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Transformers: Prime (cartoon)

2014-03-29T04:18:35Z

Optimus Prime The Savoir: /* Cast */

{{Nav-Prime}}

[[Image:TransformersPrimePremierePoster.jpg|thumb|300px|We finally have toys... we think.]]
[[Image:Beasthunters-logo1.png|300px|right]]
'''''Transformers: Prime''''' is a multiple Daytime Emmy Award-winning [[computer-generated imagery|computer-animated]] television series that premiered on [[Hub Network|The Hub]] on [[November 26]], [[2010]] with a five-part mini-series, which was followed by a season of another 21 episodes beginning on [[February 11]], [[2011]]. Season 2 began screening [[February 18]], [[2012]], and a third season of thirteen episodes with the subtitle ''[[Beast Hunters]]'' began screening on [[March 22]], [[2013]]. ''[[Predacons Rising (Prime)|Predacons Rising]]'', a TV movie, concluded the show on [[October 4]], 2013.

The Canadian broadcast of the series has been undertaken by Corus Entertainment, and the show is currently airing on Teletoon.<ref>[http://www.cartoonbrew.com/biz/hasbro-studios-and-corus-entertainments-kids-networks-reach-broad-animation-and-live-action-programming-agreement.html Hasbro Studios and Corus Entertainment’s Kids Networks Reach Broad Animation and Live-Action Programming Agreement]</ref>

The series premiered in the UK on [[September 5]], 2011 on [[Cartoon Network]]'s "[[Action Heroes]]" block. It began airing in Japan on [[April 7]], 2012 on [[TV Aichi]].

An untitled follow-up series will begin in 2015, with [[Will Friedle]] reprising the role of [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] and [[Darren Criss]], [[Constance Zimmer]] and [[Ted McGinley]] joining the cast.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-prime-39/new-transformers-cartoon-revealed-first-look-at-bumblebee-179502/ TFW2005: New Transformers Cartoon Revealed - First Look at Bumblebee (press release)]</ref>

==Story==
[[Team Prime]] lives on [[Earth]], three years after their last confrontation with [[Decepticon]]s. [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot Central Command]] is located in a converted [[missile]] silo in [[Nevada]] provided by the [[United States of America|United States]] government, with special agent [[William Fowler]] acting as their liaison. However, the presence of [[Transformer]]s on Earth is not generally known among the civilian population.

When the Decepticons resurface, the Autobots take three teenage witnesses, [[Jack Darby (Prime)|Jack Darby]], [[Miko Nakadai (Prime)|Miko Nakadai]] and [[Raf Esquivel]] under their protection. [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] returns having discovered [[Dark Energon]], which grants him the power to resurrect the dead, but is injured, with [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] taking command in his absence. After Megatron's revival, Starscream flees after repeatedly showing he is unable to prove his loyalty to the [[Decepticon leader]].

The Autobots and Decepticons eventually make the startling discovery that Earth is in fact the body of [[Unicron]], forcing them to ally and prevent his consciousness from reasserting control over the planet. [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] unleashes the [[Matrix of Leadership]], but at the cost of losing his memory, thereby allowing Megatron to manipulate him into joining the Decepticons' ranks. By using information from [[Vector Sigma]] downloaded to the [[Key to Vector Sigma|Key]], Jack restores Optimus's memory.

The Autobots also contend with the human terrorist organization, [[MECH]], headed by former military operative Leland Bishop, aka [[Silas]], who targets the Cybertronians for their technology, capturing [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]], [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] and Starscream for parts, and building a [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|doppelgänger]] controlled by Silas. In the ensuing confrontation, Silas is fatally injured, forcing MECH to graft him into Breakdown. With this new body, Silas destroys his own organization and attempts to join the Decepticons, only to become [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'s new dissection study.

The Autobots and Decepticons' struggle becomes a competition for Cybertronian artifacts strewn across the planet, which turn out to have been placed there by [[Alpha Trion (WFC)|Alpha Trion]], who foresaw the Autobots coming to Earth. Trion also orders them to find the [[Omega Key]]s, which will activate the [[Omega Lock]] and restore Cybertron. Though the keys are successfully gathered, Megatron gains possession of them and attempts to use the Omega Lock to [[Eco-structuring|cyberform]] Earth, forcing Optimus to destroy the Lock to save Earth.

Megatron responds by destroying the Autobot base, and Optimus is mortally wounded staying behind to ensure everyone else escapes through the [[GroundBridge]]. From his newly-erected fortress [[Darkmount (Earth)|Darkmount]], Megatron reestablishes contact with [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]], learning the scientist has cloned a [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]] for the intent of hunting down the Autobots. The Autobots regroup following [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]]'s arrival, while [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] restores Optimus with the [[Forge of Solus Prime]].

After destroying Darkmount, the status quo is restored, with the Autobots based at a [[Unit:E]] [[Hangar E|facility]], while the Decepticons retreat to orbit Earth in the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'' once more. The Autobots learn of Project Predacon and race the Decepticons for the location of Predacon fossils, to prevent Shockwave from cloning more of the beasts. Ultimately, Megatron manipulates the Autobots into destroying the project when he discovers [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] is intelligent, and therefore a potential power rival. Instead, he turns his attentions to rebuilding the Omega Lock.

After the Decepticons kidnap [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] to help in their plan, the Autobots assault the ''Nemesis'' and capture the ship, killing Megatron before he can use the Omega Lock to cyberform Earth. The Autobots use the Omega Lock to restore Cybertron and settle back on their home world. The new peace doesn't last, as Cybertron's revival reawakens the slumbering Unicron, who takes Megatron's lifeless body as his own and seeks to destroy Primus. As Optimus retrieves the [[AllSpark]], Autobots, Decepticons and Predacons unite under Bumblebee and Predaking to face the Chaos Bringer in defense of their home. Optimus sacrifices himself to seal away Unicron and restore the AllSpark to its rightful place, while Megatron disbands the Decepticons.

==Cast==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
;Main Cast
* [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
* [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] ([[Jeffrey Combs]])
* [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] ([[Sumalee Montano]])
* [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] ([[Will Friedle]])
* [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] ([[Nolan North]])
;[[Wreckers]]
* [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] ([[Michael Ironside]])
* [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] ([[Kevin Michael Richardson]])
* [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] ([[James Horan]])

;Others
* [[Alpha Trion (WFC)|Alpha Trion]] ([[George Takei]])
* [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] ([[Dwayne Johnson]]/[[Billy Brown]]/[[Frank Welker]])
* [[Tailgate (Prime)|Tailgate]] ([[Josh Keaton]])

|c2=
;Main Cast
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] ([[Steve Blum]])
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] ([[Daran Norris]])
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] ([[David Sobolov]])
*[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] ([[Gina Torres]])
*[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] ([[Adam Baldwin]])
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] ([[Tony Todd]])

;Others
*[[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]]
*[[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]] ([[Richard Green]]/[[Frank Welker]])
*[[Makeshift (Prime)|Makeshift]] ([[Kevin Michael Richardson]])

;Troopers
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (Various)
*[[Decepticon Miner]]s ([[Kevin Michael Richardson]])
*[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] (Various)
**[[Hardshell (Prime)|Hardshell]] ([[David Kaye]])
**[[Bombshock (Prime)|Bombshock]] ([[Steve Blum]])

|c3=
;Main Cast
* [[Jack Darby (Prime)|Jack Darby]] ([[Josh Keaton]])
* [[Miko Nakadai (Prime)|Miko Nakadai]] ([[Tania Gunadi]])
* [[Raf Esquivel]] ([[Andy Pessoa]])
* [[William Fowler]] ([[Ernie Hudson]])

;Others
* [[Silas]] ([[Clancy Brown]])
* [[June Darby]] ([[Markie Post]])
* [[Sierra]] ([[Alexandra Krosney]])
* [[Vince]] ([[Brad Raider]])
* [[Bryce|General Bryce]] ([[Robert Forster]])
* [[Vogel]] ([[John DiMaggio]])

|c4=
* [[Unicron]] ([[John Noble]])
* [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|Nemesis Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]]/[[Clancy Brown]])
* [[Trypticon (WFC)|''Nemesis'']] ([[Kevin Michael Richardson]])
* [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcons]] ([[Frank Welker]])

;[[Predacon (Prime)|Predacons]]
*[[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] ([[Peter Mensah]])
*[[Darksteel (Prime)|Darksteel]] ([[Steve Blum]])
*[[Skylynx]] ([[Nolan North]])

|nonumbering=true}}

==Episodes==
{{see|List of Prime episodes}}
===Season 1===
{{collist|3|
#[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]
#[[Darkness Rising, Part 2]]
#[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]
#[[Darkness Rising, Part 4]]
#[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]
#[[Masters & Students]]
#[[Scrapheap (episode)|Scrapheap]]
#[[Con Job]]
#[[Convoy (episode)|Convoy]]
#[[Deus ex Machina]]
#[[Speed Metal]]
#[[Predatory]]
#[[Sick Mind]]
#[[Out of His Head]]
#[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]
#[[Operation: Breakdown]]
#[[Crisscross]]
#[[Metal Attraction]]
#[[Rock Bottom]]
#[[Partners]]
#[[T.M.I.]]
#[[Stronger, Faster]]
#[[One Shall Fall]]
#[[One Shall Rise, Part 1]]
#[[One Shall Rise, Part 2]]
#[[One Shall Rise, Part 3]]
}}

===Season 2===
{{collist|3|
#[[Orion Pax, Part 1]]
#[[Orion Pax, Part 2]]
#[[Orion Pax, Part 3]]
#[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 1]]
#[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2]]
#[[Loose Cannons]]
#[[Crossfire]]
#[[Nemesis Prime (episode)|Nemesis Prime]]
#[[Grill]]
#[[Armada (episode)|Armada]]
#[[Flying Mind]]
#[[Tunnel Vision]]
#[[Triangulation]]
#[[Triage]]
#[[Toxicity]]
#[[Hurt]]
#[[Out of the Past]]
#[[New Recruit]]
#[[The Human Factor]]
#[[Legacy]]
#[[Alpha/Omega]]
#[[Hard Knocks]]
#[[Inside Job]]
#[[Patch (episode)|Patch]]
#[[Regeneration (Prime)|Regeneration]]
#[[Darkest Hour (episode)|Darkest Hour]]
}}
===Season 3: Beast Hunters===
{{collist|3|
#[[Darkmount, NV]]
#[[Scattered]]
#[[Prey (episode)|Prey]]
#[[Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion]]
#[[Project Predacon]]
#[[Chain of Command (Prime)|Chain of Command]]
#[[Plus One]]
#[[Thirst]]
#[[Evolution]]
#[[Minus One]]
#[[Persuasion]]
#[[Synthesis]]
#[[Deadlock]]
}}
===TV movie===
*[[Predacons Rising (Prime)|Predacons Rising]]

