MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Alliance

2022-01-31T00:06:12Z

PownicMania: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{disambig3|Alliance}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=49
|prev=Cramp
|next=Union
|title="Alliance"
|furigana=ゆにくろん
|japanese=覚醒
|romaji=Unicron
|translation=Awakening: Unicron
|image=Unicronalliance.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-49
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|director=[[Masayuki Motsumoto]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 30]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[December 5]], 2003 (Japanese) [[December 9]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Starscream's sacrifice spurs the Autobots and the Decepticons to join forces. But Unicron awakens...'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Sshot-arm-494-remains.jpg|left|thumb|You failed, your highness. I'm a Jedi, like my father before me...yeah...]]
[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] is astonished to hear about the truce between the two armies and asks if [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] is functioning. [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] is disgusted that they're doing this simply because the traitorous [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] asked that they do it, but then suggests that they simply use the idea of a truce to ambush the [[Autobot]]s. Outraged, Galvatron makes Cyclonus respect his authority with the usual amount of physical punishment. Galvatron is upset at how poorly things have turned out, but Starscream's sacrifice has convinced him: they're going to ally with the Autobots...for now in order to stop [[Unicron]]. Galvatron went far stating of the reasons of why Starscream rebelled against him in the first place, calling him a true soldier.

[[File:Sshot-arm-491-ships.jpg|thumb|Not all Autobot spaceships know how to swim.]]
Seeing Galvatron's point of the crisis, the rest of the [[Decepticon]]s agree to the truce, except for Cyclonus, who is still disgusted by this. Inside of Unicron, [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] plan their inevitable victory and conquest of the universe. The power of the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] allows Unicron to shed the remains of his moon-disguise shell. The dark god hovers over [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], sucking up parts of the terrain. Both armies evacuate the surface, assisted by the [[Mini-Con]] swarm.

In a ceremonial procedure, Galvatron and his Decepticons meet with [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots for a handshake to seal the truce. The leaders shake hands, and [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] also grabs on as his way of representing the allegiance of the Mini-Cons. The kids observe this, astonished that it's actually happening. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] begins to tear up and when [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] asks her if she's all right, she says she was just remembering Starscream and how he would have loved to see this happening for himself. Forming a single front, the Autobot/Decepticon [[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|armada]] heads towards Unicron. The first volley of fire does no damage against their enemy. Two larger ships perform reconnaissance and are blasted, so a team of [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]], Demolishor, and Cyclonus (and some others) are sent in, based on a theory that smaller ships will elude Unicron's detection. On Unicron's surface, Cyclonus and the generics fly away to break stuff, and Demolishor leaves to avoid Hot Shot, leaving the two Autobots by themselves.

[[File:Alliance Redshirts.jpg|thumb|left|Balls of DOOOOM!!!!]]
Unicron's geography shifts and folds, disturbing his visitors and causing Demolishor to lose [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]]. From the base, Galvatron suggests another attack, which Optimus Prime makes sure won't harm the recon crew, who have their hands full fighting against swarms of [[Dead End Drone]]s. Demolishor saves Cyclonus from falling into a fissure, while the Autobots assist their begrudging allies. Demolishor saves Side Swipe from falling into another fissure, and Hot Shot thanks the Decepticon by re-uniting Demolishor with Blackout—a tender moment. Optimus and Galvatron arrive to bring the group home.

From a distance, the armada witnesses Unicron complete his transformation into [[robot mode]], ready to devour the planet.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (17)
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (18)
* [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (19)
* [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (20)
* [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (21)
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (22)
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (23)
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (25)
* Generic Autobots

|c2=
* [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (2)
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (3)
* [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (4)
* [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (5)
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (6)
* Generic Decepticons

|c3=
* [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (9)
* [[Rad White|Rad]] (13)
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (14)
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (15)
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (16)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
* [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (10)
* [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (11)
* [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (12)
* [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (24)
* [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (26)
* [[Dead End Drone]]s (27)

|h5=Other|c5=
* [[Unicron]] (1)
* [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (7)
* [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Jetfire Shake Hands.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Believe it or not, this ''is'' the correct [[scale]] between the two characters.]]

"Right now, all I can think about is the comrade we lost. Sure, he challenged my authority in a failed coup attempt, and even though Starscream was a traitor, he never lost sight of his oath to the Decepticons. He was a true soldier, unlike most of ''you''!"
:—'''Galvatron''' defends Starscream's memory from the jibes of the other Decepticons.

'''Demolishor:''' "I'm only doing this because I'm following Galvatron's orders." 
'''Cyclonus:''' "Ha! I can't believe I'm fighting for harmony! What a load of bunk! I'm a lean, mean, fighting machine! Hahahaha!" 
'''Side Swipe:''' "I gotta work with this guy? I'm not so sure about this."
:—The truce gets off to a shaky start.

"Tidal Wave..." 
"Uh...nice meetin' ya."
:—'''Tidal Wave''' and '''Jetfire''' shaking hands.

"I can't believe I just saved Prime!"
:—An incredulous '''Galvatron''' after he destroys a cannon targeted at Optimus Prime.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*At the start of the episode, Demolishor and Cyclonus question Galvatron's decision to join the Autobots without moving their mouths. This is due to the dub extending their lines, as in the original they didn't speak during the shot where their faces are shown.
*The original has Demolishor lamenting Starscream's death, while in the ''Armada'' he claims he was a traitor who got what he deserved.
*In ''Amrada'' Hot Shot tells Demolishor to be quiet even though the latter just says he doesn't want to get shot by Unicron. ''Legends of the Microns'' just has Demolishor's saying that the Autobots sound overly optimistic, with Hot Shot's responding with "What was that?!"

===Animation and technical errors===
*Strangely, some errors present are exclusive to ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' actually fixes them. Granted, it's a ''very'' small number and the episode is otherwise the same animation wise, but still odd, especially since it's ''always'' the opposite. This is the only episode of the entire cartoon that has this quirk, so guess someone must've messed up which version to broadcast. This includes:
**When Galvatron delivers his speech after punching Cyclonus, Wheeljack is colored like [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]]. ''Armada'' has him colored properly (albeit with the red eyes remaining). However, in a later shot when the Decpticons are running, Wheeljack is once again incorrectly colored with Sparkplug's palette.
**When Galvatron shoots at Unicron, his blaster is incorrectly colored white. ''Armada'' fixes this by making it the proper black dark gray and yellow.
**When the Autobots and Decepticons go to Unicron with their pods, the former faction seemingly stop in the air when they are trying to land. ''Armada'' fixes this by making them actually land on the ground.
*At several points throughout the opening scene, the Decepticons are all drawn with hideously faulty character models with poor proportions and lack of detail.
*As the Decepticons prepare to launch the ship to escape from Unicron's gravitational pull, generic Decepticons using [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]], [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]], and the [[Air Military Mini-Con Team]]'s [[character model]]s are standing in the ship's hangar bay.
*The [[Race Mini-Con Team|Race Team Mini-Con]] Mirage appears among the Mini-Cons there, but he should be with Thrust inside Unicron by now, as the traitorous Decepticon had stolen the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] several episodes earlier. However, this could be just another case of model reuse.
*Several of the Mini-Cons protecting the ''Axalon'' and the Autobot fleet during the lift-off from Cybertron use Generation 1 character models instead of Mini-Con character models.
*The four generic Decepticons on the mission to Unicron change colour between each shot.
*When Jet Optimus attacks the Dead End Drones surrounding Hot Shot and Demolishor's recon team, the laser blast comes from in front of the first drone destroyed, rather than behind (the direction from which Prime is coming).
*Unless [[size changing]] occurs when Galvatron and Tidal Wave combine, there's no way Galvatron should be able to pick up Demolishor and Cyclonus with each hand.
*When shaking hands with Tidal Wave, Jetfire's wings are shortened to just above his head. This is possibly to continue the tradition of exaggerating Tidal Wave's size.
**Oddly, despite the change in length of his wings, the characters are drawn to be in accurate [[scale]] with one another.

===Continuity notes===
*Despite destroying Starscream for firing upon him in the previous episode, Unicron doesn't seem to mind Galvatron doing exactly the same thing.
*Assuming the episode was entirely in real-time, Unicron's transformation took close to seven minutes.
*The three Mini-Con super weapons are used to fully restore Unicron's power. Guess the Mini-Cons really are Unicron's cells.
*Unicron's innards appear to be [[technorganic]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Unicron fires lasers from the chunks on the right side of his planet mode (the ones that house the Mini-Con gimmick to fire the leg missiles on the toy).
**Mid-transformation, Unicron uses his shoulder/planet horns to fire an energy beam at Jet Optimus.
**The inside of Hot Shot's shin apparently has hollow space, big enough to store a Mini-Con. As an added piece of toy acurracy, his shins open on the transformation hinges of his toy.
**Unicron has a surface-based turret he uses to try to shoot Optimus in the back.

===Continuity errors===
*Cyclonus is in danger of falling into a hole, having apparently forgotten that ''he can fly'', which he was doing ''moments before''. It's possible that he's just that stupid, but not likely.

===Transformers references===
*Several parts of Unicron's transformation sequence are a visual homage to his transformation in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

===Trivia===
[[File:Armada decepticons alliance.jpg|thumb|Galvatron...Emperor Palpatine...What's the difference?]]
*The English version of "Alliance" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 9]], 2003.
*Various cameos appear in the hand-shaking scene, including [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and a palette-swapped [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] of the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]].
*The generic Decepticons sent to Unicron to assist the named characters have Generation 1 character models (namely [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] and [[Buster (G1)|Buster]]) but with radically different color schemes. They totally {{w|Redshirt (character)|all died}}.
*Various [[generic]] Mini-Cons use the Generation 1 [[Throttlebot]] designs.
*Unicron's transformation sequence, while homaging the Generation 1 version of the sequence, also transforms accurately to the toy.
*Yes, the combined forces of Autobots, Decepticons, and Mini-Cons is what the "Armada" in the title of the series stands for.
*According to ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'':
**Cyclonus saying that fighting is the only thing makes him feel alive might be one of his few highlights.
**The time during the making of these last episodes were particularly difficult. Everyone was desperate for the final episode to be finished and only such a difficult thing was remembered.
***[[Munetaka Abe]] was busy with animating Starscream's death in "[[Cramp]]", Unicron's transformation in this episode, Overload's robot mode in "[[Union]]", and being the animation director for "[[Mortal Combat]]". When commenting on Unicron's transformation, Abe stated he used quite a bit of motion tweeks so that the animation didn't take too much time to work on. It was hard but he had a lot of fun.
***[[Hidehito Ueda]] was troubled with the storyboards for "[[Portent]]", "[[Union]]", and "[[Mortal Combat]]", while [[Takeshi Sano]] and [[Masami Nagata]] worked as the storyboarder and animation director respectively for "[[Drift (episode)|Drift]]" and "[[Origin]]".

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mit vereinten Kräften'''" ("With Joint Forces")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 13|13 January]] [[2004]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Felderítés'''" ("Recon")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Aliança'''" ("Alliance")

==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 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]]

Drift (episode)

2022-01-25T04:00:37Z

PownicMania: /* Continuity notes */

{{disambig3|Drift}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=46
|prev=Dash (episode)
|next=Portent
|title="Drift"
|furigana=しんじつ
|japanese=運命
|romaji=Shinjitsu
|translation=Fate: Truth
|image=driftepisode.jpg
|caption=It's ''Armada''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Wolverine.
|production code=TF: A-46
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]
|director=[[Hidehito Ueda]], [[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.)
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 27]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[November 14|14 November]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[November 28]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Everybody's hunt for Thrust leads to the revelation of the truth behind the Mini-Cons.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Screenshot-arm-47-1.jpg|left|thumb|It's a very "Gundam" moment.]]
With [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] gone, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] orders [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] to find the traitorous [[Decepticon]] who stole both the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom]] shield and the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]. He disregards the [[Autobot]]s' activities and commands all his resources to hunt Thrust down. [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] and [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] are already on Thrust's trail.

Meanwhile, the Autobots are having difficulty getting the soldiers to withdraw from their fortifications. The soldiers are reluctant to let the threat of [[Unicron]] trivialize all the work they've done to try to take back the planet.

[[File:Screenshot-arm-47-2.jpg|thumb|This is when [[fan fiction|fanfics]] happen.]]

[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] walks in on [[Rad White|Rad]] having a shower. Rad considers how much of a major difference in their lives it made to meet the [[Mini-Con]]s, and he speculates it might have been part of a larger design, based on a strange feeling he might have met [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] in the past. Carlos dismisses the theory entirely.

[[File:Drift kids hide from Decepticon.jpg|left|thumb|"As usual, this is a six-person infiltration mission." 
"Weapons and equipment OSP?" 
"Yes. This is a top-secret black op. Don't expect any official support."]]

Hot Shot and Wheeljack radio the news about Thrust to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], and High Wire sees on the video that the tunnels the two Autobots are venturing through are the same tunnels where the Mini-Cons were created. After disconnecting, Hot Shot and Wheeljack also notice the suspicious organic nature of the caverns. [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] also hounds Thrust on his own. The three kids, donning their color-coded space suits, also head to the same tunnels, guided by Rad's gut instinct.

The first to locate Thrust is Starscream, so Thrust offers Starscream a job under Unicron. Starscream declines the offer and then he hears [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] call out his name, indicating the kids have arrived. Noticing the kids, Thrust points the Requiem Blaster at them, threatening to shoot. Starscream attempts to stop him, but Thrust turns back to him and fires a shot from the Requiem Blaster, blowing Starscream into the distance. Alexis calls out his name in fear and in the blaze of light from the blast...

:''A younger Rad awakens on his mother's lap in the family car. Rad inquires about where the [[Transformer]]s are, but the parents dismiss his ramblings. High Wire's voice calls Rad's consciousness to another point in time.''

[[File:Screenshot-arm-47-4.jpg|thumb|Bradley's mom has got it goin' on.]]

:''In mysteriously colorful caves, the three kids see Hot Shot's body strapped to the terrain. Hot Shot doesn't identify the kids, but just mentions that the Mini-Cons were created by Unicron's cells. He brings their attention to other Transformers, lying dormant and embedded into the walls of the mysterious cavern, even the Decepticons. As Rad deduces that he and his friends have gone millions of years into the past, Alexis is creeped out. Hot Shot's body begins to be absorbed into the cavern, and there's another flash of time.''

:''The three kids witness several Mini-Cons emerge from glowing eggs, knowing they're watching the Mini-Cons being created by Unicron. Rad sees High Wire, but when he tries to speak to his friend, all he receives is a mind's glimpse at Unicron. Rad, creating a kind of "bootstrap" paradox, instructs the Mini-Cons to find their way to [[Earth]]. High Wire reads a few images of Earth from Rad's mind.''

Starscream's life is saved by time reversing just a bit as the kids' minds return to the present. Seizing the second chance, the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] combine and save Starscream's life, giving him a brief window to get close enough to be in no danger from the Requiem Blaster. An upwards shot alerts the two exploring Autobots to the location of the battle and brings the cavern down, letting Thrust get away while Starscream protects the children.

Once the debris from the cavern stops falling, Alexis thanks Starscream. He smiles warmly at her and takes off after Thrust, continuing his hunt. High Wire speaks with Rad, validating Rad's theory that he had met the Mini-Cons before meeting on Earth. Hot Shot and Wheeljack arrive and are astounded to hear what Hot Shot had told the kids millions of years before.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (4)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (6)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (7)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (9)
*Autobot soldier (10)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (11)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (23)

|c2=
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (2)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (5)
*Decepticon soldier #1 (16)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (17)
*Decepticon soldier #2 (22)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (26)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (12)
*[[Rad White]] (13)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (18)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (20)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (21)
*[[Rad White's parents|Rad's mother]] (24)
*[[Rad White's parents|Rad's father]] (25)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (14)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (15)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (19)
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (27)
|h5=Other|c5=
*[[Unicron]] (28) (silhouette)
}}

==Quotes==
"Be careful, Hot Shot! I almost bought the big one here!" 
"Aw, it's not too bad." ''[falls down hole]''
:—'''Wheeljack'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s warning goes ignored by '''Hot Shot''', to the latter's peril.

"I'd rather fight and die than follow the likes of you and Unicron."
:—'''Starscream''' refuses '''Thrust's''' offer with a furmanism.

"Who would have thought the Mini-Cons were created by Unicron's cells?"
:—'''Past Hot Shot''' spoils the show's big twist for anyone waiting to see it.

"So much for evolution, but one time we were told we could use them. But instead, we were the ones who were being used."
:—'''Past Hot Shot''' savors the irony.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
{{stub}}

===Animation and technical errors===
*When the kids see the dead Transformers in the alternate world, Optimus is correctly shown in his Cybertronian form (since he never came to Earth), but his chest is colored white instead of red. Meanwhile, Megatron is in his Cybertronian body in the long shot, but in his Earth model in the close-up.
*The alternate Hot Shot says, "So much for evolution" when addressing using the Mini-Cons. As "Evolution" is the Japanese term for Powerlinking, this could be a mistranslation.

===Continuity notes===
*Rad met High Wire before he and the other Mini-Cons arrived on Earth four million years ago as the latter's time skip powers shows, explaining why the ''[[Exodus (Armada)|Exodus]]'' journeyed to Earth when the show began, and how the kids can understand their Mini-Con partners when they speak.
*This episode marks the first time Starscream and Alexis meet since he rejoined the Decepticons.
*Gadgets and powers:
**High Wire has time skip and alternate reality abilities activated after Thrust blasts Starscream with the Requiem Blaster.

===Continuity errors===
*The recap dialogue at the start of the episode doesn't match that of the same events shown in [[Dash (episode)|the previous episode]].
*If the Autobots had [[Depart|no intention of bringing the humans along]] when building the ''Axalon'' and only agreed at the last moment, why is there a human-sized shower on board?
*Despite Rad's understanding they've gone into the past, the scene with Hot Shot and the other Transformers makes more sense as being in an alternate-timeline present where Rad never interacted with High Wire in the next scene/on Earth. Considering Hot Shot mentions that the Mini-Cons turned on the [[Transformer]]s. If the Transformers were all dead, why were they active in the present, unless they had their memories erased and reactivated, which would almost make sense considering how Unicron functions. My God, I've gone cross-eyed.

===Transformers references===
*The tunnels under [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s surface have cables and vines "[[technorganic|fused in organic material]]."

===Trivia===
*The Autobot arguing with Hoist has [[Lander]]'s character model with a different color scheme.
*Minus the wings, [[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]]'s character model turns up as one of the Decepticons searching for the kids.
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'':
**[[Takeshi Sano]] explains that this episode's events was one of the hardest parts to do and apologizes for the story being a bit difficult to understand.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Zurück in die Vergangenheit'''" ("Back to the Past")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 18|18 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Visszatérés'''" ("Return")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Impulso'''" ("Impulse")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 12 ([[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]]

First Encounter

2021-12-30T17:25:49Z

PownicMania: /* Trivia */

{{disambig2|the ''Armada'' cartoon episode|the ''Armada'' comic story|First Encounter!}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=1
|prev=
|next=Metamorphosis (Armada)
|title="First Encounter"
|furigana=であい
|japanese=遭遇
|romaji=Deai
|translation=Encounter
|image=FirstEncounter_Prime.jpg
|caption=Just look at that thousand light-year stare.
|production code=TF: A-01
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]
|director=[[Hidehito Ueda]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[August 23]], [[2002]] (English) [[January 10|10 January]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''Three ordinary children find themselves faced with robotic visitors from another world and an extraterrestrial war on their own planet.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Firstenccybertron.JPG|left|155px|thumb|Cybertronian architecture was greatly influenced by the Inebriation Movement.]]
''Eons ago, the Transformers were sent out as explorers by a "[[Primus|unique digital entity]]." One of the first planets they inhabited was [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. But the Transformers warred with one another over tiny robots named [[Mini-Con]]s, used as tools to boost power. Eventually, an internal protocol awakened the Mini-Cons, and they joined forces to resist domination by either [[Autobot]]s or [[Decepticon]]s. After a long war, the Autobots and Decepticons called a truce. A [[Exodus (Armada)|craft]] was constructed for the Mini-Cons and blasted into space to stop them from being used in another war. It traveled for millions of years until it collided with a [[Moon (moon)| Moon]]; damaged, it crashed to the surface of [[Earth|the Moon's parent planet]]. The Mini-Cons lay dormant for millions of years as the planet's terrain shifted and changed around them...''

In the present day, a boy named [[Rad White|Rad]] narrates, introducing himself and his friend [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]]. They race to school (Rad wins) and meet a schoolmate named [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]]. Rad asks her if she wants to come with them to explore a cave, but she rejects him. They then meet and argue with two boys named [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]]. They then head to class for the day. So far, an ordinary day.

[[File:Firstenclight.JPG|left|155px|thumb|"Darn it, Rad. Your nightlight is ''way'' too bright!"]]
After school, Rad and Carlos race up the mountain to the cave. Billy and Fred follow them using a locator stuck to Rad's bike. The boys head into the cave, using a rope and a trail of rocks to mark their path. Billy and Fred follow them at a distance and accidentally destroy part of the rock trail; soon, they become lost after being scared by some bats. While advancing deep into the cave, Carlos treads on a stone plate by accident. It begins to slide downwards, with the boys rapidly riding on top. At the bottom, the boys find themselves in a strange artificial building of an unknown purpose. There they discover a glowing green stone, in reality, a [[Mini-Con storage panel]], and Rad picks it up, activating a beacon that causes an earthquake.

[[File:Firstenccybertron2.JPG|155px|thumb|"When you wish upon a staaaaaar... makes no difference who you aaaaaaare..." "Strafe, those are LASERS." "Oh."]]
Alexis notices the earthquake and heads off to investigate the cave. The beacon disables the Space Research Center's computers. The beacon then fires out of the cave in three parts, one red, one purple, and one green. The green portion activates the Moon's spaceship wreckage, causing Mini-Con panels across the Earth to activate. The other two parts alert the Autobots and Decepticons on Cybertron to the location of the Mini-Cons. The best warriors of the opposing sides teleport to Earth to seek the Mini-Cons.

[[File:Firstencmegs.JPG|left|155px|thumb|Hey you! The worst of your nightmares is coming!]]
Back on Earth, the earthquake is over. Rad and Carlos exit the cave safe and sound. Suddenly, they see a strange purple halo in the sky. Then the warp gate opens with a gigantic robot inside: [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. At this moment, Alexis shows up and tells the boys not to panic, but it is too hard for them. When Megatron moves towards Rad, the boy drops the panel; it activates, and [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] emerges. High Wire scans Rad's bike and reformats himself to transform into a bicycle. The three kids ride High Wire to try and escape Megatron, but Megatron flicks a boulder at them, knocking them off the Mini-Con. Megatron blocks their path, claiming High Wire belongs to him and demanding they return High Wire to him or else. But suddenly, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|another giant robot]] teleports in, and the two giants square off in battle.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (9)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (8)

|c3=
* [[Rad White]] (1)
* [[Carlos Lopez]] (2)
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (3)
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (4)
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (5)
* Homeroom teacher (6)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
* [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (7)
}}

==Quotes==
"Hey, we were just wondering if you wanted to come with us after school. We're heading up the mountain to scope out this wicked cave we found..." 
"Sorry guys, but I'm gonna have to take a rain check. I've got a math test, and I told my mom I'd come straight home. So for the last time, the answer's no!"
:—'''Alexis''' uses the old "math test" excuse to blow off '''Rad'''.

'''Rad''': "Is it just me, or do you get the distinct feeling that Little Miss Stuck-Up dissed us big time?" 
'''Alexis''': "I hope you realize I heard that Rad!" 
'''Carlos''': "I tell you, man; there's just no winning when it comes to girls, is there?"
:—'''Rad''' and '''Carlos''' learn the eternal truth; women are difficult to comprehend.

"Would you hurry up? They've probably gone home already!" 
"Hey! You don't have to yell at me. I got feelings too, ya know! I-I'm trying my hardest, but no, nothing's ever good enough for you!" 
"Aw, quit your bellyaching!" 
"My therapist says I don't have to take this from you because you're not the boss of me! Besides, I'm getting hungry again."
:—'''Billy''' and '''Fred''' arrive at the cave Rad and Carlos are exploring.

"Ah, it would have had more fun if I'd brought my sister."
:—'''Billy''' reflects on the company he keeps.

'''Megatron:''' "You have something of mine." 
'''Alexis:''' "We have what?" 
'''Megatron:''' "Give it back ''immediately'', or you shall suffer the consequences." 
'''Rad:''' "Oh...great." 
'''Megatron:''' "I have given you your chance, Earthling."
:—Megatron giving chances?! Unthinkable!

[[File:FirstEncounter-Round One FIGHT!.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|{{w|Robot Wars (TV series)|Robot Wars}} has ''nothing'' on these two.]]
"''Stand down'', Megatron!"
:—The line that made a room full of fans cheer at [[BotCon 2002]], as '''Optimus Prime''' appears.
{{-}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*The opening scene narration is ''Armada''-exclusive. Consequently, the Japanese dub doesn't mention the Transformers' origins or the "unique digital entity," and there's no talk of a truce between the Autobots and Decepticons. Instead, we hear a real-time dialogue taking the form of radio chatter, clarifying that we see a battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. The former tries to keep the latter back until the Mini-Cons' ship can warp away to safety. The ''Armada'' narrator also says the Mini-Cons' ship takes millions of years to arrive at Earth, where ''Legends of the Microns'' indicates the journey is immediate.
*The aerial view of Earth's changing topography closing the opening sequence is cut down and sped up in ''Armada''.
*Aside from some laughing and whooping, the scene of Rad and Carlos heading for school is silent in ''Legends of the Microns'', lacking the narration that describes them. Instead, Rad introduces himself to the audience in the later narration about the [[Cosmoscope Research Center]]. Furthermore, the boys racing to school and bumping fists over Rad's victory is the ''Armada'' interpretation of the scene. Their "brofisting" in the Japanese dub is about them finally being ready to do something they reveal later.
*Rad doesn't mention he and Carlos finding a cave when talking to Alexis and instead says they have something interesting planned. Then Alexis says she's too busy to play with the boys and apologizes. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad talks about how Alexis was closer to them and "played in the mud" with them when they were younger, and Carlos says she's now spending all her time studying to become president. ''Armada'' has Rad and Carlos grumbling about being dissed and not understanding girls. Then Alexis calls back to them sarcastically as she walks away; she says nothing in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Billy and Fred spout fairly generic "bully" dialogue in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', they specifically make teasing inquiries about Rad and Carlos's plan, recalling the last time they explored the woods. Billy mentions a landslide by the back of a hill a while ago and says Rad and Carlos will face punishment if they don't have permission to go there. According to Fred, they seemingly get punished frequently but never learn their lesson, prompting Carlos to demand that Fred stop feigning innocence. Throughout the episode, ''Armada'' makes Billy more hostile towards Fred while Fred is far more pathetic and food-obsessed; these exaggerated traits define them for the rest of ''Armada'', while ''Legends of the Microns'' gives them more intelligent moments here and there.
*Rad thinking Alexis likes him but is playing hard to get is ''Armada''-exclusive. Unlike ''Armada'', Rad's introductory narration in ''Legends of the Microns'' actually sets up the episode's plot; he reveals having plans with Carlos that day but, unknown to them, they'd "trigger an outrageous situation." Rad whispering to Alexis and her response are both only faintly heard.
*Instead of asking Rad if he's excited about going up the mountain, Carlos asks if they're ready, and Rad assures him they are, with most of ''Armada'''s filler dialogue between them as they leave removed.
*In ''Armada'', Fred's locator was a gift; in ''Legends of the Microns'', it's called a ''transmitter'' instead, which Fred says he took from his dad without asking. The Japanese dub also removes Fred's "glandular problem" line.
*After entering the cave, Rad asks how deeper it goes before asking Carlos if they have enough rope, to which Carlos replies they do. Carlos's dialogue about the rope is removed, and the later shot of Billy noticing it is also silent.
*When they arrive at the cave, Fred complains about being tired and hungry and wants to go home. He claims it's not in his nature to enjoy exploring and that it's something Billy is better suited at than him. The POV shot of Fred pointing at Rad's bike is silent. Then Billy guesses Rad and Carlos were planning to go spelunking. Fred asks if they should go home, but Billy calls Fred an idiot and says they're going after the others. In ''Armada'', Billy rags on Fred for being a wuss.
*The following scene with Rad and Carlos is primarily silent as Rad's dialogue while making the rock arrow is reduced, so is his subsequent talk with Carlos.
*''Legends of the Microns'' mentions Rad's love and knowledge of the outdoors more than ''Armada'' as Carlos asks if Rad loves outdoor exploring, and Rad answers yes. After faintly hearing Fred's voice later, Rad tells Carlos it was probably the wind since that's how it makes an echoing sound.
*Fred's childhood phobia of dark places dialogue is now him being afraid of getting lost, leading to Billy reminding him about the rope before seeing it run out. Then Fred insists they turn back, and Billy demands him to stop joking around. While stomping on the rock arrow and ruining it, Billy repeatedly swears and asks where Rad and Carlos went before continuing onward, sounding angrier than he does in ''Armada''. Billy's only source of frustration in the scene in ''Armada'' is Fred's endless whining.
*After hearing Billy and Fred scream, Carlos doubts it's the wind, and Rad agrees with him. Then Carlos wants to turn back to be sure and tells Rad to accompany him.
*Carlos's line about him and Rad opening a hidden shaft leading to the chamber is now him guessing that he lost his Maglite, prompting Rad to bring out the torch. In ''Armada'', the following shot of the boys looking at the ruins fades to black after Rad's line almost instantly. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad's line now has an echo effect, and after the zoom-out, the shot holds for a second before cutting to black instead of fading.
*After the mid-episode [[commercial bumper]], Rad repeats his last line. Then Carlos calls the sight incredible and says it's now like another world in the cave. Instead of calling out to anyone possibly living there, Rad and Carlos decide to explore further, concluding they've found a wrecked spaceship sooner than in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', it's silent from Carlos descending the stairs to Rad finding the Mini-Con panel. The Japanese dub removes Carlos's line about the panel looking radioactive, and Rad asks what it is in a lower and more hesitant tone. The scene of the ruined ship becoming active again is silent.
*Alexis's internal dialogue as she goes to Mount Astrogate is changed to wondering what awakened underneath the mountain.
*Rad and Carlos's dialogue as they escape the cave is more frantic than in ''Armada''. As Megatron appears, Carlos's line about things getting freaky again is removed. Instead of sounding like he's stretching, Megatron roars in the Japanese dub, making his presence known loud and proud.
*In ''Armada'', Alexis babbles a list of instructions about keeping still, so Megatron doesn't spot Rad and Carlos. In ''Legends of the Microns'', she distressingly asks about Megatron and why the boys are at Mount Astrogate since she's merely investigating the earthquake.
*Instead of just agreeing to jump on High Wire as he does in ''Armada'', Carlos wonders ''how'' three people can fit on a bike, with the jump-cut to the kids piled on intended as a comedic moment in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis reacts to High Wire's transformation by saying they should name him "Wheelie," the character's Japanese name. This line would make no sense with High Wire's English name, so ''Armada'' replaces it with Alexis hoping the Mini-Con can outpace Megatron. Then ''Armada'' has Carlos brag that Megatron can't catch them, and Alexis quips about Carlos speaking too soon. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos, agreeing with Alexis on High Wire's name, cheers for the Mini-Con to go faster before shouting that Megatron is after them.
*Megatron dramatically identifies High Wire as a Mini-Con, and the kids are amazed when he speaks. In ''Armada'', he demands they return "something" to him, and that's about it. In ''Armada'', Megatron threatens the kids' lives, but he only commands them to return High Wire to him in the Japanese dub. In ''Armada'', Alexis asks what Megatron is talking about, and Rad later exclaims in frustration. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos speaks instead of Alexis, and Rad questions what Megatron means by "Mini-Con."
*When Optimus appears, ''Armada'' plays the show's [[theme song]] for the rest of the episode, but ''Legends of the Microns'' plays the track "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Charge!]]."
*Both Megatron and Optimus's voices have an added echo effect, making their voices sound disembodied. Just before charging at Optimus, Megatron says, "Why you!"
*In ''Armada'', Rad blames himself for the Transformers coming to Earth in his ending narration; however, he believes that he, Alexis, and Carlos, are all responsible in ''Legends of the Microns''. The English version might be the correct one in this case, but the Japanese version is still debatable.

===Animation and technical errors===
*In the opening, the narrator uses light-years as a time measurement unit when it's a ''distance'' measurement unit. This mistake periodically reappeared throughout both ''Armada'' and the sequel ''Energon'' series.
*Carlos's eyes have whites in them in some scenes. Sometimes, Rad suffers the opposite problem.
*When Rad and Carlos leave school, Rad's bike tires are initially thick but return to their normal size in the next shot. The bike's tires are thick again when Megatron trashes it.
*After Rad makes the arrow out of rocks and he and Carlos go deeper into the cave, their dialogue is the same pitch as if they didn't move. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes it to lower their voices and adds an echo effect.
*The Mini-Con panel activation sound starts a split-second before Rad touches High Wire's panel.
*When she sees Megatron, Alexis is strangely calm, but her facial expression says otherwise. Megatron equally frightens her in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*High Wire instantly appears in his new colors in the shot after scanning Rad's bike.
*After Megatron notices Optimus, Rad holds High Wire's Mini-Con panel, although High Wire emerged from it two minutes ago.
*In the scene of Optimus grappling with Megatron, Rad is wearing a bike glove though he's been barehanded since arriving at the cave.

===Continuity notes===
*This episode is the homeroom teacher's only appearance in the series.
*Megatron and Optimus debut in their Cybertronian forms.
*High Wire debuts as the first Mini-Con to awaken from stasis in the series; he is also the first Mini-Con to appear in their Cybertronian form and acquire an Earth vehicle mode.
*Gadgets and powers:
**This episode reveals that the Mini-Cons have built-in scanning systems; [[Metamorphosis (Armada)|future episodes]] will show this is a common feature among ''all'' [[Transformer]]s of this universe.
***Until this point, most ''Transformers'' cartoons showed that individuals couldn't scan alternate forms without the aid of their [[Teletraan I|ship computers]] or [[stasis pod]]s. However, there were [[Nightscream (BM)|some]] [[Skid-Z (RID)|exceptions]].

===Continuity errors===
*If the Transformers called a truce, why are they fighting as the ''Exodus'' prepares to warp away? It's a non-issue in ''Legends of the Microns'' since it doesn't mention any ceasefire.
*Rad tells Alexis that he ''and'' Carlos found a cave, but it later sounds like Rad is showing it to Carlos for the first time. Rad asks if Carlos is ready to go inside it in the Japanese dub, so it's not an issue.
*Rad introduces himself as if that's his legal name when it isn't. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he introduces himself as Brad (short for Bradley) and clarifies that "Rad" is his nickname.
*He might be joking, but Rad hints that Alexis has feelings for him; however, no romance develops between them in the future. It's not an issue in the Japanese dub since Rad makes no such claim.
*Billy mentions having a sister in this episode but never does so again. He doesn't mention having any siblings in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad's flashlight lacks the lens flare it had when he turned it on, but it returns in a later scene. The lens flare is consistent in ''Armada''.
*When Alexis discovers the earthquake's epicenter is the mountain, she mentions Rad going there but forgets about Carlos. In the Japanese dub, she only says the earthquake's epicenter is beneath the mountain and doesn't mention the boys since she has no prior knowledge they would be there.
*''Legends of the Microns'' reveals the mountain is called [[Mount Astrogate]], and characters mention it often in the Japanese dub. ''Armada'' completely neglects this detail, so when Alexis says "''the'' Astrogate" in "[[Vow]]," English-speaking viewers don't know what she means, and it's never explained.
*Alexis is strangely unfazed when encountering Megatron, unlike Rad and Carlos. It's a non-issue in ''Legends of the Microns'' since Megatron's appearance also startles Alexis.
*A great precursor of things to come, ''Armada'' seriously doesn't know how to handle the idea of the kids being able to understand their Mini-Cons. Rad understands High Wire's request to jump on in both versions of the show. In response to Alexis's desire to go faster, however, ''Legends of the Microns'' has Rad accurately translate High Wire's response (he's at maximum speed); in contrast, ''Armada'' has him unable to decipher the beeping. It will be near the end of the series before the kids' ability to understand the Mini-Cons gets explained, partially requiring the [[Linkage (comic)|''Linkage'' comic]] for context. The comic reveals Mini-Cons' souls were essentially "split off" from humans in the distant past, so they operate on the same mental wavelength. ''Armada'' never got wise to this, so the kids' ability to understand their partners in the English dub comes and goes regularly. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the kids understand the Mini-Cons consistently throughout the show.

===Transformers references===
[[File:Hound braver roadking armada generics.jpg|upright=0.9|thumb|First homage.]]
*As an origin for the Transformers, the narrator describes a "unique digital entity" coming into being and sending out a race of living machines to explore the galaxy; Logically, this was meant to refer to [[Primus]], who still hadn't appeared in any cartoons. The typically-warped ''Armada'' dialogue makes it sound like the robots sent out by Primus find and colonize Cybertron. But—as fans would already know, and as the ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' cartoon would reveal—Cybertron itself was Primus's body, which birthed the robots. The idea of the Transformers being colonizers in their early days would—through a likely coincidence—be revisited and reaffirmed in the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' cartoon. Concurrently, [[Ask Vector Prime]] in ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac]]'' explicitly confirmed the digital entity's identity as Primus.
*The Japanese version's opening and ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' reveal the Decepticon ship is their flagship called "The [[Doomsday]]." The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' also revealed the Autobot and Mini-Con ships' names are the ''[[Hyperion (Armada)|Hyperion]]'' and ''[[Exodus (Armada)|Exodus]]'' respectively.
*During Cybertron's scenes, '''many''' Generation 1 character models are used as generic Autobots and Decepticons, including [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Braver]], and [[Road King]]. The series would continue this trend for all scenes with random Transformers set on Cybertron.
*Since the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''Transformers'' cartoon]] itself, this episode marks the first time a ''Transformers'' series used a variation of the original Generation 1 theme music.

===Real-world references===
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad says Alexis used to "play in the mud" with him and Carlos when they were younger. It's a typical Japanese expression used to explain how friends play together in childhood.
*In the Japanese dub, Rad says he and Carlos brought a "Maglite and torch" before leaving school; Carlos mentions losing his Maglite later in the cave's hidden chamber. {{w|Maglite}} is a flashlight brand.

===Trivia===
*Although the {{w|furigana}} is "''deai''," the kanji 遭遇 would usually be pronounced as "''souguu''." In the end, the meaning of "encounter" is still the same. "''Deai''" would be either "出合い" or "出会い."
*Footage from the first few minutes of this episode was compressed into 30 seconds to create the series's first [[title sequence]].
*This is the only episode that has a different English name in ''Legends of the Microns'' compared to ''Armada'', with the latter having the name "First Encounter", while the former just having "Encounter".
*Billy and Fred debut as recurring guest characters in this episode but later become part of the regular human cast. According to ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'', the ''Armada'' series producers kept meaning to write them out of the show but ultimately never got around to doing it; hence, their staying through to the show's end was wholly accidental. Signs of this unrealized plan possibly remain in the show as Billy and Fred are absent from some episodes without explanation after [[Confrontation (episode)|formally meeting the Autobots]] and [[Swoop (episode)|gaining access to their base]].
*For stuff introduced in the Japanese version:
**This episode is the only one not to include Optimus's narration about the key elements currently happening in the show's story before playing the opening, which makes sense since this is the first episode.
**The show's first title sequence debuts here, infamously spoiling some character arrivals later in the series. During this sequence, the song that plays is "''[[Transformer: Dream Again]]''."
**The end credits have [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] hovering over the Transformers characters who arrived in the show's first nine episodes. Unlike the title sequence, the only thing that changes about this ending is the song that plays, with this episode up to "[[Linkup]]" using "''[[Never Ending Road]]''."
**The following episode preview narration has either Rad, Carlos, or Alexis telling the viewer the next episode's basic premise before ending with the line "Fight, Convoy! TRANSFORM!"
*This episode begins several trends for the English dub:
**This episode's first few minutes are condensed into the show's title sequence from the next episode until episode 40, "[[Remorse]]."
**The end credits use the same images and clips from their respective episodes throughout the series.
**It uses the first commercial bumper featuring Optimus as pointless filler; however, the Japanese dub uses it as the episode title card.
**The commercial bumpers use the wrong music. This error also applies to the [[scene transition]]s, though there are [[Soldier (episode)|rare exceptions]].
**Some scenes use different music than the Japanese dub; ''Armada'' often reuses the ''Transformers'' theme tune countless times as an "insert song."
**The [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] is sometimes included at random times; the Japanese dub removes it for the most part.
**Unlike ''Legends of the Microns'', the Transformers' voice actors have their voices put through a filter to make them sound robotic, a creative decision that carries through to ''Energon'' and ''Cybertron''.
*The Japanese dub's title sequence from episode 1 to 26 shows an unknown Mini-Con named [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] Powerlinxing with Optimus and unlocking a special power punch attack; neither appear during the show's run or any other time in the Unicron Trilogy.
*According to ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'', Billy and Fred's voice actors did the dialogue heard during the Japanese dub's opening scene.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die grüne Armada'''" ("The Green Armada")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 1]], [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Az első találkozás'''" ("The First Encounter")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Pierwsze starcie'''" ("First Clash")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Primeiro Encontro'''" ("First Encounter")

'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La découverte'''" ("The discovery")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 13]], [[2003]]

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Pervoe znakomstvo'''" (Первое знакомство, "First Encounter")

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''사이버트론과의 만납'''" ("Meeting Cybertron")

==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'' — 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]]

Origin

2021-12-11T22:21:03Z

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

{{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'''

"As long as hatred exists, I shall remain impervious to attack."
:—'''Unicron/Sideways''' makes his best Sith impression

'''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 an 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 the Japanese dub.
*Optimus assumes Sideways has been working with Unicron before the latter corrects him that they are the same, and Sideways is merely a disguise in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Optimus figure out that Sideways is Unicron, to which the latter confirms, saying that he's 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''.
*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 dub 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.
*Unicron says the truth is that Prime is also a Transformer despite being an Autobot and can't survive in a warless world.
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Unicron implore 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 than 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, fighting is 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.
*Optimus says to Galvatron that he can't be serious about fighting, then Galvatron replies that he's never been more serious in ''Armada''. 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 feel fear for 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 dub 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. Due to this episode's events, Prime getting the color scheme may relate to his inner darkness of enjoying fighting.
*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 the Japanese dub since Galvatron reacts in shock instead.
*Galvatron calls Sideways "another Autobot deserter" despite knowing fully well that Sideways isn't part of either faction. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the error by having 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 snatches away the Star Saber, he announces flat-out that everything has fallen into place for Unicron to destroy the universe. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this by 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'' fixes this by changing his line to 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 Sideways 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]]

Union

2021-12-11T22:10:36Z

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

{{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.

"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 precedes 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 precedes 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 precedes 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 thr former he can either save himself, or escape on his own and chase after the union. Thrust precedes 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 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.
**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?
*Rad's gloves are excessively cool.

===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]]

Transformers: KÅtetsu no YÅ«ki

2021-12-11T16:30:24Z

PownicMania: /* Trivia */

{{song
|title=Transformers ~Kōtetsu no Yūki~
|japanese=Transformers ～鋼鉄の勇気～
|translation=Transformers ~Steel Courage~
|image=Koutetsu no Yuuki.jpg
|caption=So, is the galaxy powered by these guys running in wheels?
|series=[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Transformers: Legends of the Microns]]
|position=opening theme
|composer=Hideaki Takatori
|lyrics=Hideaki Takatori
|arrangement=[[Hiroaki Kagoshima]]
|performer=[[Hideaki Takatori]]
|publisher=
}}

"'''Transformers ~Kōtetsu no Yūki~'''" (Transformers ～鋼鉄の勇気～, "Transformers ~Steel Courage~") is the second [[Japanese themes|opening theme]] for the ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Legends of the Microns]]'' cartoon, debuting in episode 27 "[[Detection]]".
{{TOCclear}}

==Lyrics==
{{note|The lyrics on this page have been translated more idiomatically than literally.}}
===TV size edit===
{|width=100%
|valign=top width=33%|
====Original Japanese====
(Transform!)
:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ
:まぶしいひかりを浴びて
:渦巻く銀河のかなたへ
:旅立てよ Transformers

深い闇にこたえを求め 
胸を焦がす闘いの日々 
運命に進化してく生命体

傷つきさまよいそれでも 
やさしさ探しあてたとき 
君の中なにかが変わりはじめる 
Transform!

:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ
:まぶしいひかりを浴びて
:渦巻く銀河のかなたへ
:旅立てよ Transformers

:伝説の勇者闘え！
:あふれる想い抱いて
:いつの日かこの宇宙(そら)いっぱい
:勝ち誇れ Transformers

|valign=top width=33%|
====Rōmaji transliteration====
(Transform!)
:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake
:Mabushii hikari wo abite
:Uzumaku ginga no kanata e
:Tabitate yo Transformers

Fukai yami ni kotae wo motome 
Mune wo kogasu tatakai no hibi 
Unmei ni shinkashiteku seimeitai

Kizu tsukisa mayoi sore demo 
Yasashi sa sagashi ateta toki 
Kimi no naka nanika ga kawari hajimeru 
Transform!

:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake
:Mabushii hikari wo abite
:Uzumaku ginga no kanata e
:Tabitate yo Transformers

:Densetsu no yūsha tatakae!
:Afureru omoidaite
:Itsu no hi ka kono sora ippai
:Kachi hokore Transformers

|valign=top width=33%|

====English translation====
(Transform!)
:The steel courage shines
:Basking in the radiant light
:Spinning off into the galaxy
:Begin the journey, Transformers

Seeking an answer in the deep darkness 
Yearning for those daily battles 
Evolution is the fate of life-forms

In spite of this wandering fragility 
It's time to search for kindness 
Something within you starts to change 
Transform!

:The steel courage shines
:Basking in the radiant light
:Spinning off into the galaxy
:Begin the journey, Transformers

:Fight, legendary heroes!
:Embrace these overflowing feelings
:One day this sky will be full
:Be triumphant, Transformers

|}

===Full version===
{|width=100%
|valign=top width=33%|

====Original Japanese====
(Transform!)
:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ
:まぶしいひかりを浴びて
:渦巻く銀河のかなたへ
:旅立てよ Transformers

深い闇にこたえを求め 
胸を焦がす闘いの日々 
運命に進化してく生命体

傷つきさまよいそれでも 
やさしさ探しあてたとき 
君の中なにかが変わりはじめる 
Transform!

:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ
:まぶしいひかりを浴びて
:渦巻く銀河のかなたへ
:旅立てよ Transformers

:伝説の勇者闘え！
:あふれる想い抱いて
:いつの日かこの宇宙(そら)いっぱい
:勝ち誇れ Transformers

出遭い別れくりかえすたび 
“強くなれ”と心が叫ぶ 
哀しみに錆びつかないで魂

頬をこぼれてく涙は 
自分を磨きあげた勲章(あかし) 
もっと君を君自身を信じて 
(all're one!)

:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ
:鋼の意思つらぬけ
:燃え立つコロナを背にうけ
:熱くなれ Shinin' Spark!!

:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ
:まぶしいひかりを浴びて
:渦巻く銀河のかなたへ
:旅立てよ Transformers

:伝説の勇者闘え！
:あふれる想い抱いて
:いつの日かこの宇宙(そら)いっぱい
:勝ち誇れ Transformers

(Transform!)

|valign=top width=33%|

====Rōmaji transliteration====
(Transform!)
:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake
:Mabushii hikari wo abite
:Uzumaku ginga no kanata e
:Tabitate yo Transformers

Fukai yami ni kotae wo motome 
Mune wo kogasu tatakai no hibi 
Unmei ni shinkashiteku seimeitai

Kizu tsukisa mayoi sore demo 
Yasashi sa sagashi ateta toki 
Kimi no naka nanika ga kawari hajimeru 
Transform!

:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake
:Mabushii hikari wo abite
:Uzumaku ginga no kanata e
:Tabitate yo Transformers

:Densetsu no yūsha tatakae!
:Afureru omoi daite
:Itsu no hi ka kono sora ippai
:Kachi hokore Transformers

Deai wakare kurkikaesu tabi 
"Tsuyoku nare" to kokoro ga sakebu 
Kanashimi ni sabitsukanai de tamashii

Hō wo koboreteku namida wa 
Jibun wo migakiage ta akashi 
Motto kimi wo kimi jishin wo shinjite 
(all're one!)

:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake
:Hagane no ishi tsuranuke
:Moetatsu corona wo se ni uke
:Atsuku nare Shinin' Spark!!

:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake
:Mabushii hikari wo abite
:Uzumaku ginga no kanata e
:Tabitate yo Transformers

:Densetsu no yūsha tatakae!
:Afureru omoi daite
:Itsu no hi ka kono sora ippai
:Kachi hokore Transformers

(Transform!)

|valign=top width=33%|

====English translation====
(Transform!)
:The steel courage shines
:Basking in the radiant light
:Spin off into the galaxy
:Begin the journey, Transformers

Seeking an answer in the deep darkness 
Yearning for those daily battles 
Evolution is the fate of life-forms

In spite of this wandering fragility 
It's time to search for kindness 
Something within you starts to change 
Transform!

:The steel courage shines
:Basking in the radiant light
:Spin off into the galaxy
:Begin the journey, Transformers

:Fight, legendary heroes!
:Embrace these overflowing feelings
:One day this sky will be full
:Be triumphant, Transformers

Meeting and separating multiple times 
The heart calls out "Become stronger" 
So the soul won't be broken down by sorrow

Tears spill down the cheek 
It's proof of improving yourself 
Keep believing in yourself 
(all're one!)

:The steel courage shines
:Piercing the metal's purpose
:The corona blazing from behind
:Become hot, Shinin' Spark!!

:The steel courage shines
:Basking in the radiant light
:Spin off into the galaxy
:Begin the journey, Transformers

:Fight, legendary heroes!
:Embrace these overflowing feelings
:One day this sky will be full
:Be triumphant, Transformers

(Transform!)
|}

==Single release==
[[Image:Kotetsu no Yuki single.jpg|thumb|150px]]
;Track listing
#"Transformers ~Kōtetsu no Yūki~"
#"[[Don't Give Up!!]]"
#"Transformers ~Kōtetsu no Yūki~ (Original Karaoke)"
#"Don't Give Up!! (Original Karaoke)"

'''Release date:''' [[July 23]], [[2003]] 
'''Label:''' [[Columbia Music Entertainment]] 
'''Prod. code:''' CODC-2111 
'''ASIN:''' B00009SEYX
{{--}}

===Album releases===
{{note|All releases listed feature the full version of the song, unless otherwise noted.}}
*2003 — ''[[Transformers Theme Song Collection]]'' ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]])
*2007 — ''[[Transformers Song Universe]]'' (Columbia Music Entertainment)

===Trivia===
*This song contains lyrics that directly reference to points that characters say in the ''Legends of the Microns'' cartoon up until this point.
**The theme of evolution being the fate of all life forms comes from [[Alexis]]' line in "[[Base]]" of everyone wanting to evolve.
**The lyric of seeking for answers comes from [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]]'s discussion with [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] about wanting to know why the Transformers fight in "[[Rebellion (Armada)|Rebellion]]".

==References==
* Original Japanese lyrics from [http://web.archive.org/web/20100426152724/http://otakebihonpo.cool.ne.jp/lib/robots/transformers/index.html Otakebihonpo]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMz5zhfSrko Clean version of opening] at YouTube

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kotetsu no Yuki}}
[[Category:Armada media]]
[[Category:Japanese theme songs]]

Transformers: KÅtetsu no YÅ«ki

2021-12-11T16:30:10Z

PownicMania: /* Trivia */

{{song
|title=Transformers ~Kōtetsu no Yūki~
|japanese=Transformers ～鋼鉄の勇気～
|translation=Transformers ~Steel Courage~
|image=Koutetsu no Yuuki.jpg
|caption=So, is the galaxy powered by these guys running in wheels?
|series=[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Transformers: Legends of the Microns]]
|position=opening theme
|composer=Hideaki Takatori
|lyrics=Hideaki Takatori
|arrangement=[[Hiroaki Kagoshima]]
|performer=[[Hideaki Takatori]]
|publisher=
}}

"'''Transformers ~Kōtetsu no Yūki~'''" (Transformers ～鋼鉄の勇気～, "Transformers ~Steel Courage~") is the second [[Japanese themes|opening theme]] for the ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Legends of the Microns]]'' cartoon, debuting in episode 27 "[[Detection]]".
{{TOCclear}}

==Lyrics==
{{note|The lyrics on this page have been translated more idiomatically than literally.}}
===TV size edit===
{|width=100%
|valign=top width=33%|
====Original Japanese====
(Transform!)
:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ
:まぶしいひかりを浴びて
:渦巻く銀河のかなたへ
:旅立てよ Transformers

深い闇にこたえを求め 
胸を焦がす闘いの日々 
運命に進化してく生命体

傷つきさまよいそれでも 
やさしさ探しあてたとき 
君の中なにかが変わりはじめる 
Transform!

:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ
:まぶしいひかりを浴びて
:渦巻く銀河のかなたへ
:旅立てよ Transformers

:伝説の勇者闘え！
:あふれる想い抱いて
:いつの日かこの宇宙(そら)いっぱい
:勝ち誇れ Transformers

|valign=top width=33%|
====Rōmaji transliteration====
(Transform!)
:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake
:Mabushii hikari wo abite
:Uzumaku ginga no kanata e
:Tabitate yo Transformers

Fukai yami ni kotae wo motome 
Mune wo kogasu tatakai no hibi 
Unmei ni shinkashiteku seimeitai

Kizu tsukisa mayoi sore demo 
Yasashi sa sagashi ateta toki 
Kimi no naka nanika ga kawari hajimeru 
Transform!

:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake
:Mabushii hikari wo abite
:Uzumaku ginga no kanata e
:Tabitate yo Transformers

:Densetsu no yūsha tatakae!
:Afureru omoidaite
:Itsu no hi ka kono sora ippai
:Kachi hokore Transformers

|valign=top width=33%|

====English translation====
(Transform!)
:The steel courage shines
:Basking in the radiant light
:Spinning off into the galaxy
:Begin the journey, Transformers

Seeking an answer in the deep darkness 
Yearning for those daily battles 
Evolution is the fate of life-forms

In spite of this wandering fragility 
It's time to search for kindness 
Something within you starts to change 
Transform!

:The steel courage shines
:Basking in the radiant light
:Spinning off into the galaxy
:Begin the journey, Transformers

:Fight, legendary heroes!
:Embrace these overflowing feelings
:One day this sky will be full
:Be triumphant, Transformers

|}

===Full version===
{|width=100%
|valign=top width=33%|

====Original Japanese====
(Transform!)
:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ
:まぶしいひかりを浴びて
:渦巻く銀河のかなたへ
:旅立てよ Transformers

深い闇にこたえを求め 
胸を焦がす闘いの日々 
運命に進化してく生命体

傷つきさまよいそれでも 
やさしさ探しあてたとき 
君の中なにかが変わりはじめる 
Transform!

:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ
:まぶしいひかりを浴びて
:渦巻く銀河のかなたへ
:旅立てよ Transformers

:伝説の勇者闘え！
:あふれる想い抱いて
:いつの日かこの宇宙(そら)いっぱい
:勝ち誇れ Transformers

出遭い別れくりかえすたび 
“強くなれ”と心が叫ぶ 
哀しみに錆びつかないで魂

頬をこぼれてく涙は 
自分を磨きあげた勲章(あかし) 
もっと君を君自身を信じて 
(all're one!)

:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ
:鋼の意思つらぬけ
:燃え立つコロナを背にうけ
:熱くなれ Shinin' Spark!!

:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ
:まぶしいひかりを浴びて
:渦巻く銀河のかなたへ
:旅立てよ Transformers

:伝説の勇者闘え！
:あふれる想い抱いて
:いつの日かこの宇宙(そら)いっぱい
:勝ち誇れ Transformers

(Transform!)

|valign=top width=33%|

====Rōmaji transliteration====
(Transform!)
:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake
:Mabushii hikari wo abite
:Uzumaku ginga no kanata e
:Tabitate yo Transformers

Fukai yami ni kotae wo motome 
Mune wo kogasu tatakai no hibi 
Unmei ni shinkashiteku seimeitai

Kizu tsukisa mayoi sore demo 
Yasashi sa sagashi ateta toki 
Kimi no naka nanika ga kawari hajimeru 
Transform!

:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake
:Mabushii hikari wo abite
:Uzumaku ginga no kanata e
:Tabitate yo Transformers

:Densetsu no yūsha tatakae!
:Afureru omoi daite
:Itsu no hi ka kono sora ippai
:Kachi hokore Transformers

Deai wakare kurkikaesu tabi 
"Tsuyoku nare" to kokoro ga sakebu 
Kanashimi ni sabitsukanai de tamashii

Hō wo koboreteku namida wa 
Jibun wo migakiage ta akashi 
Motto kimi wo kimi jishin wo shinjite 
(all're one!)

:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake
:Hagane no ishi tsuranuke
:Moetatsu corona wo se ni uke
:Atsuku nare Shinin' Spark!!

:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake
:Mabushii hikari wo abite
:Uzumaku ginga no kanata e
:Tabitate yo Transformers

:Densetsu no yūsha tatakae!
:Afureru omoi daite
:Itsu no hi ka kono sora ippai
:Kachi hokore Transformers

(Transform!)

|valign=top width=33%|

====English translation====
(Transform!)
:The steel courage shines
:Basking in the radiant light
:Spin off into the galaxy
:Begin the journey, Transformers

Seeking an answer in the deep darkness 
Yearning for those daily battles 
Evolution is the fate of life-forms

In spite of this wandering fragility 
It's time to search for kindness 
Something within you starts to change 
Transform!

:The steel courage shines
:Basking in the radiant light
:Spin off into the galaxy
:Begin the journey, Transformers

:Fight, legendary heroes!
:Embrace these overflowing feelings
:One day this sky will be full
:Be triumphant, Transformers

Meeting and separating multiple times 
The heart calls out "Become stronger" 
So the soul won't be broken down by sorrow

Tears spill down the cheek 
It's proof of improving yourself 
Keep believing in yourself 
(all're one!)

:The steel courage shines
:Piercing the metal's purpose
:The corona blazing from behind
:Become hot, Shinin' Spark!!

:The steel courage shines
:Basking in the radiant light
:Spin off into the galaxy
:Begin the journey, Transformers

:Fight, legendary heroes!
:Embrace these overflowing feelings
:One day this sky will be full
:Be triumphant, Transformers

(Transform!)
|}

==Single release==
[[Image:Kotetsu no Yuki single.jpg|thumb|150px]]
;Track listing
#"Transformers ~Kōtetsu no Yūki~"
#"[[Don't Give Up!!]]"
#"Transformers ~Kōtetsu no Yūki~ (Original Karaoke)"
#"Don't Give Up!! (Original Karaoke)"

'''Release date:''' [[July 23]], [[2003]] 
'''Label:''' [[Columbia Music Entertainment]] 
'''Prod. code:''' CODC-2111 
'''ASIN:''' B00009SEYX
{{--}}

===Album releases===
{{note|All releases listed feature the full version of the song, unless otherwise noted.}}
*2003 — ''[[Transformers Theme Song Collection]]'' ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]])
*2007 — ''[[Transformers Song Universe]]'' (Columbia Music Entertainment)

===Trivia===
*This song contains lyrics that directly reference to points that characters say in the ''Legends of the Microns'' cartoon up until this point.
**The theme of evolution being the fate of all life forms comes from [[Alexis]]' line in "[[Base]]" of everyone wanting to evolve.
**The lyric of seeking for answers comes from [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]]'s discussion with [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] about wanting to know why the Transformers fight in "[[Rebellion (Armada)]]".

==References==
* Original Japanese lyrics from [http://web.archive.org/web/20100426152724/http://otakebihonpo.cool.ne.jp/lib/robots/transformers/index.html Otakebihonpo]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMz5zhfSrko Clean version of opening] at YouTube

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kotetsu no Yuki}}
[[Category:Armada media]]
[[Category:Japanese theme songs]]

Transformers: KÅtetsu no YÅ«ki

2021-12-11T05:57:53Z

PownicMania:

{{song
|title=Transformers ~Kōtetsu no Yūki~
|japanese=Transformers ～鋼鉄の勇気～
|translation=Transformers ~Steel Courage~
|image=Koutetsu no Yuuki.jpg
|caption=So, is the galaxy powered by these guys running in wheels?
|series=[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Transformers: Legends of the Microns]]
|position=opening theme
|composer=Hideaki Takatori
|lyrics=Hideaki Takatori
|arrangement=[[Hiroaki Kagoshima]]
|performer=[[Hideaki Takatori]]
|publisher=
}}

"'''Transformers ~Kōtetsu no Yūki~'''" (Transformers ～鋼鉄の勇気～, "Transformers ~Steel Courage~") is the second [[Japanese themes|opening theme]] for the ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Legends of the Microns]]'' cartoon, debuting in episode 27 "[[Detection]]".
{{TOCclear}}

==Lyrics==
{{note|The lyrics on this page have been translated more idiomatically than literally.}}
===TV size edit===
{|width=100%
|valign=top width=33%|
====Original Japanese====
(Transform!)
:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ
:まぶしいひかりを浴びて
:渦巻く銀河のかなたへ
:旅立てよ Transformers

深い闇にこたえを求め 
胸を焦がす闘いの日々 
運命に進化してく生命体

傷つきさまよいそれでも 
やさしさ探しあてたとき 
君の中なにかが変わりはじめる 
Transform!

:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ
:まぶしいひかりを浴びて
:渦巻く銀河のかなたへ
:旅立てよ Transformers

:伝説の勇者闘え！
:あふれる想い抱いて
:いつの日かこの宇宙(そら)いっぱい
:勝ち誇れ Transformers

|valign=top width=33%|
====Rōmaji transliteration====
(Transform!)
:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake
:Mabushii hikari wo abite
:Uzumaku ginga no kanata e
:Tabitate yo Transformers

Fukai yami ni kotae wo motome 
Mune wo kogasu tatakai no hibi 
Unmei ni shinkashiteku seimeitai

Kizu tsukisa mayoi sore demo 
Yasashi sa sagashi ateta toki 
Kimi no naka nanika ga kawari hajimeru 
Transform!

:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake
:Mabushii hikari wo abite
:Uzumaku ginga no kanata e
:Tabitate yo Transformers

:Densetsu no yūsha tatakae!
:Afureru omoidaite
:Itsu no hi ka kono sora ippai
:Kachi hokore Transformers

|valign=top width=33%|

====English translation====
(Transform!)
:The steel courage shines
:Basking in the radiant light
:Spinning off into the galaxy
:Begin the journey, Transformers

Seeking an answer in the deep darkness 
Yearning for those daily battles 
Evolution is the fate of life-forms

In spite of this wandering fragility 
It's time to search for kindness 
Something within you starts to change 
Transform!

:The steel courage shines
:Basking in the radiant light
:Spinning off into the galaxy
:Begin the journey, Transformers

:Fight, legendary heroes!
:Embrace these overflowing feelings
:One day this sky will be full
:Be triumphant, Transformers

|}

===Full version===
{|width=100%
|valign=top width=33%|

====Original Japanese====
(Transform!)
:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ
:まぶしいひかりを浴びて
:渦巻く銀河のかなたへ
:旅立てよ Transformers

深い闇にこたえを求め 
胸を焦がす闘いの日々 
運命に進化してく生命体

傷つきさまよいそれでも 
やさしさ探しあてたとき 
君の中なにかが変わりはじめる 
Transform!

:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ
:まぶしいひかりを浴びて
:渦巻く銀河のかなたへ
:旅立てよ Transformers

:伝説の勇者闘え！
:あふれる想い抱いて
:いつの日かこの宇宙(そら)いっぱい
:勝ち誇れ Transformers

出遭い別れくりかえすたび 
“強くなれ”と心が叫ぶ 
哀しみに錆びつかないで魂

頬をこぼれてく涙は 
自分を磨きあげた勲章(あかし) 
もっと君を君自身を信じて 
(all're one!)

:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ
:鋼の意思つらぬけ
:燃え立つコロナを背にうけ
:熱くなれ Shinin' Spark!!

:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ
:まぶしいひかりを浴びて
:渦巻く銀河のかなたへ
:旅立てよ Transformers

:伝説の勇者闘え！
:あふれる想い抱いて
:いつの日かこの宇宙(そら)いっぱい
:勝ち誇れ Transformers

(Transform!)

|valign=top width=33%|

====Rōmaji transliteration====
(Transform!)
:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake
:Mabushii hikari wo abite
:Uzumaku ginga no kanata e
:Tabitate yo Transformers

Fukai yami ni kotae wo motome 
Mune wo kogasu tatakai no hibi 
Unmei ni shinkashiteku seimeitai

Kizu tsukisa mayoi sore demo 
Yasashi sa sagashi ateta toki 
Kimi no naka nanika ga kawari hajimeru 
Transform!

:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake
:Mabushii hikari wo abite
:Uzumaku ginga no kanata e
:Tabitate yo Transformers

:Densetsu no yūsha tatakae!
:Afureru omoi daite
:Itsu no hi ka kono sora ippai
:Kachi hokore Transformers

Deai wakare kurkikaesu tabi 
"Tsuyoku nare" to kokoro ga sakebu 
Kanashimi ni sabitsukanai de tamashii

Hō wo koboreteku namida wa 
Jibun wo migakiage ta akashi 
Motto kimi wo kimi jishin wo shinjite 
(all're one!)

:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake
:Hagane no ishi tsuranuke
:Moetatsu corona wo se ni uke
:Atsuku nare Shinin' Spark!!

:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake
:Mabushii hikari wo abite
:Uzumaku ginga no kanata e
:Tabitate yo Transformers

:Densetsu no yūsha tatakae!
:Afureru omoi daite
:Itsu no hi ka kono sora ippai
:Kachi hokore Transformers

(Transform!)

|valign=top width=33%|

====English translation====
(Transform!)
:The steel courage shines
:Basking in the radiant light
:Spin off into the galaxy
:Begin the journey, Transformers

Seeking an answer in the deep darkness 
Yearning for those daily battles 
Evolution is the fate of life-forms

In spite of this wandering fragility 
It's time to search for kindness 
Something within you starts to change 
Transform!

:The steel courage shines
:Basking in the radiant light
:Spin off into the galaxy
:Begin the journey, Transformers

:Fight, legendary heroes!
:Embrace these overflowing feelings
:One day this sky will be full
:Be triumphant, Transformers

Meeting and separating multiple times 
The heart calls out "Become stronger" 
So the soul won't be broken down by sorrow

Tears spill down the cheek 
It's proof of improving yourself 
Keep believing in yourself 
(all're one!)

:The steel courage shines
:Piercing the metal's purpose
:The corona blazing from behind
:Become hot, Shinin' Spark!!

:The steel courage shines
:Basking in the radiant light
:Spin off into the galaxy
:Begin the journey, Transformers

:Fight, legendary heroes!
:Embrace these overflowing feelings
:One day this sky will be full
:Be triumphant, Transformers

(Transform!)
|}

==Single release==
[[Image:Kotetsu no Yuki single.jpg|thumb|150px]]
;Track listing
#"Transformers ~Kōtetsu no Yūki~"
#"[[Don't Give Up!!]]"
#"Transformers ~Kōtetsu no Yūki~ (Original Karaoke)"
#"Don't Give Up!! (Original Karaoke)"

'''Release date:''' [[July 23]], [[2003]] 
'''Label:''' [[Columbia Music Entertainment]] 
'''Prod. code:''' CODC-2111 
'''ASIN:''' B00009SEYX
{{--}}

===Album releases===
{{note|All releases listed feature the full version of the song, unless otherwise noted.}}
*2003 — ''[[Transformers Theme Song Collection]]'' ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]])
*2007 — ''[[Transformers Song Universe]]'' (Columbia Music Entertainment)

===Trivia===
*This song contains lyrics that directly reference to points that characters say in the ''Legends of the Microns'' cartoon up until this point.
**The theme of evolution being the fate of all life forms comes from [[Alexis]]' line in "[[Base]]" of everyone wanting to evolve.
**The lyric of seeking for answers comes from [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]]'s discussion with [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] about wanting to know why the Transformers fight.

==References==
* Original Japanese lyrics from [http://web.archive.org/web/20100426152724/http://otakebihonpo.cool.ne.jp/lib/robots/transformers/index.html Otakebihonpo]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMz5zhfSrko Clean version of opening] at YouTube

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kotetsu no Yuki}}
[[Category:Armada media]]
[[Category:Japanese theme songs]]

Alliance

2021-12-11T02:11:08Z

PownicMania:

{{disambig3|Alliance}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=49
|prev=Cramp
|next=Union
|title="Alliance"
|furigana=ゆにくろん
|japanese=覚醒
|romaji=Unicron
|translation=Awakening: Unicron
|image=Unicronalliance.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-49
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|director=[[Masayuki Motsumoto]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 30]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[December 5]], 2003 (Japanese) [[December 9]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Starscream's sacrifice spurs the Autobots and the Decepticons to join forces. But Unicron awakens...'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Sshot-arm-494-remains.jpg|left|thumb|You failed, your highness. I'm a Jedi, like my father before me...yeah...]]
[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] is astonished to hear about the truce between the two armies and asks if [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] is functioning. [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] is disgusted that they're doing this simply because the traitorous [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] asked that they do it, but then suggests that they simply use the idea of a truce to ambush the [[Autobot]]s. Outraged, Galvatron makes Cyclonus respect his authority with the usual amount of physical punishment. Galvatron is upset at how poorly things have turned out, but Starscream's sacrifice has convinced him: they're going to ally with the Autobots...for now in order to stop [[Unicron]]. Galvatron went far stating of the reasons of why Starscream rebelled against him in the first place, calling him a true soldier.

[[File:Sshot-arm-491-ships.jpg|thumb|Not all Autobot spaceships know how to swim.]]
Seeing Galvatron's point of the crisis, the rest of the [[Decepticon]]s agree to the truce, except for Cyclonus, who is still disgusted by this. Inside of Unicron, [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] plan their inevitable victory and conquest of the universe. The power of the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] allows Unicron to shed the remains of his moon-disguise shell. The dark god hovers over [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], sucking up parts of the terrain. Both armies evacuate the surface, assisted by the [[Mini-Con]] swarm.

In a ceremonial procedure, Galvatron and his Decepticons meet with [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots for a handshake to seal the truce. The leaders shake hands, and [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] also grabs on as his way of representing the allegiance of the Mini-Cons. The kids observe this, astonished that it's actually happening. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] begins to tear up and when [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] asks her if she's all right, she says she was just remembering Starscream and how he would have loved to see this happening for himself. Forming a single front, the Autobot/Decepticon [[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|armada]] heads towards Unicron. The first volley of fire does no damage against their enemy. Two larger ships perform reconnaissance and are blasted, so a team of [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]], Demolishor, and Cyclonus (and some others) are sent in, based on a theory that smaller ships will elude Unicron's detection. On Unicron's surface, Cyclonus and the generics fly away to break stuff, and Demolishor leaves to avoid Hot Shot, leaving the two Autobots by themselves.

[[File:Alliance Redshirts.jpg|thumb|left|Balls of DOOOOM!!!!]]
Unicron's geography shifts and folds, disturbing his visitors and causing Demolishor to lose [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]]. From the base, Galvatron suggests another attack, which Optimus Prime makes sure won't harm the recon crew, who have their hands full fighting against swarms of [[Dead End Drone]]s. Demolishor saves Cyclonus from falling into a fissure, while the Autobots assist their begrudging allies. Demolishor saves Side Swipe from falling into another fissure, and Hot Shot thanks the Decepticon by re-uniting Demolishor with Blackout—a tender moment. Optimus and Galvatron arrive to bring the group home.

From a distance, the armada witnesses Unicron complete his transformation into [[robot mode]], ready to devour the planet.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (17)
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (18)
* [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (19)
* [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (20)
* [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (21)
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (22)
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (23)
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (25)
* Generic Autobots

|c2=
* [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (2)
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (3)
* [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (4)
* [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (5)
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (6)
* Generic Decepticons

|c3=
* [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (9)
* [[Rad White|Rad]] (13)
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (14)
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (15)
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (16)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
* [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (10)
* [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (11)
* [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (12)
* [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (24)
* [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (26)
* [[Dead End Drone]]s (27)

|h5=Other|c5=
* [[Unicron]] (1)
* [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (7)
* [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Jetfire Shake Hands.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Believe it or not, this ''is'' the correct [[scale]] between the two characters.]]

"Right now, all I can think about is the comrade we lost. Sure, he challenged my authority in a failed coup attempt, and even though Starscream was a traitor, he never lost sight of his oath to the Decepticons. He was a true soldier, unlike most of ''you''!"
:—'''Galvatron''' defends Starscream's memory from the jibes of the other Decepticons.

'''Demolishor:''' "I'm only doing this because I'm following Galvatron's orders." 
'''Cyclonus:''' "Ha! I can't believe I'm fighting for harmony! What a load of bunk! I'm a lean, mean, fighting machine! Hahahaha!" 
'''Side Swipe:''' "I gotta work with this guy? I'm not so sure about this."
:—The truce gets off to a shaky start.

"Tidal Wave..." 
"Uh...nice meetin' ya."
:—'''Tidal Wave''' and '''Jetfire''' shaking hands.

"I can't believe I just saved Prime!"
:—An incredulous '''Galvatron''' after he destroys a cannon targeted at Optimus Prime.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*At the start of the episode, Demolishor and Cyclonus question Galvatron's decision to join the Autobots without moving their mouths. This is due to dub script extending their lines, as in the original they didn't speak during the shot where their faces are shown.
*The original has Demolishor lamenting Starscream's death, while in the ''Armada'' he claims he was a traitor who got what he deserved.

