MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

User talk:Protectobot

2009-08-19T21:13:46Z

Protectobot: Self-introduction

Hello Transfans :)
I thought I'd like to add notes or make changes to existing info to help clarify issues in the Transformers world, primarily regarding the original G1 (Generation 1) Transformers cartoon. I just started editing last night, so I'm still getting myself acquainted with how the wikipedia site works, and esp. how to COMMUNICATE with those whom I should contact before trying to offer my editing advice. I'm having trouble navigating the site, so this is my best attempt at the moment to receive permission from the Wikipedia moderators/main editors who determine which editing is or isn't appropriate :)
I'm sincerely sorry if I seem to do anything impulsive: I was under the impression that it's ok to add info or make changes to a minor degree, but am wary if my info has been too subjective or speculative to be warranted as helpful. It could also be the case that I'm having trouble making my changes permanent via this old computer/browser, yet I see my suggested edits are still on file with this site. I'll be checking my 'talk' page periodically as I seek further navigation assistance. THANK YOU to anyone who can help me! ~Nick

Technobot (G1)

2009-08-19T20:27:17Z

Protectobot:

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig2|the heroic Autobot subgroup|the evil mirror-universe Autobot subgroup|Technobot (SG)}}
:''The Technobots are an [[Autobot]] [[subgroup]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:Technobots.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Reinforcing the stereotype that scientists are ill-socialized psychopaths.]]
The Technobots consist of:

*The level-headed [[Scattershot]] (leader)
*The trigger-happy [[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]]
*The wonder-struck [[Lightspeed (Technobot)|Lightspeed]]
*The impulsive [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]]
*The philosophical [[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]]

They combine to form [[Computron (G1)|Computron]]. The Technobots are also among the few Autobots who can fly in robot mode (besides Wheeljack, Superion, the Dinobots, etc.), according to the U.S. G1 cartoon.

''Japanese name:'' '''Techbot''' (except for "The Rebirth")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
After [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and his troops aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] went missing, the Technobots were among several under the leadership of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]. Their faction was mired in a seemingly endless war with a band of [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] led by [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], in a struggle so pointless and self-perpetuating that Fortress Maximus decided to leave [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and its war and settle on the peaceful planet [[Nebulos]]. The Technobots followed Fortress Maximus' lead, building the ''[[Steelhaven]]'' and departing their war-torn home.

It would not be so easy. The [[Nebulan|Nebulans]] were xenophobic towards the strange robots which invaded their world, and after several missteps in communication, Fortress Maximus and a handful of others surrendered their heads as hopeful proof of their benevolence and compliance. {{storylink|Ring of Hate!}} But when the Decepticons followed them to Nebulos, the Technobots found themselves once again pitted against the terrible [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]]. {{storylink|Love and Steel!}}

{{charstubfiction}}

===Cartoon continuity===
[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] was made super-intelligent by accidentally absorbing energies from the generator in the power core of Cybertron. He then built the Technobots' bodies from parts of [[Unicron]]'s brain, and then transferred his super-intelligence into them. Together, the Technobots used their intelligence to defeat the individual [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and their combined form, [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]]. {{storylink|Grimlock's New Brain}}

Soon afterwards, they were assigned to the [[Earth Defense Command|EDC]] to assist Commander [[Marissa Faireborn]] in pursuing smugglers and other criminal elements threatening Sol. Confronting the [[Quintesson|Quintessons]] and the Terrorcons, the Technobots' combined form of Computron once again defeated the dim-witted Abominus by causing the Decepticon giant to fall apart into his individual team member components. {{storylink|Money Is Everything}}

When the Decepticons attacked the research facilities of [[Mark Morgan]] and [[Gregory Swofford]] in search of the scientists' new metal alloy, the Technobots combined into Computron to fight off Abominus. Unfortunately, their scuffle caused part of the building to collapse, severely injuring Morgan's daughter, [[Jessica Morgan|Jessica]]. This led the elder Morgan, in his hatred of the Transformers, to unleash the [[Hate Plague]] on the Autobots in the hopes they would destroy each other. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}}

After the truce in the aftermath of the Hate Plague ended, the Decepticons attacked [[Autobot City]] on Earth in order to steal the Key to the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]]. The Technobots were among the Autobot forces who attempted to stop them. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 1}}

====''The Great Transformer War'' manga====
{{charstubfiction}}

====''The Headmasters'' cartoon====
{{charstubfiction}}

===IDW comics continuity===
The Technobots used to crew the Autobot vessel ''[[Calabi-Yau]]'' in orbit around [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], under the command of [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]].

After landing on the planet to investigate an energy spike, Scattershot, Lightspeed and Strafe accompanied Jetfire on a reconaissance mission and were captured by [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s group of [[Decepticon|Decepticons]]. Nosecone and Afterburner, having taken the ''Calabi-Yau'' back into orbit, crash-landed back on Cybertron after escaping the doomed ship in an emergency pod and were drafted into assisting the [[Wrecker|Wreckers]]. {{storylink|Stormbringer}}

Later on, the Technobots and Jetfire were sent to help separate the entity [[Monstructor]] into its component parts. They weren't making much progress, though were determined to keep trying—but the Decepticon raid on [[Garrus-9]] saw them taken down, and Monstructor captured. {{storylink|Spotlight: Arcee}}

The Technobots continued their research work in conjunction with Jetfire, polishing up Bludgeon's work with Pretender technology. They were prepared to create Pretender shells for four Autobots, to protect them from the unknown hazards in the [[Benzuli Expanse]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Doubledealer}}

{{note|At this point, Combiner technology is limited to Monstructor, and thus the Technobots are not combiners here.}}

==Toys==
* '''Technobots''' (1987)
** [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]]
** [[Lightspeed (Technobot)|Lightspeed]]
** [[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]]
** [[Scattershot]]
** [[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]]

[[Image:G1Strafe toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|]]
[[Image:G1Computron toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|]]
:The Technobots are a Scramble City-style [[combiner]] team, consisting of four smaller toys sold carded at the $5 price point, and one larger toy sold boxed at the $12 price point. The smaller toys can each become any limb for the combined robot form, attaching to connection points on the leader toy, which forms the torso.

:The smaller Technobots are typical combiner limbs, with simple transformations, articulation limited to knees and shoulder rotation, and a single block instead of separate feet. All five team members share a unified color scheme of reds, brown, cream, and muted oranges and yellows. They each transform to "futuristic" vehicles, in counterpoint to their Decepticon foes, the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]].

:For whatever reason, [[knockoff]] artists have on more than one occasion packed copies of Nosecone and Afterburner in with copies of three of the [[Stunticon|Stunticons]], referring to them as "Artillerist" and "Shooter", respectively.

==Trivia==
*The back views of all of the Technobots' animation models (including Computron) are riddled with errors, suggesting that they were drawn without toy references.

{{stub}}

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiner teams]]
[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Technobots| (G1)]]

City of Steel (episode)

2009-08-19T06:09:30Z

Protectobot: /* Quotes */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=19
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=23
|image=AutobotsNYC.jpg
|caption=Start spreading the news...
|title="City of Steel"
|production code=#700-18
|airdate=[[October 17]], 1985
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|animation studio=[[AKOM]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Decepticons invade New York City.'''

:''Japanese title:'' スチールシティ (''Steel City'')

==Synopsis==
[[Image:CityofSteel ESB sinking.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Where will you be... the Day after Tomorrow.]]

Over New York City, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] flies into the [[Decepticon]]s' underground base. The [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] are digging a hole in the ceiling and the Autobots don't have a clue. After hours of digging, the Constructicons manage to sink the [[Empire State Building]] underground.

The [[Autobot]]s finally get wind of this and head to the city. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] plan to meet the rest of the Autobots at [[Central Park]]. However, Laserbeak spots them and reports back to [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. He plans to give the Autobots a surprising welcome.

At Central Park, the Autobots are ambushed by Soundwave and his crew, whilst underground the Constructicons inform Megatron that they're directly underneath Optimus Prime. Megatron orders them to dig while Optimus Prime is fighting [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]. Taken by surprise, Prime falls into the Decepticons' underground base where Megatron severs his [[motor relay]]s, making him powerless. Megatron then threatens the remaining Autobots that unless they leave he will melt the Autobot leader down to scrap. He also shows them his master plan, which is to rebuild New York into [[New Cybertron]]. The Constructicons raise the Empire State building back up, but now it looks like a Cybertronian fortress. Forced to leave the city, the Autobots are gloomy until [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] comes up with a plan to get into the city undetected.

[[Image:CityofSteel Prime head.JPG|right|200px|thumb|"Aquaman calling all sea creatures!"]]

Seemingly victorious, Megatron gloats over Prime's still body. However, Megatron is still worried that Optimus Prime might try something and orders [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] to disassemble him, which he does with a handy energy blade. After Optimus is turned into a pile of parts, Megatron picks up his head and reactivates Optimus so he can gloat. Prime responds that even though he's in pieces he will still fight. Prime then activates his arms and trips up Megatron. Megatron orders the Constructicons to dispose of Prime's body, but he gets to keep the head.

Meanwhile Spike, Bumblebee, Ratchet, [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] enter the City through the sewers in the hope of rescuing Prime undetected. The scene then changes to the Constructicons who are very pleased with themselves for what they did with Prime's left over body parts. They have special plans for his right arm and weapon.

[[Image:Alligatorprime.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"What is it, Aquaman?"]]

While scanning for Prime, Hound is confused because his scans show Prime was behind them when before he was ahead. Mirage then spots a giant robot alligator (dubbed the [[Alligatorcon]]) and the Autobots run away. They trap it in a train and send it and the train packing. When they reach the underground base they find Prime's head and reattach his circuits so he can speak. Prime then activates his legs remotely to come to him and the rest of the Autobots figure out that the Alligatorcon was made up of Prime's parts. After capturing it, Ratchet reassembles Prime, minus the right arm. Now that Optimus is safe, the Autobots attack. The Decepticons have turned half of New York city into New Cybertron, complete with killer [[Battle taxi|taxis]], and they're using Prime's arm as a weapon on top of their fortress. The taxis go for Bumblebee, [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], but Prime runs them down.

[[Image:BumblebeelovesNY.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Of course you do...]]

After breaking through the Decepticon defenses, Optimus Prime, Ironhide and Ratchet plan to scale the fortress to reclaim Prime's arm. Bumblebee and Spike plan to help by distracting Megatron and Soundwave. Megatron orders an air strike, but when [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] is downed, the Constructicons become [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and he follows Prime's team up the building. Meanwhile, Spike and Bumblebee manage to sneak in and annoy Megatron, by calling him Megaklutz, and tricking him into destroying the device that controlled Prime's arm. Outside Devastator captures Prime and knocks Ironhide and Ratchet into the fortress. [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] then comments that the whole thing reminds him of King Kong as he tries to assist with his remote controlled helicopters. Spike then informs Prime that his arm is no longer controlled by Megatron in which Prime uses this opportunity to use against Devastator. After Devastator gets hit Prime falls but is saved by Ironhide and Ratchet and as usual the Decepticons retreat.

Now the city is saved, Prime is back together and Bumblebee got a souvenir (a 'I heart NY' bumper sticker). The Autobots [[roll out]] and return home.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (11)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (12)
*[[Bluestreak]] (13)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (14)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (17)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (18)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (19)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (20)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (21)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (22)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (23)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (30)

|c2=
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (1)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (2)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (3)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (4)
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (5)
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (6)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (7)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (8)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (9)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (10)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (24)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (25)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (26)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (27)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (29)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (31)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (32)

|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (15)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (16)
}}

==Quotes==
"I didn't join this outfit to be a dump truck!"
:—'''Long Haul,''' commenting on his alternate mode.

"Yeah? You and who else, IronBRAINS?!"
:-'''Rumble and/or Frenzy''', in reply to Ironhide suggesting the Autobots stomp them.

"I feel like I'm in some messy swamp, not under the biggest city in North America."
:—'''Ratchet''', trudging through the sewers of New York.

"It sickens me to say it, Reflector, but this one time I have to hand it to Megatron. The place is finally starting to feel like home."
:—'''Starscream''' agrees with one of Megatron's plans, which heralds the coming of the apocalypse.

"I may not have a weapon, but I can still transform and roll!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''', preparing to crush the battle taxis.

"O-hoo-hoo-hoo, here they come! Auto-Auto-Autobots!"
:—'''Mix-Mix-Mixmaster!'''

"Say 'uncle' or I'll shove your nose in your afterburner!" 
"Uncle, UNCLE!" 
"Gee, I didn't know Decepticons had uncles!"
:—'''Sideswipe''' lovingly deals with '''Starscream'''. He's obviously been practicing his [[jet judo]].

"You'll never catch us, Megaklutz!" 
"Megaklutz! You dare to insult me in my own command post?!"
:—'''Spike Witwicky''' daring to insult '''Megatron''' in his own command post.

"It will take more than your puny arm to stop Devastator!" 
"Right. Which is why it's lucky the hand on the end of that arm... is holding a gun!"
:—'''Devastator''' reels as '''Optimus Prime''' points out the single flaw in the gestalt's otherwise brilliant tower-climbing plan.

==Notes==
* Why didn't the Constructicons find the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] when they took apart Prime?

* Even more curious, how isn't that Optimus can survive being reduced to a talking head, when the much lesser damage he took in [[Transformers: The Movie]] was enough to kill him? Is this because he was supposedly "disassembled", for the most part, rather than damaged?

===Animation or technical glitches===
[[Image:Tinybluestreak.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Baby Bluestreak watches in horror as Giganticus Prime commences his rampage.]]
* In Central Park, a truly mind-boggling layering error results in a tiny Bluestreak standing in front of a normal-sized Ratchet and Ironhide, next to a Devastator-sized Optimus.

* In a long-shot of the Autobot/Decepticon battle in Central Park, Bumblebee is inexplicably grappling with Bluestreak while Ratchet fights Reflector.

* When Scavenger is beating the bucket of his vehicle mode against the ceiling below Central Park, a misplaced cel means the cracks that are supposed to be forming in the ceiling appear ''in front'' of his arm instead.

* In the Central Park sequence, Scavenger's vehicle mode is ''huge'', towering over Megatron and with a bucket significantly larger than Optimus.

* When Megatron is looking at Optimus through the monitor, Prime has both arms. The camera switches to Megatron and then back to Optimus, who now has only one arm.

* The scene freezes for several seconds as the rebuilt Empire State Building is about to be raised above ground, complete with non-moving clouds of dust and smoke.

* The Empire State Building is depicted as ''far'' too small in relation to the Transformers in several scenes.

* At one point, Megatron's helmet appears in white rather than grey, giving the impression that he is wearing a white wig. Earlier in the episode, his face and helmet are both coloured in the same shade of dark grey.

* Prime "activating" his legs consists of somehow making them come magically tumbling through the air to him.

* There's an odd moment when Mirage and Ratchet say, in perfect synch, "This alligator is big and heavy!" Prime then responds with the sage observation: "From the looks of it, I'd say a little of both." The scene appears to be the result of an editing and directorial snafu. Prime should be responding to the Autobots' previous lines: "Now we've got him!" "Or should I say, we've got ''you''?" And the combined Ratchet and Mirage line was likely intended to be a series of ad libs as the Autobots struggle with the Alligatorcon, rather than a straight line.

* Let's not even get into the plausibility of lowering a thousand-foot building into the ground, rebuilding it for beings several times the size of a human, and then rebuilding it ''again'' into its original form.

*When Frenzy tries to ram Hound and Prowl in the subway with a train, it first shows him as blue, but then cuts to another angle of him being red. Then again, it could be Rumble who was driving the train. [[FIRRIB|Who knows?]]

===Real-world references===
[[Image:Devastatorkingkong.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Giant: check. Empire State Building: check. But no beauty.]]

* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** Laserbeak has the [[TIE Fighter]] engine roar as he patrols Manhattan at the beginning of the episode.

* [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] climbs the Decepticons' "improved" version of the [[Wikipedia:Empire State Building|Empire State Building]], very similarly to [[wikipedia:King Kong|King Kong]], as Wheeljack points out.

* The alligatorcon is likely an allusion to the persistent rumors of alligators living in New York City's sewers.
{{-}}
===Trivia===
[[Image:CityofSteel-Hook'slightsaber.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Let the hate flow through you.]]
* Along with "[[The Core]]" and "[[The Autobot Run]]", this episode is one of a trio animated by [[AKOM]], showcasing the Constructicons and featuring distinctively bright and "cartoonish" art and animation, lots of use of stock poses, a somewhat more juvenile plot and script than normal, and a common set of animation model oddities, such as [[Chip Chase]]'s blue jacket and Optimus Prime's white backpack.

* Though it is widely regarded in the [[fandom]] as his normal way of speaking, this is in fact the only time Mixmaster's speech oddity ("Right right right. Mega Mega Megatron!") ever shows up.

* When Megatron warns the Autobots against interfering with his plans, he refers to a "minicon" as a unit of measurement. This term would be later used as the name for the [[Mini-Con]]s, a race of small Transformers (primarily) from the [[Unicron Trilogy]]

* The final shot in this episode shows Bumblebee with an "I &hearts; NY" bumper sticker.

* This was one of several episodes subjected to the [[MSTF]] treatment at [[BotCon 2000]].

==Home video releases==
* [[The Original Transformers Volume 1: Prime Threat]] (1999)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/city_of_steel.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

City of Steel (episode)

2009-08-19T05:48:04Z

Protectobot: /* Notes */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=19
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=23
|image=AutobotsNYC.jpg
|caption=Start spreading the news...
|title="City of Steel"
|production code=#700-18
|airdate=[[October 17]], 1985
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|animation studio=[[AKOM]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Decepticons invade New York City.'''

:''Japanese title:'' スチールシティ (''Steel City'')

==Synopsis==
[[Image:CityofSteel ESB sinking.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Where will you be... the Day after Tomorrow.]]

Over New York City, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] flies into the [[Decepticon]]s' underground base. The [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] are digging a hole in the ceiling and the Autobots don't have a clue. After hours of digging, the Constructicons manage to sink the [[Empire State Building]] underground.

The [[Autobot]]s finally get wind of this and head to the city. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] plan to meet the rest of the Autobots at [[Central Park]]. However, Laserbeak spots them and reports back to [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. He plans to give the Autobots a surprising welcome.

At Central Park, the Autobots are ambushed by Soundwave and his crew, whilst underground the Constructicons inform Megatron that they're directly underneath Optimus Prime. Megatron orders them to dig while Optimus Prime is fighting [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]. Taken by surprise, Prime falls into the Decepticons' underground base where Megatron severs his [[motor relay]]s, making him powerless. Megatron then threatens the remaining Autobots that unless they leave he will melt the Autobot leader down to scrap. He also shows them his master plan, which is to rebuild New York into [[New Cybertron]]. The Constructicons raise the Empire State building back up, but now it looks like a Cybertronian fortress. Forced to leave the city, the Autobots are gloomy until [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] comes up with a plan to get into the city undetected.

[[Image:CityofSteel Prime head.JPG|right|200px|thumb|"Aquaman calling all sea creatures!"]]

Seemingly victorious, Megatron gloats over Prime's still body. However, Megatron is still worried that Optimus Prime might try something and orders [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] to disassemble him, which he does with a handy energy blade. After Optimus is turned into a pile of parts, Megatron picks up his head and reactivates Optimus so he can gloat. Prime responds that even though he's in pieces he will still fight. Prime then activates his arms and trips up Megatron. Megatron orders the Constructicons to dispose of Prime's body, but he gets to keep the head.

Meanwhile Spike, Bumblebee, Ratchet, [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] enter the City through the sewers in the hope of rescuing Prime undetected. The scene then changes to the Constructicons who are very pleased with themselves for what they did with Prime's left over body parts. They have special plans for his right arm and weapon.

[[Image:Alligatorprime.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"What is it, Aquaman?"]]

While scanning for Prime, Hound is confused because his scans show Prime was behind them when before he was ahead. Mirage then spots a giant robot alligator (dubbed the [[Alligatorcon]]) and the Autobots run away. They trap it in a train and send it and the train packing. When they reach the underground base they find Prime's head and reattach his circuits so he can speak. Prime then activates his legs remotely to come to him and the rest of the Autobots figure out that the Alligatorcon was made up of Prime's parts. After capturing it, Ratchet reassembles Prime, minus the right arm. Now that Optimus is safe, the Autobots attack. The Decepticons have turned half of New York city into New Cybertron, complete with killer [[Battle taxi|taxis]], and they're using Prime's arm as a weapon on top of their fortress. The taxis go for Bumblebee, [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], but Prime runs them down.

[[Image:BumblebeelovesNY.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Of course you do...]]

After breaking through the Decepticon defenses, Optimus Prime, Ironhide and Ratchet plan to scale the fortress to reclaim Prime's arm. Bumblebee and Spike plan to help by distracting Megatron and Soundwave. Megatron orders an air strike, but when [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] is downed, the Constructicons become [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and he follows Prime's team up the building. Meanwhile, Spike and Bumblebee manage to sneak in and annoy Megatron, by calling him Megaklutz, and tricking him into destroying the device that controlled Prime's arm. Outside Devastator captures Prime and knocks Ironhide and Ratchet into the fortress. [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] then comments that the whole thing reminds him of King Kong as he tries to assist with his remote controlled helicopters. Spike then informs Prime that his arm is no longer controlled by Megatron in which Prime uses this opportunity to use against Devastator. After Devastator gets hit Prime falls but is saved by Ironhide and Ratchet and as usual the Decepticons retreat.