==Production==
[[Image:TFP montage poster.jpg|thumb|GET OFF MY FACE!!!]]
After the [[live-action film series]], screenwriters [[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]] signed to become show runners with [[Jeff Kline]] and [[Duane Capizzi]] of The Hub's ''Transformers'' cartoon, explaining the TV show would not have the constraints of a two-hour film in delving into the mythology.<ref name="botcon2011">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/botcon-2011-transformers-prime-panel-172315/ TFW coverage of Hasbro Studios panel at BotCon 2011]</ref> (Orci's employees [[Steven Puri]] and [[Mandy Safavi]] were also credited as producers.)<ref name="castcrewlist">[http://tformers.com/transformers-exclusive-transformers-prime-voice-cast-revealed-which-includes-the-rock/14278/news.html TFormers cast and crew announcement] including Dwayne Johnson exclusive.</ref> The show runners were given the "[[Binder of Revelation]]", a near 400-page [[production bible]] that [[Hasbro]] had been working on since the movies, that combined elements of the most popular [[continuity|continuities]].<ref>[http://collider.com/roberto-orci-jeff-kline-interview-transformers-prime/75039/ Collider transcript]</ref> The show's title was based on the desire to create a master continuity and a literal [[Wikipedia:Earth Prime|Prime continuity]].<ref name="botcon2011"/> Whereas the movies were about a [[Sam Witwicky|boy]] and his [[Bumblebee (Movie)|car]], the dynamic between the kids and the robots on the show was meant to be more like ''[[Wikipedia:The Iron Giant|The Iron Giant]]''.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21Pb3MeUDdY Roundtable interview with ''Prime'' staff at BotCon 2011]</ref>

The writing staff was headed by Capizzi, with [[Marsha Griffin]] as the story editor. The staff consists of [[Nicole Dubuc]], [[Joseph Kuhr]] and [[Steven Melching]]. Kline said they wanted the show to be very cinematic, with tension, suspense and danger (as marked by Cliffjumper's death in the pilot) as children are more media savvy than they were in the past. Regardless, they had to be considerate as the show still had a broad audience.<ref>[http://parrygamepreserve.com/newsDetail.php?jID=1642 PGP January 2011 Q&A]</ref> As part of the [[aligned continuity family]] with ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (franchise)| War for Cybertron]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Exodus|Exodus]]'', the producers strove to maintain many of the common elements (eg. Optimus and Megatron's past friendship, Dark Energon's origins as [[Unicron]]'s blood, [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] sharing his film counterpart's backstory), but were allowed contradictions if it served the storytelling. By using the mammoth story bible, the writers could plan events years in advance. The large number of episodes per season meant they could pace and establish characters during season 1 slowly, while saving the more momentous, less stand alone episodes that delved into the backstory for season 2. Some of the plot ideas (namely the [[Terrorcon (Prime)|zombie robots]]) were based on stories they came up with when playing with the [[The Transformers (toyline)|toys]] as kids.<ref name="botcon2011"/> [[Bob Skir]] has written some episodes.<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/9248/20/ Allspark.com coverage of Shout and Hasbro's "Evolution of Transformers Animation" panel at 2011's Comic-Con.]</ref>

Designers include [[Christophe Vacher]] (colors), [[Vince Toyama]] and [[Jevon Bue]] (backgrounds) and [[Jose Lopez]] (lead character designer). Vacher wanted to do something different from traditional animation and saw something edgy about ''Prime''.<ref name="botcon2011"/> According to [[Ken Christiansen]], the show's characters were formed by [[Hasbro Studios]] hiring freelance conceptual artists like himself. The submitted artwork was given Lopez's staff to be examined, and they incorporated the ideas they liked best.<ref>[http://badflipblog.blogspot.com/2010/08/me-and-transformers-prime.html August 2010 blog post by Ken Christiansen]</ref> Other concept artists include [[Augusto Barranco]] and [[Walter Gatus]].

Supervising director [[Dave Hartman]] headed a team including [[Todd Waterman]], [[Shaunt Nigoghossian]], [[Vinton Heuck]] and [[Kirk Van Wormer]]. [[Polygon Pictures]] provided the [[computer-generated imagery|CG animation]], for which [[Digitalscape]] performed a recruitment drive for before the show began production.<ref>[http://www.dsp.co.jp/pr/contents/000178.html Announcement on Digitalscape, also asking for job applicants.]</ref> Lopez said the animation would be a "groundbreaking mix of 2D animation and CGI".<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/san-diego-comic-con-33/jose-lopez-breaks-the-silence-talks-about-transformers-prime-at-san-diego-comic-con-2010-170217/ Jose Lopez speaks about Prime's animation style]</ref> Each character has three CG models: the robot mode, their alternate mode, and one for the transformation.<ref>[http://www.cybertron.ca/boards/showthread.php?t=29224 Cybertron.ca January 2011 Q&A]</ref> Lopez said the designs were personality driven, and that the 3D animation allowed them to go "crazy" with the transformation schemes. In contrast, the characters were given realistic textures,<ref>[http://www.asmzine.com/geekly-rewind/2011/02/07/hasbro-transformers-qa-bonus-round-answer/ ASM Geekly Rewind January 2011 Q&A]</ref> and are subject to battle damage during episodes.<ref name="botcon">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-prime-39/botcon-2010-transformers-prime-panel-coverage-170054/ Botcon 2010 Transformers Prime Panel Coverage]</ref> A show on the level of ''Prime'' would take two years to produce, but the animators only had ten months. Five episodes are animated at a time (hence the monthly gaps during the first season).<ref name="botcon2011"/>

The staff had three years of story planned, but while writing it became clear that the escalating storylines made it impossible to maintain self-contained episodes and they burned through those planned three years within the second season. The idea of incorporating Beasts into the third season was a late idea.<ref>[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2012/10/25/transformers-prime-producer-talks-beasts-mythology-michael-bay/ ‘Transformers: Prime’ producer talks Beasts, mythology, Michael Bay]</ref>

[[Susan Blu]] was the casting director, but was replaced as voice director by [[Jamie Simone]] following a death in her family.<ref>[http://tformers.com/transformers-sdcc-2010-the-hub-transformers-panel-1st-looks-at-prime-designs/13975/news.html Tformers.com's coverage of the SDCC Transformers Prime panel, July 22, 2010.]</ref> [[Brian Tyler]] composed the show's [[theme song]] and background music. [[Matthew Margeson]] served as music arranger.

==Awards and nominations==
===2011 Daytime Emmy Awards===
*Outstanding Performer In An Animated Program - [[Peter Cullen]] as [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]]
*Outstanding Directing In An Animated Program - [[Dave Hartman|David Hartman]], Supervising Director; [[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]; [[Todd Waterman]]; [[Vinton Heuck]]; [[Susan Blu]], Voice Director
*Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation - [[Vince Toyama]], Background Designer '''(WINNER)'''
*Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation - [[Christophe Vacher]], Colour Designer '''(WINNER)'''
*Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction And Composition - [[Brian Tyler]]
*Outstanding Writing In Animation - [[Duane Capizzi]], Writer/Producer; [[Steven Melching]]; [[Nicole Dubuc]]; [[Joseph Kuhr]]; [[Marsha Griffin]]

===2012 Daytime Emmy Awards===
*Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing (Animation) - Robbi Smith, Dialogue Editor, Robert Poole II, Sound Effects Editor, Roy Braverman, Foley Editor
*Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing (Animation) - Ray Leonard, Re-Recording Mixer, Mike Bieriger, Re-Recording Mixer
*Outstanding Special Class Animated Program - [[Roberto Orci]], [[Stephen J. Davis|Stephen Davis]], [[Shuzo Shiota]], [[Alex Kurtzman]], [[Jeff Kline]], [[Duane Capizzi]], [[Mandy Safavi]], [[Rafael Ruthchild]], [[Shinji Santoh]], [[Meiko Sato]], [[Therese Trujillo]] '''(WINNER)'''
*Outstanding Directing in an Animated Program - [[Dave Hartman|David Hartman]], [[Vinton Heuck]], [[Shaunt Nigoghossian]], [[Todd Waterman]], [[Jamie Simone]]
*Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation - [[Christophe Vacher]] '''(WINNER)'''<ref>[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-prime-wins-one-daytime-emmy-award-also-nominated-in-four-other-categories/24811/ Hub Press Release for 2012 Daytime Emmy Nominations] </ref>

===2013 Daytime Emmy Awards===
*Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation - [[Jason Park]], background design for "Orion Pax, Part 3". '''(WINNER)'''
*Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation - [[Arato Kato]], character animation for "Hard Knocks". '''(WINNER)'''
*Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation - [[Kirk Van Wormer]], storyboard art for "Nemesis Prime". '''(WINNER)'''

==Japanese release==
[[Image:JapPrimeCartoonLogo01.jpg|center|300px|]]

'''''Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Prime''''' (超ロボット生命体トランスフォーマープライム ''Chō Robot Seimeitai Transformers Prime'') began airing in Japan on [[TV Tokyo]] affiliate [[TV Aichi]], beginning [[April 7]], 2012, with an 8am Saturday morning timeslot (the same channel and timeslot as the previous two ''Transformers'' cartoons to air in Japan). It ended its 52 episode run on [[March 30]], 2013.

To reflect Takara's unique marketing strategy for the toyline—the prominent gimmick of the non-show [[Arms Micron]]s—the series included CGI-animated cartoon shorts starring those little robots, called "[[Arms Micron Theater]]", at the end of every episode. The shorts centered around the Arms Microns maintaining an undercover presence amongst the Autobots, who are not even aware that their weapons are alive.

Another additional segment titled "[[From the Cybertron Satellite, Transformers Division]]", hosted by the popular J-pop idol group, [[Tokyo Girls' Style]], was also tacked onto each episode. These segments featured the idol girls interacting with [[Vector Sigma]] in order to relay important facts about the ''Transformers'' franchise to the audience.

