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Minus One

2013-07-09T00:10:46Z

Primetime84: /* Continuity notes */

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Whoa. Optimus Prime, the remix."
:—'''Miko''' comments on Soundwave's DJ skills.

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

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

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*After the Vehicons get away during the Autobots first call out, the other Autobots sit motionless in vehicle mode while Optimus engages Soundwave and Laserbeak, only transforming after Soundwave is shot down. What are they doing?
*[[Captain Fanzone's car|Fowler must have a bunch of the same car.]] It was wrecked back in "[[Nemesis Prime (episode)|Nemesis Prime]]", but the one he's seen driving sports the same [[license plate]].
*Smokescreen damages Laserbeak's wing, but the damage disappears once Laserbeak reattaches to Soundwave.

===Continuity notes===
* The [[Omega Lock]] was destroyed by Optimus the last time Megatron tried using it to cyberform Earth, in "[[Darkest Hour (episode)|Darkest Hour]]".
* Ratchet managed to give Ultra Magnus a replacement hand (well, claw), which was mangled by [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] in the [[Evolution|previous episode]].
* The story of how Bumblebee lost his vocoder was established in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 1]]" and the novel ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]''.
* Megatron recalls how the formula for synthetic energon was collected from Ratchet in "[[Stronger, Faster]]".
* Unicron was discovered to be buried within the Earth in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 1]]".
* The Decepticons tried to extract the location of the Autobot base from Fowler in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]".
* Ultra Magnus still wears the back hook for the Forge of Solus Prime as Optimus used for the Star Saber, the latter having been made by Ratchet in "Alpha/Omega".

===Transformers references===
* Soundwave paraphrases one of his most famous lines, directly from the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 movie]]. His voice is also done in the same Dr. Claw-esque tone that he provided for his [[Soundwave (ROTF)|live-action counterpart]] in the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|second]] and [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|third]] films.

===Trivia===
* Soundwave speaks in his own voice for the first time in the series. And, to the surprise of few, it's a paraphrased quote that originated from the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 movie]]. His voice is the same as his [[Soundwave (G1)|G1 counterpart]] (again provided by [[Frank Welker]]), only with his voice distortion slightly less enhanced. The Soundwave from ''Transformers Animated'' states the same line only backwards, "Autobots inferior, Soundwave superior," in the episode "[[Human Error, Part I]]".
*Ultra Magnus appears unable to use the blaster in his right arm with his hand destroyed.
*Laserbeak carries a complete backup of Soundwave's data banks.
*Fowler wields a fire extinguisher against Soundwave, previously Jack's weapon of choice in both "[[Scrapheap (episode)|Scrapheap]]" and "[[Convoy (episode)|Convoy]]".
*The particle collider base has halls high enough to [[Petra (Earth)|accommodate transformers]].
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Evolution

2013-06-30T14:28:49Z

Primetime84: /* Trivia */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 61
|prev=Thirst
|next=Minus One
|image=
|caption=
|title="Evolution"
|airdate=[[June 28]], [[2013]]
|written by=[[Steven Melching]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Predaking reveals his secret, causing the Decepticons to question the wisdom of their cloning project.'''

==Synopsis==
While a storm rages, [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] fly down from the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'' to the entrance of a mine. This feeling "[[Rock Bottom|uncomfortably familiar]]" to Starscream, he reluctantly follows Megatron inside and immediately begins playing down his "[[Thirst|latest indiscretion]]". Megatron furiously reminds Starscream that his actions cost them the entire [[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]] hive, prompting Starscream to beg for his life. Megatron sighs wearily and proceeds deeper into the mine, which Starscream finally realizes is [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]]'s off-site laboratory. The lab contains dozens of cloning tanks, each with a [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]] floating motionless within. Shockwave reports that the clones have almost fully evolved, and will be combat-ready in three solar cycles.

On Megatron's order, [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] travels down from the ship in a lift while [[Predaking (Prime)|the Predacon]] watches intently. Arriving in the cave, Knock Out presents his [[Synthetic Energon|synthetic energon]], which Shockwave states he will examine after the deployment of the Predacon army. They are interrupted by the Predacon, who emerges from the shadows with a roar. Starscream hits it with a pipe, and the beast responds by transforming into robot mode and threatening some physical violence in return. Starscream and Megatron are both shocked by this, but Shockwave notes that [[Transformation| transformation]] is a fundamental part of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] biology; they simply had no way of knowing the Predacons ever reached that evolutionary stage before becoming extinct in the [[Great Cataclysm]]. The Predacon stares at his brethren in the tanks and says he will no longer be alone. He apologizes to Megatron for keeping his abilities a secret, claiming he only became aware of them recently. He says he has no memories prior to arriving on Earth, and learned what he was from the databanks of the ''Nemesis''. Megatron tells him he is unique, a miracle of science. The Predacon looks back at the clone tanks and regards them in silence.

