==
"I've come to get my revenge."
:—'''Wheeljack''', who isn't out for revenge, no sir.

"I wonder what's clogging up his tailpipe. Boy, those Autobots sure are a moody bunch."
:—'''Thrust'''

"Side Swipe, I'm on my way to help you! Sit tight!" 
"No, don't come up here, it's too dangerous! Would ya get out of here? This tank is gonna explode!" 
"No chance pal, I'm coming to save ya?" 
"Then would ya hurry up?"
:—'''Hot Shot''' and '''Side Swipe'''

"I think somebody needs a hug!"
:—'''Side Swipe''', chasing Hot Shot.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*Hot Shot and Side Swipe's conversation of the former's past at the base is subtly different between dubs, with ''Armada'' continuing the need to make Hot Shot's promise to Wheeljack played at face value.
**Sideswipe claims to Hot Shot in Armada that he didn't abandon anyone and was trying to follow orders, in which the latter disagrees and says that he should've stayed with Wheeljack since Autobots always stay together. Hot Shot also guesses that he was only thinking about himself during the incident.
**Side Swipe tells Hot Shot he didn't abandon Wheeljack and that the Autobot soldier blocked him off from going back to him in ''Legends of the Microns''. Hot Shot then admits he really ''did'' abandon Wheeljack due to his cowardice, and by using that promise as an excuse, no one could blame him for what happened to Wheeljack. Hot Shot only went back to the flames because he felt last second guilt, thus him saying that he's fighting his darker side feels more natural than in the English dub.
*''Armada'' omits a conclusion drawn by Optimus and Blurr during their conversation: Wheeljack "missed" his shot because he didn't want to kill Hot Shot, he wanted to give him the chance to forget the past and fight him just as another Decepticon without holding back.
*Wheeljack and Hot Shot's connection is a lot more complicated in ''Legends of the Microns.'' Despite being enemies on the battlefield, Wheeljack and Hot Shot still consider each other friends, but they are now destined to fight as members of opposing factions. ''Armada'' erases this and dumbs it down by making Wheeljack explicitly state they are not friends, and never will be friends again.
*''Armada'' has Rad and Carlos refer to the [[Fighter Machine]]s in the video game they're playing as "Mini-Cons", suggesting the humans are forcing the Mini-Cons to fight to the death for entertainment. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the pair discuss the logicstics of learning fighting moves from a game.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:TF-Armada-Past-II-Decepticon-Hot-Shot.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|In [[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]], Hot Shot is still a good guy.]]
*Hot Shot is briefly drawn with a Decepticon logo. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this to the correct Autobot logo.
*After catching Side Swipe, Wheeljack is drawn with an obvious Autobot logo on his forearm for several shots.

===Continuity notes===
*As stated above, ''Legends of the Microns'' concludes Optimus and Blurr's conversation with Wheeljack purposely missing Hot Shot's spark in hopes that he can forget about the past since he got what he deserved. This implies that Wheeljack had forgiven Hot Shot before entering [[Earth]], and confronted him so he can move on from the guilt.
*Hot Shot feeling remorse over his past actions gets revisited in [[Crisis (Armada)|later]] [[Remorse|episodes]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Side Swipe uses his pistol with the bayonet attached this time.

===Continuity errors===
*In the previous episode, Wheeljack claimed that he had not come for revenge; however, in the recap of this episode, he says that he HAS come for revenge. The "I've come for revenge" line is not present in ''Legends of the Microns'', but Wheeljack's actions in both this episode and the previous one make it clear the he ''does'' want revenge.
*Unless Side Swipe was somehow a bystander during the flashback, why would he tell Hot Shot to remember what happened when he hasn't heard about it nor Wheeljack up until this point? ''Legends of the Microns'' removes this line, so it’s a non-issue.
*How did Hot Shot know to meet Wheeljack where he did? Who knows! Both versions of the show never explain this.
*In the flashback, Megatron is shown in his current Earth form.

===Transformers references===
*At one point when playing the game, Alexis hums the [[Theme song|opening theme]].

===Trivia===
[[File:Megatron-look-a-like-Fighter-Machine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Little did anyone know, this was actually Megatron's estranged son.]]
*The kanji 過去 would be ''kako'' and 後編 would be pronounced as ''kōhen'', while "''ketchaku''" is used for either 決着 or 結着 (決着 is usually seen).
*When Alexis realizes she's playing the game too much, you see a [[Fighter Machine]] that resembles Megatron on the screen.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Der Überläufer, Teil 2'''" ("The Renegade, Part 2")
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV, but was dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A múlt árnyai, 2. rész'''" ("Shadows of the Past, Part 2")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il passato (seconda parte)'''" ("The Past (Second Part)")
::*The lip syncing in Hot Shot's line: "Sideswipe, I'm on my way to help you! Sit tight!" is totally inconsistent.

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''적이 된 친구'''" ("Friend turned Enemy")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Przeszłość'''" ("Past")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Passado II'''" ("Past II")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 8 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:10 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Flashbacks ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Collector's Edition ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Transformers 40th Anniversary Special Movie

2025-05-30T19:04:15Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Errors */

{{episode|
|otherseries="Transformers 40th Anniversary Special Movie"
|image=TF_40th_Special_Movie_thumbnail.jpg
|caption=''Touch the untouchable, break the unbreakable'' ''Row, row, fight the power!''
|japanese=トランスフォーマー40周年記念スペシャルムービー
|romaji=Transformers 40th Anniversary Special Movie
|airdate=[[September 12]], [[2024]]
|production company=
|animation studio=[[Studio Trigger]]
|director=[[Akira Amemiya]]
}}

"'''Transformers 40th Anniversary Special Movie'''" is a short 3-½ minute animated "promotional video" (or "PV", as it's usually abbreviated) created to, as the title suggests, celebrate the ''Transformers'' franchise's 40th anniversary. It was produced by [[Studio Trigger]] (with assistance from [[Production I.G.]], [[Production +h.]], [[Studio Colorido]], [[Studio KAI]], and [[Madhouse]]) for [[TakaraTomy]] and features the song "[[Mayday (song)|Mayday]]" by [[Bump of Chicken]].

As it's essentially an animated music video, there is no plot to "Special Movie"—instead, the main draw is that it features characters and concepts from basically every major animated ''Transformers'' production to ever see screen time in [[Japan]], plus the [[live-action film series]]. It's as rad as it is indicative of Trigger's love for the franchise... which is to say, ''it's rad as hell''.

Following a teaser on [[August 28]], [[2024]], the ''Transformers 40th Anniversary Special Movie'' was officially uploaded to TakaraTomy's YouTube channel on [[September 12]].

==Characters==
''Hooooo boy'', it's a lot! This short features almost '''''two hundred''''' characters from across forty years of ''Transformers'' media!
{{note|Yes, Unicron Trilogy Optimus and Megatron both appear twice in the character list, due to differing portrayals in Japan. See "[[#Continuity notes|Continuity notes]]" below.}}

{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Autobot]]s / [[Maximal]]s|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
'''[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Generation 1]]'''
* [[Springer (G1)#The Transformers cartoon|Springer]] (3)
* [[Sandstorm (G1)#Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sandstorm]] (5)
* [[Steeljaw (G1)#Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Steeljaw]] (19)
* [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (28)
* [[Jazz (G1)#Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (29)
* [[Metroplex (G1)#Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Metroplex]] (30)
* [[Grand Maximus]] (31)
* [[Broadside (G1)#Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Broadside]] (32)
* [[Fireflight (G1)#Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Fireflight]] (33)
* [[Slingshot (G1)#Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Slingshot]] (34)
* Unknown white jet (35)
* [[Air Raid (G1)#Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Air Raid]] (36)
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)#Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skydive]] (37)
* [[Silverbolt (G1)#Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Silverbolt]] (38)
* [[Fortress Maximus (G1)#Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Fortress Maximus]] (39)
* [[Holi]] (42)
* [[Boater]] (43)
* [[Fire]] (44)
* [[Pīpō]] (45)
* [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] (74)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (75)
* [[Star Saber (G1)#Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Star Saber]] (76)
* [[Ginrai (human)#Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity|God Ginrai]] (82) (Ginrai & [[Godbomber]])
* [[Dai Atlas (G1)#Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Dai Atlas]] (84)
* [[Optimus Prime (RID)#Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime (''Robots in Disguise'' 2001)]] (91)

'''[[Beast Era]] [[Maximal]]s
* [[Lio Junior]] (18)
* [[NAVI (Gung Ho)|NAVI]] (72)
* [[Big Convoy]] (73)
* [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] (78)
* [[Lio Convoy#Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Lio Convoy]] (81)

'''[[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]]'''
* [[Vector Prime#Cybertron cartoon|Vector Prime]] (1)
* [[Bulkhead (Energon)#Cartoon continuity|Bulkhead]] (6)
* [[Evac (Cybertron)|Evac]] (7)
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime (''Armada''/''Energon'')]] (87)
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity#Cybertron cartoon|Optimus Prime (''Cybertron'')]] (90)
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity#Energon cartoon|Optimus Supreme]] (112) (Optimus Prime & [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]])
* [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (125)
* [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide (''Energon'')]] (139)

{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
'''[[Movie continuity family|Live-action movie Autobots]]'''
* [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee (2007/''Q-Transformers''/''ROTB'')]] (130)
* [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime (2007/''Q-Transformers'')]] (133)
* [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] (165)
* [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] (166)
* [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] (167)
* [[Stratosphere]] (175)
* [[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage]] (177)
* [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]] (180)
* [[Wheeljack (ROTB)|Wheeljack (''ROTB'')]] (181)

'''[[Animated continuity family|Animated]]'''
*[[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] (85)
*[[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] (159)

'''[[Aligned continuity family|Aligned continuity]]'''
* [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee (''Prime''/''RID'')]] (77)
* [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime (''Prime''/''Go!''/''RID'')]] (79)
* [[Kenzan]] (80)
* [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (114)
* [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (121)
* [[Gekisoumaru]] (142)
* [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] (157)

'''[[Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (film)|Live-action movie Maximals]]
* [[Optimus Primal (ROTB)|Optimus Primal]] (174)
* [[Cheetor (ROTB)|Cheetor]] (176)
* [[Rhinox (ROTB)|Rhinox]] (178)
* [[Airazor (ROTB)|Airazor]] (179)

'''Other'''
*[[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime (''Cyberverse'')]] (83)
*[[Optimus Prime (ES)|Optimus Prime (''EarthSpark'')]] (86)
{{!}}}

|h2=[[Decepticon]]s / [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] / [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicons]]|c2=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
'''[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Generation 1]]'''
* [[Scourge (G1)#Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]] (10)
* [[Swindle (G1)#Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Swindle]] (23)
* [[Kakuryu (G1)#Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kakuryu]] (26)
* [[Warrior]]s (40)
* [[Dropkick (G1)|Transports]] (41)
* [[Ion Storm#Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ion Storm]] (49)
* [[Acid Storm (G1)#Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Acid Storm]] (50)
* [[Nova Storm (G1)#Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Nova Storm]] (51)
* [[Trypticon (G1)#Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Trypticon]] (52)
* [[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]] (53)
* [[Leozack]] (54)
* [[Guyhawk]] (55)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (56)
* [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (57)
* [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (58)
* [[Scorponok (G1)#Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scorponok]] (62)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (93)
* [[Deathsaurus (G1)#Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Deathsaurus]] (98)
* [[Overlord (G1)#Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Overlord]] (100)
* [[Violengiguar]] (103)

'''[[Predacon (BW)|Beast Era Predacons]]
* [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] (12)
* [[Megastorm|Megastorm/Gigastorm]] (22)
* [[Starscream (BW)|Starscream]] (67)
* [[Magmatron]] (92)
* [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (95)
* [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron (''Robots in Disguise'' 2001)]] (96)
* [[Galvatron (BW)|Galvatron]] (97)
* [[Dinobot II]] (156)

'''[[Vehicon (BM)|Beast Era Vehicons]]'''
* [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] (24)

{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}

'''[[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]]'''
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)#Energon|Mirage/Tidal Wave]] (9)
* [[Thunderblast (Decepticon)|Thunderblast]] (11)
* [[Thundercracker (Armada)#Cybertron cartoon|Thundercracker]] (20)
* [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (25)
* [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (68)
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity#Cybertron cartoon|Megatron (''Cybertron'')]] (94)
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity#Armada cartoon|Megatron (''Armada'')]] (104)
* [[Nemesis Breaker]] (111)

'''[[Movie continuity family|Live-action movies]]'''
* [[Lockdown (ROTF)#Q-Transformers cartoon|Lockdown (''Q-Transformers'')]] (135)
*[[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] (168)
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] (169)
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] (170)
*[[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] (171)
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] (172)
*[[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] (173)

'''[[Animated continuity family|Animated]]'''
* [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] (21)
* [[Blackout (Animated)|Blackout]] (60)
* [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] (61)
* [[Wasp]]inator (69)
* [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] (109)

'''[[Aligned continuity family|Aligned continuity]]'''
* [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons / Jet Vehicons]] (2)
* [[Trypticon (WFC)|''Nemesis'']] (65)
* [[The Fallen#2015 Robots in Disguise cartoon|Megatronus]] (102)
* [[Megatron (WFC)#Prime cartoon|Megatron]] (108)

'''Other'''
*[[Megatron (Cyberverse)|Megatron (''Cyberverse'')]] (99)
*[[Megatron (ES)|Megatron (''EarthSpark'')]] (101)
{{!}}}

|h3=Other robots|c3=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
'''[[Mini-Con]]s'''
* [[Jolt (Armada)#Armada cartoon|Jolt (''Armada'')]] (4)
* [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt (''Cybertron'')]] (8)
* [[Oceanglide]] (13)
* [[Waterlog (Armada)|Waterlog]] (14)
* [[Stormcloud (Armada)|Stormcloud (''Armada'')]] (15)
* [[Aerobolt]] (16)
* [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (88)
* [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] (105) ([[Astroscope]], [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]], [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]])
* [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] (106) ([[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]], [[Runway (Armada)|Runway]], [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]])
* [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom]] (107) ([[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]], [[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]], [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]])
* [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (117)
* [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (122)
* [[Energon Saber]] (140) ([[Scattor (Energon)|Scattor]], [[Skyboom (Energon)|Skyboom]], [[Wreckage (Energon)|Wreckage]])
* [[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] (155)
* [[Swindle (Armada)#Cartoon continuity|Swindle]] (158)
* [[Sparkplug (Armada)#Cartoon continuity|Sparkplug]] (164)

'''Others'''
* [[Junkion (species)|Junkions]] (27) ([[Ashtray]], [[Greasestain]], [[Junkyard (G1)|Junkyard]])
* [[Croaton (Cyberverse)|Croaton]] (46)
* [[Insecticon (WFC)#Cartoon continuity|Insecticons (''Prime'')]] (63)
* [[Dragotron|Guren Dragotron]] (64)
* [[T-AI]] (131)
* [[Moon (BW)|Moon]] (132)
* [[Artemis]] (134)
* [[Unicron]] (194)
{{!}}}

|c4=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
'''[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Generation 1]]'''
* [[White Leo]] (17)
* [[Hydra (G1)|Hydra]] (47)
* [[Buster (G1)|Buster]] (48)
* [[Kremzeek]] (49)
* [[Wilder (G1)|Wilder]] (70)
* [[Pis]] (71)
* [[Illumina]] (126)
* [[Jan Minakaze]] (127)
* [[Cab (human)|Cab]] (136)
* [[Minerva (human)|Minerva]] (137)
* [[Shūta Gō]] (138)
* [[Akira Serikawa]] (143)
* [[Mega]] (160)
* [[Giga]] (161)
* [[Dirk Manus]] (162)
* [[Marissa Faireborn]] (163)
* [[Kenneth Onishi|Daichi Ōnishi]] (182) (Kenneth Onishi)
* [[Koji Onishi|Yuuki Ohnishi]] (183) (Koji Onishi)
* [[Kiko Onishi|Yuuki's mom]] (184) (Kiko Onishi)
* [[Carly (G1)|Carly]] (189)
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (190)
* [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (191)

'''[[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]]'''
* [[Kicker Jones]] (89)
* [[Alexis Thi Dang]] (115)
* [[Rad White]] (118)
* [[Carlos Lopez]] (120)
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (123)
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (124)
* [[Coby Hansen]] (128)
* [[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] (129)
* [[Bud Hansen]] (154)

{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
'''[[Animated continuity family|Animated]]'''
* [[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|Isaac Sumdac]] (110)
* [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari Sumdac]] (141)

'''[[Aligned continuity family|Aligned continuity]]'''
* [[Miko Nakadai]] (113)
* [[Raf Esquivel]] (116)
* [[Jack Darby]] (119)
* [[Tobio Fūma]] (144)
* [[Isami Tatewaki]] (145)
* [[Kotarō Fūma]] (146)
* [[Ryōma Sakamoto]] (147)
* [[Sasuke Sarutobi]] (148)
* [[Bokuden Tsukahara]] (149)
* [[Musashi Miyamoto]] (150)
* [[Musashibō Benkei]] (151)
* [[Tobio Fūma's grandfather]] (152)
* [[Sekishūsai Tatewaki]] (153)
* [[Russell Clay]] (192)
* [[Denny Clay]] (193)

'''[[Transformers: EarthSpark (cartoon)|EarthSpark]]'''
*[[Dot Malto]] (185)
*[[Mo Malto]] (186)
*[[Alex Malto]] (187)
*[[Robby Malto]] (188)
{{!}}}
}}

==Production==
{{stub|Stuff from director interview, the multitude of crew posts on social media}}
===Credits===
{{see|Transformers 40th Anniversary Special Movie/credits}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* As we mentioned up top, this video is a tribute to just about every major animated ''Transformers'' production to ever be broadcast on TV, screened in theaters, or released direct-to-video in Japan, up through and including ''[[Transformers: EarthSpark (cartoon)|Transformers: EarthSpark]]'' (yes, even the ''[[Q-Transformers]]'' [[Q-Transformers (cartoon)|shorts]]) along with first and last [[live-action film series|live-action films]], ''[[Transformers (film)|Transformers]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (film)|Transformers: Rise of the Beasts]]''. A notable exception is the ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy (cartoon)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]'', which did receive a full Japanese dub, but is otherwise absent from the proceedings... though considering how much it resembles Generation 1 and ''Beast Wars'' in terms of aesthetic, we'll forgive Trigger for excluding it.
** Other missing shows include ''[[Transformers: Rescue Bots (cartoon)|Rescue Bots]]'' and its [[Transformers: Rescue Bots Academy (cartoon)|sequel]], the [[Transformers: BotBots (cartoon)|''BotBots'' cartoon]], and the ''[[Prime Wars Trilogy]]'' web shorts, all of which were never dubbed for Japanese release.
** This somewhat-narrow focus also means that characters from other mediums aren't included, most notably the many ''Transformers'' comics, games, prose stories, and [[story page]]s. If you were looking forward to seeing Star Convoy, Super Megatron, the [[Primus Vanguard]], and so on, we're sorry to disappoint you.
** Also of note is how the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]] is implemented. In keeping with how those series were [[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)#Galaxy Force|originally treated in Japan]], ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s cast is largely composed of discrete characters separate from the cast of ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'', leading to the absence of Optimus Prime and Megatron in their ''Energon'' bodies for the crowd shots of each faction's leaders.
* Nearly all of the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' characters are depicted as being considerably smaller than most of the other Transformers, in keeping with the scale established by the first [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' cartoon]].

===Transformers references===
Settle in, folks, because in case that ''ridiculous'' character list up there didn't tip you off, there's a '''lot''' to unpack here:
* Befitting this crossing of multiple time periods and universes, the opening seconds depict various methods of traveling across time and space that've been shown throughout the franchise: [[Vector Prime]] (surrounded by imagery of swinging pendulums and clockwork gears, recreating a scene from the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' episode "[[Guardian (episode)|Guardian]]"), the [[Kronosphere]] from "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]", the [[Time Window]] from "[[Forever Is a Long Time Coming (episode)|Forever Is a Long Time Coming]]", the [[teleport gate]] from ''[[Lio Convoy in Imminent Danger!]]'', the [[Quintesson]] banishment chamber from "[[Madman's Paradise]]", and the [[Dragon Mound]] from "[[A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court (episode)|A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court]]".
* There are two instances where the planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] appears in full (the first during the aforementioned "time machine" montage, the second during the credits), both of which use its design from the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]].
* We get what appear to be two sides in an ongoing battle, with an army of ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'' [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] on one side and a group of various Autobot helicopters on the other, including Generation 1 [[Triple Changer]]s [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]], ''Armada'' [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]], ''Energon'' [[Bulkhead (Energon)|Bulkhead]], and both [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] and [[Evac (Cybertron)|Evac]] from ''Cybertron''.
* The following scene shows the wreck of the ''[[Galvaburg II]]'' sinking into the ocean. Among the survivors are Generation 1 [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], ''Cybertron'' [[Thunderblast (Decepticon)|Thunderblast]], ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' '01 [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]], as well as [[Oceanglide]], [[Stormcloud (Armada)|Stormcloud]], and [[Waterlog (Armada)|Waterlog]] of the ''Armada'' [[Sea Mini-Con Team]], with ''Energon'' [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Mirage]] coming to their rescue in the background.
* Standing among some urban wreckage are a group of animal-themed characters, including [[Aerobolt]], [[White Leo]], [[Lio Junior]], and Generation 1 [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]]. This is followed by a group of "tanky" villains: ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'' [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]], Generation 1 [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]], and ''Armada'' [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (in his [[Powerlinx]] colors), all perched on ''Beast Wars II'' [[Megastorm]] in alternate mode. Flanking the group are ''Cybertron'' [[Thundercracker (Armada)#Cybertron cartoon|Thundercracker]] and, from ''Victory'', [[Kakuryu (G1)|Kakuryu]] of the [[Dinoforce]], both the comic relief punching bags of their respective series.
* There's a battle that appears to be taking place on [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]], with various Junkions in action. Two in the background are indistinct, but in the foreground are the body-types associated with the characters [[Junkyard (G1)|Junkyard]] and [[Ashtray]]; Junkyard is carrying a wounded Junkion who appears to be [[Greasestain]] over his shoulder.
* A shot of the aftermath of a battle in a demolished city, with [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] in vehicle mode on his side leaking copious amounts of energon, his front in flames. [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] is also just barely visible in vehicle mode as well, turned completely on his roof. Notably, Ratchet's appearance seems to be modeled after his [[Ratchet (G1)/toys#SSVoyager|''Studio Series'' '86 figure]], with parts of his robot mode visible on the undercarriage and his pistols located ''roughly'' where their storage pegs are in alt-mode.
* We get a shot of an Autobot/Maximal naval fleet consisting of Generation 1 [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress's ''Maximus'']], [[Grand Maximus|Grand's ''Maximus'']], Generation 1 [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]], and the ''[[Yukikaze (BW)|Yukikaze]]''. The Generation 1 [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] are present as well, but there's some oddities: [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] rests on Broadside's deck but is miscolored gray, while next to him is what appears to be a ''sixth'' white Aerialbot, a twin-tailfin jet that's kind of [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]]-shaped (but Air Raid is flying in the upper-right corner of the shot, so it ain't him!).
* ''Victory''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Rescue Patrol Team]] walk past a line of offline Decepticons along a beach—specifically the generic "[[warrior]]s" and "[[Dropkick (G1)|Dropkicks]]" seen in "War Dawn"—as they approach the colossal form of ''[[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|Cyberverse]]'' [[Croaton (Cyberverse)|Croaton]].
* [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmasters]] [[Hydra (G1)|Hydra]] and [[Buster (G1)|Buster]] from ''Super-God Masterforce'' stand by their [[Transtector]]s.
* Next is a villainous counterpart to the earlier Autobot naval fleet shot, featuring [[Megastorm|Gigastorm]], Generation 1 [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (based on his ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' toy), ''Armada'' [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], Generation 1 [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], and the ''Prime'' version of the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]''. Flying above them are the [[Rainmaker]]s ([[Acid Storm (G1)|Acid Storm]], [[Ion Storm]], and [[Nova Storm (G1)|Nova Storm]]); the ''[[Thunder Arrow]]''; the three flying members of the [[Breastforce]] ([[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]], [[Leozack]], and [[Guyhawk]]); Generation 1 [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]; ''Animated'' Blitzwing, [[Blackout (Animated)|Blackout]], and [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]]; what appears to be ''Prime'' [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] (or maybe ''Go'' [[Dragotron]]?) and two ''Prime'' [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]], and some ''Prime'' Air Vehicons.
** Generation 1 [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] takes off from Tidal Wave's deck, with [[Kremzeek]] in his cockpit. He is joined in the air by ''Armada'' [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] and ''Beast Wars II'' [[Starscream (BW)|Starscream]], as well as ''Victory'' Leozack and ''Animated'' [[Wasp]]inator. Leozack's a thematically similar Starscream-like scheming second-in-command character, while Waspinator's inclusion is almost certainly meant to nod to when Starscream's ghost possessed the ''Beast Wars'' [[Waspinator (BW)|version]] in "[[Possession]]".
* [[Wilder (G1)|Wilder]] appears forlornly looking over poor little [[Pis]], whom he savagely kicked in the ''Masterforce'' episode "[[Rage!! Little Devils with No Need for Rules]]".
* The following two panning shots are big ones: the many different Autobot and Maximal leaders standing in front of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' on one side, and the various major villains standing in front of [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Cybertron)|Decepticon Headquarters]] and the Decepticon ''Nemesis'' on the other.
** Of note on the heroic side: [[Big Convoy]] is wielding his [[Matrix Cannon (BW)|Matrix Cannon]] alongside his [[NAVI (Gung Ho)|NAVI]]; [[Jan Minakaze]] can be seen standing on [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]]'s shoulder, wearing his spacesuit from the [[Showdown! The Fortress vs the Victory Unification|final episode of ''Victory'']]; ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' '15 Bumblebee is wielding a [[Decepticon Hunter]], and [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]] is holding the [[Zodiac]]. Both [[Moonbase One]] and [[Moonbase Two]] can also be seen in the background, as can [[Kicker Jones]] from ''Energon'', riding that series' version of [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]].
** On the villains' side, ''Cybertron'' [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] is shown holding Vector Prime's [[Planet Map]]; ''Armada'' [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] is wielding the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]], [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]], and [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] all at once; ''Animated'' [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] has [[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|Isaac Sumdac]] tied to his chest, as he did in the ''Animated'' episode "[[A Bridge Too Close, Part I]]"; and ''Prime'' [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] is depicted as he appeared in the late stages of ''Prime'' season 2, with [[Liege Maximo|the dead Prime]]'s right arm in place of his, allowing him to wield the [[Dark Star Saber]]. Also of note are who was chosen to represent certain series: [[Dragotron]] (in his larger, red, "Guren" form) represents ''[[Triple Combination: Transformers Go! (cartoon)|Transformers: Go!]]'', [[The Fallen|Megatronus]] represents ''Robots in Disguise'' '15, and [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]] supplants [[Devil Z]] as the ''[[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' representative. Generation 1 Galvatron is not included, as his previous self is already present.
*Next, we see ''Cybertron'' Megatron combine with [[Nemesis Breaker]] on [[Velocitron]], and clash with [[Lio Convoy]] in his "Legendary Green Lion" form, featured in the final episodes of both ''Beast Wars II'' and ''Beast Wars Neo''. Lio is wielding [[Magmatron]]'s [[Magma Blade (BW)|Magma Blade]], as he did in the ''Neo'' episode "[[The Final Battle (BWN)|The Final Battle]]".
* Five sword-wielding Autobot leaders gather: Star Saber; [[Ginrai (robot)|God Ginrai]] (wielding the sword he used only once, in the ''Victory'' episode "[[A Deadly Battle]]"); ''Robots in Disguise'' '15 Optimus Prime, armed with the [[Prime Decepticon Hunter]]; ''Cybertron'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], brandishing Vector Prime's sword [[Rhisling]], as he did in the ''Cybertron'' episode "[[Unfinished]]"; and Fortress Maximus, with his mighty [[Master Sword]]. They all strike the "[[Masami Ōbari|Obari pose]]" (a dynamic perspective shot made famous by the ''[[Brave (franchise)|Brave]]'' series of anime), as ''Cybertron'' Optimus did in the aforementioned episode.
*Next comes a quintet of Autobot leaders using more blaster-based powers, all unleashing their "final attacks": ''Cyberverse'' [[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime]] fires an energy blast from his Matrix, as he did in the ''Cyberverse'' episode "[[I Am The Allspark]]"; ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] uses his "Blizzard Storm" water blast; Big Convoy opens fire with his [[Big Cannon]]; ''Armada'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] uses his "Max Fire" super move; and ''Energon'' Optimus Prime (combined with [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]] as "Optimus Supreme") completes the group, unleashing his "Grand Final Impact" finisher.
* Next follow three scenes dedicated to the Autobots' human allies, all grouped by the nature of their relationships:
** The first scene depicts "close friends", in this case the kid/teen casts of ''Prime'' and ''Armada''. They're joined by the ''Prime'' incarnations of [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]], Bumblebee, and [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]], the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]], and ''Armada'' [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]]. Look close, and you'll see that [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] is wearing the [[Good Luck Necklace|necklace]] prominently featured in the ''Armada'' episodes "[[Portent]]" and "[[Cramp]]", which symbolizes her friendship with Starscream, while [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] is eating a bag of chips of the same brand as he munched on in "[[Confrontation (episode)|Confrontation]]".
** The second scene pairs two "mech teams", with Jan Minakaze and [[Illumina]] (visible only in silhouette through the cockpit canopy) in the ''[[Illumina II]]'' traveling alongside [[Coby Hansen]] and [[Lori Jiménez]] in the [[Cobybot]]. In keeping with its appearance in ''Victory'', the ''Illumina II'''s name is still misspelled as "Irumina II" on its side.
** The third scene is a group of "fighters", including the Autobot [[Headmaster Junior]]s, riding on ''Energon'' [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (in his green "Energon" power-up colors), [[Kicker Jones]] (riding the [[Energon Saber]] like a hoverboard, as he often did in the show), and [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari Sumdac]], who imitates Kicker's signature kick from the opening of ''Super Link'', with [[Ocean City]] in the background.
*Between the mech teams and the fighters, we get a scene set in [[Gaia]]'s [[Moon (moon)|Moon]]; [[Artemis]] and [[Moon (BW)|Moon]] are joined by [[T-AI]] and a trio of surprise guests in the form of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], and [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]] from ''Q-Transformers'', altogether creating a team of "cutesy mascot characters". In keeping with the Flash-animated nature of their series, the ''Q-Transformers'' trio have ''incredibly'' simple animation.
* While the close-up shot of some red flowers might ''seem'' like just a random transition scene, it's actually a reference to the end of "[[Enter the New Supreme Commander, Dai Atlas!]]", where [[Akira Serikawa]] presents [[Cain]] and [[Emusa]] with some. This scene transitions into a showcase of all three of "Aligned" Optimus Prime's bodies as featured in Japan's run of ''Prime'' and ''Go!'': Optimus appears in his "Beast Hunters" body with [[Star Saber (Prima)|Prima's Star Saber]], joined by ''Prime'' Optimus holding the [[Forge of Solus Prime]] and Optimus Exprime from ''Transformers Go!'' in the background.
** Notably, ''Prime'''s third season was never dubbed and aired in Japan, but instead was replaced with ''Transformers Go!'', where Optimus appears in his "Beast Hunters" body in multiple episodes.
* The next two scenes continue the ''Transformers Go!'' train: the first depicts Optimus combining with [[Gekisoumaru]] and [[Kenzan]] into DaiGekisou, while the second is a group shot of the series' human cast staring into the horizon atop DaiKenzan. All the historical characters are gathered on DaiKenzan's right shoulder, protagonists [[Tobio Fūma]] and [[Isami Tatewaki]] are hanging out in his chest cavity, and the two boys' respective grandfathers are on DaiKenzan's left shoulder.
* Next follows a recreation of the scene of Vector Prime giving [[Bud Hansen]] and [[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] his planet map, as seen in the aforementioned episode "[[Guardian (episode)|Guardian]]".
* After this, we get a montage of some of the franchise's tragic deaths intercut with scenes of Generation 1 [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] traversing through "[[Transformer afterlife|the other side of the Matrix]]" (as seen in the ''Beast Wars'' episode "[[Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)]]"), his appearance shifting between his regular look, his corpse (complete with [[aggressive depigmentation]]), and the... ''distinctive'' color scheme designed by Bump of Chicken bassist [[Chama|Yoshifumi "Chama" Naoi]] for the exclusive "[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Bump of Chicken|''Bump of Chicken'' Convoy]]" figure produced as a tie-in with this video. In order, we can see Optimus on his deathbed from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', [[Dinobot II]]'s honorable sacrifice from "[[Nemesis Part 2]]", ''Prime'' [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] getting stabbed in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]", ''Armada'' Starscream's last stand from "[[Cramp]]" (complete with [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] being ejected), ''Animated'' [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] in his samurai armor relinquishing his [[spark]] in "[[Endgame, Part II]]", and Jan mourning the loss of [[Ginrai (robot)|God Ginrai]] from "[[Ginrai Dies!!]]".
* The following sequence sees the [[Transmetal]] versions of [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] and [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] merge with their Generation 1 counterparts to form their respective upgraded forms, a more literal interpretation of how Optimal Optimus and [[Transmetal 2|dragon]] Megatron came into being in the third season of ''Beast Wars''. When the two clash fists, echoes of their future selves from ''Beast Machines'' appear.
* In "blink and you'll miss it" frames, Mega and Giga are piloting the Megajet and Gigatank respectively to form into Overlord.
* Overlord is seen battling ''Animated'' [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]], who's equipped with the [[Magnus Hammer]] and the "Wingblade" [[jet pack]], as was the case in "Endgame, Part II". The battle takes place in Earth orbit, with the moon visible in the background, referencing Overlord's lunar battle with God Ginrai (whose design directly inspired the look of ''Animated'' Optimus' flight mode, hence why he's here instead of Ginrai) in the ''Masterforce'' episode "[[God Ginrai - Into the Sky!!]]".
* The man [[Marissa Faireborn]] is kissing is the swindler [[Dirk Manus]] from the episode "[[Money Is Everything (episode)|Money Is Everything]]". He only appeared in that one episode of the original cartoon, but expansions to Japanese ''Transformers'' lore have since established that he and Marissa got back together and had a [[Sue Faireborn|daughter]].
* [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] opening the Matrix is made to parallel ''Armada'' [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] using that series' Matrix to resurrect his Optimus in "[[Miracle (episode)|Miracle]]" and Dai Atlas raising the Zodiac above his head, presumably meant to nod to Optimus Prime's resurrection as Star Convoy in the [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: The Battlestars (story page)|''Battlestars'' story pages]].
* The live-action films get some representation in the form of the [[Transformers (film)|first film]]'s Autobot and Decepticon teams charging their opposites down on a barren highway. ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (film)|Rise of the Beasts]]'' gets some love too, with its versions of [[Optimus Primal (ROTB)|Optimus Primal]], [[Stratosphere]], [[Cheetor (ROTB)|Cheetor]], [[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage]], [[Bumblebee (Movie)#Rise of the Beasts film|Bumblebee]], [[Rhinox (ROTB)|Rhinox]], [[Airazor (ROTB)|Airazor]], [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]], and [[Wheeljack (ROTB)|Wheeljack]] staring off into the distance. All of them are based on their early control art designs, though Airazor sports her final feathery head. As it was in the film, Airazor is the only one without a robot mode.
[[File:Families.jpg|thumb|right|350px]]
* The final scene sees the Generation 1 versions of Optimus and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] stare each other down, as several human families from across the franchise's history look on: [[Denny Clay]] and his son [[Russell Clay|Russell]]; the adult version of [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] with his wife [[Carly (G1)|Carly]] and his son [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]]; the [[Malto (disambiguation)|Malto]] family from ''EarthSpark''; and [[Koji Onishi]] and his parents [[Kenneth Onishi|Kenneth]] and [[Kiko Onishi|Kiko]] (notably, Kiko's ''only'' prior animated appearance having been a single scene in the [[Battle Protocol!|first episode]] of ''Robots in Disguise''). The angle then cuts back to Prime and Megatron, only now, they have been replaced with their ''EarthSpark'' counterparts shaking hands—the series' more black-and-white roots have thematically given way to its more nuanced present. We then pan up to see [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]'s head orbiting Cybertron as the credits roll.
...'''PHEW!'''

===Real-world trivia===
* Notable among the Studio Trigger staff that worked on this video are key animators [[Masaru Sakamoto]] and [[Hiroki Mutaguchi]] and director [[Akira Amemiya]]. Sakamoto previously helped design [[Flame Toys]]' Furai Model Lio Convoy kit and was one of a few guest artists on the [[Generations Selects Special Comic Finale]], Mutaguchi drew the cover for the ''[[Transformers Generations 2022]]'' book, and Amemiya is a ''huge'' fan of the franchise that's done multiple official illustrations and designed various other Furai Model kits.
* Outside of Studio Trigger's staff, multiple animators veteran to previous ''Transformers'' series were brought on as guest animators; these include lead animators for the Japanese produced ''Transformers'' shows and Unicron Trilogy [[Munetaka Abe]] and [[Masahiro Yamane]], and even [[Studio OX]] artists [[Tsuyoshi Nonaka]] and [[Morifumi Naka]].
* Longtime Japanese ''Transformers'' artist [[Hayato Sakamoto]] also contributed to the ''Special Movie'' as another key animator and a project supervisor. As confirmed by Sakamoto himself, this video marks his debut as an animator.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=構成協力及び原画で参加しました！TF40周年記念作品に関われてとても嬉しかったです！そしてアニメーターデビュー！それもトランスフォーマーのアニメ！更にスタジオtriggerのアニメに！やった！超豪華スタッフと一緒にお仕事出来て信じられない感じです。是非見てくださいーーー！！|link=https://twitter.com/hayatoron/status/1834238504290976209|name=Hayato Sakamoto|site=Twitter|year=2024|month=09|day=12}}</ref>
*TakaraTomy's initial upload of "Special Movie" to YouTube has been marked as unavailable to watch in most regions outside of Japan. It was reuploaded to Twitter without region locking around 12 hours later.

===Errors===
* On the heroic side, Generation 1 Optimus Prime is missing the blue detail on the bottom of the waist between the legs. It is shown in white. It is shown in blue when Optimus is seen again before combining with Beast Wars Optimus Primal. The missing blue would happen again on the shot of Generation 1 versions of Optimus and Megatron stare each other down.
* On the dark side, in the scene that shows a few of the "tanky" Decepticons, Animated Blitzwing is missing the gun barrels on his back.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOfJT_Kwna8 ''40th Anniversary Special Movie'' at TakaraTomy's official YouTube account] (region locked)
*[https://twitter.com/TF_pr/status/1834429279255605698 ''40th Anniversary Special Movie'' on the TakaraTomy ''Transformers'' Twitter account]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81Q3xTYBbDA ''40th Anniversary Special Movie''] with English subs by [https://karyuudofansubs.blogspot.com/ Karyuudo Fansubs]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u92rRvHluuA Making-of director interview with Akira Amemiya at the Studio Trigger YouTube channel] (with English subtitles)

[[Category:Web series]]

Rodimus Friend or Foe?

2025-05-16T10:17:50Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{episode|
|series=Energon
|ep=15
|prev=Energon Grid (episode)
|next=Go for Unicron!
|title="Rodimus Friend or Foe?"
|japanese=敵か? 味方か? ロディマスコンボイ
|romaji=Teki ka? Mikata ka? Rodimus Convoy
|translation=Enemy? Ally? Rodimus Convoy
|image=E15_titlecard.jpg
|caption=Even in ''Transformers'', F.O.E.!
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Naoki Ōhira]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[April 16|16 April]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[July 2]], 2004 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Megatron suspects Scorponok of lingering loyalty to Alpha Q, and Rodimus returns with a shocking secret.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Energon-Megatron-Yawn.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.2|left|My yawn is more powerful than CGI rendering software!]]

[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] exuberantly "skis" through a field of space debris, leaving it ice-covered in his wake. Within [[Unicron]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] yawns. Cyclonus kicks some debris at [[Earth]]'s [[energon grid]], but the grid vaporizes it and fires at him. [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] voices his concerns to Megatron that Cyclonus will get hurt, and that something is wrong with his head after his recent reformatting. Megatron agrees, but tells Demolishor never to question his orders. Oh, and Cyclonus is "Snow Cat" now.

Megatron says they're changing plans; instead of wasting time attacking Earth, they'll find [[energon]] elsewhere. [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] suspects this means attacking ''him'', to get the energon within Unicron's head.

The [[Autobot]]s enjoy the show from the surface as debris detonates against the grid. [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] worries that Megatron will have a new scheme, and calls his troops together to plan their next move. [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] asks [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] to take his place at the meeting; [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] says he'll cover for Ironhide, who reminds him of his own youthful self, aspiring to be just like [[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]].

Megatron is tired of Alpha Q's interference, and orders him destroyed, even though his troops have no idea where he is. [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] captures a spying [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]], and Megatron realizes that Alpha Q has been watching him the whole time.

Optimus Prime tells the troops that they still have to destroy Unicron to stop Megatron. Soon they'll take the battle into space, thanks to Ironhide's tracking devices. [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] doesn't look too happy about this.

[[File:Energon-HotShot-Hand-Drawn.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]

Hot Shot is trying to communicate with [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], when an emergency communication comes in from Rodimus, who wants to speak to him in person.

Ironhide finds Kicker and tells him [[Misha Miramond|Misha]]'s worried about him, but is met with angry rebuke. Ironhide guesses that Kicker is scared of space. Further shouting is put aside when Kicker's hair glows, alerting him to a problem. The two run outside in time to see Hot Shot drive off onto the [[space bridge]] and vanish.

In space, Megatron is blowing up Terrorcons. Starscream tries to stop him, prompting Megatron to question his loyalty. When Starscream readily professes fealty, Megatron suspects Scorponok, and calls to him. On [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], Scorponok's Terrorcons are feeding, when he hears Megatron's call and prepares to depart.

Hot Shot arrives at the ruins of [[Mars City]]. He is surprised to find a mine shaft, the presence of which is soon explained by the arrival of Scorponok and the Terrorcons. The two have words, then Hot Shot starts destroying Terrorcons. Rodimus arrives just then... and stops him from doing further damage. Scorponok grumbles that Rodimus took his time arriving. He says he must continue obeying Megatron for now, and leaves. Hot Shot is incensed that Rodimus let him go, as the energon will be used to rebuild Unicron. Yet, to Hot Shot's shock, Rodimus says that Unicron ''must'' be rebuilt!

[[File:Energon-Ironhide-Hand-Drawn.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|left|Hey, this feels kinda good.]]

Ironhide, Kicker and a Skyblast arrive on Mars, looking for Hot Shot.

Rodimus explains that Unicron is being controlled by Alpha Q, who created the Terrorcons. Rodimus wants Hot Shot to hold off on attacking Unicron. Hot Shot says it's too much to ask, and if Rodimus tries to stop Optimus's team, he will become the enemy. Hot Shot raises his blaster, as the shocked Kicker and Ironhide watch.

Rodimus says they'd make a great team. He angrily orders Hot Shot to fire, but when he can't, Rodimus denounces him as weak and blasts him.

Ironhide and Kicker charge in; [[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] revives Hot Shot. At Kicker's urging, Ironhide attacks Rodimus, who [[transformation|transforms]] and drives off. Ironhide and Kicker pursue; Rodimus notes the presence of the human and comments that it's "perfect".

[[File:Energon-Scorponok-Impact.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The hand-drawn animation looks better than the CGI! But...that's...impossible!]]

Suddenly another figure appears over the horizon: [[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]], readying his gun. A laser lasso snares Ironhide and puts him down. Skyblast supplies Kicker with a [[Energon Sword|Megatron Sword]], which he uses to free Ironhide. Prowl and Rodimus [[Powerlinx]]. Confident in his power, Rodimus invites Kicker to come with him, as Alpha Q has become interested in him.

Ironhide arrives then, defending Kicker with the [[Energon Saber]], but Rodimus easily knocks him away with a burst of energy, followed by a laser assault; Ironhide shields Kicker. The odds are made worse by the arrival of Landmine. Rodimus says to leave them, dismissing Optimus's team as amateurs. The three drive off, telling Kicker they'll meet again.

Ironhide is shocked to realize he's pulled a weapon on a superior officer. Hot Shot arrives and tells Ironhide he did the right thing, standing up for his teammates. Kicker tells him he'll be proud to go into space with Ironhide. In the Martian sky, [[Team Rodimus's ship|a ship]] leaves for space.

Scorponok arrives back at Unicron with the Terrorcons, and is met by Tidal Wave and Starscream, who are there to ensure the energon goes where it's supposed to. Megatron questions Scorponok, who denies any loyalty to Alpha Q, or knowledge of his whereabouts. The watching Alpha Q wonders why Scorponok has betrayed him.

A while later, Megatron wonders if Alpha Q will come to rescue Scorponok, who is strapped to another artificial "comet", headed directly for Earth. Alpha Q watches, but says he can't risk his own safety for Scorponok's. The comet impacts the grid; Scorponok screams in agony as it explodes, begging Alpha Q to help him.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (6)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (8)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (9)
*[[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] (13)
*[[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] (20)
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] (24)
*[[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] (25)
*[[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (26)

|c2=
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Snow Cat]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (2)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (14)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (15)
*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (21)
*[[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb]]s (22)
*[[Battle Ravage]]s (23)

|c3=
*[[Brian Jones]] (10)
*[[Kicker Jones]] (11)
*[[Misha Miramond]] (12)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (20)

|c4=
*[[Blackout (Terrorcon)|Blackout]] (4)
*[[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] (5)
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (16)
*[[Scattor (Energon)|Scattor]] (17)
*[[Skyboom (Energon)|Skyboom]] (18)
*[[Wreckage (Energon)|Wreckage]] (19)

}}

==Quotes==
"I'm really glad... we have Optimus on our side."
:—'''Kicker''' loved it. It was much better than "Cats". He's going to see it again, and again.

"I can't let those Terrorcons steal any more energon. So don't even attempt to revive Unicron. That's our new mission. And that's why I'm gonna have to ask you to leave."
:—'''Hot Shot''', getting "new" and "old" confused again.

"This Alpha Q character is having a little too much impact on my plans. I want you to find him and destroy him - now!" 
"But he's a needle in a haystack, sir." 
"Yes, because space is really big."
:—'''Megatron''', '''Demolishor''', and '''Tidal Wave''' on Alpha Q.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Super Link''===
*''Energon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s animation has Snow Cat firing standard glowing pink lasers to freeze the ice. While ''Super Link''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s animation has a blue-white beam instead.
*''Energon'' changes a rather mundane report from Demolishor to Megatron, and Megatron's calm reply, into an angry rebuke by Megatron.
*In ''Super Link'', Inferno doesn't order Ironhide to "take his place;" he tells him to stay and stand watch. Hot Shot's offer to relieve him therefore makes a lot more sense.
*Megatron's conversation in space with Starscream is a little bit jumbled in ''Energon'', but the gist still comes across.
*Likewise for Hot Shot's little speech to Scorponok, quoted above.
*Kicker's "that took longer than I thought", re: the space bridge trip, is originally a comment from Ironhide about the fall from the portal to the surface — one of the few acknowledgments of the bizarre physics of the whole arrangement.
*Rodimus's dismissive snubbing of Optimus's troops is purely an ''Energon'' addition.
*Likewise for Hot Shot's "What Would Optimus Do" bit, though the gist of the conversation is similar.

===Pain count===
*"Uh?": 10
*"It's time to": 1

===Animation and technical errors===
*A lot of the effects added to the Autobots' voices appear to have been misapplied, making them sound like they're talking into plastic bottles.
*After Jetfire guesses that it's Cyclonus who's failing to penetrate the Energon Grid, Hot Shot responds with Ironhide's voice. On top of that, he somehow knows that his name is now "Snow Cat", despite the Autobots not meeting him up to this point.
*Perceptor is depicted as being the same size as Ironhide when he should be ''much'' smaller.
*Scorponok is shown to be far too small in scorpion mode when confronting Hot Shot. He then grows bigger as he transforms into robot mode making this entire sequence look pretty awkward.
*Despite appearing in his Brute Mode, when Landmine drives away, he is shown driving away without his trailer. Did he [[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|teach]] Optimus Prime this too?

===Continuity notes===
*Gadgets and powers:
**Snow Cat uses his Hyper Mode; complete with ski poles and icy cold blasts from his shoulder cannons.
**Prowl's laser blaster can fire energy cables/grapples.
**[[Powerlinx]] Rodimus blows Ironhide away using...the force?
**Powerlinx Rodimus also fires a laser blast from his fist, making it rain lasers on Ironhide.
**Landmine uses his tow cable on Ironhide.
*Powerlinx forms:
**Perceptor
**Powerlinx Rodimus with Prowl (first use)
**[[Energon Saber]]
**Landmine Brute Mode

===Trivia===
[[File:Team Rodimus-Rodimus Friend or Foe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
*As can be seen from the above images, throughout this episode, there are moments in which Transformers are drawn by hand instead of computer-generated, apparently because the animators weren't able to get decent movement out of the CGI models. This hand-drawn animation is of very good quality; one wonders how good the series could have been if it was used throughout.
**At the start, Megatron's yawning at Snow Cat's antics.
**Hot Shot's face when he confronts Rodimus.
**Prowl when he drags Ironhide.
**Ironhide's face when engaged by Landmine's tow cable.
**Scorponok when the comet he's on crashes into the energon grid.
*Some pretty peppy background music in this one, especially during Snow Cat's freeze beam sequence.
*More spiffy generics appear during Optimus's briefing, but most don't get any large-scale screen-time.
*The [[Team Rodimus (Energon)|Autobots rallied before Rodimus]] in Hot Shot's flashback reuse several [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1]] and ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|Headmasters]]'' character models ''(see right)''. These include: [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], an indistinguishable character's back, [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]], [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]], [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]], [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]].
*As mentioned on the [[Energon Grid (episode)#Animation and technical errors|previous episode's page]], the clip showing the tracker on one of the Terrorcons was clearly reused from this episode despite the chronological order being the other way around.

===Foreign localization===
'''Italian'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''Rodimus, amico o nemico?'''" ("Rodimus, Friend or Foe?")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 004 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Energon episodes]]

Linkup

2025-04-15T23:29:41Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Differences with Legends of the Microns */

{{picsneeded}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=26
|prev=Tactician
|next=Detection
|title="Linkup"
|furigana=りんくあっぷ
|japanese=合身
|romaji=Link Up
|translation=Fusion: Link Up
|image=Armada_ep_26_jet_optimus.JPG
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-26
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|director=[[Osamu Kamijō]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[January 29]], [[2003]] (UK, English premiere) [[January 31]], 2003 (USA) [[July 4|4 July]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''With Optimus in the repair bay, Jetfire is the Autobots' best hope against the Decepticons.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] was critically damaged in a recent battle with the [[Decepticon]]s, and the prognosis is uncertain. [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] tells the kids that [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] will fill in for Optimus while the leader is in the repair bay. However, [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] and the kids are unimpressed by Jetfire's overconfident bragging.

[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] is also unimpressed but at the failure of [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]]'s plan. Its failure merely amuses [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]], and Thrust blames it on a miscalculation in the form of Jetfire. He says he'll develop a new plan and interprets some shooting stars as a sure victory sign.

The [[Autobot]]s discuss Thrust and how he led the Decepticons to victory on the planets: [[Vector]], [[Ogre]], and [[Duke (planet)|Duke]], almost wiping out the Autobots. [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] thinks they have nothing to worry about on that score now that Jetfire is on their team. [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] attempts to report to Jetfire, but the Autobot doesn't speak [[Mini-Con]]; [[Rad White|Rad]] has to translate that there's a suspicious bot flying over the base. They soon recognize Thrust, and Jetfire immediately runs off to confront the Decepticon.

Thrust takes off as soon as he sees Jetfire coming, goading the Autobot into following. Unsurprisingly, they reach a zone where the Decepticons are waiting. The kids plead with Jetfire not to fire on the swarm of Mini-Cons accompanying them, and he assures them he won't and shoots at Cyclonus, who protests that Thrust said the Autobot wouldn't fire with the Mini-Cons around. Thrust orders the Mini-Cons to attack, and soon Jetfire is being strafed with laser fire. Starscream closes in, but Jetfire dodges the Null Laser Cannon.

The Autobots puzzle over how to help Jetfire at the base when [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] spots an island near the battle. [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]], Hot Shot, and [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] warp to the island, and Smokescreen prepares to fire his longarm cannon, but Demolishor and [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] blast him. Demolishor boasts that Thrust plans to steal the Skyboom Shield and opens fire on the Autobots, forced to use the shield for cover.

[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]], still at the base, admires the Decepticons' trap, but the kids think he should take action. Rad contacts Red Alert in the repair bay and informs him of the situation, letting him know they need Optimus.

[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] arrives on the island and tells his men to get on with it and demand the Shield. Megatron summons the Star Saber at Hot Shot's goading and begins the attack anew. Hot Shot suggests they should withdraw; Smokescreen is confident the Skyboom Shield will protect them, but the other two Autobots talk him into fleeing. The trio begins their escape, hampered by the Decepticons' weapons fire.

Jetfire attempts to aid them but gets surrounded by the [[Air Military Mini-Con Team]] and is again almost blasted by Starscream. He flies towards the Decepticon, but a blast from the Null Laser Cannon grazes him. Jetfire is unable to shoot at Thrust when the Mini-Cons surround him again.

Red Alert reports that Optimus is almost combat-ready, and Carlos stresses the situation's urgency.

Megatron has Smokescreen pinned down on the island while Blurr and Hot Shot are busy with Demolishor and Sideways.

While Red Alert and Scavenger are about to join the battle, an alarm indicates that someone's in the launch area: Optimus Prime! Though Red Alert and the kids protest that he's not ready, Optimus asks to be warped to Jetfire's coordinates.

As Thrust and Starscream prepare to annihilate Jetfire, Optimus appears overhead. The Autobot leader freefalls towards Jetfire and the pair [[Powerlinx|combine]]. After dealing with Starscream, Optimus flies to the island and knocks Megatron into the ocean. For an encore, he picks up Demolishor and drops the protesting Decepticon into the water; Sideways wisely retreats. The impressed kids celebrate the Autobots' victory.

Optimus suggests to Jetfire that he might want to exercise more caution next time, to which the Autobot says he's learned his lesson.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (1)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (3)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (4)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (15)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (16)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (17)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (21)

|c2=
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (10)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (11)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (12)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (13)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (14)
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (24)

|c3=
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (5)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (6)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (7)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (8)
*[[Rad White]] (9)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (18)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (19)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (20)
*[[Air Military Mini-Con Team]] (22)
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (23)
*[[Mirror]] (25)
}}

==Quotes==
"He'll be signing autographs later."
:—'''Hot Shot''' on Jetfire's smug boasting

"It's time for you to taste my plasma blaster. See if this makes your teeth whiter and brighter."
:—'''Jetfire''', shooting at Cyclonus

"I am Demolishor, the fierce Decepticon warrior!"
:—'''Demolishor''' introduces himself 26 episodes too late.

"In your dreams! If you want it, why don't you come and get it? That is, unless you're a little bit of a wimp. Well, are ya?"
:—'''Hot Shot''' taunts Megatron. Brave lad.

"They don't call him Starscream for nothing."
:—'''Optimus''', after Starscream falls screaming through the clouds

'''Demolishor:''' "Oh no! Agh! He's got me! Put me down! Pleeeease! Lemme go! I hate water!" 
'''Optimus:''' "...okay." 
'''Demolishor:''' "N-no! Wait! I was only kidding! Don't drop me! NOOOOOOOO!" 
''(Demolishor crashes into the ocean)''
:—'''Demolishor''' gets exactly what he asked for.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
[[File:Linkup-animation-changes.jpg|thumb|290px|''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' screencaps (right).]]
*In ''Armada'', the opening narration (given by [[Jim Conrad]]) is how the Autobot team's greatest fear has been realized: Optimus being injured in battle, and they're now unsure whether or not he'll recover. The Japanese dub lacks an opening narration and is silent until Fred speaks. He asks if Optimus is broken, so Billy calls him an idiot and says it's more accurate to say that Optimus is ''injured'' since he's still alive.
*Instead of Jetfire's "cocky superhero" dialogue, ''Legends of the Microns'' maintains the opening scene's overall tone to show Jetfire's overconfidence. It adds that he was considered Optimus's "greatest right-hand Sub-Commander" on Cybertron. It changes Hot Shot's line about Jetfire signing autographs to him noting how the latter brags about himself, and Jetfire says it's one of his strengths.
*Demolishor addresses Thrust during his rant and even mentions the Air Military Mini-Con Team. ''Armada'' has an awkward silence after Demolishor stops talking; in ''Legends of the Microns'', Demolishor's dialogue extends into the next scene, removing the silence.
*Thrust says he will form a new battle plan as defeating the Autobots has become more critical with Jetfire's arrival. Instead of threatening Thrust that his next plan better not fail, Megatron entrusts him with forming a new strategy.
*The first zoom out from Megatron as he laughs is faster while the second one is slower. He also doesn't start laughing until after the initial zoom-out.
*The shots of the EKG and Optimus on the screen are silent.
*In ''Armada'', the camera makes a nauseating continuous pan from Blurr to Hot Shot, then Scavenger, and back to Hot Shot. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the constant camera movement and quickly pans to Hot Shot and Scavenger when they speak, so their lines don't begin off-screen. Vector is the first planet Blurr mentions when he talks about Thrust in ''Armada''; ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it to Babil, and the next three are Ogre, [[Droi]], and Duke. In ''Armada'', Hot Shot says the Autobots were thrashed and almost wiped out due to Thrust. He asks Blurr if those other planets are where the Decepticons utterly crushed Autobots in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*''Legends of the Microns'' reanimates the scene of Billy and Jetfire talking. Now, Jetfire's finger comes up when Billy starts talking, and Billy's fist and Jetfire's finger line up for a moment before Jetfire lowers his finger (see right). Carlos speaks to Jetfire after Billy finishes, and Jetfire talks after turning away. Jetfire is now animated to look down when he hears High Wire.
*Jetfire's "Ready or not, Thrust. Here I come," line is now "I can't stand it when someone else is flying over my head!" During this scene, ''Armada'' speeds up Jetfire's running so that he's near the end of the hallway and Hot Shot's leg obscures him. The Japanese dub slows Jetfire down slightly, so he's only halfway down the hall, and Hot Shot's leg partially covers him.
*During the shot where Thrust gives the order to attack in ''Armada'', ''Legends of the Microns'' gives Jetfire a line before him.
*The camera zooms toward the monitor as Alexis warns Jetfire, and when the scene cuts back to the monitor later, it's silent. ''Legends of the Microns'' has the camera zoom away from the monitor, and Rad's line about telling Jetfire not to shoot at the Decepticons' Mini-Cons is heard during the monitor's second viewing. The Japanese dub also shows fully animated images on the monitor similar to actual video footage instead of bright-colored stills as ''Armada'' has (see right). The second shot of the monitor has more room around the sides, making the buttons on the right in full view while ''Armada'' has them cut off. Rad tells Jetfire not to hit the Mini-Cons when the scene cuts to the monitor the second time.
*A rainbow ring is added around Jetfire's shadow against the clouds.
*''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the Air Military Mini-Con Team's jerky movement while flying ahead of Jetfire. The shot of Jetfire pulling back when they block his path is now a second longer than in the English dub.
*Cyclonus laughs ''after'' telling the Mini-Cons to follow him instead of before. He's also animated to move first instead of him and the Mini-Cons moving all at once.
*''Armada'' starts playing the theme song when Jetfire transforms, while ''Legends of the Microns'' keeps playing "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Desperate Situation]]"; both tracks stops before Thrust orders the cross-fire attack. After which, there is a clear look at the Air Military Mini-Con Team. Jetfire is heard reacting to the shots as he takes them, and he also says, "So that's how you want to play this?" Cyclonus's line about getting payback is now, "We'll just give it back to ya!"
*The joke that Jetfire makes when firing his blaster at Cyclonus is different in both versions. In ''Armada'', he compares his weapon to toothpaste (see quote above), while in ''Legends of the Microns'', he continues the running joke of the battle being a "party" by calling his weapon a potluck
*Rather than say that Thrust is right about underestimating him, Jetfire says he never hesitates to face the bad guys. Then ''Armada'' has Billy comment on how Jetfire is enjoying himself before Carlos cheers on the Autobot. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Billy says Jetfire is too carefree, and Carlos declares that he (himself) is enjoying what he sees before cheering for Jetfire.
*The Japanese dub adds a green filter effect to the shot of Starscream's crosshairs locking onto Jetfire (see right), and just before firing his Null Laser Cannon, Starscream says, "Take this!"
*In ''Armada'', after the clouds part and the Null Laser Cannon blasts approach Jetfire, it cuts to him dodging them and whites out. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the shot doesn't cut away (see right); the white-out effect is gone, and there's an added scene of the blasts hitting the ocean before panning to Jetfire.
*The bird's eye view of the island in ''Armada'' is a generic flat drawing with no detail, and the surrounding water is equally bland. In ''Legends of the Microns'', they are fully detailed with depth in the colors (see right).
*The theme tune starts as Blurr, Smokescreen, and Hot Shot arrive on the island, ending after Smokescreen gets shot in ''Armada''. "Invincible Power" plays as Smokescreen prepares to launch the Skyboom Shield in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Instead of pointlessly introducing himself as he does in ''Armada'', Demolishor announces himself as "The Decepticons' greatest warrior."; The shot also focuses on Demolishor until he finishes cackling. After the camera pans from him to Sideways, the shot focuses on Sideways for a second shorter than in ''Armada''.
*In ''Armada'', the shot of Scavenger admiring Thrust's plan is a reused one from the Autobots' earlier discussion about Thrust. ''Legends of the Microns'' has a new reanimated frontal close-up (see right), after which Carlos tells Scavenger to quit admiring Thrust's handiwork.
*When Rad speaks to Red Alert on the monitor, the shot doesn't zoom in, and the lights in Optimus's dashboard come on slowly instead of blinking.
*''Armada'' has Megatron act like he's taken aback by Hot Shot challenging him. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him offended by the Autobot's foolishness to refuse his "only act of mercy."
*Instead of calling Smokescreen too weak to handle the Skyboom Shield, Megatron says Smokescreen can't handle the shield's power since Optimus isn't around.
*After this, Demolishor and Sideways agree to strike the Autobots with two simultaneous assaults in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Demolishor instead asks the Autobots if they can handle another collision between the shield and saber; Sideways says the reaction might be bigger this time.
*In ''Armada'', the Transformers theme starts when Hot Shot, Smokescreen, and Blurr retreat and ends when the scene cuts to Carlos. ''Legends of the Microns'' continues playing "For The Glory!" until then.
*''Legends of the Microns'' flips the shot of Jetfire dodging Starscream's second Null Laser Cannon so that he's on the right rather than left; the ''Armada'' version is the correct one in this case. ''Armada'' merely shows a giant geyser from the Null Laser Cannon's impact before the scene flash-cuts to Jetfire, while ''Legends of the Microns'' has the background glow purple as the effect makes a giant wave with the flash-cut removed.
*The drizzle from the geyser stops when Thrust starts talking in ''Armada'' but it ends when the scene cuts from him to Jetfire in ''Legends of the Microns''. After telling Jetfire he's trapped, Thrust says his plan will ensure that the Autobot stays that way, so Jetfire's body will have to hold out.
*''Legends of the Microns'' removes another flash-cut when Starscream shoots his Null Laser Cannon at Jetfire again. When Jetfire gets hit by Starscream, the Null Laser Cannon beam is extended, and the clouds don't disappear when Jetfire falls.
*Before the cables attached to Optimus disconnect, ''Armada'' extends Carlos's line to cover the silence.
*The shot of Megatron facing an injured Smokescreen is cropped on the top and right so that half of Smokescreen is out of frame. Megatron looks a bit closer in the shot and more imposing (see right).
*In ''Armada'', Rad asks Red Alert and Scavenger what will happen to Optimus if they leave, and they don't answer. Rad's body faces the side with his arms bent; he doesn't move again until Carlos says his lines about Optimus still being immobilized and that someone should stay behind. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad asks Red Alert if Optimus is his top priority, repositioning himself when he finishes speaking. Red Alert tries to answer Rad before Carlos says Optimus is still inactive and that taking care of Prime is Red Alert's job.
*When Optimus tells the others to trust him before Scavenger enters the coordinates, he says the line immediately in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says it two seconds after the scene cuts from Fred, reducing the scene's silence.
*''Armada'' starts playing the theme song's insert trance version as Optimus heads out, and it ends after Jet Optimus drops Demolishor into the ocean. ''Legends of the Microns'' keeps playing "For The Glory!" before changing to "Destrons Ferocious Attack!" when Optimus arrives in battle. Then "Super Convoy" plays when he and Jetfire combine, and it stops during the pan-up shot of the redrawn Jet Optimus.
*When Thrust tells Starscream to begin the final assault in ''Armada'', the camera pans to the upper-left as soon as Thrust speaks and stays on his arm until he finishes his line. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the camera moves after he says Starscream's name, and the shot ends as soon as Thrust extends his arm. Starscream responds in the next shot, but while he locks onto Jetfire in ''Armada''. The shot of Starscream is also redrawn, with the jagged movement removed.
*Starscream's targeting crosshairs are brighter and easier to see. After Optimus appears, Starscream calls him out to Thrust by name, and Thrust is heard reacting.
*Thrust's laughter is extended into the shot of Optimus continuing to fall toward Jetfire. Then, as a subtle visual hint, ''Legends of the Microns'' adds a slight white twinkle in Optimus and Jetfire's eyes as they trade glances before initiating their combination, during which they speak in unison.
*The reactionary dialogue of Thrust and Sideways concerning Optimus and Jetfire's combination is altered as they're shocked and confused about what happened. Also, Red Alert only refers to Optimus instead of asking, "What is this?"
*The scene of Jet Optimus shooting Starscream down is heavily reanimated. The shot of Starscream now shows him flying to the left above the clouds. Jet Optimus flies into the frame and fires at the Decepticon in his correct colors. The shot of Jet Optimus firing at Starscream is now a wider shot with a clearer view of the Autobot (see right). Instead of making the "Star''scream''" pun, Jet Optimus comments about taking care of one pest.
*The shot of Starscream falling from the sky as Megatron sees him is sped up in ''Armada'' as Starscream is already out of frame when Megatron turns around. It's not an issue in ''Legends of the Microns'' since Starscream falls at a slower rate, so Megatron sees Starscream falling when he turns. ''Armada'' uses a bright flickering flash to portray Starscream getting shot in the clouds; ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this to a subtle glow effect. As Jet Optimus approaches him, the shots of Prime coming in the distance are redrawn still images (see right), and Jet Optimus isn't as close to Megatron in the shot of the latter trying to block him with the Star Saber. Furthermore, the shot of Megatron falling is slowed down slightly, but it's the same length as the ''Armada'' version.
*The close-up shot of Demolishor firing at Jet Optimus is cropped, and his lasers are more brightly colored so that his fingers aren't as visible in the Japanese dub. In this shot, he also asks who Jet Optimus is.
*In ''Armada'', Demolishor says he hates water before Jet Optimus drops him while Demolishor yells that he's afraid of ''heights'' while he falls in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*After the battle, as Thrust stands on the cloud and looks below him, he immediately fixes himself upright after saying he didn't know Optimus and Jetfire could combine. He also laughs as he transforms and flies away.
*Alexis expresses relief instead of agreeing with the praises made by Carlos, Billy, and Fred. Then Scavenger notes how Optimus and Jetfire can combine and how he never imagined they could pull it off before congratulating them.
*Optimus chuckles and warns Jetfire to be more cautious after looking up in ''Legends of the Microns'' but speaks to Jetfire immediately in ''Armada''. Jetfire mentions that he and Optimus fought together in the Air Brigade on Cybertron. After this, the shot of Optimus is entirely redrawn with him facing the camera (see right), telling Jetfire not to let his guard down since they're on the front lines.
*Instead of Smokescreen snarking about Jetfire being lucky that Optimus showed up, he laments how he, Hot Shot, and Blurr couldn't save Jetfire themselves. After this, Hot Shot says what a pain it was on how Thrust toyed with them, and in agreement, Blurr states that he's upset about their lack of foresight.
*In ''Armada'', after Jetfire says there's nothing to worry about now that he's here, Hot Shot snarks at him for forgetting his lesson to take things more seriously. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot interrupts Jetfire, tells him not to get carried away, and asks if he's already forgotten that they are on the front lines.
*During Rad's ending narration, he says Jetfire is slightly overconfident but raises the team's spirits despite his mistakes. Since ''Armada'' ignores the subplot on Jetfire's overconfidence, Rad says the team would need Jetfire's "contagious optimism" to face future battles.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Linkup Jet Prime Comparison.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|U.S. version (left), Japanese version (right)]]
*Although ''Legends of the Microns'' has numerous minor animation changes, "Linkup" is one of the most prominent examples as the number of errors puts this episode up there with "[[Decisive Battle]]." Multiple scenes were entirely redrawn and reanimated with higher quality animation than the ''Armada'' version. Among the changes: Jet Optimus with his Super Mode colors and the wrong legs were fixed, while numerous close-up shots were also redrawn.
*When Red Alert tells the kids about Optimus's status in the opening scene, the headlights on his chest are miscolored; this happens again when Rad contacts him later, but only Red Alert's left headlight is miscolored. The Japanese dub replaces the later shot of Red Alert with high-quality animation (see above).
*Static shots of Jetfire and the kids and a scene of Hot Shot from later in the episode are used during the opening dialogue. ''Legends of the Microns'' has new fully animated scenes (see above).
*During the close-up of Demolishor after zooming into the Decepticon base, the brown on the right side of his face "bleeds" into the outer yellow part.
*Demolishor's mouth moves while the shot pans from him to Starscream and Cyclonus, but he's not talking. The Japanese dub fixes the issue by panning to Cyclonus and Starscream faster.
*During Cyclonus and Starscream's scene of finding enjoyment in Thrust's plan from the previous episode, their mouths don't move, and Starscream's wings are missing. The Japanese dub fixes these errors (see above).
*The background with the jagged edges surrounding Megatron while he laughs is mistakenly seen first since it's supposed to go over the background with the hole in the ship, as seen earlier while Demolishor was speaking; ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this.
*When Megatron starts laughing on his throne, his face is miscolored as dark gray like his horns, and the black around his eyes are so thick they make his eyes look puny. The Japanese dub fixes Megatron's eyes but not his face color (see above). For some reason, ''Legends of the Microns'' makes Megatron's throne a single color in the same scene.
*The Decepticon [[insignia]] on Megatron's chest disappears in several scenes.
*When Smokescreen says, "It's Thrust?" he lacks his antenna/horn. He's missing it again when the Autobots are looking at Thrust on a monitor, a third time when he says, "Optimus sir," and a fourth time when the Autobots laugh at the end. Smokescreen's right eye looks bigger than his left, similar to Demolishor's in the next shot.
*During the continuous shot, while Blurr, Hot Shot, and Scavenger discuss Thrust, a sound effect plays when the camera moves to Hot Shot, but nothing is animated to justify it. ''Legends of the Microns'' reveals the sound effect is from Blurr moving his blaster, and he is redrawn accordingly.
**In the same scene, Scavenger says Hot Shot would've been "too young to battle on Cybertron" to know about Thrust. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the wording so that Scavenger says Hot Shot would've been relatively young ''during'' that battle.
*Alexis is missing during the shot of Fred, Billy, Carlos talking about Thrust and Jetfire.
*When Rad translates what High Wire is trying to tell Jetfire, Rad says "They" (referring to High Wire, Sureshock, and Grindor) instead of "He." When Jetfire asks why High Wire didn't tell him earlier about the suspicious bot flying over the base in the Japanese dub, Rad translates that High Wire said ''he'' did say that before.
*After seeing Thrust on the monitor, Scavenger has a shadow under his right eye; ''Legends of the Microns'' removes it.
*In the shot of the children, Smokescreen, Jetfire, and Hot Shot looking at the monitor, the Autobot symbol on Jetfire's chest is missing.
*When Sureshock and Alexis speak, the scene cuts to a still of a later shot of Smokescreen, Jetfire, and Hot Shot; it's reused seconds later as they react to seeing Thrust on the monitor. Their mouths don't move, the railing the kids are leaning against is missing, and there's an awkward silence before Jetfire leaves the scene. First, ''Legends of the Microns'' adds a new scene of Sureshock while the kids are in the background when she and Alexis speak (see above). Then, in the later shot, the railing is there, the Autobots' mouths now move with Hot Shot and Smokescreen having lines, and when Jetfire runs off, he goes entirely off-screen with Hot Shot reacting to it.
*When Jetfire flies after Thrust, the Decepticon's glare is miscolored orange; ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects it and makes it white.
*One shot shows Jetfire flying towards the Decepticons and the Mini-Cons but no sign of Thrust in front of him, only for Thrust to suddenly return in the next shot; the Japanese dub fixes this by replacing Jetfire with Thrust.
*As Laserbeak flies ''behind'' Thrust, the Decepticon's underbelly stops moving, and despite going behind Thrust, Laserbeak can still get a clear picture of what's going on. The monitor shows a still image with ''Jetfire'' in the shot among the Decepticons, and later the monitor shows another still image of the 'Cons without Jetfire. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Laserbeak goes under Thrust, whose underbelly doesn't stop moving.
*For most of the episode, the Autobot HQ monitors display a bright-colored picture similar to a first-person POV shot instead of images on a screen. They're all animated to look like live video feeds in ''Legends of the Microns'' (see above).
*The Japanese dub replaces Jetfire's profile shot while preparing to fire his Plasma Blaster at Cyclonus with high-quality animation with proper coloring, shadows, and additional details (see above).
*Jetfire's blast is a plain straight shot, but it's out of proportion and wide enough to take up most of the two shots it's in; in ''Legends of the Microns'', the red beam is narrower and has branches along the sides.
*When Thrust states that he didn't think Jetfire would attack, Thrust is miscolored orange.
*In one shot, Jetfire moves away from the camera before it zooms toward his leg for an extreme close-up, and he isn't animated. ''Legends of the Microns'' only has Jetfire come toward the camera, and as he does, we get an animated close-up of him from top to bottom. In the next shot, ''Armada'' has Jetfire unanimated over clouds moving in the background. ''Legends of the Microns'' has higher quality animation; Jetfire moves away from the camera with his Plasma Blaster visible and repositions his legs.
*During Thrust's cross-fire attack, Jetstorm is miscolored gray, and the shots fired by Cyclonus and the Mini-Cons are yellow instead of purple. They're fixed in the Japanese dub.
*Hot Shot's position changes between shots as the other Autobots prepare to leave and help Jetfire.
*As Smokescreen readies to launch the Skyboom Shield, a laser blast is heard, but Smokescreen doesn't react as his close-up remains static. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds a new shot with Smokescreen at a distance, showing his Longarm Launcher getting blasted and him reacting to it (see above).
*When Rad calls Red Alert for an update on Optimus, Rad points at the console. ''Legends of the Microns'' animates his arm going out of frame.
*In the shot of Blurr, Smokescreen, and Hot Shot taking cover after Demolishor asks where Optimus is, Smokescreen's longarm cannon is miscolored as dark blue in ''Armada''. The Japanese dub makes it the correct shade.
*The ends of Starscream's Null Laser Cannons are miscolored red, and the blasts look like individual shots in the first shot of them going through the clouds. The Japanese dub corrects the Cannons' color and reanimates the initial shot, so the blast looks like a single beam.
*While Hot Shot, Blurr, and Smokescreen take cover behind the Skyboom Shield as Demolishor fires at them, the shield glows in its close-up shot, but it isn't in the next one. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes it, so the shield glows in both shots.
*Hot Shot, Smokescreen, Blurr, Sideways, Demolishor, and Megatron seem to be positioned wrong in their face-off shots together as the 'Cons look and fire downward, but the Autobots are above them.
**Sideways and Demolishor are also slightly off-model in the two shots with Megatron's legs on either side in the foreground; ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects them.
*In the overhead shot of Hot Shot, Blurr, and Smokescreen retreating, Smokescreen doesn't have the Skyboom Shield.
*In the shots after Megatron shows up with the Autobots in the background, Smokescreen's crane looks undamaged.
*Thrust refers to the Air Military Mini-Con Team as the Air ''Defense'' Team (which is concurrently busy being the Star Saber). He uses the correct term in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When Megatron attacks Smokescreen with the Star Saber, the Skyboom Shield is miscolored blue and orange like the Autobot's body. In addition, Smokescreen's arm is miscolored to match the shield; it's corrected in the Japanese dub.
*Alexis asks, "Who's that?" (which is grammatically incorrect), after which there is a "Humph" sound, and Alexis says someone's on the launching dock. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the grammar error as Alexis now asks, "''What'' is that?" Then Scavenger asks what's going on, and Alexis says the launch gate has been activated.
*When setting the warp coordinates for Optimus, Scavenger refers to them as the ''"landing"'' coordinates, but there's no such thing as landing in midair. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Scavenger says "the ''arrival point''" instead.
*After Optimus falls past Thrust while freefalling, Carlos and Fred let out cheerful and encouraging screams for Optimus despite having worried facial expressions; Carlos's mouth is always open while only Fred's mouth moves. In ''Legends of the Microns'', they're afraid Optimus will get smashed to bits from the fall after Thrust dodges him; their mouths are also reanimated as Carlos speaks first and Fred talks after him. Billy looks shocked with his mouth agape in both versions.
*During the quick cuts as Prime approaches Jetfire, the area under Optimus's eye is miscolored red; the Japanese dub corrects it.
**An extra frame is added before each cut of Optimus closing in on Jetfire, so the movement appears jagged. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the added frames, making Optimus's movement fluid by comparison.
*Jet Optimus is drawn incorrectly three times: when firing at Starscream, his chest is colored red instead of white and has a red Decepticon insignia; after that, as he grabs Demolishor, his legs are shown as those of his trailer; and later, when Jet Optimus is landing on the island, he is shown with his lower body being from his trailer, instead of them being Jetfire. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes all of these errors.
*When Starscream falls through the clouds after he's shot down, the cloud wisps are miscolored like dark gray smoke; ''Legends of the Microns'' correct it.
*Megatron lacks the shadow around his eyes after seeing Starscream fall. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds them back.
*In the shot of Megatron falling, he doesn't have the Star Saber.
*Multiple times, Carlos's eyes have whites, but ''Legends of the Microns'' removes them.
*In the shot of the Autobots at the end, Blurr's model is incomplete, Smokescreen's crane hook is miscolored gray, and Jetfire's face is partially miscolored white. ''Legends of the Microns'' only fixes the error with Blurr.