Due to the longer [[title sequence]] and end credits, as well as the two additional bonus segments, each episode had approximately three minutes of content removed for time constraints. Many of these edits were to reduce environment pans or establishing shots. However, as the show was reworked to appeal to a younger audience (as all Western ''Transformers'' cartoons are when localized for Japan), the violence during the fight sequences was edited for content.

Like all Japanese dubs of Western ''Transformers'' cartoons, transformation commands were added, such as shouting "Transform!" Additionally, whenever a character popped their weapon out of their hands/arms, they screamed "Arms Up!" Text was overlayed on the screen whenever a character first appeared in each episode, providing their name and function. In addition, promotional text for various ''Transformers''-specific campaigns from TakaraTomy scrolled by over the episode as things were happening, which could be kind of... distracting.

Like the dubs of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', ''Beast Wars Metals'', ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars Returns]]'' and ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'', the localization of ''Prime'' was headed up by [[Yoshikazu Iwanami]]. As is his way, Yoshikazu had the humor ratcheted up considerably. Self-aware, Fourth Wall-breaking jokes were added. An example occurs as early as the end of "[[Darkness Rising, Part 2]]", when the manipulator arm turns into a spider-like creature and starts crawling around. In the dub, Ratchet thinks he hears the audience telling him to watch his back, but brushes their concerns off as unimportant.

Characters were also fundamentally altered to be more humorously quirky. [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]], for example, was changed into something of a female [[Wikipedia:Pepe Le Pew|Pepe Le Pew]]; boy-crazy and single-mindedly amorous in her pursuit of [[Jack Darby (Prime)|Jack]]. As with Yoshikazu's previous efforts, adlibbing was utilized extensively to soften tension and suspense; the characters talk ''a lot''.

On [[August 12]], 2012, TV Tokyo aired the "[[Transformers Prime Perfect Transformation Late Night 2-Hour Special]]" hosted by [[Chisato Mori]], [[Nozomi Furuki]] and [[Yūki Tai]]. The special featured a recap of "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]" thru "[[Rock Bottom]]", brand new "From the Cybertron Satellite, Transformers Division" and "Arms Micron Theater" segments, various cast interviews and commentary, and a special comparison between the original English language version of "[[Predatory]]" and the radically different Japanese language version. <ref>http://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/toy/event/2012/tv-tokyo/ official TakaraTomy ad site for the TV special</ref>

The Japanese version of ''Prime'' only ran for 52 episodes (the first two seasons of the original English language version). "[[Darkest Hour (episode)|Darkest Hour]]" was edited and reworked to function as a series finale. This mainly involved rescripting the ending and cutting the cliffhanger so as to give the show a more positive, "happy" send off. The ''[[Beast Hunters]]'' era of the ''Prime'' franchise was rebranded by TakaraTomy as a new franchise, '''''[[Triple Combination: Transformers Go! (franchise)|Triple Combination: Transformers Go!]]'''''. While the ''Beast Hunters'' toys were marketed and sold in Japan, it is currently unknown when or if the remaining 13 episodes of ''Prime'' will be released in Japan.

The [[theme song]]s are:
*OP 1: "[[FEELING]]" by [[BIGBANG]]
*ED 1: "[[I Believe in All]]" by [[CLUTCHO]]
*OP 2: "[[TRANSFORMERZ]]" by [[m-flo]]
*ED 2: "[[A Little Bit]]" by [[CLUTCHO]]
*OP 3: "TRANSFORMERZ (version 2.0)" by [[m-flo]]
*ED 3: "[[Discord (song)|Discord]]" by [[Tokyo Girls' Style]]

==Home video releases==
{{main|Transformers: Prime (cartoon)/home video}}
;United States
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Darkness Rising (2011)<ref>[http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Transformers-Prime-Darkness-Rising/15916 Press release: Transformers Prime - 'Darkness Rising', the Newest Program's Original 5-Part Mini-Series, Announced!]</ref>
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Includes 3 episodes (2011)<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-prime-39/special-transformers-prime-dvd-released-at-walmart-173588/ Transformers Prime DVD released at Walmart]</ref>
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Season One (2012)<ref>[http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Transformers-Prime-Season-1-Press-Release/16300]</ref>
*''Transformers: Prime'' - One Shall Stand (2012)<ref>http://www.amazon.com/Transformers-Prime-One-Shall-Stand/dp/B007RMQ4H2</ref>
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Season Two (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Dawn of the Beast (2013)
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Season Three (2013)

;Germany
*''Transformers: Prime'' #1 - Die dunkle Macht erhebt sich (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #2 - Meister und Schüler (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #3 - Nur dieses eine Mal (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #4 - Die vierte Dimension (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #5 - Metallische Anziehung (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #6 - Die Prophezeiung (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' Staffel 1 (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #7 - Orion Pax (2013)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #8 - Der falsche Prime (2013)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #9 - Angriff auf Megatron (2013)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #10 - Bulkheads Mission (2013)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #11 - Die Omega-Schlüssel (2013)

;Australia
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Volume 1: Darkness Rising (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Volume 2: Unfamiliar Enemies (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Volume 3: Alien Threat (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Volume 4: Strength in Numbers (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Volume 5: One Shall Fall, One Shall Rise (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Season 2, Volume 1: Orion Pax (2013) <ref>http://www.madman.com.au/series/home/17523</ref>

==Soundtrack==
{{main|Transformers Prime: Music from the Animated Series}}

==Notes==
*Unlike most ''Transformers'' shows, episodes do not have an episode title card. Episode titles are from [[The Hub]] website.
*The series has also been advertised as '''''Transformers: Prime - The Animated Series'''''.
*The show was said to be "rightfully huge" at the [[BotCon 2010]] panel.<ref name="tformersbotcon10">[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=13779 BotCon 2010 - Hasbro Studios Panel - Bucket Head is Back!]</ref> Later, at the Hasbro designers' panel, the [[Thirteen|Thirteen original Transformers]] were described as being "rightfully huge".<ref>[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=13797 BotCon 2010 Hasbro designers' panel.]</ref>
*Executive Producer [[Jeff Kline]] confirmed they have talked about producing a theatrical ''Prime'' film.<ref>[http://tformers.com/transformers-botcon-2011-transformers-prime-interview-with-executive-producer-jeff-kline/15863/news.html TFormers BotCon 2011 interview with Kline]</ref>
*With 65 episodes, ''Transformers: Prime'' is the second-longest run of any ''Transformers'' series after the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original series]] from the 1980s, which ran for 98 episodes.<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/03/01/transformers-prime-cancelled-canceled-series-ending-with-season-3]</ref>

==Footnotes==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://www.hubnetwork.com/shows/transformers-prime Hub Network page]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3iKDbKQwKI&feature=related Behind the scenes video]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Prime (cartoon)}}
[[Category: Prime media]]
[[Category: Television series]]

Transformers: Prime (cartoon)

2014-03-29T04:18:18Z

Optimus Prime The Savoir: /* Cast */

Transformers: Prime (cartoon)

2014-03-29T04:17:39Z

Optimus Prime The Savoir: /* Cast */

{{Nav-Prime}}

[[Image:TransformersPrimePremierePoster.jpg|thumb|300px|We finally have toys... we think.]]
[[Image:Beasthunters-logo1.png|300px|right]]
'''''Transformers: Prime''''' is a multiple Daytime Emmy Award-winning [[computer-generated imagery|computer-animated]] television series that premiered on [[Hub Network|The Hub]] on [[November 26]], [[2010]] with a five-part mini-series, which was followed by a season of another 21 episodes beginning on [[February 11]], [[2011]]. Season 2 began screening [[February 18]], [[2012]], and a third season of thirteen episodes with the subtitle ''[[Beast Hunters]]'' began screening on [[March 22]], [[2013]]. ''[[Predacons Rising (Prime)|Predacons Rising]]'', a TV movie, concluded the show on [[October 4]], 2013.

The Canadian broadcast of the series has been undertaken by Corus Entertainment, and the show is currently airing on Teletoon.<ref>[http://www.cartoonbrew.com/biz/hasbro-studios-and-corus-entertainments-kids-networks-reach-broad-animation-and-live-action-programming-agreement.html Hasbro Studios and Corus Entertainment’s Kids Networks Reach Broad Animation and Live-Action Programming Agreement]</ref>

The series premiered in the UK on [[September 5]], 2011 on [[Cartoon Network]]'s "[[Action Heroes]]" block. It began airing in Japan on [[April 7]], 2012 on [[TV Aichi]].

An untitled follow-up series will begin in 2015, with [[Will Friedle]] reprising the role of [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] and [[Darren Criss]], [[Constance Zimmer]] and [[Ted McGinley]] joining the cast.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-prime-39/new-transformers-cartoon-revealed-first-look-at-bumblebee-179502/ TFW2005: New Transformers Cartoon Revealed - First Look at Bumblebee (press release)]</ref>

==Story==
[[Team Prime]] lives on [[Earth]], three years after their last confrontation with [[Decepticon]]s. [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot Central Command]] is located in a converted [[missile]] silo in [[Nevada]] provided by the [[United States of America|United States]] government, with special agent [[William Fowler]] acting as their liaison. However, the presence of [[Transformer]]s on Earth is not generally known among the civilian population.

When the Decepticons resurface, the Autobots take three teenage witnesses, [[Jack Darby (Prime)|Jack Darby]], [[Miko Nakadai (Prime)|Miko Nakadai]] and [[Raf Esquivel]] under their protection. [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] returns having discovered [[Dark Energon]], which grants him the power to resurrect the dead, but is injured, with [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] taking command in his absence. After Megatron's revival, Starscream flees after repeatedly showing he is unable to prove his loyalty to the [[Decepticon leader]].

The Autobots and Decepticons eventually make the startling discovery that Earth is in fact the body of [[Unicron]], forcing them to ally and prevent his consciousness from reasserting control over the planet. [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] unleashes the [[Matrix of Leadership]], but at the cost of losing his memory, thereby allowing Megatron to manipulate him into joining the Decepticons' ranks. By using information from [[Vector Sigma]] downloaded to the [[Key to Vector Sigma|Key]], Jack restores Optimus's memory.

The Autobots also contend with the human terrorist organization, [[MECH]], headed by former military operative Leland Bishop, aka [[Silas]], who targets the Cybertronians for their technology, capturing [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]], [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] and Starscream for parts, and building a [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|doppelgänger]] controlled by Silas. In the ensuing confrontation, Silas is fatally injured, forcing MECH to graft him into Breakdown. With this new body, Silas destroys his own organization and attempts to join the Decepticons, only to become [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'s new dissection study.