===Animation and technical errors===
*Strangely, some errors present are exclusive to ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas as ''Armada'' actually fixes them up. Granted, it's a ''very'' small number and the episode is otherwise the same animation wise, but still odd, especially since it's ''always'' the opposite. This is the only episode of the entire cartoon that has this quirk, so guess someone must've messed up which version to send on broadcast. This includes:
**When Galvatron delivers his speech after punching Cyclonus, Wheeljack is colored like [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]]. ''Armada'' has him colored properly(albeit with the red eyes remaining). However, in a later shot when the Decpticons are running, Wheeljack is once again incorrectly colored with Sparkplug's palette.
**When Galvatron shoots at Unicron, his blaster is incorrectly colored white. ''Armada'' fixes this by making it the proper black dark gray and yellow.
**When the Autobots and Decepticons go to Unicron with their pods, the former faction seemingly stop in the air when they are trying to land. ''Armada'' fixes this by making them actually land on the ground.
*At several points throughout the opening scene, the Decepticons are all drawn with hideously faulty character models with faulty proportions and lack of detail.
*As the Decepticons prepare to launch the ship to escape from Unicron's gravitational pull, generic Decepticons using [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]], [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]], and the [[Air Military Mini-Con Team]]'s [[character model]]s are standing in the ship's hangar bay.
*The [[Race Mini-Con Team|Race Team Mini-Con]] Mirage appears among the Mini-Cons there, but he should be with Thrust inside Unicron by now, as the traitorous Decepticon had stolen the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] several episodes earlier. However, this could be just another case of model reuse.
*Several of the Mini-Cons protecting the ''Axalon'' and the Autobot fleet during the lift-off from Cybertron use Generation 1 character models instead of Mini-Con character models.
*The four generic Decepticons on the mission to Unicron change colour between each shot.
*When Jet Optimus attacks the Dead End Drones surrounding Hot Shot and Demolishor's recon team, the laser blast comes from in front of the first drone destroyed, rather than behind (the direction from which Prime is coming).
*Unless [[size changing]] occurs when Galvatron and Tidal Wave combine, there's no way Galvatron should be able to pick up Demolishor and Cyclonus with each hand.
*When shaking hands with Tidal Wave, Jetfire's wings are shortened to just above his head. This is possibly to continue the tradition of exaggerating Tidal Wave's size.
**Oddly, despite the change in length of his wings, the characters are drawn to be in accurate [[scale]] with one another.

===Continuity notes===
*Despite destroying Starscream for firing upon him in the previous episode, Unicron doesn't seem to mind Galvatron doing exactly the same thing.
*Assuming the episode was entirely in real-time, Unicron's transformation took close to seven minutes.
*The three Mini-Con super weapons are used to fully restore Unicron's power. Guess the Mini-Cons really are Unicron's cells.
*Unicron's innards appear to be [[technorganic]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Unicron eats parts of Cybertron through his planet form's mouth.
**Unicron fires lasers from the chunks on the right side of his planet mode (the ones that house the Mini-Con gimmick to fire the leg missiles on the toy).
**Mid-transformation, Unicron uses his shoulder/planet houns to fire an energy beam at Jet Optimus.
**The inside of Hot Shot's shin apparently has hollow space, big enough to store a Mini-Con. As an added piece of toy acurracy, his shins open on the transformation hinges of his toy.
**Unicron his a surface-based turret he uses to try to shoot Optimus in the back.

===Continuity errors===
*What's with Demolishor claiming that Starscream got what he deserved when except for Thrust, he has shown to care about his comrades? Also, why does Cyclonus the only who got punched by Galvatron when all he asked was if they could double cross the Autobots when Demolishor actually insulted Starscream? ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes these errors by having Demolishor lament about Starscream's death and Cyclonus say that he died for nothing, making Galvatron's actions far more justified.
*Why would Hot Shot hostility tell Demolishor to be quiet even though the latter just said he doesn't want to get shot by Unicron? No wonder the Decepticons didn't want to join forces with the Autobots if this is how they get treated. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes Demolishor's line to him saying that the Autobots sound overly optimistic, as well as Hot Shot's line to him responding with "What was that?!"
*Cyclonus is in danger of falling into a hole, having apparently forgotten that ''he can fly'', which he was doing ''moments before''. It's possible that he's just that stupid, but not likely.

===Transformers references===
*Several parts of Unicron's transformation sequence are clearly a visual homage to his transformation in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

===Trivia===
[[File:Armada decepticons alliance.jpg|thumb|Galvatron...Emperor Palpatine...What's the difference?]]
*The English version of "Alliance" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 9]], 2003.
*Various cameos appear in the hand-shaking scene, including [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and a palette-swapped [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] of the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]].
*The generic Decepticons sent to Unicron to assist the named characters have Generation 1 character models (namely [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] and [[Buster (G1)|Buster]]) but with radically different color schemes. They totally {{w|Redshirt (character)|all died}}.
*Various [[generic]] Mini-Cons use the Generation 1 [[Throttlebot]] designs.
*Unicron's transformation sequence, while homaging the Generation 1 version of the sequence, also transforms accurately to the toy.
*Yes, the combined forces of Autobots, Decepticons, and Mini-Cons is what the "Armada" in the title of the series stands for.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some interesting tidbits:
**Cyclonus saying that fighting is the only thing makes him feel alive might be one of his few highlights.
**The time during the making of these last episodes were particularly difficult. Everyone was desperate for the final episode to be finished and only such a difficult thing was remembered.
***[[Munetaka Abe]] was busy with animating Starscream's death in "[[Cramp]]", Unicron's transformation in this episode, Overload's robot mode in "[[Union]]", and being the animation director for "[[Mortal Combat]]". When commenting on Unicron's transformation, Abe stated he used quite a bit of motion tweens so that the animation doesn't take too much time to work on due to the amount of work. It was hard but he had a lot of fun.
***[[Hidehito Ueda]] was troubled with the storyboards for "[[Portent]]", "[[Union]]", and "[[Mortal Combat]]", while [[Takeshi Sano]] and [[Masami Nagata]] worked as the storyboarder and animation director respectively for "[[Drift (episode)|Drift]]" and "[[Origin]]".

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mit vereinten Kräften'''" ("With Joint Forces")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 13|13 January]] [[2004]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Felderítés'''" ("Recon")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Aliança'''" ("Alliance")

==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 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

2021-12-11T01:23:20Z

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

{{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.

"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]]", 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 precedes 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 precedes 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 precedes 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 thr former he can either save himself, or escape on his own and chase after the union. Thrust precedes 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 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.
**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?
*Rad's gloves are excessively cool.

===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

2021-12-11T01:23:04Z

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

{{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.

"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]], 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 precedes 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 precedes 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 precedes 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 thr former he can either save himself, or escape on his own and chase after the union. Thrust precedes 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 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.
**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?
*Rad's gloves are excessively cool.

===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]]

Dash (episode)

2021-12-10T05:53:03Z

PownicMania: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{picsneeded}}
{{disambig3|Dash}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=45
|prev=Uprising (Armada)
|next=Drift (episode)
|title="Dash"
|furigana=うらぎり
|japanese=確信
|romaji=Uragiri
|translation=Confidence: Betrayal
|image=dash.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-45
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|englishadaptation=[[Ward Perry]]
|director=[[Tomio Yamauchi|Tokio Yamauchi]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 26]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[November 7|7 November]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[November 21]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''Hot Shot goes on a solo mission to convince Galvatron that the Autobots and Decepticons should unite to stop Unicron.'''

==Synopsis==
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] command the rest of the [[Decepticon]]s not to pay any attention to the black hole outside and to disregard the [[Autobot]]s' offer for a collaborative effort against it. While away from the rest of the Decepticons, Thrust cackles at how he's manipulating both armies.

The Autobots wait, impatient and tense. The kids aboard the ship feel depressed as they watch the combat lights on Cybertron's surface. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] passes them on his way to personally charge into the Decepticons' stronghold and reason with Galvatron. The kids and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] do their best to dissuade him—but [[Rad White|Rad]] realizes that everybody should let Hot Shot go and convinces the others that it's the best idea.

Once Hot Shot is gone, the rest of the Autobots fly to assist [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] but come under attack. The [[Mini-Con]]s help by forming several holographic copies of the ship to distract the Decepticons.

Fully armed, Hot Shot takes a small craft and buzzes through the Decepticon's defenses to their front door. He motors around their base, passing plenty of opposition. Eventually, [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] arrives to fight Hot Shot one-on-one. The rumble between the two carries on into the Decepticons' throne room, where Thrust was seconds away from receiving the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] from Galvatron.

Wheeljack tries to convince Galvatron to listen to Hot Shot's message, and Wheeljack's compassion convinces Galvatron to open his ears. As Hot Shot explains Unicron, Galvatron notices Thrust panicking and connects the sudden presence of [[Unicron]] to the ''[[Hydra Cannon]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s un-Cybertronian technology. Starscream pipes up, mentioning that Thrust has been conspiring against Galvatron. With his plans exposed, Thrust grabs the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]], and the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] and reveals that he's been working in the service of Unicron, then he runs away. Starscream, Hot Shot, and Wheeljack chase after the traitor.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (7)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (8)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (11)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (12)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (13)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (14)
*Autobot officer (26)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (1)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (2)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (4)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (5)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (6)
*Decepticon weapons officer (20)
*Decepticon fleet commander (21)
*Decepticon infantry commander (22)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (25)

|c3=
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (15)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (16)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (17)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (18)
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (19)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]] (23)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (24)
}}

==Quotes==
"...and stop overworking your brain by thinking!"
:—'''Thrust''' to Cyclonus

"I wonder what's gonna happen now." 
"Stressful times like these call for large quantities of comfort food."
:—'''Billy''' and '''Fred''' show just what humans are made of.

"Galvatron, you were never worthy of controlling the Transformers. I've got news for you: You're nothing compared to my true master, Unicron!"
:—'''Thrust''' declares his true allegiance
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*After Scavenger stops Hoist from going after Hot Shot, Scavenger states it's important that the Autobots stay together right now and that Hot Shot can take care of himself. The kids then object that Hot Shot needs their help since he is doing it for all of them, but Blurr says it's too risky to follow him, and the Decepticons will be all over them. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this dialogue to a more negative tone as Scavenger says Hot Shot would have to face punishment for his decision disrupting military discipline. Then the kids say that Hot Shot is doing what he thinks is best for the Autobots, followed by Blurr saying they aren't playing any games. The shot of the kids is also entirely redrawn from the ''Armada'' version.
*The last scene has Thrust saying with the Mini-Con weapons he stole, he can finally see Unicron in ''Legends of the Microns'', but he's silent in ''Armada''. It's the opposite when Starscream appears, as he's silent in the Japanese dub but says he's coming for Thrust in ''Armada''.

===Animation and technical errors===
*Demolishor has an Autobot logo, albeit purple in the fifth shot.
*When talking Hot Shot out of infiltrating the Decepticon based, Billy says "You can't change his mind, Alexis", which was clearly meant to refer Hot Shot. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this error by havi g Billy say that Hot Shot won't be able to convince Galvatron.
*The second time Jetfire radios the other Autobots, he's colored like Optimus. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this mistake.
*Right after Jetfire radios the Autobots, Blurr's head is behind his seat's headrest.
*The Decepticons' starship officers refer to the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'' as the "Cybertron ship" as a general description, Cybertron being the Autobots' Japanese name.
*Wheeljack's Autobot insignia is colored purple in one shot.
*When Thrust declares his true loyalty to Unicron, he initially appears without the Requiem Blaster and the Skyboom Shield he grabbed moments before, instead of holding one of his missile launchers (which are also missing from his legs). They appear subsequently after a reaction shot of Galvatron.
*After the Decepticons are all blown away by Thrust's spinning wings attack, the spinning animation has disappeared, and he merely fades away instead of being animated running away (which is how he escapes moments later).
*Though the [[character model]] of Generation 1 Decepticon [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] also appears as a Decepticon weapons officer in the blockade fleet, he later appears in different colors, missing half of his cockpit backpack as an Autobot questioning Optimus Prime's orders for a withdrawal.
*Scavenger calls Optimus Prime the commander of the 'Cybertron' army, yet another case of the dubbing team not translating instances of 'Cybertron' (the faction) into 'Autobot.'

===Continuity notes===
*Rad feeling that he met High Wire before his arrival on Earth foreshadows the reveal in the [[Drift (episode)|next episode]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Hot Shot wields two generic rifles and a portable turret in this episode.
**Wheeljack uses his guns as swords.
**This episode depicts the only use of Thrust's toy spinning wing gimmick, though he activates it independently of his Mini-Con [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]].

===Continuity errors===
*It is unclear how Wheeljack's missile/guns/sword things can withstand the Star Saber's power when he saves Hot Shot from Galvatron's enraged attack.
*Red Alert agrees to "cover for" Hot Shot when the latter plans to make an unauthorized mission to Galvatron on Cybertron. The very next scene sees Hoist describing, in precise detail, the previous scene's events while Hot Shot has barely cleared the ''Axalon''. Red Alert defines "cover for" as "run and tell everyone." It could be a poorly translated reference to the decoy pod and rock disguise for Hot Shot's pod, though, since Hot Shot thanks him for it not long after.
**In the same sequences, when Scavenger insists that Hot Shot "can take care of himself," the kids, including Rad, get upset and urge the other Autobots to follow and back him up. However, Rad said ''the same thing'' only moments ago to convince the other kids and Red Alert to let Hot Shot go in the first place. Erratic tween emotions or bipolar scriptwriters? You decide. Fortunately, ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't have this glaring inconsistency since the conversation is entirely different.

===Trivia===
[[File:Generic Space Team Mini-Cons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]? What are you doing here? [[Spy Changer|How did you get so small]]?]]
*The Decepticon starship crew attacking the ''Axalon'' use recoloured [[character model]]s of [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] Decepticons Misfire and [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]].
*Alongside Bonecrusher and Grindor, [[generic]] recolors of the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] appear very briefly. The generic recolor of [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] also somewhat resembles the [[2001]] ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Spy Changer]] [[Optimus Prime (RID)#SC|Optimus Prime]] toy, while [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]]'s recolor shares Thrust's color scheme.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some tidbits on this episode:
**Wheeljack was thinking of rejoining the Autobots once he chases Thrust with Hot Shot; however, [[Hidehito Ueda]] thought it would be emotionally unforgivable, which is why he returns to Galvatron in "[[Portent]]."
**Wheeljack's loyalty and Thrust's true intentions being at play in this episode raise the team's tension.
**The Decepticon's base alarm is played by Rad's voice actor, while Fred's voice actor plays the Decepticon soldiers during Hot Shot's break-in.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Enthüllungen'''" ("Revelations")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 17|17 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Összeütközés'''" ("Collision")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Golpe'''" ("Hit")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 12 ([[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]]

Dash (episode)

2021-12-10T05:52:37Z

PownicMania: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{picsneeded}}
{{disambig3|Dash}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=45
|prev=Uprising (Armada)
|next=Drift (episode)
|title="Dash"
|furigana=うらぎり
|japanese=確信
|romaji=Uragiri
|translation=Confidence: Betrayal
|image=dash.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-45
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|englishadaptation=[[Ward Perry]]
|director=[[Tomio Yamauchi|Tokio Yamauchi]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 26]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[November 7|7 November]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[November 21]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''Hot Shot goes on a solo mission to convince Galvatron that the Autobots and Decepticons should unite to stop Unicron.'''

==Synopsis==
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] command the rest of the [[Decepticon]]s not to pay any attention to the black hole outside and to disregard the [[Autobot]]s' offer for a collaborative effort against it. While away from the rest of the Decepticons, Thrust cackles at how he's manipulating both armies.

The Autobots wait, impatient and tense. The kids aboard the ship feel depressed as they watch the combat lights on Cybertron's surface. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] passes them on his way to personally charge into the Decepticons' stronghold and reason with Galvatron. The kids and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] do their best to dissuade him—but [[Rad White|Rad]] realizes that everybody should let Hot Shot go and convinces the others that it's the best idea.

Once Hot Shot is gone, the rest of the Autobots fly to assist [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] but come under attack. The [[Mini-Con]]s help by forming several holographic copies of the ship to distract the Decepticons.

Fully armed, Hot Shot takes a small craft and buzzes through the Decepticon's defenses to their front door. He motors around their base, passing plenty of opposition. Eventually, [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] arrives to fight Hot Shot one-on-one. The rumble between the two carries on into the Decepticons' throne room, where Thrust was seconds away from receiving the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] from Galvatron.

Wheeljack tries to convince Galvatron to listen to Hot Shot's message, and Wheeljack's compassion convinces Galvatron to open his ears. As Hot Shot explains Unicron, Galvatron notices Thrust panicking and connects the sudden presence of [[Unicron]] to the ''[[Hydra Cannon]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s un-Cybertronian technology. Starscream pipes up, mentioning that Thrust has been conspiring against Galvatron. With his plans exposed, Thrust grabs the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]], and the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] and reveals that he's been working in the service of Unicron, then he runs away. Starscream, Hot Shot, and Wheeljack chase after the traitor.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (7)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (8)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (11)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (12)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (13)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (14)
*Autobot officer (26)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (1)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (2)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (4)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (5)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (6)
*Decepticon weapons officer (20)
*Decepticon fleet commander (21)
*Decepticon infantry commander (22)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (25)

|c3=
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (15)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (16)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (17)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (18)
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (19)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]] (23)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (24)
}}

==Quotes==
"...and stop overworking your brain by thinking!"
:—'''Thrust''' to Cyclonus

"I wonder what's gonna happen now." 
"Stressful times like these call for large quantities of comfort food."
:—'''Billy''' and '''Fred''' show just what humans are made of.

"Galvatron, you were never worthy of controlling the Transformers. I've got news for you: You're nothing compared to my true master, Unicron!"
:—'''Thrust''' declares his true allegiance
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*After Scavenger stops Hoist from going after Hot Shot, Scavenger states it's important that the Autobots stay together right now and that Hot Shot can take care of himself. The kids then object that Hot Shot needs their help since he is doing it for all of them, but Blurr says it's too risky to follow him, and the Decepticons will be all over them. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this dialogue to a more negative tone as Scavenger says Hot Shot would have to face punishment for his decision disrupting military discipline. Then the kids say that Hot Shot is doing what he thinks is best for the Autobots, followed by Blurr saying they aren't playing any games. The shot of the kids is also entirely redrawn from the ''Armada'' version.
*The last scene has Thrust saying with the Mini-Con weapons he stole, he can finally see Unicron in ''Legends of the Microns'', but he's silent in ''Armada''. It's the opposite when Starscream appears, as he's silent in the Japanese dub but says he's coming for Thrust in ''Armada''.

===Animation and technical errors===
*Demolishor has an Autobot logo, albeit purple in the fifth shot.
*When talking Hot Shot out of infiltrating the Decepticon based, Billy says "You can't change his mind, Alexis", which was clearly meant to refer Hot Shot. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this error to Billy saying that Hot Shot won't be able to convince Galvatron.
*The second time Jetfire radios the other Autobots, he's colored like Optimus. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this mistake.
*Right after Jetfire radios the Autobots, Blurr's head is behind his seat's headrest.
*The Decepticons' starship officers refer to the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'' as the "Cybertron ship" as a general description, Cybertron being the Autobots' Japanese name.
*Wheeljack's Autobot insignia is colored purple in one shot.
*When Thrust declares his true loyalty to Unicron, he initially appears without the Requiem Blaster and the Skyboom Shield he grabbed moments before, instead of holding one of his missile launchers (which are also missing from his legs). They appear subsequently after a reaction shot of Galvatron.
*After the Decepticons are all blown away by Thrust's spinning wings attack, the spinning animation has disappeared, and he merely fades away instead of being animated running away (which is how he escapes moments later).
*Though the [[character model]] of Generation 1 Decepticon [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] also appears as a Decepticon weapons officer in the blockade fleet, he later appears in different colors, missing half of his cockpit backpack as an Autobot questioning Optimus Prime's orders for a withdrawal.
*Scavenger calls Optimus Prime the commander of the 'Cybertron' army, yet another case of the dubbing team not translating instances of 'Cybertron' (the faction) into 'Autobot.'

===Continuity notes===
*Rad feeling that he met High Wire before his arrival on Earth foreshadows the reveal in the [[Drift (episode)|next episode]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Hot Shot wields two generic rifles and a portable turret in this episode.
**Wheeljack uses his guns as swords.
**This episode depicts the only use of Thrust's toy spinning wing gimmick, though he activates it independently of his Mini-Con [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]].

===Continuity errors===
*It is unclear how Wheeljack's missile/guns/sword things can withstand the Star Saber's power when he saves Hot Shot from Galvatron's enraged attack.
*Red Alert agrees to "cover for" Hot Shot when the latter plans to make an unauthorized mission to Galvatron on Cybertron. The very next scene sees Hoist describing, in precise detail, the previous scene's events while Hot Shot has barely cleared the ''Axalon''. Red Alert defines "cover for" as "run and tell everyone." It could be a poorly translated reference to the decoy pod and rock disguise for Hot Shot's pod, though, since Hot Shot thanks him for it not long after.
**In the same sequences, when Scavenger insists that Hot Shot "can take care of himself," the kids, including Rad, get upset and urge the other Autobots to follow and back him up. However, Rad said ''the same thing'' only moments ago to convince the other kids and Red Alert to let Hot Shot go in the first place. Erratic tween emotions or bipolar scriptwriters? You decide. Fortunately, ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't have this glaring inconsistency since the conversation is entirely different.

===Trivia===
[[File:Generic Space Team Mini-Cons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]? What are you doing here? [[Spy Changer|How did you get so small]]?]]
*The Decepticon starship crew attacking the ''Axalon'' use recoloured [[character model]]s of [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] Decepticons Misfire and [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]].
*Alongside Bonecrusher and Grindor, [[generic]] recolors of the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] appear very briefly. The generic recolor of [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] also somewhat resembles the [[2001]] ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Spy Changer]] [[Optimus Prime (RID)#SC|Optimus Prime]] toy, while [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]]'s recolor shares Thrust's color scheme.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some tidbits on this episode:
**Wheeljack was thinking of rejoining the Autobots once he chases Thrust with Hot Shot; however, [[Hidehito Ueda]] thought it would be emotionally unforgivable, which is why he returns to Galvatron in "[[Portent]]."
**Wheeljack's loyalty and Thrust's true intentions being at play in this episode raise the team's tension.
**The Decepticon's base alarm is played by Rad's voice actor, while Fred's voice actor plays the Decepticon soldiers during Hot Shot's break-in.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Enthüllungen'''" ("Revelations")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 17|17 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Összeütközés'''" ("Collision")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Golpe'''" ("Hit")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 12 ([[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]]

Alliance

2021-12-10T00:36:42Z

PownicMania: /* Trivia */

{{disambig3|Alliance}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=49
|prev=Cramp
|next=Union
|title="Alliance"
|furigana=ゆにくろん
|japanese=覚醒
|romaji=Unicron
|translation=Awakening: Unicron
|image=Unicronalliance.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-49
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|director=[[Masayuki Motsumoto]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 30]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[December 5]], 2003 (Japanese) [[December 9]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Starscream's sacrifice spurs the Autobots and the Decepticons to join forces. But Unicron awakens...'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Sshot-arm-494-remains.jpg|left|thumb|You failed, your highness. I'm a Jedi, like my father before me...yeah...]]
[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] is astonished to hear about the truce between the two armies and asks if [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] is functioning. [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] is disgusted that they're doing this simply because the traitorous [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] asked that they do it, but then suggests that they simply use the idea of a truce to ambush the [[Autobot]]s. Outraged, Galvatron makes Cyclonus respect his authority with the usual amount of physical punishment. Galvatron is upset at how poorly things have turned out, but Starscream's sacrifice has convinced him: they're going to ally with the Autobots...for now in order to stop [[Unicron]]. Galvatron went far stating of the reasons of why Starscream rebelled against him in the first place, calling him a true soldier.

[[File:Sshot-arm-491-ships.jpg|thumb|Not all Autobot spaceships know how to swim.]]
Seeing Galvatron's point of the crisis, the rest of the [[Decepticon]]s agree to the truce, except for Cyclonus, who is still disgusted by this. Inside of Unicron, [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] plan their inevitable victory and conquest of the universe. The power of the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] allows Unicron to shed the remains of his moon-disguise shell. The dark god hovers over [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], sucking up parts of the terrain. Both armies evacuate the surface, assisted by the [[Mini-Con]] swarm.

In a ceremonial procedure, Galvatron and his Decepticons meet with [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots for a handshake to seal the truce. The leaders shake hands, and [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] also grabs on as his way of representing the allegiance of the Mini-Cons. The kids observe this, astonished that it's actually happening. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] begins to tear up and when [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] asks her if she's all right, she says she was just remembering Starscream and how he would have loved to see this happening for himself. Forming a single front, the Autobot/Decepticon [[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|armada]] heads towards Unicron. The first volley of fire does no damage against their enemy. Two larger ships perform reconnaissance and are blasted, so a team of [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]], Demolishor, and Cyclonus (and some others) are sent in, based on a theory that smaller ships will elude Unicron's detection. On Unicron's surface, Cyclonus and the generics fly away to break stuff, and Demolishor leaves to avoid Hot Shot, leaving the two Autobots by themselves.

[[File:Alliance Redshirts.jpg|thumb|left|Balls of DOOOOM!!!!]]
Unicron's geography shifts and folds, disturbing his visitors and causing Demolishor to lose [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]]. From the base, Galvatron suggests another attack, which Optimus Prime makes sure won't harm the recon crew, who have their hands full fighting against swarms of [[Dead End Drone]]s. Demolishor saves Cyclonus from falling into a fissure, while the Autobots assist their begrudging allies. Demolishor saves Side Swipe from falling into another fissure, and Hot Shot thanks the Decepticon by re-uniting Demolishor with Blackout—a tender moment. Optimus and Galvatron arrive to bring the group home.

From a distance, the armada witnesses Unicron complete his transformation into [[robot mode]], ready to devour the planet.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (17)
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (18)
* [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (19)
* [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (20)
* [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (21)
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (22)
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (23)
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (25)
* Generic Autobots

|c2=
* [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (2)
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (3)
* [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (4)
* [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (5)
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (6)
* Generic Decepticons

|c3=
* [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (9)
* [[Rad White|Rad]] (13)
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (14)
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (15)
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (16)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
* [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (10)
* [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (11)
* [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (12)
* [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (24)
* [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (26)
* [[Dead End Drone]]s (27)

|h5=Other|c5=
* [[Unicron]] (1)
* [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (7)
* [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Jetfire Shake Hands.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Believe it or not, this ''is'' the correct [[scale]] between the two characters.]]

"Right now, all I can think about is the comrade we lost. Sure, he challenged my authority in a failed coup attempt, and even though Starscream was a traitor, he never lost sight of his oath to the Decepticons. He was a true soldier, unlike most of ''you''!"
:—'''Galvatron''' defends Starscream's memory from the jibes of the other Decepticons.

'''Demolishor:''' "I'm only doing this because I'm following Galvatron's orders." 
'''Cyclonus:''' "Ha! I can't believe I'm fighting for harmony! What a load of bunk! I'm a lean, mean, fighting machine! Hahahaha!" 
'''Side Swipe:''' "I gotta work with this guy? I'm not so sure about this."
:—The truce gets off to a shaky start.

"Tidal Wave..." 
"Uh...nice meetin' ya."
:—'''Tidal Wave''' and '''Jetfire''' shaking hands.

"I can't believe I just saved Prime!"
:—An incredulous '''Galvatron''' after he destroys a cannon targeted at Optimus Prime.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*At the start of the episode, Demolishor and Cyclonus question Galvatron's decision to join the Autobots without moving their mouths. This is due to dub script extending their lines, as in the original they didn't speak during the shot where their faces are shown.
*The original has Demolishor lamenting Starscream's death, while in the ''Armada'' he claims he was a traitor who got what he deserved.

===Animation and technical errors===
*At several points throughout the opening scene, the Decepticons are all drawn with hideously faulty character models with faulty proportions and lack of detail.
**Strangely, when Galvatron delivers his speech after punching Cyclonus, Wheeljack is colored like [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], however this is only present in ''Legends of the Microns''. ''Armada'' has him colored properly.
*As the Decepticons prepare to launch the ship to escape from Unicron's gravitational pull, generic Decepticons using [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]], [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]], and the [[Air Military Mini-Con Team]]'s [[character model]]s are standing in the ship's hangar bay.
*The [[Race Mini-Con Team|Race Team Mini-Con]] Mirage appears among the Mini-Cons there, but he should be with Thrust inside Unicron by now, as the traitorous Decepticon had stolen the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] several episodes earlier.
*Several of the Mini-Cons protecting the ''Axalon'' and the Autobot fleet during the lift-off from Cybertron use Generation 1 character models instead of Mini-Con character models.
*The four generic Decepticons on the mission to Unicron change colour between each shot.
*When Jet Optimus attacks the Dead End Drones surrounding Hot Shot and Demolishor's recon team, the laser blast comes from in front of the first drone destroyed, rather than behind (the direction from which Prime is coming).
*Unless [[size changing]] occurs when Galvatron and Tidal Wave combine, there's no way Galvatron should be able to pick up Demolishor and Cyclonus with each hand.
*When shaking hands with Tidal Wave, Jetfire's wings are shortened to just above his head. This is possibly to continue the tradition of exaggerating Tidal Wave's size.
**Oddly, despite the change in length of his wings, the characters are drawn to be in accurate [[scale]] with one another.

===Continuity notes===
*Despite destroying Starscream for firing upon him in the previous episode, Unicron doesn't seem to mind Galvatron doing exactly the same thing.
*Assuming the episode was entirely in real-time, Unicron's transformation took close to seven minutes.
*The three Mini-Con super weapons are used to fully restore Unicron's power. Guess the Mini-Cons really are Unicron's cells.
*Unicron's innards appear to be [[technorganic]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Unicron eats parts of Cybertron through his planet form's mouth.
**Unicron fires lasers from the chunks on the right side of his planet mode (the ones that house the Mini-Con gimmick to fire the leg missiles on the toy).
**Mid-transformation, Unicron uses his shoulder/planet houns to fire an energy beam at Jet Optimus.
**The inside of Hot Shot's shin apparently has hollow space, big enough to store a Mini-Con. As an added piece of toy acurracy, his shins open on the transformation hinges of his toy.
**Unicron his a surface-based turret he uses to try to shoot Optimus in the back.

===Continuity errors===
*What's with Demolishor claiming that Starscream got what he deserved when except for Thrust, he has shown to care about his comrades? Also, why does Cyclonus the only who got punched by Galvatron when all he asked was if they could double cross the Autobots when Demolishor actually insulted Starscream? ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes these errors by having Demolishor lament about Starscream's death and Cyclonus say that he died for nothing, making Galvatron's actions more justifed.
*Cyclonus is in danger of falling into a hole, having apparently forgotten that ''he can fly'', which he was doing ''moments before''. It's possible that he's just that stupid, but not likely.

===Transformers references===
*Several parts of Unicron's transformation sequence are clearly a visual homage to his transformation in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

===Trivia===
[[File:Armada decepticons alliance.jpg|thumb|Galvatron...Emperor Palpatine...What's the difference?]]
*The English version of "Alliance" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 9]], 2003.
*In a strange twists of events, this episode appears to be a bit more finished in the ''English'' dub than the original Japanese animation wise. How this was the case is currently unknown, as this is the only episode that has this oddity.
*Various cameos appear in the hand-shaking scene, including [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and a palette-swapped [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] of the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]].
*The generic Decepticons sent to Unicron to assist the named characters have Generation 1 character models (namely [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] and [[Buster (G1)|Buster]]) but with radically different color schemes. They totally {{w|Redshirt (character)|all died}}.
*Various [[generic]] Mini-Cons use the Generation 1 [[Throttlebot]] designs.
*Unicron's transformation sequence, while homaging the Generation 1 version of the sequence, also transforms accurately to the toy.
*Yes, the combined forces of Autobots, Decepticons, and Mini-Cons is what the "Armada" in the title of the series stands for.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some interesting tidbits:
**Cyclonus saying that fighting is the only thing makes him feel alive might be one of his few highlights.
**The time during the making of these last episodes were particularly difficult. Everyone was desperate for the final episode to be finished and only such a difficult thing was remembered.
***[[Munetaka Abe]] was busy with animating Starscream's death in "[[Cramp]]", Unicron's transformation in this episode, Overload's robot mode in "[[Union]]", and being the animation director for "[[Mortal Combat]]". When commenting on Unicron's transformation, Abe stated he used quite a bit of motion tweens so that the animation doesn't take too much time to work on due to the amount of work. It was hard but he had a lot of fun.
***[[Hidehito Ueda]] was troubled with the storyboards for "[[Portent]]", "[[Union]]", and "[[Mortal Combat]]", while [[Takeshi Sano]] and [[Masami Nagata]] worked as the storyboarder and animation director respectively for "[[Drift (episode)|Drift]]" and "[[Origin]]".

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mit vereinten Kräften'''" ("With Joint Forces")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 13|13 January]] [[2004]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Felderítés'''" ("Recon")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Aliança'''" ("Alliance")

==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 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]]

Alliance

2021-12-09T21:54:05Z

PownicMania: /* Trivia */

{{disambig3|Alliance}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=49
|prev=Cramp
|next=Union
|title="Alliance"
|furigana=ゆにくろん
|japanese=覚醒
|romaji=Unicron
|translation=Awakening: Unicron
|image=Unicronalliance.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-49
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|director=[[Masayuki Motsumoto]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 30]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[December 5]], 2003 (Japanese) [[December 9]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Starscream's sacrifice spurs the Autobots and the Decepticons to join forces. But Unicron awakens...'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Sshot-arm-494-remains.jpg|left|thumb|You failed, your highness. I'm a Jedi, like my father before me...yeah...]]
[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] is astonished to hear about the truce between the two armies and asks if [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] is functioning. [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] is disgusted that they're doing this simply because the traitorous [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] asked that they do it, but then suggests that they simply use the idea of a truce to ambush the [[Autobot]]s. Outraged, Galvatron makes Cyclonus respect his authority with the usual amount of physical punishment. Galvatron is upset at how poorly things have turned out, but Starscream's sacrifice has convinced him: they're going to ally with the Autobots...for now in order to stop [[Unicron]]. Galvatron went far stating of the reasons of why Starscream rebelled against him in the first place, calling him a true soldier.

[[File:Sshot-arm-491-ships.jpg|thumb|Not all Autobot spaceships know how to swim.]]
Seeing Galvatron's point of the crisis, the rest of the [[Decepticon]]s agree to the truce, except for Cyclonus, who is still disgusted by this. Inside of Unicron, [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] plan their inevitable victory and conquest of the universe. The power of the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] allows Unicron to shed the remains of his moon-disguise shell. The dark god hovers over [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], sucking up parts of the terrain. Both armies evacuate the surface, assisted by the [[Mini-Con]] swarm.

In a ceremonial procedure, Galvatron and his Decepticons meet with [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots for a handshake to seal the truce. The leaders shake hands, and [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] also grabs on as his way of representing the allegiance of the Mini-Cons. The kids observe this, astonished that it's actually happening. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] begins to tear up and when [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] asks her if she's all right, she says she was just remembering Starscream and how he would have loved to see this happening for himself. Forming a single front, the Autobot/Decepticon [[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|armada]] heads towards Unicron. The first volley of fire does no damage against their enemy. Two larger ships perform reconnaissance and are blasted, so a team of [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]], Demolishor, and Cyclonus (and some others) are sent in, based on a theory that smaller ships will elude Unicron's detection. On Unicron's surface, Cyclonus and the generics fly away to break stuff, and Demolishor leaves to avoid Hot Shot, leaving the two Autobots by themselves.

[[File:Alliance Redshirts.jpg|thumb|left|Balls of DOOOOM!!!!]]
Unicron's geography shifts and folds, disturbing his visitors and causing Demolishor to lose [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]]. From the base, Galvatron suggests another attack, which Optimus Prime makes sure won't harm the recon crew, who have their hands full fighting against swarms of [[Dead End Drone]]s. Demolishor saves Cyclonus from falling into a fissure, while the Autobots assist their begrudging allies. Demolishor saves Side Swipe from falling into another fissure, and Hot Shot thanks the Decepticon by re-uniting Demolishor with Blackout—a tender moment. Optimus and Galvatron arrive to bring the group home.

From a distance, the armada witnesses Unicron complete his transformation into [[robot mode]], ready to devour the planet.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (17)
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (18)
* [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (19)
* [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (20)
* [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (21)
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (22)
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (23)
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (25)
* Generic Autobots

|c2=
* [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (2)
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (3)
* [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (4)
* [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (5)
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (6)
* Generic Decepticons

|c3=
* [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (9)
* [[Rad White|Rad]] (13)
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (14)
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (15)
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (16)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
* [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (10)
* [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (11)
* [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (12)
* [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (24)
* [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (26)
* [[Dead End Drone]]s (27)

|h5=Other|c5=
* [[Unicron]] (1)
* [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (7)
* [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Jetfire Shake Hands.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Believe it or not, this ''is'' the correct [[scale]] between the two characters.]]

"Right now, all I can think about is the comrade we lost. Sure, he challenged my authority in a failed coup attempt, and even though Starscream was a traitor, he never lost sight of his oath to the Decepticons. He was a true soldier, unlike most of ''you''!"
:—'''Galvatron''' defends Starscream's memory from the jibes of the other Decepticons.

'''Demolishor:''' "I'm only doing this because I'm following Galvatron's orders." 
'''Cyclonus:''' "Ha! I can't believe I'm fighting for harmony! What a load of bunk! I'm a lean, mean, fighting machine! Hahahaha!" 
'''Side Swipe:''' "I gotta work with this guy? I'm not so sure about this."
:—The truce gets off to a shaky start.

"Tidal Wave..." 
"Uh...nice meetin' ya."
:—'''Tidal Wave''' and '''Jetfire''' shaking hands.

"I can't believe I just saved Prime!"
:—An incredulous '''Galvatron''' after he destroys a cannon targeted at Optimus Prime.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*At the start of the episode, Demolishor and Cyclonus question Galvatron's decision to join the Autobots without moving their mouths. This is due to dub script extending their lines, as in the original they didn't speak during the shot where their faces are shown.
*The original has Demolishor lamenting Starscream's death, while in the ''Armada'' he claims he was a traitor who got what he deserved.

===Animation and technical errors===
*At several points throughout the opening scene, the Decepticons are all drawn with hideously faulty character models with faulty proportions and lack of detail.
**Strangely, when Galvatron delivers his speech after punching Cyclonus, Wheeljack is colored like [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], however this is only present in ''Legends of the Microns''. ''Armada'' has him colored properly.
*As the Decepticons prepare to launch the ship to escape from Unicron's gravitational pull, generic Decepticons using [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]], [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]], and the [[Air Military Mini-Con Team]]'s [[character model]]s are standing in the ship's hangar bay.
*The [[Race Mini-Con Team|Race Team Mini-Con]] Mirage appears among the Mini-Cons there, but he should be with Thrust inside Unicron by now, as the traitorous Decepticon had stolen the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] several episodes earlier.
*Several of the Mini-Cons protecting the ''Axalon'' and the Autobot fleet during the lift-off from Cybertron use Generation 1 character models instead of Mini-Con character models.
*The four generic Decepticons on the mission to Unicron change colour between each shot.
*When Jet Optimus attacks the Dead End Drones surrounding Hot Shot and Demolishor's recon team, the laser blast comes from in front of the first drone destroyed, rather than behind (the direction from which Prime is coming).
*Unless [[size changing]] occurs when Galvatron and Tidal Wave combine, there's no way Galvatron should be able to pick up Demolishor and Cyclonus with each hand.
*When shaking hands with Tidal Wave, Jetfire's wings are shortened to just above his head. This is possibly to continue the tradition of exaggerating Tidal Wave's size.
**Oddly, despite the change in length of his wings, the characters are drawn to be in accurate [[scale]] with one another.

===Continuity notes===
*Despite destroying Starscream for firing upon him in the previous episode, Unicron doesn't seem to mind Galvatron doing exactly the same thing.
*Assuming the episode was entirely in real-time, Unicron's transformation took close to seven minutes.
*The three Mini-Con super weapons are used to fully restore Unicron's power. Guess the Mini-Cons really are Unicron's cells.
*Unicron's innards appear to be [[technorganic]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Unicron eats parts of Cybertron through his planet form's mouth.
**Unicron fires lasers from the chunks on the right side of his planet mode (the ones that house the Mini-Con gimmick to fire the leg missiles on the toy).
**Mid-transformation, Unicron uses his shoulder/planet houns to fire an energy beam at Jet Optimus.
**The inside of Hot Shot's shin apparently has hollow space, big enough to store a Mini-Con. As an added piece of toy acurracy, his shins open on the transformation hinges of his toy.
**Unicron his a surface-based turret he uses to try to shoot Optimus in the back.

===Continuity errors===
*What's with Demolishor claiming that Starscream got what he deserved when except for Thrust, he has shown to care about his comrades? Also, why does Cyclonus the only who got punched by Galvatron when all he asked was if they could double cross the Autobots when Demolishor actually insulted Starscream? ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes these errors by having Demolishor lament about Starscream's death and Cyclonus say that he died for nothing, making Galvatron's actions more justifed.
*Cyclonus is in danger of falling into a hole, having apparently forgotten that ''he can fly'', which he was doing ''moments before''. It's possible that he's just that stupid, but not likely.

===Transformers references===
*Several parts of Unicron's transformation sequence are clearly a visual homage to his transformation in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

===Trivia===
[[File:Armada decepticons alliance.jpg|thumb|Galvatron...Emperor Palpatine...What's the difference?]]
*The English version of "Alliance" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 9]], 2003.
*In a strange twists of events, this episode appears to be more finished in the ''English'' dub than the original Japanese animation wise. How this was the case is currently unknown, as this is the only episode that has this oddity.
*Various cameos appear in the hand-shaking scene, including [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and a palette-swapped [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] of the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]].
*The generic Decepticons sent to Unicron to assist the named characters have Generation 1 character models (namely [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] and [[Buster (G1)|Buster]]) but with radically different color schemes. They totally {{w|Redshirt (character)|all died}}.
*Various [[generic]] Mini-Cons use the Generation 1 [[Throttlebot]] designs.
*Unicron's transformation sequence, while homaging the Generation 1 version of the sequence, also transforms accurately to the toy.
*Yes, the combined forces of Autobots, Decepticons, and Mini-Cons is what the "Armada" in the title of the series stands for.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some interesting tidbits:
**Cyclonus saying that fighting is the only thing makes him feel alive might be one of his few highlights.
**The time during the making of these last episodes were particularly difficult. Everyone was desperate for the final episode to be finished and only such a difficult thing was remembered.
***[[Munetaka Abe]] was busy with animating Starscream's death in "[[Cramp]]", Unicron's transformation in this episode, Overload's robot mode in "[[Union]]", and being the animation director for "[[Mortal Combat]]". When commenting on Unicron's transformation, Abe stated he used quite a bit of motion tweens so that the animation doesn't take too much time to work on due to the amount of work. It was hard but he had a lot of fun.
***[[Hidehito Ueda]] was troubled with the storyboards for "[[Portent]]", "[[Union]]", and "[[Mortal Combat]]", while [[Takeshi Sano]] and [[Masami Nagata]] worked as the storyboarder and animation director respectively for "[[Drift (episode)|Drift]]" and "[[Origin]]".

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mit vereinten Kräften'''" ("With Joint Forces")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 13|13 January]] [[2004]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Felderítés'''" ("Recon")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Aliança'''" ("Alliance")

==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 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]]

Alliance

2021-12-09T21:48:51Z

PownicMania: /* Trivia */ This is probably the most confused I am with the differences between the dub and sub.

{{disambig3|Alliance}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=49
|prev=Cramp
|next=Union
|title="Alliance"
|furigana=ゆにくろん
|japanese=覚醒
|romaji=Unicron
|translation=Awakening: Unicron
|image=Unicronalliance.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-49
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|director=[[Masayuki Motsumoto]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 30]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[December 5]], 2003 (Japanese) [[December 9]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Starscream's sacrifice spurs the Autobots and the Decepticons to join forces. But Unicron awakens...'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Sshot-arm-494-remains.jpg|left|thumb|You failed, your highness. I'm a Jedi, like my father before me...yeah...]]
[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] is astonished to hear about the truce between the two armies and asks if [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] is functioning. [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] is disgusted that they're doing this simply because the traitorous [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] asked that they do it, but then suggests that they simply use the idea of a truce to ambush the [[Autobot]]s. Outraged, Galvatron makes Cyclonus respect his authority with the usual amount of physical punishment. Galvatron is upset at how poorly things have turned out, but Starscream's sacrifice has convinced him: they're going to ally with the Autobots...for now in order to stop [[Unicron]]. Galvatron went far stating of the reasons of why Starscream rebelled against him in the first place, calling him a true soldier.

[[File:Sshot-arm-491-ships.jpg|thumb|Not all Autobot spaceships know how to swim.]]
Seeing Galvatron's point of the crisis, the rest of the [[Decepticon]]s agree to the truce, except for Cyclonus, who is still disgusted by this. Inside of Unicron, [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] plan their inevitable victory and conquest of the universe. The power of the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] allows Unicron to shed the remains of his moon-disguise shell. The dark god hovers over [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], sucking up parts of the terrain. Both armies evacuate the surface, assisted by the [[Mini-Con]] swarm.

In a ceremonial procedure, Galvatron and his Decepticons meet with [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots for a handshake to seal the truce. The leaders shake hands, and [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] also grabs on as his way of representing the allegiance of the Mini-Cons. The kids observe this, astonished that it's actually happening. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] begins to tear up and when [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] asks her if she's all right, she says she was just remembering Starscream and how he would have loved to see this happening for himself. Forming a single front, the Autobot/Decepticon [[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|armada]] heads towards Unicron. The first volley of fire does no damage against their enemy. Two larger ships perform reconnaissance and are blasted, so a team of [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]], Demolishor, and Cyclonus (and some others) are sent in, based on a theory that smaller ships will elude Unicron's detection. On Unicron's surface, Cyclonus and the generics fly away to break stuff, and Demolishor leaves to avoid Hot Shot, leaving the two Autobots by themselves.

[[File:Alliance Redshirts.jpg|thumb|left|Balls of DOOOOM!!!!]]
Unicron's geography shifts and folds, disturbing his visitors and causing Demolishor to lose [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]]. From the base, Galvatron suggests another attack, which Optimus Prime makes sure won't harm the recon crew, who have their hands full fighting against swarms of [[Dead End Drone]]s. Demolishor saves Cyclonus from falling into a fissure, while the Autobots assist their begrudging allies. Demolishor saves Side Swipe from falling into another fissure, and Hot Shot thanks the Decepticon by re-uniting Demolishor with Blackout—a tender moment. Optimus and Galvatron arrive to bring the group home.

From a distance, the armada witnesses Unicron complete his transformation into [[robot mode]], ready to devour the planet.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (17)
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (18)
* [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (19)
* [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (20)
* [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (21)
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (22)
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (23)
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (25)
* Generic Autobots

|c2=
* [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (2)
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (3)
* [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (4)
* [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (5)
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (6)
* Generic Decepticons

|c3=
* [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (9)
* [[Rad White|Rad]] (13)
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (14)
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (15)
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (16)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
* [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (10)
* [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (11)
* [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (12)
* [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (24)
* [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (26)
* [[Dead End Drone]]s (27)

|h5=Other|c5=
* [[Unicron]] (1)
* [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (7)
* [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Jetfire Shake Hands.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Believe it or not, this ''is'' the correct [[scale]] between the two characters.]]

"Right now, all I can think about is the comrade we lost. Sure, he challenged my authority in a failed coup attempt, and even though Starscream was a traitor, he never lost sight of his oath to the Decepticons. He was a true soldier, unlike most of ''you''!"
:—'''Galvatron''' defends Starscream's memory from the jibes of the other Decepticons.

'''Demolishor:''' "I'm only doing this because I'm following Galvatron's orders." 
'''Cyclonus:''' "Ha! I can't believe I'm fighting for harmony! What a load of bunk! I'm a lean, mean, fighting machine! Hahahaha!" 
'''Side Swipe:''' "I gotta work with this guy? I'm not so sure about this."
:—The truce gets off to a shaky start.

"Tidal Wave..." 
"Uh...nice meetin' ya."
:—'''Tidal Wave''' and '''Jetfire''' shaking hands.

"I can't believe I just saved Prime!"
:—An incredulous '''Galvatron''' after he destroys a cannon targeted at Optimus Prime.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*At the start of the episode, Demolishor and Cyclonus question Galvatron's decision to join the Autobots without moving their mouths. This is due to dub script extending their lines, as in the original they didn't speak during the shot where their faces are shown.
*The original has Demolishor lamenting Starscream's death, while in the ''Armada'' he claims he was a traitor who got what he deserved.

===Animation and technical errors===
*At several points throughout the opening scene, the Decepticons are all drawn with hideously faulty character models with faulty proportions and lack of detail.
**Strangely, when Galvatron delivers his speech after punching Cyclonus, Wheeljack is colored like [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], however this is only present in ''Legends of the Microns''. ''Armada'' has him colored properly.
*As the Decepticons prepare to launch the ship to escape from Unicron's gravitational pull, generic Decepticons using [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]], [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]], and the [[Air Military Mini-Con Team]]'s [[character model]]s are standing in the ship's hangar bay.
*The [[Race Mini-Con Team|Race Team Mini-Con]] Mirage appears among the Mini-Cons there, but he should be with Thrust inside Unicron by now, as the traitorous Decepticon had stolen the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] several episodes earlier.
*Several of the Mini-Cons protecting the ''Axalon'' and the Autobot fleet during the lift-off from Cybertron use Generation 1 character models instead of Mini-Con character models.
*The four generic Decepticons on the mission to Unicron change colour between each shot.
*When Jet Optimus attacks the Dead End Drones surrounding Hot Shot and Demolishor's recon team, the laser blast comes from in front of the first drone destroyed, rather than behind (the direction from which Prime is coming).
*Unless [[size changing]] occurs when Galvatron and Tidal Wave combine, there's no way Galvatron should be able to pick up Demolishor and Cyclonus with each hand.
*When shaking hands with Tidal Wave, Jetfire's wings are shortened to just above his head. This is possibly to continue the tradition of exaggerating Tidal Wave's size.
**Oddly, despite the change in length of his wings, the characters are drawn to be in accurate [[scale]] with one another.

===Continuity notes===
*Despite destroying Starscream for firing upon him in the previous episode, Unicron doesn't seem to mind Galvatron doing exactly the same thing.
*Assuming the episode was entirely in real-time, Unicron's transformation took close to seven minutes.
*The three Mini-Con super weapons are used to fully restore Unicron's power. Guess the Mini-Cons really are Unicron's cells.
*Unicron's innards appear to be [[technorganic]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Unicron eats parts of Cybertron through his planet form's mouth.
**Unicron fires lasers from the chunks on the right side of his planet mode (the ones that house the Mini-Con gimmick to fire the leg missiles on the toy).
**Mid-transformation, Unicron uses his shoulder/planet houns to fire an energy beam at Jet Optimus.
**The inside of Hot Shot's shin apparently has hollow space, big enough to store a Mini-Con. As an added piece of toy acurracy, his shins open on the transformation hinges of his toy.
**Unicron his a surface-based turret he uses to try to shoot Optimus in the back.

===Continuity errors===
*What's with Demolishor claiming that Starscream got what he deserved when except for Thrust, he has shown to care about his comrades? Also, why does Cyclonus the only who got punched by Galvatron when all he asked was if they could double cross the Autobots when Demolishor actually insulted Starscream? ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes these errors by having Demolishor lament about Starscream's death and Cyclonus say that he died for nothing, making Galvatron's actions more justifed.
*Cyclonus is in danger of falling into a hole, having apparently forgotten that ''he can fly'', which he was doing ''moments before''. It's possible that he's just that stupid, but not likely.

===Transformers references===
*Several parts of Unicron's transformation sequence are clearly a visual homage to his transformation in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

===Trivia===
[[File:Armada decepticons alliance.jpg|thumb|Galvatron...Emperor Palpatine...What's the difference?]]
*The English version of "Alliance" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 9]], 2003.
*In a strange twists of events, this episode appears to be more finished in the ''English'' dub than the original Japanese animation wise. How this was the case is currently unknown.
*Various cameos appear in the hand-shaking scene, including [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and a palette-swapped [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] of the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]].
*The generic Decepticons sent to Unicron to assist the named characters have Generation 1 character models (namely [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] and [[Buster (G1)|Buster]]) but with radically different color schemes. They totally {{w|Redshirt (character)|all died}}.
*Various [[generic]] Mini-Cons use the Generation 1 [[Throttlebot]] designs.
*Unicron's transformation sequence, while homaging the Generation 1 version of the sequence, also transforms accurately to the toy.
*Yes, the combined forces of Autobots, Decepticons, and Mini-Cons is what the "Armada" in the title of the series stands for.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some interesting tidbits:
**Cyclonus saying that fighting is the only thing makes him feel alive might be one of his few highlights.
**The time during the making of these last episodes were particularly difficult. Everyone was desperate for the final episode to be finished and only such a difficult thing was remembered.
***[[Munetaka Abe]] was busy with animating Starscream's death in "[[Cramp]]", Unicron's transformation in this episode, Overload's robot mode in "[[Union]]", and being the animation director for "[[Mortal Combat]]". When commenting on Unicron's transformation, Abe stated he used quite a bit of motion tweens so that the animation doesn't take too much time to work on due to the amount of work. It was hard but he had a lot of fun.
***[[Hidehito Ueda]] was troubled with the storyboards for "[[Portent]]", "[[Union]]", and "[[Mortal Combat]]", while [[Takeshi Sano]] and [[Masami Nagata]] worked as the storyboarder and animation director respectively for "[[Drift (episode)|Drift]]" and "[[Origin]]".

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mit vereinten Kräften'''" ("With Joint Forces")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 13|13 January]] [[2004]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Felderítés'''" ("Recon")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Aliança'''" ("Alliance")

==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 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]]

Alliance

2021-12-09T21:31:09Z

PownicMania: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{disambig3|Alliance}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=49
|prev=Cramp
|next=Union
|title="Alliance"
|furigana=ゆにくろん
|japanese=覚醒
|romaji=Unicron
|translation=Awakening: Unicron
|image=Unicronalliance.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-49
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|director=[[Masayuki Motsumoto]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 30]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[December 5]], 2003 (Japanese) [[December 9]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Starscream's sacrifice spurs the Autobots and the Decepticons to join forces. But Unicron awakens...'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Sshot-arm-494-remains.jpg|left|thumb|You failed, your highness. I'm a Jedi, like my father before me...yeah...]]
[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] is astonished to hear about the truce between the two armies and asks if [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] is functioning. [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] is disgusted that they're doing this simply because the traitorous [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] asked that they do it, but then suggests that they simply use the idea of a truce to ambush the [[Autobot]]s. Outraged, Galvatron makes Cyclonus respect his authority with the usual amount of physical punishment. Galvatron is upset at how poorly things have turned out, but Starscream's sacrifice has convinced him: they're going to ally with the Autobots...for now in order to stop [[Unicron]]. Galvatron went far stating of the reasons of why Starscream rebelled against him in the first place, calling him a true soldier.

[[File:Sshot-arm-491-ships.jpg|thumb|Not all Autobot spaceships know how to swim.]]
Seeing Galvatron's point of the crisis, the rest of the [[Decepticon]]s agree to the truce, except for Cyclonus, who is still disgusted by this. Inside of Unicron, [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] plan their inevitable victory and conquest of the universe. The power of the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] allows Unicron to shed the remains of his moon-disguise shell. The dark god hovers over [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], sucking up parts of the terrain. Both armies evacuate the surface, assisted by the [[Mini-Con]] swarm.

In a ceremonial procedure, Galvatron and his Decepticons meet with [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots for a handshake to seal the truce. The leaders shake hands, and [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] also grabs on as his way of representing the allegiance of the Mini-Cons. The kids observe this, astonished that it's actually happening. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] begins to tear up and when [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] asks her if she's all right, she says she was just remembering Starscream and how he would have loved to see this happening for himself. Forming a single front, the Autobot/Decepticon [[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|armada]] heads towards Unicron. The first volley of fire does no damage against their enemy. Two larger ships perform reconnaissance and are blasted, so a team of [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]], Demolishor, and Cyclonus (and some others) are sent in, based on a theory that smaller ships will elude Unicron's detection. On Unicron's surface, Cyclonus and the generics fly away to break stuff, and Demolishor leaves to avoid Hot Shot, leaving the two Autobots by themselves.

[[File:Alliance Redshirts.jpg|thumb|left|Balls of DOOOOM!!!!]]
Unicron's geography shifts and folds, disturbing his visitors and causing Demolishor to lose [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]]. From the base, Galvatron suggests another attack, which Optimus Prime makes sure won't harm the recon crew, who have their hands full fighting against swarms of [[Dead End Drone]]s. Demolishor saves Cyclonus from falling into a fissure, while the Autobots assist their begrudging allies. Demolishor saves Side Swipe from falling into another fissure, and Hot Shot thanks the Decepticon by re-uniting Demolishor with Blackout—a tender moment. Optimus and Galvatron arrive to bring the group home.

From a distance, the armada witnesses Unicron complete his transformation into [[robot mode]], ready to devour the planet.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (17)
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (18)
* [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (19)
* [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (20)
* [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (21)
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (22)
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (23)
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (25)
* Generic Autobots

|c2=
* [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (2)
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (3)
* [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (4)
* [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (5)
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (6)
* Generic Decepticons

|c3=
* [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (9)
* [[Rad White|Rad]] (13)
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (14)
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (15)
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (16)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
* [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (10)
* [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (11)
* [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (12)
* [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (24)
* [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (26)
* [[Dead End Drone]]s (27)

|h5=Other|c5=
* [[Unicron]] (1)
* [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (7)
* [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Jetfire Shake Hands.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Believe it or not, this ''is'' the correct [[scale]] between the two characters.]]

"Right now, all I can think about is the comrade we lost. Sure, he challenged my authority in a failed coup attempt, and even though Starscream was a traitor, he never lost sight of his oath to the Decepticons. He was a true soldier, unlike most of ''you''!"
:—'''Galvatron''' defends Starscream's memory from the jibes of the other Decepticons.

'''Demolishor:''' "I'm only doing this because I'm following Galvatron's orders." 
'''Cyclonus:''' "Ha! I can't believe I'm fighting for harmony! What a load of bunk! I'm a lean, mean, fighting machine! Hahahaha!" 
'''Side Swipe:''' "I gotta work with this guy? I'm not so sure about this."
:—The truce gets off to a shaky start.

"Tidal Wave..." 
"Uh...nice meetin' ya."
:—'''Tidal Wave''' and '''Jetfire''' shaking hands.

"I can't believe I just saved Prime!"
:—An incredulous '''Galvatron''' after he destroys a cannon targeted at Optimus Prime.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*At the start of the episode, Demolishor and Cyclonus question Galvatron's decision to join the Autobots without moving their mouths. This is due to dub script extending their lines, as in the original they didn't speak during the shot where their faces are shown.
*The original has Demolishor lamenting Starscream's death, while in the ''Armada'' he claims he was a traitor who got what he deserved.

===Animation and technical errors===
*At several points throughout the opening scene, the Decepticons are all drawn with hideously faulty character models with faulty proportions and lack of detail.
**Strangely, when Galvatron delivers his speech after punching Cyclonus, Wheeljack is colored like [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], however this is only present in ''Legends of the Microns''. ''Armada'' has him colored properly.
*As the Decepticons prepare to launch the ship to escape from Unicron's gravitational pull, generic Decepticons using [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]], [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]], and the [[Air Military Mini-Con Team]]'s [[character model]]s are standing in the ship's hangar bay.
*The [[Race Mini-Con Team|Race Team Mini-Con]] Mirage appears among the Mini-Cons there, but he should be with Thrust inside Unicron by now, as the traitorous Decepticon had stolen the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] several episodes earlier.
*Several of the Mini-Cons protecting the ''Axalon'' and the Autobot fleet during the lift-off from Cybertron use Generation 1 character models instead of Mini-Con character models.
*The four generic Decepticons on the mission to Unicron change colour between each shot.
*When Jet Optimus attacks the Dead End Drones surrounding Hot Shot and Demolishor's recon team, the laser blast comes from in front of the first drone destroyed, rather than behind (the direction from which Prime is coming).
*Unless [[size changing]] occurs when Galvatron and Tidal Wave combine, there's no way Galvatron should be able to pick up Demolishor and Cyclonus with each hand.
*When shaking hands with Tidal Wave, Jetfire's wings are shortened to just above his head. This is possibly to continue the tradition of exaggerating Tidal Wave's size.
**Oddly, despite the change in length of his wings, the characters are drawn to be in accurate [[scale]] with one another.

===Continuity notes===
*Despite destroying Starscream for firing upon him in the previous episode, Unicron doesn't seem to mind Galvatron doing exactly the same thing.
*Assuming the episode was entirely in real-time, Unicron's transformation took close to seven minutes.
*The three Mini-Con super weapons are used to fully restore Unicron's power. Guess the Mini-Cons really are Unicron's cells.
*Unicron's innards appear to be [[technorganic]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Unicron eats parts of Cybertron through his planet form's mouth.
**Unicron fires lasers from the chunks on the right side of his planet mode (the ones that house the Mini-Con gimmick to fire the leg missiles on the toy).
**Mid-transformation, Unicron uses his shoulder/planet houns to fire an energy beam at Jet Optimus.
**The inside of Hot Shot's shin apparently has hollow space, big enough to store a Mini-Con. As an added piece of toy acurracy, his shins open on the transformation hinges of his toy.
**Unicron his a surface-based turret he uses to try to shoot Optimus in the back.

===Continuity errors===
*What's with Demolishor claiming that Starscream got what he deserved when except for Thrust, he has shown to care about his comrades? Also, why does Cyclonus the only who got punched by Galvatron when all he asked was if they could double cross the Autobots when Demolishor actually insulted Starscream? ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes these errors by having Demolishor lament about Starscream's death and Cyclonus say that he died for nothing, making Galvatron's actions more justifed.
*Cyclonus is in danger of falling into a hole, having apparently forgotten that ''he can fly'', which he was doing ''moments before''. It's possible that he's just that stupid, but not likely.

===Transformers references===
*Several parts of Unicron's transformation sequence are clearly a visual homage to his transformation in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

===Trivia===
[[File:Armada decepticons alliance.jpg|thumb|Galvatron...Emperor Palpatine...What's the difference?]]
*The English version of "Alliance" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 9]], 2003.
*Various cameos appear in the hand-shaking scene, including [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and a palette-swapped [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] of the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]].
*The generic Decepticons sent to Unicron to assist the named characters have Generation 1 character models (namely [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] and [[Buster (G1)|Buster]]) but with radically different color schemes. They totally {{w|Redshirt (character)|all died}}.
*Various [[generic]] Mini-Cons use the Generation 1 [[Throttlebot]] designs.
*Unicron's transformation sequence, while homaging the Generation 1 version of the sequence, also transforms accurately to the toy.
*Yes, the combined forces of Autobots, Decepticons, and Mini-Cons is what the "Armada" in the title of the series stands for.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some interesting tidbits:
**Cyclonus saying that fighting is the only thing makes him feel alive might be one of his few highlights.
**The time during the making of these last episodes were particularly difficult. Everyone was desperate for the final episode to be finished and only such a difficult thing was remembered.
***[[Munetaka Abe]] was busy with animating Starscream's death in "[[Cramp]]", Unicron's transformation in this episode, Overload's robot mode in "[[Union]]", and being the animation director for "[[Mortal Combat]]". When commenting on Unicron's transformation, Abe stated he used quite a bit of motion tweens so that the animation doesn't take too much time to work on due to the amount of work. It was hard but he had a lot of fun.
***[[Hidehito Ueda]] was troubled with the storyboards for "[[Portent]]", "[[Union]]", and "[[Mortal Combat]]", while [[Takeshi Sano]] and [[Masami Nagata]] worked as the storyboarder and animation director respectively for "[[Drift (episode)|Drift]]" and "[[Origin]]".

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mit vereinten Kräften'''" ("With Joint Forces")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 13|13 January]] [[2004]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Felderítés'''" ("Recon")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Aliança'''" ("Alliance")

==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 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]]

Alliance

2021-12-09T21:30:48Z

PownicMania: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{disambig3|Alliance}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=49
|prev=Cramp
|next=Union
|title="Alliance"
|furigana=ゆにくろん
|japanese=覚醒
|romaji=Unicron
|translation=Awakening: Unicron
|image=Unicronalliance.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-49
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|director=[[Masayuki Motsumoto]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 30]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[December 5]], 2003 (Japanese) [[December 9]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Starscream's sacrifice spurs the Autobots and the Decepticons to join forces. But Unicron awakens...'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Sshot-arm-494-remains.jpg|left|thumb|You failed, your highness. I'm a Jedi, like my father before me...yeah...]]
[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] is astonished to hear about the truce between the two armies and asks if [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] is functioning. [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] is disgusted that they're doing this simply because the traitorous [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] asked that they do it, but then suggests that they simply use the idea of a truce to ambush the [[Autobot]]s. Outraged, Galvatron makes Cyclonus respect his authority with the usual amount of physical punishment. Galvatron is upset at how poorly things have turned out, but Starscream's sacrifice has convinced him: they're going to ally with the Autobots...for now in order to stop [[Unicron]]. Galvatron went far stating of the reasons of why Starscream rebelled against him in the first place, calling him a true soldier.

[[File:Sshot-arm-491-ships.jpg|thumb|Not all Autobot spaceships know how to swim.]]
Seeing Galvatron's point of the crisis, the rest of the [[Decepticon]]s agree to the truce, except for Cyclonus, who is still disgusted by this. Inside of Unicron, [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] plan their inevitable victory and conquest of the universe. The power of the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] allows Unicron to shed the remains of his moon-disguise shell. The dark god hovers over [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], sucking up parts of the terrain. Both armies evacuate the surface, assisted by the [[Mini-Con]] swarm.

In a ceremonial procedure, Galvatron and his Decepticons meet with [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots for a handshake to seal the truce. The leaders shake hands, and [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] also grabs on as his way of representing the allegiance of the Mini-Cons. The kids observe this, astonished that it's actually happening. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] begins to tear up and when [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] asks her if she's all right, she says she was just remembering Starscream and how he would have loved to see this happening for himself. Forming a single front, the Autobot/Decepticon [[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|armada]] heads towards Unicron. The first volley of fire does no damage against their enemy. Two larger ships perform reconnaissance and are blasted, so a team of [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]], Demolishor, and Cyclonus (and some others) are sent in, based on a theory that smaller ships will elude Unicron's detection. On Unicron's surface, Cyclonus and the generics fly away to break stuff, and Demolishor leaves to avoid Hot Shot, leaving the two Autobots by themselves.

[[File:Alliance Redshirts.jpg|thumb|left|Balls of DOOOOM!!!!]]
Unicron's geography shifts and folds, disturbing his visitors and causing Demolishor to lose [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]]. From the base, Galvatron suggests another attack, which Optimus Prime makes sure won't harm the recon crew, who have their hands full fighting against swarms of [[Dead End Drone]]s. Demolishor saves Cyclonus from falling into a fissure, while the Autobots assist their begrudging allies. Demolishor saves Side Swipe from falling into another fissure, and Hot Shot thanks the Decepticon by re-uniting Demolishor with Blackout—a tender moment. Optimus and Galvatron arrive to bring the group home.

From a distance, the armada witnesses Unicron complete his transformation into [[robot mode]], ready to devour the planet.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (17)
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (18)
* [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (19)
* [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (20)
* [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (21)
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (22)
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (23)
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (25)
* Generic Autobots

|c2=
* [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (2)
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (3)
* [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (4)
* [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (5)
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (6)
* Generic Decepticons

|c3=
* [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (9)
* [[Rad White|Rad]] (13)
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (14)
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (15)
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (16)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
* [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (10)
* [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (11)
* [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (12)
* [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (24)
* [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (26)
* [[Dead End Drone]]s (27)

|h5=Other|c5=
* [[Unicron]] (1)
* [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (7)
* [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Jetfire Shake Hands.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Believe it or not, this ''is'' the correct [[scale]] between the two characters.]]

"Right now, all I can think about is the comrade we lost. Sure, he challenged my authority in a failed coup attempt, and even though Starscream was a traitor, he never lost sight of his oath to the Decepticons. He was a true soldier, unlike most of ''you''!"
:—'''Galvatron''' defends Starscream's memory from the jibes of the other Decepticons.

'''Demolishor:''' "I'm only doing this because I'm following Galvatron's orders." 
'''Cyclonus:''' "Ha! I can't believe I'm fighting for harmony! What a load of bunk! I'm a lean, mean, fighting machine! Hahahaha!" 
'''Side Swipe:''' "I gotta work with this guy? I'm not so sure about this."
:—The truce gets off to a shaky start.

"Tidal Wave..." 
"Uh...nice meetin' ya."
:—'''Tidal Wave''' and '''Jetfire''' shaking hands.

"I can't believe I just saved Prime!"
:—An incredulous '''Galvatron''' after he destroys a cannon targeted at Optimus Prime.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*At the start of the episode, Demolishor and Cyclonus question Galvatron's decision to join the Autobots without moving their mouths. This is due to dub script extending their lines, as in the original they didn't speak during the shot where their faces are shown.
*The original has Demolishor lamenting Starscream's death, while in the ''Armada'' he claims he was a traitor who got what he deserved.

===Animation and technical errors===
*At several points throughout the opening scene, the Decepticons are all drawn with hideously faulty character models with faulty proportions and lack of detail.
**Strangely, when Galvatron delivers his speech after punching Cyclonus, Wheeljack is colored like [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], however this is only present in ''Legends of the Microns''. ''Armada has him colored properly.
*As the Decepticons prepare to launch the ship to escape from Unicron's gravitational pull, generic Decepticons using [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]], [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]], and the [[Air Military Mini-Con Team]]'s [[character model]]s are standing in the ship's hangar bay.
*The [[Race Mini-Con Team|Race Team Mini-Con]] Mirage appears among the Mini-Cons there, but he should be with Thrust inside Unicron by now, as the traitorous Decepticon had stolen the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] several episodes earlier.
*Several of the Mini-Cons protecting the ''Axalon'' and the Autobot fleet during the lift-off from Cybertron use Generation 1 character models instead of Mini-Con character models.
*The four generic Decepticons on the mission to Unicron change colour between each shot.
*When Jet Optimus attacks the Dead End Drones surrounding Hot Shot and Demolishor's recon team, the laser blast comes from in front of the first drone destroyed, rather than behind (the direction from which Prime is coming).
*Unless [[size changing]] occurs when Galvatron and Tidal Wave combine, there's no way Galvatron should be able to pick up Demolishor and Cyclonus with each hand.
*When shaking hands with Tidal Wave, Jetfire's wings are shortened to just above his head. This is possibly to continue the tradition of exaggerating Tidal Wave's size.
**Oddly, despite the change in length of his wings, the characters are drawn to be in accurate [[scale]] with one another.

===Continuity notes===
*Despite destroying Starscream for firing upon him in the previous episode, Unicron doesn't seem to mind Galvatron doing exactly the same thing.
*Assuming the episode was entirely in real-time, Unicron's transformation took close to seven minutes.
*The three Mini-Con super weapons are used to fully restore Unicron's power. Guess the Mini-Cons really are Unicron's cells.
*Unicron's innards appear to be [[technorganic]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Unicron eats parts of Cybertron through his planet form's mouth.
**Unicron fires lasers from the chunks on the right side of his planet mode (the ones that house the Mini-Con gimmick to fire the leg missiles on the toy).
**Mid-transformation, Unicron uses his shoulder/planet houns to fire an energy beam at Jet Optimus.
**The inside of Hot Shot's shin apparently has hollow space, big enough to store a Mini-Con. As an added piece of toy acurracy, his shins open on the transformation hinges of his toy.
**Unicron his a surface-based turret he uses to try to shoot Optimus in the back.

===Continuity errors===
*What's with Demolishor claiming that Starscream got what he deserved when except for Thrust, he has shown to care about his comrades? Also, why does Cyclonus the only who got punched by Galvatron when all he asked was if they could double cross the Autobots when Demolishor actually insulted Starscream? ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes these errors by having Demolishor lament about Starscream's death and Cyclonus say that he died for nothing, making Galvatron's actions more justifed.
*Cyclonus is in danger of falling into a hole, having apparently forgotten that ''he can fly'', which he was doing ''moments before''. It's possible that he's just that stupid, but not likely.

===Transformers references===
*Several parts of Unicron's transformation sequence are clearly a visual homage to his transformation in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

===Trivia===
[[File:Armada decepticons alliance.jpg|thumb|Galvatron...Emperor Palpatine...What's the difference?]]
*The English version of "Alliance" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 9]], 2003.
*Various cameos appear in the hand-shaking scene, including [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and a palette-swapped [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] of the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]].
*The generic Decepticons sent to Unicron to assist the named characters have Generation 1 character models (namely [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] and [[Buster (G1)|Buster]]) but with radically different color schemes. They totally {{w|Redshirt (character)|all died}}.
*Various [[generic]] Mini-Cons use the Generation 1 [[Throttlebot]] designs.
*Unicron's transformation sequence, while homaging the Generation 1 version of the sequence, also transforms accurately to the toy.
*Yes, the combined forces of Autobots, Decepticons, and Mini-Cons is what the "Armada" in the title of the series stands for.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some interesting tidbits:
**Cyclonus saying that fighting is the only thing makes him feel alive might be one of his few highlights.
**The time during the making of these last episodes were particularly difficult. Everyone was desperate for the final episode to be finished and only such a difficult thing was remembered.
***[[Munetaka Abe]] was busy with animating Starscream's death in "[[Cramp]]", Unicron's transformation in this episode, Overload's robot mode in "[[Union]]", and being the animation director for "[[Mortal Combat]]". When commenting on Unicron's transformation, Abe stated he used quite a bit of motion tweens so that the animation doesn't take too much time to work on due to the amount of work. It was hard but he had a lot of fun.
***[[Hidehito Ueda]] was troubled with the storyboards for "[[Portent]]", "[[Union]]", and "[[Mortal Combat]]", while [[Takeshi Sano]] and [[Masami Nagata]] worked as the storyboarder and animation director respectively for "[[Drift (episode)|Drift]]" and "[[Origin]]".