===Continuity notes===
*Thrust seeing the shooting stars as a sure sign of victory continues his quirk of playing fortune-teller as previously established in "Tactician."
*The [[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada War]]<ref>The name given in the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]] story, ''[[Force of Habit]]'', for the events that take place before and during the ''Armada'' cartoon, including "The Unicron Battles".</ref> is revealed to have taken place on countless other planets besides [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and [[Earth]]. Three known planets that the Decepticons triumphed in battle with the Autobots under Thrust's leadership are [[Vector]], [[Ogre]], and [[Duke (planet)|Duke]].
*This episode is the second time the Japanese dub mentions the Mini-Con [[Servility Program]], after introducing it in "[[Vow]]." However, it's the first and only time ''Armada'' brings it up.
*The beginning of Jetfire and Optimus's Powerlinx sequence, which remains in every appearance of the sequence afterward, results from their combination occurring midair. The toys can replicate the shield attaching to Optimus and the Plasma Blaster/thruster adhering to the shield.
*Strangely, the Jet Optimus transformation sequences don't have Optimus's mouthplate suffer the color-changing animation error present in the Super Mode Optimus sequence.
*Powerlinx forms:
**Megatron Powerlinx with the Star Saber.
**Optimus Prime and Jetfire Powerlinx for the first time, forming '''Jet Optimus'''. They're the first [[Transformer]]s to show the ability to Powerlinx (aside from the Mini-Cons) in the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]]. [[Ask Vector Prime]] would establish in [[2015]] that [[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] made the combination modifications to Jetfire.
**Jet Optimus uses Jetfire's Plasma Blaster.

===Continuity errors===
*Optimus didn't seem so severely damaged at the end of "[[Tactician]]" that he'd require a whole episode in the repair bay. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Red Alert is simply doing maintenance work on Optimus.
*In the Decepticons' first scene, when Demolishor complains about Thrust, he refers to him as a military "leader" though he's a tactician; ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this mistake.
*The color of Thrust's jet blasts alternates between orange and blue. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this and has them orange throughout the episode.
*During the shot of Jetfire and Billy talking, Rad is missing despite being there in the previous shot, but the Japanese dub fixes the error.
*Hot Shot asks Scavenger how "they" are supposed to land to help Jetfire out at sea as if he refers to the Autobots excluding himself and Scavenger. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot uses the correct word "we."
*After stock footage of Smokescreen readying his launcher, the shot cuts to a reused close-up shot of his face until the sound of an explosion is heard, the screen then switching to Hot Shot and Blurr. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds an animated shot of Smokescreen getting his crane-arm blasted off (see above); the Japanese dub also corrects Smokescreen's line and changes it from "Wait a second, who is that?" to "But who did that?!"
*When Megatron tries to strike the Autobots with the Star Saber, a big rock appears behind Smokescreen, and it's suddenly split in half; ''Legends of the Microns'' shows the Star Saber swipe across the scene and take out a chunk of the background.
*Optimus requests to be warped to Jetfire's coordinates but appears near Thrust instead. The Japanese dub fixes this error by having Prime ordering the others to send him to ''Thrust's'' position instead of Jetfire's.
*As Optimus freefalls toward Thrust, there's a shot of him with his arms ahead of him like Superman, but Optimus's arms are at his sides again when Thrust dodges him in the next shot. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this by having Prime's arms at his sides the whole time.
*After the scene of Carlos, Billy, and Fred's reactions, Optimus is seen with his thrusters active and cloud trails coming from his body. However, they are suddenly gone in the next shot of Optimus falling towards Jetfire. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes these details (see above).
*At the start of Jet Optimus's [[stock footage|combination sequence]], Jetfire first throws his gun and then his shield to Optimus to give him a makeshift jetpack, but it's the shield that attaches to Prime's back before the gun.
*Optimus and Jetfire's combined form is referred to as "Jet Convoy" (the Japanese name for Jet Optimus) throughout the episode after its debut.
*As Jet Optimus flies toward Demolishor, the background smoke is miscolored blue; the Japanese dub corrects it and makes the smoke dark gray. For some reason, during this shot in ''Legends of the Microns'', Demolishor's shots are fixed to be Decepticon purple instead of Autobot red as they are in ''Armada'', yet they're red in the next shot. ''Armada'' has Demolishor's shots miscolored red throughout.
*In the shots of Jet Optimus carrying Demolishor, dropping him, and the shot afterward, Jet Optimus appears to be hovering in ''Armada''; ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this by adding the propulsion effect to Jet Optimus's feet.
*The shot of Sideways riding away after the battle is a recycled shot from [[Gale]]; the Japanese dub corrects it.
*In his ending narration for ''Armada'', Rad refers to this episode as an intro to Jetfire, which is false; he might mean Jetfire's personality since he technically first appeared in the previous episode.

===Trivia===
[[File:Linkup - No ML Title Card.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4|]]
*The kanji 合身 is pronounced as ''gasshin''.
*Shooting stars on the Moon are impossible because it has no atmosphere to burn objects.
*According to ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'':
**This episode displays Jetfire's light-hearted personality to show his difference from Optimus since it would've been difficult if they were both calm and collected leaders.
**This episode shows how Thrust is an effective tactician, making double or triple strategies, and how dangerous the Decepticons can be when they fight with proper strategy rather than brute force.
*This episode is a rare instance of no title card appearing in ''Legends of the Microns'', with the title instead appearing over Optimus getting repaired. It happens again later in "[[Cramp]]."

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le remplaçant'''" ("The Substitute")

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Der Powerlink'''" ("The Powerlink")
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but was dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Csatlakozás'''" ("Joining")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ben tornato Jetfire'''" ("Welcome Back Jetfire")
::*After Thrust talks about the stars being a sign of Megatron's victory, in English only Megatron is heard laughing, while, in Italian, also Thrust's laugh is heard.
::*While in English Smokescreen knows Thrust's name since he says: "It's Thrust?", in Italian he asks who he is and Scavenger tells him that his name is Thrust.
::*"Two birds with one stone" is translated as "two pidgeons with a single shot" despite the Italian equivalent being "two pidgeons with one broad bean".

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''스나이퍼 vs 제트파이어'''" ("Sniper vs Jetfire")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Połączenie'''" ("Link")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Conexão'''" ("Connection")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 7 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:09 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Chase (episode)

2025-04-15T21:21:04Z

OhNoItsCaleb:

{{disambig3|Chase}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=24
|prev=Rebellion (Armada)
|next=Tactician
|title="Chase"
|furigana=かげ
|japanese=幻影
|romaji=Kage
|translation=Illusion: Shadow
|image=chasesideways.jpg
|caption="Topham, help me! I'll turn myself in I swear!" "End of the line, slaghead."
|production code=TF: A-24
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]
|director=[[Mihiro Yamaguchi]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]], [[Studio Guts]], [[Big Bang (company)|Big Bang]]
|airdate=[[January 27]], [[2003]] (UK, English premiere) [[January 29]], 2003 (USA) [[June 20|20 June]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''The kids and their transforming partners are sucked into a digital world of Sideways's creation, where they meet a truly frightening harbinger of Chaos.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] complains about being bored with hanging out in the [[Autobot]] base all the time. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] tells him that being in the Autobot base is serious business. [[Rad White|Rad]] does his best to calm Alexis, and Carlos references the Autobots' sound defense system, but Alexis refuses to chill and assertively walks off with Sureshock.

Elsewhere, the Autobots fight the [[Decepticon]]s.

Alexis panics because she can't locate anything on the Autobots' radar, as the Autobots' monitors are all solid black. When Alexis's laptop freezes, Rad speculates that the technical problems could be an internet virus or a hacker. Alexis confirms Rad's suspicions and takes countermeasures, but it's too late. The kids watch as the virus devours their system.

Desperate, Alexis tries to hard reboot, then disconnects by removing her computer's network wire. The [[Mini-Con]]s try to deactivate the rest of the Autobot computers; however, physics take a back seat as the digital disruption spreads off the monitors and forms a spatial anomaly inside the room, solidifying into the shape of [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]].

[[File:Screenshot-arm-24-1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Rad and Carlos catch a bad case of Photoshop.]]
With Alexis's best efforts at a technical solution rendered useless, Rad tries to disengage Sideways by literally smashing the Autobots' computer consoles. Alexis and Carlos join in the destruction, causing Sideways to disintegrate and get sucked into a vortex from one of the Autobot monitors. In Sideways's place, a colorful show of light shines on the kids and their Mini-Cons, sucking the "spirits" out of their bodies and sending the kids into the same vortex that swallowed Sideways.

At the battle, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] notices [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] fall (and [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] steps on it). [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] knows this means something has happened to the kids. [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] arrive in the Autobots' control room and find the bodies of their friends unresponsive to any stimuli and glowing in eerie inverted colors. The Mini-Cons are also affected, and Fred concludes that someone turned their friends into [[zombie]]s.

The three kids and the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team|Street Action Team]] (who are not zombies) find themselves in an area with no ground, only a few abstract shapes floating in the air. Soon as Rad and Carlos begin to have fun swimming around this reality, Sideways drives up and introduces the kids to [[Cyberspace]]. He claims there's no way out of Cyberspace and tries to take one of their Mini-Cons. The kids speed away from the Decepticon.

[[File:Screenshot-arm-24-2.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|The recolors now show up before the actual character.]]
Eventually, the kids fall into an area that looks like outer space, with the six of them floating towards what appears to be [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Passed by two light flashes, the kids see a strange glowing purple shape, followed by a dark blue form with yellow bursts behind it.

Passing right through Cybertron (instead of crashing), Sideways reappears (holding [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]]) and reveals that everything the kids see in Cyberspace is an illusion. Alexis considers this and openly speculates that if Sideways was in control of the illusion, he could seize all the Mini-Cons and wouldn't need to make demands. Sideways gets angry, confirming her theory.

In reality, the Autobots have returned from battle and are confused by the comatose kids and smashed machinery. Fred suggests using Alexis's laptop as a starting point for figuring out what's going on.

[[File:Screenshot-arm-24-3.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Look familiar?]]
In Cyberspace, Sideways grows frustrated with the kids, who have figured out that he can't harm them. Sureshock escapes Sideways's non-existent clutches and floats back to his friends. Seriously angered, Sideways opens fire on the kids, but the kids are entirely uninjured.

When a roaring is heard, Sideways suddenly apologizes to the kids and asks them to keep the entire encounter a secret. Alexis gets a strong feeling of some overwhelming evil, and Rad thinks that's a sign the kids should go now. Possibly thanks to Red Alert's programming, a white square becomes visible in Cyberspace. The kids head for the light and barely escape consumption by a massive circular singularity.

At the Autobot base, Rad wakes up and finds the other two kids, and the Mini-Cons made it out of Cyberspace alive; even Laserbeak survived getting stepped on. Everybody has a big laugh, and Rad closes by wondering what that sinister evil force was.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (10)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (11)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (15)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (17)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (18)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (19)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (8)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (9)
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (12)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (1)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (2)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (3)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (13)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (14)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (4)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (5)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (6)
*[[Mirror]] (16)

|c5=Other|c5=
*[[Unicron]] (20)
}}

==Quotes==
"Holy guacamole! It's Sideways!"
:—'''Carlos''', not being a horrible ethnic stereotype at all

"I guess this means I'm gonna miss lunch. My blood sugar is getting dangerously low, Billy!"
:—'''Fred''', with his mind on the essential things

"Oh, yay. I'm surrounded by morons."
:—'''Alexis''', in exasperated female anime cliché mode

""Internet"? Speak English, wouldja?"
:—'''Sideways''' doesn't know what the Internet is, and that's probably for the best.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*''Armada'' extends Carlos's line about the importance of looking after the base. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Carlos say he's tired of hearing that protecting the base is an important job. Then ''Armada'' adds Alexis demanding Carlos not to mock her. Rad says nothing ever happens whenever the kids guard the base, but he tells Alexis to stop being paranoid like the Decepticons will attack in five minutes in ''Armada''.
*In ''Armada'', Alexis goes off at the boys for telling her to relax and implores them on how they must always be ready before calling them hopeless. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the boys calling the new defense system ''perfect'' and believing the Decepticons can ''never'' warp into the base again makes Alexis snap at them since she says they aren't sure. Before calling Rad and Carlos "hopeless children," Alexis says the Decepticons are determined, and they have no way of knowing what they're planning or how they'll attack. The scene is silent when Alexis walks off.
*Rad's opening narration in ''Armada'' is how he and Carlos knew Alexis was right about Megatron attacking the base at any time but hated her for rubbing it in their faces and sometimes treating them like they're still little kids. ''Legends of the Microns'' gives the narration a serious tone and foreshadows the episode's upcoming event as Rad reflects on how they shouldn't be quick to say "never," and how the kids would quickly learn the truth behind the adage, "Never say never."
*During the shot of laser fire in the dust cloud, ''Armada'' gives Hot Shot an extra line to remove the silence.
*Depending on the dub, the children's dialogue hits different points:
**''Armada'' has Alexis say that she can't locate the Autobots, while she asks where the Mini-Con is and says it's somewhere nearby in ''Legends of the Microns''. Following this, Carlos says Sideways vanished from the grid in ''Armada'' but says he can't see Sideways on the battlefield in ''Legends of the Microns''.
**Then, in ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad and Alexis don't mention the Decepticons, and Alexis doesn't know why her computer is acting up and why she can't communicate with Laserbeak.
**Rad says the base's AI is connected to Alexis's laptop, and a hacker or virus could be responsible if Alexis's computer also has an Internet connection.
**Alexis doesn't say her computer is rebooting and instead notices unknown content in the AI, confirming a hacker's presence. Then she tracks it instead of loading an anti-virus program. The shot of Alexis putting her screen on the base's monitor is silent.
**''Armada'' adds Rad and Carlos's lines to fill in the silence before Alexis talks. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis asks who could be responsible. Carlos says the Decepticons, and Rad thinks the Decepticons are trying to steal intel while the Autobots are away. Then Alexis says the virus is growing, that it's coming from her computer and it'll quickly breach the system, but she can't stop it. To cover the silence, ''Armada'' adds Carlos's line of how he should've stayed in bed.
**After Alexis says she can't disconnect, it's silent until after she takes out the wires. Then Alexis translates Sureshock as wanting to shut off the central computer to stop the virus in ''Armada'', but in ''Legends of the Microns'', Sureshock says to cut the whole base's power. In ''Armada'', Carlos's line about the monitor coming to life and his two lines afterward are filler. Rad asks Alexis if she's alright twice to cover the silence of the shot of Sideways materializing.
**After Carlos recognizes Sideways, Alexis asks why he's in the base, and Rad says it's not the time to wonder why since they need to stop Sideways. Rad curses before grabbing the metal rod, and while Carlos and Rad smash the console, they call Sideways a scumbag and traitor and demand him to leave, respectively. Unlike ''Armada'', Sideways's voice now sounds garbled and digitized. Later, the wide shot of the kids and Mini-Cons after Sideways disintegrates the ball of light takes up the screen is silent, and the kids' screams now s5ound otherworldly.
*Megatron doesn't say anything before punching Optimus as the latter reacts to Laserbeak falling instead.
*After finding Rad, Carlos, Alexis, and the Mini-Cons, Fred asks Billy what happened before Billy says he doesn't know but believes Megatron is responsible. Fred laments about the Autobots not being there. Instead of crying about his blood sugar (as quoted above), Fred asks Billy what they should do. Then, after seeing the others on the monitor, Billy reacts with shock in ''Armada'' but says Rad's name in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Rad thinks they are now in the fourth dimension in ''Armada'' but a dream world in ''Legends of the Microns''. ''Armada'' extends Carlos's line to begin as soon as the scene cuts away from Rad.
*Rad and Carlos aren't as noisy while they mess around, and instead of calling the boys morons (as quoted above), Alexis remarks they really are children.
*In ''Armada'', Sideways says he hacked the system to access the Autobots' database. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says he had to connect to the Internet to invade the base's network. Then he says the kids and their Mini-Cons' futile resistance brought them into his Cyberspace, rather than Sideways saying ''he'' brought them there to get rid of them as he does in ''Armada''.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', when asked about how he was able to breach the Autobot's network, Sideways plays dumb. Afterwards, he confesses that he used the Internet. In ''Armada'', Sideways is telling the truth, and he genuinely has no idea what the Internet is, despite being able to hack into the Autobot's base.
*The kids proceed to threaten Sideways in ''Armada'', but ''Legends of the Microns'' connects the kids' dialogue to their subplot. They tell him off for calling their resistance pitiful, saying they stayed at the base since they are fighting alongside the Autobots, not because they're useless. Then, in ''Armada'', Sideways mocks the kids and says the Autobots only pretended to let them help before demanding the Mini-Cons and threatening the kids. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he ridicules their belief in fighting beside the Autobots since the kids' opposition led to their current dilemma. Then he says the kids will be responsible if he takes the Mini-Cons, saying, "That's what fighting is like."
*After eluding Sideways, Rad states the obvious about the Mini-Cons in ''Armada'' but cheers about losing Sideways in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then Alexis and Rad admire the beauty of the sight before Rad questions whether or not they're all in a dream. Alexis's line about the constellations is ''Armada''-exclusive. Carlos agrees the place is beautiful but also thinks it's scary. Instead of Rad telling Carlos to stop whining, he says protecting the Mini-Cons and finding a way out will be their answer to Sideways. Then Alexis says they can't give up, but Carlos remains hesitant.
*When they see Cybertron, Rad says it appears they are going there, and Alexis asks why in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad says they should check it out, and Alexis asks how they are supposed to get there. The kids are silent in the next shot. Carlos remarks about the passing light beams, and Alexis doesn't speak until she fears everyone crashing into Cybertron.
*After passing through Cybertron, Rad says it was just a hologram in ''Armada'' but realizes "the space" is an illusion in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then, after confirming Rad's suspicion, Sideways brags about how realistic it is in ''Armada'' but says that he created it in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus asks what happened before Red Alert says his line. Fred asks if the Autobots can use Alexis's laptop to reverse Sideways's intrusion, Red Alert says he could trace Sideways's path, and Optimus doesn't compliment Fred.
*After the kids figure out Sideways's inability to control the Cyberspace illusion, he starts panicking and apologizing to them in ''Armada'', but addresses an unseen entity in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then as the dark cloud approaches, Rad says they should run since it doesn't look like an illusion.
*After rescuing the others, Billy says he's unsure if stopping the virus did much to help the planet. Alexis sarcastically praising Billy and Fred is ''Armada''-exclusive. She is more gracious with her praise in the Japanese dub. Then, rather than say they should celebrate, Fred wants to imagine the look on Sideways's face.
*In ''Armada'', Alexis tells Carlos they did see Cybertron unless they dreamt the whole thing. In ''Legends of the Microns'', she wonders what the other things they saw were.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Red Alert tells the kids that the original Laserbeak could not be retrieved, but he built a newer, upgraded model. In ''Armada'', Red Alert tells the kids Laserbeak was destroyed in combat until everyone is caught off-guard by Laserbeak's return.
*In Rad's closing narration in ''Armada'', he sometimes can't believe what happened wasn't a dream and says only time will tell if the kids really saw Cybertron and an evil force more powerful than Megatron. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad recalls how amazing the whole experience was, including seeing Cybertron, but wonders why the kids couldn't remember it.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Chase Prime.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"Yeah, baby. Sing...for the King."]]
*The Transformers' models later look low-quality in the second glimpse of the battle compared to their earlier models.
*The brightness level of the Cyberspace backgrounds sometimes increases between shots.
*The background shifts slightly as Sideways circles the kids and Mini-Cons.
*The silhouettes of both [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]]'s and [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]]'s Cybertronian modes differ from their respective close-up shots. Tidal Wave looks more round and compressed, and Jetfire has a silhouette of the Earth-based shuttle mode he acquires in the [[Tactician|next episode]].
*Cybertron looks identical after the kids and Mini-Cons pass through it when it should be flipped horizontally like a mirror image.
*Sideways has blocky fingers when he first grabs Sureshock, but they later become rounded.
*In the Autobot group scene where Red Alert reports that his scans indicate Sideways's work, Optimus's crotch is huge.
*The kids call Sureshock "Grindor" when telling the Mini-Con to escape from Sideways. They call Sureshock by her proper name in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Fred and Billy's mouths don't move as they tell Rad to wake up.

===Conitinuity notes===
*In the opening, Rad, Alexis, and Carlos reference the time the Decepticons invaded the Autobot base back in "[[Swoop (episode)|Swoop]]."
*This episode gives a new meaning to the "virus" insults that Sideways received in "[[Credulous]]."
*According to Alexis's laptop, the date is [[February 4]], [[2002]], becoming somewhat redundant when the show was later established to take place in [[2010]].
**The time Alexis runs the scan on her laptop is 19:7:10 (7:07 pm). What are 11-13-year-olds still doing out at this time? Man, they have some cool parents.
*One of the brightly-colored objects that the kids pass before they go through Cybertron is Jetfire in his Cybertronian vehicle mode, drawn as Generation 1 [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]'s VF-1S fighter mode.
*The other brightly colored object, outlined in purple, is Tidal Wave's Cybertronian form. It partially resembles Generation 1 [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] in his laser cannon mode. Perhaps not coincidentally, Tidal Wave was known as Shockwave in Japan.
*Indicating that he wasn't playing dumb as Alexis believed, Sideways (and probably, by proxy, the rest of the [[Transformer]]s in general) doesn't know what the [[Internet]] is.
*The past few episodes have heavily implied that Sideways is serving an unseen entity; this is one of the few instances in the early part of ''Armada'' portraying Sideways as an individual, rather than the extension of Unicron that he is later shown to be.
**The ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' cartoon and by extension, the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act|Cybertron]]'' comic would later establish that Sideways and [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]] cut a deal with Unicron. Given that Sideways and the [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] [[Noisemaze Mass Production Type Version|natives]] all share a body ''very'' different to Sideways's ''Armada'' body, it would suggest that his consciousness was shifted into a puppet-like shell Unicron could use to control him.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Optimus uses his Big Punch attack against Megatron.

===Continuity errors===
*Carlos says Red Alert is out on patrol, although he is seen fighting the Decepticons with the other Autobots. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this with Carlos saying instead that Red Alert left with the others.
*It's as if Rad completely forgot about the Decepticons attacking the base in "Swoop"; Carlos even mentions the protective shield from that episode. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this issue with Alexis outright asking Rad if he's forgotten about that. Then Carlos and Rad say Red Alert renovated the base's defense system afterward, and the Decepticons won't be able to warp into the base anymore.
*When the base gets hacked, the kids talk about the virus destroying a program but never specify what it is or what it does. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes all mentions of a program.
*Rad gives an overcomplicated explanation of Alexis's computer program transmitting her commands through "microwaves" from the base, saying that Alexis might've picked up a virus because of how the laptop connects to the "microwave tower" through the Internet. Without in-depth research on how the Internet works, Rad couldn't possibly deliver such an interpretation. The Japanese dub simplifies Rad's reasoning, making it easier for viewers to understand.
*Rad suspects Megatron of already stealing the Autobots' intel, but how would he know that? ''Legends of the Microns'' removes this.
*Rad makes the crazy claim that they've been disconnected from the net, but how would he know after just looking at the monitor? ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this to Rad urging Alexis to disconnect.
*As Sideways materializes, Rad suddenly says they can't turn the power off though it has nothing to do with what he's seeing. Rad says nothing can come out of the monitor since the power ''is'' off in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Alexis accuses Sideways of hacking "our" computer even though it was just her laptop. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this error.
*Where were Billy and Fred, and what were they doing before Rad, Alexis, Carlos, and their Mini-Cons got sucked into Cyberspace? It's like they conveniently dodged a bullet so they could be heroes in this episode.
*After Sideways confirms the Cyberspace is an illusion, why does Alexis continue saying it only exists in the children's minds? She doesn't say this in the Japanese dub.
*Carlos, Alexis, and Rad forget to mention the other things they saw besides Cybertron, i.e., Tidal Wave and Jetfire's obscure forms. Alexis brings them up in the Japanese dub.
*Red Alert is surprised by Laserbeak's appearance in the end, like Laserbeak managed to survive somehow miraculously. ''Legends of the Microns'' shows that's not the case as, despite being unable to retrieve Laserbeak, Red Alert reveals that he upgraded Laserbeak again.
*The episode forgets about the minor subplot established in the opening of the children being fed up with the Autobots leaving them in the base. ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't and addresses it in the middle of the episode as the kids confront Sideways.

===Transformers references===
*The version of Unicron shown in this episode is based on the [[Unicron/Generation 1|G1 version]] rather than the ''Armada'' version.

===Real-world references===
*Alexis's laptop uses {{w|Microsoft Windows}} and {{w|Internet Explorer}}.
*"gundamfinal"{{sic}} is mentioned in among the coding jargon that Red Alert types into the computer to release the kids from Cyberspace. A reference to the various ''{{w|Gundam}}'' toy and model lines by [[Bandai]]. ''Gundam'' also happens to be an inspiration for some of the ''Armada'' designs by [[Aaron Archer]], most notably, Optimus Prime's [[Super Mode]].

===Trivia===
*The kanji 幻影 would be pronounced as "''gen'ei''," while "''kage''" uses 影 in this episode's context.
*Also present among the lists of coding jargon that Red Alert types into the computer are more random words and phrases; some of the most visible examples include: "BigBang," "NOmoreWar," "ThisisapenWhoareyouHowolderyou," "YoungBloods," "TransformersGX." There also appear to be possible uses of romanized Japanese in the mix. What any of this stuff means is beyond us. Many of it seems to be inside jokes or a test to see ''[[User:Fanofcoolstuff27|who]]'' is paying attention to these small details.
*This episode is one of few in the series with no music differences between the dubs besides the episode title card and mid-episode [[commercial bumper]]s.
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'':
**After telling Sideways that they're fighting with the Autobots and not just staying at the base, [[Hidehito Ueda]] didn't know how to see the kids staying behind at Autobot HQ in future episodes, regarding the reason as an excuse in hindsight.
**The team wanted to tease Unicron's appearance casually before revealing him fully near the show's end. Unicron's teased appearance in this episode made American fansites go into a frenzy.
*This is one of the few episodes with a lot of focus on the kids.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Un virus envahissant'''" ("An Invasive Virus")

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hipertér'''" ("Hyperspace")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Illusione'''" ("Illusion")
::*When Alexis mentions the Internet, in Italian she simply says "the Net"... but then Sideways actually calls it "'''Internet'''"! How he managed to get the name without having heard about it before is a mystery we'll never solve...

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''이상한 경험'''" ("Strange Experience")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Porwanie'''" ("Abduction")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Caçada'''" ("Hunt")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 6 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Battle for the Mini-Cons ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Chase (episode)

2025-04-15T21:20:11Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Differences with Legends of the Microns */

{{disambig3|Chase}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=24
|prev=Rebellion (Armada)
|next=Tactician
|title="Chase"
|furigana=かげ
|japanese=幻影
|romaji=Kage
|translation=Illusion: Shadow
|image=chasesideways.jpg
|caption="Topham, help me! I'll turn myself in I swear!" "End of the line, slaghead."
|production code=TF: A-24
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]
|director=[[Mihiro Yamaguchi]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]], [[Studio Guts]], [[Big Bang (company)|Big Bang]]
|airdate=[[January 27]], [[2003]] (UK, English premiere) [[January 29]], 2003 (USA) [[June 20|20 June]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''The kids and their transforming partners are sucked into a digital world of Sideways's creation, where they meet a truly frightening harbinger of Chaos.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] complains about being bored with hanging out in the [[Autobot]] base all the time. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] tells him that being in the Autobot base is serious business. [[Rad White|Rad]] does his best to calm Alexis, and Carlos references the Autobots' sound defense system, but Alexis refuses to chill and assertively walks off with Sureshock.

Elsewhere, the Autobots fight the [[Decepticon]]s.

Alexis panics because she can't locate anything on the Autobots' radar, as the Autobots' monitors are all solid black. When Alexis's laptop freezes, Rad speculates that the technical problems could be an internet virus or a hacker. Alexis confirms Rad's suspicions and takes countermeasures, but it's too late. The kids watch as the virus devours their system.

Desperate, Alexis tries to hard reboot, then disconnects by removing her computer's network wire. The [[Mini-Con]]s try to deactivate the rest of the Autobot computers; however, physics take a back seat as the digital disruption spreads off the monitors and forms a spatial anomaly inside the room, solidifying into the shape of [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]].

[[File:Screenshot-arm-24-1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Rad and Carlos catch a bad case of Photoshop.]]
With Alexis's best efforts at a technical solution rendered useless, Rad tries to disengage Sideways by literally smashing the Autobots' computer consoles. Alexis and Carlos join in the destruction, causing Sideways to disintegrate and get sucked into a vortex from one of the Autobot monitors. In Sideways's place, a colorful show of light shines on the kids and their Mini-Cons, sucking the "spirits" out of their bodies and sending the kids into the same vortex that swallowed Sideways.

At the battle, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] notices [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] fall (and [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] steps on it). [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] knows this means something has happened to the kids. [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] arrive in the Autobots' control room and find the bodies of their friends unresponsive to any stimuli and glowing in eerie inverted colors. The Mini-Cons are also affected, and Fred concludes that someone turned their friends into [[zombie]]s.

The three kids and the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team|Street Action Team]] (who are not zombies) find themselves in an area with no ground, only a few abstract shapes floating in the air. Soon as Rad and Carlos begin to have fun swimming around this reality, Sideways drives up and introduces the kids to [[Cyberspace]]. He claims there's no way out of Cyberspace and tries to take one of their Mini-Cons. The kids speed away from the Decepticon.

[[File:Screenshot-arm-24-2.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|The recolors now show up before the actual character.]]
Eventually, the kids fall into an area that looks like outer space, with the six of them floating towards what appears to be [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Passed by two light flashes, the kids see a strange glowing purple shape, followed by a dark blue form with yellow bursts behind it.

Passing right through Cybertron (instead of crashing), Sideways reappears (holding [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]]) and reveals that everything the kids see in Cyberspace is an illusion. Alexis considers this and openly speculates that if Sideways was in control of the illusion, he could seize all the Mini-Cons and wouldn't need to make demands. Sideways gets angry, confirming her theory.

In reality, the Autobots have returned from battle and are confused by the comatose kids and smashed machinery. Fred suggests using Alexis's laptop as a starting point for figuring out what's going on.

[[File:Screenshot-arm-24-3.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Look familiar?]]
In Cyberspace, Sideways grows frustrated with the kids, who have figured out that he can't harm them. Sureshock escapes Sideways's non-existent clutches and floats back to his friends. Seriously angered, Sideways opens fire on the kids, but the kids are entirely uninjured.

When a roaring is heard, Sideways suddenly apologizes to the kids and asks them to keep the entire encounter a secret. Alexis gets a strong feeling of some overwhelming evil, and Rad thinks that's a sign the kids should go now. Possibly thanks to Red Alert's programming, a white square becomes visible in Cyberspace. The kids head for the light and barely escape consumption by a massive circular singularity.

At the Autobot base, Rad wakes up and finds the other two kids, and the Mini-Cons made it out of Cyberspace alive; even Laserbeak survived getting stepped on. Everybody has a big laugh, and Rad closes by wondering what that sinister evil force was.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (10)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (11)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (15)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (17)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (18)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (19)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (8)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (9)
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (12)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (1)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (2)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (3)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (13)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (14)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (4)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (5)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (6)
*[[Mirror]] (16)

|c5=Other|c5=
*[[Unicron]] (20)
}}

==Quotes==
"Holy guacamole! It's Sideways!"
:—'''Carlos''', not being a horrible ethnic stereotype at all

"I guess this means I'm gonna miss lunch. My blood sugar is getting dangerously low, Billy!"
:—'''Fred''', with his mind on the essential things

"Oh, yay. I'm surrounded by morons."
:—'''Alexis''', in exasperated female anime cliché mode

""Internet"? Speak English, wouldja?"
:—'''Sideways''' doesn't know what the Internet is, and that's probably for the best.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*''Armada'' extends Carlos's line about the importance of looking after the base. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Carlos say he's tired of hearing that protecting the base is an important job. Then ''Armada'' adds Alexis demanding Carlos not to mock her. Rad says nothing ever happens whenever the kids guard the base, but he tells Alexis to stop being paranoid like the Decepticons will attack in five minutes in ''Armada''.
*In ''Armada'', Alexis goes off at the boys for telling her to relax and implores them on how they must always be ready before calling them hopeless. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the boys calling the new defense system ''perfect'' and believing the Decepticons can ''never'' warp into the base again makes Alexis snap at them since she says they aren't sure. Before calling Rad and Carlos "hopeless children," Alexis says the Decepticons are determined, and they have no way of knowing what they're planning or how they'll attack. The scene is silent when Alexis walks off.
*Rad's opening narration in ''Armada'' is how he and Carlos knew Alexis was right about Megatron attacking the base at any time but hated her for rubbing it in their faces and sometimes treating them like they're still little kids. ''Legends of the Microns'' gives the narration a serious tone and foreshadows the episode's upcoming event as Rad reflects on how they shouldn't be quick to say "never," and how the kids would quickly learn the truth behind the adage, "Never say never."
*During the shot of laser fire in the dust cloud, ''Armada'' gives Hot Shot an extra line to remove the silence.
*Depending on the dub, the children's dialogue hits different points:
**''Armada'' has Alexis say that she can't locate the Autobots, while she asks where the Mini-Con is and says it's somewhere nearby in ''Legends of the Microns''. Following this, Carlos says Sideways vanished from the grid in ''Armada'' but says he can't see Sideways on the battlefield in ''Legends of the Microns''.
**Then, in ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad and Alexis don't mention the Decepticons, and Alexis doesn't know why her computer is acting up and why she can't communicate with Laserbeak.
**Rad says the base's AI is connected to Alexis's laptop, and a hacker or virus could be responsible if Alexis's computer also has an Internet connection.
**Alexis doesn't say her computer is rebooting and instead notices unknown content in the AI, confirming a hacker's presence. Then she tracks it instead of loading an anti-virus program. The shot of Alexis putting her screen on the base's monitor is silent.
**''Armada'' adds Rad and Carlos's lines to fill in the silence before Alexis talks. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis asks who could be responsible. Carlos says the Decepticons, and Rad thinks the Decepticons are trying to steal intel while the Autobots are away. Then Alexis says the virus is growing, that it's coming from her computer and it'll quickly breach the system, but she can't stop it. To cover the silence, ''Armada'' adds Carlos's line of how he should've stayed in bed.
**After Alexis says she can't disconnect, it's silent until after she takes out the wires. Then Alexis translates Sureshock as wanting to shut off the central computer to stop the virus in ''Armada'', but in ''Legends of the Microns'', Sureshock says to cut the whole base's power. In ''Armada'', Carlos's line about the monitor coming to life and his two lines afterward are filler. Rad asks Alexis if she's alright twice to cover the silence of the shot of Sideways materializing.
**After Carlos recognizes Sideways, Alexis asks why he's in the base, and Rad says it's not the time to wonder why since they need to stop Sideways. Rad curses before grabbing the metal rod, and while Carlos and Rad smash the console, they call Sideways a scumbag and traitor and demand him to leave, respectively. Unlike ''Armada'', Sideways's voice now sounds garbled and digitized. Later, the wide shot of the kids and Mini-Cons after Sideways disintegrates the ball of light takes up the screen is silent, and the kids' screams now s5ound otherworldly.
*Megatron doesn't say anything before punching Optimus as the latter reacts to Laserbeak falling instead.
*After finding Rad, Carlos, Alexis, and the Mini-Cons, Fred asks Billy what happened before Billy says he doesn't know but believes Megatron is responsible. Fred laments about the Autobots not being there. Instead of crying about his blood sugar (as quoted above), Fred asks Billy what they should do. Then, after seeing the others on the monitor, Billy reacts with shock in ''Armada'' but says Rad's name in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Rad thinks they are now in the fourth dimension in ''Armada'' but a dream world in ''Legends of the Microns''. ''Armada'' extends Carlos's line to begin as soon as the scene cuts away from Rad.
*Rad and Carlos aren't as noisy while they mess around, and instead of calling the boys morons (as quoted above), Alexis remarks they really are children.
*In ''Armada'', Sideways says he hacked the system to access the Autobots' database. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says he had to connect to the Internet to invade the base's network. Then he says the kids and their Mini-Cons' futile resistance brought them into his Cyberspace, rather than Sideways saying ''he'' brought them there to get rid of them as he does in ''Armada''.
**In ''Legends of the Microns'', when asked about how he was able to breach the Autobot's network, Sideways plays dumb. Afterwards, he confesses that he used the Internet. In ''Armada'', Sideways is telling the truth, and he genuinely has no idea what the Internet is, despite being able to hack into the Autobot's base.
*The kids proceed to threaten Sideways in ''Armada'', but ''Legends of the Microns'' connects the kids' dialogue to their subplot. They tell him off for calling their resistance pitiful, saying they stayed at the base since they are fighting alongside the Autobots, not because they're useless. Then, in ''Armada'', Sideways mocks the kids and says the Autobots only pretended to let them help before demanding the Mini-Cons and threatening the kids. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he ridicules their belief in fighting beside the Autobots since the kids' opposition led to their current dilemma. Then he says the kids will be responsible if he takes the Mini-Cons, saying, "That's what fighting is like."
*After eluding Sideways, Rad states the obvious about the Mini-Cons in ''Armada'' but cheers about losing Sideways in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then Alexis and Rad admire the beauty of the sight before Rad questions whether or not they're all in a dream. Alexis's line about the constellations is ''Armada''-exclusive. Carlos agrees the place is beautiful but also thinks it's scary. Instead of Rad telling Carlos to stop whining, he says protecting the Mini-Cons and finding a way out will be their answer to Sideways. Then Alexis says they can't give up, but Carlos remains hesitant.
*When they see Cybertron, Rad says it appears they are going there, and Alexis asks why in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad says they should check it out, and Alexis asks how they are supposed to get there. The kids are silent in the next shot. Carlos remarks about the passing light beams, and Alexis doesn't speak until she fears everyone crashing into Cybertron.
*After passing through Cybertron, Rad says it was just a hologram in ''Armada'' but realizes "the space" is an illusion in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then, after confirming Rad's suspicion, Sideways brags about how realistic it is in ''Armada'' but says that he created it in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus asks what happened before Red Alert says his line. Fred asks if the Autobots can use Alexis's laptop to reverse Sideways's intrusion, Red Alert says he could trace Sideways's path, and Optimus doesn't compliment Fred.
*After the kids figure out Sideways's inability to control the Cyberspace illusion, he starts panicking and apologizing to them in ''Armada'', but addresses an unseen entity in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then as the dark cloud approaches, Rad says they should run since it doesn't look like an illusion.
*After rescuing the others, Billy says he's unsure if stopping the virus did much to help the planet. Alexis sarcastically praising Billy and Fred is ''Armada''-exclusive. She is more gracious with her praise in the Japanese dub. Then, rather than say they should celebrate, Fred wants to imagine the look on Sideways's face.
*In ''Armada'', Alexis tells Carlos they did see Cybertron unless they dreamt the whole thing. In ''Legends of the Microns'', she wonders what the other things they saw were.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Red Alert tells the kids that the original Laserbeak could not be retrieved, but he built a newer, upgraded model. In ''Armada'', Red Alert tells the kids Laserbeak was destroyed in combat until everyone is caught off-guard by Laserbeak's return.
*In Rad's closing narration in ''Armada'', he sometimes can't believe what happened wasn't a dream and says only time will tell if the kids really saw Cybertron and an evil force more powerful than Megatron. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad recalls how amazing the whole experience was, including seeing Cybertron, but wonders why the kids couldn't remember it.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Chase Prime.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"Yeah, baby. Sing...for the King."]]
*The Transformers' models later look low-quality in the second glimpse of the battle compared to their earlier models.
*The brightness level of the Cyberspace backgrounds sometimes increases between shots.
*The background shifts slightly as Sideways circles the kids and Mini-Cons.
*The silhouettes of both [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]]'s and [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]]'s Cybertronian modes differ from their respective close-up shots. Tidal Wave looks more round and compressed, and Jetfire has a silhouette of the Earth-based shuttle mode he acquires in the [[Tactician|next episode]].
*Cybertron looks identical after the kids and Mini-Cons pass through it when it should be flipped horizontally like a mirror image.
*Sideways has blocky fingers when he first grabs Sureshock, but they later become rounded.
*In the Autobot group scene where Red Alert reports that his scans indicate Sideways's work, Optimus's crotch is huge.
*The kids call Sureshock "Grindor" when telling the Mini-Con to escape from Sideways. They call Sureshock by her proper name in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Fred and Billy's mouths don't move as they tell Rad to wake up.

===Conitinuity notes===
*In the opening, Rad, Alexis, and Carlos reference the time the Decepticons invaded the Autobot base back in "[[Swoop (episode)|Swoop]]."
*This episode gives a new meaning to the "virus" insults that Sideways received in "[[Credulous]]."
*According to Alexis's laptop, the date is [[February 4]], [[2002]], becoming somewhat redundant when the show was later established to take place in [[2010]].
**The time Alexis runs the scan on her laptop is 19:7:10 (7:07 pm). What are 11-13-year-olds still doing out at this time? Man, they have some cool parents.
*One of the brightly-colored objects that the kids pass before they go through Cybertron is Jetfire in his Cybertronian vehicle mode, drawn as Generation 1 [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]'s VF-1S fighter mode.
*The other brightly colored object, outlined in purple, is Tidal Wave's Cybertronian form. It partially resembles Generation 1 [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] in his laser cannon mode. Perhaps not coincidentally, Tidal Wave was known as Shockwave in Japan.
*Indicating that he wasn't playing dumb as Alexis believed, Sideways (and probably, by proxy, the rest of the [[Transformer]]s in general) doesn't know what the [[Internet]] is.
*The past few episodes have heavily implied that Sideways is serving an unseen entity; this is one of the few instances in the early part of ''Armada'' portraying Sideways as an individual, rather than the extension of Unicron that he is later shown to be.
**The ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' cartoon and by extension, the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act|Cybertron]]'' comic would later establish that Sideways and [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]] cut a deal with Unicron. Given that Sideways and the [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] [[Noisemaze Mass Production Type Version|natives]] all share a body ''very'' different to Sideways's ''Armada'' body, it would suggest that his consciousness was shifted into a puppet-like shell Unicron could use to control him.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Optimus uses his Big Punch attack against Megatron.

===Continuity errors===
*Carlos says Red Alert is out on patrol, although he is seen fighting the Decepticons with the other Autobots. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this with Carlos saying instead that Red Alert left with the others.
*It's as if Rad completely forgot about the Decepticons attacking the base in "Swoop"; Carlos even mentions the protective shield from that episode. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this issue with Alexis outright asking Rad if he's forgotten about that. Then Carlos and Rad say Red Alert renovated the base's defense system afterward, and the Decepticons won't be able to warp into the base anymore.
*When the base gets hacked, the kids talk about the virus destroying a program but never specify what it is or what it does. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes all mentions of a program.
*Rad gives an overcomplicated explanation of Alexis's computer program transmitting her commands through "microwaves" from the base, saying that Alexis might've picked up a virus because of how the laptop connects to the "microwave tower" through the Internet. Without in-depth research on how the Internet works, Rad couldn't possibly deliver such an interpretation. The Japanese dub simplifies Rad's reasoning, making it easier for viewers to understand.
*Rad suspects Megatron of already stealing the Autobots' intel, but how would he know that? ''Legends of the Microns'' removes this.
*Rad makes the crazy claim that they've been disconnected from the net, but how would he know after just looking at the monitor? ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this to Rad urging Alexis to disconnect.
*As Sideways materializes, Rad suddenly says they can't turn the power off though it has nothing to do with what he's seeing. Rad says nothing can come out of the monitor since the power ''is'' off in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Alexis accuses Sideways of hacking "our" computer even though it was just her laptop. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this error.
*Where were Billy and Fred, and what were they doing before Rad, Alexis, Carlos, and their Mini-Cons got sucked into Cyberspace? It's like they conveniently dodged a bullet so they could be heroes in this episode.
*After Sideways confirms the Cyberspace is an illusion, why does Alexis continue saying it only exists in the children's minds? She doesn't say this in the Japanese dub.
*Carlos, Alexis, and Rad forget to mention the other things they saw besides Cybertron, i.e., Tidal Wave and Jetfire's obscure forms. Alexis brings them up in the Japanese dub.
*Red Alert is surprised by Laserbeak's appearance in the end, like Laserbeak managed to survive somehow miraculously. ''Legends of the Microns'' shows that's not the case as, despite being unable to retrieve Laserbeak, Red Alert reveals that he upgraded Laserbeak again.
*The episode forgets about the minor subplot established in the opening of the children being fed up with the Autobots leaving them in the base. ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't and addresses it in the middle of the episode as the kids confront Sideways.

===Transformers references===
*The version of Unicron shown in this episode is based on the [[Unicron/Generation 1|G1 version]] rather than the ''Armada'' version.

===Real-world references===
*Alexis's laptop uses {{w|Microsoft Windows}} and {{w|Internet Explorer}}.
*"gundamfinal"{{sic}} is mentioned in among the coding jargon that Red Alert types into the computer to release the kids from Cyberspace. A reference to the various ''{{w|Gundam}}'' toy and model lines by [[Bandai]]. ''Gundam'' also happens to be an inspiration for some of the ''Armada'' designs by [[Aaron Archer]], most notably, Optimus Prime's [[Super Mode]].

===Trivia===
*The kanji 幻影 would be pronounced as "''gen'ei''," while "''kage''" uses 影 in this episode's context.
*Also present among the lists of coding jargon that Red Alert types into the computer are more random words and phrases; some of the most visible examples include: "BigBang," "NOmoreWar," "ThisisapenWhoareyouHowolderyou," "YoungBloods," "TransformersGX." There also appear to be possible uses of romanized Japanese in the mix. What any of this stuff means is beyond us. Many of it seems to be inside jokes or a test to see ''[[User:Fanofcoolstuff27|who]]'' is paying attention to these small details.
*This episode is one of few in the series with no music differences between the dubs besides the episode title card and mid-episode [[commercial bumper]]s.
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'':
**After telling Sideways that they're fighting with the Autobots and not just staying at the base, [[Hidehito Ueda]] didn't know how to see the kids staying behind at Autobot HQ in future episodes, regarding the reason as an excuse in hindsight.
**The team wanted to tease Unicron's appearance casually before revealing him fully near the show's end. Unicron's teased appearance in this episode made American fansites go into a frenzy.
*This is one of the few episodes with a lot of focus on the kids.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Un virus envahissant'''" ("An Invasive Virus")

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hipertér'''" ("Hyperspace")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Illusione'''" ("Illusion")
::*When Alexis mentions the Internet, in Italian she simply says "the Net"... but then Sideways actually calls it "'''Internet'''"! How he managed to get the name without having heard about it before is a mystery we'll never solve...

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''이상한 경험'''" ("Strange Experience")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Porwanie'''" ("Abduction")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Caçada'''" ("Hunt")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 6 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Battle for the Mini-Cons ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Vacation

2025-04-13T13:23:14Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Differences with Legends of the Microns */

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=19
|prev=Trust (Armada)
|next=Reinforcement
|title="Vacation"
|furigana=ほねやすめ
|japanese=休日
|romaji=Honeyasume
|translation=Holiday: Relaxation
|image=Vacation-Bots RnR.jpg
|caption=When you looked at me, I should've run.
|production code=TF: A-19
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Masayuki Motsumoto]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[January 22]], [[2003]] (English) [[May 16|16 May]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''The kids' camping trip goes sour when the weather turns bad.'''

==Synopsis==
Channel 4 reporter [[Kelly Bomgartner]] gives a weather report in an idyllic setting, and a small boy promptly squirts her face with a water pistol. Once the live feed is over, Kelly scares off the rugrat and laments her lack of success in making it big.

[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] rides [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] into the Autobot base, where [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] and [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] are sparring. When she and the [[Mini-Con]] reach the command center, it's empty. While Alexis puzzles over where everyone's gone, the Mini-Con alarm sounds. She rushes to the launch area, where [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus]] tells her nothing is amiss. Then the boys run up, prepared for a camping trip, and Alexis icily asks why no one told her about the vacation and why they didn't invite her. Although the boys try to convince her they just forgot, she huffily tells them to enjoy themselves. After they leave, she asks Sureshock if she should've told them the forecast for this weekend was for rain.

[[File:Vacation-Cannonball.jpg|200px|thumb|left|I see I was wrong]]
On the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], the [[Decepticon]]s conduct training exercises, which mostly consist of [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] waving the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] and chasing his men around.

Back on Earth, the kids have fun swimming in a river while [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] and [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] discuss the importance of downtime. After [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] invites the bots to join in, Smokescreen fishes him out with his crane and tosses him back into the water. Driving along the shore, Smokescreen joins [[Rad White|Rad]], who's optimistically indulging in a fishing spot. Smokescreen dunks his crane into the water, which Rad protests won't catch any fish, and manages to splash a fish into Rad's hand. On the river's other side, a small boy named Shaun watches them and soon joins the fun.

[[File:Vacation-RedAlert joins the fun.jpg|200px|thumb|But I thought it was just for fun]]
Kelly and her [[Roger|cameraman]] are driving up the road parallel to the river towards the dam when they notice the kids playing, and Kelly spots [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] and [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] sitting in Smokescreen's cab. Dismissing her story, her cameraman drives on as a storm front begins closing in. Shaun's dad fetches the boy to take him back to the campground as it begins to rain. Carlos complains that they said it was going to be sunny on Channel 4.

That night, they take shelter in the Autobots. [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] play cards. Alexis, safe and warm at home, looks out her window and observes that it's pouring now. Reporting from Steveson Dam, Kelly's new weather report includes news that the dam floodgates will be opened if the rain continues, causing flooding along the river.

The Autobots opt to head home, much to the kids' disappointment. Just then, Shaun appears on the other side of the river, waving frantically, so Carlos and Red Alert drive across to see what's up, but Shaun only wants to say goodbye. Suddenly, there's a rumbling, and a colossal mudslide washes across the side of the river, covering all three of them.

[[File:Vacation-mudslide.jpg|200px|thumb|left|And I'm not so strong...]]
Alexis reaches the Autobot base, where Optimus reports the others aren't back yet. When they contact the boys, Carlos and Rad let them know about the mudslide and that Shaun, Red Alert, and Carlos are trapped underneath. Optimus tells Red Alert to transform, but Rad says people are watching. Although Alexis pleads with Optimus to bend the rules, she quickly notices that Kelly and her cameraman have stumbled onto the mudslide and are covering it live on Channel 4. Optimus, Hot Shot, and Scavenger rush to the scene.

Under the mudslide, Carlos and Red Alert try to reassure Shaun that rescue is not far away.

Smokescreen continues digging. Kelly covers the story, even as warning sirens sound off, and her cameraman flees. Shaun's panicked father offers to help, but the kids point out the approaching help in the form of three more Autobots. Hot Shot knocks out Shaun's dad, but as Rad helps the father into Hot Shot, [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] suddenly takes off. The tiny Autobot circles Kelly's head, making her drop her camera.

[[File:Vacation-Camera Fight.jpg|200px|thumb|All I ever wanted]]
Monitoring the situation from the Autobot base, Alexis notices with alarm that the dam floodgates have been opened.

Smokescreen and Scavenger continue working on digging out Red Alert and finally reach their fellow Autobot. Optimus blocks the river to halt the oncoming floodwaters while Red Alert is hauled out of the mud. Once Smokescreen and Red Alert are out of harm's way, Optimus and Scavenger transform. A log washed down the river strikes Scavenger, and, as Kelly attempts to film, Red Alert pulls the two Autobots out of the flooding river.

Once the storm has passed, Shaun reunites with his father, who doesn't believe his tale of giant robots. Kelly and her cameraman review the tape from the camera to find she doesn't have any footage of the Autobots. Alexis welcomes everyone back to base and admits she was terrified that they wouldn't make it. After the others patronize her for a while, she finally has enough and chases Carlos.

Meanwhile, on the Moon, Megatron is still chasing Sideways.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (5)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (6)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (7)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (8)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (9)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (24)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (14)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (15)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (16)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (17)
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (18)

|c3=
*[[Kelly Bomgartner]] (1)
*[[Roger]] (2)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (3)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (10)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (11)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (12)
*[[Rad White]] (13)
*[[Shaun]] (19)
*Shaun's father (22)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (4)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (20)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (21)
*[[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] (23)
}}

==Quotes==
"I brought along my inhaler!"
:—'''Fred''', informing Alexis that he's prepared for the trip.

"OK, fine, go ahead and have your boy's only adventure. I'll stay here and watch the Decepticons take over the universe while you roast marshmallows, and don't think I'm jealous of you either. In your dreams!" 
"Boy, she sounds really mad, Carlos."
:—'''Alexis''' and '''Rad'''.

"...like I ''really'' care." 
"Ugh... Humans."
:—'''Alexis''' complains to the point that even '''Optimus Prime''' is annoyed.

"Pfft. This is such a waste of my time." 
"You were SAYING, Sideways?!" 
"I.. I.. I hate those Autobot slime!" 
"Bwahaha! Let the ''training'' begin!"
:—'''Sideways''' isn't enjoying the training exercise, and '''Megatron''' is enjoying it a little too much.

[[File:Vacation-Close call.jpg|200px|thumb|The world will never know.]]
"Well, my dad says when mom gets angry—" 
"Shut up, Carlos!" 
"—he tries to give her a compliment and hopes she gets all warm and fuzzy again." 
"Hey, she can hear you!"
:—'''Carlos''', who also needs more practice, and '''Rad'''.

"Hey! Run for your lives! Alexis is on the loose!"
:—'''Carlos''' finds out hell hath no fury...

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*Rad giving the opening narration over half of Kelly's report is ''Armada''-exclusive. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the first narration heard is given by Alexis. Kelly's full report is heard, revealing the background location's name as the Stone River Campgrounds. She also says a low-pressure system will arrive by evening, a vital detail ''Armada'' doesn't bring up until much later.
*''Legends of the Microns'' portrays Kelly as a vainer character as she says doing "leisurely reports" are beneath a reporter like her. Even her cameraman calls Kelly out on her recklessness later on.
*Alexis's opening narration hits several different beats compared to the English version. She says everything around them looks peaceful despite the tense situation as everyone else is oblivious to the Transformers fighting on Earth. Then she says the fight might be ending soon due to Scavenger joining the Autobots and the team now knowing where the Decepticon base is. In ''Armada'', Alexis says the kids befriended the Autobots, including Scavenger, who knew the Decepticon base's location.
*In some shots, Alexis's face appears redrawn so that her eyes are wider apart.
*In ''Armada'', Alexis claims that the boys didn't want to invite her because she's a girl. ''Legends of the Microns'' makes the conversation serious as Alexis asks Carlos and Rad if they have forgotten the situation they're all in before Optimus tells her that although the fight against the Decepticons continues, it's essential to adjust the mood. In ''Armada'', Alexis keeps accusing the boys of being sexist and claims she's not jealous of being left out. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes these bits and has her complete her rant about the Decepticons claiming all the Mini-Cons and taking over the galaxy by the time the boys return.
*While speaking with Sureshock, Alexis notes how she forgot to tell the boys about it going to rain later and restates that she is staying behind if the Decepticons attack.
*The Decepticons' training exercise in ''Armada'' involves Megatron "demonstrating the Star Saber's power" by chasing his men around like a lunatic as he declares himself to be "master of the universe." In ''Legends of the Microns'', he instead commands the others to face him to test the sword on them.
*In ''Armada'', Red Alert and Smokescreen's discussion is mainly about how everyone needs a dose of R&R (rest & relaxation) sometimes since there is so much fighting. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it to focus on how the Autobots sometimes forget what they're fighting for; the children's happiness is an example of what peace is like on Earth. The vacation's purpose is to remind them why they oppose the Decepticons.
*Rather than accusing Smokescreen and Red Alert of being scared of rusting, Carlos assures them there are no people since the river is located in the campgrounds' upper levels.
*Fred's Tarzan yell and Carlos's line about Red Alert giving him a wedgie are removed.
*Instead of Kelly recalling her earlier sunshine report, she says there must be something more interesting than reporting on the upcoming rain's effect on the dam.
*''Legends of the Microns'' has the cameraman bring up the sky getting dark during the shot of the storm cloud approaching, something ''Armada'' omits.
*Shaun's dad tells the boys to hurry back when taking Shaun away since they're not at a campground.
*In ''Armada'', when Rad jokes about Alexis causing the thunderstorm, Carlos angrily tells him to be quiet and go to sleep. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos murmurs quietly, and Rad comments that he can hear Red Alert sleeping.
*Carlos mentioning Kelly's weather report is an ''Armada'' addition and Smokescreen's line after it is heard earlier to cover the Japanese dub's silence.
*In Kelly's report at the dam, she says ''last night's'' heavy rain caused the dam's water level to rise, so an 11 am warning was given about the floodgates being opened. She states it might cause a flooding risk to the campground and that campers were issued an alert to seek refuge. ''Armada'' has Kelly say the rain will ''continue'' overnight into the morning. Then she says the floodgates will cause flooding to the river below, with the mention of the safety alert removed.
*Alexis asks Optimus to tell the others to hurry back if they're near the dam. Optimus asks if Alexis wanted to say it to them herself, but she tells him to inform the others that they heard it on the news and not mention it coming from her. After Rad tells Optimus and Alexis about the mudslide, they sound more shocked than in the English dub.
*In ''Armada'', Kelly tells her cameraman to zoom in on the scene for her "network resume"; in ''Legends of the Microns'', she says that it's a big scoop though her cameraman says zooming in is impossible. Then Alexis says to Optimus that the flood will start if they don't hurry.
*While heading to the launch gate, Scavenger asks Optimus if the Decepticons appeared. Optimus answers they haven't, and that the Autobots are dealing with nature itself.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Kelly brings up the dam opening and flooding the river as the overhead camera pans to her. After she finishes, Kelly's cameraman says the siren they hear is the dam's last alarm.
*Scavenger says he's going to transform before Optimus stops him since people are nearby during the shot of Scavenger and Smokescreen digging.
*Before Laserbeak trips her up, Kelly mentions being unable to see anyone inside the Autobots. Then, instead of saying the floodgates have been opened, Alexis wonders if they will make it.
*Shaun's dad seems to believe him about the Transformers being real and says they came to protect them.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', after the boys and Autobots return, Alexis laments how their vacation was cut short. She says she didn't think they deserved it, though she felt the opposite while it rained. In ''Armada'', Alexis assures the boys that she's not mad at them anymore. In the Japanese dub, Alexis is fully reanimated, and when she turns around, she is shaking, struggling to hold back her tears. The boys also sound more shocked by her relief about them being safe rather than confused as in the English dub. Then Alexis says that it's how her heart truly feels.
*The Autobots say how much they missed Alexis in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it to them saying how they liked the vacation and seeing everyone smile, lining up with Alexis smiling.
*Carlos's dialogue about his dad making his mom "warm and fuzzy" after complimenting her is changed to him saying how Alexis is "simplistic" after all since complimenting her cheered her up instantly. When he angers Alexis and runs, Carlos exclaims that she is being touchy again.
*When Sureshock stops Alexis from chasing Carlos, she says Alexis should let issues resolve themselves. Alexis's "all boys are the same" line is removed, and Carlos begs her ("Miss President") to forgive him.
*In ''Armada'', Alexis's ending narration is about Optimus telling her that one should express themselves when feeling intense emotions and plans to do that with Carlos upon catching up with him. ''Legends of the Microns'' connects it to Alexis's subplot better as it's about how Optimus told her people taking things too seriously is why they get angry and that we get mad at our friends because they're the ones we care about the most.
*Meanwhile, back on the moon, Sideways groans about Megatron's persistence in chasing him.