Now the city is saved, Prime is back together and Bumblebee got a souvenir (a 'I heart NY' bumper sticker). The Autobots [[roll out]] and return home.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (11)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (12)
*[[Bluestreak]] (13)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (14)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (17)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (18)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (19)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (20)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (21)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (22)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (23)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (30)

|c2=
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (1)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (2)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (3)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (4)
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (5)
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (6)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (7)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (8)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (9)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (10)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (24)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (25)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (26)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (27)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (29)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (31)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (32)

|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (15)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (16)
}}

==Quotes==
"I didn't join this outfit to be a dump truck!"
:—'''Long Haul,''' commenting on his alternate mode.

"I feel like I'm in some messy swamp, not under the biggest city in North America."
:—'''Ratchet''', trudging through the sewers of New York.

"It sickens me to say it, Reflector, but this one time I have to hand it to Megatron. The place is finally starting to feel like home."
:—'''Starscream''' agrees with one of Megatron's plans, which heralds the coming of the apocalypse.

"I may not have a weapon, but I can still transform and roll!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''', preparing to crush the battle taxis.

"O-hoo-hoo-hoo, here they come! Auto-Auto-Autobots!"
:—'''Mix-Mix-Mixmaster!'''

"Say 'uncle' or I'll shove your nose in your afterburner!" 
"Uncle, UNCLE!" 
"Gee, I didn't know Decepticons had uncles!"
:—'''Sideswipe''' lovingly deals with '''Starscream'''. He's obviously been practicing his [[jet judo]].

"You'll never catch us, Megaklutz!" 
"Megaklutz! You dare to insult me in my own command post?!"
:—'''Spike Witwicky''' daring to insult '''Megatron''' in his own command post.

"It will take more than your puny arm to stop Devastator!" 
"Right. Which is why it's lucky the hand on the end of that arm... is holding a gun!"
:—'''Devastator''' reels as '''Optimus Prime''' points out the single flaw in the gestalt's otherwise brilliant tower-climbing plan.

==Notes==
* Why didn't the Constructicons find the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] when they took apart Prime?

* Even more curious, how isn't that Optimus can survive being reduced to a talking head, when the much lesser damage he took in [[Transformers: The Movie]] was enough to kill him? Is this because he was supposedly "disassembled", for the most part, rather than damaged?

===Animation or technical glitches===
[[Image:Tinybluestreak.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Baby Bluestreak watches in horror as Giganticus Prime commences his rampage.]]
* In Central Park, a truly mind-boggling layering error results in a tiny Bluestreak standing in front of a normal-sized Ratchet and Ironhide, next to a Devastator-sized Optimus.

* In a long-shot of the Autobot/Decepticon battle in Central Park, Bumblebee is inexplicably grappling with Bluestreak while Ratchet fights Reflector.

* When Scavenger is beating the bucket of his vehicle mode against the ceiling below Central Park, a misplaced cel means the cracks that are supposed to be forming in the ceiling appear ''in front'' of his arm instead.

* In the Central Park sequence, Scavenger's vehicle mode is ''huge'', towering over Megatron and with a bucket significantly larger than Optimus.

* When Megatron is looking at Optimus through the monitor, Prime has both arms. The camera switches to Megatron and then back to Optimus, who now has only one arm.

* The scene freezes for several seconds as the rebuilt Empire State Building is about to be raised above ground, complete with non-moving clouds of dust and smoke.

* The Empire State Building is depicted as ''far'' too small in relation to the Transformers in several scenes.

* At one point, Megatron's helmet appears in white rather than grey, giving the impression that he is wearing a white wig. Earlier in the episode, his face and helmet are both coloured in the same shade of dark grey.

* Prime "activating" his legs consists of somehow making them come magically tumbling through the air to him.

* There's an odd moment when Mirage and Ratchet say, in perfect synch, "This alligator is big and heavy!" Prime then responds with the sage observation: "From the looks of it, I'd say a little of both." The scene appears to be the result of an editing and directorial snafu. Prime should be responding to the Autobots' previous lines: "Now we've got him!" "Or should I say, we've got ''you''?" And the combined Ratchet and Mirage line was likely intended to be a series of ad libs as the Autobots struggle with the Alligatorcon, rather than a straight line.

* Let's not even get into the plausibility of lowering a thousand-foot building into the ground, rebuilding it for beings several times the size of a human, and then rebuilding it ''again'' into its original form.

*When Frenzy tries to ram Hound and Prowl in the subway with a train, it first shows him as blue, but then cuts to another angle of him being red. Then again, it could be Rumble who was driving the train. [[FIRRIB|Who knows?]]

===Real-world references===
[[Image:Devastatorkingkong.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Giant: check. Empire State Building: check. But no beauty.]]

* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** Laserbeak has the [[TIE Fighter]] engine roar as he patrols Manhattan at the beginning of the episode.

* [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] climbs the Decepticons' "improved" version of the [[Wikipedia:Empire State Building|Empire State Building]], very similarly to [[wikipedia:King Kong|King Kong]], as Wheeljack points out.

* The alligatorcon is likely an allusion to the persistent rumors of alligators living in New York City's sewers.
{{-}}
===Trivia===
[[Image:CityofSteel-Hook'slightsaber.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Let the hate flow through you.]]
* Along with "[[The Core]]" and "[[The Autobot Run]]", this episode is one of a trio animated by [[AKOM]], showcasing the Constructicons and featuring distinctively bright and "cartoonish" art and animation, lots of use of stock poses, a somewhat more juvenile plot and script than normal, and a common set of animation model oddities, such as [[Chip Chase]]'s blue jacket and Optimus Prime's white backpack.

* Though it is widely regarded in the [[fandom]] as his normal way of speaking, this is in fact the only time Mixmaster's speech oddity ("Right right right. Mega Mega Megatron!") ever shows up.

* When Megatron warns the Autobots against interfering with his plans, he refers to a "minicon" as a unit of measurement. This term would be later used as the name for the [[Mini-Con]]s, a race of small Transformers (primarily) from the [[Unicron Trilogy]]

* The final shot in this episode shows Bumblebee with an "I &hearts; NY" bumper sticker.

* This was one of several episodes subjected to the [[MSTF]] treatment at [[BotCon 2000]].

==Home video releases==
* [[The Original Transformers Volume 1: Prime Threat]] (1999)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/city_of_steel.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

Masquerade

2009-08-19T05:39:16Z

Protectobot: /* Animation or technical glitches */

{{episode
|image=Masquerade Menasors.JPG
|caption=Menasor crush...destroy knockoff.
|series=G1toon
|ep=64
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=61
|title="Masquerade"
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|production code=700-63
|airdate=[[December 16]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''After defeating the Stunticons, five of the Autobots pose as the crazed combiners to learn of Megatron's newest plan.'''

:''Japanese title:'' マスカレード (''Masquerade'')
:''German'' Generation 2 ''title:'' "'''Perfekte Tarnung'''" ("Perfect Disguise")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Masquerade Prime Motormaster chicken.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Shortly after this, Menasor threw up.]]
[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] sends the [[Stunticon]]s on a mission to find components for an unrevealed purpose, including the world's largest, most perfect ruby. While searching for their components, the actions of the Stunticons catch the attention of the [[Autobot]]s, who track their movements and their crimes. Breakdown and Wildrider get the first component: laser lenses from a scientist. Dead End and Drag Strip get the second component: an experimental generator from the Army. Motormaster gets the last one: a perfect ruby from a museum.

The Autobots split into teams and manage to be extremely effective at capturing the Stunticons in the middle of their capers. [[Grapple]], [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] take on [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] and [[Wildrider]]. [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] and [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] take on [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] and [[Drag Strip]]. Finally, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] go for [[Motormaster]], who challenges the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] to a game of “chicken” and ends up in a head-on collision. Spike, Bumblebee, and Blaster peer through the dust to see who survived, and it turns out that Optimus is the clear victor with merely a minor headache, while Motormaster lies in a wreck.

[[Image:Masquerade Wheeljack Optimaster.jpg|right|200px|thumb|No Motormaster disguise is complete without a hunk of Big League Chew.]]

Although all five Stunticons have been captured, the Autobots still don’t know what their plans were for the components they stole for Megatron. [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] guesses that the parts are going to be made into a weapon. (Nooo, really?) Optimus hatches a scheme to disguise Autobots using camouflage paint and penetrate the Decepticon camp disguised as Stunticons: Optimus Prime as Motormaster, [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] as Dead End, [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] as Breakdown, [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] as Drag Strip, and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] as Wildrider.

[[Image:Sideswipe FakeBreakdown.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Sideswipe? I, Breakdown, have never heard of such a being!]]

The disguised Autobots infiltrate the Decepticons, although their arrival causes some raised eyebrows because they are driving too "safely". They deliver the stolen components to Megatron without being detected.

Back at the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], the Stunticons manage to shimmy and shake their way out of their cells, merge into [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and overcome their Autobot captors. They then head back to the Decepticon base.

[[Image:Masquerade Megatron manning gun.jpg|right|200px|thumb|We've been here before.]]

The Constructicons complete Megatron’s new weapon, and he reveals its power, but just then Menasor arrives and declares the Autobots as infiltrators. Using Windcharger’s electric field ability and Mirage’s illusion power, the Autobots merge into their own Menasor. The two giants battle it out, and the Autobots are overcome. Megatron trains the new weapon on the Autobots, but the device blows up in his face after a few scattered shots.

Autobot reinforcements arrive, and the Decepticons flee without their usual promises for revenge. It is revealed that Ironhide had made adjustments to the ruby back at Autobot HQ, which caused the device to explode. (NOTE: this is odd, because Ironhide has never been demonstrated as having this kind of talent regarding mechanical engineering.) The Autobots head for home, victorious.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (9)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (10)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (12)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (13)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (14)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (18)
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (19)
* [[Grapple]] (20)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (21)
* [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (22)
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (23)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (24)
* [[Bluestreak]] (25)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (26)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (27)
* [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (28)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (29)
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (30)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (31)
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (32)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (1)
* [[Wildrider]] (2)
* [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (3)
* [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (4)
* [[Motormaster]] (5)
* [[Drag Strip]] (6)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (7)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (8)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (33)
* [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
* [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (34)
* [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (35)
* [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (36)
* [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (37)
* [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (38)
* [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (39)

|c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (7)
* Optician (15)
* US Army troops (16)
* Museum guards (17)
}}

==Quotes==
"A near miss deserves a couple of near-missiles!"
:—'''Inferno'''

"I'll probably HEAT myself in the morning, but..."
:—'''Inferno''' before he douses the flames on the Stunticon Breakdown

"Blam! Boom! Pow! I'm going to make that hot rod even hotter. HA HA HA!"
:—'''Warpath''' firing on the Stunticons Dead End and Dragstrip

"Well, look who's here! The old King of the Road! When I'm finished with ya, you'll be King of the Junkyard!"
:—'''Motormaster''' taunting '''Optimus Prime''' into a game of chicken

"You did it! You did it, Optimus! You stuffed that loudmouth once and for all." 
"I...hope so, Spike, because I'd hate to go through that again."
:—'''Spike''' congratulates a shaken '''Optimus''' as he recovers from a head-on collision with Motormaster.

''[The Autobots are towing the defeated Stunticons to the ''Ark'']'' 
'''Wheeljack''': Here they come. 
'''Ratchet''': I won't bother asking who won. 
'''Breakdown''': ''(taking note of the Autobots looking at them)'' They're gawking at us! How mortifrying! 
'''Dead End''': The word, Breakdown, is mortiFYing, my sentiment exactly. 
'''Motormaster''': I'm in no mood for your big words, Dead End. 
'''Ironhide''': For you, Motormouth, this '''IS''' a dead end.
:—Motormaster complains about Dead End's SAT-level vocabulary

"Man, Optimus. You're a dead ringer for Motormaster." 
"Did you have to say ''dead'' ringer, Spike?"
:—'''Spike Witwicky'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s vocabulary causes '''Optimus Prime''' to wince.

"All right, then...ah...Stunticons, let's roll for it. "
:—'''Optimus Prime''' disguises as Motormaster.

"Everybody out on bad behavior!"
:—'''Breakdown''' after freeing himself and taking out Inferno, Grapple, and Hoist.

"Imagine my turning that ray on the Autobots' headquarters. Perhaps when it's gone, someone will put up a memorial parking lot. Mwahaha!"
:—'''Megatron'''

"Machine appears unstable. Suggest abandoning it." 
"Suggestion noted—and ignored!"
:—'''Soundwave''' warns '''Megatron''', for all the good it does.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
[[Image:Huge Ironhide and Small Ratchet.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Introducing Ultra class Ironhide and Scout class Ratchet.]]
* As a result of animation cels being stacked incorrectly, Ratchet appears teeny-tiny in the front of a crowd shot, making Ironhide look colossal by comparison. The tiny Ratchet should, of course, be (barely visible) at the ''back'' of the crowd.
* When approaching the crater, Jazz appears to be driving above and not under rocks.
* When the real Menasor takes off to warn Megatron, he has an Autobot insignia.
* When the Autobots begin firing on Menasor, his face is entirely black, but this could be due to a shadow that's produced by the "gunsmoke" of the Autobots' weapons.
* Just before Megatron fires the laser, Windcharger is miscoloured in green and grey.
* In the mid-1990s, many G1 episodes were aired on the [[SciFi Network]]. To allow expanded advertising time, they were edited down, cutting "unnecessary" dialog and scenes out. Some of the "unnecessary" dialog cut from this episode included parts of Grapple and Inferno's lines, resulting in them collectively uttering "Time to add firobably heat myself in the morning, but..."
* When Optimus is worried about the generator exploding while still in Menasor form, Menasor's mouth moves with Optimus's voice, but since the voices were never part of the disguise, it's...plausible that Menasor's voice was controlled by Prime, since he represented the main body of Menasor's frame.

===Transformers references===
* Megatron's line "Suggestion noted...AND IGNORED!" when Soundwave warns him would be revisited during the [[Nemesis Part 2|Beast Wars]] when his [[Megatron (BW)|namesake]] utters those exact sentiments to [[Dinobot II]] on board the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]''.

===Trivia===
*Two scenes deleted from this episode feature the individual Stunticons talking with each other ''while'' combined as Menasor, only for Menasor himself to then silence all of his components, because their chatter is confusing him!

[[Image:Soundwave fly.jpg|right|200px|thumb|In fact, Soundwave can fly in his alt mode, too.]]
* Ratchet's voice actor in this episode is [[Wally Burr]], not the usual [[Don Messick]], and it shows.

* Although Mirage had illusion-creating powers described in his [[bio]], the show limited it to him simply being able to turn invisible in all but this one instance, leaving it a bit anomalous within the cartoon series itself. This limitation occurred, of course, because Mirage being able to create illusions was rather redundant in the face of Hound being able to do exactly the same thing. Per their bios, though, illusions were actually supposed to be Mirage's "thing", while Hound used his holograms to create ''maps'' and could only make simple images on rare occasions.

* Did anyone know that Soundwave can fly in his tape deck mode? Because at the end of this episode he transforms and then flies off behind Starscream.

* Probable coincidence or not, ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Menasor is a [[redeco]] from ''[[Legends Class|Legends of Cybertron]]'' [[:Image:LOC_CybertronPrime.jpg|Optimus Prime]], while ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[:Image:Universe2008_DragStrip.jpg|Drag Strip]] is made from [[:Image:Classics_Mirage_toy.jpg|''Classics'' Mirage]] redeco. At one point there was intended to be a ''[[Alternators|Binaltech]]'' [[Wildrider#Trivia|Wildrider]] created from ''[[Alternators]]'' [[:Image:AltWindcharger_toy.jpg|Windcharger]] (or rather, his [[:Image:Binaltech_Overdrive_Toy.jpg|''Binaltech'' counterpart]]), but that never eventuated. Maybe someday there will come a [[:Image:Universe2008_SideSwipe_toy.jpg|''Universe'' Sideswipe]] redeco to represent ''Universe'' Breakdown. ''[[To sell toys|Who knows]]''?

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/masquerade.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicles]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

The Secret of Omega Supreme (episode)

2009-08-19T05:32:13Z

Protectobot: /* Continuity errors */

{{episode
|image=Secret of Omega Supreme title shot.JPG
|caption=His real name is Ralph.
|series=G1toon
|ep=46
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=35
|title="Quest for Survival"
|written by=[[David Wise]]
|production code=700-45
|airdate=[[November 6]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''When the Constructicons begin mining on a distant asteroid, Optimus Prime calls on Omega Supreme for assistance, only for a long-standing enmity between Omega and the villains to come to light.'''

:''Japanese name:'' オメガ・スプリームの秘密 (''Omega Supreme no Himitsu'', "The Secret of Omega Supreme")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Secretomegachatinwoods.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Paradise: visited. Self: Never visited."]]

A rocket ship bursts out of the ocean and travels into space. Guided by an unknown force, the rocket lands on an asteroid and then directs that hunk of rock into Earth orbit. A door on the rocket opens, revealing the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], who step out and signal [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] of their success. The Decepticon leader intends to mine the asteroid for the energy-rich ore inside.

During his own orbit of the Earth, [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] catches sight of the operation and reports in to Autobot headquarters. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] contacts [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] for help. During a one-on-one chat, Optimus senses that Omega is holding a grudge against the Constructicons and demands an explanation. Omega complies in normal speech.

[[Image:Omegadefendscrystalcity.jpg|right|200px|thumb|A rare instance of seeing his tank.]]

''On Cybertron, Omega Supreme is a good-natured, friendly [[Guardian Robots|Guardian Robot]]. One of his assignments is guarding the [[Crystal City]], the creation of his friends, the Constructicons. Unfortunately, they are altered by Megatron's [[Robo-Smasher]] and permanently changed into Decepticons. The Constructicons then trick Omega into leaving his post, and during his absence, they destroy the city. After losing his friends, his job and his city all in the same day, Omega swears he will first help his friends recover and then will get vengeance on Megatron.''

[[Image:Robo-Smasher and Omega Supreme.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Devastator and Robo-Smasher vs Omega. The 'Cons are doomed.]]

''For weeks, Omega tracks the Constructicons, until he captures them and tries to reprogram them. At first, it appears that they have been restored, but on their way home, the Robo-Smasher corners them. The Constructicons form [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and wrestle Omega into the Robo-Smasher's clutches. The machine goes to work at reprogramming Omega; he is able to pull away in the middle of the process, but the experience leaves him scarred and emotionally barren except for his desire for vengeance against his former friends. He chases after them for millions of years and finally finds them on Earth.''

Knowing that Omega's judgement might be clouded fighting the Constructicons, Optimus orders him to remain on Earth unless Prime himself gives the order to head to the asteroid. Omega acknowledges Prime's order.

[[Image:Secretomegafightscons.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Sure, fire at the rocket whose top half is a cannon.]]

In space, Cosmos gets a sample of the ore from the asteroid and brings it back to headquarters. [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] determines that the ore is organic in nature. Prime has just ordered Omega to destroy the asteroid, and now he's regretting that decision. His further attempts to contact Omega fail because the huge Autobot is bent on revenge.

Once on the asteroid, the vengeful Omega immediately attacks his enemies, wildly smashing open a huge fissure. The entire asteroid breaks in two like an egg, hatching an [[Asteroid bird alien|alien creature]], which flies toward Earth. (Although it appears somewhat robotic, Teletraan I's claims that the asteroid was organic in nature imply that the creature is, in fact, biological.)

The creature heads straight toward Earth and begins to destroy [[San Francisco]]. Powerglide, Ironhide, Smokescreen, Tracks and Beachcomber move to stop it, but fail after several attempts.

[[Image:Omegasupreme%26creature.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Objective: Catch them all."]]

Omega is still attacking the Constructicons when Prime tracks him down. He demands that Omega stop his attack and instead clean up the mess he created by releasing the creature. Prime tells Omega that only he can save Earth by luring the monster back to its food supply on the asteroid. When the Constructicons escape, Omega threatens Optimus, but the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] refuses to back down and reminds Omega of his past.

[[Image:Omega Supreme tears up.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Optical leak: imminent. Tissue: desired.]]

Finally, Omega concedes to Prime's authority and heads off. He confronts the creature and leads it back to the asteroid, where it eats its fill and then flies off into space, never to be seen again.

In the meantime, Prime uncovers Megatron's ore-processing facility and singlehandedly destroys it.