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mit vereinten Kräften'''" ("With Joint Forces")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 13|13 January]] [[2004]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Felderítés'''" ("Recon")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Aliança'''" ("Alliance")

==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 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]]

Rebellion (Armada)

2021-12-08T22:27:56Z

PownicMania:

{{Picsneeded}}
{{disambig2|the ''Armada'' episode|the ''Prime'' episode|Rebellion (Prime)}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=23
|prev=Vow
|next=Chase (episode)
|title="Rebellion"
|furigana=かくご
|japanese=謀反
|romaji=Kakugo
|translation=Rebellion: Resolution
|image=Rebelliontitle.jpg
|caption=One small step for schemers, one giant leap to overthrow a guy called Megatron.
|production code=TF: A-23
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Takashi Sano]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[January 26]], [[2003]] (UK, English premiere) [[January 28]], 2003 (USA) [[June 13|13 June]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''One fine day on the Moon. Sideways manipulates, Starscream evaluates. Cyclonus snores, Megatron roars. You'll always have Demolishor!'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Armada Rebellion Megs SS abuse1.jpg|left|thumb|And the fangirls go WILD.]]
Alone on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] notes that [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s poor leadership is the key to the [[Decepticon]]s' recent string of losses—Sideways must do something if he wants to keep the conflict going. As he records, he gazes up to the sky, to a dark region of deep space without stars.

Soon afterward, Megatron and the other Decepticons return from battle, called back by Sideways, who claims to be suffering from damages in his leg. Megatron is unimpressed and annoyed, and even more annoyed when practically in mid-sentence, [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] takes a nap.

[[File:Rebellionbadreception.jpg|thumb|Man, the Cartoon Network reception up here is terrible.]]
When [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] arrives, Megatron brutalizes and belittles him as punishment for failing during battle, even though he was only obediently operating under Megatron's direct orders. [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] blasts into the room and intervenes, possibly saving Starscream's life. Megatron leaves, and Starscream goes on his own soon after. After briefly questioning Demolishor about his blind loyalty to Megatron, Sideways follows Starscream. When Cyclonus doesn't wake up, and even Megatron is napping on his throne, Demolishor concedes the Decepticons' morale is embarrassing.

Starscream, who accidentally fell down a hill, cries out in anguish. Nearby, Sideways sympathizes with Starscream about how Megatron is operating irrationally. Before leaving again, Sideways alludes to a familiar concept: Starscream commanding the Decepticons.

Megatron, hearing from Sideways a different perspective on his disciplinary actions, is manipulated. Sideways escalates the tension between Starscream and Megatron by suggesting Megatron's position is dependent on possessing the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]].

Questioning his position, Starscream projects his doubt onto Demolishor and uses it as reassurance that they're both soldiers, even if he was born into a war and still doesn't know its ideology and purpose. Demolishor is confused by Starscream's rationalization and feels that the still-napping Cyclonus is the only Decepticon without issues.

[[File:Armada Rebellion Megs SS fight.jpg|250px|thumb|Well, he still treats his troops better than G1 Galvatron.]]
In a hallway, Starscream has come to disregard his misgivings and continue to obey Megatron. But Sideways pushes Starscream over the edge with a falsified order he claims to be relaying directly from Megatron. As Starscream storms out to find Megatron, Demolishor wakes Cyclonus so they can prevent the confrontation, but Cyclonus is more interested in being an audience to the bout.

Megatron wagers the Star Saber on his victory. When Cyclonus arrives to watch, Starscream has lost his sword and is getting a beat-down from Megatron. Megatron picks Starscream off the ground and re-states what's at stake: Everything. After Megatron's speech, Starscream delivers an uppercut and follows up with several sound blows, getting cheers from Cyclonus. But a hit from Megatron sends Starscream through the air.

[[File:Armada Rebellion grab.jpg|left|thumb|Kiss me, you fool.]]
Megatron holds the Star Saber in Starscream's face, and despite his earlier promise, he lets Starscream live, flaunting that he knows Starscream's psychological weakness. Sideways muses that Megatron had victory in his hands but walked away from it. He saw weakness in Megatron through Starscream; he prophesies that one day the Decepticon leader will regret what happened here, and it will be his ruin.

The next time the Decepticons enter battle, they fight with recharged vigor; somehow, the conflict coming to a climax on the Moon re-established Megatron's leadership, which was beneficial for the rest of the team.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (8)

|c2=
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (2)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (3)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (4)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (5)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Mirror]] (6)
}}

==Quotes==
"There's gotta be a reason we fight. Because there's no point in continuing unless there is. This war is over ten million years old. In fact, I've been a warrior ever since my spark left the [[Iacon chamber]], and I was merged into the army of Megatron. The only difference between me and an Autobot is the way we do battle and the code of the Decepticons. I guess I'm starting to get a little... confused. But you shouldn't be. We are soldiers sworn to obey Megatron; capture the Mini-Cons and return to Cybertron triumphant."
:—'''Starscream''', in [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] rambling speech mode.

'''Demolishor:''' What is going on with everyone here? Ever since we lost that battle, everyone's gone loopy. 
''(glances at Cyclonus, who's still sleeping and snoring)'' 
Well, at least some things never change around here. But Cyclonus is starting to look like the only sane one.
:—You know the Decepticons are in deep doo-doo when the nutty guy's considered the 'only sane one.'

"This time, it's a fight to the finish, and I won't accept any of your lame excuses. Do you understand me, you worthless grunt? I hope to realize what is at stake here. The Star Saber and supreme command of the Decepticons go to the winner. Why, you could rule the universe if you were victorious. There is no greater prize, and this is your one chance to attain it, so don't blow it, dolt. But just remember this, Starscream, I won't show you mercy. You will be an example to my men, to prevent any further insubordination."
:—'''Megatron''', simultaneously insulting Starscream's pride and incentivizing him to fight harder.

"Ha, you had the upper hand, Megatron, and then you walked away before it was over. A true leader would never leave a fight half-fought. I see weakness and one day, it will come back to haunt you. And it will be your ''ruin''."
:—'''Sideways''', observing Megatron's refusal to finish off Starscream (with superb delivery by [[Paul Dobson]])

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*Sideways doesn't begin his report until the bird's-eye view shot of him. He says the Autobots are now the dominant faction rather than gaining the advantage. The Star Saber, Skyboom Shield, and Requiem Blaster will soon fall into their hands, making the Autobots overpowered in battle. Hence, he needs to act immediately to deal with this development. In ''Armada'', Sideways points out the Decepticons' recent losing streak due to their disorganization and how it's about to change.
*Megatron starts speaking to Sideways during the former's close-up shot. He asks why Sideways retreated, and Sideways answers that his leg was damaged. ''Armada'' makes it seem like Sideways called Megatron back to base before Megatron asks if he's pulling a joke.
*Cyclonus teases Sideways after returning from battle in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him rambling about the Decepticons' losing streak, with this one being their third in a row.
*Starscream's first line is changed to reflect the dark mood in the base better. Megatron is also calm and collected when telling Starscream to follow him.
*In ''Armada'', Starscream stammers as he asks Megatron if something is wrong, and Megatron tells Starscream that he's terminated. Then Sideways says Megatron is going to exterminate Starscream and blames the latter for his failure. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream is silent as Megatron approaches, and the latter sternly asks Starscream what he just said. Then Demolishor asks what the sound heard was, and Sideways calls Megatron a hypocrite who abuses his men for his losses.
*Rather than saying Starscream also fails at following orders, Megatron asks if Starscream realizes that he only acts as he pleases and if he's even capable of using his "fat head."
*In ''Armada'', Megatron says what he did to Starscream was a fitting punishment for insubordination. ''Legends of the Microns'' makes him crueler as he says it was a bore and that his men are all pitifully dull. Starscream later tells Demolishor that he has unfinished business in ''Armada'' but tells him to be quiet in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Starscream doesn't say anything before he flies off. Sideways quips on how the former's departure is a fine example of teamwork among comrades. Then after Sideways leaves, Demolishor asks what he means about why the latter is loyal to Megatron.
*''Legends of the Microns'' gives Sideways an extra line about it being time for him to make a gamble since the Decepticons will be over if things remain in their current state. He doesn't mention Megatron maiming the others.
*The camera now zooms closer to the Decepticon base as Cyclonus continues snoring, and Demolishor calls him a lazy jerk.
*As Starscream repeatedly stabs his wing blade into the ground, ''Armada'' has him rant about Megatron humiliating him while he only swears in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then, in ''Armada'', Sideways asks Starscream if he's willing to make a bet. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he tells Starscream that he can beat Megatron with just his sword.
*In ''Armada'', Sideways says Megatron has gone off the deep end, and Starscream agrees. When talking about who is better suited to be the leader, Sideways says Starscream knows who he's referring to but won't admit it. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Sideways is more cryptic as he asks Starscream if he shares the belief of there being someone else more suitable to lead the Decepticons. Then he says sometimes it's best to welcome change per a situation's atmosphere.
*When Sideways manipulates Megatron, ''Legends of the Microns'' goes right to the point with a calm Megatron not liking what Sideways says yet remaining confident Starscream could never rebel against him as the latter knows he would lose. Sideways says Megatron must do something; otherwise, Starscream's rebellious spirit will grow. However, Megatron then calls Starscream one of his most important subordinates, so Sideways doesn't know whether Megatron is more intelligent than he looks or a total idiot. Sideways says Megatron risks giving Starscream the upper hand unless he deals with him now, but Megatron says he'll use the Star Saber to crush Starscream. Then Sideways goads Megatron with how he believes the latter feels stronger while wielding the Star Saber as Starscream can't compete with the weapon. This claim makes Megatron snap at him as he declares he doesn't need the Star Saber to beat Starscream and can quickly kill him with his bare hands. With Megatron's response, Sideways determines him to be an idiot after all.
*Compared to how bitter he is in ''Armada'' (as quoted above), Starscream is more reflective and sensitive during his talk with Demolishor in ''Legends of the Microns''; Starscream also periodically pauses speaking in the Japanese dub, whereas he talks almost nonstop in ''Armada''. He goes through the ship's historical records on the Mini-Cons for clues on why the Transformers keep fighting. He tells Demolishor that despite only knowing to fight since birth, they're just like the Autobots, who also fight without thinking twice. Then Starscream says he and Demolishor wouldn't hesitate to battle Megatron if they were born as Autobots instead. Demolishor asks what Starscream is trying to say, and Starscream says Demolishor is probably right, but no one can do anything about it now.
*The Star Saber is redrawn in the scene of Megatron asleep outside with it. In the next scene with Starscream and Demolishor, the latter says Megatron crossed the line by attacking Starscream in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says the Decepticons' losing streak is getting the better of Megatron since he's now more irritable than ever.
*After Sideways gives Starscream the order from Megatron, Sideways says that Megatron said guarding the warp gate is the task suited for those who can't follow simple orders. It's the opposite in ''Armada'' since Sideways claims Starscream is the only one Megatron trusts with the job. Immediately after this exchange, ''Armada'' has Starscream think to himself how the order is absurd. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream has no internal dialogue, and he's redrawn. After he throws Demolishor aside, ''Armada'' has Starscream say he's fed up with his unjust treatment, while the assignment being for those who can't follow orders angers him in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In the scene with Sideways in the throne room, Starscream surmises that Megatron is "waiting" for him outside. He doesn't come to that conclusion in ''Armada''; instead, he says, "He's mine!"
*In ''Armada'', Demolishor tells Cyclonus if they don't stop Starscream, the Decepticons can kiss their morale goodbye. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Demolishor instead says the group's unity is at stake.
*Sideways tells Cyclonus he told Starscream he wasn't ready to face Megatron, but Starscream wouldn't listen in ''Armada''. Sideways says he pities Starscream but doubts he will survive the fight in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*After decking Starscream with several blows, Megatron tells him to stand up since they're only getting started. After Megatron says the winner gets the Star Saber and command of the Decepticons, he says Starscream shouldn't blow his only chance to get such a grand prize in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron asks whether it's what Starscream always wanted or if he's already quit.
*Immediately afterward, in ''Armada'' (as quoted above), Megatron says he won't hold back and will make an example of Starscream to quell any future rebellion ideas. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron tells Starscream he wouldn't believe him if he said he never considered being the leader. He asks if Starscream's ambition has ended and demands him not to delude himself with "pitiful self-righteousness."
*Instead of saying everything will be ruined due to Megatron never planning to use the Star Saber against Starscream, Sideways says there must be another explanation since "Megatron's not the type to do that."
*Megatron says Starscream will never beat him as long as the latter's pride holds back his ambition. In ''Armada'', Megatron says he is the winner since he understands Starscream's weaknesses of having a conscience and playing by the rules.
*Sideways says he now knows Megatron's weakness, but his naivety stopped him from killing Starscream. The following shots of Starscream lying defeated are silent.
*During the final scenes of the Decepticons and Autobots fighting, ''Armada'' plays its "insert" version of the Transformers [[theme song]], but ''Legends of the Microns'' plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Invincible Power]]".
*In ''Armada'', Sideways's closing narration ties into the subplot of the Decepticons' low morale and lack of unity. He notes the their boosted resolve despite his failed plan to take down Megatron, enjoying how the team fights as one again; however, there's still no clear winner in sight between the two factions. In ''Legends of the Microns'', it connects to Sideways's subplot to balance the factions' power; it also ends more sinisterly and feels less like a cliffhanger. Sideways says the strength between the Autobots and Decepticons suddenly became more balanced, and they're now one step closer to the day where their fight will lead to their destruction.
*In the last shot, Starscream's yelling stops when the screen goes black, and then the final musical sting from the opening theme's trance version plays after Sideways finishes speaking in ''Armada''. Starscream's yell echoes as Sideways completes the narration in the Japanese dub, and Sideways's voice sounds disembodied.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Rebellion animation changes.jpg|thumb|285px|Some animation differences between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' (right). It's like night and day, right?]]
*The episode's animation shifts from high quality (particularly for close-ups and specific sequences) to average, mostly as Megatron defeats Starscream, going from a high-quality shot of Starscream slowly falling to the ground to a lower-quality shot of him landing (see right). Different lower-quality shots at the end of Megatron and Starscream's duel are redrawn to provide more consistent animation quality in the Japanese dub.
*As Megatron turns away after this scene, his Decepticon symbols are missing from his shoulders, and he seriously lacks in-drawn detail. ''Legends of the Microns'' replaces Megatron's low-quality model with a redrawn one, complete with the symbols on his shoulders.
*After the other Decepticons warp back to base, the background doesn't match the previous shot during Sideways's close-up.
*When Demolishor tells Megatron that Cyclonus has fallen asleep, Cyclonus doesn't have a face, but he's still heard snoring.
*As Megatron walks toward Starscream before brutalizing him, Megatron's walking animation stops after the first step, but the walking sound effect is still audible. ''Legends of the Microns'' reanimates Megatron as walking, but his arms are now stationary.
*When Starscream tries reasoning with Megatron that he followed his orders, parts of his body, like between his arms and the top of his chest, are heavily shadowed. The Japanese dub either removes the unnecessary shadows or lessens them; however, for some reason, ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the shadow above Starscream's eyes though it's present in ''Armada''.
*After trying to open the doors, Demolishor says Megatron "locked ''us'' in here" (referring to himself and Sideways) when really, Megatron locked himself and Starscream in the room. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes Demolishor's line to saying a key is needed to open the doors.
*After Starscream passes Demolishor and leaves the room, Demolishor's Decepticon insignia is a plain purple shape.
*In the next shot of Starscream from behind, he is a bit off-model, and some of the lightning on him is wrong. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this (see right).
*After Starscream flies off, the right side of Demolishor's face is colored yellow like his head.
*After the shot of Starscream raising his wing blade, the background looks like it's inside the base, although he's outside.
*In the wide shot of Sideways and Starscream talking, Sideways's sides are blue rather than yellow.
*When Sideways tells Starscream that Megatron is afraid of him, Starscream doesn't move, and he looks shocked throughout the shot.
*Starscream lacks the shadow above his eyes in some shots.
*In another shot during the same scene, the Decepticons insignias on Starscream's wings have circles around them.
*When Starscream responds to Sideways in the corridor after Sideways says Megatron only depends on Starscream to carry out his order, Starscream's body moves, but his shoulder thrusters don't.
*In the scene of Starscream and Demolishor fighting in the corridor, they are both off-model, and Sideways has vanished. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds Sideways back into the scene; Starscream and Demolishor are entirely redrawn, and the background is slightly shifted to the right (see right).
*In two shots where Demolishor and Cyclonus watch Megatron and Starscream fight in the distance, the top of Megatron's body just below his neck is miscolored red.
*In the close-ups of Demolishor after Cyclonus drops him, his left eye's lighting effect is miscolored black.
*During the last scene, there's an awkward silence after Megatron speaks to Demolishor. The Japanese dub removes it as Megatron doesn't immediately say his line after the scene cuts. Also, Megatron commands Demolishor to look ''after'' the Mini-Cons. In ''Legends of the Microns'', his command is for Demolishor to ''find'' the Mini-Con panel.

===Continuity notes===
*The opening scene where Sideways gazes up at a dark, starless region of space is a clue to his [[Unicron|true allegiance]], which the [[Chase (episode)|following episode]] reveals.
*Sideways's log also reveals that the Cybertronian date in this episode is "Astrodate Nimbus 3391," and his ID code is "002348".
*This episode is the first to mention the Requiem Blaster (though by its Japanese name, as explained below).
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'', Sideways's goal is to destroy both factions.
*Since the Autobots gained a fair chunk of the Decepticons' Mini-Cons in the [[Vow|last episode]], the Decepticons appear to be losing every recent battle, something that Megatron is very displeased with and takes his frustrations out on Starscream.
*The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' calls this episode the second in the "Starscream saga."
*Starscream's loyalty to the Decepticon cause starts wavering more this episode.
*Demolishor is once again left to fix the Decepticon team alone.
*According to Starscream in the English dub, the Transformers' war has been going for over 10 million years.
*This episode is the only one in the series without any humans and barely any Autobots.
*The part about Starscream wondering why the Transformers fight comes up again in the Japanese version of "[[Sacrifice]]."
*This episode has the show's first fight between Starscream and Megatron, although Sideways caused it through his manipulations.
*During their fight, the Japanese dub has Megatron scold Starscream for lacking ambition; Megatron brings up Starscream's ambition again in "[[Cramp]]."
*The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' states the main difference between Megatron and Starscream becomes clear in this episode, arguably that Starscream is more "human" than Megatron, which will lead to fascinating developments for Starscream in the future.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Sideways's arm cannons aren't attached in this episode. Given that he isn't participating in any battles, it seems that he has removed them. The toy's arm cannons are pressure-fire missiles and easily removable.
**Cyclonus is seen carrying Demolishor in vehicle mode, a practice he repeats in ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]''.
*Powerlinx forms:
**Blurr Powerlinx with the Skyboom Shield for the first time.

===Continuity errors===
*Sideways says the Autobots possess the Star Saber, Skyboom Shield, and Astro Blaster (the Requiem Blaster's Japanese name) in his opening log entry. However, the Decepticons still have the sword, the Autobots have the shield, while the show won't introduce the Requiem Blaster until "[[Desperate]]." He also says the Decepticons don't have the necessary organization to keep the weapons in their possession, but the Decepticons never had all the weapons in the first place. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes these glaring errors by having Sideways say the Autobots will soon possess all three weapons and therefore become too strong, removing the mention of the Decepticons ever having the weapons beforehand.
*Sideways somehow knows that Megatron is planning to exterminate Starscream, but how could've he possibly heard Megatron say that? The Japanese dub instead has Sideways calling Megatron a hypocrite who takes his losses out on his men.
*The background changes between the scenes of Starscream flying off and Sideways talking to Demolishor. ''Legends of the Microns'' switches it in Starscream's shot to match that of Sideways and Demolishor; however, the background of the ''Armada'' version of Starscream's scene is the correct one in this case (see above).
*Starscream claims Demolishor has beef with Megatron and that he should get over it, but it's more like Starscream's talking about himself. The Japanese dub doesn't have this issue since the point of their talk is entirely different.
*After this, Demolishor grumbles about everyone going "loopy" after losing the previous battle, despite the Decepticons already noted as suffering their third loss in a row at the episode's start. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this as Demolishor mentions the recent ''string'' of losses making everyone go crazy...at least, everyone except Cyclonus.
*Megatron refers to the Transformers as "Cybertronians," a term for their race that isn't used very often through most ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' fiction.

===Real-world references===
*Sideways's log entry sequence is based on the ''[[Star Trek]]'' characters' logs that provide exposition for the ongoing plot.
*Megatron's line that incompetent morons surround him is a version of Scar's "I'm surrounded by idiots" line from ''The Lion King''.
*Before he starts wailing on Starscream, Megatron says, "You're terminated." It's an apparent reference to ''The Terminator''; even the music that plays during Starscream's second Megatron apparition sounds like a dead ringer for the Terminator theme.

===Trivia===
*The kanji 謀反 would be pronounced as "''muhon''" or "''bouhan''," while "''kakugo''" uses 覚悟.
*"Rebellion" first aired in the United States on [[January 28]], [[2003]].
*Cyclonus is briefly shown [[humanization|drooling]] after he falls asleep.
*Few other ''Transformers'' episodes focus exclusively on the Decepticons, with some Autobots only having brief appearances at the end.
*This episode marks the first time in the series that a Transformer gives the opening and ending narrations instead of one of the kids, a given since this is a human-less episode.
*Surprisingly, this episode's English dub doesn't spam the transformation sound effect and only uses it once after Cyclonus drops off Demolishor. ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't use it at all here. This episode's ''Armada'' dub also doesn't have any drastic musical changes except the very last scene with the Autobots.
*Starscream's discussion with Demolishor in the Japanese dub about wanting answers for why the Transformers keep fighting later becomes a lyric in the second opening song, "[[Transformers: Kōtetsu no Yūki]]."
*The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' claims that Megatron can never win regardless of whether or not Starscream is stronger than him. Interesting.
**It even calls Megatron "an attractive killer"; well, let's face it, there's no disputing the guy has some charisma.
*The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' reveals that [[Yūjin Ishikawa]] wanted to try a new take on Starscream's betrayal and Optimus Prime's death in the series. He felt a Starscream who doesn't betray wouldn't please Transformers fans, so there are glimpses of him backstabbing Megatron for his self-interests in "[[Soldier (episode)|Soldier]]" and "[[Jungle]]," similar to past Starscreams. However, Starscream slowly grows and evolves, like Hot Shot; the producers' treatment of Starscream changed after realizing he'd be the only Decepticon with character development.

===Foreign localization===
'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Lázadás'''" ("Rebellion")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Rebelia'''" ("Rebellion")

'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Rébellion'''" ("Rebellion")

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''스크림의 반란'''" ("Scream's Rebellion")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Rebelião'''" ("Rebellion")

==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'' — 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]]

Past II

2021-12-08T02:38:12Z

PownicMania: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{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]] (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 anyoneand 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 alao guesses that he was only thinking about himself during the incident.
**Side Swipe tells Hot Shot he didn't ababandon Wheeljack and that Sentinel Minor 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 of getting last second guilt thoughts, 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.
*''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")

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

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

'''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]]

Alliance

2021-12-07T23:13:09Z

PownicMania: /* Trivia */

{{disambig3|Alliance}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=49
|prev=Cramp
|next=Union
|title="Alliance"
|furigana=ゆにくろん
|japanese=覚醒
|romaji=Unicron
|translation=Awakening: Unicron
|image=Unicronalliance.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-49
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|director=[[Masayuki Motsumoto]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 30]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[December 5]], 2003 (Japanese) [[December 9]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Starscream's sacrifice spurs the Autobots and the Decepticons to join forces. But Unicron awakens...'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Sshot-arm-494-remains.jpg|left|thumb|You failed, your highness. I'm a Jedi, like my father before me...yeah...]]
[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] is astonished to hear about the truce between the two armies and asks if [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] is functioning. [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] is disgusted that they're doing this simply because the traitorous [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] asked that they do it, but then suggests that they simply use the idea of a truce to ambush the [[Autobot]]s. Outraged, Galvatron makes Cyclonus respect his authority with the usual amount of physical punishment. Galvatron is upset at how poorly things have turned out, but Starscream's sacrifice has convinced him: they're going to ally with the Autobots...for now in order to stop [[Unicron]]. Galvatron went far stating of the reasons of why Starscream rebelled against him in the first place, calling him a true soldier.

[[File:Sshot-arm-491-ships.jpg|thumb|Not all Autobot spaceships know how to swim.]]
Seeing Galvatron's point of the crisis, the rest of the [[Decepticon]]s agree to the truce, except for Cyclonus, who is still disgusted by this. Inside of Unicron, [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] plan their inevitable victory and conquest of the universe. The power of the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] allows Unicron to shed the remains of his moon-disguise shell. The dark god hovers over [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], sucking up parts of the terrain. Both armies evacuate the surface, assisted by the [[Mini-Con]] swarm.

In a ceremonial procedure, Galvatron and his Decepticons meet with [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots for a handshake to seal the truce. The leaders shake hands, and [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] also grabs on as his way of representing the allegiance of the Mini-Cons. The kids observe this, astonished that it's actually happening. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] begins to tear up and when [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] asks her if she's all right, she says she was just remembering Starscream and how he would have loved to see this happening for himself. Forming a single front, the Autobot/Decepticon [[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|armada]] heads towards Unicron. The first volley of fire does no damage against their enemy. Two larger ships perform reconnaissance and are blasted, so a team of [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]], Demolishor, and Cyclonus (and some others) are sent in, based on a theory that smaller ships will elude Unicron's detection. On Unicron's surface, Cyclonus and the generics fly away to break stuff, and Demolishor leaves to avoid Hot Shot, leaving the two Autobots by themselves.

[[File:Alliance Redshirts.jpg|thumb|left|Balls of DOOOOM!!!!]]
Unicron's geography shifts and folds, disturbing his visitors and causing Demolishor to lose [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]]. From the base, Galvatron suggests another attack, which Optimus Prime makes sure won't harm the recon crew, who have their hands full fighting against swarms of [[Dead End Drone]]s. Demolishor saves Cyclonus from falling into a fissure, while the Autobots assist their begrudging allies. Demolishor saves Side Swipe from falling into another fissure, and Hot Shot thanks the Decepticon by re-uniting Demolishor with Blackout—a tender moment. Optimus and Galvatron arrive to bring the group home.

From a distance, the armada witnesses Unicron complete his transformation into [[robot mode]], ready to devour the planet.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (17)
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (18)
* [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (19)
* [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (20)
* [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (21)
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (22)
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (23)
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (25)
* Generic Autobots

|c2=
* [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (2)
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (3)
* [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (4)
* [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (5)
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (6)
* Generic Decepticons

|c3=
* [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (9)
* [[Rad White|Rad]] (13)
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (14)
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (15)
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (16)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
* [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (10)
* [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (11)
* [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (12)
* [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (24)
* [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (26)
* [[Dead End Drone]]s (27)

|h5=Other|c5=
* [[Unicron]] (1)
* [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (7)
* [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Jetfire Shake Hands.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Believe it or not, this ''is'' the correct [[scale]] between the two characters.]]

"Right now, all I can think about is the comrade we lost. Sure, he challenged my authority in a failed coup attempt, and even though Starscream was a traitor, he never lost sight of his oath to the Decepticons. He was a true soldier, unlike most of ''you''!"
:—'''Galvatron''' defends Starscream's memory from the jibes of the other Decepticons.

'''Demolishor:''' "I'm only doing this because I'm following Galvatron's orders." 
'''Cyclonus:''' "Ha! I can't believe I'm fighting for harmony! What a load of bunk! I'm a lean, mean, fighting machine! Hahahaha!" 
'''Side Swipe:''' "I gotta work with this guy? I'm not so sure about this."
:—The truce gets off to a shaky start.

"Tidal Wave..." 
"Uh...nice meetin' ya."
:—'''Tidal Wave''' and '''Jetfire''' shaking hands.

"I can't believe I just saved Prime!"
:—An incredulous '''Galvatron''' after he destroys a cannon targeted at Optimus Prime.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*At the start of the episode, Demolishor and Cyclonus question Galvatron's decision to join the Autobots without moving their mouths. This is due to dub script extending their lines, as in the original they didn't speak during the shot where their faces are shown.
*The original has Demolishor lamenting Starscream's death, while in the ''Armada'' he claims he was a traitor who got what he deserved.

===Animation and technical errors===
*At several points throughout the opening scene, the Decepticons are all drawn with hideously faulty character models with faulty proportions and lack of detail.
*As the Decepticons prepare to launch the ship to escape from Unicron's gravitational pull, generic Decepticons using [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]], [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]], and the [[Air Military Mini-Con Team]]'s [[character model]]s are standing in the ship's hangar bay.
*The [[Race Mini-Con Team|Race Team Mini-Con]] Mirage appears among the Mini-Cons there, but he should be with Thrust inside Unicron by now, as the traitorous Decepticon had stolen the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] several episodes earlier.
*Several of the Mini-Cons protecting the ''Axalon'' and the Autobot fleet during the lift-off from Cybertron use Generation 1 character models instead of Mini-Con character models.
*The four generic Decepticons on the mission to Unicron change colour between each shot.
*When Jet Optimus attacks the Dead End Drones surrounding Hot Shot and Demolishor's recon team, the laser blast comes from in front of the first drone destroyed, rather than behind (the direction from which Prime is coming).
*Unless [[size changing]] occurs when Galvatron and Tidal Wave combine, there's no way Galvatron should be able to pick up Demolishor and Cyclonus with each hand.
*When shaking hands with Tidal Wave, Jetfire's wings are shortened to just above his head. This is possibly to continue the tradition of exaggerating Tidal Wave's size.
**Oddly, despite the change in length of his wings, the characters are drawn to be in accurate [[scale]] with one another.

===Continuity notes===
*Despite destroying Starscream for firing upon him in the previous episode, Unicron doesn't seem to mind Galvatron doing exactly the same thing.
*Assuming the episode was entirely in real-time, Unicron's transformation took close to seven minutes.
*The three Mini-Con super weapons are used to fully restore Unicron's power. Guess the Mini-Cons really are Unicron's cells.
*Unicron's innards appear to be [[technorganic]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Unicron eats parts of Cybertron through his planet form's mouth.
**Unicron fires lasers from the chunks on the right side of his planet mode (the ones that house the Mini-Con gimmick to fire the leg missiles on the toy).
**Mid-transformation, Unicron uses his shoulder/planet houns to fire an energy beam at Jet Optimus.
**The inside of Hot Shot's shin apparently has hollow space, big enough to store a Mini-Con. As an added piece of toy acurracy, his shins open on the transformation hinges of his toy.
**Unicron his a surface-based turret he uses to try to shoot Optimus in the back.

===Continuity errors===
*What's with Demolishor claiming that Starscream got what he deserved when except for Thrust, he has shown to care about his comrades? Also, why does Cyclonus the only who got punched by Galvatron when all he asked was if they could double cross the Autobots when Demolishor actually insulted Starscream? ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes these errors by having Demolishor lament about Starscream's death and Cyclonus say that he died for nothing, making Galvatron's actions more justifed.
*Cyclonus is in danger of falling into a hole, having apparently forgotten that ''he can fly'', which he was doing ''moments before''. It's possible that he's just that stupid, but not likely.

===Transformers references===
*Several parts of Unicron's transformation sequence are clearly a visual homage to his transformation in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

===Trivia===
[[File:Armada decepticons alliance.jpg|thumb|Galvatron...Emperor Palpatine...What's the difference?]]
*The English version of "Alliance" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 9]], 2003.
*Various cameos appear in the hand-shaking scene, including [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and a palette-swapped [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] of the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]].
*The generic Decepticons sent to Unicron to assist the named characters have Generation 1 character models (namely [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] and [[Buster (G1)|Buster]]) but with radically different color schemes. They totally {{w|Redshirt (character)|all died}}.
*Various [[generic]] Mini-Cons use the Generation 1 [[Throttlebot]] designs.
*Unicron's transformation sequence, while homaging the Generation 1 version of the sequence, also transforms accurately to the toy.
*Yes, the combined forces of Autobots, Decepticons, and Mini-Cons is what the "Armada" in the title of the series stands for.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some interesting tidbits:
**Cyclonus saying that fighting is the only thing makes him feel alive might be one of his few highlights.
**The time during the making of these last episodes were particularly difficult. Everyone was desperate for the final episode to be finished and only such a difficult thing was remembered.
***[[Munetaka Abe]] was busy with animating Starscream's death in "[[Cramp]]", Unicron's transformation in this episode, Overload's robot mode in "[[Union]]", and being the animation director for "[[Mortal Combat]]". When commenting on Unicron's transformation, Abe stated he used quite a bit of motion tweens so that the animation doesn't take too much time to work on due to the amount of work. It was hard but he had a lot of fun.
***[[Hidehito Ueda]] was troubled with the storyboards for "[[Portent]]", "[[Union]]", and "[[Mortal Combat]]", while [[Takeshi Sano]] and [[Masami Nagata]] worked as the storyboarder and animation director respectively for "[[Drift (episode)|Drift]]" and "[[Origin]]".

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mit vereinten Kräften'''" ("With Joint Forces")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 13|13 January]] [[2004]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Felderítés'''" ("Recon")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Aliança'''" ("Alliance")

==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 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]]

Gale

2021-12-07T23:08:16Z

PownicMania: /* Continuity errors */

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=15
|prev=Overmatch
|next=Credulous
|title="Gale"
|furigana=はやて
|japanese=疾風
|romaji=Hayate
|translation=Gale
|image=galeminicon.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-15
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Osamu Kamijō]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[December 20]], [[2002]] (English) [[April 18|18 April]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''During a search for the latest Mini-Con, Scavenger and Hot Shot continue their rivalry on an unfinished highway. But who is the mysterious newcomer?'''
{{TOC}}

==Synopsis==
[[File:Gale jaamsword.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Hot Shot pays tribute to his unused mold.]]
In another nameless city, a mysterious rider on a toyetic purple motorcycle from space lands.

[[File:ArmadaSidewaysTransformationsm.jpg|120px|thumb|Little do they realize that the ''source'' of Sideways' power is funny-looking hats!]]
In the [[Autobot]] base, [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] is practicing swinging his [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]]. [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] suspects that since the Star Saber is the mightiest in the universe, Hot Shot, by extension, is the strongest Transformer. However, [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] feels that's not exactly how things work. Soon [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] comes to tell Hot Shot they've detected another [[Mini-Con]], and the boys pledge to be Hot Shot's cheerleaders. In the control room, [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] determines the [[Mini-Con]] panel's location in a freeway tunnel in grid sector 29365. The Autobots rush into action, and the kids come along too for cheerleading purposes (with Red Alert's approval).

Already at the scene, [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] and [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] guard the outside of the tunnel and see the oncoming Autobots. Inside, [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] oversee [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]]'s digging, who resents having to do this labor.

Cyclonus transforms and uses his alt mode to force a civilian truck into lodging on the highway horizontally, hindering the traffic flow to delay the Autobots. Hot Shot uses Jolt to circumvent this traffic obstacle. At the same time, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus]] drops off Billy and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] and speeds away. Shortly after, the boys encounter the mysterious purple bike drive pass to pick up one of them.

Hot Shot (carrying [[Rad White|Rad]] and Carlos) chases Cyclonus, while in turn, being chased down by Scavenger. Soon, Hot Shot drops off the kids, transforms, and summons the Star Saber to engage in Scavenger in direct combat again. Cyclonus attempts to take advantage of the fight by shooting Hot Shot from behind. However, as soon as Cyclonus misses, the cries of Billy, kidnapped by the motorcyclist, distract everybody.

[[File:Gale manyhugsofBilly.jpg|left|upright=1.67|thumb|[[Alpha Quintesson|"I'll hug you."]]]]
The motorcyclist stops and lets Billy off so that Billy can hug Rad. (Fred, meanwhile, remains alone and unloved.) Then the purple bike returns to the duel between Scavenger and Hot Shot, and with an impressive jump, the cycle takes Cyclonus out of the sky. Just then, Alexis and the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team|Street Action Team]] arrive near the duel scene and meet up with Rad, Billy, and Carlos, who she yells at for abandoning her.

Scavenger and Hot Shot finally begin their battle, and Scavenger grabs Hot Shot out of a slow-motion leap and slams the Autobot into the ground. Seeing the highway's unfinished section, Hot Shot releases the Star Saber Mini-Cons and drives away, with Scavenger chasing. The motorcyclist continues following the fight.

Meanwhile, Fred still stands, all alone and forgotten.

The Autobots and [[Decepticon]]s battle in the tunnel, while Hot Shot and Scavenger drive right through, and Cyclonus gives up his struggle with Smokescreen to follow the duel. When Scavenger arrives on the highway's incomplete section, Hot Shot leaps from the sky and lands behind Scavenger. Hot Shot slices the entire segment of the road away with much vigor, causing it to fall. Scavenger barely manages to get back onto the road's stable section by hanging onto Cyclonus's flying alt mode. Defeated, Scavenger laughs and berates Hot Shot, saying that he will prove Hot Shot's incompetence another day. At that moment, the motorcyclist also laughs at Hot Shot.

Inside the tunnel, the defeated Decepticons teleport away again. Hot Shot, the kids, and the motorcyclist arrive in the tunnel too. Optimus thanks the stranger, and the bike transforms and introduces himself as [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]]. Smokescreen then announces that he's found the Mini-Con panel, which activates and reveals itself to be [[Spiral]].

[[File:Fred Spiral01.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|The inspiration for Energon's Powerlinxing.]]
Back at the Autobot base, Billy is riding around with Sideways some more, and Fred accepts an offer to ride on Spiral (translated by Carlos). Hot Shot and Red Alert agree that Sideways might not be entirely trustworthy; inside the base, Rad and Alexis also admit that they get a questionable vibe from him. After riding around on Spiral for a while, Fred inquires about the location of the bathroom.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (1)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (3)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (8)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (11)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (20)

|c2=
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (12)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (13)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (15)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (16)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (17)

|c3=
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (4)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (5)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (6)
*[[Rad White]] (7)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (9)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*Sideways's [[Mirror|rider]] (2)
*[[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (14)
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (18)
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (19)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (21)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (22)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (23)
*[[Spiral]] (24)
}}

==Quotes==
"I've got a bad feeling about this."
:—'''Alexis''', regarding the boys tagging along as Hot Shot's cheer squad. You and us both, sister.

"Lucky for us, Scavenger is here to do all the digging, don't you think, Starscream? Otherwise, you'd be in there getting your hands dirty." 
"Right! There's no way you'd catch me playing in the dirt like that." 
"If I had known I'd be the only one doing all the work down here, I would have never left Cybertron!"
:—Mine boss '''Megatron''' with '''Starscream''' and '''Scavenger'''.

"Billy, Fred—sorry, but it looks like things might get a little dangerous out here. I think it's best if you stay put up here for a while." 
"Aww, gee whiz! But I thought we were backup?" 
"Yeah...well...you can back us up from here! Oh, and stay put!"
:—'''Optimus''' dumps '''Billy''' and Fred on the side of the road.

[[File:Gale Needalift.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Surely this huge motorcycle doesn't attract any attention at all.]]
'''Fred:''' "Oh, this really bites, big time." 
'''Billy:''' "I told you we should have gone with Hot Shot, but no, you wouldn't listen, would you, doofus? 
''(A large purple motorcycle suddenly approaches)'' 
'''Billy:''' "Huh?" 
'''Fred:''' "Huh??" 
'''Sideways:'''"You lookin' to hitch a ride? I got room for one. That's it." 
'''Fred:''' "Hey, B-Billy, that bike—" 
'''Billy:''' "—talked to us! Wait a sec: Autobot or Decepticon?" 
:—'''Fred''' and '''Billy''' lament being dumped before the enigmatic '''Sideways''' approaches.

"Your battling days are over!" 
"Hahaha! I like a bot with a sense of humor!"
:—'''Hot Shot''' lamely trash-talks '''Scavenger'''.

"Hahahaha! Oh, ''joy!'' This is as easy as shooting bots in a barrel! Hahahahaha!"
:—'''Cyclonus'''

"Remember me?!? I'm Billy's friend!"
:—'''Fred''''s cry of loneliness after Hot Shot, Scavenger, and Sideways pass him without sparing a glance.

"Back on Cybertron, they used to call me Sideways. I guess I'm a bit of a drifter. Maybe that's why I'm here."
:—'''Sideways's''' self-introduction to the Autobots

"Oh, don't worry, Hot Shot. You must remember they're only human, and probably in a couple of days or so, they'll be all over you again."
:—'''Red Alert''', on the fickle nature of children

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*Rad's opening narration expositing over Sideways's arrival is an ''Armada'' addition. In ''Legends of the Microns'', his first narration comes later, when Rad gives his second one in ''Armada''.
*Hot Shot's flashback is silent except when Scavenger speaks at the end of it. Afterward, Hot Shot says, "Go away!" while swinging the Star Saber. In ''Armada'', Hot Shot says, "This isn't over yet Scavenger!" when the scene cuts to the boys watching.
*Instead of agreeing with Fred about Hot Shot being the universe's strongest Transformer, Billy asks Carlos if that is true. Then Hot Shot says that could be true since they could search the universe and not find another bot that's a match for himself.
*In ''Armada'', Red Alert tells Hot Shot they have work to do but says Hot Shot can't be serious about the claim he just made in ''Legends of the Microns''. ''Armada'' adds Hot Shot's mumbling after Red Alert's line. Then, depending on the dub, Red says either that Scavenger joined the Decepticons or asks Hot Shot if he already forgot what happened with Scavenger [[Overmatch|the last time]].
*''Armada'' has Hot Shot swearing to get even with Scavenger, Red Alert telling him that unless he unlocks the Star Saber's full power, it's useless, and Hot Shot telling Red to lay off. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Hot Shot say he won't be careless the next time he faces Scavenger, Red Alert saying that Hot Shot shouldn't be making bold claims despite wielding the Star Saber, after which Hot Shot says that he knows and tells Red to stop lecturing him.
*Rad and Carlos's lines about Hot Shot's training improving and the kids being there for backup are changed to them assuring Hot Shot that they're rooting for him.
*For his opening monologue in the Japanese dub, Rad says that's when the boys understood Hot Shot's determination, and it's why they wanted to cheer him on no matter what. However, ''Armada'' makes the second narration carefree since Rad says though the boys thought it's lame for wanting to backup Hot Shot as he's one of the greatest bots in the universe, "It's the thought that counts."
*In ''Armada'', Alexis says the Mini-Con signal is in a freeway tunnel in "grid sector 29365". Afterward, Hot Shot claims the Autobots are "back in business" before Smokescreen says a line. She says in the central part of a highway in "a hill district at point 042451" in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then only Hot Shot speaks as he expresses excitement for the Mini-Con being on the highway, "his favorite place."
*In ''Armada'', Hot Shot calls for his "backup" (the boys) and, after Alexis tells them to wait, Carlos and Rad tell her about their promise to support the Autobot in battle. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it to Hot Shot inviting the kids to tag along, Carlos repeating this to Alexis, and Rad telling her about cheering on Hot Shot. After Alexis says the boys will get in the way, Fred says, "Hot Shot needs us" in ''Armada'' but "We'll be fine" in ''Legends of the Microns''. After this, Hot Shot says the kids are coming along for moral support in ''Armada'', while ''Legends of the Microns'' has him make the cocky response that the humans will witness his "heroic exploits."
*''Armada'' has Smokescreen say that he thinks Alexis has a point while ''Legends of the Microns'' has him ask what should be done. When Optimus agrees to let the kids come along, he tells Hot Shot that he's responsible for them and tells the team to move out in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he tells the kids to listen to Hot Shot and get to safety immediately when the fighting starts. ''Armada'' has an awkward silence after Optimus finishes talking. Then ''Armada'' has Alexis say she has a bad feeling while the Japanese dub has her say, "Geez, I guess that's life..."
*Demolishor complaining about his "most useless assignment ever" is an ''Armada'' addition, and he moans some more before Cyclonus tells him to be quiet. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Demolishor say no one will be at a blocked-off tunnel, and Cyclonus says that makes searching for the panel easier.
*After Blackout detects something, the traffic shot is silent since Demolishor immediately asks Blackout if he senses the enemy. After Demolishor says Blackout must be imagining it, the shot zooming down the road is quiet until the Autobots are visible. Then Demolishor tells Cyclonus the Autobots are approaching, and Cyclonus tells Demolishor not to "lose his cool."
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Megatron order Starscream to watch the tunnel exit, with the latter claiming the task being more pleasant than digging. ''Armada'' makes Megatron muse about how Scavenger digging frees Starscream from getting his hands dirty, and Starscream agrees with the statement. Then after Megatron is alerted about the Autobots, he reacts with surprise. In ''Armada'', he orders to keep the Autobots busy, sounding more mildly annoyed than anything.
*When Scavenger expresses the desire to fight the Autobots, Megatron only mutters his name and says the Autobots can't be allowed to interfere. However, in ''Armada'', he says that Scavenger should ignore the Autobots and keep digging; ''Armada'' makes Scavenger disobey Megatron's order by leaving to fight Hot Shot in his next scene. Furthermore, the Japanese dub has Megatron order Cyclonus to cause a diversion on the freeway.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', the overhead shot of the traffic jam Cyclonus causes is silent. Then Red Alert asks what's in the sky, Hot Shot answers, Smokescreen's line is changed to have him ask if the Decepticons have already found the Mini-Con, and Optimus responds that they haven't. Instead of Hot Shot having an idea before Powerlinxing with Jolt, he says Cyclonus is getting away. After Hot Shot flies off the freeway, ''Armada'' gives him and Optimus extra lines to remove the Japanese dub's silence.
*While dropping off Billy and Fred, the scene's tone is more serious as Optimus says the boys should disembark since Scavenger has shown himself. As Billy laments "missing the show," Optimus apologizes and says the Autobots promised to protect the kids and that they'll return for Billy and Fred when the fighting is over. After this, Billy and Fred envy the other kids for riding with Hot Shot; ''Armada'' extends their dialogue to cover the silence in the scene of Sideways pulling up by them. When Sideways offers the boys a ride, Billy asks if the motorcycle is a Transformer.
*''Armada'' gives Cyclonus and Hot Shot filler to remove the silence in the following scene. In ''Legends of the Microns'', during the shot of Cyclonus, he says, "Keep following me!" The scene cuts to Hot Shot, who responds by yelling, "Hold it!" The next scene with them is silent. Then Rad tells the Autobot not to follow Cyclonus too far, and Carlos says everything will be fine since Hot Shot has the Star Saber. The next shot of Rad seeing Scavenger in Hot Shot's mirror is silent, and Rad says, "It's him!" Then Hot Shot tells Rad and Carlos to get out, and Rad wishes him luck. The transformation noise is also removed from Hot Shot and Scavenger transforming, and the Star Saber forming.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot says to bring it on, and Scavenger inquires, "Is it time for another interesting lesson?" ''Armada'' adds Carlos quipping to Rad after this as the standoff between the two bots is silent. Scavenger asks why Hot Shot doesn't attack him as he's defenseless. ''Armada'' makes him taunt Hot Shot for being scared and quip about the Star Saber's batteries running low, and then Rad tells Alexis a "Transformers showdown" is happening. Rad tells her that Hot Shot and Scavenger are just staring at each other in the Japanese dub. The video Rad transmits of the two is silent, and Alexis asks Red Alert if he can locate them instead of telling Rad to link his video feed into Red.
*After Alexis asks why Hot Shot and Scavenger are just standing around in ''Armada'', Smokescreen says, "Good question." In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says, "He's too scared to move..." without specifying who he means. Demolishor asking, "What'd I do now?" as he runs away from the tunnel entrance is added to the English dub.
*''Legends of the Microns'' has the Autobots realize the Decepticons are searching the tunnel for the Mini-Con since Scavenger came from there. Red Alert says Cyclonus is near Hot Shot, and Alexis says the Decepticon is targeting him. Cyclonus's "Shooting bots in a barrel" quip is changed to him claiming the other 'Cons will thank him for shooting an Autobot in the back.
*''Armada'' has Hot Shot act cocky and refuse to turn his back on Scavenger. However, ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the cockiness.
*''Armada'' makes Hot Shot quip about Cyclonus being "a lousy shot," but ''Legends of the Microns'' makes him say that he was caught off guard and ask what that (Sideways) was. When he's first seen riding Sideways, ''Armada'' has Billy claim that he's being "kidnapped"; Billy only cries for help in ''Legends of the Microns''. As Sideways speeds through Scavenger's legs, the latter merely calls him annoying. Then Billy only says that Sideways is a Transformer. Then Rad and Carlos react as shocked by the info while ''Armada'' has Rad puzzledly asking what they should do.
*Smokescreen asks who Sideways is, and Optimus asks if he's friend or foe before saying the Mini-Con panel is their main priority. After Optimus, Red Alert, and Smokescreen drive ahead, Alexis tells the Mini-Cons they should get going too.
*After Billy gets off Sideways, he cries Rad's name after latching onto him rather than begging to be saved, and Rad asks Billy if he is okay instead of being indifferent. ''Armada'' has Carlos ask whose idea it was to get on Sideways, and Billy swears it wasn't his. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos asks Billy why he was riding Sideways, and Billy says Sideways offered a ride. After Rad asks where Fred is, Billy says that Sideways could only fit one person, while in ''Armada'', Billy recalls leaving Fred on the bridge. After the above exchange in ''Legends of the Microns'', Fred says he's lonely.
*Rather than asking which side Sideways is on, Rad questions his identity. Then Hot Shot asks the same. Cyclonus's cackling and his line about "moving targets" are removed. Just before he starts firing at Sideways, he says he's not going to let him mess with the Decepticons. Cyclonus says that Sideways hit him in ''Armada'', but he doesn't in ''Legends of the Microns'' and asks why he is falling at all.
*Rather than sarcastically asking the boys for a status report, Alexis asks why they're getting excited.
*Hot Shot doesn't speak until after dodging Scavenger's arm. Scavenger tells Hot Shot to show him the weapon's real power instead of demanding him to hand it over. Then Carlos calls Hot Shot, and Rad says someone should do something. In ''Armada'', Rad and Alexis say it's weird and senseless that Sideways is only interested in Hot Shot and Scavenger's fight. ''Legends of the Microns'' makes them more insightful as they say Sideways is watching from the sidelines to see which of the two is stronger. Then ''Armada'' has Rad call Scavenger "an oversized CPU" and tells Hot Shot not to get intimidated by him; ''Legends of the Microns'' has Rad say, "This isn't a sideshow!" (to either Sideways or Hot Shot) and gives Alexis a line in which she cheers for Hot Shot.
*After Hot Shot and Scavenger transform, Rad says the kids will follow, but ''Armada'' has him say the kids are still the Autobot's backup. There's no transform sound effect in the scene, and Hot Shot doesn't say "Transform" until the Star Saber glistens in the sun.
*''Armada'' has Hot Shot and Scavenger hurl quippy insults at each other on the highway. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Scavenger quip about Hot Shot running back to Optimus for help as Hot Shot tells him to keep up. As Fred sees the highway chase going on, ''Armada'' has him presume the bots heard him and now need his help (quoted above). In ''Legends of the Microns'', Fred says the others have finally returned for him and shouts out for Hot Shot and Billy. After being abandoned again, Fred still calls after Hot Shot; Fred shouts louder in the Japanese dub.
*After flooring Starscream, Optimus says the Decepticon isn't getting away with this. During the close-up of Demolishor digging, ''Armada'' has him complain about hating Megatron yelling at him; ''Legends of the Microns'' has him frustratingly ask where Scavenger ran off.
*Cyclonus notices Scavenger while grappling with Smokescreen and tells Megatron that he'll handle it. Then Megatron demands Cyclonus not to run out on him. ''Armada'' makes no note of Scavenger here; instead, Cyclonus complains about doing everything himself, and Megatron commands him to return to his post.
*During the shot of the highway's incomplete section after exiting the tunnel, Scavenger doesn't speak until a second before the scene cuts to him, saying that Hot Shot disappeared. When Hot Shot slices through the rock while descending upon Scavenger, Hot Shot shouts, "I've won this!". After Hot Shot lands, Scavenger asks where he was aiming, and the Autobot answers, "Right here!". ''Armada'' plays the Transformers theme when Hot Shot reappears, but ''Legends of the Microns'' plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Cybertrons, Transform!]]."
*After Hot Shot defeats Scavenger, Hot Shot brags about Scavenger not expecting him to use the ground to his advantage, and that's the Star Saber's real power. Here, Scavenger is somewhat more humble in accepting defeat while debuffing Hot Shot for being at a low level and using a cheap trick to win, hindering his ability to realize the sword's true potential. As Scavenger leaves, Hot Shot demands that he come back in ''Armada'' but commands the former not to make fun of him in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Sideways note Hot Shot's "interesting" victory before Hot Shot asks why he's snooping around and challenges him to fight if he so desires. However, compared to the smart-aleck response he gives in ''Armada'', Sideways is more reserved here as he says that he can't fight Hot Shot since they're on the same side.
*While surrounded by the Autobots, ''Armada'' has Megatron ask Demolishor for Cyclonus and Scavenger's whereabouts and coming up empty. Then Megatron says the Decepticons have to retreat because of them. When Demolishor appears to object, Megatron quips that the former wants to continue digging, making Demolishor relent. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron says they'll have to retreat without Cyclonus and Scavenger as reinforcements. Demolishor agrees, and Megatron says there's no other choice but to retreat.
*After the Decepticons warp, ''Armada'' has Optimus dare Megatron to keep running since there will soon be nowhere to hide from the Autobots. ''Legends of the Microns'' makes Optimus say he will face Megatron anytime and that the Autobots will neither run nor hide. Immediately after this, only Rad calls Optimus's name in ''Armada'' while both Rad ''and'' Hot Shot say it in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In ''Armada'', Hot Shot claims he was starting to worry about the kids, and Carlos snarks about the former going to tell the others that he defeated Scavenger on his own. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot is happy the kids are okay, and Carlos brings up how Sideways saved Hot Shot.
*After transforming, Sideways is slightly poetic when making introductions in ''Legends of the Microns'' as he says, "Like a gale which travels through the blades of grass. My name is Sideways. I'm just a wandering traveler." Rather than Alexis saying, "There's something strange about Sideways," she only says his name.
*Watching Billy ride on Sideways, Fred yells to Billy that Optimus said they're supposed to take turns and laments the unfairness. After Spiral offers to let Fred ride her, he hopes that she has a neat vehicle mode. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Fred's first line is changed, and after Billy passes by, Fred says he is riding Sideways next and calls Billy sneaky. Spiral offers Fred a ride, and he thinks it's cool.
*Hot Shot says the kids ditched him for Sideways. Red Alert claims children are candid with how strong figures naturally draw their attention, so Hot Shot needs to become stronger if he doesn't want to get left behind. To answer Hot Shot's question on whether Sideways is their ally, Red Alert says they'll know sooner or later, and Hot Shot says he's right.
*In ''Armada'', Alexis asks Rad why he's not outside ''with'' Sideways, and she says that she shares Rad's feeling about something being off about Sideways. Then, while voicing their suspicions, Alexis asks why Sideways would come to Earth to get involved in a war and tells Rad they should keep their concerns to themselves. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis asks Rad if he fancied riding Sideways, and when Rad says he is concerned about "him," Alexis asks if he means Sideways and starts repeating the latter's gale quote. After the flashback shows Sideways completing it for Alexis, she says, "Only the strongest blades of grass can survive the fierce blasts of the wind." Rad asks for its meaning, and Alexis speculates that Sideways's purpose might be to test the Autobots' abilities' true extent.
*In ''Armada'', Carlos hopes Fred is having fun riding Spiral since his turn is next. However, Fred says Carlos can take his turn if he wants and abruptly asks for the bathroom. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos praises Fred, saying he looks cool riding Spiral. Although Fred agrees that Spiral is incredible, he says she's "WAY too small!"
*Rad's ending narration in ''Armada'' says that even though the Autobot team keeps growing, apparently not everyone on it can be trusted and wonders if it's just a feeling. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the narration is about the team gaining Sideways as a new member, and Rad likes to think they will be comrades-in-arms someday despite what they're saying about him.

===Animation and technical errors===
*The white of Carlos's eye is visible as the boys run to join the mission before Alexis stops them.
*After Demolishor reports that the Autobots are closing in on their location, Megatron's left leg is miscolored grey and red.
*Rad looks cross-eyed in the shot of him before Hot Shot transforms.
*When Scavenger finishes transforming, his mouth is still open even though he's not talking; this isn't an issue in ''Legends of the Microns'' as Scavenger yelling out "Transform!" is extended.
*After Billy tells Rad and Carlos about Sideways being a Transformer, Carlos's mouth opens, but nothing comes out. Carlos is heard reacting in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When he latches onto Rad, Billy's animated mouth is drawn over his closed mouth.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', during the scene of Billy, Rad, and Carlos turning toward Alexis, Billy says the latter's name, but his mouth doesn't move.
*Scavenger's chin is miscolored in some shots.
*When Red Alert tells Optimus they have a problem, Optimus says, "Hot Shot!" like he's clairvoyant. The Japanese dub corrects this by having Optimus ask Red Alert what's wrong instead.
*After Hot Shot leaves the tunnel, the bottom of Jolt's helicopter mode is flat. Scavenger seems to disappear only to return in the next scene since only Cyclonus leaves the tunnel after Hot Shot. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this by showing Scavenger exit the tunnel before Cyclonus.
*The transformation noise plays as Hot Shot descends with the Star Saber, but there's no clear reason for the sound to play at the moment. The Japanese dub doesn't play the sound.
*The shot of Scavenger after Hot Shot embeds the Star Saber in the road depicts Scavenger looking up despite Hot Shot being on the ground in front of him.
*When the Autobots surround Demolishor and Megatron, Smokescreen's crane is drawn incorrectly.
*The shot of Hot Shot before he looks at Sideways in the tunnel is reused from when he spoke to Sideways outside moments before.
*As Sideways arrives to meet the Autobots after the battle, he is animated to be slightly twitching in his close-up shot to show his bike still running. The dubbing team could've mistaken it as an indication of him having been supposed to chuckle, as he stays silent during this shot in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*After Sideways transforms and introduces himself, the left bike wheel on his back turns in sync with his head. The animator probably mistook it as part of his head model.
*During the overhead shot of the kids, Autobots, and Sideways, the kids are colored like they're in their regular clothes rather than their orange suits.
*The background changes between the two shots of Sideways with his head turned to the side.
*The new Mini-Con, Spiral, is female, but she's referred to as a male. Just like poor Sureshock.
*While he and Carlos watch Billy riding Sideways at the end, Fred says that Billy gets to ride "all the time," even though this marks only the second time. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Fred says Billy is riding Sideways ''again''.

===Continuity notes===
*The Mini-Cons are the first [[Transformer]]s shown in the [[Unicron Trilogy]] not to hail from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], while Sideways is the second, originally from [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]].
*The last time the kids accompanied the Autobots on a mission was "[[Prehistory]]."
**This episode is the first time Billy and Fred join the team on a mission and wear the fashionable Autobot [[Suit|jumpsuit]]s. It's also the only time Billy and Fred wear the orange Autobot suits.
*Hot Shot has wanted to be on a highway ever since complaining about the lack of roads in the Japanese version of "[[Comrade]]."
*Demolishor complains about having to stand guard. He's going to be doing a lot of that [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|later]].
*As the Japanese dub notes, Billy and Fred see a Mini-Con awaken from stasis for the first time.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Sideways is a motorcycle seemingly capable of traveling through space without using a ship.
***Given that his original form seen in the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' cartoon has flight capabilities, this doesn't seem as far-fetched as one might think. He's also working for Unicron at this point, so there are possibly some sweet chaos-bringer upgrades thrown in too.
**Scavenger can use his rear drum in vehicle mode for speedy digging operations.
**Scavenger does this bizarre thing where he rolls his treads on his arms and then slides forward as he's revving up for battle. A toy reference? An ability? What is happening?
**Rad uses Laserbeak as a walkie talkie. He follows this up by using Laserbeak as an actual video camera.
**Optimus opens one of his container's side compartments to let the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team|Street Action Mini-Cons]] out. Unfortunately, they don't open the way they do on the toy. Half a point for toy accuracy?
**Sideways's tires are seemingly sharp enough to cut into Cyclonus's metal framework. What has Unicron been feeding this guy?
**Mirror shows the rare ability to create a motorcycle rider disguise when riding Sideways, an ability never shown again.
*Powerlinx forms:
**Hot Shot Powerlinx with the Star Saber.
**Hot Shot Powerlinx with Jolt in vehicle mode.
**Cyclonus is ''very'' briefly seen Powerlinxed with Drill Bit and Crumplezone in vehicle mode simultaneously.
**Sideways Powerlinx with [[Rook (Armada)|Rook]] for the first time.

===Continuity errors===
*Rad's opening narration mentions a Decepticon causing trouble in the city, but unless he's psychic, Rad is only assuming things at this point; plus, no one knows Sideways's identity or allegiance yet. ''Legends of the Microns'' has no narration during Sideway's arrival, so it doesn’t have this issue.
*In the flashback, Scavenger says, "My Star Saber—is undefeatable," but in the previous episode (presumably Hot Shot's only encounter with Scavenger), he never said that. Besides, why would he say that, anyway? He wasn't even wielding the Star Saber. However, in ''Legends of the Microns'', Scavenger says the Star Saber is frightening, yet never said this in the preceding episode.
*In Autobot HQ, the boys say that the kids are Hot Shot's backup on this mission, but they act more like his cheerleaders than reinforcements. They say they're joining this mission to cheer Hot Shot on in battle in the Japanese dub, so it's not an issue.
*Megatron says that Scavenger will keep the Mini-Con he finds as his own; however, in [[Linkage Part 4|part 4]] of the ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'' comic, Scavenger picks up his Mini-Con soon after landing on Earth. As the line only exists in the ''Armada'' dub, the translation team was possibly entirely unaware of ''Linkage'', as it wasn't released until well after the episode's translation. In ''Legend of the Microns'', Megatron expresses anticipation of the Decepticons getting another Mini-Con, saying things will get more interesting.
*After Megatron says, "Nothing must interfere with our mission!" Cyclonus maniacally flies off on his own accord to cause the traffic jam, presumably in response to Megatron's previous "Keep them busy!" line. The Japanese dub clears up the confusion as Megatron orders Cyclonus to cause a distraction on the road to delay the Autobots.
*Red Alert reports to Optimus that a gridlock (created by Cyclonus) is ahead of them, shortly before spotting the culprit himself. Optimus muses that the Decepticons must not have found the Mini-Con yet, then suddenly states a blockade is ahead. Did he suddenly forget that Red Alert told him about it 11 seconds ago? The Japanese dub corrects the mistake since the Autobots see Cyclonus first, and Optimus notices the gridlock later, without anyone mentioning it beforehand.
*In the shot after Sideways offers a ride to Billy and Fred, Cyclonus is spontaneously Powerlinxed with [[Crumplezone (Armada)|Crumplezone]] in cockpit mode, with [[Drill Bit (Armada)|Drill Bit]] in his undercarriage. In his next shot, he's back in his default helicopter mode with no Mini-Cons attached.
*After Hot Shot and Scavenger jump off the highway, Hot Shot lands on the ground and quickly transforms in a semi-stock animation sequence. However, he isn't shown stopping to let Rad and Carlos out, who were riding inside at the time. When Hot Shot and Scavenger prepare to fight, both boys are now outside and watching from afar. The Japanese dub works around this error by having Hot Shot tell the boys to get out before driving off the road and transforming.
**Going by ''Legends of the Microns'', if they got out while still on the highway, how do Rad and Carlos get to Hot Shot and Scavenger under the bridge in only a few seconds?
*How come Hot Shot doesn't question Sideways appearing between him and Scavenger while Cyclonus shoots at him? However, he does ask about Sideways's appearance in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Where does Billy's helmet come from whenever he's on Sideways?
*Optimus tells the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] to "stay with the kids," but at the time, the only one present is Alexis since the boys (except Fred) are watching Hot Shot and Scavenger fight. The Japanese version has Optimus counting on the Mini-Cons to protect the children instead.
*After getting dropped off on the highway, Alexis tells the Mini-Cons that they should follow the rest of the Autobots, but they later appear at Rad, Carlos, and Billy's location. The Japanese dub has Alexis say she and the Mini-Cons should get going instead.
*Alexis yells at the boys for abandoning her though Optimus is the one who left her alone on the freeway. She calmly asks where Fred is instead in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*During Hot Shot and Scavenger's fight, Billy and the Street Action Mini-Cons disappear in shots cutting back to the kids after Alexis arrives on the scene.
**After this point, the Mini-Cons seem to vanish from the rest of the episode.
*How do Hot Shot and Scavenger get back on the highway so fast?
*Hot Shot stabs the Star Saber a few feet into the road, but the entire street, including all of its support beams from the ground up, gets cut off.
*After Scavenger uses the involuntary Cyclonus as a ride, they seemingly fly off somewhere and go unseen for the rest of the episode.
*Much like Sureshock, Spiral is mistakenly referred to as a male, only this time in both dubs.

===Real-world references===
*As quoted above, Alexis borrows a popular quote from the ''Star Wars'' franchise. Carlos said it himself in "[[Palace]]."
*Before Hot Shot gets the jump on Scavenger near the end, Scavenger says, "Uh oh! I think I smell a bot." which is a play on words from the phrase "I think I smell a rat."

===Trivia===
[[File:Gale weirdfight.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|WTF?]]
*From this episode on, [[Jim Conrad]] narrates the [[title sequence]] introduction instead of Rad.
*With a fair bit of attention to detail, some shots display Scavenger's drum wheel creating sparks when he drives on asphalt at high speed.
*Just what the heck is Red Alert doing to Starscream during the Decepticon's struggle with Optimus?!
*The light shining from the Mini-Con panel bears a striking resemblance to the [[Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes]] logo—possibly an intentional visual nod since Spiral transforms into a {{w|Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203)}} luxury car.
*His introductory dialogue in the Japanese dub reveals Sideways as the episode's titular "gale."
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' reveals some interesting tidbits for this episode:
**Production was unaware that Sideways would become an important character in the future while making this episode.
**The numbers of the coordinates Alexis gives for the Mini-Con's location are a play on part of her phone number.
**Billy and Fred were originally planned to appear in 13 episodes, but they appeared in more in a twist of fate. So, for better or worse, Billy and Fred overstayed their welcome on the show.

===Foreign localization===
'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A titokzatos idegen'''" ("The Mysterious Stranger")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Korek'''" ("Jam")

'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La mystérieuse moto'''" ("The Mysterious Motorbike")

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''정체의'불명의 사니어''" ("Obscure Identity Man")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Tumulto'''" ("Turmoil")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 4 ([[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]]

Swoop (episode)

2021-12-07T22:48:31Z

PownicMania: /* Trivia */

{{disambig3|Swoop}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=13
|prev=Prehistory
|next=Overmatch
|title="Swoop"
|furigana=つるぎ
|japanese=聖剣
|romaji=Tsurugi
|translation=Holy Sword: Sword
|image=ArmadaSwoop_MegatronStarSaber.jpg
|caption=Sadly, [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] received no royalties for this episode.
|production code=TF: A-13
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|director=[[Masayuki Motsumoto]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[November 29]], [[2002]] (English) [[April 4|4 April]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''The Decepticons, intent on completing the Star Saber, invade the Autobot base.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:ArmadaSwoop Starscreamstockreport.jpg|left|150px|thumb|"It says here the Dow Jones is down by 100 points!"]]
Patrolling the skies, [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] searches for the [[Autobot]] base's exact position, for which the [[Mini-Con]] [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] was able to determine the general location. [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] is surprised that [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] can understand the Mini-Cons' language. Cyclonus finds the base, and Megatron, having gained another advantage, has a hearty laugh.

Within the Autobot base, [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]], [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], and [[Rad White|Rad]] start to give [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] the grand tour. But before the others can show Fred and Billy around, an alarm goes off, and Alexis, Carlos, and Rad rush to the control room, abandoning their friends. Billy has a brilliant idea for himself and Fred to explore. Meanwhile, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus]] notes that a warp gate has opened within the base.

[[File:ArmadaSwoop Shotinthecrotch.jpg|150px|thumb|NUTSHOT!]]
Megatron, the [[Decepticon]]s, and Sonar arrive in the Autobot base, soon caught on security cameras. [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] activates some defense devices [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] built into the place. Billy, hopelessly lost as Fred predicted they would be, concedes that his navigational skills have failed him. Not noticing the humans, the Decepticons walk by and come under fire from the defense lasers, unwittingly endangering the two boys. Optimus characteristically orders a ceasefire; Megatron assumes it must be a system malfunction and presses forward.

[[File:ArmadaSwoop Megahorns.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Megatron is ''really'' happy to see Hot Shot!]]
Red Alert determines the Decepticons are tracking the [[Mini-Con storage panel]]s containing the other two [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] Mini-Cons, and Hot Shot eagerly rushes to confront them. Optimus takes the panels elsewhere, drawing the Decepticons away from the control room. Alexis then uses the room's computer to track Billy and Fred's movements.

On his own, Hot Shot attacks the Decepticons, but Megatron uses his antlers to grab Hot Shot's head, suspend the Autobot in the air, and then toss him aside. The other Autobots arrive, and [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] activates a screen—of smoke!—to allow them to fall back into a separate chamber. By the time the Decepticons blast through the door, they only see Hot Shot drive away.

[[File:ArmadaSwoop Cyclonusteleport.jpg|200px|thumb|Out you two pixies go, through the door or out the window!]]
The Autobots use the chase to isolate each member of the Decepticons from the rest. Smokescreen lassos Demolishor while Red Alert baits [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] into a hall of mirrors, his reflected taunts leading the seeker into a trap pit.

The three friendly human kids find their two jerky peers, and Cyclonus finds all five of them. The Decepticon intends to capture and ransom them for the Mini-Cons, but Rad uses the Autobots' warp gate to teleport Cyclonus to someplace far away.

[[File:ArmadaSwoop Megatronlightning.jpg|left|150px|thumb|You gotta eat lightning and crap thunder!]]
The only Decepticon left, Megatron, gets double-teamed by Optimus and Hot Shot, but the skirmish leads to Megatron holding his cannon right up to Hot Shot's face. Sonar awakens his brethren, and Megatron seizes the Star Saber. But just as he brandishes his new weapon in the air, Optimus blasts it out of Megatron's hands, directly into Hot Shot's.

Megatron links with Leader-1 and offers Hot Shot one last chance to reconsider his side, which Hot Shot refuses, so Megatron opens fire. The torrent of energy blasts blows Hot Shot back, but the coaching of his human friends gives him the inspiration he needs to use the Star Saber to resist Megatron's gunfire. Megatron orders an immediate withdrawal after Hot Shot gets close enough to slice off one of his horns.

Optimus lets Hot Shot keep possession of the Star Saber, and the children celebrate this victory. On the Moon, Megatron wishes for revenge so hard it hurts.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (12)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (14)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (16)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (17)

|c2=
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (1)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (4)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (6)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (7)
*[[Rad White]] (8)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (9)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (10)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (11)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (2)
*[[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] (5)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (13)
*[[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] (18)
*[[Runway (Armada)|Runway]] (19)
*[[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] (19)
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (20)
}}

==Quotes==
"Maybe they ran out of ammo." 
"Lasers don't run out of ammo!"
:—'''Cyclonus''' and '''Starscream''' trade ideas on why the automatic defenses have stopped shooting.

"Man, that laugh of yours is really annoying."
:—'''Hot Shot''' to Megatron.

"Try and download THIS!"
:—'''Hot Shot''' risks attacking Megatron with a lousy computer pun.

'''Billy:''' "Cyclo-butt!" 
'''Fred:''' "That's Cyclonapus!" 
'''Cyclonus:''' "It's ''Cyclonus''!" 
'''Billy:''' "...Thanks for clearing that up, mister." 
'''Fred:''' "You have a nice day!"
:—Billy, Fred, and Cyclonus in a rare '''purposeful''' ''Armada'' name mix-up

"Time for a SYSTEM CRASH!"
:—Lame computer pun #2 from '''Hot Shot''' as he tackles Megatron.

'''Megatron:''' "Yes, this is more like it, I'm going to pixelate every one of you Autobots." 
'''Optimus:''' "He's out of control." 
'''Megatron:''' "Now you will do as I say, hand over all your Mini-Cons to me, or I'll have no choice but to re-format your friend's memory bank." 
'''Hot Shot:''' "You... won't get anything from me!" 
'''Megatron:''' "Then I'll have to execute your program."
:—'''Megatron''' gets computer-pun vengeance on Optimus Prime and Hot Shot.

"For the last time: Access denied."
:—'''Hot Shot''' tries something different for rejecting Megatron's offer of allegiance: a computer pun!