===Animation and technical errors===
*Alexis addresses Sureshock as "Grindor," and once again (implicitly) refers to her as male. The Japanese dub doesn't make this mistake.
*Shaun smiling as he runs from Kelly in the opening doesn't make sense after crying for his mom. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says that Kelly is angry and doesn't call for his mom.
*After Sureshock transforms when she and Alexis reach the Autobot base, Sureshock's face is partially miscolored orange.
*When Billy jumps into the stream, he has Rad's voice. The Japanese dub corrects this mistake.
*As Shaun calls out to the boys as they're preparing to leave, his mouth doesn't move even though he's still talking just before the scene cuts.
*As the boys get ready to go, Fred and Billy are packing up an inflatable raft in one shot but hold what looks like a rock slab in their next shot. However, it could be one of the cases they had on the launch dock.
*When Shaun calls out to the boys from across the river, he's drawn out of proportion, looks taller and closer than he's supposed to. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Shaun is redrawn with the right proportions, and he seems further away on the other side of the river.
*When Billy asks if Carlos and Shaun will be alright, his mouth doesn't move. In the Japanese dub, Hot Shot says the line instead.
*When Smokescreen and Red Alert go across the river, Optimus obscures them as he and Scavenger hold the water back. In ''Legends of the Microns'', they go in front of Optimus and Scavenger instead.
*Immediately after he and Optimus transform, Scavenger's mouth doesn't move when he speaks.
*Shaun's mouth doesn't move when he says his last line. This error isn't an issue in ''Legends of the Microns'', as he doesn't say anything at that point.
*For a quick frame, after Kelly shows her cameraman the shot of her in the mud, it looks like Kelly doesn't have a chin before it returns.
*After the boys and Autobots return to base, Alexis's shirt and pants look off-model in some shots. She also looks cross-eyed in one scene. The Japanese dub fixes these mistakes (except when Sureshock briefly stops Alexis from chasing Carlos).

===Continuity notes===
*Hot Shot's training continues.
*Megatron's "training exercise" is him running around chasing his Decepticons with the Star Saber. Going by how scared everyone is, it seems he intends to cause them serious harm. In the Japanese dub, the "training exercise" is Megatron daring his men to challenge him and chasing them around, looking for a worthy opponent with the guts to face him. Why have his men even stuck around this long?
*This episode is one of the few where Red Alert shows any form of emotion and willingly joins in the fun with the kids.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Longarm is Powerlinxed with Red Alert in vehicle mode for the first time. Red Alert can also access Longarm's crane.
**While Powerlinxed with Longarm in vehicle mode, he can deploy his grapple launcher from his roof.

===Continuity errors===
*In her opening narration, Alexis already knows about the camping trip but is later mad at the boys for not telling her about it. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this plot hole by having Alexis unaware of it until Carlos tells her about it on the launch dock.
*Continuing from the previous episode, the Autobots still somehow don't know the Decepticon base's location, even though it's something Hot Shot discovered [[Credulous|three episodes ago]]. Plus, Red Alert suspected it was on the Moon back in "[[Metamorphosis (Armada)|Metamorphosis]]". The Japanese dub doesn't have this problem since Hot Shot found the base in "Credulous," and Alexis mentions the Autobots now knowing where the Decepticons are thanks to Scavenger in her opening monologue.

===Transformers references===
*[[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|A kid]] (Rad) and [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|a robot]] (Smokescreen) go fishing. ''[[The Transformers: The Movie|Now, where have we seen this before]]?''

===Real-world references===
*Shaun's dad mentions the story of "{{w|The Boy Who Cried Wolf}}."
*Likely an unintentional reference, but Megatron waves a huge, overpowered sword around and calls himself "Master of the Universe." [[Wikipedia:He-Man|Sound familiar?]]

===Trivia===
*The kanji 休日 would be pronounced as "''kyūjitsu''," while "''honeyasume''" is used for 骨休め.
*Hot Shot somehow renders Shaun's dad unconscious by bopping him on the hip.
*Prime's suggestion of having Red Alert transform is a little odd, considering that Carlos and Shaun are inside the Autobot and unable to get out.
*Kelly's last name is exclusive to the episode's English dub. She has a different surname in ''Legends of the Microns'' but it's not revealed until "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]".
*Kelly mentions the dam's name being the Steveston Dam.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Une journée de congé'''" ("A Day Off")

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Vakáció'''" ("Vacation")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La vacanza'''" ("The Vacation")

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''캥핑장에서 생긴일'''" ("Event at the Campsite")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Wakacje'''" ("Vacation")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Férias'''" ("Vacation")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 5 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Le combat recommence... ([[TFou Vidéo]]) — French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Steve (One)

2024-10-03T20:13:50Z

OhNoItsCaleb: Added a photo of Steve's head.

{{disambig3|Steve}}
:''Steve is an inanimate junk statue from [[Transformers One (franchise)|One]].''

[[File:TransformersOneSteve.jpg|thumb|250px|One man's junk is another man's friend.]]

'''Steve''' is one of [[Bumblebee (One)|B-127]]'s only friends alongside EP-508 and A-A-Tron, helping make the passing cycles a little less lonely for the unfortunate waste disposal bot. He even tries to talk to his friends every now and then, though it's too bad he's foreign because no one can really understand what he's saying. Or at least, that’s what B-127 thinks.

In reality, Steve is little more than a junk statue built by B-127 during his long imprisonment in sub-level 50. However, he might hold secrets within him that may change the fate of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] itself...

==Fiction==
===''One'' film===

When [[Optimus Prime (One)|Orion Pax]] and [[Megatron (One)|D-16]] were thrown into the disposal area B-127 worked in, B was quick to introduce the newcomers to his "friends," including Steve. Orion's attempts to tell B that Steve and his two buddies were inanimate hunks of metal fell on deaf ears as a nudge from B caused Steve's head to [[Light-emitting diode|light up]] and [[Soundbox|emit a garbled noise]]. His curiosity piqued, Orion examined Steve in closer detail, but accidentally knocked his head off much to B-127's anguish. However, this accident bore unexpected fruit as the component that caused the lights and sounds became dislodged and rolled out of Steve's disembodied head – a beacon containing a SOS message from [[Alpha Trion (One)|Alpha Trion]] and the location coordinates of the site of the last stand of the [[Thirteen|Primes]]. Believing this to be a clue that would lead them to the long-lost [[Matrix of Leadership]], Orion, D-16, and B-127 embarked on a perilous journey to the surface of Cybertron in the hopes of recovering the artifact. Steve, for obvious reasons, did not accompany them.

Steve remained where B-127 left him for the days that followed, unknowing of the tumult raging across Iacon. Much, much later, B-127 returned to his old post to get his friends up to speed on what had happened, including his new [[transformation cog]] and awesome "knife hands" as well as the return of [[energon]] across the planet. Unfortunately, in his eager zeal to showcase his weapons to his friends, B accidentally impaled Steve and A-A-tron through their heads and let out a wail of despair. {{storylink|Transformers One (film)|One}}

==Notes==
* Steve's name could be a reference to [[Steve (Vehicon)|Steve the Vehicon]], a popular fandom joke during the ''Prime'' cartoon that got official recognition in the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)|''Robots in Disguise'' comic]].

[[Category:Fiction-only characters]] [[Category:One characters]]

File:TransformersOneSteve.jpg

2024-10-03T20:10:34Z

OhNoItsCaleb: A mugshot of B-127's friend made from junk, Steve

A mugshot of B-127's friend made from junk, Steve

Transformers One (film)

2024-09-23T23:58:27Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Errors */

{{Nav-one}}
{{movie|
|seriess=Transformers One
|prev=
|next=
|title=''Transformers One''
|image=Transformers One New Theatrical Poster.jpg
|caption=The motion picture you are about to see is an adaptation of the [[Transformers: Exodus|Exodus]] story. While artistic and historical license has been taken, we believe that this film is true to the essence, values and integrity of a story that is a cornerstone of faith for [[fandom|millions of people worldwide]].
|production companies=[[Hasbro Entertainment]] [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura|di Bonaventura Pictures]] Bayhem Films [[Paramount Animation]] New Republic Pictures
|distributor=[[Paramount Pictures]]
|executive producer=[[Steven Spielberg]] [[Zev Foreman]] [[Olivier Dumont]] [[Brian Oliver]] [[B.J. Farmer]] [[Matt Quigg]]
|producer=[[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]] [[Tom DeSanto]] [[Don Murphy]] [[Michael Bay]] [[Mark Vahradian]] [[Aaron Dem]]
|story by=[[Andrew Barrer]] [[Gabriel Ferrari]]
|screenplay by=[[Eric Pearson]] Andrew Barrer Gabriel Ferrari
|directed by=[[Josh Cooley]]
|cinematography by=
|edited by=
|music by= [[Brian Tyler]]
|release date=[[September 20]], [[2024]]
|runtime=104 minutes
|budget= $75 million
|box office=
|credits=Transformers One (film)/credits
}}

'''''Transformers One''''' is an animated film released on [[September 20]], [[2024]]. It is written by [[Andrew Barrer]] and [[Gabriel Ferrari]],<ref name="deadlinereveal">[https://deadline.com/2015/09/transformers-writers-room-akiva-goldsman-transformers-5-1201531918/ 'Transformers' Writers Room Wraps] on Deadline</ref> and directed by [[Josh Cooley]].<ref name="cooleyreveal">[https://deadline.com/2020/04/transformers-animated-movie-paramount-hasbro-toy-story-4-director-josh-cooley-1202921100/ Animated 'Transformers' Prequel Activated; 'Toy Story 4's Josh Cooley To Direct For Hasbro/eOne & Paramount]</ref> The movie is an origin story set on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] three billion years ago<ref name="collidercinemacon">[https://collider.com/transformers-one-animated-movie-title/ New ‘Transformers’ Animated Movie Rolls Out a New Title at CinemaCon] on Collider</ref><ref name="screenrantsandiegocomiccon">[https://screenrant.com/transformers-one-timeline-setting-takes-place// When Transformers One Takes Place In The Franchise Timeline] on Screen Rant</ref> in the days before the Autobot-Decepticon war, and focuses on [[Optimus Prime (One)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (One)|Megatron]] as they go from brothers-in-arms to enemies.<ref name="cooleyreveal" />

{{bigquote|The line between friend and enemy is not as clear as I once believed. Once it's crossed, there is no going back. Because some transformations are permanent...|[[Optimus Prime (One)|Optimus Prime]]}}

==Synopsis==
{{spoilers|Transformers One (film)|October 21}}

Long ago, the benevolent [[Primus]] sacrificed his life essence to become [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and created the [[Thirteen|first generation of Transformers]], the [[Prime (rank)|Prime]]s. Through the power of the [[Matrix of Leadership]], [[energon]] flowed freely from the planet's core, and the Primes ruled justly for a time. However, when the [[Quintesson]]s invaded, the Primes were slain and the Matrix of Leadership was lost, leaving only [[Sentinel Prime (One)|Sentinel Prime]] to rule the planet in their absence. Fifty cycles after the war, Cybertronian society now relies on an oppressed underclass of manual laborers born without [[transformation cog]]s, including a caste of miners who physically extract what few veins of usable energon remain from the tunnels beneath the subterranean [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] City, while Sentinel Prime searches for the missing Matrix on the surface of the planet. One impulsive miner named [[Optimus Prime (One)|Orion Pax]] has been searching for information regarding the Matrix, in the hopes that finding the artifact will restore Cybertron to prosperity and allow him and his fellow miners to choose their own path in life. However, his latest break-in into the city archives draws the unwanted attention of two [[Guard (One)|guards]], leading to a chase through the streets until Orion's friend [[Megatron (One)|D-16]] bails him out. On the train to work, Orion, knowing that his friend idolizes the strongest Prime, gifts D-16 an old [[The Fallen|Megatronus Prime]] decal.

In the mines, D-16 and Orion work under the supervision of their captain [[Elita-1 (One)|Elita-1]], using jetpacks and deployable support poles to keep Cybertron's shifting geology stable long enough for them to extract energon. However, [[Wheeljack (One)|Wheeljack]] accidentally hits a vein of unstable energon, and the ensuing explosion traps [[Jazz (One)|Jazz]] under a rockfall. Orion and D-16 defy protocol and use a jetpack to save their coworker, but [[Darkwing (One)|Darkwing]] blames Elita for the disaster and demotes her to waste management duty. That evening, Sentinel Prime returns to Iacon to announce that he still has not found the Matrix; to take the blow off this bad news, Sentinel declares that the prestigious [[Iacon 5000]] race will be held the next day. Orion tries to persuade D-16 to join him in the race, hoping that they can prove to the rest of Cybertron that mining bots deserve respect, but D-16 has no interest in the idea. The next day, Orion leads D-16 to the area behind the race's starting line; while D-16 is initially excited to watch from a perfect vantage point, Orion reveals his true intention as he straps jetpacks to the two just as the race begins. Using their jetpacks and some quick thinking to compensate for their inability to transform, the two briefly manage to take the lead, but ultimately place last after D-16 is injured on the home stretch.

In Iacon's medical center, Sentinel Prime meets with Orion and D-16; impressed with their performance in the race, he offers them a chance to tour the mines and help inspire their comrades to work harder. However, Darkwing arrives before [[Airachnid (One)|Airachnid]] can escort them to Sentinel's private quarters; angered that he nearly lost the race to the pair, he banishes them to the planet's 50th sub-level, where they meet the eccentric [[Bumblebee (One)|B-127]], who has been trapped there for years with only garbage statues for company. The three accidentally discover an old beacon from the Quintesson war inside one of B-127's "friends", still broadcasting a set of coordinates located somewhere on the planet's surface. Orion, B-127, and D-16 decide to investigate, and stow away aboard a surface-bound garbage train. Elita-1 discovers them and attempts to stop them, but is forced to join the quest after she is locked onto the train with them.

After arriving on the planet's surface, narrowly escaping the planet's volatile tectonic movements, and dodging a roaming Quintesson vessel, the four Cybertronians arrive at a hidden cave where the ancient Primes made their final stand against the Quintessons. Although the Matrix is nowhere to be found, Orion discovers that [[Alpha Trion (One)|Alpha Trion]]'s spark still pulses, and uses an [[energon cube]] to revive him. The four attempt to bring Trion up to speed on recent events, but their mention of "Sentinel Prime" causes Trion to reveal the terrible truth: Sentinel is an imposter, a traitorous aide who led the Primes into a Quintesson ambush and killed them—however, when Sentinel tried to claim the Matrix, the artifact judged him unworthy and disappeared. To appease his new masters, Sentinel has deliberately stolen transformation cogs from newly-created Transformers to keep them producing energon in the mines; at Trion's urging, the four emerge from the cave to witness Sentinel pledging servitude to the [[Quintesson High Commander]] and learn the city's garbage trains are really transporting Cybertron's dwindling energon supplies to Quintesson ships, leaving barely enough for the people of Cybertron. These revelations leaves D-16 shattered, but Alpha Trion decides to give the team hope by gifting them the transformation cogs of his fallen comrades and a recording of Sentinel's treachery. When Sentinel's [[Death Tracker]]s arrive, Alpha Trion holds them off long enough for Orion and the others to escape using their new [[alternate mode]]s, even though his sacrifice ends in his capture and subsequent execution at Sentinel's hand.

[[File:TFoneStarscreamSoundwaveShockwaveInterrogation.jpg|right|thumb|300px|You're playing with the big boys now!]]
Using the incriminating information encoded on a crystalline vessel, Orion and the team plan to return to Iacon and use the evidence to expose Sentinel as a traitor, although D-16's desire to kill Sentinel unnerves Orion. Before they can make it back to the city, however, they are captured by former members of Cybertron's [[High Guard]], who have been fighting a guerrilla war against the Quintessons ever since the fall of the Primes. D-16 gives in to his growing rage and takes control of the High Guard after besting their leader [[Starscream (One)|Starscream]] in single combat, but Sentinel's forces discover their secret base; in the ensuing battle, D-16, B-127, Starscream, and many members of the High Guard are taken prisoner, and the recording is destroyed. Orion despairs, believing their quest to be hopeless now, but Elita encourages him to fight on, and they gain the support of the remaining members of the Guard. At Sentinel's tower, D-16 discovers that Sentinel took Megatronus's transformation cog when he killed him; when D-16 refuses to kneel, Sentinel humiliates his prisoner by carving a crude copy of Megatronus's symbol into D-16's chest.

[[File:One-Megs-Prime-face-to-face.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Goodbye, brother.]]

Upon returning to Iacon City, Orion rallies the miners to join forces with the High Guard and rebel against Sentinel's regime, while Elita and the High Guard commandeer a train and fly it into Sentinel's tower. Once freed, a furious D-16 attempts to kill Sentinel, but is unable to do so before Orion, Elita, and B-127 broadcast incriminating recordings from Airachnid’s memories to reveal Sentinel’s misdeeds to the people of Iacon, leading to a city-wide uprising. Although D-16 insists that Sentinel must die for his crimes, Orion tries to convince his friend that they can be better than their enemies; their argument ends with D-16 accidentally shooting Orion when he leaps in the path of his [[fusion cannon]]. Although momentarily horrified by his actions, D-16 ultimately decides that he's done saving his former friend and lets Orion plummet into Cybertron's core. As Orion falls, D-16—insistent that there will be no more Primes—rips Sentinel in half, seizes his transformation cog, and declares himself "Megatron" before leading the High Guard to ransack what's left of the city.

Meanwhile, the mortally wounded Orion falls through the planetary strata until he finally reaches Cybertron's core. There, he encounters the spirits of the Primes, who announce that Primus has deemed him worthy to carry the Matrix of Leadership. Reborn as "Optimus Prime", Optimus returns to the surface in time to stop Megatron from killing B-127 and Elita. Optimus ultimately triumphs in their fight, and reluctantly banishes Megatron and his new allies to the wilderness. With the return of the Matrix of Leadership, Cybertron is restored to life; the former miners receive transformation cogs and become fully autonomous "[[Autobot]]s” who vow to defend Cybertron from any future Quintesson incursions. However, the Quintessons are not the only looming threat—in the shadows, Megatron and his followers rechristen themselves the "[[Decepticon]]s" and swear revenge.

{{--}}

==Cast==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=Miners
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (One)|Orion Pax / Optimus Prime]] ([[Chris Hemsworth]])
*[[Megatron (One)|D-16 / Megatron]] ([[Brian Tyree Henry]])
*[[Elita-1 (One)|Elita-1]] ([[Scarlett Johansson]])
*[[Bumblebee (One)|B-127]] ([[Keegan-Michael Key]])
*[[Jazz (One)|Jazz]] ([[Evan Michael Lee]])
*[[Arcee (One)|Arcee]] ([[Jinny Chung]])
*[[Bluestreak (One)|Bluestreak]]
*[[Brawn (One)|Brawn]]


*[[Hound (One)|Hound]]
*[[Huffer (One)|Huffer]]
*[[Ironhide (One)|Ironhide]]<ref group=note name="uncredited">Denotes a character, or unidentified members of a group, who speaks, but has no credited voice actor. The performance was likely done by an ADR voice cast member.</ref>


*[[Mirage (One)|Mirage]]

*[[Prowl (One)|Prowl]]<ref group=note name="uncredited"/>
*[[Ratchet (One)|Ratchet]]
*[[Red Alert (One)|Red Alert]]
*[[Sideswipe (One)|Sideswipe]]<ref group=note name="uncredited"/>
*[[Sunstreaker (One)|Sunstreaker]]
*[[Wheeljack (One)|Wheeljack]]<ref group=note name="uncredited"/>
*[[Windcharger (One)|Windcharger]]

|h2=[[High Guard]]
|c2=
*[[Starscream (One)|Starscream]] ([[Steve Buscemi]])
*[[Soundwave (One)|Soundwave]] ([[Jon Bailey]])
*[[Shockwave (One)|Shockwave]] ([[Jason Konopisos-Alvarez]])
*[[Skywarp (One)|Skywarp]] (Josh Cooley)
*[[Thundercracker (One)|Thundercracker]]
*[[Dirge (One)|Dirge]]
*[[Ramjet (One)|Ramjet]]
*[[Thrust (One)|Thrust]]
*[[Slipstream (One)|Slipstream]]

|h3=[[Thirteen|Primes]]
|c3=
*[[Alpha Trion (One)|Alpha Trion]] ([[Laurence Fishburne]])
*[[Zeta Prime (One)|Zeta Prime]] ([[James Remar]])
*[[The Fallen|Megatronus Prime]]
*[[Alchemist Prime]]
*[[Amalgamous Prime]]
*[[Liege Maximo]]
*[[Micronus Prime]]
*[[Nexus Prime]]
*[[Onyx Prime]]
*[[Quintus Prime]]
*[[Solus Prime]]
*[[Vector Prime]]
*[[Prima]]

|c4=
*[[Sentinel Prime (One)|Sentinel Prime]] ([[Jon Hamm]])
*[[Airachnid (One)|Airachnid]] ([[Vanessa Liguori]])
*[[Quintesson High Commander]]
*[[Quintesson]]s
*[[Primus]]
*[[Death Tracker]]s<ref group=note name="uncredited"/>
*[[Guard (One)|Guards]] ([[Steve Blum]], Jason Konopisos-Alvarez)
*[[Announcer Bot]] (Steve Blum)

'''Racers'''
*[[Darkwing (One)|Darkwing]] ([[Isaac C. Singleton, Jr.]])
*[[Chromia (One)|Chromia]] (Jinny Chung)
*[[Injured Racer]] ([[Dillon Bryan]])

|nonumbering=true
}}
<references group=note/>

==Quotes==
"Are you ''crazy?!''" 
"Sure feels like it!"
:—'''D-16''' and '''Orion Pax''' summing up their initial relationship.

"Uh, why is he gagged?" 
"He wouldn't stop talking." 
"Even when he was unconscious?" 
"''ESPECIALLY'' WHEN HE WAS UNCONSCIOUS!" 
:—'''Elita-1''' asks '''Shockwave''' about B-127's restraints.

'''Soundwave''': "What is our first move?" 
'''Orion Pax''': ''(quietly and intensely)'' "We roll out." 
'''Skywarp''': "...what?!" 
'''Elita-1''': ''(quietly)'' "Louder!" 
'''Orion Pax''': "TRANSFORM AND ROLL OUT!"
:—Orion realizes that dramatic one-liners aren't that dramatic if no one can hear them.

"What defines a Transformer is not the cog in its chest but the spark that resides in their core... a spark that gives you the will to make your world better, and that is something Sentinel can ''never'' take from us. If we want to be in control of our own destiny, we will have to fight for it. Now is the time for us to stand up. For ourselves. Stand up for this injustice! I promise you, this fight will be worth it. Follow me; nothing can stop us when we stand together! Together as '''one!'''"
:—'''Orion Pax''' delivers his first heroic speech.

"It's over, Sentinel! You can't escape the truth!" 
"What truth? That I plucked the cogs from your newborn chests? Forced you to mine so I could pay off the Quintessons and live like a king? None of that matters! Because the truth... is ''What. I. Make it!"
:—'''Orion Pax''' learns '''Sentinel Prime''' won't go down without a fight.

"I'm ''done'' saving you."
:—<s>D-16</s> '''Megatron''' lets his ''former'' friend fall.

"Impossible... Primus gave ''you'' the Matrix?" 
"We could have built the future ''together!"'' 
"I'll build it myself, after I tear down everyone '''''IN MY WAY!'''''"
:-'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Prime''' set the stage for eons of conflict to come.

"We were given the power to change our world, and you chose to destroy it. Just like Sentinel. You have betrayed Cybertron and its citizens, and you betrayed... ''me.'' Go. Take the High Guard, and leave. You are... banished from Iacon. It didn't have to end this way." 
"This isn't over, ''Prime.''"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Megatron''' share one final exchange.

"This is the greatest day of my life... I get to work for the ''government''!"
:—'''B-127''' knows a good benefits package when he sees one.

"And now we stand here together as one, proving we all have the the power to transform; to become who we were destined to be; to right wrongs; to make our world better. Because here, freedom and autonomy are the right of all sentient beings. Here, all are truly ''Autobots''. This message is a warning to all Quintessons: If you dare return to Cybertron, the Autobots will be waiting. ''I'' will be waiting. I am... ''Optimus Prime''."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' gives his first dramatic ending monologue...

"Sentinel the betrayer is dead. But his death has given life to a new enemy...a stronger enemy... a ''personal'' enemy. We will not be blinded by his deception! We are the ones who are... '''DECEPTICONS! ''RISE UP!'''''"
:—...and '''Megatron''' gives the coming darkness its new name.

==Continuity notes==
The movie that would ultimately become ''Transformers One'' entered preliminary development in early 2015, when the project was first pitched as part of a writer's room that would lay out a number of sequels, prequels, and spinoff films that would turn the ongoing [[live-action film series|slate of live-action movies]] into a proper "cinematic universe", an attempt to cash in on the then-meteoric hype of the {{w|Marvel Cinematic Universe}}. Like pretty much all the other "cinematic universes" pitched at around this time, this ambitious vision was not to be: following the box-office bomb that was ''[[Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|The Last Knight]]'', most of these projects were shelved, while others were heavily reworked—perhaps most infamously, ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]'' was reworked into a film that contradicted with the character's [[World War II]] flashbacks in ''The Last Knight'', shifting the film into a more ambiguous timeframe with regards to the other five live-action films.

It appears that a similar conceptual drift occurred over the course of ''Transformers One'''s production. When the film entered full production in mid-2020, ''One'' was said to be "separate and apart" from the ongoing live-action films, though at the time just how distinct the film would be from its predecessors remained a mystery. <ref name="cooleyreveal" /> When later asked if the film was a prequel to the live-action films, a reboot, or its own universe, director Josh Cooley answered "yes" to all of the above. <ref>[https://comicbook.com/movies/news/transformers-one-director-confirms-new-movies-canon-status/ Transformers ONE Director Confirms New Movie's Canon Status - ComicBook.com]</ref> While a few details and visual nods—such as Bumblebee's original name of "B-127"—referenced the live-action films, the film otherwise draws heavily upon the mythology first laid down in the [[Aligned continuity family|"Aligned" continuity family]], particularly in its depiction of Orion Pax and D-16 as former allies fighting against a corrupt Cybertronian government.

As the film's release date drew closer, multiple comments from the film's creatives indicated that the filmmakers viewed the movie as something entirely separate from the ongoing live-action films. In July, Josh Cooley stated that the film was set in a "new Transformers continuity" <ref>{{citesocial|quote= "Hey little nerd in my profile picture, what if I told you someday you'll create a new Transformers continuity, that begins earlier than anything you've seen on the Transformers lore timeline, with the greatest crew and cast ever assembled?"|link= https://x.com/CooleyUrFaceOff/status/1817235351095894510?t=Oju3b9v53cYIHlH4MLEsXg |name=Josh Cooley|site=Twitter|year=2024|month=7|day=27}}</ref>; in another interview from a week before release, di Bonaventura ultimately admitted that ''One'' didn't fit into the chronology of the live-action films, and described ''One'' and the live-action films as "two universes" that would be "[kept] separate". <ref>[https://comicbook.com/movies/news/is-transformers-one-a-prequel-optimus-prime-origin-story-exclusive/ Is Transformers One a Prequel or Reboot? The Animated Movie's Origin Story Is Both, Director Says]</ref> These statements were ultimately borne out by the movie itself, which featured multiple plot points that are pretty much irreconcilable with the live-action films—early on, the film establishes that [[The Fallen|Megatronus]] is long dead, negating his appearance in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''; additionally, the movie ends with the newly christened Megatron killing Sentinel Prime, leaving no wiggle room for the events of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'' to occur. As a result, the wiki has opted to treat the ''One'' franchise and any potential sequels as a new [[continuity family]], entirely separate from the ongoing live-action films.

==Transformers references==
* As with pretty much every major ''Transformers'' project since 2010, ''Transformers One'' is the latest interpretation of the modernized ''Transformers'' backstory that originated with [[Binder of Revelation|Hasbro's internal design documents]] and was first laid down in ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]''—the story of [[Primus]], the [[Thirteen|thirteen original Transformers]], and the origins of Optimus Prime and Megatron as former friends who fought against inequality on pre-war Cybertron until Megatron's extremism drove them apart. Notably, this version of the story portrays both Orion and Megatron as [[energon]] miners on the bottom of Cybertron's caste system—most other interpretations have instead depicted Orion as a somewhat higher-ranking data clerk. While other tellings of the story have Orion advocating for non-violent social change, this take on the origin ends with Orion Pax working alongside the future Decepticons to directly overthrow the reigning Prime, evoking [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s ''[[The Transformers: Autocracy|Autocracy]]'' miniseries.
* Optimus Prime's original identity of "Orion Pax" is a name taken from the ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' episode "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]". Notably, the cartoon's version of Orion Pax was also a manual laborer, although the film does seemingly pay homage to Orion Pax's other famous job by having him sneak into the Cybertronian Archives at the very beginning of the film.
* The 'bot who will one day be known as "Megatron" initially goes by the name "D-16", a moniker lifted from ''Exodus'' and itself based on the [[TakaraTomy]] ID number of the [[Megatron (G1)/toys#The Transformers|original G1 Megatron toy]]. D-16's original body—with a black, dome-shaped helmet and yellow eyes—references Megatron's [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Marvel Comics appearance]], which in turn was based on concept art for an unproduced prototype version of the original Takara Micro Change figure.
* B-127 is heavily based [[live-action film series]] [[Bumblebee (Movie)|counterpart]]: his helmet design (with its large "cheeks" and movable "antennae") bears a resemblance to his appearance in that film; additionally, his overly-talkative nature is a meta-gag about his "future" self being best known for not being able to speak. While other characters shorten his name to "Bee", he's never once referred to as "Bumblebee"—likewise taking after the ''Bumblebee'' movie, where [[Bumblebee (Movie)|that version of B-127]] only gained the familiar name after landing on [[Earth]]. B-127's battle mask resembles his [[Bumblebee (G1)|Generation 1 counterpart's]] [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#The Transformers|original toy]]; towards the end of the film, he fights with a pair of "knife hands" seemingly based on [[Bumblebee (WFC)|"Aligned" Bumblebee]]'s melee weapons in the ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)|War for Cybertron]]'' video game.
* In general, Elita-1 doesn't draw upon as many specific references as her co-stars, although her purplish-pink color scheme and motorcycle [[alternate mode]] may be a reference to the [[Elita-One (Movie)|live-action incarnation of the character]]. Notably, of the four main protagonists, Elita's the only one who ''doesn't'' have an alternate alias—especially odd given that her "[[Elita One (G1)|"Generation 1" counterpart]] originally went by "Ariel" in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''The Transformers'']] episode "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]".
* Sentinel Prime is based on [[Sentinel Zeta Prime]], former leader of Cybertron in the [[Aligned continuity family|"Aligned" continuity]]. Like that version of the character, this take on Sentinel Prime is explicitly a "false" Prime who never carried the Matrix of Leadership, and a puppet ruler who was appointed to the position by the Quintessons. Design-wise, this take on Sentinel combines his "Aligned" counterpart's blue and gold color scheme with the cape-like wing arrangement and double-sided blade from [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|''Dark of the Moon'' Sentinel Prime]], while his battle mode is loosely inspired by Sentinel's [[Apex Armor (G1)|Apex Armor]] from [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|Megatron Origin]]'' comic. He also has details from his [[Sentinel Prime (G1)#Titans Return|''Titans Return'' toy]] and his [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|''Animated'' counterpart]]'s glorious chin.
* Primus's design seen in the hologram Orion plays invokes his ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' appearance, even using a simplified version of [[Primus#Cybertron|his toy]]'s transformation scheme, but with the origins of his [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]] counterpart. The color scheme is drawn from his [[:File:WarWithinPrimus.jpg|Dreamwave look]].
*The [[Thirteen]], referred to only as the Primes in the film, are based on their Aligned counterparts for their backstory and designs. Vector, Solus, Alchemist, and Nexus Prime also draw from their ''[[:File:VectorPrime dvd.jpg|Cybertron]]'', ''[[:File:TheCitizen IaconusCitizens.jpg|Cyberverse]]'', ''[[:File:SolusPrime-PowerofthePrimes.jpg|Prime Wars Trilogy]]'', and ''[[:File:NexusPrimeflankedbyotherPrimes.jpg|Timelines]]'' designs, respectively. Megatronus Prime also has the [[Void Scepter]] from his ''Revenge of the Fallen'' design and a similar face to [[Tarn (G1)|Tarn]]. Megatronus's face becoming the in-universe inspiration for the Decepticon symbol reflects the real life story of [[Soundwave (G1)|G1 Soundwave]]'s face inspiring the iconic symbol.
*The mysterious [[Thirteenth Prime]] is replaced with Zeta Prime, who also takes [[Prima]]'s role as leader and Matrix-bearer, though Prima himself is still present.
* Many contemporary works of pre-war ''Transformers'' fiction have established that pre-war Cybertronians organized themselves under a job-based [[Functionism|caste system]], with miners and other manual laborers occupying the lowest ranks of Transformer society. ''One'' features a very simplified version of this hierarchy, where Cybertronians without transformation cogs are an oppressed underclass while other Transformers receive additional rights and job opportunities.
* With the exception of D-16—whose origins as a low-ranking miner date back to IDW's ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|Megatron Origin]]''—all of the other miners shown in the film go on to join the Autobots, while the forerunners of the Decepticons are depicted as ex-members of the elite [[High Guard]]. This specific class divide dates back to the ''The Transformers'' episode "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]" and, to a lesser extent, "War Dawn", which explained the war between the Autobots and Decepticons as an entrenched conflict between civilian laborers and military robots.
* The film's main theme, "Resting Place of the Primes", and "The Fall" includes a leitmotif from the main theme of ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'', which was also composed by Brian Tyler.
* "The Fall" also plays a motif lifted from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'s'' "[[Death of Optimus Prime]]" in a different key. More specifically, the motif is from when [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] flatlines and dies. Fitting, as "The Fall" plays when Orion Pax is dropped into Cybertron's core and Optimus Prime is born.
* When discussing their min-1ing ability, Elita says Orion "[doesn't] have the touch or the power," a reference to the [[The Touch|beloved song]] from ''The Transformers: The Movie.''
* The Iacon 5000 derives from the Marvel UK ''The Transformers'' [[Source:Darn 'n' Blast#Issue 326|issue 326's "Darn 'n' Blast" letter page]]. Many of the racers in the Iacon 5000 are characters from G1 and ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'', with their colors and vehicle modes next to their names on the leaderboard, though they do not correspond to specific models except for the miners, Darkwing, and Chromia.
** Racers based on their G1 counterparts include [[Mirage (One)|Mirage]], [[Clampdown (One)|Clampdown]], [[Silverbolt (One)|Silverbolt]], "[[Deadend (One)|Deadend]]", [[Slingshot (One)|Slingshot]], [[Cliffjumper (One)|Cliffjumper]], [[Dragstrip (One)|Dragstrip]], [[Swerve (One)|Swerve]], [[Powerglide (One)|Powerglide]], [[Jetstorm (One)|Jetstorm]], [[Windblade (One)|Windblade]], [[Afterburner (One)|Afterburner]], [[Blurr (One)|Blurr]], [[Fireflight (One)|Fireflight]], [[Cordon (One)|Cordon]], [[Breakdown (One)|Breakdown]], [[Swindle (One)|Swindle]], [[Tailgate (One)|Tailgate]], [[Lightspeed (One)|Lightspeed]], "[[Spinout (One)|Spinout]]", [[Greasepit (One)|Greasepit]], [[Scattershot (One)|Scattorshot]], [[Inferno (One)|Inferno]], [[Motormaster (One)|Motormaster]], and "[[Hotrod (One)|Hotrod]]".
** Racers based on their G2 counterparts include [[Blowout (One)|Blowout]], [[High Beam (One)|High Beam]], [[Double Clutch (One)|Double Clutch]], [[Meanstreak (One)|Meanstreak]], [[Motormouth (One)|Motormouth]], [[Speedstream (One)|Speedstream]], "[[Roadrocket (One)|Roadrocket]]", [[Jolt (One)|Jolt]], and [[Staxx (One)|Staxx]].
** [[Override (One)|Override]] and [[Tankor (One)|Tankor]] are based on their ''[[Override (Cybertron)|Cybertron]]'' and ''[[Tankor (BM)|Beast Machines]]'' counterparts, respectively.
**Racers that are only named through dialogue are [[Tailwind (One)|Tailwind]], [[Strafe (One)|Strafe]] (spelled "Streak" in one version of the English subtitles), [[Skyfire (One)|Skyfire]], and original characters [[Thunderglide]] and [[Behemoth]]. Phew!
* Elita-1 calls Orion, D-16 and B-127 a bunch of [[GoBots]].
* The notion of the Matrix of Leadership actively rejecting an "unworthy" candidate and disintegrating was a plot point in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)| Revenge of the Fallen]]''. When Orion Pax ''does'' find the Matrix, it is hidden in the planet's core, evoking the climax of the ''War for Cybertron'' games.
* Megatron is the 'bot who shoots Orion and leaves him on the brink of death until he is resurrected as Optimus Prime in what is likely a reference to the ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' episode "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]". However, the specific framing of the scene—in which Megatron shoots Orion and drops him into the depths of the planet, only for him to find the Matrix and return as Optimus—is, however coincidentially, nearly identical to the events of [[Transformation (issue)|issue #9]] of ''Autocracy''.
* Alpha Trion's alternate mode being a leonine beast with a unicorn-esque horn is a direct homage to his [[Alpha Trion (G1)#Titans Return|''Titans Return'' toy]], itself based on his [[Alpha Trion (G1)#toys|cancelled 2001 toy]].
* The throne Starscream sits on is loosely based on the crown his [[Starscream (G1)|Generation 1 counterpart]] wore during his coronation in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.<ref>[https://youtu.be/fo7EwIlSNAs?si=8y1UWHCLv46WKzE7&t=190 Brian Tyree Henry & Josh Cooley Dissect The Evolution Of Megatron | Transformers One Behind The Shot]</ref>
* Starscream has a normal-sounding voice when he first appears, but after D-16 crushes his [[voice box]] during their duel, his voice becomes shriller and scratchier in the style of [[Chris Latta]]'s portrayal of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original G1 cartoon]].
* Soundwave orders the High Guard to "[[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|eject]]" when descending on Sentinel's tower.
* During the battle in Sentinel Prime's tower, Orion leaps into the air and shoots one of the Death Trackers, with his midair pose homaging Optimus Prime's famous midair shooting pose from ''The Transformers: The Movie''.
* Orion Pax jumps on top of Megatron's vehicle mode and rips off his tank barrel during their climactic duel, seemingly referencing the moment in ''The Transformers: The Movie'' where [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] does the same to [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]].
* In the second post-credits scene, Megatron brands the Decepticon insignia onto his troops much like his [[Megatron (Animated)|''Animated'' counterpart]] did in "[[A Bridge Too Close, Part I]]". Megatron also orders the Decepticons to "[[Roll out#Transformers_Animated|rise up]]", quoting his ''Animated'' counterpart who originated the phrase "transform and rise up" in "[[Megatron Rising - Part 2]]".
* Starscream's newly applied insignias are upside-down on his wings, just like his G1 cartoon version.
* While the newly christened Decepticons fire into the sky, the glow of the laser beams shines on Megatron's insignia in a way that homages the metallic effect of the original cartoon's Decepticon [[scene transition]].
* Sentinel Prime's Death Trackers take heavy inspiration from ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'''s [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s, in both their design and their role as generic enemy troopers.
* Megatron disposes of Sentinel Prime in the same manner that his [[Megatron (Movie)|live-action counterpart]] killed [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]]—by bisecting the bot with his bare hands. Similarly, this is also how the [[Rainmaker]]s disposed of Sentinel in the [[2019 IDW continuity]].
* The Matrix of Leadership causing Energon to flow and 'killing' the planet when lost calls back to the [[AllSpark]].
* The fatal wounds Orion Pax sustained from D-16 before his descent into Cybertron's core strongly resemble the wounds Optimus Prime sustained at the end of Generation 1 episode, [[Dark Awakening (episode)|Dark Awakening]]
* When both Orion Pax and Sentinel Prime die, [[aggressive depigmentation|their bodies turn grey]]. Of course, Orion doesn't stay long as he's no stranger to [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|dying]] nor coming back to life in a more powerful form.
* In the film's final scene, the newly-cogged [[Ironhide (One)|Ironhide]] grows a segmented chest that resembles his appearance in ''Bumblebee'', Arcee uses the pink visor that she used in both [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original cartoon]] and ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (film)|Rise of the Beasts]]'', and Jazz obtains a silver paintjob based on his appearance in the 2007 ''[[Transformers (film)|Transformers]]'' movie.

==Real-life references==
* One of B-127's "friends" is named A-A-Tron. [https://youtu.be/WLAq3JVJ6Ho?si=pCUM9jk-soMFoVH-&t=165 Just don't mention the Glee club around him...]

==Errors==
* One of the cogless miners in the opening mine scene is clearly meant to be [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], with a black crest, red pelvis, and red pips on his shoulders. However, a later scene in Iacon's medical center has a voice on the intercom paging a "Medic Ratchet".
* Starscream's voice box no longer seems damaged during the final battle scene.

==Music==
A score album,''[[Transformers One (Music from the Motion Picture)]]'', features the original music by composer [[Brian Tyler]] and was released concurrently with the film. It notably repurposes a leitmotif from his work on [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Transformers: Prime'']] into this film's main theme. The composer, under his electronic side project "Are We Dreaming", also produced the end credits song, "If I Fall", featuring rappers [[W:Quavo|Quavo]] (of Migos fame) and [[W:Ty Dolla $Sign|Ty Dolla $ign]].

==Development timeline==
[[File:Transformers-One-Teaser-Poster.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''There can be miracles when you believe Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill Who knows what miracles you can achieve When you believe, somehow you will You will when you believe'']]
* March 27, 2015 — As part of the development of ''[[Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|Transformers: The Last Knight]]'', [[Paramount Pictures]] negotiates with [[Akiva Goldsman]], hiring him to create a "writer's room" to build a cinematic universe.<ref name="goldsman">[https://deadline.com/2015/03/transformers-akiva-goldsman-paramount-sequels-spinoffs-1201400027/ Paramount Enlisting Akiva Goldsman To Ramp Up 'Transformers' Output] on deadline.com</ref> Among the writers hired are ''Ant-Man and the Wasp'' scribes [[Andrew Barrer]] and [[Gabriel Ferrari]], who pitch the concept of an animated ''Transformers'' prequel set in the [[Live-action film series|live-action series universe]].<ref name="barrerferrari">[https://deadline.com/2015/05/transformers-ant-man-andrew-barrer-gabriel-ferrari-cybertron-1201433402/ 'Ant-Man' Scribes Andrew Barrer & Gabriel Ferrari Join 'Transformers' Writers Room] on Deadline</ref>
* December 20, 2018 — Following the release of ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]'', [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]] hints in an interview that the animated prequel is still in the works.<ref>[https://www.metro.us/will-there-be-a-bumblebee-2-whats-the-future-for-the-transformers-universe-heres-what-its-producer-told-us/ Lorenzo di Bonaventura interview for Metro USA]</ref>
* April 29, 2020 — Director [[Josh Cooley]] (''Toy Story 4'') is reported to have been brought into the project to oversee a final draft, which is said to be "separate and apart" from the live-action films.<ref name="cooleyreveal" />
* May 18, 2021 — [[Allspark Pictures]] President [[Greg Mooradian]] credits the animated ''Transformers'' film on his Linkedin page with a 2023 release.<ref>[https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-mooradian-4a5062200/ Greg Mooradian's Linkedin:] "TRANSFORMERS (Animated Feature), with Oscar-winner Josh Cooley directing (2023 release)"</ref>
* May 24, 2021 — Hasbro CEO [[Brian Goldner]] confirms the animated feature is in development, and will be released at some point after ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (film)|Transformers: Rise of the Beasts]]''.<ref>[https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/05/24/tfw2005-coverage-of-49th-j-p-morgan-conference-434088 TFW2005 Coverage Of 49th J.P. Morgan Conference]</ref>
* January 21, 2022 — Paramount announces an untitled animated Transformers movie will be released on July 19, 2024.<ref>[https://collider.com/new-transformers-animated-movie-release-date/ Collider: New 'Transformers' Animated Movie Release Date Set For 2024]</ref>
* April 20, 2023 — di Bonaventura reveals that the entire film takes place on Cybertron, and the setting explores how they begin to question the hierarchy of how their society has gotten stratified, and how the common man doesn't have the voice that they want to have.<ref name=collider2023>[https://collider.com/transformers-animated-movie-characters-plot-cybertron-lorenzo-di-bonaventura-comments/ Here’s What the New Animated ‘Transformers’ Movie Is About (Exclusive)]</ref>
* April 21, 2023 — A day after the previous interview, di Bonaventura confirms [[Industrial Light & Magic]]'s involvement as the film's animation studio, bringing the company back to the franchise for the first time since ''Bumblebee''.<ref>[https://collider.com/new-transformers-animated-movie-ilm-lorenzo-di-bonaventura-comments/ The New 'Transformers' Animated Movie Is Partnering With an Industry Giant for the CGI (Exclusive)]/</ref>
* April 27, 2023 — The first members of the film's voice cast are revealed, consisting of [[Chris Hemsworth]] as Optimus Prime, [[Brian Tyree Henry]] as Megatron, [[Scarlett Johansson]] as Elita, [[Keegan-Michael Key]] as Bumblebee, [[Jon Hamm]] as Sentinel Prime, and [[Laurence Fishburne]] as Alpha Trion.<ref>[https://variety.com/2023/film/news/transformers-animated-prequel-chris-hemsworth-scarlett-johansson-1235596692/ ‘Transformers’ Animated Prequel Sets Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and More Voice Cast]</ref>
* May 24, 2023 — Paramount moves the film's release date to September 13, 2024.<ref>[https://deadline.com/2023/05/transformers-one-release-date-pushed-by-paramount-1235379167/ ‘Transformers One’: Paramount Pushes Date For Animated Feature]</ref>
* June 7, 2023 — di Bonaventura teases how the film stands out from previous entries in the franchise, praises Chris Hemsworth's casting as Optimus Prime, and mentions a vocal transition from Hemsworth's voice to [[Peter Cullen]]'s as the character for audiences to witness. [[Steve Desmond]] and [[Michael Sherman]] (''Knock at the Cabin'') were revealed to be additional writers for the film, but where uncredited when the final credit came in.<ref>[https://collider.com/transformers-one-chris-hemsworth-optimus-prime-lorenzo-di-bonaventura-comments/ 'Transformers One' Producer Is Already Hyped for Chris Hemsworth's Optimus Prime]</ref>
* June 15, 2023 — Scarlett Johansson discusses the film's animation and praises Cooley as director.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWqG5mlRxzs Scarlett Johansson Says Transformers One Looks So Cool]</ref> Chris Hemsworth later brings details on voicing Optimus Prime for the film and his reasoning he joined the project through his love of the script. He confirms that he will not use his regular voice for the character.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWrsvSzWHoE Chris Hemsworth's Optimus Prime Sadly Won't Be Australian in Transformers One]</ref>
* July 20, 2023 — di Bonaventura confirms Optimus Prime and Megatron in the film will be depicted under their Orion Pax and D-16 identities.<ref>[https://onetakenews.com/2023/07/20/lorenzo-di-bonaventura-transformers-one/ Lorenzo di Bonaventura Teases Upcoming Film ‘Transformers: One’: “It’s Something I’ve Wanted To Do For A Long Time” (Exclusive)]</ref>
* December 15, 2023 — Keegan-Michael Key mentions his voice for Bumblebee is closer to his regular speaking voice.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLM71B5xmFY Transformers One: Keegan-Michael Key Reveals What Bumblebee Sounds Like in New Animated Film]</ref>
* April 11, 2024 — The cast of the movie previews the trailer and reveals a new logo for the film at Cinemacon 2024, The Hollywood Reporter also confirms [[Steve Buscemi]] has joined the cast.<ref>[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/transformers-one-animated-movie-chris-hemsworth-scarlett-johansson-1235871998/ Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and Brian Tyree Henry Debut Origin Story 'Transformers One' - The Hollywood Reporter]</ref> During the presentation, Hemsworth revealed that Cullen served as a consultant on the getting the voice down.<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-one-news-film-is-testing-very-well-and-peter-cullen-consulted-chris-hemsworth-on-voice/48127/ Transformers One News: Film is Testing Very Well and Peter Cullen Consulted Chris Hemsworth on Voice]</ref>
* April 16, 2024 — Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry announce the date of the film's first trailer being on Thursday, April 18, 2024, as it will be launched into space.<ref>[https://collider.com/transformers-one-trailer-premiered-from-space/ The 'Transformers One' Trailer Will Be Premiered From Space - Collider]</ref>
[[File:TransformersOne-weatherballoon.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''So how do you judge what a man is worth? By what he [[Toy|builds or buys]]? You can never see with your eyes on Earth Look through Heaven's eyes Look at your life. Look at your life Look at your life through Heaven's eyes'']]
* April 18, 2024 — A livestream hosted by Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry follows a small craft launched towards space, with a screen that plays the trailer once it reaches 125,000 feet. The movie's release date has been pushed back by one week, to September 20, reportedly to avoid the release conflicting with that of ''{{w|Beetlejuice Beetlejuice}}''.<ref>[https://deadline.com/2024/04/transformers-one-trailer-release-date-1235889037/ ‘Transformers One’ Launches Trailer In Space, A First For A Movie Studio; Pic Going Later In September]</ref> When asked whether the film is a fresh start, a prequel to the live-action films, or its own thing, Cooley replies "yes to all of the above".<ref>[https://comicbook.com/movies/news/transformers-one-director-confirms-new-movies-canon-status/ Transformers ONE Director Confirms New Movie's Canon Status - ComicBook.com]</ref>
* May 20, 2024 — [[Brian Tyler]] is attached as the film's composer.<ref>[https://filmmusicreporter.com/2024/05/20/brian-tyler-scoring-josh-cooleys-transformers-one/ Brian Tyler Scoring Josh Cooley’s ‘Transformers One’ - Filmmusicreporter.com]</ref>
* June 7, 2024 — Production for the film is revealed to be finished in the following month.<ref>[https://news.tfw2005.com/2024/06/07/work-on-transformers-one-animated-movie-is-set-to-wrap-up-in-july-513038 Work On Transformers: One Animated Movie Is Set To Wrap Up In July - TFW2005]</ref>
* June 10, 2024 — A work-in-progress cut of the film was screened at the {{w|Annecy International Animation Film Festival}} to a standing ovation.<ref>[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/transformers-one-chris-hemsworth-scarlett-johansson-1235918820/ Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson’s ‘Transformers One’ Draws Laughs, Cheers in Its Annecy Debut - Hollywood Reporter]</ref>
* June 18, 2024 — Production designer Jason Scheier confirms animation for the film is finished.<ref>[https://twitter.com/ScheierJason/status/1803227407404638226/ Production Designer Jason Scheier's post on Twitter]</ref>
* June 24, 2024 — Cooley discusses how the film is in the "Old Republic" of Cybertron. D-16's backstory is being changed from being a gladiator champion to an Energon miner who is bunkmates with Orion Pax.<ref>[https://www.indiewire.com/features/animation/transformers-one-star-wars-old-republic-interview-1235017651/ ‘Transformers One’ Director Talks Bringing the Franchise to Its ‘Old Republic’ Era - Indiewire]</ref>
* June 27, 2024 — Sound-mixing for the film is finished, with production finally now complete around three months in advance of release.<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/p/C8vPCEUS3Bs/ @CooleyYourFaceOff - Instagram]</ref>
* July 9, 2024 — A panel for the film has been announced for [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2024 on Thursday, July 25 at 11:45 am PST at Hall H.<ref>[https://deadline.com/2024/07/transformers-one-comic-con-1236004636/ Paramount Animation & Hasbro Entertainment’s ‘Transformers One’ Will Be More Than Meets The Eye At San Diego Comic-Con]</ref>
* July 13, 2024 — Chris Hemsworth, Bryan Tyree Henry, and Keegan-Michael Key reveal a new clip of the main cast transforming for the first time at the Kids' Choice Awards 2024.<ref>[https://twitter.com/transformers/status/1812285185427431646/ Post from the official Transformers account on Twitter]</ref>
* July 23, 2024 — Cooley discusses how ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' influenced ''One''.<ref>[https://ew.com/transformers-one-comic-con-preview-optimus-prime-megatron-origin-story-8676886 Transformers One director reveals how infamous 1986 animated movie influenced new prequel film]</ref> A screening of the finished film was shown at a fan-event at Paramount Studios.<ref>[https://comicbook.com/anime/news/transformers-one-review-first-reactions/ Transformers One First Reactions are Raving Over "Best Transformers Film to Date"]</ref> Hemsworth talks about voicing Optimus Prime in the film and how his depiction stands out.<ref>[https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/transformers-one-chris-hemsworth-optimus-prime-orion-pax/ Chris Hemsworth on Becoming Optimus Prime for Transformers One (Exclusive)]</ref>
* July 24, 2024 — Several new posters are released, along with the announcement of a new trailer the following day at the SDCC panel.<ref>[https://twutter.com/transformers/status/1816111093917573615/ Second trailer announcement on Twitter]</ref>
* July 25, 202.4 — Details at the SDCC panel were revealed, along with the debut of the second trailer and Bucsemi's role announced to be Starscream.<ref>[https://deadline.com/2024/07/transformers-one-chris-hemsworth-comic-con-1236022134/ ‘Transformers One’ Ignites Comic-Con With Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry & Keegan-Michael Key: How Two Best Friends Became Immortal Enemies]</ref> [[Eric Pearson]] was revealed to be an additional writer.<ref>[https://www.awn.com/news/paramount-drops-transformers-one-trailer-2 Paramount Drops ‘Transformers One’ Trailer #2]</ref>
* August 21, 2024 — A new clip of Orion Pax and D-16 competing in the Iacon 5000 race is released on Paramount's YouTube channel.<ref>[https://youtu.be/7o-bGIBZxdc?feature=shared/ TRANSFORMERS ONE Film Clip IACON Race Begins (2024)]</ref>
* August 23, 2024 — Evan Michael Lee is revealed to be voicing Jazz.<ref>[https://twitter.com/Evanmichaellee/status/1826960202920530306/ Evan Michael Lee on Twitter]</ref>
* August 24, 2024 — [[Jon Bailey]], [[Jason Konopisos-Alvarez]], [[Isaac C. Singleton, Jr.]] and [[Vanessa Liguori]] are revealed to be voicing Soundwave, Shockwave, Darkwing and Airachnid respectively, with Bailey reprising his role from ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]''.<ref>[https://punto.com.ph/paramount-pictures-our-crew-rolls-deep-meet-the-voice-cast-behind-the-characters-in-transformers-one-in-cinemas-september-18/ PARAMOUNT PICTURES : OUR CREW ROLLS DEEP: MEET THE VOICE CAST BEHIND THE CHARACTERS IN “TRANSFORMERS ONE,” IN CINEMAS SEPTEMBER 18 on Punzo.com]</ref>
*September 6, 2024 — The film's credits song, '[[If I Fall]]' by [[Quavo]], is released.<ref>[https://youtu.be/M3FCIf0HFnk?si=NB1J3bT9XNPOpKCc/ If I Fall (Music from the Motion Picture Transformers One / Lyric Video)]</ref>
*September 12, 2024 — In an interview, Lorenzo di Bonaventura clarifies that ''One'' doesn't directly connect to the live-action films, and describes them as "two universes" that will be "[kept] separate". However, he notes that ''One'' will likely have an influence on future live-action projects.<ref>[https://comicbook.com/movies/news/is-transformers-one-a-prequel-optimus-prime-origin-story-exclusive/ Is Transformers One a Prequel or Reboot? The Animated Movie's Origin Story Is Both, Director Says]</ref> The film's review embargo is also lifted, and the film debuts with an 89% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-one-critic-reviews-are-out-currently-89-on-rotten-tomatoes/48337/ Transformers One Critic Reviews are Out, Currently 89% on Rotten Tomatoes]</ref>
*September 13, 2024 — The film's main theme is released.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFnuXrOH0fs/ Brian Tyler - Transformers One Theme | Transformers One (Music from the Motion Picture)]</ref>
* September 18, 2024 — An early fan event screening is held, preceded by a seven-minute featurette consisting of interview segments with Hemsworth, Henry, and Key, footage of main cast recording their dialogue, and some [https://twitter.com/damnyouwillis/status/1836584462341054907 hilarious trivia]. Attendees receive one of four exclusive keychains and poster prints featuring Orion Pax, D-16, B-127, or Elita-1.<ref>https://bleedingcool.com/movies/transformers-one-4-new-posters-tickets-go-on-sale-fan-screenings/</ref>
* September 20, 2024 — The first 300 ticket holders at participating theaters receive a poster print of {{w|Shadow the Hedgehog}} to promote the upcoming release of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]''.<ref>https://kotaku.com/sonic-3-shadow-print-transformers-one-theater-showtimes-1851649010</ref>

==Notes==
* Several international releases of the film edit any mention of Bee's "knife hands" to refer to them as "sword hands" instead.
* The credits feature a dedication to former Hasbro CEO [[Brian Goldner]], who passed away in October 2021.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers/One''''' (トランスフォーマー/ONE ''Toransufōmā Wan'')
*''French:'' '''''Transformers : Le Commencement''''' (France, "Transformers: The Beginning"), '''''Transformers : Un''''' (Canada, "Transformers: One")
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng: Qǐyuán''''' (变形金刚：起源, "Transformers: The Beginning")
*''Portuguese:'' '''''Transformers: O Início''''' ("Transformers: The Beginning")
*''Korean:'' '''''Transformer ONE''''' (트랜스포머 ONE ''Teuraenseupomeo ONE'')
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery: Nachalo''''' (Трансформеры: Начало, "Transformers: The Beginning")
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers One''''' (Spain), '''''Transformers : Uno''''' (Latin America, "Transformers: One")

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:One| ]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Transformers One (film)

2024-09-23T23:57:56Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Errors */ I can't think of a good way to word it, and chances are it's not even an error, but I felt like it might be something worth noting unless it can be assumed it was repaired off-screen

{{Nav-one}}
{{movie|
|seriess=Transformers One
|prev=
|next=
|title=''Transformers One''
|image=Transformers One New Theatrical Poster.jpg
|caption=The motion picture you are about to see is an adaptation of the [[Transformers: Exodus|Exodus]] story. While artistic and historical license has been taken, we believe that this film is true to the essence, values and integrity of a story that is a cornerstone of faith for [[fandom|millions of people worldwide]].
|production companies=[[Hasbro Entertainment]] [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura|di Bonaventura Pictures]] Bayhem Films [[Paramount Animation]] New Republic Pictures
|distributor=[[Paramount Pictures]]
|executive producer=[[Steven Spielberg]] [[Zev Foreman]] [[Olivier Dumont]] [[Brian Oliver]] [[B.J. Farmer]] [[Matt Quigg]]
|producer=[[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]] [[Tom DeSanto]] [[Don Murphy]] [[Michael Bay]] [[Mark Vahradian]] [[Aaron Dem]]
|story by=[[Andrew Barrer]] [[Gabriel Ferrari]]
|screenplay by=[[Eric Pearson]] Andrew Barrer Gabriel Ferrari
|directed by=[[Josh Cooley]]
|cinematography by=
|edited by=
|music by= [[Brian Tyler]]
|release date=[[September 20]], [[2024]]
|runtime=104 minutes
|budget= $75 million
|box office=
|credits=Transformers One (film)/credits
}}

'''''Transformers One''''' is an animated film released on [[September 20]], [[2024]]. It is written by [[Andrew Barrer]] and [[Gabriel Ferrari]],<ref name="deadlinereveal">[https://deadline.com/2015/09/transformers-writers-room-akiva-goldsman-transformers-5-1201531918/ 'Transformers' Writers Room Wraps] on Deadline</ref> and directed by [[Josh Cooley]].<ref name="cooleyreveal">[https://deadline.com/2020/04/transformers-animated-movie-paramount-hasbro-toy-story-4-director-josh-cooley-1202921100/ Animated 'Transformers' Prequel Activated; 'Toy Story 4's Josh Cooley To Direct For Hasbro/eOne & Paramount]</ref> The movie is an origin story set on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] three billion years ago<ref name="collidercinemacon">[https://collider.com/transformers-one-animated-movie-title/ New ‘Transformers’ Animated Movie Rolls Out a New Title at CinemaCon] on Collider</ref><ref name="screenrantsandiegocomiccon">[https://screenrant.com/transformers-one-timeline-setting-takes-place// When Transformers One Takes Place In The Franchise Timeline] on Screen Rant</ref> in the days before the Autobot-Decepticon war, and focuses on [[Optimus Prime (One)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (One)|Megatron]] as they go from brothers-in-arms to enemies.<ref name="cooleyreveal" />

{{bigquote|The line between friend and enemy is not as clear as I once believed. Once it's crossed, there is no going back. Because some transformations are permanent...|[[Optimus Prime (One)|Optimus Prime]]}}

==Synopsis==
{{spoilers|Transformers One (film)|October 21}}

Long ago, the benevolent [[Primus]] sacrificed his life essence to become [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and created the [[Thirteen|first generation of Transformers]], the [[Prime (rank)|Prime]]s. Through the power of the [[Matrix of Leadership]], [[energon]] flowed freely from the planet's core, and the Primes ruled justly for a time. However, when the [[Quintesson]]s invaded, the Primes were slain and the Matrix of Leadership was lost, leaving only [[Sentinel Prime (One)|Sentinel Prime]] to rule the planet in their absence. Fifty cycles after the war, Cybertronian society now relies on an oppressed underclass of manual laborers born without [[transformation cog]]s, including a caste of miners who physically extract what few veins of usable energon remain from the tunnels beneath the subterranean [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] City, while Sentinel Prime searches for the missing Matrix on the surface of the planet. One impulsive miner named [[Optimus Prime (One)|Orion Pax]] has been searching for information regarding the Matrix, in the hopes that finding the artifact will restore Cybertron to prosperity and allow him and his fellow miners to choose their own path in life. However, his latest break-in into the city archives draws the unwanted attention of two [[Guard (One)|guards]], leading to a chase through the streets until Orion's friend [[Megatron (One)|D-16]] bails him out. On the train to work, Orion, knowing that his friend idolizes the strongest Prime, gifts D-16 an old [[The Fallen|Megatronus Prime]] decal.

In the mines, D-16 and Orion work under the supervision of their captain [[Elita-1 (One)|Elita-1]], using jetpacks and deployable support poles to keep Cybertron's shifting geology stable long enough for them to extract energon. However, [[Wheeljack (One)|Wheeljack]] accidentally hits a vein of unstable energon, and the ensuing explosion traps [[Jazz (One)|Jazz]] under a rockfall. Orion and D-16 defy protocol and use a jetpack to save their coworker, but [[Darkwing (One)|Darkwing]] blames Elita for the disaster and demotes her to waste management duty. That evening, Sentinel Prime returns to Iacon to announce that he still has not found the Matrix; to take the blow off this bad news, Sentinel declares that the prestigious [[Iacon 5000]] race will be held the next day. Orion tries to persuade D-16 to join him in the race, hoping that they can prove to the rest of Cybertron that mining bots deserve respect, but D-16 has no interest in the idea. The next day, Orion leads D-16 to the area behind the race's starting line; while D-16 is initially excited to watch from a perfect vantage point, Orion reveals his true intention as he straps jetpacks to the two just as the race begins. Using their jetpacks and some quick thinking to compensate for their inability to transform, the two briefly manage to take the lead, but ultimately place last after D-16 is injured on the home stretch.

In Iacon's medical center, Sentinel Prime meets with Orion and D-16; impressed with their performance in the race, he offers them a chance to tour the mines and help inspire their comrades to work harder. However, Darkwing arrives before [[Airachnid (One)|Airachnid]] can escort them to Sentinel's private quarters; angered that he nearly lost the race to the pair, he banishes them to the planet's 50th sub-level, where they meet the eccentric [[Bumblebee (One)|B-127]], who has been trapped there for years with only garbage statues for company. The three accidentally discover an old beacon from the Quintesson war inside one of B-127's "friends", still broadcasting a set of coordinates located somewhere on the planet's surface. Orion, B-127, and D-16 decide to investigate, and stow away aboard a surface-bound garbage train. Elita-1 discovers them and attempts to stop them, but is forced to join the quest after she is locked onto the train with them.

After arriving on the planet's surface, narrowly escaping the planet's volatile tectonic movements, and dodging a roaming Quintesson vessel, the four Cybertronians arrive at a hidden cave where the ancient Primes made their final stand against the Quintessons. Although the Matrix is nowhere to be found, Orion discovers that [[Alpha Trion (One)|Alpha Trion]]'s spark still pulses, and uses an [[energon cube]] to revive him. The four attempt to bring Trion up to speed on recent events, but their mention of "Sentinel Prime" causes Trion to reveal the terrible truth: Sentinel is an imposter, a traitorous aide who led the Primes into a Quintesson ambush and killed them—however, when Sentinel tried to claim the Matrix, the artifact judged him unworthy and disappeared. To appease his new masters, Sentinel has deliberately stolen transformation cogs from newly-created Transformers to keep them producing energon in the mines; at Trion's urging, the four emerge from the cave to witness Sentinel pledging servitude to the [[Quintesson High Commander]] and learn the city's garbage trains are really transporting Cybertron's dwindling energon supplies to Quintesson ships, leaving barely enough for the people of Cybertron. These revelations leaves D-16 shattered, but Alpha Trion decides to give the team hope by gifting them the transformation cogs of his fallen comrades and a recording of Sentinel's treachery. When Sentinel's [[Death Tracker]]s arrive, Alpha Trion holds them off long enough for Orion and the others to escape using their new [[alternate mode]]s, even though his sacrifice ends in his capture and subsequent execution at Sentinel's hand.

[[File:TFoneStarscreamSoundwaveShockwaveInterrogation.jpg|right|thumb|300px|You're playing with the big boys now!]]
Using the incriminating information encoded on a crystalline vessel, Orion and the team plan to return to Iacon and use the evidence to expose Sentinel as a traitor, although D-16's desire to kill Sentinel unnerves Orion. Before they can make it back to the city, however, they are captured by former members of Cybertron's [[High Guard]], who have been fighting a guerrilla war against the Quintessons ever since the fall of the Primes. D-16 gives in to his growing rage and takes control of the High Guard after besting their leader [[Starscream (One)|Starscream]] in single combat, but Sentinel's forces discover their secret base; in the ensuing battle, D-16, B-127, Starscream, and many members of the High Guard are taken prisoner, and the recording is destroyed. Orion despairs, believing their quest to be hopeless now, but Elita encourages him to fight on, and they gain the support of the remaining members of the Guard. At Sentinel's tower, D-16 discovers that Sentinel took Megatronus's transformation cog when he killed him; when D-16 refuses to kneel, Sentinel humiliates his prisoner by carving a crude copy of Megatronus's symbol into D-16's chest.

[[File:One-Megs-Prime-face-to-face.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Goodbye, brother.]]

Upon returning to Iacon City, Orion rallies the miners to join forces with the High Guard and rebel against Sentinel's regime, while Elita and the High Guard commandeer a train and fly it into Sentinel's tower. Once freed, a furious D-16 attempts to kill Sentinel, but is unable to do so before Orion, Elita, and B-127 broadcast incriminating recordings from Airachnid’s memories to reveal Sentinel’s misdeeds to the people of Iacon, leading to a city-wide uprising. Although D-16 insists that Sentinel must die for his crimes, Orion tries to convince his friend that they can be better than their enemies; their argument ends with D-16 accidentally shooting Orion when he leaps in the path of his [[fusion cannon]]. Although momentarily horrified by his actions, D-16 ultimately decides that he's done saving his former friend and lets Orion plummet into Cybertron's core. As Orion falls, D-16—insistent that there will be no more Primes—rips Sentinel in half, seizes his transformation cog, and declares himself "Megatron" before leading the High Guard to ransack what's left of the city.