At the end of the day, Optimus thanks Omega for fulfilling his duty. Both Optimus and Omega express hope that he might one day regain some of the feelings that he lost.{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (8)
*[[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (11)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (12)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (13)
*[[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] (14)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (18)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (20)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (21)
*[[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (22)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (23)

|c2=
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (1)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (2)
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (3)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (4)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (5)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (6)
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (7)
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (9)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (10)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (17)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (24)

|c4=
*"Doc" (Cybertron doctor robot) (15)
*Robo-Smasher victim (16)
*[[Asteroid bird alien|Asteroid beast]] (19)
}}

==Notable quotes==
"Where are you going?" 
"To talk to the only other Autobot who can fly into space." 
"Omega Supreme! Sounds like a barrel of laughs."
:—'''Powerglide''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

"That asteroid may be new fuel for Megatron. The Constructicons are mining—" 
"Constructicons?! Constructicons: Enemies. Enemies die!" 
"This is a military mission, not a vendetta, Omega." 
"Results: Same!" 
"What happened between you and the Constructicons, Omega?" 
"Question: Irrelevant. Answer: Private." 
"I want to know about it." 
"Order: Received. Will talk."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Omega Supreme'''

"Quit squirming! This is for your own good! HAHAHAHHAHAHAH!"
:—'''Devastator''' parrots Omega's words back at him while holding him down for the Robo-Smasher to reprogram him.

"Megatron failed. I lived...but changed. Since then, I feel only hate for the Constructicons."
:—'''Omega Supreme''' reveals the results of his betrayal to Prime.

"Revenge: soon. Anticipation: high. Vengeance: GOOD!"
:—'''Omega Supreme''' after being ordered to remove the Constructicons from the asteroid in orbit of the planet.

"Keep San Francisco clean—leave!"
:—'''Tracks''' to the monster.

"What—eh—if we all just split up—" 
"Then he'd hunt us down one at a time." 
"Then I say we ''unite!''"
:—'''Hook''', '''Scrapper''' and '''Bonecrusher''' debate how to deal with Omega Supreme.

"Relax, man. Remember, we're all one with the universe." 
"We're about to become one with the pavement! Duck!"
:—'''Beachcomber''' and '''Tracks''', as the creature is attacking.

"Perhaps someday, you'll see that there are more important things in life than revenge." 
"Possibility: Growing."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Omega Supreme''' see a little hope for future therapy.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* Near the beginning of the episode, when Hook is talking to Megatron, Sideswipe (an Autobot) is standing to his right. When the camera angle switches, he is replaced by Soundwave.
* The Constructicons wear Decepticon insignias from the beginning, when they were still Omega Supreme's friends.
* Also, why do the Constructicons have earth forms in the flashback? Was there never an attempt to show Cybertronian forms of other characters besides that of Shockwave and several of the original transformers in the pilot episode of this show?
* On another note, when Omega Supreme is talking about Megatron giving the Constructicons a 'new form', the sky behind him is the sky of Cybertron at the time.
* When Omega Supreme is removing the Robo-smasher from his head, his left forearm is disconnected from his upper arm.

===Continuity errors===
*"The Secret of Omega Supreme" established an important (and contentious) second origin story for the Constructicons. According to Omega Supreme, millions of years ago, when he was the guardian of Crystal City on Cybertron, he befriended the then-benevolent Constructicons. Megatron subsequently rewrote the Constructicons' brainwaves, turning them into a combining force for evil. This story contradicts Megatron's assertion (in "[[Heavy Metal War]]") that the Constructicons were built "recently" on Earth. However, he might have been referring to their current bodies, akin to what happened with the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]], so this account of their origin isn't entirely invalid. Megatron also could have been lying about when the Constructicons were created, in order to ensure their continued loyalty to the Decepticon cause. Regardless, the Constructicons' origin is complicated by a flashback in "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]" in which the Constructicons are shown creating Megatron, which contradicts both previous origin stories, but this is a dream, so it's relatively negligible. These different origins for the Constructicons have become notorious as one of the biggest continuity errors in the series.

*Optimus Prime refers to Omega Supreme as the only other Autobot capable of spaceflight, yet in season one, [[Skyfire]] made at least two interplanetary flights to Cybertron - one when it was in Earth's orbit{{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}}, and one millions of years previously, when it was very far away{{storylink|Fire in the Sky}}

*According to both Omega Supreme and Optimus Prime, the reprogramming effects of Megatron's Robo-Smasher can never be reversed, but in "[[The Core]]", [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Chip Chase]] were able to sway the Constructicons to the Autobots' side with [[dominator disc]]s. This may have been yet another brainwash/override of previous programming rather than a "reversal", as such.

*Optimus Prime's surprise at Omega Supreme's post and function (MOS) back on Cybertron doesn't make sense, considering he had been given the Matrix and thus the rank of Autobot Commander about three million years before Omega's encounter with the Robo-Smasher.

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/the_secret_of_omega_supreme.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Secret of Omega Supreme}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

The Secret of Omega Supreme (episode)

2009-08-19T05:28:46Z

Protectobot: /* Animation or technical glitches */

{{episode
|image=Secret of Omega Supreme title shot.JPG
|caption=His real name is Ralph.
|series=G1toon
|ep=46
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=35
|title="Quest for Survival"
|written by=[[David Wise]]
|production code=700-45
|airdate=[[November 6]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''When the Constructicons begin mining on a distant asteroid, Optimus Prime calls on Omega Supreme for assistance, only for a long-standing enmity between Omega and the villains to come to light.'''

:''Japanese name:'' オメガ・スプリームの秘密 (''Omega Supreme no Himitsu'', "The Secret of Omega Supreme")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Secretomegachatinwoods.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Paradise: visited. Self: Never visited."]]

A rocket ship bursts out of the ocean and travels into space. Guided by an unknown force, the rocket lands on an asteroid and then directs that hunk of rock into Earth orbit. A door on the rocket opens, revealing the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], who step out and signal [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] of their success. The Decepticon leader intends to mine the asteroid for the energy-rich ore inside.

During his own orbit of the Earth, [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] catches sight of the operation and reports in to Autobot headquarters. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] contacts [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] for help. During a one-on-one chat, Optimus senses that Omega is holding a grudge against the Constructicons and demands an explanation. Omega complies in normal speech.

[[Image:Omegadefendscrystalcity.jpg|right|200px|thumb|A rare instance of seeing his tank.]]

''On Cybertron, Omega Supreme is a good-natured, friendly [[Guardian Robots|Guardian Robot]]. One of his assignments is guarding the [[Crystal City]], the creation of his friends, the Constructicons. Unfortunately, they are altered by Megatron's [[Robo-Smasher]] and permanently changed into Decepticons. The Constructicons then trick Omega into leaving his post, and during his absence, they destroy the city. After losing his friends, his job and his city all in the same day, Omega swears he will first help his friends recover and then will get vengeance on Megatron.''

[[Image:Robo-Smasher and Omega Supreme.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Devastator and Robo-Smasher vs Omega. The 'Cons are doomed.]]

''For weeks, Omega tracks the Constructicons, until he captures them and tries to reprogram them. At first, it appears that they have been restored, but on their way home, the Robo-Smasher corners them. The Constructicons form [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and wrestle Omega into the Robo-Smasher's clutches. The machine goes to work at reprogramming Omega; he is able to pull away in the middle of the process, but the experience leaves him scarred and emotionally barren except for his desire for vengeance against his former friends. He chases after them for millions of years and finally finds them on Earth.''

Knowing that Omega's judgement might be clouded fighting the Constructicons, Optimus orders him to remain on Earth unless Prime himself gives the order to head to the asteroid. Omega acknowledges Prime's order.

[[Image:Secretomegafightscons.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Sure, fire at the rocket whose top half is a cannon.]]

In space, Cosmos gets a sample of the ore from the asteroid and brings it back to headquarters. [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] determines that the ore is organic in nature. Prime has just ordered Omega to destroy the asteroid, and now he's regretting that decision. His further attempts to contact Omega fail because the huge Autobot is bent on revenge.

Once on the asteroid, the vengeful Omega immediately attacks his enemies, wildly smashing open a huge fissure. The entire asteroid breaks in two like an egg, hatching an [[Asteroid bird alien|alien creature]], which flies toward Earth. (Although it appears somewhat robotic, Teletraan I's claims that the asteroid was organic in nature imply that the creature is, in fact, biological.)

The creature heads straight toward Earth and begins to destroy [[San Francisco]]. Powerglide, Ironhide, Smokescreen, Tracks and Beachcomber move to stop it, but fail after several attempts.

[[Image:Omegasupreme%26creature.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Objective: Catch them all."]]

Omega is still attacking the Constructicons when Prime tracks him down. He demands that Omega stop his attack and instead clean up the mess he created by releasing the creature. Prime tells Omega that only he can save Earth by luring the monster back to its food supply on the asteroid. When the Constructicons escape, Omega threatens Optimus, but the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] refuses to back down and reminds Omega of his past.

[[Image:Omega Supreme tears up.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Optical leak: imminent. Tissue: desired.]]

Finally, Omega concedes to Prime's authority and heads off. He confronts the creature and leads it back to the asteroid, where it eats its fill and then flies off into space, never to be seen again.

In the meantime, Prime uncovers Megatron's ore-processing facility and singlehandedly destroys it.

At the end of the day, Optimus thanks Omega for fulfilling his duty. Both Optimus and Omega express hope that he might one day regain some of the feelings that he lost.{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (8)
*[[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (11)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (12)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (13)
*[[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] (14)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (18)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (20)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (21)
*[[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (22)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (23)

|c2=
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (1)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (2)
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (3)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (4)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (5)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (6)
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (7)
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (9)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (10)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (17)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (24)

|c4=
*"Doc" (Cybertron doctor robot) (15)
*Robo-Smasher victim (16)
*[[Asteroid bird alien|Asteroid beast]] (19)
}}

==Notable quotes==
"Where are you going?" 
"To talk to the only other Autobot who can fly into space." 
"Omega Supreme! Sounds like a barrel of laughs."
:—'''Powerglide''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

"That asteroid may be new fuel for Megatron. The Constructicons are mining—" 
"Constructicons?! Constructicons: Enemies. Enemies die!" 
"This is a military mission, not a vendetta, Omega." 
"Results: Same!" 
"What happened between you and the Constructicons, Omega?" 
"Question: Irrelevant. Answer: Private." 
"I want to know about it." 
"Order: Received. Will talk."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Omega Supreme'''

"Quit squirming! This is for your own good! HAHAHAHHAHAHAH!"
:—'''Devastator''' parrots Omega's words back at him while holding him down for the Robo-Smasher to reprogram him.

"Megatron failed. I lived...but changed. Since then, I feel only hate for the Constructicons."
:—'''Omega Supreme''' reveals the results of his betrayal to Prime.

"Revenge: soon. Anticipation: high. Vengeance: GOOD!"
:—'''Omega Supreme''' after being ordered to remove the Constructicons from the asteroid in orbit of the planet.

"Keep San Francisco clean—leave!"
:—'''Tracks''' to the monster.

"What—eh—if we all just split up—" 
"Then he'd hunt us down one at a time." 
"Then I say we ''unite!''"
:—'''Hook''', '''Scrapper''' and '''Bonecrusher''' debate how to deal with Omega Supreme.

"Relax, man. Remember, we're all one with the universe." 
"We're about to become one with the pavement! Duck!"
:—'''Beachcomber''' and '''Tracks''', as the creature is attacking.

"Perhaps someday, you'll see that there are more important things in life than revenge." 
"Possibility: Growing."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Omega Supreme''' see a little hope for future therapy.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* Near the beginning of the episode, when Hook is talking to Megatron, Sideswipe (an Autobot) is standing to his right. When the camera angle switches, he is replaced by Soundwave.
* The Constructicons wear Decepticon insignias from the beginning, when they were still Omega Supreme's friends.
* Also, why do the Constructicons have earth forms in the flashback? Was there never an attempt to show Cybertronian forms of other characters besides that of Shockwave and several of the original transformers in the pilot episode of this show?
* On another note, when Omega Supreme is talking about Megatron giving the Constructicons a 'new form', the sky behind him is the sky of Cybertron at the time.
* When Omega Supreme is removing the Robo-smasher from his head, his left forearm is disconnected from his upper arm.

===Continuity errors===
*"The Secret of Omega Supreme" established an important (and contentious) second origin story for the Constructicons. According to Omega Supreme, millions of years ago, when he was the guardian of Crystal City on Cybertron, he befriended the then-benevolent Constructicons. Megatron subsequently rewrote the Constructicons' brainwaves, turning them into a combining force for evil. This story contradicts Megatron's assertion (in "[[Heavy Metal War]]") that the Constructicons were built "recently" on Earth. However, he might have been referring to their current bodies, akin to what happened with the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]], so this account of their origin isn't entirely invalid. Regardless, the Constructicons' origin is complicated by a flashback in "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]" in which the Constructicons are shown creating Megatron, which contradicts both previous origin stories. These different origins for the Constructicons have become notorious as one of the biggest continuity errors in the series.

*Optimus Prime refers to Omega Supreme as the only other Autobot capable of spaceflight, yet in season one, [[Skyfire]] made at least two interplanetary flights to Cybertron - one when it was in Earth's orbit{{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}}, and one millions of years previously, when it was very far away{{storylink|Fire in the Sky}}

*According to both Omega Supreme and Optimus Prime, the reprogramming effects of Megatron's Robo-Smasher can never be reversed, but in "[[The Core]]", [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Chip Chase]] were able to sway the Constructicons to the Autobots' side with [[dominator disc]]s. This may have been yet another brainwash/override of previous programming rather than a "reversal", as such.

*Optimus Prime's surprise at Omega Supreme's post and function (MOS) back on Cybertron doesn't make sense, considering he had been given the Matrix and thus the rank of Autobot Commander about three million years before Omega's encounter with the Robo-Smasher.

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/the_secret_of_omega_supreme.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Secret of Omega Supreme}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Carnage in C-Minor

2009-08-19T05:24:06Z

Protectobot: /* Animation or technical glitches */

{{episode|
|series=G1toon
|series2=2010
|ep=82
|ep2=14
|image=Carnage C-Minor Autobots harmonic attack.JPG
|caption=[[Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime|Hey, what is that awful noise? Okay, let me straighten him out!]]
|title="Carnage in C-Minor"
|production code=700-102
|airdate=[[October 14]], 1986
|written by=[[Buzz Dixon]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Several Autobots and Decepticons battle over a planet whose civilization revolves around music and whose inhabitants can use sound as a powerful weapon.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 音楽惑星の挑戦 (''Ongaku Wakusei no Chōsen'', "The Challenge of the Planet of Music")
:'' German title:'' "'''Das Gemetzel in Cis-Mol'''" ("The Slaughter in Cis-Mol")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Broadsidecrushesdevastator.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Die, Atlas!]]

The [[Decepticon]]s are building engines into the side of a comet in order to alter its course and crash it on top of [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. As they fire up the engines, a group of [[Autobot]]s close in, led there by [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]. The Autobots attack, much to [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]'s dismay. The [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] form [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], who is promptly flattened when [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] drops on him in ship mode. In the ensuing battle, the engines are destroyed, and the comet is sent hurtling towards a small planet, which Perceptor reports is inhabited.

The Autobots attempt unsuccessfully to stop the comet before Galvatron again orders his men to engage their foe. While Galvatron and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] are grappling, waves of sound energy destroy the comet and cause both groups of Transformers to plummet to the planet's surface. In a nearby city, three aliens are having a disagreement. One of them, [[Allegra]], storms out, saying that she's going to her retreat.

The Transformers recover from their crash, wondering what hit them. [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] describes it as the most perfect harmony ever, but Galvatron is more interested in its destructive power. Broadside breaks up the discussion by punching Galvatron, and the fight resumes. As the Contructicons form Devastator again, Perceptor blows the giant apart with one shot from his cannon. Galvatron and Soundwave depart in search of the source of the harmony they heard earlier, but Ultra Magnus spots them leaving and takes Broadside and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] in pursuit. Perceptor reflects that unless the trio are swift, there might not be much of them left.

[[Image:Carnage CMinor Blaster Magnus Basso.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"I now pronounce you bot and wife. You may kiss the bride."]]

Broadside swiftly passes the two Decepticons and overflies the city, which Blaster realises is laid out like a musical harmony. Magnus and Blaster meet with [[Basso Profundo]], leader of the planet [[Eurythma]], but Basso refuses to help them, believing that the harmony is all his people need to protect themselves. He drops a hint that Allegra might be able to help them, a fact overheard by Galvatron and Soundwave, who are spying outside. As the three Autobots go in search of Allegra, the Decepticons drop a bridge on them. To make sure, Galvatron blasts the wreckage, and the pair fly off to find Allegra.

Basso watches the two Decepticons leave, and fellow Eurythman [[Zebop Skandana]] uses a harmony to help the Autobots out of the rubble. Blaster realises that the Zebop was creating part of the harmony which originally blew the Autobots out of space, and Zebop says he's sympathetic to their cause and will help them find Allegra.

[[Image:Carnage CMinor Galvatron Soundwave Allegra.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Galvatron loved going to the opera. He always showed his appreciation by blowing the theater to kingdom come afterwards.]]

The two Decepticons meet Allegra, offering to help her overthrow Basso in return for the secret of the harmony. She obliges and Soundwave records it, but to Galvatron's rage, it turns out that she is only one part of the harmony; Basso and Zebop make up the other two thirds. Still, when the Autobots arrive with Zebop, Soundwave is testing the part of the harmony he has by destroying a rock. The Autobots set up an ambush, but Zebop is so distressed by the fact that Allegra is working with the Decepticons that he gives away their position. Galvatron starts firing, and Zebop takes refuge in Ultra Magnus's cab. Soundwave begins battering the Autobots with the harmony. When Zebop counters with ''his'' part of the harmony, Soundwave promptly records it and uses the resulting two-thirds of the harmony to devastating effect.

[[Image:Carnage CMinor Allegra Zebop.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Alas, poor Zebop. We knew him we- Wait. No, we don't.]]

With the Autobots apparently gone, Galvatron terminates the alliance with Allegra. She attempts to attack them with her part of the harmony, but Soundwave retaliates, knocking her out. The Autobots climb out of their hole in time to prevent Galvatron from terminating the Eurythman, but during the resulting fight, Blaster and Soundwave struggle and accidentally fall on Zebop. Galvatron grabs his minion and departs, leaving Allegra cradling Zebop in her arms. Though the Autobots believe he's had it, Allegra uses a harmony to revive him. The Autobots leave for the city.

Back at the landing site, the rest of the Autobots and Decepticons are still fighting. Hot Spot voices his hope that Magnus, Blaster and Broadside hurry. The Eurythmans have spotted the battle, and Basso uses an amplifier to direct a destructive harmony at it. [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] is forced to disassemble, but the two factions fight on. Basso is depressed, and his aide points out he needs Allegra and Zebop to complete the harmony. Arriving, Soundwave begins playing two-thirds of the harmony, shaking the city and provoking Basso into using the third part again, which Soundwave promptly records. He is subsequently able to use the complete harmonic weapon to attack the city. Pleased, Galvatron announces their next targets are Metroplex and then [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].

[[Image:Carnage CMinor Soundwave harmony.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Soundwave finds himself too big to fly through the rings in the Training Stage.]]

Ultra Magnus's party arrives back at the city to find it devastated and their fellow Autobots badly damaged. The Eurythmans are able to repair Perceptor and the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] with a harmony, and the Autobots set off for Earth.

Galvatron and Soundwave attack Metroplex with the harmony, but the Autobots soon arrive with the three Eurythmans, who nullify Soundwave's weapon with anti-sound. Blaster grabs Soundwave and uses his buttons to erase the harmony from Soundwave's tapes. Despite Galvatron raging that he hasn't ordered a retreat, the Decepticons flee anyway. The Autobots return the Eurythmans to their world, where Ultra Magnus tells them they need to learn to live in harmony.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (9)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (10)
*[[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (11)
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (12)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (13)
*[[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] (15)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (16)
*[[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (21)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (22)
*[[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (23)
*[[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (24)
*[[Scamper]] (25)
*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (26)

|c2=
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (1)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (2)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (3)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (4)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (5)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (6)
*[[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (7)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (8)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (14)

|c4=
*[[Basso Profundo]] (17)
*[[Allegra]] (18)
*[[Zebop Skandana]] (19)
*Basso's consort (20)
}}

==Quotes==
"What was that?!" 
"That was heaven. The purest, most vibrant, most perfect harmony I've ever heard."
:—'''Galvatron''' and '''Soundwave''' wonder what hit them.

"You! Because of you, I got blasted out of space. DO YOU REALIZE WHAT THAT DID TO MY PAINT JOB?!"
:—'''Broadside''', right before he sucker-punches Galvatron

"Broadside! Blaster! Galvatron and Soundwave went to find the weapon that knocked us out of space!" 
"Weapon? That was no weapon. That was harmonic bliss! A musical kiss!" 
"Whatever."
:—'''Ultra Magnus''', who doesn't have any soul, and '''Blaster''', who does.

"Blaster, you picking up anything?" 
"Yeah, yeah! Beauty like you wouldn't believe, Broadside. Sweet soul music. It's their art, their commerce, their philosophy, their whole—uh-oh, bummer. Galvatron and Soundwave are here."
:—'''Broadside''' and '''Blaster''' get their vibes harshed.