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*In ''Armada'''s opening scene, Megatron berates Cyclonus for wasting time and not looking hard enough for the Autobot base. Cyclonus and Demolishor generally moan about how it's hard to find. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron says they lent Cyclonus Blackout for a reason, after which Cyclonus disses Blackout's search capabilities, prompting Demolishor to defend his Mini-Con partner.
*Rather than asking Demolishor if he can also understand the Mini-Con language, Megatron says, "You idiot! Can you even sense the atmosphere in here?" Demolishor tries interpreting the question before Starscream says Demolishor is "too dense to get it."
*Starscream receives the warp coordinates from Cyclonus instead of those for the Autobot base. After finding the Autobot base, Megatron stops laughing before the scene cuts to the shot of the Moon and Earth in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', his laugh is heard during both scenes before the episode title card, and it sounds louder and more sinister.
*In ''Armada'', Fred worryingly says that he isn't a fan of surprises, but ''Legends of the Microns'' has him ask Carlos if the more surprising part of the Autobot base is coming up in an excited tone. Billy asks Rad if there are more exciting things to see rather than wondering why they're still waiting. The sound effect of the Star Saber's holographic projection is gone. Alexis says Carlos now acts like Billy and Fred's "sempai" rather than their tour guide.
*Billy only calls out for Carlos after he and Fred find themselves alone. Instead of Billy deciding he and Fred should explore the base alone, he says they should look for the others. Then Fred makes a point of their troubles worsening each time he listens to Billy. Fred says Billy has a knack for getting them lost in ''Armada''.
*Arriving in the Autobot base, Cyclonus gleefully says he's going to trash the place. After Megatron tells him to focus on the mission, Cyclonus says, "You're no fun at all."
*Billy says he forgot where the exit is instead of not knowing where they are in the base. When Billy and Fred see the Decepticons, Billy mistakenly calls Megatron "Mega-Shield," before Fred says, "No, you mean Megatrog!" In ''Armada'', Billy says, "Megafrog," and it's the only one used.
*In ''Armada'', the scene of Sonar pointing the way is silent. As Sonar points ahead in ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron says, "I see, so it's the way, then?" as an internal monologue.
*When the defense systems ceasefire, Megatron rationalizes it as a systems malfunction in ''Armada''; however, he merely accepts it in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Hot Shot says the Decepticons know where they are and want a fight in ''Armada'' but asks why they're coming towards the Command Center in ''Legends of the Microns''. Later, Optimus is silent after Smokescreen asks him what they should do. Then Hot Shot storms off, determined to take Sonar from the Decepticons. He seeks to punish them for intruding into the base in ''Armada''.
*Optimus doesn't tell the kids to stay in the Control Room until he turns to look at them. Optimus says the line immediately in ''Armada'', so there's an awkward silence afterward until he continues talking.
*Cyclonus doesn't crack a joke about the Mini-Cons (or Autobots?) getting scared and running but talks about Sonar detecting the other Star Saber Mini-Cons and laughs. ''Legends of the Microns'' makes more sense as Hot Shot mocks Cyclonus's laughter and says that "tasteless laughing" is forbidden in the base. ''Armada'' has Hot Shot comment on Cyclonus's annoying laugh even though the latter barely laughed a moment ago. Then the Autobot tells the Decepticons to leave since they take trespassers very seriously.
*Megatron acknowledges Hot Shot, who then says that "persistent fools" also aren't allowed in the base and demands Megatron to hand over Sonar. Then Megatron calls Hot Shot a fool and extends his horns.
*While silhouetted in the smokescreen, we only hear Demolishor say that he can't see and Cyclonus calling the Autobots "clever bastards." Then Demolishor and Megatron tell whoever's firing to stop, with Megatron and Smokescreen talking simultaneously as the latter and Hot Shot escape. All the Decepticons talk over each other in ''Armada'', and their dialogue stops before the scene cuts to Smokescreen and Hot Shot.
*Optimus tells Hot Shot off for his recklessness instead of telling Hot Shot not to blame himself.
*After Cyclonus fails to transform in the corridor, Starscream says, "Looks like sensing the atmosphere is too much for you as well," harkening back to what Megatron said to Demolishor on the Moon.
*When they split up, Demolishor and Starscream call out for Megatron. Only Starscream's inner monologue is heard as he thinks to himself that finding the Mini-Cons should take priority over Megatron, and Demolishor is "overly loyal." Then Demolishor repeats Megatron's name. After Starscream tells Demolishor to try blasting the door again in ''Armada'', they ''both'' have internal dialogue: Starscream thinks about taking the Mini-Cons for himself, and Demolishor complains to himself about having to do all the work.
*Demolishor's scream now echoes as Smokescreen reels him back.
*After he finds Red Alert, ''Armada'' adds Starscream's incoherent mumbling to remove the Japanese version's silence.
*At the end of the scene where Red Alert traps Starscream, Red's line isn't about the Mini-Con panel being a fake; instead, he tells Starscream to sit quietly.
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Fred and Billy wondering if the Autobots or other kids will return for them instead of the Decepticons. They frantically apologize before Rad, Carlos, and Alexis reveal themselves. Depending on the dub, the subsequent dialogue differs: In ''Armada'', Billy tells the others never to ditch him and Fred again. Then Carlos tells Billy and Fred to expect surprises when hanging out with Rad, Alexis, and himself. When Rad says they should leave, Carlos makes the classic "trouble just around the corner" joke before Cyclonus appears. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Billy ask the others why they didn't rescue them sooner, and Carlos answers that they had to stop the Decepticons from finding the Mini-Cons. After Rad speaks, Carlos tells Billy and Fred to stay close to them this time. When Cyclonus finds the kids, he muses about finding "something else fun to play with this time." The louder background music and Billy, Fred, and Cyclonus exaggeratedly shouting their lines increase the scene's comical nature.
*After Cyclonus sets the record straight with Billy and Fred about his name, Fred says, "Yes, Cyclonus!" and Billy says, "Forget about that! Run for it!" After Rad tells the other kids to hide, he has an extra line where he says he has an idea to get rid of Cyclonus. Cyclonus claiming that his sensors can detect the children's body heat isn't in ''Legends of the Microns''; instead, he tells the kids to come out in a high-pitched singsong manner, playing up the hide-and-seek game. Carlos later has a line before Fred and Billy after Rad warps Cyclonus out, which removes the awkward silence present in ''Armada''.
*Optimus tells Megatron outright that he fell into a trap; Megatron realizes that Hot Shot played him, and Hot Shot says Megatron didn't catch on quickly enough. As he gets electrocuted, Megatron says, "Don't underestimate me... I'll show you just why I'm Megatron, ''the [[Emperor of Destruction]]!''" Then, instead of Megatron's computer pun about "pixelating" the Autobots (quoted above), he says, "A worthless trick like this can't even be called a trap!"
*With Hot Shot at his mercy, Megatron quips about the trap helping stretch his shoulders. When Optimus approaches, Megatron warns him to stay back unless he wants something to happen to Hot Shot.
*In ''Armada'', Megatron reacts with a gleeful "That's it!" as the Star Saber forms. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he responds with a surprised "What!?" instead. After the Star Saber forms, Megatron says, "So this is the legendary power?!" instead of smugly claiming ownership of the blade. The Japanese dub also removes the transformation noise from the sequence.
*After Hot Shot catches the Star Saber, Megatron demands him to return it, rambling about being the most powerful Transformer worthy of it in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron demands "his sword" back and calls Leader-1 to combine for his Full Blast Mode.
*''Armada'' has Megatron give Hot Shot a proposal of allowing him to join the Decepticons by returning the Star Saber with the latter denying the offer and trying to attack, only to be pushed back, then thinking to himself about having to resist Megatron's power. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron mocks the Autobot for being weak and unable to protect Optimus, provoking Hot Shot to attack, and he silently grunts after falling back.
*Megatron says Hot Shot trying to wield the Star Saber is a pointless effort, and the farce is now over, with a dramatic echo effect added to the end of the second line before Hot Shot charges at Megatron. Then it takes about seven seconds for Hot Shot to connect with the Star Saber, instead of a split-second like in ''Armada''.
*While Hot Shot uses the Star Saber to block Megatron's attack, ''Legends of the Microns'' has Hot Shot wondering if that's the sword's power, and Megatron reveling and desiring possession of it more than ever. ''Armada'' has Hot Shot getting used to the sword, while Megatron is taken aback by Hot Shot's ability to control the weapon.
*After Hot Shot slices Megatron, the Decepticon leader reacts in shock to his horn getting severed and says he'll remember this before retreating. The wide shot of Megatron and Hot Shot is now repositioned so that Megatron's head is visible at the top of the frame.
*Instead of referring to Megatron as "Megatroy" before Carlos finally corrects him, Fred once again calls the Decepticon leader "Megatrog."
*Alexis delivers the ending narration instead of Rad. The main difference between them is that Rad says the Star Saber ended up in Hot Shot's hands, while Alexis says it's how the sword came to be with Optimus's team.
*In the last scene, Megatron's damaged horn is visibly restored (see below). Megatron doesn't single out Hot Shot for his humiliation, and his swearing revenge is slightly shortened to finish as the scene cuts to the close-up of his hand. In ''Armada'', his scream holds a level tone and ends before the dissolve to the ending shot of the Moon. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron's yell starts at one level but intensifies during the dissolve and continues over the last shot.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Swoop-animation-changes.jpg|thumb|290px|Some animation changes between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' (right).]]
*While searching for the Autobot base in the opening scene, Cyclonus's canopy is missing.
*Megatron's throne is off-model.
*During the close-up of Sonar sitting upon Megatron's arm, Megatron's entire arm is miscolored red. In ''Legends of the Microns'', it's fixed and recolored gray but appears red for a split second before the scene cuts.
*Immediately after this, the outline of Demolishor's right eye is so thick that it looks like he's squinting.
*After finding the Autobot base, the extreme close-up of Megatron's face is reused footage from when he appears on Earth in "[[First Encounter]]," and the colors aren't updated to match his new appearance.
*Before the Star Saber projection shot, Fred's potato chip bag partially changes color when he and Billy look at each other.
*When Runway and Jetstorm react to Sonar's proximity by projecting the Star Saber's image, Carlos reacts to it by saying, "Hey! The Autobots shut off the force field! Follow me, you guys!" This line is presumably an error as there was no force field present. No one reacts to the Star Saber's holographic projection in the Japanese dub, and Carlos continues Billy and Fred's base tour.
*Billy's voice oddly doesn't echo in the halls after calling for the others to complete the tour. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds the echo effect to his voice.
*After Megatron warps into the Autobot base and instructs Sonar to find his partners, one of Sonar's chest panels is miscolored yellow.
*During the scene where Megatron asks Sonar where the other Star Saber Mini-Cons are, he uses the singular pronoun "it" instead of the proper plural pronoun "them." This mistake happens again when Megatron realizes Optimus has the Mini-Cons. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron only uses the singular term when Sonar points down the hall.
*As the base's defense system fires at the Decepticons in the Japanese version, Billy and Fred aren't visible but suddenly appear on the monitor's bottom-right corner in the next shot.
*Before running off to find the Decepticons, Hot Shot says, "You watch, I'll show them what it means to break into our ''face''." No doubt, this is meant to be "''base''." ''Legends of the Microns'' changes his line, so it's no longer an issue.
*When Optimus tells the kids to stay in the Control Room, he says, "Rad, you kids stay here and sit tight." but this is grammatically incorrect. The Japanese dub fixes it as Optimus says, "Rad, you and the others stay here."
*During Megatron's close-up, after he shouts, "Horn attack mode!" the horns toggle back and forth to create the illusion of them extending. However, this happens clumsily as the horns' tips repeatedly poke in and out of the edge of the screen, so it looks like Megatron is using them to rub his cheeks.
*After Megatron drops Hot Shot after grabbing him with his horns, the horns aren't animated as returning to their standard size even though they have the sound effect. ''Legends of the Microns'' shows the horns shrinking down.
*After Red Alert says, "Now, Smokescreen" (signaling Smokescreen to release the smokescreen), Smokescreen is missing his antenna/horn. It proceeds to vanish and reappear in the scenes after as well.
*Megatron scolds Cyclonus for shooting blindly in the smokescreen, but, based on the silhouette and their positions, ''Starscream'' and possibly ''Demolishor'' seem to be the ones firing. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the error by not naming whoever's shooting.
*The Decepticons' lasers change color at random throughout the episode, appearing as their signature purple in some shots but switching between yellow and red in others.
*After Megatron blasts the door, Cyclonus's chest has four windows on it instead of two.
*After failing to transform in the corridor, Cyclonus is miscolored like Demolishor; ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects it (see right).
*After Starscream, Demolishor, and Cyclonus get separated from Megatron, the Decepticon symbols on the back of Starscream's wings are upside down.
*Cyclonus says, "I'll cut them off on the other side," but it's Starscream who, after suggesting they blast their way through, proceeds to do so while Cyclonus up and vanishes from Demolishor's side. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes these mistakes with Starscream saying they should find another route, and then Cyclonus says, "I'll go this way, you go that way," with Cyclonus fully animated as exiting the shot.
*Before attempting to blast open the door that separated them from Megatron, Demolishor says to stand back although Starscream and Cyclonus already left a moment ago. As explained above, this error doesn't happen in the Japanese dub.
*As Starscream has his internal monologue, the corridor that's supposed to be behind Demolishor is now a wall; the hall returns in the next shot.
*When Smokescreen sneaks up behind Demolishor, it looks like Demolishor faces a long corridor despite being in front of a door seconds ago.
*It looks like Red Alert is ''in'' the mirror room with Starscream, and Starscream's mouth keeps moving after saying his line. Starscream strangely also doesn't reflect on any of the glass even after shooting it to pieces. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes these mistakes and makes the scene more elaborate as the room is reminiscent of an {{w|infinity mirror}} room, with Starscream facing multiple reflections of himself. When Starscream shoots the glass, he faces the screen in ''Armada'', but in ''Legends of the Microns'', he isn't visible as him blasting the glass happens from his POV, and he now casts reflections on the glass shards (see right).
*Starscream's mouth not moving when he yells at Red Alert upon being trapped looks like an animation mistake because he says his line too early. Starscream says his line as he looks up at Red Alert in the Japanese version.
*During the shot of Optimus and Hot Shot watching Megatron get electrocuted, the Autobots are obscured while Megatron's legs are in focus on either side of the frame. The Japanese dub corrects this by reversing the effect so that Megatron's legs in the foreground are blurred, and Optimus and Hot Shot are in focus (see right).
*After being blasted by Megatron and Leader-1, Hot Shot's visor is briefly miscolored yellow.
*There are multiple instances where Megatron's Decepticon symbols are missing, whether it is the one on his chest, the two on his shoulders, or all three.
*Sonar disappears from Megatron's shoulder and reappears on it periodically.
*In Megatron's scene of shooting up the base, he looks superimposed since the poles on either side of him are so close together that his hands aren't clasped around them; another mistake that ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes (see right).
*Megatron's mouth doesn't move when he commands Sonar to awaken his partners.
*In the shot of Megatron holding the Star Saber, the sword is too bright to be seen clearly, and it blends into the background starburst. ''Legends of the Microns'' lowers the sword's brightness, so it's colored blue instead of white, and viewers can make out its outline.
*The animation of Megatron demanding Hot Shot to hand over the Star Saber is reused from "[[Base]]" when Megatron Powerlinx with Leader-1.
*In the scene of Rad telling Hot Shot to Powerlinx with the Star Saber, his eyes are drawn looking at the upper-right corner of the screen while the other kids look straight towards the camera and look like low-quality static models compared to Rad. They also don't blink and look like lifeless dolls. The Japanese version fixes it to have the other kids looking in the same direction as Rad. However, the other kids' bodies are still positioned towards the screen, instead of the right like Rad's.
*After Rad speaks to Hot Shot, Leader-1 is miscolored purple to match Megatron. Before Hot Shot charges at Megatron, Leader-1's coloration gets corrected in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*After his horn gets sliced off, Megatron doesn't have the shadow around his eyes, though they return before he retreats.
*As he escapes from the pit just before the Decepticons retreat, the raised spots on Starscream arms are miscolored purple. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says he finally managed to climb out, but his mouth doesn't move.
*After the Decepticons retreat, Hot Shot's mouth doesn't move when he says using the Star Saber was intense; maybe this was meant to be internal dialogue. This part is silent in ''Legends of the Microns'' so it's not a mistake.
*Megatron's treads look perfectly smooth in his final shot.

===Continuity notes===
*Megatron can understand the Mini-Con language now, a nice follow-up to the Japanese version of "[[Metamorphosis (Armada)|Metamorphosis]]" where he admitted being clueless about what Leader-1 said, much to Starscream's amusement.
*The Autobot base's establishing shot is the same one seen in "[[Soldier (episode)|Soldier]]."
*After learning of the [[Transformer]]s' existence in "[[Carnival]]" and being openly included in the secret after being kidnapped in "[[Confrontation (episode)|Confrontation]]," Billy and Fred finally get to see the Autobot base for the first time.
**Fred and Billy aren't the only two to learn of the Autobot headquarters. In a strange twist of fate, the Decepticons discover the base too.
*In the Japanese dub, Alexis sarcastically dubs Carlos Billy and Fred's new "sempai." The last time any of the kids were called that term was in "[[Palace]]," when Optimus referred to the kids as the Autobots' sempai.
*In ''Armada'', Fred says Billy has a knack for getting them lost; he says their problems worsen each time he listens to Billy in ''Legends of the Microns''. Fred's right on both occasions, as past episodes like "First Encounter," "Metamorphosis," and "Carnival" have shown.
*The last time a character mentioned the "Emperor of Destruction" title in the Japanese dub was in "[[Base]]."
*The [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] is finally revealed after eight episodes of build-up, starting with "Soldier," and it ends up in Hot Shot's possession.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Sonar can track and activate his other [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|team members]], fitting for someone named after a kind of locator.
**Megatron uses his "Horn Attack Mode" for the first time, extending his antlers (or horns as they're called in this episode) to grab and throw around other Transformers.
**Smokescreen uses his chest winch and hook as a lasso in robot mode.
**Like in the episode "Palace," Starscream fires lasers from his lower chest again. His cockpit fins fold down out of the way of the lasers.
**Apparently, Cyclonus's sensors can detect human body heat, in ''Armada'' at least.
**Optimus uses his "Big Punch" attack for the third time to knock the Star Saber out of Megatron's hand.
*After Hot Shot Powerlinx with the Star Saber, it's the first time Megatron tells a character to "Go to the [[Pit (BW)|Pit]]!" in ''Legends of the Microns''. The last time any Decepticon used the term was in "Base."
*Powerlinx forms:
**Cyclonus Powerlinx with Crumplezone for the first time; Crumplezone forms his helicopter cockpit.
***Blackout somehow attaches to Cyclonus's undercarriage at the same time.
**Megatron uses his Full Blast Mode for the second time, after its debut in "Ruin."
**Hot Shot Powerlinx with the Star Saber for the first time.

===Continuity errors===
*Megatron claims Sonar is detecting the Autobots, but the Mini-Con has no reason to single out the Autobots themselves. The Japanese dub corrects it to have Megatron say that Sonar detects the dormant Runway and Jetstorm.
*Smokescreen answers Red Alert's cue to activate the smokescreen quite loudly, loud enough for the Decepticons to hear, though they're trying to be stealthy. The Japanese dub remedies this by having Smokescreen reply in an appropriately hushed tone.
*Why does Starscream want more Mini-Cons for himself? He probably can't Powerlinx with multiple Mini-Cons anyway, and Megatron might take them for himself as he did with Demolishor at the end of "Palace." The Japanese dub changes it so that Starscream is only trying to find the Mini-Cons instead.
*Cyclonus plans to capture the humans and trade them for the Mini-Cons, even though he already tried that and failed in "Confrontation." ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this by having Cyclonus chase the kids, thinking they'll lead him straight to Hot Shot.
*Why does Optimus tell Hot Shot to get Megatron after catching the Star Saber but stops him seconds later and gets himself injured? In ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus tells Hot Shot to look out as Megatron is about to unleash his Full Attack Mode, so he moves to save Hot Shot and gets wounded.
*Hot Shot saying, "Yes sir!" after Optimus puts him in charge of the Star Saber doesn't line up with Prime nodding, and the fact that Hot Shot looks surprised. The Japanese dub has Hot Shot react stunned by Prime's offer before accepting it after Optimus nods, so the scene now makes sense.

===Transformers references===
*Starscream gets caught in Red Alert's trap, kind of like [[Starscream (G1)|another Starscream]] [[Battle of Autobot City|another time]].
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', near the end, Megatron refers to himself as the Emperor of Destruction, a classic nod to the infamous title from Transformers lore.
*A Decepticon again references the Pit in ''Legends of the Microns''.

===Real-world references===
*When Megatron berates Demolishor for being surprised that he can now understand Mini-Cons in the Japanese dub, he uses a version of the phrase '''Kuki yome''' (空気読めない '''Kūki yome''')." It's usually used when someone is too dense to understand something or read a situation. Even Starscream says Demolishor is too stupid to understand what Megatron means.
*Starscream saying, "It a trap!" might be a blatant reference to the famous quote said by Admiral Ackbar in ''{{w|Return of the Jedi|Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi}}''.

===Trivia===
*The kanji 聖剣 would be pronounced as "''seiken''," while "''tsurugi''" is used for the kanji 剣.
*This episode was probably meant to be named "Sword" instead of "Swoop," as this episode's events have pretty much nothing to do with "swooping" and just about everything to do with a sword. The episode's Japanese title supports this. Guess someone goofed and wrote the wrong five-letter "Swo--" word. Oops.
*This episode is the first in which [[Jim Conrad]] narrates the opening instead of Rad and gives a new variation of the intro.
**In ''Legends of the Microns'', this is the first episode featuring the show's second variation Optimus's opening narration before the [[title sequence]] with scenes from "[[Underground (episode)|Underground]]," "[[Prehistory]]," and "[[Ruin]]" among others.
*Did Billy and Fred seriously not realize the initial sirens going off inside the Autobot base meant danger? They can't be THAT clueless.
**They also have weird difficulties remembering the names of the Decepticons, calling Megatron "Megafrog" (I mean, how would Fred associate Megs with frogs?) and later ”Megatroy,” and Cyclonus ”Cyclonopus," who quickly gets frustrated. In fairness, Fred's guesses are closer than Billy's, especially in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Hot Shot is responsible for the Autobot base's internal defense systems, explaining a ''lot''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot explains that Smokescreen and Red Alert installed them.
*Smokescreen activates... a SMOKESCREEN! As his Japanese name is "Grap," this probably wasn't an intentional bit.
*The Decepticons seemingly use paper.
*At the end of the Japanese dub, Billy refers to Megatron as a "fork-head." Given that Megatron's head (and to some extent, his shoulders) looks like a huge {{w|tuning fork}} with those horns, Billy's not wrong.
*This episode is one of the few without an opening narration.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' reveals that since ''Armada'' aired in the U.S. first, dubbing was close to [[Mortal Combat|the last episode]] when this episode aired in Japan, so production was now running smoothly at this point.
*This is the first episode since "Carnival" without any music changes between dubs except for the bumper themes.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Das Schwert der Mini-Cons'''" ("The Sword of the Mini-Cons")
:*''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:'' "'''Rajtaütés'''" ("Strike")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Uderzenie'''" ("Strike")

'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Une visite mouvementée'''" ("An Eventful Visit")

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''승리는 우리의 것'''" ("Victory is Ours")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Investida'''" ("Strike")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 4 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Best Of The Decepticons ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:04 ([[Universal]]) 
[[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]]

Jungle

2021-12-07T22:45:26Z

PownicMania: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=6
|prev=Soldier (episode)
|next=Carnival
|title="Jungle"
|furigana=まもり
|japanese=保護
|romaji=Mamori
|translation=Conservation: Defense
|image=Jungle-Forest.jpg
|caption=Gaze in awe at the majesty of the tropical jungle. *snrk*
|production code=TF: A-06
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|director=[[Shin'ichirō Aoki]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[October 4]], [[2002]] (English) [[February 14|14 February]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''Another Mini-Con is located in a forest, where the battle causes a fire which threatens the local flora and fauna.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]], and [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] exchange fire with the [[Autobot]]s in a rocky area while discussing which tactics they should use. While the other two move around to the sides, Starscream takes flight and attacks, but [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] promptly shoots him down, and he crashes into Demolishor. Dismissing it as a lucky shot, Starscream looks up to see Optimus towering over him. The Autobot prepares to make the final shot, right to his forehead... when [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] halts the training simulator, haranguing his men, particularly his "right-hand man." The [[Decepticon]]s begin blaming each other. Starscream promises Megatron to fight more effectively if the latter gives him a [[Mini-Con]]. The conversation is interrupted by the detection of a new Mini-Con; all the Decepticons leave for Earth.

[[File:Jungle-Butterfingers.jpg|left|200px|thumb|We are ready... Sure, we are ready... We need only an ice-box... and, maybe, a little sewing machine...]]
Meanwhile, on a suburban street, [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] and [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] are waiting patiently for [[Rad White|Rad]] to arrive. He turns up, carrying three backpacks stuffed with camping supplies. The trio continues to the Autobot base, where the Autobots are still trying to activate the [[Mini-Con storage panel|Mini-Con panel]] they found in [[Antarctica]]. As [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] notes with amusement the amount of equipment the kids have brought, the alarm goes off to notify them they've detected another Mini-Con. The kids accompany the Autobots to a forest. Hot Shot sends Jolt up to take a look around, and Jolt soon spots a glint of light in the distance. Optimus orders that they move out, and Hot Shot transforms to vehicle mode, but, as Red Alert points out, they're going to have to walk. Optimus leaves his [[trailer]] behind with [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] in charge.

[[File:Jungle-Slapstick.jpg|200px|thumb|"Mind that tree." "What tree?" *thwack*]]
Soon the Autobots are trudging through the forest with Hot Shot complaining loudly. He breaks out a buzzsaw to cut his way through, which earns a scolding from his friends. Carlos alerts them to a path ahead and, sure enough, there's a wide path clear of trees. As they drive along, Rad tells the others that illegal loggers cut the trail and delivers a lecture on the importance of plants to Earth's biosphere.

Elsewhere, the Decepticons are also heading towards the Mini-Con, and, of course, bickering. Starscream is determined to get the Mini-Con himself, having missed out on the one in Antarctica.

[[File:Jungle-Forest Fire.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Spoiler Alert: BAMBI'S MOTHER DIES!!]]
The Autobots abruptly halt as a tree falls across their path, and they find themselves face-to-face with the Decepticons. Although the Decepticons open fire, Optimus is concerned for the trees' welfare and orders his men not to fire back unless they have a clear shot. Starscream and Cyclonus transform for an aerial attack and end up getting in each other's way. Cyclonus's missile then touches down amongst the trees, starting a fire. The alarmed kids begin diverting forest animals from the blaze, and Optimus saves them from a falling tree. At Rad's urging, Optimus orders the Autobots to fall back to contain the fire. The surprised Decepticons resume their search for the Mini-Con.

The Autobots fight the fire, but the kids observe that it's a losing battle, and they need water to put it out. Rad deploys Laserbeak, and the tiny Autobot soon locates a nearby lake. Red Alert says they can use Prime's trailer, so Optimus contacts Sparkplug and has the Mini-Con bring the trailer to them.

Meanwhile, the Decepticons locate the Mini-Con panel in a huge old tree. Although Starscream asks for it, Megatron denies his request and claims it himself. Starscream doesn't dare to argue further, but he has a plan of his own.

[[File:Jungle-Null Ray Cannon.jpg|200px|thumb|An airborne Decepticon attacks! Tr-r-remble ever-r-rybody-y-y!]]
Having hooked up the pipes, the Mini-Cons begin putting out the fire, and Rad lets Optimus know the Autobots can go on and stop the Decepticons. The three Autobots interrupt their foe, attempting to cut down the tree containing the Mini-Con, and both sides clash. Starscream winds up with no enemy to fight and seizes his chance. While the other Decepticons are busy, Starscream slices the tree with his sword and snatches the Mini-Con panel. Hurrah! He ''finally'' has a partner! Megatron only grits his teeth as Starscream gloats over his acquisition, revealing the Mini-Con [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]].

After zipping among the trees, Swindle merges with Starscream, unlocking two Null Laser Cannons on his shoulders. Starscream decides to demonstrate his new extraordinary power immediately. The single blast from the cannons sends all the Transformers flying and creates a vast crater. Promising Starscream will pay, a none-too-pleased Megatron orders a retreat. Before following his chief through the warp gate, Starscream warns the 'Bots that they mustn't take their eyes off him from now on; Optimus Prime figures he's right.

While the Autobots stand around shell-shocked, the kids arrive with the news that they've put the fire out. Although Rad suggests they probably should've left the fire and helped the Autobots obtain the Mini-Con, Optimus assured him they did the right thing.

Back on the Moon, the Decepticons try their training simulation again, and Starscream uses his new laser cannons to obliterate the Autobot forces. He begins to wonder if he's mightier than Megatron himself. Megatron has a somewhat different opinion on the matter.
{{-}}

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

|c2=
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (4)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (5)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (6)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (7)

|c3=
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (8)
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (9)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (12)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (10)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (11)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (13)
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (14)
*[[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] (15)
*[[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (16)
*[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] (18)
}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Jungle-Not quite fist bump.jpg|200px|thumb|"Get away, you rusty hell-'e-copped-'er!"]]
"Megatron, please! I promise to do better if you let me have the next Mini-Con!" 
"I think he's gonna start to cry! Hahahaha!"
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Cyclonus''' bickering like schoolchildren.

"You know, I really wish people would understand that the future of the human race depends on what we do to protect the environment today."
:—'''Rad''' auditions for a new series of ''Captain Planet''.

"Nothing, I was just talking to myself." 
"Keep talkin', cause no one else is listening to you anymore."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Demolishor''' bickering like schoolchildren.

"We came for the Mini-Con." 
"Not if you're going to use it for evil purposes!"
:—'''Demolishor''' and '''Optimus''', raising the question, "What if the Decepticons promised to use it strictly for good purposes?"

"I'll show them how it's done!" 
"Outta my way!" 
"Cyclonus!" 
"You're out of your league! Stand back and let a pro show you how to do some real destruction!" 
"You're blocking my target!"
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Cyclonus''' ''still'' bickering.

[[File:Jungle-Minicon Got.jpg|200px|thumb|"Well, beware, you mad metal woodpecker!"]]
"Oh my, it's so easy! I must be the most powerful Decepticon in the universe! Even more powerful than Megatron! Hahahahaha!" 
"Oh, we'll just see about that, Starscream."

:—'''Starscream''', with delusions of grandeur, and '''Megatron'''.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*Starscream describes the Decepticons' strategy during their training exercise as "Megatron's orders" in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', it's a pre-existing tactic from the Decepticon playbook; thus, when the exercise fails, Starscream protests Megatron's criticisms of the strategy by explaining this. In ''Armada'', he instead blames Demolishor and Cyclonus for not covering him (since he'd be pretty unwise to call Megatron out on a bad strategy to his face).
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream doesn't say anything after being shot down during the training exercise.
*After Megatron cuts off Starscream's attempt to argue over the training exercise's outcome, Cyclonus's quip about Starscream's lack of a Mini-Con subtly differs between versions. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he observes that Starscream's poor performance is why he hasn't yet obtained a Mini-Con. On the other hand, in ''Armada'', Cyclonus points out that Starscream's lack of a Mini-Con ''results'' in his failures.
*''Armada'' has Starscream implore Megatron to let him have the next Mini-Con they capture. Instead of begging, ''Legends of the Microns'' has Starscream asks Megatron why the Decepticon leader hasn't given him a Mini-Con yet. Then Cyclonus says it's because Starscream is "a whimpering weakling," and Starscream says he could say the same about him.
*After seeing the supplies that Rad brought, Alexis asks if he's moving. Rad explains that it will make things easier for them at the Autobots base since the Autobots are expanding it for more Mini-Cons. ''Armada'' simplifies the dialogue and lightens the tone as Alexis wonders if Rad raided a garage sale, and he says they need to "be prepared" and have some "human things" if they're going to hang out with the Autobots and Mini-Cons.
*In ''Armada'', Carlos is excited about possibly going on a camping trip while Alexis hopes that Rad packed bug spray. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes their lines to Carlos calling Rad's "outdoor-survival" supplies "nifty," and Alexis reminding the boys they're not playing around.
*Rad's introductory narration in ''Legends of the Microns'' is about how the kids are still gradually coming to understand the Autobots; the only thing they've begun to grasp is that the Autobots are robots. ''Armada'' makes it more lighthearted as Rad says the kids are about to go on an unforgettable adventure, and the camping gear he's gathered is "about to come in handy," foreshadowing the episode's "outdoorsy" nature.
*In ''Legend of the Microns'', Red Alert says Jetstorm's Mini-Con panel is still dormant because a protective program locks it. In ''Armada'', he says the ''data'' is protected instead.
*''Armada'' adds Red Alert's line about locking into the panel's coordinates.
*The Transformers theme plays as the team leaves the base and arrives in the forest in ''Armada'', but "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Let's Roll, Cybertrons!]]" plays instead in ''Legends of the Microns''. The Japanese dub removes the transformation noise wherever ''Armada'' adds it.
*Carlos says the forest sets the mood for an outdoor adventure in the Japanese dub but says the terrain is suitable for the kids to ride their BMXs in ''Armada''.
*In ''Armada'', Alexis tells Carlos that one can't find tigers or panthers in a forest; Carlos says he knows that and was testing her and Rad, and Optimus tells them to calm down before transforming into robot mode. The dialogue is slightly different in ''Legends of the Microns''. Carlos says he doesn't imagine any ''leopards'' or tigers being there, and Alexis tells Carlos to pull himself together. Then Carlos says, "That why I said I didn't imagine there would be!" and instead, Optimus laughs before transforming.
*Instead of asking Optimus which way they should go and complaining about the forest not being a freeway, Hot Shot says to wait a sec and that he wants to go but can't race in the woods.
*''Legends of the Microns'' changes the children's dialogue about Sparkplug tasked to watch Optimus's trailer. Rad relays how Sparkplug says it's OK to leave the trailer with him; Carlos says Sparkplug seems ready for the job, and Alexis says they should get going.
*In ''Armada'', after Rad stops Hot Shot from cutting down any trees, Hot Shot says the trees keep getting in his way; Red Alert tells him to be respectful since they're guests on Earth, and Alexis tells Hot Shot that walking will be worth it. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it slightly, so the environmental message isn't the focus. Hot Shot doesn't sound insensitive, but Red Alert now teases him for not handling the forest, and Alexis says to Hot Shot that the kids understand how he feels.
*When the "path" Carlos finds turns out to be an area of forest cut down by loggers, ''Legends of the Microns'' has him realize he was wrong and that it's not a path. ''Armada'' treats it like he's right.
*''Armada'' has Red Alert say the so-called "path" leads towards the Mini-Con panel. He states how there seem to be no problems in its direction in ''Legends of the Microns''. After Hot Shot speeds ahead, ''Armada'' Red Alert says the former should return to the open road, with which Optimus agrees. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Red Alert says Hot Shot gets carried away, and Optimus says it's alright anyway.
*The shot closing in on Rad after this is silent in ''Legends of the Microns'' while ''Armada'' adds a bit of music from the [[Commercial bumper#Armada|short version of the first episode bumper]].
*Once the kids are in Optimus's cab, and Rad explains to the others the path is the product of illegal logging, ''Armada'' speeds up the pan from Alexis and Carlos to Rad. The scene remains the same length, though, because ''Armada'' holds on a still frame of Rad after the pan, where ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't and immediately cuts to the next scene.
*As the Decepticons search for the panel, ''Legends of the Microns'' has Demolishor assure Megatron that his Mini-Con, Blackout, has the best tracking ability of any of their partners and will easily find it. This claim leads to Starscream making a wisecrack about Blackout being more competent than his master and Demolishor calling Starscream a nitpicking coward. ''Armada'' warps this into Demolishor boastfully claiming to have "programmed the tracker" himself, removing all mention of Blackout and turning Starscream's remark into a dig about Demolishor's overconfidence in his abilities. Then Demolishor tells Starscream to keep talking since no one is listening to him anymore.
*When Starscream and Demolishor snarl at one another after the above exchange, the angle switches to focus on Blackout as the Decepticons' voices quarrel off-screen. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Cyclonus eggs the two on to fight before Megatron silences them. Meanwhile, Megatron is silent while they argue in ''Armada''. Continuing from this, ''Armada'' has Blackout detect the Mini-Con panel, but he identifies the Autobots' presence in ''Legends of the Microns''. The Decepticons' reactionary dialogue differs appropriately between versions. In ''Armada'', Starscream's internal monologue about getting the Mini-Con first. The Japanese dub changes it to Megatron, speaking off-screen about not letting the Autobots get the Mini-Con, determined to get it for himself and further boost his power.
*Before giving the order to open fire on the Autobots, ''Armada'' Megatron tells Optimus that what the Decepticons do with the Mini-Cons is none of his business. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this to Megatron threatening to shut Prime's mouth for good, which is strange since Optimus doesn't ''have'' a mouth.
*While Cyclonus offers to show Starscream how to do real damage in ''Armada'', he offers to show what his Storm Missile can do in the Japanese dub.
*''Armada'' has Cyclonus telling Starscream to check if his warranty is expired, while Starscream threatens to give Cyclonus "an overhaul he'll never forget." ''Legends of the Microns'' changes their lines to Cyclonus telling Starscream not to drag his feet, and Starscream demands Cyclonus to stay out of his way.
*Rather than saying the forest wildlife's safety takes priority in ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus says maintaining peace is about more than just fighting enemies; dealing with the fire is simply another battle in itself.
*The lake is called a river in ''Legends of the Microns'' for some reason.
*During the scene of the trailer opening, ''Armada'' plays the Transformers theme while ''Legends of the Microns'' plays "Cybertrons, Transform!".
*Megatron doesn't say his line about seeing the Mini-Con panel until the close-up shot of it in the tree in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*''Armada'' has Megatron declare he should have the new Mini-Con to further boost his power "for the benefit of the Decepticons," and Starscream reminds him that Megatron promised him the next Mini-Con. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron says he can use the Mini-Con to enhance his abilities better than Starscream can, and Starscream reminds Megatron that he said he could have the Mini-Con if he used his strength to get it.
*When the Autobots return, Megatron calls Optimus an eyesore. A moment later, Megatron tells Optimus he will do whatever he wants with the Mini-Cons, with Prime unable to stop him in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' makes Megatron's answer more egotistical as he says, "All of the Mini-Cons exist only for me!"
*''Armada'' removes Megatron cursing Starscream after the latter claims the Mini-Con.
*In ''Armada'', after Starscream unleashes the Null Laser Cannon for the first time and revels in his increased power, Optimus says the Decepticon is "out of control." In ''Legends of the Microns'', Prime instead remarks how Starscream is now powerful.
*''Armada'' removes Cyclonus, saying "Damn!" as the Decepticons retreat.
*Rather than talking about Starscream, Red Alert and Hot Shot discuss how the damage his Null Laser Cannon left behind requires attention as it will cause them trouble.
*The beginning of the ending dialogue between Rad and Optimus has some differences, but the overall point remains. In ''Armada'', Rad believes the Autobots would've gotten the Mini-Con if the kids left the fire and helped them instead, but Optimus says the kids made the right choice in taking over for the Autobots when it came to the fire. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad attributes the Autobots' failure to what the children said earlier about the environment; however, Prime assures Rad the fire wasn't the boy's responsibility since the Autobots chose to put it out willingly.
*In his ending narration, Rad explains how this adventure helped the kids realize the Autobots aren't just machines but beings like humans, capable of compassion for other living creatures. In ''Armada'', Rad's narration is similar, but he only refers to himself. It also primarily connects to the episode's overall environmental message, so it doesn't correlate with the first narration.
*In the closing Decepticon training exercise, ''Armada'' plays the Transformers theme, and the Japanese dub plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 2|Theme of Megatron - Attack by Villains]]." ''Legends of the Microns'' replaces Starscream saying the ''Armada'' stock phrase "Transform and combine!" with him calling for Swindle.
*Starscream calls himself unstoppable and the team's greatest member without name-dropping Megatron, and Megatron curses Starscream while watching him laugh maniacally on the monitor.

===Animation and technical errors===
*The episode's animation is noticeably low-quality overall, with the only real standout scenes being Optimus' base and Starscream Powerlinxed stock footages.
*The episode's ''Armada'' version has the Autobots awkwardly refer to Prime's trailer as a "container." This error is a product of some careless transliteration; in Japan, the English word "container" (コンテナ kontena) refers to truck trailers, and the ''Armada'' dub carried this word over from ''Legends of the Microns'' without thinking to change it for better cultural context.
*In the shot of Optimus in truck mode just before Rad tells the others about the dangers of deforestation, Prime's forearms are colored red instead of blue.
*The whites of Carlos's eyes are visible in some scenes.
*The raised spots on Starscream's arms have the Decepticon symbol in a few shots.
*In the shot of Hot Shot driving into the tree, the area around his headlights is miscolored yellow instead of light gray.

===Continuity notes===
*This adventure kind of serves as the series's [[Public service announcement|PSA]] episode on environmentalism. Save the environment, kids!
*The Japanese dub reveals the Autobots are still working on their base to make it big enough to accommodate more Mini-Cons, a detail that the next episode will display.
*Starscream ''finally'' gets a Mini-Con of his own! He also appears a little ''too'' happy about it.
*According to ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'', the episode's final scene signals the start of the feud between Megatron and Starscream.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Demolishor uses his cannons in vehicle mode configuration for the first time as a robot mode weapon, a toy gimmick according to ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003''.
**Starscream fires lasers from the sides of his cockpit in vehicle mode.
**Hot Shot ''almost'' uses his foot chainsaws to cut down the trees.
**Hot Shot shows off the rare ability to use his axle cannon without Powerlinxing with Jolt.
**Blackout shows off his radar sensor abilities, something we'll see more of in future episodes.
**Red Alert uses his laser scalpel hand to shoot for the first time. He also uses the scalpel to fire a beam to dig a channel through the dirt.
**Red Alert's laser scalpel has a ratchet attachment for tightening bolts.
**Sparkplug can Powerlinx with Optimus's container, allowing him to take control of it and drive it.
**The Autobots use the container turrets as water cannons.
**Optimus Prime shows off his weird <s>ki blast</s> ''hand blast'' attack for the first time. According to ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'', the show's American staff created Optimus's "Big Punch" attack, which became his main technique for the rest of the show.
*Powerlinx forms:
**Starscream Powerlinx with Swindle for the first time, activating his "Null Laser Cannon" attack; this is possibly the most potent use of his cannons ever... ''[[Cramp|well, except for '''that''' one other time]]''.

===Continuity errors===
*It would've made sense for this episode to be named "Forest" instead.
*According to Carlos in the Japanese dub, "outdoor life" is Rad's hobby. ''Armada'', however, barely mentions or explores Rad's love of the outdoors at all. However, this episode marks the second time ''Legends of the Microns'' brings up Rad's "nature lover" trait after "[[First Encounter]]."
*In his opening narration, Rad says the camping gear would become relevant during the mission, but it serves no purpose in the episode whatsoever. Plus, he says the kids are going on an adventure they'd never forget; however, anyone can easily apply this sentiment to the previous [[Comrade|two]] [[Soldier (episode)|episodes]]. Maybe he's generally speaking, but if not, what makes this one so unique in comparison?
*In this episode's original broadcast version, when Optimus orders Sparkplug to remain with his trailer, the error from "Comrade" gets repeated as he refers to his Mini-Con as "Leader-1." This error was fixed by the time the episode was released on DVD, but its second instance, delivered by Red Alert when Sparkplug brings Optimus's trailer, goes unfixed. Characters refer to Sparkplug with the correct name throughout the rest of the episode. ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't have characters mixing up names. It also removes the reference to Sparkplug in the second instance, and instead, Red Alert says the open space is ready for the trailer's arrival.
*The scene of Blackout trying to locate the Mini-Con while Starscream and Demolishor argue is ''heinously'' misinterpreted. The scriptwriter seemingly failed to understand the exchange was happening off-screen and wrote it like Blackout ''was'' Cyclonus, his dialogue emanating from the Mini-Con and relating to his movements. ''Legends of the Microns'' presents the scene and its dialogue correctly.
*Unlike its future appearances, where Optimus Prime's hand blast attack is multicolored, it's solid red in this episode.
*In a general sense, the ''Armada'' dub of this episode comes off as somewhat at odds with the previous ones. Megatron berated Starscream for still not getting himself a Mini-Con, only to spend this episode attempting to take the Mini-Con that Starscream wants and being angry when Starscream acquires it. This plot point isn't so conflicting in ''Legends of the Microns'', since rather than merely criticizing him, previous episodes have shown Megatron ''encouraging'' Starscream to acquire a Mini-Con using his own strength, rather than settling for having one given to him; apparently, part of that encouragement is that Megatron isn't going to stand aside for Starscream.

===Trivia===
*The kanji 保護 could be pronounced as either "''hogo''" or "''hougo''," while "''mamori''" is used for the kanji 守り or 護り (the former kanji is seen more often).
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'', the Autobots' unity being based around protecting peace is a sharp contrast to the Decepticons' unity.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Feuer im Dschungel'''" ("Fire in the Jungle")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 8|8 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Erdőtűz'''" ("Forest Fire")
::*In the scene in which Prime calls for his trailer, Prime once refers to Sparkplug by Grindor's name (Daráló).

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Dżungla'''" ("Jungle")

'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La forêt en feu'''" ("The Burning Forest")

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''수호자 옵티머스'''" ("Guardian Optimus")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Selva'''" ("Jungle")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 2 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:02 ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:02 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Power of 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 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'' — 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]]

Alliance

2021-12-07T22:40:14Z

PownicMania: /* Trivia */

{{disambig3|Alliance}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=49
|prev=Cramp
|next=Union
|title="Alliance"
|furigana=ゆにくろん
|japanese=覚醒
|romaji=Unicron
|translation=Awakening: Unicron
|image=Unicronalliance.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-49
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|director=[[Masayuki Motsumoto]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 30]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[December 5]], 2003 (Japanese) [[December 9]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Starscream's sacrifice spurs the Autobots and the Decepticons to join forces. But Unicron awakens...'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Sshot-arm-494-remains.jpg|left|thumb|You failed, your highness. I'm a Jedi, like my father before me...yeah...]]
[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] is astonished to hear about the truce between the two armies and asks if [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] is functioning. [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] is disgusted that they're doing this simply because the traitorous [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] asked that they do it, but then suggests that they simply use the idea of a truce to ambush the [[Autobot]]s. Outraged, Galvatron makes Cyclonus respect his authority with the usual amount of physical punishment. Galvatron is upset at how poorly things have turned out, but Starscream's sacrifice has convinced him: they're going to ally with the Autobots...for now in order to stop [[Unicron]]. Galvatron went far stating of the reasons of why Starscream rebelled against him in the first place, calling him a true soldier.

[[File:Sshot-arm-491-ships.jpg|thumb|Not all Autobot spaceships know how to swim.]]
Seeing Galvatron's point of the crisis, the rest of the [[Decepticon]]s agree to the truce, except for Cyclonus, who is still disgusted by this. Inside of Unicron, [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] plan their inevitable victory and conquest of the universe. The power of the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] allows Unicron to shed the remains of his moon-disguise shell. The dark god hovers over [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], sucking up parts of the terrain. Both armies evacuate the surface, assisted by the [[Mini-Con]] swarm.

In a ceremonial procedure, Galvatron and his Decepticons meet with [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots for a handshake to seal the truce. The leaders shake hands, and [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] also grabs on as his way of representing the allegiance of the Mini-Cons. The kids observe this, astonished that it's actually happening. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] begins to tear up and when [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] asks her if she's all right, she says she was just remembering Starscream and how he would have loved to see this happening for himself. Forming a single front, the Autobot/Decepticon [[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|armada]] heads towards Unicron. The first volley of fire does no damage against their enemy. Two larger ships perform reconnaissance and are blasted, so a team of [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]], Demolishor, and Cyclonus (and some others) are sent in, based on a theory that smaller ships will elude Unicron's detection. On Unicron's surface, Cyclonus and the generics fly away to break stuff, and Demolishor leaves to avoid Hot Shot, leaving the two Autobots by themselves.

[[File:Alliance Redshirts.jpg|thumb|left|Balls of DOOOOM!!!!]]
Unicron's geography shifts and folds, disturbing his visitors and causing Demolishor to lose [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]]. From the base, Galvatron suggests another attack, which Optimus Prime makes sure won't harm the recon crew, who have their hands full fighting against swarms of [[Dead End Drone]]s. Demolishor saves Cyclonus from falling into a fissure, while the Autobots assist their begrudging allies. Demolishor saves Side Swipe from falling into another fissure, and Hot Shot thanks the Decepticon by re-uniting Demolishor with Blackout—a tender moment. Optimus and Galvatron arrive to bring the group home.

From a distance, the armada witnesses Unicron complete his transformation into [[robot mode]], ready to devour the planet.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (17)
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (18)
* [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (19)
* [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (20)
* [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (21)
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (22)
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (23)
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (25)
* Generic Autobots

|c2=
* [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (2)
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (3)
* [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (4)
* [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (5)
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (6)
* Generic Decepticons

|c3=
* [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (9)
* [[Rad White|Rad]] (13)
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (14)
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (15)
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (16)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
* [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (10)
* [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (11)
* [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (12)
* [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (24)
* [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (26)
* [[Dead End Drone]]s (27)

|h5=Other|c5=
* [[Unicron]] (1)
* [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (7)
* [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Jetfire Shake Hands.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Believe it or not, this ''is'' the correct [[scale]] between the two characters.]]

"Right now, all I can think about is the comrade we lost. Sure, he challenged my authority in a failed coup attempt, and even though Starscream was a traitor, he never lost sight of his oath to the Decepticons. He was a true soldier, unlike most of ''you''!"
:—'''Galvatron''' defends Starscream's memory from the jibes of the other Decepticons.

'''Demolishor:''' "I'm only doing this because I'm following Galvatron's orders." 
'''Cyclonus:''' "Ha! I can't believe I'm fighting for harmony! What a load of bunk! I'm a lean, mean, fighting machine! Hahahaha!" 
'''Side Swipe:''' "I gotta work with this guy? I'm not so sure about this."
:—The truce gets off to a shaky start.

"Tidal Wave..." 
"Uh...nice meetin' ya."
:—'''Tidal Wave''' and '''Jetfire''' shaking hands.

"I can't believe I just saved Prime!"
:—An incredulous '''Galvatron''' after he destroys a cannon targeted at Optimus Prime.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*At the start of the episode, Demolishor and Cyclonus question Galvatron's decision to join the Autobots without moving their mouths. This is due to dub script extending their lines, as in the original they didn't speak during the shot where their faces are shown.
*The original has Demolishor lamenting Starscream's death, while in the ''Armada'' he claims he was a traitor who got what he deserved.

===Animation and technical errors===
*At several points throughout the opening scene, the Decepticons are all drawn with hideously faulty character models with faulty proportions and lack of detail.
*As the Decepticons prepare to launch the ship to escape from Unicron's gravitational pull, generic Decepticons using [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]], [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]], and the [[Air Military Mini-Con Team]]'s [[character model]]s are standing in the ship's hangar bay.
*The [[Race Mini-Con Team|Race Team Mini-Con]] Mirage appears among the Mini-Cons there, but he should be with Thrust inside Unicron by now, as the traitorous Decepticon had stolen the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] several episodes earlier.
*Several of the Mini-Cons protecting the ''Axalon'' and the Autobot fleet during the lift-off from Cybertron use Generation 1 character models instead of Mini-Con character models.
*The four generic Decepticons on the mission to Unicron change colour between each shot.
*When Jet Optimus attacks the Dead End Drones surrounding Hot Shot and Demolishor's recon team, the laser blast comes from in front of the first drone destroyed, rather than behind (the direction from which Prime is coming).
*Unless [[size changing]] occurs when Galvatron and Tidal Wave combine, there's no way Galvatron should be able to pick up Demolishor and Cyclonus with each hand.
*When shaking hands with Tidal Wave, Jetfire's wings are shortened to just above his head. This is possibly to continue the tradition of exaggerating Tidal Wave's size.
**Oddly, despite the change in length of his wings, the characters are drawn to be in accurate [[scale]] with one another.

===Continuity notes===
*Despite destroying Starscream for firing upon him in the previous episode, Unicron doesn't seem to mind Galvatron doing exactly the same thing.
*Assuming the episode was entirely in real-time, Unicron's transformation took close to seven minutes.
*The three Mini-Con super weapons are used to fully restore Unicron's power. Guess the Mini-Cons really are Unicron's cells.
*Unicron's innards appear to be [[technorganic]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Unicron eats parts of Cybertron through his planet form's mouth.
**Unicron fires lasers from the chunks on the right side of his planet mode (the ones that house the Mini-Con gimmick to fire the leg missiles on the toy).
**Mid-transformation, Unicron uses his shoulder/planet houns to fire an energy beam at Jet Optimus.
**The inside of Hot Shot's shin apparently has hollow space, big enough to store a Mini-Con. As an added piece of toy acurracy, his shins open on the transformation hinges of his toy.
**Unicron his a surface-based turret he uses to try to shoot Optimus in the back.

===Continuity errors===
*What's with Demolishor claiming that Starscream got what he deserved when except for Thrust, he has shown to care about his comrades? Also, why does Cyclonus the only who got punched by Galvatron when all he asked was if they could double cross the Autobots when Demolishor actually insulted Starscream? ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes these errors by having Demolishor lament about Starscream's death and Cyclonus say that he died for nothing, making Galvatron's actions more justifed.
*Cyclonus is in danger of falling into a hole, having apparently forgotten that ''he can fly'', which he was doing ''moments before''. It's possible that he's just that stupid, but not likely.

===Transformers references===
*Several parts of Unicron's transformation sequence are clearly a visual homage to his transformation in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

===Trivia===
[[File:Armada decepticons alliance.jpg|thumb|Galvatron...Emperor Palpatine...What's the difference?]]
*The English version of "Alliance" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 9]], 2003.
*Various cameos appear in the hand-shaking scene, including [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and a palette-swapped [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] of the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]].
*The generic Decepticons sent to Unicron to assist the named characters have Generation 1 character models (namely [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] and [[Buster (G1)|Buster]]) but with radically different color schemes. They totally {{w|Redshirt (character)|all died}}.
*Various [[generic]] Mini-Cons use the Generation 1 [[Throttlebot]] designs.
*Unicron's transformation sequence, while homaging the Generation 1 version of the sequence, also transforms accurately to the toy.
*Yes, the combined forces of Autobots, Decepticons, and Mini-Cons is what the "Armada" in the title of the series stands for.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some interesting tidbits:
**Cyclonus saying that fighting is the only thing makes him feel alive might be one of his few highlights.
**The time during the making of these last episodes were particularly difficult. Everyone was desperate for the final episode to be finished and only such a difficult thing was remembered.
***[[Munetaka Abe]] was busy with animating Starscream's death in the "[[Cramp]]", Unicron's transformation in this episode, Overload's robot mode in "[[Union]]", and being the animation director for "[[Mortal Combat]]". When commenting on Unicron's transformation, Abe stated he used quite a bit of motion tweens so that the animation doesn't take too much time to work on due to the amount of work. It was hard but he had a lot of fun.
***[[Hidehito Ueda]] was troubled with the storyboards for "[[Portent]]", "[[Union]]", and "[[Mortal Combat]]", while [[Takeshi Sano]] and [[Masami Nagata]] worked as the storyboarder and animation director respectively for "[[Drift (episode)|Drift]]" and "[[Origin]]".

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mit vereinten Kräften'''" ("With Joint Forces")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 13|13 January]] [[2004]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Felderítés'''" ("Recon")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Aliança'''" ("Alliance")

==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 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]]

Drift (episode)

2021-12-07T18:19:56Z

PownicMania: /* Continuity notes */

{{disambig3|Drift}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=46
|prev=Dash (episode)
|next=Portent
|title="Drift"
|furigana=しんじつ
|japanese=運命
|romaji=Shinjitsu
|translation=Fate: Truth
|image=driftepisode.jpg
|caption=It's ''Armada''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Wolverine.
|production code=TF: A-46
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]
|director=[[Hidehito Ueda]], [[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.)
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 27]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[November 14|14 November]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[November 28]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Everybody's hunt for Thrust leads to the revelation of the truth behind the Mini-Cons.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Screenshot-arm-47-1.jpg|left|thumb|It's a very "Gundam" moment.]]
With [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] gone, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] orders [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] to find the traitorous [[Decepticon]] who stole both the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom]] shield and the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]. He disregards the [[Autobot]]s' activities and commands all his resources to hunt Thrust down. [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] and [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] are already on Thrust's trail.

Meanwhile, the Autobots are having difficulty getting the soldiers to withdraw from their fortifications. The soldiers are reluctant to let the threat of [[Unicron]] trivialize all the work they've done to try to take back the planet.

[[File:Screenshot-arm-47-2.jpg|thumb|This is when [[fan fiction|fanfics]] happen.]]

[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] walks in on [[Rad White|Rad]] having a shower. Rad considers how much of a major difference in their lives it made to meet the [[Mini-Con]]s, and he speculates it might have been part of a larger design, based on a strange feeling he might have met [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] in the past. Carlos dismisses the theory entirely.

[[File:Drift kids hide from Decepticon.jpg|left|thumb|"As usual, this is a six-person infiltration mission." 
"Weapons and equipment OSP?" 
"Yes. This is a top-secret black op. Don't expect any official support."]]

Hot Shot and Wheeljack radio the news about Thrust to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], and High Wire sees on the video that the tunnels the two Autobots are venturing through are the same tunnels where the Mini-Cons were created. After disconnecting, Hot Shot and Wheeljack also notice the suspicious organic nature of the caverns. [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] also hounds Thrust on his own. The three kids, donning their color-coded space suits, also head to the same tunnels, guided by Rad's gut instinct.

The first to locate Thrust is Starscream, so Thrust offers Starscream a job under Unicron. Starscream declines the offer and then he hears [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] call out his name, indicating the kids have arrived. Noticing the kids, Thrust points the Requiem Blaster at them, threatening to shoot. Starscream attempts to stop him, but Thrust turns back to him and fires a shot from the Requiem Blaster, blowing Starscream into the distance. Alexis calls out his name in fear and in the blaze of light from the blast...

:''A younger Rad awakens on his mother's lap in the family car. Rad inquires about where the [[Transformer]]s are, but the parents dismiss his ramblings. High Wire's voice calls Rad's consciousness to another point in time.''

[[File:Screenshot-arm-47-4.jpg|thumb|Bradley's mom has got it goin' on.]]

:''In mysteriously colorful caves, the three kids see Hot Shot's body strapped to the terrain. Hot Shot doesn't identify the kids, but just mentions that the Mini-Cons were created by Unicron's cells. He brings their attention to other Transformers, lying dormant and embedded into the walls of the mysterious cavern, even the Decepticons. As Rad deduces that he and his friends have gone millions of years into the past, Alexis is creeped out. Hot Shot's body begins to be absorbed into the cavern, and there's another flash of time.''

:''The three kids witness several Mini-Cons emerge from glowing eggs, knowing they're watching the Mini-Cons being created by Unicron. Rad sees High Wire, but when he tries to speak to his friend, all he receives is a mind's glimpse at Unicron. Rad, creating a kind of "bootstrap" paradox, instructs the Mini-Cons to find their way to [[Earth]]. High Wire reads a few images of Earth from Rad's mind.''

Starscream's life is saved by time reversing just a bit as the kids' minds return to the present. Seizing the second chance, the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] combine and save Starscream's life, giving him a brief window to get close enough to be in no danger from the Requiem Blaster. An upwards shot alerts the two exploring Autobots to the location of the battle and brings the cavern down, letting Thrust get away while Starscream protects the children.

Once the debris from the cavern stops falling, Alexis thanks Starscream. He smiles warmly at her and takes off after Thrust, continuing his hunt. High Wire speaks with Rad, validating Rad's theory that he had met the Mini-Cons before meeting on Earth. Hot Shot and Wheeljack arrive and are astounded to hear what Hot Shot had told the kids millions of years before.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (4)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (6)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (7)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (9)
*Autobot soldier (10)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (11)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (23)

|c2=
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (2)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (5)
*Decepticon soldier #1 (16)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (17)
*Decepticon soldier #2 (22)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (26)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (12)
*[[Rad White]] (13)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (18)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (20)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (21)
*[[Rad White's parents|Rad's mother]] (24)
*[[Rad White's parents|Rad's father]] (25)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (14)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (15)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (19)
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (27)
|h5=Other|c5=
*[[Unicron]] (28) (silhouette)
}}

==Quotes==
"Be careful, Hot Shot! I almost bought the big one here!" 
"Aw, it's not too bad." ''[falls down hole]''
:—'''Wheeljack'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s warning goes ignored by '''Hot Shot''', to the latter's peril.

"I'd rather fight and die than follow the likes of you and Unicron."
:—'''Starscream''' refuses '''Thrust's''' offer with a furmanism.

"Who would have thought the Mini-Cons were created by Unicron's cells?"
:—'''Past Hot Shot''' spoils the show's big twist for anyone waiting to see it.

"So much for evolution, but one time we were told we could use them. But instead, we were the ones who were being used."
:—'''Past Hot Shot''' savors the irony.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
{{stub}}

===Animation and technical errors===
*When the kids see the dead Transformers in the alternate world, Optimus is correctly shown in his Cybertronian form (since he never came to Earth), but his chest is colored white instead of red. Megatron, meanwhile, is shown in his Cybertronian body in the long shot, but in the close up is drawn according to his Earth model.
*The alternate Hot Shot says "So much for evolution" when talking about using the Mini-Cons. "Evolution" being the Japanese term for Powerlinking, this could be a mistranslation.

===Continuity notes===
*Rad has met High Wire before he and the other Mini-Cons arrived on Earth 4 nillion years ago as showed via the latter's time skip powers, which explains why the [[Exodus (Armada)|Exodus]] aimed at the planet in the beginning of the show, and the kids being able to understand their Mini-Con partners.
*This episode marks the first time Starscream and Alexis meet after he rejoined the Decepticons.
*Gadgets and powers:
**High Wire has time skip and alternate reality abilities activitated after Starscream gets blasted by the Requiem Blaster.

===Continuity errors===
*The dialogue in the recap at the start of the episode doesn't match that of the same events shown in [[Dash (episode)|the previous episode]].
*If the Autobots had [[Depart|no intention of bringing the humans along]] when building the ''Axalon'', and only acquiesced at the last moment, why is there a human-sized shower on board?
*The scene with Hot Shot and the other Transformers, despite Rad's understanding they've gone into the past, makes more sense as having gone into an alternate-timeline present where he never interacted with High Wire in the next scene/on Earth, considering Hot Shot references the Mini-Cons as having turned on the [[Transformer]]s, and if the Transformers were all dead, why were they active in the present, unless they had their memories erased and were reactivated, which would almost make sense considering the way Unicron functions but my god I've gone cross-eyed.

===Transformers references===
*The tunnels under [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s surface have cables and vines "[[technorganic|fused in organic material]]".

===Trivia===
*The Autobot arguing with Hoist has [[Lander]]'s character model with a different color scheme.
*[[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]]'s character model, minus the wings, turns up as one of the Decepticons searching for the kids.
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'':
**[[Takeshi Sano]] explains that this episode's events was one of the hardest parts to do, and apologizes for having the story being a bit difficult to understand.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Zurück in die Vergangenheit'''" ("Back to the Past")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 18|18 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Visszatérés'''" ("Return")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Impulso'''" ("Impulse")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 12 ([[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]]

Drift (episode)

2021-12-07T18:09:33Z

PownicMania: /* Trivia */

{{disambig3|Drift}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=46
|prev=Dash (episode)
|next=Portent
|title="Drift"
|furigana=しんじつ
|japanese=運命
|romaji=Shinjitsu
|translation=Fate: Truth
|image=driftepisode.jpg
|caption=It's ''Armada''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Wolverine.
|production code=TF: A-46
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]
|director=[[Hidehito Ueda]], [[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.)
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 27]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[November 14|14 November]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[November 28]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Everybody's hunt for Thrust leads to the revelation of the truth behind the Mini-Cons.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Screenshot-arm-47-1.jpg|left|thumb|It's a very "Gundam" moment.]]
With [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] gone, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] orders [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] to find the traitorous [[Decepticon]] who stole both the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom]] shield and the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]. He disregards the [[Autobot]]s' activities and commands all his resources to hunt Thrust down. [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] and [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] are already on Thrust's trail.

Meanwhile, the Autobots are having difficulty getting the soldiers to withdraw from their fortifications. The soldiers are reluctant to let the threat of [[Unicron]] trivialize all the work they've done to try to take back the planet.

[[File:Screenshot-arm-47-2.jpg|thumb|This is when [[fan fiction|fanfics]] happen.]]

[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] walks in on [[Rad White|Rad]] having a shower. Rad considers how much of a major difference in their lives it made to meet the [[Mini-Con]]s, and he speculates it might have been part of a larger design, based on a strange feeling he might have met [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] in the past. Carlos dismisses the theory entirely.

[[File:Drift kids hide from Decepticon.jpg|left|thumb|"As usual, this is a six-person infiltration mission." 
"Weapons and equipment OSP?" 
"Yes. This is a top-secret black op. Don't expect any official support."]]

Hot Shot and Wheeljack radio the news about Thrust to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], and High Wire sees on the video that the tunnels the two Autobots are venturing through are the same tunnels where the Mini-Cons were created. After disconnecting, Hot Shot and Wheeljack also notice the suspicious organic nature of the caverns. [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] also hounds Thrust on his own. The three kids, donning their color-coded space suits, also head to the same tunnels, guided by Rad's gut instinct.

The first to locate Thrust is Starscream, so Thrust offers Starscream a job under Unicron. Starscream declines the offer and then he hears [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] call out his name, indicating the kids have arrived. Noticing the kids, Thrust points the Requiem Blaster at them, threatening to shoot. Starscream attempts to stop him, but Thrust turns back to him and fires a shot from the Requiem Blaster, blowing Starscream into the distance. Alexis calls out his name in fear and in the blaze of light from the blast...

:''A younger Rad awakens on his mother's lap in the family car. Rad inquires about where the [[Transformer]]s are, but the parents dismiss his ramblings. High Wire's voice calls Rad's consciousness to another point in time.''

[[File:Screenshot-arm-47-4.jpg|thumb|Bradley's mom has got it goin' on.]]

:''In mysteriously colorful caves, the three kids see Hot Shot's body strapped to the terrain. Hot Shot doesn't identify the kids, but just mentions that the Mini-Cons were created by Unicron's cells. He brings their attention to other Transformers, lying dormant and embedded into the walls of the mysterious cavern, even the Decepticons. As Rad deduces that he and his friends have gone millions of years into the past, Alexis is creeped out. Hot Shot's body begins to be absorbed into the cavern, and there's another flash of time.''

:''The three kids witness several Mini-Cons emerge from glowing eggs, knowing they're watching the Mini-Cons being created by Unicron. Rad sees High Wire, but when he tries to speak to his friend, all he receives is a mind's glimpse at Unicron. Rad, creating a kind of "bootstrap" paradox, instructs the Mini-Cons to find their way to [[Earth]]. High Wire reads a few images of Earth from Rad's mind.''

Starscream's life is saved by time reversing just a bit as the kids' minds return to the present. Seizing the second chance, the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] combine and save Starscream's life, giving him a brief window to get close enough to be in no danger from the Requiem Blaster. An upwards shot alerts the two exploring Autobots to the location of the battle and brings the cavern down, letting Thrust get away while Starscream protects the children.

Once the debris from the cavern stops falling, Alexis thanks Starscream. He smiles warmly at her and takes off after Thrust, continuing his hunt. High Wire speaks with Rad, validating Rad's theory that he had met the Mini-Cons before meeting on Earth. Hot Shot and Wheeljack arrive and are astounded to hear what Hot Shot had told the kids millions of years before.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (4)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (6)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (7)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (9)
*Autobot soldier (10)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (11)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (23)

|c2=
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (2)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (5)
*Decepticon soldier #1 (16)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (17)
*Decepticon soldier #2 (22)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (26)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (12)
*[[Rad White]] (13)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (18)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (20)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (21)
*[[Rad White's parents|Rad's mother]] (24)
*[[Rad White's parents|Rad's father]] (25)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (14)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (15)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (19)
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (27)
|h5=Other|c5=
*[[Unicron]] (28) (silhouette)
}}

==Quotes==
"Be careful, Hot Shot! I almost bought the big one here!" 
"Aw, it's not too bad." ''[falls down hole]''
:—'''Wheeljack'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s warning goes ignored by '''Hot Shot''', to the latter's peril.

"I'd rather fight and die than follow the likes of you and Unicron."
:—'''Starscream''' refuses '''Thrust's''' offer with a furmanism.

"Who would have thought the Mini-Cons were created by Unicron's cells?"
:—'''Past Hot Shot''' spoils the show's big twist for anyone waiting to see it.

"So much for evolution, but one time we were told we could use them. But instead, we were the ones who were being used."
:—'''Past Hot Shot''' savors the irony.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
{{stub}}

===Animation and technical errors===
*When the kids see the dead Transformers in the alternate world, Optimus is correctly shown in his Cybertronian form (since he never came to Earth), but his chest is colored white instead of red. Megatron, meanwhile, is shown in his Cybertronian body in the long shot, but in the close up is drawn according to his Earth model.
*The alternate Hot Shot says "So much for evolution" when talking about using the Mini-Cons. "Evolution" being the Japanese term for Powerlinking, this could be a mistranslation.

===Continuity notes===
*Rad has met High Wire before he and the other Mini-Cons arrived on Earth 4 nillion years ago as showed via the latter's time skip powers, which explains why the [[Exodus (Armada)|Exodus] aimed at the planet in the beginning of the show, and the kids being able to understand their Mini-Con partners.
*This episode marks the first time Starscream and Alexis meet after he rejoined the Decepticons.
*Gadgets and powers:
**High Wire has time skip and alternate reality abilities activitated after Starscream gets blasted by the Requiem Blaster.

===Continuity errors===
*The dialogue in the recap at the start of the episode doesn't match that of the same events shown in [[Dash (episode)|the previous episode]].
*If the Autobots had [[Depart|no intention of bringing the humans along]] when building the ''Axalon'', and only acquiesced at the last moment, why is there a human-sized shower on board?
*The scene with Hot Shot and the other Transformers, despite Rad's understanding they've gone into the past, makes more sense as having gone into an alternate-timeline present where he never interacted with High Wire in the next scene/on Earth, considering Hot Shot references the Mini-Cons as having turned on the [[Transformer]]s, and if the Transformers were all dead, why were they active in the present, unless they had their memories erased and were reactivated, which would almost make sense considering the way Unicron functions but my god I've gone cross-eyed.

===Transformers references===
*The tunnels under [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s surface have cables and vines "[[technorganic|fused in organic material]]".

===Trivia===
*The Autobot arguing with Hoist has [[Lander]]'s character model with a different color scheme.
*[[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]]'s character model, minus the wings, turns up as one of the Decepticons searching for the kids.
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'':
**[[Takeshi Sano]] explains that this episode's events was one of the hardest parts to do, and apologizes for having the story being a bit difficult to understand.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Zurück in die Vergangenheit'''" ("Back to the Past")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 18|18 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Visszatérés'''" ("Return")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Impulso'''" ("Impulse")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 12 ([[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]]

Drift (episode)

2021-12-07T16:36:16Z

PownicMania: /* Continuity notes */

{{disambig3|Drift}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=46
|prev=Dash (episode)
|next=Portent
|title="Drift"
|furigana=しんじつ
|japanese=運命
|romaji=Shinjitsu
|translation=Fate: Truth
|image=driftepisode.jpg
|caption=It's ''Armada''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Wolverine.
|production code=TF: A-46
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]
|director=[[Hidehito Ueda]], [[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.)
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 27]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[November 14|14 November]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[November 28]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Everybody's hunt for Thrust leads to the revelation of the truth behind the Mini-Cons.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Screenshot-arm-47-1.jpg|left|thumb|It's a very "Gundam" moment.]]
With [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] gone, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] orders [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] to find the traitorous [[Decepticon]] who stole both the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom]] shield and the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]. He disregards the [[Autobot]]s' activities and commands all his resources to hunt Thrust down. [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] and [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] are already on Thrust's trail.

Meanwhile, the Autobots are having difficulty getting the soldiers to withdraw from their fortifications. The soldiers are reluctant to let the threat of [[Unicron]] trivialize all the work they've done to try to take back the planet.

[[File:Screenshot-arm-47-2.jpg|thumb|This is when [[fan fiction|fanfics]] happen.]]

[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] walks in on [[Rad White|Rad]] having a shower. Rad considers how much of a major difference in their lives it made to meet the [[Mini-Con]]s, and he speculates it might have been part of a larger design, based on a strange feeling he might have met [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] in the past. Carlos dismisses the theory entirely.

[[File:Drift kids hide from Decepticon.jpg|left|thumb|"As usual, this is a six-person infiltration mission." 
"Weapons and equipment OSP?" 
"Yes. This is a top-secret black op. Don't expect any official support."]]

Hot Shot and Wheeljack radio the news about Thrust to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], and High Wire sees on the video that the tunnels the two Autobots are venturing through are the same tunnels where the Mini-Cons were created. After disconnecting, Hot Shot and Wheeljack also notice the suspicious organic nature of the caverns. [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] also hounds Thrust on his own. The three kids, donning their color-coded space suits, also head to the same tunnels, guided by Rad's gut instinct.

The first to locate Thrust is Starscream, so Thrust offers Starscream a job under Unicron. Starscream declines the offer and then he hears [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] call out his name, indicating the kids have arrived. Noticing the kids, Thrust points the Requiem Blaster at them, threatening to shoot. Starscream attempts to stop him, but Thrust turns back to him and fires a shot from the Requiem Blaster, blowing Starscream into the distance. Alexis calls out his name in fear and in the blaze of light from the blast...

:''A younger Rad awakens on his mother's lap in the family car. Rad inquires about where the [[Transformer]]s are, but the parents dismiss his ramblings. High Wire's voice calls Rad's consciousness to another point in time.''

[[File:Screenshot-arm-47-4.jpg|thumb|Bradley's mom has got it goin' on.]]

:''In mysteriously colorful caves, the three kids see Hot Shot's body strapped to the terrain. Hot Shot doesn't identify the kids, but just mentions that the Mini-Cons were created by Unicron's cells. He brings their attention to other Transformers, lying dormant and embedded into the walls of the mysterious cavern, even the Decepticons. As Rad deduces that he and his friends have gone millions of years into the past, Alexis is creeped out. Hot Shot's body begins to be absorbed into the cavern, and there's another flash of time.''