Meanwhile, the mortally wounded Orion falls through the planetary strata until he finally reaches Cybertron's core. There, he encounters the spirits of the Primes, who announce that Primus has deemed him worthy to carry the Matrix of Leadership. Reborn as "Optimus Prime", Optimus returns to the surface in time to stop Megatron from killing B-127 and Elita. Optimus ultimately triumphs in their fight, and reluctantly banishes Megatron and his new allies to the wilderness. With the return of the Matrix of Leadership, Cybertron is restored to life; the former miners receive transformation cogs and become fully autonomous "[[Autobot]]s” who vow to defend Cybertron from any future Quintesson incursions. However, the Quintessons are not the only looming threat—in the shadows, Megatron and his followers rechristen themselves the "[[Decepticon]]s" and swear revenge.

{{--}}

==Cast==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=Miners
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (One)|Orion Pax / Optimus Prime]] ([[Chris Hemsworth]])
*[[Megatron (One)|D-16 / Megatron]] ([[Brian Tyree Henry]])
*[[Elita-1 (One)|Elita-1]] ([[Scarlett Johansson]])
*[[Bumblebee (One)|B-127]] ([[Keegan-Michael Key]])
*[[Jazz (One)|Jazz]] ([[Evan Michael Lee]])
*[[Arcee (One)|Arcee]] ([[Jinny Chung]])
*[[Bluestreak (One)|Bluestreak]]
*[[Brawn (One)|Brawn]]


*[[Hound (One)|Hound]]
*[[Huffer (One)|Huffer]]
*[[Ironhide (One)|Ironhide]]<ref group=note name="uncredited">Denotes a character, or unidentified members of a group, who speaks, but has no credited voice actor. The performance was likely done by an ADR voice cast member.</ref>


*[[Mirage (One)|Mirage]]

*[[Prowl (One)|Prowl]]<ref group=note name="uncredited"/>
*[[Ratchet (One)|Ratchet]]
*[[Red Alert (One)|Red Alert]]
*[[Sideswipe (One)|Sideswipe]]<ref group=note name="uncredited"/>
*[[Sunstreaker (One)|Sunstreaker]]
*[[Wheeljack (One)|Wheeljack]]<ref group=note name="uncredited"/>
*[[Windcharger (One)|Windcharger]]

|h2=[[High Guard]]
|c2=
*[[Starscream (One)|Starscream]] ([[Steve Buscemi]])
*[[Soundwave (One)|Soundwave]] ([[Jon Bailey]])
*[[Shockwave (One)|Shockwave]] ([[Jason Konopisos-Alvarez]])
*[[Skywarp (One)|Skywarp]] (Josh Cooley)
*[[Thundercracker (One)|Thundercracker]]
*[[Dirge (One)|Dirge]]
*[[Ramjet (One)|Ramjet]]
*[[Thrust (One)|Thrust]]
*[[Slipstream (One)|Slipstream]]

|h3=[[Thirteen|Primes]]
|c3=
*[[Alpha Trion (One)|Alpha Trion]] ([[Laurence Fishburne]])
*[[Zeta Prime (One)|Zeta Prime]] ([[James Remar]])
*[[The Fallen|Megatronus Prime]]
*[[Alchemist Prime]]
*[[Amalgamous Prime]]
*[[Liege Maximo]]
*[[Micronus Prime]]
*[[Nexus Prime]]
*[[Onyx Prime]]
*[[Quintus Prime]]
*[[Solus Prime]]
*[[Vector Prime]]
*[[Prima]]

|c4=
*[[Sentinel Prime (One)|Sentinel Prime]] ([[Jon Hamm]])
*[[Airachnid (One)|Airachnid]] ([[Vanessa Liguori]])
*[[Quintesson High Commander]]
*[[Quintesson]]s
*[[Primus]]
*[[Death Tracker]]s<ref group=note name="uncredited"/>
*[[Guard (One)|Guards]] ([[Steve Blum]], Jason Konopisos-Alvarez)
*[[Announcer Bot]] (Steve Blum)

'''Racers'''
*[[Darkwing (One)|Darkwing]] ([[Isaac C. Singleton, Jr.]])
*[[Chromia (One)|Chromia]] (Jinny Chung)
*[[Injured Racer]] ([[Dillon Bryan]])

|nonumbering=true
}}
<references group=note/>

==Quotes==
"Are you ''crazy?!''" 
"Sure feels like it!"
:—'''D-16''' and '''Orion Pax''' summing up their initial relationship.

"Uh, why is he gagged?" 
"He wouldn't stop talking." 
"Even when he was unconscious?" 
"''ESPECIALLY'' WHEN HE WAS UNCONSCIOUS!" 
:—'''Elita-1''' asks '''Shockwave''' about B-127's restraints.

'''Soundwave''': "What is our first move?" 
'''Orion Pax''': ''(quietly and intensely)'' "We roll out." 
'''Skywarp''': "...what?!" 
'''Elita-1''': ''(quietly)'' "Louder!" 
'''Orion Pax''': "TRANSFORM AND ROLL OUT!"
:—Orion realizes that dramatic one-liners aren't that dramatic if no one can hear them.

"What defines a Transformer is not the cog in its chest but the spark that resides in their core... a spark that gives you the will to make your world better, and that is something Sentinel can ''never'' take from us. If we want to be in control of our own destiny, we will have to fight for it. Now is the time for us to stand up. For ourselves. Stand up for this injustice! I promise you, this fight will be worth it. Follow me; nothing can stop us when we stand together! Together as '''one!'''"
:—'''Orion Pax''' delivers his first heroic speech.

"It's over, Sentinel! You can't escape the truth!" 
"What truth? That I plucked the cogs from your newborn chests? Forced you to mine so I could pay off the Quintessons and live like a king? None of that matters! Because the truth... is ''What. I. Make it!"
:—'''Orion Pax''' learns '''Sentinel Prime''' won't go down without a fight.

"I'm ''done'' saving you."
:—<s>D-16</s> '''Megatron''' lets his ''former'' friend fall.

"Impossible... Primus gave ''you'' the Matrix?" 
"We could have built the future ''together!"'' 
"I'll build it myself, after I tear down everyone '''''IN MY WAY!'''''"
:-'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Prime''' set the stage for eons of conflict to come.

"We were given the power to change our world, and you chose to destroy it. Just like Sentinel. You have betrayed Cybertron and its citizens, and you betrayed... ''me.'' Go. Take the High Guard, and leave. You are... banished from Iacon. It didn't have to end this way." 
"This isn't over, ''Prime.''"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Megatron''' share one final exchange.

"This is the greatest day of my life... I get to work for the ''government''!"
:—'''B-127''' knows a good benefits package when he sees one.

"And now we stand here together as one, proving we all have the the power to transform; to become who we were destined to be; to right wrongs; to make our world better. Because here, freedom and autonomy are the right of all sentient beings. Here, all are truly ''Autobots''. This message is a warning to all Quintessons: If you dare return to Cybertron, the Autobots will be waiting. ''I'' will be waiting. I am... ''Optimus Prime''."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' gives his first dramatic ending monologue...

"Sentinel the betrayer is dead. But his death has given life to a new enemy...a stronger enemy... a ''personal'' enemy. We will not be blinded by his deception! We are the ones who are... '''DECEPTICONS! ''RISE UP!'''''"
:—...and '''Megatron''' gives the coming darkness its new name.

==Continuity notes==
The movie that would ultimately become ''Transformers One'' entered preliminary development in early 2015, when the project was first pitched as part of a writer's room that would lay out a number of sequels, prequels, and spinoff films that would turn the ongoing [[live-action film series|slate of live-action movies]] into a proper "cinematic universe", an attempt to cash in on the then-meteoric hype of the {{w|Marvel Cinematic Universe}}. Like pretty much all the other "cinematic universes" pitched at around this time, this ambitious vision was not to be: following the box-office bomb that was ''[[Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|The Last Knight]]'', most of these projects were shelved, while others were heavily reworked—perhaps most infamously, ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]'' was reworked into a film that contradicted with the character's [[World War II]] flashbacks in ''The Last Knight'', shifting the film into a more ambiguous timeframe with regards to the other five live-action films.

It appears that a similar conceptual drift occurred over the course of ''Transformers One'''s production. When the film entered full production in mid-2020, ''One'' was said to be "separate and apart" from the ongoing live-action films, though at the time just how distinct the film would be from its predecessors remained a mystery. <ref name="cooleyreveal" /> When later asked if the film was a prequel to the live-action films, a reboot, or its own universe, director Josh Cooley answered "yes" to all of the above. <ref>[https://comicbook.com/movies/news/transformers-one-director-confirms-new-movies-canon-status/ Transformers ONE Director Confirms New Movie's Canon Status - ComicBook.com]</ref> While a few details and visual nods—such as Bumblebee's original name of "B-127"—referenced the live-action films, the film otherwise draws heavily upon the mythology first laid down in the [[Aligned continuity family|"Aligned" continuity family]], particularly in its depiction of Orion Pax and D-16 as former allies fighting against a corrupt Cybertronian government.

As the film's release date drew closer, multiple comments from the film's creatives indicated that the filmmakers viewed the movie as something entirely separate from the ongoing live-action films. In July, Josh Cooley stated that the film was set in a "new Transformers continuity" <ref>{{citesocial|quote= "Hey little nerd in my profile picture, what if I told you someday you'll create a new Transformers continuity, that begins earlier than anything you've seen on the Transformers lore timeline, with the greatest crew and cast ever assembled?"|link= https://x.com/CooleyUrFaceOff/status/1817235351095894510?t=Oju3b9v53cYIHlH4MLEsXg |name=Josh Cooley|site=Twitter|year=2024|month=7|day=27}}</ref>; in another interview from a week before release, di Bonaventura ultimately admitted that ''One'' didn't fit into the chronology of the live-action films, and described ''One'' and the live-action films as "two universes" that would be "[kept] separate". <ref>[https://comicbook.com/movies/news/is-transformers-one-a-prequel-optimus-prime-origin-story-exclusive/ Is Transformers One a Prequel or Reboot? The Animated Movie's Origin Story Is Both, Director Says]</ref> These statements were ultimately borne out by the movie itself, which featured multiple plot points that are pretty much irreconcilable with the live-action films—early on, the film establishes that [[The Fallen|Megatronus]] is long dead, negating his appearance in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''; additionally, the movie ends with the newly christened Megatron killing Sentinel Prime, leaving no wiggle room for the events of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'' to occur. As a result, the wiki has opted to treat the ''One'' franchise and any potential sequels as a new [[continuity family]], entirely separate from the ongoing live-action films.

==Transformers references==
* As with pretty much every major ''Transformers'' project since 2010, ''Transformers One'' is the latest interpretation of the modernized ''Transformers'' backstory that originated with [[Binder of Revelation|Hasbro's internal design documents]] and was first laid down in ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]''—the story of [[Primus]], the [[Thirteen|thirteen original Transformers]], and the origins of Optimus Prime and Megatron as former friends who fought against inequality on pre-war Cybertron until Megatron's extremism drove them apart. Notably, this version of the story portrays both Orion and Megatron as [[energon]] miners on the bottom of Cybertron's caste system—most other interpretations have instead depicted Orion as a somewhat higher-ranking data clerk. While other tellings of the story have Orion advocating for non-violent social change, this take on the origin ends with Orion Pax working alongside the future Decepticons to directly overthrow the reigning Prime, evoking [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s ''[[The Transformers: Autocracy|Autocracy]]'' miniseries.
* Optimus Prime's original identity of "Orion Pax" is a name taken from the ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' episode "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]". Notably, the cartoon's version of Orion Pax was also a manual laborer, although the film does seemingly pay homage to Orion Pax's other famous job by having him sneak into the Cybertronian Archives at the very beginning of the film.
* The 'bot who will one day be known as "Megatron" initially goes by the name "D-16", a moniker lifted from ''Exodus'' and itself based on the [[TakaraTomy]] ID number of the [[Megatron (G1)/toys#The Transformers|original G1 Megatron toy]]. D-16's original body—with a black, dome-shaped helmet and yellow eyes—references Megatron's [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Marvel Comics appearance]], which in turn was based on concept art for an unproduced prototype version of the original Takara Micro Change figure.
* B-127 is heavily based [[live-action film series]] [[Bumblebee (Movie)|counterpart]]: his helmet design (with its large "cheeks" and movable "antennae") bears a resemblance to his appearance in that film; additionally, his overly-talkative nature is a meta-gag about his "future" self being best known for not being able to speak. While other characters shorten his name to "Bee", he's never once referred to as "Bumblebee"—likewise taking after the ''Bumblebee'' movie, where [[Bumblebee (Movie)|that version of B-127]] only gained the familiar name after landing on [[Earth]]. B-127's battle mask resembles his [[Bumblebee (G1)|Generation 1 counterpart's]] [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#The Transformers|original toy]]; towards the end of the film, he fights with a pair of "knife hands" seemingly based on [[Bumblebee (WFC)|"Aligned" Bumblebee]]'s melee weapons in the ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)|War for Cybertron]]'' video game.
* In general, Elita-1 doesn't draw upon as many specific references as her co-stars, although her purplish-pink color scheme and motorcycle [[alternate mode]] may be a reference to the [[Elita-One (Movie)|live-action incarnation of the character]]. Notably, of the four main protagonists, Elita's the only one who ''doesn't'' have an alternate alias—especially odd given that her "[[Elita One (G1)|"Generation 1" counterpart]] originally went by "Ariel" in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''The Transformers'']] episode "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]".
* Sentinel Prime is based on [[Sentinel Zeta Prime]], former leader of Cybertron in the [[Aligned continuity family|"Aligned" continuity]]. Like that version of the character, this take on Sentinel Prime is explicitly a "false" Prime who never carried the Matrix of Leadership, and a puppet ruler who was appointed to the position by the Quintessons. Design-wise, this take on Sentinel combines his "Aligned" counterpart's blue and gold color scheme with the cape-like wing arrangement and double-sided blade from [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|''Dark of the Moon'' Sentinel Prime]], while his battle mode is loosely inspired by Sentinel's [[Apex Armor (G1)|Apex Armor]] from [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|Megatron Origin]]'' comic. He also has details from his [[Sentinel Prime (G1)#Titans Return|''Titans Return'' toy]] and his [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|''Animated'' counterpart]]'s glorious chin.
* Primus's design seen in the hologram Orion plays invokes his ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' appearance, even using a simplified version of [[Primus#Cybertron|his toy]]'s transformation scheme, but with the origins of his [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]] counterpart. The color scheme is drawn from his [[:File:WarWithinPrimus.jpg|Dreamwave look]].
*The [[Thirteen]], referred to only as the Primes in the film, are based on their Aligned counterparts for their backstory and designs. Vector, Solus, Alchemist, and Nexus Prime also draw from their ''[[:File:VectorPrime dvd.jpg|Cybertron]]'', ''[[:File:TheCitizen IaconusCitizens.jpg|Cyberverse]]'', ''[[:File:SolusPrime-PowerofthePrimes.jpg|Prime Wars Trilogy]]'', and ''[[:File:NexusPrimeflankedbyotherPrimes.jpg|Timelines]]'' designs, respectively. Megatronus Prime also has the [[Void Scepter]] from his ''Revenge of the Fallen'' design and a similar face to [[Tarn (G1)|Tarn]]. Megatronus's face becoming the in-universe inspiration for the Decepticon symbol reflects the real life story of [[Soundwave (G1)|G1 Soundwave]]'s face inspiring the iconic symbol.
*The mysterious [[Thirteenth Prime]] is replaced with Zeta Prime, who also takes [[Prima]]'s role as leader and Matrix-bearer, though Prima himself is still present.
* Many contemporary works of pre-war ''Transformers'' fiction have established that pre-war Cybertronians organized themselves under a job-based [[Functionism|caste system]], with miners and other manual laborers occupying the lowest ranks of Transformer society. ''One'' features a very simplified version of this hierarchy, where Cybertronians without transformation cogs are an oppressed underclass while other Transformers receive additional rights and job opportunities.
* With the exception of D-16—whose origins as a low-ranking miner date back to IDW's ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|Megatron Origin]]''—all of the other miners shown in the film go on to join the Autobots, while the forerunners of the Decepticons are depicted as ex-members of the elite [[High Guard]]. This specific class divide dates back to the ''The Transformers'' episode "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]" and, to a lesser extent, "War Dawn", which explained the war between the Autobots and Decepticons as an entrenched conflict between civilian laborers and military robots.
* The film's main theme, "Resting Place of the Primes", and "The Fall" includes a leitmotif from the main theme of ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'', which was also composed by Brian Tyler.
* "The Fall" also plays a motif lifted from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'s'' "[[Death of Optimus Prime]]" in a different key. More specifically, the motif is from when [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] flatlines and dies. Fitting, as "The Fall" plays when Orion Pax is dropped into Cybertron's core and Optimus Prime is born.
* When discussing their min-1ing ability, Elita says Orion "[doesn't] have the touch or the power," a reference to the [[The Touch|beloved song]] from ''The Transformers: The Movie.''
* The Iacon 5000 derives from the Marvel UK ''The Transformers'' [[Source:Darn 'n' Blast#Issue 326|issue 326's "Darn 'n' Blast" letter page]]. Many of the racers in the Iacon 5000 are characters from G1 and ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'', with their colors and vehicle modes next to their names on the leaderboard, though they do not correspond to specific models except for the miners, Darkwing, and Chromia.
** Racers based on their G1 counterparts include [[Mirage (One)|Mirage]], [[Clampdown (One)|Clampdown]], [[Silverbolt (One)|Silverbolt]], "[[Deadend (One)|Deadend]]", [[Slingshot (One)|Slingshot]], [[Cliffjumper (One)|Cliffjumper]], [[Dragstrip (One)|Dragstrip]], [[Swerve (One)|Swerve]], [[Powerglide (One)|Powerglide]], [[Jetstorm (One)|Jetstorm]], [[Windblade (One)|Windblade]], [[Afterburner (One)|Afterburner]], [[Blurr (One)|Blurr]], [[Fireflight (One)|Fireflight]], [[Cordon (One)|Cordon]], [[Breakdown (One)|Breakdown]], [[Swindle (One)|Swindle]], [[Tailgate (One)|Tailgate]], [[Lightspeed (One)|Lightspeed]], "[[Spinout (One)|Spinout]]", [[Greasepit (One)|Greasepit]], [[Scattershot (One)|Scattorshot]], [[Inferno (One)|Inferno]], [[Motormaster (One)|Motormaster]], and "[[Hotrod (One)|Hotrod]]".
** Racers based on their G2 counterparts include [[Blowout (One)|Blowout]], [[High Beam (One)|High Beam]], [[Double Clutch (One)|Double Clutch]], [[Meanstreak (One)|Meanstreak]], [[Motormouth (One)|Motormouth]], [[Speedstream (One)|Speedstream]], "[[Roadrocket (One)|Roadrocket]]", [[Jolt (One)|Jolt]], and [[Staxx (One)|Staxx]].
** [[Override (One)|Override]] and [[Tankor (One)|Tankor]] are based on their ''[[Override (Cybertron)|Cybertron]]'' and ''[[Tankor (BM)|Beast Machines]]'' counterparts, respectively.
**Racers that are only named through dialogue are [[Tailwind (One)|Tailwind]], [[Strafe (One)|Strafe]] (spelled "Streak" in one version of the English subtitles), [[Skyfire (One)|Skyfire]], and original characters [[Thunderglide]] and [[Behemoth]]. Phew!
* Elita-1 calls Orion, D-16 and B-127 a bunch of [[GoBots]].
* The notion of the Matrix of Leadership actively rejecting an "unworthy" candidate and disintegrating was a plot point in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)| Revenge of the Fallen]]''. When Orion Pax ''does'' find the Matrix, it is hidden in the planet's core, evoking the climax of the ''War for Cybertron'' games.
* Megatron is the 'bot who shoots Orion and leaves him on the brink of death until he is resurrected as Optimus Prime in what is likely a reference to the ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' episode "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]". However, the specific framing of the scene—in which Megatron shoots Orion and drops him into the depths of the planet, only for him to find the Matrix and return as Optimus—is, however coincidentially, nearly identical to the events of [[Transformation (issue)|issue #9]] of ''Autocracy''.
* Alpha Trion's alternate mode being a leonine beast with a unicorn-esque horn is a direct homage to his [[Alpha Trion (G1)#Titans Return|''Titans Return'' toy]], itself based on his [[Alpha Trion (G1)#toys|cancelled 2001 toy]].
* The throne Starscream sits on is loosely based on the crown his [[Starscream (G1)|Generation 1 counterpart]] wore during his coronation in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.<ref>[https://youtu.be/fo7EwIlSNAs?si=8y1UWHCLv46WKzE7&t=190 Brian Tyree Henry & Josh Cooley Dissect The Evolution Of Megatron | Transformers One Behind The Shot]</ref>
* Starscream has a normal-sounding voice when he first appears, but after D-16 crushes his [[voice box]] during their duel, his voice becomes shriller and scratchier in the style of [[Chris Latta]]'s portrayal of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original G1 cartoon]].
* Soundwave orders the High Guard to "[[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|eject]]" when descending on Sentinel's tower.
* During the battle in Sentinel Prime's tower, Orion leaps into the air and shoots one of the Death Trackers, with his midair pose homaging Optimus Prime's famous midair shooting pose from ''The Transformers: The Movie''.
* Orion Pax jumps on top of Megatron's vehicle mode and rips off his tank barrel during their climactic duel, seemingly referencing the moment in ''The Transformers: The Movie'' where [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] does the same to [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]].
* In the second post-credits scene, Megatron brands the Decepticon insignia onto his troops much like his [[Megatron (Animated)|''Animated'' counterpart]] did in "[[A Bridge Too Close, Part I]]". Megatron also orders the Decepticons to "[[Roll out#Transformers_Animated|rise up]]", quoting his ''Animated'' counterpart who originated the phrase "transform and rise up" in "[[Megatron Rising - Part 2]]".
* Starscream's newly applied insignias are upside-down on his wings, just like his G1 cartoon version.
* While the newly christened Decepticons fire into the sky, the glow of the laser beams shines on Megatron's insignia in a way that homages the metallic effect of the original cartoon's Decepticon [[scene transition]].
* Sentinel Prime's Death Trackers take heavy inspiration from ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'''s [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s, in both their design and their role as generic enemy troopers.
* Megatron disposes of Sentinel Prime in the same manner that his [[Megatron (Movie)|live-action counterpart]] killed [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]]—by bisecting the bot with his bare hands. Similarly, this is also how the [[Rainmaker]]s disposed of Sentinel in the [[2019 IDW continuity]].
* The Matrix of Leadership causing Energon to flow and 'killing' the planet when lost calls back to the [[AllSpark]].
* The fatal wounds Orion Pax sustained from D-16 before his descent into Cybertron's core strongly resemble the wounds Optimus Prime sustained at the end of Generation 1 episode, [[Dark Awakening (episode)|Dark Awakening]]
* When both Orion Pax and Sentinel Prime die, [[aggressive depigmentation|their bodies turn grey]]. Of course, Orion doesn't stay long as he's no stranger to [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|dying]] nor coming back to life in a more powerful form.
* In the film's final scene, the newly-cogged [[Ironhide (One)|Ironhide]] grows a segmented chest that resembles his appearance in ''Bumblebee'', Arcee uses the pink visor that she used in both [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original cartoon]] and ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (film)|Rise of the Beasts]]'', and Jazz obtains a silver paintjob based on his appearance in the 2007 ''[[Transformers (film)|Transformers]]'' movie.

==Real-life references==
* One of B-127's "friends" is named A-A-Tron. [https://youtu.be/WLAq3JVJ6Ho?si=pCUM9jk-soMFoVH-&t=165 Just don't mention the Glee club around him...]

==Errors==
* One of the cogless miners in the opening mine scene is clearly meant to be [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], with a black crest, red pelvis, and red pips on his shoulders. However, a later scene in Iacon's medical center has a voice on the intercom paging a "Medic Ratchet".
* Starscream's voice box no longer seems damaged during the final battle scene

==Music==
A score album,''[[Transformers One (Music from the Motion Picture)]]'', features the original music by composer [[Brian Tyler]] and was released concurrently with the film. It notably repurposes a leitmotif from his work on [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Transformers: Prime'']] into this film's main theme. The composer, under his electronic side project "Are We Dreaming", also produced the end credits song, "If I Fall", featuring rappers [[W:Quavo|Quavo]] (of Migos fame) and [[W:Ty Dolla $Sign|Ty Dolla $ign]].

==Development timeline==
[[File:Transformers-One-Teaser-Poster.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''There can be miracles when you believe Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill Who knows what miracles you can achieve When you believe, somehow you will You will when you believe'']]
* March 27, 2015 — As part of the development of ''[[Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|Transformers: The Last Knight]]'', [[Paramount Pictures]] negotiates with [[Akiva Goldsman]], hiring him to create a "writer's room" to build a cinematic universe.<ref name="goldsman">[https://deadline.com/2015/03/transformers-akiva-goldsman-paramount-sequels-spinoffs-1201400027/ Paramount Enlisting Akiva Goldsman To Ramp Up 'Transformers' Output] on deadline.com</ref> Among the writers hired are ''Ant-Man and the Wasp'' scribes [[Andrew Barrer]] and [[Gabriel Ferrari]], who pitch the concept of an animated ''Transformers'' prequel set in the [[Live-action film series|live-action series universe]].<ref name="barrerferrari">[https://deadline.com/2015/05/transformers-ant-man-andrew-barrer-gabriel-ferrari-cybertron-1201433402/ 'Ant-Man' Scribes Andrew Barrer & Gabriel Ferrari Join 'Transformers' Writers Room] on Deadline</ref>
* December 20, 2018 — Following the release of ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]'', [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]] hints in an interview that the animated prequel is still in the works.<ref>[https://www.metro.us/will-there-be-a-bumblebee-2-whats-the-future-for-the-transformers-universe-heres-what-its-producer-told-us/ Lorenzo di Bonaventura interview for Metro USA]</ref>
* April 29, 2020 — Director [[Josh Cooley]] (''Toy Story 4'') is reported to have been brought into the project to oversee a final draft, which is said to be "separate and apart" from the live-action films.<ref name="cooleyreveal" />
* May 18, 2021 — [[Allspark Pictures]] President [[Greg Mooradian]] credits the animated ''Transformers'' film on his Linkedin page with a 2023 release.<ref>[https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-mooradian-4a5062200/ Greg Mooradian's Linkedin:] "TRANSFORMERS (Animated Feature), with Oscar-winner Josh Cooley directing (2023 release)"</ref>
* May 24, 2021 — Hasbro CEO [[Brian Goldner]] confirms the animated feature is in development, and will be released at some point after ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (film)|Transformers: Rise of the Beasts]]''.<ref>[https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/05/24/tfw2005-coverage-of-49th-j-p-morgan-conference-434088 TFW2005 Coverage Of 49th J.P. Morgan Conference]</ref>
* January 21, 2022 — Paramount announces an untitled animated Transformers movie will be released on July 19, 2024.<ref>[https://collider.com/new-transformers-animated-movie-release-date/ Collider: New 'Transformers' Animated Movie Release Date Set For 2024]</ref>
* April 20, 2023 — di Bonaventura reveals that the entire film takes place on Cybertron, and the setting explores how they begin to question the hierarchy of how their society has gotten stratified, and how the common man doesn't have the voice that they want to have.<ref name=collider2023>[https://collider.com/transformers-animated-movie-characters-plot-cybertron-lorenzo-di-bonaventura-comments/ Here’s What the New Animated ‘Transformers’ Movie Is About (Exclusive)]</ref>
* April 21, 2023 — A day after the previous interview, di Bonaventura confirms [[Industrial Light & Magic]]'s involvement as the film's animation studio, bringing the company back to the franchise for the first time since ''Bumblebee''.<ref>[https://collider.com/new-transformers-animated-movie-ilm-lorenzo-di-bonaventura-comments/ The New 'Transformers' Animated Movie Is Partnering With an Industry Giant for the CGI (Exclusive)]/</ref>
* April 27, 2023 — The first members of the film's voice cast are revealed, consisting of [[Chris Hemsworth]] as Optimus Prime, [[Brian Tyree Henry]] as Megatron, [[Scarlett Johansson]] as Elita, [[Keegan-Michael Key]] as Bumblebee, [[Jon Hamm]] as Sentinel Prime, and [[Laurence Fishburne]] as Alpha Trion.<ref>[https://variety.com/2023/film/news/transformers-animated-prequel-chris-hemsworth-scarlett-johansson-1235596692/ ‘Transformers’ Animated Prequel Sets Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and More Voice Cast]</ref>
* May 24, 2023 — Paramount moves the film's release date to September 13, 2024.<ref>[https://deadline.com/2023/05/transformers-one-release-date-pushed-by-paramount-1235379167/ ‘Transformers One’: Paramount Pushes Date For Animated Feature]</ref>
* June 7, 2023 — di Bonaventura teases how the film stands out from previous entries in the franchise, praises Chris Hemsworth's casting as Optimus Prime, and mentions a vocal transition from Hemsworth's voice to [[Peter Cullen]]'s as the character for audiences to witness. [[Steve Desmond]] and [[Michael Sherman]] (''Knock at the Cabin'') were revealed to be additional writers for the film, but where uncredited when the final credit came in.<ref>[https://collider.com/transformers-one-chris-hemsworth-optimus-prime-lorenzo-di-bonaventura-comments/ 'Transformers One' Producer Is Already Hyped for Chris Hemsworth's Optimus Prime]</ref>
* June 15, 2023 — Scarlett Johansson discusses the film's animation and praises Cooley as director.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWqG5mlRxzs Scarlett Johansson Says Transformers One Looks So Cool]</ref> Chris Hemsworth later brings details on voicing Optimus Prime for the film and his reasoning he joined the project through his love of the script. He confirms that he will not use his regular voice for the character.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWrsvSzWHoE Chris Hemsworth's Optimus Prime Sadly Won't Be Australian in Transformers One]</ref>
* July 20, 2023 — di Bonaventura confirms Optimus Prime and Megatron in the film will be depicted under their Orion Pax and D-16 identities.<ref>[https://onetakenews.com/2023/07/20/lorenzo-di-bonaventura-transformers-one/ Lorenzo di Bonaventura Teases Upcoming Film ‘Transformers: One’: “It’s Something I’ve Wanted To Do For A Long Time” (Exclusive)]</ref>
* December 15, 2023 — Keegan-Michael Key mentions his voice for Bumblebee is closer to his regular speaking voice.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLM71B5xmFY Transformers One: Keegan-Michael Key Reveals What Bumblebee Sounds Like in New Animated Film]</ref>
* April 11, 2024 — The cast of the movie previews the trailer and reveals a new logo for the film at Cinemacon 2024, The Hollywood Reporter also confirms [[Steve Buscemi]] has joined the cast.<ref>[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/transformers-one-animated-movie-chris-hemsworth-scarlett-johansson-1235871998/ Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and Brian Tyree Henry Debut Origin Story 'Transformers One' - The Hollywood Reporter]</ref> During the presentation, Hemsworth revealed that Cullen served as a consultant on the getting the voice down.<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-one-news-film-is-testing-very-well-and-peter-cullen-consulted-chris-hemsworth-on-voice/48127/ Transformers One News: Film is Testing Very Well and Peter Cullen Consulted Chris Hemsworth on Voice]</ref>
* April 16, 2024 — Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry announce the date of the film's first trailer being on Thursday, April 18, 2024, as it will be launched into space.<ref>[https://collider.com/transformers-one-trailer-premiered-from-space/ The 'Transformers One' Trailer Will Be Premiered From Space - Collider]</ref>
[[File:TransformersOne-weatherballoon.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''So how do you judge what a man is worth? By what he [[Toy|builds or buys]]? You can never see with your eyes on Earth Look through Heaven's eyes Look at your life. Look at your life Look at your life through Heaven's eyes'']]
* April 18, 2024 — A livestream hosted by Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry follows a small craft launched towards space, with a screen that plays the trailer once it reaches 125,000 feet. The movie's release date has been pushed back by one week, to September 20, reportedly to avoid the release conflicting with that of ''{{w|Beetlejuice Beetlejuice}}''.<ref>[https://deadline.com/2024/04/transformers-one-trailer-release-date-1235889037/ ‘Transformers One’ Launches Trailer In Space, A First For A Movie Studio; Pic Going Later In September]</ref> When asked whether the film is a fresh start, a prequel to the live-action films, or its own thing, Cooley replies "yes to all of the above".<ref>[https://comicbook.com/movies/news/transformers-one-director-confirms-new-movies-canon-status/ Transformers ONE Director Confirms New Movie's Canon Status - ComicBook.com]</ref>
* May 20, 2024 — [[Brian Tyler]] is attached as the film's composer.<ref>[https://filmmusicreporter.com/2024/05/20/brian-tyler-scoring-josh-cooleys-transformers-one/ Brian Tyler Scoring Josh Cooley’s ‘Transformers One’ - Filmmusicreporter.com]</ref>
* June 7, 2024 — Production for the film is revealed to be finished in the following month.<ref>[https://news.tfw2005.com/2024/06/07/work-on-transformers-one-animated-movie-is-set-to-wrap-up-in-july-513038 Work On Transformers: One Animated Movie Is Set To Wrap Up In July - TFW2005]</ref>
* June 10, 2024 — A work-in-progress cut of the film was screened at the {{w|Annecy International Animation Film Festival}} to a standing ovation.<ref>[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/transformers-one-chris-hemsworth-scarlett-johansson-1235918820/ Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson’s ‘Transformers One’ Draws Laughs, Cheers in Its Annecy Debut - Hollywood Reporter]</ref>
* June 18, 2024 — Production designer Jason Scheier confirms animation for the film is finished.<ref>[https://twitter.com/ScheierJason/status/1803227407404638226/ Production Designer Jason Scheier's post on Twitter]</ref>
* June 24, 2024 — Cooley discusses how the film is in the "Old Republic" of Cybertron. D-16's backstory is being changed from being a gladiator champion to an Energon miner who is bunkmates with Orion Pax.<ref>[https://www.indiewire.com/features/animation/transformers-one-star-wars-old-republic-interview-1235017651/ ‘Transformers One’ Director Talks Bringing the Franchise to Its ‘Old Republic’ Era - Indiewire]</ref>
* June 27, 2024 — Sound-mixing for the film is finished, with production finally now complete around three months in advance of release.<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/p/C8vPCEUS3Bs/ @CooleyYourFaceOff - Instagram]</ref>
* July 9, 2024 — A panel for the film has been announced for [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2024 on Thursday, July 25 at 11:45 am PST at Hall H.<ref>[https://deadline.com/2024/07/transformers-one-comic-con-1236004636/ Paramount Animation & Hasbro Entertainment’s ‘Transformers One’ Will Be More Than Meets The Eye At San Diego Comic-Con]</ref>
* July 13, 2024 — Chris Hemsworth, Bryan Tyree Henry, and Keegan-Michael Key reveal a new clip of the main cast transforming for the first time at the Kids' Choice Awards 2024.<ref>[https://twitter.com/transformers/status/1812285185427431646/ Post from the official Transformers account on Twitter]</ref>
* July 23, 2024 — Cooley discusses how ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' influenced ''One''.<ref>[https://ew.com/transformers-one-comic-con-preview-optimus-prime-megatron-origin-story-8676886 Transformers One director reveals how infamous 1986 animated movie influenced new prequel film]</ref> A screening of the finished film was shown at a fan-event at Paramount Studios.<ref>[https://comicbook.com/anime/news/transformers-one-review-first-reactions/ Transformers One First Reactions are Raving Over "Best Transformers Film to Date"]</ref> Hemsworth talks about voicing Optimus Prime in the film and how his depiction stands out.<ref>[https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/transformers-one-chris-hemsworth-optimus-prime-orion-pax/ Chris Hemsworth on Becoming Optimus Prime for Transformers One (Exclusive)]</ref>
* July 24, 2024 — Several new posters are released, along with the announcement of a new trailer the following day at the SDCC panel.<ref>[https://twutter.com/transformers/status/1816111093917573615/ Second trailer announcement on Twitter]</ref>
* July 25, 202.4 — Details at the SDCC panel were revealed, along with the debut of the second trailer and Bucsemi's role announced to be Starscream.<ref>[https://deadline.com/2024/07/transformers-one-chris-hemsworth-comic-con-1236022134/ ‘Transformers One’ Ignites Comic-Con With Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry & Keegan-Michael Key: How Two Best Friends Became Immortal Enemies]</ref> [[Eric Pearson]] was revealed to be an additional writer.<ref>[https://www.awn.com/news/paramount-drops-transformers-one-trailer-2 Paramount Drops ‘Transformers One’ Trailer #2]</ref>
* August 21, 2024 — A new clip of Orion Pax and D-16 competing in the Iacon 5000 race is released on Paramount's YouTube channel.<ref>[https://youtu.be/7o-bGIBZxdc?feature=shared/ TRANSFORMERS ONE Film Clip IACON Race Begins (2024)]</ref>
* August 23, 2024 — Evan Michael Lee is revealed to be voicing Jazz.<ref>[https://twitter.com/Evanmichaellee/status/1826960202920530306/ Evan Michael Lee on Twitter]</ref>
* August 24, 2024 — [[Jon Bailey]], [[Jason Konopisos-Alvarez]], [[Isaac C. Singleton, Jr.]] and [[Vanessa Liguori]] are revealed to be voicing Soundwave, Shockwave, Darkwing and Airachnid respectively, with Bailey reprising his role from ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]''.<ref>[https://punto.com.ph/paramount-pictures-our-crew-rolls-deep-meet-the-voice-cast-behind-the-characters-in-transformers-one-in-cinemas-september-18/ PARAMOUNT PICTURES : OUR CREW ROLLS DEEP: MEET THE VOICE CAST BEHIND THE CHARACTERS IN “TRANSFORMERS ONE,” IN CINEMAS SEPTEMBER 18 on Punzo.com]</ref>
*September 6, 2024 — The film's credits song, '[[If I Fall]]' by [[Quavo]], is released.<ref>[https://youtu.be/M3FCIf0HFnk?si=NB1J3bT9XNPOpKCc/ If I Fall (Music from the Motion Picture Transformers One / Lyric Video)]</ref>
*September 12, 2024 — In an interview, Lorenzo di Bonaventura clarifies that ''One'' doesn't directly connect to the live-action films, and describes them as "two universes" that will be "[kept] separate". However, he notes that ''One'' will likely have an influence on future live-action projects.<ref>[https://comicbook.com/movies/news/is-transformers-one-a-prequel-optimus-prime-origin-story-exclusive/ Is Transformers One a Prequel or Reboot? The Animated Movie's Origin Story Is Both, Director Says]</ref> The film's review embargo is also lifted, and the film debuts with an 89% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-one-critic-reviews-are-out-currently-89-on-rotten-tomatoes/48337/ Transformers One Critic Reviews are Out, Currently 89% on Rotten Tomatoes]</ref>
*September 13, 2024 — The film's main theme is released.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFnuXrOH0fs/ Brian Tyler - Transformers One Theme | Transformers One (Music from the Motion Picture)]</ref>
* September 18, 2024 — An early fan event screening is held, preceded by a seven-minute featurette consisting of interview segments with Hemsworth, Henry, and Key, footage of main cast recording their dialogue, and some [https://twitter.com/damnyouwillis/status/1836584462341054907 hilarious trivia]. Attendees receive one of four exclusive keychains and poster prints featuring Orion Pax, D-16, B-127, or Elita-1.<ref>https://bleedingcool.com/movies/transformers-one-4-new-posters-tickets-go-on-sale-fan-screenings/</ref>
* September 20, 2024 — The first 300 ticket holders at participating theaters receive a poster print of {{w|Shadow the Hedgehog}} to promote the upcoming release of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]''.<ref>https://kotaku.com/sonic-3-shadow-print-transformers-one-theater-showtimes-1851649010</ref>

==Notes==
* Several international releases of the film edit any mention of Bee's "knife hands" to refer to them as "sword hands" instead.
* The credits feature a dedication to former Hasbro CEO [[Brian Goldner]], who passed away in October 2021.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers/One''''' (トランスフォーマー/ONE ''Toransufōmā Wan'')
*''French:'' '''''Transformers : Le Commencement''''' (France, "Transformers: The Beginning"), '''''Transformers : Un''''' (Canada, "Transformers: One")
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng: Qǐyuán''''' (变形金刚：起源, "Transformers: The Beginning")
*''Portuguese:'' '''''Transformers: O Início''''' ("Transformers: The Beginning")
*''Korean:'' '''''Transformer ONE''''' (트랜스포머 ONE ''Teuraenseupomeo ONE'')
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery: Nachalo''''' (Трансформеры: Начало, "Transformers: The Beginning")
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers One''''' (Spain), '''''Transformers : Uno''''' (Latin America, "Transformers: One")

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:One| ]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Transformers One (film)

2024-09-23T23:48:06Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Transformers references */

{{Nav-one}}
{{movie|
|seriess=Transformers One
|prev=
|next=
|title=''Transformers One''
|image=Transformers One New Theatrical Poster.jpg
|caption=The motion picture you are about to see is an adaptation of the [[Transformers: Exodus|Exodus]] story. While artistic and historical license has been taken, we believe that this film is true to the essence, values and integrity of a story that is a cornerstone of faith for [[fandom|millions of people worldwide]].
|production companies=[[Hasbro Entertainment]] [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura|di Bonaventura Pictures]] Bayhem Films [[Paramount Animation]] New Republic Pictures
|distributor=[[Paramount Pictures]]
|executive producer=[[Steven Spielberg]] [[Zev Foreman]] [[Olivier Dumont]] [[Brian Oliver]] [[B.J. Farmer]] [[Matt Quigg]]
|producer=[[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]] [[Tom DeSanto]] [[Don Murphy]] [[Michael Bay]] [[Mark Vahradian]] [[Aaron Dem]]
|story by=[[Andrew Barrer]] [[Gabriel Ferrari]]
|screenplay by=[[Eric Pearson]] Andrew Barrer Gabriel Ferrari
|directed by=[[Josh Cooley]]
|cinematography by=
|edited by=
|music by= [[Brian Tyler]]
|release date=[[September 20]], [[2024]]
|runtime=104 minutes
|budget= $75 million
|box office=
|credits=Transformers One (film)/credits
}}

'''''Transformers One''''' is an animated film released on [[September 20]], [[2024]]. It is written by [[Andrew Barrer]] and [[Gabriel Ferrari]],<ref name="deadlinereveal">[https://deadline.com/2015/09/transformers-writers-room-akiva-goldsman-transformers-5-1201531918/ 'Transformers' Writers Room Wraps] on Deadline</ref> and directed by [[Josh Cooley]].<ref name="cooleyreveal">[https://deadline.com/2020/04/transformers-animated-movie-paramount-hasbro-toy-story-4-director-josh-cooley-1202921100/ Animated 'Transformers' Prequel Activated; 'Toy Story 4's Josh Cooley To Direct For Hasbro/eOne & Paramount]</ref> The movie is an origin story set on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] three billion years ago<ref name="collidercinemacon">[https://collider.com/transformers-one-animated-movie-title/ New ‘Transformers’ Animated Movie Rolls Out a New Title at CinemaCon] on Collider</ref><ref name="screenrantsandiegocomiccon">[https://screenrant.com/transformers-one-timeline-setting-takes-place// When Transformers One Takes Place In The Franchise Timeline] on Screen Rant</ref> in the days before the Autobot-Decepticon war, and focuses on [[Optimus Prime (One)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (One)|Megatron]] as they go from brothers-in-arms to enemies.<ref name="cooleyreveal" />

{{bigquote|The line between friend and enemy is not as clear as I once believed. Once it's crossed, there is no going back. Because some transformations are permanent...|[[Optimus Prime (One)|Optimus Prime]]}}

==Synopsis==
{{spoilers|Transformers One (film)|October 21}}

Long ago, the benevolent [[Primus]] sacrificed his life essence to become [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and created the [[Thirteen|first generation of Transformers]], the [[Prime (rank)|Prime]]s. Through the power of the [[Matrix of Leadership]], [[energon]] flowed freely from the planet's core, and the Primes ruled justly for a time. However, when the [[Quintesson]]s invaded, the Primes were slain and the Matrix of Leadership was lost, leaving only [[Sentinel Prime (One)|Sentinel Prime]] to rule the planet in their absence. Fifty cycles after the war, Cybertronian society now relies on an oppressed underclass of manual laborers born without [[transformation cog]]s, including a caste of miners who physically extract what few veins of usable energon remain from the tunnels beneath the subterranean [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] City, while Sentinel Prime searches for the missing Matrix on the surface of the planet. One impulsive miner named [[Optimus Prime (One)|Orion Pax]] has been searching for information regarding the Matrix, in the hopes that finding the artifact will restore Cybertron to prosperity and allow him and his fellow miners to choose their own path in life. However, his latest break-in into the city archives draws the unwanted attention of two [[Guard (One)|guards]], leading to a chase through the streets until Orion's friend [[Megatron (One)|D-16]] bails him out. On the train to work, Orion, knowing that his friend idolizes the strongest Prime, gifts D-16 an old [[The Fallen|Megatronus Prime]] decal.

In the mines, D-16 and Orion work under the supervision of their captain [[Elita-1 (One)|Elita-1]], using jetpacks and deployable support poles to keep Cybertron's shifting geology stable long enough for them to extract energon. However, [[Wheeljack (One)|Wheeljack]] accidentally hits a vein of unstable energon, and the ensuing explosion traps [[Jazz (One)|Jazz]] under a rockfall. Orion and D-16 defy protocol and use a jetpack to save their coworker, but [[Darkwing (One)|Darkwing]] blames Elita for the disaster and demotes her to waste management duty. That evening, Sentinel Prime returns to Iacon to announce that he still has not found the Matrix; to take the blow off this bad news, Sentinel declares that the prestigious [[Iacon 5000]] race will be held the next day. Orion tries to persuade D-16 to join him in the race, hoping that they can prove to the rest of Cybertron that mining bots deserve respect, but D-16 has no interest in the idea. The next day, Orion leads D-16 to the area behind the race's starting line; while D-16 is initially excited to watch from a perfect vantage point, Orion reveals his true intention as he straps jetpacks to the two just as the race begins. Using their jetpacks and some quick thinking to compensate for their inability to transform, the two briefly manage to take the lead, but ultimately place last after D-16 is injured on the home stretch.

In Iacon's medical center, Sentinel Prime meets with Orion and D-16; impressed with their performance in the race, he offers them a chance to tour the mines and help inspire their comrades to work harder. However, Darkwing arrives before [[Airachnid (One)|Airachnid]] can escort them to Sentinel's private quarters; angered that he nearly lost the race to the pair, he banishes them to the planet's 50th sub-level, where they meet the eccentric [[Bumblebee (One)|B-127]], who has been trapped there for years with only garbage statues for company. The three accidentally discover an old beacon from the Quintesson war inside one of B-127's "friends", still broadcasting a set of coordinates located somewhere on the planet's surface. Orion, B-127, and D-16 decide to investigate, and stow away aboard a surface-bound garbage train. Elita-1 discovers them and attempts to stop them, but is forced to join the quest after she is locked onto the train with them.

After arriving on the planet's surface, narrowly escaping the planet's volatile tectonic movements, and dodging a roaming Quintesson vessel, the four Cybertronians arrive at a hidden cave where the ancient Primes made their final stand against the Quintessons. Although the Matrix is nowhere to be found, Orion discovers that [[Alpha Trion (One)|Alpha Trion]]'s spark still pulses, and uses an [[energon cube]] to revive him. The four attempt to bring Trion up to speed on recent events, but their mention of "Sentinel Prime" causes Trion to reveal the terrible truth: Sentinel is an imposter, a traitorous aide who led the Primes into a Quintesson ambush and killed them—however, when Sentinel tried to claim the Matrix, the artifact judged him unworthy and disappeared. To appease his new masters, Sentinel has deliberately stolen transformation cogs from newly-created Transformers to keep them producing energon in the mines; at Trion's urging, the four emerge from the cave to witness Sentinel pledging servitude to the [[Quintesson High Commander]] and learn the city's garbage trains are really transporting Cybertron's dwindling energon supplies to Quintesson ships, leaving barely enough for the people of Cybertron. These revelations leaves D-16 shattered, but Alpha Trion decides to give the team hope by gifting them the transformation cogs of his fallen comrades and a recording of Sentinel's treachery. When Sentinel's [[Death Tracker]]s arrive, Alpha Trion holds them off long enough for Orion and the others to escape using their new [[alternate mode]]s, even though his sacrifice ends in his capture and subsequent execution at Sentinel's hand.

[[File:TFoneStarscreamSoundwaveShockwaveInterrogation.jpg|right|thumb|300px|You're playing with the big boys now!]]
Using the incriminating information encoded on a crystalline vessel, Orion and the team plan to return to Iacon and use the evidence to expose Sentinel as a traitor, although D-16's desire to kill Sentinel unnerves Orion. Before they can make it back to the city, however, they are captured by former members of Cybertron's [[High Guard]], who have been fighting a guerrilla war against the Quintessons ever since the fall of the Primes. D-16 gives in to his growing rage and takes control of the High Guard after besting their leader [[Starscream (One)|Starscream]] in single combat, but Sentinel's forces discover their secret base; in the ensuing battle, D-16, B-127, Starscream, and many members of the High Guard are taken prisoner, and the recording is destroyed. Orion despairs, believing their quest to be hopeless now, but Elita encourages him to fight on, and they gain the support of the remaining members of the Guard. At Sentinel's tower, D-16 discovers that Sentinel took Megatronus's transformation cog when he killed him; when D-16 refuses to kneel, Sentinel humiliates his prisoner by carving a crude copy of Megatronus's symbol into D-16's chest.

[[File:One-Megs-Prime-face-to-face.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Goodbye, brother.]]

Upon returning to Iacon City, Orion rallies the miners to join forces with the High Guard and rebel against Sentinel's regime, while Elita and the High Guard commandeer a train and fly it into Sentinel's tower. Once freed, a furious D-16 attempts to kill Sentinel, but is unable to do so before Orion, Elita, and B-127 broadcast incriminating recordings from Airachnid’s memories to reveal Sentinel’s misdeeds to the people of Iacon, leading to a city-wide uprising. Although D-16 insists that Sentinel must die for his crimes, Orion tries to convince his friend that they can be better than their enemies; their argument ends with D-16 accidentally shooting Orion when he leaps in the path of his [[fusion cannon]]. Although momentarily horrified by his actions, D-16 ultimately decides that he's done saving his former friend and lets Orion plummet into Cybertron's core. As Orion falls, D-16—insistent that there will be no more Primes—rips Sentinel in half, seizes his transformation cog, and declares himself "Megatron" before leading the High Guard to ransack what's left of the city.

Meanwhile, the mortally wounded Orion falls through the planetary strata until he finally reaches Cybertron's core. There, he encounters the spirits of the Primes, who announce that Primus has deemed him worthy to carry the Matrix of Leadership. Reborn as "Optimus Prime", Optimus returns to the surface in time to stop Megatron from killing B-127 and Elita. Optimus ultimately triumphs in their fight, and reluctantly banishes Megatron and his new allies to the wilderness. With the return of the Matrix of Leadership, Cybertron is restored to life; the former miners receive transformation cogs and become fully autonomous "[[Autobot]]s” who vow to defend Cybertron from any future Quintesson incursions. However, the Quintessons are not the only looming threat—in the shadows, Megatron and his followers rechristen themselves the "[[Decepticon]]s" and swear revenge.

{{--}}

==Cast==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=Miners
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (One)|Orion Pax / Optimus Prime]] ([[Chris Hemsworth]])
*[[Megatron (One)|D-16 / Megatron]] ([[Brian Tyree Henry]])
*[[Elita-1 (One)|Elita-1]] ([[Scarlett Johansson]])
*[[Bumblebee (One)|B-127]] ([[Keegan-Michael Key]])
*[[Jazz (One)|Jazz]] ([[Evan Michael Lee]])
*[[Arcee (One)|Arcee]] ([[Jinny Chung]])
*[[Bluestreak (One)|Bluestreak]]
*[[Brawn (One)|Brawn]]


*[[Hound (One)|Hound]]
*[[Huffer (One)|Huffer]]
*[[Ironhide (One)|Ironhide]]<ref group=note name="uncredited">Denotes a character, or unidentified members of a group, who speaks, but has no credited voice actor. The performance was likely done by an ADR voice cast member.</ref>


*[[Mirage (One)|Mirage]]

*[[Prowl (One)|Prowl]]<ref group=note name="uncredited"/>
*[[Ratchet (One)|Ratchet]]
*[[Red Alert (One)|Red Alert]]
*[[Sideswipe (One)|Sideswipe]]<ref group=note name="uncredited"/>
*[[Sunstreaker (One)|Sunstreaker]]
*[[Wheeljack (One)|Wheeljack]]<ref group=note name="uncredited"/>
*[[Windcharger (One)|Windcharger]]

|h2=[[High Guard]]
|c2=
*[[Starscream (One)|Starscream]] ([[Steve Buscemi]])
*[[Soundwave (One)|Soundwave]] ([[Jon Bailey]])
*[[Shockwave (One)|Shockwave]] ([[Jason Konopisos-Alvarez]])
*[[Skywarp (One)|Skywarp]] (Josh Cooley)
*[[Thundercracker (One)|Thundercracker]]
*[[Dirge (One)|Dirge]]
*[[Ramjet (One)|Ramjet]]
*[[Thrust (One)|Thrust]]
*[[Slipstream (One)|Slipstream]]

|h3=[[Thirteen|Primes]]
|c3=
*[[Alpha Trion (One)|Alpha Trion]] ([[Laurence Fishburne]])
*[[Zeta Prime (One)|Zeta Prime]] ([[James Remar]])
*[[The Fallen|Megatronus Prime]]
*[[Alchemist Prime]]
*[[Amalgamous Prime]]
*[[Liege Maximo]]
*[[Micronus Prime]]
*[[Nexus Prime]]
*[[Onyx Prime]]
*[[Quintus Prime]]
*[[Solus Prime]]
*[[Vector Prime]]
*[[Prima]]

|c4=
*[[Sentinel Prime (One)|Sentinel Prime]] ([[Jon Hamm]])
*[[Airachnid (One)|Airachnid]] ([[Vanessa Liguori]])
*[[Quintesson High Commander]]
*[[Quintesson]]s
*[[Primus]]
*[[Death Tracker]]s<ref group=note name="uncredited"/>
*[[Guard (One)|Guards]] ([[Steve Blum]], Jason Konopisos-Alvarez)
*[[Announcer Bot]] (Steve Blum)

'''Racers'''
*[[Darkwing (One)|Darkwing]] ([[Isaac C. Singleton, Jr.]])
*[[Chromia (One)|Chromia]] (Jinny Chung)
*[[Injured Racer]] ([[Dillon Bryan]])

|nonumbering=true
}}
<references group=note/>

==Quotes==
"Are you ''crazy?!''" 
"Sure feels like it!"
:—'''D-16''' and '''Orion Pax''' summing up their initial relationship.

"Uh, why is he gagged?" 
"He wouldn't stop talking." 
"Even when he was unconscious?" 
"''ESPECIALLY'' WHEN HE WAS UNCONSCIOUS!" 
:—'''Elita-1''' asks '''Shockwave''' about B-127's restraints.

'''Soundwave''': "What is our first move?" 
'''Orion Pax''': ''(quietly and intensely)'' "We roll out." 
'''Skywarp''': "...what?!" 
'''Elita-1''': ''(quietly)'' "Louder!" 
'''Orion Pax''': "TRANSFORM AND ROLL OUT!"
:—Orion realizes that dramatic one-liners aren't that dramatic if no one can hear them.

"What defines a Transformer is not the cog in its chest but the spark that resides in their core... a spark that gives you the will to make your world better, and that is something Sentinel can ''never'' take from us. If we want to be in control of our own destiny, we will have to fight for it. Now is the time for us to stand up. For ourselves. Stand up for this injustice! I promise you, this fight will be worth it. Follow me; nothing can stop us when we stand together! Together as '''one!'''"
:—'''Orion Pax''' delivers his first heroic speech.

"It's over, Sentinel! You can't escape the truth!" 
"What truth? That I plucked the cogs from your newborn chests? Forced you to mine so I could pay off the Quintessons and live like a king? None of that matters! Because the truth... is ''What. I. Make it!"
:—'''Orion Pax''' learns '''Sentinel Prime''' won't go down without a fight.

"I'm ''done'' saving you."
:—<s>D-16</s> '''Megatron''' lets his ''former'' friend fall.

"Impossible... Primus gave ''you'' the Matrix?" 
"We could have built the future ''together!"'' 
"I'll build it myself, after I tear down everyone '''''IN MY WAY!'''''"
:-'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Prime''' set the stage for eons of conflict to come.

"We were given the power to change our world, and you chose to destroy it. Just like Sentinel. You have betrayed Cybertron and its citizens, and you betrayed... ''me.'' Go. Take the High Guard, and leave. You are... banished from Iacon. It didn't have to end this way." 
"This isn't over, ''Prime.''"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Megatron''' share one final exchange.

"This is the greatest day of my life... I get to work for the ''government''!"
:—'''B-127''' knows a good benefits package when he sees one.

"And now we stand here together as one, proving we all have the the power to transform; to become who we were destined to be; to right wrongs; to make our world better. Because here, freedom and autonomy are the right of all sentient beings. Here, all are truly ''Autobots''. This message is a warning to all Quintessons: If you dare return to Cybertron, the Autobots will be waiting. ''I'' will be waiting. I am... ''Optimus Prime''."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' gives his first dramatic ending monologue...

"Sentinel the betrayer is dead. But his death has given life to a new enemy...a stronger enemy... a ''personal'' enemy. We will not be blinded by his deception! We are the ones who are... '''DECEPTICONS! ''RISE UP!'''''"
:—...and '''Megatron''' gives the coming darkness its new name.

==Continuity notes==
The movie that would ultimately become ''Transformers One'' entered preliminary development in early 2015, when the project was first pitched as part of a writer's room that would lay out a number of sequels, prequels, and spinoff films that would turn the ongoing [[live-action film series|slate of live-action movies]] into a proper "cinematic universe", an attempt to cash in on the then-meteoric hype of the {{w|Marvel Cinematic Universe}}. Like pretty much all the other "cinematic universes" pitched at around this time, this ambitious vision was not to be: following the box-office bomb that was ''[[Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|The Last Knight]]'', most of these projects were shelved, while others were heavily reworked—perhaps most infamously, ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]'' was reworked into a film that contradicted with the character's [[World War II]] flashbacks in ''The Last Knight'', shifting the film into a more ambiguous timeframe with regards to the other five live-action films.

It appears that a similar conceptual drift occurred over the course of ''Transformers One'''s production. When the film entered full production in mid-2020, ''One'' was said to be "separate and apart" from the ongoing live-action films, though at the time just how distinct the film would be from its predecessors remained a mystery. <ref name="cooleyreveal" /> When later asked if the film was a prequel to the live-action films, a reboot, or its own universe, director Josh Cooley answered "yes" to all of the above. <ref>[https://comicbook.com/movies/news/transformers-one-director-confirms-new-movies-canon-status/ Transformers ONE Director Confirms New Movie's Canon Status - ComicBook.com]</ref> While a few details and visual nods—such as Bumblebee's original name of "B-127"—referenced the live-action films, the film otherwise draws heavily upon the mythology first laid down in the [[Aligned continuity family|"Aligned" continuity family]], particularly in its depiction of Orion Pax and D-16 as former allies fighting against a corrupt Cybertronian government.

As the film's release date drew closer, multiple comments from the film's creatives indicated that the filmmakers viewed the movie as something entirely separate from the ongoing live-action films. In July, Josh Cooley stated that the film was set in a "new Transformers continuity" <ref>{{citesocial|quote= "Hey little nerd in my profile picture, what if I told you someday you'll create a new Transformers continuity, that begins earlier than anything you've seen on the Transformers lore timeline, with the greatest crew and cast ever assembled?"|link= https://x.com/CooleyUrFaceOff/status/1817235351095894510?t=Oju3b9v53cYIHlH4MLEsXg |name=Josh Cooley|site=Twitter|year=2024|month=7|day=27}}</ref>; in another interview from a week before release, di Bonaventura ultimately admitted that ''One'' didn't fit into the chronology of the live-action films, and described ''One'' and the live-action films as "two universes" that would be "[kept] separate". <ref>[https://comicbook.com/movies/news/is-transformers-one-a-prequel-optimus-prime-origin-story-exclusive/ Is Transformers One a Prequel or Reboot? The Animated Movie's Origin Story Is Both, Director Says]</ref> These statements were ultimately borne out by the movie itself, which featured multiple plot points that are pretty much irreconcilable with the live-action films—early on, the film establishes that [[The Fallen|Megatronus]] is long dead, negating his appearance in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''; additionally, the movie ends with the newly christened Megatron killing Sentinel Prime, leaving no wiggle room for the events of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'' to occur. As a result, the wiki has opted to treat the ''One'' franchise and any potential sequels as a new [[continuity family]], entirely separate from the ongoing live-action films.

==Transformers references==
* As with pretty much every major ''Transformers'' project since 2010, ''Transformers One'' is the latest interpretation of the modernized ''Transformers'' backstory that originated with [[Binder of Revelation|Hasbro's internal design documents]] and was first laid down in ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]''—the story of [[Primus]], the [[Thirteen|thirteen original Transformers]], and the origins of Optimus Prime and Megatron as former friends who fought against inequality on pre-war Cybertron until Megatron's extremism drove them apart. Notably, this version of the story portrays both Orion and Megatron as [[energon]] miners on the bottom of Cybertron's caste system—most other interpretations have instead depicted Orion as a somewhat higher-ranking data clerk. While other tellings of the story have Orion advocating for non-violent social change, this take on the origin ends with Orion Pax working alongside the future Decepticons to directly overthrow the reigning Prime, evoking [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s ''[[The Transformers: Autocracy|Autocracy]]'' miniseries.
* Optimus Prime's original identity of "Orion Pax" is a name taken from the ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' episode "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]". Notably, the cartoon's version of Orion Pax was also a manual laborer, although the film does seemingly pay homage to Orion Pax's other famous job by having him sneak into the Cybertronian Archives at the very beginning of the film.
* The 'bot who will one day be known as "Megatron" initially goes by the name "D-16", a moniker lifted from ''Exodus'' and itself based on the [[TakaraTomy]] ID number of the [[Megatron (G1)/toys#The Transformers|original G1 Megatron toy]]. D-16's original body—with a black, dome-shaped helmet and yellow eyes—references Megatron's [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Marvel Comics appearance]], which in turn was based on concept art for an unproduced prototype version of the original Takara Micro Change figure.
* B-127 is heavily based [[live-action film series]] [[Bumblebee (Movie)|counterpart]]: his helmet design (with its large "cheeks" and movable "antennae") bears a resemblance to his appearance in that film; additionally, his overly-talkative nature is a meta-gag about his "future" self being best known for not being able to speak. While other characters shorten his name to "Bee", he's never once referred to as "Bumblebee"—likewise taking after the ''Bumblebee'' movie, where [[Bumblebee (Movie)|that version of B-127]] only gained the familiar name after landing on [[Earth]]. B-127's battle mask resembles his [[Bumblebee (G1)|Generation 1 counterpart's]] [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#The Transformers|original toy]]; towards the end of the film, he fights with a pair of "knife hands" seemingly based on [[Bumblebee (WFC)|"Aligned" Bumblebee]]'s melee weapons in the ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)|War for Cybertron]]'' video game.
* In general, Elita-1 doesn't draw upon as many specific references as her co-stars, although her purplish-pink color scheme and motorcycle [[alternate mode]] may be a reference to the [[Elita-One (Movie)|live-action incarnation of the character]]. Notably, of the four main protagonists, Elita's the only one who ''doesn't'' have an alternate alias—especially odd given that her "[[Elita One (G1)|"Generation 1" counterpart]] originally went by "Ariel" in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''The Transformers'']] episode "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]".
* Sentinel Prime is based on [[Sentinel Zeta Prime]], former leader of Cybertron in the [[Aligned continuity family|"Aligned" continuity]]. Like that version of the character, this take on Sentinel Prime is explicitly a "false" Prime who never carried the Matrix of Leadership, and a puppet ruler who was appointed to the position by the Quintessons. Design-wise, this take on Sentinel combines his "Aligned" counterpart's blue and gold color scheme with the cape-like wing arrangement and double-sided blade from [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|''Dark of the Moon'' Sentinel Prime]], while his battle mode is loosely inspired by Sentinel's [[Apex Armor (G1)|Apex Armor]] from [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|Megatron Origin]]'' comic. He also has details from his [[Sentinel Prime (G1)#Titans Return|''Titans Return'' toy]] and his [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|''Animated'' counterpart]]'s glorious chin.
* Primus's design seen in the hologram Orion plays invokes his ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' appearance, even using a simplified version of [[Primus#Cybertron|his toy]]'s transformation scheme, but with the origins of his [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]] counterpart. The color scheme is drawn from his [[:File:WarWithinPrimus.jpg|Dreamwave look]].
*The [[Thirteen]], referred to only as the Primes in the film, are based on their Aligned counterparts for their backstory and designs. Vector, Solus, Alchemist, and Nexus Prime also draw from their ''[[:File:VectorPrime dvd.jpg|Cybertron]]'', ''[[:File:TheCitizen IaconusCitizens.jpg|Cyberverse]]'', ''[[:File:SolusPrime-PowerofthePrimes.jpg|Prime Wars Trilogy]]'', and ''[[:File:NexusPrimeflankedbyotherPrimes.jpg|Timelines]]'' designs, respectively. Megatronus Prime also has the [[Void Scepter]] from his ''Revenge of the Fallen'' design and a similar face to [[Tarn (G1)|Tarn]]. Megatronus's face becoming the in-universe inspiration for the Decepticon symbol reflects the real life story of [[Soundwave (G1)|G1 Soundwave]]'s face inspiring the iconic symbol.
*The mysterious [[Thirteenth Prime]] is replaced with Zeta Prime, who also takes [[Prima]]'s role as leader and Matrix-bearer, though Prima himself is still present.
* Many contemporary works of pre-war ''Transformers'' fiction have established that pre-war Cybertronians organized themselves under a job-based [[Functionism|caste system]], with miners and other manual laborers occupying the lowest ranks of Transformer society. ''One'' features a very simplified version of this hierarchy, where Cybertronians without transformation cogs are an oppressed underclass while other Transformers receive additional rights and job opportunities.
* With the exception of D-16—whose origins as a low-ranking miner date back to IDW's ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|Megatron Origin]]''—all of the other miners shown in the film go on to join the Autobots, while the forerunners of the Decepticons are depicted as ex-members of the elite [[High Guard]]. This specific class divide dates back to the ''The Transformers'' episode "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]" and, to a lesser extent, "War Dawn", which explained the war between the Autobots and Decepticons as an entrenched conflict between civilian laborers and military robots.
* The film's main theme, "Resting Place of the Primes", and "The Fall" includes a leitmotif from the main theme of ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'', which was also composed by Brian Tyler.
* "The Fall" also plays a motif lifted from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'s'' "[[Death of Optimus Prime]]" in a different key. More specifically, the motif is from when [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] flatlines and dies. Fitting, as "The Fall" plays when Orion Pax is dropped into Cybertron's core and Optimus Prime is born.
* When discussing their min-1ing ability, Elita says Orion "[doesn't] have the touch or the power," a reference to the [[The Touch|beloved song]] from ''The Transformers: The Movie.''
* The Iacon 5000 derives from the Marvel UK ''The Transformers'' [[Source:Darn 'n' Blast#Issue 326|issue 326's "Darn 'n' Blast" letter page]]. Many of the racers in the Iacon 5000 are characters from G1 and ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'', with their colors and vehicle modes next to their names on the leaderboard, though they do not correspond to specific models except for the miners, Darkwing, and Chromia.
** Racers based on their G1 counterparts include [[Mirage (One)|Mirage]], [[Clampdown (One)|Clampdown]], [[Silverbolt (One)|Silverbolt]], "[[Deadend (One)|Deadend]]", [[Slingshot (One)|Slingshot]], [[Cliffjumper (One)|Cliffjumper]], [[Dragstrip (One)|Dragstrip]], [[Swerve (One)|Swerve]], [[Powerglide (One)|Powerglide]], [[Jetstorm (One)|Jetstorm]], [[Windblade (One)|Windblade]], [[Afterburner (One)|Afterburner]], [[Blurr (One)|Blurr]], [[Fireflight (One)|Fireflight]], [[Cordon (One)|Cordon]], [[Breakdown (One)|Breakdown]], [[Swindle (One)|Swindle]], [[Tailgate (One)|Tailgate]], [[Lightspeed (One)|Lightspeed]], "[[Spinout (One)|Spinout]]", [[Greasepit (One)|Greasepit]], [[Scattershot (One)|Scattorshot]], [[Inferno (One)|Inferno]], [[Motormaster (One)|Motormaster]], and "[[Hotrod (One)|Hotrod]]".
** Racers based on their G2 counterparts include [[Blowout (One)|Blowout]], [[High Beam (One)|High Beam]], [[Double Clutch (One)|Double Clutch]], [[Meanstreak (One)|Meanstreak]], [[Motormouth (One)|Motormouth]], [[Speedstream (One)|Speedstream]], "[[Roadrocket (One)|Roadrocket]]", [[Jolt (One)|Jolt]], and [[Staxx (One)|Staxx]].
** [[Override (One)|Override]] and [[Tankor (One)|Tankor]] are based on their ''[[Override (Cybertron)|Cybertron]]'' and ''[[Tankor (BM)|Beast Machines]]'' counterparts, respectively.
**Racers that are only named through dialogue are [[Tailwind (One)|Tailwind]], [[Strafe (One)|Strafe]] (spelled "Streak" in one version of the English subtitles), [[Skyfire (One)|Skyfire]], and original characters [[Thunderglide]] and [[Behemoth]]. Phew!
* Elita-1 calls Orion, D-16 and B-127 a bunch of [[GoBots]].
* The notion of the Matrix of Leadership actively rejecting an "unworthy" candidate and disintegrating was a plot point in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)| Revenge of the Fallen]]''. When Orion Pax ''does'' find the Matrix, it is hidden in the planet's core, evoking the climax of the ''War for Cybertron'' games.
* Megatron is the 'bot who shoots Orion and leaves him on the brink of death until he is resurrected as Optimus Prime in what is likely a reference to the ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' episode "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]". However, the specific framing of the scene—in which Megatron shoots Orion and drops him into the depths of the planet, only for him to find the Matrix and return as Optimus—is, however coincidentially, nearly identical to the events of [[Transformation (issue)|issue #9]] of ''Autocracy''.
* Alpha Trion's alternate mode being a leonine beast with a unicorn-esque horn is a direct homage to his [[Alpha Trion (G1)#Titans Return|''Titans Return'' toy]], itself based on his [[Alpha Trion (G1)#toys|cancelled 2001 toy]].
* The throne Starscream sits on is loosely based on the crown his [[Starscream (G1)|Generation 1 counterpart]] wore during his coronation in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.<ref>[https://youtu.be/fo7EwIlSNAs?si=8y1UWHCLv46WKzE7&t=190 Brian Tyree Henry & Josh Cooley Dissect The Evolution Of Megatron | Transformers One Behind The Shot]</ref>
* Starscream has a normal-sounding voice when he first appears, but after D-16 crushes his [[voice box]] during their duel, his voice becomes shriller and scratchier in the style of [[Chris Latta]]'s portrayal of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original G1 cartoon]].
* Soundwave orders the High Guard to "[[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|eject]]" when descending on Sentinel's tower.
* During the battle in Sentinel Prime's tower, Orion leaps into the air and shoots one of the Death Trackers, with his midair pose homaging Optimus Prime's famous midair shooting pose from ''The Transformers: The Movie''.
* Orion Pax jumps on top of Megatron's vehicle mode and rips off his tank barrel during their climactic duel, seemingly referencing the moment in ''The Transformers: The Movie'' where [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] does the same to [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]].
* In the second post-credits scene, Megatron brands the Decepticon insignia onto his troops much like his [[Megatron (Animated)|''Animated'' counterpart]] did in "[[A Bridge Too Close, Part I]]". Megatron also orders the Decepticons to "[[Roll out#Transformers_Animated|rise up]]", quoting his ''Animated'' counterpart who originated the phrase "transform and rise up" in "[[Megatron Rising - Part 2]]".
* Starscream's newly applied insignias are upside-down on his wings, just like his G1 cartoon version.
* While the newly christened Decepticons fire into the sky, the glow of the laser beams shines on Megatron's insignia in a way that homages the metallic effect of the original cartoon's Decepticon [[scene transition]].
* Sentinel Prime's Death Trackers take heavy inspiration from ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'''s [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s, in both their design and their role as generic enemy troopers.
* Megatron disposes of Sentinel Prime in the same manner that his [[Megatron (Movie)|live-action counterpart]] killed [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]]—by bisecting the bot with his bare hands. Similarly, this is also how the [[Rainmaker]]s disposed of Sentinel in the [[2019 IDW continuity]].
* The Matrix of Leadership causing Energon to flow and 'killing' the planet when lost calls back to the [[AllSpark]].
* The fatal wounds Orion Pax sustained from D-16 before his descent into Cybertron's core strongly resemble the wounds Optimus Prime sustained at the end of Generation 1 episode, [[Dark Awakening (episode)|Dark Awakening]]
* When both Orion Pax and Sentinel Prime die, [[aggressive depigmentation|their bodies turn grey]]. Of course, Orion doesn't stay long as he's no stranger to [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|dying]] nor coming back to life in a more powerful form.
* In the film's final scene, the newly-cogged [[Ironhide (One)|Ironhide]] grows a segmented chest that resembles his appearance in ''Bumblebee'', Arcee uses the pink visor that she used in both [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original cartoon]] and ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (film)|Rise of the Beasts]]'', and Jazz obtains a silver paintjob based on his appearance in the 2007 ''[[Transformers (film)|Transformers]]'' movie.