At their base, the [[Autobot]]s are chafing under [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]]' command. He pressures [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] to finish his synthetic energon experiments, chides the Beast Hunters for taking a breather between scouting missions, and demands to know what the returning [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] was doing outside the base. The Wrecker surprises him by revealing that he's been recalibrating the engines on [[Ultra Magnus's ship]] to increase their efficiency. [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] returns from his reconnaissance mission and the Autobots flock to him, happy to turn their attention from Ultra Magnus. Optimus sees this with a note of sadness.

Aboard the ''Nemesis'', the Predacon pledges his loyalty to Megatron and requests to be put in command of the clone army, taking the name Predaking. Megatron conceals his wariness of the former beast's newfound ambition.

Alone with his command staff, Megatron voices his concern that Predaking and the Predacon army can and will turn on them. The only thing they can do to prevent it is destroy the clones. Shockwave agrees, but Knock Out asks what will happen if Predaking finds out. Starscream, no stranger to treachery, suggests that the Autobots be used to do the deed, and thus draw Predaking's wrath.

Ultra Magnus is watching human soldiers run drills outside the base when Optimus Prime asks what's troubling him. Magnus has finally realized that [[Team Prime|Team Prime]] isn't taking to his command style. Optimus reminds his old friend that they're not the [[Cybertron Elite Guard|Elite Guard]], and have in fact grown into something greater than an army. Before he can say what that is, Ratchet announces that their scanners have located exposed energon. Optimus declares that they must investigate, due to their own short supply.

A squadron of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s are standing vigil outside an energon mine when Optimus and the [[Wrecker]]s appear and order them to surrender. The Vehicons open fire, but are quickly cut down by the Wreckers' forward advance and the Stealth Team ([[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]], [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]], and [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]]) attacking from the rear. Optimus orders the Wreckers to reconnoiter the mine while the Stealth Team transports their energon spoils back to the base. Joined by an eager Smokescreen, the Wreckers investigate the supposed energon mine, growing suspicious about the lack of energon signals or additional security. Ultra Magnus orders them to split up, with he and Wheeljack going in one direction and Smokescreen and Bulkhead in the other.

Ultra Magnus and Wheeljack come across Shockwave's laboratory and the rows of cloning tanks. Shockwave is working at a computer console when he notices them, opening fire briefly before contacting Starscream. Starscream says he didn't reveal that his plan was already in motion, just so that Shockwave's surprised reaction would be genuine. Starscream terminates the link. Knockout knows exactly why Starscream staged his plan this way, and received a less than subtle confirmation. Shockwave contacts Soundwave to open a [[GroundBridge]]. Before fleeing, Shockwave triggers an electrical surge that travels through the cloning tanks, causing the liquid which keeps the beasts in stasis to drain out.

On the ''Nemesis'', Starscream reports that the Autobots have taken possession of the Predacon clones. Megatron orders him to scramble his seeker armada, but Predaking says that he alone will confront the enemy that threatens his brethren.

Dozens of Predacons begin to stir as the stasis fluids drains from their tanks. Wheeljack notices a cache of synthetic energon in the corner of the room and, with Ultra Magnus' blessing, tosses a grenade at it. The Autobots transform and drive away at high speed, but come to a stop as Predaking, in robot mode, GroundBridges right in front of them much to their surprise. Ultra Magnus, seeing the symbol on Predaking's chest, identifies him. Just then, the laboratory behind them explodes in a massive fireball.

On the surface, Bulkhead and Smokescreen emerge from the mine just as the ground is shaken by the explosion. Optimus Prime stares at the mine with a grave expression.

Predaking, meanwhile, stares in horror at the charred remains of Shockwave's lab. With a roar, he attacks the two Autobots, his powerful blows sending them flying through the air. Wheeljack mounts a brief and successful counterattack, but Predaking quickly regains the upper hand, until Ultra Magnus lays into him with the [[Forge of Solus Prime]]. Magnus and his hammer buy Wheeljack time to recover, and the two Autobots launch a powerful combined attack that ends when they bring a colossal stalactite crashing down on the Predacon. But Predaking merely lifts the stalactite off him and uses it as a weapon to knock Ultra Magnus to the ground and crush Wheeljack against a wall. Magnus reaches for the Forge, but Predaking jumps up and lands on his hand, smashing it underfoot until the Autobot's fingers are nothing but ruined scrap flattened into the ground. Wheeljack laments that he was just starting to tolerate his commander, and Ultra Magnus responds by saying it was an honor to serve with him. Predaking snaps the Forge in half. He makes ready for the killing blow when Optimus Prime flies in and sends the Predacon sprawling. Optimus unleashes his gatling gun on the cave ceiling, raining rubble down on Predaking and allowing him to grab his wounded comrades. Optimus flies them out of the mine with Predaking in close pursuit, and is able to make it through a GroundBridge before a blast of flame makes contact. Predaking roars in rage.