:''The three kids witness several Mini-Cons emerge from glowing eggs, knowing they're watching the Mini-Cons being created by Unicron. Rad sees High Wire, but when he tries to speak to his friend, all he receives is a mind's glimpse at Unicron. Rad, creating a kind of "bootstrap" paradox, instructs the Mini-Cons to find their way to [[Earth]]. High Wire reads a few images of Earth from Rad's mind.''

Starscream's life is saved by time reversing just a bit as the kids' minds return to the present. Seizing the second chance, the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] combine and save Starscream's life, giving him a brief window to get close enough to be in no danger from the Requiem Blaster. An upwards shot alerts the two exploring Autobots to the location of the battle and brings the cavern down, letting Thrust get away while Starscream protects the children.

Once the debris from the cavern stops falling, Alexis thanks Starscream. He smiles warmly at her and takes off after Thrust, continuing his hunt. High Wire speaks with Rad, validating Rad's theory that he had met the Mini-Cons before meeting on Earth. Hot Shot and Wheeljack arrive and are astounded to hear what Hot Shot had told the kids millions of years before.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (4)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (6)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (7)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (9)
*Autobot soldier (10)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (11)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (23)

|c2=
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (2)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (5)
*Decepticon soldier #1 (16)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (17)
*Decepticon soldier #2 (22)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (26)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (12)
*[[Rad White]] (13)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (18)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (20)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (21)
*[[Rad White's parents|Rad's mother]] (24)
*[[Rad White's parents|Rad's father]] (25)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (14)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (15)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (19)
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (27)
|h5=Other|c5=
*[[Unicron]] (28) (silhouette)
}}

==Quotes==
"Be careful, Hot Shot! I almost bought the big one here!" 
"Aw, it's not too bad." ''[falls down hole]''
:—'''Wheeljack'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s warning goes ignored by '''Hot Shot''', to the latter's peril.

"I'd rather fight and die than follow the likes of you and Unicron."
:—'''Starscream''' refuses '''Thrust's''' offer with a furmanism.

"Who would have thought the Mini-Cons were created by Unicron's cells?"
:—'''Past Hot Shot''' spoils the show's big twist for anyone waiting to see it.

"So much for evolution, but one time we were told we could use them. But instead, we were the ones who were being used."
:—'''Past Hot Shot''' savors the irony.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
{{stub}}

===Animation and technical errors===
*When the kids see the dead Transformers in the alternate world, Optimus is correctly shown in his Cybertronian form (since he never came to Earth), but his chest is colored white instead of red. Megatron, meanwhile, is shown in his Cybertronian body in the long shot, but in the close up is drawn according to his Earth model.
*The alternate Hot Shot says "So much for evolution" when talking about using the Mini-Cons. "Evolution" being the Japanese term for Powerlinking, this could be a mistranslation.

===Continuity notes===
*Rad has met High Wire before he and the other Mini-Cons arrived on Earth 4 nillion years ago as showed via the latter's time skip powers, which explains why the [[Exodus (Armada)|Exodus] aimed at the planet in the beginning of the show, and the kids being able to understand their Mini-Con partners.
*This episode marks the first time Starscream and Alexis meet after he rejoined the Decepticons.
*Gadgets and powers:
**High Wire has time skip and alternate reality abilities activitated after Starscream gets blasted by the Requiem Blaster.

===Continuity errors===
*The dialogue in the recap at the start of the episode doesn't match that of the same events shown in [[Dash (episode)|the previous episode]].
*If the Autobots had [[Depart|no intention of bringing the humans along]] when building the ''Axalon'', and only acquiesced at the last moment, why is there a human-sized shower on board?
*The scene with Hot Shot and the other Transformers, despite Rad's understanding they've gone into the past, makes more sense as having gone into an alternate-timeline present where he never interacted with High Wire in the next scene/on Earth, considering Hot Shot references the Mini-Cons as having turned on the [[Transformer]]s, and if the Transformers were all dead, why were they active in the present, unless they had their memories erased and were reactivated, which would almost make sense considering the way Unicron functions but my god I've gone cross-eyed.

===Transformers references===
*The tunnels under [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s surface have cables and vines "[[technorganic|fused in organic material]]".

===Trivia===
*The Autobot arguing with Hoist has [[Lander]]'s character model with a different color scheme.
*[[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]]'s character model, minus the wings, turns up as one of the Decepticons searching for the kids.
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'':
**
**[[Takeshi Sano]] explains that this episode's events was one of the hardest parts to do, and apologizes for having the story being a bit difficult to understand.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Zurück in die Vergangenheit'''" ("Back to the Past")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 18|18 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Visszatérés'''" ("Return")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Impulso'''" ("Impulse")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 12 ([[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]]

Drift (episode)

2021-12-07T16:35:40Z

PownicMania:

{{disambig3|Drift}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=46
|prev=Dash (episode)
|next=Portent
|title="Drift"
|furigana=しんじつ
|japanese=運命
|romaji=Shinjitsu
|translation=Fate: Truth
|image=driftepisode.jpg
|caption=It's ''Armada''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Wolverine.
|production code=TF: A-46
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]
|director=[[Hidehito Ueda]], [[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.)
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 27]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[November 14|14 November]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[November 28]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Everybody's hunt for Thrust leads to the revelation of the truth behind the Mini-Cons.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Screenshot-arm-47-1.jpg|left|thumb|It's a very "Gundam" moment.]]
With [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] gone, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] orders [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] to find the traitorous [[Decepticon]] who stole both the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom]] shield and the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]. He disregards the [[Autobot]]s' activities and commands all his resources to hunt Thrust down. [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] and [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] are already on Thrust's trail.

Meanwhile, the Autobots are having difficulty getting the soldiers to withdraw from their fortifications. The soldiers are reluctant to let the threat of [[Unicron]] trivialize all the work they've done to try to take back the planet.

[[File:Screenshot-arm-47-2.jpg|thumb|This is when [[fan fiction|fanfics]] happen.]]

[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] walks in on [[Rad White|Rad]] having a shower. Rad considers how much of a major difference in their lives it made to meet the [[Mini-Con]]s, and he speculates it might have been part of a larger design, based on a strange feeling he might have met [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] in the past. Carlos dismisses the theory entirely.

[[File:Drift kids hide from Decepticon.jpg|left|thumb|"As usual, this is a six-person infiltration mission." 
"Weapons and equipment OSP?" 
"Yes. This is a top-secret black op. Don't expect any official support."]]

Hot Shot and Wheeljack radio the news about Thrust to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], and High Wire sees on the video that the tunnels the two Autobots are venturing through are the same tunnels where the Mini-Cons were created. After disconnecting, Hot Shot and Wheeljack also notice the suspicious organic nature of the caverns. [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] also hounds Thrust on his own. The three kids, donning their color-coded space suits, also head to the same tunnels, guided by Rad's gut instinct.

The first to locate Thrust is Starscream, so Thrust offers Starscream a job under Unicron. Starscream declines the offer and then he hears [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] call out his name, indicating the kids have arrived. Noticing the kids, Thrust points the Requiem Blaster at them, threatening to shoot. Starscream attempts to stop him, but Thrust turns back to him and fires a shot from the Requiem Blaster, blowing Starscream into the distance. Alexis calls out his name in fear and in the blaze of light from the blast...

:''A younger Rad awakens on his mother's lap in the family car. Rad inquires about where the [[Transformer]]s are, but the parents dismiss his ramblings. High Wire's voice calls Rad's consciousness to another point in time.''

[[File:Screenshot-arm-47-4.jpg|thumb|Bradley's mom has got it goin' on.]]

:''In mysteriously colorful caves, the three kids see Hot Shot's body strapped to the terrain. Hot Shot doesn't identify the kids, but just mentions that the Mini-Cons were created by Unicron's cells. He brings their attention to other Transformers, lying dormant and embedded into the walls of the mysterious cavern, even the Decepticons. As Rad deduces that he and his friends have gone millions of years into the past, Alexis is creeped out. Hot Shot's body begins to be absorbed into the cavern, and there's another flash of time.''

:''The three kids witness several Mini-Cons emerge from glowing eggs, knowing they're watching the Mini-Cons being created by Unicron. Rad sees High Wire, but when he tries to speak to his friend, all he receives is a mind's glimpse at Unicron. Rad, creating a kind of "bootstrap" paradox, instructs the Mini-Cons to find their way to [[Earth]]. High Wire reads a few images of Earth from Rad's mind.''

Starscream's life is saved by time reversing just a bit as the kids' minds return to the present. Seizing the second chance, the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] combine and save Starscream's life, giving him a brief window to get close enough to be in no danger from the Requiem Blaster. An upwards shot alerts the two exploring Autobots to the location of the battle and brings the cavern down, letting Thrust get away while Starscream protects the children.

Once the debris from the cavern stops falling, Alexis thanks Starscream. He smiles warmly at her and takes off after Thrust, continuing his hunt. High Wire speaks with Rad, validating Rad's theory that he had met the Mini-Cons before meeting on Earth. Hot Shot and Wheeljack arrive and are astounded to hear what Hot Shot had told the kids millions of years before.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (4)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (6)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (7)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (9)
*Autobot soldier (10)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (11)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (23)

|c2=
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (2)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (5)
*Decepticon soldier #1 (16)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (17)
*Decepticon soldier #2 (22)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (26)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (12)
*[[Rad White]] (13)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (18)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (20)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (21)
*[[Rad White's parents|Rad's mother]] (24)
*[[Rad White's parents|Rad's father]] (25)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (14)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (15)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (19)
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (27)
|h5=Other|c5=
*[[Unicron]] (28) (silhouette)
}}

==Quotes==
"Be careful, Hot Shot! I almost bought the big one here!" 
"Aw, it's not too bad." ''[falls down hole]''
:—'''Wheeljack'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s warning goes ignored by '''Hot Shot''', to the latter's peril.

"I'd rather fight and die than follow the likes of you and Unicron."
:—'''Starscream''' refuses '''Thrust's''' offer with a furmanism.

"Who would have thought the Mini-Cons were created by Unicron's cells?"
:—'''Past Hot Shot''' spoils the show's big twist for anyone waiting to see it.

"So much for evolution, but one time we were told we could use them. But instead, we were the ones who were being used."
:—'''Past Hot Shot''' savors the irony.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
{{stub}}

===Animation and technical errors===
*When the kids see the dead Transformers in the alternate world, Optimus is correctly shown in his Cybertronian form (since he never came to Earth), but his chest is colored white instead of red. Megatron, meanwhile, is shown in his Cybertronian body in the long shot, but in the close up is drawn according to his Earth model.
*The alternate Hot Shot says "So much for evolution" when talking about using the Mini-Cons. "Evolution" being the Japanese term for Powerlinking, this could be a mistranslation.

===Continuity notes===
*Rad has met High Wire before he and the other Mini-Cons arrived on Earth 4 nillion years ago as showed via the latter's time skip powers, which explains why the [[Exodus]] aimed at the planet in the beginning of the show, and the kids being able to understand their Mini-Con partners.
*This episode marks the first time Starscream and Alexis meet after he rejoined the Decepticons.
*Gadgets and powers:
**High Wire has time skip and alternate reality abilities activitated after Starscream gets blasted by the Requiem Blaster.

===Continuity errors===
*The dialogue in the recap at the start of the episode doesn't match that of the same events shown in [[Dash (episode)|the previous episode]].
*If the Autobots had [[Depart|no intention of bringing the humans along]] when building the ''Axalon'', and only acquiesced at the last moment, why is there a human-sized shower on board?
*The scene with Hot Shot and the other Transformers, despite Rad's understanding they've gone into the past, makes more sense as having gone into an alternate-timeline present where he never interacted with High Wire in the next scene/on Earth, considering Hot Shot references the Mini-Cons as having turned on the [[Transformer]]s, and if the Transformers were all dead, why were they active in the present, unless they had their memories erased and were reactivated, which would almost make sense considering the way Unicron functions but my god I've gone cross-eyed.

===Transformers references===
*The tunnels under [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s surface have cables and vines "[[technorganic|fused in organic material]]".

===Trivia===
*The Autobot arguing with Hoist has [[Lander]]'s character model with a different color scheme.
*[[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]]'s character model, minus the wings, turns up as one of the Decepticons searching for the kids.
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'':
**
**[[Takeshi Sano]] explains that this episode's events was one of the hardest parts to do, and apologizes for having the story being a bit difficult to understand.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Zurück in die Vergangenheit'''" ("Back to the Past")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 18|18 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Visszatérés'''" ("Return")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Impulso'''" ("Impulse")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 12 ([[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]]

Uprising (Armada)

2021-12-07T16:08:50Z

PownicMania: /* Trivia */

{{picsneeded}}
{{disambig3|Uprising}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=44
|prev=Puppet
|next=Dash (episode)
|title="Uprising"
|furigana=せいばーとろん
|japanese=帰還
|romaji=Cybertron
|translation=Return: Cybertron
|image=Uprising-SidewaysSpookyGhost.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-44
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Ken'ichi Ishikura]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 25]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[October 31|31 October]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[November 14]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''The Autobots arrive on Cybertron to find Galvatron has already conquered it, but a larger evil still approaches.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Decepticon Uprising.jpg|thumb|200px|left]]
As [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]'s ship reaches [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], a fleet of ships rises from the surface of the planet to meet it. Using the [[Mini-Con]] weapons, the [[Decepticon]] leader is easily able to take down two of the ships, and he sends his men to the surface of the planet to engage the [[Autobot]]s below in combat. Although [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] hesitates, believing Galvatron will steal all the glory, [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] says simply to follow his lead and the universe will be theirs.

Meanwhile, the Autobots are struggling to repair their ship after the damage it sustained during the last clash with the Decepticons. The kids worry that they're sitting ducks should the Decepticons decide to come back. Although [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]]'s calculations suggest that the heaviest fighting will be in the north of Cybertron, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus]] decides they'll set down in the south rather than going into battle immediately. With the drive finally repaired, they hit warp.

From space, Cybertron looks deserted. [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]], [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] and [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] suddenly become excited and jump out an airlock, closely followed by [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]]. The boy watches as, cloaked in balls of green light, the swarm of Mini-Cons all begin to come together. Blurr intercepts Carlos. On the ship, the kids realise the Mini-Cons are forming a shield of some sort while what appears to be a black hole hangs menacingly in space. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] believes that this means [[Unicron]] is coming. Optimus and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] merge and go to talk to High Wire. A phantasm of [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] appears and is fired on by the Mini-Cons. After telling the Mini-Cons to get lost, the apparition promptly disappears again.

The Decepticons realise that Optimus's group of Autobots have arrived.

The kids and the Autobots discuss the impending arrival of Unicron and the situation on Cybertron. Though the Autobots want to mount a single surprise attack, Optimus believes that a more dispersed attack is required. They touch down individually in pods to find a ruined landscape, and begin searching for survivors. Optimus and Jetfire soon run into trouble in the form of Galvatron and his men. Starscream and Thrust hang back above the fight. With the two Autobots pinned down, Optimus contacts the [[Axalon (Armada)|''Axalon'']] and orders the launch of [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]]. [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] is hesitant, as it will leave the ship and Mini-Cons unprotected, but Red Alert reminds him it's an order. Optimus powerlinks with Overload and begins blasting the Decepticons.

Elsewhere, the other Autobots are fighting more Decepticons while searching for Autobot survivors. Autobot ships begin rising out of the ground and opening fire on the Decepticon fleet.

The kids on the ''Axalon'' realise their Mini-Cons have gone missing again and intercept the trio at the airlock, ready to go out and join the battle. Carlos is opposed to it, but the other kids feel that the Mini-Cons have a right to go out and fight for their home planet.

Galvatron and Optimus meet in one-on-one battle, but Optimus tells his foe of the oncoming danger going by the name of Unicron. Galvatron doesn't believe him, naturally, but the discussion is momentary interrupted by the ground quaking and a chunk of building almost hitting the Decepticon leader. Optimus points dramatically to the sky at the black hole. Chunks of ground begin floating upwards. Soon the debris and even the ships hanging in the sky begin to be sucked towards the black hole.

Thrust gloats that the plan is coming together, much to Starscream's confusion. Soon they notice a new activity: The Mini-Cons begin to pour into the black hole. More Mini-Cons reinforce the shield, and energy begins to rain down on Cybertron. The voice of the Mini-Cons implores for the fighting to stop.

Galvatron is still skeptical of Optimus, even when [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] reports that the Mini-Cons have driven off whatever was attacking the planet, but he calls a retreat. Optimus orders the Autobots back to the ''Axalon''. Thrust observes that the Mini-Cons have stopped their attack on the black hole.

Sideways swears that the Mini-Cons will pay for their attack.

The kids and Autobots thank the Mini-Cons, but High Wire says that Unicron will be back, and the Mini-Cons will protect them again.

Galvatron still thinks Unicron is just an Autobot trick. Thrust muses that this foolish belief will make things much easier for his true master.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (7)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (8)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (19)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (21)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (22)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (23)
*[[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] (24)
*[[generic|generic Autobots]]

|c2=
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (1)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (2)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (3)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (4)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (5)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (6)
*[[generic|generic Decepticons]]

|c3=
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (11)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (12)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (14)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (15)
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (17)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (13)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (16)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (18)
*[[Spiral]] (19)
*[[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]] (20)
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (25, ''Powerlinxed with Galvatron'')
*[[Rollbar (Armada)|Rollbar]] (27, ''Powerlinxed with Scavenger'')

|c5=
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (26)
}}

==Quotes==
"This is where the battle begins and ends, gentlemen."
:—'''Thrust'''

"Optimus Prime is marching right into the palm of my hand, where I will crush him."
:—'''Galvatron'''

"Welcome to Cybertron! It's so nice of you to join us. At least now we'll be able to bury you on your home planet, Optimus Prime."
:—'''Galvatron'''

"This war transcends far beyond us, Galvatron. A force is coming, and you and I alone cannot stop it."
:—'''Optimus''' attempts to warn Galvatron about Unicron.

"Would ya like a little cheese with your whine?"
:—'''Jetfire''' tries to be a generously insulting waiter for Cyclonus.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*During one of the opening pans with the assembled Decepticons in the background, ''Legends of the Microns'' removes an emblem from the floor in the foreground.
*When Thrust first speaks to Starscream, the wing on Thrust's left arm sticks out at a different angle. Thrust doesn't raise his arms at the end of the shot in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*During the zoom-in on the moon just before the title card, ''Legends of the Microns'' omits two of the incoming lasers seen in ''Armada'', yet their sound effects can still be heard.
*''Legends of the Microns'' corrects some coloring confusion between Blurr's vehicle-mode canopy and the chair in which he is sitting when Optimus Prime asks him about landing coordinates, making the canopy consistently red with gray trim and the chair consistently mint green. It also removes an odd barrier behind Blurr which turns out to have been completely concealing Red Alert!
*After Rad and Alexis first observe Cybertron, High Wire does not speak Japanese in ''Legends of the Microns'', only his usual beeps.
*''Armada'' shows lots of Mini-Con light balls "raining" straight down past the ''Axalon'', while ''Legends of the Microns'' has just seven of them whirling in circles.
*When Carlos pounds on the doors to the airlock, ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the white from his eyes.
*As Carlos floats out the airlock, the ceiling behind him is a dull brown in ''Armada'' but a medium blue in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In the crowd of glowing Mini-Cons, the two in front who look like [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] in ''Armada'' are replaced with [[Spiral]] and [[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]] in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Upon cutting from the crew's speculation back to Blurr in space, the black hole is much smaller in ''Legends of the Microns'' than in the same shot in ''Armada''.
*High Wire only beeps instead of speaking Japanese to Jet Optimus in space in ''Legends of the Microns'' as well.
*After Sideways vanishes, the black hole is already present at the start of the next shot in ''Legends of the Microns'' but has to fade back into view in ''Armada''.
*Where the doors open to reveal Carlos and the Mini-Cons' return in ''Armada'', ''Legends of the Microns'' has them already standing in front of closed doors, yet there's still the sound of doors moving then.
*The Mini-Con speech phenomenon gets switched around when the kids ask the Mini-Cons about Unicron: High Wire only beeps in ''Armada'', but he speaks of "the Mini-Cons' enemy" in Japanese in ''Legends of the Microns'' and lights up his eyes yellow as he does so!
*In the exterior establishing shot for the Autobots conferring, Cybertron fills much more of the frame in ''Armada'', taking a while to even enter the frame in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The Decepticon fleet's lasers that somehow became yellow upon impacting Cybertron in ''Armada'' were correctly recolored back to purple for ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When Jetfire remarks on the ambush, Optimus Prime's gray arm in ''Armada'' is recolored to its usual blue and yellow for ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Different music plays from when Optimus Prime transforms to Super Mode until the kids notice the Mini-Cons have left again.
*The first random Decepticon that Hot Shot attacks is recolored in ''Legends of the Microns'' to match the colors he receives on falling down in ''Armada''. The fourth Decepticon to take a hit is also recolored, possibly because ''Armada'' gave him the same color scheme as the first Decepticon.
*When the Mini-Cons are about to leave again, the second door to the airlock waits for the first door to open completely in ''Legends of the Microns'', but ''Armada'' has it open halfway simultaneously first.
*In their last shot before the Mini-Cons are outside again, Carlos and Rad are redrawn so that Rad doesn't appear to be rolling his eyes upward in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*After Galvatron dramatically leaps down to challenge Optimus Prime, ''Legends of the Microns'' adds an inert Overload to the background and Optimus Prime to the foreground, and it zooms out to reveal Prime there.
*When Galvatron charges at Optimus Prime with the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]], he only has diagonal speed lines behind him in ''Armada'' but has an actual Cybertron background pulling back in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When Optimus Prime stops Galvatron's sword hand, Optimus's own hand is recolored and his arm redrawn for ''Legends of the Microns'' for being erroneously drawn in Super Mode for this scene in ''Armada''.
*As Optimus tries to get through to Galvatron about the threat of Unicron, the (likely recycled) closeup of Galvatron's face from ''Armada'' is replaced by a whole new shot of Optimus and Galvatron leaning into each other. Then the following panning closeup of Optimus is entirely redrawn; notably, ''Armada'' features an unusual "radiator shutters" interpretation of his helmet crest that becomes a flat sheet of rectangles for ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The reverse shot of Galvatron grappling with Optimus Prime is redrawn for ''Legends of the Microns'' because Optimus is again in Super Mode by mistake in ''Armada''. The shot is also less cropped in ''Legends of the Microns'', bringing Optimus's face into the frame. And when Galvatron pushes him away, ''Legends of the Microns'' has an actual full-body animation of Optimus staggering back where ''Armada'' simply recycles the previous closeup with a bounce and a zoom-out to imply his steps.
*''Legends of the Microns'' adds Optimus Prime to the shot where the falling wreck near-misses Galvatron, making them both have to dash out of the way.
*The shot of the black hole that pans left in ''Armada'' pans right in ''Legends of the Microns'' and has a different space background with Cybertron added to the foreground.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', the rubble that rises out of Cybertron has been recolored from blue to brown in the wide shot of Optimus Prime and Galvatron and behind Galvatron in his subsequent closeup, yet it's still blue in the rest of the scene, including in front of Optimus's face! Must be some varied ground there.
*The Mini-Cons glow much brighter when they first streak away in ''Armada''; ''Legends of the Microns'' recolors the streaks to the same shade of yellow they have in the rest of the scene.
*''Legends of the Microns'' adds a pillar of wreckage for Cyclonus to crash into in two shots where he appears to be pinned against nothing in ''Armada''. It does appear in ''Armada'' the second and fourth times it should, however.
*High Wire and Grindor both get to speak words in both English and Japanese in the end, but their eyes only glow yellow for the Japanese dub.
*When Demolishor objects to Galvatron's certainty at the end, their faces have been redrawn for ''Legends of the Microns''. For Galvatron this mainly makes his eyes shiny and his chin a little flatter. For Demolishor this makes his eyes more uneven, and he shifts into a grimace instead of a pucker of surprise.

===Animation and technical errors===
*Alexis calls Sureshock "Grindor", again.
*Optimus Prime refers to the ''Axalon'' as the ''Axion''.
**Shortly afterwards (just before he orders Overload to be launched), his left arm is colored entirely gray.
*In a shot where Galvatron boasts to Optimus while combined with Tidal Wave, the right arm armor piece is not drawn in. All the while the Requiem Blaster he's holding is miscolored dark purple and grey like the said armor piece he's missing.
*Hot Shot punches a [[generic]] Decepticon who has a yellow body and blue helmet and arms as the punch lands, and a blue body and a yellow helmet and arms as he hits the ground. That Powerlinx upgrade must really pack a wallop.
*When the Decepticons are to "take care of the small fry first" Wheeljack and the Autobot Generics that appear just afterward, are shown to fire without weapons, with shots coming from their [[GoBots|FISTS]]! The Autobot generics' hands are also clearly supposed to be clutching guns.
*Rollbar is briefly shown Powerlinxed with Scavenger. Unfortunately, the Mini-Con is coloured green and is easily lost among Scavenger's body.

===Continuity notes===
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' explains that is the start of the Cybertron decisive battle.
*This episode marks the last time Optimus uses his [[trailer]] to combine into [[Super Mode]], or in this case, [[Overload (Armada)|Megaweapon mode]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Overload's trailer mode has the ability to hover/fly.
**Jetfire appears to be wielding a small generic pistol of some sort this episode.

===Trivia===
*It takes an amazingly short time for Galvatron to lay all of Cybertron to ruin.
*[[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]'s [[character model]]s get used again, as generic Autobot soldiers who face the initial Decepticon attack, and again as Mini-Cons. Countless other uses of [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] characters models are shown, the most noticeable being the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s and [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some interesting tidbits:
**When the meeting for this episode started, [[Hidehito Ueda]] explained it's events to [[Ken'ichi Ishikura]], who was confused with how to work off that. As soon as Ueda said he was serious and that he's going to erase the black hole, Ishikura immediately got to work.
**Sideways' voice actor had to laugh for more than 30 seconds. {{W|Goku|Now imagine doing that for a longer period of time.}}
**Grindor in the Japanese dub shares his voice actor with [[Rad White|Rad]], whereas the Decepticon soldier who was saved by the Mini-Cons has [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]]'s voice actor.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Der Aufstand'''" ("The Uprising")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 16|16 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ütközet'''" ("Clash")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Levante'''" ("Raise")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 11 ([[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]]

Puppet

2021-12-07T16:04:35Z

PownicMania:

{{picsneeded}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=43
|prev=Miracle
|next=Uprising (Armada)
|title="Puppet"
|furigana=にせもの
|japanese=怪物
|romaji=Nisemono
|translation=Monster: Counterfeit
|image=puppet.jpg
|caption=[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime!]] Your time has come; this is the dawn of a new age! The age of the regenerating faces!
|production code=TF: A-43
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]
|director=[[Masayuki Motsumoto]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 19]], [[2003]] (English, Canada) [[October 24|24 October]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[November 7]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Autobots and Decepticons land on a mysterious planet where there's an evil version of Optimus.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Metal Forest.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Not [[Skaro]].]]
On the bridge of [[Hydra Cannon|his ship]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] blogs to himself about how happy he is that [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] is alive again, which confuses his minions.

On top of the hull of the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'', Optimus Prime gets reintroduced to his crew, and the [[Mini-Con]]s escorting the ship. But the welcoming party is cut short by an electrical space anomaly that suddenly appeared in the ship's path. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] are pulled into the hole, which fades away.

On a strange alien landscape, Hot Shot and Red Alert reawaken. Red Alert quickly acts responsibly and sends a beacon to the [[Autobot]] ship. Next, the two survey the irregular terrain they arrived in. A dark copy of Optimus Prime assaults and chases the two.

Elsewhere, the [[Decepticon]]s begin their hunt on the planet for their enemies. Their attention is brought to the noise of the Autobots' fight. The three Decepticons transform to assist the black scourge who introduces himself as [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]]. Using an amazing ability to alter his own shape, Nemesis Prime turns on Megatron, holding the Decepticon leader in the air.

The Decepticons and Autobots both fight against Nemesis Prime, but the battle quickly comes down to Megatron resorting to the use of the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]. The resulting explosion destroys the Prime-doppelganger and damages the Autobots.

In space, the Mini-Cons guide the Autobot ship to the planet with their two missing friends.

[[File:Mini-Cons Puppet.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
Megatron prepares to finish off both Autobots. [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] interjects, suggesting using the Autobots as captives. Megatron buys Starscream's disguised compassion. Nemesis Prime re-forms from fragments on the ground and battles the Decepticons again, this time with [[Vorpal Saber|a sword]], but the arrival of Mini-Cons takes the menace down. Before they leave again, the Mini-Cons bathe the gathered [[Bulk]]s in energy, repairing them and giving the large Transformers as well as themselves [[spontaneous recoloration|new colors]] and a boost in power.

The ''Axalon'' arrives over the planet, dropping Optimus and Overload onto the surface. A giant Nemesis Prime emerges from the ground for a third attempt at destroying the [[Transformer]]s. When Optimus and Megatron combine their ordnance, the creature finally dies, revealing a brief transparent image of [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] before vanishing. With Nemesis Prime destroyed, the planet begins to disintegrate, and so the Autobots and Decepticons return to their ships and continue on their voyage to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (3)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (4)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (5)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (14)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (15)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Sideswipe]] (16)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (17)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (28)
*[[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] (29)

|c2=
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (6)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron/Galvatron]] (7)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (12)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (13)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (21)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (22)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (8)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (9)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (10)
*[[Rad White]] (11)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (18)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] (1)
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (2)
*[[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (23)
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (24)
*[[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] (25)
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (26)
*[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] (27)

|c5=
*[[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]] (20)
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (30)
}}

==Quotes==
"I got kinda banged up and it looks like I sustained some collateral damage."
:—'''Red Alert''' gives Hot Shot an enigmatic damage report.

"Nemesis Prime will... destroy!"
:—'''Nemesis Prime'''

"I look like.... Thundercracker."
:—'''Starscream'''

"As Galvatron, I have even more power!"
:—'''Meg-err, Galvatron'''
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*When the Decepticons notice Hot Shot and Red Alert running from Nemesis Prime, Demolishor originally asks if Nemesis Prime could be Optimus, with Megatron responding that he doesn't care as long as it would help him destroy the Autobots. When Nemesis catches up with the Autobots and Megatron's troops appear, he orders Nemesis to attack before the creature attacks him instead. In ''Armada'', Demolishor just reports about spotting the Autobots, with Megatron musing about them running away from danger as usual. When the Decepticons join Nemesis Prime, Megatron initially assumes the creature is Optimus.
*After receiving his new colors in ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream expresses confusion about his body being repaired. He makes no references to Thundercracker.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'' Nemesis Prime never speaks, simply growling monstrously the whole time, and thusly he is never named.
*Similarly, Longarm only speaks in the dub before the Mini-Cons grant the Autobots and Decepticons their new colors.
*Megatron only renames himself Galvatron in ''Armada''. The dub thusly edits a couple of his lines into demanding both Optimus and Thrust use his new name.

===Animation and technical errors===
*Just before Megatron is grabbed by Nemesis Prime, he has a purple Autobot insignia.
*Due to its use of stock footage, Tidal Wave's sudden appearance to combine with Megatron depicts blue (i.e.: Earth) skies behind him rather than the green skies of the strange planet.
*In the wide shot after Optimus lands, he is colored like Nemesis Prime.
*In the scene where we get a full view of Optimus and Overload, Optimus has the caterpillar threads of his trailer painted as if they were tires.
*Leader-1 arrives with the other Mini-Cons to give their injured partners a power-up and yet is still visibly attached to Megatron/Galvatron's tank turret.

===Continuity notes===
*The intro to the episode has a unique narration that mentions the kids, which flows into a recap of [[Miracle|the last episode]].
*Much like Sideways, Nemesis Prime is an extension of [[Unicron]] and has abilities beyond comprehension. However, unlike Sideways, who hails from [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]], Nemesis Prime doesn't exist as an individual being, rather he is an evil clone.
**It is also unclear whether Sideways ''is'' or ''isn't'' Nemesis Prime. The episode title and the image of Sideways after Nemesis Prime's demise seems to suggest that Nemesis Prime is a puppet of Sideways, who in turn is a puppet of Unicron.
*The [[Vorpal Saber]], originally released in toy form as the "Dark Saber", is made up of evil clones of the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Star Saber Mini-Cons]]. While not presented in this episode as individuals, the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]] would give them official English names and bios further cementing them as the Saber used in the show.
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]], [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]], and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] all get their Mini-Con Powerlinx armor in this episode.
**Only the Decepticons' Mini-Con partners appear in recolored forms after this episode:
***Leader-1 ([[Powerlinx]]ed with Galvatron) appears in "[[Uprising (Armada)|Uprising]]", "[[Cramp]]" and "[[Union]]".
***Swindle appears in "Cramp".
***And Blackout appears in "Union".
**Starscream comments that he now looks like [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]]. Thundercracker would later make his debut in the ''Cybertron'' cartoon.
**Megatron declares himself "Galvatron". This is not the [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|last]] [[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|time]] you'll see him do this in the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]].
*Overload debuts this episode. Although, for all the gimmicks the toy has, Overload basically serves as a Deus ex MaEchina. He has no character development whatsoever and is just a piece of equipment. His sudden appearance was on the "to-do" list of things [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] wanted to explain in the ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'' comics, but there was never time for it and so Overload only received a cameo in the story.
**Eventually, Overload's story would be told in two more forms of fiction. The first being a toy bio for the [[2008]] ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' Overload toy, a form which Overload had since reformatted into after the events of ''Armada'' and began searching for answers to his mysterious past. The second was told by Ichikawa in collaboration with [[Ask Vector Prime]], where he finally got the chance to tell the untold story from the ''Linkage'' comics.
**Before and during this episode, Overload had been partially rebuilt by [[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] from an earlier form and gained [[Rollout (Armada)|Rollout]] as a binary-bonded partner. Overload's upgrades were never completed before he was deployed into battle alongside Optimus Prime and thus, he had no recollection of how he got there or who he was. ''([[Overload (Armada)#Cartoon continuity|See Overload's article for more]]).''
*Gadgets and powers:
**Red Alert has an alert beacon in the panel on his right leg.
**Nemesis Prime, being a clone of Optimus Prime, has all of the same abilities, one of which is the hand-blasting ability Optimus uses frequently throughout the show.
**He can also use the missile pods on his container in vehicle mode.
**Nemesis Prime also has the ability to morph his size and shape and also extend his limbs at will.
**Nemesis Prime can summon the Vorpal Saber, an evil clone of the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]].
**This is the last time Hot Shot uses his Axelzooka and in turn, his visor. Ironically, Hot Shot's Powerlinx toy has a remolded head without a poseable visor. ''[[to sell toys|It's almost like they did this intentionally]]''.
**Overload can link onto the back of Optimus's container.
**Optimus Powerlinx with Overload while in his [[Super Mode]] for the first time, forming his "Megaweapon" form.
**Optimus uses his Megaweapon cannons to take out Nemesis Prime.

===Continuity Errors===
*Nemesis Prime rips out Megatron's main cannon, and cuts Demolishor's blasters and Starscream's wing with his sword, but when the Decepticons are repaired by the Mini-Cons, they are shown to be in more extensive state of disrepair, with cracks all over their bodies, and Demolisher and Starscream looking like their respective parts have been torn rather than cut off.
**In a shot where Nemesis turns around to confront Starscream, Demolishor's blasters are intact.

===Transformers references===
*When Megatron first catches up to the Autobots and "Optimus Prime", he says [[Megatron (BW)|"Yessssss"]].
*Hot Shot (who is called Hot Rod in ''Legends of the Microns''), receives a deco resembling [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]].

===Trivia===
*The English version of "Puppet" aired in Canada first. It aired in the United States on [[November 7]], [[2003]].
*Because of his horizontal back [[kibble]] (which includes his cannons), it would be difficult for Starscream to normally lay flat on his back, with previous (and future) episodes indicating his kibble just sinks into the ground. In the scene where he receives his Powerlinx colors, his back kibble is actually shown to fold upwards.
*Nemesis Prime is shown to have a [[trailer]] when he transforms into vehicle mode, however, his only figure released in the toyline was a redeco of the smaller Super-Con Optimus Prime, which never came with a trailer.
*If Tidal Wave is Powerlinxed with Megatron when ''he'' gets ''his'' upgraded, where is Tidal Wave's?
*After Starscream receives his upgrade, he states that he looks like [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]]. While it is an obvious nod to the Generation 1 character of [[Thundercracker (G1)|the same name and coloration]], it also happens to be the name used for the figure that anyone outside of Japan would have to use as a "Powerlinx Starscream".
**Likewise, Thundercracker and Galvatron's Mini-Con partners, as well as the Dark Saber, also received different names and characterizations in toy form outside of Japan. This would prove to be a [[Beachcomber (Energon)|common]] [[Mirage (Energon)|business]] [[Overcast (Energon)|practice]] [[Landquake (Energon)|throughout]] the [[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|second part]] of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] too.
{{-}}
===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Nemesis Prime'''" ("Nemesis Prime")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 15|15 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Új ellenség'''" ("New Enemy")
::*The narrator mistakenly refers to Sparkplug by Incinerator's name. Later, when Hot Shot recognizes the form of Sideways rising from Nemesis Prime, he gasps Side Swipe's name. Starscream's reference to Thundercracker is also lost in the dub; he instead makes the odd remark that "it is... like lightning".

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fantoche'''" ("Puppet")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 11 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Best Of The Decepticons ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[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]]

Threaten

2021-12-07T15:55:14Z

PownicMania: /* Notes */

{{Picsneeded}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=38
|prev=Crack (episode)
|next=Crisis (Armada)
|title="Threaten"
|furigana=ひゅどらきゃのん
|japanese=脅威
|romaji=<nowiki></nowiki>''Hydra Cannon''<nowiki></nowiki>
|translation=Threat: ''Hydra Cannon''
|image=threaten.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-38
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|englishadaptation=[[Ward Perry]]
|director=[[Masayuki Motsumoto]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[August 18]], [[2003]] (English, Canada) [[September 23]], [[2003]] (Japanese) [[October 3]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''With the Star Saber, Skyboom shield and Requiem Blaster in their possession, the Decepticons combine the three weapons into the ''Hydra Cannon''.'''

==Synopsis==
The kids are understandably upset that [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] has betrayed them, taking the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] and [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] with him. [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] and [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] both throw down the stones which the [[Decepticon]] had brought back from [[Mars (planet)|Mars]]. While [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] and [[Rad White|Rad]] both try to calm them, [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] drops his huge lump of rock and howls. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] silently leaves, watched by [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus]].

[[File:Hydra minicons.jpg|200px|thumb|left]]
On the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] thanks Starscream for bringing him the two [[Mini-Con]] weapons, though [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] wants to check they're real. Once Starscream hands them over, Megatron holds him at swordpoint before chuckling and suggesting the Decepticon take some time off. He then instructs Thrust to make sure the "project" is completed.

[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] tries to interrupt Hot Shot's target practice, but is stopped by [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], who suggests they let Hot Shot get it out of his system. Alexis also mopes and is comforted by [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]].

[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]], [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] and [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] are busy working on the Decepticon spaceship when Thrust lets them know he's going out. Starscream tails Thrust, dragging the Decepticon aside, but the pair have been seen by Demolishor, who hurries off to tell Megatron. Megatron is too busy admiring his new toys to care and tells Demolishor to get back to work. Starscream demands Thrust tell him what the mysterious project is, and Thrust is happy to enlighten him: They plan to harness the combined power of the three Mini-Con weapons. Once Thrust manages to convince Starscream that they're allies, Starscream leaves...and [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] appears to congratulate Thrust on his performance.

The kids are all at home—Rad channel surfing, Carlos snoring, and Alexis pondering Starscream. At base, Hot Shot believes they should act now before the Decepticons attack. Jetfire thinks there's a way they can get the three weapons back, but Side Swipe reports that the Decepticon warp gate is locked tight. They realise that the only way to get there is via the spacecraft they've been working on, which means they have to finish it fast. Jetfire offers to pilot the ship, but Optimus wants him to stay behind due to his anger towards Starscream.

The Decepticon project is complete—the ''[[Hydra Cannon]]''. Thrust explains it is named Hydra because it harnesses nine Mini-Cons, and the Hydra had nine heads. Megatron is keen to try it out, and Thrust suggests a test in space to avoid any risk to themselves.

The kids find the [[Autobot]]s frantically working to complete their spaceship and wonder why they're in such a hurry to leave Earth. Hot Shot explains they're working to get back the Mini-Con weapons. The kids' conversation turns to Starscream, and they resolve not to talk about him again, though Rad observes that Alexis seems saddened by their comments. Fred announces that they should go see a comet. Rad apologises to Alexis, but she says she's OK.

[[File:Hydra Cannon.jpg|200px|thumb|What do you mean "Freudian"?]]
The Decepticon spaceship launches from the Moon, but falters. Demolishor reports they don't have enough power to reach escape velocity, but they push the engines to maximum and are able to lift off. Thrust apologises that his calculations must have been inaccurate, and Megatron hopes that the calculations for the ''Hydra Cannon'' aren't so.

[[Kelly Bomgartner]] from Channel 4 is covering the comet and complains to her cameraman about the crowd of people. At the [[Cosmoscope Research Center]], a couple of technicians look bored.

The Decepticons have also spotted the comet and decided it would make an excellent target for their testing of the ''Hydra Cannon''. At Megatron's command, Starscream readies the cannon for firing. The front of the ship unfolds and the cannon extends.

Near the [[Autobot]] base, the five kids manage to spot the comet. Alexis, depressed, tells them she's going home, and is followed by Rad.

Starscream hits the big purple button to fire the cannon and, after an extended build-up of energy, a fiery beam erupts from the front of the ship. The Decepticons struggle to keep the ship from flying backwards from the recoil, then watch as the comet explodes in a blaze of light.

On Earth, the kids look up in shock as the sky lights up with the comet's destruction. The computers at the research center all shut down, and Kelly has to prompt her cameraman to point his camera in the right direction. The Autobots have seen the destruction too, and Side Swipe manages to locate the Decepticon ship. On the Moon, Sideways looks up at the devastation and laughs.

The Decepticons celebrate the success of their weapon, and Thrust suggests they return to Cybertron and conquer it. Megatron, however, says they have some unfinished business to take care of first and tells Starscream to target the Autobot base. Though Starscream points out that will destroy the entire Earth, Megatron is determined. They turn the ship towards Earth, and Starscream struggles to make a decision whether to save the Earth or obey his leader.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (2)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (3)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (8)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (9)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (13)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (10)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (11)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (12)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (15)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (16)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (17)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (1)
*[[Rad White]] (4)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (5)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (6)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (7)
*[[Kelly Bomgartner]] (19)
*[[Roger|Jimmy]] (20)
*[[Pauly]] (21)
*Pauly's workmate (22)
*[[Brad (Armada)|Brad]] (23)
*Brad's workmate (24)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (14)

|c5=
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"I've always been your ally, Starscream. I just had to hide it from the others so they wouldn't get suspicious."
:—'''Thrust''' is unconvincing to everyone but Starscream.

"Hot Shot has been more than a handful lately. Besides, don't give up on Starscream just yet. There's no doubt he's a hardened Decepticon, but he's still a Transformer. He still could come around, and I'm hoping that all Transformers will make peace with each other someday."
:—'''Optimus Prime''', dreamer

"Throughout Human history, they believed a comet was a sign of bad luck, but good luck for us when we blow it to pieces!"
:—'''Thrust'''
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
{{stub}}

===Animation and technical errors===
*Megatron says Starscream has brought the three most powerful weapons with him, but Megatron already had the Requiem Blaster.
*Alexis is wearing long-sleeved pajamas, but in the closeup shot of the Mars rock on her desk, her arms are bare.
*In the high-shot of the Autobot control center, Side Swipe is miscoloured.
*Optimus says the energy wave which destroyed the comet came from the Moon when it came from the Decepticon ship.
*Thrust says the Autobot base is on the other side of the planet from them, but the comet was apparently visible from its location.

===Continuity notes===
*Thanks to Starscream bringing the Star Saber and Skyboom Shield, the [[Hydra Cannon]] has finally been complete after the buildup that started in "[[Decisive Battle]]".
*Kelly and her cameraman, as noted above, were previously introduced way back in "Vacation".

===Continuity errors===
*The Decepticons were building their spaceship long before they knew that the three Mini-Con weapons could combine into the ''Hydra Cannon'', so how did they know to design the ship to accommodate it?
*Kelly calls her cameraman Jimmy in this episode, however he was called Roger in his previous appearance in "[[Vacation]]".

===Trivia===
*Alexis gets Sureshock's name right!
*For some reason, this was the only episode not to air in the usual Friday slot during ''Legends of the Microns''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s original run; rather, it aired on a Tuesday.
*Among the news programs Rad cycles through, we see an idol singing a song about loving the Transformers, a game show, and a news report about a comet. The first one raises a lot of questions.
*This episode's Japanese version is the first one where the following episode preview narration doesn't end with the usual "Fight, Convoy! TRANSFORM!" Instead, it ends with Rad reacting with disbelief and shock about something involving Optimus. The following episode preview to do this is after the credits of "[[Portent]]," with Alexis reacting the same way about Starscream.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die Drohung'''" ("The Threat")
:*''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:'' "'''Fenyegetés'''" ("Threat")

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''스크림의 선택 2부'''" ("Scream's Choice Part 2")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ameaça'''" ("Threat")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 10 ([[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]]

Origin

2021-12-07T15:24:07Z

PownicMania: /* Continuity notes */

{{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 really 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 core of the monstrosity, [[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 own 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 fly through the tunnels of Unicron's interior, trying to avoid being destroyed by the shifting terrain, but their efforts to combat Unicron actually feed their enemy the kind of energy that powers him. As soon as his attackers escape out 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 continues trying to convince Optimus Prime to merge his essence willingly into Unicron.

[[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 own 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'''

"As long as hatred exists, I shall remain impervious to attack."
:—'''Unicron/Sideways''' does his best Sith impression

'''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''===
*Anytime Sideways talks in this episode in ''Legends of the Microns'' sounds disembodied compared to the ''Armada'' version. Additionally in his 2nd line, Unicron's voice slowly fades in before fully taking over Sideways', whereas it automatically appears in the English dub. [[File:Origin animation changes.jpg|thumb|290px|Animation changes between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' screencaps (right).]]
*Optimus assumes Sideways has been working with Unicron before the latter corrects him that they are one of the same in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Optimus figure out that Sideways is Unicron, to which the latter confirms.
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Sideways claim that Optimus would be as warhungry as Galvatron without the burden of carrying the [[Matrix of Leadership]] in his chest, where as ''Armada'' has him just talking about Optimus being programmed for war.
*During Unicron's speech on how he can survive as long as there is hatred, several shots noticeably get upgraded or changed a bit in ''Legends of the Microns'', a big example is Unicron featuring more detail and lips.
*After they have been freed from Unicron's grasp, ''Armada'' has Alexis aggressively ask Galvatron to thank the humans for their help, which he does. ''Legends of the Microns'' instead has Alexis asking if Galvatron would’ve been happier if he stayed with Unicron, causing confusion.
*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.
*Optimus says to Galvatron he can't be serious about wanting to fight, then Galvatron replies that he's never been more serious in ''Armada'', whereas these last few seconds are silent in ''Legends of the Microns''.

===Animation and technical errors===
*Alexis refers to Sureshock as "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 Prime briefly appears prematurely in his Powerlinx colors, as evidenced by his red eyes. Moments later, he is once again in his normal coloring. This error was fixed in ''Legends of the Microns''.

===Continuity notes===
*Sideways/Unicron's explanation that the two are actually 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 is 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 feel fear for him.
**In the [[Mortal Combat|following episode]], High Wire explains that Sideways was eliminated and that Unicron lies dormant, further distinguishing the two as individuals.
**The ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' cartoon and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act|Cybertron]]'' comic would later establish that not only did Sideways survive, but he and [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]] are natives from [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] and cut a deal with Unicron long ago after their planet was destroyed (by their race's own doing). 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 for the purpose of exacerbating the Autobot/Decepticon conflict. This is also evident with Sideways's various activities on Earth, heightening the conflict between the two factions, along with his tendencies to start leadership feuds within the Decepticon ranks, making sure the war continues with or without Megatron as the Decepticon leader.
*Sideways accusing Optimus of enjoying combat revisits a plotline first established in "[[Vow]]", where Fred said fighting is now the only thing Optimus knows. This and the [[Mortal Combat|next episode]] are the only times ''Armada'' brings this up after it was established.
*Optimus finally receives his [[Powerlinx]] colors after being freed from Unicron's grip. Due to the events of this episode, him getting the color scheme may relate to his inner darkness of loving to fight.
*The scene in which Unicron is seen 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 of the negative energies created from conflict, creating his immense power. His feeding off of hatred is also shown to 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===
*Optimus expresses surprise that Sideways has been working with Unicron all along and asks if that's the case. However, in "[[Cramp]]", as Sideways snatches away the Star Saber, he announces flat-out that everything has fallen into place, for Unicron to destroy the universe. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this by having Optimus shocked that Sideways ''is'' Unicron.
*Why would Hot Shot tell the others to look out for Optimus when they were actually trying to damage Unicron? ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this by changing his line to tell Sideswipe 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 actually moves.
*Within Galvatron's fantasy, Starscream and Thrust were present, but Sideways wasn't.
*With this episode's following episode preview narration in the Japanese version, while [[Threaten]] and [[Portent]] did not 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 to not fight, and end the following episode preview narration asking if they are supposed to 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]]

Portent

2021-12-07T15:16:01Z

PownicMania: /* Trivia */

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=47
|prev=Drift (episode)
|next=Cramp
|title="Portent"
|furigana=ぺんだんと
|japanese=信頼
|romaji=Pendant
|translation=Faith: Pendant
|image=Portentcap.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-47
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|director=[[Shigenori Awai]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 28]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[November 21|21 November]] 2003 (Japanese) [[December 5]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''Starscream, Hot Shot, and the rest continue their pursuit of Thrust, arriving at a portal to a strange organic area. The rest of the Autobots gather to fight Unicron.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Sshot-47-4-corpse.jpg|left|thumb|This was the ''lucky'' one.]]
In the mysterious tunnels within [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the kids explain to [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] and [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] that [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] brought the kids to where they are. Hot Shot advises the kids to return to the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'', where it's safer, but the kids argue they can be useful, eventually convincing their gigantic metal pals. The group radios back to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] with their status, while [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] feel neglected.

[[File:Jetfire Unicron.jpg|thumb|200px]]
Meanwhile, [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] continue to order [[Autobot]]s to withdraw from their positions. [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] relays to Jetfire orders from Optimus Prime to assist Hot Shot and Wheeljack below. [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] is satisfied with the Autobots' retreat, allowing his forces to take over Cybertron easily.

[[File:Sshot-71-1-face.jpg|left|thumb|"I can't give you my license officer" 
"Why not?" 
"BECAUSE YOU ARE HEADCRAB ZOMBIE!"]]
[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]], still running from Starscream, dives through a [[Cybertron-Unicron warp gate|strange portal]]. Starscream bravely follows into the unknown. On the other side, in an organic-looking area with [[Transformer]] husks around, [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] finally appears. Starscream arrives soon after. Next, Hot Shot's group prepares to follow through the portal, with [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] making sure to put on a [[Good Luck Necklace|good luck charm]] first.

Sideways and Starscream come face to face. As is tradition, before the battle, Starscream declines an offer to join up with [[Unicron]]'s side of the conflict. Sideways attacks Starscream with a swarm of [[bot-spider]]s. Hot Shot's team runs to assist, but more parasites attack Wheeljack and Hot Shot.

[[File:Portent kids vs tendrils.jpg|thumb]]
The kids try to rouse the [[Mini-Con]] weapons into freeing themselves from Thrust's possession, and whistling from [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] helps the effort. Thrust and Sideways ignore the kids and leave, their tracks covered by tendrils. With no other options, Hot Shot and Wheeljack connect their backs and form an utterly silly-looking cyclone. Alexis lets Starscream join the team because she's Starscream's friend.

Sideways plugs the Mini-Con weapons into Unicron's core processor, angry at Thrust for having not grabbed the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]].

As the team moves through the caverns, they run into more suspiciously organic obstacles, separating Starscream and Alexis from the rest of the crew. Starscream goes airborne to fly Alexis to safety, but Alexis (stupid) hops off Starscream (more stupid) to retrieve the good luck charm she dropped (even sillier). Starscream saves her.

[[File:Sshot-47-5-crowd.jpg|left|thumb|Just because Jhi loves generics.]]
Everybody manages to make it to the surface, finding themselves to be on Cybertron's moon. The surface shatters and quakes, with Jetfire arriving just in time to save Hot Shot, Wheeljack, the Mini-Cons, and the kids. From a distance, it becomes evident that Unicron has been hibernating inside the moon from the start. On Cybertron's surface, Wheeljack departs. Starscream also begins to leave, but Alexis stops him, begging him to stay. Starscream thinks it wouldn't be fair if he betrayed them again, but Alexis knows he wouldn't do that. Starscream ponders for a moment before turning back to her and thanking her for trusting and believing in him. As he leaves, Alexis says his name sadly and clutches her pendant.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (1)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (13)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (15)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (16)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (23)

|c2=
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (2)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (14)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (17)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (18)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (20)

|c3=
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (3)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (4)
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (5)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (11)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (12)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (6)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (7)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (8)
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (22)

|h5=Other|c5=
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (19)
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (21)
*[[Unicron]] (24)
}}

==Quotes==
"All right! Well, that was some fireworks display, fellas, but who said you can start the party without me?" 
"Show-off."
:—'''Jetfire''' and '''Tidal Wave'''

"You were wondering what kind of place this is. Well, for you, it's a graveyard. Goodbye, Starscream!"
:—'''Sideways''' welcomes Starscream to Unicron.

"Unicron will awaken, and both the Autobots and Decepticons will be destroyed. They will become a distant memory. The Mini-Cons' true destiny will be revealed. Those who helped will be rewarded, and all others will suffer Unicron's wrath."
:—'''Sideways''' makes with the spoilers.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*In ''Armada'', Hot Shot asks Rad why the kids came to Cybertron. Rad says they came to help the Autobots rescue the Mini-Cons, and that the kids felt useless waiting around on the ''Axalon'', which Carlos backs up as he says it was boring. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it slightly. Now, rather than addressing Rad, Hot Shot asks why the kids are there. Rad explains that they came down with High Wire, Sureshock, and Grindor to save the Mini-Con weapons that Thrust took, and then Carlos says the enemy found them first. Alexis says Starscream ended up rescuing them and that he's still an ally after all; in ''Armada'', Alexis refers to Starscream as "a good friend" of the kids.
*Carlos tells Alexis not to jump to conclusions about Starscream being an ally since saving them was probably accidental. Alexis retorts that it doesn't matter and asks why the others don't trust Starscream. Hot Shot says Starscream needs to be more honest in ''Legends of the Microns'' but says he needs to surrender in ''Armada''. Then, instead of asking if Starscream is still chasing Thrust as he does in ''Armada'', Wheeljack asks if ''they'' should keep chasing Thrust.
*Carlos tells Hot Shot they won't save the Mini-Cons if they stand around arguing, and Alexis asks if Hot Shot wants Unicron to get the Requiem Blaster and Skyboom Shield. Wheeljack says the kids could be useful in ''Armada'', but in ''Legends of the Microns'', he says they are right.
*The Japanese dub removes the transformation sound from many scenes where ''Armada'' added it.
*In ''Armada'', Hot Shot asks Optimus if the kids have permission to go but asks if ''he'' has Prime's consent in the Japanese dub. Then in ''Legends of the Microns'', the scene goes silent until Optimus says his line when he nods. After getting Prime's approval, Alexis and Carlos cheer in unison, and the kids sound more excited. The lighting inside the ship and on the characters is increased slightly.
*Jetfire doesn't speak until the shot of him flying over the planet. He sternly tells the combatants now's not the time to fight. In ''Armada'', he quips about the "fireworks" and the party starting without him; his order for the Autobots to retreat is laid back instead of urgent like it is in the Japanese dub.
*In ''Armada'', Hoist says the Autobots forces are combining to battle their new enemy Unicron, whose power is unlike anything previously encountered. Then Blurr says they must stop Unicron at any cost as all Transformers' fate hangs in the balance. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hoist says Unicron is the Autobots' real enemy, and he will devour all Transformers regardless of faction. Blurr continues by saying Unicron will eradicate both the Autobots and Decepticons, so now is not the time for the Autobots to fight the Decepticons.
*While thinking to himself, Megatron believes if he achieves a true victory against Optimus, teaming up with the Autobots will be pointless. The English dub is similar; however, the ''Armada'' version is arrogant compared to the contemplative Japanese version. Instead of considering the idea of the Transformers teaming up, Megatron stubbornly balks at the thought, saying the Autobots and Decepticons will never be allies as long as he's in charge.
*The scene of Thrust running from Starscream before entering the portal is silent. Later, in ''Legends of the Microns'', Sideways says Thrust is being followed. Then the scene goes silent until Thrust apologizes. ''Armada'' changes Sideways's line to him asking Thrust if he knows he's still being followed, and there's filler dialogue added to remove the Japanese dub's silence. Also, unlike the Japanese version, Thrust alerts Sideways to Starscream's arrival.
*Rather than ask if Thrust escaped through the portal, Carlos says he can't see anything through it. Rad says they can't give up looking for him, Alexis remarks that it's why they are there, and Carlos replies in agreement. The English dub lightens their dialogue by having Alexis take a jab at Carlos for being scared and Carlos firing back.
*Alexis calls her necklace an "important amulet" in the Japanese dub but calls it her "good luck charm" in ''Armada''.
*The Japanese dub lowers the sound of the Transformers' footsteps.
*Thrust is silent as Sideways tries and fails to lure Starscream into joining them. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Sideways asks if Starscream hates Megatron before Starscream calls Sideways the object of his hatred. ''Armada'' warps their dialogue into Sideways claiming they could finish off Galvatron together, and Starscream saying he wants to destroy Sideways.
*After Sideways chastises Starscream for his loyalty to Megatron in ''Legends of the Microns'', he chuckles for a bit before silently raising his arm. ''Armada'' gives him an extra line, and he laughs in the next shot as the bot-spiders appear. In the Japanese dub, Sideways is silent while Starscream slashes the bot-spiders.
*The shot of the Transformer corpse in the Japanese dub is silent; in ''Armada'', Carlos states the obvious.
*The shot of Alexis before she runs off to help Starscream is redrawn with high-quality animation, and the animation of her boarding Sureshock is modified.
*More bot-spiders are added to later scenes. ''Armada'' adds Hot Shot's line as he, Alexis, and Wheeljack arrive; the shot's Japanese version is silent. Instead of wondering what the bot-spiders are like she does in ''Armada'', Alexis says Starscream's name. Then, in ''Legends of the Microns'', Wheeljack asks Starscream if he's okay. After Starscream's lines, Hot Shot says the former's name. The bot parasites are unnamed in the Japanese dub.
*When he unleashes more parasites on Hot Shot and Wheeljack, Sideways calls them "pathetic fools" in ''Legends of the Microns'' but says "it's feeding time" in ''Armada''. The later scene of Sideways telling the Autobots to get over that the Mini-Con weapons now belong to Unicron is silent.
*Instead of calling the kids "an audience," Thrust mocks their useless effort to awaken the Mini-Cons since they can't hear them and asks the kids if doing so during combat would be problematic. Then, in ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos calls Thrust a "mean spirited squid-head," and Rad says the Mini-Cons aren't weapons. The kids are entirely redrawn in the Japanese dub, with Carlos and Rad's animation showing the most change. Sideways says the kids will be lost without the Autobots in ''Armada'' but says they won't live long whether Thrust shoots them or not in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Carlos doesn't have any dialogue when the tendrils grab him, and the shot of the kids falling back after Perceptor saves them is redrawn.
*In ''Armada'', Perceptor speaks after Hot Shot and Wheeljack help him; this is exclusive to the English dub as Perceptor doesn't talk in the Japanese version. Starscream telling the others to stop Sideways is also an ''Armada'' addition to cover the silence from ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The Japanese dub has Starscream ask Alexis why she cares about him, with Alexis answering that they're still comrades as she has always believed that. ''Armada'' warps the dialogue into Alexis giving Starscream some generic gush about friends needing to help each other.
*Carlos's line about the tunnel is heard sooner, and Alexis's line to Starscream about falling behind is an ''Armada'' addition as the scene is silent in the Japanese dub.
*In Unicron's core processor, ''Armada'' reduces Thrust to more of a sniveling worm than his portrayal in ''Legends of the Microns'', mostly due to the English dub's added filler dialogue. The Japanese dub also has Sideways ask Thrust how the latter expects to approach Megatron after failing to get the Star Saber. After Sideways sets down the Requiem Blaster and Skyboom Shield in ''Legends of the Microns'', the ground is now animated as latching onto them, and the rest of the scene is silent.
*The Japanese dub adds glowing circuit lines and an electrical effect to the severed tendrils after the acid wave appears.
*In ''Armada'', before jumping off Starscream, Alexis says she needs to retrieve her lucky charm before stubbornly telling the reluctant Starscream that she needs it since they won't be safe without it. Then Starscream tells Sureshock to bring Alexis back. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream doesn't know about the pendant initially, as Alexis tells him about it later after thanking him and Sureshock. She desperately begs him to stop as she lost something important to her. Starscream is surprised when Alexis jumps off, and she is mostly silent while she tumbles. After Sureshock jumps off, Starscream is also surprised by it, calling the Mini-Con impulsive like Alexis.
*Instead of calmly saying that something is causing Cybertron's moon to crumble, the Japanese dub has Starscream shocked by the revelation that he and the others were inside Cybertron's moon. After he says his line, there's some new animation where Alexis looks down for a moment before off to the side as she does in ''Armada''.
*The shots of Wheeljack, Hot Shot, and the boys reaching the moon's surface and before Jetfire saves them are silent. As the ground between Hot Shot and Wheeljack splits, the frame zooms toward them in ''Armada'' but doesn't in ''Legends of the Microns''. After Jetfire rescues them, the Japanese dub replaces his quip with him asking, "What is this?"
*Rad and Carlos say that Cybertron's moon is Unicron in unison as his horns emerge; the English version is silent. In ''Armada'', Hot Shot asks if it's Unicron, to which Jetfire says he believed Unicron to be a myth. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot asks his question in shock before Alexis says it is undoubtedly Unicron though she can barely believe it.
*In ''Armada'', Jetfire says that Unicron spied on Cybertron and the Transformers the whole time; in ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream says the line instead. Then ''Armada'' adds some filler dialogue to the next two scenes of everyone reacting to Unicron's reveal. One of the generic Autobots is heard in the Japanese dub asking, "Is that Unicron?"
*In Alexis's scenes asking Starscream to stay and assuring him that he wouldn't betray his friends, the Japanese dub redraws Alexis, changing her facial expression from stoic to despondent. In ''Armada'', after Alexis tells Starscream he wouldn't betray his friends, Starscream says he's no longer sure of anything. In ''Legend of the Microns'', the scene is silent. After Starscream thanks Alexis for believing in him, the sound of his footsteps is heavily toned down so that the music takes precedence, emphasizing the scene's emotion.
*In ''Legend of the Microns'', the shot of Alexis watching Starscream walk away is entirely redrawn, with her face showing the most change, now looking more anguished compared to the ''Armada'' version. Her dialogue is now an internal monologue in which she says she will always believe in Starscream. However, in ''Armada'', Alexis begins the closing narration once she clutches her pendant; in the Japanese dub, she starts it after the scene dissolves to Starscream.
*Alexis's ending narration in ''Armada'' is long-winded as she talks about how, while watching Starscream walk away, Alexis realized there's a lot about the Transformers she didn't understand as the scars from their age-old battle run deeper than she knew. She says if new "battle lines" are drawn in response to Unicron's appearance, then trust will become harder to come by. Unlike the ''Armada'' version, which connects to the subplot of some characters' lingering trust issues with Starscream, the ''Legends of the Microns'' version is brief and sincere as Alexis says she could only hear her heartbeat as she watched Starscream walk away. The episode's last few seconds are silent.

===Animation and technical errors===
*Carlos calls Grindor "Sureshock," and later, Alexis refers to Sureshock as "Grindor."
*In some shots, the Autobot and Decepticon insignias are either missing or just dots.
*When Carlos and Alexis argue with Hot Shot, Wheeljack's right eye is gray.
*When the kids speak to Optimus, the neck segments of their spacesuits are missing.
*In the first shot of Thrust, he isn't carrying the Skyboom Shield or Requiem Blaster. The two weapons reappear as he jumps into the portal.
*In some shots, the children's gloves are gone. The Japanese dub adds their gloves to the scene of Alexis and Rad trying to save Carlos.
**When Carlos reacts to the Transformer corpse in the same shot, he stops mid-pose like his animation is incomplete. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos is redrawn doing the full pose; however, his skin tone is now darker than his ungloved hands.
*As Alexis, Carlos, and Rad react to the corpse, the white parts of Carlos's helmet are gray, and it looks like the visor is gone.
*In some scenes, a couple of bot-spiders in the background don't move.
*When encountering Sideways in the organic cavern, Wheeljack's face is grey for two shots. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes his face color, but it's still gray under Wheeljack's eyes.
*When the camera pans to the ridge after Sideways sics bot-spiders on Wheeljack and Hot Shot, the ridge is empty, but the kids and their Mini-Cons appear on it in the next shot. The Japanese dub adds the kids and High Wire to the scene.
*As Rad spies on Thrust holding the Requiem Blaster and Skyboom Shield, they're colored like part of Thrust.
*Perceptor looks very off-model, and he's silent when he tries to awaken the Skyboom Shield and Requiem Blaster Mini-Cons. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes his model and has him emit the frequency sound.
*When the tendrils first appear, they're gray-colored. Their color changes between shots after this. Except for after Starscream saves Sureshock, the tendrils' colors don't change in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When Hot Shot and Wheeljack start spinning, the dust they kick up doesn't match the ground's color. It becomes purple as they finish their move. The dust is purple throughout in the Japanese dub.
*In one shot before Starscream shoots the rest of the parasites, they look mostly transparent.
**As he destroys them, Starscream is off-model. The Japanese dub has him redrawn accurately.
*While Jetfire walks through the tunnel, the scene cuts to the others' location when he says he hopes to find them. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos's line about the creepy atmosphere is heard instead.
*Before Sideways places the Requiem Blaster and Skyboom Shield in Unicron's core processor, he isn't seen holding them, unlike the previous shot., he isn't seen holding them, unlike the previous shot.
*Before they and the others are attacked in the tunnel, Rad and Carlos's helmets' visor frames are partially miscolored white. The Japanese dub corrects the error.
*In some shots, the kids' visor frames are a bit off-model as they have a shaded color on the inside against their foreheads. The Japanese dub either removes it or changes it to a shadow effect.
*When Hot Shot and co. are fleeing from the acid, his thighs are briefly gray instead of black.
*There seems to be a haze effect over the acid and the miscolored pink steam emitted from when it dissolves the severed tendril in three shots. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the effect and changes the steam's color to white.
*During the shot of Starscream running towards the screen as the path closes, Alexis and Sureshock appear whenever Starscream swings his sword out to his right side. Also, after Hot Shot notices the closing pathway, Starscream is missing from the frame. The Japanese dub fixes the latter issue.
*The animation of Alexis jumping into Starscream's hand is a bit shoddy.
*When Alexis jumps off Starscream, several parts of her model are miscolored: her eyes are red instead of dark-green, her suit's visor frame is colored greyish instead of pink, the shoulder region is grayish-pink rather than light-gray, and the blue lining around the cuff and waist are red-violet instead. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects all of these errors.
*Before Jetfire grabs hold of Wheeljack and Hot Shot, the latter two float in the chasm forming beneath them, unaffected by gravity, they were also on the ground in the previous scene.
*When Wheeljack turns his back on Hot Shot at the end, his back doesn't look as it should. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Wheeljack is entirely redrawn with his back now on-model.
*After Hot Shot tells Starscream that Alexis is right in the Japanese dub, Alexis's character model changes into her ''Armada'' version for a split-second before the scene cuts to Starscream.

===Continuity notes===
*Unicron is revealed to have been hiding in plain sight as Cybertron's moon.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Hot Shot and Wheeljack perform a move from their days as friends where they stand back-to-back and spin in unison.

===Continuity errors===
[[File:Portent Alexis charm.jpg|thumb|Sureshock desires the precious. Sureshock shall have the precious.]]
*In the Japanese dub, Carlos tells Hot Shot the enemy found the kids after they descended to the planet. However, the accurate answer is that the kids more or less stumbled upon Thrust and Starscream, as seen in the previous episode.
*Alexis says Starscream found the kids and brought them to the planet, which isn't true. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it to Alexis saying that Starscream saved them.
*During Hot Shot's transmission to Optimus, Alexis is wearing her pendant even though she technically hasn't put it on yet.
**In some later scenes, after Alexis puts on the pendant, it's not visible. The Japanese dub adds it back in some instances.
*In his inner monologue, Megatron regards Hot Shot as being under Optimus's "control" and claims to now have full control of Cybertron, though beforehand, he said that he's achieved "''most''" of his goal as in he hasn't succeeded yet. In the Japanese dub, Megatron says "command" instead of "control" and that Cybertron is "''almost''" under his control.
*After Alexis, Sureshock, and Starscream get separated from Hot Shot and co., Rad looks to the side and says, "Look, it's Laserbeak!" even though he has Laserbeak. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad remembers Laserbeak instead. He's also reanimated about to take Lserbeak out of his pocket.
*Alexis says she made her lucky pendant from a rock she found on Cybertron when it's actually from the Mars rock that Starscream gave the kids in "[[Mars (episode)|Mars]]." ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this error.
*When Rad and Hot Shot mention the crumbling moon, the scene makes it seem they're talking about Cybertron since they're looking at it. The Japanese dub fixes this by changing their lines to Rad being shocked by the sight of Cybertron and Hot Shot wondering what's happening.

===Transformers references===
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream mentions the [[Pit (BW)|Pit]] before following Thrust through the portal.
*The Japanese dub has Carlos call Thrust by his nickname "squidhead" in one scene.
*Jetfire calls himself a "Knight of the Sky" twice in the Japanese dub.

===Trivia===
*The English version of "Portent" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 5]], 2003.
*Similarly with ''[[Threaten]]'', ''Legends of the Microns'' following episode preview narration doesn't end with the usual "Fight, Convoy! TRANSFORM!" line, and instead ends with Alexis in shock about something involving Starscream.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' comments that as soon as they saw Unicron's toy, they knew how they wanted his transformation from Cybertron's moon to be played out.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ein Zeichen'''" ("A Sign")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 19|19 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hajsza és menekülés'''" ("Chase and Escape")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Presságio'''" ("Portent")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 12 ([[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]]

Dash (episode)

2021-12-07T15:15:30Z

PownicMania: /* Continuity notes */

{{picsneeded}}
{{disambig3|Dash}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=45
|prev=Uprising (Armada)
|next=Drift (episode)
|title="Dash"
|furigana=うらぎり
|japanese=確信
|romaji=Uragiri
|translation=Confidence: Betrayal
|image=dash.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-45
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|englishadaptation=[[Ward Perry]]
|director=[[Tomio Yamauchi|Tokio Yamauchi]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 26]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[November 7|7 November]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[November 21]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''Hot Shot goes on a solo mission to convince Galvatron that the Autobots and Decepticons should unite to stop Unicron.'''

==Synopsis==
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] command the rest of the [[Decepticon]]s not to pay any attention to the black hole outside and to disregard the [[Autobot]]s' offer for a collaborative effort against it. While away from the rest of the Decepticons, Thrust cackles at how he's manipulating both armies.

The Autobots wait, impatient and tense. The kids aboard the ship feel depressed as they watch the combat lights on Cybertron's surface. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] passes them on his way to personally charge into the Decepticons' stronghold and reason with Galvatron. The kids and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] do their best to dissuade him—but [[Rad White|Rad]] realizes that everybody should let Hot Shot go and convinces the others that it's the best idea.

Once Hot Shot is gone, the rest of the Autobots fly to assist [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] but come under attack. The [[Mini-Con]]s help by forming several holographic copies of the ship to distract the Decepticons.

Fully armed, Hot Shot takes a small craft and buzzes through the Decepticon's defenses to their front door. He motors around their base, passing plenty of opposition. Eventually, [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] arrives to fight Hot Shot one-on-one. The rumble between the two carries on into the Decepticons' throne room, where Thrust was seconds away from receiving the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] from Galvatron.

Wheeljack tries to convince Galvatron to listen to Hot Shot's message, and Wheeljack's compassion convinces Galvatron to open his ears. As Hot Shot explains Unicron, Galvatron notices Thrust panicking and connects the sudden presence of [[Unicron]] to the ''[[Hydra Cannon]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s un-Cybertronian technology. Starscream pipes up, mentioning that Thrust has been conspiring against Galvatron. With his plans exposed, Thrust grabs the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]], and the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] and reveals that he's been working in the service of Unicron, then he runs away. Starscream, Hot Shot, and Wheeljack chase after the traitor.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (7)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (8)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (11)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (12)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (13)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (14)
*Autobot officer (26)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (1)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (2)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (4)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (5)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (6)
*Decepticon weapons officer (20)
*Decepticon fleet commander (21)
*Decepticon infantry commander (22)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (25)

|c3=
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (15)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (16)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (17)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (18)
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (19)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]] (23)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (24)
}}

==Quotes==
"...and stop overworking your brain by thinking!"
:—'''Thrust''' to Cyclonus

"I wonder what's gonna happen now." 
"Stressful times like these call for large quantities of comfort food."
:—'''Billy''' and '''Fred''' show just what humans are made of.