The Autobots and Decepticons' struggle becomes a competition for Cybertronian artifacts strewn across the planet, which turn out to have been placed there by [[Alpha Trion (WFC)|Alpha Trion]], who foresaw the Autobots coming to Earth. Trion also orders them to find the [[Omega Key]]s, which will activate the [[Omega Lock]] and restore Cybertron. Though the keys are successfully gathered, Megatron gains possession of them and attempts to use the Omega Lock to [[Eco-structuring|cyberform]] Earth, forcing Optimus to destroy the Lock to save Earth.

Megatron responds by destroying the Autobot base, and Optimus is mortally wounded staying behind to ensure everyone else escapes through the [[GroundBridge]]. From his newly-erected fortress [[Darkmount (Earth)|Darkmount]], Megatron reestablishes contact with [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]], learning the scientist has cloned a [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]] for the intent of hunting down the Autobots. The Autobots regroup following [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]]'s arrival, while [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] restores Optimus with the [[Forge of Solus Prime]].

After destroying Darkmount, the status quo is restored, with the Autobots based at a [[Unit:E]] [[Hangar E|facility]], while the Decepticons retreat to orbit Earth in the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'' once more. The Autobots learn of Project Predacon and race the Decepticons for the location of Predacon fossils, to prevent Shockwave from cloning more of the beasts. Ultimately, Megatron manipulates the Autobots into destroying the project when he discovers [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] is intelligent, and therefore a potential power rival. Instead, he turns his attentions to rebuilding the Omega Lock.

After the Decepticons kidnap [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] to help in their plan, the Autobots assault the ''Nemesis'' and capture the ship, killing Megatron before he can use the Omega Lock to cyberform Earth. The Autobots use the Omega Lock to restore Cybertron and settle back on their home world. The new peace doesn't last, as Cybertron's revival reawakens the slumbering Unicron, who takes Megatron's lifeless body as his own and seeks to destroy Primus. As Optimus retrieves the [[AllSpark]], Autobots, Decepticons and Predacons unite under Bumblebee and Predaking to face the Chaos Bringer in defense of their home. Optimus sacrifices himself to seal away Unicron and restore the AllSpark to its rightful place, while Megatron disbands the Decepticons.

==Cast==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
;Main Cast
* [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
* [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] ([[Jeffrey Combs]])

;[[Wreckers]]
* [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] ([[Michael Ironside]])
* [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] ([[Kevin Michael Richardson]])
* [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] ([[James Horan]])

;Stealth Team
* [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] ([[Sumalee Montano]])
* [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] ([[Will Friedle]])
* [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] ([[Nolan North]])

;Others
* [[Alpha Trion (WFC)|Alpha Trion]] ([[George Takei]])
* [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] ([[Dwayne Johnson]]/[[Billy Brown]]/[[Frank Welker]])
* [[Tailgate (Prime)|Tailgate]] ([[Josh Keaton]])

|c2=
;Main Cast
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] ([[Steve Blum]])
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] ([[Daran Norris]])
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] ([[David Sobolov]])
*[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] ([[Gina Torres]])
*[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] ([[Adam Baldwin]])
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] ([[Tony Todd]])

;Others
*[[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]]
*[[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]] ([[Richard Green]]/[[Frank Welker]])
*[[Makeshift (Prime)|Makeshift]] ([[Kevin Michael Richardson]])

;Troopers
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (Various)
*[[Decepticon Miner]]s ([[Kevin Michael Richardson]])
*[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] (Various)
**[[Hardshell (Prime)|Hardshell]] ([[David Kaye]])
**[[Bombshock (Prime)|Bombshock]] ([[Steve Blum]])

|c3=
;Main Cast
* [[Jack Darby (Prime)|Jack Darby]] ([[Josh Keaton]])
* [[Miko Nakadai (Prime)|Miko Nakadai]] ([[Tania Gunadi]])
* [[Raf Esquivel]] ([[Andy Pessoa]])
* [[William Fowler]] ([[Ernie Hudson]])

;Others
* [[Silas]] ([[Clancy Brown]])
* [[June Darby]] ([[Markie Post]])
* [[Sierra]] ([[Alexandra Krosney]])
* [[Vince]] ([[Brad Raider]])
* [[Bryce|General Bryce]] ([[Robert Forster]])
* [[Vogel]] ([[John DiMaggio]])

|c4=
* [[Unicron]] ([[John Noble]])
* [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|Nemesis Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]]/[[Clancy Brown]])
* [[Trypticon (WFC)|''Nemesis'']] ([[Kevin Michael Richardson]])
* [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcons]] ([[Frank Welker]])

;[[Predacon (Prime)|Predacons]]
*[[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] ([[Peter Mensah]])
*[[Darksteel (Prime)|Darksteel]] ([[Steve Blum]])
*[[Skylynx]] ([[Nolan North]])

|nonumbering=true}}

==Episodes==
{{see|List of Prime episodes}}
===Season 1===
{{collist|3|
#[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]
#[[Darkness Rising, Part 2]]
#[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]
#[[Darkness Rising, Part 4]]
#[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]
#[[Masters & Students]]
#[[Scrapheap (episode)|Scrapheap]]
#[[Con Job]]
#[[Convoy (episode)|Convoy]]
#[[Deus ex Machina]]
#[[Speed Metal]]
#[[Predatory]]
#[[Sick Mind]]
#[[Out of His Head]]
#[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]
#[[Operation: Breakdown]]
#[[Crisscross]]
#[[Metal Attraction]]
#[[Rock Bottom]]
#[[Partners]]
#[[T.M.I.]]
#[[Stronger, Faster]]
#[[One Shall Fall]]
#[[One Shall Rise, Part 1]]
#[[One Shall Rise, Part 2]]
#[[One Shall Rise, Part 3]]
}}

===Season 2===
{{collist|3|
#[[Orion Pax, Part 1]]
#[[Orion Pax, Part 2]]
#[[Orion Pax, Part 3]]
#[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 1]]
#[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2]]
#[[Loose Cannons]]
#[[Crossfire]]
#[[Nemesis Prime (episode)|Nemesis Prime]]
#[[Grill]]
#[[Armada (episode)|Armada]]
#[[Flying Mind]]
#[[Tunnel Vision]]
#[[Triangulation]]
#[[Triage]]
#[[Toxicity]]
#[[Hurt]]
#[[Out of the Past]]
#[[New Recruit]]
#[[The Human Factor]]
#[[Legacy]]
#[[Alpha/Omega]]
#[[Hard Knocks]]
#[[Inside Job]]
#[[Patch (episode)|Patch]]
#[[Regeneration (Prime)|Regeneration]]
#[[Darkest Hour (episode)|Darkest Hour]]
}}
===Season 3: Beast Hunters===
{{collist|3|
#[[Darkmount, NV]]
#[[Scattered]]
#[[Prey (episode)|Prey]]
#[[Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion]]
#[[Project Predacon]]
#[[Chain of Command (Prime)|Chain of Command]]
#[[Plus One]]
#[[Thirst]]
#[[Evolution]]
#[[Minus One]]
#[[Persuasion]]
#[[Synthesis]]
#[[Deadlock]]
}}
===TV movie===
*[[Predacons Rising (Prime)|Predacons Rising]]

==Production==
[[Image:TFP montage poster.jpg|thumb|GET OFF MY FACE!!!]]
After the [[live-action film series]], screenwriters [[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]] signed to become show runners with [[Jeff Kline]] and [[Duane Capizzi]] of The Hub's ''Transformers'' cartoon, explaining the TV show would not have the constraints of a two-hour film in delving into the mythology.<ref name="botcon2011">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/botcon-2011-transformers-prime-panel-172315/ TFW coverage of Hasbro Studios panel at BotCon 2011]</ref> (Orci's employees [[Steven Puri]] and [[Mandy Safavi]] were also credited as producers.)<ref name="castcrewlist">[http://tformers.com/transformers-exclusive-transformers-prime-voice-cast-revealed-which-includes-the-rock/14278/news.html TFormers cast and crew announcement] including Dwayne Johnson exclusive.</ref> The show runners were given the "[[Binder of Revelation]]", a near 400-page [[production bible]] that [[Hasbro]] had been working on since the movies, that combined elements of the most popular [[continuity|continuities]].<ref>[http://collider.com/roberto-orci-jeff-kline-interview-transformers-prime/75039/ Collider transcript]</ref> The show's title was based on the desire to create a master continuity and a literal [[Wikipedia:Earth Prime|Prime continuity]].<ref name="botcon2011"/> Whereas the movies were about a [[Sam Witwicky|boy]] and his [[Bumblebee (Movie)|car]], the dynamic between the kids and the robots on the show was meant to be more like ''[[Wikipedia:The Iron Giant|The Iron Giant]]''.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21Pb3MeUDdY Roundtable interview with ''Prime'' staff at BotCon 2011]</ref>

The writing staff was headed by Capizzi, with [[Marsha Griffin]] as the story editor. The staff consists of [[Nicole Dubuc]], [[Joseph Kuhr]] and [[Steven Melching]]. Kline said they wanted the show to be very cinematic, with tension, suspense and danger (as marked by Cliffjumper's death in the pilot) as children are more media savvy than they were in the past. Regardless, they had to be considerate as the show still had a broad audience.<ref>[http://parrygamepreserve.com/newsDetail.php?jID=1642 PGP January 2011 Q&A]</ref> As part of the [[aligned continuity family]] with ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (franchise)| War for Cybertron]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Exodus|Exodus]]'', the producers strove to maintain many of the common elements (eg. Optimus and Megatron's past friendship, Dark Energon's origins as [[Unicron]]'s blood, [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] sharing his film counterpart's backstory), but were allowed contradictions if it served the storytelling. By using the mammoth story bible, the writers could plan events years in advance. The large number of episodes per season meant they could pace and establish characters during season 1 slowly, while saving the more momentous, less stand alone episodes that delved into the backstory for season 2. Some of the plot ideas (namely the [[Terrorcon (Prime)|zombie robots]]) were based on stories they came up with when playing with the [[The Transformers (toyline)|toys]] as kids.<ref name="botcon2011"/> [[Bob Skir]] has written some episodes.<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/9248/20/ Allspark.com coverage of Shout and Hasbro's "Evolution of Transformers Animation" panel at 2011's Comic-Con.]</ref>

Designers include [[Christophe Vacher]] (colors), [[Vince Toyama]] and [[Jevon Bue]] (backgrounds) and [[Jose Lopez]] (lead character designer). Vacher wanted to do something different from traditional animation and saw something edgy about ''Prime''.<ref name="botcon2011"/> According to [[Ken Christiansen]], the show's characters were formed by [[Hasbro Studios]] hiring freelance conceptual artists like himself. The submitted artwork was given Lopez's staff to be examined, and they incorporated the ideas they liked best.<ref>[http://badflipblog.blogspot.com/2010/08/me-and-transformers-prime.html August 2010 blog post by Ken Christiansen]</ref> Other concept artists include [[Augusto Barranco]] and [[Walter Gatus]].