"I don't wanna see your ugly face, just the button that says 'ERASE'!" 
"My tapes! You've erased my tapes!"
:—'''Blaster''' destroys '''Soundwave'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s tapes, to the Decepticon's monotoned horror.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
"Carnage in C-Minor" is infamous among the fandom for the sheer number of animation errors in this episode. Among the more prominent are the following:

* Throughout the entire episode, Broadside is drawn with a previously [[:Image:BroadsideCarnage.jpg|discarded]] [[character model]], which was used in the original G1 "transformers the universe" comic-bio book.

* Devastator is the exact same size as Soundwave during the start of the first battle.

* Devastator also appears before he forms later in the battle.

* While the Autobots are shooting at the meteor, they are so badly drawn that they appear to have only one leg each, left arms starting from the elbows, and enormous heads...and Superion is tiny.

*When Bonecrusher orders the formation of Devastator, he's wearing an Autobot insignia. See also the continuity error below.

* When the Constructicons form Devastator for the second time, the first shot shows four Constructicons forming the legs and the torso. The second shot shows three robots forming the arms and upper torso. This means that [[Devastator (ROTF)|''seven'' Constructicons formed Devastator.]]

* After watching Galvatron and Soundwave leave, Ultra Magnus dispatches Hook and Scrapper—by picking them up in his hands and bashing them together. Magnus is supposed to be big, but not ''that'' big.

* Blaster, Ultra Magnus and Zebop are shown hanging onto Broadside while he flies around. Sometimes, the shots make them appear tiny or not to be hanging onto Broadside at all. (One wonders why Zebop doesn't just ride in Broadside's cockpit, as he does for the trip to Earth.)

* Soundwave points out that Zebop is standing in the distance, while Galvatron says that "he ''probably'' is with the Autobots." Yet, Ultra Magnus is standing right next to him.

* Soundwave has a [[Shattered Glass (franchise)||purple Autobot]] [[insignia]]...''[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3|again]]''.

* Blaster is drawn delivering Broadside's line about "scorch-marks on top of everything else".

* During part of the battle at Allegra's retreat, Hot Spot is with the Autobots instead of Broadside.

* When Blaster explains that the Eurythmans use the harmony even for healing, Ultra Magnus is the one mouthing the words.

* When the Protectobots are combined as Defensor, Hot Spot (the main body) is fighting alongside his combined self!

* Brawn and Huffer are shown in a firefight between the Autobots and the Decepticons, but not only are they fighting on the wrong side (D), but they're both supposed to be DEAD since "the Great War" (the movie)!

* In one scene, a cel-layering error causes Blaster to appear very tiny compared to Soundwave.

* And there's even more. Seriously, how much time do you have?

<center><gallery>
Image:Carnage C-minor Magnus Broadside.JPG|"Hail Caesar!" "Hail Thaethar."
Image:Bigmagnus tinyconst.jpg|We'll take revenge by merging into Devastator.
Image:Hotspot defensor.jpg|Hey! Part of me, get back in me!
Image:Soundwaveautobotgalvy.jpg|For some reason, I feel less evil than two seconds ago.
Image:CarnageMiniBlaster.jpg|It's his little shoulder-angel.
</gallery></center>

===Continuity errors===
[[Image:DeceptiBrawn1.jpg|right|125px|thumb|Maybe it's not Bonecrusher, but a rare cameo by Roadhauler?]]
* In one infamous scene, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (who should also be dead) show up alive and well. And it seems [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] has switched sides, as he's helping them shoot at the giant Decepticon rocket engine he just helped build! (Huffer has the wrong paint job, too.)

* To add insult to injury, Devastator is shooting at the Autobots ''before'' the Constructicons form Devastator.

* Soundwave travels with Galvatron to find the source of the harmony. However, when the scene returns to the battle outside the city, Soundwave is with the other Decepticons at the same time.

===Real-world references===
* The Eurythman characters' names are all music-related puns. Allegra and Basso Profundo are references to terms related to classical music, while Zebop Skandana is named after popular music guitarist Carlos Santana and his song Zebop. And the difference shows.

* Eurythma was possibly named after the popular '80s band [[wikipedia:Eurythmics|The Eurythmics]].

===Trivia===
* "Carnage in C-Minor" is widely regarded by fans as the worst episode of all ''Transformers'' series, but this is seemingly due to the sheer volume of animation errors, as well as the glaringly obvious nature of many of the individual errors. However, the actual ''plot'' is certainly not the weakest to grace the cartoon series, and its "continuity errors" have little to nothing to do with the script itself...certainly not to the level of, say, "[[B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.]]".

* That said, there is plenty of inanity to be found in the story too. For instance: Despite the aliens' dialog being in perfectly understandable English (or Galactic Standard or whatever), because they say everything in a sing-song rhythm, apparently none of the Transformers except Blaster and Soundwave can understand them, and the two tape decks spend a large (and annoying) amount of time translating Eurythman to "non-sing-song" for everyone else.

* Galvatron and Soundwave are briefly seen holding hands whilst flying.

* Apparently, a single blast from [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]'s [[lightning cannon]] can cause [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] to disassemble. And [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] believes that intellectuals are weak.

* Anyone else bothered that this "sonic weapon" was used to destroy a comet IN SPACE?

* This was one of several episodes subjected to the [[MSTF]] treatment at [[BotCon 1999]].

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/carnage_in_c-minor.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

* [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0808817/ IMDb's page for this episode]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

Mirage (G1)

2009-08-19T05:13:39Z

Protectobot: important note

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2}}
{{disambig3|Mirage}}
:''Mirage is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Mirageg1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"The ship was... full."]]
'''Mirage''' is what humans call "old money." Before the war, he was a member of affluent Cybertronian society, with his own large estate and high-priced [[Mirage's friends|friends]]. He enjoyed the finer things in life: vintage [[Energon (fuel)|energon]], swank evening events, and [[turbofox]] hunts on the grounds. But when the war started, he was forced to choose sides and found himself banded with a group of commoners he didn't really understand.

Some of the other Autobots don't trust Mirage. He feels the war, even after all these millions of years, is beneath him. War is not, after all, how civilized, erudite beings conduct themselves. He often questions the Autobots' violent means, and not-so-secretly hopes they and the Decepticons can get along. Because of this, he has been labelled by a few others as a Decepticon sympathizer. Still, he sided with the Autobots for a reason, and he is there for the Autobots when they need him.

Although the details vary by continuity, Mirage has the ability to create illusions which typically either render him invisible or make him appear to be somewhere he isn't. (NOTE: Mirage's apparent ability to "bend" (refract) light--to appear invisible--seems indispensable and could make him a potential wild card or free agent amongst the ranks of the Autobots, yet in one episode of the original G1 cartoon "[[City of Steel]]", Hound points out that his sensors can track Mirage's whereabouts. This potential 'counter ability' could be instrumental in ensuring that Mirage would not attempt to betray the Autobots, since, as stated, he is not always trusted by his comrades.)

He sounds like [[wikipedia:Dean Martin|Dean Martin]].

:''Japanese name:'' '''Ligier''' (リジェ ''Rije'')
:''Japanese name (Robot Masters):'' '''Rijie''' (リジェ ''Rije'')
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Délibáb''' ("Mirage")
:''Italian name:'' '''Mistero''' ("Mystery")
:''Portuguese name:'' '''Miragem''' ("Mirage")
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' Hǎi-shr-shèn-lóu (海市蜃樓, "Mirage") / Hàun-yǐng (幻影, "Phantom")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Miragebluestreakfirst.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Mirage tells the story of how he got his name every five minutes.]]
Mirage was one of the Autobots on board the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it crashed, and was subsequently reactivated in 1984. At first, Mirage was reluctant to full-on attack his Decepticon opponents, instead trying to reason with them. However, after a battle with the relentless [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], Mirage learned that sometimes diplomacy is not an option. {{storylink|The Last Stand}}

[[Image:Mirageg1enemywithin.jpg|right|125px|thumb|Punk'd!]]
''During an accident on the Ark, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] suffered an extreme neuro-shock, causing him to rebel and turn against his teammates. Mirage helped the Autobots hunt him down and tranquilize him. This same accident also amplified Mirage's ability to create illusions, which he later used to trick the Decepticons into believing that a duel between Brawn and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] ended with Brawn's death. The Decepticons felt totally stupid.'' {{storylink|The Enemy Within!}}

In the wake of a disastrous mission to rescue [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s captive head from the Decepticons, most of the Autobots were rendered inoperative. Mirage was one of a handful of Autobots who remained active, accompanying Optimus and various newer Autobots on several subsequent missions. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}} {{storylink|I, Robot-Master!}} {{storylink|Command Performances!}}

''Mirage lucked out during the Dinobot Hunt—he was assigned to B-Team, whose quarry, Snarl, was knocked out by the destruction of a human military base, leaving him inert and easy to capture.'' {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}

Long after, he was blown to pieces by [[Octane]] during an Arctic battle arranged by [[Starscream (G1)| Starscream]]. He recovered in time to be destroyed again in [[New York City]] by Starscream himself (empowered by the [[Underbase]]). {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}

====Generation 2====
[[Image:Mirageg2die.jpg|left|120px|thumb|"Got to—" '''SPOOM!''']]
Disobeying [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s orders, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] led a covert team (which included Mirage) onto the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]] ship ''[[Twilight (G2)|Twilight]]'' to defeat [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] and his army of "evolved Decepticons". Grimlock's plan was an utter failure, ending in [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]'s death and the Autobots' capture. Mirage was destroyed by enemy fire during the following prison break. {{storylink|Devices and Desires! (Marvel)|Devices and Desires!}}

====Classics====
{{note| The Classics comic takes place after the end of the original Marvel Comic, but in a new timeline that does not include the events of the Marvel UK-exclusive stories or Generation 2.}}
Having been revived (presumably by [[Nucleon]]), Mirage was the happiest of them all, until he saw just how badly his way of life was affected by warfare. Mirage found that ages of warfare had made him bitter. Eventually, he decided to join Optimus Prime in returning to Earth, and war with Megatron.<ref>Mirage Classics Profile, [[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 13]]</ref>

His actions include evacuating [[RUNT|RUNTs]] and their pilots, holding [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] at gunpoint, and revealing that his illusion powers (in this continuity) now ''include'' invisibility. {{storylink|Crossing Over}}

He later secretly followed [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] to a meeting from his crew of the [[Graviton (Classics)|Graviton]]. Unfortunately, he tried to crash Starscream's meeting with [[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]]. [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]]'s infra-red sensors, and [[Weirdwolf]]'s keen nose allowed the Decepticons to find him, and he was gift-wrapped for Megatron. When the Gravitron crew led by Grimlock and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] attacked the Decepticon base, Mirage was rescued by [[Strongarm (Classics)|Strongarm]], [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]], [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]], and [[Elita One]]. {{storylink|Games of Deception}}

===Cartoon continuity===
====Generation 1 cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Frank Welker]] (English), [[Takurō Kitagawa]] (Japanese)

Mirage was part of the bridge crew of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it crash-landed on Earth four million years ago. A volcanic eruption in 1984 awakened the Ark's inhabitants, including Mirage, who was reformatted by [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] to have a terrestrial alternate mode of a Formula-1 racer. With the battle against the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] now transplanted to Earth, Mirage still hated warfare. He longed to return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and simply turn his back to the evil Decepticons, but his loyalty to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] kept him in the fight.

Mirage was instrumental in stopping the Decepticons from returning to Cybertron after amassing enough energon from Earth. The Decepticons had constructed a [[Victory (ship)|new star cruiser]] and were in the process of flying home to tip the scales of the war in their favor. Mirage used his cloaking ability to sneak aboard the Decepticon ship. He uncloaked and opened fire, blasting away at the ship's controls. He then bailed from the doomed cruiser, floating back to Earth's surface on a parasail as the Decepticons crashed into the ocean. Optimus Prime asked Mirage why he—homesick and war-weary Autobot that he was—did not hitch the ride back home. Mirage responded, affirming his loyalty to the Autobots, "The ship was... full." {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

{{charstubfiction}}

Mirage’s role in the Autobots’ battles on Earth was a distinctly minimal one, leaving him confined to the background on the battlefield or not present at all. In early 1985, however, the spotlight shone on Mirage again when [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] suspected him of disloyalty. The discovery of a Decepticon installation in a sector Mirage had recently scouted caused Cliffjumper to leap the incorrect conclusion that Mirage had concealed the information and was a traitor to the Autobots. During a battle with the Decepticons at the site, Mirage was injured, but managed to rip a Decepticon [[Insignia|seal]] off [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]. Mirage risked the trust of his comrades by sneaking away to perform a plan of his own, framing the Decepticons for stealing [[Energon cube|Energon cubes]] from the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]. Spotted carrying the cubes by Cliffjumper, Mirage’s guilt seemed all but confirmed, and before he could reveal his innocence, he was captured and brainwashed by one of [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]’s mind-controlling [[Cerebro-shell|cerebro-shells]]. Under Bombshell’s control, Mirage led the Autobots into an ambush, but at the battle’s end, the assorted manipulations were revealed and Cliffjumper apologized to Mirage. {{storylink|Traitor}}

Toward the end of the year, Mirage was among the team of five Autobots who disguised themselves as the [[Stunticon|Stunticons]], with Mirage’s alternate mode making him the perfect choice to masquerade as [[Drag Strip]]. Penetrating the Decepticon camp, the Autobots ran into trouble when the real Stunticons arrived, trying to prove their identities by forming [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]. With a combination of [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]’s magnetic powers and Mirage’s illusion-creating ability, the Autobots were able to appear as Menasor too. Though the deception was soon revealed, they were still able to thwart the Decepticons’ plans. {{storylink|Masquerade}}

{{note|An unused scene from the storyboard for [[The Transformers: The Movie]] showed Mirage wounded (possibly killed) by Megatron after getting back at Bombshell for [[Traitor|jeopardizing his career]]. Given the high body count, his death is still likely.}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''Robot Masters'' pack-in comics=====
=====''Robot Masters'' online comics=====
=====''Binaltech''=====
Mirage volunteered for an experimental new Binaltech upgrade that boosted the [[power chip rectifier]] in his revamped body to the Nth degree, making him permanently invisible thanks to his electro-disruptor. This proved to be key in a special mission conceived of by [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]. Having uncovered several secrets from the files of the time-traveling [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], the Autobots learned of a mysterious [[Large switch|switch]] hidden away on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] which, when pulled, would instantaneously immobilize all Transformers throughout the universe. Having lost Cybertron to [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s tyrannical rule and facing considerable odds in the Sol System as well, Prime decided it was necessary to activate the switch in order to end the war.

With [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and several [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] [[GT System|GTs]] awaiting his signal as back-up, Mirage invisibly infiltrated Decepticon-controlled Cybertron and made his way to the switch. After throwing the switch, though, Mirage was surprised to find that he was still mobile. It seemed the Binaltech warriors (both Autobot and Decepticon) were significantly different enough from regular Transformers to be unaffected by the immobilization wave. With the Autobots now vastly outnumbering the Decepticons still in operation, the tide of the war had irreparably shifted.

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
{{note|Events from the [[Keepers Trilogy]] novels are in italics.}}
Despite his misgiving about the war effort, Mirage's tenure with the Autobot cause dates back to the time of [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]. When Shockwave staged a disastrous offensive against [[Iacon]], Mirage was there defending the [[Decagon]] alongside Prowl and the other Autobot soldiers. {{storylink|The War Within issue 5}} During the Dark Ages, he continued serving under Prowl as part of the main Autobot faction at [[Virtue's Forum]], in the remains of Iacon. Alongside Jazz and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], he tried defending their prisoner, [[Blitzwing (G1)|Experiment D-43]], against the intruder known as [[The Fallen]], but failed miserably in the process. {{storylink|War Within: The Dark Ages|The War Within: The Dark Ages}}

Four million years ago, Mirage crash-landed on the planet Earth aboard the shuttle known as the Ark, with more than two dozen of his fellow Autobots and Decepticons. They remained inactive in stasis lock at the base of a volcano until 1984, when volcanic activity shook them back on-line. The war began again, but without reinforcements or connection to Cybertron, Megatron and his Decepticons were eventually defeated and taken prisoner by the Autobots. Mirage and the rest of the Transformers were prepared to fly back to Cybertron in a new spacecraft, the ''[[Ark II]]'', when it exploded on its maiden voyage, leaving them all believed dead.

Not so. Most of the Transformers had been salvaged by a mercenary named [[Lazarus]], who spent the next few years repairing and reprogramming the Cybertronians to use as weapons of mass destruction at his command. Optimus Prime was reactivated by the United States military to oppose Lazarus, and he in turn used the power of the Matrix to revive several other Autobots who had escaped Lazarus' salvage crews, including Mirage. After rescuing some of their number from the human mercenaries, Mirage and the Autobots had to race against time putting their friends back together after the Decepticons escaped to wreak havoc. What's worse, a mechanizing virus had been released by Megatron, turning organic life into inanimate mechanical matter. Mirage exhausted a good percentage of his energon reserves fighting back the tide of the virus, but the Autobots were eventually successful. {{storylink|Prime Directive}}

''Mirage was remarkably unhelpful during the war with the [[Keeper (species)|Keepers]]. After Optimus Prime was forced to give the Matrix over to Megatron as a debt of honor, Mirage sniped about the decision worse than any of the Autobots. His criticisms only got louder after a news report from [[Washington, D.C.]] made it clear that Megatron had found one of his warriors, the already mighty [[Omega Sentinel (G1)|Omega Sentinel]], who could actually wield the power of the Matrix directly. Now that Prime had actually strengthened their enemies as well as weakening the Autobots, Mirage just wouldn't shut up about it. The final straw was when [[Franklin Townsend]], a crazed augment working for the Keepers, idly strolled into the Ark, took over control of [[Bluestreak]]'s mind, and made his getaway. Mirage was ready to brazenly disobey Prime's orders and charge right after Bluestreak, until Optimus physically slammed him into a wall and forced him to obey his commanding officer. ''

''When you're being so much of a dick that the legendary patience of Optimus Prime runs out, it's time to rein it in, Mirage. {{storylink|Fusion (novel)|Fusion}}''

When [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] came to Earth and announced that the Autobot/Decepticon wars were over and that the two factions had been united, Mirage was one of the first to fall in with the new regime. The rest of the Autobots were wary of this development, and so a few (especially [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]) considered Mirage a traitor. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} Mirage quickly realigned himself with the Autobot cause when Shockwave's true plan was revealed, and Cliffjumper seemed to forgive him, as Mirage had saved Cliffjumper from [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] by sneaking up on him invisibly. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

Unfortunately for Mirage, the Autobots' acting commander Prowl soon came to the conclusion that they needed to return to Earth and establish a more significant beach-head there for the future. Mirage tried to argue against the idea, as he was more than thrilled to finally be back home on Cybertron, but then [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] cut in and reminded Mirage that Shockwave's united government had sold off his riches and property while he was gone. Ooooh—burn. {{storylink|Atonement}} The Autobots readied themselves for the return mission on a new shuttle, and began construction of Autobot City upon their arrival on Earth. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

===IDW comics continuity===
Mirage was a suspect in the assassination attempts on [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], as he was one of only four Autobots present on the [[Autobot Orbital Command Hub|Hub]] during both attacks. He and two of the other Autobots were cleared when it was discovered that a mind-controlled [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] was the true culprit. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

A year later, he delivered information to the Autobots that there was a power-struggle among the Decepticons, information that turned out to be false and drew Optimus and an Autobot team (including the former ''[[Ark-19]]'' crew) into a hideous ambush that left them trapped on Cybertron. Before dumping them on Cybertron, Megatron revealed that there had been a willing traitor collaborator involved in his trap, and Mirage was the prime suspect {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7}} with everyone but [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] believing he'd betrayed them to the Decepticons. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4}}

It's not all bad, though; he got to use his invisibility trick to sneak up on [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]'s crew when Jazz was trying to prove his command skills. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5}} Not long after, a raging Ironhide dragged him into a corner and beat him half to death. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7}}

{{note|The events of ''Spotlight: Mirage'' possibly take place in an alternate/unknown continuity.}}
[[Image:SpotlightMirage trappedHound.jpg|right|200px|thumb|This didn't actually happen. Or did it? No, it didn't.]]
Mirage was haunted repeatedly by dreams of being a Decepticon. Or actually ''is'' a Decepticon from another universe who, after helping kill the last Autobots, got blown back through time and space to the main universe. Or via [[Zodiac]] energy has gained flashbacks of an alternate Decepticon Mirage. God knows what's going on there. {{storylink|Spotlight: Mirage}}
{{-}}
===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in comic===

{{storylink|Mirage's Rebirth}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Mirage toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I don't need to be street-legal; I'm rich.]]
*'''Mirage''' (Autobot Car, 1984/1986/1991)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''07'''
**''Accessories:'' "Rocket-Dart Hunting Rifle", missile launcher, 3 missiles

: Mirage was part of the original 1984 Autobot car assortment. His mold was originally used for a ''[[Diaclone]]'' F-1 Ligier JS-11 racer. The toy was specifically designed to work with the launcher mechanism contained in the Optimus Prime / Battle Convoy trailer. This toy is easily broken at the waist pivot. The labels on the toy are references to several real-world companies. The largest name, Citanes, is a deliberate corruption of Gitanes, a French cigarette company. (Quite unusual for a child's toy, but not the only [[Marlboor Wheeljack|cigarette reference in ''Diaclone'']].) The toy included Gitanes' logo of a dancing gypsy woman on what ends up as Mirage's belt in robot form. "Ligier" is the name of the company that manufactured the JS-11 chassis and fielded the team, traditionally wearing 25 and 26 on the F1 grid, while "elf" is a reference to a French oil company that has since merged with TotalFina to become TotalFinaElf.