==Real-life references==
* One of B-127's "friends" is named A-A-Tron. [https://youtu.be/WLAq3JVJ6Ho?si=pCUM9jk-soMFoVH-&t=165 Just don't mention the Glee club around him...]

==Errors==
* One of the cogless miners in the opening mine scene is clearly meant to be [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], with a black crest, red pelvis, and red pips on his shoulders. However, a later scene in Iacon's medical center has a voice on the intercom paging a "Medic Ratchet".

==Music==
A score album,''[[Transformers One (Music from the Motion Picture)]]'', features the original music by composer [[Brian Tyler]] and was released concurrently with the film. It notably repurposes a leitmotif from his work on [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Transformers: Prime'']] into this film's main theme. The composer, under his electronic side project "Are We Dreaming", also produced the end credits song, "If I Fall", featuring rappers [[W:Quavo|Quavo]] (of Migos fame) and [[W:Ty Dolla $Sign|Ty Dolla $ign]].

==Development timeline==
[[File:Transformers-One-Teaser-Poster.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''There can be miracles when you believe Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill Who knows what miracles you can achieve When you believe, somehow you will You will when you believe'']]
* March 27, 2015 — As part of the development of ''[[Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|Transformers: The Last Knight]]'', [[Paramount Pictures]] negotiates with [[Akiva Goldsman]], hiring him to create a "writer's room" to build a cinematic universe.<ref name="goldsman">[https://deadline.com/2015/03/transformers-akiva-goldsman-paramount-sequels-spinoffs-1201400027/ Paramount Enlisting Akiva Goldsman To Ramp Up 'Transformers' Output] on deadline.com</ref> Among the writers hired are ''Ant-Man and the Wasp'' scribes [[Andrew Barrer]] and [[Gabriel Ferrari]], who pitch the concept of an animated ''Transformers'' prequel set in the [[Live-action film series|live-action series universe]].<ref name="barrerferrari">[https://deadline.com/2015/05/transformers-ant-man-andrew-barrer-gabriel-ferrari-cybertron-1201433402/ 'Ant-Man' Scribes Andrew Barrer & Gabriel Ferrari Join 'Transformers' Writers Room] on Deadline</ref>
* December 20, 2018 — Following the release of ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]'', [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]] hints in an interview that the animated prequel is still in the works.<ref>[https://www.metro.us/will-there-be-a-bumblebee-2-whats-the-future-for-the-transformers-universe-heres-what-its-producer-told-us/ Lorenzo di Bonaventura interview for Metro USA]</ref>
* April 29, 2020 — Director [[Josh Cooley]] (''Toy Story 4'') is reported to have been brought into the project to oversee a final draft, which is said to be "separate and apart" from the live-action films.<ref name="cooleyreveal" />
* May 18, 2021 — [[Allspark Pictures]] President [[Greg Mooradian]] credits the animated ''Transformers'' film on his Linkedin page with a 2023 release.<ref>[https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-mooradian-4a5062200/ Greg Mooradian's Linkedin:] "TRANSFORMERS (Animated Feature), with Oscar-winner Josh Cooley directing (2023 release)"</ref>
* May 24, 2021 — Hasbro CEO [[Brian Goldner]] confirms the animated feature is in development, and will be released at some point after ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (film)|Transformers: Rise of the Beasts]]''.<ref>[https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/05/24/tfw2005-coverage-of-49th-j-p-morgan-conference-434088 TFW2005 Coverage Of 49th J.P. Morgan Conference]</ref>
* January 21, 2022 — Paramount announces an untitled animated Transformers movie will be released on July 19, 2024.<ref>[https://collider.com/new-transformers-animated-movie-release-date/ Collider: New 'Transformers' Animated Movie Release Date Set For 2024]</ref>
* April 20, 2023 — di Bonaventura reveals that the entire film takes place on Cybertron, and the setting explores how they begin to question the hierarchy of how their society has gotten stratified, and how the common man doesn't have the voice that they want to have.<ref name=collider2023>[https://collider.com/transformers-animated-movie-characters-plot-cybertron-lorenzo-di-bonaventura-comments/ Here’s What the New Animated ‘Transformers’ Movie Is About (Exclusive)]</ref>
* April 21, 2023 — A day after the previous interview, di Bonaventura confirms [[Industrial Light & Magic]]'s involvement as the film's animation studio, bringing the company back to the franchise for the first time since ''Bumblebee''.<ref>[https://collider.com/new-transformers-animated-movie-ilm-lorenzo-di-bonaventura-comments/ The New 'Transformers' Animated Movie Is Partnering With an Industry Giant for the CGI (Exclusive)]/</ref>
* April 27, 2023 — The first members of the film's voice cast are revealed, consisting of [[Chris Hemsworth]] as Optimus Prime, [[Brian Tyree Henry]] as Megatron, [[Scarlett Johansson]] as Elita, [[Keegan-Michael Key]] as Bumblebee, [[Jon Hamm]] as Sentinel Prime, and [[Laurence Fishburne]] as Alpha Trion.<ref>[https://variety.com/2023/film/news/transformers-animated-prequel-chris-hemsworth-scarlett-johansson-1235596692/ ‘Transformers’ Animated Prequel Sets Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and More Voice Cast]</ref>
* May 24, 2023 — Paramount moves the film's release date to September 13, 2024.<ref>[https://deadline.com/2023/05/transformers-one-release-date-pushed-by-paramount-1235379167/ ‘Transformers One’: Paramount Pushes Date For Animated Feature]</ref>
* June 7, 2023 — di Bonaventura teases how the film stands out from previous entries in the franchise, praises Chris Hemsworth's casting as Optimus Prime, and mentions a vocal transition from Hemsworth's voice to [[Peter Cullen]]'s as the character for audiences to witness. [[Steve Desmond]] and [[Michael Sherman]] (''Knock at the Cabin'') were revealed to be additional writers for the film, but where uncredited when the final credit came in.<ref>[https://collider.com/transformers-one-chris-hemsworth-optimus-prime-lorenzo-di-bonaventura-comments/ 'Transformers One' Producer Is Already Hyped for Chris Hemsworth's Optimus Prime]</ref>
* June 15, 2023 — Scarlett Johansson discusses the film's animation and praises Cooley as director.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWqG5mlRxzs Scarlett Johansson Says Transformers One Looks So Cool]</ref> Chris Hemsworth later brings details on voicing Optimus Prime for the film and his reasoning he joined the project through his love of the script. He confirms that he will not use his regular voice for the character.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWrsvSzWHoE Chris Hemsworth's Optimus Prime Sadly Won't Be Australian in Transformers One]</ref>
* July 20, 2023 — di Bonaventura confirms Optimus Prime and Megatron in the film will be depicted under their Orion Pax and D-16 identities.<ref>[https://onetakenews.com/2023/07/20/lorenzo-di-bonaventura-transformers-one/ Lorenzo di Bonaventura Teases Upcoming Film ‘Transformers: One’: “It’s Something I’ve Wanted To Do For A Long Time” (Exclusive)]</ref>
* December 15, 2023 — Keegan-Michael Key mentions his voice for Bumblebee is closer to his regular speaking voice.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLM71B5xmFY Transformers One: Keegan-Michael Key Reveals What Bumblebee Sounds Like in New Animated Film]</ref>
* April 11, 2024 — The cast of the movie previews the trailer and reveals a new logo for the film at Cinemacon 2024, The Hollywood Reporter also confirms [[Steve Buscemi]] has joined the cast.<ref>[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/transformers-one-animated-movie-chris-hemsworth-scarlett-johansson-1235871998/ Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and Brian Tyree Henry Debut Origin Story 'Transformers One' - The Hollywood Reporter]</ref> During the presentation, Hemsworth revealed that Cullen served as a consultant on the getting the voice down.<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-one-news-film-is-testing-very-well-and-peter-cullen-consulted-chris-hemsworth-on-voice/48127/ Transformers One News: Film is Testing Very Well and Peter Cullen Consulted Chris Hemsworth on Voice]</ref>
* April 16, 2024 — Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry announce the date of the film's first trailer being on Thursday, April 18, 2024, as it will be launched into space.<ref>[https://collider.com/transformers-one-trailer-premiered-from-space/ The 'Transformers One' Trailer Will Be Premiered From Space - Collider]</ref>
[[File:TransformersOne-weatherballoon.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''So how do you judge what a man is worth? By what he [[Toy|builds or buys]]? You can never see with your eyes on Earth Look through Heaven's eyes Look at your life. Look at your life Look at your life through Heaven's eyes'']]
* April 18, 2024 — A livestream hosted by Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry follows a small craft launched towards space, with a screen that plays the trailer once it reaches 125,000 feet. The movie's release date has been pushed back by one week, to September 20, reportedly to avoid the release conflicting with that of ''{{w|Beetlejuice Beetlejuice}}''.<ref>[https://deadline.com/2024/04/transformers-one-trailer-release-date-1235889037/ ‘Transformers One’ Launches Trailer In Space, A First For A Movie Studio; Pic Going Later In September]</ref> When asked whether the film is a fresh start, a prequel to the live-action films, or its own thing, Cooley replies "yes to all of the above".<ref>[https://comicbook.com/movies/news/transformers-one-director-confirms-new-movies-canon-status/ Transformers ONE Director Confirms New Movie's Canon Status - ComicBook.com]</ref>
* May 20, 2024 — [[Brian Tyler]] is attached as the film's composer.<ref>[https://filmmusicreporter.com/2024/05/20/brian-tyler-scoring-josh-cooleys-transformers-one/ Brian Tyler Scoring Josh Cooley’s ‘Transformers One’ - Filmmusicreporter.com]</ref>
* June 7, 2024 — Production for the film is revealed to be finished in the following month.<ref>[https://news.tfw2005.com/2024/06/07/work-on-transformers-one-animated-movie-is-set-to-wrap-up-in-july-513038 Work On Transformers: One Animated Movie Is Set To Wrap Up In July - TFW2005]</ref>
* June 10, 2024 — A work-in-progress cut of the film was screened at the {{w|Annecy International Animation Film Festival}} to a standing ovation.<ref>[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/transformers-one-chris-hemsworth-scarlett-johansson-1235918820/ Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson’s ‘Transformers One’ Draws Laughs, Cheers in Its Annecy Debut - Hollywood Reporter]</ref>
* June 18, 2024 — Production designer Jason Scheier confirms animation for the film is finished.<ref>[https://twitter.com/ScheierJason/status/1803227407404638226/ Production Designer Jason Scheier's post on Twitter]</ref>
* June 24, 2024 — Cooley discusses how the film is in the "Old Republic" of Cybertron. D-16's backstory is being changed from being a gladiator champion to an Energon miner who is bunkmates with Orion Pax.<ref>[https://www.indiewire.com/features/animation/transformers-one-star-wars-old-republic-interview-1235017651/ ‘Transformers One’ Director Talks Bringing the Franchise to Its ‘Old Republic’ Era - Indiewire]</ref>
* June 27, 2024 — Sound-mixing for the film is finished, with production finally now complete around three months in advance of release.<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/p/C8vPCEUS3Bs/ @CooleyYourFaceOff - Instagram]</ref>
* July 9, 2024 — A panel for the film has been announced for [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2024 on Thursday, July 25 at 11:45 am PST at Hall H.<ref>[https://deadline.com/2024/07/transformers-one-comic-con-1236004636/ Paramount Animation & Hasbro Entertainment’s ‘Transformers One’ Will Be More Than Meets The Eye At San Diego Comic-Con]</ref>
* July 13, 2024 — Chris Hemsworth, Bryan Tyree Henry, and Keegan-Michael Key reveal a new clip of the main cast transforming for the first time at the Kids' Choice Awards 2024.<ref>[https://twitter.com/transformers/status/1812285185427431646/ Post from the official Transformers account on Twitter]</ref>
* July 23, 2024 — Cooley discusses how ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' influenced ''One''.<ref>[https://ew.com/transformers-one-comic-con-preview-optimus-prime-megatron-origin-story-8676886 Transformers One director reveals how infamous 1986 animated movie influenced new prequel film]</ref> A screening of the finished film was shown at a fan-event at Paramount Studios.<ref>[https://comicbook.com/anime/news/transformers-one-review-first-reactions/ Transformers One First Reactions are Raving Over "Best Transformers Film to Date"]</ref> Hemsworth talks about voicing Optimus Prime in the film and how his depiction stands out.<ref>[https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/transformers-one-chris-hemsworth-optimus-prime-orion-pax/ Chris Hemsworth on Becoming Optimus Prime for Transformers One (Exclusive)]</ref>
* July 24, 2024 — Several new posters are released, along with the announcement of a new trailer the following day at the SDCC panel.<ref>[https://twutter.com/transformers/status/1816111093917573615/ Second trailer announcement on Twitter]</ref>
* July 25, 202.4 — Details at the SDCC panel were revealed, along with the debut of the second trailer and Bucsemi's role announced to be Starscream.<ref>[https://deadline.com/2024/07/transformers-one-chris-hemsworth-comic-con-1236022134/ ‘Transformers One’ Ignites Comic-Con With Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry & Keegan-Michael Key: How Two Best Friends Became Immortal Enemies]</ref> [[Eric Pearson]] was revealed to be an additional writer.<ref>[https://www.awn.com/news/paramount-drops-transformers-one-trailer-2 Paramount Drops ‘Transformers One’ Trailer #2]</ref>
* August 21, 2024 — A new clip of Orion Pax and D-16 competing in the Iacon 5000 race is released on Paramount's YouTube channel.<ref>[https://youtu.be/7o-bGIBZxdc?feature=shared/ TRANSFORMERS ONE Film Clip IACON Race Begins (2024)]</ref>
* August 23, 2024 — Evan Michael Lee is revealed to be voicing Jazz.<ref>[https://twitter.com/Evanmichaellee/status/1826960202920530306/ Evan Michael Lee on Twitter]</ref>
* August 24, 2024 — [[Jon Bailey]], [[Jason Konopisos-Alvarez]], [[Isaac C. Singleton, Jr.]] and [[Vanessa Liguori]] are revealed to be voicing Soundwave, Shockwave, Darkwing and Airachnid respectively, with Bailey reprising his role from ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]''.<ref>[https://punto.com.ph/paramount-pictures-our-crew-rolls-deep-meet-the-voice-cast-behind-the-characters-in-transformers-one-in-cinemas-september-18/ PARAMOUNT PICTURES : OUR CREW ROLLS DEEP: MEET THE VOICE CAST BEHIND THE CHARACTERS IN “TRANSFORMERS ONE,” IN CINEMAS SEPTEMBER 18 on Punzo.com]</ref>
*September 6, 2024 — The film's credits song, '[[If I Fall]]' by [[Quavo]], is released.<ref>[https://youtu.be/M3FCIf0HFnk?si=NB1J3bT9XNPOpKCc/ If I Fall (Music from the Motion Picture Transformers One / Lyric Video)]</ref>
*September 12, 2024 — In an interview, Lorenzo di Bonaventura clarifies that ''One'' doesn't directly connect to the live-action films, and describes them as "two universes" that will be "[kept] separate". However, he notes that ''One'' will likely have an influence on future live-action projects.<ref>[https://comicbook.com/movies/news/is-transformers-one-a-prequel-optimus-prime-origin-story-exclusive/ Is Transformers One a Prequel or Reboot? The Animated Movie's Origin Story Is Both, Director Says]</ref> The film's review embargo is also lifted, and the film debuts with an 89% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-one-critic-reviews-are-out-currently-89-on-rotten-tomatoes/48337/ Transformers One Critic Reviews are Out, Currently 89% on Rotten Tomatoes]</ref>
*September 13, 2024 — The film's main theme is released.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFnuXrOH0fs/ Brian Tyler - Transformers One Theme | Transformers One (Music from the Motion Picture)]</ref>
* September 18, 2024 — An early fan event screening is held, preceded by a seven-minute featurette consisting of interview segments with Hemsworth, Henry, and Key, footage of main cast recording their dialogue, and some [https://twitter.com/damnyouwillis/status/1836584462341054907 hilarious trivia]. Attendees receive one of four exclusive keychains and poster prints featuring Orion Pax, D-16, B-127, or Elita-1.<ref>https://bleedingcool.com/movies/transformers-one-4-new-posters-tickets-go-on-sale-fan-screenings/</ref>
* September 20, 2024 — The first 300 ticket holders at participating theaters receive a poster print of {{w|Shadow the Hedgehog}} to promote the upcoming release of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]''.<ref>https://kotaku.com/sonic-3-shadow-print-transformers-one-theater-showtimes-1851649010</ref>

==Notes==
* Several international releases of the film edit any mention of Bee's "knife hands" to refer to them as "sword hands" instead.
* The credits feature a dedication to former Hasbro CEO [[Brian Goldner]], who passed away in October 2021.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers/One''''' (トランスフォーマー/ONE ''Toransufōmā Wan'')
*''French:'' '''''Transformers : Le Commencement''''' (France, "Transformers: The Beginning"), '''''Transformers : Un''''' (Canada, "Transformers: One")
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng: Qǐyuán''''' (变形金刚：起源, "Transformers: The Beginning")
*''Portuguese:'' '''''Transformers: O Início''''' ("Transformers: The Beginning")
*''Korean:'' '''''Transformer ONE''''' (트랜스포머 ONE ''Teuraenseupomeo ONE'')
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery: Nachalo''''' (Трансформеры: Начало, "Transformers: The Beginning")
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers One''''' (Spain), '''''Transformers : Uno''''' (Latin America, "Transformers: One")

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:One| ]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Ice

2024-07-24T16:54:02Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Quotes */

{{disambig2|the ''Cybertron'' episode|H2O|Water}}
{{episode
|series=Cybertron
|ep=19
|series2=Galaxy Force
|ep2=20
|title="Ice"
|japanese=オーロラの彼方の死闘
|romaji=Aurora no Karata no Shitō
|translation=Deadly Battle at the Edge of the Aurora
|image=Cyb_ep19_suzuki_and_scattorshot.jpg
|caption="OK, now my hand's frozen to your finger."
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Aichi]], [[We've]], [[Tōkyū Agency]]
|writer=[[Gyō Yamatoya]]
|director=[[Atsushi Nakayama]]
|animation studio=[[GONZO]], Radix
|airdate=[[May 21]], [[2005]] (Japanese) [[October 13]], 2005 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy cartoon timeline|Unicron Trilogy cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''On a mission to the North Pole, the kids once again encounter Lucy Suzuki and the truth about the Autobots comes out.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Cyb ep19 parkas.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|Explain to us the teachings of keeping our hoods on indoors, ''sensei''.]]

The insertion of the [[Velocitron]] [[Cyber Planet Key]] of the [[Omega Lock]] has caused atmospheric disturbances on [[Earth]], centred on the [[Arctic]]. While [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Vector Prime]] and [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]] head back to [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Jungle Planet]], the rest of the [[Autobot]]s, along with the kids and the [[Mini-Con]]s head to the Arctic to search for the source of the trouble. Partway into the journey, the kids realize they'll need some heavy winter clothes, and stop at a shop in Fairbanks, [[Alaska]] to buy some. There, they cross paths with [[Bud Hansen|Bud]] and [[Lori Jiménez|Lori]]'s old acquaintance Professor [[Lucy Suzuki]], who buys them some parkas, and then gives them a lift, telling them about her beliefs in the Hollow Earth theory, aliens, and how they may both be connected to the disturbances. [[Coby Hansen|Coby]] does not trust the scientist, but, unfazed by crazy ol' Lucy's bonkers ramblings, Lori asks her what she would do if she met an alien. After a tense moment that everyone feels, Lucy replies that she'd simply welcome the alien to Earth. Convinced of her good intentions, Lori asks if they can accompany her on her investigation, and she agrees.

On Jungle Planet, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]] observe the arrival of Optimus Prime and his team through a [[dimension gate]] and dispatch [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] and [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] to confront them. The two goons are no match for the power of Savage Claw Mode, however, and are quickly taken out by Optimus Prime and Leobreaker.

[[File:Cyb ep19 scattorshotcicle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|He's looking to join the club of [[Jetfire (G1)|frozen]] [[Megatron (Movie)|mechs]].]]

As night falls, Lucy and the kids stop at a natural hot spring, where Lucy complains about her close-minded scientific colleagues and commends Lori for her and the boys' readiness to believe the unreal. Coby remains unconvinced of Lucy's trustworthiness, and when the group reaches their destination the next day, confers with Lori on the possibility of telling Lucy about the Autobots. Lori ignores Coby's warnings, claiming that "women's intuition" tells her she's a good egg, and she spills the whole story to the professor. The scientist's shock is quickly replaced with elation, as she believes every word of their story, and finally understands how all the strange artifacts and truths she has discovered in her research fit in. Thrilled as the group is, their elation is cut short by a literal bolt from the blue, as [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Mudflap (Cybertron)|Mudflap]] blow up Lucy's humvee and come swooping in to force information on the Autobots' activities out of the kids. [[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] comes to their rescue, drawing the Decepticons' attention and disarming Mudflap, but Starscream takes advantage of the environment by tossing a sphere at Scattorshot that explodes and douses him with water. The soaked Autobot suddenly finds his gears freezing solid in the sub-zero temperatures, leaving him wide open to a pummeling from the Decepticons. Luckily forgotten, the humans, with a little help from the Mini-Cons, are able to take control of Mudflap's dropped blaster and point it into the sky, firing it like a flare to draw the other Autobots in. Vastly outnumbered, Starscream calls a retreat.

In the aftermath of the battle, the beaming Lucy Suzuki extends her hand and welcomes Scattorshot to planet Earth. Scattorshot is happy to meet their new human ally, but worries what Jetfire will think!

And, across the galaxy, Optimus Prime's team continues their trek through the wilds of Jungle Planet...

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (1)
*[[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] (2)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (6)
*[[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] (7)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (8)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (9)
*[[Vector Prime]] (10)
*[[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]] (11)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (12)
*[[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] (13)
*[[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]] (14)
*[[Six-Speed (Cybertron)|Six-Speed]] (15)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (17)
*[[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]] (18)
*[[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] (19)
*[[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] (20)
*[[Mudflap (Cybertron)|Mudflap]] (21)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (22)

|c3=
*[[Bud Hansen]] (3)
*[[Coby Hansen]] (4)
*[[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] (5)
*[[Lucy Suzuki]] (16)
}}

==Quotes==
"I feel my gears freezin' already!" 
"Look on the bright side, maybe there'll be a battle and you'll catch on fire."
:—'''Scattorshot''' complains, and '''Jetfire''' has some... interesting words of encouragement.

"Those brats are here somewhere...." 
"But why did you shoot the truck?" 
"They're the kids the Autobots have taken on like mascots." 
"Ohhh, I get it! You thought the truck was an Autobot!" 
"Forget the stupid truck!!" 
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Mudflap''' have different priorities

"Silence, lady! ''STOP BORING ME!''"
:—'''Starscream''' sums up the audience on Suzuki's Hollow Earth theory

"What are we going to do, Starscream?" 
"I am going to act like a true leader!" 
"What?" 
"I'm going to make a ''tactical retreat''!" 
:—'''Mudflap''' finds out from '''Starscream''' that [[Starscream (G1)|nothing ever really changes]].

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Galaxy Force''===
*''Galaxy Force'' includes a "previously on" segment recapping the final moments of the previous episode.
*In ''Galaxy Force'', Landmine suspects that the source of the disturbances may be a Cyber Planet Key. In ''Cybertron'', he's just eager to get going.
*''Cybertron'' inserts (pretty awkwardly, all told) a line or two from Lucy Suzuki about the kids' parents' paying her back for their parkas and giving their permission for them to go with her. This would just appear to be a case of the English dub trying to be "responsible", 'cause in ''Galaxy Force'', she doesn't bring up parents at all. After all, it's really, ''really'' unlikely the kids' parents would be okay with any of this, just as it's unlikely the kids would let Lucy contact them to tell them. Nonetheless, ''Cybertron'' ploughs ahead with this unfeasible scenario, claiming that the parents do indeed say it's okay! ''Riiiight''.
*In the same scene, though, ''Cybertron'' fixes a little error in ''Galaxy Force'', namely: if Lori's got her credit card, why do the kids need Lucy to buy them parkas? To explain this, ''Cybertron'' has Lori remark with disbelief that the store won't take credit.
*In ''Galaxy Force'', Suzuki lists off the scientists "[[Bernard]], [[Symmes]] and [[Gardner]]". ''Cybertron'' replaces Bernard with "[[Dewey]]". Hardly earth-shattering, but see "real-life references", below.
*In ''Galaxy Force'', Lucy actually doesn't seem to believe as much of the Hollow Earth theory as she appears to in ''Cybertron''. The thing is, in ''Galaxy Force'', she doesn't actually ''explain'' what the connection between the theory and atmospheric disturbances is, so ''Cybertron'' adds a lot of dialogue (wiffle balls, distorting the rotation of Earth, etc.) in order to clearly draw the connection, but in the process, makes it seem that Lucy believes a lot more of the theory than ''Galaxy Force'' indicated she did.
*In ''Galaxy Force'', Mudflap is asking if the Autobots are around the kids and Starscream says they're not. In ''Cybertron'', the dubbers decide to have fun and have Mudflap flag up that blowing up the truck made ''no sense''.
*Once again, ''Cybertron'' adds drawn-out babbling narration where ''Galaxy Force'' has none. This time the transformation stock footage is clean, but the full length launch-from-base stock footage is entirely chatted through by various characters explaining details about the Earth's magnetic poles, the aurora borealis, sun flares, and blah blah blah. Take that, stock footage!

===Continuity errors===
[[File:Cyb ep19 mudflaps new guns.jpg|thumb|"Lose them, you're paying for them." *loses them* "Slaggit..."]]
*While Lucy may be smart enough to wear a heavy parka while in the frozen wastes of the Arctic, she doesn't think to put on a pair of freakin' slacks to cover her bare legs.
*In one of the show's occasional moments of culture-clash, the Japanese production staff forget that Lori, Coby and Bud, three kids from Colorado who aren't Asian, really shouldn't be ''bowing'' to express their thanks to Lucy.
*Mudflap is carrying two guns (see right) that have never been seen before, purely because the plot demands that he have a weapon he can drop.
*Rather than use his Cyber Key Power, or fire either of the giant honking missiles he's always carting around, or wield the gun that came with his toy, Scattorshot... shoots a bolt of energy [[Transformers: Go-Bots (franchise)|from his wrist]]?

===Continuity notes===
*Bud and Lori met Lucy Suzuki back in "[[Race]]".

===Transformers references===
*In ''Galaxy Force'', Bud refers to Suzuki as a collector of "[[O-Part]]s". He's using the actual real-world archaeological term, rather than making a direct reference to the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' franchise]], but, eh, close enough!
*Scattorshot drops the famous slogan of the ''Transformers'' brand when he tells Starscream: "You know there's more to me than meets the eye!"

===Real-world references===
[[File:Cyb ep19 hollow earth.jpg|thumb|Makes you wonder if they ever thought whether the Earth would either implode or explode due to a sun in the center.]]

*The {{w|Hollow Earth}} theory (Lucy's vision of which is pictured at right) is a real classical school of thought. The scientists that Suzuki lists off are all real life individuals associated with the idea: {{w|John Cleves Symmes Jr.}} (most famous 19th century proponent of the idea), Marshall Blutcher Gardner (author of the [[1913]] book ''A Journey to the Earth's Interior'') and Raymond Bernard (author of [[1964]]'s ''The Hollow Earth'', actually a pseudonym of Dr. {{w|Walter Siegmeister}}). The scientist that ''Cybertron'' adds to the list, "Dewey", does not appear to be a real individual.
*"I think I can, I think I can," Crumplezone chants in vain as he tackles Savage Claw Mode Optimus Prime, the iconic quote from ''[[The Little Engine That Could]]''.
*Starscream's line, "Careful with that ice!", might be a reference to the 1968 instrumental song "{{w|Careful with That Axe, Eugene}}" by {{w|Pink Floyd}}.

===Trivia===
*''Galaxy Force'' debuts its third [[Title sequence#Title sequence .233 3|opening sequence]] with this episode.
*For the first time in ''Cybertron'', Jungle Planet is referred to with the alternate name of "Beast Planet". Henceforth, the show will alternate back and forth between using these names right up until the end of the series.
*[[Ryan Hirakida]] returns to voice Bud, having been absent since "[[Hero (episode)|Hero]]".

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Galaxy Force'' — Vol. 05 ([[Victor Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Cybertron episodes]]

Haven

2024-07-19T22:51:27Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Animation or technical errors */

{{episode
|series=Cybertron
|ep=2
|series2=Transformers: Galaxy Force
|ep2=3
|prev2=Inferno (episode)
|title="Haven"
|japanese=秘密基地を守れ!
|romaji=Himitsu Kichi o Mamore!
|translation=Protect the Secret Base!
|image=Cyb ep3 base hologram.jpg
|caption=
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Aichi]], [[We've]], [[Tōkyū Agency]]
|writer=[[Gyō Yamatoya]]
|director=[[Masashi Nagao]]
|animation studio=[[GONZO]], Azeta Pictures
|airdate=[[January 22]], [[2005]] (Japanese) [[September 20]], 2005 (English)
|continuity=
}}
'''Can the Autobots finish protecting their base before the Decepticons discover it?'''

==Synopsis==

[[File:Cyb ep3 construction.jpg|left|thumb|''{{w|Home Improvement (TV series)|Home Improvement}}'' has NOTHING on these guys.]]

With the [[Autobot]]s needing to establish a base on [[Earth]], [[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] offers up a chunk of canyon that her father was going to use for a housing development, but is currently going unused. [[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] gives the site a technical appraising and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] approves the location. The Autobots begin going over the blueprints for the base, but Lori is loudly unimpressed by the cold, inefficient layout, and quickly redesigns the whole shebang. The Autobots don't really see the difference, but they all agree with her, rather than bring on her infamous wrath. As the Autobots begin blasting out the canyon wall to begin construction, Vector Prime returns his attention to the [[Atlantis Pattern]] and the search for the [[Omega Lock]], prompting the three kids to clutch their ears and demand he knock off the racket. Vector Prime realizes that they are hearing the trans-sonic signal given off by the Omega Lock, while the Transformers are unable to detect, and that the three humans are going to be even more important than he realized.

In the [[fire dimension]], [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] urges [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] to forget the Autobots and initiate the search for the [[Cyber Planet Key]]s. Megatron, however, is concerned that the Autobots are up to something on Earth, and is determined to find out what.

[[File:Cyb ep3 overhaul stealthbeam.jpg|225px|thumb|That's mine... that's mine... oh, that's mine...]]

Back on Earth, the Autobots have hollowed out the canyon walls and initiated building work. [[Coby Hansen|Coby]] is drafted in to help set up the computer systems when he impresses [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] with his intuitive knowledge of machines, while [[Bud Hansen|Bud]] proposes the installation of a catapult to launch the flying Autobots into action at high speeds. While the boys are busy being hands-on, Lori ropes [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]] into helping her feng shui the base, and everyone's combined efforts gets the base successfully finished before sundown. Unfortunately, as soon as the base systems are brought online, alarms begin blaring as the approach of Megatron and Starscream through Earth's atmosphere is detected. With the [[stealth beam coating]] that will protect the base from external detection incomplete, Optimus Prime, Hot Shot, [[Vector Prime]] and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] head out to hold the two Decepticons off while the other Autobots finish the coating to keep their base hidden from the villlains.

After deploying from the base in prolonged dramatic fashion, the flying Autobots engage the Decepticons in the upper atmosphere, where Vector Prime attempts to reclaim his map from Megatron, only to be blasted out of the sky. The fight moves down closer to the planet's surface, but the Autobots' weapons have little effect on the Decepticons, and Starscream soon realizes that the Autobots have formed a defensive line to keep them away from something. The nefarious duo break through the Autobots' line.

[[File:Cyb ep3 tachyon shield.jpg|left|225px|thumb|"I want my key lime energon goodies, fraggit!" "I told you, they're not ready yet!"]]

At the base, Overhaul races over to D Block to finish the stealth coating alone as Megatron gets closer and closer. Moments before Megatron reaches the base perimeter, Vector Prime suddenly teleports in front of him. With a mighty roar, Vector Prime glows with shimmering blue light that extends in a column from his body into the skies above. With a cry of "CYBER KEY POWER!", Vector Prime summons a [[Cyber Key]], activating his "Tachyon Shield" power and generating a force shield that stops Megatron cold. Optimus uses this opportunity to switch to [[Super Mode]], and blasts Megatron, wounding the Decepticon leader and forcing him and Starscream to retreat through a [[warp gate]]. Seconds later, Overhaul announces that the stealth coating is complete.

As the sun sets, the Autobots thank Vector Prime for stopping Megatron, and ask him what the heck a Cyber Key actually is. Bemused that the Autobots are unaware of the existence of the Keys, he explains that they are a small part of the power of [[Primus]]. With a wave of his [[Rhisling|sword]], Vector Prime grants all the Autobots Keys of their own, telling them they have earned their powers this day.
{{-}}

==Featured Characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] (2)
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (4)
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (5)
* [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (6)
* [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]] (7)
* [[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] (8)
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (9)
* [[Vector Prime]] (11)

|c2=
* [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (12)
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (13)

|c3=
* [[Coby Hansen]] (1)
* [[Bud Hansen]] (3)
* [[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] (10)
}}

==Quotes==
[''The kids and the Autobots are examining the proposed blueprints.''] 
"Looks like we got everything." 
"What? Are you serious? I just think you could use a more efficient design, that's all." 
"So, what's wrong?" 
"Are you kidding? There's no workflow, no ventilation, and if you haven't noticed, there aren't even any bathrooms! You gotta work smarter, not harder. That's my dad's first rule of business. Catch my drift? You should organize everything around a central hub, with easy access to all the other work areas."
:—'''Scattorshot''' and '''Lori'''

"Hey, ahh, Hot Shot? How come you use a crystal oscillator?" 
"That's, uh, kinda technical..." 
"'Cause, I just thought that a phase-locked loop would be, ah, much more stable." 
"Hmm. [''Pause.''] Hey, uh, how would you like to help me set up the transmitter?" 
"You got it!"
:—'''Coby''' and '''Hot Shot'''

'''Bud:''' "You need to shoot out of here at top speed, just like a catapult!" 
'''Jetfire:''' "A catapult?" 
'''Jolt:''' "Humans use them to launch planes off ships." 
'''Bud:''' "All you have to do is step on the platform, and then—blam! You're in the stratosphere!" 
'''Jetfire:''' "Look kid, I don't know what the heck..." 
'''Scattorshot:''' "No, Jetfire, I think the kid's got the right idea." 
'''Jetfire:''' "''What'' idea?!" 
'''Scattorshot:''' "The catapult thing! You could reach maximum velocity ''before'' you leave the base! With''out'' using extra energon." 
'''Jetfire:''' "Really? Well, why didn't you say that in the first place?" 
'''Bud and Jolt:''' "We did!"
:—'''Bud''', '''Jetfire''', '''Scattorshot''' and '''Jolt'''

"Hey, good job, you guys! This totally looks like a ''real'' secret headquarters!" 
"Gee, maybe 'cause it ''is'' one!"
:—'''Bud''' and '''Hot Shot'''

'''Scattorshot:''' "Okay, nobody panic, it's probably just a glitch." 
'''All:''' "Huh?!" 
'''Scattorshot:''' "Just let me tie this down here... gimme a second... adjusting frequency..." 
[''Two blips are approaching Earth.''] 
'''Coby:''' "What is that?" 
'''Scattorshot:''' "Hang on! Let me see if I can boost the resolution. They're still pretty far away." 
[''The screen reveals the blips are Megatron and Starscream.''] 
'''Scattorshot:''' "Oh no." 
'''Hot Shot:''' "Hmm?!" 
'''Scattorshot:''' "''Now'' you can panic!"
:—'''Scattorshot''', '''Coby''', and '''Hot Shot'''

"VILLAIN, RETURN MY MAP!"
:—'''Vector Prime''' holds grudges

"Okay, stealth-beam coating is completed on A Block, B Block, and C Block. And now it's all up to Overhaul... We are so doomed!"
:—'''Scattorshot's''' faith in his teammate warms the heart, doesn't it?

"We made it!" 
"Yeah, I knew we would."
:—'''Lori''' and '''Scattershot''', who's a big ol' fibber.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Galaxy Force''===

In addition to simple re-writing and addition of dialogue, notable changes from the ''Galaxy Force'' version of this episode include:

*Among the additions Lori insists the Autobots make to their base is a kitchen. This is why the plans that she is seen holding during the construction montage are clearly those of an ordinary human kitchen.
*In a reversal of the norm, ''Cybertron'' actually ''adds'' the Autobots calling out their attack names as they clear the rock; ''Galaxy Force'' simply has them do generics grunts as they work.
*This episode introduces the concept of the [[Omega Frequency]], a "trans-sonic signal" emitted by the Omega Lock that only the human kids can hear. This signal does not exist in ''Galaxy Force'', and is a rather clever addition by the ''Cybertron'' dub in order to justify the continued presence of Coby, Bud and Lori, after their usefulness in helping the Autobots hide on Earth effectively comes to an end in a few episodes' time. References to the Omega Frequency are consistently added to ''Cybertron'' episodes where pertinent for the rest of the series.
**With this in mind, when Vector Prime is inspecting the Atlantean symbol, ''Galaxy Force'' implies the kids are simply holding their ears due to all the noise the blasting and construction is causing, while ''Cybertron'' reinterprets this as them hearing the Omega Frequency.
*''Cybertron'' amps up Coby's technical know-how in his scene with Hot Shot during the construction of the base; while in ''Galaxy Force'', Hot Shot is simply impressed that he is able to identify the hunk of machinery he is lugging around, in ''Cybertron'', Coby offers opinions on ways to make it better.
*Optimus Prime and Vector Prime's brief exchange before heading out to battle the Decepticons is flip-flopped: in ''Galaxy Force'', Vector Prime tells Optimus that he will join the fight even if Optimus orders him not to, while in ''Cybertron'', he ''asks'' Optimus if ''he'' is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.
*In ''Galaxy Force'', the minimum safe distance from the Autobot base is 150 kilometers; in ''Cybertron'', it is 150 ''miles''.
*In ''Cybertron'', Vector Prime unlocks the ability of the Autobots to summon Cyber Keys. In ''Galaxy Force'' he merely tests to see whether they have the slots for them.

===Pain count===
*"Cyber key power!": One, but it's early days yet. We also get one "super mode", and a half-dozen special dirtmoving attacks.

===Animation or technical errors===
*When Jetfire uses his Turbine Wind attack to destroy the mountainside, his eight torso missiles are missing.
*At the very end of the episode, before Vector Prime gives the rest of the Autobots their Cyber Key power, Optimus and Hot Shot's heads flash while they're talking, similar to how headlights, cockpits, etc. flash while they're talking in vehicle mode.

===Continuity errors===
* On the display graphics on Scattorshot's screens, the progress of the blips representing the Decepticons resets itself backward at least once.
**Similarly at one point, the percentage progress of Overhaul's coating in D Block briefly jumps back about 20% between shots.
* Scattorshot says Meg's sensor range will be "240 kilometres max", then Optimus says "150 miles". Why does Optimus change the measurement? Does he just hate the metric system?
* Why is Overhaul the only one who can work in D Block?
** And why didn't he do the previous block so quickly?
* Scattorshot announces that they have "less than 50 seconds" left at 16:40 or so, and tells Overhaul "there's still almost a minute" after spending twenty seconds talking. Megatron isn't stopped until about 18:18, over 90 seconds later.

===Transformers references===

* Optimus Prime swears "by the [[Transformer afterlife|Allspark]] of Cybertron!"
* Bud bets Optimus he can't hit a boulder up on the ridge. Sounds like someone's been watching [[A Prime Problem|the original series]].
* Hot Shot calls Optimus [[Cheetor (BW)|Big Bot]].
* Vector Prime says that the Decepticons [[The Transformers: The Movie|must be stopped...no matter the cost.]]

===Trivia===
*This episode was, for unknown reasons, initially skipped over when the series began airing in America, along with the [[Fallen (episode)|first episode]], and did not air until a few months after the series was underway. The first episode was also skipped in international markets such as the [[United Kingdom]], but this episode was ''not'', making it the first broadcast in those regions.
*After declaring the mountains as being the perfect location for a secret base for its hard and thick rock and ability to jam magnetic fields, the Autobots shoot and kick the rock as to be able to build the base—basically this means the base is vulnerable to any form of attack, barring reinforcement by the base components. And it's certainly hidden from humans.
*The Autobots can build a gigantic secret base in one day?
*Three normal Earth kids apparently know better than the Autobots how to construct a high-tech secret headquarters. While frankly quite ridiculous, this ability for design and detail ''does'' foreshadow some story developments with the [[Mini-Con]]s that come much later in the series. And, admittedly, they ''would'' know more about human-required amenities than Autobots. (In addition, the Autobots may have not had to build their base on Cybertron. And it is likely none of their areas of expertise extend to Architecture)
*So to make the base invisible to the radar they have to spray "stealth paint" on the ''inside'' of the base? (Given, that is where all the metal and equipment is.)
*Overhaul. Is. Spraying. Liquid. From. His. ''Groin''.
** ''White'' Liquid.
*They give the minimum safe distance as 240 kilometers, then as 150 miles. Pleasantly, this conversion is correct. (Jetfire also gives it as "a lightyear", but he's being hyperbolic.)
*This episode introduces the Autobots' over-dramatic (and over-''long'') "roll out" sequence, as they launch from their base through a series of extensive mechanisms. This footage will be [[stock footage|recycled]] many, ''many'' times before the series is out. This episode plays it fairly straight, with Scattorshot simply making technical announcements over a loudspeaker as everyone gets into position, but starting with "[[Time (episode)|Time]]" and running for pretty much the rest of the series, the writers start to have fun with the sequence, inserting lots of additional comedic dialogue to liven up the proceedings.
*Most of the sequence of Vector Prime summoning his Cyber Key is ''not'' stock footage, as it specifically shows the canyon he's in. Apparently the [[Thirteen|Firstforged]] get special treatment.
*[[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] is briefly mentioned in this episode, but is not seen.

===Foreign localization===
'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il rifugio'''" ("The Haven")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — A New Beginning ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — A New Beginning (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — A New Beginning (Paramount)
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Galaxy Force'' — Vol. 01 ([[Victor Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — A New Beginning (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — A New Beginning (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — A New Beginning (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Ultimate Collection (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Cybertron episodes]]

Beginning

2024-07-19T00:31:17Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Quotes */ I misheard the quote, it's "writ" not "written"

{{disambig3|Beginnings}}

{{episode
|series=Cybertron
|ep=51
|series2=Galaxy Force
|ep2=52
|image=Cyb ep51 til all are one.jpg
|caption=Isn't it more like a kind of beginning in a way? Like a new beginning? For everyone? Hmm... I wonder.
|title="Beginning"
|japanese=新たなる旅立ち
|romaji=Arata naru Tabidachi
|translation=A New Journey
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Aichi]], [[We've]], [[Tōkyū Agency]]
|writer=[[Manabu Ishikawa]]
|director=[[Mitsuru Yamazaki]]
|animation studio=[[GONZO]]
|airdate=[[December 31]], [[2005]] (Japanese) [[September 29]], [[2006]] (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy cartoon timeline|Unicron Trilogy cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''With the threats of Galvatron and the black hole at last extinguished, the Autobots must look to the future.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Cyb ep51 peace conference.jpg|left|thumb|[[commercial bumper|The Transformers will return after these messages.]]]]

On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s moon, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] finally brings [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]'s evil to an end, destroying his eternal foe with the added power of [[Vector Prime]]'s sword.

Weeks later, as life returns to normal on Cybertron and the other colony worlds, Optimus Prime calls an "intergalactic peace conference" to decide what should be done with the [[Cyber Planet Key]]s. With [[Bud Hansen|Bud]] and [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] filming the whole shebang for posterity, [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]], [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]], [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]], [[Evac (Cybertron)|Evac]] and Colonel [[Mike Franklin]] arrive from their respect planets to attend the talks, but none of them is expecting the suggestion Optimus Prime then makes. Rather than hide the Keys and the [[Omega Lock]] away, Optimus proposes that they follow in the footsteps of their ancestors, and begin a new [[space bridge]] project! Everyone enthusiastically supports his proposal...except for [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], who is unsure about accepting command of Cybertron in Prime's absence. All the other Autobots stand up for Jetfire and agree to support him in his new role, and he takes it on with gusto, even giving Bud an interview.

Also on the interview roster are [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]] and Scourge, who relate the royal rumble that was held on [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Jungle Planet]] to decide its new leader. Scourge wound up winning the boxing match, and so stays on as leader, appointing Leobreaker the Jungle Planet representative for the colonization mission. A leader also has to be found for [[Velocitron]], and so the [[Speedia 500]] is held to make the decision. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] wins the race, but had no idea of the prize, while the prize [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] was racing for—[[Thunderblast (Decepticon)|Thunderblast]]'s heart—seems forever destined to elude him.

Down on [[Earth]], the civilian Autobots and [[Ancient Decepticon]]s are pitching in with the relief effort, and even [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] seems to enjoy being an Autobot. [[Crosswise (Cybertron)|Crosswise]] and [[Evac (Cybertron)|Evac]] wonder what their next step in life should be, and Evac is convinced by [[Lugnutz]] to join the colonization program. Also on Earth, in the Autobot base, Bud is editing his film together, while [[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] looks at [[Vector Prime]]'s old launch pad from outside, and wistfully remembers the image of his old partner flying out of the base. Nearby, [[Coby Hansen|Coby]] and [[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] are also contemplating the stars, as Coby tells her of his dream to build a spaceship and join the Transformers in space in the future. Lori hopes that she'll be able to come with him, and although she tries to backpedal on her reason for saying so, both these young people know what is truly in their hearts.

[[File:Cyb ep51 aaawwww.jpg|left|thumb|Yeah, no one ''ever'' saw this coming. Yes they did.]]

Also on Earth, Coby and Bud's brother [[Tim Hansen|Tim]] is getting a lift from [[Dobson|Chief Dobson]], who sees a future filled with chores for Tim now that his brothers can boast that they saved the universe. As they drive on their way, they pass [[Signal Lancer (Cybertron)|Signal Lancer]] and his [[Phreaker|payphone pal]], and once they have moved off out of view, Signal Lancer can stand it no longer, transforms to [[robot mode]], and runs off to join the colonization mission!

The next day, all the Transformers gather on Cybertron to board the four ancient starships. Many goodbyes are said, and many new friendships are forged: the [[Gigantion]]s are thrilled at the prospect of building a bridge across the universe... Scourge tries to hide his sadness at Leobreaker's departure... the kids give Override a farewell gift... [[Dirt Boss (Cybertron)|Dirt Boss]] and [[Brakedown (Cybertron)|Brakedown]] arrive to join the mission too, Brakedown determined not to be outdone by all these youngsters... Evac strikes up a conversation with [[Backstop (Cybertron)|Backstop]]... the [[Recon Mini-Con Team]] bid a tearful farewell to Safeguard and the Gigantion Mini-Cons... [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] thanks the kids for all they have done for him... the [[Cybertron Defense Team (Cybertron)|Cybertron Defense Team]] vows to always be bound together, even if they are apart... [[Lucy Suzuki]] says goodbye to Colonel Franklin before joining the small human team that is also going on the mission, and the Colonel is left dumbfounded by her cheerful belief that he wants to marry her... and finally, Optimus Prime formally hands over command to Jetfire. When Prime calls him "commander," Jetfire corrects him: now and forever, there is only one ''true'' commander, and that's Optimus Prime.

[[File:Cyb ep51 ships depart.jpg|thumb]]

Just before launch, a transmission comes through from [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] (who had previously departed Cybertron when the peace conference began to seek adventure elsewhere), informing the Autobots that he has discovered a lead on Starscream's location. Landmine overhears and request to be relieved of his duties on the space bridge mission so that he may join Wing Saber in this quest, and Optimus agrees to allow him and [[Mudflap (Cybertron)|Mudflap]] to do so. With this final order given, Optimus says his goodbyes to the children, and is given Vector Prime's [[Planet Map]] by Bud with the request to return it to the aged Autobot if they should meet him somewhere in the universe. With tears flowing freely throughout the crowd of assembled humans and Transformers, Optimus Prime gives the command to launch, and the great starships take to the skies.

Flying by as the ships take off, Thundercracker wishes Optimus Prime farewell, but then, his attention is caught by a small, rattletrap rocket carying Thunderblast, Ransack and [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] away. He flies over to see what's going on, and they tell him they're tired of playing nice, and have decided to become the "[[New Decepticon Army]]". They grab Thundercracker, haul him into the rocket, and strip him of the Autobot symbol he has pasted onto his chest, as he wails and cries about wanting to be on the winning side.

As the starships leave Earth's atmosphere, the Planet Map glows in Optimus Prime's hand, and the image of Vector Prime appears before him, written across the stars, a smile on his face. Optimus nods once, solemnly, and calls for the engines to be set to full throttle. And so, the Transformers set course for the far reaches of the universe... for new worlds... and new adventures.

[['Til all are one]]!

===Further adventures===
[[File:InitialT.jpg|thumb]]
Played across the closing credits are a series of still images showing what the Transformers and humans got up to in the following years. These images show:

*Optimus Prime giving out orders to Scattorshot and Red Alert on the space bridge mission
*Crosswise passing by Mr. [[Stanton]]'s garage on Earth
*Scourge lifting a giant boulder
*Evac flying to the rescue of some Ancient Decepticons who have fallen through a sheet of ice
*The "New Decepticon Army"'s rocket, crashed on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]]
*Metroplex supervising a construction project being worked on by Signal Lancer, Undermine and Brimstone
*Wing Saber, Mudflap and Landmine confronting Starscream as he rises out of some lava
[[File:CobyLoriWedding.jpg|thumb|The ultimate photo-bomb.]]
*Jetfire in charge on Cybertron
*Hot Shot and Clocker racing on Velocitron with various Velocitronian cars.
*The spirits of Galvatron and Vector Prime battling in the next world
*Leobreaker and Menasor confronting the mysterious [[Initial T]]
*Override, Quickmix and Brakedown on an alien planet
*Sideways, Soundwave and Laserbeak, somewhere out there in the multiverse, having found another version of [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]]
*Coby as an astronaut...
*...sharing his ship with Lori...
*...as they watch Bud win an Oscar.
*Optimus Prime and the Recon Mini-Con Team attending Coby and Lori's wedding. Also in attendance are Bud, the kids' parents ([[Robert Hansen]] grew a rockin' beard), Tim and his girlfriend (now wife) and their daughter, and the married Lucy Suzuki and Colonel Franklin, with their new baby.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (4)
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (5)
* [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]] (6)
* [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (7)
* [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]] (8)
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (9)
* [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] (10)
* [[Evac (Cybertron)|Evac]] (11)
* [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] (12)
* [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] (13)
* [[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] (19)
* [[Six-Speed (Cybertron)|Six-Speed]] (21)
* [[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]] (22)
* [[Snarl (Cybertron)|Snarl]] (23)
* [[Backstop (Cybertron)|Backstop]] (28)
* [[Clocker (Cybertron)|Clocker]] (32)
* [[Brakedown (Cybertron)|Brakedown]] (33)
* [[Crosswise (Cybertron)|Crosswise]] (34)
* [[Mudflap (Cybertron)|Mudflap]] (35)
* [[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] (39)
* [[Vector Prime]] (40)
* [[Signal Lancer (Cybertron)|Signal Lancer]] (41)
* [[Phreaker|Payphone Autobot]] (42)
* [[Quickmix (Cybertron)|Quickmix]] (45)
* [[Menasor (Cybertron)|Menasor]] (46)
* [[Drill Bit (Cybertron)|Drill Bit]] (51)
* [[Stripmine]] (52)
* [[Heavy Load (Cybertron)|Heavy Load]] (53)
* [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] (36)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (2)
* [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]] (15)
* [[Thunderblast (Decepticon)|Thunderblast]] (25)
* [[Brimstone (Cybertron)|Brimstone]] (26)
* [[Undermine (Cybertron)|Undermine]] (27)
* [[Dirt Boss (Cybertron)|Dirt Boss]] (29)
* [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] (30)
* [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] (31)
* [[Lugnutz]] (37)
* [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (63)

|c3=
* [[Coby Hansen]] (3)
* [[Mike Franklin]] (16)
* [[Gabriella Constanza (Cybertron)|President]] (17)
* [[Bud Hansen]] (18)
* [[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] (20)
* [[Tim Hansen]] (43)
* [[Dobson]] (44)
* [[Robert Hansen]] (47)
* [[Mrs. Hansen]] (48)
* [[Ernesto Jiménez|Ernesto]] (49)
* [[Gloria Jiménez|Lori's mother]] (50)
* Investigation team members (54-56)
* [[Lucy Suzuki]] (57)
* [[Carlos Lopez]] (58)
* [[Rad White]] (59)
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (60)
* [[Kicker Jones]] (61)
* [[Stanton]] (62)
* Tim's wife (69)
* Tim's daughter (70)
* Franklin and Lucy's baby (71)

|c4=
* Cybertronian audience (14)
* Jungle Planet natives (24)
* [[Ancient Decepticon]] ex-prisoners (38)
* Velocitron natives (64)
* [[Initial T]] (65)
* [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]] (66)
* [[Laserbeak (Cybertron)|Laserbeak]] (67)
* [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (68)
}}

==Quotes==
"I think I've only got seven lives left.."
:—'''Leobreaker''' after losing a wrestling match with '''Scourge'''.

"Ahhh, I was so close, If only I'd changed my tires before we started!" 
"Oh you ''always'' blame your tires."
:—'''Dirt Boss''' and '''Brakedown'''

'''Crumplezone''': "Man, it's always pretty boys like [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] that win the races." 
'''Ransack''': "Yeah, and I was trying to impress the ladies!" 
'''Thunderblast''': "There's nothing you could do to ever impress me." 
'''Ransack''': "CZ! I'm so embarrassed, Why didn't ya tell me she was behind me?" 
'''Crumplezone''': "Buddy, give it up. She's not interested in little guys like you." 
'''Ransack''': "Some friend you are, wide load!!" 
'''Crumplezone''': "''Wide load?!?!?''"
[''punch fight'']

"For too long I've let life pass me by! Now I wanna take part in the grand drama! My legacy will be writ ''LARGE AMONG THE STARS!'' Farewell, old friend!"
:—'''Signal Lancer's''' show-stopping transformation sequence is probably the most epic moment in Transformers history, right?

"I ''hate'' emotional goodbyes." 
"What could be emotional about saying goodbye to you?"
:—'''Leobreaker''' and '''Scourge''', who is about to burst into tears.

"Fire up the engines to full throttle! We have a course set to the far reaches of the universe, and it's time to go! Courage, hope for the future, and teamwork—our adventure will continue as long as we remember the words of Primus: 'Til all are one!" 
"TRANSFORM!!!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''everyone''' go forth.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Galaxy Force''===
For whatever reason, the final episode of the series has the most changes out of any of 'em!

*All of the dialogue delivered by a [[narrator]] in ''Galaxy Force'' is, as usual, given to a character in ''Cybertron''. For this episode, that character is exclusively Optimus Prime, leading to a few odd moments where he refers to himself in the third person.
*The opening scene of this episode is a replay of the finale scene of the previous one, as Optimus Prime finishes off Galvatron. There is one piece of new footage mixed in with the old: after Prime bids his foe farewell, this episode sees Galvatron open his mouth and reply. However, while he can be heard to groan Prime's name in ''Galaxy Force'', in ''Cybertron'', no sound escapes his lips.
*As in the previous two episodes, the landscape of Cybertron differs between each version of this episode, with ''Galaxy Force'' featuring background paintings of organic trees and fields of grass, and ''Cybertron'' replacing the trees with CGI-animated [[technorganic]] equivalents and the grass with circuits boards. Check out the previous two episode articles for some visual examples.
*Optimus Prime does not immediately appoint Jetfire leader in his place in ''Galaxy Force''; Jetfire's reaction is not shock at being appointed, but discontent at Prime deciding to leave on the mission. When Prime and Jetfire talk later, Jetfire starts out by opposing the notion as Cybertron will be left without a leader, at which point Prime gives him the task.
*In ''Galaxy Force'' Ransack is not racing merely to impress Thunderblast, but because she has promised to marry him if he wins. Ransack and Crumplezone start fighting after they lose because Ransack gets angry at Crumplezone for telling him Thunderblast isn't interested in him in ''Cybertron'', but in ''Galaxy Force'', it's because Crumplezone wasn't aware of the marriage proviso.
*In ''Cybertron'', Bud freaks out and runs out of the Autobot base to get more tape for his film; in ''Galaxy Force'', Jolt has reminded him that it's dinner time and he needs to get home.
*In ''Galaxy Force'', Tim has been picked up by the nameless driver after another automotive breakdown, who says he was happy to do it because of his brothers' role in saving the Earth, causing Tim to express amazement that he knows them. In ''Cybertron'', the driver is turned into "[[Dobson|Chief Dobson]]", who jokes that Tim will be doing all the chores for his universe-saving brothers for a long time.
*In ''Cybertron'', Brimstone is looking down dismissively on all the other Transformers who want to fly, until Undermine tells him to leave them alone. In ''Galaxy Force'', he can't remember which ship he's supposed to be on, until Undermine calls him over to the right one.
* Scourge's attempt at feigning disinterest in Leobreaker's departure is more convincing in ''Galaxy Force'', where he is not about to burst into tears as he in ''Cybertron''.
* The marriage proposal between Colonel Franklin and Lucy Suzuki is flip-flopped across the two version. In ''Cybertron'', Lucy proposes on behalf of Colonel Franklin, believing that it's what he wants to say, and the colonel is left incredulous. In ''Galaxy Force'', on the other hand, Franklin says that he will wait for her to return, and Lucy teases him by saying that he should come chasing after her. He doesn't, but he promises quite excitedly to wait, calling after her "I love you, Lucy!"
* As all four ships take off, the music accompanying their departure in ''Galaxy Force'' is the show's first opening song "[[Call You... Kimi to Boku no Mirai|CALL YOU... Kimi to Boku no Mirai]]", which has not been heard since "[[Revelation (episode)|Countdown to the Destruction of the Galaxy]]". Naturally, ''Cybertron'' replace this with its own [[theme song|theme music]].
{{twoimages|File:CybertronArmadaKids.jpg|File:CybertronKicker.jpg}}
*In what is easily the biggest, most famous change made to the entire series, the montage of the starships departing has two scenes of new animation added into the ''Cybertron'' version of the episode (pictured at right) to further tie the series in with the two preceding parts of the [[Unicron Trilogy]]. One depicts thirtysomething versions of [[Rad White]], [[Carlos Lopez]], and [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]], the Autobots' human allies from the ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' cartoon, with the image of their old partners the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] behind them, while the second features a late-twenties [[Kicker Jones]], their ally from ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]''. Kicker has an image of Hot Shot in his ''Energon'' body behind him, but let's be honest—that was probably supposed to have been [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]]. The images of Hot Shot and the Mini-Cons are taken from the original toys' Japanese [[package art]].
*''Cybertron'' cuts out one of the "further adventures" images seen in the credits, which is a nice, clear close-up of Bud winning his Oscar. The scene is still in the show, but only as a less-visible image on a television screen that Coby and Lori are watching.
* After the ending credits in ''Galaxy Force'' in the TV broadcast, Optimus addresses the audience and says "Thank you for everything!"

===Animation or technical errors===
*Optimus is [[scale|rather oversized]] in the wedding still. This does not make it look any less cool.

===Transformers references===
[[File:Beginning-SoundwaveSideways.jpg|thumb|Yeah, because we want to see VILLAINS lived happily ever after.]]

*In the brief glimpse we get of the President appointing Franklin as Earth's ambassador to Cybertron, there is [[:File:Alexis cybertron.jpg|one other young woman]] visible on stage, standing to the far left. By all appearances, this is Alexis, drawn to the specifications of her ''Energon'' character model, in her purple jacket and skirt, with name-tag and un-fashion-conscious white sneakers. And the thing is, this ''was'' in the ''Galaxy Force'' version too!
*In Soundwave and Sideways's scene during the credits, Soundwave is carrying the music player based on [[Soundwave (G1)|his Generation 1 counterpart]] that Sideways was seen using back in "[[Memory (Cybertron)|Memory]]".

===Real-life references===
*When Scourge uppercuts Leobreaker, [[:File:Cyb ep51 ashita no leobreaker.jpg|the camera angle shifts to show a mouthguard flying up into the sunlight]]. While surely downright baffling if you don't know what you're looking at (why would a robot wear a [[Mouthplate|mouthguard]]?), this image is an iconic shot associated with the boxing manga ''{{w|Tomorrow's Joe}}''.
*Backstop describes Scourge as "the once and future king" of Jungle Planet, referencing the book of {{w|The Once and Future King|the same name}} by T.H. White.
*In ''Galaxy Force'', Bud contemplates changing his name to "Steve" when he becomes a director, probably a reference to a certain [[Steven Spielberg|Mr. Spielberg]].
*As Jolt gives Safeguard his farewell embrace, he says: "I'll miss you most of all, Tin Man!", a paraphrased line from the movie version of ''{{w|The Wizard of Oz (1939 film)|The Wizard of Oz}}''. In the movie itself, it was the Scarecrow that would be missed most of all, but, see, they're robots, so... Tin Man.
*Chief Dobson was likely named for [[Paul Dobson|Paul]], [[Michael Dobson|Michael]], and/or [[Brian Dobson]], the trio of brothers who voiced several characters throughout the Unicron Trilogy...though which of them voices the Chief remains up for debate.
*Brakedown is carrying a comically large {{w|furoshiki}}, a Japanese cloth typically used for wrapping and/or transporting small items.

===Trivia===
*Chronologically speaking, this is the final episode of the ''Cybertron'' storyline, and was indeed the final episode of ''Galaxy Force'' broadcast. However, since the ''Cybertron'' broadcast of the series had smooshed the first two episodes together to create "[[Fallen (episode)|Fallen]]", the episode count was down by one, and the second episode, "[[Inferno (episode)|Inferno]]" was dubbed in its entirety to make up the numbers, becoming a "lost episode" that was broadcast (and released on DVD) as the 52nd and final episode of the ''Cybertron'' series.
*As Optimus Prime gives Jetfire a pep-talk about leadership, we're treated to an unnecessarily toy-accurate extreme close-up of the switch on the back of Optimus Prime's head that flips up the figure's [[mouthplate]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Galaxy Force'' — Vol. 13 ([[Victor Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Studios|Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Cybertron episodes]]

Chase (episode)

2024-07-11T22:47:27Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Quotes */

{{disambig3|Chase}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=24
|prev=Rebellion (Armada)
|next=Tactician
|title="Chase"
|furigana=かげ
|japanese=幻影
|romaji=Kage
|translation=Illusion: Shadow
|image=chasesideways.jpg
|caption="Topham, help me! I'll turn myself in I swear!" "End of the line, slaghead."
|production code=TF: A-24
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]
|director=[[Mihiro Yamaguchi]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]], [[Studio Guts]], [[Big Bang (company)|Big Bang]]
|airdate=[[January 27]], [[2003]] (UK, English premiere) [[January 29]], 2003 (USA) [[June 20|20 June]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''The kids and their transforming partners are sucked into a digital world of Sideways's creation, where they meet a truly frightening harbinger of Chaos.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] complains about being bored with hanging out in the [[Autobot]] base all the time. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] tells him that being in the Autobot base is serious business. [[Rad White|Rad]] does his best to calm Alexis, and Carlos references the Autobots' sound defense system, but Alexis refuses to chill and assertively walks off with Sureshock.

Elsewhere, the Autobots fight the [[Decepticon]]s.