Ultra Magnus comes back online to find himself on Ratchet's operating table while the medic cauterizes the jagged stump of metal that remains of his hand. The other Autobots are gathered around, with Wheeljack musing that Magnus fought like a Wrecker. Ultra Magnus asks Optimus what he was referring to earlier that could be greater than an army. Optimus says that it is a human concept called family.

On the ''Nemesis'', Starscream and Knock Out can barely stifle their amusement as Megatron promises Predaking that they will make the Autobots pay for what they've done. From his lab, Shockwave confirms that the clones are beyond salvaging, but says that there's something in the ruins Megatron must see. Megatron and Starscream GroundBridge down to it and are stunned to find a large quantity of pure Cyber Matter, like that which once existed on ancient Cybertron, and which more recently created the Decepticon [[Darkmount (Earth)|citadel]]. Shockwave theorizes that it was created when the explosion mixed the [[CNA]] of the Predacon clones with Knock Out's synthetic energon.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (7)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (9)
*[[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] (10)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (11)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (13)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (12)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (14)
|c2=
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] (3)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (4)
*[[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] (5)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (15)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (16)
|c3=
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==
"Strike me again, and I will bury that rod in your spark."
:—'''Predaking''' speaks his first words.

"Your vision... is boundless."
:—'''Megatron''' considers whether his former pet might become a future rival.

"The moment our 'Royal Highness' realizes that his army possesses greater might than what currently remains of the Decepticons..." 
"Evolution will give way to revolution."
:—'''Megatron''' mocks Predaking's name and '''Starscream''' knows a potential coup when he sees one.

"Blow these beasts back to the Rust Age."
:—'''Ultra Magnus''' adds an entire new article to the Wiki.

'''Ultra Magnus''': Optimus. When we spoke earlier...what could be greater than an army? 
'''Optimus Prime''': A human concept, one I have learned since coming to Earth: family.
:—'''Optimus Prime''' imparts wisdom; '''Ultra Magnus''' is no longer able to applaud.

==Notes==
===Errors===
* Shockwave said that the Predacon clones would have fully evolved within a few solar cycles. Given he's simply cloning them, "matured" or "grown" would have been more appropriate. But then again, Shockwave's choice of diction has been odd at times.
* The use of the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'' itself to transport large stores of synthetic energon to Shockwave's laboratory seems a poor tactical choice, given the high visibility of such and the need to keep both assets in the same location. A [[GroundBridge]], while perhaps less efficient, would have been a better choice to maintain secrecy.

===Continuity notes===
* Starscream's reluctance to follow Megatron into another abandoned mine calls back to "[[Rock Bottom]]".
* The experiment Starscream apologizes for, which resulted in the loss of the Insecticons, happened in "[[Thirst]]".
* Shockwave's off-site laboratory was first mentioned in "[[Chain of Command (Prime)|Chain of Command]]".
* Knock Out's synthetic energon is derived from Ratchet's formula, which Knock Out obtained in "[[Stronger, Faster]]".
* Ultra Magnus questions Ratchet on his progress into the synthetic energon formula. Ratchet began working on his own formula again in "[[Project Predacon]]."
* Shockwave brought Predaking to Earth in "[[Scattered]]", and the beast fought Bulkhead and Wheeljack in "[[Prey (episode)|Prey]]".
* Ultra Magnus began wielding the Forge of Solus Prime in "[[Project Predacon]]".
* Bulkhead, Arcee, Bumblebee and Wheeljack show off the rifle, laser, shield and energy whip, respectively, that they took from Ultra Magnus's arsenal in "[[Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion]]".
* Wheeljack asks Ultra Magnus for permission to employ a grenade in a confined space, a tactic for which he was reprimanded in "[[Chain of Command (Prime)|Chain of Command]]".
* Megatron's citadel Darkmount was created by the [[Omega Lock]] in "[[Darkest Hour (episode)|Darkest Hour]]".