: In 1986, he was made available as a mail-away item (as he was no longer shipping to retail shelves) in multiple offers, including a [[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]] flier packed with most boxed ''Transformers'' toys. He cost $8 and two [[robot points]]. In Japan Mirage was also included in the 1986 ''Goodbye Convoy'' [[Giftset|gift set]]. This was the final release of the mold, making Mirage the only one of the original Autobots not to have been reissued in some form.

: Hasbro and/or Takara have announced that the mold for Mirage is [[Gone Forever|either lost or damaged]], so a reissue is unlikely. This presumably excludes the molds obtained by [[Knockoff|certain Chinese companies]] to produce several Mirage "perfect" [[Bootleg|bootlegs]] in a variety of flavors including original, clear, smoke, and red, based on the ultra-rare version from the [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Diaclone Powered Convoy]] giftset.

===Generation 2===
* '''Mirage''' (Go-Bot, 1995)
**''Accessories:'' Gun

: Mirage was released in 1995 as a black and yellow recolor of the [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bot]] [[Double Clutch]]. He was also planned to be released as a flipchanger, but the ''Generation 2'' line was canceled to make way for ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]''. The unreleased mold was first used in ''[[Machine Wars]]''.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Mirage (RID)|Mirage]].

===Machine Wars===
[[Image:Mwmirage.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Gah! I'm teal! Somebody recolor me, please!]]
* '''Mirage''' (Basic, 1997)
**''Accessories:'' 2-part rifle

: Mirage's form in ''[[Machine Wars]]'' transforms into a blue and white Indycar. Like the other Machine Wars basics, the toy is a flipchanger (having a one-step, spring-loaded transformation), and his weapons are hidden in his alt mode. Unlike most of the ''Machine Wars'' toys, the head looks very similar to his Generation 1 form. This is because the mold was originally designed as Mirage for ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''.

: This mold was also used to make ''Machine Wars'' [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Skid-Z (RID)|Skid-Z]].

{{-}}
===Robot Masters===
[[Image:RMRijie toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Phew. Thanks.]]
* '''Rijie''' (Basic, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-03'''
**''Accessories:'' 2-part "Molecular Bonding Gun", "JS Laser Gun"

: ''[[Robot Masters]]'' "Rijie" used the ''Machine Wars'' Mirage mold, but in a much more [[Generation 1 (toyline)|Generation 1]]-based coloration and deco. He also came with an extra chrome-silver "JS Laser Gun" (like the other bonus weapons of ''Robot Masters'', it is suspected to be a mold originally developed yet ultimately unused by the cut-short ''[[Microman]] LED Powers'' line).

: Because of legal reasons, "Ligier" could not be used for the name of the ''Robot Masters'' toy, so "Rijie", which has the same pronunciation in Japan, was used instead. Curiously, the toy's instructions still identify it as "Ligier".

{{-}}
===Alternators===
[[Image:AlternatorsMirage toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|This toy is clearly black, red, and silver. You're just deluding yourself.]]
* '''Mirage''' (Alternator, 2006)
**''Alternator ID number:'' '''22'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/tonfa weapons

: ''[[Alternators (toyline)|Alternators]]'' Mirage transforms into a finely detailed 1:24 scale replica of a Ford GT, featuring opening doors, engine bay and trunk, with a realistic interior. As with most Alternators, his car body is mostly unpainted, but the metallic-flake deep blue plastic makes this hard to see.

: Featuring an innovative, different robot mode, Mirage is not a straight re-interpretation of the original Mirage's robot mode, due to the completely different types of vehicles. But coincidentally the Ford GT's hood features a shape that echoes a F1-type racing car's nose and front spoiler. His engine's supercharger forms two separate tonfa weapons that can also be interpreted as guns.

: Mirage was retooled into [[Hot Rod (G1) toys|Hot Rodimus]] for the ''[[Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'' line, which was further redecoed into ''Alternators'' Rodimus. Later in 2007, he was redecoed in clear plastic colours to represent his 'invisibility mode' as an [[e-Hobby]] exclusive in the ''[[Binaltech]]'' line.

===Universe===
*'''Mirage''' (Spy Changer, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Gun

: For ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'', Mirage is identical to the last Kay-Bee [[exclusive]] redeco of ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots In Disguise]]'' [[Mirage (RID)|Mirage]], transforming into a translucent green Lola Indy car. He was available only on an individual card from discount chains like The Dollar Store.

===Classics===
[[Image:Classics Mirage toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Applied to Revoltech club; rejected.]]
*'''Mirage''' (Classics Deluxe, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Gun/front spoiler

:''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Mirage was released in November 2006 in wave 2, along with the [[shortpacked]] [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]. He transforms into a closed-canopy Formula racer concept car. Mirage's paint details contain a few ''Transformers'' in-jokes in the form of sponsor logos such as "[[Sparkplug Witwicky|Witwicky Sparkplugs]]" and "[[Lithone (planet)|Lithonian]] Drivetrain." Additionally, his racing number is still 26, as it was on the original toy. Other logos, which include "Plasma Injection Energy" and "F.P. Racing," refer to "pie" and the initials of [[Joe Kyde|the deco artist]]'s super-secret non-gay friendship cult, respectively.

:The front detaches to become a handheld electro-disruptor weapon which is said to be able to create illusions and allow him to appear invisible. (This is a reconciliation of Mirage's illusion-creation ability from his original tech spec profile and his invisibility power from the animated series.)

: This mold was also used to make [[Fracture]] and ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Drag Strip]].

{{-}}

*'''Hologram Mirage''' (BotCon, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Gun/front spoiler

:A redeco of Classics Mirage in translucent and opaque blue, Mirage was available only as a "freebie" gift to attendees at BotCon 2007.

{{-}}
===Binaltech===
* '''Rijie''' (e-Hobby exclusive, 2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-18'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/tonfa weapons

:Rijie is a redeco of ''Alternators'' Mirage using mostly transparent plastic. The toy was exclusively available from [[e-Hobby]] in September 2007.

:Even though Takara had briefly contemplated releasing a [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rodimus]] (Hot Rod) retool of Alternators Mirage as the next ''Binaltech'' toy after [[Ginrai]] (both toys would ultimately come out as part of the ''[[Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'' line instead), they apparently never created any [[die-cast]] molds for the Ford GT sculpt. To justify the absence of diecast parts from a ''Binaltech'' toy, Takara decided to use clear plastic parts to represent an "invisible" mode, officially called an "Electro-Disrupter" {{sic}} mode on the packaging.

{{-}}
===Henkei! Henkei!===
[[Image:Henkei Mirage toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Sculpted in 2006. Decoed in the late 70s.]]
*'''Ligier''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-04'''
**''Accessories:'' Gun/front spoiler

: ''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]] Transformers'' Ligier is a redeco of ''Classics'' Mirage. In an effort to make him appear more accurate to Mirage's cartoon appearances, Ligier lacks most of the sponsorship tampographs that appeared on ''Classics'' Mirage. As with all ''Henkei'' toys, he lacks the heat-sensitive rubsign seen on the ''Classics'' version, but features [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] parts: his rear spoiler and his front spoiler.

{{-}}

*'''Electro Disruptor Ligier''' (Deluxe, 2009)

: Electro Disruptor Ligier is a translucent plastic version of ''Henkei'' Ligier offered as a mail-away exclusive to those who have bought the book [[Transformers Generations 2009|Transformers Generations 2009 Volume 1]].

==Merchandise==
===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:RH Mirage vs Starscream.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I'm too rich to be cute.]]
* '''Mirage Vs Starscream''' (2007)

:Packaged with [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], Mirage is a two-inch-high robot sculpted in super deformed style with articulation at the head and shoulders. The toy has a sculpted missile launcher, like the original character, but oddly it is resting on the figure's back instead of the shoulder. This mold was later redecod into ''Hologram'' Mirage.

{{-}}
[[Image:Hologram Robot Hero Mirage.jpg|right|150px|thumb|What he said.]]
* '''Decepticon Sneak Attack''' (2007)

:Hologram Mirage is a recolor of the two-pack Mirage cast in transparent blue with slightly different paint details. Most notably, the Autobot symbols on his arms have been replaced with part of the word "Citanes", to evoke the original toy. Mirage was packed with ''Metallic Finish'' Optimus Prime, ''Metallic Finish'' Megatron, Cliffjumper, and Skywarp. This pack was sold exclusively in Walmart, and Walmart.com.

{{-}}

==Trivia==
*Mirage is absent from the fictional events of 2005 and 2006 without explanation; a storyboarded scene from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' featuring Mirage was cut from the finished film. Amidst the transformation of [[Autobot City]], Mirage was to ambush the Insecticon [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] and then be fired upon by Megatron. Whether or not this would have killed Mirage is not made clear, but given the film's casual body count, it seems highly probable.
*Mirage has been a traitor/suspected traitor in nearly every continuity he's popped up in. You just can't trust those coastal elite.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.toybin.org/search.php?q=1984+Autobot+Mirage ToyBin Mirage Toy Gallery]
* [http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Mirage/mirage.htm Mirage at TFU.info]
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Mirage Mirage's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

[[Category:Alternators]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Classics characters]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category:Go-Bots]]
[[Category:Headmasters characters]]
[[Category: Henkei! Henkei! characters]]
[[Category:Machine Wars characters]]
[[Category:Mail order items]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Robot Masters characters]]
[[Category:Spies]]

Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1

2009-08-19T05:07:25Z

Protectobot: /* Continuity errors */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=37
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=28
|image=DesertionDinobots1 resignation.JPG
|caption=Like nobody saw this coming miles away.
|title="Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1"
|production code=#700-36
|airdate=[[October 21]], 1985
|written by=[[Earl Kress]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Dinobots abandon the Autobots as both the Autobots and Decepticons begin to suffer malfunctions'''

:''Japanese title:'' ダイノボットの逃亡 PART I (''Dinobot no Tōbō PART I'', "Desertion of the Dinobots PART I")

==Synopsis==
At a laboratory, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and the [[Autobot|Autobots]] are being shown a new drone fighter by a human professor. However, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] is out to steal the fighter's blueprints from the laboratory. [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], who are inside [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], provide a distraction, while [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] destroys the drone. Prime orders the Autobots to inspect the wreckage for any clues. Shortly after this, the [[Decepticon]]s attack the lab, but the Autobots arrive and are able to send them packing.

[[Image:G1 Grimlock Megs bite.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Me Grimlock want to munch Megatron!]]

After some fun at the [[Fun A Rama Park]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], [[Carly Witwicky (G1)|Carly]], and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] go to pick [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] up at the airport. While there, they discover a Decepticon base in an [[Hanger|airplane hangar]]. Bumblebee calls Prime for reinforcements, but the Autobots with Prime are too far away. Contacting the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] sends the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] to assist. The Dinobots quickly trash the Decepticons. In retaliation, Megatron orders the Decepticons to blast the planes, causing a massive explosion that damages the Dinobots and allows the Decepticons to retreat. [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] arrive to put out the fires and take the Dinobots back to base. [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and Wheeljack begin repairs on the Dinobots, while the other Autobots rebuild the airport.

[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 Rumble Megs.JPG|right|200px|thumb|What is it, little buddy? Are you lost? Timmy fell down the well?]]

Meanwhile, the Decepticons are flying through the air back to their [[Decepticon Headquarters|base]]. All of a sudden, Ravage ejects from Soundwave, transforms and lands on the ground below. Megatron demands an explanation, but Soundwave says that Ravage initiated the ejection without a reason. Soon, however, the Decepticons fall from the sky, and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] begins attacking Megatron, though he doesn't know why and he can't stop himself. Megatron flicks him away and concludes that they are suffering from bad [[Energon (fuel)|energon]]. The group heads off to get some new [[Energon cube|cubes]] from a powerplant to refuel themselves.

At the Autobot base, the Dinobots are repaired, and Prime, still rebuilding the airport, tries to send them to stop the Decepticons. [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] angrily refuses, saying he's tired of taking the Autobot leader's orders and saving the Autobots whenever they need help. The Dinobots leave the base, intending to fight whenever they want to. At the power plant, the Autobots arrive to stop the Decepticons, but both factions begin to suffer from debilitating malfunctions. After an indecisive battle, Megatron orders the Decepticons to retreat.

[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 Autobots tired.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Cybertonium chairs seemed like a good idea at the time, but now...]]

Back at the base, the Autobots are suffering power failures now, as well as other problems (Wheeljack can't move, [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]'s legs are stuck in [[alternate mode]], and [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] is holding his own severed head!). [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] concludes that they are suffering from [[Cybertonium]] depletion. However, Cybertonium only exists on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Fortunately, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] is sending a shipment over the [[space bridge]], but the Autobots are in no condition to retrieve it themselves. Sparkplug, Spike, and Carly decide to track down the Dinobots.

As the three look for the Dinobots, they find that they have been discovered by the Dinobots. Grimlock is less than pleased to have been followed by the humans, and decides to crush them. Sparkplug lays it on thick when he says they need the Dinobots' "brilliant help." [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]], however, saves the humans from getting smushed because he wants to hear about the "brilliant" part. Sparkplug explains the situation, but Grimlock doesn't care. However, when Spike mentions Cybertonium, Grimlock realizes the Cybertron connection, and decides to help (despite [[Slag (G1)|Slag]]'s refusal and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]]'s confusion). The Dinobots attack the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], who are retrieving the Cybertonium, but the Dinobots simply get into the space bridge and head for Cybertron. Shockwave attempts to stop them. Guess what happens.

[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 car fly.JPG|right|200px|thumb|WHEEEEE!]]

At the Autobot base, Sparkplug contacts Grimlock, who refuses to return and help the "bossy Autobots". Carly resolves that she and Spike must head for Cybertron themselves. Prime attempts to stop them, but finally succumbs to the effects of Cybertonium depletion. Sparkplug stays to man [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] to help the kids. Spike and Carly manage to drive past [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] using Carly's car, but Shockwave is waiting for the two humans on the other side.

[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2|To be continued...]]
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (1)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (2)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (6)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (13)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (18)
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (19)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (20)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (21)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (22)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (23)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (27)
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (28)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (29)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (30)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (31)
*[[Grapple]] (32)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (33)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (7)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (9)
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (10)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (11)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (16)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (17)
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (24)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (25)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (26)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (34)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (35)
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (36)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (37)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (38)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (39)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (40)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (41)

|c3=
*[[Professor Greene]] (5)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (12)
*[[Carly Witwicky (G1)|Carly]] (14)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (15)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Wheeljack''': Dinobots, we got a job for you. 
'''Grimlock''': Me Grimlock no like orders. 
'''Slag''': Me Slag no like ''anything''. 
'''Wheeljack''': We really need your help. Why won't you give us a hand? 
'''Grimlock''': Me don't know why not. So we help. This time. 
'''Wheeljack''': I've ''got'' to work on their personality circuits. 
:—Wheeljack learns that even the Dinobots don't know why they have a bad attitude.

"So much for your secret hideout, Megatron; even the moronic Dinobots found it!"
:—'''Starscream''' as the Dinobots attack the Decepticons' airbase.

"Decepticons, CHARGE!"
:—'''Megatron''' decides to try a new tactic when losing.

"I warned you guys there was trouble!" 
"You always say there's trouble, Red."
:—'''Red Alert''' and '''Hoist'''

"It's the Aurobrroughs... THE AURRROOBBRRURURRUGHRRR!!!!"
:—'''Megatron''' after the effects of Cybertonium depletion busted his vocal circuits

"Hey, I'm stuck! I can't transform! [''Ironhide kicks him; Jazz transforms''] OW! Thanks...I think."
:—'''Jazz'''

'''Sparkplug''': The Autobots are dying, and only you can save them. 
'''Grimlock''': No care about Autobots! Me Grimlock Dinobot! 
'''Spike''': If you don't help, the Decepticons will get all the Cybertonium they need. 
'''Grimlock''': Cybertonium? Cybertron! Okay, us do it! 
'''Slag''': No! Us no want to. 
'''Sludge''': What he say? 
'''Grimlock''': Me Grimlock. Me leader! Me say us do it!
:—Grimlock's unassailable logic convince the Dinobots

[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 Shockwave Dinobots.JPG|right|150px|thumb|You Shockwave not so tough without black sticky stuff.]]
"Stowaways?! Stand back!" 
"WE NO STAND BACK!"
:—'''Shockwave''' and '''Grimlock''', right before the Dinobots kick Shockwave's [[Diode|diodes]].

"It's...too...risky! Ohh..."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' warns Spike and Carly of the danger of traveling to Cybertron alone, right before he nearly crushes them while passing out.

"I feel kinda stupid talking into my thumb."
: —'''Spike''' in agreement with the audience for the first and last time.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical errors===
*On the [[Kid Rhino]] DVDs, there's a second or so of blank picture after Blaster's fight with Ravage.
*Thundercracker is miscolored as Starscream when Swoop attacks him.
*Though Bumblebee and the three humans are standing right next to the Dinobots, none of them are harmed by the planes exploding.
* The building that Powerglide and Ironhide construct changes shape between shots, and doesn't appear to have any doors or windows. There's also a parked airplane practically on top of the foundation before they start laying bricks.
*Jazz is colored as Red Alert when the Autobots transform at the power station.
*Megatron's gun mode is entirely white when Starscream is about to shoot Optimus.
*When the Dinobots first appear on Cybertron, Shockwave has both his hands. In the next scene, however, his left hand blaster is there.

===Continuity errors===
*This episode throws some confusion on the origin of the newer second-season characters such as Perceptor, Blaster, Blitzwing, etc. Previously it could be assumed they had simply arrived from Cybertron or some other planet. But the fact that their Cybertonium deteriorates in exact sync with the earlier characters suggests that they were also aboard the Ark and went through the same four million year slumber as the 1984 characters. Why we didn't see any of them for the first year is therefore a bit of a mystery within the context of the stories (chalk it up to Hasbro just wanting to add new toys...ERR..."characters" to the TFs' universe).
*The Constructicons appear to be functioning perfectly well in this episode. What this says about their origin controversy is unknown, BUT, in the first episode to feature the Constructicons, "[[Heavy Metal War]]", Megatron claims that he and his fellow Decepticons built them on Earth, and this occurrence adds validity to such a theory on their origin.
*In "[[Heavy Metal War]]" Ironhide is apparently able to detect the Decepticons by himself, without relying on Teletraan I. However, in this episode Ironhide seems oblivious to the fact that he has two Decepticons inside him.

===Real world references===
* EJK, the facility where all the information on the Ultraplane is stored, is named for episode writer Earl J. Kress.

===Trivia===
[[Image:ShockwaveDesertionOfTheDinobots1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|It is not logical to not have a blaster when you turn into that model of blaster.]]
*At the final scene, Shockwave is holding a gun that looks exactly like his [[alternate mode]].
*How the hell did Soundwave get inside Ironhide without him knowing?
*The hangar that the Decepticons are hiding in is labeled "hangar" in huge white letters. This is so you know that it is, indeed, a hangar and not a [[Giant Decepticon insignia|well hidden Decepticon base]]
*This episode establishes that the Dinobots are more powerful in their beast modes, or at least that they are better protected.
*How did the Autobots not see Starscream flying over the drone fighter and dropping a bomb on top of it?

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/desertion_of_the_dinobots_part_1.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Technobot (G1)

2009-08-19T05:00:13Z

Protectobot: added note: not a correction

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig2|the heroic Autobot subgroup|the evil mirror-universe Autobot subgroup|Technobot (SG)}}
:''The Technobots are an [[Autobot]] [[subgroup]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:Technobots.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Reinforcing the stereotype that scientists are ill-socialized psychopaths.]]
The Technobots consist of:

*The level-headed [[Scattershot]] (leader)
*The screw-loose [[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]]
*The wonderstruck [[Lightspeed (Technobot)|Lightspeed]]
*The impulsive [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]]
*The philosophical [[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]]

They combine to form [[Computron (G1)|Computron]].

NOTE: this is important to mention, but in the cartoon continuity, it appeared that the Technobots were among the few Autobots who could fly in robot mode (others being the Dinobots, Superion, Wheeljack, etc.).

''Japanese name:'' '''Techbot''' (except for "The Rebirth")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
After [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and his troops aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] went missing, the Technobots were among several under the leadership of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]. Their faction was mired in a seemingly endless war with a band of [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] led by [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], in a struggle so pointless and self-perpetuating that Fortress Maximus decided to leave [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and its war and settle on the peaceful planet [[Nebulos]]. The Technobots followed Fortress Maximus' lead, building the ''[[Steelhaven]]'' and departing their war-torn home.