Alexis panics because she can't locate anything on the Autobots' radar, as the Autobots' monitors are all solid black. When Alexis's laptop freezes, Rad speculates that the technical problems could be an internet virus or a hacker. Alexis confirms Rad's suspicions and takes countermeasures, but it's too late. The kids watch as the virus devours their system.

Desperate, Alexis tries to hard reboot, then disconnects by removing her computer's network wire. The [[Mini-Con]]s try to deactivate the rest of the Autobot computers; however, physics take a back seat as the digital disruption spreads off the monitors and forms a spatial anomaly inside the room, solidifying into the shape of [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]].

[[File:Screenshot-arm-24-1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Rad and Carlos catch a bad case of Photoshop.]]
With Alexis's best efforts at a technical solution rendered useless, Rad tries to disengage Sideways by literally smashing the Autobots' computer consoles. Alexis and Carlos join in the destruction, causing Sideways to disintegrate and get sucked into a vortex from one of the Autobot monitors. In Sideways's place, a colorful show of light shines on the kids and their Mini-Cons, sucking the "spirits" out of their bodies and sending the kids into the same vortex that swallowed Sideways.

At the battle, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] notices [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] fall (and [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] steps on it). [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] knows this means something has happened to the kids. [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] arrive in the Autobots' control room and find the bodies of their friends unresponsive to any stimuli and glowing in eerie inverted colors. The Mini-Cons are also affected, and Fred concludes that someone turned their friends into [[zombie]]s.

The three kids and the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team|Street Action Team]] (who are not zombies) find themselves in an area with no ground, only a few abstract shapes floating in the air. Soon as Rad and Carlos begin to have fun swimming around this reality, Sideways drives up and introduces the kids to [[Cyberspace]]. He claims there's no way out of Cyberspace and tries to take one of their Mini-Cons. The kids speed away from the Decepticon.

[[File:Screenshot-arm-24-2.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|The recolors now show up before the actual character.]]
Eventually, the kids fall into an area that looks like outer space, with the six of them floating towards what appears to be [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Passed by two light flashes, the kids see a strange glowing purple shape, followed by a dark blue form with yellow bursts behind it.

Passing right through Cybertron (instead of crashing), Sideways reappears (holding [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]]) and reveals that everything the kids see in Cyberspace is an illusion. Alexis considers this and openly speculates that if Sideways was in control of the illusion, he could seize all the Mini-Cons and wouldn't need to make demands. Sideways gets angry, confirming her theory.

In reality, the Autobots have returned from battle and are confused by the comatose kids and smashed machinery. Fred suggests using Alexis's laptop as a starting point for figuring out what's going on.

[[File:Screenshot-arm-24-3.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Look familiar?]]
In Cyberspace, Sideways grows frustrated with the kids, who have figured out that he can't harm them. Sureshock escapes Sideways's non-existent clutches and floats back to his friends. Seriously angered, Sideways opens fire on the kids, but the kids are entirely uninjured.

When a roaring is heard, Sideways suddenly apologizes to the kids and asks them to keep the entire encounter a secret. Alexis gets a strong feeling of some overwhelming evil, and Rad thinks that's a sign the kids should go now. Possibly thanks to Red Alert's programming, a white square becomes visible in Cyberspace. The kids head for the light and barely escape consumption by a massive circular singularity.

At the Autobot base, Rad wakes up and finds the other two kids, and the Mini-Cons made it out of Cyberspace alive; even Laserbeak survived getting stepped on. Everybody has a big laugh, and Rad closes by wondering what that sinister evil force was.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (10)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (11)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (15)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (17)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (18)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (19)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (8)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (9)
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (12)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (1)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (2)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (3)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (13)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (14)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (4)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (5)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (6)
*[[Mirror]] (16)

|c5=Other|c5=
*[[Unicron]] (20)
}}

==Quotes==
"Holy guacamole! It's Sideways!"
:—'''Carlos''', not being a horrible ethnic stereotype at all

"I guess this means I'm gonna miss lunch. My blood sugar is getting dangerously low, Billy!"
:—'''Fred''', with his mind on the essential things

"Oh, yay. I'm surrounded by morons."
:—'''Alexis''', in exasperated female anime cliché mode

""Internet"? Speak English, wouldja?"
:—'''Sideways''' doesn't know what the Internet is, and that's probably for the best.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*''Armada'' extends Carlos's line about the importance of looking after the base. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Carlos say he's tired of hearing that protecting the base is an important job. Then ''Armada'' adds Alexis demanding Carlos not to mock her. Rad says nothing ever happens whenever the kids guard the base, but he tells Alexis to stop being paranoid like the Decepticons will attack in five minutes in ''Armada''.
*In ''Armada'', Alexis goes off at the boys for telling her to relax and implores them on how they must always be ready before calling them hopeless. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the boys calling the new defense system ''perfect'' and believing the Decepticons can ''never'' warp into the base again makes Alexis snap at them since she says they aren't sure. Before calling Rad and Carlos "hopeless children," Alexis says the Decepticons are determined, and they have no way of knowing what they're planning or how they'll attack. The scene is silent when Alexis walks off.
*Rad's opening narration in ''Armada'' is how he and Carlos knew Alexis was right about Megatron attacking the base at any time but hated her for rubbing it in their faces and sometimes treating them like they're still little kids. ''Legends of the Microns'' gives the narration a serious tone and foreshadows the episode's upcoming event as Rad reflects on how they shouldn't be quick to say "never," and how the kids would quickly learn the truth behind the adage, "Never say never."
*During the shot of laser fire in the dust cloud, ''Armada'' gives Hot Shot an extra line to remove the silence.
*Depending on the dub, the children's dialogue hits different points:
**''Armada'' has Alexis say that she can't locate the Autobots, while she asks where the Mini-Con is and says it's somewhere nearby in ''Legends of the Microns''. Following this, Carlos says Sideways vanished from the grid in ''Armada'' but says he can't see Sideways on the battlefield in ''Legends of the Microns''.
**Then, in ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad and Alexis don't mention the Decepticons, and Alexis doesn't know why her computer is acting up and why she can't communicate with Laserbeak.
**Rad says the base's AI is connected to Alexis's laptop, and a hacker or virus could be responsible if Alexis's computer also has an Internet connection.
**Alexis doesn't say her computer is rebooting and instead notices unknown content in the AI, confirming a hacker's presence. Then she tracks it instead of loading an anti-virus program. The shot of Alexis putting her screen on the base's monitor is silent.
**''Armada'' adds Rad and Carlos's lines to fill in the silence before Alexis talks. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis asks who could be responsible. Carlos says the Decepticons, and Rad thinks the Decepticons are trying to steal intel while the Autobots are away. Then Alexis says the virus is growing, that it's coming from her computer and it'll quickly breach the system, but she can't stop it. To cover the silence, ''Armada'' adds Carlos's line of how he should've stayed in bed.
**After Alexis says she can't disconnect, it's silent until after she takes out the wires. Then Alexis translates Sureshock as wanting to shut off the central computer to stop the virus in ''Armada'', but in ''Legends of the Microns'', Sureshock says to cut the whole base's power. In ''Armada'', Carlos's line about the monitor coming to life and his two lines afterward are filler. Rad asks Alexis if she's alright twice to cover the silence of the shot of Sideways materializing.
**After Carlos recognizes Sideways, Alexis asks why he's in the base, and Rad says it's not the time to wonder why since they need to stop Sideways. Rad curses before grabbing the metal rod, and while Carlos and Rad smash the console, they call Sideways a scumbag and traitor and demand him to leave, respectively. Unlike ''Armada'', Sideways's voice now sounds garbled and digitized. Later, the wide shot of the kids and Mini-Cons after Sideways disintegrates the ball of light takes up the screen is silent, and the kids' screams now s5ound otherworldly.
*Megatron doesn't say anything before punching Optimus as the latter reacts to Laserbeak falling instead.
*After finding Rad, Carlos, Alexis, and the Mini-Cons, Fred asks Billy what happened before Billy says he doesn't know but believes Megatron is responsible. Fred laments about the Autobots not being there. Instead of crying about his blood sugar (as quoted above), Fred asks Billy what they should do. Then, after seeing the others on the monitor, Billy reacts with shock in ''Armada'' but says Rad's name in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Rad thinks they are now in the fourth dimension in ''Armada'' but a dream world in ''Legends of the Microns''. ''Armada'' extends Carlos's line to begin as soon as the scene cuts away from Rad.
*Rad and Carlos aren't as noisy while they mess around, and instead of calling the boys morons (as quoted above), Alexis remarks they really are children.
*In ''Armada'', Sideways says he hacked the system to access the Autobots' database. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says he had to connect to the Internet to invade the base's network. Then he says the kids and their Mini-Cons' futile resistance brought them into his Cyberspace, rather than Sideways saying ''he'' brought them there to get rid of them as he does in ''Armada''.
*The kids proceed to threaten Sideways in ''Armada'', but ''Legends of the Microns'' connects the kids' dialogue to their subplot. They tell him off for calling their resistance pitiful, saying they stayed at the base since they are fighting alongside the Autobots, not because they're useless. Then, in ''Armada'', Sideways mocks the kids and says the Autobots only pretended to let them help before demanding the Mini-Cons and threatening the kids. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he ridicules their belief in fighting beside the Autobots since the kids' opposition led to their current dilemma. Then he says the kids will be responsible if he takes the Mini-Cons, saying, "That's what fighting is like."
*After eluding Sideways, Rad states the obvious about the Mini-Cons in ''Armada'' but cheers about losing Sideways in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then Alexis and Rad admire the beauty of the sight before Rad questions whether or not they're all in a dream. Alexis's line about the constellations is ''Armada''-exclusive. Carlos agrees the place is beautiful but also thinks it's scary. Instead of Rad telling Carlos to stop whining, he says protecting the Mini-Cons and finding a way out will be their answer to Sideways. Then Alexis says they can't give up, but Carlos remains hesitant.
*When they see Cybertron, Rad says it appears they are going there, and Alexis asks why in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad says they should check it out, and Alexis asks how they are supposed to get there. The kids are silent in the next shot. Carlos remarks about the passing light beams, and Alexis doesn't speak until she fears everyone crashing into Cybertron.
*After passing through Cybertron, Rad says it was just a hologram in ''Armada'' but realizes "the space" is an illusion in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then, after confirming Rad's suspicion, Sideways brags about how realistic it is in ''Armada'' but says that he created it in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus asks what happened before Red Alert says his line. Fred asks if the Autobots can use Alexis's laptop to reverse Sideways's intrusion, Red Alert says he could trace Sideways's path, and Optimus doesn't compliment Fred.
*After the kids figure out Sideways's inability to control the Cyberspace illusion, he starts panicking and apologizing to them in ''Armada'', but addresses an unseen entity in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then as the dark cloud approaches, Rad says they should run since it doesn't look like an illusion.
*After rescuing the others, Billy says he's unsure if stopping the virus did much to help the planet. Alexis sarcastically praising Billy and Fred is ''Armada''-exclusive. She is more gracious with her praise in the Japanese dub. Then, rather than say they should celebrate, Fred wants to imagine the look on Sideways's face.
*In ''Armada'', Alexis tells Carlos they did see Cybertron unless they dreamt the whole thing. In ''Legends of the Microns'', she wonders what the other things they saw were.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Red Alert tells the kids that the original Laserbeak could not be retrieved, but he built a newer, upgraded model. In ''Armada'', Red Alert tells the kids Laserbeak was destroyed in combat until everyone is caught off-guard by Laserbeak's return.
*In Rad's closing narration in ''Armada'', he sometimes can't believe what happened wasn't a dream and says only time will tell if the kids really saw Cybertron and an evil force more powerful than Megatron. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad recalls how amazing the whole experience was, including seeing Cybertron, but wonders why the kids couldn't remember it.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Chase Prime.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"Yeah, baby. Sing...for the King."]]
*The Transformers' models later look low-quality in the second glimpse of the battle compared to their earlier models.
*The brightness level of the Cyberspace backgrounds sometimes increases between shots.
*The background shifts slightly as Sideways circles the kids and Mini-Cons.
*The silhouettes of both [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]]'s and [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]]'s Cybertronian modes differ from their respective close-up shots. Tidal Wave looks more round and compressed, and Jetfire has a silhouette of the Earth-based shuttle mode he acquires in the [[Tactician|next episode]].
*Cybertron looks identical after the kids and Mini-Cons pass through it when it should be flipped horizontally like a mirror image.
*Sideways has blocky fingers when he first grabs Sureshock, but they later become rounded.
*In the Autobot group scene where Red Alert reports that his scans indicate Sideways's work, Optimus's crotch is huge.
*The kids call Sureshock "Grindor" when telling the Mini-Con to escape from Sideways. They call Sureshock by her proper name in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Fred and Billy's mouths don't move as they tell Rad to wake up.

===Conitinuity notes===
*In the opening, Rad, Alexis, and Carlos reference the time the Decepticons invaded the Autobot base back in "[[Swoop (episode)|Swoop]]."
*This episode gives a new meaning to the "virus" insults that Sideways received in "[[Credulous]]."
*According to Alexis's laptop, the date is [[February 4]], [[2002]], becoming somewhat redundant when the show was later established to take place in [[2010]].
**The time Alexis runs the scan on her laptop is 19:7:10 (7:07 pm). What are 11-13-year-olds still doing out at this time? Man, they have some cool parents.
*One of the brightly-colored objects that the kids pass before they go through Cybertron is Jetfire in his Cybertronian vehicle mode, drawn as Generation 1 [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]'s VF-1S fighter mode.
*The other brightly colored object, outlined in purple, is Tidal Wave's Cybertronian form. It partially resembles Generation 1 [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] in his laser cannon mode. Perhaps not coincidentally, Tidal Wave was known as Shockwave in Japan.
*Indicating that he wasn't playing dumb as Alexis believed, Sideways (and probably, by proxy, the rest of the [[Transformer]]s in general) doesn't know what the [[Internet]] is.
*The past few episodes have heavily implied that Sideways is serving an unseen entity; this is one of the few instances in the early part of ''Armada'' portraying Sideways as an individual, rather than the extension of Unicron that he is later shown to be.
**The ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' cartoon and by extension, the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act|Cybertron]]'' comic would later establish that Sideways and [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]] cut a deal with Unicron. Given that Sideways and the [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] [[Noisemaze Mass Production Type Version|natives]] all share a body ''very'' different to Sideways's ''Armada'' body, it would suggest that his consciousness was shifted into a puppet-like shell Unicron could use to control him.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Optimus uses his Big Punch attack against Megatron.

===Continuity errors===
*Carlos says Red Alert is out on patrol, although he is seen fighting the Decepticons with the other Autobots. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this with Carlos saying instead that Red Alert left with the others.
*It's as if Rad completely forgot about the Decepticons attacking the base in "Swoop"; Carlos even mentions the protective shield from that episode. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this issue with Alexis outright asking Rad if he's forgotten about that. Then Carlos and Rad say Red Alert renovated the base's defense system afterward, and the Decepticons won't be able to warp into the base anymore.
*When the base gets hacked, the kids talk about the virus destroying a program but never specify what it is or what it does. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes all mentions of a program.
*Rad gives an overcomplicated explanation of Alexis's computer program transmitting her commands through "microwaves" from the base, saying that Alexis might've picked up a virus because of how the laptop connects to the "microwave tower" through the Internet. Without in-depth research on how the Internet works, Rad couldn't possibly deliver such an interpretation. The Japanese dub simplifies Rad's reasoning, making it easier for viewers to understand.
*Rad suspects Megatron of already stealing the Autobots' intel, but how would he know that? ''Legends of the Microns'' removes this.
*Rad makes the crazy claim that they've been disconnected from the net, but how would he know after just looking at the monitor? ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this to Rad urging Alexis to disconnect.
*As Sideways materializes, Rad suddenly says they can't turn the power off though it has nothing to do with what he's seeing. Rad says nothing can come out of the monitor since the power ''is'' off in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Alexis accuses Sideways of hacking "our" computer even though it was just her laptop. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this error.
*Where were Billy and Fred, and what were they doing before Rad, Alexis, Carlos, and their Mini-Cons got sucked into Cyberspace? It's like they conveniently dodged a bullet so they could be heroes in this episode.
*After Sideways confirms the Cyberspace is an illusion, why does Alexis continue saying it only exists in the children's minds? She doesn't say this in the Japanese dub.
*Carlos, Alexis, and Rad forget to mention the other things they saw besides Cybertron, i.e., Tidal Wave and Jetfire's obscure forms. Alexis brings them up in the Japanese dub.
*Red Alert is surprised by Laserbeak's appearance in the end, like Laserbeak managed to survive somehow miraculously. ''Legends of the Microns'' shows that's not the case as, despite being unable to retrieve Laserbeak, Red Alert reveals that he upgraded Laserbeak again.
*The episode forgets about the minor subplot established in the opening of the children being fed up with the Autobots leaving them in the base. ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't and addresses it in the middle of the episode as the kids confront Sideways.

===Transformers references===
*The version of Unicron shown in this episode is based on the [[Unicron/Generation 1|G1 version]] rather than the ''Armada'' version.

===Real-world references===
*Alexis's laptop uses {{w|Microsoft Windows}} and {{w|Internet Explorer}}.
*"gundamfinal"{{sic}} is mentioned in among the coding jargon that Red Alert types into the computer to release the kids from Cyberspace. A reference to the various ''{{w|Gundam}}'' toy and model lines by [[Bandai]]. ''Gundam'' also happens to be an inspiration for some of the ''Armada'' designs by [[Aaron Archer]], most notably, Optimus Prime's [[Super Mode]].

===Trivia===
*The kanji 幻影 would be pronounced as "''gen'ei''," while "''kage''" uses 影 in this episode's context.
*Also present among the lists of coding jargon that Red Alert types into the computer are more random words and phrases; some of the most visible examples include: "BigBang," "NOmoreWar," "ThisisapenWhoareyouHowolderyou," "YoungBloods," "TransformersGX." There also appear to be possible uses of romanized Japanese in the mix. What any of this stuff means is beyond us. Many of it seems to be inside jokes or a test to see ''[[User:Fanofcoolstuff27|who]]'' is paying attention to these small details.
*This episode is one of few in the series with no music differences between the dubs besides the episode title card and mid-episode [[commercial bumper]]s.
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'':
**After telling Sideways that they're fighting with the Autobots and not just staying at the base, [[Hidehito Ueda]] didn't know how to see the kids staying behind at Autobot HQ in future episodes, regarding the reason as an excuse in hindsight.
**The team wanted to tease Unicron's appearance casually before revealing him fully near the show's end. Unicron's teased appearance in this episode made American fansites go into a frenzy.
*This is one of the few episodes with a lot of focus on the kids.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Un virus envahissant'''" ("An Invasive Virus")

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hipertér'''" ("Hyperspace")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Illusione'''" ("Illusion")
::*When Alexis mentions the Internet, in Italian she simply says "the Net"... but then Sideways actually calls it "'''Internet'''"! How he managed to get the name without having heard about it before is a mystery we'll never solve...

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''이상한 경험'''" ("Strange Experience")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Porwanie'''" ("Abduction")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Caçada'''" ("Hunt")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 6 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Battle for the Mini-Cons ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Confrontation (episode)

2024-06-28T18:00:40Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{disambig2|the ''Armada'' cartoon episode|the Dreamwave comic story|Confrontation (issue)}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=9
|prev=Palace
|next=Underground (episode)
|title="Confrontation"
|furigana=わな
|japanese=廃墟
|romaji=Wana
|translation=Ruins: Trap
|image=Confrontation-Fred kidnapped.jpg
|caption=Why me?
|production code=TF: A-09
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|director=[[Masayuki Motsumoto]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]], [[Studio Guts]]
|airdate=[[October 25]], [[2002]] (English) [[March 7|7 March]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjaG0KhZnDI
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''Cyclonus captures Billy and Fred to trade them for the Mini-Cons.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Confrontation-Cyclonus and Rad.jpg|left|155px|thumb|Oh noes!]]
[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] and [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] muse over why the Autobots are on Earth, before they spot [[Rad White|Rad]], [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] and [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] and set off in pursuit. The trio notices they're being followed and speeds up, but then [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] appears overhead, and they split up to try to avoid him. Cyclonus toys with Rad until the boy hides behind a tree and uses [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] to shock the [[Decepticon]] before bolting. After trailing Rad for a bit, Cyclonus loses him and spots Billy and Fred. He grabs them, telling Rad and the others that they're hostages until [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus]] turns over the [[Mini-Con]]s. Rad commands Laserbeak to tail Cyclonus.

[[File:Confrontation-Bribing the Warren.jpg|155px|thumb|[[Universal greeting|Bah-weep-Graaaaagnah wheep ni ni bong]]?]]
The kids report to Optimus Prime, and the Autobots soon track Laserbeak to a ghost town. Cyclonus is waiting there with [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]], neither of whom are particularly enthusiastic about the chances for the plan's success. Trapped in a nearby derelict building, Billy and Fred spot their guard, [[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]], and try to work out what to do.

The Autobots arrive at the ghost town with their human companions and split up. Optimus, [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]], and [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] confront the three Decepticons and attempt to negotiate the hostages' safe return.

[[File:Confrontation-Megatron wants to trade.jpg|left|155px|thumb|This hand of mine glows with awesome power. Yesss.]]
Meanwhile, Billy and Fred jump Leader-1, wrestling the Mini-Con to the ground, but it fires off a laser which blasts a hole in the roof, and they quickly back off. The Autobots notice the building, but the Decepticons prevent them from moving closer, and a fight starts. The kids sneak into the building with their Mini-Cons, who surround Leader-1 and have a brief conversation in bleeps. They're interrupted by [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] transforming from under the pile of junk that's been cluttering the building. The Decepticon leader traps them all in an energy sphere. Bursting through the building wall with his prize, he gloats to the Autobots.

[[File:Confrontation-Angry Fred.jpg|155px|thumb|[[Rumble (G1)|RUMBLE]]. IS. [[FIRRIB|'''RED''']]!]]
Outraged, Hot Shot punches Cyclonus out of the air, but Megatron threatening his hostages prevents him from doing any more damage. Optimus reluctantly agrees to hand over the Mini-Cons. However, Megatron refuses to release the kids, so Rad gives him a zap using Laserbeak. Despite Leader-1 trying to stop Rad from shocking Megatron, the Decepticon leader drops the kids except Rad. Megatron threatens to crush the boy unless the Autobots obey him and hand over the rest of the Mini-Cons. With everyone stunned into inaction, Fred picks up Laserbeak and tries to shock Megatron's foot with it, but the Decepticon sends Leader-1 to stop him. Fred's plea for friendship makes the Mini-Con pause, distracting Megatron long enough for Hot Shot to kick Rad out of his hand and punch him in the face. Realizing their plan has failed, the Decepticons warp away.

Rad thanks both Hot Shot and Fred for saving his life, and Rad introduces Billy and Fred to the Autobots.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (10)
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (11)
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (12)
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (13)

|c2=
* [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (9)
* [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (14)
* [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (15)
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (18)

|c3=
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (1)
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (2)
* [[Rad White]] (3)
* [[Carlos Lopez]] (4)
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (5)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
* [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (6)
* [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (7)
* [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (8)
* [[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (16)
* [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (17)
* [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] (19)
* [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] (20)
}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Confrontation-Fred and Billy.jpg|200px|thumb|Oh... ye damned Harry Potter...]]
"I bet they're from the future." 
"I say they're from space and I bet their mission is to take over the world too." 
"I dunno, they don't seem that evil to me."
:—'''Fred''' and '''Billy''' discuss the Autobots.

"So what are they gonna do?" 
"Well, what do you think? They're gonna drain our brains, doofus." 
"They can't! I-I need my brain!"
:—'''Fred''' and '''Billy''', on the Decepticons' plans.

[[File:Confrontation-Cyclonus vs Hot Shot.jpg|200px|thumb]]
"You're the most annoying Autobot I've ever met!"
:—'''Cyclonus''' to Hot Shot.

"Oh, I was just thinking of keeping them as pets."
:—'''Megatron''', regarding his hostages.

'''Optimus:''' "We've come through with our part of the deal. Now release the children, Megatron." 
'''Megatron:''' "Oh no, I don't think so." 
'''Optimus:''' "What?!" 
'''Hot Shot:''' "You double-crossed us!"
:—The Autobots have perhaps forgotten whom they're dealing with.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*Fred calls Hot Shot cool in ''Armada'' but says Hot Shot looked "Earth made" in the Japanese dub, lining up with Billy's response that it's a disguise better than the English version.
*When Fred tells Billy to look over yonder, he specifically says that it's "Rad and the others."
*When Billy stops in the forest, Fred tells him to wait up instead of saying it's a good rest stop.
*Rather than simply saying that he, Alexis, and Carlos should split up, Rad says they should get out of there because of Cyclonus's appearance.
*After blocking Rad's path for the third time, Cyclonus says, "The game ends here." When Rad hides behind the tree, Cyclonus tells him hiding is pointless. Then Cyclonus toys that he won't bite in ''Armada'' but courteously asks that Rad be good and allow Cyclonus to capture him.
*After Rad shocks him with Laserbeak, Cyclonus says the kids have a death wish.
*Rad's opening monologue is essentially identical between the dubs, with the sole difference being ''Armada'' adding Rad's line about him being in big trouble.
*Cyclonus later says Rad is fast after he gives him the slip.
*Upon seeing Cyclonus, Billy describes him as an "armed" helicopter in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Optimus's line about Billy and Fred being taken hostage is shortened, with no mention of Cyclonus, and he doesn't speak until just before the scene cuts to the close-up of him.
*In ''Armada'', Hot Shot says the Decepticons have gone too far by kidnapping Fred and Billy, while he only says it's unforgivable in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then, in ''Armada'', Alexis says Laserbeak is still following Cyclonus. In ''Legends of the Microns'', she says Cyclonus has landed.
*In ''Armada'', the Transformers theme plays as the Autobot team warps out and arrives at the ghost town, and the transformation noise precedes it for some reason though none of the Autobots transform during the launch sequence. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the noise and the track "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Intense Silence]]" plays during the warp scene, continuing seamlessly into the next scene.
*Demolishor, Cyclonus, and Starscream's conversation significantly differs between the two dubs: In ''Armada'', Demolishor says the Autobots better arrive for Cyclonus's sake. Cyclonus assures him they will before Starscream says it will be on Cyclonus's head if they don't. Then Cyclonus tells Starscream to relax since he has a plan. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Demolishor asks what happened to the kids and their Mini-Cons, and Cyclonus says he couldn't catch them. Then Starscream asks Cyclonus not to tell him that he screwed up, and Cyclonus tells him to relax since the Autobots will undoubtedly come.
*In ''Armada'', Fred whines about how he should've stayed home, and he hates bicycling. Billy surmises the Transformers need them to carry out their "world domination" plan. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this to Fred asking how they got involved in this mess and Billy saying how they need to escape before they end up in more trouble with the Transformers.
*In ''Armada'', Billy and Fred assume they will get their brains drained, and Billy brags about being more intelligent than Fred. In the Japanese dub, Billy says the Transformers plan to bring them to their planet and that they're manipulating Rad, Alexis, and Carlos.
*After they spot Leader-1, Billy says he's guarding them, so he and Fred should scare and capture him unless Fred wants to do nothing and stay caught.
*In ''Armada'', when they see the Autobots arrive and Cyclonus tells Demolishor and Starscream to let him handle it, the latter laughs and says, "Go ahead. Be my guest." In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream asks if they should see what the Autobots brought for them.
*In ''Armada'', Rad says the team should split up but says the kids will inform the Autobots when they find Fred and Billy in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*''Legends of the Microns'' removes the transformation noise as the Autobots transform, and the track "Charge!" plays instead of the insert Transformers theme.
*Before Fred offers a potato chip to Leader-1, he says at least he still has them in ''Armada''. In the Japanese dub, Fred tries to convince Leader-1 that they taste good.
*Optimus asks Cyclonus if Billy and Fred are safe and doesn't threaten him.
*As he and Billy hold Leader-1 down, rather than telling the Mini-Con not to eat his chips, Fred tells him to hold still.
*After seeing the video feed of Leader-1 with Fred and Billy, Alexis says they're safe. Then Carlos says the Autobots might be unable to help, so Rad says it's up to them.
*After the [[commercial bumper]], Billy and Fred don't ask who High Wire, Grindor, and Sureshock are. Then, instead of believing the Mini-Cons are talking, Fred recognizes they're with Rad, Carlos, and Alexis.
*While shooting at Hot Shot, Cyclonus says the Autobot is paying for Optimus not surrendering the Mini-Cons in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Cyclonus says the Decepticons will let the Autobots go if they hand over the Mini-Cons. Then ''Armada'' has Hot Shot complain and wish Cyclonus would "give it a rest"; Hot Shot says Cyclonus isn't getting away with this in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*As Leader-1 is beeping frantically, Rad says they should hurry. Then Megatron says, "Transform!" ''while'' emerging from the junk instead of before as he does in ''Armada''.
*As he holds the kids and Mini-Cons hostage, Megatron says the Mini-Cons now can't transform or Powerlinx.
*When he downs Cyclonus, Hot Shot says, "I'm pissed off! Especially for these dirty tricks!" Then Megatron says, "Young lad, I don't think you quite understand the current situation."
*In ''Armada'', Megatron jokes about keeping the hostages as pets (quoted above). In ''Legends of the Microns'', he demands the Autobots to surrender their Mini-Cons first.
*When Optimus agrees to the request, he demands Megatron to promise to guarantee the hostages' release. Then Megatron says Prime is becoming repetitive and repeats that he surrender the Mini-Cons.
*Carlos says the Decepticons will become too powerful in ''Armada'' but instead says they will figure something out in the Japanese dub. In response, Optimus says he understands how the kids feel but won't let them sacrifice themselves.
*After Megatron tells the children to be quiet, the kids go silent before shouting obscure dialogue in ''Armada''{{'}}s following close-up shot. In ''Legends of the Microns'', they resume screaming intensely, and it carries through the next shot.
*Hot Shot's "What a ripoff!" line is gone.
*When attacking Megatron with Laserbeak, Rad says his line immediately, instead of until the screen pans.
*When he stops Hot Shot, Megatron says, "Not so fast! That's quite reckless. Aren't you in the least bit concerned?" Rad is also heard struggling, and it continues into the next shot.
*In ''Armada'', Fred's internal monologue is him telling himself to act quickly. In ''Legends of the Microns'', his inner dialogue is "It was a promise...", as in Megatron's promise to let the kids go.
*When Fred attacks Megatron, the latter remarks on it being a cheap trick, and Fred calls Megatron a liar again.
*Rather than pleading for friendship with Leader-1 as he does in ''Armada'', Fred repeats that Megatron lied and broke his promise.
*Instead of Hot Shot shouting, "It's lights out, Megatron!" he only says, "Unforgivable!" ''Armada'' plays the Transformers theme at this point while ''Legends of the Microns'' plays "Cybertrons, Transform!".
*In ''Armada'', Megatron regrets trusting Cyclonus to plan anything and says they will discuss it back at base. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says the plan failed ''because'' he left it in Cyclonus's hands and orders a retreat.
*As the other kids thank Fred, Billy compliments him for being capable though Fred says he "acted on impulse."
*After Billy and Fred introduce themselves to the Autobots, Optimus says he's glad they are safe.
*For Rad's ending monologue, he says that Billy and Fred shared the Autobots' secret with the other kids from that day forward. ''Armada'' adds the extra line of Billy and Fred having nothing to worry about as long as the Decepticons stay out of the picture.

===Animation and technical errors===
*The animation shifts sometimes between low and high quality, like when Hot Shot flies toward Cyclonus.
*At the beginning, when Billy tells the other kids to wait for him and Fred, Billy's mouth still moves after he says his line; this is because his line is a bit longer in the Japanese dub.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis asks Carlos if the boys are "waiting" for Billy and Fred. In this case, the English dub is right since she asks if Carlos and Rad "invited" them.
*Cyclonus is slightly off-model after spinning around to start chasing the kids.
*In Demolishor's first appearance, he has an unexplained sad look on his face. When Cyclonus says he has a plan in the same scene, his mouth still moves after he finishes talking.
*The Transformers' proportions are off in some scenes.
*Cyclonus has four windows on his chest instead of the usual two in the shot of him, Demolishor, and Starscream, on the barn's left side.
*Optimus's left leg wobbles before he kicks Demolishor.
*Before Megatron threatens the kids, he tells Hot Shot to "stay right ''here''" instead of ''there''. His line is different in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When he tells Leader-1 to deal with Rad, Megatron's lips still move a second after finishing his line. It's not an issue in the Japanese version.
*In the shot of Megatron holding Rad as the others watch, Starscream's open mouth is the same color as his face.
*Why is Megatron positioned at an angle in one shot while holding Rad captive when he was on a level surface like everyone else a moment ago?
*Megatron's foot shrinks between the shots of Leader-1 walking toward Fred and Fred confronting him.
*Megatron says "what" twice when questioning why Leader-1 stops. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says it once as he says Leader-1's name in the first "what"'s place.
*After the stock footage of Hot Shot and Red Alert Powerlinxing, part of Starscream's head is miscolored like his face instead of dark gray.
*Before Starscream and Demolishor run off to tend to Megatron, a portion of Starscream's left wing is transparent, with the sky clearly visible.
*As Fred thanks Rad and the others for saving him and Billy, a faint diagonal line can be seen on the lower half of his face whenever it turns toward the screen.

===Continuity notes===
*Billy and Fred meet the Decepticons, Red Alert, and Optimus for the first time and officially join the Autobot team.
*This episode notably shows one of if not the only time anyone shows Leader-1 a shred of kindness throughout the series.
*This episode is one of the few where the Decepticons threaten the kids directly and use them as leverage against the Autobots.
*This episode features the first time any of the kids interact with Leader-1 directly.
*This episode is the second after "[[Carnival]]" that doesn't involve finding a new Mini-Con.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Cyclonus extends his arms in helicopter mode. According to ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'', Transformers are rarely seen in this kind of intermediate form.
**This episode marks the first and only appearance of Laserbeak's stun gun function. Laserbeak... more like ''Taserbeak''! Seriously though, doesn't the toy have a laser pistol mode? Why are they using Laserbeak like a taser against the Decepticons?
**Starscream uses the yellow circles to fire lasers from his chest again.
**Hot Shot once again uses his chainsaws in vehicle mode in an attempt to attack Cyclonus. He previously used them in "[[Soldier (episode)|Soldier]]."
**Megatron's antlers can create an electro force field that traps and tortures the children.
*Powerlinx forms:
**Jolt Powerlinx with Hot Shot in vehicle mode.
**Hot Shot Powerlinx with Jolt in robot mode.
**Red Alert Powerlinx with Longarm in robot mode.

===Continuity errors===
*Hot Shot claims the Deceptions have gone too far by abducting Billy and Fred, but the Decepticons surely must've done ''far'' worse in the past.
*Why would Leader-1 be interested in Fred's potato chips? It's not like he could do anything with them anyway.
*How did Megatron get into that old warehouse anyway?

===Real-world references===
*Starscream's "Be my guest" line may or may not reference the song "Be Our Guest" from Disney's ''Beauty and the Beast''.
*At one point, Hot Shot calls Cyclonus a "whirlybird," the slang term for a helicopter.

===Trivia===
[[File:Confrontation-Billy's bad landing.jpg|200px|thumb|Ouch.]]
*The kanji 廃墟 would usually be pronounced as "''haiky''o," while "''wana''" is used for the kanji 罠 or 羂.
*Billy's landing after Megatron drops him may mean that children are out of the question.
*Both Rad and Fred use Laserbeak as a weapon against Cyclonus and Megatron; THIS is the reason he's [[For safety reasons#Safety standards|painted bright orange]].
*On Rhino's "Best Battles" DVD compilation, this episode has a chapter entitled "Kids In The Ball," which might reference {{w|Kids in the Hall|a similarly-named comedy series}}.
*Given how he throws away the bag of chips after learning it's empty and is moments away from blasting Billy and Fred, Leader-1 seems genuinely hurt by their trick.
*According to ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'', the production staff expected a storyline centering on Fred and Leader-1 to come from their interaction in this episode, but it never happened.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Les Otages'''" ("The Hostages")

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hilfe aus dem All'''" ("Help from Outer Space")
:* This episode was never shown on TV but was dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Túszok'''" ("Hostages")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il confronto'''" ("The Confrontation")

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''폐허속의 결투'''" ("Duel in the Ruins")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Konfrontacja'''" ("Confrontation")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Confrontação'''" ("Confrontation")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 3 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Best Battles ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume 2 ([[TFou Vidéo]]) — French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:03 ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Triple Collection (Universal) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Union

2023-09-12T00:29:04Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Trivia */ ....fixed my fixed sentence.

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=50
|prev=Alliance
|next=Origin
|title="Union"
|furigana=そうりょくせん
|japanese=連合
|romaji=Sōryokusen
|translation=Union: All-Out War
|image=Unionunicronheart.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-50
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|englishadaptation=[[Ward Perry]]
|director=[[Ken'ichi Ishikura]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[October 1]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[December 10]], [[2003]] (English, United States) [[December 12]], [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''As Unicron stands ready to attack Cybertron, the Autobots and Decepticons fight back. Galvatron takes extra time to deal with the issue of Thrust's betrayal of the rest of his species.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Union-ThrustSidewaysinUnicron.jpg|left|155px|thumb|"Hey, patsy, er, uh, Thrust. Scram!"]]
[[Unicron]] stands, his body surrounded by energy, destroying any ships that come close to him. While [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] orders his forces to retreat to a safe distance, [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] sits on Unicron's shoulder, laughing at the feeble efforts to defeat his new god. However, he's still steaming about how [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] had told him to get lost after the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] had been placed inside Unicron. He plans his first action as Unicron's right-hand bot to get rid of Sideways.

The [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s try to determine how their armies could possibly defeat Unicron. Unicron suddenly takes action and prepares to attack the abandoned planetside. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] and [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] lead some fighter planes, hoping to interrupt Unicron. While the fighters can't harm Unicron, they focus on Thrust.

[[File:Unionthrust.JPG|155px|thumb]]
The Cybertronian army's scanners finally detect a weak point on Unicron's neck. A plan is formed, giving Galvatron the opportunity to personally confront Thrust. Thrust stands on Unicron's shoulder, and notices that Unicron is making no responses to any advisement—he questions that perhaps the web of lies he had constructed might have been a mistake, he assures himself that Unicron is the right way. At this point, his sanity is clearly in question.

[[File:Unionunicroncannon.JPG|left|155px|thumb|Don't tell Unicron, but the cannon is actually voice activated.]]
[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and Galvatron realize that the key to defeating Unicron lies within the [[Mini-Con]]s inside of Unicron, since the Mini-Cons themselves desire nothing but to free themselves from Unicron's grasp. At the same time, the kids come to a similar conclusion. Seeing that it might work, Galvatron declares that they finally work as a real team. Before the plans are put into action, Unicron fires his massive energy cannon, blasting a very, very large portion out of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s landscape. Before Unicron fires again, Optimus and Galvatron commence their own attack, leaving both Autobot and Decepticon armies under the command of [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]]. The final war on Unicron begins, the ''[[Hydra Cannon]]'' positioned to use its force field to block the blast that could tear another chunk out of Cybertron.

[[File:Unionthrustdeath.jpg|155px|thumb|TETSUOOOO]]
While Optimus aims above the plasma chest to allow himself and Galvatron to go inside Unicron, Galvatron confronts Thrust of his treachery against the [[Transformer]]s, swearing that he will pay for it. Unmoved, Thrust gloats, proclaiming the destruction of Cybertron is inevitable. But seconds after professing his desire to see Galvatron destroyed, Thrust bounces into a quickly closing crack in Unicron's armor. Squeezed, he begs for help, only to find out that his cries for help elicit no response from either the Chaos Bringer or his former leader. Galvatron then turns his back away from this, warning Thrust that this is the fate of those daring to dream for power and treason, and Thrust is inevitably popped like a pathetic zit to his death.

The ''Hydra Cannon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s shields give up, letting Unicron's powerful blast head towards Cybertron, but before it makes contact, the glowing green [[Mini-Con]]s rush to block the shot. Before Unicron closes the panels that cover his cannon, Optimus and Galvatron sneak inside.

The [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] announce they plan on going inside of Unicron too. The kids and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] decide they're going along to help. The Mini-Cons outside combine into a [[Unicron of Light|massive green mirror of Unicron]], who protects the kids long enough to sneak through the underground warp gate, but while the kids sneak through the gate in time, Red Alert is left buried in rubble.

With Optimus and Galvatron at Unicron's core, the kids and the Street Action Team are elsewhere in Unicron. Unicron battles the Mini-Con mirror of himself, while a combined army of Autobots and Decepticons engage in one final assault.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (6)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (15)
*[[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] (16)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (17)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (18)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (19)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (23)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (24)
*Generic Autobots
|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (2)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (20)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (21)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (22)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (25)
*generic Decepticons

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (7)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (8)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (9)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (10)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (11)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (12)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (13)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (14)
*Many unidentified Mini-Cons
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (26) (Powerlinxed with Galvatron)
*[[Unicron of Light]] (27)
*[[Dead End Drone]]s (28)

|h5=Other|c5=
*[[Unicron]] (1)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (3)
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (4)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Optimus Prime:''' "Once we get inside Unicron, we're going to rescue ''all'' the Mini-Cons." 
'''Fred:''' "Ahh, you're the greatest!" 
'''Galvatron:''' "...what?" 
'''Fred:''' "Uhh..and...you're really the greatest too, Galvatron." 
'''Galvatron:''' "HA HA HA! Now that's what I like to hear!"
:—The best way to coexist with Decepticons is to flatter them, or else they'll flatten you.

"Did I make a terrible mistake by betraying the Decepticons? Oh... What if he's nothing more than a huge Transformer like the rest of us?! Oh no! Did Sideways trick me into doing all of this?!"
:—'''Thrust''' starts to wonder if he screwed up.

"I have to go meet Optimus Prime. We're going inside Unicron. I'll give you two choices: Either I shoot you here and now..." 
''(Thrust shakes his head, whimpering in fear)'' 
"...or you free yourself and get out on your own. And if you do, there will be ''nowhere'' to hide.
:—'''Galvatron''', to put it lightly, is extremely pissed off.

"Thrust, if you dare to have dreams of power...you will be consumed by them."
:—'''Galvatron'''

"Unicron is going to blast us! I don't want to get blasted on an empty stomach!"
:—'''Fred'''

"Let's get it on!" 
"This is one crazy team."
:—'''Tidal Wave''' and '''Blurr'''
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*When Thrust commands Unicron to destroy the Transformers, the animation of him twirling is at a slow pace and seemingly stops at a random point. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him go faster and has the finished animation where where he swings his arm by the end of the shot.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', while Thrust lusts for the destruction of all other [[Transformer]]s, he becomes utterly terrified and confused when Unicron attacks Cybertron. In the dub, Thrust is the one insisting that Unicron should destroy the planet, and laughs maniacally all the way trough.
*When Optimus and Galvatron Powerlinx with Jetfire and Tidal Wave respectively in ''Armada'', an insert of the Transformers theme plays and ends when Galvatron lands close to Thrust. Meanwhile in ''Legend of the Microns'', the track "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 2|The Ultimate Soldier Returns]]" plays, and ends with the upward pan of Unicron.
*Galvatron and Thrust's last moment together is slightly different between dubs, mostly how Thrust sounds more confident in the English dub whereas he's more unhinged in the Japanese:
**''Armada'' has Galvatron tell Thrust he'll pay for his betrayal, to which Thrust replies he isn’t afraid of him anymore and at least he chooses his allies wisely. Thrust then calls Galvatron a bad joke and asks what he was thinking joining forces with the Autobots, and then says he has no need for him since all they did was fight one meaningless battle after another. He proceeds to mock him for not managing to control his own soldiers and praises Unicron for his enormous size and bets on a successful partnership, which makes Galvatron passively calls him out on liking his own voice. Thrust proceeds to tell Galvatron he can't wait until Unicron blasts him into pieces, and when he gets caught in one of Unicron's moving parts acted like all of what he just said was a joke and he didn't mean any of it. Galvatron tells Thrust he can either shoot him now or come out on his own, and threatens him that there will be no where to hide before leaving, with the latter's last words consist of begging Galvatron not just leaving him to his death. Galvatron tells Thrust that having large amounts of power will eventually consume you, and Thrust is somehow able to let out a final death scream.
** Galvatron mentions Starscream when he threatens Thrust in ''Legends of the Microns'', to which the latter says that isn't like him to say something like that. Thrust proceeds to say that even with a union, they'll never stand up against Unicron and it doesn't matter if he gots shot or not, and then calls Galvatron a fool for caring about overpowering all Transformers and conquering the universe when all he did was fight an endless war, and says he got tired of it all. Thrust then puts Unicron on a high pedestal, mentioning his enormous power and calling him the God of Destruction, and with him now being his servant, he has become the chosen one and will soon be able to realize his own dream. Galvatron asks Thrust if that's all he has to say, to which the latter says he will never achieve his dream and is destined to become space dust before getting stuck. Thrust then begs Galvatron for help, but the latter makes his leave and tells the former he can either save himself, or escape on his own and chase after the union. Thrust proceeds to whimper about being in pain, and Galvatron says that his dreams have now been shattered before he explodes. Thrust doesn't scream when blowing up, but sounds of crushing metal can be heard more clearly. Additionally, the animation when Thrust is getting crushed is faster and more timed in ''Legends of the Microns'' compared to ''Armada'', and his final scream has an echo effect.
*The final shot of Unicron's heart is silent in the Japanese dub.

===Animation and technical errors===
*For the whole episode, Demolishor talks using Hoist's voice, and is referred to as Hoist the only time he is named. Hoist also has one line in his own voice.
**The Finnish and Swedish dub also used Hoist's voice actor for dubbing Demolishor's lines this episode, presumably because Demolishor was referred to as Hoist in the original version and thus in the dub scripts.
*In one shot during the initial attack on Unicron, Wheeljack's scar is missing.
*In the Hungarian dub, Blurr says his last line, bizarrely, in Unicron's voice.
*When Jet Optimus combines with Overload, he yells out "Ultra Magnus," which is the translation of Overload's Japanese name.

===Continuity notes===
*Overload is briefly visible in robot mode.
*Thrust is the only named ''Armada'' character to die and not be resurrected at a later point in the [[Unicron Trilogy]].
**However, in the Japanese continuity, Thrust is resurrected as Unicron's servant in the ''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]'' comics.
*Sureshock speaks in English for the first time, and uses a male voice. ''Legends of the Microns'' uses a female voice instead to be consistent with Sureshock's gender.
*Thrust's death is a little physically wrong. Considering that Unicron's folding plate started closing around his midsection, he should have been bifurcated (crushed in half) but the animation in his death scene makes it look like he exploded. Then again getting crushed in two by a pair of folding plates is a little graphic for a kid's show (even one about robots) so we can be a little lenient....
*The [[Dead End Drone]]s that attack Optimus and Galvatron inside Unicron are referred to by Galvatron as "Laser Pods".
*Gadgets and powers:
**Unicron uses some kind of lightning forcefield to shield his body from oncoming attacks.
**Unicron's scream can unleash shockwaves.
**While not shown on-screen, [[Rollout (Armada)|Rollout]] is [[Powerlinx]]ed with Overload.
**Unicron's chest cannon fires plasma bursts.
**Unicron fires spherical bombs from the planet-kibble pieces on his legs. While the show depicts them as spheres, these are actually missiles on the toy, with the spherical parts only being the tips.
**The gravitational field of Unicron's forearm running just ever so slightly past Cybertron's surface, is enough to tear apart cities.

===Continuity errors===
*Optimus Prime at one point refers to Demolishor as "Hoist".
*During one flashback, Sideways is seen telling Thrust that Unicron has immense power that will be there for Thrust if he revives Unicron and severs his allegiance with Galvatron. Presuming that this is when Thrust first teams up with Sideways, there's the slight problem of Sideways saying 'Galvatron' instead of 'Megatron'.
*Billy refers to the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] as the "Auto Blaster", which could be a dubbing error or an error on part of the character.
*When combining, Prime calls Overload "[[Ultra Magnus (disambiguation)|Ultra Magnus]]", which is Overload's Japanese name.
*High Wire refers to the Mini-Cons within Unicron as Perceptor, but Perceptor is the combined form of the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]].

===Real-world references===
*In one scene of the episode before Thrust's death, Galvatron sounds like he is using Bruce Banner's line before he would turn into Hulk.

===Trivia===
*The English version of "Union" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 10]], 2003.
*''Legends of the Microns''' [[commercial bumper]] of Unicron appearing over Cybertron debuts in this episode.
*Isn't it irregular that the commercial break is opened with a shot of the Autobot logo appearing on [[Earth]], when the story hasn't had any non-flashback scenes on Earth for nine episodes now?
*Thrust raises the nosecone part of his head when he's shocked, similarly to how a human raises their eyebrows.
*Rad's gloves are excessively cool.
*This episode marks the last time a Transformer Powerlinxed with a Mini-Con in the series, along with two Transformers Powerlinxing together.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''In letzter Sekunde'''" ("Last Second")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 14|14 January]] [[2004]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Közös erővel'''" ("With Joint Forces")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''União'''" ("Union")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 13 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Collector's Edition ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Union

2023-09-12T00:26:00Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Trivia */ Fixed the sentence.

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=50
|prev=Alliance
|next=Origin
|title="Union"
|furigana=そうりょくせん
|japanese=連合
|romaji=Sōryokusen
|translation=Union: All-Out War
|image=Unionunicronheart.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-50
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|englishadaptation=[[Ward Perry]]
|director=[[Ken'ichi Ishikura]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[October 1]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[December 10]], [[2003]] (English, United States) [[December 12]], [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''As Unicron stands ready to attack Cybertron, the Autobots and Decepticons fight back. Galvatron takes extra time to deal with the issue of Thrust's betrayal of the rest of his species.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Union-ThrustSidewaysinUnicron.jpg|left|155px|thumb|"Hey, patsy, er, uh, Thrust. Scram!"]]
[[Unicron]] stands, his body surrounded by energy, destroying any ships that come close to him. While [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] orders his forces to retreat to a safe distance, [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] sits on Unicron's shoulder, laughing at the feeble efforts to defeat his new god. However, he's still steaming about how [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] had told him to get lost after the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] had been placed inside Unicron. He plans his first action as Unicron's right-hand bot to get rid of Sideways.

The [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s try to determine how their armies could possibly defeat Unicron. Unicron suddenly takes action and prepares to attack the abandoned planetside. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] and [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] lead some fighter planes, hoping to interrupt Unicron. While the fighters can't harm Unicron, they focus on Thrust.

[[File:Unionthrust.JPG|155px|thumb]]
The Cybertronian army's scanners finally detect a weak point on Unicron's neck. A plan is formed, giving Galvatron the opportunity to personally confront Thrust. Thrust stands on Unicron's shoulder, and notices that Unicron is making no responses to any advisement—he questions that perhaps the web of lies he had constructed might have been a mistake, he assures himself that Unicron is the right way. At this point, his sanity is clearly in question.

[[File:Unionunicroncannon.JPG|left|155px|thumb|Don't tell Unicron, but the cannon is actually voice activated.]]
[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and Galvatron realize that the key to defeating Unicron lies within the [[Mini-Con]]s inside of Unicron, since the Mini-Cons themselves desire nothing but to free themselves from Unicron's grasp. At the same time, the kids come to a similar conclusion. Seeing that it might work, Galvatron declares that they finally work as a real team. Before the plans are put into action, Unicron fires his massive energy cannon, blasting a very, very large portion out of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s landscape. Before Unicron fires again, Optimus and Galvatron commence their own attack, leaving both Autobot and Decepticon armies under the command of [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]]. The final war on Unicron begins, the ''[[Hydra Cannon]]'' positioned to use its force field to block the blast that could tear another chunk out of Cybertron.

[[File:Unionthrustdeath.jpg|155px|thumb|TETSUOOOO]]
While Optimus aims above the plasma chest to allow himself and Galvatron to go inside Unicron, Galvatron confronts Thrust of his treachery against the [[Transformer]]s, swearing that he will pay for it. Unmoved, Thrust gloats, proclaiming the destruction of Cybertron is inevitable. But seconds after professing his desire to see Galvatron destroyed, Thrust bounces into a quickly closing crack in Unicron's armor. Squeezed, he begs for help, only to find out that his cries for help elicit no response from either the Chaos Bringer or his former leader. Galvatron then turns his back away from this, warning Thrust that this is the fate of those daring to dream for power and treason, and Thrust is inevitably popped like a pathetic zit to his death.

The ''Hydra Cannon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s shields give up, letting Unicron's powerful blast head towards Cybertron, but before it makes contact, the glowing green [[Mini-Con]]s rush to block the shot. Before Unicron closes the panels that cover his cannon, Optimus and Galvatron sneak inside.

The [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] announce they plan on going inside of Unicron too. The kids and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] decide they're going along to help. The Mini-Cons outside combine into a [[Unicron of Light|massive green mirror of Unicron]], who protects the kids long enough to sneak through the underground warp gate, but while the kids sneak through the gate in time, Red Alert is left buried in rubble.

With Optimus and Galvatron at Unicron's core, the kids and the Street Action Team are elsewhere in Unicron. Unicron battles the Mini-Con mirror of himself, while a combined army of Autobots and Decepticons engage in one final assault.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (6)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (15)
*[[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] (16)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (17)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (18)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (19)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (23)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (24)
*Generic Autobots
|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (2)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (20)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (21)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (22)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (25)
*generic Decepticons

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (7)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (8)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (9)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (10)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (11)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (12)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (13)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (14)
*Many unidentified Mini-Cons
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (26) (Powerlinxed with Galvatron)
*[[Unicron of Light]] (27)
*[[Dead End Drone]]s (28)

|h5=Other|c5=
*[[Unicron]] (1)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (3)
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (4)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Optimus Prime:''' "Once we get inside Unicron, we're going to rescue ''all'' the Mini-Cons." 
'''Fred:''' "Ahh, you're the greatest!" 
'''Galvatron:''' "...what?" 
'''Fred:''' "Uhh..and...you're really the greatest too, Galvatron." 
'''Galvatron:''' "HA HA HA! Now that's what I like to hear!"
:—The best way to coexist with Decepticons is to flatter them, or else they'll flatten you.

"Did I make a terrible mistake by betraying the Decepticons? Oh... What if he's nothing more than a huge Transformer like the rest of us?! Oh no! Did Sideways trick me into doing all of this?!"
:—'''Thrust''' starts to wonder if he screwed up.

"I have to go meet Optimus Prime. We're going inside Unicron. I'll give you two choices: Either I shoot you here and now..." 
''(Thrust shakes his head, whimpering in fear)'' 
"...or you free yourself and get out on your own. And if you do, there will be ''nowhere'' to hide.
:—'''Galvatron''', to put it lightly, is extremely pissed off.

"Thrust, if you dare to have dreams of power...you will be consumed by them."
:—'''Galvatron'''

"Unicron is going to blast us! I don't want to get blasted on an empty stomach!"
:—'''Fred'''

"Let's get it on!" 
"This is one crazy team."
:—'''Tidal Wave''' and '''Blurr'''
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*When Thrust commands Unicron to destroy the Transformers, the animation of him twirling is at a slow pace and seemingly stops at a random point. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him go faster and has the finished animation where where he swings his arm by the end of the shot.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', while Thrust lusts for the destruction of all other [[Transformer]]s, he becomes utterly terrified and confused when Unicron attacks Cybertron. In the dub, Thrust is the one insisting that Unicron should destroy the planet, and laughs maniacally all the way trough.
*When Optimus and Galvatron Powerlinx with Jetfire and Tidal Wave respectively in ''Armada'', an insert of the Transformers theme plays and ends when Galvatron lands close to Thrust. Meanwhile in ''Legend of the Microns'', the track "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 2|The Ultimate Soldier Returns]]" plays, and ends with the upward pan of Unicron.
*Galvatron and Thrust's last moment together is slightly different between dubs, mostly how Thrust sounds more confident in the English dub whereas he's more unhinged in the Japanese:
**''Armada'' has Galvatron tell Thrust he'll pay for his betrayal, to which Thrust replies he isn’t afraid of him anymore and at least he chooses his allies wisely. Thrust then calls Galvatron a bad joke and asks what he was thinking joining forces with the Autobots, and then says he has no need for him since all they did was fight one meaningless battle after another. He proceeds to mock him for not managing to control his own soldiers and praises Unicron for his enormous size and bets on a successful partnership, which makes Galvatron passively calls him out on liking his own voice. Thrust proceeds to tell Galvatron he can't wait until Unicron blasts him into pieces, and when he gets caught in one of Unicron's moving parts acted like all of what he just said was a joke and he didn't mean any of it. Galvatron tells Thrust he can either shoot him now or come out on his own, and threatens him that there will be no where to hide before leaving, with the latter's last words consist of begging Galvatron not just leaving him to his death. Galvatron tells Thrust that having large amounts of power will eventually consume you, and Thrust is somehow able to let out a final death scream.
** Galvatron mentions Starscream when he threatens Thrust in ''Legends of the Microns'', to which the latter says that isn't like him to say something like that. Thrust proceeds to say that even with a union, they'll never stand up against Unicron and it doesn't matter if he gots shot or not, and then calls Galvatron a fool for caring about overpowering all Transformers and conquering the universe when all he did was fight an endless war, and says he got tired of it all. Thrust then puts Unicron on a high pedestal, mentioning his enormous power and calling him the God of Destruction, and with him now being his servant, he has become the chosen one and will soon be able to realize his own dream. Galvatron asks Thrust if that's all he has to say, to which the latter says he will never achieve his dream and is destined to become space dust before getting stuck. Thrust then begs Galvatron for help, but the latter makes his leave and tells the former he can either save himself, or escape on his own and chase after the union. Thrust proceeds to whimper about being in pain, and Galvatron says that his dreams have now been shattered before he explodes. Thrust doesn't scream when blowing up, but sounds of crushing metal can be heard more clearly. Additionally, the animation when Thrust is getting crushed is faster and more timed in ''Legends of the Microns'' compared to ''Armada'', and his final scream has an echo effect.
*The final shot of Unicron's heart is silent in the Japanese dub.

===Animation and technical errors===
*For the whole episode, Demolishor talks using Hoist's voice, and is referred to as Hoist the only time he is named. Hoist also has one line in his own voice.
**The Finnish and Swedish dub also used Hoist's voice actor for dubbing Demolishor's lines this episode, presumably because Demolishor was referred to as Hoist in the original version and thus in the dub scripts.
*In one shot during the initial attack on Unicron, Wheeljack's scar is missing.
*In the Hungarian dub, Blurr says his last line, bizarrely, in Unicron's voice.
*When Jet Optimus combines with Overload, he yells out "Ultra Magnus," which is the translation of Overload's Japanese name.

===Continuity notes===
*Overload is briefly visible in robot mode.
*Thrust is the only named ''Armada'' character to die and not be resurrected at a later point in the [[Unicron Trilogy]].
**However, in the Japanese continuity, Thrust is resurrected as Unicron's servant in the ''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]'' comics.
*Sureshock speaks in English for the first time, and uses a male voice. ''Legends of the Microns'' uses a female voice instead to be consistent with Sureshock's gender.
*Thrust's death is a little physically wrong. Considering that Unicron's folding plate started closing around his midsection, he should have been bifurcated (crushed in half) but the animation in his death scene makes it look like he exploded. Then again getting crushed in two by a pair of folding plates is a little graphic for a kid's show (even one about robots) so we can be a little lenient....
*The [[Dead End Drone]]s that attack Optimus and Galvatron inside Unicron are referred to by Galvatron as "Laser Pods".
*Gadgets and powers:
**Unicron uses some kind of lightning forcefield to shield his body from oncoming attacks.
**Unicron's scream can unleash shockwaves.
**While not shown on-screen, [[Rollout (Armada)|Rollout]] is [[Powerlinx]]ed with Overload.
**Unicron's chest cannon fires plasma bursts.
**Unicron fires spherical bombs from the planet-kibble pieces on his legs. While the show depicts them as spheres, these are actually missiles on the toy, with the spherical parts only being the tips.
**The gravitational field of Unicron's forearm running just ever so slightly past Cybertron's surface, is enough to tear apart cities.

===Continuity errors===
*Optimus Prime at one point refers to Demolishor as "Hoist".
*During one flashback, Sideways is seen telling Thrust that Unicron has immense power that will be there for Thrust if he revives Unicron and severs his allegiance with Galvatron. Presuming that this is when Thrust first teams up with Sideways, there's the slight problem of Sideways saying 'Galvatron' instead of 'Megatron'.
*Billy refers to the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] as the "Auto Blaster", which could be a dubbing error or an error on part of the character.
*When combining, Prime calls Overload "[[Ultra Magnus (disambiguation)|Ultra Magnus]]", which is Overload's Japanese name.
*High Wire refers to the Mini-Cons within Unicron as Perceptor, but Perceptor is the combined form of the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]].

===Real-world references===
*In one scene of the episode before Thrust's death, Galvatron sounds like he is using Bruce Banner's line before he would turn into Hulk.

===Trivia===
*The English version of "Union" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 10]], 2003.
*''Legends of the Microns''' [[commercial bumper]] of Unicron appearing over Cybertron debuts in this episode.
*Isn't it irregular that the commercial break is opened with a shot of the Autobot logo appearing on [[Earth]], when the story hasn't had any non-flashback scenes on Earth for nine episodes now?
*Thrust raises the nosecone part of his head when he's shocked, similarly to how a human raises their eyebrows.
*Rad's gloves are excessively cool.
*This episode marks the last time a Transformer Powerlinxes with a Mini-Con in the series.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''In letzter Sekunde'''" ("Last Second")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 14|14 January]] [[2004]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Közös erővel'''" ("With Joint Forces")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''União'''" ("Union")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 13 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Collector's Edition ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Disarmed

2023-07-31T13:06:54Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Quotes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: EarthSpark (cartoon)|Transformers: EarthSpark]]'' ep 20
|image=
|caption=
|prev=A Stygi Situation
|next=What Dwells Within
|title="Disarmed"
|season=1
|season ep=20
|airdate=[[July 28]], [[2023]]
|production company=[[Entertainment One]] [[Nickelodeon]]
|writer=[[Maasai Singleton]]
|animation studio=[[Icon Creative Studio]]
|director=[[Matthew Humphreys]]
|video=https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/video/L_6JViEB4NriVUXCdYdjngeHJXzF4oU5/
|videosite=Paramount+
}}

'''Robby's attempt to learn more about his cyber-sleeve attracts the attention of Mandroid, who wants the technology for himself.'''
==Synopsis==
{{epstub}}
==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in Flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|h4=[[Autobots]]s||c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (ES)|Optimus Prime]] (3)
*[[Wheeljack (ES)|Wheeljack]] (12)
|h4=[[Decepticons]]s||c2=
*[[Hardtop (ES)|Hardtop]] (1)
*[[Swindle (ES)|Swindle]] (2)
*[[Megatron (ES)|Megatron]] (16)
|h4=[[Humans]]s||c3=
*[[Mo Malto]] (4)
*[[Robby Malto]] (5)
*[[Dot Malto]] (6)
*[[Karen Croft|Executive Agent Croft]] (14)
*[[Mandroid]] (15)
|h4=[[Terran]]s||c4=
*[[Hashtag (ES)|Hashtag]] (7)
*[[Jawbreaker (ES)|Jawbreaker]] (8)
*[[Nightshade (ES)|Nightshade]] (9)
*[[Twitch]] (10)
*[[Thrash (ES)|Thrash]] (11)
|h5=Others||c5=
*''[[Quintus Prime]]'' (13)
}}

==Quotes==
''(blares horn)'' "Don't act like I'm not here! ... Rude."
:- '''Swindle''' ruins a perfectly good moment.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===

===Transformers references===
[[File:Disarmed-TheThirteen.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66]]
* As is the norm at this point, Optimus Prime began as the humble Orion Pax, although his past as a manual labourer specifically evokes his backstory in the ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' episode "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]". The idea that Orion received the Matrix from a Prime—specifically, what appears to be a version of Alpha Trion—has its roots in the episode "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]", which established that Trion had safeguarded the Matrix for eons, waiting for a 'bot worthy of carrying the artifact; this plot beat also made its way into the "[[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]]" continuity, and, more recently, the ''[[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|Cyberverse]]'' cartoon episode "[[Matrix of Leadership (episode)|Matrix of Leadership]]".
* Optimus Prime's brief flashback features our first look at the [[Thirteen]] original Transformers of this universe. As evidenced by the apparent lack of [[Micronus Prime]], the Primes either don't match up to the traditional roster introduced in ''[[Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus]]'', or else they've been drastically redesigned. However, each member of the Thirteen is shown holding one object or weapon, many of which correspond to a pre-existing [[Artifacts of the Primes|artifact]]. Recognizable artifacts include what might be the [[Forge of Solus Prime]], [[The Fallen|Megatronus]]'s [[Requiem Blaster (Megatronus)|Requiem Blaster]], the [[Matrix of Leadership]], held by what appears to be a version of [[Alpha Trion (disambiguation)|Alpha Trion]], the [[Enigma of Combination]], the [[Triptych Mask]], what may be [[Amalgamous Prime]] holding the [[Transformation cog|Transformation Cog]] as it appeared in ''[[Transformers (2019 comic)|Transformers]]'' [[Lord of Misrule: Sea of Rust I|#34]], and the [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]]. The other artifacts and their bearers are too abstract to draw any concrete connections, although the two 'bots on the far right are ''probably'' meant to be incarnations of [[Liege Maximo]] and [[Vector Prime]].

===Real-world references===

===Errors===
* The characters in this show mispronounce Teletraan I as "Tele'''TRON''' I", an error not seen in the franchise since [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]].

===Trivia===

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Entwaffnet'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' [[July 29]], 2023

[[Category:EarthSpark episodes]]

Disarmed

2023-07-31T13:03:24Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Errors */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: EarthSpark (cartoon)|Transformers: EarthSpark]]'' ep 20
|image=
|caption=
|prev=A Stygi Situation
|next=What Dwells Within
|title="Disarmed"
|season=1
|season ep=20
|airdate=[[July 28]], [[2023]]
|production company=[[Entertainment One]] [[Nickelodeon]]
|writer=[[Maasai Singleton]]
|animation studio=[[Icon Creative Studio]]
|director=[[Matthew Humphreys]]
|video=https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/video/L_6JViEB4NriVUXCdYdjngeHJXzF4oU5/
|videosite=Paramount+
}}

'''Robby's attempt to learn more about his cyber-sleeve attracts the attention of Mandroid, who wants the technology for himself.'''
==Synopsis==
{{epstub}}
==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in Flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|h4=[[Autobots]]s||c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (ES)|Optimus Prime]] (3)
*[[Wheeljack (ES)|Wheeljack]] (12)
|h4=[[Decepticons]]s||c2=
*[[Hardtop (ES)|Hardtop]] (1)
*[[Swindle (ES)|Swindle]] (2)
*[[Megatron (ES)|Megatron]] (16)
|h4=[[Humans]]s||c3=
*[[Mo Malto]] (4)
*[[Robby Malto]] (5)
*[[Dot Malto]] (6)
*[[Karen Croft|Executive Agent Croft]] (14)
*[[Mandroid]] (15)
|h4=[[Terran]]s||c4=
*[[Hashtag (ES)|Hashtag]] (7)
*[[Jawbreaker (ES)|Jawbreaker]] (8)
*[[Nightshade (ES)|Nightshade]] (9)
*[[Twitch]] (10)
*[[Thrash (ES)|Thrash]] (11)
|h5=Others||c5=
*''[[Quintus Prime]]'' (13)
}}

==Quotes==

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===

===Transformers references===
[[File:Disarmed-TheThirteen.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66]]
* As is the norm at this point, Optimus Prime began as the humble Orion Pax, although his past as a manual labourer specifically evokes his backstory in the ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' episode "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]". The idea that Orion received the Matrix from a Prime—specifically, what appears to be a version of Alpha Trion—has its roots in the episode "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]", which established that Trion had safeguarded the Matrix for eons, waiting for a 'bot worthy of carrying the artifact; this plot beat also made its way into the "[[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]]" continuity, and, more recently, the ''[[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|Cyberverse]]'' cartoon episode "[[Matrix of Leadership (episode)|Matrix of Leadership]]".
* Optimus Prime's brief flashback features our first look at the [[Thirteen]] original Transformers of this universe. As evidenced by the apparent lack of [[Micronus Prime]], the Primes either don't match up to the traditional roster introduced in ''[[Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus]]'', or else they've been drastically redesigned. However, each member of the Thirteen is shown holding one object or weapon, many of which correspond to a pre-existing [[Artifacts of the Primes|artifact]]. Recognizable artifacts include what might be the [[Forge of Solus Prime]], [[The Fallen|Megatronus]]'s [[Requiem Blaster (Megatronus)|Requiem Blaster]], the [[Matrix of Leadership]], held by what appears to be a version of [[Alpha Trion (disambiguation)|Alpha Trion]], the [[Enigma of Combination]], the [[Triptych Mask]], what may be [[Amalgamous Prime]] holding the [[Transformation cog|Transformation Cog]] as it appeared in ''[[Transformers (2019 comic)|Transformers]]'' [[Lord of Misrule: Sea of Rust I|#34]], and the [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]]. The other artifacts and their bearers are too abstract to draw any concrete connections, although the two 'bots on the far right are ''probably'' meant to be incarnations of [[Liege Maximo]] and [[Vector Prime]].