"Galvatron, you were never worthy of controlling the Transformers. I've got news for you: You're nothing compared to my true master, Unicron!"
:—'''Thrust''' declares his true allegiance
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*After Scavenger stops Hoist from going after Hot Shot, Scavenger states it's important that the Autobots stay together right now and that Hot Shot can take care of himself. The kids then object that Hot Shot needs their help since he is doing it for all of them, but Blurr says it's too risky to follow him, and the Decepticons will be all over them. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this dialogue to a more negative tone as Scavenger says Hot Shot would have to face punishment for his decision disrupting military discipline. Then the kids say that Hot Shot is doing what he thinks is best for the Autobots, followed by Blurr saying they aren't playing any games. The shot of the kids is also entirely redrawn from the ''Armada'' version.
*The last scene has Thrust saying with the Mini-Con weapons he stole, he can finally see Unicron in ''Legends of the Microns'', but he's silent in ''Armada''. It's the opposite when Starscream appears, as he's silent in the Japanese dub but says he's coming for Thrust in ''Armada''.

===Animation and technical errors===
*Demolishor has an Autobot logo, albeit purple in the fifth shot.
*The second time Jetfire radios the other Autobots, he's colored like Optimus. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this mistake.
*Right after Jetfire radios the Autobots, Blurr's head is behind his seat's headrest.
*The Decepticons' starship officers refer to the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'' as the "Cybertron ship" as a general description, Cybertron being the Autobots' Japanese name.
*Wheeljack's Autobot insignia is colored purple in one shot.
*When Thrust declares his true loyalty to Unicron, he initially appears without the Requiem Blaster and the Skyboom Shield he grabbed moments before, instead of holding one of his missile launchers (which are also missing from his legs). They appear subsequently after a reaction shot of Galvatron.
*After the Decepticons are all blown away by Thrust's spinning wings attack, the spinning animation has disappeared, and he merely fades away instead of being animated running away (which is how he escapes moments later).
*Though the [[character model]] of Generation 1 Decepticon [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] also appears as a Decepticon weapons officer in the blockade fleet, he later appears in different colors, missing half of his cockpit backpack as an Autobot questioning Optimus Prime's orders for a withdrawal.
*Scavenger calls Optimus Prime the commander of the 'Cybertron' army, yet another case of the dubbing team not translating instances of 'Cybertron' (the faction) into 'Autobot.'

===Continuity notes===
*Rad feeling that he met High Wire before his arrival on Earth foreshadows the reveal in the [[Drift (episode)|next episode]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Hot Shot wields two generic rifles and a portable turret in this episode.
**Wheeljack uses his guns as swords.
**This episode depicts the only use of Thrust's toy spinning wing gimmick, though he activates it independently of his Mini-Con [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]].

===Continuity errors===
*It is unclear how Wheeljack's missile/guns/sword things can withstand the Star Saber's power when he saves Hot Shot from Galvatron's enraged attack.
*Red Alert agrees to "cover for" Hot Shot when the latter plans to make an unauthorized mission to Galvatron on Cybertron. The very next scene sees Hoist describing, in precise detail, the previous scene's events while Hot Shot has barely cleared the ''Axalon''. Red Alert defines "cover for" as "run and tell everyone." It could be a poorly translated reference to the decoy pod and rock disguise for Hot Shot's pod, though, since Hot Shot thanks him for it not long after.
**In the same sequences, when Scavenger insists that Hot Shot "can take care of himself," the kids, including Rad, get upset and urge the other Autobots to follow and back him up. However, Rad said ''the same thing'' only moments ago to convince the other kids and Red Alert to let Hot Shot go in the first place. Erratic tween emotions or bipolar scriptwriters? You decide. Fortunately, ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't have this glaring inconsistency since the conversation is entirely different.

===Trivia===
[[File:Generic Space Team Mini-Cons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]? What are you doing here? [[Spy Changer|How did you get so small]]?]]
*The Decepticon starship crew attacking the ''Axalon'' use recoloured [[character model]]s of [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] Decepticons Misfire and [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]].
*Alongside Bonecrusher and Grindor, [[generic]] recolors of the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] appear very briefly. The generic recolor of [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] also somewhat resembles the [[2001]] ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Spy Changer]] [[Optimus Prime (RID)#SC|Optimus Prime]] toy, while [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]]'s recolor shares Thrust's color scheme.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some tidbits on this episode:
**Wheeljack was thinking of rejoining the Autobots once he chases Thrust with Hot Shot; however, [[Hidehito Ueda]] thought it would be emotionally unforgivable, which is why he returns to Galvatron in "[[Portent]]."
**Wheeljack's loyalty and Thrust's true intentions being at play in this episode raise the team's tension.
**The Decepticon's base alarm is played by Rad's voice actor, while Fred's voice actor plays the Decepticon soldiers during Hot Shot's break-in.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Enthüllungen'''" ("Revelations")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 17|17 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Összeütközés'''" ("Collision")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Golpe'''" ("Hit")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 12 ([[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]]

Dash (episode)

2021-12-07T15:15:02Z

PownicMania: /* Continuity notes */

{{picsneeded}}
{{disambig3|Dash}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=45
|prev=Uprising (Armada)
|next=Drift (episode)
|title="Dash"
|furigana=うらぎり
|japanese=確信
|romaji=Uragiri
|translation=Confidence: Betrayal
|image=dash.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-45
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|englishadaptation=[[Ward Perry]]
|director=[[Tomio Yamauchi|Tokio Yamauchi]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 26]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[November 7|7 November]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[November 21]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''Hot Shot goes on a solo mission to convince Galvatron that the Autobots and Decepticons should unite to stop Unicron.'''

==Synopsis==
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] command the rest of the [[Decepticon]]s not to pay any attention to the black hole outside and to disregard the [[Autobot]]s' offer for a collaborative effort against it. While away from the rest of the Decepticons, Thrust cackles at how he's manipulating both armies.

The Autobots wait, impatient and tense. The kids aboard the ship feel depressed as they watch the combat lights on Cybertron's surface. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] passes them on his way to personally charge into the Decepticons' stronghold and reason with Galvatron. The kids and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] do their best to dissuade him—but [[Rad White|Rad]] realizes that everybody should let Hot Shot go and convinces the others that it's the best idea.

Once Hot Shot is gone, the rest of the Autobots fly to assist [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] but come under attack. The [[Mini-Con]]s help by forming several holographic copies of the ship to distract the Decepticons.

Fully armed, Hot Shot takes a small craft and buzzes through the Decepticon's defenses to their front door. He motors around their base, passing plenty of opposition. Eventually, [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] arrives to fight Hot Shot one-on-one. The rumble between the two carries on into the Decepticons' throne room, where Thrust was seconds away from receiving the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] from Galvatron.

Wheeljack tries to convince Galvatron to listen to Hot Shot's message, and Wheeljack's compassion convinces Galvatron to open his ears. As Hot Shot explains Unicron, Galvatron notices Thrust panicking and connects the sudden presence of [[Unicron]] to the ''[[Hydra Cannon]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s un-Cybertronian technology. Starscream pipes up, mentioning that Thrust has been conspiring against Galvatron. With his plans exposed, Thrust grabs the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]], and the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] and reveals that he's been working in the service of Unicron, then he runs away. Starscream, Hot Shot, and Wheeljack chase after the traitor.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (7)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (8)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (11)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (12)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (13)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (14)
*Autobot officer (26)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (1)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (2)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (4)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (5)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (6)
*Decepticon weapons officer (20)
*Decepticon fleet commander (21)
*Decepticon infantry commander (22)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (25)

|c3=
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (15)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (16)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (17)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (18)
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (19)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]] (23)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (24)
}}

==Quotes==
"...and stop overworking your brain by thinking!"
:—'''Thrust''' to Cyclonus

"I wonder what's gonna happen now." 
"Stressful times like these call for large quantities of comfort food."
:—'''Billy''' and '''Fred''' show just what humans are made of.

"Galvatron, you were never worthy of controlling the Transformers. I've got news for you: You're nothing compared to my true master, Unicron!"
:—'''Thrust''' declares his true allegiance
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*After Scavenger stops Hoist from going after Hot Shot, Scavenger states it's important that the Autobots stay together right now and that Hot Shot can take care of himself. The kids then object that Hot Shot needs their help since he is doing it for all of them, but Blurr says it's too risky to follow him, and the Decepticons will be all over them. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this dialogue to a more negative tone as Scavenger says Hot Shot would have to face punishment for his decision disrupting military discipline. Then the kids say that Hot Shot is doing what he thinks is best for the Autobots, followed by Blurr saying they aren't playing any games. The shot of the kids is also entirely redrawn from the ''Armada'' version.
*The last scene has Thrust saying with the Mini-Con weapons he stole, he can finally see Unicron in ''Legends of the Microns'', but he's silent in ''Armada''. It's the opposite when Starscream appears, as he's silent in the Japanese dub but says he's coming for Thrust in ''Armada''.

===Animation and technical errors===
*Demolishor has an Autobot logo, albeit purple in the fifth shot.
*The second time Jetfire radios the other Autobots, he's colored like Optimus. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this mistake.
*Right after Jetfire radios the Autobots, Blurr's head is behind his seat's headrest.
*The Decepticons' starship officers refer to the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'' as the "Cybertron ship" as a general description, Cybertron being the Autobots' Japanese name.
*Wheeljack's Autobot insignia is colored purple in one shot.
*When Thrust declares his true loyalty to Unicron, he initially appears without the Requiem Blaster and the Skyboom Shield he grabbed moments before, instead of holding one of his missile launchers (which are also missing from his legs). They appear subsequently after a reaction shot of Galvatron.
*After the Decepticons are all blown away by Thrust's spinning wings attack, the spinning animation has disappeared, and he merely fades away instead of being animated running away (which is how he escapes moments later).
*Though the [[character model]] of Generation 1 Decepticon [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] also appears as a Decepticon weapons officer in the blockade fleet, he later appears in different colors, missing half of his cockpit backpack as an Autobot questioning Optimus Prime's orders for a withdrawal.
*Scavenger calls Optimus Prime the commander of the 'Cybertron' army, yet another case of the dubbing team not translating instances of 'Cybertron' (the faction) into 'Autobot.'

===Continuity notes===
*Rad feeling that he met High Wire before his arrival on Earth foreshadows the reveal in the [[Drift (Episode)|next episode]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Hot Shot wields two generic rifles and a portable turret in this episode.
**Wheeljack uses his guns as swords.
**This episode depicts the only use of Thrust's toy spinning wing gimmick, though he activates it independently of his Mini-Con [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]].

===Continuity errors===
*It is unclear how Wheeljack's missile/guns/sword things can withstand the Star Saber's power when he saves Hot Shot from Galvatron's enraged attack.
*Red Alert agrees to "cover for" Hot Shot when the latter plans to make an unauthorized mission to Galvatron on Cybertron. The very next scene sees Hoist describing, in precise detail, the previous scene's events while Hot Shot has barely cleared the ''Axalon''. Red Alert defines "cover for" as "run and tell everyone." It could be a poorly translated reference to the decoy pod and rock disguise for Hot Shot's pod, though, since Hot Shot thanks him for it not long after.
**In the same sequences, when Scavenger insists that Hot Shot "can take care of himself," the kids, including Rad, get upset and urge the other Autobots to follow and back him up. However, Rad said ''the same thing'' only moments ago to convince the other kids and Red Alert to let Hot Shot go in the first place. Erratic tween emotions or bipolar scriptwriters? You decide. Fortunately, ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't have this glaring inconsistency since the conversation is entirely different.

===Trivia===
[[File:Generic Space Team Mini-Cons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]? What are you doing here? [[Spy Changer|How did you get so small]]?]]
*The Decepticon starship crew attacking the ''Axalon'' use recoloured [[character model]]s of [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] Decepticons Misfire and [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]].
*Alongside Bonecrusher and Grindor, [[generic]] recolors of the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] appear very briefly. The generic recolor of [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] also somewhat resembles the [[2001]] ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Spy Changer]] [[Optimus Prime (RID)#SC|Optimus Prime]] toy, while [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]]'s recolor shares Thrust's color scheme.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some tidbits on this episode:
**Wheeljack was thinking of rejoining the Autobots once he chases Thrust with Hot Shot; however, [[Hidehito Ueda]] thought it would be emotionally unforgivable, which is why he returns to Galvatron in "[[Portent]]."
**Wheeljack's loyalty and Thrust's true intentions being at play in this episode raise the team's tension.
**The Decepticon's base alarm is played by Rad's voice actor, while Fred's voice actor plays the Decepticon soldiers during Hot Shot's break-in.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Enthüllungen'''" ("Revelations")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 17|17 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Összeütközés'''" ("Collision")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Golpe'''" ("Hit")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 12 ([[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]]

Dash (episode)

2021-12-07T15:14:21Z

PownicMania: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{picsneeded}}
{{disambig3|Dash}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=45
|prev=Uprising (Armada)
|next=Drift (episode)
|title="Dash"
|furigana=うらぎり
|japanese=確信
|romaji=Uragiri
|translation=Confidence: Betrayal
|image=dash.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-45
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|englishadaptation=[[Ward Perry]]
|director=[[Tomio Yamauchi|Tokio Yamauchi]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 26]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[November 7|7 November]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[November 21]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''Hot Shot goes on a solo mission to convince Galvatron that the Autobots and Decepticons should unite to stop Unicron.'''

==Synopsis==
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] command the rest of the [[Decepticon]]s not to pay any attention to the black hole outside and to disregard the [[Autobot]]s' offer for a collaborative effort against it. While away from the rest of the Decepticons, Thrust cackles at how he's manipulating both armies.

The Autobots wait, impatient and tense. The kids aboard the ship feel depressed as they watch the combat lights on Cybertron's surface. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] passes them on his way to personally charge into the Decepticons' stronghold and reason with Galvatron. The kids and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] do their best to dissuade him—but [[Rad White|Rad]] realizes that everybody should let Hot Shot go and convinces the others that it's the best idea.

Once Hot Shot is gone, the rest of the Autobots fly to assist [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] but come under attack. The [[Mini-Con]]s help by forming several holographic copies of the ship to distract the Decepticons.

Fully armed, Hot Shot takes a small craft and buzzes through the Decepticon's defenses to their front door. He motors around their base, passing plenty of opposition. Eventually, [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] arrives to fight Hot Shot one-on-one. The rumble between the two carries on into the Decepticons' throne room, where Thrust was seconds away from receiving the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] from Galvatron.

Wheeljack tries to convince Galvatron to listen to Hot Shot's message, and Wheeljack's compassion convinces Galvatron to open his ears. As Hot Shot explains Unicron, Galvatron notices Thrust panicking and connects the sudden presence of [[Unicron]] to the ''[[Hydra Cannon]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s un-Cybertronian technology. Starscream pipes up, mentioning that Thrust has been conspiring against Galvatron. With his plans exposed, Thrust grabs the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]], and the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] and reveals that he's been working in the service of Unicron, then he runs away. Starscream, Hot Shot, and Wheeljack chase after the traitor.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (7)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (8)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (11)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (12)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (13)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (14)
*Autobot officer (26)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (1)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (2)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (4)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (5)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (6)
*Decepticon weapons officer (20)
*Decepticon fleet commander (21)
*Decepticon infantry commander (22)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (25)

|c3=
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (15)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (16)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (17)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (18)
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (19)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]] (23)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (24)
}}

==Quotes==
"...and stop overworking your brain by thinking!"
:—'''Thrust''' to Cyclonus

"I wonder what's gonna happen now." 
"Stressful times like these call for large quantities of comfort food."
:—'''Billy''' and '''Fred''' show just what humans are made of.

"Galvatron, you were never worthy of controlling the Transformers. I've got news for you: You're nothing compared to my true master, Unicron!"
:—'''Thrust''' declares his true allegiance
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*After Scavenger stops Hoist from going after Hot Shot, Scavenger states it's important that the Autobots stay together right now and that Hot Shot can take care of himself. The kids then object that Hot Shot needs their help since he is doing it for all of them, but Blurr says it's too risky to follow him, and the Decepticons will be all over them. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this dialogue to a more negative tone as Scavenger says Hot Shot would have to face punishment for his decision disrupting military discipline. Then the kids say that Hot Shot is doing what he thinks is best for the Autobots, followed by Blurr saying they aren't playing any games. The shot of the kids is also entirely redrawn from the ''Armada'' version.
*The last scene has Thrust saying with the Mini-Con weapons he stole, he can finally see Unicron in ''Legends of the Microns'', but he's silent in ''Armada''. It's the opposite when Starscream appears, as he's silent in the Japanese dub but says he's coming for Thrust in ''Armada''.

===Animation and technical errors===
*Demolishor has an Autobot logo, albeit purple in the fifth shot.
*The second time Jetfire radios the other Autobots, he's colored like Optimus. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this mistake.
*Right after Jetfire radios the Autobots, Blurr's head is behind his seat's headrest.
*The Decepticons' starship officers refer to the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'' as the "Cybertron ship" as a general description, Cybertron being the Autobots' Japanese name.
*Wheeljack's Autobot insignia is colored purple in one shot.
*When Thrust declares his true loyalty to Unicron, he initially appears without the Requiem Blaster and the Skyboom Shield he grabbed moments before, instead of holding one of his missile launchers (which are also missing from his legs). They appear subsequently after a reaction shot of Galvatron.
*After the Decepticons are all blown away by Thrust's spinning wings attack, the spinning animation has disappeared, and he merely fades away instead of being animated running away (which is how he escapes moments later).
*Though the [[character model]] of Generation 1 Decepticon [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] also appears as a Decepticon weapons officer in the blockade fleet, he later appears in different colors, missing half of his cockpit backpack as an Autobot questioning Optimus Prime's orders for a withdrawal.
*Scavenger calls Optimus Prime the commander of the 'Cybertron' army, yet another case of the dubbing team not translating instances of 'Cybertron' (the faction) into 'Autobot.'

===Continuity notes===
*Rad feeling that he met High Wire before his arrival on Earth foreshadows the reveal in the [[Drift (Armada)|next episode]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Hot Shot wields two generic rifles and a portable turret in this episode.
**Wheeljack uses his guns as swords.
**This episode depicts the only use of Thrust's toy spinning wing gimmick, though he activates it independently of his Mini-Con [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]].

===Continuity errors===
*It is unclear how Wheeljack's missile/guns/sword things can withstand the Star Saber's power when he saves Hot Shot from Galvatron's enraged attack.
*Red Alert agrees to "cover for" Hot Shot when the latter plans to make an unauthorized mission to Galvatron on Cybertron. The very next scene sees Hoist describing, in precise detail, the previous scene's events while Hot Shot has barely cleared the ''Axalon''. Red Alert defines "cover for" as "run and tell everyone." It could be a poorly translated reference to the decoy pod and rock disguise for Hot Shot's pod, though, since Hot Shot thanks him for it not long after.
**In the same sequences, when Scavenger insists that Hot Shot "can take care of himself," the kids, including Rad, get upset and urge the other Autobots to follow and back him up. However, Rad said ''the same thing'' only moments ago to convince the other kids and Red Alert to let Hot Shot go in the first place. Erratic tween emotions or bipolar scriptwriters? You decide. Fortunately, ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't have this glaring inconsistency since the conversation is entirely different.

===Trivia===
[[File:Generic Space Team Mini-Cons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]? What are you doing here? [[Spy Changer|How did you get so small]]?]]
*The Decepticon starship crew attacking the ''Axalon'' use recoloured [[character model]]s of [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] Decepticons Misfire and [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]].
*Alongside Bonecrusher and Grindor, [[generic]] recolors of the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] appear very briefly. The generic recolor of [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] also somewhat resembles the [[2001]] ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Spy Changer]] [[Optimus Prime (RID)#SC|Optimus Prime]] toy, while [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]]'s recolor shares Thrust's color scheme.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some tidbits on this episode:
**Wheeljack was thinking of rejoining the Autobots once he chases Thrust with Hot Shot; however, [[Hidehito Ueda]] thought it would be emotionally unforgivable, which is why he returns to Galvatron in "[[Portent]]."
**Wheeljack's loyalty and Thrust's true intentions being at play in this episode raise the team's tension.
**The Decepticon's base alarm is played by Rad's voice actor, while Fred's voice actor plays the Decepticon soldiers during Hot Shot's break-in.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Enthüllungen'''" ("Revelations")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 17|17 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Összeütközés'''" ("Collision")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Golpe'''" ("Hit")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 12 ([[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]]

Dash (episode)

2021-12-07T11:56:45Z

PownicMania: /* Trivia */

{{picsneeded}}
{{disambig3|Dash}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=45
|prev=Uprising (Armada)
|next=Drift (episode)
|title="Dash"
|furigana=うらぎり
|japanese=確信
|romaji=Uragiri
|translation=Confidence: Betrayal
|image=dash.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-45
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|englishadaptation=[[Ward Perry]]
|director=[[Tomio Yamauchi|Tokio Yamauchi]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 26]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[November 7|7 November]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[November 21]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Hot Shot goes on a solo mission to convince Galvatron that the Autobots and Decepticons should unite to stop Unicron.'''

==Synopsis==
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] command the rest of the [[Decepticon]]s not to pay any attention to the black hole outside and to disregard the [[Autobot]]s' offer for a collaborative effort against it. Away from the rest of the Decepticons, Thrust cackles at how he's manipulating both armies.

The Autobots wait, impatient and tense. The kids aboard the ship feel depressed as they watch the combat lights on Cybertron's surface. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] passes them, on his way to personally charge into the Decepticons' stronghold and reason with Galvatron. The kids and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] do their best to dissuade him—but [[Rad White|Rad]] realizes that everybody should let Hot Shot go and convinces the others that it's the best idea.

Once Hot Shot is gone, the rest of the Autobots fly to assist [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] but come under attack. The [[Mini-Con]]s assist by forming several holographic copies of the ship to distract the Decepticons.

Fully armed, Hot Shot takes a small craft and buzzes through the Decepticon's defenses to their front door. He motors around their base, passing plenty of opposition. Eventually, [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] arrives to fight Hot Shot one-on-one. The rumble between the two carries into the Decepticons' throne room, where Thrust was seconds away from receiving the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] from Galvatron.

Wheeljack tries to convince Galvatron to listen to Hot Shot's message, and Wheeljack's compassion convinces Galvatron to open his ears. As Hot Shot explains Unicron, Galvatron notices Thrust panicking and connects the sudden presence of [[Unicron]] to the ''[[Hydra Cannon]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s un-Cybertronian technology. Starscream pipes up, mentioning that Thrust has been conspiring against Galvatron. With his plans exposed, Thrust grabs the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] and the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] and reveals that he's been working in the service of Unicron, then he runs away. Starscream, Hot Shot, and Wheeljack chase after the traitor.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (7)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (8)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (11)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (12)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (13)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (14)
*Autobot officer (26)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (1)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (2)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (4)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (5)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (6)
*Decepticon weapons officer (20)
*Decepticon fleet commander (21)
*Decepticon infantry commander (22)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (25)

|c3=
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (15)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (16)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (17)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (18)
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (19)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]] (23)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (24)
}}

==Quotes==
"...and stop overworking your brain by thinking!"
:—'''Thrust''' to Cyclonus

"I wonder what's gonna happen now." 
"Stressful times like these call for large quantities of comfort food."
:—'''Billy''' and '''Fred''' show just what humans are made of.

"Galvatron, you were never worthy of controlling the Transformers. I've got news for you: You're nothing compared to my true master, Unicron!"
:—'''Thrust''' declares his true allegiance
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*After Scavenger stops Hoist from going after Hot Shot, Scavenger proclaims it's important that the Autobots stay together right now and that Hot Shot can take care of himself. The kids then object that Hot Shot needs their help since he is doing it for all of them, but Blurr says that it's too risky to follow him and the Decepticons will be all over them. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this dialouge to a more negative tone as Scavenger says Hot Shot would have to be punished due to his decision disrupting military discipline, with the kids then saying that Hot Shot is doing what he thinks is best for the Autobots, followed by Blurr saying that they aren't playing any games. The shot of the kids is also entirely redrawn from the ''Armada'' version.
*The last scene has Thrust saying with the Mini-Con weapons he stole, he can finally see Unicron in ''Legends of the Microns'', but he's silent in ''Armada''. This is the opposite for when Starscream appears, as he's silent in the Japanese version, but says he's coming for Thrust in the English version.

===Animation and technical errors===
*In the fifth shot, Demolishor has an Autobot logo, albeit in purple.
*The second time Jetfire radios the rest of the Autobots, he's colored like Optimus.
*Right after Jetfire radios the Autobots, Blurr's head is behind the headrest of his seat.
*The Decepticons' starship officers refer to the ''Axalon'' as the "Cybertron ship" as a general description, Cybertron being the Japanese name for the Autobots.
*In one shot, Wheeljack's Autobot insignia is colored purple.
*When Thrust declares his true loyalty to Unicron, he initially appears without the Requiem Blaster and the Skyboom Shield he grabbed moments before, instead holding one of his missile launchers (which are also missing from his legs). They appear subsequently after a reaction shot of Galvatron.
*After the Decepticons are all blown away by Thrust's spinning wings attack, the spinning animation has disappeared and he merely fades away instead of being animated running away (which is how he is shown to be escaping moments later)
*Though the [[character model]] of Generation 1 Decepticon [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] also appears as a Decepticon weapons officer in the blockade fleet, he later appears in different colours, missing half of his cockpit backpack as an Autobot questioning Optimus Prime's orders for a withdrawal.
*Scavenger calls Optimus Prime the commander of the 'Cybertron' army, yet another case of the dubbing team not translating instances of 'Cybertron' (the faction) into 'Autobot'.

===Continuity notes===
*Rad have feelings that he met High Wire before his arrival on Earth foreshadows the reveal in the [[Drift (Armada)|next episode]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Hot Shot wields two generic rifles and a portable turret this episode.
**Wheeljack uses his guns as swords.
**This episode depicts the only use of Thrust's toy spinning wing gimmick, though he activates it independently of his Mini-Con [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]].

===Continuity errors===
*It is unclear how Wheeljack's missile/guns/sword things are able to withstand the power of the Star Saber when he saves Hot Shot from Galvatron's enraged attack.
*Red Alert agrees to "cover for" Hot Shot when the latter is planning to make an unauthorized mission to Galvatron on Cybertron. The very next scene sees Hoist describing, in precise detail, the events of the previous scene, while Hot Shot has barely cleared the Axalon. Apparently Red Alert's definition of "cover for" is "run and tell everyone that". It could be a poorly translated reference to the decoy pod and rock disguise for Hot Shot's pod though, since Hot Shot thanks him for it not long after.
*In the same sequences, when Scavenger insists that Hot Shot "can take care of himself", the kids, including Rad, get upset and urge the other Autobots follow him and back him up. This, in spite of the fact that Rad said ''exactly the same thing'' only moments ago to convince the other kids and Red Alert into letting Hot Shot go in the first place. Erratic tween emotions or bipolar script writers? You decide. Fortunately, ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't have this glaring inconsistency since the conversation is entirely different.

===Trivia===
[[File:Generic Space Team Mini-Cons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]? What are you doing here? [[Spy Changer|How did you get so small]]?]]
*The Decepticon starship crew attacking the [[Axalon (Armada)|''Axalon'']] use recoloured [[character model]]s of [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] Decepticons Misfire and [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]].
*Alongside Bonecrusher and Grindor, [[generic]] recolors of the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] appear very briefly. The generic recolor of [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] also somewhat resembles the [[2001]] ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Spy Changer]] [[Optimus Prime (RID)#SC|Optimus Prime]] toy, while [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]]'s recolor shares Thrust's color scheme.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some interesting tidbits on this episode:
**Wheeljack was actually thinking of joining back with the Autobots once he chases Thrust with Hot Shot, but [[Hidehito Ueda]] thought it would be emotionally unforgivable, which is why he went back to Galvatron in [[Portent]].
**The tension of the team was raised thanks to Wheeljack's loyalty and the true intentions of Thrust being at play in this episode.
**The Decepticon's base alarm is played by Rad's voice actor, meanwhile the Decepticon soldiers during Hot Shot's break in are played by Fred's voice actor.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Enthüllungen'''" ("Revelations")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 17|17 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Összeütközés'''" ("Collision")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Golpe'''" ("Hit")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 12 ([[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]]

Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003

2021-12-07T11:55:29Z

PownicMania: Explained in the "Past" episode page

{{cleanup|March 2009|Formatting and possibly translation required}}
{{bookstub}}

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=Chō Robot Seimeitai Transformers Micron Densetsu Year Book 2003
|image=Tf micron legend year book 2003 cover obi.jpg
|caption=Don't drop them, don't drop them...
|japanese=超ロボット生命体トランスフォーマーマイクロン伝説 YEAR BOOK 2003
|translation=Super Robot Lifeform Transformers Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003
|publisher=[[JIVE Ltd.]]
|written by=
|date=[[March 7|7 March]] [[2004]]
|illustrated by=
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
|pagecount=111
|ISBN=ISBN 4902314282 ISBN 978-4902314281
|price=2,800 yen
}}

Published in March 2004, '''''Chō Robot Seimeitai Transformers Micron Densetsu Year Book 2003''''' summarizes all 52 episodes of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Legends of the Microns]]'' cartoon into 4 seasons, as well random trivia (such as various cameos) and episode notes, model sheets, and others. The book is entirely in Japanese.

==Contents==
===Season 1===
Covers episodes 1 to 12.

===Season 2===
Covers episodes 13 to 25.

===Season 3===
Covers episodes 26 to 39.

===Season 4===
Covers episodes 40 to 52.

===Toy photos===
===Animation model sheets/concept sketches===
===Interview with Aaron Archer===
[[Image:ArcherinterviewArmadayearbook.jpg|left|300px|thumb]]
{{--}}

==Notes==
*Included instructions on how to win the special present [[Unicron of Light|Hikari no Unicron]], limited to 10 winners.

[[Category:Needs Translation]]
[[Category:Armada media]]
[[Category:Reference texts]]

Mortal Combat

2021-12-07T03:17:41Z

PownicMania: /* Trivia */

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=52
|prev=Origin
|next=Cybertron City (episode)
|title="Mortal Combat"
|japanese=死闘
|romaji=Shitō
|translation=Death Match
|image=Armada 52 - Prime hangon to Galvatron.jpg
|caption=Fatality!
|production code=TF: A-52
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]
|englishadaptation=[[Terry Klassen]]
|director=[[Hidehito Ueda]], [[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.), [[Munetaka Abe]] (animation dir.)
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[October 3]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[December 12]], [[2003]] (English, United States) [[December 26]], [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Optimus and Galvatron wage their final brutal battle, while the rest of the Transformers deal with Unicron.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Unicron]] is no longer functional, his body lying dormant in space. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] lets the assembled armies return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to begin the rebuilding.

[[File:MortalCombat galvatron sacrifice.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left]]
Inside of Unicron, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] holds onto the idea that he can still become the sole ruler of the universe. Now that Unicron is gone, it's left to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and Galvatron to finish the war. Optimus and the kids try to argue that now that the two militaries have been united, there's no need to continue the fight, but Galvatron reminds his foe that the hatred left over from an unfinished war would repower Unicron.

On Cybertron, [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] alerts the other that Unicron is in motion again. Hot Shot decides to go to Unicron to retrieve Optimus Prime, but [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] takes Hot Shot's place. [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] follows Jetfire.

Optimus says goodbye to the children; the kids don't want to go, but he convinces them that the final battle must be fought. After throwing away the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] (because this isn't a battle between Autobots and Decepticons, but Optimus' vision for peace against Galvatron's lust for conflict), Prime starts the fight with some gunfire and a knee to Galvatron's face. When Galvatron gets up, he and Prime blast their firepower at each other.

Outside of Unicron, Jetfire and Cyclonus pick up the kids and bring them back to Cybertron. The kids report on what the two leaders are doing, and it seems Unicron isn't quite dead either. Under heavy pressure, Hot Shot orders the attack against Unicron to be resumed, with special care taken not to harm the leaders.

Inside, Optimus Prime and Galvatron continue to rumble. Prime throws one of his wheels directly into Galvatron's primary cannon. The resulting explosion blasts Galvatron through a wall, but the Decepticon is only amused by the ferocity of the combat. Unicron's words echo in Prime's mind. Galvatron uses his extending antlers to toss Prime around. Prime breaks off the blades and uses them against his rival, but Galvatron scores a critical hit through Optimus with his hidden wrist blade.

[[File:Mortal Combat Hot Shot Jetfire.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|When we come back, we'll be terrible cel-shaded CGI!]]
The [[Transformer]]s buzz around Unicron, blasting him through his own trenches. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] notices that during the combat, a large, growing black hole has appeared on Unicron's surface.

Optimus Prime stands up, refusing to give up the fight. Decompression sends the warriors outside of Unicron, onto his external surface. Galvatron acquires a nearby pipe to use as a battle staff, but Optimus displays amazing agility and stands on the staff, prancing along it to kick Galvatron in the face. While Galvatron is still stunned, Optimus hefts his foe and cramps Galvatron's midsection, but in the process, the metal pipe is shoved down Prime's back.

[[File:Unicron-behind-a-planet-Armada.jpg|thumb|left]]
The two warriors break for a moment, and Galvatron admits that even though he lost the battle, he enjoyed the thrill of it. The moment of peace between the two is disturbed by Unicron transforming into his planet mode. Prime is stuck holding onto Galvatron as the two are sucked toward Unicron's maw. Galvatron, determined to see only one winner of the war (even if it isn't him) instructs Prime to let him fall. Prime refuses, so Galvatron cuts himself loose and free-falls into oblivion. As soon as Galvatron is absorbed, Unicron vanishes. Left floating in space, Optimus decides he's unworthy of the Matrix.

Sometime later, Hot Shot and Jetfire return the kids to Earth. They agree that they've all learned a lot from each other ever since their first encounter. [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]], and [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] start to cry. Alexis gazes down at her pendant that contains the [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] stone that [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] gave her, smiling sadly as if remembering him. With the war over, Optimus Prime narrates the closing moments. But, hidden behind a distant planet, Unicron endures.

[['Til all are one|'Til all are]] [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|undone.]]
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (2)
* [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (3)
* [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (4)
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (6)
* [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (13)
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (14)
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (15)
* [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (16)
* [[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] (24)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (5)
* [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (17)
* [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (18)
* [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (19)
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (23)

|c3=
* [[Rad White|Rad]] (7)
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (8)
* [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (9)
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (10)
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (11)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] (12)
*[[Race Mini-Con Team]] (20)
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (21)
*[[Space Mini-Con Team]] (22)

|h5=Other|c5=
* [[Unicron]] (1)
}}

==Quotes==
"This probably isn't the time to ask, but when are we gonna eat, you guys?" 
"Zip it, Fred, or I'll give you my fist to chew on!" 
:—'''Fred''' and '''Billy'''

"Your mindless ambitions are fueled only by your greed. You'll stop at nothing to get what you want. I should have let Unicron destroy you!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' to Galvatron

"Why can't we all just get along?!"
:—'''Fred'''

"Children, the future is yours!" 
"Good riddance, humans!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Galvatron''' bid farewell to the kids in their own unique ways.

"Don't act surprised. This is exactly what you wanted. And I fight you not as the leader of the Autobots, but as the leader of ''all'' Transformers!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' tosses aside his Matrix of Leadership before attacking Galvatron.

"Farewell, Optimus Prime. Victory is all yours. Now go look after your men, they need you!"
:—'''Galvatron's''' last words until ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]''

"The war between the Autobots and the Decepticons has come to an end, and without the hatred between the two sides, there was no evil to feed Unicron, and he became powerless. Both Unicron and Megatron scattered into the far reaches of the universe. As for me, my purpose has been served. Cybertron is safe and Transformers live in peace with the Mini-Cons. So the next time you look out into space and see a peaceful star far, far away, it just might be Cybertron. TRANSFORM!"
:—'''Optimus Prime's''' last words until ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]''

{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*The opening is silent in ''Legends of the Microns'' until Hot Shot speaks, meanwhile ''Armada'' has [[Jim Conrad]] narrate the opening, recapping the last episode's events of how the union manage to neutralize Unicron, but an old battle is about to begin.
*Hot Shot hopes that Optimus and Galvatron manage to get out of Unicron safely in ''Armada'', and Scavenger suggests they shouldn't worry too much since they can handle themselves. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shots asks if they escaped Unicron and Scavenger imagines those two can handle themselves but unsure of what to do now. Hot Shot then says that if taking down Unicron happened earlier, they would retrieve them, but figured they need a break in ''Legends of the Microns'', but Armada only has him say they'll meet them back on Cybertron.
*Optimus and Galvatron's conversation before they clash ''essentially'' is the same in both dubs, but the points made are almost entirely different. ''Armada'' noticeably throws in being the ruler of the universe whereas ''Legends of the Microns'' is about trying to embrace your nature.
**''Legends of the Microns'' has Galvatron ask Optimus what was the purpose of their long struggle and was it to only awaken Unicron, before claiming they fought each other to preserve their true sense themselves and not to be Unicron's puppets. The kids(Particularly Fred) are confused about all of this talk of maintaining a true sense of who you are, and Galvatron reminds them he only joined forces with Optimus to take down Unicron, and now that he is defeated, there is no reason to continue the alliance. Alexis then asks why Starscream sacrificed himself for, which Galvatron asks why, and the former replies with how it was to unite all Transformers. Galvatron continues that even if the Decpticons and Autobots join hands, he can never reconcile the differences with him and Optimus, causing the latter to ask if the battle with Unicron was pointless. Galvatron then says the battle itself wasn't pointless, but it can only have meaning if the party with justice must gain victory, and Optimus replies with own, saying that as long as evil resides in the hearts of the Transformers, Unicron will only grow stronger, and that's what the battle has wrought. The kids all agree with Optimus, to which Galvatron asks if that's what he truly believes and mentions that he couldn't answer Sideways' question, before asking again if Optimus' hatred of him was a motivator to fight for all these ages. When Optimus says who is, Galvatron replies with "That again" before saying he wants to seek Optimus' true feelings as a Transformer.
**''Armada'' makes Galvatron say that if they don't continue their battle then all of their fighting has been pointless, before making a very unwanted claim of how there can only be one ruler of the universe. The kids respond with annoyance except for Fred and Billy, with the former asking when they are gonna eat and the latter replies that he would give him his fist to chew on. Galvatron says it is now time to take care of the other obstacle that stands in his way before Alexis jumps reminding him on why Starscream sacrificed himself, to which the former answers because he was a fool before the latter says that he wanted everyone to leave in peace. Galvatron tells the kids to understand the simple concept of only one person ruling the universe before claiming that it's going to be him, then Optimus asks if battling Unicron was just a means to an end. Galvatron confirms this and says he used him in order to further his ambitions, asking if it's wrong to think highly of yourself to which Optimus says yes and continues that he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Then in a bit of an out of character moment, claims that he should've let Unicorn destroy him. Galvatron says that this conversation is interesting but Optimus failed to comprehend his own argument before reminding him of what Unicron said about their dilemma, and asks if Optimus is either oppressing his hatred of him or he actually likes him. Once Optimus reintroduces himself, Galvaron replies with how he never changes, and says Optimus can deny his hatred all he wants, but he knows the real truth in his heart.
*When Unicron starts to move, Hot Shot suggests it's maybe better if they wait until Optimus gets back to figure out what to do, then later says no to Red Alert's suggestion this is the best opportunity to retrieve him and the kids and that everyone should stay here and be on lookout in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' is mostly the same, but Hot Shot instead asks if Optimus, Galvatron, and the kids are still inside Unicron, then when responding to Red Alert's suggestion mentions that the fleet's on standby. He then says what are the chances of Unicron attacking and if anything does happen, he can always count on Jetfire to take charge.
*Jetfire speaks in a lot more of a commanding tone when suggesting that he goes and retrieves everyone on Unicron in ''Armada'' compared to ''Legends of the Microns''. When Jetfire leaves and Cyclonus catches up with him, ''Armada'' plays the [[Theme song|theme song]] whereas no music is present in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The kids' departure from Optimus and Galvatron brings in more differences yet still being ''somewhat'' the same thing in between dubs: [[File:Mortal Combat animation changes.jpg|thumb|340px|Animation changes between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' screencaps (right).]]
**Before pointing out the differences between the dialogue, there are some surprising animation shot changes in between versions.
***When Optimus says the children's names before he says his speech, ''Armada'' actually has an exclusive pan of the kids. ''Legends of the Microns'' instead just uses a later shot of Optimus looking down on the kids during this sequence.
***After Optimus tells the Mini-Cons to look after the kids, High Wire, Grindor, and Sureshock's shot are drawn differently in each version, with the Japanese dub swapping places between High Wire and Grindor to provide more consistency on where is who.
**''Armada'' has Galvatron ask the kids to step aside since he and Optimus have "business" to take care of, then Carlos says they aren't going anywhere and Billy confidently says Optimus isn't going to fight. Galvatron replies mockingly that Optimus is going to let himself get obliterated before the latter tells the kids his personal thank you for helping the Autobots save the Mini-Cons. Optimus then assures Galvatron is right about needing to end hate in the universe and that he now has to finish what he started. Sureshock asks Optimus why he should fight after he entrusts them with the children, with the latter then saying it's the only way to achieve peace, then Rad tells him he shouldn't let Galvatron suck him into this but later realizes Optimus isn't going to change. He then asks if they'll see each other again soon, and Optimus assures that they will and he'll always remember him. Optimus and Galvatron then give their final farewells to the kids(See above.)
**Galvatron asks the kids to leave Unicron since this is his and Optimus' fight in ''Legends of the Microns'', with Carlos in return asking why he still can't understand what they are saying and Billy reaffirming that there is no need to fight. Galvatron says that it doesn't look like Optimus believes that before the latter says to the kids that they would've never been able to defeat Unicron with their help, but apologizes for going to fight with Galvatron and that he's still a regular Transformer when you remove the "Supreme Commander" title from him. Optimus trusts the Mini-Cons to take care of the children and assures them that they all must rely on their own strength to carry forward, which makes Rad ask if he's really going to fight. Rad thanks Optimus for everything that has happened, with the latter assuring vice versa and that he wouldn't be standing here today without him. High Wire says all of the kids' names when he glows multiple times, and Optimus tells them farewell and to head towards the future.
*Galvatron talks about being only with Optimus in ''Armada'', to which Optimus says that the time of speeches are over and it's time to end their quarrel, then later says he shouldn't be surprised and that this is exactly what he wants before throwing the Matrix out. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Galvatron asking Optimus what's wrong, with Prime replying that he was right, which is why from this point onward they'll fight as Transformers.
*After tossing the Matrix before his final battle against Galvatron, Optimus says that he's fighting him not as a Commander "but as a Transformer called Optimus Prime!"
*After Optimus shoots at Galvatron, he comments on how he was the first one to attack in ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' has him say that Optimus is not superior to him.
*When Cyclonus stops shooting at Unicron, he says he just got carried away in ''Armada'' whereas ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say "I guess so..." Jetfire's reaction is also changed from him telling Cyclonus to knock it off in the English dub, but immediately remarks of Optimus and the others being inside Unicron in Japanese.
*When Jetfire notices the kids coming out of Unicron, ''Armada'' has Rad sounding shocked about the teleportation he just witnessed, but ''Legends of the Microns'' has him silent and instead has Jetfire point out the kids.
*The union's discussion back at the [[Axalon]] is subtly different between versions:
**''Legends of the Microns'' has Hoist ask how they are supposed to protect space with Unicron floating around, which Scavenger then asks what they are going to do since he's just there defenseless. Wheeljack asks Hot Shot what's the purpose of uniting the Transformers race before encouraging him to think, and then Demolishor reminds everyone that Galvatron is still inside Unicron. Side Swipe reminds everyone that Optimus is there too, to which Blurr responds that the two leaders are focusing intently on their duel, but he can't say why. Hot Shot then comes to the conclusion that this might be their only chance to destroy Unicron, and even if Optimus is still inside, they must carry out the attack.
**''Armada'' has Hoist suggest that they should wait for Jetfire and the kids to return before they do anything, with Scavenger agreeing, but Wheeljack suggests to Hot Shot they should commence an assault now before Demolishor and Sideswipe remind him that the two leaders are still inside Unicron and they might get hit. Blurr says that it might be best for Optimus to return first and he doesn't think they have choice, and then Hot Shot evaluates that Unicron can't be fully recovered nor Optimus and Galvatron should get hurt before he announces the assault.
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Hot Shot's announcement longer compared to ''Armada'', which also focused more on Optimus and Galvatron being inside than the actual attack.
*After Galvatron gets thrown off course due to his blaster getting clogged, ''Armada'' has Galvatron saying he didn't expect Optimus defending himself, but he's glad that he is his old self again and all of this reminds him of the good old days. His laugh during this also has an echo effect. Meanwhile in ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron says this is what he expects from a top class Transformer who fights, and then remarks on how fun this is.
*Unicron's words hovering over Optimus gives the same intent in both dubs, but like with "[[Origin]]", there's no mention of Optimus being like Galvatron if he doesn't have the Matrix in ''Armada'' and instead Unicron talks about he loves the smell of battle.
*When the scene cuts back to their duel, ''Legends of the Microns'' includes a short clip where Galvatron rips out his destroyed cannon to throw it at Optimus before striking him with his horns. ''Armada'' only shows Optimus blocking a seemingly random object thrown at him. [[File:Mortal Combat ML Exclusive Shot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right|''Legends of the Micron'''s exclusive animation that adds to the run time by a little. Too disturbing for the kids?]]
*Where High Wire says that Sideways was eliminated and Unicron is only in a dormant state in ''Armada'', ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say that defeating Sideways didn't kill off Unicron. Carlos in this same shot asks what does High Wire means in ''Legends of the Microns'', but says "Mind saying that in English?" in Armada.
*Alexis in ''Armada'' makes it so that the hole in Unicron's armor is like it's opening up itself, which makes Billy's response awkward. Rad also wonders if it's a telltale sign that Optimus is okay. ''Legends of the Microns'' has her say the union managed to punch a hole in Unicron's armor, so Billy getting excited is a lot more appropriate here, and Rad just asks if Optimus is alright with no relation to the hole.
*Wheeljack says they are about to launch the second wave in ''Armada'', but tells the ''attack'' wave company to follow him ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Galvatron tells Optimus that he demands satisfaction since it can't end anti-climatically in ''Armada'', while ''Legends of the Microns'' has him ask if that's all he got and this is how their grudge is going to end after thousands of years. Optimus says "End?" before chuckling in ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' as him say that he wishes he could accommodate Galvatron. Galvatron then tells Optimus to get up so he can destroy him, with the latter replying to not count on it''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' simply has Galvatron telling Optimus to get up and the latter says this isn't over yet.
*Galvatron says "That's the enemy I've come to know!" after Optimus gets up in ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' has him say "That's more like it, Prime!"
*Galvatron replies to his men about beating Unicron to forget about him and that his power will be his, then reminds Optimus about their battle in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say that Unicron is nothing but scrap metal now, and his excitement has only just begun. Additionally, Optimus says to Hot Shot he'll take care of Galvatron, and tells him and everyone to attack Unicron with everything they got in the English dub, whereas he tells Hot Shot to leave him and Galvatron alone in the Japanese dub, and from this point onward Hot Shot is in command.
*Hot Shot says Optimus' name in ''Legends of the Microns'' but says no problem ''Armada'' in a tone like he's worn out.
*''Armada'' uses the theme song's insert trance version for the remainder of Optimus and Galvatron's fight, and plays right when Hot Shot commands everyone to attack. ''Legends of the Microns'' instead uses "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 2|Attack by Villains]]" and plays it when Unicron is transforming.
*When the kids notice Optimus' Matrix floating in space, Jetfire comes in asking what Rad just said in ''Legends of the Microns'', but doesn't say anything at all in ''Armada''. Additionally ''Armada'' has Alexis asking why he would take it off, with Carlos saying that's too freaky, followed by Billy saying there has to be a reason and then Fred suggesting maybe there's something Optimus is not telling them. ''Legends of the Microns moves Alexis' line of why Optimus would take the Matrix off to Carlos, Billy simply says he has no idea, and Fred responds in fear asking if this means Optimus is not the commander anymore.
*The shot of Optimus panting was redrawn in''Legends of the Microns'' to have more accurate shading and proportions.
*Once again, Optimus and Galvatron's conversation after they fought is a lot different between dubs, especially with Optimus:
**In ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron tells Optimus that he is incredibly strong and that while he can't go on due to him falling apart, the battle was fun. Optimus then agrees despite him hating to admit, followed by Galvatron saying as long as he knows how to fight, they are both the same and Transformers love to fight overall. Optimus agrees with this too and says we are forged with a warrior's instincts, but he seeks the light beyond the combat and says that justice is indeed obtained by winning in the end, which he tried to deny before the fight. Galvatron responds in delight to what Optimus just said, but tells him to never forget that justice can only be obtained through the hardships of battle.
**''Armada'' has Galvatron say that this is the old Optimus he used to know, and follows that he has nothing left to offer and Optimus won fair and square, but the latter thinks they should call it a draw. Galvatron remarks how they really went at it after all these years of being evenly matched, and admits he enjoyed every nanosecond of it. Optimus apologizes that he can never admit to a joined battle, but it was necessary to remain at peace even if he might never see that day, and hopes that whoever survives this will remove evil from the universe. Galvatron then laughs and says that Optimus is right about never surviving beyond today, and this means that he would now be supreme commander.
*Near the end, where Optimus refuses to let go of Galvatron from being sucked into Unicron, Galvatron practically yells at Optimus to let go so that Unicron will die from the lack of evil and to watch over the others after slicing his tread in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' goes philosophical as Galvatron observes that both might've been looking for the same thing despite their differences, and Optimus is the light while he represents dark. On slicing his tread, Galvatron adds that even in the next generation/world, Prime is destined to be his rival and that darkness will exist as long as there's light, and not to forget that evil is eternal. Optimus yells his rival's name after disappearing into Unicron in ''Armada'', but whispers "Megatron" in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Optimus not wanting the Matrix is the same in both versions, but ''Legends of the Microns'' has him additionally say that even now, he's still not worthy of carrying it, which concludes his arc better of being worthy of the Matrix, starting with [[Crisis]].
*The final moments with the Transformers and the children is subtly different in the dubs, but nothing too major unlike the past examples:
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Hot Shot say that he now believes that not matter what happens, they'll all always be comrades, with Carlos agreeing and says it doesn't matter if we are on Earth or Cybertron, and Jetfire agrees with that. He then says that they learned that lesson from the kids, with Alexis responding that they themselves learned a lot from them too. Fred asks if everyone is now going to rebuild Cybertron, and Hot Shot says yes and it doesn't matter if it's the Autobots, Decepticons, or Mini-Cons, since they all want to build a new Transformer world. Billy responds that they'll also try making Earth the most peaceful planet in the universe, and High Wire after disjointing from Perceptor says goodbye and thank you. Alexis tells Sureshock that she is truly grateful, and Carlos then says he's not going to cry about the departure along with Fred, with Billy telling them to knock it off since they already are, and Fred snapping back that he's not. Rad then asks about Optimus, with Hot Shot stating to not worry and even without the Matrix, he'll always be their commander, with Jetfire in agreement. Rad then gives out his final monologue on how their real adventure has just begun.
*In ''Armada'', Hot Shot says that they will never forget the kids, and Carlos replies with vice versa. Jetfire then thanks the kids for all the things they taught them, with Alexis saying that they actually learned a lot from them. Fred asks Hot Shot and Jetfire to stop by Earth if they are ever in the Solar System, which the former promises but says it might be a long time to come since Cybertron is being rebuilt and with the war being over, with Billy happily stating that the Autobots and Decpticons are finally getting along. High Wire says to the kids that they'll always be in the Mini-Cons' memory, with Rad saying vice versa and Alexis stating they'll never forget them. When Carlos is holding back from crying, he says this is harder than he thought, and when Billy points out that they are balling like little babies, Fred points out that he's crying too. When Rad asks about Optimus, Hot Shot says he's not sure where he is but he's sure he's out there somewhere, with Jetfire then stating he's right here in all of their hearts. Rad agrees and gives out his final monologue of Optimus always being a part of them no matter where they are or go.
**When the kids are dropped off by Hot Shot and Jetfire and they thank them for it, the shot of them talking is redrawn in ''Legends of the Microns'' to have more posing in comparison to ''Armada''.
*Optimus's ending narration in ''Armada'' is the aftermath of Unicron's defeat, saying that Unicron has become powerless now with the war finished, and both he and Galvatron have scattered across the universe. Optimus states that he's served his purpose now that Cybertron is safe and the Transformers live in peace with the Mini-Cons and mentions that if you see a peaceful star far away, it might be Cybertron. ''Legends of the Microns'' gives Optimus a more sincere narration that flows more with Unicron feeding off of hatred, with him talking about how even a battle fought for justice will always produce a degree of hate. However, to prevent Unicron's revival, you must have faith and a heart that ever seeks justice, and as long as you believe in that, anyone can become your comrade.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:ArmadaRhinoxTV.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"We never had any evil gods on prehistoric Earth."]]
*Optimus's busted truck wheel shrinks down considerably to fit inside Galvatron's cannon to jam it.
*There's an awkward amount of silence when High Wire's eyes start glowing up, and he's supposed to talk when that happens. ''Legends of the Microns'' has High Wire say each kid's name when his eyes glow, so this error is fixed.
*When Tidal Wave and his fleet show up to attack Unicron, he looks off model and lacks detail(Notice the missing canons). ''Legends of the Microns'' entirely redraws him in a lot more of an accurate model and makes his animation less jagged.
*When Hot Shot yells "Attack!" as Unicron is transforming back into planet mode, the animation shows the Transformer fleet ''escaping'' (which would make sense), suggesting Hot Shot's line was a scripting error. ''Legends of the Microns'' simply as him say Optimus' name.
*Rhinox is colored like his original [[Rhinox (BW)/toys#TM1|Transmetal toy]] instead of his ''Armada'' toy.

===Continuity notes===
[[File:Armada 52 - Prime and no Matrix.jpg|thumb|How many Autobot [[insignia]]s does he have...?]]
*Does it seem like Alexis's hair grows slightly longer during the Unicron Battles?
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'', Optimus and Galvatron's final battle is about settling their differences and answering the questions Sideways asked in the previous episode.
*After tossing out the Matrix before his final battle to the death against Galvatron, Optimus says that he's fighting him as the leader of ''all Transformers''; since when did Optimus Prime have such an out-of-character ego? ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this notable error by having Optimus say, "I am not fighting you as a Commander but as a Transformer called Convoy!"
*Rhinox makes his only physical debut in the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]]. [[Ask Vector Prime]] revealed in [[2015]] that Rhinox perished during the battle; Vector Prime also revealed that poor [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]]'s upgrades were left incomplete due to Rhinox's death.
*This episode is the first time in the series where characters bleed upon receiving damage. As Optimus and Galvatron duel, parts of Unicron's insides take damage, with slightly yellowish-white liquid pouring out. Later, as the Decepticon leader rips out a pipe from Unicron's armor to use as a weapon, bright red liquid pours out from where the pipe used to be. Additionally, when Galvatron slices Prime's chest with his wrist blade, his wound is briefly highlighted with bright red.
*That was a seemingly heroic sacrifice from Galvatron. ''Who knew he could be a good guy from time to time?'' His self-sacrifice isn't so heroic in the Japanese dub.
*During the second-to-last shot, Prime has returned to his original colors but hasn't reclaimed the Matrix, as his Matrix compartment is visibly empty during his transformation.
*This episode marks the last time [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]], [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]], [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]](If you don't think [[Blurr (Cybertron)|Blurr]] from ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' is the same one, that is), [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]], and [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] are shown in the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]].
**This also marks the last time Billy and Fred are seen in the Unicron Trilogy, as they don't make it in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' nor ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'''s final episode. The reason is most likely because the team never intended on making them staple members of the cast(According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'') and they only lasted until this episode since they never got around to writing them off.
*Even with Galvatron sacrificing himself to remove evil from the universe, Unicron managed to survive, marking the gateway to the next [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|cartoon series]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Since being deactivated, Unicron appears to revert to planet mode as a defense mechanism automatically.
**Grindor can fly in skateboard mode; "[[Base]]" and "[[Comrade]]" previously alluded to this ability.
**The Mini-Con super weapons appear to be able to fly, which seems to be a common feature among Mini-Con super weapons/Powerlinxed forms, as seen with the [[Magnawing]] in ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'', the [[Energon Saber]] in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'', and the [[Umbral Blaster]] in the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act|Cybertron]]'' comic.
**The Mini-Cons tap into the [[Linkage (dimension)|Linkage dimension]] to phase them and the kids through Unicron's armor.
**Galvatron hasn't used his antlers to attack anyone since he went by the name "Megatron" in "[[Swoop (episode)|Swoop]]." They seem to shock opponents too.
**Galvatron uses his wrist blade for the first and last time in this episode; he uses it a total of two times.
**Optimus has ninja-like reflexes and can tip-toe on thin pipes. ''What a badass.''
**Unicron can warp.

===Continuity errors===
*What's with Galvatron suddenly bringing up that there can only be one ruler of the universe throughout the episode? It's like that's the best reason he can come up with on wanting to fight Optimus(Granted he is known to play tricks, but still). ''Legends of the Microns'' has no mention of the supreme commander stuff, so it's a non-issue.
*Before fighting Galvatron, Optimus declares his intention to fight as the leader of ''all Transformers''. Since when did Optimus Prime have such an out-of-character ego? ''Legends of the Micron''' fixes this major error by having Optimus state he would fight Galvatron as ''himself''.
*Why would Hot Shot announce that it's now time to shift into stealth mode when they are doing the exact opposite of that in the whole battle? Great hypocritically there. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes Hot Shot's line to him ordering everyone to attack Unicron's moving parts, so this is a non-issue.
*Wheeljack tells Hot Shot that Unicron is headed towards Cybertron again, even though the next scene has him transforming into his planet mode? ''Legends of the Microns'' correctly has Wheeljack say that Unicron is changing to his planet mode.
*During the end of their duel, Galvatron strikes a metal pipe in Optimus's back, who tries to pull it out unsuccessfully in a later shot, after which the pipe completely disappears.

===Transformers references===
*[[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] is visible in the hangar during the raid against Unicron. Because of the unanticipated success of ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'', he and the other ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' remolds were released, but they were unable to receive larger roles in [[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|the show]].

===Real-world references===
*The Autobot/Decepticon fighters flying and firing down Unicron's trenches are an obvious nod to ''{{w|Star Wars (film)|Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope}}'s'' [[Death Star]] trench run.

===Trivia===
[[File:Tf ml 01 52 comparison title card.jpg|upright=1.0|thumb|Time for kanji quiz, kids!]]
*The English dub of "Mortal Combat" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 12]], 2003.
*Unlike the previous 51 episodes, the title card in this episode's Japanese airing didn't have the usual alternate-reading {{w|furigana}} over the {{w|kanji}} title as seen on the right.
*This episode has some of the biggest differences in characterization and dialogue between the English and Japanese versions, particularly with Optimus and Galvatron, where the reason why they are fighting is practically warped in the former version. Thus, a lot of their actions can kind of come off as unnatural and random when compared to the Japanese dub(See above). Whether it's the case of the English dub's rushed schedule or wanting to simplify the themes(Like in "[[Trust (Armada)|Trust]]") is unknown as of now.
*According to the ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'':
**When the team finished making this episode, they all felt a sense of completion, like when Optimus sacrificed himself in "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]," and felt this series expanded the Transformers brand into a new direction, with it being slightly different from past iterations. The team also hopes that viewers can think about what they made.
**Optimus and Galvatron's final battle is perhaps the show's crowning achievement, nothing short of spectacular. ''And how!''
***The fact that Optimus fights Galvatron with his fists and ingenuity, while Galvatron uses all the weapons at his disposal and his trump card knife proves Prime is the superior fighter.
**[[Munetaka Abe]]'s primary concern when animating was how to convey emotion with Optimus before the fight, since he only has eyes to go off of, unlike Galvatron. He was also surprised when he first heard about Optimus throwing the Matrix away in this episode.
**[[Hidehito Ueda]] thinks "trust" is the keyword of this series, so he wanted Optimus's last message in the episode to convey that and use it as a settlement for not only what Optimus endured throughout the show, but what the team experienced while making it.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Unicrons Ende'''" ("Unicron's End")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 16|16 January]] [[2004]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A végső csata'''" ("The Final Battle")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Combate Mortal'''" ("Mortal Combat")
{{--}}

==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]]

Dash (episode)

2021-12-07T03:11:58Z

PownicMania: /* Trivia */

{{picsneeded}}
{{disambig3|Dash}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=45
|prev=Uprising (Armada)
|next=Drift (episode)
|title="Dash"
|furigana=うらぎり
|japanese=確信
|romaji=Uragiri
|translation=Confidence: Betrayal
|image=dash.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-45
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|englishadaptation=[[Ward Perry]]
|director=[[Tomio Yamauchi|Tokio Yamauchi]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 26]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[November 7|7 November]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[November 21]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Hot Shot goes on a solo mission to convince Galvatron that the Autobots and Decepticons should unite to stop Unicron.'''

==Synopsis==
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] command the rest of the [[Decepticon]]s not to pay any attention to the black hole outside and to disregard the [[Autobot]]s' offer for a collaborative effort against it. Away from the rest of the Decepticons, Thrust cackles at how he's manipulating both armies.

The Autobots wait, impatient and tense. The kids aboard the ship feel depressed as they watch the combat lights on Cybertron's surface. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] passes them, on his way to personally charge into the Decepticons' stronghold and reason with Galvatron. The kids and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] do their best to dissuade him—but [[Rad White|Rad]] realizes that everybody should let Hot Shot go and convinces the others that it's the best idea.

Once Hot Shot is gone, the rest of the Autobots fly to assist [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] but come under attack. The [[Mini-Con]]s assist by forming several holographic copies of the ship to distract the Decepticons.

Fully armed, Hot Shot takes a small craft and buzzes through the Decepticon's defenses to their front door. He motors around their base, passing plenty of opposition. Eventually, [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] arrives to fight Hot Shot one-on-one. The rumble between the two carries into the Decepticons' throne room, where Thrust was seconds away from receiving the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] from Galvatron.

Wheeljack tries to convince Galvatron to listen to Hot Shot's message, and Wheeljack's compassion convinces Galvatron to open his ears. As Hot Shot explains Unicron, Galvatron notices Thrust panicking and connects the sudden presence of [[Unicron]] to the ''[[Hydra Cannon]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s un-Cybertronian technology. Starscream pipes up, mentioning that Thrust has been conspiring against Galvatron. With his plans exposed, Thrust grabs the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] and the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] and reveals that he's been working in the service of Unicron, then he runs away. Starscream, Hot Shot, and Wheeljack chase after the traitor.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (7)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (8)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (11)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (12)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (13)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (14)
*Autobot officer (26)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (1)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (2)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (4)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (5)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (6)
*Decepticon weapons officer (20)
*Decepticon fleet commander (21)
*Decepticon infantry commander (22)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (25)

|c3=
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (15)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (16)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (17)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (18)
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (19)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]] (23)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (24)
}}

==Quotes==
"...and stop overworking your brain by thinking!"
:—'''Thrust''' to Cyclonus

"I wonder what's gonna happen now." 
"Stressful times like these call for large quantities of comfort food."
:—'''Billy''' and '''Fred''' show just what humans are made of.

"Galvatron, you were never worthy of controlling the Transformers. I've got news for you: You're nothing compared to my true master, Unicron!"
:—'''Thrust''' declares his true allegiance
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*After Scavenger stops Hoist from going after Hot Shot, Scavenger proclaims it's important that the Autobots stay together right now and that Hot Shot can take care of himself. The kids then object that Hot Shot needs their help since he is doing it for all of them, but Blurr says that it's too risky to follow him and the Decepticons will be all over them. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this dialouge to a more negative tone as Scavenger says Hot Shot would have to be punished due to his decision disrupting military discipline, with the kids then saying that Hot Shot is doing what he thinks is best for the Autobots, followed by Blurr saying that they aren't playing any games. The shot of the kids is also entirely redrawn from the ''Armada'' version.
*The last scene has Thrust saying with the Mini-Con weapons he stole, he can finally see Unicron in ''Legends of the Microns'', but he's silent in ''Armada''. This is the opposite for when Starscream appears, as he's silent in the Japanese version, but says he's coming for Thrust in the English version.

===Animation and technical errors===
*In the fifth shot, Demolishor has an Autobot logo, albeit in purple.
*The second time Jetfire radios the rest of the Autobots, he's colored like Optimus.
*Right after Jetfire radios the Autobots, Blurr's head is behind the headrest of his seat.
*The Decepticons' starship officers refer to the ''Axalon'' as the "Cybertron ship" as a general description, Cybertron being the Japanese name for the Autobots.
*In one shot, Wheeljack's Autobot insignia is colored purple.
*When Thrust declares his true loyalty to Unicron, he initially appears without the Requiem Blaster and the Skyboom Shield he grabbed moments before, instead holding one of his missile launchers (which are also missing from his legs). They appear subsequently after a reaction shot of Galvatron.
*After the Decepticons are all blown away by Thrust's spinning wings attack, the spinning animation has disappeared and he merely fades away instead of being animated running away (which is how he is shown to be escaping moments later)
*Though the [[character model]] of Generation 1 Decepticon [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] also appears as a Decepticon weapons officer in the blockade fleet, he later appears in different colours, missing half of his cockpit backpack as an Autobot questioning Optimus Prime's orders for a withdrawal.
*Scavenger calls Optimus Prime the commander of the 'Cybertron' army, yet another case of the dubbing team not translating instances of 'Cybertron' (the faction) into 'Autobot'.

===Continuity notes===
*Rad have feelings that he met High Wire before his arrival on Earth foreshadows the reveal in the [[Drift (Armada)|next episode]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Hot Shot wields two generic rifles and a portable turret this episode.
**Wheeljack uses his guns as swords.
**This episode depicts the only use of Thrust's toy spinning wing gimmick, though he activates it independently of his Mini-Con [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]].

===Continuity errors===
*It is unclear how Wheeljack's missile/guns/sword things are able to withstand the power of the Star Saber when he saves Hot Shot from Galvatron's enraged attack.
*Red Alert agrees to "cover for" Hot Shot when the latter is planning to make an unauthorized mission to Galvatron on Cybertron. The very next scene sees Hoist describing, in precise detail, the events of the previous scene, while Hot Shot has barely cleared the Axalon. Apparently Red Alert's definition of "cover for" is "run and tell everyone that". It could be a poorly translated reference to the decoy pod and rock disguise for Hot Shot's pod though, since Hot Shot thanks him for it not long after.
*In the same sequences, when Scavenger insists that Hot Shot "can take care of himself", the kids, including Rad, get upset and urge the other Autobots follow him and back him up. This, in spite of the fact that Rad said ''exactly the same thing'' only moments ago to convince the other kids and Red Alert into letting Hot Shot go in the first place. Erratic tween emotions or bipolar script writers? You decide. Fortunately, ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't have this glaring inconsistency since the conversation is entirely different.

===Trivia===
[[File:Generic Space Team Mini-Cons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]? What are you doing here? [[Spy Changer|How did you get so small]]?]]
*The Decepticon starship crew attacking the [[Axalon (Armada)|''Axalon'']] use recoloured [[character model]]s of [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] Decepticons Misfire and [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]].
*Alongside Bonecrusher and Grindor, [[generic]] recolors of the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] appear very briefly. The generic recolor of [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] also somewhat resembles the [[2001]] ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Spy Changer]] [[Optimus Prime (RID)#SC|Optimus Prime]] toy, while [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]]'s recolor shares Thrust's color scheme.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some interesting tidbits on this episode:
**Wheeljack was actually thinking of joining back with the Autobots once he chases Thrust with Hot Shot, but [[Hidehito Ueda]] thought it would emotionally unforgivable, which is why he went back to Galvatron in [[Portent]].
*The tension of the team was raised thanks to Wheeljack's loyalty and the true intentions of Thrust being at play in this episode.
*The Decepticon's base alarm is played by Rad's voice actor, meanwhile the Decepticon soldiers during Hot Shot's break in are played by Fred's voice actor.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Enthüllungen'''" ("Revelations")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 17|17 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Összeütközés'''" ("Collision")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Golpe'''" ("Hit")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 12 ([[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]]

Dash (episode)

2021-12-07T03:10:54Z

PownicMania: /* Trivia */

{{picsneeded}}
{{disambig3|Dash}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=45
|prev=Uprising (Armada)
|next=Drift (episode)
|title="Dash"
|furigana=うらぎり
|japanese=確信
|romaji=Uragiri
|translation=Confidence: Betrayal
|image=dash.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-45
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|englishadaptation=[[Ward Perry]]
|director=[[Tomio Yamauchi|Tokio Yamauchi]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 26]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[November 7|7 November]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[November 21]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Hot Shot goes on a solo mission to convince Galvatron that the Autobots and Decepticons should unite to stop Unicron.'''

==Synopsis==
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] command the rest of the [[Decepticon]]s not to pay any attention to the black hole outside and to disregard the [[Autobot]]s' offer for a collaborative effort against it. Away from the rest of the Decepticons, Thrust cackles at how he's manipulating both armies.

The Autobots wait, impatient and tense. The kids aboard the ship feel depressed as they watch the combat lights on Cybertron's surface. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] passes them, on his way to personally charge into the Decepticons' stronghold and reason with Galvatron. The kids and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] do their best to dissuade him—but [[Rad White|Rad]] realizes that everybody should let Hot Shot go and convinces the others that it's the best idea.

Once Hot Shot is gone, the rest of the Autobots fly to assist [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] but come under attack. The [[Mini-Con]]s assist by forming several holographic copies of the ship to distract the Decepticons.

Fully armed, Hot Shot takes a small craft and buzzes through the Decepticon's defenses to their front door. He motors around their base, passing plenty of opposition. Eventually, [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] arrives to fight Hot Shot one-on-one. The rumble between the two carries into the Decepticons' throne room, where Thrust was seconds away from receiving the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] from Galvatron.

Wheeljack tries to convince Galvatron to listen to Hot Shot's message, and Wheeljack's compassion convinces Galvatron to open his ears. As Hot Shot explains Unicron, Galvatron notices Thrust panicking and connects the sudden presence of [[Unicron]] to the ''[[Hydra Cannon]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s un-Cybertronian technology. Starscream pipes up, mentioning that Thrust has been conspiring against Galvatron. With his plans exposed, Thrust grabs the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] and the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] and reveals that he's been working in the service of Unicron, then he runs away. Starscream, Hot Shot, and Wheeljack chase after the traitor.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (7)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (8)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (11)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (12)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (13)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (14)
*Autobot officer (26)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (1)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (2)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (4)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (5)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (6)
*Decepticon weapons officer (20)
*Decepticon fleet commander (21)
*Decepticon infantry commander (22)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (25)

|c3=
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (15)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (16)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (17)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (18)
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (19)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]] (23)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (24)
}}

==Quotes==
"...and stop overworking your brain by thinking!"
:—'''Thrust''' to Cyclonus

"I wonder what's gonna happen now." 
"Stressful times like these call for large quantities of comfort food."
:—'''Billy''' and '''Fred''' show just what humans are made of.

"Galvatron, you were never worthy of controlling the Transformers. I've got news for you: You're nothing compared to my true master, Unicron!"
:—'''Thrust''' declares his true allegiance
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*After Scavenger stops Hoist from going after Hot Shot, Scavenger proclaims it's important that the Autobots stay together right now and that Hot Shot can take care of himself. The kids then object that Hot Shot needs their help since he is doing it for all of them, but Blurr says that it's too risky to follow him and the Decepticons will be all over them. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this dialouge to a more negative tone as Scavenger says Hot Shot would have to be punished due to his decision disrupting military discipline, with the kids then saying that Hot Shot is doing what he thinks is best for the Autobots, followed by Blurr saying that they aren't playing any games. The shot of the kids is also entirely redrawn from the ''Armada'' version.
*The last scene has Thrust saying with the Mini-Con weapons he stole, he can finally see Unicron in ''Legends of the Microns'', but he's silent in ''Armada''. This is the opposite for when Starscream appears, as he's silent in the Japanese version, but says he's coming for Thrust in the English version.

===Animation and technical errors===
*In the fifth shot, Demolishor has an Autobot logo, albeit in purple.
*The second time Jetfire radios the rest of the Autobots, he's colored like Optimus.
*Right after Jetfire radios the Autobots, Blurr's head is behind the headrest of his seat.
*The Decepticons' starship officers refer to the ''Axalon'' as the "Cybertron ship" as a general description, Cybertron being the Japanese name for the Autobots.
*In one shot, Wheeljack's Autobot insignia is colored purple.
*When Thrust declares his true loyalty to Unicron, he initially appears without the Requiem Blaster and the Skyboom Shield he grabbed moments before, instead holding one of his missile launchers (which are also missing from his legs). They appear subsequently after a reaction shot of Galvatron.
*After the Decepticons are all blown away by Thrust's spinning wings attack, the spinning animation has disappeared and he merely fades away instead of being animated running away (which is how he is shown to be escaping moments later)
*Though the [[character model]] of Generation 1 Decepticon [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] also appears as a Decepticon weapons officer in the blockade fleet, he later appears in different colours, missing half of his cockpit backpack as an Autobot questioning Optimus Prime's orders for a withdrawal.
*Scavenger calls Optimus Prime the commander of the 'Cybertron' army, yet another case of the dubbing team not translating instances of 'Cybertron' (the faction) into 'Autobot'.

===Continuity notes===
*Rad have feelings that he met High Wire before his arrival on Earth foreshadows the reveal in the [[Drift (Armada)|next episode]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Hot Shot wields two generic rifles and a portable turret this episode.
**Wheeljack uses his guns as swords.
**This episode depicts the only use of Thrust's toy spinning wing gimmick, though he activates it independently of his Mini-Con [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]].