Supervising director [[Dave Hartman]] headed a team including [[Todd Waterman]], [[Shaunt Nigoghossian]], [[Vinton Heuck]] and [[Kirk Van Wormer]]. [[Polygon Pictures]] provided the [[computer-generated imagery|CG animation]], for which [[Digitalscape]] performed a recruitment drive for before the show began production.<ref>[http://www.dsp.co.jp/pr/contents/000178.html Announcement on Digitalscape, also asking for job applicants.]</ref> Lopez said the animation would be a "groundbreaking mix of 2D animation and CGI".<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/san-diego-comic-con-33/jose-lopez-breaks-the-silence-talks-about-transformers-prime-at-san-diego-comic-con-2010-170217/ Jose Lopez speaks about Prime's animation style]</ref> Each character has three CG models: the robot mode, their alternate mode, and one for the transformation.<ref>[http://www.cybertron.ca/boards/showthread.php?t=29224 Cybertron.ca January 2011 Q&A]</ref> Lopez said the designs were personality driven, and that the 3D animation allowed them to go "crazy" with the transformation schemes. In contrast, the characters were given realistic textures,<ref>[http://www.asmzine.com/geekly-rewind/2011/02/07/hasbro-transformers-qa-bonus-round-answer/ ASM Geekly Rewind January 2011 Q&A]</ref> and are subject to battle damage during episodes.<ref name="botcon">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-prime-39/botcon-2010-transformers-prime-panel-coverage-170054/ Botcon 2010 Transformers Prime Panel Coverage]</ref> A show on the level of ''Prime'' would take two years to produce, but the animators only had ten months. Five episodes are animated at a time (hence the monthly gaps during the first season).<ref name="botcon2011"/>

The staff had three years of story planned, but while writing it became clear that the escalating storylines made it impossible to maintain self-contained episodes and they burned through those planned three years within the second season. The idea of incorporating Beasts into the third season was a late idea.<ref>[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2012/10/25/transformers-prime-producer-talks-beasts-mythology-michael-bay/ ‘Transformers: Prime’ producer talks Beasts, mythology, Michael Bay]</ref>

[[Susan Blu]] was the casting director, but was replaced as voice director by [[Jamie Simone]] following a death in her family.<ref>[http://tformers.com/transformers-sdcc-2010-the-hub-transformers-panel-1st-looks-at-prime-designs/13975/news.html Tformers.com's coverage of the SDCC Transformers Prime panel, July 22, 2010.]</ref> [[Brian Tyler]] composed the show's [[theme song]] and background music. [[Matthew Margeson]] served as music arranger.

==Awards and nominations==
===2011 Daytime Emmy Awards===
*Outstanding Performer In An Animated Program - [[Peter Cullen]] as [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]]
*Outstanding Directing In An Animated Program - [[Dave Hartman|David Hartman]], Supervising Director; [[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]; [[Todd Waterman]]; [[Vinton Heuck]]; [[Susan Blu]], Voice Director
*Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation - [[Vince Toyama]], Background Designer '''(WINNER)'''
*Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation - [[Christophe Vacher]], Colour Designer '''(WINNER)'''
*Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction And Composition - [[Brian Tyler]]
*Outstanding Writing In Animation - [[Duane Capizzi]], Writer/Producer; [[Steven Melching]]; [[Nicole Dubuc]]; [[Joseph Kuhr]]; [[Marsha Griffin]]

===2012 Daytime Emmy Awards===
*Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing (Animation) - Robbi Smith, Dialogue Editor, Robert Poole II, Sound Effects Editor, Roy Braverman, Foley Editor
*Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing (Animation) - Ray Leonard, Re-Recording Mixer, Mike Bieriger, Re-Recording Mixer
*Outstanding Special Class Animated Program - [[Roberto Orci]], [[Stephen J. Davis|Stephen Davis]], [[Shuzo Shiota]], [[Alex Kurtzman]], [[Jeff Kline]], [[Duane Capizzi]], [[Mandy Safavi]], [[Rafael Ruthchild]], [[Shinji Santoh]], [[Meiko Sato]], [[Therese Trujillo]] '''(WINNER)'''
*Outstanding Directing in an Animated Program - [[Dave Hartman|David Hartman]], [[Vinton Heuck]], [[Shaunt Nigoghossian]], [[Todd Waterman]], [[Jamie Simone]]
*Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation - [[Christophe Vacher]] '''(WINNER)'''<ref>[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-prime-wins-one-daytime-emmy-award-also-nominated-in-four-other-categories/24811/ Hub Press Release for 2012 Daytime Emmy Nominations] </ref>

===2013 Daytime Emmy Awards===
*Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation - [[Jason Park]], background design for "Orion Pax, Part 3". '''(WINNER)'''
*Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation - [[Arato Kato]], character animation for "Hard Knocks". '''(WINNER)'''
*Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation - [[Kirk Van Wormer]], storyboard art for "Nemesis Prime". '''(WINNER)'''

==Japanese release==
[[Image:JapPrimeCartoonLogo01.jpg|center|300px|]]

'''''Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Prime''''' (超ロボット生命体トランスフォーマープライム ''Chō Robot Seimeitai Transformers Prime'') began airing in Japan on [[TV Tokyo]] affiliate [[TV Aichi]], beginning [[April 7]], 2012, with an 8am Saturday morning timeslot (the same channel and timeslot as the previous two ''Transformers'' cartoons to air in Japan). It ended its 52 episode run on [[March 30]], 2013.

To reflect Takara's unique marketing strategy for the toyline—the prominent gimmick of the non-show [[Arms Micron]]s—the series included CGI-animated cartoon shorts starring those little robots, called "[[Arms Micron Theater]]", at the end of every episode. The shorts centered around the Arms Microns maintaining an undercover presence amongst the Autobots, who are not even aware that their weapons are alive.

Another additional segment titled "[[From the Cybertron Satellite, Transformers Division]]", hosted by the popular J-pop idol group, [[Tokyo Girls' Style]], was also tacked onto each episode. These segments featured the idol girls interacting with [[Vector Sigma]] in order to relay important facts about the ''Transformers'' franchise to the audience.

Due to the longer [[title sequence]] and end credits, as well as the two additional bonus segments, each episode had approximately three minutes of content removed for time constraints. Many of these edits were to reduce environment pans or establishing shots. However, as the show was reworked to appeal to a younger audience (as all Western ''Transformers'' cartoons are when localized for Japan), the violence during the fight sequences was edited for content.

Like all Japanese dubs of Western ''Transformers'' cartoons, transformation commands were added, such as shouting "Transform!" Additionally, whenever a character popped their weapon out of their hands/arms, they screamed "Arms Up!" Text was overlayed on the screen whenever a character first appeared in each episode, providing their name and function. In addition, promotional text for various ''Transformers''-specific campaigns from TakaraTomy scrolled by over the episode as things were happening, which could be kind of... distracting.

Like the dubs of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', ''Beast Wars Metals'', ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars Returns]]'' and ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'', the localization of ''Prime'' was headed up by [[Yoshikazu Iwanami]]. As is his way, Yoshikazu had the humor ratcheted up considerably. Self-aware, Fourth Wall-breaking jokes were added. An example occurs as early as the end of "[[Darkness Rising, Part 2]]", when the manipulator arm turns into a spider-like creature and starts crawling around. In the dub, Ratchet thinks he hears the audience telling him to watch his back, but brushes their concerns off as unimportant.

Characters were also fundamentally altered to be more humorously quirky. [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]], for example, was changed into something of a female [[Wikipedia:Pepe Le Pew|Pepe Le Pew]]; boy-crazy and single-mindedly amorous in her pursuit of [[Jack Darby (Prime)|Jack]]. As with Yoshikazu's previous efforts, adlibbing was utilized extensively to soften tension and suspense; the characters talk ''a lot''.

On [[August 12]], 2012, TV Tokyo aired the "[[Transformers Prime Perfect Transformation Late Night 2-Hour Special]]" hosted by [[Chisato Mori]], [[Nozomi Furuki]] and [[Yūki Tai]]. The special featured a recap of "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]" thru "[[Rock Bottom]]", brand new "From the Cybertron Satellite, Transformers Division" and "Arms Micron Theater" segments, various cast interviews and commentary, and a special comparison between the original English language version of "[[Predatory]]" and the radically different Japanese language version. <ref>http://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/toy/event/2012/tv-tokyo/ official TakaraTomy ad site for the TV special</ref>

The Japanese version of ''Prime'' only ran for 52 episodes (the first two seasons of the original English language version). "[[Darkest Hour (episode)|Darkest Hour]]" was edited and reworked to function as a series finale. This mainly involved rescripting the ending and cutting the cliffhanger so as to give the show a more positive, "happy" send off. The ''[[Beast Hunters]]'' era of the ''Prime'' franchise was rebranded by TakaraTomy as a new franchise, '''''[[Triple Combination: Transformers Go! (franchise)|Triple Combination: Transformers Go!]]'''''. While the ''Beast Hunters'' toys were marketed and sold in Japan, it is currently unknown when or if the remaining 13 episodes of ''Prime'' will be released in Japan.