===Real-world references===

===Errors===
* The characters in this show mispronounce Teletraan I as "Tele'''TRON''' I", an error not seen in the franchise since [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]].

===Trivia===

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Entwaffnet'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' [[July 29]], 2023

[[Category:EarthSpark episodes]]

What Dwells Within

2023-07-31T12:54:18Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Quotes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: EarthSpark (cartoon)|Transformers: EarthSpark]]'' ep 21
|image=Hashtag and Starsccream WhatDwellsWithin.jpg
|caption=
|prev=Disarmed
|next=Prime Time (episode)
|title="What Dwells Within"
|season=1
|season ep=20
|airdate=[[July 28]], [[2023]]
|production company=[[Entertainment One]] [[Nickelodeon]]
|writer=[[Mae Catt]]
|animation studio=[[Icon Creative Studio]]
|director=[[Sebastian Montes]], [[Alex Kwan]]
|video=https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/video/9uwYjNarnO5kAO06_2sPkkKiLceBB1mH/
|videosite=Paramount+
}}

'''When the Maltos are trapped underground with a [[Dweller (ES)|dangerous creature]], they must team up with [[Starscream (ES)|Starscream]] and the Seekers to escape.'''
==Synopsis==
{{epstub}}
==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in dream sequences.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (ES)|Optimus Prime]] (15)
|c2=
*[[Skywarp (ES)|Skywarp]] (1)
*[[Nova Storm (ES)|Nova Storm]] (2)
*[[Swindle (ES)|Swindle]] (3)
*[[Soundwave (ES)|Soundwave]] (4)
*[[Starscream (ES)|Starscream]] (5)
*[[Megatron (ES)|Megatron]] (16)
|c3=
*[[Robby Malto]] (11)
*[[Mo Malto]] (12)
*''[[Mandroid]]'' (14)
*[[Karen Croft|Executive Agent Croft]] (17)
|h4=[[Terran]]s||c4=
*[[Twitch]] (7)
*[[Thrash (ES)|Thrash]] (8)
*[[Nightshade (ES)|Nightshade]] (9)
*[[Jawbreaker (ES)|Jawbreaker]] (10)
*[[Hashtag (ES)|Hashtag]] (13)
|h5=Others||c5=
* [[Dweller (ES)|The Dweller]] (6)
}}

==Quotes==
"Yeah, you should go back to following Megatron. He wouldn't leave anyone behind like that." 
"Oh ''naive'' child. Is locking Decepticons in prison while he walks free not "leaving us behind"? You don't know the real Megatron, the ruthless tyrant who ruled over us with fear and initimidation." 
:—'''Twitch''' gets an alternate view of Megatron via '''Starscream'''.

"I know you have a ''complicated'' history with Starscream. Just promise me you'll return him without excessive force" 
:—'''Optimus''' asks '''Megatron''' not to fall back into old habits.

"You have to, or else I-" 
"Is this how Megatron treated you?!" 
"You ''believe'' me?" 
:—'''Starscream''' finds a sympathetic ear in '''Hashtag'''.

"I won't let you put me back in a cage!" 
"What if you could go somewhere safe?" 
"Nowhere is safe if it's with ''you.''" 
:—'''Starscream''' stands up to '''Megatron''' one last time before leaving.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Of the initial Decepticon escapees; Starscream and Soundwave were last seen in "[[Hashtag: Oops]]", Skywarp in "[[Age of Evolution, Part 2]]", Nova Storm in "[[Home, Part 1]]", and Swindle in the previous episode "[[Disarmed]]".
* The mysterious cave the Maltos were looking for at the start of the episode was last seen in "[[Friends and Family]]".
* Hashtag briefly flashes back to, and recalls to Starscream, her time under Mandroid's control in "[[Home, Part 2]]".
* Upon encountering the Maltos, Skywarp and Nova Storm recall their last encounter with them in "[[Age of Evolution, Part 1]]".
===Transformers references===
* The Dweller introduced here is a new incarnation of the [[Dweller (G1)|creature]] from the G1 episode "[[The Dweller in the Depths]]". Much like the original, it appears to be an ancient monster that feeds off energy from Cybertronians.
* Nova Storm is implied to have the ability to generate sonic booms at will, an ability shared with the original [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]. Ironically, Thundercracker is the only member of the original seeker trio missing from this show so far.

===Real-world references===

===Errors===

===Trivia===
* We learn in this episode some of the limits of Skywarp's teleportation abilities; she can't teleport through solid objects.

[[Category:EarthSpark episodes]]

What Dwells Within

2023-07-31T12:51:00Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Transformers references */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: EarthSpark (cartoon)|Transformers: EarthSpark]]'' ep 21
|image=Hashtag and Starsccream WhatDwellsWithin.jpg
|caption=
|prev=Disarmed
|next=Prime Time (episode)
|title="What Dwells Within"
|season=1
|season ep=20
|airdate=[[July 28]], [[2023]]
|production company=[[Entertainment One]] [[Nickelodeon]]
|writer=[[Mae Catt]]
|animation studio=[[Icon Creative Studio]]
|director=[[Sebastian Montes]], [[Alex Kwan]]
|video=https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/video/9uwYjNarnO5kAO06_2sPkkKiLceBB1mH/
|videosite=Paramount+
}}

'''When the Maltos are trapped underground with a [[Dweller (ES)|dangerous creature]], they must team up with [[Starscream (ES)|Starscream]] and the Seekers to escape.'''
==Synopsis==
{{epstub}}
==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in dream sequences.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (ES)|Optimus Prime]] (15)
|c2=
*[[Skywarp (ES)|Skywarp]] (1)
*[[Nova Storm (ES)|Nova Storm]] (2)
*[[Swindle (ES)|Swindle]] (3)
*[[Soundwave (ES)|Soundwave]] (4)
*[[Starscream (ES)|Starscream]] (5)
*[[Megatron (ES)|Megatron]] (16)
|c3=
*[[Robby Malto]] (11)
*[[Mo Malto]] (12)
*''[[Mandroid]]'' (14)
*[[Karen Croft|Executive Agent Croft]] (17)
|h4=[[Terran]]s||c4=
*[[Twitch]] (7)
*[[Thrash (ES)|Thrash]] (8)
*[[Nightshade (ES)|Nightshade]] (9)
*[[Jawbreaker (ES)|Jawbreaker]] (10)
*[[Hashtag (ES)|Hashtag]] (13)
|h5=Others||c5=
* [[Dweller (ES)|The Dweller]] (6)
}}

==Quotes==
"Yeah, you should go back to following Megatron. He wouldn't leave anyone behind like that." 
"Oh ''naive'' child. Is locking Decepticons in prison while he walks free not "leaving us behind"? You don't know the real Megatron, the ruthless tyrant who ruled over us with fear and initimidation." 
:—'''Twitch''' gets an alternate view of Megatron via '''Starscream'''.

"I know you have a ''complicated'' history with Starscream. Just promise me you'll return him without excessive force" 
:—'''Optimus''' asks '''Megatron''' not to fall back into old habits.

"You have to, or else I-" 
"Is this how Megatron treated you?!" 
"You ''believe'' me?" 
:—'''Starscream''' finds a sympathetic ear in '''Hashtag'''.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Of the initial Decepticon escapees; Starscream and Soundwave were last seen in "[[Hashtag: Oops]]", Skywarp in "[[Age of Evolution, Part 2]]", Nova Storm in "[[Home, Part 1]]", and Swindle in the previous episode "[[Disarmed]]".
* The mysterious cave the Maltos were looking for at the start of the episode was last seen in "[[Friends and Family]]".
* Hashtag briefly flashes back to, and recalls to Starscream, her time under Mandroid's control in "[[Home, Part 2]]".
* Upon encountering the Maltos, Skywarp and Nova Storm recall their last encounter with them in "[[Age of Evolution, Part 1]]".
===Transformers references===
* The Dweller introduced here is a new incarnation of the [[Dweller (G1)|creature]] from the G1 episode "[[The Dweller in the Depths]]". Much like the original, it appears to be an ancient monster that feeds off energy from Cybertronians.
* Nova Storm is implied to have the ability to generate sonic booms at will, an ability shared with the original [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]. Ironically, Thundercracker is the only member of the original seeker trio missing from this show so far.

===Real-world references===

===Errors===

===Trivia===
* We learn in this episode some of the limits of Skywarp's teleportation abilities; she can't teleport through solid objects.

[[Category:EarthSpark episodes]]

The Reformatting

2023-04-25T19:21:45Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Real-world references */ name correction

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the process|Reformatting}}

{{episode
|series=BMtoon
|ep=1
|prev=Nemesis Part 2
|image=Thereformattingmaximalsmaximize.jpg
|caption=A long tradition of Running Away begins here.
|title="The Reformatting"
|season=1
|season ep=1
|production company=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|airdate=[[September 18]], [[1999]]
|written by=[[Marty Isenberg]] [[Bob Skir]]
|directed by=[[William Lau]]
|animation studio=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|continuity=[[Beast Wars continuity]]
}}
'''Escaping from strange new foes and unable to transform, the four surviving Maximals encounter a mysterious supercomputer which remakes them into a new kind of Transformer.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Primal ModeLocked.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Stukk as munky.]]
On the metal-and-steel planet of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], a single flower grows out of a tear in the street. Suddenly, a [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|gorilla]] races past, pursued by a horde of Tank Drones. Strangely, Optimus Primal has lost his Transmetal properties, on the run in his organic [[beast mode]]. After a couple minutes of cat-and-mouse, Optimus decides to face them down and prepares to Maximize. But his [[beast mode]] [[Transformation paralysis|parts refuse to move]] and he screams in pain as he is tortured by electrical shocks.

Suddenly, his eyes glow and he receives a strange signal from an [[Oracle (BM)|alien source]]. He sees a [[Monorail transport|monorail vehicle]] nearby and swings away from the drones, and finds another one of his missing comrades—[[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]. Rattrap explains that he has had a lot of trouble transforming as well and has no memory of returning to Cybertron after the end of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] and the capture of Megatron. They escape from the transport after the drones blow it to pieces and Rattrap tries to use his command code repeatedly, resulting in nothing but shocks and pain.

Fortunately, [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] leaps out of nowhere, covering the eyes of one of the drones and tricking it into destroying one of its counterparts. Cheetor is hoping to find a [[CR chamber]] and use it to eliminate the [[transformation virus|transformation lock virus]] that plagues them all. Rattrap points out that Cybertron seems to have changed a lot in their absence. There's no time to argue, as new tank drones are readying a renewed assault. Plunging into a hole, the Maximals bounce on a web that belongs to [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]], who's stuck in a similar predicament.

[[Image:Oracle (The Reformatting).jpg|right|200px|thumb|Nor-mal view! Nor-mal view! Nor-mal view! NOR-MAL VIIIIIEEEEEEWWWW!!!]]
Optimus Primal decides that the best course of action is to head deeper underground, away from the attention of the [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon drones]]. As they descend on Blackarachnia's web, they head deeper into the bowels of Cybertron, passing abandoned cities. Metal and steel give way to ancient stone construction. Eventually, Blackarachania's webs run dry, and all four of them plunge into complete darkness. Determined not to die, Primal throws a piece of scrap metal, shattering some kind of covering and revealing a wall of flames springs up. Undaunted by this seeming threat, Optimus walks straight through them, revealing the Oracle, an ancient, legendary supercomputer. At the Oracle's urging, Primal enters the computer.

[[Image:Reformatting Optimus Primal spotlight.jpg|left|200px|thumb|At the Oracle's urging, Primal attempted a Care Bear Stare.]]
Assaulted by strange visions, Primal is instructed to "restore the balance". The Oracle urges him to remember that "the seeds of the future lie buried in the past", before declaring that it is time for him to begin his "[[reformatting]]." Optimus Primal emerges as a [[technorganic]] Transformer, a perfect blend of the organic and the mechanical. The other Maximals are impressed by the upgrade, and before long Cheetor, Rattrap and Blackarachnia exit the Oracle, also in new, technorganic bodies.

As the Oracle winks out of existence, a squadron of [[Cycle Drone]]s charge into the Oracle chamber. The Maximals try to transform, but nothing happens. Optimus realizes, much to Rattrap's dismay, that the Maximals will have to relearn the lost art of transformation. Blackarachnia suggests that they'll have to fight with what they've got, and so the Maximals take the fight to the Vehicons in their beast modes. Rattrap punctures tires with his teeth, Cheetor pounces on one of the drones, and Blackarachnia uses her webs to snare another. As he clobbers a pair of Vehicons, Primal is shot, loses balance, and plunges into a pit. Panicking, a voice from the Oracle reminds him that "to unleash the warrior within, he must tame the beast without."

[[Image:Reformatting Optimus Primal robot.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I change bodies faster than a nerd changes socks.]]
Finding his inner balance, Optimus manages to transform. A blue light engulfs his body as it morphs into a powerful new robot mode, equipped with jets. Grabbing the nearest Drone, he demands answers... but gets none. His anger has made him lose his center, and he converts back to beast mode. Awed, Cheetor expresses his interest in this new transformation style. Optimus declares that they must re-learn the art of transformation if they want to fight the Vehicons on an even footing.

Meanwhile, a mysterious figure watches the battle in the citadel and vows to destroy the "impure" organic Maximals. It's [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]], now the supreme ruler of Cybertron!
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal]]s
|c1=
*[[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] (1)
*[[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] (3)
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (4)
*[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (5)

|h2=[[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]]s|c2=
*[[Tank Drone]]s (2)
*[[Cycle Drone]]s (7)
*[[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (8)

|c4=
*[[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] (6)
}}

==Quotes==
"Hey! You just slagged your own guy! That's deep-freeze cold!"
:—'''Cheetor''' does not approve of team kills

"Everyone underground!" 
"What makes you think it's any better down there?" [''a tank nearby explodes''] "I withdraw the question."
:—'''Optimus''' and '''Rattrap''' debate where to retreat.

"The Great Transformation awaits, Optimus Primal. Prepare to be... reformatted. Remember this; the seeds of the future lie buried in the past. To unleash the warrior within, you must tame the beast without. Seek the balance, Optimus Primal. Transform your destiny. Transform and transcend..."
:—'''The Oracle''', being all mystical

"Uh, boss, do these upgrades come with a warranty?"
:—'''Rattrap''' after discovering they still can't transform.

"The first robots who came to Cybertron had to learn how to transform. It took discipline, purity of spark, and years of practice." 
"News flash for ya, monkey boy: WE AIN'T GOT YEARS!"
:—'''Optimus''' and '''Rattrap'''.

'''Cheetor:''' "Awesome transformation, big bot!" 
'''Rattrap:''' "So, what's your secret?" 
'''Optimus:''' "I... understand." 
'''Blackarachnia:''' "Great. That makes one of us."
:—The postmortem on Optimus' transformation.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* When Optimus tackles the Tank Drone, he partially clips through it.
* After the ground has gotten a hole blown into it, the shot of the second Tank Drone group advancing on the Maximals is a mirrored version of the first, so their cannons are on the wrong side.
* Before he jumps into the hole, Rattrap's shoulders get pretty distorted due to the crouching pose he's in.
* When the trio lands in Blackarachnia's web, all the debris that was falling with them in the previous shots is gone.
* As they depart from the webbing, the Maximals are mostly walking on air, with their feet only occasionally stepping on the strings.
* When the newly reformatted heroes ready themselves to face the Cycle Drones, Primal's left forearm-guard clips into Rattrap's front leg.
* As it chases after Cheetor, the lens-flare effect of the Cycle Drone's headlight is still visible when Cheetor's head blots out its source.

===Continuity errors===
* After transforming, Optimus is shown hovering over the middle of a pit, but on reverting to beast mode he's hovering on the edge of said pit.

===Continuity notes===
* Unusually for a Transformers television show, ''Beast Machines'' began ''[[w:in medias res|in medias res]]'', with Optimus and company stranded on Cybertron and on the run from Vehicons. Where are [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] and [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]], how did Megatron manage to escape the shuttle, and why is everyone back in their original beast modes? Nothing's made clear here, but later episodes will flesh out the events that took place between the finale of ''Beast Wars'' and the beginning of ''Beast Machines''.
* Rattrap mentions that his last memory is the Maximals taking a shuttle home to Cybertron, recapping the end of "[[Nemesis Part 2]]".
* Gadgets and powers:
** Rattrap can crawl up walls, [[Spider-Man]] style.
** Cheetor's beast mode can bounce from wall to wall at super-speed.

===Transformers references===
* As they descend through Cybertron's layers, the Maximals pass buried cities. Primal theorizes that they're the ruins of [[Autobot|earlier]] [[Decepticon|civilizations]].
* Optimus says that the first Transformers had to ''learn'' to transform before it became second nature to the robotic races. This might be a reference to the original cartoon, most notably "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]", which depicted transformation as a wartime innovation rather than an innate ability.
* Optimus also mentions that the first Transformers ''came'' to Cybertron, and that the Oracle foretold their arrival. While this statement certainly gels with [[Organic core|later revelations]] in the series, the significance of this origin story has never really been explored in other ''Transformers'' media.

===Real-world references===
* Rattrap mockingly refers to one of the Tank Drones as a "[[w:Tin Woodman|Tin Man]]".
* As the Maximals struggle in the darkness, Rattrap implores Optimus to come to his senses with "Ground Control to Major Optimus," referencing the 1969 David Bowie song "{{w|Space Oddity}}."
* During Optimus Primal's visions, a group of black {{w|Monolith (Space Odyssey)|monoliths}} are briefly seen, a nod to the film ''{{w|2001: A Space Odyssey (film)|2001: A Space Odyssey}}''. Additionally, the close-ups of Optimus while interfacing with the Oracle, intercut with his POV zooming through abstract visuals, are very similar to the movie's infamous "trip" scene.
* When Cheetor tackles the Cycle Drone in the tunnel, there's a brief shot that resembles the iconic {{w|Akira (1988 film)|Akira}} bike slide.

===Trivia===
* Although the Maximals' original beast modes from ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' are shown in this episode, the models have been reskinned completely. Alterations include [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]]'s fur being brown instead of grey, [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]'s feet being dark orange instead of pink, [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]'s stripes are removed, and [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] now has black circles around his eyes and his spots are more angular and stylized.
* It was from this episode that the term "[[reformatting]]" passed into general use amongst Transformerdom.
* A special advance screening of this episode was held at [[BotCon 1999]], where it received an overwhelmingly positive reaction.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Remise à Zéro'''" ("Reset to Zero")

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Das Orakel'''" ("The Oracle")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 2]], [[2000]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Densetsu no Fukkatsu'''" (伝説の復活, "Resurrection of the Legend")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 6]], [[2004]]

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Reformatação'''" ("The Reformatting")

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La Reforma'''" ("The Reformation")

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Chóngxīn Géshìhuà'''" (重新格式化, "The Reformatting")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Returns'' — Volume 1 ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Geneon Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Beast Machines: Transformers'' — The Complete Series ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Beast Machines'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Beast Machines'' — Season One: Volume One ([[Sony]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Beast Machines'' — Season One: Volume One — Reformatting (Sony) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Beast Machines'' — Complete Season One (Sony) 
[[Image:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Beast Machines'' — Intégrale Saison 1 (Sony) — French audio only.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Reformatting}}
[[Category:Beast Machines episodes]]

The Reformatting

2023-04-25T19:20:42Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Real-world references */

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the process|Reformatting}}

{{episode
|series=BMtoon
|ep=1
|prev=Nemesis Part 2
|image=Thereformattingmaximalsmaximize.jpg
|caption=A long tradition of Running Away begins here.
|title="The Reformatting"
|season=1
|season ep=1
|production company=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|airdate=[[September 18]], [[1999]]
|written by=[[Marty Isenberg]] [[Bob Skir]]
|directed by=[[William Lau]]
|animation studio=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|continuity=[[Beast Wars continuity]]
}}
'''Escaping from strange new foes and unable to transform, the four surviving Maximals encounter a mysterious supercomputer which remakes them into a new kind of Transformer.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Primal ModeLocked.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Stukk as munky.]]
On the metal-and-steel planet of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], a single flower grows out of a tear in the street. Suddenly, a [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|gorilla]] races past, pursued by a horde of Tank Drones. Strangely, Optimus Primal has lost his Transmetal properties, on the run in his organic [[beast mode]]. After a couple minutes of cat-and-mouse, Optimus decides to face them down and prepares to Maximize. But his [[beast mode]] [[Transformation paralysis|parts refuse to move]] and he screams in pain as he is tortured by electrical shocks.

Suddenly, his eyes glow and he receives a strange signal from an [[Oracle (BM)|alien source]]. He sees a [[Monorail transport|monorail vehicle]] nearby and swings away from the drones, and finds another one of his missing comrades—[[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]. Rattrap explains that he has had a lot of trouble transforming as well and has no memory of returning to Cybertron after the end of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] and the capture of Megatron. They escape from the transport after the drones blow it to pieces and Rattrap tries to use his command code repeatedly, resulting in nothing but shocks and pain.

Fortunately, [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] leaps out of nowhere, covering the eyes of one of the drones and tricking it into destroying one of its counterparts. Cheetor is hoping to find a [[CR chamber]] and use it to eliminate the [[transformation virus|transformation lock virus]] that plagues them all. Rattrap points out that Cybertron seems to have changed a lot in their absence. There's no time to argue, as new tank drones are readying a renewed assault. Plunging into a hole, the Maximals bounce on a web that belongs to [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]], who's stuck in a similar predicament.

[[Image:Oracle (The Reformatting).jpg|right|200px|thumb|Nor-mal view! Nor-mal view! Nor-mal view! NOR-MAL VIIIIIEEEEEEWWWW!!!]]
Optimus Primal decides that the best course of action is to head deeper underground, away from the attention of the [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon drones]]. As they descend on Blackarachnia's web, they head deeper into the bowels of Cybertron, passing abandoned cities. Metal and steel give way to ancient stone construction. Eventually, Blackarachania's webs run dry, and all four of them plunge into complete darkness. Determined not to die, Primal throws a piece of scrap metal, shattering some kind of covering and revealing a wall of flames springs up. Undaunted by this seeming threat, Optimus walks straight through them, revealing the Oracle, an ancient, legendary supercomputer. At the Oracle's urging, Primal enters the computer.

[[Image:Reformatting Optimus Primal spotlight.jpg|left|200px|thumb|At the Oracle's urging, Primal attempted a Care Bear Stare.]]
Assaulted by strange visions, Primal is instructed to "restore the balance". The Oracle urges him to remember that "the seeds of the future lie buried in the past", before declaring that it is time for him to begin his "[[reformatting]]." Optimus Primal emerges as a [[technorganic]] Transformer, a perfect blend of the organic and the mechanical. The other Maximals are impressed by the upgrade, and before long Cheetor, Rattrap and Blackarachnia exit the Oracle, also in new, technorganic bodies.

As the Oracle winks out of existence, a squadron of [[Cycle Drone]]s charge into the Oracle chamber. The Maximals try to transform, but nothing happens. Optimus realizes, much to Rattrap's dismay, that the Maximals will have to relearn the lost art of transformation. Blackarachnia suggests that they'll have to fight with what they've got, and so the Maximals take the fight to the Vehicons in their beast modes. Rattrap punctures tires with his teeth, Cheetor pounces on one of the drones, and Blackarachnia uses her webs to snare another. As he clobbers a pair of Vehicons, Primal is shot, loses balance, and plunges into a pit. Panicking, a voice from the Oracle reminds him that "to unleash the warrior within, he must tame the beast without."

[[Image:Reformatting Optimus Primal robot.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I change bodies faster than a nerd changes socks.]]
Finding his inner balance, Optimus manages to transform. A blue light engulfs his body as it morphs into a powerful new robot mode, equipped with jets. Grabbing the nearest Drone, he demands answers... but gets none. His anger has made him lose his center, and he converts back to beast mode. Awed, Cheetor expresses his interest in this new transformation style. Optimus declares that they must re-learn the art of transformation if they want to fight the Vehicons on an even footing.

Meanwhile, a mysterious figure watches the battle in the citadel and vows to destroy the "impure" organic Maximals. It's [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]], now the supreme ruler of Cybertron!
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal]]s
|c1=
*[[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] (1)
*[[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] (3)
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (4)
*[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (5)

|h2=[[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]]s|c2=
*[[Tank Drone]]s (2)
*[[Cycle Drone]]s (7)
*[[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (8)

|c4=
*[[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] (6)
}}

==Quotes==
"Hey! You just slagged your own guy! That's deep-freeze cold!"
:—'''Cheetor''' does not approve of team kills

"Everyone underground!" 
"What makes you think it's any better down there?" [''a tank nearby explodes''] "I withdraw the question."
:—'''Optimus''' and '''Rattrap''' debate where to retreat.

"The Great Transformation awaits, Optimus Primal. Prepare to be... reformatted. Remember this; the seeds of the future lie buried in the past. To unleash the warrior within, you must tame the beast without. Seek the balance, Optimus Primal. Transform your destiny. Transform and transcend..."
:—'''The Oracle''', being all mystical

"Uh, boss, do these upgrades come with a warranty?"
:—'''Rattrap''' after discovering they still can't transform.

"The first robots who came to Cybertron had to learn how to transform. It took discipline, purity of spark, and years of practice." 
"News flash for ya, monkey boy: WE AIN'T GOT YEARS!"
:—'''Optimus''' and '''Rattrap'''.

'''Cheetor:''' "Awesome transformation, big bot!" 
'''Rattrap:''' "So, what's your secret?" 
'''Optimus:''' "I... understand." 
'''Blackarachnia:''' "Great. That makes one of us."
:—The postmortem on Optimus' transformation.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* When Optimus tackles the Tank Drone, he partially clips through it.
* After the ground has gotten a hole blown into it, the shot of the second Tank Drone group advancing on the Maximals is a mirrored version of the first, so their cannons are on the wrong side.
* Before he jumps into the hole, Rattrap's shoulders get pretty distorted due to the crouching pose he's in.
* When the trio lands in Blackarachnia's web, all the debris that was falling with them in the previous shots is gone.
* As they depart from the webbing, the Maximals are mostly walking on air, with their feet only occasionally stepping on the strings.
* When the newly reformatted heroes ready themselves to face the Cycle Drones, Primal's left forearm-guard clips into Rattrap's front leg.
* As it chases after Cheetor, the lens-flare effect of the Cycle Drone's headlight is still visible when Cheetor's head blots out its source.

===Continuity errors===
* After transforming, Optimus is shown hovering over the middle of a pit, but on reverting to beast mode he's hovering on the edge of said pit.

===Continuity notes===
* Unusually for a Transformers television show, ''Beast Machines'' began ''[[w:in medias res|in medias res]]'', with Optimus and company stranded on Cybertron and on the run from Vehicons. Where are [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] and [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]], how did Megatron manage to escape the shuttle, and why is everyone back in their original beast modes? Nothing's made clear here, but later episodes will flesh out the events that took place between the finale of ''Beast Wars'' and the beginning of ''Beast Machines''.
* Rattrap mentions that his last memory is the Maximals taking a shuttle home to Cybertron, recapping the end of "[[Nemesis Part 2]]".
* Gadgets and powers:
** Rattrap can crawl up walls, [[Spider-Man]] style.
** Cheetor's beast mode can bounce from wall to wall at super-speed.

===Transformers references===
* As they descend through Cybertron's layers, the Maximals pass buried cities. Primal theorizes that they're the ruins of [[Autobot|earlier]] [[Decepticon|civilizations]].
* Optimus says that the first Transformers had to ''learn'' to transform before it became second nature to the robotic races. This might be a reference to the original cartoon, most notably "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]", which depicted transformation as a wartime innovation rather than an innate ability.
* Optimus also mentions that the first Transformers ''came'' to Cybertron, and that the Oracle foretold their arrival. While this statement certainly gels with [[Organic core|later revelations]] in the series, the significance of this origin story has never really been explored in other ''Transformers'' media.

===Real-world references===
* Rattrap mockingly refers to one of the Tank Drones as a "[[w:Tin Woodman|Tin Man]]".
* As the Maximals struggle in the darkness, Rattrap implores Optimus to come to his senses with "Ground Control to Major Optimus," referencing the 1969 David Bowie song "{{w|Space Oddity}}."
* During Optimus Primal's visions, a group of black {{w|Monolith (Space Odyssey)|monoliths}} are briefly seen, a nod to the film ''{{w|2001: A Space Odyssey (film)|2001: A Space Odyssey}}''. Additionally, the close-ups of Optimus while interfacing with the Oracle, intercut with his POV zooming through abstract visuals, are very similar to the movie's infamous "trip" scene.
* When Cheetor tackles the Thrust drone in the tunnel, there's a brief shot that resembles the iconic {{w|Akira (1988 film)|Akira}} bike slide.

===Trivia===
* Although the Maximals' original beast modes from ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' are shown in this episode, the models have been reskinned completely. Alterations include [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]]'s fur being brown instead of grey, [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]'s feet being dark orange instead of pink, [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]'s stripes are removed, and [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] now has black circles around his eyes and his spots are more angular and stylized.
* It was from this episode that the term "[[reformatting]]" passed into general use amongst Transformerdom.
* A special advance screening of this episode was held at [[BotCon 1999]], where it received an overwhelmingly positive reaction.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Remise à Zéro'''" ("Reset to Zero")

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Das Orakel'''" ("The Oracle")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 2]], [[2000]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Densetsu no Fukkatsu'''" (伝説の復活, "Resurrection of the Legend")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 6]], [[2004]]

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Reformatação'''" ("The Reformatting")

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La Reforma'''" ("The Reformation")

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Chóngxīn Géshìhuà'''" (重新格式化, "The Reformatting")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Returns'' — Volume 1 ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Geneon Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Beast Machines: Transformers'' — The Complete Series ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Beast Machines'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Beast Machines'' — Season One: Volume One ([[Sony]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Beast Machines'' — Season One: Volume One — Reformatting (Sony) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Beast Machines'' — Complete Season One (Sony) 
[[Image:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Beast Machines'' — Intégrale Saison 1 (Sony) — French audio only.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Reformatting}}
[[Category:Beast Machines episodes]]

Roll for It

2023-02-22T22:31:42Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Trivia */ Soundwave screams in Call of The Primitives when he, Galvatron, and Cyclonus are absorbed by Tornedron.(7:19)

{{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. 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: ([[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 "6,000 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.

===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!"]]
*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:'' ?

'''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")
:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''In marcia per la vittoria'''" ("March Off for the Victory")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*In the first dub, Optimus Prime calls Cliffjumper with Bluestreak's name.

'''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==
*[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]

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

The Autobot Run

2023-02-02T00:24:41Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=23
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=65
|prev2=A Plague of Insecticons
|next2=The Ultimate Doom, Part 1
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=6
|prev3=Heavy Metal War
|next3=The Core
|image=Autobotruncanttransform.jpg
|caption=Hey, look! ''Diaclone'' Sunstreaker!
|title="The Autobot Run"
|season=2
|season ep=7
|production code=#700-22
|airdate=[[October 31]], 1985
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|animation studio=[[AKOM]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8c2Hk7F2QHA
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''When the Autobots perform a race for charity, the Decepticons take the opportunity to trap them in their vehicle modes.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Transfixatron.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|A collection of character models gathers around the Decepticons' new weapon.]]
While watching a car race, [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] and [[Chip Chase|Chip]] comment on how cool it would be to see the Autobots perform in a race as well.

Meanwhile, in an old west ghost town, the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] have completed the [[Transfixatron]], a new device that will lock a [[Transformer]] in the mode they currently occupy (usually [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]). [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] arrives, informing the Decepticons about the Autobot race.

[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] complains that [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is wasting time with the device instead of leading an attack. In response, Megatron tests the device on his whiny subordinate, and it's a success. Starscream is stuck in jet mode and begs to be released, saying he'll do whatever Megatron wants and he's too valuable to the Decepticon cause. Megatron gets bored of Starscream's pleas and frees him. Satisfied with the test, Megatron orders the Constructicons to start working on a second device whose purpose will be revealed later.

[[File:Autobotrunfinishline.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|The guy at the finish line wonders where the Hell his car went.]]
Chip and Spike suggest their race idea to the Autobots, and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] agrees, as long as it's for charity. [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] complains that it's a waste of time and a bad idea (as usual), but the Autobots decide to do it. Huffer, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]], and [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] remain to guard the [[Ark (G1)|base]].

The Autobots arrive at the track and wait at the starting line in [[robot mode]] before they compete "in the greatest automobile race in history." Some numbskull in the audience wonders aloud where their cars are. The Autobots transform, and the race is on with a whole lot of trash talk. [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] and [[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] rush ahead of the slower vehicles like [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] and [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]].

During the race, [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] teleports to a position over the track and uses the Transfixatron on the Autobots, who don't notice. The Autobots near the finish line, but they're kicking up so much dust it's impossible to tell who won. "The real winners are us, folks!" says the announcer.

Next up, the Autobots line up to do some stunts and make "Evel Knievel look like a kiddie car driver", according to Spike. But Sunstreaker's attempt to jump the other Autobots falls short and he has to be saved by [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]'s magnetic powers.

Before they can do anything else, the Decepticons arrive. The Autobots attempt to [[Transformation|transform]], only to find that they are all stuck in vehicle mode. Optimus orders the Autobots to ram the Decepticons, but they simply shoot out the Autobots' tires, fire rays to make their engines overheat and disable their radios. Helpless, the Autobots are herded away by the 'Cons.

[[File:Autobotrunbyeironhide.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb]]
[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] takes Spike and Chip back to the base, hoping Ratchet and Wheeljack can figure a fix for the Transfixatron ray. As usual, Huffer complains, but a massive bearhug from Brawn gets him to shut up, while Ratchet and Wheeljack get to work.

At the ghost town, Megatron forces Optimus Prime to watch his soldiers die one by one in the Constructicons' second device, a horrific crushing machine, starting with Ironhide. The Autobot leader dispatches [[Roller (G1)|Roller]] to distract Megatron, allowing Prime to ram the crusher, which frees Ironhide. [[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] manages to send a signal to [[Teletraan I]], just as Ratchet and Wheeljack finish working on a device which will allow the Autobots to transform...a [[Anti-transfixation grenade|grenade]]. (Real good thinking there, guys.)

[[File:Autobotrunravageattackschip.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Unfortunately for Chip, he was five minutes late refilling Ravage's bowl.]]
Spike and the other Autobots arrive to save their comrades, but [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] dispatches [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] to deal with them. After a game of keep-away with the grenade, Chip manages to get it close enough to release its energy, allowing the Autobots to transform to robot mode.

The Constructicons form [[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]], but [[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] and Wheeljack fire the Transfixatron at the giant Decepticon, causing the [[Combiner]] to separate. The Decepticons retreat, and the Autobots destroy the Transfixatron.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (3)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]]
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (16)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (17)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (18)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (19)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] (20)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (21)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (22)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (23)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (24)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (25)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (26)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (27)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (28)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (29)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (30)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (32)
*[[Roller (G1)|Roller]] (33)
|c2=
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (4)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (6)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (7)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (8)
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (9)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (10)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (11)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (12)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (13)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (14)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] (15)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (31)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (34)
*[[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]] (35)
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (1)
*[[Chip Chase]] (2)
}}

==Quotes==
"Transform." 
"No, Megatron. You can't mean to—" 
"What's a test without a [[guinea pigatron]]? Transform, I say!"
:—'''Megatron''' selects '''Starscream''' as the test subject for his latest device.

"Hey! Where are their cars?!"
:—Someone who somehow hasn't heard of the Autobots, yet turned up to a race for them.

"Uh, probably just energy evaporation from all the speed, maybe... I hope..."
:—'''Bumblebee''' fails physics forever.

"If you're going to do what I think, Sunstreaker, you've got boom-glitches in your brain garage."
:—'''Mirage'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s colorful terms for Transformer anatomy.

"I'm gettin' a sunburn on the inside!"
:—'''Ironhide''' falls victim to Thundercracker's incendaries.

"I knew the racing bit was bad news, but would anyone listen to me? Oh, noooo!" 
"Stifle it, Huffer, or I'll put my footio in your audio!!"
:—'''Huffer''' being an aft and '''Brawn''' looking to kick some.

"Ironic, isn't it, Autobots, that after so many valiant battles, you will meet your end in the crushing jaws of this device so lovingly fashioned by my Constructicons."
:—'''Megatron'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s concept of irony is off.

[[File:Autobotrun ironhide carcrusher.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb]]
"Later, guys. It's been really great knowin' ya."
:—Headed for the crushing device, '''Ironhide''' accepts his fate.

"Hey, what's that?" 
"I'd call it a TARGET!"
:—'''Thundercracker''' and '''Starscream''' spotting Roller.

"I'm transforming! I see my true beauty emerging!"
:—'''Sunstreaker''', vain as always.

"We're outnumbered!" "Let me guess: we retreat?"
:—'''Starscream''' knows '''Megatron''' all too well.

==Notes==

===Production information===
* Dialogue recording: 8th January 1985

===Continuity notes===
[[File:AutobotRun madeup Transformer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Pre-[[Prime (rank)|Prime]] {{w|Saint George's Cross|version}} pictured. The Prime version features {{w|Union Jack}} wings.]]
*This is Roller's third and final appearance.
*This is the first episode where the Transformers formally refer to themselves as ''Transformers''.
*Ironhide references [[Units of time|astro-seconds]].
*Megatron orders Devastator to extinguish the Autobots' [[laser core]]s forever.
*Wheeljack and Cliffjumper give Devastator a taste of the Decepticons' own "electro-medicine".
*Gadgets and powers:
**Jazz's speaker levels jump from seven to <s>eleven</s> ''eight hundred''. Or maybe he was just tuned in to an AM station.
**Megatron can shoot laser beams from his eyes, especially when he wants to scare away earth germs.
**This is the third and final episode where Skywarp uses his teleportation powers, after "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]" and "[[Divide and Conquer]]". Megatron had also taken advantage of them via Skywarp's power-chip rectifier in "[[Heavy Metal War]]".
**Thundercracker uses his incendiary guns to overheat the Autobots' engines; while the blasts are animated as simple purple lasers, Prime explicitly refers to them as "incendiary blasts." The simplified description of Thundercracker's weapons included in the series [[Production bible]] didn't explain exactly what these guns were supposed to do (per his bio, they shoot bullets containing highly-flammable material) which has resulted in them being depicted as flamethrowers in previous episodes.
**Skywarp uses his heat-seeking missiles.
**Devastator's eye beams can magnetically lift a robot into the air. He can also fire lasers from his fingertips.
**Wheeljack surveys the battlefield by using the rocket jets in his forearms, an ability mentioned in his [[bio]] appearing here for the first time in the cartoon; he previously flew ''without'' visibly using these jets in "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]" and "[[A Plague of Insecticons]]".
*Where does the trailer go?
**When Optimus Prime transforms after the Autobots are fixed by Wheeljack's grenade, his trailer shrinks into his back rather than rolling away as usual.
*A bizarre robot of made-up design appears on the screen as Chip begins researching the Transfixatron's effects. It's loosely based on Optimus Prime, but has a yellow body, Prowl/Bluestreak's doors as wings, and parts of Starscream mixed in.
*When instructing Starscream to transform out of vehicle mode, Megatron tells him to return to his "root mode". This was almost certainly the result of a typo in the script that was ''supposed'' to say "ro'''b'''ot mode", but it makes a charming amount of sense as a term.
*Thundercracker actually displays his Bio's described antipathy to the ground-bound Autobots, calling them "earth-crawlers".
*The idea of a [[Transfixatron|device to keep a Transformer frozen in one mode]] would be revisited over the years in other fictions, with [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]'s [[Transformation Lock Lens]], [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s [[Transformation virus|transformation lock virus]], the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]]' [[mode lock]] used on [[Blaster (G1)#Marvel Comics continuity|Blaster]], the various incarnations of the [[inhibitor claw]] and [[Spotlight: Soundwave|an experimental weapon]] created by Shockwave.
*The Autobots seem to learn from this experience; many future episodes such as "[[The Master Builders (episode)|The Master Builders]]" and "[[The Revenge of Bruticus]]" show them to be armed and dangerous in their automotive forms.

[[File:TheAutobotRun-Spideyshirt.jpg|thumb]]

===Real-world references===
*Spike references [[w:Evel Knievel|Evel Knievel]], a famous daredevil stuntman.
*[[Spider-Man]] makes a cameo on a kid's T-shirt.
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**As Megatron orders the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] to attack the Autobots, they emit the [[TIE Fighter]] engine noise when they fly over a wooded area.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:AutobotRun Brawn picks up Huffer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*Being one of the Season 2 [[AKOM]] episodes, "The Autobot Run" features several unusual animation models:
**Optimus Prime's "backpack" is white instead of red.
**Huffer has a white outline around his eyes.
**Gears' truck mode is mostly red instead of mostly blue.
**Megatron's gun barrel is dark gray instead of light gray.
**Laserbeak's beak is (sometimes) the same dark gray as the rest of his head.
**The "disk" on Bumblebee's back is dark gray instead of yellow. Bumblebee also has two random dark gray squares on the back of his [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]].
**Prowl is a medium gray instead of white.

Of course, AKOM found lots of less-excusable things to mess up, too:
*This episode's [[transformation]] sound effects are oddly applied, stopping and starting halfway through and even playing over the wrong transformation type (i.e., vehicle-to-robot vs. robot-to-vehicle) at times.
*Ignoring the big, paved driveway right next to him, Bumblebee arrives at the race track by ''driving across the grass''.
*That's okay, though, because as the race finishes, Chip nonchalantly turns his wheelchair and ''rolls across the grass''.
*Chip then rolls into Bumblebee, and sits in the driver seat, while still in his wheelchair. Huh?
*Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**After a dialogue section where Huffer complains about the race idea and Optimus orders him to stay and guard the base, he is seen transforming and rolling out to the race. He is not at the race and is later back at the base. However, a number of other characters who do not roll out and are not shown at the base during the discussion turn up at the race.
*For the duration of this episode, actor [[Michael Bell]] performs Scrapper with a very different voice than normal, sounding...well, frankly, quite ''normal'', compared to Scrapper's usual hoarse rasp.
*Scrapper's faceplate doesn't move as he reports the Transfixatron's completion. In fact it doesn't move at all the whole episode.
*Coloring errors:
**Thundercracker's feet are blue instead of black, and Soundwave's eject button is blue instead of white, as they watch the completion of the Transfixatron.
**As Laserbeak enters Soundwave's chest to report, Soundwave's eyeband is colored white like his faceplate, while his forehead is colored red like his eyeband should be.
**A moment later, in jet mode, Starscream's right air intake is colored as if it extends way back into his fuselage, and has some black details that shouldn't be there; the left intake isn't colored to match. He also has extra stripes on his tail fins. In a wider-angle shot, both intakes are colored with the long length and the extra black parts.
**In the first shot of the Autobots, Ironhide's entire torso is red. In the next shot, the top of his chest is red instead of red/gray.
**The entirety of Trailbreaker's lower legs are white as he listens to Prime, instead of just the stripe down the middle. The error repeats as the Autobots stand at the race track.
**Prowl has no black detailing on his car mode as Jazz passes him. He's also his correct white color instead of the light gray that AKOM usually colors him.
**As Wheeljack flees, he fires at Starscream and Thundercracker. In the next shot, his target is a pair of Thundercrackers. One of them teleports away (indicating that it was supposed to be Skywarp.) When he re-materializes, he's colored like Starscream, but still speaks in Skywarp's voice.
**A second later, Skywarp has a yellow stripe down his back where there should be black.
**Thundercracker's "gloves" are white instead of black as he transforms above Ironhide.[[File:Autobotrungreenteletraan.jpg|thumb|Chip Chase always did have the luck of the Irish.]]
**When Chip is trying to locate the Autobots, Teletraan I is colored green instead of orange.
**Soundwave's head changes colors between shots as he destroys Hound's turret gun. (Hound manages to stay off-screen until he's in [[robot mode]] later in the episode, sidestepping the need for the animators to remember his gun is destroyed.)
**When Soundwave ejects Ravage, the inside of his chest is grey.
**When the Autobots are un-transfixed and transform into robot modes, Brawn is shown transforming with them.
**Long Haul's eyeband isn't colored red as we pan across the Constructicons prior to them combining.
**Windcharger's face is the same dark gray as his head as Ironhide threatens the Decepticons, and his mid-torso is red instead of gray. The same error repeats during the repair lineup at the end.
*In the first pan over it, the Old West "town" has no streets! Subsequent shots show it with many more buildings than the handful shown in this shot.
*Missing Seeker insigina:
**Starscream has no insignia as he watches Laserbeak report back to Megatron.
**One of Starscream's insignia disappears as he backs away from the Transfixatron. The other disappears as he transforms a second later.
**When Thundercracker turns from blasting Optimus to fire on Ironhide, he has no back wing insignias.
**He still has none as he walks off with the captive Autobots.
**Starscream's missing an insignia as he fires on Roller.
*Starscream is missing one of his wings prior to the Transfixatron test. The other wing is abnormally large. The same overlarge wing shape shows up on Thundercracker later in the episode.
*Even if Shockwave ''was'' supposed to be standing behind Megatron (see Continuity Errors below), he and Scavenger were not standing anywhere near Megatron just a shot or two earlier.
*AKOM reuses the same scrolling cloud background at least four times behind Starscream. To be fair, it would actually make sense for him to be flying in circles at this point.
*Instead of being provided by [[Neil Ross]] as usual, Bonecrusher's single line in this episode is supplied by Michael Bell, using the same nondescript "normal" voice as he uses for Scrapper. The temptation, of course, is to peg this on an animation error that mistakenly depicted Bonecrusher instead of Scrapper, but the script for the episode actually called for Bonecrusher to speak the line.
*Responding to Huffer's constant complaining back at the Ark, Ratchet's line "Tell ya what, Huffer!" cuts off at the very end - even if it's hard to notice at first.
*For whatever reason, the screen flickers when Optimus transforms for the first time in the episode.
*As Skywarp transforms to robot mode over the raceway, he pulls the Transfixatron out of [[subspace storage pocket|nowhere]], despite it being as large as he is.
*When Skywarp uses it on the Autobots, the Transfixatron beam effect is not properly animated to glow.
*Transfixed Sideswipe essentially becomes a red Sunstreaker (which would be ''[[Diaclone]]''-accurate) as he tries to transform - the [[Transformation|transformation scheme]] is Sunstreaker's, as are the details of his vehicle mode once he's in mid-transformation. He then morphs back to Sideswipe when he reverts fully back to vehicle mode.
*After the Autobots discover they're locked in vehicle mode, when Megatron laughs the other Decepticons just sort of... vibrate.
*Megatron's eye lasers are the slowest-moving lasers in the universe.
*The Seekers transform and start rolling across the race track. In the next shot, they're suddenly in the air.
*Wheeljack's ears do not flash in time with his speaking at first.
*The crusher's lights flash multiple colors as it first activates, but later they only flash white. While the lights ''could'' change colors, it really raises the question of why it needs bizarre flashing lights in the first place.
*Wheeljack and Ratchet gather around Chip at the computer two times in a row.
*As we pan across the captive Autobots at the ghost town, Wheeljack and Bumblebee are among the crowd, despite both being back at Autobot Headquarters at this point. In the same pan, two Starscreams are guarding them. Also, the ghost town has gained a couple of streets and several extra buildings.
*Maybe not an error, but definitely bizarre: Hound gets Optimus Prime's rifle sound effect as he "fires" his hologram.
*As Wheeljack explains the grenade, his ears flash, but aren't properly backlit to glow.
*As Spike and company arrive at the ghost town, Ironhide is shown arriving and transforming instead of Ratchet.
*Ironhide's tires aren't flat anymore when he falls out of the crusher's claw.
*Bumblebee has no headlights as the newly arrived Autobots transform.
*A series of shots shows the grenade's radiation as concentric circles radiating out. The center point stays in four successive shots, despite only one of them being the point where the grenade exploded.
*As the grenade does its work, a series of vehicle-mode Autobots flash into existence out of nowhere.
*Devastator's combining sequence is screwy. First Scrapper and Mixmaster are shown forming Long Haul's portion of the combiner robot in addition to their own. Long Haul then forms Devastator's upper torso, instead of the lower torso (the chest plate is green at first, then turns its correct purple.) Hook then forms a tiny part of the upper torso, including the head, and... Bonecrusher's bulldozer kibble.
*Devastator has two small eyes instead of an eyeband as he fires lasers from his hand.
*He has two large eyes as he looms over Wheeljack and Cliffjumper.
*As Cliffjumper zaps Devastator with the Transfixatron, the shot suddenly jumps to a slight close-up of Devastator from exactly the same angle as before. In the closer angle, the glowing animation effect is missing from the Transfixatron beam.
*Thundercracker is drawn with his cockpit on the bottom of his jet mode as he and the other Seekers retreat.
*The [[commercial bumper]]s for the second act break feature the [[theme song|theme music]] for ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'', not ''The Transformers''.

===Continuity errors===
*Why the heck are Spike and Chip watching the race from next to the grand stands, instead of, y'know, ''inside'' them? Almost certainly because the stands aren't wheelchair-accessible. Besides being easier to animate, the show might have been very subtly making a point.
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] appears twice in this episode: first when Megatron is gloating about the Transfixatron, then when the Decepticons arrive at the race. Of course, it's ''possible'' that Shockwave came to [[Earth]] during this episode, but the idea of him just popping up and hanging around in the background seriously goes against the established notion that he always stays on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] as its full-time guardian.
*Why does Megatron pick up the Transfixatron to aim it at Starscream, when a moment later he can just pivot it on its base?
*The race gets started VERY quickly. Chip and Spike come up with the idea, go back to the base, tell Prime, and apparently the Autobots just show up and demand to race for charity. Granted, some time could have elapsed in between, but ''still''. The Decepticons, meanwhile, are just hanging around in this Old West ghost town.
*How does the dust at the finish line get ''ahead'' of the Autobots?
*Ratchet stays behind to guard the Autobot base, but is later briefly seen at the race track driving alongside Sideswipe.
*Speaking of Ratchet staying behind, he earlier tells Huffer that he and Wheeljack will stay behind to keep him company. However, it was Brawn who delivered the line about "staying behind" and Ratchet leans in like he's addressing Brawn when he says they will also stay behind.
*When Chip gets Teletraan I to analyse the data on the transforming process, among the images which flash up is a picture of Megatron's crusher. What has that got to do with transforming?
*Hound can ''shoot'' a hologram? For miles? And have it land ''inside a volcano''? What the hell?
*Flying Autobots:
**Cliffjumper gets a rocket sound effect as he comes flying out of the debris.
*Is the elaborate claw/tentacle mechanism on the crusher really necessary?
*At the end of Act 2, Ironhide is a few feet away from the crusher's jaws, presumably mere seconds from being crushed. A minute or more elapses in Act 3 before Prime comes to his rescue.
*Wheeljack states that the [[Transfixatron]] will "cancel Devastator's robot mode", though one would really expect it to just transfix Devastator ''as'' Devastator. If the intention was that the Transfixatron traps Transformers in their vehicle mode rather than in their current mode, then that wasn't made clear (especially since Megatron ordered Starscream into his vehicle mode ''before'' testing it on him).
*So... did the Decepticons just leave the transfixed Constructicons sitting there in a pile? They aren't shown retreating.

===Trivia===
[[File:Chipchase.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*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]].
*To catch the grenade, Chip stands up from his wheelchair. It should be noted that Chip's precise medical condition is never explained, so we have no way of knowing why he uses a wheelchair or how much use of his legs he actually has. A close inspection of the animation shows him apparently ''pushing'' himself up with his arms, but it's really not conveyed very well.
*This is one of three episodes from Season Two which were animated by [[AKOM]] (the others being "[[The Core]]" and "[[City of Steel (episode)|City of Steel]]"). They share similar art and animation styles (lots of one-point perspective action shots, scrolling backgrounds, and random zoom-ins), prominent use of the Constructicons, slightly more juvenile plots than usual, and a set of character model oddities such as Megatron's dark gray gun barrel, Optimus Prime's white backpack, and Chip Chase's blue jacket.
*AKOM also has a strange habit of showing vehicle-mode close-ups with painted artwork instead of typical flat colored cel art. Witness Gears getting shot by Soundwave, and Sideswipe and Jazz's dashboards. The same thing can be seen in "The Core", as Chip leans out of a painted Wheeljack.
*A one-time-only bit of Westernish background music, presumably culled from [[Robert J. Walsh]]'s enormous archives, plays across the opening scene in the Decepticons' ghost town.
*Stores in the ghost town: Liquor Saloon, Harrys Bakes, Sonata 3, Cows(?), Hotel, Saloon, Grain Feed, Livery, Glass (which in a visual gag is the only building in its row of three to survive the battle), and RC P&W(?).
*Signs at the race track: Grand Prix, Irel(and?), XAM, HO KY, New Year Tires, Dav-Mac, A&E O(il?), (Go?)od Year Tires, and Fenzoil Lubes. The "XAM" is very likely a reference to the animation company XAM! ("Ex-Ahern-Marshall"), who included their company initials in the background art of various 1980s animated series.<ref>[http://www.povonline.com/2003/News030103.htm#030503a] "NEWS from me: March 5, 2003"</ref>
*Megatron sure does have a sexy swagger as he walks toward the transfixatroned Autobots.
*The synopsis for "The Autobot Run" included in the series [[production bible]] reveals that the Transfixatron was originally named the "Stasitron". On its model sheet, it was misspelled "Satsitron".
*In an unfortunate [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|foreshadowing]], Sunstreaker remarks that when they made him, they 'broke the [[mold]]'.
*Seriously, ''guinea pigatron''?!
*Wheeljack uses his wrist rockets to fly, which is one of the few times it's shown correctly.
*Master Megatron... I wonder if we'll hear that again...

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French broadcast):'' "'''Le neutralisateur'''" ("The Neutralizer")
:*''Title (European French DVD release):'' "'''La course des Autobots'''" ("The Autobots Run")
:*''Title (Canadian French broadcast):'' "'''La grande course'''" ("The Great Race")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Wer ist der schnellste Autobot?'''" ("Who Is the Fastest Autobot?")
:*''Title (Generation 2 dub):'' "'''Die Geheimwaffe'''" ("The Secret Weapon")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 9]], [[1989]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' '''Corsa automobilistica''' ("Car Race")
:*''Title (dub 2):'' '''La corsa degli Autobots''' ("The Autobots Run")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Transform o Tomero!'''" (トランスフォームをとめろ!, "Stop the Transforming!")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 31]], [[1986]]

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Qìchērén Sǐ Lǐ Táoshēng'''" (汽车人死里逃生, "Autobots' Narrow Squeak ")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fuga dos Autobots'''" ("Escape of the Autobots")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*This episode did not air in the 1980s and was first released on DVD with a different dub from the rest of the show.

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Gran'pree "Avtobot"'''" (Гран-при "Автобот", "Grand-prix "Autobot"")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;{{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 Carly sucks, right?]] [[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]] [[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 France.png|20px|France]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — La Course des Autobots ([[UFG Junior]]) — European French audio only. 
[[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 Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — Box-Set (3DVDs) ([[Flex Media]]) — German audio only. 
[[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==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-2/synopses/700-22.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=10in8YheDM1M_DfcXq95HDDgrbkaGGOkg Episode dialogue script]

==Footnotes==
{{Reflist|1}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Autobot Run}}
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

The Autobot Run

2023-02-02T00:19:47Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Animation and technical errors */ It's hard to notice at first, but trust me, it's there.

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=23
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=65
|prev2=A Plague of Insecticons
|next2=The Ultimate Doom, Part 1
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=6
|prev3=Heavy Metal War
|next3=The Core
|image=Autobotruncanttransform.jpg
|caption=Hey, look! ''Diaclone'' Sunstreaker!
|title="The Autobot Run"
|season=2
|season ep=7
|production code=#700-22
|airdate=[[October 31]], 1985
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|animation studio=[[AKOM]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8c2Hk7F2QHA
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''When the Autobots perform a race for charity, the Decepticons take the opportunity to trap them in their vehicle modes.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Transfixatron.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|A collection of character models gathers around the Decepticons' new weapon.]]
While watching a car race, [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] and [[Chip Chase|Chip]] comment on how cool it would be to see the Autobots perform in a race as well.

Meanwhile, in an old west ghost town, the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] have completed the [[Transfixatron]], a new device that will lock a [[Transformer]] in the mode they currently occupy (usually [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]). [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] arrives, informing the Decepticons about the Autobot race.

[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] complains that [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is wasting time with the device instead of leading an attack. In response, Megatron tests the device on his whiny subordinate, and it's a success. Starscream is stuck in jet mode and begs to be released, saying he'll do whatever Megatron wants and he's too valuable to the Decepticon cause. Megatron gets bored of Starscream's pleas and frees him. Satisfied with the test, Megatron orders the Constructicons to start working on a second device whose purpose will be revealed later.

[[File:Autobotrunfinishline.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|The guy at the finish line wonders where the Hell his car went.]]
Chip and Spike suggest their race idea to the Autobots, and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] agrees, as long as it's for charity. [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] complains that it's a waste of time and a bad idea (as usual), but the Autobots decide to do it. Huffer, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]], and [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] remain to guard the [[Ark (G1)|base]].

The Autobots arrive at the track and wait at the starting line in [[robot mode]] before they compete "in the greatest automobile race in history." Some numbskull in the audience wonders aloud where their cars are. The Autobots transform, and the race is on with a whole lot of trash talk. [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] and [[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] rush ahead of the slower vehicles like [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] and [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]].

During the race, [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] teleports to a position over the track and uses the Transfixatron on the Autobots, who don't notice. The Autobots near the finish line, but they're kicking up so much dust it's impossible to tell who won. "The real winners are us, folks!" says the announcer.

Next up, the Autobots line up to do some stunts and make "Evel Knievel look like a kiddie car driver", according to Spike. But Sunstreaker's attempt to jump the other Autobots falls short and he has to be saved by [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]'s magnetic powers.

Before they can do anything else, the Decepticons arrive. The Autobots attempt to [[Transformation|transform]], only to find that they are all stuck in vehicle mode. Optimus orders the Autobots to ram the Decepticons, but they simply shoot out the Autobots' tires, fire rays to make their engines overheat and disable their radios. Helpless, the Autobots are herded away by the 'Cons.

[[File:Autobotrunbyeironhide.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb]]
[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] takes Spike and Chip back to the base, hoping Ratchet and Wheeljack can figure a fix for the Transfixatron ray. As usual, Huffer complains, but a massive bearhug from Brawn gets him to shut up, while Ratchet and Wheeljack get to work.

At the ghost town, Megatron forces Optimus Prime to watch his soldiers die one by one in the Constructicons' second device, a horrific crushing machine, starting with Ironhide. The Autobot leader dispatches [[Roller (G1)|Roller]] to distract Megatron, allowing Prime to ram the crusher, which frees Ironhide. [[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] manages to send a signal to [[Teletraan I]], just as Ratchet and Wheeljack finish working on a device which will allow the Autobots to transform...a [[Anti-transfixation grenade|grenade]]. (Real good thinking there, guys.)

[[File:Autobotrunravageattackschip.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Unfortunately for Chip, he was five minutes late refilling Ravage's bowl.]]
Spike and the other Autobots arrive to save their comrades, but [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] dispatches [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] to deal with them. After a game of keep-away with the grenade, Chip manages to get it close enough to release its energy, allowing the Autobots to transform to robot mode.

The Constructicons form [[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]], but [[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] and Wheeljack fire the Transfixatron at the giant Decepticon, causing the [[Combiner]] to separate. The Decepticons retreat, and the Autobots destroy the Transfixatron.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (3)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]]
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (16)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (17)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (18)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (19)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] (20)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (21)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (22)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (23)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (24)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (25)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (26)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (27)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (28)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (29)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (30)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (32)
*[[Roller (G1)|Roller]] (33)
|c2=
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (4)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (6)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (7)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (8)
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (9)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (10)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (11)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (12)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (13)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (14)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] (15)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (31)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (34)
*[[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]] (35)
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (1)
*[[Chip Chase]] (2)
}}

==Quotes==
"Transform." 
"No, Megatron. You can't mean to—" 
"What's a test without a [[guinea pigatron]]? Transform, I say!"
:—'''Megatron''' selects '''Starscream''' as the test subject for his latest device.

"Hey! Where are their cars?!"
:—Someone who somehow hasn't heard of the Autobots, yet turned up to a race for them.

"Uh, probably just energy evaporation from all the speed, maybe... I hope..."
:—'''Bumblebee''' fails physics forever.

"If you're going to do what I think, Sunstreaker, you've got boom-glitches in your brain garage."
:—'''Mirage'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s colorful terms for Transformer anatomy.

"I'm gettin' a sunburn on the inside!"
:—'''Ironhide''' falls victim to Thundercracker's incendaries.

"I knew the racing bit was bad news, but would anyone listen to me? Oh, noooo!" 
"Stifle it, Huffer, or I'll put my footio in your audio!!"
:—'''Huffer''' being an aft and '''Brawn''' looking to kick some.

"Ironic, isn't it, Autobots, that after so many valiant battles, you will meet your end in the crushing jaws of this device so lovingly fashioned by my Constructicons."
:—'''Megatron'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s concept of irony is off.

[[File:Autobotrun ironhide carcrusher.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb]]
"Later, guys. It's been really great knowin' ya."
:—Headed for the crushing device, '''Ironhide''' accepts his fate.

"Hey, what's that?" 
"I'd call it a TARGET!"
:—'''Thundercracker''' and '''Starscream''' spotting Roller.

"I'm transforming! I see my true beauty emerging!"
:—'''Sunstreaker''', vain as always.

"We're outnumbered!" "Let me guess: we retreat?"
:—'''Starscream''' knows '''Megatron''' all too well.

==Notes==

===Production information===
* Dialogue recording: 8th January 1985

===Continuity notes===
[[File:AutobotRun madeup Transformer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Pre-[[Prime (rank)|Prime]] {{w|Saint George's Cross|version}} pictured. The Prime version features {{w|Union Jack}} wings.]]
*This is Roller's third and final appearance.
*This is the first episode where the Transformers formally refer to themselves as ''Transformers''.
*Ironhide references [[Units of time|astro-seconds]].
*Megatron orders Devastator to extinguish the Autobots' [[laser core]]s forever.
*Wheeljack and Cliffjumper give Devastator a taste of the Decepticons' own "electro-medicine".
*Gadgets and powers:
**Jazz's speaker levels jump from seven to <s>eleven</s> ''eight hundred''. Or maybe he was just tuned in to an AM station.
**Megatron can shoot laser beams from his eyes, especially when he wants to scare away earth germs.
**This is the third and final episode where Skywarp uses his teleportation powers, after "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]" and "[[Divide and Conquer]]". Megatron had also taken advantage of them via Skywarp's power-chip rectifier in "[[Heavy Metal War]]".
**Thundercracker uses his incendiary guns to overheat the Autobots' engines; while the blasts are animated as simple purple lasers, Prime explicitly refers to them as "incendiary blasts." The simplified description of Thundercracker's weapons included in the series [[Production bible]] didn't explain exactly what these guns were supposed to do (per his bio, they shoot bullets containing highly-flammable material) which has resulted in them being depicted as flamethrowers in previous episodes.
**Skywarp uses his heat-seeking missiles.
**Devastator's eye beams can magnetically lift a robot into the air. He can also fire lasers from his fingertips.
**Wheeljack surveys the battlefield by using the rocket jets in his forearms, an ability mentioned in his [[bio]] appearing here for the first time in the cartoon; he previously flew ''without'' visibly using these jets in "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]" and "[[A Plague of Insecticons]]".
*Where does the trailer go?
**When Optimus Prime transforms after the Autobots are fixed by Wheeljack's grenade, his trailer shrinks into his back rather than rolling away as usual.
*A bizarre robot of made-up design appears on the screen as Chip begins researching the Transfixatron's effects. It's loosely based on Optimus Prime, but has a yellow body, Prowl/Bluestreak's doors as wings, and parts of Starscream mixed in.
*When instructing Starscream to transform out of vehicle mode, Megatron tells him to return to his "root mode". This was almost certainly the result of a typo in the script that was ''supposed'' to say "ro'''b'''ot mode", but it makes a charming amount of sense as a term.
*Thundercracker actually displays his Bio's described antipathy to the ground-bound Autobots, calling them "earth-crawlers".
*The idea of a [[Transfixatron|device to keep a Transformer frozen in one mode]] would be revisited over the years in other fictions, with [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]'s [[Transformation Lock Lens]], [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s [[Transformation virus|transformation lock virus]], the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]]' [[mode lock]] used on [[Blaster (G1)#Marvel Comics continuity|Blaster]], the various incarnations of the [[inhibitor claw]] and [[Spotlight: Soundwave|an experimental weapon]] created by Shockwave.
*The Autobots seem to learn from this experience; many future episodes such as "[[The Master Builders (episode)|The Master Builders]]" and "[[The Revenge of Bruticus]]" show them to be armed and dangerous in their automotive forms.

[[File:TheAutobotRun-Spideyshirt.jpg|thumb]]

===Real-world references===
*Spike references [[w:Evel Knievel|Evel Knievel]], a famous daredevil stuntman.
*[[Spider-Man]] makes a cameo on a kid's T-shirt.
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**As Megatron orders the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] to attack the Autobots, they emit the [[TIE Fighter]] engine noise when they fly over a wooded area.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:AutobotRun Brawn picks up Huffer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*Being one of the Season 2 [[AKOM]] episodes, "The Autobot Run" features several unusual animation models:
**Optimus Prime's "backpack" is white instead of red.
**Huffer has a white outline around his eyes.
**Gears' truck mode is mostly red instead of mostly blue.
**Megatron's gun barrel is dark gray instead of light gray.
**Laserbeak's beak is (sometimes) the same dark gray as the rest of his head.
**The "disk" on Bumblebee's back is dark gray instead of yellow. Bumblebee also has two random dark gray squares on the back of his [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]].
**Prowl is a medium gray instead of white.