===Continuity errors===
*It is unclear how Wheeljack's missile/guns/sword things are able to withstand the power of the Star Saber when he saves Hot Shot from Galvatron's enraged attack.
*Red Alert agrees to "cover for" Hot Shot when the latter is planning to make an unauthorized mission to Galvatron on Cybertron. The very next scene sees Hoist describing, in precise detail, the events of the previous scene, while Hot Shot has barely cleared the Axalon. Apparently Red Alert's definition of "cover for" is "run and tell everyone that". It could be a poorly translated reference to the decoy pod and rock disguise for Hot Shot's pod though, since Hot Shot thanks him for it not long after.
*In the same sequences, when Scavenger insists that Hot Shot "can take care of himself", the kids, including Rad, get upset and urge the other Autobots follow him and back him up. This, in spite of the fact that Rad said ''exactly the same thing'' only moments ago to convince the other kids and Red Alert into letting Hot Shot go in the first place. Erratic tween emotions or bipolar script writers? You decide. Fortunately, ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't have this glaring inconsistency since the conversation is entirely different.

===Trivia===
[[File:Generic Space Team Mini-Cons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]? What are you doing here? [[Spy Changer|How did you get so small]]?]]
*The Decepticon starship crew attacking the [[Axalon (Armada)|''Axalon'']] use recoloured [[character model]]s of [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] Decepticons Misfire and [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]].
*Alongside Bonecrusher and Grindor, [[generic]] recolors of the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] appear very briefly. The generic recolor of [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] also somewhat resembles the [[2001]] ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Spy Changer]] [[Optimus Prime (RID)#SC|Optimus Prime]] toy, while [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]]'s recolor shares Thrust's color scheme.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some interesting tidbits on this episode:
**Wheeljack was actually thinking of joining back with the Autobots once he chases Thrust with Hot Shot, but [[Hidehit Ueda]] thought it would emotionally unforgivable, which is why he went back to Galvatron in [[Portent]].
*The tension of the team was raised thanks to Wheeljack's loyalty and the true intentions of Thrust being at play in this episode.
*The Decepticon's base alarm is played by Rad's voice actor, meanwhile the Decepticon soldiers during Hot Shot's break in are played by Fred's voice actor.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Enthüllungen'''" ("Revelations")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 17|17 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Összeütközés'''" ("Collision")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Golpe'''" ("Hit")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 12 ([[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]]

Dash (episode)

2021-12-07T03:10:31Z

PownicMania: /* Trivia */

{{picsneeded}}
{{disambig3|Dash}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=45
|prev=Uprising (Armada)
|next=Drift (episode)
|title="Dash"
|furigana=うらぎり
|japanese=確信
|romaji=Uragiri
|translation=Confidence: Betrayal
|image=dash.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-45
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|englishadaptation=[[Ward Perry]]
|director=[[Tomio Yamauchi|Tokio Yamauchi]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 26]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[November 7|7 November]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[November 21]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Hot Shot goes on a solo mission to convince Galvatron that the Autobots and Decepticons should unite to stop Unicron.'''

==Synopsis==
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] command the rest of the [[Decepticon]]s not to pay any attention to the black hole outside and to disregard the [[Autobot]]s' offer for a collaborative effort against it. Away from the rest of the Decepticons, Thrust cackles at how he's manipulating both armies.

The Autobots wait, impatient and tense. The kids aboard the ship feel depressed as they watch the combat lights on Cybertron's surface. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] passes them, on his way to personally charge into the Decepticons' stronghold and reason with Galvatron. The kids and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] do their best to dissuade him—but [[Rad White|Rad]] realizes that everybody should let Hot Shot go and convinces the others that it's the best idea.

Once Hot Shot is gone, the rest of the Autobots fly to assist [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] but come under attack. The [[Mini-Con]]s assist by forming several holographic copies of the ship to distract the Decepticons.

Fully armed, Hot Shot takes a small craft and buzzes through the Decepticon's defenses to their front door. He motors around their base, passing plenty of opposition. Eventually, [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] arrives to fight Hot Shot one-on-one. The rumble between the two carries into the Decepticons' throne room, where Thrust was seconds away from receiving the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] from Galvatron.

Wheeljack tries to convince Galvatron to listen to Hot Shot's message, and Wheeljack's compassion convinces Galvatron to open his ears. As Hot Shot explains Unicron, Galvatron notices Thrust panicking and connects the sudden presence of [[Unicron]] to the ''[[Hydra Cannon]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s un-Cybertronian technology. Starscream pipes up, mentioning that Thrust has been conspiring against Galvatron. With his plans exposed, Thrust grabs the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] and the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] and reveals that he's been working in the service of Unicron, then he runs away. Starscream, Hot Shot, and Wheeljack chase after the traitor.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (7)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (8)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (11)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (12)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (13)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (14)
*Autobot officer (26)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (1)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (2)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (4)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (5)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (6)
*Decepticon weapons officer (20)
*Decepticon fleet commander (21)
*Decepticon infantry commander (22)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (25)

|c3=
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (15)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (16)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (17)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (18)
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (19)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]] (23)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (24)
}}

==Quotes==
"...and stop overworking your brain by thinking!"
:—'''Thrust''' to Cyclonus

"I wonder what's gonna happen now." 
"Stressful times like these call for large quantities of comfort food."
:—'''Billy''' and '''Fred''' show just what humans are made of.

"Galvatron, you were never worthy of controlling the Transformers. I've got news for you: You're nothing compared to my true master, Unicron!"
:—'''Thrust''' declares his true allegiance
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*After Scavenger stops Hoist from going after Hot Shot, Scavenger proclaims it's important that the Autobots stay together right now and that Hot Shot can take care of himself. The kids then object that Hot Shot needs their help since he is doing it for all of them, but Blurr says that it's too risky to follow him and the Decepticons will be all over them. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this dialouge to a more negative tone as Scavenger says Hot Shot would have to be punished due to his decision disrupting military discipline, with the kids then saying that Hot Shot is doing what he thinks is best for the Autobots, followed by Blurr saying that they aren't playing any games. The shot of the kids is also entirely redrawn from the ''Armada'' version.
*The last scene has Thrust saying with the Mini-Con weapons he stole, he can finally see Unicron in ''Legends of the Microns'', but he's silent in ''Armada''. This is the opposite for when Starscream appears, as he's silent in the Japanese version, but says he's coming for Thrust in the English version.

===Animation and technical errors===
*In the fifth shot, Demolishor has an Autobot logo, albeit in purple.
*The second time Jetfire radios the rest of the Autobots, he's colored like Optimus.
*Right after Jetfire radios the Autobots, Blurr's head is behind the headrest of his seat.
*The Decepticons' starship officers refer to the ''Axalon'' as the "Cybertron ship" as a general description, Cybertron being the Japanese name for the Autobots.
*In one shot, Wheeljack's Autobot insignia is colored purple.
*When Thrust declares his true loyalty to Unicron, he initially appears without the Requiem Blaster and the Skyboom Shield he grabbed moments before, instead holding one of his missile launchers (which are also missing from his legs). They appear subsequently after a reaction shot of Galvatron.
*After the Decepticons are all blown away by Thrust's spinning wings attack, the spinning animation has disappeared and he merely fades away instead of being animated running away (which is how he is shown to be escaping moments later)
*Though the [[character model]] of Generation 1 Decepticon [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] also appears as a Decepticon weapons officer in the blockade fleet, he later appears in different colours, missing half of his cockpit backpack as an Autobot questioning Optimus Prime's orders for a withdrawal.
*Scavenger calls Optimus Prime the commander of the 'Cybertron' army, yet another case of the dubbing team not translating instances of 'Cybertron' (the faction) into 'Autobot'.

===Continuity notes===
*Rad have feelings that he met High Wire before his arrival on Earth foreshadows the reveal in the [[Drift (Armada)|next episode]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Hot Shot wields two generic rifles and a portable turret this episode.
**Wheeljack uses his guns as swords.
**This episode depicts the only use of Thrust's toy spinning wing gimmick, though he activates it independently of his Mini-Con [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]].

===Continuity errors===
*It is unclear how Wheeljack's missile/guns/sword things are able to withstand the power of the Star Saber when he saves Hot Shot from Galvatron's enraged attack.
*Red Alert agrees to "cover for" Hot Shot when the latter is planning to make an unauthorized mission to Galvatron on Cybertron. The very next scene sees Hoist describing, in precise detail, the events of the previous scene, while Hot Shot has barely cleared the Axalon. Apparently Red Alert's definition of "cover for" is "run and tell everyone that". It could be a poorly translated reference to the decoy pod and rock disguise for Hot Shot's pod though, since Hot Shot thanks him for it not long after.
*In the same sequences, when Scavenger insists that Hot Shot "can take care of himself", the kids, including Rad, get upset and urge the other Autobots follow him and back him up. This, in spite of the fact that Rad said ''exactly the same thing'' only moments ago to convince the other kids and Red Alert into letting Hot Shot go in the first place. Erratic tween emotions or bipolar script writers? You decide. Fortunately, ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't have this glaring inconsistency since the conversation is entirely different.

===Trivia===
[[File:Generic Space Team Mini-Cons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]? What are you doing here? [[Spy Changer|How did you get so small]]?]]
*The Decepticon starship crew attacking the [[Axalon (Armada)|''Axalon'']] use recoloured [[character model]]s of [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] Decepticons Misfire and [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]].
*Alongside Bonecrusher and Grindor, [[generic]] recolors of the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] appear very briefly. The generic recolor of [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] also somewhat resembles the [[2001]] ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Spy Changer]] [[Optimus Prime (RID)#SC|Optimus Prime]] toy, while [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]]'s recolor shares Thrust's color scheme.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some interesting tidbits on this episode:
**Wheeljack was actually thinking of joining back with the Autobots once he chases Thrust with Hot Shot, but [[Hidehit Ueda]] thought it would emotionally unforgivable, which is why he went back to Galvatron in [[Portent]].
*The tension of the team was raised thanks to Wheeljack's loyalty and the true intentions of Thrust being at play in this episode.
*The Decepticon's base alarm is played by Rad's voice actor, meanwhile the Decepticon soliders during Hot Shot's break in are played by Fred's voice actor.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Enthüllungen'''" ("Revelations")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 17|17 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Összeütközés'''" ("Collision")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Golpe'''" ("Hit")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 12 ([[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]]

Dash (episode)

2021-12-07T03:10:10Z

PownicMania:

{{picsneeded}}
{{disambig3|Dash}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=45
|prev=Uprising (Armada)
|next=Drift (episode)
|title="Dash"
|furigana=うらぎり
|japanese=確信
|romaji=Uragiri
|translation=Confidence: Betrayal
|image=dash.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-45
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|englishadaptation=[[Ward Perry]]
|director=[[Tomio Yamauchi|Tokio Yamauchi]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 26]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[November 7|7 November]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[November 21]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Hot Shot goes on a solo mission to convince Galvatron that the Autobots and Decepticons should unite to stop Unicron.'''

==Synopsis==
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] command the rest of the [[Decepticon]]s not to pay any attention to the black hole outside and to disregard the [[Autobot]]s' offer for a collaborative effort against it. Away from the rest of the Decepticons, Thrust cackles at how he's manipulating both armies.

The Autobots wait, impatient and tense. The kids aboard the ship feel depressed as they watch the combat lights on Cybertron's surface. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] passes them, on his way to personally charge into the Decepticons' stronghold and reason with Galvatron. The kids and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] do their best to dissuade him—but [[Rad White|Rad]] realizes that everybody should let Hot Shot go and convinces the others that it's the best idea.

Once Hot Shot is gone, the rest of the Autobots fly to assist [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] but come under attack. The [[Mini-Con]]s assist by forming several holographic copies of the ship to distract the Decepticons.

Fully armed, Hot Shot takes a small craft and buzzes through the Decepticon's defenses to their front door. He motors around their base, passing plenty of opposition. Eventually, [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] arrives to fight Hot Shot one-on-one. The rumble between the two carries into the Decepticons' throne room, where Thrust was seconds away from receiving the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] from Galvatron.

Wheeljack tries to convince Galvatron to listen to Hot Shot's message, and Wheeljack's compassion convinces Galvatron to open his ears. As Hot Shot explains Unicron, Galvatron notices Thrust panicking and connects the sudden presence of [[Unicron]] to the ''[[Hydra Cannon]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s un-Cybertronian technology. Starscream pipes up, mentioning that Thrust has been conspiring against Galvatron. With his plans exposed, Thrust grabs the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] and the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] and reveals that he's been working in the service of Unicron, then he runs away. Starscream, Hot Shot, and Wheeljack chase after the traitor.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (7)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (8)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (11)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (12)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (13)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (14)
*Autobot officer (26)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (1)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (2)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (4)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (5)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (6)
*Decepticon weapons officer (20)
*Decepticon fleet commander (21)
*Decepticon infantry commander (22)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (25)

|c3=
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (15)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (16)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (17)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (18)
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (19)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]] (23)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (24)
}}

==Quotes==
"...and stop overworking your brain by thinking!"
:—'''Thrust''' to Cyclonus

"I wonder what's gonna happen now." 
"Stressful times like these call for large quantities of comfort food."
:—'''Billy''' and '''Fred''' show just what humans are made of.

"Galvatron, you were never worthy of controlling the Transformers. I've got news for you: You're nothing compared to my true master, Unicron!"
:—'''Thrust''' declares his true allegiance
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*After Scavenger stops Hoist from going after Hot Shot, Scavenger proclaims it's important that the Autobots stay together right now and that Hot Shot can take care of himself. The kids then object that Hot Shot needs their help since he is doing it for all of them, but Blurr says that it's too risky to follow him and the Decepticons will be all over them. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this dialouge to a more negative tone as Scavenger says Hot Shot would have to be punished due to his decision disrupting military discipline, with the kids then saying that Hot Shot is doing what he thinks is best for the Autobots, followed by Blurr saying that they aren't playing any games. The shot of the kids is also entirely redrawn from the ''Armada'' version.
*The last scene has Thrust saying with the Mini-Con weapons he stole, he can finally see Unicron in ''Legends of the Microns'', but he's silent in ''Armada''. This is the opposite for when Starscream appears, as he's silent in the Japanese version, but says he's coming for Thrust in the English version.

===Animation and technical errors===
*In the fifth shot, Demolishor has an Autobot logo, albeit in purple.
*The second time Jetfire radios the rest of the Autobots, he's colored like Optimus.
*Right after Jetfire radios the Autobots, Blurr's head is behind the headrest of his seat.
*The Decepticons' starship officers refer to the ''Axalon'' as the "Cybertron ship" as a general description, Cybertron being the Japanese name for the Autobots.
*In one shot, Wheeljack's Autobot insignia is colored purple.
*When Thrust declares his true loyalty to Unicron, he initially appears without the Requiem Blaster and the Skyboom Shield he grabbed moments before, instead holding one of his missile launchers (which are also missing from his legs). They appear subsequently after a reaction shot of Galvatron.
*After the Decepticons are all blown away by Thrust's spinning wings attack, the spinning animation has disappeared and he merely fades away instead of being animated running away (which is how he is shown to be escaping moments later)
*Though the [[character model]] of Generation 1 Decepticon [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] also appears as a Decepticon weapons officer in the blockade fleet, he later appears in different colours, missing half of his cockpit backpack as an Autobot questioning Optimus Prime's orders for a withdrawal.
*Scavenger calls Optimus Prime the commander of the 'Cybertron' army, yet another case of the dubbing team not translating instances of 'Cybertron' (the faction) into 'Autobot'.

===Continuity notes===
*Rad have feelings that he met High Wire before his arrival on Earth foreshadows the reveal in the [[Drift (Armada)|next episode]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Hot Shot wields two generic rifles and a portable turret this episode.
**Wheeljack uses his guns as swords.
**This episode depicts the only use of Thrust's toy spinning wing gimmick, though he activates it independently of his Mini-Con [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]].

===Continuity errors===
*It is unclear how Wheeljack's missile/guns/sword things are able to withstand the power of the Star Saber when he saves Hot Shot from Galvatron's enraged attack.
*Red Alert agrees to "cover for" Hot Shot when the latter is planning to make an unauthorized mission to Galvatron on Cybertron. The very next scene sees Hoist describing, in precise detail, the events of the previous scene, while Hot Shot has barely cleared the Axalon. Apparently Red Alert's definition of "cover for" is "run and tell everyone that". It could be a poorly translated reference to the decoy pod and rock disguise for Hot Shot's pod though, since Hot Shot thanks him for it not long after.
*In the same sequences, when Scavenger insists that Hot Shot "can take care of himself", the kids, including Rad, get upset and urge the other Autobots follow him and back him up. This, in spite of the fact that Rad said ''exactly the same thing'' only moments ago to convince the other kids and Red Alert into letting Hot Shot go in the first place. Erratic tween emotions or bipolar script writers? You decide. Fortunately, ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't have this glaring inconsistency since the conversation is entirely different.

===Trivia===
[[File:Generic Space Team Mini-Cons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]? What are you doing here? [[Spy Changer|How did you get so small]]?]]
*The Decepticon starship crew attacking the [[Axalon (Armada)|''Axalon'']] use recoloured [[character model]]s of [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] Decepticons Misfire and [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]].
*Alongside Bonecrusher and Grindor, [[generic]] recolors of the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] appear very briefly. The generic recolor of [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] also somewhat resembles the [[2001]] ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Spy Changer]] [[Optimus Prime (RID)#SC|Optimus Prime]] toy, while [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]]'s recolor shares Thrust's color scheme.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Yeae Book 2003]]'' has some interesting tidbits on this episode:
**Wheeljack was actually thinking of joining back with the Autobots once he chases Thrust with Hot Shot, but [[Hidehit Ueda]] thought it would emotionally unforgivable, which is why he went back to Galvatron in [[Portent]].
*The tension of the team was raised thanks to Wheeljack's loyalty and the true intentions of Thrust being at play in this episode.
*The Decepticon's base alarm is played by Rad's voice actor, meanwhile the Decepticon soliders during Hot Shot's break in are played by Fred's voice actor.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Enthüllungen'''" ("Revelations")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 17|17 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Összeütközés'''" ("Collision")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Golpe'''" ("Hit")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 12 ([[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]]

Uprising (Armada)

2021-12-07T02:55:53Z

PownicMania: /* Trivia */

{{picsneeded}}
{{disambig3|Uprising}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=44
|prev=Puppet
|next=Dash (episode)
|title="Uprising"
|furigana=せいばーとろん
|japanese=帰還
|romaji=Cybertron
|translation=Return: Cybertron
|image=Uprising-SidewaysSpookyGhost.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-44
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Ken'ichi Ishikura]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 25]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[October 31|31 October]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[November 14]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''The Autobots arrive on Cybertron to find Galvatron has already conquered it, but a larger evil still approaches.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Decepticon Uprising.jpg|thumb|200px|left]]
As [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]'s ship reaches [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], a fleet of ships rises from the surface of the planet to meet it. Using the [[Mini-Con]] weapons, the [[Decepticon]] leader is easily able to take down two of the ships, and he sends his men to the surface of the planet to engage the [[Autobot]]s below in combat. Although [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] hesitates, believing Galvatron will steal all the glory, [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] says simply to follow his lead and the universe will be theirs.

Meanwhile, the Autobots are struggling to repair their ship after the damage it sustained during the last clash with the Decepticons. The kids worry that they're sitting ducks should the Decepticons decide to come back. Although [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]]'s calculations suggest that the heaviest fighting will be in the north of Cybertron, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus]] decides they'll set down in the south rather than going into battle immediately. With the drive finally repaired, they hit warp.

From space, Cybertron looks deserted. [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]], [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] and [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] suddenly become excited and jump out an airlock, closely followed by [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]]. The boy watches as, cloaked in balls of green light, the swarm of Mini-Cons all begin to come together. Blurr intercepts Carlos. On the ship, the kids realise the Mini-Cons are forming a shield of some sort while what appears to be a black hole hangs menacingly in space. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] believes that this means [[Unicron]] is coming. Optimus and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] merge and go to talk to High Wire. A phantasm of [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] appears and is fired on by the Mini-Cons. After telling the Mini-Cons to get lost, the apparition promptly disappears again.

The Decepticons realise that Optimus's group of Autobots have arrived.

The kids and the Autobots discuss the impending arrival of Unicron and the situation on Cybertron. Though the Autobots want to mount a single surprise attack, Optimus believes that a more dispersed attack is required. They touch down individually in pods to find a ruined landscape, and begin searching for survivors. Optimus and Jetfire soon run into trouble in the form of Galvatron and his men. Starscream and Thrust hang back above the fight. With the two Autobots pinned down, Optimus contacts the [[Axalon (Armada)|''Axalon'']] and orders the launch of [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]]. [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] is hesitant, as it will leave the ship and Mini-Cons unprotected, but Red Alert reminds him it's an order. Optimus powerlinks with Overload and begins blasting the Decepticons.

Elsewhere, the other Autobots are fighting more Decepticons while searching for Autobot survivors. Autobot ships begin rising out of the ground and opening fire on the Decepticon fleet.

The kids on the ''Axalon'' realise their Mini-Cons have gone missing again and intercept the trio at the airlock, ready to go out and join the battle. Carlos is opposed to it, but the other kids feel that the Mini-Cons have a right to go out and fight for their home planet.

Galvatron and Optimus meet in one-on-one battle, but Optimus tells his foe of the oncoming danger going by the name of Unicron. Galvatron doesn't believe him, naturally, but the discussion is momentary interrupted by the ground quaking and a chunk of building almost hitting the Decepticon leader. Optimus points dramatically to the sky at the black hole. Chunks of ground begin floating upwards. Soon the debris and even the ships hanging in the sky begin to be sucked towards the black hole.

Thrust gloats that the plan is coming together, much to Starscream's confusion. Soon they notice a new activity: The Mini-Cons begin to pour into the black hole. More Mini-Cons reinforce the shield, and energy begins to rain down on Cybertron. The voice of the Mini-Cons implores for the fighting to stop.

Galvatron is still skeptical of Optimus, even when [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] reports that the Mini-Cons have driven off whatever was attacking the planet, but he calls a retreat. Optimus orders the Autobots back to the ''Axalon''. Thrust observes that the Mini-Cons have stopped their attack on the black hole.

Sideways swears that the Mini-Cons will pay for their attack.

The kids and Autobots thank the Mini-Cons, but High Wire says that Unicron will be back, and the Mini-Cons will protect them again.

Galvatron still thinks Unicron is just an Autobot trick. Thrust muses that this foolish belief will make things much easier for his true master.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (7)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (8)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (19)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (21)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (22)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (23)
*[[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] (24)
*[[generic|generic Autobots]]

|c2=
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (1)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (2)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (3)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (4)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (5)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (6)
*[[generic|generic Decepticons]]

|c3=
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (11)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (12)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (14)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (15)
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (17)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (13)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (16)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (18)
*[[Spiral]] (19)
*[[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]] (20)
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (25, ''Powerlinxed with Galvatron'')
*[[Rollbar (Armada)|Rollbar]] (27, ''Powerlinxed with Scavenger'')

|c5=
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (26)
}}

==Quotes==
"This is where the battle begins and ends, gentlemen."
:—'''Thrust'''

"Optimus Prime is marching right into the palm of my hand, where I will crush him."
:—'''Galvatron'''

"Welcome to Cybertron! It's so nice of you to join us. At least now we'll be able to bury you on your home planet, Optimus Prime."
:—'''Galvatron'''

"This war transcends far beyond us, Galvatron. A force is coming, and you and I alone cannot stop it."
:—'''Optimus''' attempts to warn Galvatron about Unicron.

"Would ya like a little cheese with your whine?"
:—'''Jetfire''' tries to be a generously insulting waiter for Cyclonus.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*During one of the opening pans with the assembled Decepticons in the background, ''Legends of the Microns'' removes an emblem from the floor in the foreground.
*When Thrust first speaks to Starscream, the wing on Thrust's left arm sticks out at a different angle. Thrust doesn't raise his arms at the end of the shot in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*During the zoom-in on the moon just before the title card, ''Legends of the Microns'' omits two of the incoming lasers seen in ''Armada'', yet their sound effects can still be heard.
*''Legends of the Microns'' corrects some coloring confusion between Blurr's vehicle-mode canopy and the chair in which he is sitting when Optimus Prime asks him about landing coordinates, making the canopy consistently red with gray trim and the chair consistently mint green. It also removes an odd barrier behind Blurr which turns out to have been completely concealing Red Alert!
*After Rad and Alexis first observe Cybertron, High Wire does not speak Japanese in ''Legends of the Microns'', only his usual beeps.
*''Armada'' shows lots of Mini-Con light balls "raining" straight down past the ''Axalon'', while ''Legends of the Microns'' has just seven of them whirling in circles.
*When Carlos pounds on the doors to the airlock, ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the white from his eyes.
*As Carlos floats out the airlock, the ceiling behind him is a dull brown in ''Armada'' but a medium blue in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In the crowd of glowing Mini-Cons, the two in front who look like [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] in ''Armada'' are replaced with [[Spiral]] and [[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]] in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Upon cutting from the crew's speculation back to Blurr in space, the black hole is much smaller in ''Legends of the Microns'' than in the same shot in ''Armada''.
*High Wire only beeps instead of speaking Japanese to Jet Optimus in space in ''Legends of the Microns'' as well.
*After Sideways vanishes, the black hole is already present at the start of the next shot in ''Legends of the Microns'' but has to fade back into view in ''Armada''.
*Where the doors open to reveal Carlos and the Mini-Cons' return in ''Armada'', ''Legends of the Microns'' has them already standing in front of closed doors, yet there's still the sound of doors moving then.
*The Mini-Con speech phenomenon gets switched around when the kids ask the Mini-Cons about Unicron: High Wire only beeps in ''Armada'', but he speaks of "the Mini-Cons' enemy" in Japanese in ''Legends of the Microns'' and lights up his eyes yellow as he does so!
*In the exterior establishing shot for the Autobots conferring, Cybertron fills much more of the frame in ''Armada'', taking a while to even enter the frame in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The Decepticon fleet's lasers that somehow became yellow upon impacting Cybertron in ''Armada'' were correctly recolored back to purple for ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When Jetfire remarks on the ambush, Optimus Prime's gray arm in ''Armada'' is recolored to its usual blue and yellow for ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Different music plays from when Optimus Prime transforms to Super Mode until the kids notice the Mini-Cons have left again.
*The first random Decepticon that Hot Shot attacks is recolored in ''Legends of the Microns'' to match the colors he receives on falling down in ''Armada''. The fourth Decepticon to take a hit is also recolored, possibly because ''Armada'' gave him the same color scheme as the first Decepticon.
*When the Mini-Cons are about to leave again, the second door to the airlock waits for the first door to open completely in ''Legends of the Microns'', but ''Armada'' has it open halfway simultaneously first.
*In their last shot before the Mini-Cons are outside again, Carlos and Rad are redrawn so that Rad doesn't appear to be rolling his eyes upward in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*After Galvatron dramatically leaps down to challenge Optimus Prime, ''Legends of the Microns'' adds an inert Overload to the background and Optimus Prime to the foreground, and it zooms out to reveal Prime there.
*When Galvatron charges at Optimus Prime with the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]], he only has diagonal speed lines behind him in ''Armada'' but has an actual Cybertron background pulling back in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When Optimus Prime stops Galvatron's sword hand, Optimus's own hand is recolored and his arm redrawn for ''Legends of the Microns'' for being erroneously drawn in Super Mode for this scene in ''Armada''.
*As Optimus tries to get through to Galvatron about the threat of Unicron, the (likely recycled) closeup of Galvatron's face from ''Armada'' is replaced by a whole new shot of Optimus and Galvatron leaning into each other. Then the following panning closeup of Optimus is entirely redrawn; notably, ''Armada'' features an unusual "radiator shutters" interpretation of his helmet crest that becomes a flat sheet of rectangles for ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The reverse shot of Galvatron grappling with Optimus Prime is redrawn for ''Legends of the Microns'' because Optimus is again in Super Mode by mistake in ''Armada''. The shot is also less cropped in ''Legends of the Microns'', bringing Optimus's face into the frame. And when Galvatron pushes him away, ''Legends of the Microns'' has an actual full-body animation of Optimus staggering back where ''Armada'' simply recycles the previous closeup with a bounce and a zoom-out to imply his steps.
*''Legends of the Microns'' adds Optimus Prime to the shot where the falling wreck near-misses Galvatron, making them both have to dash out of the way.
*The shot of the black hole that pans left in ''Armada'' pans right in ''Legends of the Microns'' and has a different space background with Cybertron added to the foreground.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', the rubble that rises out of Cybertron has been recolored from blue to brown in the wide shot of Optimus Prime and Galvatron and behind Galvatron in his subsequent closeup, yet it's still blue in the rest of the scene, including in front of Optimus's face! Must be some varied ground there.
*The Mini-Cons glow much brighter when they first streak away in ''Armada''; ''Legends of the Microns'' recolors the streaks to the same shade of yellow they have in the rest of the scene.
*''Legends of the Microns'' adds a pillar of wreckage for Cyclonus to crash into in two shots where he appears to be pinned against nothing in ''Armada''. It does appear in ''Armada'' the second and fourth times it should, however.
*High Wire and Grindor both get to speak words in both English and Japanese in the end, but their eyes only glow yellow for the Japanese dub.
*When Demolishor objects to Galvatron's certainty at the end, their faces have been redrawn for ''Legends of the Microns''. For Galvatron this mainly makes his eyes shiny and his chin a little flatter. For Demolishor this makes his eyes more uneven, and he shifts into a grimace instead of a pucker of surprise.

===Animation and technical errors===
*Alexis calls Sureshock "Grindor", again.
*Optimus Prime refers to the ''Axalon'' as the ''Axion''.
**Shortly afterwards (just before he orders Overload to be launched), his left arm is colored entirely gray.
*In a shot where Galvatron boasts to Optimus while combined with Tidal Wave, the right arm armor piece is not drawn in. All the while the Requiem Blaster he's holding is miscolored dark purple and grey like the said armor piece he's missing.
*Hot Shot punches a [[generic]] Decepticon who has a yellow body and blue helmet and arms as the punch lands, and a blue body and a yellow helmet and arms as he hits the ground. That Powerlinx upgrade must really pack a wallop.
*When the Decepticons are to "take care of the small fry first" Wheeljack and the Autobot Generics that appear just afterward, are shown to fire without weapons, with shots coming from their [[GoBots|FISTS]]! The Autobot generics' hands are also clearly supposed to be clutching guns.
*Rollbar is briefly shown Powerlinxed with Scavenger. Unfortunately, the Mini-Con is coloured green and is easily lost among Scavenger's body.

===Continuity notes===
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' explains that is the start of the Cybertron decisive battle.
*This episode marks the last time Optimus uses his [[trailer]] to combine into [[Super Mode]], or in this case, [[Overload (Armada)|Megaweapon mode]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Overload's trailer mode has the ability to hover/fly.
**Jetfire appears to be wielding a small generic pistol of some sort this episode.

===Trivia===
*It takes an amazingly short time for Galvatron to lay all of Cybertron to ruin.
*[[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]'s [[character model]]s get used again, as generic Autobot soldiers who face the initial Decepticon attack, and again as Mini-Cons. Countless other uses of [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] characters models are shown, the most noticeable being the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s and [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some interesting tidbits:
**When the meeting for this episode started, [[Hidehito Ueda]] explained it's events to [[Ken'ichi Ishikura]], who was confused with how to work off that. As soon as Ueda said he was serious and that he's going to erase the black hole, Ishikura immediately got to work.
**Sideways' voice actor had to laugh for more than 30 seconds. Now imagine doing that for a longer period of time.
**Grindor in the Japanese dub shares his voice actor with [[Rad White|Rad]], whereas the Decepticon soldier who was saved by the Mini-Cons has [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]]'s voice actor.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Der Aufstand'''" ("The Uprising")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 16|16 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ütközet'''" ("Clash")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Levante'''" ("Raise")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 11 ([[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]]

Uprising (Armada)

2021-12-07T02:55:21Z

PownicMania:

{{picsneeded}}
{{disambig3|Uprising}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=44
|prev=Puppet
|next=Dash (episode)
|title="Uprising"
|furigana=せいばーとろん
|japanese=帰還
|romaji=Cybertron
|translation=Return: Cybertron
|image=Uprising-SidewaysSpookyGhost.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-44
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Ken'ichi Ishikura]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 25]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[October 31|31 October]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[November 14]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''The Autobots arrive on Cybertron to find Galvatron has already conquered it, but a larger evil still approaches.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Decepticon Uprising.jpg|thumb|200px|left]]
As [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]'s ship reaches [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], a fleet of ships rises from the surface of the planet to meet it. Using the [[Mini-Con]] weapons, the [[Decepticon]] leader is easily able to take down two of the ships, and he sends his men to the surface of the planet to engage the [[Autobot]]s below in combat. Although [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] hesitates, believing Galvatron will steal all the glory, [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] says simply to follow his lead and the universe will be theirs.

Meanwhile, the Autobots are struggling to repair their ship after the damage it sustained during the last clash with the Decepticons. The kids worry that they're sitting ducks should the Decepticons decide to come back. Although [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]]'s calculations suggest that the heaviest fighting will be in the north of Cybertron, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus]] decides they'll set down in the south rather than going into battle immediately. With the drive finally repaired, they hit warp.

From space, Cybertron looks deserted. [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]], [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] and [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] suddenly become excited and jump out an airlock, closely followed by [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]]. The boy watches as, cloaked in balls of green light, the swarm of Mini-Cons all begin to come together. Blurr intercepts Carlos. On the ship, the kids realise the Mini-Cons are forming a shield of some sort while what appears to be a black hole hangs menacingly in space. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] believes that this means [[Unicron]] is coming. Optimus and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] merge and go to talk to High Wire. A phantasm of [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] appears and is fired on by the Mini-Cons. After telling the Mini-Cons to get lost, the apparition promptly disappears again.

The Decepticons realise that Optimus's group of Autobots have arrived.

The kids and the Autobots discuss the impending arrival of Unicron and the situation on Cybertron. Though the Autobots want to mount a single surprise attack, Optimus believes that a more dispersed attack is required. They touch down individually in pods to find a ruined landscape, and begin searching for survivors. Optimus and Jetfire soon run into trouble in the form of Galvatron and his men. Starscream and Thrust hang back above the fight. With the two Autobots pinned down, Optimus contacts the [[Axalon (Armada)|''Axalon'']] and orders the launch of [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]]. [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] is hesitant, as it will leave the ship and Mini-Cons unprotected, but Red Alert reminds him it's an order. Optimus powerlinks with Overload and begins blasting the Decepticons.

Elsewhere, the other Autobots are fighting more Decepticons while searching for Autobot survivors. Autobot ships begin rising out of the ground and opening fire on the Decepticon fleet.

The kids on the ''Axalon'' realise their Mini-Cons have gone missing again and intercept the trio at the airlock, ready to go out and join the battle. Carlos is opposed to it, but the other kids feel that the Mini-Cons have a right to go out and fight for their home planet.

Galvatron and Optimus meet in one-on-one battle, but Optimus tells his foe of the oncoming danger going by the name of Unicron. Galvatron doesn't believe him, naturally, but the discussion is momentary interrupted by the ground quaking and a chunk of building almost hitting the Decepticon leader. Optimus points dramatically to the sky at the black hole. Chunks of ground begin floating upwards. Soon the debris and even the ships hanging in the sky begin to be sucked towards the black hole.

Thrust gloats that the plan is coming together, much to Starscream's confusion. Soon they notice a new activity: The Mini-Cons begin to pour into the black hole. More Mini-Cons reinforce the shield, and energy begins to rain down on Cybertron. The voice of the Mini-Cons implores for the fighting to stop.

Galvatron is still skeptical of Optimus, even when [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] reports that the Mini-Cons have driven off whatever was attacking the planet, but he calls a retreat. Optimus orders the Autobots back to the ''Axalon''. Thrust observes that the Mini-Cons have stopped their attack on the black hole.

Sideways swears that the Mini-Cons will pay for their attack.

The kids and Autobots thank the Mini-Cons, but High Wire says that Unicron will be back, and the Mini-Cons will protect them again.

Galvatron still thinks Unicron is just an Autobot trick. Thrust muses that this foolish belief will make things much easier for his true master.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (7)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (8)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (19)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (21)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (22)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (23)
*[[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] (24)
*[[generic|generic Autobots]]

|c2=
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (1)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (2)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (3)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (4)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (5)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (6)
*[[generic|generic Decepticons]]

|c3=
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (11)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (12)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (14)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (15)
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (17)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (13)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (16)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (18)
*[[Spiral]] (19)
*[[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]] (20)
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (25, ''Powerlinxed with Galvatron'')
*[[Rollbar (Armada)|Rollbar]] (27, ''Powerlinxed with Scavenger'')

|c5=
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (26)
}}

==Quotes==
"This is where the battle begins and ends, gentlemen."
:—'''Thrust'''

"Optimus Prime is marching right into the palm of my hand, where I will crush him."
:—'''Galvatron'''

"Welcome to Cybertron! It's so nice of you to join us. At least now we'll be able to bury you on your home planet, Optimus Prime."
:—'''Galvatron'''

"This war transcends far beyond us, Galvatron. A force is coming, and you and I alone cannot stop it."
:—'''Optimus''' attempts to warn Galvatron about Unicron.

"Would ya like a little cheese with your whine?"
:—'''Jetfire''' tries to be a generously insulting waiter for Cyclonus.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*During one of the opening pans with the assembled Decepticons in the background, ''Legends of the Microns'' removes an emblem from the floor in the foreground.
*When Thrust first speaks to Starscream, the wing on Thrust's left arm sticks out at a different angle. Thrust doesn't raise his arms at the end of the shot in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*During the zoom-in on the moon just before the title card, ''Legends of the Microns'' omits two of the incoming lasers seen in ''Armada'', yet their sound effects can still be heard.
*''Legends of the Microns'' corrects some coloring confusion between Blurr's vehicle-mode canopy and the chair in which he is sitting when Optimus Prime asks him about landing coordinates, making the canopy consistently red with gray trim and the chair consistently mint green. It also removes an odd barrier behind Blurr which turns out to have been completely concealing Red Alert!
*After Rad and Alexis first observe Cybertron, High Wire does not speak Japanese in ''Legends of the Microns'', only his usual beeps.
*''Armada'' shows lots of Mini-Con light balls "raining" straight down past the ''Axalon'', while ''Legends of the Microns'' has just seven of them whirling in circles.
*When Carlos pounds on the doors to the airlock, ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the white from his eyes.
*As Carlos floats out the airlock, the ceiling behind him is a dull brown in ''Armada'' but a medium blue in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In the crowd of glowing Mini-Cons, the two in front who look like [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] in ''Armada'' are replaced with [[Spiral]] and [[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]] in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Upon cutting from the crew's speculation back to Blurr in space, the black hole is much smaller in ''Legends of the Microns'' than in the same shot in ''Armada''.
*High Wire only beeps instead of speaking Japanese to Jet Optimus in space in ''Legends of the Microns'' as well.
*After Sideways vanishes, the black hole is already present at the start of the next shot in ''Legends of the Microns'' but has to fade back into view in ''Armada''.
*Where the doors open to reveal Carlos and the Mini-Cons' return in ''Armada'', ''Legends of the Microns'' has them already standing in front of closed doors, yet there's still the sound of doors moving then.
*The Mini-Con speech phenomenon gets switched around when the kids ask the Mini-Cons about Unicron: High Wire only beeps in ''Armada'', but he speaks of "the Mini-Cons' enemy" in Japanese in ''Legends of the Microns'' and lights up his eyes yellow as he does so!
*In the exterior establishing shot for the Autobots conferring, Cybertron fills much more of the frame in ''Armada'', taking a while to even enter the frame in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The Decepticon fleet's lasers that somehow became yellow upon impacting Cybertron in ''Armada'' were correctly recolored back to purple for ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When Jetfire remarks on the ambush, Optimus Prime's gray arm in ''Armada'' is recolored to its usual blue and yellow for ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Different music plays from when Optimus Prime transforms to Super Mode until the kids notice the Mini-Cons have left again.
*The first random Decepticon that Hot Shot attacks is recolored in ''Legends of the Microns'' to match the colors he receives on falling down in ''Armada''. The fourth Decepticon to take a hit is also recolored, possibly because ''Armada'' gave him the same color scheme as the first Decepticon.
*When the Mini-Cons are about to leave again, the second door to the airlock waits for the first door to open completely in ''Legends of the Microns'', but ''Armada'' has it open halfway simultaneously first.
*In their last shot before the Mini-Cons are outside again, Carlos and Rad are redrawn so that Rad doesn't appear to be rolling his eyes upward in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*After Galvatron dramatically leaps down to challenge Optimus Prime, ''Legends of the Microns'' adds an inert Overload to the background and Optimus Prime to the foreground, and it zooms out to reveal Prime there.
*When Galvatron charges at Optimus Prime with the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]], he only has diagonal speed lines behind him in ''Armada'' but has an actual Cybertron background pulling back in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When Optimus Prime stops Galvatron's sword hand, Optimus's own hand is recolored and his arm redrawn for ''Legends of the Microns'' for being erroneously drawn in Super Mode for this scene in ''Armada''.
*As Optimus tries to get through to Galvatron about the threat of Unicron, the (likely recycled) closeup of Galvatron's face from ''Armada'' is replaced by a whole new shot of Optimus and Galvatron leaning into each other. Then the following panning closeup of Optimus is entirely redrawn; notably, ''Armada'' features an unusual "radiator shutters" interpretation of his helmet crest that becomes a flat sheet of rectangles for ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The reverse shot of Galvatron grappling with Optimus Prime is redrawn for ''Legends of the Microns'' because Optimus is again in Super Mode by mistake in ''Armada''. The shot is also less cropped in ''Legends of the Microns'', bringing Optimus's face into the frame. And when Galvatron pushes him away, ''Legends of the Microns'' has an actual full-body animation of Optimus staggering back where ''Armada'' simply recycles the previous closeup with a bounce and a zoom-out to imply his steps.
*''Legends of the Microns'' adds Optimus Prime to the shot where the falling wreck near-misses Galvatron, making them both have to dash out of the way.
*The shot of the black hole that pans left in ''Armada'' pans right in ''Legends of the Microns'' and has a different space background with Cybertron added to the foreground.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', the rubble that rises out of Cybertron has been recolored from blue to brown in the wide shot of Optimus Prime and Galvatron and behind Galvatron in his subsequent closeup, yet it's still blue in the rest of the scene, including in front of Optimus's face! Must be some varied ground there.
*The Mini-Cons glow much brighter when they first streak away in ''Armada''; ''Legends of the Microns'' recolors the streaks to the same shade of yellow they have in the rest of the scene.
*''Legends of the Microns'' adds a pillar of wreckage for Cyclonus to crash into in two shots where he appears to be pinned against nothing in ''Armada''. It does appear in ''Armada'' the second and fourth times it should, however.
*High Wire and Grindor both get to speak words in both English and Japanese in the end, but their eyes only glow yellow for the Japanese dub.
*When Demolishor objects to Galvatron's certainty at the end, their faces have been redrawn for ''Legends of the Microns''. For Galvatron this mainly makes his eyes shiny and his chin a little flatter. For Demolishor this makes his eyes more uneven, and he shifts into a grimace instead of a pucker of surprise.

===Animation and technical errors===
*Alexis calls Sureshock "Grindor", again.
*Optimus Prime refers to the ''Axalon'' as the ''Axion''.
**Shortly afterwards (just before he orders Overload to be launched), his left arm is colored entirely gray.
*In a shot where Galvatron boasts to Optimus while combined with Tidal Wave, the right arm armor piece is not drawn in. All the while the Requiem Blaster he's holding is miscolored dark purple and grey like the said armor piece he's missing.
*Hot Shot punches a [[generic]] Decepticon who has a yellow body and blue helmet and arms as the punch lands, and a blue body and a yellow helmet and arms as he hits the ground. That Powerlinx upgrade must really pack a wallop.
*When the Decepticons are to "take care of the small fry first" Wheeljack and the Autobot Generics that appear just afterward, are shown to fire without weapons, with shots coming from their [[GoBots|FISTS]]! The Autobot generics' hands are also clearly supposed to be clutching guns.
*Rollbar is briefly shown Powerlinxed with Scavenger. Unfortunately, the Mini-Con is coloured green and is easily lost among Scavenger's body.

===Continuity notes===
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' explains that is the start of the Cybertron decisive battle.
*This episode marks the last time Optimus uses his [[trailer]] to combine into [[Super Mode]], or in this case, [[Overload (Armada)|Megaweapon mode]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Overload's trailer mode has the ability to hover/fly.
**Jetfire appears to be wielding a small generic pistol of some sort this episode.

===Trivia===
*It takes an amazingly short time for Galvatron to lay all of Cybertron to ruin.
*[[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]'s [[character model]]s get used again, as generic Autobot soldiers who face the initial Decepticon attack, and again as Mini-Cons. Countless other uses of [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] characters models are shown, the most noticeable being the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s and [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some interesting tidbits:
**When the meeting for this episode started, [[Hidehito Ueta]] explained it's events to [[Ken'ichi Ishikura]], who was confused with how to work off that. As soon as Ueta said he was serious and that he's going to erase the black hole, Ishikura immediately got to work.
**Sideways' voice actor had to laugh for more than 30 seconds. Now imagine doing that for a longer period of time.
**Grindor in the Japanese dub shares his voice actor with [[Rad White|Rad]], whereas the Decepticon soldier who was saved by the Mini-Cons has [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]]'s voice actor.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Der Aufstand'''" ("The Uprising")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 16|16 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ütközet'''" ("Clash")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Levante'''" ("Raise")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 11 ([[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]]

Past

2021-12-07T02:34:44Z

PownicMania: /* Continuity errors */

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=31
|prev=Runaway
|next=Past II
|title="Past"
|furigana=いんねん
|japanese=過去前編
|romaji=Innen
|translation=Past, Part 1: Pretext
|image=past.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-31
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|englishadaptation=[[Jono Howard]]
|director=[[Masayuki Motsumoto]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[March 29]], [[2003]] (English) [[August 8|8 August]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''An Autobot and a Decepticon arrive from Cybertron, each with histories tied to the Autobot crew.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:AWheeljack-Fire.jpg|left|thumb|BURN in the FIRES of Inferno! Maxi—err, Autobot.]]
''Surrounded by flames, [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] tries to lift off a large piece of debris holding down [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]]'s legs. Over Wheeljack's protest, Hot Shot runs to get additional assistance, leaving his friend waiting. Outside of the flames, Hot Shot's superior refuses to let Hot Shot endanger himself by entering the flames again.''

On [[Earth]], the kids mock [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]]'s self-introduction. Side Swipe greets [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]], but Blurr is embarrassed and denies knowing Side Swipe. After coming inside, Side Swipe stands on his own head and calls for help to jog Blurr's memory of the two's meeting.

[[File:Past Part 1 Side Swipe caught.jpg|200px|thumb|Meanwhile, in Robots in Disguise...]]
''On a sunny [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Side Swipe has been suspended upside down (possibly due to a poor attempt at a parachute landing). After a brief name exchange, Blurr blasts the rope holding Side Swipe in place.''

Seeking his savior, Side Swipe followed Blurr to Earth. But Blurr has no interest in the enthusiastic wannabe and walks away. When Side Swipe tries to follow, he stumbles and disturbs Blurr's work. Blurr, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], and Hot Shot meet and decide that Hot Shot is best suited to becomes Side Swipe's mentor.

[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] and [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] play [[Fighter Machine|a video game]]. Billy wins, but both players are scolded by [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]].

Hot Shot walks out into the rain to take Side Swipe under his wing. After the two are introduced, they go to the target range. Side Swipe manages to destroy his target, but without anything close to precision. Outside, Side Swipe displays that he can't transform very fast either.

''Wheeljack, stranded inside of the burning terrain, calls out for help. While Hot Shot doesn't answer, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] marches from the flames.''

By a pretty lake, Side Swipe and Hot Shot have a heart to heart. Side Swipe explains how he idolizes the dedication of Blurr, but Hot Shot instead suggests Side Swipe set more reasonable goals to find his own identity. A black car monitors the two in secret.

[[File:ArmadaHotShot Wheeljack sunset.jpg|left|thumb|"Sure would suck if I was trapped in a fire and rescued by Megatron, owing my life to him, forcing us to be on opposite sides."]]

Alexis enjoys Fred and Billy's video game.

Cruising on a highway, the black car aggressively approaches the two [[Autobot]]s. They attempt to ignore him (assuming he's domestic to the planet), but Wheeljack knocks away Side Swipe and shows his defaced Autobot logo to Hot Shot. Side Swipe connects with his [[Mini-Con]] and accelerates to fight back, while Hot Shot remembers:

''On Cybertron, years ago, Hot Shot is appointed the supervisor of an enthusiastic younger bot. In person, Wheeljack's idolization matches Side Swipe's idolization of Blurr. Wheeljack then cryptically mentions the possibility of the two being separated by battle.''

Use of holograms, vanishing, and aggressive driving allow Wheeljack to easily knock Side Swipe off of a cliff on one side of the road. With the younger Autobot out of the way, Hot Shot and Wheeljack are formally reintroduced. Wheeljack disregards Hot Shot's apology for the abandonment on Cybertron and explains how Megatron saved and recruited him. Now the two stand on opposite sides, and Wheeljack faces down Hot Shot with his weapon drawn... and fires.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (1)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (2)
*[[Sentinel Minor]] (3)
*[[Endo]] (4)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (5)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (6)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (7)
*[[Peritus Maximus]] (14)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (11)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (7)
*[[Rad White]] (8)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (9)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (10)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (11)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Nightbeat (Armada)|Nightbeat]] (13)
}}

==Quotes==
"Attention soldier! Side Swipe, as this moment, you will be working under the supervision and guidance of Hot Shot." 
"Under Hot Shot?" 
"That's right kid." 
"Well, who's that?" 
"I am! I'm Hot Shot, you idiot!"
:—'''Hot Shot''' assigns '''Side Swipe''' to himself.

"Prepare yourself, Hot Shot. You're about to get a little surprise from your past. You may have forgotten what you did to me but I will ''never'' forget."
:—'''Wheeljack''' expositing as he drives toward Hot Shot and Side Swipe.

"I think you're mistaken, Hot Shot. I didn't come here for revenge. I'm no longer the Wheeljack you knew. Like I said, I've been reborn. I've become... a Decepticon!" 
"No! It's... not true!" 
"Sorry, but it is. Our friendship's over. Let's forget the past and get on with our lives so we can battle as enemies, understand? There's nothing I can do to change the past."
:—'''Wheeljack''', oddly, claiming he isn't here for revenge, when he's here for revenge.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*''Armada'' omits a pretty crucial detail about Hot Shot and Wheeljack's backstory that reframes the entire situation. It shows Hot Shot leaving Wheeljack in the fire, promising to get help at face value, so Wheeljack's hatred of Hot Shot looks like wrongful resentment. However, ''Legends of the Microns'' makes it clear that Hot Shot ''did'' abandon Wheeljack out of cowardice; his promise to get help was an excuse, and his attempt to rush back into the fire was guilt-ridden second thoughts. This detail makes both Wheeljack's grudge and Hot Shot's guilt considerably less misplaced. It's unclear if the changes came from mistranslation or a conscious simplification of both the narrative and dialogue's nuance.
*Side Swipe's arrival to the Autobot base is silent in ''Legends of the Microns''. In ''Armada'', Alexis points out that someone is coming, with Rad then asking if anyone ordered a pizza. Carlos jokingly confirms ordering one topped with pepperoni ice cream, and Alexis reacts with disgust.

===Animation and technical errors===
*Connecting with his Mini-Con changes Side Swipe's appearance, but they reuse his artwork from before he [[Powerlinx]]ed in the next overhead shot.
*In the shot with multiple Wheeljacks, they are all missing their damaged Autobot symbols.
*Additionally, Blurr is missing the Autobot symbol on his chest in Side Swipe's flashback and again in the following scene back at the base.
*Blurr and Side Swipe are drawn in their Earth [[character model|animation model]]s in the flashback, despite having Cybertronian models in the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]''.
*While Wheeljack is chasing Hot Shot and Side Swipe, his small Decepticon symbol is missing in one shot.
*When Wheeljack first pulls his weapon out, it's colored grey. In the next shot, it's the proper color of yellow.
*Hot Shot and Wheeljack are drawn without the details indicating having terrestrial alternate modes. But Megatron is animated in his Earth animation model, instead of the Cybertronian mode animation model he had in "[[First Encounter]]." This mistake also happens in the Japanese version.

===Continuity notes===
[[File:OfficerOfficer.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Merry Primus, everyone!]]
*This episode introduces three original characters that use [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] designs. While all of these "[[generic]]s" went unnamed during the original release of the show, they were later given names in [[2015]] by [[Ask Vector Prime]]:
**[[Peritus Maximus]], uses ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|The Headmasters]]'' [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]'s model, and is much, ''much'' smaller.
**[[Sentinel Minor]], uses ''The Headmasters'' [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]]'s model.
**[[Endo]], uses Generation 1 [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]'s model, only... much larger.
*How and where Side Swipe picked up Nightbeat goes unexplained.
*[[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] has clouds and an [[Earth]]-like atmosphere during its daylight scenes, something that carries over into ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]''.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Side Swipe uses his pistol without its bayonet.
**It's not entirely clear, but Wheeljack can either teleport or use light manipulation.
**Wheeljack can also make copies/holograms of himself.
**Side Swipe Powerlinx with Nightbeat for the only time in the cartoon, making his vehicle mode drive faster.
***As an impressive piece of toy accuracy, Nightbeat leaps out of Side Swipe's trunk compartment and activates the button on his hood, extending the front end of his vehicle mode. Once that occurs, Nightbeat transforms back to motorcycle mode and Powerlinx onto Side Swipe's Mini-Con port.
**Wheeljack uses one of his weird guns; these are the yellow missiles on his toy.

===Continuity errors===
*Wheeljack claims he's not here for revenge, yet the rest of the episode clearly shows him obsessed with the past. He intentionally targets Hot Shot, drives Side Swipe off of a cliff in front of him, attempting to damage his psyche just before finishing him off, or so he thought. The Japanese version has the same/similar dialogue and plot point inconsistencies. Strangely, Wheeljack says that he was out for revenge in the [[Past II|next episode]]'s English dub.
**''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' mentions that Wheeljack having a grudge on Hot Shot due to what happened in the past is played as a mystery, so this may not exactly be an error.

===Transformers references===
*Autobot Wheeljack is colored white, similar to his Generation 1 [[Wheeljack (G1)|namesake]].

===Trivia===
*The kanji 過去 would be ''kako'' and 前編 would be pronounced as ''zenpen'', while ''innen'' is used for 因縁.
*This episode has no narration from Rad or [[Jim Conrad]] in the [[title sequence]] at all, and is the only one to do so.
*This episode ends on a [[cliffhanger]], with the screen fading to black as Wheeljack points his weapon at Hot Shot before a gunshot goes off.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some interesting tidbits on this episode:
**When Side Swipe joined with the Autobots, this is where the episode gets more comical in its story.
**Hot Shot's advice about understanding the difference between yourself and someone else is a continuation of what he learned from Scavenger all the way back in "[[Conspiracy]]".
**[[Takeshi Sano]] was particularly worried about showing Hot Shot's relationship with both Side Swipe and Wheeljack, but he thinks he managed to give each one legitimacy. He also says that Wheeljack is a ninja.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Der Überläufer, Teil 1'''" ("The Renegade, Part 1")
:*''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:'' "'''A múlt árnyai, 1. rész'''" ("Shadows of the Past, part 1")

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

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''돌아온 프레디'''" ("Returning Freddy")

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

==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]]

Mortal Combat

2021-12-07T02:27:32Z

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

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=52
|prev=Origin
|next=Cybertron City (episode)
|title="Mortal Combat"
|japanese=死闘
|romaji=Shitō
|translation=Death Match
|image=Armada 52 - Prime hangon to Galvatron.jpg
|caption=Fatality!
|production code=TF: A-52
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]
|englishadaptation=[[Terry Klassen]]
|director=[[Hidehito Ueda]], [[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.), [[Munetaka Abe]] (animation dir.)
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[October 3]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[December 12]], [[2003]] (English, United States) [[December 26]], [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Optimus and Galvatron wage their final brutal battle, while the rest of the Transformers deal with Unicron.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Unicron]] is no longer functional, his body lying dormant in space. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] lets the assembled armies return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to begin the rebuilding.

[[File:MortalCombat galvatron sacrifice.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left]]
Inside of Unicron, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] holds onto the idea that he can still become the sole ruler of the universe. Now that Unicron is gone, it's left to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and Galvatron to finish the war. Optimus and the kids try to argue that now that the two militaries have been united, there's no need to continue the fight, but Galvatron reminds his foe that the hatred left over from an unfinished war would repower Unicron.

On Cybertron, [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] alerts the other that Unicron is in motion again. Hot Shot decides to go to Unicron to retrieve Optimus Prime, but [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] takes Hot Shot's place. [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] follows Jetfire.

Optimus says goodbye to the children; the kids don't want to go, but he convinces them that the final battle must be fought. After throwing away the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] (because this isn't a battle between Autobots and Decepticons, but Optimus' vision for peace against Galvatron's lust for conflict), Prime starts the fight with some gunfire and a knee to Galvatron's face. When Galvatron gets up, he and Prime blast their firepower at each other.

Outside of Unicron, Jetfire and Cyclonus pick up the kids and bring them back to Cybertron. The kids report on what the two leaders are doing, and it seems Unicron isn't quite dead either. Under heavy pressure, Hot Shot orders the attack against Unicron to be resumed, with special care taken not to harm the leaders.

Inside, Optimus Prime and Galvatron continue to rumble. Prime throws one of his wheels directly into Galvatron's primary cannon. The resulting explosion blasts Galvatron through a wall, but the Decepticon is only amused by the ferocity of the combat. Unicron's words echo in Prime's mind. Galvatron uses his extending antlers to toss Prime around. Prime breaks off the blades and uses them against his rival, but Galvatron scores a critical hit through Optimus with his hidden wrist blade.

[[File:Mortal Combat Hot Shot Jetfire.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|When we come back, we'll be terrible cel-shaded CGI!]]
The [[Transformer]]s buzz around Unicron, blasting him through his own trenches. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] notices that during the combat, a large, growing black hole has appeared on Unicron's surface.

Optimus Prime stands up, refusing to give up the fight. Decompression sends the warriors outside of Unicron, onto his external surface. Galvatron acquires a nearby pipe to use as a battle staff, but Optimus displays amazing agility and stands on the staff, prancing along it to kick Galvatron in the face. While Galvatron is still stunned, Optimus hefts his foe and cramps Galvatron's midsection, but in the process, the metal pipe is shoved down Prime's back.

[[File:Unicron-behind-a-planet-Armada.jpg|thumb|left]]
The two warriors break for a moment, and Galvatron admits that even though he lost the battle, he enjoyed the thrill of it. The moment of peace between the two is disturbed by Unicron transforming into his planet mode. Prime is stuck holding onto Galvatron as the two are sucked toward Unicron's maw. Galvatron, determined to see only one winner of the war (even if it isn't him) instructs Prime to let him fall. Prime refuses, so Galvatron cuts himself loose and free-falls into oblivion. As soon as Galvatron is absorbed, Unicron vanishes. Left floating in space, Optimus decides he's unworthy of the Matrix.

Sometime later, Hot Shot and Jetfire return the kids to Earth. They agree that they've all learned a lot from each other ever since their first encounter. [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]], and [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] start to cry. Alexis gazes down at her pendant that contains the [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] stone that [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] gave her, smiling sadly as if remembering him. With the war over, Optimus Prime narrates the closing moments. But, hidden behind a distant planet, Unicron endures.

[['Til all are one|'Til all are]] [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|undone.]]
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (2)
* [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (3)
* [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (4)
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (6)
* [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (13)
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (14)
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (15)
* [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (16)
* [[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] (24)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (5)
* [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (17)
* [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (18)
* [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (19)
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (23)

|c3=
* [[Rad White|Rad]] (7)
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (8)
* [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (9)
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (10)
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (11)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] (12)
*[[Race Mini-Con Team]] (20)
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (21)
*[[Space Mini-Con Team]] (22)

|h5=Other|c5=
* [[Unicron]] (1)
}}

==Quotes==
"This probably isn't the time to ask, but when are we gonna eat, you guys?" 
"Zip it, Fred, or I'll give you my fist to chew on!" 
:—'''Fred''' and '''Billy'''

"Your mindless ambitions are fueled only by your greed. You'll stop at nothing to get what you want. I should have let Unicron destroy you!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' to Galvatron

"Why can't we all just get along?!"
:—'''Fred'''

"Children, the future is yours!" 
"Good riddance, humans!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Galvatron''' bid farewell to the kids in their own unique ways.

"Don't act surprised. This is exactly what you wanted. And I fight you not as the leader of the Autobots, but as the leader of ''all'' Transformers!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' tosses aside his Matrix of Leadership before attacking Galvatron.

"Farewell, Optimus Prime. Victory is all yours. Now go look after your men, they need you!"
:—'''Galvatron's''' last words until ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]''

"The war between the Autobots and the Decepticons has come to an end, and without the hatred between the two sides, there was no evil to feed Unicron, and he became powerless. Both Unicron and Megatron scattered into the far reaches of the universe. As for me, my purpose has been served. Cybertron is safe and Transformers live in peace with the Mini-Cons. So the next time you look out into space and see a peaceful star far, far away, it just might be Cybertron. TRANSFORM!"
:—'''Optimus Prime's''' last words until ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]''

{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*The opening is silent in ''Legends of the Microns'' until Hot Shot speaks, meanwhile ''Armada'' has [[Jim Conrad]] narrate the opening, recapping the last episode's events of how the union manage to neutralize Unicron, but an old battle is about to begin.
*Hot Shot hopes that Optimus and Galvatron manage to get out of Unicron safely in ''Armada'', and Scavenger suggests they shouldn't worry too much since they can handle themselves. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shots asks if they escaped Unicron and Scavenger imagines those two can handle themselves but unsure of what to do now. Hot Shot then says that if taking down Unicron happened earlier, they would retrieve them, but figured they need a break in ''Legends of the Microns'', but Armada only has him say they'll meet them back on Cybertron.
*Optimus and Galvatron's conversation before they clash ''essentially'' is the same in both dubs, but the points made are almost entirely different. ''Armada'' noticeably throws in being the ruler of the universe whereas ''Legends of the Microns'' is about trying to embrace your nature.
**''Legends of the Microns'' has Galvatron ask Optimus what was the purpose of their long struggle and was it to only awaken Unicron, before claiming they fought each other to preserve their true sense themselves and not to be Unicron's puppets. The kids(Particularly Fred) are confused about all of this talk of maintaining a true sense of who you are, and Galvatron reminds them he only joined forces with Optimus to take down Unicron, and now that he is defeated, there is no reason to continue the alliance. Alexis then asks why Starscream sacrificed himself for, which Galvatron asks why, and the former replies with how it was to unite all Transformers. Galvatron continues that even if the Decpticons and Autobots join hands, he can never reconcile the differences with him and Optimus, causing the latter to ask if the battle with Unicron was pointless. Galvatron then says the battle itself wasn't pointless, but it can only have meaning if the party with justice must gain victory, and Optimus replies with own, saying that as long as evil resides in the hearts of the Transformers, Unicron will only grow stronger, and that's what the battle has wrought. The kids all agree with Optimus, to which Galvatron asks if that's what he truly believes and mentions that he couldn't answer Sideways' question, before asking again if Optimus' hatred of him was a motivator to fight for all these ages. When Optimus says who is, Galvatron replies with "That again" before saying he wants to seek Optimus' true feelings as a Transformer.
**''Armada'' makes Galvatron say that if they don't continue their battle then all of their fighting has been pointless, before making a very unwanted claim of how there can only be one ruler of the universe. The kids respond with annoyance except for Fred and Billy, with the former asking when they are gonna eat and the latter replies that he would give him his fist to chew on. Galvatron says it is now time to take care of the other obstacle that stands in his way before Alexis jumps reminding him on why Starscream sacrificed himself, to which the former answers because he was a fool before the latter says that he wanted everyone to leave in peace. Galvatron tells the kids to understand the simple concept of only one person ruling the universe before claiming that it's going to be him, then Optimus asks if battling Unicron was just a means to an end. Galvatron confirms this and says he used him in order to further his ambitions, asking if it's wrong to think highly of yourself to which Optimus says yes and continues that he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Then in a bit of an out of character moment, claims that he should've let Unicorn destroy him. Galvatron says that this conversation is interesting but Optimus failed to comprehend his own argument before reminding him of what Unicron said about their dilemma, and asks if Optimus is either oppressing his hatred of him or he actually likes him. Once Optimus reintroduces himself, Galvaron replies with how he never changes, and says Optimus can deny his hatred all he wants, but he knows the real truth in his heart.
*When Unicron starts to move, Hot Shot suggests it's maybe better if they wait until Optimus gets back to figure out what to do, then later says no to Red Alert's suggestion this is the best opportunity to retrieve him and the kids and that everyone should stay here and be on lookout in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' is mostly the same, but Hot Shot instead asks if Optimus, Galvatron, and the kids are still inside Unicron, then when responding to Red Alert's suggestion mentions that the fleet's on standby. He then says what are the chances of Unicron attacking and if anything does happen, he can always count on Jetfire to take charge.
*Jetfire speaks in a lot more of a commanding tone when suggesting that he goes and retrieves everyone on Unicron in ''Armada'' compared to ''Legends of the Microns''. When Jetfire leaves and Cyclonus catches up with him, ''Armada'' plays the [[Theme song|theme song]] whereas no music is present in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The kids' departure from Optimus and Galvatron brings in more differences yet still being ''somewhat'' the same thing in between dubs: [[File:Mortal Combat animation changes.jpg|thumb|340px|Animation changes between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' screencaps (right).]]
**Before pointing out the differences between the dialogue, there are some surprising animation shot changes in between versions.
***When Optimus says the children's names before he says his speech, ''Armada'' actually has an exclusive pan of the kids. ''Legends of the Microns'' instead just uses a later shot of Optimus looking down on the kids during this sequence.
***After Optimus tells the Mini-Cons to look after the kids, High Wire, Grindor, and Sureshock's shot are drawn differently in each version, with the Japanese dub swapping places between High Wire and Grindor to provide more consistency on where is who.
**''Armada'' has Galvatron ask the kids to step aside since he and Optimus have "business" to take care of, then Carlos says they aren't going anywhere and Billy confidently says Optimus isn't going to fight. Galvatron replies mockingly that Optimus is going to let himself get obliterated before the latter tells the kids his personal thank you for helping the Autobots save the Mini-Cons. Optimus then assures Galvatron is right about needing to end hate in the universe and that he now has to finish what he started. Sureshock asks Optimus why he should fight after he entrusts them with the children, with the latter then saying it's the only way to achieve peace, then Rad tells him he shouldn't let Galvatron suck him into this but later realizes Optimus isn't going to change. He then asks if they'll see each other again soon, and Optimus assures that they will and he'll always remember him. Optimus and Galvatron then give their final farewells to the kids(See above.)
**Galvatron asks the kids to leave Unicron since this is his and Optimus' fight in ''Legends of the Microns'', with Carlos in return asking why he still can't understand what they are saying and Billy reaffirming that there is no need to fight. Galvatron says that it doesn't look like Optimus believes that before the latter says to the kids that they would've never been able to defeat Unicron with their help, but apologizes for going to fight with Galvatron and that he's still a regular Transformer when you remove the "Supreme Commander" title from him. Optimus trusts the Mini-Cons to take care of the children and assures them that they all must rely on their own strength to carry forward, which makes Rad ask if he's really going to fight. Rad thanks Optimus for everything that has happened, with the latter assuring vice versa and that he wouldn't be standing here today without him. High Wire says all of the kids' names when he glows multiple times, and Optimus tells them farewell and to head towards the future.
*Galvatron talks about being only with Optimus in ''Armada'', to which Optimus says that the time of speeches are over and it's time to end their quarrel, then later says he shouldn't be surprised and that this is exactly what he wants before throwing the Matrix out. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Galvatron asking Optimus what's wrong, with Prime replying that he was right, which is why from this point onward they'll fight as Transformers.
*After tossing the Matrix before his final battle against Galvatron, Optimus says that he's fighting him not as a Commander "but as a Transformer called Optimus Prime!"
*After Optimus shoots at Galvatron, he comments on how he was the first one to attack in ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' has him say that Optimus is not superior to him.
*When Cyclonus stops shooting at Unicron, he says he just got carried away in ''Armada'' whereas ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say "I guess so..." Jetfire's reaction is also changed from him telling Cyclonus to knock it off in the English dub, but immediately remarks of Optimus and the others being inside Unicron in Japanese.
*When Jetfire notices the kids coming out of Unicron, ''Armada'' has Rad sounding shocked about the teleportation he just witnessed, but ''Legends of the Microns'' has him silent and instead has Jetfire point out the kids.
*The union's discussion back at the [[Axalon]] is subtly different between versions:
**''Legends of the Microns'' has Hoist ask how they are supposed to protect space with Unicron floating around, which Scavenger then asks what they are going to do since he's just there defenseless. Wheeljack asks Hot Shot what's the purpose of uniting the Transformers race before encouraging him to think, and then Demolishor reminds everyone that Galvatron is still inside Unicron. Side Swipe reminds everyone that Optimus is there too, to which Blurr responds that the two leaders are focusing intently on their duel, but he can't say why. Hot Shot then comes to the conclusion that this might be their only chance to destroy Unicron, and even if Optimus is still inside, they must carry out the attack.
**''Armada'' has Hoist suggest that they should wait for Jetfire and the kids to return before they do anything, with Scavenger agreeing, but Wheeljack suggests to Hot Shot they should commence an assault now before Demolishor and Sideswipe remind him that the two leaders are still inside Unicron and they might get hit. Blurr says that it might be best for Optimus to return first and he doesn't think they have choice, and then Hot Shot evaluates that Unicron can't be fully recovered nor Optimus and Galvatron should get hurt before he announces the assault.
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Hot Shot's announcement longer compared to ''Armada'', which also focused more on Optimus and Galvatron being inside than the actual attack.
*After Galvatron gets thrown off course due to his blaster getting clogged, ''Armada'' has Galvatron saying he didn't expect Optimus defending himself, but he's glad that he is his old self again and all of this reminds him of the good old days. His laugh during this also has an echo effect. Meanwhile in ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron says this is what he expects from a top class Transformer who fights, and then remarks on how fun this is.
*Unicron's words hovering over Optimus gives the same intent in both dubs, but like with "[[Origin]]", there's no mention of Optimus being like Galvatron if he doesn't have the Matrix in ''Armada'' and instead Unicron talks about he loves the smell of battle.
*When the scene cuts back to their duel, ''Legends of the Microns'' includes a short clip where Galvatron rips out his destroyed cannon to throw it at Optimus before striking him with his horns. ''Armada'' only shows Optimus blocking a seemingly random object thrown at him. [[File:Mortal Combat ML Exclusive Shot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right|''Legends of the Micron'''s exclusive animation that adds to the run time by a little. Too disturbing for the kids?]]
*Where High Wire says that Sideways was eliminated and Unicron is only in a dormant state in ''Armada'', ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say that defeating Sideways didn't kill off Unicron. Carlos in this same shot asks what does High Wire means in ''Legends of the Microns'', but says "Mind saying that in English?" in Armada.
*Alexis in ''Armada'' makes it so that the hole in Unicron's armor is like it's opening up itself, which makes Billy's response awkward. Rad also wonders if it's a telltale sign that Optimus is okay. ''Legends of the Microns'' has her say the union managed to punch a hole in Unicron's armor, so Billy getting excited is a lot more appropriate here, and Rad just asks if Optimus is alright with no relation to the hole.
*Wheeljack says they are about to launch the second wave in ''Armada'', but tells the ''attack'' wave company to follow him ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Galvatron tells Optimus that he demands satisfaction since it can't end anti-climatically in ''Armada'', while ''Legends of the Microns'' has him ask if that's all he got and this is how their grudge is going to end after thousands of years. Optimus says "End?" before chuckling in ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' as him say that he wishes he could accommodate Galvatron. Galvatron then tells Optimus to get up so he can destroy him, with the latter replying to not count on it''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' simply has Galvatron telling Optimus to get up and the latter says this isn't over yet.
*Galvatron says "That's the enemy I've come to know!" after Optimus gets up in ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' has him say "That's more like it, Prime!"
*Galvatron replies to his men about beating Unicron to forget about him and that his power will be his, then reminds Optimus about their battle in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say that Unicron is nothing but scrap metal now, and his excitement has only just begun. Additionally, Optimus says to Hot Shot he'll take care of Galvatron, and tells him and everyone to attack Unicron with everything they got in the English dub, whereas he tells Hot Shot to leave him and Galvatron alone in the Japanese dub, and from this point onward Hot Shot is in command.
*Hot Shot says Optimus' name in ''Legends of the Microns'' but says no problem ''Armada'' in a tone like he's worn out.
*''Armada'' uses the theme song's insert trance version for the remainder of Optimus and Galvatron's fight, and plays right when Hot Shot commands everyone to attack. ''Legends of the Microns'' instead uses "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 2|Attack by Villains]]" and plays it when Unicron is transforming.
*When the kids notice Optimus' Matrix floating in space, Jetfire comes in asking what Rad just said in ''Legends of the Microns'', but doesn't say anything at all in ''Armada''. Additionally ''Armada'' has Alexis asking why he would take it off, with Carlos saying that's too freaky, followed by Billy saying there has to be a reason and then Fred suggesting maybe there's something Optimus is not telling them. ''Legends of the Microns moves Alexis' line of why Optimus would take the Matrix off to Carlos, Billy simply says he has no idea, and Fred responds in fear asking if this means Optimus is not the commander anymore.
*The shot of Optimus panting was redrawn in''Legends of the Microns'' to have more accurate shading and proportions.
*Once again, Optimus and Galvatron's conversation after they fought is a lot different between dubs, especially with Optimus:
**In ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron tells Optimus that he is incredibly strong and that while he can't go on due to him falling apart, the battle was fun. Optimus then agrees despite him hating to admit, followed by Galvatron saying as long as he knows how to fight, they are both the same and Transformers love to fight overall. Optimus agrees with this too and says we are forged with a warrior's instincts, but he seeks the light beyond the combat and says that justice is indeed obtained by winning in the end, which he tried to deny before the fight. Galvatron responds in delight to what Optimus just said, but tells him to never forget that justice can only be obtained through the hardships of battle.
**''Armada'' has Galvatron say that this is the old Optimus he used to know, and follows that he has nothing left to offer and Optimus won fair and square, but the latter thinks they should call it a draw. Galvatron remarks how they really went at it after all these years of being evenly matched, and admits he enjoyed every nanosecond of it. Optimus apologizes that he can never admit to a joined battle, but it was necessary to remain at peace even if he might never see that day, and hopes that whoever survives this will remove evil from the universe. Galvatron then laughs and says that Optimus is right about never surviving beyond today, and this means that he would now be supreme commander.
*Near the end, where Optimus refuses to let go of Galvatron from being sucked into Unicron, Galvatron practically yells at Optimus to let go so that Unicron will die from the lack of evil and to watch over the others after slicing his tread in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' goes philosophical as Galvatron observes that both might've been looking for the same thing despite their differences, and Optimus is the light while he represents dark. On slicing his tread, Galvatron adds that even in the next generation/world, Prime is destined to be his rival and that darkness will exist as long as there's light, and not to forget that evil is eternal. Optimus yells his rival's name after disappearing into Unicron in ''Armada'', but whispers "Megatron" in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Optimus not wanting the Matrix is the same in both versions, but ''Legends of the Microns'' has him additionally say that even now, he's still not worthy of carrying it, which concludes his arc better of being worthy of the Matrix, starting with [[Crisis]].
*The final moments with the Transformers and the children is subtly different in the dubs, but nothing too major unlike the past examples:
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Hot Shot say that he now believes that not matter what happens, they'll all always be comrades, with Carlos agreeing and says it doesn't matter if we are on Earth or Cybertron, and Jetfire agrees with that. He then says that they learned that lesson from the kids, with Alexis responding that they themselves learned a lot from them too. Fred asks if everyone is now going to rebuild Cybertron, and Hot Shot says yes and it doesn't matter if it's the Autobots, Decepticons, or Mini-Cons, since they all want to build a new Transformer world. Billy responds that they'll also try making Earth the most peaceful planet in the universe, and High Wire after disjointing from Perceptor says goodbye and thank you. Alexis tells Sureshock that she is truly grateful, and Carlos then says he's not going to cry about the departure along with Fred, with Billy telling them to knock it off since they already are, and Fred snapping back that he's not. Rad then asks about Optimus, with Hot Shot stating to not worry and even without the Matrix, he'll always be their commander, with Jetfire in agreement. Rad then gives out his final monologue on how their real adventure has just begun.
*In ''Armada'', Hot Shot says that they will never forget the kids, and Carlos replies with vice versa. Jetfire then thanks the kids for all the things they taught them, with Alexis saying that they actually learned a lot from them. Fred asks Hot Shot and Jetfire to stop by Earth if they are ever in the Solar System, which the former promises but says it might be a long time to come since Cybertron is being rebuilt and with the war being over, with Billy happily stating that the Autobots and Decpticons are finally getting along. High Wire says to the kids that they'll always be in the Mini-Cons' memory, with Rad saying vice versa and Alexis stating they'll never forget them. When Carlos is holding back from crying, he says this is harder than he thought, and when Billy points out that they are balling like little babies, Fred points out that he's crying too. When Rad asks about Optimus, Hot Shot says he's not sure where he is but he's sure he's out there somewhere, with Jetfire then stating he's right here in all of their hearts. Rad agrees and gives out his final monologue of Optimus always being a part of them no matter where they are or go.
**When the kids are dropped off by Hot Shot and Jetfire and they thank them for it, the shot of them talking is redrawn in ''Legends of the Microns'' to have more posing in comparison to ''Armada''.
*Optimus's ending narration in ''Armada'' is the aftermath of Unicron's defeat, saying that Unicron has become powerless now with the war finished, and both he and Galvatron have scattered across the universe. Optimus states that he's served his purpose now that Cybertron is safe and the Transformers live in peace with the Mini-Cons and mentions that if you see a peaceful star far away, it might be Cybertron. ''Legends of the Microns'' gives Optimus a more sincere narration that flows more with Unicron feeding off of hatred, with him talking about how even a battle fought for justice will always produce a degree of hate. However, to prevent Unicron's revival, you must have faith and a heart that ever seeks justice, and as long as you believe in that, anyone can become your comrade.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:ArmadaRhinoxTV.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"We never had any evil gods on prehistoric Earth."]]
*Optimus's busted truck wheel shrinks down considerably to fit inside Galvatron's cannon to jam it.
*There's an awkward amount of silence when High Wire's eyes start glowing up, and he's supposed to talk when that happens. ''Legends of the Microns'' has High Wire say each kid's name when his eyes glow, so this error is fixed.
*When Tidal Wave and his fleet show up to attack Unicron, he looks off model and lacks detail(Notice the missing canons). ''Legends of the Microns'' entirely redraws him in a lot more of an accurate model and makes his animation less jagged.
*When Hot Shot yells "Attack!" as Unicron is transforming back into planet mode, the animation shows the Transformer fleet ''escaping'' (which would make sense), suggesting Hot Shot's line was a scripting error. ''Legends of the Microns'' simply as him say Optimus' name.
*Rhinox is colored like his original [[Rhinox (BW)/toys#TM1|Transmetal toy]] instead of his ''Armada'' toy.