The [[theme song]]s are:
*OP 1: "[[FEELING]]" by [[BIGBANG]]
*ED 1: "[[I Believe in All]]" by [[CLUTCHO]]
*OP 2: "[[TRANSFORMERZ]]" by [[m-flo]]
*ED 2: "[[A Little Bit]]" by [[CLUTCHO]]
*OP 3: "TRANSFORMERZ (version 2.0)" by [[m-flo]]
*ED 3: "[[Discord (song)|Discord]]" by [[Tokyo Girls' Style]]

==Home video releases==
{{main|Transformers: Prime (cartoon)/home video}}
;United States
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Darkness Rising (2011)<ref>[http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Transformers-Prime-Darkness-Rising/15916 Press release: Transformers Prime - 'Darkness Rising', the Newest Program's Original 5-Part Mini-Series, Announced!]</ref>
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Includes 3 episodes (2011)<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-prime-39/special-transformers-prime-dvd-released-at-walmart-173588/ Transformers Prime DVD released at Walmart]</ref>
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Season One (2012)<ref>[http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Transformers-Prime-Season-1-Press-Release/16300]</ref>
*''Transformers: Prime'' - One Shall Stand (2012)<ref>http://www.amazon.com/Transformers-Prime-One-Shall-Stand/dp/B007RMQ4H2</ref>
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Season Two (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Dawn of the Beast (2013)
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Season Three (2013)

;Germany
*''Transformers: Prime'' #1 - Die dunkle Macht erhebt sich (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #2 - Meister und Schüler (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #3 - Nur dieses eine Mal (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #4 - Die vierte Dimension (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #5 - Metallische Anziehung (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #6 - Die Prophezeiung (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' Staffel 1 (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #7 - Orion Pax (2013)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #8 - Der falsche Prime (2013)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #9 - Angriff auf Megatron (2013)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #10 - Bulkheads Mission (2013)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #11 - Die Omega-Schlüssel (2013)

;Australia
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Volume 1: Darkness Rising (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Volume 2: Unfamiliar Enemies (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Volume 3: Alien Threat (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Volume 4: Strength in Numbers (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Volume 5: One Shall Fall, One Shall Rise (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Season 2, Volume 1: Orion Pax (2013) <ref>http://www.madman.com.au/series/home/17523</ref>

==Soundtrack==
{{main|Transformers Prime: Music from the Animated Series}}

==Notes==
*Unlike most ''Transformers'' shows, episodes do not have an episode title card. Episode titles are from [[The Hub]] website.
*The series has also been advertised as '''''Transformers: Prime - The Animated Series'''''.
*The show was said to be "rightfully huge" at the [[BotCon 2010]] panel.<ref name="tformersbotcon10">[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=13779 BotCon 2010 - Hasbro Studios Panel - Bucket Head is Back!]</ref> Later, at the Hasbro designers' panel, the [[Thirteen|Thirteen original Transformers]] were described as being "rightfully huge".<ref>[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=13797 BotCon 2010 Hasbro designers' panel.]</ref>
*Executive Producer [[Jeff Kline]] confirmed they have talked about producing a theatrical ''Prime'' film.<ref>[http://tformers.com/transformers-botcon-2011-transformers-prime-interview-with-executive-producer-jeff-kline/15863/news.html TFormers BotCon 2011 interview with Kline]</ref>
*With 65 episodes, ''Transformers: Prime'' is the second-longest run of any ''Transformers'' series after the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original series]] from the 1980s, which ran for 98 episodes.<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/03/01/transformers-prime-cancelled-canceled-series-ending-with-season-3]</ref>

==Footnotes==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://www.hubnetwork.com/shows/transformers-prime Hub Network page]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3iKDbKQwKI&feature=related Behind the scenes video]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Prime (cartoon)}}
[[Category: Prime media]]
[[Category: Television series]]

Transformers: Prime (cartoon)

2014-03-29T04:15:37Z

Optimus Prime The Savoir: /* Cast */

{{Nav-Prime}}

[[Image:TransformersPrimePremierePoster.jpg|thumb|300px|We finally have toys... we think.]]
[[Image:Beasthunters-logo1.png|300px|right]]
'''''Transformers: Prime''''' is a multiple Daytime Emmy Award-winning [[computer-generated imagery|computer-animated]] television series that premiered on [[Hub Network|The Hub]] on [[November 26]], [[2010]] with a five-part mini-series, which was followed by a season of another 21 episodes beginning on [[February 11]], [[2011]]. Season 2 began screening [[February 18]], [[2012]], and a third season of thirteen episodes with the subtitle ''[[Beast Hunters]]'' began screening on [[March 22]], [[2013]]. ''[[Predacons Rising (Prime)|Predacons Rising]]'', a TV movie, concluded the show on [[October 4]], 2013.

The Canadian broadcast of the series has been undertaken by Corus Entertainment, and the show is currently airing on Teletoon.<ref>[http://www.cartoonbrew.com/biz/hasbro-studios-and-corus-entertainments-kids-networks-reach-broad-animation-and-live-action-programming-agreement.html Hasbro Studios and Corus Entertainment’s Kids Networks Reach Broad Animation and Live-Action Programming Agreement]</ref>

The series premiered in the UK on [[September 5]], 2011 on [[Cartoon Network]]'s "[[Action Heroes]]" block. It began airing in Japan on [[April 7]], 2012 on [[TV Aichi]].

An untitled follow-up series will begin in 2015, with [[Will Friedle]] reprising the role of [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] and [[Darren Criss]], [[Constance Zimmer]] and [[Ted McGinley]] joining the cast.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-prime-39/new-transformers-cartoon-revealed-first-look-at-bumblebee-179502/ TFW2005: New Transformers Cartoon Revealed - First Look at Bumblebee (press release)]</ref>

==Story==
[[Team Prime]] lives on [[Earth]], three years after their last confrontation with [[Decepticon]]s. [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot Central Command]] is located in a converted [[missile]] silo in [[Nevada]] provided by the [[United States of America|United States]] government, with special agent [[William Fowler]] acting as their liaison. However, the presence of [[Transformer]]s on Earth is not generally known among the civilian population.

When the Decepticons resurface, the Autobots take three teenage witnesses, [[Jack Darby (Prime)|Jack Darby]], [[Miko Nakadai (Prime)|Miko Nakadai]] and [[Raf Esquivel]] under their protection. [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] returns having discovered [[Dark Energon]], which grants him the power to resurrect the dead, but is injured, with [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] taking command in his absence. After Megatron's revival, Starscream flees after repeatedly showing he is unable to prove his loyalty to the [[Decepticon leader]].

The Autobots and Decepticons eventually make the startling discovery that Earth is in fact the body of [[Unicron]], forcing them to ally and prevent his consciousness from reasserting control over the planet. [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] unleashes the [[Matrix of Leadership]], but at the cost of losing his memory, thereby allowing Megatron to manipulate him into joining the Decepticons' ranks. By using information from [[Vector Sigma]] downloaded to the [[Key to Vector Sigma|Key]], Jack restores Optimus's memory.

The Autobots also contend with the human terrorist organization, [[MECH]], headed by former military operative Leland Bishop, aka [[Silas]], who targets the Cybertronians for their technology, capturing [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]], [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] and Starscream for parts, and building a [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|doppelgänger]] controlled by Silas. In the ensuing confrontation, Silas is fatally injured, forcing MECH to graft him into Breakdown. With this new body, Silas destroys his own organization and attempts to join the Decepticons, only to become [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'s new dissection study.

The Autobots and Decepticons' struggle becomes a competition for Cybertronian artifacts strewn across the planet, which turn out to have been placed there by [[Alpha Trion (WFC)|Alpha Trion]], who foresaw the Autobots coming to Earth. Trion also orders them to find the [[Omega Key]]s, which will activate the [[Omega Lock]] and restore Cybertron. Though the keys are successfully gathered, Megatron gains possession of them and attempts to use the Omega Lock to [[Eco-structuring|cyberform]] Earth, forcing Optimus to destroy the Lock to save Earth.

Megatron responds by destroying the Autobot base, and Optimus is mortally wounded staying behind to ensure everyone else escapes through the [[GroundBridge]]. From his newly-erected fortress [[Darkmount (Earth)|Darkmount]], Megatron reestablishes contact with [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]], learning the scientist has cloned a [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]] for the intent of hunting down the Autobots. The Autobots regroup following [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]]'s arrival, while [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] restores Optimus with the [[Forge of Solus Prime]].

After destroying Darkmount, the status quo is restored, with the Autobots based at a [[Unit:E]] [[Hangar E|facility]], while the Decepticons retreat to orbit Earth in the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'' once more. The Autobots learn of Project Predacon and race the Decepticons for the location of Predacon fossils, to prevent Shockwave from cloning more of the beasts. Ultimately, Megatron manipulates the Autobots into destroying the project when he discovers [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] is intelligent, and therefore a potential power rival. Instead, he turns his attentions to rebuilding the Omega Lock.

After the Decepticons kidnap [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] to help in their plan, the Autobots assault the ''Nemesis'' and capture the ship, killing Megatron before he can use the Omega Lock to cyberform Earth. The Autobots use the Omega Lock to restore Cybertron and settle back on their home world. The new peace doesn't last, as Cybertron's revival reawakens the slumbering Unicron, who takes Megatron's lifeless body as his own and seeks to destroy Primus. As Optimus retrieves the [[AllSpark]], Autobots, Decepticons and Predacons unite under Bumblebee and Predaking to face the Chaos Bringer in defense of their home. Optimus sacrifices himself to seal away Unicron and restore the AllSpark to its rightful place, while Megatron disbands the Decepticons.