Of course, AKOM found lots of less-excusable things to mess up, too:
*This episode's [[transformation]] sound effects are oddly applied, stopping and starting halfway through and even playing over the wrong transformation type (i.e., vehicle-to-robot vs. robot-to-vehicle) at times.
*Ignoring the big, paved driveway right next to him, Bumblebee arrives at the race track by ''driving across the grass''.
*That's okay, though, because as the race finishes, Chip nonchalantly turns his wheelchair and ''rolls across the grass''.
*Chip then rolls into Bumblebee, and sits in the driver seat, while still in his wheelchair. Huh?
*Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**After a dialogue section where Huffer complains about the race idea and Optimus orders him to stay and guard the base, he is seen transforming and rolling out to the race. He is not at the race and is later back at the base. However, a number of other characters who do not roll out and are not shown at the base during the discussion turn up at the race.
*For the duration of this episode, actor [[Michael Bell]] performs Scrapper with a very different voice than normal, sounding...well, frankly, quite ''normal'', compared to Scrapper's usual hoarse rasp.
*Scrapper's faceplate doesn't move as he reports the Transfixatron's completion. In fact it doesn't move at all the whole episode.
*Coloring errors:
**Thundercracker's feet are blue instead of black, and Soundwave's eject button is blue instead of white, as they watch the completion of the Transfixatron.
**As Laserbeak enters Soundwave's chest to report, Soundwave's eyeband is colored white like his faceplate, while his forehead is colored red like his eyeband should be.
**A moment later, in jet mode, Starscream's right air intake is colored as if it extends way back into his fuselage, and has some black details that shouldn't be there; the left intake isn't colored to match. He also has extra stripes on his tail fins. In a wider-angle shot, both intakes are colored with the long length and the extra black parts.
**In the first shot of the Autobots, Ironhide's entire torso is red. In the next shot, the top of his chest is red instead of red/gray.
**The entirety of Trailbreaker's lower legs are white as he listens to Prime, instead of just the stripe down the middle. The error repeats as the Autobots stand at the race track.
**Prowl has no black detailing on his car mode as Jazz passes him. He's also his correct white color instead of the light gray that AKOM usually colors him.
**As Wheeljack flees, he fires at Starscream and Thundercracker. In the next shot, his target is a pair of Thundercrackers. One of them teleports away (indicating that it was supposed to be Skywarp.) When he re-materializes, he's colored like Starscream, but still speaks in Skywarp's voice.
**A second later, Skywarp has a yellow stripe down his back where there should be black.
**Thundercracker's "gloves" are white instead of black as he transforms above Ironhide.[[File:Autobotrungreenteletraan.jpg|thumb|Chip Chase always did have the luck of the Irish.]]
**When Chip is trying to locate the Autobots, Teletraan I is colored green instead of orange.
**Soundwave's head changes colors between shots as he destroys Hound's turret gun. (Hound manages to stay off-screen until he's in [[robot mode]] later in the episode, sidestepping the need for the animators to remember his gun is destroyed.)
**When Soundwave ejects Ravage, the inside of his chest is grey.
**When the Autobots are un-transfixed and transform into robot modes, Brawn is shown transforming with them.
**Long Haul's eyeband isn't colored red as we pan across the Constructicons prior to them combining.
**Windcharger's face is the same dark gray as his head as Ironhide threatens the Decepticons, and his mid-torso is red instead of gray. The same error repeats during the repair lineup at the end.
*In the first pan over it, the Old West "town" has no streets! Subsequent shots show it with many more buildings than the handful shown in this shot.
*Missing Seeker insigina:
**Starscream has no insignia as he watches Laserbeak report back to Megatron.
**One of Starscream's insignia disappears as he backs away from the Transfixatron. The other disappears as he transforms a second later.
**When Thundercracker turns from blasting Optimus to fire on Ironhide, he has no back wing insignias.
**He still has none as he walks off with the captive Autobots.
**Starscream's missing an insignia as he fires on Roller.
*Starscream is missing one of his wings prior to the Transfixatron test. The other wing is abnormally large. The same overlarge wing shape shows up on Thundercracker later in the episode.
*Even if Shockwave ''was'' supposed to be standing behind Megatron (see Continuity Errors below), he and Scavenger were not standing anywhere near Megatron just a shot or two earlier.
*AKOM reuses the same scrolling cloud background at least four times behind Starscream. To be fair, it would actually make sense for him to be flying in circles at this point.
*Instead of being provided by [[Neil Ross]] as usual, Bonecrusher's single line in this episode is supplied by Michael Bell, using the same nondescript "normal" voice as he uses for Scrapper. The temptation, of course, is to peg this on an animation error that mistakenly depicted Bonecrusher instead of Scrapper, but the script for the episode actually called for Bonecrusher to speak the line.
*Responding to Huffer's constant complaining back at the Ark, Ratchet's line "Tell ya what, Huffer!" cuts off at the very end - even if it's hard to notice at first.
*As Skywarp transforms to robot mode over the raceway, he pulls the Transfixatron out of [[subspace storage pocket|nowhere]], despite it being as large as he is.
*When Skywarp uses it on the Autobots, the Transfixatron beam effect is not properly animated to glow.
*Transfixed Sideswipe essentially becomes a red Sunstreaker (which would be ''[[Diaclone]]''-accurate) as he tries to transform - the [[Transformation|transformation scheme]] is Sunstreaker's, as are the details of his vehicle mode once he's in mid-transformation. He then morphs back to Sideswipe when he reverts fully back to vehicle mode.
*After the Autobots discover they're locked in vehicle mode, when Megatron laughs the other Decepticons just sort of... vibrate.
*Megatron's eye lasers are the slowest-moving lasers in the universe.
*The Seekers transform and start rolling across the race track. In the next shot, they're suddenly in the air.
*Wheeljack's ears do not flash in time with his speaking at first.
*The crusher's lights flash multiple colors as it first activates, but later they only flash white. While the lights ''could'' change colors, it really raises the question of why it needs bizarre flashing lights in the first place.
*Wheeljack and Ratchet gather around Chip at the computer two times in a row.
*As we pan across the captive Autobots at the ghost town, Wheeljack and Bumblebee are among the crowd, despite both being back at Autobot Headquarters at this point. In the same pan, two Starscreams are guarding them. Also, the ghost town has gained a couple of streets and several extra buildings.
*Maybe not an error, but definitely bizarre: Hound gets Optimus Prime's rifle sound effect as he "fires" his hologram.
*As Wheeljack explains the grenade, his ears flash, but aren't properly backlit to glow.
*As Spike and company arrive at the ghost town, Ironhide is shown arriving and transforming instead of Ratchet.
*Ironhide's tires aren't flat anymore when he falls out of the crusher's claw.
*Bumblebee has no headlights as the newly arrived Autobots transform.
*A series of shots shows the grenade's radiation as concentric circles radiating out. The center point stays in four successive shots, despite only one of them being the point where the grenade exploded.
*As the grenade does its work, a series of vehicle-mode Autobots flash into existence out of nowhere.
*Devastator's combining sequence is screwy. First Scrapper and Mixmaster are shown forming Long Haul's portion of the combiner robot in addition to their own. Long Haul then forms Devastator's upper torso, instead of the lower torso (the chest plate is green at first, then turns its correct purple.) Hook then forms a tiny part of the upper torso, including the head, and... Bonecrusher's bulldozer kibble.
*Devastator has two small eyes instead of an eyeband as he fires lasers from his hand.
*He has two large eyes as he looms over Wheeljack and Cliffjumper.
*As Cliffjumper zaps Devastator with the Transfixatron, the shot suddenly jumps to a slight close-up of Devastator from exactly the same angle as before. In the closer angle, the glowing animation effect is missing from the Transfixatron beam.
*Thundercracker is drawn with his cockpit on the bottom of his jet mode as he and the other Seekers retreat.
*The [[commercial bumper]]s for the second act break feature the [[theme song|theme music]] for ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'', not ''The Transformers''.

===Continuity errors===
*Why the heck are Spike and Chip watching the race from next to the grand stands, instead of, y'know, ''inside'' them? Almost certainly because the stands aren't wheelchair-accessible. Besides being easier to animate, the show might have been very subtly making a point.
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] appears twice in this episode: first when Megatron is gloating about the Transfixatron, then when the Decepticons arrive at the race. Of course, it's ''possible'' that Shockwave came to [[Earth]] during this episode, but the idea of him just popping up and hanging around in the background seriously goes against the established notion that he always stays on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] as its full-time guardian.
*Why does Megatron pick up the Transfixatron to aim it at Starscream, when a moment later he can just pivot it on its base?
*The race gets started VERY quickly. Chip and Spike come up with the idea, go back to the base, tell Prime, and apparently the Autobots just show up and demand to race for charity. Granted, some time could have elapsed in between, but ''still''. The Decepticons, meanwhile, are just hanging around in this Old West ghost town.
*How does the dust at the finish line get ''ahead'' of the Autobots?
*Ratchet stays behind to guard the Autobot base, but is later briefly seen at the race track driving alongside Sideswipe.
*Speaking of Ratchet staying behind, he earlier tells Huffer that he and Wheeljack will stay behind to keep him company. However, it was Brawn who delivered the line about "staying behind" and Ratchet leans in like he's addressing Brawn when he says they will also stay behind.
*When Chip gets Teletraan I to analyse the data on the transforming process, among the images which flash up is a picture of Megatron's crusher. What has that got to do with transforming?
*Hound can ''shoot'' a hologram? For miles? And have it land ''inside a volcano''? What the hell?
*Flying Autobots:
**Cliffjumper gets a rocket sound effect as he comes flying out of the debris.
*Is the elaborate claw/tentacle mechanism on the crusher really necessary?
*At the end of Act 2, Ironhide is a few feet away from the crusher's jaws, presumably mere seconds from being crushed. A minute or more elapses in Act 3 before Prime comes to his rescue.
*Wheeljack states that the [[Transfixatron]] will "cancel Devastator's robot mode", though one would really expect it to just transfix Devastator ''as'' Devastator. If the intention was that the Transfixatron traps Transformers in their vehicle mode rather than in their current mode, then that wasn't made clear (especially since Megatron ordered Starscream into his vehicle mode ''before'' testing it on him).
*So... did the Decepticons just leave the transfixed Constructicons sitting there in a pile? They aren't shown retreating.

===Trivia===
[[File:Chipchase.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*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]].
*To catch the grenade, Chip stands up from his wheelchair. It should be noted that Chip's precise medical condition is never explained, so we have no way of knowing why he uses a wheelchair or how much use of his legs he actually has. A close inspection of the animation shows him apparently ''pushing'' himself up with his arms, but it's really not conveyed very well.
*This is one of three episodes from Season Two which were animated by [[AKOM]] (the others being "[[The Core]]" and "[[City of Steel (episode)|City of Steel]]"). They share similar art and animation styles (lots of one-point perspective action shots, scrolling backgrounds, and random zoom-ins), prominent use of the Constructicons, slightly more juvenile plots than usual, and a set of character model oddities such as Megatron's dark gray gun barrel, Optimus Prime's white backpack, and Chip Chase's blue jacket.
*AKOM also has a strange habit of showing vehicle-mode close-ups with painted artwork instead of typical flat colored cel art. Witness Gears getting shot by Soundwave, and Sideswipe and Jazz's dashboards. The same thing can be seen in "The Core", as Chip leans out of a painted Wheeljack.
*A one-time-only bit of Westernish background music, presumably culled from [[Robert J. Walsh]]'s enormous archives, plays across the opening scene in the Decepticons' ghost town.
*Stores in the ghost town: Liquor Saloon, Harrys Bakes, Sonata 3, Cows(?), Hotel, Saloon, Grain Feed, Livery, Glass (which in a visual gag is the only building in its row of three to survive the battle), and RC P&W(?).
*Signs at the race track: Grand Prix, Irel(and?), XAM, HO KY, New Year Tires, Dav-Mac, A&E O(il?), (Go?)od Year Tires, and Fenzoil Lubes. The "XAM" is very likely a reference to the animation company XAM! ("Ex-Ahern-Marshall"), who included their company initials in the background art of various 1980s animated series.<ref>[http://www.povonline.com/2003/News030103.htm#030503a] "NEWS from me: March 5, 2003"</ref>
*Megatron sure does have a sexy swagger as he walks toward the transfixatroned Autobots.
*The synopsis for "The Autobot Run" included in the series [[production bible]] reveals that the Transfixatron was originally named the "Stasitron". On its model sheet, it was misspelled "Satsitron".
*In an unfortunate [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|foreshadowing]], Sunstreaker remarks that when they made him, they 'broke the [[mold]]'.
*Seriously, ''guinea pigatron''?!
*Wheeljack uses his wrist rockets to fly, which is one of the few times it's shown correctly.
*Master Megatron... I wonder if we'll hear that again...

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French broadcast):'' "'''Le neutralisateur'''" ("The Neutralizer")
:*''Title (European French DVD release):'' "'''La course des Autobots'''" ("The Autobots Run")
:*''Title (Canadian French broadcast):'' "'''La grande course'''" ("The Great Race")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Wer ist der schnellste Autobot?'''" ("Who Is the Fastest Autobot?")
:*''Title (Generation 2 dub):'' "'''Die Geheimwaffe'''" ("The Secret Weapon")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 9]], [[1989]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' '''Corsa automobilistica''' ("Car Race")
:*''Title (dub 2):'' '''La corsa degli Autobots''' ("The Autobots Run")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Transform o Tomero!'''" (トランスフォームをとめろ!, "Stop the Transforming!")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 31]], [[1986]]

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Qìchērén Sǐ Lǐ Táoshēng'''" (汽车人死里逃生, "Autobots' Narrow Squeak ")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fuga dos Autobots'''" ("Escape of the Autobots")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*This episode did not air in the 1980s and was first released on DVD with a different dub from the rest of the show.

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Gran'pree "Avtobot"'''" (Гран-при "Автобот", "Grand-prix "Autobot"")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;{{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 Carly sucks, right?]] [[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]] [[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 France.png|20px|France]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — La Course des Autobots ([[UFG Junior]]) — European French audio only. 
[[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 Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — Box-Set (3DVDs) ([[Flex Media]]) — German audio only. 
[[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==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-2/synopses/700-22.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=10in8YheDM1M_DfcXq95HDDgrbkaGGOkg Episode dialogue script]

==Footnotes==
{{Reflist|1}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Autobot Run}}
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

House Rules

2023-01-26T20:28:05Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Transformers references */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: EarthSpark (cartoon)|Transformers: EarthSpark]]'' ep 4
|image=House-Rules Swindle Thrash Mo.jpg
|caption=Why shouldn't you trust a guy who's literally named Swindle?
|prev=Moo-ving In
|next=Classified
|title="House Rules"
|airdate=[[November 11]], [[2022]]
|production company=[[Entertainment One]] [[Nickelodeon]]
|writer=[[Ian Busch]]
|animation studio=[[Icon Creative Studio]]
|director=[[Jordan Rosato]]
|video=https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/video/f2xBalVVzirVFPbvZz34sz0A5WechSMq/
|videosite=Paramount+
}}

'''Thrash and Mo's rebellion against the house rules leads them to fall in with a Decepticon.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:EarthSpark-HouseRules-ThrashTwitchKitchen.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
[[Mo Malto|Mo]] and [[Robby Malto|Robby]] play capture the flag with [[Twitch]] and [[Thrash (ES)|Thrash]]. Twitch manages to trap Mo by dropping hay bales around her, while Thrash hijacks Robby using his sidecar. The two Terrans then begin fighting over the nearest flag, which is when [[Bumblebee (ES)|Bumblebee]] arrives and attempts to break the pair up. [[Alex Malto|Alex]] and [[Dot Malto|Dot]] are startled when the two warring Terrans crash through the wall of the house into the kitchen where Alex is making breakfast, prompting Dot to call a family meeting.

The parents go over the house rules, including a new one: no bots in the house. The Terrans are less than enthusiastic, but Twitch at least perks up when Alex reveals that they'll get stickers for doing chores, and whoever gets the most by the end of the week gets a prize. Mo attempts to cheer Thrash up by setting up a tent, but he's unhappy at not being allowed in the house. He hits on the idea of transforming, since they didn't say anything about bikes not being allowed in. Alex and Dot head off to the lumber yard, and Thrash reasons that while they're gone, the rules are suspended and he can go inside. He and Mo head inside to Mo's room, where they settle down to quietly watch wrestling; however when Dot and Alex arrive back, it's just in time to see the pair crash through the side of the house while replicating a wrestling move, resulting in both being grounded.

[[File:EarthSpark-HouseRules-MoPinsThrash.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
A [[G.H.O.S.T.]] truck driving through [[Witwicky (town)|Witwicky]] is rammed by [[Swindle (ES)|Swindle]], who gives pursuit and succeeds in overturning the vehicle. The Decepticon spots an [[energon scanner]] in the back of the truck, but is unable to reach it due to the energon force fields, so he drives off as the [[Agent Bala|truck's driver]] calls for backup.

Alex and Bumblebee finish repairing the damage to the house. Robby, tired of pulling weeds, decides to slack off on social media on his phone. Twitch is scandalized and decides to finish the weeding so she can get the star instead. Dot observes Thrash and Mo being bored while she unloads wood, but before she can talk to them, the call for reinforcements comes in and she has to head off to respond. Thrash quickly talks Mo into violating their grounding, and the pair also head off after Dot. Reaching town, they go into hiding and watch Dot meet up with [[Elita-1 (ES)|Elita-1]] and a number of G.H.O.S.T. agents. Also watching affairs is Swindle, who spots Thrash and Mo and sees an opportunity. Blasting a trash dumpster, he leads Trash and Mo away while Dot and the agents are distracted dealing with the fire. The pair follow Swindle to a nearby clifftop where he invites them to join his crew.

[[File:EarthSpark-HouseRules-ThrashMoReturnWithSwindle.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
Soon Swindle is cutting the bolt on a gate with very obvious "No trespassing" signs on it. When Mo points out the signs, Swindle pulls them off the fences for "skate sledding" down the concrete slope beyond the fence. Next they race through a corn field before arriving back at the clifftop, where Swindle confides he's searching for his brother, [[Hardtop (ES)|Hardtop]]. Mo invites Swindle home in the belief the rest of the family can help him find Hardtop.

At home, Robby is surprised to see the amount of stars Twitch has accumulated. She asks if he can add another one for egg collection, though as Robby points out, they don't have any chickens. When Twitch mentions the prize is picking dinner for a week, Robby decides he needs to win and resumes doing chores. Bumblebee emerges from the barn just as Thrash and Mo arrive back with Swindle, immediately tackling the Con. A fight ensues which Bumblebee wins, only for Thrash and Mo to come to Swindle's defense. After Swindle drives off, Bee and the two parents turn on Thrash and Mo, who are unrepentant at helping the Decepticon. Thrash goes to sulk in the tent. Mo joins him and finds Thrash is still determined to help Swindle.

[[File:EarthSpark-HouseRules-SwindleFightsThrash.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
Waiting on the clifftop, Swindle hears Thrash and Mo coming and feigns crying until they reveal they're there to help him find Hardtop. They head to a salvage yard and break in. The G.H.O.S.T. truck inside still has active energon force fields, but being [[human]], Mo can pass through them. When she refuses to help, Swindle forces her at gunpoint. She successfully shuts down the force field, but Thrash has had enough and attacks Swindle when the Con tell him to help. Mo's able to use Thrash's shield to protect the Terran when Swindle shoots at him, but the fight doesn't last long, with Swindle stomping on Thrash before trying to chase down Mo. Just as he catches up to her, Dot and Bumblebee arrive, having been called by Mo, and chase the Decepticon off. Thrash apologizes for disobeying the rules and helping Swindle, but Dot says he's still grounded.

Back at home, Twitch and Robby attempt to get the last star by mowing the lawn, but finish in a tie and also wreck the lawn. Alex reveals that the walls of the kitchen can now swing up, allowing the Bots to access it.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (ES)|Bumblebee]] (5)
*[[Elita-1 (ES)|Elita-1]] (10)

|c2=
*[[Swindle (ES)|Swindle]] (9)

|c3=
*[[Mo Malto]] (1)
*[[Robby Malto]] (2)
*[[Alex Malto]] (6)
*[[Dot Malto]] (7)
*[[Agent Bala]] (8)
*[[G.H.O.S.T.]] agents (11)
*Farmer (12)

|h4=[[Terran]]s||c4=
*[[Twitch]] (3)
*[[Thrash (ES)|Thrash]] (4)
}}

==Quotes==
"That repair was so fast! You know what would make it even faster? Pew pew." 
"Alex. For the last time, I'm not using my stinger for DIY projects." 
"Think of how fast we could strip paint! Cut wood? Toast tortillas?"
:—'''Alex''' and '''Bumblebee''' finish fixing the kitchen.

"No phones, no friends, no fun. We're dying of boredom!" 
"Ugh, I'm lucky I lived through that sentence."
:—'''Mo''' and '''Thrash''' enjoy being grounded.

"You know Mister Optimus too? Isn't he great?" 
"Yeah, that's one word for him."
:—'''Mo''' and '''Swindle'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Swindle is still looking for Hardtop after he was taken prisoner by G.H.O.S.T. back in "[[Secret Legacy, Part 2]]".

===Transformers references===
* Following in the footsteps of [[Bumblebee (Animated)|his]] [[Bumblebee (Movie)|previous]] [[Bumblebee (Cyberverse)|incarnations]], Bumblebee calls his electric weapon his "stinger".

===Real-world references===
* When the farmer discovers that Thrash and Swindle messed up his corn field, he yells "Sufferin' succotash!", the catchphrase of the Looney Tunes character, Sylvester the Cat.

===Animation and technical errors===
*

===Trivia===
* On Paramount+, this episode is listed under the name "H.O.U.S.E. Rules". What does H.O.U.S.E. stand for? No idea!

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le respect des règles'''" ("Respect for the rules")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 1]], 2022

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hausregeln'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 1]], 2022

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Házirendszegők'''" ("House Rule Breakers")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 1]], 2022

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Regras da Casa'''" ("House Rules")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 26]], 2022
{{epstub}}

[[Category:EarthSpark episodes]]

House Rules

2023-01-26T20:21:30Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Trivia */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: EarthSpark (cartoon)|Transformers: EarthSpark]]'' ep 4
|image=House-Rules Swindle Thrash Mo.jpg
|caption=Why shouldn't you trust a guy who's literally named Swindle?
|prev=Moo-ving In
|next=Classified
|title="House Rules"
|airdate=[[November 11]], [[2022]]
|production company=[[Entertainment One]] [[Nickelodeon]]
|writer=[[Ian Busch]]
|animation studio=[[Icon Creative Studio]]
|director=[[Jordan Rosato]]
|video=https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/video/f2xBalVVzirVFPbvZz34sz0A5WechSMq/
|videosite=Paramount+
}}

'''Thrash and Mo's rebellion against the house rules leads them to fall in with a Decepticon.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:EarthSpark-HouseRules-ThrashTwitchKitchen.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
[[Mo Malto|Mo]] and [[Robby Malto|Robby]] play capture the flag with [[Twitch]] and [[Thrash (ES)|Thrash]]. Twitch manages to trap Mo by dropping hay bales around her, while Thrash hijacks Robby using his sidecar. The two Terrans then begin fighting over the nearest flag, which is when [[Bumblebee (ES)|Bumblebee]] arrives and attempts to break the pair up. [[Alex Malto|Alex]] and [[Dot Malto|Dot]] are startled when the two warring Terrans crash through the wall of the house into the kitchen where Alex is making breakfast, prompting Dot to call a family meeting.

The parents go over the house rules, including a new one: no bots in the house. The Terrans are less than enthusiastic, but Twitch at least perks up when Alex reveals that they'll get stickers for doing chores, and whoever gets the most by the end of the week gets a prize. Mo attempts to cheer Thrash up by setting up a tent, but he's unhappy at not being allowed in the house. He hits on the idea of transforming, since they didn't say anything about bikes not being allowed in. Alex and Dot head off to the lumber yard, and Thrash reasons that while they're gone, the rules are suspended and he can go inside. He and Mo head inside to Mo's room, where they settle down to quietly watch wrestling; however when Dot and Alex arrive back, it's just in time to see the pair crash through the side of the house while replicating a wrestling move, resulting in both being grounded.

[[File:EarthSpark-HouseRules-MoPinsThrash.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
A [[G.H.O.S.T.]] truck driving through [[Witwicky (town)|Witwicky]] is rammed by [[Swindle (ES)|Swindle]], who gives pursuit and succeeds in overturning the vehicle. The Decepticon spots an [[energon scanner]] in the back of the truck, but is unable to reach it due to the energon force fields, so he drives off as the [[Agent Bala|truck's driver]] calls for backup.

Alex and Bumblebee finish repairing the damage to the house. Robby, tired of pulling weeds, decides to slack off on social media on his phone. Twitch is scandalized and decides to finish the weeding so she can get the star instead. Dot observes Thrash and Mo being bored while she unloads wood, but before she can talk to them, the call for reinforcements comes in and she has to head off to respond. Thrash quickly talks Mo into violating their grounding, and the pair also head off after Dot. Reaching town, they go into hiding and watch Dot meet up with [[Elita-1 (ES)|Elita-1]] and a number of G.H.O.S.T. agents. Also watching affairs is Swindle, who spots Thrash and Mo and sees an opportunity. Blasting a trash dumpster, he leads Trash and Mo away while Dot and the agents are distracted dealing with the fire. The pair follow Swindle to a nearby clifftop where he invites them to join his crew.

[[File:EarthSpark-HouseRules-ThrashMoReturnWithSwindle.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
Soon Swindle is cutting the bolt on a gate with very obvious "No trespassing" signs on it. When Mo points out the signs, Swindle pulls them off the fences for "skate sledding" down the concrete slope beyond the fence. Next they race through a corn field before arriving back at the clifftop, where Swindle confides he's searching for his brother, [[Hardtop (ES)|Hardtop]]. Mo invites Swindle home in the belief the rest of the family can help him find Hardtop.

At home, Robby is surprised to see the amount of stars Twitch has accumulated. She asks if he can add another one for egg collection, though as Robby points out, they don't have any chickens. When Twitch mentions the prize is picking dinner for a week, Robby decides he needs to win and resumes doing chores. Bumblebee emerges from the barn just as Thrash and Mo arrive back with Swindle, immediately tackling the Con. A fight ensues which Bumblebee wins, only for Thrash and Mo to come to Swindle's defense. After Swindle drives off, Bee and the two parents turn on Thrash and Mo, who are unrepentant at helping the Decepticon. Thrash goes to sulk in the tent. Mo joins him and finds Thrash is still determined to help Swindle.

[[File:EarthSpark-HouseRules-SwindleFightsThrash.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
Waiting on the clifftop, Swindle hears Thrash and Mo coming and feigns crying until they reveal they're there to help him find Hardtop. They head to a salvage yard and break in. The G.H.O.S.T. truck inside still has active energon force fields, but being [[human]], Mo can pass through them. When she refuses to help, Swindle forces her at gunpoint. She successfully shuts down the force field, but Thrash has had enough and attacks Swindle when the Con tell him to help. Mo's able to use Thrash's shield to protect the Terran when Swindle shoots at him, but the fight doesn't last long, with Swindle stomping on Thrash before trying to chase down Mo. Just as he catches up to her, Dot and Bumblebee arrive, having been called by Mo, and chase the Decepticon off. Thrash apologizes for disobeying the rules and helping Swindle, but Dot says he's still grounded.

Back at home, Twitch and Robby attempt to get the last star by mowing the lawn, but finish in a tie and also wreck the lawn. Alex reveals that the walls of the kitchen can now swing up, allowing the Bots to access it.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (ES)|Bumblebee]] (5)
*[[Elita-1 (ES)|Elita-1]] (10)

|c2=
*[[Swindle (ES)|Swindle]] (9)

|c3=
*[[Mo Malto]] (1)
*[[Robby Malto]] (2)
*[[Alex Malto]] (6)
*[[Dot Malto]] (7)
*[[Agent Bala]] (8)
*[[G.H.O.S.T.]] agents (11)
*Farmer (12)

|h4=[[Terran]]s||c4=
*[[Twitch]] (3)
*[[Thrash (ES)|Thrash]] (4)
}}

==Quotes==
"That repair was so fast! You know what would make it even faster? Pew pew." 
"Alex. For the last time, I'm not using my stinger for DIY projects." 
"Think of how fast we could strip paint! Cut wood? Toast tortillas?"
:—'''Alex''' and '''Bumblebee''' finish fixing the kitchen.

"No phones, no friends, no fun. We're dying of boredom!" 
"Ugh, I'm lucky I lived through that sentence."
:—'''Mo''' and '''Thrash''' enjoy being grounded.

"You know Mister Optimus too? Isn't he great?" 
"Yeah, that's one word for him."
:—'''Mo''' and '''Swindle'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Swindle is still looking for Hardtop after he was taken prisoner by G.H.O.S.T. back in "[[Secret Legacy, Part 2]]".

===Transformers references===
*

===Real-world references===
* When the farmer discovers that Thrash and Swindle messed up his corn field, he yells "Sufferin' succotash!", the catchphrase of the Looney Tunes character, Sylvester the Cat.

===Animation and technical errors===
*

===Trivia===
* On Paramount+, this episode is listed under the name "H.O.U.S.E. Rules". What does H.O.U.S.E. stand for? No idea!

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le respect des règles'''" ("Respect for the rules")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 1]], 2022

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hausregeln'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 1]], 2022

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Házirendszegők'''" ("House Rule Breakers")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 1]], 2022

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Regras da Casa'''" ("House Rules")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 26]], 2022
{{epstub}}

[[Category:EarthSpark episodes]]

House Rules

2023-01-26T20:20:26Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Real-world references */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: EarthSpark (cartoon)|Transformers: EarthSpark]]'' ep 4
|image=House-Rules Swindle Thrash Mo.jpg
|caption=Why shouldn't you trust a guy who's literally named Swindle?
|prev=Moo-ving In
|next=Classified
|title="House Rules"
|airdate=[[November 11]], [[2022]]
|production company=[[Entertainment One]] [[Nickelodeon]]
|writer=[[Ian Busch]]
|animation studio=[[Icon Creative Studio]]
|director=[[Jordan Rosato]]
|video=https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/video/f2xBalVVzirVFPbvZz34sz0A5WechSMq/
|videosite=Paramount+
}}

'''Thrash and Mo's rebellion against the house rules leads them to fall in with a Decepticon.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:EarthSpark-HouseRules-ThrashTwitchKitchen.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
[[Mo Malto|Mo]] and [[Robby Malto|Robby]] play capture the flag with [[Twitch]] and [[Thrash (ES)|Thrash]]. Twitch manages to trap Mo by dropping hay bales around her, while Thrash hijacks Robby using his sidecar. The two Terrans then begin fighting over the nearest flag, which is when [[Bumblebee (ES)|Bumblebee]] arrives and attempts to break the pair up. [[Alex Malto|Alex]] and [[Dot Malto|Dot]] are startled when the two warring Terrans crash through the wall of the house into the kitchen where Alex is making breakfast, prompting Dot to call a family meeting.

The parents go over the house rules, including a new one: no bots in the house. The Terrans are less than enthusiastic, but Twitch at least perks up when Alex reveals that they'll get stickers for doing chores, and whoever gets the most by the end of the week gets a prize. Mo attempts to cheer Thrash up by setting up a tent, but he's unhappy at not being allowed in the house. He hits on the idea of transforming, since they didn't say anything about bikes not being allowed in. Alex and Dot head off to the lumber yard, and Thrash reasons that while they're gone, the rules are suspended and he can go inside. He and Mo head inside to Mo's room, where they settle down to quietly watch wrestling; however when Dot and Alex arrive back, it's just in time to see the pair crash through the side of the house while replicating a wrestling move, resulting in both being grounded.

[[File:EarthSpark-HouseRules-MoPinsThrash.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
A [[G.H.O.S.T.]] truck driving through [[Witwicky (town)|Witwicky]] is rammed by [[Swindle (ES)|Swindle]], who gives pursuit and succeeds in overturning the vehicle. The Decepticon spots an [[energon scanner]] in the back of the truck, but is unable to reach it due to the energon force fields, so he drives off as the [[Agent Bala|truck's driver]] calls for backup.

Alex and Bumblebee finish repairing the damage to the house. Robby, tired of pulling weeds, decides to slack off on social media on his phone. Twitch is scandalized and decides to finish the weeding so she can get the star instead. Dot observes Thrash and Mo being bored while she unloads wood, but before she can talk to them, the call for reinforcements comes in and she has to head off to respond. Thrash quickly talks Mo into violating their grounding, and the pair also head off after Dot. Reaching town, they go into hiding and watch Dot meet up with [[Elita-1 (ES)|Elita-1]] and a number of G.H.O.S.T. agents. Also watching affairs is Swindle, who spots Thrash and Mo and sees an opportunity. Blasting a trash dumpster, he leads Trash and Mo away while Dot and the agents are distracted dealing with the fire. The pair follow Swindle to a nearby clifftop where he invites them to join his crew.

[[File:EarthSpark-HouseRules-ThrashMoReturnWithSwindle.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
Soon Swindle is cutting the bolt on a gate with very obvious "No trespassing" signs on it. When Mo points out the signs, Swindle pulls them off the fences for "skate sledding" down the concrete slope beyond the fence. Next they race through a corn field before arriving back at the clifftop, where Swindle confides he's searching for his brother, [[Hardtop (ES)|Hardtop]]. Mo invites Swindle home in the belief the rest of the family can help him find Hardtop.

At home, Robby is surprised to see the amount of stars Twitch has accumulated. She asks if he can add another one for egg collection, though as Robby points out, they don't have any chickens. When Twitch mentions the prize is picking dinner for a week, Robby decides he needs to win and resumes doing chores. Bumblebee emerges from the barn just as Thrash and Mo arrive back with Swindle, immediately tackling the Con. A fight ensues which Bumblebee wins, only for Thrash and Mo to come to Swindle's defense. After Swindle drives off, Bee and the two parents turn on Thrash and Mo, who are unrepentant at helping the Decepticon. Thrash goes to sulk in the tent. Mo joins him and finds Thrash is still determined to help Swindle.

[[File:EarthSpark-HouseRules-SwindleFightsThrash.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
Waiting on the clifftop, Swindle hears Thrash and Mo coming and feigns crying until they reveal they're there to help him find Hardtop. They head to a salvage yard and break in. The G.H.O.S.T. truck inside still has active energon force fields, but being [[human]], Mo can pass through them. When she refuses to help, Swindle forces her at gunpoint. She successfully shuts down the force field, but Thrash has had enough and attacks Swindle when the Con tell him to help. Mo's able to use Thrash's shield to protect the Terran when Swindle shoots at him, but the fight doesn't last long, with Swindle stomping on Thrash before trying to chase down Mo. Just as he catches up to her, Dot and Bumblebee arrive, having been called by Mo, and chase the Decepticon off. Thrash apologizes for disobeying the rules and helping Swindle, but Dot says he's still grounded.

Back at home, Twitch and Robby attempt to get the last star by mowing the lawn, but finish in a tie and also wreck the lawn. Alex reveals that the walls of the kitchen can now swing up, allowing the Bots to access it.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (ES)|Bumblebee]] (5)
*[[Elita-1 (ES)|Elita-1]] (10)

|c2=
*[[Swindle (ES)|Swindle]] (9)

|c3=
*[[Mo Malto]] (1)
*[[Robby Malto]] (2)
*[[Alex Malto]] (6)
*[[Dot Malto]] (7)
*[[Agent Bala]] (8)
*[[G.H.O.S.T.]] agents (11)
*Farmer (12)

|h4=[[Terran]]s||c4=
*[[Twitch]] (3)
*[[Thrash (ES)|Thrash]] (4)
}}

==Quotes==
"That repair was so fast! You know what would make it even faster? Pew pew." 
"Alex. For the last time, I'm not using my stinger for DIY projects." 
"Think of how fast we could strip paint! Cut wood? Toast tortillas?"
:—'''Alex''' and '''Bumblebee''' finish fixing the kitchen.

"No phones, no friends, no fun. We're dying of boredom!" 
"Ugh, I'm lucky I lived through that sentence."
:—'''Mo''' and '''Thrash''' enjoy being grounded.

"You know Mister Optimus too? Isn't he great?" 
"Yeah, that's one word for him."
:—'''Mo''' and '''Swindle'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Swindle is still looking for Hardtop after he was taken prisoner by G.H.O.S.T. back in "[[Secret Legacy, Part 2]]".

===Transformers references===
*

===Real-world references===
* When the farmer discovers that Thrash and Swindle messed up his corn field, he yells "Sufferin' succotash!", the catchphrase of the Looney Tunes character, Sylvester the Cat.

===Animation and technical errors===
*

===Trivia===
*

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le respect des règles'''" ("Respect for the rules")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 1]], 2022

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hausregeln'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 1]], 2022

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Házirendszegők'''" ("House Rule Breakers")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 1]], 2022

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Regras da Casa'''" ("House Rules")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 26]], 2022
{{epstub}}

[[Category:EarthSpark episodes]]

Moo-ving In

2023-01-11T14:33:35Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Trivia */ I'm not sure if it's still up in America, but as a Canadian myself I feel like it's noteworthy that for people in Canada who don't resort to piracy, these episodes are completely unwatchable for some reason.

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: EarthSpark (cartoon)|Transformers: EarthSpark]]'' ep 3
|image=EarthSpark-MoovingIn-DotandAlexhelpBee.jpg
|caption="Value this time in your life, kids, because this is the time in your life when you still have your choices."
|prev=Secret Legacy, Part 2
|next=House Rules
|title="Moo-ving In"
|airdate=[[November 11]], [[2022]]
|production company=[[Entertainment One]] [[Nickelodeon]]
|writer=[[Isabel Galupo]]
|animation studio=[[Icon Creative Studio]]
|director=[[JJ Conway]]
|video=https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/video/D8BBQL_k8LFgGDPVMXeO7qnYmpTNllMd/
|videosite=Paramount+
}}

'''Bumblebee struggles in his mission to train Twitch and Thrash, because they won't listen to him.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:EarthSpark-MoovingIn-TwitchMeetsFluffyEars.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"These cows trusted us." "Trusted us? They followed us because we yelled 'yah'."]]
[[Bumblebee (ES)|Bumblebee]] speeds through the streets of [[Witwicky (town)|Witwicky]] as the clock ticks. Roaring out into the countryside, he uses a trailer being towed by another vehicle in order to vault a moving train, all so he can arrive at the Malto house by 9AM. His triumph at a new speed record is interrupted by items being thrown from the barn, and he heads inside to where [[Thrash (ES)|Thrash]], [[Twitch]], [[Robby Malto|Robby]] and [[Mo Malto|Mo]] are tidying up so the Terrans and Bumblebee will have somewhere to rest. As [[Dot Malto|Dot]] arrives, [[Alex Malto|Alex]] takes a photo of the family at work.

[[File:EarthSpark-MoovingIn-BumblebeeWalkies.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"Do you know what the secret of life is? This." "Your finger?"]]
Alex later finds Bumblebee reviewing his to-do list, particularly the last "rejoin the Autobots" item. Alex and Dot offer their help with Bee's main mission of training the Terrans, but Bee believes it will be a simple, routine matter he'll have completed in no time. The Terrans and their kid partners are meanwhile picking apples when their work is interrupted by one of the nearby cows munching down on dropped fruit. Twitch is instantly charmed by the calf and her emotion leaks over to Thrash and the kids. They're all admiring the calf when Bumblebee arrives, intending to begin their training. Thrash confidently goes to demonstrate his ability to transform to Bumblebee, only to discover he can't, and has to cover for it by speaking the sound effect and contorting his body. Bumblebee tells the amused Twitch that it's her turn to try, but she finds herself unable to transform as well. The kids and Terrans are more interested in doing what they're doing than training, so Bee suggests they can train after hours. Robby points out that tonight is Malto Family Game Night. Mo suggests Bee can take part, but his speech about how he's on a serious mission is lost on deaf ears, as the others are back to playing with the calf, now dubbed "[[Fluffy Ears]]".

Bumblebee trudges back to the barn, grumbling that the others are ignoring him, and is intercepted by Alex, who is conveniently moving his collection of Bumblebee merchandise. Bee signs the piece of merchandise Alex is holding up, only for Alex to hint that he'd like the rest of his collection signed too. Bee's also less than impressed with the faces on the Bumblebee walkie talkies, and tells Alex to leave the merchandise with him. Heading inside, he tries to contact [[Optimus Prime (ES)|Optimus Prime]], only to instead get [[Megatron (ES)|Megatron]], who has some helpful advice on getting the others to listen to him by using force. Bee returns to the field, only to find everyone's gone, except Twitch who is hiding behind a bale of hay and fruitlessly attempting to transform. After overhearing her opinion of him, Bumblebee heads back to the barn and again attempts to reach Optimus, only to get [[Elita-1 (ES)|Elita-1]], who suggests he should get to know the Terrans better to be a more effective leader.

[[File:EarthSpark-MoovingIn-FamilyGameNight.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"......''RUM RAISIN!''"]]
Bumblebee finds the Terrans and kids lying in a field, working on their emotional connection, and presents them with walkie talkies as presents. He gets upset after they laugh at the Bumblebee faces on them, but attempts to persevere, asking about the upcoming family game night. That night, the family convenes in the barn and splits into teams — Bumblebee finds himself with Alex and Dot while the kids pair with their respective Terran partners. They proceed to play a series of games. Bumblebee's advice to Twitch while playing Tic-Tac-Toe actually results in her losing, and his further attempts to give helpful advice to the Terrans leads to an argument breaking out, culminating in Twitch yelling at Bumblebee before transforming and smashing through the roof. Thrash and the kids similarly storm out, leaving Bumblebee with their parents.

As Twitch flies along angry at Bumblebee, she suddenly realized she's transformed. She swoops down to show Fluffy Ears, but when the calf is terrified at her appearance, she attempts to change back, only to find she can't. Meanwhile Bumblebee again attempts to contact Optimus and finally gets through, but it turns out to be Optimus's voice mail. Dot and Alex find him slumped in dejection at the side of the barn and offer some words of encouragement. Elsewhere Robby, Mo and Thrash find Twitch crashed into a fence, and she laments that the cows have all escaped. Thrash contacts Bee over the walkie talkies to ask for help, as the cows are currently stampeding towards the railway tracks.

[[File:EarthSpark-MoovingIn-StuckOnTracks.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"I hope I can help."]]
Soon Bee arrives in the field and has Twitch fly up to survey what's happening. Thrash is still unable to transform, and from discussion, it turns out the Terrans need to feel safe and calm. The group holds hands, and Thrash finally succeeds in transforming. He, Mo and Twitch triumphantly head over and begin herding the cows away from the tracks, but Twitch realizes Fluffy Ears is still missing. While Thrash and Mo continue to guide the cows back to the pasture, Twitch goes in search of the missing calf and rescues it from the tracks at a road crossing. In doing so, Twitch finds she's gotten her own foot stuck on the track, and in her panic, is unable to transform. Bumblebee heads off to respond to her call for help, leaving the others to send her calm feelings. Bee continues to talk to Twitch as he fruitlessly attempts to stop the oncoming train, eventually giving up and joining Twitch on the tracks ahead. With Bee present, she is able to focus enough to succeed in transforming, yanking Bee and Fluffy Ears out of the way moments before the train roars through the crossing. The trio returns to the others, who hug Twitch and thank Bumblebee, who finally feels like he's part of a team again.

The family sits down for take two of family game night, with the barn now repaired. Optimus finally contacts Bee, but Bumblebee's now busy and says he'll call the Prime back.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (ES)|Bumblebee]] (1)
*[[Elita-1 (ES)|Elita-1]] (11)
*[[Optimus Prime (ES)|Optimus Prime]] (12)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (ES)|Megatron]] (10)

|c3=
*Pedestrian (2)
*[[Alex Malto]] (3)
*[[Robby Malto]] (6)
*[[Mo Malto]] (7)
*[[Dot Malto]] (8)

|h4=[[Terran]]s||c4=
*[[Thrash (ES)|Thrash]] (4)
*[[Twitch]] (5)

|h5=Others||c5=
*[[Fluffy Ears]] (9)
}}

==Quotes==
"Wait, is this supposed to be me?" 
"Yeah! Aren't they fun?" 
"My eyebrows do ''not'' look like that."
:—'''Bumblebee''' discovers '''Alex's''' Bumblebee walkie talkies.

"Aww, they're made of you!" 
"Yeah, but the brows are all wrong."
:—'''Mo''' and '''Robby''' are also amused at the walkie talkies.

"I just wish I knew how to get these Terrans to listen to me." 
"If you figure that out, could you let me know? Kids can be a mystery."
:—'''Bumblebee''' and '''Dot'''

"Yes! Maltobots, let's go wrangle us some cows!"
:—'''Bumblebee'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*This episode is the first to reveal Dot has a prosthetic right leg, though it goes unremarked upon here.

===Transformers references===
*Bumblebee swears by [[Primus]], and later cries out "Mother of [[Solus Prime|Solus]]!".

===Real-world references===
*When attempting to Transform, Twitch strikes a ''Naruto'' jutsu pose.
*The collection of board games at family night includes the [[Hasbro]] games "Twister" and "Sorry! Not Sorry!".

===Animation and technical errors===
*

===Trivia===
*For unknown reasons, this episode, along with the previous [[Secret Legacy, Part 1|two]] [[Secret Legacy, Part 2|episodes]] were removed from Paramount+ in Canada.

===Foreign localization===
'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Seguindo em Frente'''" ("Moving on", dubbed-in title), "'''Mudança da Mo'''" ("Mo's Change", Paramount+ catalogue title)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 19]], 2022

'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Aller de l'avant'''" ("Moving forward")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 30]], 2022

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Nur Muh-t, das klappt schon'''" ("Just Moo, It'll Work Out")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 30]], 2022
:** The title is a pun on the phrase "nur Mut, das klappt schon" ("just have courage, it'll work out").

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mú és öröm a háznál'''" ("Moo and Joy at the House")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 30]], 2022
:** The title is a blend of the expressions "mú" (moo), "bú és öröm" (sadness and joy) and "vendég a háznál, öröm a háznál" (guest at the house, joy at the house).

{{epstub}}

[[Category:EarthSpark episodes]]

Decoy (episode)

2022-12-25T01:22:02Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Continuity notes */

{{disambig2|the ''EarthSpark'' cartoon episode|the soft-rubber toys from Generation 1|Decoy}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: EarthSpark (cartoon)|Transformers: EarthSpark]]'' ep 8
|image=EarthSpark-Decoy-Faceoff.jpg
|caption=Staring contests last a lot longer when you don't have the ability to blink.
|prev=Friends and Family
|next=Age of Evolution, Part 1
|title="Decoy"
|airdate=[[November 11]], [[2022]]
|production company=[[Entertainment One]] [[Nickelodeon]]
|writers=[[Isabel Galupo]]
|animation studio=[[Icon Creative Studio]]
|director=[[Alex Kwan]]
|video=https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/video/r27C5fQFFRHRExt3s19qIx_WtzHepd0a/
|videosite=Paramount+
}}

'''While the Maltos train with Arcee, an encounter with rogue cassette-bots puts Optimus and Megatron at odds.'''

==Synopsis==
At an abandoned factory, [[Ravage (ES)|Ravage]] is being pursued by [[Optimus Prime (ES)|Optimus Prime]], attempting to recover the ID badge they stole from [[Jon Schloder|Agent Schloder]]. While Prime fires futilely at the wily Decepticon, [[Megatron (ES)|Megatron]] is similarly engaged nearby with [[Laserbeak (ES)|Laserbeak]], who swoops in to take the badge from Ravage. Though Megatron manages to momentarily incapacitate Laserbeak, he's interrupted by the arrival of [[Frenzy (ES)|Frenzy]], who lands a sneak attack and grabs the badge before escaping into the nearby forest. As they begin searching for her, Optimus chastises Megatron for going easy on the criminals, but Megatron rebukes him, claiming the theft to be just a childish prank and that the [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|cassette-bots]] are harmless. As Optimus finally grabs Frenzy, she and the other cassette-bots unleash their Tri-Tone ability, creating powerful sonic waves that overwhelm Optimus and Megatron's sensors. Now free, the three resume harassing the two faction leaders, with Megatron refusing to use his [[fusion cannon]] on the small bots.

Meanwhile, [[Bumblebee (ES)|Bumblebee]] is attempting to teach the [[Terran]]s about using decoys. Unfortunately, [[Thrash (ES)|Thrash]] and [[Twitch]] fundamentally misunderstand the concept, leading them to simply begin fighting and claiming they each "decoyed" the other. Back at the farm, Bumblebee once again attempts to explain the use of a decoy to distract an enemy, inadvertently rhyming and leading [[Robby Malto|Robby]] and [[Mo Malto|Mo]] to turn the the lesson into a song:

''"Draw the enemy's eye away; Then boom-bang! Ruin their day!"''

However, they're interrupted as Mo receives a phone call from Optimus, asking her to let Bumblebee know his comms aren't working—and he needs backup. The Terrans are eager to join the fight, but Bumblebee declares they're not ready and that someone more experienced—by which he means himself—will need to go. Just as he says this, the group receives an unexpected visitor: [[Arcee (ES)|Arcee]], who's stopped by to check up on Bumblebee. The others are awestruck by Arcee, having heard the stories of her many adventures, while Bumblebee, seeing an opportunity, decides Arcee will be their substitute teacher for the day and drives off. Though momentarily confused, Arcee quickly takes to her new role and gives the four her first lesson: digging trenches.

As Bumblebee arrives, he finds Optimus and Megatron continuing to struggle against the nimble cassette-bots, causing heavy destruction to the factory. Optimus chastises Bumblebee for not sending someone else, worrying about questions that may arise if [[G.H.O.S.T.]] discovers he is alive. Fortunately, Bumblebee packed some spare [[restraining bolt]]s and uses them to catch Frenzy and Ravage, [[mode lock]]ing them in cassette mode and placing them in Optimus's trailer. Megatron retrieves Laserbeak, but refuses to place the last restraining bolt on him, finding its use inhumane, and places him inside with the others. As Bumblebee bolts Laserbeak, Megatron questions G.H.O.S.T.'s treatment of the Decepticons to Optimus, who reminds him of the bargain G.H.O.S.T. made with the Cybertronians and the oath he took, but Megatron declares he wanted to save their people, not imprison them. Their debate is ultimately interrupted by Bumblebee, who reminds them they should be going.

As the exhausted Terrans and humans finally finish digging the trenches, Arcee compliments them on their good work...then tells them to fill the trenches again. This leads to a series of increasingly mundane tasks given by Arcee to the students, including perimeter patrol, hay-stacking, and tractor-polishing, increasingly grating on their nerves. Finally, Twitch has had enough and refuses to continue, with her siblings agreeing and pointing out how much better Bumblebee's instruction was. Arcee stares at them sternly...then laughs, telling them they finally passed her test. Seeing their confusion, Arcee explains that she was trying to teach the kids to speak up if something doesn't feel right, lest they allow others to take advantage of them. When Robby lets slip that the reason Arcee was subbing was because Bumblebee was heading on a mission, Arcee decides that they should all follow.

Things remain tense as Optimus and Megatron transport the prisoners, continuing to debate G.H.O.S.T.'s trustworthiness, with Bumblebee attempting to lighten the mood with stories of training the Terrans. Unbeknownst to any of them, Laserbeak manages to send out a distress signal, and an unknown figure appears behind the convoy as they enter a tunnel, releasing an [[electromagnetic pulse]] that disables the restraining bolts. Now freed, the cassette-bots burst from the trailer and regroup with the figure, revealed to be their master, [[Soundwave (ES)|Soundwave]]. The Decepticon orders the cassette-bots to attack Megatron, leaving him to square off against the three alone while Optimus and Bumblebee attempt to fight Soundwave off. The two [[Autobot]]s are quickly overwhelmed, but help arrives in the form of Arcee and the Maltos. As the Terrans help Megatron, Bumblebee is knocked off a cliff by Soundwave, and his arm becomes trapped under a boulder at the bottom, rendering him immobile. Soundwave transforms to jet mode to finish the trapped Autobot, but is prevented by Arcee, who grabs onto him and forces him to land. Optimus and Megatron follow him down, with Megatron attacking his vengeful former subordinate, while Arcee frees Bumblebee and he runs off to protect the kids.

Back at the top of the cliff, the cassette bots unleash their Tri-Tone attack, putting the Maltos on the back foot. Robby exclaims they need something to block out the sound, prompting Mo to begin singing their song from earlier. As the others join in, even the cassette-bots can't help but sing along with the catchy tune, giving the Terrans an opening to attack. While each cassette-bot is occupied with a different opponent, Bumblebee catches all three off guard, taking them down in short order. Down below, Megatron is temporarily caught off guard by Soundwave calling him a traitor, but he is saved from an oncoming blast by Optimus, and the two reaffirm their commitment to protecting all Cybertronians. Now in sync, Optimus and Megatron work together to overpower Soundwave, as Arcee delivers the final blow and knocks him out.

As the prisoners are loaded into Optimus's trailer, Arcee excitedly talks about all the exciting drills and lessons she intends to put the kids through, but Bumblebee reaffirms that she was just a substitute and that teaching them is ''his'' responsibility. Arcee grins; ''that'' was Bumblebee's test, and he just passed as well. Optimus congratulates Bumblebee on a job well done, though he still orders Bumblebee to write up a full field report as punishment for disobeying orders. As the others drive off, Megatron thanks Optimus for having his back and apologizes what he said. Optimus too apologizes, agreeing to release the cassette-bots if Megatron will vouch for them. Megatron destroys the restraining bolts, warning the cassette-bots not to waste this lone second chance they are being given. As they retreat, Ravage runs back in the opposite direction despite Frenzy's protests.

Later at G.H.O.S.T.'s holding facility, Soundwave is placed in containment. Upon being left alone, he declares the decoy operation was successful and uses his sonic pulses to create a small gap in his cell's barrier...as Ravage emerges from his chest and leaps right through it. Given reconnaissance orders by Soundwave, he takes off, observed with glee by the occupant of the next cell: [[Starscream (ES)|Starscream]]!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (ES)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Bumblebee (ES)|Bumblebee]] (8)
*[[Arcee (ES)|Arcee]] (12)
*[[Elita-1 (ES)|Elita-1]] (14)

|c2=
*[[Ravage (ES)|Ravage]] (1)
*[[Laserbeak (ES)|Laserbeak]] (3)
*[[Megatron (ES)|Megatron]] (4)
*[[Frenzy (ES)|Frenzy]] (5)
*[[Soundwave (ES)|Soundwave]] (13)
*[[Starscream (ES)|Starscream]] (15)

|c3=
*[[Mo Malto]] (10)
*[[Robby Malto]] (11)

|h4=[[Terran]]s||c4=
*[[Thrash (ES)|Thrash]] (7)
*[[Twitch]] (9)

|c5=
*[[Fluffy Ears]] (6)
}}

==Quotes==
"Field report: Twitch still hasn't fallen for my amazing decoy. Fluffy Ears remains cute." 
"And a ''horrible'' source of cover."
:—'''Thrash''' attempts to show off his stealthiness to '''Bumblebee'''.

''(sigh)'' "I miss adults."
:—'''Bumblebee''' needs a break from teaching.

"Optimus, does it not concern you that our human allies control where Decepticons live and what form they take, even in so-called times of peace? This is not freedom."
:—'''Megatron''' calls out Mr. "Freedom is part of my catchphrase" on Decepticon rights.

'''Megatron:''' ''Hah!'' 
'''Optimus:''' Something funny to you, Megatron? 
'''Megatron:''' Just that you cannot trust G.H.O.S.T. with the knowledge of your own scout, yet you are content to deliver every Decepticon you encounter into their hands! 
'''Bumblebee:''' ...doesn't actually sound like he thinks that's funny.

''(hums decoy song)'' "Curse that annoyingly catchy tune."
:—Even the mighty '''Megatron''' isn't immune to earworms.

"Do not make this personal, Soundwave!" 
"It already is."
:—No love lost between '''Megatron''' and '''Soundwave'''.

"What even ''is'' a cassette anyway?"
:—'''Robby''' makes all the old-school fans age another 30 years with just one line.

"Perhaps your leadership style is not so different from my own..." 
"Or maybe you're growing to appreciate mine."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus''', ro-bros for life.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Both Soundwave and Starscream were previously shown among Megatron's troops in [[Alex Malto|Alex]]'s story back in "[[Secret Legacy, Part 1]]"; this is the first time we're getting a look at their "real-world" designs.
* Optimus tells Bumblebee to update [[Teletraan I (ES)|Teletraan I]] with his report, which was last seen in G.H.O.S.T. HQ in "[[Classified]]". Considering G.H.O.S.T. isn't supposed to know Bumblebee is alive, that, uh...may be a little tricky.
* G.H.O.S.T.'s Decepticon holding facility was first introduced in "Classified".
* In the [[Friends and Family|previous episode]], Bumblebee mentioned that one of Soundwave's cassettes exploded when he was low on Energon. Considering that out of the "main" 4 cassettes Soundwave is usually associated with, Rumble is the only one not present, it could be speculated he/she was the one that was blown to smithereens.

===Transformers references===
* Though Soundwave no longer transforms into a tape deck, his minions all retain the (very large) cassette [[alternate mode]]s of their Generation 1 counterparts; even Robby comments on their dated nature.
* Starscream is voiced by [[Steve Blum]], who previously portrayed [[Starscream (WFC)|a different Starscream]] in the ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' cartoons.

===Real-world references===
*

===Animation and technical errors===
*

===Trivia===
* This episode marks the first appearance of a female incarnation of [[Frenzy (disambiguation)|Frenzy]] (and decked out in purple, dodging [[FIRRIB|the whole red/blue thing]]). Notably, she appears on her own rather than accompanied by her usual counterpart [[Rumble (disambiguation)|Rumble]].

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le leurre'''" ("The Bait")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 7]], 2022

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Köder'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 7]], 2022

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Csalétek'''" ("Bait")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 7]], 2022
:**Though given a high-pitched voice, Frenzy is a male in this dub.

[[Category:EarthSpark episodes]]

Origin

2022-12-16T17:09:44Z

OhNoItsCaleb: /* Quotes */

{{Picsneeded}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=51
|prev=Union
|next=Mortal Combat
|title="Origin"
|furigana=けっせん
|japanese=終結
|romaji=Kessen
|translation=End: Decisive Battle
|image=Sshot-arm-513-galvacape.jpg
|caption="This church was built in the middle of the city, so everyone could be equally close to God. I like that, the symmetry, the geometry of belief."
|production code=TF: A-51
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]
|englishadaptation=[[Terry Klassen]]
|director=[[Shigenori Awai]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[October 2]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[December 11]], [[2003]] (English, United States) [[December 19]], [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''After the kids discover that the Mini-Cons were cast in the name of Unicron, the Transformers learn the big origin of Unicron. Meanwhile, Sideways attempts to negotiate Unicron's absorption of Optimus, questioning if Optimus is not guilty of enjoying the millennia of conflict.'''

==Synopsis==

[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] survives the cave-in that trapped him while he was dropping off the kids at the underground portal to [[Unicron]]. Above the ruined landscape, he can see Unicron battle against the combined forces of [[Autobot]]s, [[Decepticon]]s, and the giant [[Mini-Con]] [[Unicron of Light|duplicate of Unicron]].

Inside of Unicron, the kids explore, searching for [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]].

[[File:Origin-SidewaysUnicroncore.jpg|left|thumb|upright=0.85|We need to stop meeting like this.]]
The two leaders stand in the same chamber of Unicron's core, where the three Mini-Con weapons are plugged into the behemoth. From the heart of the atrocity, [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] emerges to welcome the two. Through Sideways, Unicron explains how he increased his power by leeching energy from the war between the Autobots and Decepticons that had lasted for so long.

When Galvatron complains that Unicron has become long-winded, Unicron suspends the two leaders in black tentacles, absorbing Galvatron's very essence. Unicron continues to question Optimus's motives, suspecting that Optimus Prime enjoys the thrill of the conflict.

Outside, [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] blasts open a hole in Unicron's throat, letting a team of fliers inside. The small group of jets flies through the tunnels of Unicron's interior, trying to avoid being destroyed by the shifting terrain. Yet, their efforts to combat Unicron feed their enemy the kind of energy that powers him. As soon as his attackers escape through his mouth, he astonishes them by healing all the damage they have inflicted against him.

[[File:Sshot-arm-512-unicron.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|Not a screenshot from Super Metroid.]]
In Unicron's core, [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] objects to Unicron's deconstruction of Optimus. The [[Street Action Mini-Con Team|Street Action Team]] approaches the Sideways figure, while outside, the green Unicron leaks its component Mini-Cons into Unicron. Unicron laughs and reboots the personalities of the Mini-Cons, returning them to their loyal, drone-like state. With the Mini-Cons out of the way, Unicron captures the kids and keeps trying to convince Optimus Prime to merge his essence into Unicron willingly.

[[Rad White|Rad]] awakens in his bed, apparently on [[Earth]]. After a second, the location blurs into the desert where the Autobots and the Decepticons first battled, where he meets up with [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] and the other kids. The background shifts again to the part of Unicron that is Galvatron's fantasy of dominance. Alexis uses her mind to move the kids to a more pleasant delusion, but the kids are still aware of Unicron's devouring of Cybertron. Rad sets out to locate High Wire, but Unicron takes control of the mindscape. Rad's cries for help reawaken High Wire's true, friendly personality.

All the Mini-Cons move against their evil creator, freeing the three Mini-Con weapons. With Unicron disabled, Sideways tries to lash out at High-Wire, but Optimus defeats the shell with the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]. With Unicron no longer a threat, Galvatron challenges Optimus.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (1)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (3)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (14)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (16)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (17)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (19)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (13)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (18)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (6)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (7)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (9)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (10)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (12)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (5)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (8)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (11)
*[[Race Mini-Con Team]] (20)
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (21)
*[[Space Mini-Con Team]] (22)
*[[Mirror]] (23)
*[[Unicron of Light]]

|h5=Other|c5=
*[[Unicron]] (2)
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (15)
}}

==Quotes==
"How foolish to battle in the name of peace...how absurd. You were programmed for war, Optimus. Without it, you would be just another Autobot. You are exactly the same as Galvatron, only you claim your objective is for peace. How does engaging in war translate as peace?"
:—'''Unicron/Sideways'''

"Over the eons, your proclamations of peace have always seemed pointless. You must admit, you love the smell of battle."
:—'''Unicron/Sideways''' starts to expose Optimus Prime's true nature.

"As long as hatred exists, I shall remain impervious to attack."
:—'''Unicron/Sideways''' makes his best Sith impression

"It's time to show your true colors, Optimus. Admit to yourself and the universe that you ''CRAVE'' war, like a human craves oxygen.. and it seems useless to deny it any longer, Optimus."
:—'''Unicron/Sideways''' continues to screw with Optimus Prime's mind, putting his hypocrisy on full display.

'''Galvatron:''' "What happened?" 
'''Optimus Prime:''' "The children awoke the Mini-Cons who were under Unicron's spell." 
'''Alexis:''' "EXACTLY. Now don't you think a simple 'Thanks' would be kind of nice, huh, Galvatron?" 
'''Galvatron:''' "...ah, thank you."
:—'''Galvatron''' learns a few manners from Alexis, *cough* likely because he indirectly caused Starscream's death *cough*.

"...I'll have my revenge."
:—'''Sideways'''
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
[[File:Origin animation changes.jpg|thumb|290px|Animation changes between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' screencaps (right).]]
*The entire opening except for when Hot Shot speaks is silent in ''Legends of the Microns'', while ''Armada'' adds narration from [[Jim Conrad]] about Unicron being awakened.
*Sideways says he's fed up with Galvatron's "petty labels" in ''Armada'' but calls him a stupid fool for still not understanding in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In ''Armada'', Optimus assumes Sideways has been working with Unicron before the latter corrects him that they are the same, and Sideways is merely a disguise. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Optimus figure out that Sideways is Unicron, to which the latter confirms, saying that he's both one of Unicron's cells and Unicron himself.
*Sideways sounds disembodied whenever he talks in the Japanese dub, unlike ''Armada''. Additionally, Unicron's voice slowly fades in before fully taking over Sideways's in his second line, which appears automatically in ''Armada''.
*''Legends of the Microns'' Unicron says he has been watching Cybertron since becoming its moon eons ago, and the Transformers' battles produced hatred that increased his strength. In ''Armada'', he says it's now time for him to take his rightful place as supreme leader since the Transformers conflict created enough energy to progress his evolution into the cosmos' most formidable entity.
*Then Optimus states that Unicron only absorbed their negative energy in ''Armada'', but asks what Unicron means by "energy of hatred" in ''Legends of the Microns''. Unicron says the Autobots and Decepticon made more than enough energy for him to surpass their power with them none the wiser in ''Armada'', while ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say the two factions fighting for millions of years enabled him to gather enough energy for his resurrection.
*''Armada'' has Galvatron brazenly telling Unicron not to bet on it, but he asks how it's possible in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then the Japanese version has Unicron claim that Optimus should've realized this already before asking Prime why he continued fighting an endless war until now, to which Prime answers that he fights for peace.
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Unicron say that Optimus should join with him and acknowledge his true nature. He claims that Optimus is only fooling himself; it's why Prime relies on the [[Matrix of Leadership]], better lining up with Optimus looking at the Matrix. ''Armada'' adds Optimus's line at the end of the scene.
*After absorbing Galvatron, ''Armada'' adds Optimus asking Unicron what he's done. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Unicron tells Optimus to look at Galvatron, calling him "a character most consistent with the Transformers' true nature." Then he asks Optimus why he won't admit that Galvatron is a reflection of Prime's actual self and that Optimus wouldn't be any different from Galvatron without the burden of carrying the Matrix in his chest. ''Armada'' just has Unicron saying that Prime isn't immune to his wrath, and Prime should accept his destiny and join with him.
*During Unicron's speech on how he can survive as long as hatred exists, several shots noticeably get upgraded or changed a bit in ''Legends of the Microns''; a prominent example is Unicron featuring more detail and lips.
*In ''Armada'', Unicron only talks about Optimus being programmed for war, so it's pointless to continue denying it. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Unicron states that fighting is Optimus's way of life, his sole desire, and Prime even loves it.
*After they've been freed from Unicron's grasp, ''Armada'' has Alexis aggressively ask Galvatron to thank the humans for their help, which he does (as quoted above). ''Legends of the Microns'' instead has Alexis asking if Galvatron would’ve been happier if he stayed within Unicron, confusing Galvatron.
*Instead of claiming this wouldn't have happened if Optimus listened to Unicron, Sideways asks why not stop the current fighting, smoothly transitioning to Galvatron challenging Optimus to a fight.
*In ''Armada'' Optimus says to Galvatron that he can't be serious about fighting, with Galvatron replying that he's never been more serious. In contrast, these last few seconds are silent in ''Legends of the Microns''.

===Animation and technical errors===
*Alexis calls Sureshock "Grindor" yet again. Likewise, Carlos (presumably, as we don't see which one he is talking to) calls Grindor "Sureshock."
*As Unicron tightens his tentacle grip on Galvatron, Optimus briefly appears in his Powerlinx colors prematurely, as evidenced by his red eyes. Moments later, he is once again in his normal coloring. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this error.

===Continuity notes===
*Sideways/Unicron's explanation that the two are different incarnations of the same evil entity doesn't perfectly line up with "[[Chase (episode)|Chase]]" when Sideways expressed fear of Unicron.
**Also, Sideways speaks in his original voice after Unicron is disabled. After Sideways gets destroyed, he says, "This wouldn't have happened if you had just listened to Unicron." Once again, referring to Unicron as a separate individual.
**Unicron also says he and the Mini-Cons are "one and the same," despite their clear capacity for independence, so it's possible Sideways can be both "a part" of Unicron and still separate enough to fear him.
**In the [[Mortal Combat|following episode]], High Wire explains that Sideways was eliminated and that Unicron lies dormant, distinguishing the two as individuals further.
**The ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' cartoon and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act|Cybertron]]'' comic would later establish that Sideways survived. He and [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]] are [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] natives, and they cut a deal with Unicron long ago after their race caused their planet's destruction. The pair continued working with him, even after their "master" became a [[Unicron Singularity|blackhole]].
*Although not explicitly stated, the show implies that Unicron released the Mini-Cons to intensify the Autobot/Decepticon conflict. It's also evident with Sideways's various activities on Earth, heightening the conflict between the two factions, and his tendencies to start leadership feuds within the Decepticon ranks, ensuring the war continues with or without Megatron leading the Decepticons.
*Sideways accusing Optimus of enjoying combat revisits a plotline first established in the Japanese version of "[[Vow]]," where Fred said fighting is now the only thing Optimus knows. However, this episode and the next are the only times ''Armada'' brings this up after "Union" establishes it.
*Optimus finally receives his [[Powerlinx]] colors after being freed from Unicron's grip.
*The scene in which Unicron is visible over Cybertron and the scene where Unicron's abdomen opens and causes the planet's surface to crumble are both reused in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' for flashbacks (albeit in black and white).
*Gadgets and powers:
**Unicron feeds off the negative energies created from conflict, creating his immense power. His feeding off of hatred can also heal his wounds.
**Unicron uses his ring-[[kibble]] to swat incoming fighters like flies.
**Unicron uses multiple surface-based turrets.
**Unicron's abdomen opens up to devour Cybertron. Similarly, the toy has an opening compartment in its abdomen, big enough for a Mini-Con to store inside.

===Continuity errors===
*After Sideways mockingly compliments Optimus and Galvatron for reaching Unicron's heart, shouldn't Galvatron recognize Sideways's voice by now? It's a non-issue in ''Legends of the Microns'' since Galvatron reacts in shock instead.
*Galvatron calls Sideways "another Autobot deserter" despite knowing full well that Sideways isn't part of either faction. ''Legends of the Microns'' simply has Galvatron ask why Sideways is there.
*Optimus expresses surprise that Sideways has been working with Unicron all along and asks if that's the case. However, in "[[Cramp]]," as Sideways snatched away the Star Saber, he announced flat-out that everything has fallen into place for Unicron to destroy the universe. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this to having Optimus shocked that Sideways ''is'' Unicron.
*Why would Hot Shot tell the others to look out for Optimus when they were trying to damage Unicron? ''Legends of the Microns'' has him tell Side Swipe to confirm their location.

===Trivia===
*The English version of "Origin" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 11]], 2003.
*When Unicron utters the line, "So long as hatred exists, I will remain impervious to attack," his mouth moves.
*Starscream and Thrust are present within Galvatron's fantasy but Wheeljack isn't.
*With this episode's following episode preview narration in the Japanese version, while "[[Threaten]]" and "[[Portent]]" didn't end it with the usual "Fight, Convoy! TRANSFORM!" line that the characters would say, this episode doesn't have it all. Instead, Rad, Carlos, and Alexis all appear begging Optimus and Galvatron not to fight and end the following episode preview narration asking if they are supposed to be comrades now.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Endlich Frieden?'''" ("Peace at Last?")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 15|15 January]] [[2004]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A világ ura'''" ("Ruler of the World")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Origem'''" ("Origin")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 13 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Collector's Edition ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]