It would not be so easy. The [[Nebulan|Nebulans]] were xenophobic towards the strange robots which invaded their world, and after several missteps in communication, Fortress Maximus and a handful of others surrendered their heads as hopeful proof of their benevolence and compliance. {{storylink|Ring of Hate!}} But when the Decepticons followed them to Nebulos, the Technobots found themselves once again pitted against the terrible [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]]. {{storylink|Love and Steel!}}

{{charstubfiction}}

===Cartoon continuity===
[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] was made super-intelligent by accidentally absorbing energies from the generator in the power core of Cybertron. He then built the Technobots' bodies from parts of [[Unicron]]'s brain, and then transferred his super-intelligence into them. Together, the Technobots used their intelligence to defeat the individual [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and their combined form, [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]]. {{storylink|Grimlock's New Brain}}

Soon afterwards, they were assigned to the [[Earth Defense Command|EDC]] to assist Commander [[Marissa Faireborn]] in pursuing smugglers and other criminal elements threatening Sol. Confronting the [[Quintesson|Quintessons]] and the Terrorcons, the Technobots' combined form of Computron once again defeated the dim-witted Abominus by causing the Decepticon giant to fall apart into his individual team member components. {{storylink|Money Is Everything}}

When the Decepticons attacked the research facilities of [[Mark Morgan]] and [[Gregory Swofford]] in search of the scientists' new metal alloy, the Technobots combined into Computron to fight off Abominus. Unfortunately, their scuffle caused part of the building to collapse, severely injuring Morgan's daughter, [[Jessica Morgan|Jessica]]. This led the elder Morgan, in his hatred of the Transformers, to unleash the [[Hate Plague]] on the Autobots in the hopes they would destroy each other. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}}

After the truce in the aftermath of the Hate Plague ended, the Decepticons attacked [[Autobot City]] on Earth in order to steal the Key to the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]]. The Technobots were among the Autobot forces who attempted to stop them. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 1}}

====''The Great Transformer War'' manga====
{{charstubfiction}}

====''The Headmasters'' cartoon====
{{charstubfiction}}

===IDW comics continuity===
The Technobots used to crew the Autobot vessel ''[[Calabi-Yau]]'' in orbit around [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], under the command of [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]].

After landing on the planet to investigate an energy spike, Scattershot, Lightspeed and Strafe accompanied Jetfire on a reconaissance mission and were captured by [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s group of [[Decepticon|Decepticons]]. Nosecone and Afterburner, having taken the ''Calabi-Yau'' back into orbit, crash-landed back on Cybertron after escaping the doomed ship in an emergency pod and were drafted into assisting the [[Wrecker|Wreckers]]. {{storylink|Stormbringer}}

Later on, the Technobots and Jetfire were sent to help separate the entity [[Monstructor]] into its component parts. They weren't making much progress, though were determined to keep trying—but the Decepticon raid on [[Garrus-9]] saw them taken down, and Monstructor captured. {{storylink|Spotlight: Arcee}}

The Technobots continued their research work in conjunction with Jetfire, polishing up Bludgeon's work with Pretender technology. They were prepared to create Pretender shells for four Autobots, to protect them from the unknown hazards in the [[Benzuli Expanse]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Doubledealer}}

{{note|At this point, Combiner technology is limited to Monstructor, and thus the Technobots are not combiners here.}}

==Toys==
* '''Technobots''' (1987)
** [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]]
** [[Lightspeed (Technobot)|Lightspeed]]
** [[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]]
** [[Scattershot]]
** [[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]]

[[Image:G1Strafe toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|]]
[[Image:G1Computron toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|]]
:The Technobots are a Scramble City-style [[combiner]] team, consisting of four smaller toys sold carded at the $5 price point, and one larger toy sold boxed at the $12 price point. The smaller toys can each become any limb for the combined robot form, attaching to connection points on the leader toy, which forms the torso.

:The smaller Technobots are typical combiner limbs, with simple transformations, articulation limited to knees and shoulder rotation, and a single block instead of separate feet. All five team members share a unified color scheme of reds, brown, cream, and muted oranges and yellows. They each transform to "futuristic" vehicles, in counterpoint to their Decepticon foes, the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]].

:For whatever reason, [[knockoff]] artists have on more than one occasion packed copies of Nosecone and Afterburner in with copies of three of the [[Stunticon|Stunticons]], referring to them as "Artillerist" and "Shooter", respectively.

==Trivia==
*The back views of all of the Technobots' animation models (including Computron) are riddled with errors, suggesting that they were drawn without toy references.

{{stub}}

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiner teams]]
[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Technobots| (G1)]]

Technobot (G1)

2009-08-19T04:56:28Z

Protectobot:

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig2|the heroic Autobot subgroup|the evil mirror-universe Autobot subgroup|Technobot (SG)}}
:''The Technobots are an [[Autobot]] [[subgroup]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:Technobots.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Reinforcing the stereotype that scientists are ill-socialized psychopaths.]]
The Technobots consist of:

*The level-headed [[Scattershot]] (leader)
*The screw-loose [[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]]
*The wonderstruck [[Lightspeed (Technobot)|Lightspeed]]
*The impulsive [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]]
*The philosophical [[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]]

They combine to form [[Computron (G1)|Computron]].

''Japanese name:'' '''Techbot''' (except for "The Rebirth")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
After [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and his troops aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] went missing, the Technobots were among several under the leadership of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]. Their faction was mired in a seemingly endless war with a band of [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] led by [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], in a struggle so pointless and self-perpetuating that Fortress Maximus decided to leave [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and its war and settle on the peaceful planet [[Nebulos]]. The Technobots followed Fortress Maximus' lead, building the ''[[Steelhaven]]'' and departing their war-torn home.

It would not be so easy. The [[Nebulan|Nebulans]] were xenophobic towards the strange robots which invaded their world, and after several missteps in communication, Fortress Maximus and a handful of others surrendered their heads as hopeful proof of their benevolence and compliance. {{storylink|Ring of Hate!}} But when the Decepticons followed them to Nebulos, the Technobots found themselves once again pitted against the terrible [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]]. {{storylink|Love and Steel!}}

{{charstubfiction}}

===Cartoon continuity===
[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] was made super-intelligent by accidentally absorbing energies from the generator in the power core of Cybertron. He then built the Technobots' bodies from parts of [[Unicron]]'s brain, and then transferred his super-intelligence into them. Together, the Technobots used their intelligence to defeat the individual [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and their combined form, [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]]. {{storylink|Grimlock's New Brain}}

Soon afterwards, they were assigned to the [[Earth Defense Command|EDC]] to assist Commander [[Marissa Faireborn]] in pursuing smugglers and other criminal elements threatening Sol. Confronting the [[Quintesson|Quintessons]] and the Terrorcons, the Technobots' combined form of Computron once again defeated the dim-witted Abominus by causing the Decepticon giant to fall apart into his individual team member components. {{storylink|Money Is Everything}}

When the Decepticons attacked the research facilities of [[Mark Morgan]] and [[Gregory Swofford]] in search of the scientists' new metal alloy, the Technobots combined into Computron to fight off Abominus. Unfortunately, their scuffle caused part of the building to collapse, severely injuring Morgan's daughter, [[Jessica Morgan|Jessica]]. This led the elder Morgan, in his hatred of the Transformers, to unleash the [[Hate Plague]] on the Autobots in the hopes they would destroy each other. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}}

After the truce in the aftermath of the Hate Plague ended, the Decepticons attacked [[Autobot City]] on Earth in order to steal the Key to the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]]. The Technobots were among the Autobot forces who attempted to stop them. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 1}}

====''The Great Transformer War'' manga====
{{charstubfiction}}

====''The Headmasters'' cartoon====
{{charstubfiction}}

===IDW comics continuity===
The Technobots used to crew the Autobot vessel ''[[Calabi-Yau]]'' in orbit around [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], under the command of [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]].

After landing on the planet to investigate an energy spike, Scattershot, Lightspeed and Strafe accompanied Jetfire on a reconaissance mission and were captured by [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s group of [[Decepticon|Decepticons]]. Nosecone and Afterburner, having taken the ''Calabi-Yau'' back into orbit, crash-landed back on Cybertron after escaping the doomed ship in an emergency pod and were drafted into assisting the [[Wrecker|Wreckers]]. {{storylink|Stormbringer}}

Later on, the Technobots and Jetfire were sent to help separate the entity [[Monstructor]] into its component parts. They weren't making much progress, though were determined to keep trying—but the Decepticon raid on [[Garrus-9]] saw them taken down, and Monstructor captured. {{storylink|Spotlight: Arcee}}

The Technobots continued their research work in conjunction with Jetfire, polishing up Bludgeon's work with Pretender technology. They were prepared to create Pretender shells for four Autobots, to protect them from the unknown hazards in the [[Benzuli Expanse]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Doubledealer}}

{{note|At this point, Combiner technology is limited to Monstructor, and thus the Technobots are not combiners here.}}

==Toys==
* '''Technobots''' (1987)
** [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]]
** [[Lightspeed (Technobot)|Lightspeed]]
** [[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]]
** [[Scattershot]]
** [[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]]

[[Image:G1Strafe toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|]]
[[Image:G1Computron toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|]]
:The Technobots are a Scramble City-style [[combiner]] team, consisting of four smaller toys sold carded at the $5 price point, and one larger toy sold boxed at the $12 price point. The smaller toys can each become any limb for the combined robot form, attaching to connection points on the leader toy, which forms the torso.

:The smaller Technobots are typical combiner limbs, with simple transformations, articulation limited to knees and shoulder rotation, and a single block instead of separate feet. All five team members share a unified color scheme of reds, brown, cream, and muted oranges and yellows. They each transform to "futuristic" vehicles, in counterpoint to their Decepticon foes, the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]].

:For whatever reason, [[knockoff]] artists have on more than one occasion packed copies of Nosecone and Afterburner in with copies of three of the [[Stunticon|Stunticons]], referring to them as "Artillerist" and "Shooter", respectively.

==Trivia==
*The back views of all of the Technobots' animation models (including Computron) are riddled with errors, suggesting that they were drawn without toy references.

{{stub}}

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiner teams]]
[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Technobots| (G1)]]

S.O.S. Dinobots

2009-08-19T04:54:07Z

Protectobot: /* Animation or technical glitches */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=8
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=7
|image=FHE-SOSDinobots.jpg
|caption="Uh, who?" '''"Everybody!"'''
|title="S.O.S. Dinobots"
|production code=#700-05
|airdate=[[October 27]], 1984
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Autobots create the Dinobots, but can barely control these new powerful warriors.'''

:''Japanese title:'' ダイノボット誕生! (''Dinobot Tanjō!'', "Dinobots Are Born!")
:''German Generation 2 title:'' Die Dinobots (''The Dinobots'')

==Synopsis==
[[Image:SOSDinobots_fossilcavern.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Guys, I think we found [[Carnivac (G1)|Carnivac]]'s stash.]]

A series of tremors turns the attentions of the Autobots into the ancient stone surrounding their volcano headquarters. Deep sensor scans reveal [[dinosaur]] fossils, which pique the curiosity of Optimus Prime. Spike explains that dinosaurs were very powerful reptiles that lived on [[Earth]] millions of years ago. He takes Hound on a tour of a natural history museum to further illustrate his paleontological crash-course. Hound snaps a few holograms of dinosaur bone displays, inspiring Wheeljack and Ratchet to construct robotic versions of dinosaurs.

[[Image:SOSDinobots_Grimlockwrecks_Teletraan.jpg|thumb|right|150px|When the [[television|TV]] no work, Me know how to fix it!]]

Elsewhere, the Decepticons stake out the [[Great Falls]] hydroelectric power facility. Reflector and Soundwave return with the data they gathered, and Megatron orders a strike.

Wheeljack unveils the three new additions to their ranks: the Dinobots Grimlock, Slag and Sludge. The demonstration of their power turns sour as they run amuck, their primitive brains unable to control their raw strength. The Dinobots begin attacking their fellow Autobots, even destroying [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan]].

[[Image:SOSDinobots_Ravage_window.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Holy Hell!]]

The Autobots finally rein in the rampaging Dinobots thanks to Wheeljack's [[magnetic inducer]]. Prime declares the terrible trio to be too dangerous. Despite Wheeljack's desperate entreaties, Prime pulls the plug on the project, and orders the Dinobots holed up in a cavern in the Ark, never to be activated again.

The Decepticons arrive at the Great Falls, and the humans try to reach the Autobots via Teletraan I. Their distress signal goes unheard, as Teletraan I is currently offline thanks to the Dinobot rampage.

[[Image:SOSDinobots_Autobotsfall.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Bet you wished you scanned air vehicle forms now, huh?]]

With Teletraan I out of commission, it's up to individual Autobot scouts like Hound to be on the lookout for Decepticon activity. Hound's sensors detect the ransacking of the Great Falls plant, and he and Spike go to investigate. Hound radios in his findings to the Ark, and Optimus Prime leaves with a strike force, leaving Bumblebee behind to guard the base.

The Autobots arrive at the Great Falls, but the Decepticons are ready for them. A battle erupts, and Megatron fires his fusion cannon directly powered by the Great Falls output. He blasts the cliff-face where the Autobots stand, sending them falling into the raging waters below.

[[Image:SOSDinobots_Megatron_falls.jpg|thumb|left|200px|I've warned you about that, mighty Megatron.]]

Disobeying orders, Bumblebee arrives at the Great Falls and picks up Spike. They return to the Ark, informing Wheeljack and Ratchet of the Autobots' failure at the Great Falls. Wheeljack decides to reactivate the Dinobots. He has secretly developed a series of memory components that would upgrade the Dinobots' brains. The Dinobots awaken. Still relatively simple-minded, they are now much more intelligent than the mindless monsters that first appeared. Sludge, Slag and Grimlock carry out Wheeljack's orders and fly to the Great Falls.

[[Image:SOSDinobots_SSMegatron_attacks_Dinobots.jpg|thumb|right|150px|When you get shot at, you die. When the Dinobots get shot at, they '''glow with a holy light'''.]]

The Decepticons pull the soggy Autobots from the drink and truss them up with [[Energon chains]]. Just as the Decepticons are about to execute the captives, the Dinobots arrive and make short work of the Decepticons who retreat as Wheeljack frees the Autobot captives. Wheeljack and Bumblebee brace themselves for reprimands for disobeying Prime's direct orders, but Prime concedes he was wrong. He accepts the Dinobots as the newest members of the Autobot forces. The Autobots cheer the decision, and the Dinobots growl their approval.

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (2)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (3)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (4)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (6)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (7)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (8)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (11)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (12)
*[[Bluestreak]] (13)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (14)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (19)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (20)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (21)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (22)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (23)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (24)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (25)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (27)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (28)
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (29)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (8)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (9)
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (15)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (16)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (17)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] {18)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (30)

|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (5)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (26)
}}

==Quotes==

"Well I'll be a Cybertronic bolt-bat!"
:—'''Sideswipe'''

"Wow, man. That's what I call heavy metal!"
:—'''Unidentified museum-going punk''', upon seeing Hound

"It'll never work. Big waste of time."
:—'''Huffer''', cheerleading the Dinobot project

"Hey, not the face, okay? I just had it chromed."
:—'''Sunstreaker''', after Trailbreaker deflects Slag's flamethrower with his force field

"Maybe Hound's got glitch-mice in his databanks again!"
:—'''Bluestreak''', mocking Hound's radar accuracy, to the amusement of no-one

"You're too slow, rusty-pants!"
:—'''Starscream''' trashtalking Ironhide

"Nice shooting, if you were aiming for the sky!"
:—'''Rumble''' goading Bluestreak

'''Megatron:''' "Now you will witness the power of my fusion cannon! Ready, Rumble?" 
'''Rumble:''' "Ready to shake! Ready to quake!"
:—Rumble is apparently ready.

"Which ones friends?" 
"Ones with face like this, I think." 
"That good enough for Slag."
:—'''Slag''' and '''Sludge''' determining friend from foe by using faction symbols.

"If on Decepticon turf you happen to tumble, look out robot, because here comes Rumble."
:—'''Rumble'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s clever combat banter

"Heat-seeking missiles, seek heat!"
:—'''Skywarp'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s not-so-clever combat banter

"Inhibitor shells! My equilibrium, destabilized!"
:—'''Megatron''', being a drama queen.

==Notes==

===Animation or technical glitches===

* The exposition-spouting tourist visiting the Great Falls hydroelectric power plant has hair that turns from red to black from one shot to the next.

* Spike identifies a ''Brontosaurus'' during his tour of the museum's dinosaur exhibit, though there does not appear to be a ''Brontosaurus'' on display. Though, to be fair, it may just be Spike's error, or the ''Brontosaurus'' skeleton might be out of the camera's view. (Also, by the time this episode took place, [[Wikipedia:Brontosaurus|''Brontosaurus'' was a deprecated genus]], but that's just picking nits.)

[[Image:dvd broadcast.jpg|right|thumb|Can you see the difference?]]

* Wheeljack's line of dialogue, "Autobots, meet Dinobots" is delivered by Ratchet.

* As Wheeljack introduces the Dinobots, the foreground characters slide magically against the background scenery due to an error in animation.

* The varied Autobot reactions upon seeing the Dinobots—"Look at the size of those things", "Great Cybertron", and "Holy hetradyne"—all come out of Bluestreak's mouth.

* Optimus Prime's line, "Interesting, but what else can they do?" is delivered by Cliffjumper.

* The Rhino DVD version of this episode uses a faulty take for the shot where the Dinobots demonstrate their power by clearing rubble. In the DVD, the blasts from the Dinobots' mouths is missing, and the rubble does not vanish. The broadcast version, though, has both effects. (See illustration).

* After Ratchet rights a tipped over Bumblebee in the thick of the Dinobot rampage, the section of Ratchet obscured by a foreground Bumblebee is still missing.

* When the Decepticons arrive at the Great Falls plant, a foreground Decepticon Seeker's leg is colored a deep yellow… an error, but as close as [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] ever came to appearing on Earth in a Generation 1 cartoon.

* In the Rhino DVD version of the episode, when the Autobots arrive at the Great Falls and they transform from vehicle mode to robot mode, the shot of Bluestreak is reversed, and he is shown transforming from robot to car. The broadcast version used the correct take.

* Bluestreak is shown knocked over by Gears, and then immediately standing in the next shot. Bluestreak is hovering in mid-air! Perhaps he has jet boosters like Shockwave or "solid-fuel rockets" in his arms, like Wheeljack.

[[Image:SOSDinobots_bluePrime.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Not Powered Convoy. And don't even think about [[redeco|it]], [[e-Hobby]]!]]

* Quite a few coloring mix-ups in the battle at the Great Falls, including Sunstreaker painted as Sideswipe, Bluestreak as Trailbreaker, Brawn as Hound, Optimus Prime as Sideswipe, Trailbreaker as Gears, and Mirage as Bluestreak. There are also two very noticeable shots of Prime painted blue, BUT, this could half-heartedly be explained as the result of Prime's loss of energy: a discoloration of the metal...?

* While the Autobots are trapped in Energon Chains, Optimus is colored entirely blue and Trailbreaker is entirely grey.

* When Skywarp drops bombs on Grimlock, all the parts on Grimlock that are meant to be grey are black.

* When the Decepticons retreat at the end of the episode, Skywarp is painted in Starscream colors.

* Near the end, Bumblebee's Autobot insignia in his chest is missing in one shot.

===Continuity errors===
* Though the holographic dinosaurs illustrated in the episodes matched some of the concepts of the early ‘80s, their depiction is outdated by today's standards. The dinosaurs in the show are the sluggish, tail-dragging cold-blooded variety not in keeping with more modern theories of warm-blooded, bird-like animals.

* When the holographic dinosaurs are shown, a brontosaurus is seen living alongside a ''Triceratops'' and a ''Tyrannosaurus''. In reality, the brontosaurus (well, ''Apatosaurus''...oh, you know what we mean) lived in the Jurassic Period, while the ''Triceratops'' and the ''Tyrannosaurus'' lived during the Cretacious Period. So basically, they were separated by millions of years, but apparently, [[Wikipedia:The Flintstones|in a cartoon, that doesn't matter]].

* The data gathered by Reflector and Soundwave leads Megatron to conclude with relish that the Great Falls contain enough energy to vanquish the Autobots and control the universe...but that's really nothing new. The Decepticons have targeted hydroelectric power sources before.

*What is it about falling into the river that is so devastating to the Autobots? We've seen that Autobots can deal with being in the water (Hound in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]", various Autobots in "[[The Ultimate Doom]]", Springer, Kup, and Arcee in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', etc.). It's possible that the fall itself damaged them, but the Autobots are clearly shown struggling around in the water. Then again, Optimus Prime needed Jazz's help to escape the rushing river in "More Than Meets the Eye, Part 2".

* It's possible the editorial pace of the show plays with time and space, but taken at face value, the Autobots build three Dinobots in the span of time it takes the Decepticons to decide to attack the Great Falls.

===Transformers References===
*The Autobots' ability to fly, seen in "More Than Meets The Eye" and "[[Roll For It]]", is shown again in this episode, when Gears attacks the Decepticons at the power plant. Wheeljack and the Dinobots are also capable of flight. Still, along with Sideswipe, Gears and Wheeljack are the original Autobots SUPPOSED to be air-borne—Gears is equipped with compressed air boosters and Wheeljack has solid-fuel rockets in his arms.