==Cast==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
;Main Cast
* [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
* [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] ([[Sumalee Montano]])
* [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] ([[Kevin Michael Richardson]])
* [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] ([[Jeffrey Combs]])
* [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] ([[Frank Welker]]<ref>''Frank Welker records actual words written for Bumblebee which are later replaced with sound effects.'' -- Revealed in "The Autobits Edition" of [[Darkmount, NV|episode 53]].</ref>/[[Will Friedle]])
* [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] ([[James Horan]])
* [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] ([[Nolan North]])
* [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] ([[Michael Ironside]])

;Others
* [[Alpha Trion (WFC)|Alpha Trion]] ([[George Takei]])
* [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] ([[Dwayne Johnson]]/[[Billy Brown]]/[[Frank Welker]])
* [[Tailgate (Prime)|Tailgate]] ([[Josh Keaton]])

|c2=
;Main Cast
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] ([[Steve Blum]])
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] ([[Daran Norris]])
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] ([[David Sobolov]])
*[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] ([[Gina Torres]])
*[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] ([[Adam Baldwin]])
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] ([[Tony Todd]])

;Others
*[[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]]
*[[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]] ([[Richard Green]]/[[Frank Welker]])
*[[Makeshift (Prime)|Makeshift]] ([[Kevin Michael Richardson]])

;Troopers
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (Various)
*[[Decepticon Miner]]s ([[Kevin Michael Richardson]])
*[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] (Various)
**[[Hardshell (Prime)|Hardshell]] ([[David Kaye]])
**[[Bombshock (Prime)|Bombshock]] ([[Steve Blum]])

|c3=
;Main Cast
* [[Jack Darby (Prime)|Jack Darby]] ([[Josh Keaton]])
* [[Miko Nakadai (Prime)|Miko Nakadai]] ([[Tania Gunadi]])
* [[Raf Esquivel]] ([[Andy Pessoa]])
* [[William Fowler]] ([[Ernie Hudson]])

;Others
* [[Silas]] ([[Clancy Brown]])
* [[June Darby]] ([[Markie Post]])
* [[Sierra]] ([[Alexandra Krosney]])
* [[Vince]] ([[Brad Raider]])
* [[Bryce|General Bryce]] ([[Robert Forster]])
* [[Vogel]] ([[John DiMaggio]])

|c4=
* [[Unicron]] ([[John Noble]])
* [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|Nemesis Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]]/[[Clancy Brown]])
* [[Trypticon (WFC)|''Nemesis'']] ([[Kevin Michael Richardson]])
* [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcons]] ([[Frank Welker]])

;[[Predacon (Prime)|Predacons]]
*[[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] ([[Peter Mensah]])
*[[Darksteel (Prime)|Darksteel]] ([[Steve Blum]])
*[[Skylynx]] ([[Nolan North]])

|nonumbering=true}}

==Episodes==
{{see|List of Prime episodes}}
===Season 1===
{{collist|3|
#[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]
#[[Darkness Rising, Part 2]]
#[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]
#[[Darkness Rising, Part 4]]
#[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]
#[[Masters & Students]]
#[[Scrapheap (episode)|Scrapheap]]
#[[Con Job]]
#[[Convoy (episode)|Convoy]]
#[[Deus ex Machina]]
#[[Speed Metal]]
#[[Predatory]]
#[[Sick Mind]]
#[[Out of His Head]]
#[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]
#[[Operation: Breakdown]]
#[[Crisscross]]
#[[Metal Attraction]]
#[[Rock Bottom]]
#[[Partners]]
#[[T.M.I.]]
#[[Stronger, Faster]]
#[[One Shall Fall]]
#[[One Shall Rise, Part 1]]
#[[One Shall Rise, Part 2]]
#[[One Shall Rise, Part 3]]
}}

===Season 2===
{{collist|3|
#[[Orion Pax, Part 1]]
#[[Orion Pax, Part 2]]
#[[Orion Pax, Part 3]]
#[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 1]]
#[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2]]
#[[Loose Cannons]]
#[[Crossfire]]
#[[Nemesis Prime (episode)|Nemesis Prime]]
#[[Grill]]
#[[Armada (episode)|Armada]]
#[[Flying Mind]]
#[[Tunnel Vision]]
#[[Triangulation]]
#[[Triage]]
#[[Toxicity]]
#[[Hurt]]
#[[Out of the Past]]
#[[New Recruit]]
#[[The Human Factor]]
#[[Legacy]]
#[[Alpha/Omega]]
#[[Hard Knocks]]
#[[Inside Job]]
#[[Patch (episode)|Patch]]
#[[Regeneration (Prime)|Regeneration]]
#[[Darkest Hour (episode)|Darkest Hour]]
}}
===Season 3: Beast Hunters===
{{collist|3|
#[[Darkmount, NV]]
#[[Scattered]]
#[[Prey (episode)|Prey]]
#[[Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion]]
#[[Project Predacon]]
#[[Chain of Command (Prime)|Chain of Command]]
#[[Plus One]]
#[[Thirst]]
#[[Evolution]]
#[[Minus One]]
#[[Persuasion]]
#[[Synthesis]]
#[[Deadlock]]
}}
===TV movie===
*[[Predacons Rising (Prime)|Predacons Rising]]

==Production==
[[Image:TFP montage poster.jpg|thumb|GET OFF MY FACE!!!]]
After the [[live-action film series]], screenwriters [[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]] signed to become show runners with [[Jeff Kline]] and [[Duane Capizzi]] of The Hub's ''Transformers'' cartoon, explaining the TV show would not have the constraints of a two-hour film in delving into the mythology.<ref name="botcon2011">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/botcon-2011-transformers-prime-panel-172315/ TFW coverage of Hasbro Studios panel at BotCon 2011]</ref> (Orci's employees [[Steven Puri]] and [[Mandy Safavi]] were also credited as producers.)<ref name="castcrewlist">[http://tformers.com/transformers-exclusive-transformers-prime-voice-cast-revealed-which-includes-the-rock/14278/news.html TFormers cast and crew announcement] including Dwayne Johnson exclusive.</ref> The show runners were given the "[[Binder of Revelation]]", a near 400-page [[production bible]] that [[Hasbro]] had been working on since the movies, that combined elements of the most popular [[continuity|continuities]].<ref>[http://collider.com/roberto-orci-jeff-kline-interview-transformers-prime/75039/ Collider transcript]</ref> The show's title was based on the desire to create a master continuity and a literal [[Wikipedia:Earth Prime|Prime continuity]].<ref name="botcon2011"/> Whereas the movies were about a [[Sam Witwicky|boy]] and his [[Bumblebee (Movie)|car]], the dynamic between the kids and the robots on the show was meant to be more like ''[[Wikipedia:The Iron Giant|The Iron Giant]]''.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21Pb3MeUDdY Roundtable interview with ''Prime'' staff at BotCon 2011]</ref>

The writing staff was headed by Capizzi, with [[Marsha Griffin]] as the story editor. The staff consists of [[Nicole Dubuc]], [[Joseph Kuhr]] and [[Steven Melching]]. Kline said they wanted the show to be very cinematic, with tension, suspense and danger (as marked by Cliffjumper's death in the pilot) as children are more media savvy than they were in the past. Regardless, they had to be considerate as the show still had a broad audience.<ref>[http://parrygamepreserve.com/newsDetail.php?jID=1642 PGP January 2011 Q&A]</ref> As part of the [[aligned continuity family]] with ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (franchise)| War for Cybertron]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Exodus|Exodus]]'', the producers strove to maintain many of the common elements (eg. Optimus and Megatron's past friendship, Dark Energon's origins as [[Unicron]]'s blood, [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] sharing his film counterpart's backstory), but were allowed contradictions if it served the storytelling. By using the mammoth story bible, the writers could plan events years in advance. The large number of episodes per season meant they could pace and establish characters during season 1 slowly, while saving the more momentous, less stand alone episodes that delved into the backstory for season 2. Some of the plot ideas (namely the [[Terrorcon (Prime)|zombie robots]]) were based on stories they came up with when playing with the [[The Transformers (toyline)|toys]] as kids.<ref name="botcon2011"/> [[Bob Skir]] has written some episodes.<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/9248/20/ Allspark.com coverage of Shout and Hasbro's "Evolution of Transformers Animation" panel at 2011's Comic-Con.]</ref>

Designers include [[Christophe Vacher]] (colors), [[Vince Toyama]] and [[Jevon Bue]] (backgrounds) and [[Jose Lopez]] (lead character designer). Vacher wanted to do something different from traditional animation and saw something edgy about ''Prime''.<ref name="botcon2011"/> According to [[Ken Christiansen]], the show's characters were formed by [[Hasbro Studios]] hiring freelance conceptual artists like himself. The submitted artwork was given Lopez's staff to be examined, and they incorporated the ideas they liked best.<ref>[http://badflipblog.blogspot.com/2010/08/me-and-transformers-prime.html August 2010 blog post by Ken Christiansen]</ref> Other concept artists include [[Augusto Barranco]] and [[Walter Gatus]].

Supervising director [[Dave Hartman]] headed a team including [[Todd Waterman]], [[Shaunt Nigoghossian]], [[Vinton Heuck]] and [[Kirk Van Wormer]]. [[Polygon Pictures]] provided the [[computer-generated imagery|CG animation]], for which [[Digitalscape]] performed a recruitment drive for before the show began production.<ref>[http://www.dsp.co.jp/pr/contents/000178.html Announcement on Digitalscape, also asking for job applicants.]</ref> Lopez said the animation would be a "groundbreaking mix of 2D animation and CGI".<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/san-diego-comic-con-33/jose-lopez-breaks-the-silence-talks-about-transformers-prime-at-san-diego-comic-con-2010-170217/ Jose Lopez speaks about Prime's animation style]</ref> Each character has three CG models: the robot mode, their alternate mode, and one for the transformation.<ref>[http://www.cybertron.ca/boards/showthread.php?t=29224 Cybertron.ca January 2011 Q&A]</ref> Lopez said the designs were personality driven, and that the 3D animation allowed them to go "crazy" with the transformation schemes. In contrast, the characters were given realistic textures,<ref>[http://www.asmzine.com/geekly-rewind/2011/02/07/hasbro-transformers-qa-bonus-round-answer/ ASM Geekly Rewind January 2011 Q&A]</ref> and are subject to battle damage during episodes.<ref name="botcon">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-prime-39/botcon-2010-transformers-prime-panel-coverage-170054/ Botcon 2010 Transformers Prime Panel Coverage]</ref> A show on the level of ''Prime'' would take two years to produce, but the animators only had ten months. Five episodes are animated at a time (hence the monthly gaps during the first season).<ref name="botcon2011"/>

The staff had three years of story planned, but while writing it became clear that the escalating storylines made it impossible to maintain self-contained episodes and they burned through those planned three years within the second season. The idea of incorporating Beasts into the third season was a late idea.<ref>[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2012/10/25/transformers-prime-producer-talks-beasts-mythology-michael-bay/ ‘Transformers: Prime’ producer talks Beasts, mythology, Michael Bay]</ref>

[[Susan Blu]] was the casting director, but was replaced as voice director by [[Jamie Simone]] following a death in her family.<ref>[http://tformers.com/transformers-sdcc-2010-the-hub-transformers-panel-1st-looks-at-prime-designs/13975/news.html Tformers.com's coverage of the SDCC Transformers Prime panel, July 22, 2010.]</ref> [[Brian Tyler]] composed the show's [[theme song]] and background music. [[Matthew Margeson]] served as music arranger.