===Transformers references===
* Ultra Magnus was one of the [[Cybertron Elite Guard|Elite Guard]] during the [[Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)|war for Cybertron]].
* Starscream refers to an evolution that will become a revolution. "[[Evolution Revolution]]" was a teaser theme used for ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Machines]]''.
* Wheeljack shows a high mechanical aptitude by increasing the output of Ultra Magnus' ship's engines. [[Wheeljack (G1)|We have yet to see if the engines work as efficiently as he said]].

===Trivia===
* First episode for rain.
* This is an episode of firsts for Predaking: it's the first time he transforms, the first time he speaks, and the first time his name is used.
* Predaking manages to destroy the Forge of Solus Prime.
* While grouping Bulkhead, Ultra Magnus, and Wheeljack together as Wreckers is nothing new, Optimus has named his remaining usual field units (Arcee, Bumblebee, and Smokescreen) as the Stealth Team.
* We learn that the original Predacons of Cybertron faced a similar apocalyptic wipeout to that of the dinosaurs of Earth, further reinforcing the parallels drawn between the two.

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Darkmount, NV

2013-04-02T23:42:29Z

Primetime84: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 53
|prev=Darkest Hour (episode)
|next=Scattered
|image=DarkmountNV-Jasper.jpg
|caption=Sigh. Tourists.
|title="Darkmount, NV"
|airdate=[[March 15]], [[2013]] (Singapore) [[March 22]], 2013 (USA)
|written by=[[Marsha Griffin]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Optimus struggles to survive while the other Autobots try to find each other.'''

==Synopsis==
The [[Decepticon]]s search the ruins of [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Outpost Omega One]]. [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] has investigated the wreckage of the ''[[Jackhammer (Prime)|Jackhammer]]'', and returns with [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] as captive. [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] orders him taken back to [[Darkmount (Earth)|Darkmount]] for questioning while the troops continue to search not far from where [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus]] is half-buried. The Decepticons eventually dig up [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]], still trapped in her stasis chamber, and the [[Forge of Solus Prime]] but are unable to find any bodies. This turns out to be because [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] has spirited Optimus away using the [[phase shifter]]. The young [[Autobot]] shelters his badly-damaged leader in an underground cavern. Meanwhile, as Megatron orders [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] to monitor frequencies Earth-wide for Autobot communications, Starscream spots an incoming human military force and offers to dispatch the armada to deal with them. Megatron instead turns Darkmount's [[fusion cannon]]s on them, devastating the human forces as well as [[Jasper]].

[[File:DarkmountNV-Bumblebee.jpg|left|thumb|300px|''Black and yellow, black and yellow, black and yellow.'']]

Megatron contacts [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]], warning him that the Decepticons should not be interfered with, but with the news that Megatron bears the humans no ill will and simply wants to settle on Earth in peace. Starscream is impressed with Megatron's talent for deception. Fowler, meanwhile, reports to [[Bryce|his superior]] that Jasper's evacuation was completed in time and a cover story in place, but the military want to nuke the Decepticons. [[June Darby]], working as a medic on the military base, asks if there's been any word from the others, but there's no way to contact anyone without giving away their position.

A patrolling [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]] scans cars moving along a road, but fails to recognize [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]], who has a new paint job. Bumblebee and [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] stop and discuss how they're going to find the rest of the team, concluding the best bet is to continue heading towards Jasper. In the Rockies, [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] head towards a [[Wrecker]] meeting spot Bulkhead and Wheeljack had decided on.

Back in Darkmount, Starscream's interrogation of Wheeljack is not bearing fruit as Wheeljack doesn't know anything. Megatron orders [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] to take a team back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to search for Iacon relics at their previous battle site.

[[File:DarkmountNV-SmokescreenOptimus.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Smokescreen, am I... turning grey yet?]]

Optimus stirs, and Smokescreen relates how he snuck back to the base during the evacuation, and used the phase shifter to get Optimus out. While Smokescreen is keen to go find Ratchet, Optimus stops him, saying cryptically that there is "no hope" of finding Ratchet, but powers back down into unconsciousness before he can explain.

[[Jack Darby|Jack]] and [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] pause in their travels and spot a helicopter. Arcee leaves Jack to go investigate, whereupon Jack decides that sending a text message to his mother might be safe. Unfortunately his message is detected by Soundwave, and the Decepticons swiftly dispatch a force. Jack only has time to put away his phone before a Vehicon starts strafing him. Arcee, having identified the helicopter as civilian, sees the explosions and heads back. Jack unsuccessfully seeks shelter under a truck, but Arcee gets back in time to save him. The pair set up a trap at a nearby gas station, destroying it to take out the two Vehicons and [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]], before fleeing.