*Megatron ''actually refers to his [[fusion cannon]] by that name.

===Miscellaneous trivia===

* Ironhide is equipped with a [[sonadar]] sensor array that extends form his forearm, capable of penetrating solid rock. The findings of the sensor are displayed in the windshield in his chest.

* Sideswipe is equipped with piston arms, that allow him to punch through stone walls.

* Slag's triceratops frill can reflect Optimus Prime's laser rifle.

* Not so much a goof, but the Rhino DVD version of this episode has a rainbow visible at the Great Falls when Megatron lands. This is not in the broadcast version.

* Another difference in the broadcast version and the Rhino DVD version is when Hound contacts the Ark with a recon report. The glowing light on his chest and forehead are blue in the broadcast version, but red in the DVD version.

* Laserbeak does not appear but is mentioned in this episode, as Megatron credits him for gathering intelligence at the Great Falls.

* The chapter stops for this episode on the Rhino DVD are: Opening / Old Bones / "Dinobots Must Die" / Fusion Power / Permanent Dysfunction / Dinobots Will Stay.

*In the Japanese version, the Dinobots' roars were replaced with kaiju roars (mostly an altered version of Baragon's roar).

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/sos_dinobots.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category: Generation 1 episodes]]

Changing Gears

2009-08-19T04:48:39Z

Protectobot: /* Animation or technical glitches */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=18
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=12
|image=ChangingGears Happy Gears.jpg
|caption=OMG! You guys! This is so awesome! Yay!
|title="Changing Gears"
|production code=#700-17
|airdate=[[September 23]], 1985
|written by=[[Larry Parr]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''In a plot to drain the Sun for power, the Decepticons capture and alter the grumpy Autobot Gears.'''

:''Japanese title:'' ソーラーエネルギーを盗め! (''Solar Energy o Nusume!'', "Steal the Solar Energy!")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Changegearsskywarp.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Photograph taken immediately post-stair-pushing.]]
The [[Decepticon]]s attack [[human]]s working in a gold mine and take them prisoner. Just as [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] is about to blast a human calling for help on a radio, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] backhands him, saying that he wants the human to bring the [[Autobot]]s.

At the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] orders the Autobots to assemble at once, which they do with lots of hustle. The only exception is [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] who complains the whole way. Prime orders his troops to head out to the mine to engage their enemies.

When they arrive a battle ensues, but Megatron lets the miners get in the way. Unwilling to endanger humans, Prime orders the Autobots to hold their fire. Megatron uses this chance to get the drop on the Autobots, then takes Gears captive for purposes unknown and retreats.

[[Image:Changegearsinahole.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Team Rocket traps Gears in a hole in order to steal his Pikachu.]]

In [[Africa]], Megatron has Starscream zap Gears with the [[null-ray]], then takes out a special circuit from Gears's body. The Decepticon leader explains that this circuit is the final component he needs for his energy absorbing [[Solar Needle]], a solar collector which his Decepticons have constructed to harness energy from the heart of the [[Sun]]. With the circuit in place in the needle, the device activates and causes world-wide earthquakes. Unbeknownst to Megatron, the Solar Needle is flawed, causing a dangerous instability within the core of the Sun.

[[Image:Changegearstakeitout.jpg|left|200px|thumb|KALI MA! KALI MA!]]

The effect on Gears is profound as well. The removal of this component from Gears corrupts his personality, turning him from a surly grump into a happy-go-lucky, ultra-polite guy who'll do absolutely anything for anyone. This allows Megatron to manipulate and control him. Mentally, Gears still knows the Decepticons are evil and doesn't want to help them, but he's been rendered so "nice" that he can't refuse any request.

The Autobots blast through the jungle and start firing at the Solar Needle, but it;s protected by a [[force field]]. Prime concocts a dangerous plan to circumvent the field by jumping through the hole at the top where the Sun's energy is coming through. [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] say it’s too dangerous, but [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] drives past them, makes the attempt and shatters the force field.

[[Image:Changegearsmegatrontriumphs.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Let there be light!"]]

The 'Bots battle. Megatron gets the drop on Prime and orders the Autobots to surrender or he'll shoot their leader. Prime orders them to fight on, but the Autobots capitulate. Prime asks for one last request, which Megatron allows. The chief Autobot turns and asks Gears to do him a favor now. Gears obliges and shoots a component of the needle. Inspired by his change of heart, the Autobots fight back against the 'Cons, who retreat.

[[Image:Changinggearsautogroup.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"You heard Jeff Probst, now get off the island."]]

Prime orders Wheeljack and Ratchet to deactivate the device, but they argue over the correct solution. Out of time and with the Sun about to explode, Optimus just grabs at a wire inside the device and pulls. The needle shuts down and the Sun returns to normal.

Prime removes Gears's circuit card from the needle and hands it back to him, but [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] interrupts, saying that the rest of the Autobots like the new Gears over the old. Gears isn’t too happy about that, so Optimus returns the card and the surly, cranky hypochondriac is back. The Autobots roll on back to headquarters, leaving Gears to complain to himself.
{{-}}

==Featured Characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (9)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (10)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (11)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (12)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (13)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (14)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (15)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (16)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (17)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (18)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (19)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (20)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (21)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (22)
*[[Bluestreak]] (23)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (3)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (4)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (5)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (6)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (7)
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (8)

|c3=
*Miners (1)
}}

==Quotes==
"Go ding your diodes and get defunct Megatron. I’m not helping you do zilch."
:—Cranky, gutsy '''Gears'''

"Megatron is behind this. I’d bet my titanium torsion bars on it."
:—That's probably a safe bet, '''Optimus Prime'''

"I should be very angry at you Megatron. You ''are'' an evil son of a [[retrorat]], but for some reason, I just can't get too upset."
:—Cheery, nice '''Gears'''

"We've got to get past Megatron's energy shield before the sun explodes!"
:—Shit just got real, '''Optimus Prime'''

"I should have destroyed you when I had the chance, but Megatron can't save you now!" 
"Heheheh, I really hate to disappoint you Starscream, but you better look behind you!" 
"Do you seriously expect me to fall for such a stupid trick?"
:—'''Starscream''' refuses to be distracted by '''Gears''' warning of an impending charge from Bumblebee.

"How can I help you, Megatron, heh heh, you rotten hunk of scrap."
:—'''Gears''', piling on the flattery.

"What did you do to Gears, you monster? You turned him...nice!"
:—'''Ironhide''', at Gear's sudden change in personality.

"All right, now let's blast that Solar Needle and roll out." 
"I suppose you want me to do that." 
"Be my guest."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Gears''', grumpy once again.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
*When Starscream says the line "Oh, no, you don't. Your special circuit stays right here," the voice saying the line is of Skywarp.
*Also, when the aforementioned line occurs, Skywarp is the Decepticon who stops Gears from retrieving his circuit, yet in the next scene/shot, he has somehow been replaced by Starscream, which should have happened originally, since a small subplot of the episode involves Starscream's incessant bullying of Gears, and it remains to be seen how Gears will respond since the loss of his chip has altered his usual, grumpy personality.

*When the Autobots show up at the quarry to rescue the humans, Megatron "energizes" a number of boulders at the top of a cliff. The Autobots have their backs to the cliff, meaning the boulders should hit them from behind or land on top of them. The boulders actually hit the Autobots from all directions, including Sunstreaker, who is hit by a boulder traveling in the ''opposite direction'' of where it should have come from.
*In the sequence where the Autobots are running down the hallway, Sunstreaker runs past Gears twice. He's ''fast!''

===Continuity errors===
*The Autobots somehow '''drove''' from their base in the Western United States to the '''"geographic center of Africa"''' in '''"slightly less than 2 Earth hours"'''. After traveling through at least eight time zones, it appears to be roughly the '''same time of day''' as when the Autobots left their base.
*Throughout the latter half of the episode, Optimus Prime and Megatron argue that the Solar Needle may/may not destroy the universe. While the Sun's exploding would obliterate our solar system, it couldn't destroy the universe in its entirety, unless the Solar Needle is some of the most advanced technology ever wielded by the Decepticons.
* Gears appears to produce two completely different guns from his arm - the one he pulls out when Prime is about to hit the pylon is round, while the one he pulls out to shoot the Solar Needle is square and has fins.

===Transformers references===
* Gears' change in personality is brought on by the absence of his personality component as well as Starscream's null ray. This may imply that Starscream has the ability to nullify specific electronics/processes of his choosing, or that Gears' personality is a major part of his ability to function.
[[Image:G1 ChangingGears Ratchet karate.jpg|thumb|right|200px|"Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind."]]
* When Megatron throws Optimus into the energy beam, Prime's [[ion blaster]] disintegrates and he remains weaponless for the rest of the episode. Wow, chalk one up for continuity this time.

===Trivia===
*Gears's special circuit board looks like an audio cassette tape. Whether it can [[Mini-Cassette|transform]] is not yet known.
*At the end of the episode, Optimus Prime's trailer just randomly drives itself out of the jungle and connects to his truck mode. Seriously, where does that thing go when he's in robot mode?
*Ratchet ''totally'' Bruce-Lee-kicked Thundercracker in this episode. That's just awesome.
*His later move — kicking a boulder to knock a falling pylon in order to make it miss Wheeljack - is also awesome, but totally breaks the laws of physics.

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/changing_gears.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Changing Gears

2009-08-19T04:45:08Z

Protectobot: /* Animation or technical glitches */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=18
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=12
|image=ChangingGears Happy Gears.jpg
|caption=OMG! You guys! This is so awesome! Yay!
|title="Changing Gears"
|production code=#700-17
|airdate=[[September 23]], 1985
|written by=[[Larry Parr]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''In a plot to drain the Sun for power, the Decepticons capture and alter the grumpy Autobot Gears.'''

:''Japanese title:'' ソーラーエネルギーを盗め! (''Solar Energy o Nusume!'', "Steal the Solar Energy!")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Changegearsskywarp.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Photograph taken immediately post-stair-pushing.]]
The [[Decepticon]]s attack [[human]]s working in a gold mine and take them prisoner. Just as [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] is about to blast a human calling for help on a radio, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] backhands him, saying that he wants the human to bring the [[Autobot]]s.

At the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] orders the Autobots to assemble at once, which they do with lots of hustle. The only exception is [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] who complains the whole way. Prime orders his troops to head out to the mine to engage their enemies.

When they arrive a battle ensues, but Megatron lets the miners get in the way. Unwilling to endanger humans, Prime orders the Autobots to hold their fire. Megatron uses this chance to get the drop on the Autobots, then takes Gears captive for purposes unknown and retreats.

[[Image:Changegearsinahole.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Team Rocket traps Gears in a hole in order to steal his Pikachu.]]

In [[Africa]], Megatron has Starscream zap Gears with the [[null-ray]], then takes out a special circuit from Gears's body. The Decepticon leader explains that this circuit is the final component he needs for his energy absorbing [[Solar Needle]], a solar collector which his Decepticons have constructed to harness energy from the heart of the [[Sun]]. With the circuit in place in the needle, the device activates and causes world-wide earthquakes. Unbeknownst to Megatron, the Solar Needle is flawed, causing a dangerous instability within the core of the Sun.

[[Image:Changegearstakeitout.jpg|left|200px|thumb|KALI MA! KALI MA!]]

The effect on Gears is profound as well. The removal of this component from Gears corrupts his personality, turning him from a surly grump into a happy-go-lucky, ultra-polite guy who'll do absolutely anything for anyone. This allows Megatron to manipulate and control him. Mentally, Gears still knows the Decepticons are evil and doesn't want to help them, but he's been rendered so "nice" that he can't refuse any request.

The Autobots blast through the jungle and start firing at the Solar Needle, but it;s protected by a [[force field]]. Prime concocts a dangerous plan to circumvent the field by jumping through the hole at the top where the Sun's energy is coming through. [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] say it’s too dangerous, but [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] drives past them, makes the attempt and shatters the force field.

[[Image:Changegearsmegatrontriumphs.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Let there be light!"]]

The 'Bots battle. Megatron gets the drop on Prime and orders the Autobots to surrender or he'll shoot their leader. Prime orders them to fight on, but the Autobots capitulate. Prime asks for one last request, which Megatron allows. The chief Autobot turns and asks Gears to do him a favor now. Gears obliges and shoots a component of the needle. Inspired by his change of heart, the Autobots fight back against the 'Cons, who retreat.

[[Image:Changinggearsautogroup.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"You heard Jeff Probst, now get off the island."]]

Prime orders Wheeljack and Ratchet to deactivate the device, but they argue over the correct solution. Out of time and with the Sun about to explode, Optimus just grabs at a wire inside the device and pulls. The needle shuts down and the Sun returns to normal.

Prime removes Gears's circuit card from the needle and hands it back to him, but [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] interrupts, saying that the rest of the Autobots like the new Gears over the old. Gears isn’t too happy about that, so Optimus returns the card and the surly, cranky hypochondriac is back. The Autobots roll on back to headquarters, leaving Gears to complain to himself.
{{-}}

==Featured Characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (9)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (10)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (11)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (12)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (13)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (14)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (15)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (16)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (17)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (18)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (19)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (20)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (21)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (22)
*[[Bluestreak]] (23)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (3)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (4)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (5)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (6)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (7)
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (8)

|c3=
*Miners (1)
}}

==Quotes==
"Go ding your diodes and get defunct Megatron. I’m not helping you do zilch."
:—Cranky, gutsy '''Gears'''

"Megatron is behind this. I’d bet my titanium torsion bars on it."
:—That's probably a safe bet, '''Optimus Prime'''

"I should be very angry at you Megatron. You ''are'' an evil son of a [[retrorat]], but for some reason, I just can't get too upset."
:—Cheery, nice '''Gears'''

"We've got to get past Megatron's energy shield before the sun explodes!"
:—Shit just got real, '''Optimus Prime'''

"I should have destroyed you when I had the chance, but Megatron can't save you now!" 
"Heheheh, I really hate to disappoint you Starscream, but you better look behind you!" 
"Do you seriously expect me to fall for such a stupid trick?"
:—'''Starscream''' refuses to be distracted by '''Gears''' warning of an impending charge from Bumblebee.

"How can I help you, Megatron, heh heh, you rotten hunk of scrap."
:—'''Gears''', piling on the flattery.

"What did you do to Gears, you monster? You turned him...nice!"
:—'''Ironhide''', at Gear's sudden change in personality.

"All right, now let's blast that Solar Needle and roll out." 
"I suppose you want me to do that." 
"Be my guest."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Gears''', grumpy once again.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
*When Starscream says the line "Oh, no, you don't. Your special circuit stays right here," the voice saying the line is of Skywarp.
*When the Autobots show up at the quarry to rescue the humans, Megatron "energizes" a number of boulders at the top of a cliff. The Autobots have their backs to the cliff, meaning the boulders should hit them from behind or land on top of them. The boulders actually hit the Autobots from all directions, including Sunstreaker, who is hit by a boulder traveling in the ''opposite direction'' of where it should have come from.
*In the sequence where the Autobots are running down the hallway, Sunstreaker runs past Gears twice. He's ''fast!''

===Continuity errors===
*The Autobots somehow '''drove''' from their base in the Western United States to the '''"geographic center of Africa"''' in '''"slightly less than 2 Earth hours"'''. After traveling through at least eight time zones, it appears to be roughly the '''same time of day''' as when the Autobots left their base.
*Throughout the latter half of the episode, Optimus Prime and Megatron argue that the Solar Needle may/may not destroy the universe. While the Sun's exploding would obliterate our solar system, it couldn't destroy the universe in its entirety, unless the Solar Needle is some of the most advanced technology ever wielded by the Decepticons.
* Gears appears to produce two completely different guns from his arm - the one he pulls out when Prime is about to hit the pylon is round, while the one he pulls out to shoot the Solar Needle is square and has fins.

===Transformers references===
* Gears' change in personality is brought on by the absence of his personality component as well as Starscream's null ray. This may imply that Starscream has the ability to nullify specific electronics/processes of his choosing, or that Gears' personality is a major part of his ability to function.
[[Image:G1 ChangingGears Ratchet karate.jpg|thumb|right|200px|"Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind."]]
* When Megatron throws Optimus into the energy beam, Prime's [[ion blaster]] disintegrates and he remains weaponless for the rest of the episode. Wow, chalk one up for continuity this time.

===Trivia===
*Gears's special circuit board looks like an audio cassette tape. Whether it can [[Mini-Cassette|transform]] is not yet known.
*At the end of the episode, Optimus Prime's trailer just randomly drives itself out of the jungle and connects to his truck mode. Seriously, where does that thing go when he's in robot mode?
*Ratchet ''totally'' Bruce-Lee-kicked Thundercracker in this episode. That's just awesome.
*His later move — kicking a boulder to knock a falling pylon in order to make it miss Wheeljack - is also awesome, but totally breaks the laws of physics.

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/changing_gears.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

War Dawn (episode)

2009-08-19T04:43:11Z

Protectobot: /* Synopsis */

{{episode
|image=WarDawn title.jpg
|caption=''Masterpiece'' Megatron and ''Smallest'' Optimus Prime face off.
|series=G1toon
|ep=59
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=60
|title="War Dawn"
|written by=[[David Wise]]
|production code=700-58
|airdate=[[December 25]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Trapped in Cybertron's past, the Aerialbots learn the truth about Megatron and the rise of Optimus Prime.'''

:''Japanese title:'' ひきおこされた戦争 (''Hikiokosa re ta Sensō'', "Caused War")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:WarDawn Silverboltairways.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Do yourself a favor; don't fly coach on Autobot Airways.]]

[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] are racing through the skies with the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] in hot pursuit. They have kidnapped human dignitaries for unknown, but certainly nefarious, purposes. The Aerialbots are debating amongst themselves in pretty stark terms if humans are worth saving. After they outmaneuver the Decepticons, Starscream dumps the hostages in mid-air. He and the others escape as the Aerialbots break off to save the humans.

Back at Autobot headquarters, the Aerialbots talk amongst themselves about their admiration of the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]], to the ire of the other Autobots. [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] breaks in before the argument gets out of hand and alerts [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] to strange energy readings emanating from Cybertron. They board [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] and head into the stratosphere to investigate.

Under the ocean, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] gripes about the Aerialbots and losing air supremacy. [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] reports in that the Autobots have left earth, and Megatron goes after them across the [[space bridge]]. On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Megatron explains that he has a time machine called a [[Kronosphere]] that he planned on using to steal energy from the past. Now, he wants to set a trap for the Aerialbots and send them back into the past.

[[Image:Slingshot war dawn 1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|As tradition dictates, Slingshot and Starscream greet one another by pulling each other's finger.]]

The Autobots arrive on a dark and dingy Cybertron, and are attacked by Starscream and the others. [[Slingshot]] tries to get the Decepticons to stop attacking and talk to them. Starscream and the others drop down for a chat while [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] frets. After gaining their trust, Screamer leads them right onto Megatron's Kronosphere. Silverbolt tries to warn them that it's a trap but it's too late. Megatron activates the device, intending to send them back to the beginning of time. The Aerialbots are encased in a purple bubble and disappear.

Seconds later, Optimus Prime and the other Autobots ram through the wall of the building and attack. Prime shoots the machine in order to stop it from trapping the Aerialbots in the past. The Decepticons retreat and Optimus orders the machine repaired. He estimates it has sent the Aerialbots 9 million years into the past to Cybertron's [[Golden Age]].

[[Image:OrionPax Ariel.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Hi, I'm Machobot... who are you?"]]

The bubble bursts and the five planes reappear on Cybertron, but it's a different world than the one they left. This Cybertron is bright and alive. The Aerialbots admire the scenery and argue about whose fault it was that the planet was trashed. Slingshot isn't ready to blame the Decepticons and says they are misunderstood. They are interrupted by a small 'bot who introduces himself as [[Orion Pax]]. He works at the docks unloading energy shipments. Orion's friend [[Dion]] and girlfriend [[Elita One|Ariel]] introduce themselves too. Dion alerts them to come outside and see the new type of flying robot that everyone is talking about. The Aerialbots go out and see Megatron, Soundwave and Shockwave flying overheard. Orion and Dion admire the flying robots, and Silverbolt warns them away from their hero worship. But does anybody listen to him? Nooooo. (Note: it's odd that Orion admires the flying robots so much when he seems capable of at least temporarily flying during his attempted attack on Megatron later in the episode. Silverbolt refers to the Decepticons as having "unusual abilities" yet doesn't bother to tell Orion and the others the obvious: the Aerialbots can fly! This could be deception on his part.)

After Orion goes back to work unloading ships, he is approached by a visitor who introduces himself as Megatron. Orion shows him around but when they reach the energy storehouse Megatron orders the Decepticons concealed outside to attack. When Orion tries to stop him, Megatron mercilessly shoots him and his two friends. The Aerialbots arrive after the battle to find the three Autobots inoperative.

Back in the present, Megatron is planning a counterattack to regain the Kronosphere. In nearby wreckage, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] spots the body of a [[Guardian Robot]], sans head, and Megatron plans to reactivate it. Meanwhile, Optimus, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] are still trying to repair the device.