==Awards and nominations==
===2011 Daytime Emmy Awards===
*Outstanding Performer In An Animated Program - [[Peter Cullen]] as [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]]
*Outstanding Directing In An Animated Program - [[Dave Hartman|David Hartman]], Supervising Director; [[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]; [[Todd Waterman]]; [[Vinton Heuck]]; [[Susan Blu]], Voice Director
*Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation - [[Vince Toyama]], Background Designer '''(WINNER)'''
*Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation - [[Christophe Vacher]], Colour Designer '''(WINNER)'''
*Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction And Composition - [[Brian Tyler]]
*Outstanding Writing In Animation - [[Duane Capizzi]], Writer/Producer; [[Steven Melching]]; [[Nicole Dubuc]]; [[Joseph Kuhr]]; [[Marsha Griffin]]

===2012 Daytime Emmy Awards===
*Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing (Animation) - Robbi Smith, Dialogue Editor, Robert Poole II, Sound Effects Editor, Roy Braverman, Foley Editor
*Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing (Animation) - Ray Leonard, Re-Recording Mixer, Mike Bieriger, Re-Recording Mixer
*Outstanding Special Class Animated Program - [[Roberto Orci]], [[Stephen J. Davis|Stephen Davis]], [[Shuzo Shiota]], [[Alex Kurtzman]], [[Jeff Kline]], [[Duane Capizzi]], [[Mandy Safavi]], [[Rafael Ruthchild]], [[Shinji Santoh]], [[Meiko Sato]], [[Therese Trujillo]] '''(WINNER)'''
*Outstanding Directing in an Animated Program - [[Dave Hartman|David Hartman]], [[Vinton Heuck]], [[Shaunt Nigoghossian]], [[Todd Waterman]], [[Jamie Simone]]
*Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation - [[Christophe Vacher]] '''(WINNER)'''<ref>[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-prime-wins-one-daytime-emmy-award-also-nominated-in-four-other-categories/24811/ Hub Press Release for 2012 Daytime Emmy Nominations] </ref>

===2013 Daytime Emmy Awards===
*Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation - [[Jason Park]], background design for "Orion Pax, Part 3". '''(WINNER)'''
*Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation - [[Arato Kato]], character animation for "Hard Knocks". '''(WINNER)'''
*Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation - [[Kirk Van Wormer]], storyboard art for "Nemesis Prime". '''(WINNER)'''

==Japanese release==
[[Image:JapPrimeCartoonLogo01.jpg|center|300px|]]

'''''Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Prime''''' (超ロボット生命体トランスフォーマープライム ''Chō Robot Seimeitai Transformers Prime'') began airing in Japan on [[TV Tokyo]] affiliate [[TV Aichi]], beginning [[April 7]], 2012, with an 8am Saturday morning timeslot (the same channel and timeslot as the previous two ''Transformers'' cartoons to air in Japan). It ended its 52 episode run on [[March 30]], 2013.

To reflect Takara's unique marketing strategy for the toyline—the prominent gimmick of the non-show [[Arms Micron]]s—the series included CGI-animated cartoon shorts starring those little robots, called "[[Arms Micron Theater]]", at the end of every episode. The shorts centered around the Arms Microns maintaining an undercover presence amongst the Autobots, who are not even aware that their weapons are alive.

Another additional segment titled "[[From the Cybertron Satellite, Transformers Division]]", hosted by the popular J-pop idol group, [[Tokyo Girls' Style]], was also tacked onto each episode. These segments featured the idol girls interacting with [[Vector Sigma]] in order to relay important facts about the ''Transformers'' franchise to the audience.

Due to the longer [[title sequence]] and end credits, as well as the two additional bonus segments, each episode had approximately three minutes of content removed for time constraints. Many of these edits were to reduce environment pans or establishing shots. However, as the show was reworked to appeal to a younger audience (as all Western ''Transformers'' cartoons are when localized for Japan), the violence during the fight sequences was edited for content.

Like all Japanese dubs of Western ''Transformers'' cartoons, transformation commands were added, such as shouting "Transform!" Additionally, whenever a character popped their weapon out of their hands/arms, they screamed "Arms Up!" Text was overlayed on the screen whenever a character first appeared in each episode, providing their name and function. In addition, promotional text for various ''Transformers''-specific campaigns from TakaraTomy scrolled by over the episode as things were happening, which could be kind of... distracting.

Like the dubs of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', ''Beast Wars Metals'', ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars Returns]]'' and ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'', the localization of ''Prime'' was headed up by [[Yoshikazu Iwanami]]. As is his way, Yoshikazu had the humor ratcheted up considerably. Self-aware, Fourth Wall-breaking jokes were added. An example occurs as early as the end of "[[Darkness Rising, Part 2]]", when the manipulator arm turns into a spider-like creature and starts crawling around. In the dub, Ratchet thinks he hears the audience telling him to watch his back, but brushes their concerns off as unimportant.

Characters were also fundamentally altered to be more humorously quirky. [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]], for example, was changed into something of a female [[Wikipedia:Pepe Le Pew|Pepe Le Pew]]; boy-crazy and single-mindedly amorous in her pursuit of [[Jack Darby (Prime)|Jack]]. As with Yoshikazu's previous efforts, adlibbing was utilized extensively to soften tension and suspense; the characters talk ''a lot''.

On [[August 12]], 2012, TV Tokyo aired the "[[Transformers Prime Perfect Transformation Late Night 2-Hour Special]]" hosted by [[Chisato Mori]], [[Nozomi Furuki]] and [[Yūki Tai]]. The special featured a recap of "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]" thru "[[Rock Bottom]]", brand new "From the Cybertron Satellite, Transformers Division" and "Arms Micron Theater" segments, various cast interviews and commentary, and a special comparison between the original English language version of "[[Predatory]]" and the radically different Japanese language version. <ref>http://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/toy/event/2012/tv-tokyo/ official TakaraTomy ad site for the TV special</ref>

The Japanese version of ''Prime'' only ran for 52 episodes (the first two seasons of the original English language version). "[[Darkest Hour (episode)|Darkest Hour]]" was edited and reworked to function as a series finale. This mainly involved rescripting the ending and cutting the cliffhanger so as to give the show a more positive, "happy" send off. The ''[[Beast Hunters]]'' era of the ''Prime'' franchise was rebranded by TakaraTomy as a new franchise, '''''[[Triple Combination: Transformers Go! (franchise)|Triple Combination: Transformers Go!]]'''''. While the ''Beast Hunters'' toys were marketed and sold in Japan, it is currently unknown when or if the remaining 13 episodes of ''Prime'' will be released in Japan.

The [[theme song]]s are:
*OP 1: "[[FEELING]]" by [[BIGBANG]]
*ED 1: "[[I Believe in All]]" by [[CLUTCHO]]
*OP 2: "[[TRANSFORMERZ]]" by [[m-flo]]
*ED 2: "[[A Little Bit]]" by [[CLUTCHO]]
*OP 3: "TRANSFORMERZ (version 2.0)" by [[m-flo]]
*ED 3: "[[Discord (song)|Discord]]" by [[Tokyo Girls' Style]]

==Home video releases==
{{main|Transformers: Prime (cartoon)/home video}}
;United States
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Darkness Rising (2011)<ref>[http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Transformers-Prime-Darkness-Rising/15916 Press release: Transformers Prime - 'Darkness Rising', the Newest Program's Original 5-Part Mini-Series, Announced!]</ref>
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Includes 3 episodes (2011)<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-prime-39/special-transformers-prime-dvd-released-at-walmart-173588/ Transformers Prime DVD released at Walmart]</ref>
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Season One (2012)<ref>[http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Transformers-Prime-Season-1-Press-Release/16300]</ref>
*''Transformers: Prime'' - One Shall Stand (2012)<ref>http://www.amazon.com/Transformers-Prime-One-Shall-Stand/dp/B007RMQ4H2</ref>
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Season Two (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Dawn of the Beast (2013)
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Season Three (2013)

;Germany
*''Transformers: Prime'' #1 - Die dunkle Macht erhebt sich (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #2 - Meister und Schüler (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #3 - Nur dieses eine Mal (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #4 - Die vierte Dimension (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #5 - Metallische Anziehung (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #6 - Die Prophezeiung (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' Staffel 1 (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #7 - Orion Pax (2013)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #8 - Der falsche Prime (2013)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #9 - Angriff auf Megatron (2013)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #10 - Bulkheads Mission (2013)
*''Transformers: Prime'' #11 - Die Omega-Schlüssel (2013)

;Australia
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Volume 1: Darkness Rising (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Volume 2: Unfamiliar Enemies (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Volume 3: Alien Threat (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Volume 4: Strength in Numbers (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Volume 5: One Shall Fall, One Shall Rise (2012)
*''Transformers: Prime'' - Season 2, Volume 1: Orion Pax (2013) <ref>http://www.madman.com.au/series/home/17523</ref>

==Soundtrack==
{{main|Transformers Prime: Music from the Animated Series}}

==Notes==
*Unlike most ''Transformers'' shows, episodes do not have an episode title card. Episode titles are from [[The Hub]] website.
*The series has also been advertised as '''''Transformers: Prime - The Animated Series'''''.
*The show was said to be "rightfully huge" at the [[BotCon 2010]] panel.<ref name="tformersbotcon10">[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=13779 BotCon 2010 - Hasbro Studios Panel - Bucket Head is Back!]</ref> Later, at the Hasbro designers' panel, the [[Thirteen|Thirteen original Transformers]] were described as being "rightfully huge".<ref>[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=13797 BotCon 2010 Hasbro designers' panel.]</ref>
*Executive Producer [[Jeff Kline]] confirmed they have talked about producing a theatrical ''Prime'' film.<ref>[http://tformers.com/transformers-botcon-2011-transformers-prime-interview-with-executive-producer-jeff-kline/15863/news.html TFormers BotCon 2011 interview with Kline]</ref>
*With 65 episodes, ''Transformers: Prime'' is the second-longest run of any ''Transformers'' series after the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original series]] from the 1980s, which ran for 98 episodes.<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/03/01/transformers-prime-cancelled-canceled-series-ending-with-season-3]</ref>

==Footnotes==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://www.hubnetwork.com/shows/transformers-prime Hub Network page]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3iKDbKQwKI&feature=related Behind the scenes video]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Prime (cartoon)}}
[[Category: Prime media]]
[[Category: Television series]]