The search for relics on Cybertron turns up the [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]], and... something else. Back on Earth, Soundwave is examining Laserbeak and failing to retrieve any of the surveillance data when Knock Out's call comes through. Knock Out returns triumphantly through the space bridge with a surprise guest: [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]]!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (5)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (6)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (11)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (13)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (17)

|c2=
*[[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]]s (1)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (2)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (4)
*[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] (7)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (15)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (18)
*[[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] (19)
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] (20)

|c3=
*[[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] (9)
*[[June Darby]] (10)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (12)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (14)
*[[Jack Darby]] (16)
}}

==Quotes==
"Agent Fowler, I admit that war brings out the worst in me, but the conflict with the Autobots is now over, and our quarrel has never been with your kind. Now that the one true enemy of the Decepticons is no more, my only wish is to coexist on this planet with the human race... peacefully. Together, Agent Fowler, I believe that you and I can make that dream a reality."
:—'''Megatron''' on the phone.

"Earth is our planet now, Starscream, and we shall finish what we started. Humankind has no idea what lies ahead for them."
:—'''Megatron''' off the phone.

"He's feeding me a load of horse puckey, trying to crush our spirit."
:—'''Agent Fowler''' is not buying what Megatron is selling.

"How long does it take to exterminate a lone Autobot and her human pet?!" 
"Well, in my experience-" 
"Not a riddle, Starscream."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Starscream'''

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:DarkmountNV-Louisiana.jpg|right|thumb|250px|]]
*As previously seen in "[[The Human Factor]]", the map of the continental [[United States]] shows [[Louisiana]] rendered within [[Texas]], with a noticeable gap along the coastline where Louisiana should be.
*In "[[Darkest Hour (episode)|Darkest Hour]]", Optimus Prime had his mouthplate retracted when he was preparing to destroy the GroundBridge controls. When he is seen lying in the rubble, he is wearing it, only for it to disappear once Smokescreen pulls him into the cavern.

Bubble Bee is missing the autobot insignia on his abdomen when talking to Raf about his paint job and rejoining the team.

===Continuity errors===
*The shape of the Decepticon citadel appears to have changed since the previous episode to accommodate the four huge fusion cannons.
*The Decepticon citadel was previously named as "New Kaon" in "[[Darkest Hour (episode)|Darkest Hour]]", only to be called Darkmount in this one. While a change of heart regarding the name isn't out of the question, there can't be more than a few hours' difference between this episode and the previous one.
*Smokescreen's return to the base is inconsistent with the previous episode, or even the flashbacks to it in this episode. He is shown to have returned within moments of the base's destruction, but was the second-to-last to use the GroundBridge, Ratchet being the last. Since Ratchet changed the coordinates, he should have returned well before the blast, and should have been spotted by Optimus when he did.

===Continuity notes===
*Fowler contacts his superior, [[Bryce|General Bryce]], previously seen in "[[Grill]]".
*This episode covers the fates of the various Iacon relics and other things left unattended in the previous episode. With the exception of the phase shifter, the relics taken by Prime's team were left on Cybertron. The Forge of Solus Prime and Airachnid both survived the destruction of the Autobot base. Still unaccounted for are Prime's [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]] and Megatron's [[Dark Star Saber]] (and the [[Dead Prime|Dead Prime's]] arm that goes with it).
*Megatron has his original arm back, last seen being removed by Knock Out in "[[Alpha/Omega]]". Evidently he kept it in storage.
*Starscream expresses surprise at Megatron's diplomatic skills, echoing an exchange in ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]''.
*The [[Milky Way]] is shown outside Cybertron, consistent with the geography in ''Exodus''.

===Transformers references===
*The name "Darkmount" comes from the [[Darkmount (Cybertron)|fortress of the same name]] first introduced in the [[The Smelting Pool!|G1 comic]]; the name was later used for a toy representing [[Straxus (G1)|the commander of Darkmount]].
*Fowler references containment procedure "G-1000" when describing the evacuation of Jasper.
*Bumblebee's new black-and-yellow paint job resembles an [[Bumblebee (Movie)#Robot mode and CG model(s)|unused redesign]] for him in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''.

===Real-world references===
===Trivia===
*This episode was initially revealed in [[The Hub]]'s March highlights document under the name "Darkmouth, NV".
*The worldwide premiere of "Darkmount, NV" was on okto, a Singaporean channel, where it aired back-to-back with "[[Scattered]]" and "[[Prey]]".

[[Category:Prime episodes]]