===Continuity notes===
[[File:Armada 52 - Prime and no Matrix.jpg|thumb|How many Autobot [[insignia]]s does he have...?]]
*Does it seem like Alexis's hair grows slightly longer during the Unicron Battles?
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'', Optimus and Galvatron's final battle is about settling their differences and answering the questions Sideways asked in the previous episode.
*After tossing out the Matrix before his final battle to the death against Galvatron, Optimus says that he's fighting him as the leader of ''all Transformers''; since when did Optimus Prime have such an out-of-character ego? ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this notable error by having Optimus say, "I am not fighting you as a Commander but as a Transformer called Convoy!"
*Rhinox makes his only physical debut in the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]]. [[Ask Vector Prime]] revealed in [[2015]] that Rhinox perished during the battle; Vector Prime also revealed that poor [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]]'s upgrades were left incomplete due to Rhinox's death.
*This episode is the first time in the series where characters bleed upon receiving damage. As Optimus and Galvatron duel, parts of Unicron's insides take damage, with slightly yellowish-white liquid pouring out. Later, as the Decepticon leader rips out a pipe from Unicron's armor to use as a weapon, bright red liquid pours out from where the pipe used to be. Additionally, when Galvatron slices Prime's chest with his wrist blade, his wound is briefly highlighted with bright red.
*That was a seemingly heroic sacrifice from Galvatron. ''Who knew he could be a good guy from time to time?'' His self-sacrifice isn't so heroic in the Japanese dub.
*During the second-to-last shot, Prime has returned to his original colors but hasn't reclaimed the Matrix, as his Matrix compartment is visibly empty during his transformation.
*This episode marks the last time [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]], [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]], [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]](If you don't think [[Blurr (Cybertron)|Blurr]] from ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' is the same one, that is), [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]], and [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] are shown in the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]].
**This also marks the last time Billy and Fred are seen in the Unicron Trilogy, as they don't make it in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' nor ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'''s final episode. The reason is most likely because the team never intended on making them staple members of the cast(According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'') and they only lasted until this episode since they never got around to writing them off.
*Even with Galvatron sacrificing himself to remove evil from the universe, Unicron managed to survive, marking the gateway to the next [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|cartoon series]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Since being deactivated, Unicron appears to revert to planet mode as a defense mechanism automatically.
**Grindor can fly in skateboard mode; "[[Base]]" and "[[Comrade]]" previously alluded to this ability.
**The Mini-Con super weapons appear to be able to fly, which seems to be a common feature among Mini-Con super weapons/Powerlinxed forms, as seen with the [[Magnawing]] in ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'', the [[Energon Saber]] in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'', and the [[Umbral Blaster]] in the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act|Cybertron]]'' comic.
**The Mini-Cons tap into the [[Linkage (dimension)|Linkage dimension]] to phase them and the kids through Unicron's armor.
**Galvatron hasn't used his antlers to attack anyone since he went by the name "Megatron" in "[[Swoop (episode)|Swoop]]." They seem to shock opponents too.
**Galvatron uses his wrist blade for the first and last time in this episode; he uses it a total of two times.
**Optimus has ninja-like reflexes and can tip-toe on thin pipes. ''What a badass.''
**Unicron can warp.

===Continuity errors===
*What's with Galvatron suddenly bringing up that there can only be one ruler of the universe throughout the episode? It's like that's the best reason he can come up with on wanting to fight Optimus(Granted he is known to play tricks, but still). ''Legends of the Microns'' has no mention of the supreme commander stuff, so it's a non-issue.
*Before fighting Galvatron, Optimus declares his intention to fight as the leader of ''all Transformers''. Since when did Optimus Prime have such an out-of-character ego? ''Legends of the Micron''' fixes this major error by having Optimus state he would fight Galvatron as ''himself''.
*Why would Hot Shot announce that it's now time to shift into stealth mode when they are doing the exact opposite of that in the whole battle? Great hypocritically there. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes Hot Shot's line to him ordering everyone to attack Unicron's moving parts, so this is a non-issue.
*Wheeljack tells Hot Shot that Unicron is headed towards Cybertron again, even though the next scene has him transforming into his planet mode? ''Legends of the Microns'' correctly has Wheeljack say that Unicron is changing to his planet mode.
*During the end of their duel, Galvatron strikes a metal pipe in Optimus's back, who tries to pull it out unsuccessfully in a later shot, after which the pipe completely disappears.

===Transformers references===
*[[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] is visible in the hangar during the raid against Unicron. Because of the unanticipated success of ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'', he and the other ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' remolds were released, but they were unable to receive larger roles in [[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|the show]].

===Real-world references===
*The Autobot/Decepticon fighters flying and firing down Unicron's trenches are an obvious nod to ''{{w|Star Wars (film)|Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope}}'s'' [[Death Star]] trench run.

===Trivia===
[[File:Tf ml 01 52 comparison title card.jpg|upright=1.0|thumb|Time for kanji quiz, kids!]]
*The English dub of "Mortal Combat" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 12]], 2003.
*Unlike the previous 51 episodes, the title card in this episode's Japanese airing didn't have the usual alternate-reading {{w|furigana}} over the {{w|kanji}} title as seen on the right.
*This episode has some of the biggest differences in characterization and dialogue between the English and Japanese versions, particularly with Optimus and Galvatron, where the reason why they are fighting is practically warped in the former version. Thus, a lot of their actions can kind of come off as unnatural and random when compared to the Japanese dub(See above). Whether it's the case of the English dub's rushed schedule or wanting to simplify the themes(Like in [[Trust (Armada)|Trust]]) is unknown as of now.
*According to the ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'':
**When the team finished making this episode, they all felt a sense of completion, like when Optimus sacrificed himself in "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]," and felt this series expanded the Transformers brand into a new direction, with it being slightly different from past iterations. The team also hopes that viewers can think about what they made.
**Optimus and Galvatron's final battle is perhaps the show's crowning achievement, nothing short of spectacular. ''And how!''
***The fact that Optimus fights Galvatron with his fists and ingenuity, while Galvatron uses all the weapons at his disposal and his trump card knife proves Prime is the superior fighter.
**[[Munetaka Abe]]'s primary concern when animating was how to convey emotion with Optimus before the fight, since he only has eyes to go off of, unlike Galvatron. He was also surprised when he first heard about Optimus throwing the Matrix away in this episode.
**[[Hidehito Ueda]] thinks "trust" is the keyword of this series, so he wanted Optimus's last message in the episode to convey that and use it as a settlement for not only what Optimus endured throughout the show, but what the team experienced while making it.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Unicrons Ende'''" ("Unicron's End")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 16|16 January]] [[2004]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A végső csata'''" ("The Final Battle")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Combate Mortal'''" ("Mortal Combat")
{{--}}

==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]]

Mortal Combat

2021-12-07T02:25:29Z

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

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=52
|prev=Origin
|next=Cybertron City (episode)
|title="Mortal Combat"
|japanese=死闘
|romaji=Shitō
|translation=Death Match
|image=Armada 52 - Prime hangon to Galvatron.jpg
|caption=Fatality!
|production code=TF: A-52
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]
|englishadaptation=[[Terry Klassen]]
|director=[[Hidehito Ueda]], [[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.), [[Munetaka Abe]] (animation dir.)
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[October 3]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[December 12]], [[2003]] (English, United States) [[December 26]], [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Optimus and Galvatron wage their final brutal battle, while the rest of the Transformers deal with Unicron.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Unicron]] is no longer functional, his body lying dormant in space. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] lets the assembled armies return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to begin the rebuilding.

[[File:MortalCombat galvatron sacrifice.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left]]
Inside of Unicron, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] holds onto the idea that he can still become the sole ruler of the universe. Now that Unicron is gone, it's left to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and Galvatron to finish the war. Optimus and the kids try to argue that now that the two militaries have been united, there's no need to continue the fight, but Galvatron reminds his foe that the hatred left over from an unfinished war would repower Unicron.

On Cybertron, [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] alerts the other that Unicron is in motion again. Hot Shot decides to go to Unicron to retrieve Optimus Prime, but [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] takes Hot Shot's place. [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] follows Jetfire.

Optimus says goodbye to the children; the kids don't want to go, but he convinces them that the final battle must be fought. After throwing away the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] (because this isn't a battle between Autobots and Decepticons, but Optimus' vision for peace against Galvatron's lust for conflict), Prime starts the fight with some gunfire and a knee to Galvatron's face. When Galvatron gets up, he and Prime blast their firepower at each other.

Outside of Unicron, Jetfire and Cyclonus pick up the kids and bring them back to Cybertron. The kids report on what the two leaders are doing, and it seems Unicron isn't quite dead either. Under heavy pressure, Hot Shot orders the attack against Unicron to be resumed, with special care taken not to harm the leaders.

Inside, Optimus Prime and Galvatron continue to rumble. Prime throws one of his wheels directly into Galvatron's primary cannon. The resulting explosion blasts Galvatron through a wall, but the Decepticon is only amused by the ferocity of the combat. Unicron's words echo in Prime's mind. Galvatron uses his extending antlers to toss Prime around. Prime breaks off the blades and uses them against his rival, but Galvatron scores a critical hit through Optimus with his hidden wrist blade.

[[File:Mortal Combat Hot Shot Jetfire.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|When we come back, we'll be terrible cel-shaded CGI!]]
The [[Transformer]]s buzz around Unicron, blasting him through his own trenches. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] notices that during the combat, a large, growing black hole has appeared on Unicron's surface.

Optimus Prime stands up, refusing to give up the fight. Decompression sends the warriors outside of Unicron, onto his external surface. Galvatron acquires a nearby pipe to use as a battle staff, but Optimus displays amazing agility and stands on the staff, prancing along it to kick Galvatron in the face. While Galvatron is still stunned, Optimus hefts his foe and cramps Galvatron's midsection, but in the process, the metal pipe is shoved down Prime's back.

[[File:Unicron-behind-a-planet-Armada.jpg|thumb|left]]
The two warriors break for a moment, and Galvatron admits that even though he lost the battle, he enjoyed the thrill of it. The moment of peace between the two is disturbed by Unicron transforming into his planet mode. Prime is stuck holding onto Galvatron as the two are sucked toward Unicron's maw. Galvatron, determined to see only one winner of the war (even if it isn't him) instructs Prime to let him fall. Prime refuses, so Galvatron cuts himself loose and free-falls into oblivion. As soon as Galvatron is absorbed, Unicron vanishes. Left floating in space, Optimus decides he's unworthy of the Matrix.

Sometime later, Hot Shot and Jetfire return the kids to Earth. They agree that they've all learned a lot from each other ever since their first encounter. [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]], and [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] start to cry. Alexis gazes down at her pendant that contains the [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] stone that [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] gave her, smiling sadly as if remembering him. With the war over, Optimus Prime narrates the closing moments. But, hidden behind a distant planet, Unicron endures.

[['Til all are one|'Til all are]] [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|undone.]]
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (2)
* [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (3)
* [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (4)
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (6)
* [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (13)
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (14)
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (15)
* [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (16)
* [[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] (24)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (5)
* [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (17)
* [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (18)
* [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (19)
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (23)

|c3=
* [[Rad White|Rad]] (7)
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (8)
* [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (9)
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (10)
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (11)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] (12)
*[[Race Mini-Con Team]] (20)
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (21)
*[[Space Mini-Con Team]] (22)

|h5=Other|c5=
* [[Unicron]] (1)
}}

==Quotes==
"This probably isn't the time to ask, but when are we gonna eat, you guys?" 
"Zip it, Fred, or I'll give you my fist to chew on!" 
:—'''Fred''' and '''Billy'''

"Your mindless ambitions are fueled only by your greed. You'll stop at nothing to get what you want. I should have let Unicron destroy you!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' to Galvatron

"Why can't we all just get along?!"
:—'''Fred'''

"Children, the future is yours!" 
"Good riddance, humans!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Galvatron''' bid farewell to the kids in their own unique ways.

"Don't act surprised. This is exactly what you wanted. And I fight you not as the leader of the Autobots, but as the leader of ''all'' Transformers!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' tosses aside his Matrix of Leadership before attacking Galvatron.

"Farewell, Optimus Prime. Victory is all yours. Now go look after your men, they need you!"
:—'''Galvatron's''' last words until ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]''

"The war between the Autobots and the Decepticons has come to an end, and without the hatred between the two sides, there was no evil to feed Unicron, and he became powerless. Both Unicron and Megatron scattered into the far reaches of the universe. As for me, my purpose has been served. Cybertron is safe and Transformers live in peace with the Mini-Cons. So the next time you look out into space and see a peaceful star far, far away, it just might be Cybertron. TRANSFORM!"
:—'''Optimus Prime's''' last words until ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]''

{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*The opening is silent in ''Legends of the Microns'' until Hot Shot speaks, meanwhile ''Armada'' has [[Jim Conrad]] narrate the opening, recapping the last episode's events of how the union manage to neutralize Unicron, but an old battle is about to begin.
*Hot Shot hopes that Optimus and Galvatron manage to get out of Unicron safely in ''Armada'', and Scavenger suggests they shouldn't worry too much since they can handle themselves. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shots asks if they escaped Unicron and Scavenger imagines those two can handle themselves but unsure of what to do now. Hot Shot then says that if taking down Unicron happened earlier, they would retrieve them, but figured they need a break in ''Legends of the Microns'', but Armada only has him say they'll meet them back on Cybertron.
*Optimus and Galvatron's conversation before they clash ''essentially'' is the same in both dubs, but the points made are almost entirely different. ''Armada'' noticeably throws in being the ruler of the universe whereas ''Legends of the Microns'' is about trying to embrace your nature.
**''Legends of the Microns'' has Galvatron ask Optimus what was the purpose of their long struggle and was it to only awaken Unicron, before claiming they fought each other to preserve their true sense themselves and not to be Unicron's puppets. The kids(Particularly Fred) are confused about all of this talk of maintaining a true sense of who you are, and Galvatron reminds them he only joined forces with Optimus to take down Unicron, and now that he is defeated, there is no reason to continue the alliance. Alexis then asks why Starscream sacrificed himself for, which Galvatron asks why, and the former replies with how it was to unite all Transformers. Galvatron continues that even if the Decpticons and Autobots join hands, he can never reconcile the differences with him and Optimus, causing the latter to ask if the battle with Unicron was pointless. Galvatron then says the battle itself wasn't pointless, but it can only have meaning if the party with justice must gain victory, and Optimus replies with own, saying that as long as evil resides in the hearts of the Transformers, Unicron will only grow stronger, and that's what the battle has wrought. The kids all agree with Optimus, to which Galvatron asks if that's what he truly believes and mentions that he couldn't answer Sideways' question, before asking again if Optimus' hatred of him was a motivator to fight for all these ages. When Optimus says who is, Galvatron replies with "That again" before saying he wants to seek Optimus' true feelings as a Transformer.
**''Armada'' makes Galvatron say that if they don't continue their battle then all of their fighting has been pointless, before making a very unwanted claim of how there can only be one ruler of the universe. The kids respond with annoyance except for Fred and Billy, with the former asking when they are gonna eat and the latter replies that he would give him his fist to chew on. Galvatron says it is now time to take care of the other obstacle that stands in his way before Alexis jumps reminding him on why Starscream sacrificed himself, to which the former answers because he was a fool before the latter says that he wanted everyone to leave in peace. Galvatron tells the kids to understand the simple concept of only one person ruling the universe before claiming that it's going to be him, then Optimus asks if battling Unicron was just a means to an end. Galvatron confirms this and says he used him in order to further his ambitions, asking if it's wrong to think highly of yourself to which Optimus says yes and continues that he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Then in a bit of an out of character moment, claims that he should've let Unicorn destroy him. Galvatron says that this conversation is interesting but Optimus failed to comprehend his own argument before reminding him of what Unicron said about their dilemma, and asks if Optimus is either oppressing his hatred of him or he actually likes him. Once Optimus reintroduces himself, Galvaron replies with how he never changes, and says Optimus can deny his hatred all he wants, but he knows the real truth in his heart.
*When Unicron starts to move, Hot Shot suggests it's maybe better if they wait until Optimus gets back to figure out what to do, then later says no to Red Alert's suggestion this is the best opportunity to retrieve him and the kids and that everyone should stay here and be on lookout in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' is mostly the same, but Hot Shot instead asks if Optimus, Galvatron, and the kids are still inside Unicron, then when responding to Red Alert's suggestion mentions that the fleet's on standby. He then says what are the chances of Unicron attacking and if anything does happen, he can always count on Jetfire to take charge.
*Jetfire speaks in a lot more of a commanding tone when suggesting that he goes and retrieves everyone on Unicron in ''Armada'' compared to ''Legends of the Microns''. When Jetfire leaves and Cyclonus catches up with him, ''Armada'' plays the [[Theme song|theme song]] whereas no music is present in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The kids' departure from Optimus and Galvatron brings in more differences yet still being ''somewhat'' the same thing in between dubs: [[File:Mortal Combat animation changes.jpg|thumb|340px|Animation changes between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' screencaps (right).]]
**Before pointing out the differences between the dialogue, there are some surprising animation shot changes in between versions.
***When Optimus says the children's names before he says his speech, ''Armada'' actually has an exclusive pan of the kids. ''Legends of the Microns'' instead just uses a later shot of Optimus looking down on the kids during this sequence.
***After Optimus tells the Mini-Cons to look after the kids, High Wire, Grindor, and Sureshock's shot are drawn differently in each version, with the Japanese dub swapping places between High Wire and Grindor to provide more consistency on where is who.
**''Armada'' has Galvatron ask the kids to step aside since he and Optimus have "business" to take care of, then Carlos says they aren't going anywhere and Billy confidently says Optimus isn't going to fight. Galvatron replies mockingly that Optimus is going to let himself get obliterated before the latter tells the kids his personal thank you for helping the Autobots save the Mini-Cons. Optimus then assures Galvatron is right about needing to end hate in the universe and that he now has to finish what he started. Sureshock asks Optimus why he should fight after he entrusts them with the children, with the latter then saying it's the only way to achieve peace, then Rad tells him he shouldn't let Galvatron suck him into this but later realizes Optimus isn't going to change. He then asks if they'll see each other again soon, and Optimus assures that they will and he'll always remember him. Optimus and Galvatron then give their final farewells to the kids(See above.)
**Galvatron asks the kids to leave Unicron since this is his and Optimus' fight in ''Legends of the Microns'', with Carlos in return asking why he still can't understand what they are saying and Billy reaffirming that there is no need to fight. Galvatron says that it doesn't look like Optimus believes that before the latter says to the kids that they would've never been able to defeat Unicron with their help, but apologizes for going to fight with Galvatron and that he's still a regular Transformer when you remove the "Supreme Commander" title from him. Optimus trusts the Mini-Cons to take care of the children and assures them that they all must rely on their own strength to carry forward, which makes Rad ask if he's really going to fight. Rad thanks Optimus for everything that has happened, with the latter assuring vice versa and that he wouldn't be standing here today without him. High Wire says all of the kids' names when he glows multiple times, and Optimus tells them farewell and to head towards the future.
*Galvatron talks about being only with Optimus in ''Armada'', to which Optimus says that the time of speeches are over and it's time to end their quarrel, then later says he shouldn't be surprised and that this is exactly what he wants before throwing the Matrix out. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Galvatron asking Optimus what's wrong, with Prime replying that he was right, which is why from this point onward they'll fight as Transformers.
*After tossing the Matrix before his final battle against Galvatron, Optimus says that he's fighting him not as a Commander "but as a Transformer called Optimus Prime!"
*After Optimus shoots at Galvatron, he comments on how he was the first one to attack in ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' has him say that Optimus is not superior to him.
*When Cyclonus stops shooting at Unicron, he says he just got carried away in ''Armada'' whereas ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say "I guess so..." Jetfire's reaction is also changed from him telling Cyclonus to knock it off in the English dub, but immediately remarks of Optimus and the others being inside Unicron in Japanese.
*When Jetfire notices the kids coming out of Unicron, ''Armada'' has Rad sounding shocked about the teleportation he just witnessed, but ''Legends of the Microns'' has him silent and instead has Jetfire point out the kids.
*The union's discussion back at the [[Axalon]] is subtly different between versions:
**''Legends of the Microns'' has Hoist ask how they are supposed to protect space with Unicron floating around, which Scavenger then asks what they are going to do since he's just there defenseless. Wheeljack asks Hot Shot what's the purpose of uniting the Transformers race before encouraging him to think, and then Demolishor reminds everyone that Galvatron is still inside Unicron. Side Swipe reminds everyone that Optimus is there too, to which Blurr responds that the two leaders are focusing intently on their duel, but he can't say why. Hot Shot then comes to the conclusion that this might be their only chance to destroy Unicron, and even if Optimus is still inside, they must carry out the attack.
**''Armada'' has Hoist suggest that they should wait for Jetfire and the kids to return before they do anything, with Scavenger agreeing, but Wheeljack suggests to Hot Shot they should commence an assault now before Demolishor and Sideswipe remind him that the two leaders are still inside Unicron and they might get hit. Blurr says that it might be best for Optimus to return first and he doesn't think they have choice, and then Hot Shot evaluates that Unicron can't be fully recovered nor Optimus and Galvatron should get hurt before he announces the assault.
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Hot Shot's announcement longer compared to ''Armada'', which also focused more on Optimus and Galvatron being inside than the actual attack.
*After Galvatron gets thrown off course due to his blaster getting clogged, ''Armada'' has Galvatron saying he didn't expect Optimus defending himself, but he's glad that he is his old self again and all of this reminds him of the good old days. His laugh during this also has an echo effect. Meanwhile in ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron says this is what he expects from a top class Transformer who fights, and then remarks on how fun this is.
*Unicron's words hovering over Optimus gives the same intent in both dubs, but like with [[Origin]], there's no mention of Optimus being like Galvatron if he doesn't have the Matrix in ''Armada'' and instead Unicron talks about he loves the smell of battle.
*When the scene cuts back to their duel, ''Legends of the Microns'' includes a short clip where Galvatron rips out his destroyed cannon to throw it at Optimus before striking him with his horns. ''Armada'' only shows Optimus blocking a seemingly random object thrown at him. [[File:Mortal Combat ML Exclusive Shot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right|''Legends of the Micron'''s exclusive animation that adds to the run time by a little. Too disturbing for the kids?]]
*Where High Wire says that Sideways was eliminated and Unicron is only in a dormant state in ''Armada'', ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say that defeating Sideways didn't kill off Unicron. Carlos in this same shot asks what does High Wire means in ''Legends of the Microns'', but says "Mind saying that in English?" in Armada.
*Alexis in ''Armada'' makes it so that the hole in Unicron's armor is like it's opening up itself, which makes Billy's response awkward. Rad also wonders if it's a telltale sign that Optimus is okay. ''Legends of the Microns'' has her say the union managed to punch a hole in Unicron's armor, so Billy getting excited is a lot more appropriate here, and Rad just asks if Optimus is alright with no relation to the hole.
*Wheeljack says they are about to launch the second wave in ''Armada'', but tells the ''attack'' wave company to follow him ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Galvatron tells Optimus that he demands satisfaction since it can't end anti-climatically in ''Armada'', while ''Legends of the Microns'' has him ask if that's all he got and this is how their grudge is going to end after thousands of years. Optimus says "End?" before chuckling in ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' as him say that he wishes he could accommodate Galvatron. Galvatron then tells Optimus to get up so he can destroy him, with the latter replying to not count on it''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' simply has Galvatron telling Optimus to get up and the latter says this isn't over yet.
*Galvatron says "That's the enemy I've come to know!" after Optimus gets up in ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' has him say "That's more like it, Prime!"
*Galvatron replies to his men about beating Unicron to forget about him and that his power will be his, then reminds Optimus about their battle in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say that Unicron is nothing but scrap metal now, and his excitement has only just begun. Additionally, Optimus says to Hot Shot he'll take care of Galvatron, and tells him and everyone to attack Unicron with everything they got in the English dub, whereas he tells Hot Shot to leave him and Galvatron alone in the Japanese dub, and from this point onward Hot Shot is in command.
*Hot Shot says Optimus' name in ''Legends of the Microns'' but says no problem ''Armada'' in a tone like he's worn out.
*''Armada'' uses the theme song's insert trance version for the remainder of Optimus and Galvatron's fight, and plays right when Hot Shot commands everyone to attack. ''Legends of the Microns'' instead uses [[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 2|Attack by Villains]] and plays it when Unicron is transforming.
*When the kids notice Optimus' Matrix floating in space, Jetfire comes in asking what Rad just said in ''Legends of the Microns'', but doesn't say anything at all in ''Armada''. Additionally ''Armada'' has Alexis asking why he would take it off, with Carlos saying that's too freaky, followed by Billy saying there has to be a reason and then Fred suggesting maybe there's something Optimus is not telling them. ''Legends of the Microns moves Alexis' line of why Optimus would take the Matrix off to Carlos, Billy simply says he has no idea, and Fred responds in fear asking if this means Optimus is not the commander anymore.
*The shot of Optimus panting was redrawn in''Legends of the Microns'' to have more accurate shading and proportions.
*Once again, Optimus and Galvatron's conversation after they fought is a lot different between dubs, especially with Optimus:
**In ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron tells Optimus that he is incredibly strong and that while he can't go on due to him falling apart, the battle was fun. Optimus then agrees despite him hating to admit, followed by Galvatron saying as long as he knows how to fight, they are both the same and Transformers love to fight overall. Optimus agrees with this too and says we are forged with a warrior's instincts, but he seeks the light beyond the combat and says that justice is indeed obtained by winning in the end, which he tried to deny before the fight. Galvatron responds in delight to what Optimus just said, but tells him to never forget that justice can only be obtained through the hardships of battle.
**''Armada'' has Galvatron say that this is the old Optimus he used to know, and follows that he has nothing left to offer and Optimus won fair and square, but the latter thinks they should call it a draw. Galvatron remarks how they really went at it after all these years of being evenly matched, and admits he enjoyed every nanosecond of it. Optimus apologizes that he can never admit to a joined battle, but it was necessary to remain at peace even if he might never see that day, and hopes that whoever survives this will remove evil from the universe. Galvatron then laughs and says that Optimus is right about never surviving beyond today, and this means that he would now be supreme commander.
*Near the end, where Optimus refuses to let go of Galvatron from being sucked into Unicron, Galvatron practically yells at Optimus to let go so that Unicron will die from the lack of evil and to watch over the others after slicing his tread in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' goes philosophical as Galvatron observes that both might've been looking for the same thing despite their differences, and Optimus is the light while he represents dark. On slicing his tread, Galvatron adds that even in the next generation/world, Prime is destined to be his rival and that darkness will exist as long as there's light, and not to forget that evil is eternal. Optimus yells his rival's name after disappearing into Unicron in ''Armada'', but whispers "Megatron" in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Optimus not wanting the Matrix is the same in both versions, but ''Legends of the Microns'' has him additionally say that even now, he's still not worthy of carrying it, which concludes his arc better of being worthy of the Matrix, starting with [[Crisis]].
*The final moments with the Transformers and the children is subtly different in the dubs, but nothing too major unlike the past examples:
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Hot Shot say that he now believes that not matter what happens, they'll all always be comrades, with Carlos agreeing and says it doesn't matter if we are on Earth or Cybertron, and Jetfire agrees with that. He then says that they learned that lesson from the kids, with Alexis responding that they themselves learned a lot from them too. Fred asks if everyone is now going to rebuild Cybertron, and Hot Shot says yes and it doesn't matter if it's the Autobots, Decepticons, or Mini-Cons, since they all want to build a new Transformer world. Billy responds that they'll also try making Earth the most peaceful planet in the universe, and High Wire after disjointing from Perceptor says goodbye and thank you. Alexis tells Sureshock that she is truly grateful, and Carlos then says he's not going to cry about the departure along with Fred, with Billy telling them to knock it off since they already are, and Fred snapping back that he's not. Rad then asks about Optimus, with Hot Shot stating to not worry and even without the Matrix, he'll always be their commander, with Jetfire in agreement. Rad then gives out his final monologue on how their real adventure has just begun.
*In ''Armada'', Hot Shot says that they will never forget the kids, and Carlos replies with vice versa. Jetfire then thanks the kids for all the things they taught them, with Alexis saying that they actually learned a lot from them. Fred asks Hot Shot and Jetfire to stop by Earth if they are ever in the Solar System, which the former promises but says it might be a long time to come since Cybertron is being rebuilt and with the war being over, with Billy happily stating that the Autobots and Decpticons are finally getting along. High Wire says to the kids that they'll always be in the Mini-Cons' memory, with Rad saying vice versa and Alexis stating they'll never forget them. When Carlos is holding back from crying, he says this is harder than he thought, and when Billy points out that they are balling like little babies, Fred points out that he's crying too. When Rad asks about Optimus, Hot Shot says he's not sure where he is but he's sure he's out there somewhere, with Jetfire then stating he's right here in all of their hearts. Rad agrees and gives out his final monologue of Optimus always being a part of them no matter where they are or go.
**When the kids are dropped off by Hot Shot and Jetfire and they thank them for it, the shot of them talking is redrawn in ''Legends of the Microns'' to have more posing in comparison to ''Armada''.
*Optimus's ending narration in ''Armada'' is the aftermath of Unicron's defeat, saying that Unicron has become powerless now with the war finished, and both he and Galvatron have scattered across the universe. Optimus states that he's served his purpose now that Cybertron is safe and the Transformers live in peace with the Mini-Cons and mentions that if you see a peaceful star far away, it might be Cybertron. ''Legends of the Microns'' gives Optimus a more sincere narration that flows more with Unicron feeding off of hatred, with him talking about how even a battle fought for justice will always produce a degree of hate. However, to prevent Unicron's revival, you must have faith and a heart that ever seeks justice, and as long as you believe in that, anyone can become your comrade.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:ArmadaRhinoxTV.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"We never had any evil gods on prehistoric Earth."]]
*Optimus's busted truck wheel shrinks down considerably to fit inside Galvatron's cannon to jam it.
*There's an awkward amount of silence when High Wire's eyes start glowing up, and he's supposed to talk when that happens. ''Legends of the Microns'' has High Wire say each kid's name when his eyes glow, so this error is fixed.
*When Tidal Wave and his fleet show up to attack Unicron, he looks off model and lacks detail(Notice the missing canons). ''Legends of the Microns'' entirely redraws him in a lot more of an accurate model and makes his animation less jagged.
*When Hot Shot yells "Attack!" as Unicron is transforming back into planet mode, the animation shows the Transformer fleet ''escaping'' (which would make sense), suggesting Hot Shot's line was a scripting error. ''Legends of the Microns'' simply as him say Optimus' name.
*Rhinox is colored like his original [[Rhinox (BW)/toys#TM1|Transmetal toy]] instead of his ''Armada'' toy.

===Continuity notes===
[[File:Armada 52 - Prime and no Matrix.jpg|thumb|How many Autobot [[insignia]]s does he have...?]]
*Does it seem like Alexis's hair grows slightly longer during the Unicron Battles?
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'', Optimus and Galvatron's final battle is about settling their differences and answering the questions Sideways asked in the previous episode.
*After tossing out the Matrix before his final battle to the death against Galvatron, Optimus says that he's fighting him as the leader of ''all Transformers''; since when did Optimus Prime have such an out-of-character ego? ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this notable error by having Optimus say, "I am not fighting you as a Commander but as a Transformer called Convoy!"
*Rhinox makes his only physical debut in the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]]. [[Ask Vector Prime]] revealed in [[2015]] that Rhinox perished during the battle; Vector Prime also revealed that poor [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]]'s upgrades were left incomplete due to Rhinox's death.
*This episode is the first time in the series where characters bleed upon receiving damage. As Optimus and Galvatron duel, parts of Unicron's insides take damage, with slightly yellowish-white liquid pouring out. Later, as the Decepticon leader rips out a pipe from Unicron's armor to use as a weapon, bright red liquid pours out from where the pipe used to be. Additionally, when Galvatron slices Prime's chest with his wrist blade, his wound is briefly highlighted with bright red.
*That was a seemingly heroic sacrifice from Galvatron. ''Who knew he could be a good guy from time to time?'' His self-sacrifice isn't so heroic in the Japanese dub.
*During the second-to-last shot, Prime has returned to his original colors but hasn't reclaimed the Matrix, as his Matrix compartment is visibly empty during his transformation.
*This episode marks the last time [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]], [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]], [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]](If you don't think [[Blurr (Cybertron)|Blurr]] from ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' is the same one, that is), [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]], and [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] are shown in the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]].
**This also marks the last time Billy and Fred are seen in the Unicron Trilogy, as they don't make it in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' nor ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'''s final episode. The reason is most likely because the team never intended on making them staple members of the cast(According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'') and they only lasted until this episode since they never got around to writing them off.
*Even with Galvatron sacrificing himself to remove evil from the universe, Unicron managed to survive, marking the gateway to the next [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|cartoon series]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Since being deactivated, Unicron appears to revert to planet mode as a defense mechanism automatically.
**Grindor can fly in skateboard mode; "[[Base]]" and "[[Comrade]]" previously alluded to this ability.
**The Mini-Con super weapons appear to be able to fly, which seems to be a common feature among Mini-Con super weapons/Powerlinxed forms, as seen with the [[Magnawing]] in ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'', the [[Energon Saber]] in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'', and the [[Umbral Blaster]] in the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act|Cybertron]]'' comic.
**The Mini-Cons tap into the [[Linkage (dimension)|Linkage dimension]] to phase them and the kids through Unicron's armor.
**Galvatron hasn't used his antlers to attack anyone since he went by the name "Megatron" in "[[Swoop (episode)|Swoop]]." They seem to shock opponents too.
**Galvatron uses his wrist blade for the first and last time in this episode; he uses it a total of two times.
**Optimus has ninja-like reflexes and can tip-toe on thin pipes. ''What a badass.''
**Unicron can warp.

===Continuity errors===
*What's with Galvatron suddenly bringing up that there can only be one ruler of the universe throughout the episode? It's like that's the best reason he can come up with on wanting to fight Optimus(Granted he is known to play tricks, but still). ''Legends of the Microns'' has no mention of the supreme commander stuff, so it's a non-issue.
*Before fighting Galvatron, Optimus declares his intention to fight as the leader of ''all Transformers''. Since when did Optimus Prime have such an out-of-character ego? ''Legends of the Micron''' fixes this major error by having Optimus state he would fight Galvatron as ''himself''.
*Why would Hot Shot announce that it's now time to shift into stealth mode when they are doing the exact opposite of that in the whole battle? Great hypocritically there. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes Hot Shot's line to him ordering everyone to attack Unicron's moving parts, so this is a non-issue.
*Wheeljack tells Hot Shot that Unicron is headed towards Cybertron again, even though the next scene has him transforming into his planet mode? ''Legends of the Microns'' correctly has Wheeljack say that Unicron is changing to his planet mode.
*During the end of their duel, Galvatron strikes a metal pipe in Optimus's back, who tries to pull it out unsuccessfully in a later shot, after which the pipe completely disappears.

===Transformers references===
*[[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] is visible in the hangar during the raid against Unicron. Because of the unanticipated success of ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'', he and the other ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' remolds were released, but they were unable to receive larger roles in [[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|the show]].

===Real-world references===
*The Autobot/Decepticon fighters flying and firing down Unicron's trenches are an obvious nod to ''{{w|Star Wars (film)|Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope}}'s'' [[Death Star]] trench run.

===Trivia===
[[File:Tf ml 01 52 comparison title card.jpg|upright=1.0|thumb|Time for kanji quiz, kids!]]
*The English dub of "Mortal Combat" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 12]], 2003.
*Unlike the previous 51 episodes, the title card in this episode's Japanese airing didn't have the usual alternate-reading {{w|furigana}} over the {{w|kanji}} title as seen on the right.
*This episode has some of the biggest differences in characterization and dialogue between the English and Japanese versions, particularly with Optimus and Galvatron, where the reason why they are fighting is practically warped in the former version. Thus, a lot of their actions can kind of come off as unnatural and random when compared to the Japanese dub(See above). Whether it's the case of the English dub's rushed schedule or wanting to simplify the themes(Like in [[Trust (Armada)|Trust]]) is unknown as of now.
*According to the ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'':
**When the team finished making this episode, they all felt a sense of completion, like when Optimus sacrificed himself in "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]," and felt this series expanded the Transformers brand into a new direction, with it being slightly different from past iterations. The team also hopes that viewers can think about what they made.
**Optimus and Galvatron's final battle is perhaps the show's crowning achievement, nothing short of spectacular. ''And how!''
***The fact that Optimus fights Galvatron with his fists and ingenuity, while Galvatron uses all the weapons at his disposal and his trump card knife proves Prime is the superior fighter.
**[[Munetaka Abe]]'s primary concern when animating was how to convey emotion with Optimus before the fight, since he only has eyes to go off of, unlike Galvatron. He was also surprised when he first heard about Optimus throwing the Matrix away in this episode.
**[[Hidehito Ueda]] thinks "trust" is the keyword of this series, so he wanted Optimus's last message in the episode to convey that and use it as a settlement for not only what Optimus endured throughout the show, but what the team experienced while making it.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Unicrons Ende'''" ("Unicron's End")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 16|16 January]] [[2004]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A végső csata'''" ("The Final Battle")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Combate Mortal'''" ("Mortal Combat")
{{--}}

==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]]

Mortal Combat

2021-12-07T02:24:34Z

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

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=52
|prev=Origin
|next=Cybertron City (episode)
|title="Mortal Combat"
|japanese=死闘
|romaji=Shitō
|translation=Death Match
|image=Armada 52 - Prime hangon to Galvatron.jpg
|caption=Fatality!
|production code=TF: A-52
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]
|englishadaptation=[[Terry Klassen]]
|director=[[Hidehito Ueda]], [[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.), [[Munetaka Abe]] (animation dir.)
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[October 3]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[December 12]], [[2003]] (English, United States) [[December 26]], [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Optimus and Galvatron wage their final brutal battle, while the rest of the Transformers deal with Unicron.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Unicron]] is no longer functional, his body lying dormant in space. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] lets the assembled armies return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to begin the rebuilding.

[[File:MortalCombat galvatron sacrifice.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left]]
Inside of Unicron, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] holds onto the idea that he can still become the sole ruler of the universe. Now that Unicron is gone, it's left to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and Galvatron to finish the war. Optimus and the kids try to argue that now that the two militaries have been united, there's no need to continue the fight, but Galvatron reminds his foe that the hatred left over from an unfinished war would repower Unicron.

On Cybertron, [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] alerts the other that Unicron is in motion again. Hot Shot decides to go to Unicron to retrieve Optimus Prime, but [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] takes Hot Shot's place. [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] follows Jetfire.

Optimus says goodbye to the children; the kids don't want to go, but he convinces them that the final battle must be fought. After throwing away the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] (because this isn't a battle between Autobots and Decepticons, but Optimus' vision for peace against Galvatron's lust for conflict), Prime starts the fight with some gunfire and a knee to Galvatron's face. When Galvatron gets up, he and Prime blast their firepower at each other.

Outside of Unicron, Jetfire and Cyclonus pick up the kids and bring them back to Cybertron. The kids report on what the two leaders are doing, and it seems Unicron isn't quite dead either. Under heavy pressure, Hot Shot orders the attack against Unicron to be resumed, with special care taken not to harm the leaders.

Inside, Optimus Prime and Galvatron continue to rumble. Prime throws one of his wheels directly into Galvatron's primary cannon. The resulting explosion blasts Galvatron through a wall, but the Decepticon is only amused by the ferocity of the combat. Unicron's words echo in Prime's mind. Galvatron uses his extending antlers to toss Prime around. Prime breaks off the blades and uses them against his rival, but Galvatron scores a critical hit through Optimus with his hidden wrist blade.

[[File:Mortal Combat Hot Shot Jetfire.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|When we come back, we'll be terrible cel-shaded CGI!]]
The [[Transformer]]s buzz around Unicron, blasting him through his own trenches. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] notices that during the combat, a large, growing black hole has appeared on Unicron's surface.

Optimus Prime stands up, refusing to give up the fight. Decompression sends the warriors outside of Unicron, onto his external surface. Galvatron acquires a nearby pipe to use as a battle staff, but Optimus displays amazing agility and stands on the staff, prancing along it to kick Galvatron in the face. While Galvatron is still stunned, Optimus hefts his foe and cramps Galvatron's midsection, but in the process, the metal pipe is shoved down Prime's back.

[[File:Unicron-behind-a-planet-Armada.jpg|thumb|left]]
The two warriors break for a moment, and Galvatron admits that even though he lost the battle, he enjoyed the thrill of it. The moment of peace between the two is disturbed by Unicron transforming into his planet mode. Prime is stuck holding onto Galvatron as the two are sucked toward Unicron's maw. Galvatron, determined to see only one winner of the war (even if it isn't him) instructs Prime to let him fall. Prime refuses, so Galvatron cuts himself loose and free-falls into oblivion. As soon as Galvatron is absorbed, Unicron vanishes. Left floating in space, Optimus decides he's unworthy of the Matrix.

Sometime later, Hot Shot and Jetfire return the kids to Earth. They agree that they've all learned a lot from each other ever since their first encounter. [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]], and [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] start to cry. Alexis gazes down at her pendant that contains the [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] stone that [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] gave her, smiling sadly as if remembering him. With the war over, Optimus Prime narrates the closing moments. But, hidden behind a distant planet, Unicron endures.

[['Til all are one|'Til all are]] [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|undone.]]
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (2)
* [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (3)
* [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (4)
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (6)
* [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (13)
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (14)
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (15)
* [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (16)
* [[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] (24)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (5)
* [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (17)
* [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (18)
* [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (19)
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (23)

|c3=
* [[Rad White|Rad]] (7)
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (8)
* [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (9)
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (10)
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (11)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] (12)
*[[Race Mini-Con Team]] (20)
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (21)
*[[Space Mini-Con Team]] (22)

|h5=Other|c5=
* [[Unicron]] (1)
}}

==Quotes==
"This probably isn't the time to ask, but when are we gonna eat, you guys?" 
"Zip it, Fred, or I'll give you my fist to chew on!" 
:—'''Fred''' and '''Billy'''

"Your mindless ambitions are fueled only by your greed. You'll stop at nothing to get what you want. I should have let Unicron destroy you!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' to Galvatron

"Why can't we all just get along?!"
:—'''Fred'''

"Children, the future is yours!" 
"Good riddance, humans!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Galvatron''' bid farewell to the kids in their own unique ways.

"Don't act surprised. This is exactly what you wanted. And I fight you not as the leader of the Autobots, but as the leader of ''all'' Transformers!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' tosses aside his Matrix of Leadership before attacking Galvatron.

"Farewell, Optimus Prime. Victory is all yours. Now go look after your men, they need you!"
:—'''Galvatron's''' last words until ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]''

"The war between the Autobots and the Decepticons has come to an end, and without the hatred between the two sides, there was no evil to feed Unicron, and he became powerless. Both Unicron and Megatron scattered into the far reaches of the universe. As for me, my purpose has been served. Cybertron is safe and Transformers live in peace with the Mini-Cons. So the next time you look out into space and see a peaceful star far, far away, it just might be Cybertron. TRANSFORM!"
:—'''Optimus Prime's''' last words until ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]''

{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*The opening is silent in ''Legends of the Microns'' until Hot Shot speaks, meanwhile ''Armada'' has [[Jim Conrad]] narrate the opening, recapping the last episode's events of how the union manage to neutralize Unicron, but an old battle is about to begin.
*Hot Shot hopes that Optimus and Galvatron manage to get out of Unicron safely in ''Armada'', and Scavenger suggests they shouldn't worry too much since they can handle themselves. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shots asks if they escaped Unicron and Scavenger imagines those two can handle themselves but unsure of what to do now. Hot Shot then says that if taking down Unicron happened earlier, they would retrieve them, but figured they need a break in ''Legends of the Microns'', but Armada only has him say they'll meet them back on Cybertron.
*Optimus and Galvatron's conversation before they clash ''essentially'' is the same in both dubs, but the points made are almost entirely different. ''Armada'' noticeably throws in being the ruler of the universe whereas ''Legends of the Microns'' is about trying to embrace your nature.
**''Legends of the Microns'' has Galvatron ask Optimus what was the purpose of their long struggle and was it to only awaken Unicron, before claiming they fought each other to preserve their true sense themselves and not to be Unicron's puppets. The kids(Particularly Fred) are confused about all of this talk of maintaining a true sense of who you are, and Galvatron reminds them he only joined forces with Optimus to take down Unicron, and now that he is defeated, there is no reason to continue the alliance. Alexis then asks why Starscream sacrificed himself for, which Galvatron asks why, and the former replies with how it was to unite all Transformers. Galvatron continues that even if the Decpticons and Autobots join hands, he can never reconcile the differences with him and Optimus, causing the latter to ask if the battle with Unicron was pointless. Galvatron then says the battle itself wasn't pointless, but it can only have meaning if the party with justice must gain victory, and Optimus replies with own, saying that as long as evil resides in the hearts of the Transformers, Unicron will only grow stronger, and that's what the battle has wrought. The kids all agree with Optimus, to which Galvatron asks if that's what he truly believes and mentions that he couldn't answer Sideways' question, before asking again if Optimus' hatred of him was a motivator to fight for all these ages. When Optimus says who is, Galvatron replies with "That again" before saying he wants to seek Optimus' true feelings as a Transformer.
**''Armada'' makes Galvatron say that if they don't continue their battle then all of their fighting has been pointless, before making a very unwanted claim of how there can only be one ruler of the universe. The kids respond with annoyance except for Fred and Billy, with the former asking when they are gonna eat and the latter replies that he would give him his fist to chew on. Galvatron says it is now time to take care of the other obstacle that stands in his way before Alexis jumps reminding him on why Starscream sacrificed himself, to which the former answers because he was a fool before the latter says that he wanted everyone to leave in peace. Galvatron tells the kids to understand the simple concept of only one person ruling the universe before claiming that it's going to be him, then Optimus asks if battling Unicron was just a means to an end. Galvatron confirms this and says he used him in order to further his ambitions, asking if it's wrong to think highly of yourself to which Optimus says yes and continues that he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Then in a bit of an out of character moment, claims that he should've let Unicorn destroy him. Galvatron says that this conversation is interesting but Optimus failed to comprehend his own argument before reminding him of what Unicron said about their dilemma, and asks if Optimus is either oppressing his hatred of him or he actually likes him. Once Optimus reintroduces himself, Galvaron replies with how he never changes, and says Optimus can deny his hatred all he wants, but he knows the real truth in his heart.
*When Unicron starts to move, Hot Shot suggests it's maybe better if they wait until Optimus gets back to figure out what to do, then later says no to Red Alert's suggestion this is the best opportunity to retrieve him and the kids and that everyone should stay here and be on lookout in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' is mostly the same, but Hot Shot instead asks if Optimus, Galvatron, and the kids are still inside Unicron, then when responding to Red Alert's suggestion mentions that the fleet's on standby. He then says what are the chances of Unicron attacking and if anything does happen, he can always count on Jetfire to take charge.
*Jetfire speaks in a lot more of a commanding tone when suggesting that he goes and retrieves everyone on Unicron in ''Armada'' compared to ''Legends of the Microns''. When Jetfire leaves and Cyclonus catches up with him, ''Armada'' plays the [[Theme song|theme song]] whereas no music is present in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The kids' departure from Optimus and Galvatron brings in more differences yet still being ''somewhat'' the same thing in between dubs: [[File:Mortal Combat animation changes.jpg|thumb|340px|Animation changes between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' screencaps (right).]]
**Before pointing out the differences between the dialogue, there are some surprising animation shot changes in between versions.
***When Optimus says the children's names before he says his speech, ''Armada'' actually has an exclusive pan of the kids. ''Legends of the Microns'' instead just uses a later shot of Optimus looking down on the kids during this sequence.
***After Optimus tells the Mini-Cons to look after the kids, High Wire, Grindor, and Sureshock's shot are drawn differently in each version, with the Japanese dub swapping places between High Wire and Grindor to provide more consistency on where is who.
**''Armada'' has Galvatron ask the kids to step aside since he and Optimus have "business" to take care of, then Carlos says they aren't going anywhere and Billy confidently says Optimus isn't going to fight. Galvatron replies mockingly that Optimus is going to let himself get obliterated before the latter tells the kids his personal thank you for helping the Autobots save the Mini-Cons. Optimus then assures Galvatron is right about needing to end hate in the universe and that he now has to finish what he started. Sureshock asks Optimus why he should fight after he entrusts them with the children, with the latter then saying it's the only way to achieve peace, then Rad tells him he shouldn't let Galvatron suck him into this but later realizes Optimus isn't going to change. He then asks if they'll see each other again soon, and Optimus assures that they will and he'll always remember him. Optimus and Galvatron then give their final farewells to the kids(See above.)
**Galvatron asks the kids to leave Unicron since this is his and Optimus' fight in ''Legends of the Microns'', with Carlos in return asking why he still can't understand what they are saying and Billy reaffirming that there is no need to fight. Galvatron says that it doesn't look like Optimus believes that before the latter says to the kids that they would've never been able to defeat Unicron with their help, but apologizes for going to fight with Galvatron and that he's still a regular Transformer when you remove the "Supreme Commander" title from him. Optimus trusts the Mini-Cons to take care of the children and assures them that they all must rely on their own strength to carry forward, which makes Rad ask if he's really going to fight. Rad thanks Optimus for everything that has happened, with the latter assuring vice versa and that he wouldn't be standing here today without him. High Wire says all of the kids' names when he glows multiple times, and Optimus tells them farewell and to head towards the future.
*Galvatron talks about being only with Optimus in ''Armada'', to which Optimus says that the time of speeches are over and it's time to end their quarrel, then later says he shouldn't be surprised and that this is exactly what he wants before throwing the Matrix out. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Galvatron asking Optimus what's wrong, with Prime replying that he was right, which is why from this point onward they'll fight as Transformers.
*After tossing the Matrix before his final battle against Galvatron, Optimus says that he's fighting him not as a Commander "but as a Transformer called Optimus Prime!"
*After Optimus shoots at Galvatron, he comments on how he was the first one to attack in ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' has him say that Optimus is not superior to him.
*When Cyclonus stops shooting at Unicron, he says he just got carried away in ''Armada'' whereas ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say "I guess so..." Jetfire's reaction is also changed from him telling Cyclonus to knock it off in the English dub, but immediately remarks of Optimus and the others being inside Unicron in Japanese.
*When Jetfire notices the kids coming out of Unicron, ''Armada'' has Rad sounding shocked about the teleportation he just witnessed, but ''Legends of the Microns'' has him silent and instead has Jetfire point out the kids.
*The union's discussion back at the [[Axalon]] is subtly different between versions:
**''Legends of the Microns'' has Hoist ask how they are supposed to protect space with Unicron floating around, which Scavenger then asks what they are going to do since he's just there defenseless. Wheeljack asks Hot Shot what's the purpose of uniting the Transformers race before encouraging him to think, and then Demolishor reminds everyone that Galvatron is still inside Unicron. Side Swipe reminds everyone that Optimus is there too, to which Blurr responds that the two leaders are focusing intently on their duel, but he can't say why. Hot Shot then comes to the conclusion that this might be their only chance to destroy Unicron, and even if Optimus is still inside, they must carry out the attack.
**''Armada'' has Hoist suggest that they should wait for Jetfire and the kids to return before they do anything, with Scavenger agreeing, but Wheeljack suggests to Hot Shot they should commence an assault now before Demolishor and Sideswipe remind him that the two leaders are still inside Unicron and they might get hit. Blurr says that it might be best for Optimus to return first and he doesn't think they have choice, and then Hot Shot evaluates that Unicron can't be fully recovered nor Optimus and Galvatron should get hurt before he announces the assault.
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Hot Shot's announcement longer compared to ''Armada'', which also focused more on Optimus and Galvatron being inside than the actual attack.
*After Galvatron gets thrown off course due to his blaster getting clogged, ''Armada'' has Galvatron saying he didn't expect Optimus defending himself, but he's glad that he is his old self again and all of this reminds him of the good old days. His laugh during this also has an echo effect. Meanwhile in ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron says this is what he expects from a top class Transformer who fights, and then remarks on how fun this is.
*Unicron's words hovering over Optimus gives the same intent in both dubs, but like with [[Origin]], there's no mention of Optimus being like Galvatron if he doesn't have the Matrix in ''Armada'' and instead Unicron talks about he loves the smell of battle.
*When the scene cuts back to their duel, ''Legends of the Microns'' includes a short clip where Galvatron rips out his destroyed cannon to throw it at Optimus before striking him with his horns. ''Armada'' only shows Optimus blocking a seemingly random object thrown at him. [[File:Mortal Combat ML Exclusive Shot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right|''Legends of the Micron'''s exclusive animation that adds to the run time by a little. Too disturbing for the kids?]]
*Where High Wire says that Sideways was eliminated and Unicron is only in a dormant state in ''Armada'', ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say that defeating Sideways didn't kill off Unicron. Carlos in this same shot asks what does High Wire means in ''Legends of the Microns'', but says "Mind saying that in English?" in Armada.
*Alexis in ''Armada'' makes it so that the hole in Unicron's armor is like it's opening up itself, which makes Billy's response awkward. Rad also wonders if it's a telltale sign that Optimus is okay. ''Legends of the Microns'' has her say the union managed to punch a hole in Unicron's armor, so Billy getting excited is a lot more appropriate here, and Rad just asks if Optimus is alright with no relation to the hole.
*Wheeljack says they are about to launch the second wave in ''Armada'', but tells the ''attack'' wave company to follow him ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Galvatron tells Optimus that he demands satisfaction since it can't end anti-climatically in ''Armada'', while ''Legends of the Microns'' has him ask if that's all he got and this is how their grudge is going to end after thousands of years. Optimus says "End?" before chuckling in ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' as him say that he wishes he could accommodate Galvatron. Galvatron then tells Optimus to get up so he can destroy him, with the latter replying to not count on it''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' simply has Galvatron telling Optimus to get up and the latter says this isn't over yet.
*Galvatron says "That's the enemy I've come to know!" after Optimus gets up in ''Legends of the Microns", whereas Armada has him say "That's more like it, Prime!"
*Galvatron replies to his men about beating Unicron to forget about him and that his power will be his, then reminds Optimus about their battle in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say that Unicron is nothing but scrap metal now, and his excitement has only just begun. Additionally, Optimus says to Hot Shot he'll take care of Galvatron, and tells him and everyone to attack Unicron with everything they got in the English dub, whereas he tells Hot Shot to leave him and Galvatron alone in the Japanese dub, and from this point onward Hot Shot is in command.
*Hot Shot says Optimus' name in ''Legends of the Microns'' but says no problem ''Armada'' in a tone like he's worn out.
*''Armada'' uses the theme song's insert trance version for the remainder of Optimus and Galvatron's fight, and plays right when Hot Shot commands everyone to attack. ''Legends of the Microns'' instead uses [[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 2|Attack by Villains]] and plays it when Unicron is transforming.
*When the kids notice Optimus' Matrix floating in space, Jetfire comes in asking what Rad just said in ''Legends of the Microns'', but doesn't say anything at all in ''Armada''. Additionally ''Armada'' has Alexis asking why he would take it off, with Carlos saying that's too freaky, followed by Billy saying there has to be a reason and then Fred suggesting maybe there's something Optimus is not telling them. ''Legends of the Microns moves Alexis' line of why Optimus would take the Matrix off to Carlos, Billy simply says he has no idea, and Fred responds in fear asking if this means Optimus is not the commander anymore.
*The shot of Optimus panting was redrawn in''Legends of the Microns'' to have more accurate shading and proportions.
*Once again, Optimus and Galvatron's conversation after they fought is a lot different between dubs, especially with Optimus:
**In ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron tells Optimus that he is incredibly strong and that while he can't go on due to him falling apart, the battle was fun. Optimus then agrees despite him hating to admit, followed by Galvatron saying as long as he knows how to fight, they are both the same and Transformers love to fight overall. Optimus agrees with this too and says we are forged with a warrior's instincts, but he seeks the light beyond the combat and says that justice is indeed obtained by winning in the end, which he tried to deny before the fight. Galvatron responds in delight to what Optimus just said, but tells him to never forget that justice can only be obtained through the hardships of battle.
**''Armada'' has Galvatron say that this is the old Optimus he used to know, and follows that he has nothing left to offer and Optimus won fair and square, but the latter thinks they should call it a draw. Galvatron remarks how they really went at it after all these years of being evenly matched, and admits he enjoyed every nanosecond of it. Optimus apologizes that he can never admit to a joined battle, but it was necessary to remain at peace even if he might never see that day, and hopes that whoever survives this will remove evil from the universe. Galvatron then laughs and says that Optimus is right about never surviving beyond today, and this means that he would now be supreme commander.
*Near the end, where Optimus refuses to let go of Galvatron from being sucked into Unicron, Galvatron practically yells at Optimus to let go so that Unicron will die from the lack of evil and to watch over the others after slicing his tread in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' goes philosophical as Galvatron observes that both might've been looking for the same thing despite their differences, and Optimus is the light while he represents dark. On slicing his tread, Galvatron adds that even in the next generation/world, Prime is destined to be his rival and that darkness will exist as long as there's light, and not to forget that evil is eternal. Optimus yells his rival's name after disappearing into Unicron in ''Armada'', but whispers "Megatron" in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Optimus not wanting the Matrix is the same in both versions, but ''Legends of the Microns'' has him additionally say that even now, he's still not worthy of carrying it, which concludes his arc better of being worthy of the Matrix, starting with [[Crisis]].
*The final moments with the Transformers and the children is subtly different in the dubs, but nothing too major unlike the past examples:
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Hot Shot say that he now believes that not matter what happens, they'll all always be comrades, with Carlos agreeing and says it doesn't matter if we are on Earth or Cybertron, and Jetfire agrees with that. He then says that they learned that lesson from the kids, with Alexis responding that they themselves learned a lot from them too. Fred asks if everyone is now going to rebuild Cybertron, and Hot Shot says yes and it doesn't matter if it's the Autobots, Decepticons, or Mini-Cons, since they all want to build a new Transformer world. Billy responds that they'll also try making Earth the most peaceful planet in the universe, and High Wire after disjointing from Perceptor says goodbye and thank you. Alexis tells Sureshock that she is truly grateful, and Carlos then says he's not going to cry about the departure along with Fred, with Billy telling them to knock it off since they already are, and Fred snapping back that he's not. Rad then asks about Optimus, with Hot Shot stating to not worry and even without the Matrix, he'll always be their commander, with Jetfire in agreement. Rad then gives out his final monologue on how their real adventure has just begun.
*In ''Armada'', Hot Shot says that they will never forget the kids, and Carlos replies with vice versa. Jetfire then thanks the kids for all the things they taught them, with Alexis saying that they actually learned a lot from them. Fred asks Hot Shot and Jetfire to stop by Earth if they are ever in the Solar System, which the former promises but says it might be a long time to come since Cybertron is being rebuilt and with the war being over, with Billy happily stating that the Autobots and Decpticons are finally getting along. High Wire says to the kids that they'll always be in the Mini-Cons' memory, with Rad saying vice versa and Alexis stating they'll never forget them. When Carlos is holding back from crying, he says this is harder than he thought, and when Billy points out that they are balling like little babies, Fred points out that he's crying too. When Rad asks about Optimus, Hot Shot says he's not sure where he is but he's sure he's out there somewhere, with Jetfire then stating he's right here in all of their hearts. Rad agrees and gives out his final monologue of Optimus always being a part of them no matter where they are or go.
**When the kids are dropped off by Hot Shot and Jetfire and they thank them for it, the shot of them talking is redrawn in ''Legends of the Microns'' to have more posing in comparison to ''Armada''.
*Optimus's ending narration in ''Armada'' is the aftermath of Unicron's defeat, saying that Unicron has become powerless now with the war finished, and both he and Galvatron have scattered across the universe. Optimus states that he's served his purpose now that Cybertron is safe and the Transformers live in peace with the Mini-Cons and mentions that if you see a peaceful star far away, it might be Cybertron. ''Legends of the Microns'' gives Optimus a more sincere narration that flows more with Unicron feeding off of hatred, with him talking about how even a battle fought for justice will always produce a degree of hate. However, to prevent Unicron's revival, you must have faith and a heart that ever seeks justice, and as long as you believe in that, anyone can become your comrade.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:ArmadaRhinoxTV.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"We never had any evil gods on prehistoric Earth."]]
*Optimus's busted truck wheel shrinks down considerably to fit inside Galvatron's cannon to jam it.
*There's an awkward amount of silence when High Wire's eyes start glowing up, and he's supposed to talk when that happens. ''Legends of the Microns'' has High Wire say each kid's name when his eyes glow, so this error is fixed.
*When Tidal Wave and his fleet show up to attack Unicron, he looks off model and lacks detail(Notice the missing canons). ''Legends of the Microns'' entirely redraws him in a lot more of an accurate model and makes his animation less jagged.
*When Hot Shot yells "Attack!" as Unicron is transforming back into planet mode, the animation shows the Transformer fleet ''escaping'' (which would make sense), suggesting Hot Shot's line was a scripting error. ''Legends of the Microns'' simply as him say Optimus' name.
*Rhinox is colored like his original [[Rhinox (BW)/toys#TM1|Transmetal toy]] instead of his ''Armada'' toy.

===Continuity notes===
[[File:Armada 52 - Prime and no Matrix.jpg|thumb|How many Autobot [[insignia]]s does he have...?]]
*Does it seem like Alexis's hair grows slightly longer during the Unicron Battles?
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'', Optimus and Galvatron's final battle is about settling their differences and answering the questions Sideways asked in the previous episode.
*After tossing out the Matrix before his final battle to the death against Galvatron, Optimus says that he's fighting him as the leader of ''all Transformers''; since when did Optimus Prime have such an out-of-character ego? ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this notable error by having Optimus say, "I am not fighting you as a Commander but as a Transformer called Convoy!"
*Rhinox makes his only physical debut in the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]]. [[Ask Vector Prime]] revealed in [[2015]] that Rhinox perished during the battle; Vector Prime also revealed that poor [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]]'s upgrades were left incomplete due to Rhinox's death.
*This episode is the first time in the series where characters bleed upon receiving damage. As Optimus and Galvatron duel, parts of Unicron's insides take damage, with slightly yellowish-white liquid pouring out. Later, as the Decepticon leader rips out a pipe from Unicron's armor to use as a weapon, bright red liquid pours out from where the pipe used to be. Additionally, when Galvatron slices Prime's chest with his wrist blade, his wound is briefly highlighted with bright red.
*That was a seemingly heroic sacrifice from Galvatron. ''Who knew he could be a good guy from time to time?'' His self-sacrifice isn't so heroic in the Japanese dub.
*During the second-to-last shot, Prime has returned to his original colors but hasn't reclaimed the Matrix, as his Matrix compartment is visibly empty during his transformation.
*This episode marks the last time [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]], [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]], [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]](If you don't think [[Blurr (Cybertron)|Blurr]] from ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' is the same one, that is), [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]], and [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] are shown in the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]].
**This also marks the last time Billy and Fred are seen in the Unicron Trilogy, as they don't make it in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' nor ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'''s final episode. The reason is most likely because the team never intended on making them staple members of the cast(According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'') and they only lasted until this episode since they never got around to writing them off.
*Even with Galvatron sacrificing himself to remove evil from the universe, Unicron managed to survive, marking the gateway to the next [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|cartoon series]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Since being deactivated, Unicron appears to revert to planet mode as a defense mechanism automatically.
**Grindor can fly in skateboard mode; "[[Base]]" and "[[Comrade]]" previously alluded to this ability.
**The Mini-Con super weapons appear to be able to fly, which seems to be a common feature among Mini-Con super weapons/Powerlinxed forms, as seen with the [[Magnawing]] in ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'', the [[Energon Saber]] in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'', and the [[Umbral Blaster]] in the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act|Cybertron]]'' comic.
**The Mini-Cons tap into the [[Linkage (dimension)|Linkage dimension]] to phase them and the kids through Unicron's armor.
**Galvatron hasn't used his antlers to attack anyone since he went by the name "Megatron" in "[[Swoop (episode)|Swoop]]." They seem to shock opponents too.
**Galvatron uses his wrist blade for the first and last time in this episode; he uses it a total of two times.
**Optimus has ninja-like reflexes and can tip-toe on thin pipes. ''What a badass.''
**Unicron can warp.

===Continuity errors===
*What's with Galvatron suddenly bringing up that there can only be one ruler of the universe throughout the episode? It's like that's the best reason he can come up with on wanting to fight Optimus(Granted he is known to play tricks, but still). ''Legends of the Microns'' has no mention of the supreme commander stuff, so it's a non-issue.
*Before fighting Galvatron, Optimus declares his intention to fight as the leader of ''all Transformers''. Since when did Optimus Prime have such an out-of-character ego? ''Legends of the Micron''' fixes this major error by having Optimus state he would fight Galvatron as ''himself''.
*Why would Hot Shot announce that it's now time to shift into stealth mode when they are doing the exact opposite of that in the whole battle? Great hypocritically there. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes Hot Shot's line to him ordering everyone to attack Unicron's moving parts, so this is a non-issue.
*Wheeljack tells Hot Shot that Unicron is headed towards Cybertron again, even though the next scene has him transforming into his planet mode? ''Legends of the Microns'' correctly has Wheeljack say that Unicron is changing to his planet mode.
*During the end of their duel, Galvatron strikes a metal pipe in Optimus's back, who tries to pull it out unsuccessfully in a later shot, after which the pipe completely disappears.

===Transformers references===
*[[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] is visible in the hangar during the raid against Unicron. Because of the unanticipated success of ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'', he and the other ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' remolds were released, but they were unable to receive larger roles in [[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|the show]].

===Real-world references===
*The Autobot/Decepticon fighters flying and firing down Unicron's trenches are an obvious nod to ''{{w|Star Wars (film)|Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope}}'s'' [[Death Star]] trench run.

===Trivia===
[[File:Tf ml 01 52 comparison title card.jpg|upright=1.0|thumb|Time for kanji quiz, kids!]]
*The English dub of "Mortal Combat" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 12]], 2003.
*Unlike the previous 51 episodes, the title card in this episode's Japanese airing didn't have the usual alternate-reading {{w|furigana}} over the {{w|kanji}} title as seen on the right.
*This episode has some of the biggest differences in characterization and dialogue between the English and Japanese versions, particularly with Optimus and Galvatron, where the reason why they are fighting is practically warped in the former version. Thus, a lot of their actions can kind of come off as unnatural and random when compared to the Japanese dub(See above). Whether it's the case of the English dub's rushed schedule or wanting to simplify the themes(Like in [[Trust (Armada)|Trust]]) is unknown as of now.
*According to the ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'':
**When the team finished making this episode, they all felt a sense of completion, like when Optimus sacrificed himself in "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]," and felt this series expanded the Transformers brand into a new direction, with it being slightly different from past iterations. The team also hopes that viewers can think about what they made.
**Optimus and Galvatron's final battle is perhaps the show's crowning achievement, nothing short of spectacular. ''And how!''
***The fact that Optimus fights Galvatron with his fists and ingenuity, while Galvatron uses all the weapons at his disposal and his trump card knife proves Prime is the superior fighter.
**[[Munetaka Abe]]'s primary concern when animating was how to convey emotion with Optimus before the fight, since he only has eyes to go off of, unlike Galvatron. He was also surprised when he first heard about Optimus throwing the Matrix away in this episode.
**[[Hidehito Ueda]] thinks "trust" is the keyword of this series, so he wanted Optimus's last message in the episode to convey that and use it as a settlement for not only what Optimus endured throughout the show, but what the team experienced while making it.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Unicrons Ende'''" ("Unicron's End")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 16|16 January]] [[2004]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A végső csata'''" ("The Final Battle")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Combate Mortal'''" ("Mortal Combat")
{{--}}

==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]]

MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Alliance

Drift (episode)

First Encounter

Origin

Union

Transformers: KÅtetsu no YÅ«ki

Transformers: KÅtetsu no YÅ«ki

Transformers: KÅtetsu no YÅ«ki

Alliance

Union

Union

Dash (episode)

Dash (episode)

Alliance

Alliance

Alliance

Alliance

Alliance

Rebellion (Armada)

Past II

Alliance

Gale

Swoop (episode)

Jungle

Alliance

Drift (episode)

Drift (episode)

Drift (episode)

Drift (episode)

Uprising (Armada)

Puppet

Threaten

Origin

Portent

Dash (episode)

Dash (episode)

Dash (episode)

Dash (episode)

Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003

Mortal Combat

Dash (episode)

Dash (episode)

Dash (episode)

Dash (episode)

Uprising (Armada)

Uprising (Armada)

Past

Mortal Combat

Mortal Combat

Mortal Combat

Transformers: KÅtetsu no YÅ«ki

Transformers: KÅtetsu no YÅ«ki

Transformers: KÅtetsu no YÅ«ki