[[Image:WarDawn Prime killingmachine.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Hot lead is the right of all sentient beings!]]

In the past, the Aerialbots are carrying Orion's lifeless body to someone who can help. Slingshot is singing a very different tune now; he swears revenge on Megatron. A [[Alpha Trion (G1)|mustached figure]] from a doorway calls to them and suggests they go someplace else for help. Decepticon attacks have caused severe casualties among the Autobots. After the Aerialbots ask again, he agrees to fix Orion. After an unknown amount of time, the stranger emerges with a rebuilt Orion Pax, now going by the name Optimus Prime. Prime and the Aerialbots rush off to join the battle, while the stranger muses about rebuilding Ariel into a female warrior named [[Elita One]].

Just as the tide of battle is turning in the Decepticons' favor, Megatron is confronted by Optimus Prime, who takes out the entire Decepticon front line by himself. Meanwhile, the Aerialbots have returned to the docks to find the Decepticons raiding the energy stores.

Flashing to the present, the time machine has been fixed, but Megatron and the Decepticons attack. To further complicate things, they let loose the Guardian Robot against the Autobots.

Back in the past, the Aerialbots set [[energy pack]] charges to blow up the storehouse in order to keep the energy out of Megatron's hands. Unfortunately, they are trapped inside because Decepticon warriors are blocking the exits. Silverbolt orders Slingshot to blow up the storehouse anyway. Just as the charges go off, the Kronosphere scoops them up and brings them back to the present. They merge into [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] and take out the Guardian Robot. Megatron retreats and an enraged Slingshot yells after him.

As they head back to Omega Supreme, Silverbolt describes their adventures in the past, and Optimus finally recognizes the Aerialbots as the ones who saved him. Ratchet demands to know what's going on and Optimus starts to tell the tale.

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (4)
* [[Slingshot]] (5)
* [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (6)
* [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (7)
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (8)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (9)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (10)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (11)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (12)
* [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] (13)
* [[Dion]] (16)
* [[Elita One|Ariel]] (17)
* [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] (19)
* [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (20)

|c2=
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (1)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (2)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (3)
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (14)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (15)
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"There's only one way to get those Aerialbots off our tails and that's to dump the chumps.”
:—'''Starscream''' right before he dumps the chumps, er, humans.

"Are those guys crazy?" 
"Crazy, or even dumber than I suspected."
:—'''Skywarp''' and '''Starscream''' talking about the Aerialbots who stopped fighting and want to "talk" to the Seekers.

'''Starscream''': Okay ''buddies'', we'll talk. What do you want to know? 
'''Slingshot''': I want to know why Optimus Prime thinks you're evil. 
'''Starscream''': That old rust bucket doesn't know a thing about Decepticons. Stick with me. I'll teach you some things about the Decepticons, all right. 
'''Silverbolt''': I don't believe this!
:—Starscream prepares to school the Aerialbots.

"Those little twerps. They're tryin' to switch sides!"
:—'''Ironhide''' comments on the dubious loyalty of the Aerialbots.

"A warrior doesn't need a head, just a good strong body."
:—'''Megatron''', commenting on the damaged Guardian robot that is about to be reprogrammed to serve the Decepticons.

"You may not recognize him. He is no longer Orion Pax. He is the first of our new defenders... Optimus Prime." 
"I was wrong, my friends. I admired Megatron merely because he was powerful. I failed to see how he used that power."
:—'''Alpha Trion''' introducing '''Optimus Prime'''.

'''Optimus Prime''': You've caused enough destruction for one day, Megatron! 
'''Megatron''': I haven't even ''started!'' 
''[Megatron fires several shots at Optimus Prime, all of which bounce off harmlessly]'' 
'''Megatron''': ''[shocked]'' You, who are you?!" 
'''Optimus Prime''': Your worst nightmare!
:—Megatron and Optimus Prime confront each other for the first time.

"It all began about nine million years ago..." 
"Oh, great! It's gonna be one of those ''long'' stories!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Ratchet''', after the latter demands to know what's going on.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
*The air battle at the beginning of the episode is filled with errors: Firstly, Slingshot is coloured like Air Raid when Skywarp is bearing down upon him. Moments later, Skydive fires purple lasers at Skywarp. Moments after ''that'', black panels on Thundercracker's hull are mis-aligned. Finally, Slingshot's cockpit is unpainted, as is Starscream's chest.
*While Megatron berates the Seekers for allowing the Aerialbots to defeat them, Starscream's lower right arm is coloured red.
*Omega Supreme disappears in a couple of frames during his transformation sequence.
*When Ariel is shot by Megatron, her cel is not properly aligned with the background, so one of her legs floats over the energon cubes.
*Ariel is shown with the Aerialbots running to find her own body.
*Air Raid explains to Fireflight why Megatron wouldn't recognize them 9 million years in the past, and Fireflight says, “Huh?” but the scene cuts to a close up of Air Raid so it looks like he's saying it instead. Huh?
*In one aerial shot of Megatron's transport drones entering the docks, they disappear before reaching the doorway.

===Continuity errors===
* The humans the Seekers dump at the beginning of the episode somehow don't die after plummeting several hundred feet and landing on the metal bodies of the Aerialbots.
* It is unclear why the Aerialbots (bar Silverbolt) are so impressed by the Seekers considering the ease with which the Decepticons were defeated.
*Optimus Prime somehow knows exactly what the Kronosphere is doing despite the fact he was out of earshot when Megatron said it.
* In "[[The Search for Alpha Trion]]", Optimus Prime had no idea that Alpha Trion was his creator, despite the fact he has a direct interaction with him here.

===Transformers references===
*This takes place "a few weeks" after "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2]]", according to Optimus Prime.
*The events of the minicomic "[[64 Cybertron Urban Defense Robot GADEP]]" take place around this time period, showing Megatron raiding more energon storage facilities.

===Trivia===
*This episode introduces a lot of major mythological elements from the ''Generation 1'' cartoon, including the origin of Optimus Prime and [[Elita One]] and showing the start of the [[Great War (G1)|Third Great War]].

*In a interview on the [[Kid Rhino]] DVD set, writer David Wise says that the meeting between Orion Pax and Megatron happened differently in the original version of the script. Megatron was to blast Orion's arm off and then use it to decapitate him. Sunbow, fearing the scene was too violent, had it changed.

*For whatever reason, voice actor [[John Stephenson]] wasn't in this episode and thus Thundercracker had a different voice, that of voice director [[Wally Burr]]. Burr also filled in as [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] in "[[Kremzeek!]]" and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] in "[[Masquerade]]".

* Dion's fate is never revealed. Fans have speculated that he was also rebuilt and reformatted by Alpha Trion into a familiar character, with [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] being the two most popular suspects. Of course, it's entirely possible he simply died.

*This episode is one of the two episodes before the [[The Transformers: The Movie|movie]] featuring a genuine [[female Transformer]].

*Footage from this episode was used to represent a historical video in "[[Transform and Roll Out]]", the opening movie for ''[[Transformers Animated]]''. Most notably, a shot of Dion shielding his eyes with his hand was used out of context to represent an Autobot saluting.

==Home video releases==
* [[The Original Transformers Volume 5: Return To Cybertron]] (VHS, [[February 22]] 2000)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/war_dawn.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

Masquerade

2009-08-19T04:36:24Z

Protectobot: /* Synopsis */

{{episode
|image=Masquerade Menasors.JPG
|caption=Menasor crush...destroy knockoff.
|series=G1toon
|ep=64
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=61
|title="Masquerade"
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|production code=700-63
|airdate=[[December 16]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''After defeating the Stunticons, five of the Autobots pose as the crazed combiners to learn of Megatron's newest plan.'''

:''Japanese title:'' マスカレード (''Masquerade'')
:''German'' Generation 2 ''title:'' "'''Perfekte Tarnung'''" ("Perfect Disguise")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Masquerade Prime Motormaster chicken.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Shortly after this, Menasor threw up.]]
[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] sends the [[Stunticon]]s on a mission to find components for an unrevealed purpose, including the world's largest, most perfect ruby. While searching for their components, the actions of the Stunticons catch the attention of the [[Autobot]]s, who track their movements and their crimes. Breakdown and Wildrider get the first component: laser lenses from a scientist. Dead End and Drag Strip get the second component: an experimental generator from the Army. Motormaster gets the last one: a perfect ruby from a museum.

The Autobots split into teams and manage to be extremely effective at capturing the Stunticons in the middle of their capers. [[Grapple]], [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] take on [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] and [[Wildrider]]. [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] and [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] take on [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] and [[Drag Strip]]. Finally, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] go for [[Motormaster]], who challenges the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] to a game of “chicken” and ends up in a head-on collision. Spike, Bumblebee, and Blaster peer through the dust to see who survived, and it turns out that Optimus is the clear victor with merely a minor headache, while Motormaster lies in a wreck.

[[Image:Masquerade Wheeljack Optimaster.jpg|right|200px|thumb|No Motormaster disguise is complete without a hunk of Big League Chew.]]

Although all five Stunticons have been captured, the Autobots still don’t know what their plans were for the components they stole for Megatron. [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] guesses that the parts are going to be made into a weapon. (Nooo, really?) Optimus hatches a scheme to disguise Autobots using camouflage paint and penetrate the Decepticon camp disguised as Stunticons: Optimus Prime as Motormaster, [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] as Dead End, [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] as Breakdown, [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] as Drag Strip, and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] as Wildrider.

[[Image:Sideswipe FakeBreakdown.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Sideswipe? I, Breakdown, have never heard of such a being!]]

The disguised Autobots infiltrate the Decepticons, although their arrival causes some raised eyebrows because they are driving too "safely". They deliver the stolen components to Megatron without being detected.

Back at the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], the Stunticons manage to shimmy and shake their way out of their cells, merge into [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and overcome their Autobot captors. They then head back to the Decepticon base.

[[Image:Masquerade Megatron manning gun.jpg|right|200px|thumb|We've been here before.]]

The Constructicons complete Megatron’s new weapon, and he reveals its power, but just then Menasor arrives and declares the Autobots as infiltrators. Using Windcharger’s electric field ability and Mirage’s illusion power, the Autobots merge into their own Menasor. The two giants battle it out, and the Autobots are overcome. Megatron trains the new weapon on the Autobots, but the device blows up in his face after a few scattered shots.

Autobot reinforcements arrive, and the Decepticons flee without their usual promises for revenge. It is revealed that Ironhide had made adjustments to the ruby back at Autobot HQ, which caused the device to explode. (NOTE: this is odd, because Ironhide has never been demonstrated as having this kind of talent regarding mechanical engineering.) The Autobots head for home, victorious.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (9)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (10)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (12)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (13)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (14)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (18)
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (19)
* [[Grapple]] (20)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (21)
* [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (22)
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (23)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (24)
* [[Bluestreak]] (25)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (26)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (27)
* [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (28)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (29)
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (30)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (31)
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (32)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (1)
* [[Wildrider]] (2)
* [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (3)
* [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (4)
* [[Motormaster]] (5)
* [[Drag Strip]] (6)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (7)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (8)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (33)
* [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
* [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (34)
* [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (35)
* [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (36)
* [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (37)
* [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (38)
* [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (39)

|c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (7)
* Optician (15)
* US Army troops (16)
* Museum guards (17)
}}

==Quotes==
"A near miss deserves a couple of near-missiles!"
:—'''Inferno'''

"I'll probably HEAT myself in the morning, but..."
:—'''Inferno''' before he douses the flames on the Stunticon Breakdown

"Blam! Boom! Pow! I'm going to make that hot rod even hotter. HA HA HA!"
:—'''Warpath''' firing on the Stunticons Dead End and Dragstrip

"Well, look who's here! The old King of the Road! When I'm finished with ya, you'll be King of the Junkyard!"
:—'''Motormaster''' taunting '''Optimus Prime''' into a game of chicken

"You did it! You did it, Optimus! You stuffed that loudmouth once and for all." 
"I...hope so, Spike, because I'd hate to go through that again."
:—'''Spike''' congratulates a shaken '''Optimus''' as he recovers from a head-on collision with Motormaster.

''[The Autobots are towing the defeated Stunticons to the ''Ark'']'' 
'''Wheeljack''': Here they come. 
'''Ratchet''': I won't bother asking who won. 
'''Breakdown''': ''(taking note of the Autobots looking at them)'' They're gawking at us! How mortifrying! 
'''Dead End''': The word, Breakdown, is mortiFYing, my sentiment exactly. 
'''Motormaster''': I'm in no mood for your big words, Dead End. 
'''Ironhide''': For you, Motormouth, this '''IS''' a dead end.
:—Motormaster complains about Dead End's SAT-level vocabulary

"Man, Optimus. You're a dead ringer for Motormaster." 
"Did you have to say ''dead'' ringer, Spike?"
:—'''Spike Witwicky'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s vocabulary causes '''Optimus Prime''' to wince.

"All right, then...ah...Stunticons, let's roll for it. "
:—'''Optimus Prime''' disguises as Motormaster.

"Everybody out on bad behavior!"
:—'''Breakdown''' after freeing himself and taking out Inferno, Grapple, and Hoist.

"Imagine my turning that ray on the Autobots' headquarters. Perhaps when it's gone, someone will put up a memorial parking lot. Mwahaha!"
:—'''Megatron'''

"Machine appears unstable. Suggest abandoning it." 
"Suggestion noted—and ignored!"
:—'''Soundwave''' warns '''Megatron''', for all the good it does.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
[[Image:Huge Ironhide and Small Ratchet.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Introducing Ultra class Ironhide and Scout class Ratchet.]]
* As a result of animation cels being stacked incorrectly, Ratchet appears teeny-tiny in the front of a crowd shot, making Ironhide look colossal by comparison. The tiny Ratchet should, of course, be (barely visible) at the ''back'' of the crowd.
* When approaching the crater, Jazz appears to be driving above and not under rocks.
* When the real Menasor takes off to warn Megatron, he has an Autobot insignia.
* When the Autobots begin firing on Menasor, his face is entirely black.
* Just before Megatron fires the laser, Windcharger is miscoloured in green and grey.
* In the mid-1990s, many G1 episodes were aired on the [[SciFi Network]]. To allow expanded advertising time, they were edited down, cutting "unnecessary" dialog and scenes out. Some of the "unnecessary" dialog cut from this episode included parts of Grapple and Inferno's lines, resulting in them collectively uttering "Time to add firobably hate myself in the morning, but..."

===Transformers references===
* Megatron's line "Suggestion noted...AND IGNORED!" when Soundwave warns him would be revisited during the [[Nemesis Part 2|Beast Wars]] when his [[Megatron (BW)|namesake]] utters those exact sentiments to [[Dinobot II]] on board the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]''.

===Trivia===
*Two scenes deleted from this episode feature the individual Stunticons talking with each other ''while'' combined as Menasor, only for Menasor himself to then silence all of his components, because their chatter is confusing him!

[[Image:Soundwave fly.jpg|right|200px|thumb|In fact, Soundwave can fly in his alt mode, too.]]
* Ratchet's voice actor in this episode is [[Wally Burr]], not the usual [[Don Messick]], and it shows.

* Although Mirage had illusion-creating powers described in his [[bio]], the show limited it to him simply being able to turn invisible in all but this one instance, leaving it a bit anomalous within the cartoon series itself. This limitation occurred, of course, because Mirage being able to create illusions was rather redundant in the face of Hound being able to do exactly the same thing. Per their bios, though, illusions were actually supposed to be Mirage's "thing", while Hound used his holograms to create ''maps'' and could only make simple images on rare occasions.

* Did anyone know that Soundwave can fly in his tape deck mode? Because at the end of this episode he transforms and then flies off behind Starscream.

* Probable coincidence or not, ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Menasor is a [[redeco]] from ''[[Legends Class|Legends of Cybertron]]'' [[:Image:LOC_CybertronPrime.jpg|Optimus Prime]], while ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[:Image:Universe2008_DragStrip.jpg|Drag Strip]] is made from [[:Image:Classics_Mirage_toy.jpg|''Classics'' Mirage]] redeco. At one point there was intended to be a ''[[Alternators|Binaltech]]'' [[Wildrider#Trivia|Wildrider]] created from ''[[Alternators]]'' [[:Image:AltWindcharger_toy.jpg|Windcharger]] (or rather, his [[:Image:Binaltech_Overdrive_Toy.jpg|''Binaltech'' counterpart]]), but that never eventuated. Maybe someday there will come a [[:Image:Universe2008_SideSwipe_toy.jpg|''Universe'' Sideswipe]] redeco to represent ''Universe'' Breakdown. ''[[To sell toys|Who knows]]''?

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/masquerade.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicles]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Masquerade

2009-08-19T04:33:25Z

Protectobot: Inferno's pun on what's actually a classic phrase!

{{episode
|image=Masquerade Menasors.JPG
|caption=Menasor crush...destroy knockoff.
|series=G1toon
|ep=64
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=61
|title="Masquerade"
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|production code=700-63
|airdate=[[December 16]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''After defeating the Stunticons, five of the Autobots pose as the crazed combiners to learn of Megatron's newest plan.'''

:''Japanese title:'' マスカレード (''Masquerade'')
:''German'' Generation 2 ''title:'' "'''Perfekte Tarnung'''" ("Perfect Disguise")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Masquerade Prime Motormaster chicken.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Shortly after this, Menasor threw up.]]
[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] sends the [[Stunticon]]s on a mission to find components for an unrevealed purpose, including the world's largest, most perfect ruby. While searching for their components, the actions of the Stunticons catch the attention of the [[Autobot]]s, who track their movements and their crimes. Breakdown and Wildrider get the first component: laser lenses from a scientist. Dead End and Drag Strip get the second component: an experimental generator from the Army. Motormaster gets the last one: a perfect ruby from a museum.

The Autobots split into teams and manage to be extremely effective at capturing the Stunticons in the middle of their capers. [[Grapple]], [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] take on [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] and [[Wildrider]]. [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] and [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] take on [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] and [[Drag Strip]]. Finally, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] go for [[Motormaster]], who challenges the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] to a game of “chicken” and ends up in a head-on collision. Spike, Bumblebee, and Blaster peer through the dust to see who survived, and it turns out that Optimus is the clear victor with merely a minor headache, while Motormaster lies in a wreck.

[[Image:Masquerade Wheeljack Optimaster.jpg|right|200px|thumb|No Motormaster disguise is complete without a hunk of Big League Chew.]]

Although all five Stunticons have been captured, the Autobots still don’t know what their plans were for the components they stole for Megatron. [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] guesses that the parts are going to be made into a weapon. (Nooo, really?) Optimus hatches a scheme to disguise Autobots using camouflage paint and penetrate the Decepticon camp disguised as Stunticons: Optimus Prime as Motormaster, [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] as Dead End, [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] as Breakdown, [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] as Drag Strip, and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] as Wildrider.

[[Image:Sideswipe FakeBreakdown.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Sideswipe? I, Breakdown, have never heard of such a being!]]

The disguised Autobots infiltrate the Decepticons, although their arrival causes some raised eyebrows because they are driving too "safely". They deliver the stolen components to Megatron without being detected.

Back at the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], the Stunticons manage to shimmy and shake their way out of their cells, merge into [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and overcome their Autobot captors. They then head back to the Decepticon base.

[[Image:Masquerade Megatron manning gun.jpg|right|200px|thumb|We've been here before.]]

The Constructicons complete Megatron’s new weapon, and he reveals its power, but just then Menasor arrives and declares the Autobots as infiltrators. Using Windcharger’s electric field ability and Mirage’s illusion power, the Autobots merge into their own Menasor. The two giants battle it out, and the Autobots are overcome. Megatron trains the new weapon on the Autobots, but the device blows up in his face after a few scattered shots.

Autobot reinforcements arrive, and the Decepticons flee without their usual promises for revenge. It is revealed that Ironhide had made adjustments to the ruby back at Autobot HQ, which caused the device to explode. The Autobots head for home, victorious.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (9)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (10)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (12)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (13)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (14)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (18)
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (19)
* [[Grapple]] (20)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (21)
* [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (22)
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (23)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (24)
* [[Bluestreak]] (25)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (26)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (27)
* [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (28)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (29)
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (30)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (31)
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (32)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (1)
* [[Wildrider]] (2)
* [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (3)
* [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (4)
* [[Motormaster]] (5)
* [[Drag Strip]] (6)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (7)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (8)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (33)
* [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
* [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (34)
* [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (35)
* [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (36)
* [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (37)
* [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (38)
* [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (39)

|c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (7)
* Optician (15)
* US Army troops (16)
* Museum guards (17)
}}

==Quotes==
"A near miss deserves a couple of near-missiles!"
:—'''Inferno'''

"I'll probably HEAT myself in the morning, but..."
:—'''Inferno''' before he douses the flames on the Stunticon Breakdown

"Blam! Boom! Pow! I'm going to make that hot rod even hotter. HA HA HA!"
:—'''Warpath''' firing on the Stunticons Dead End and Dragstrip

"Well, look who's here! The old King of the Road! When I'm finished with ya, you'll be King of the Junkyard!"
:—'''Motormaster''' taunting '''Optimus Prime''' into a game of chicken

"You did it! You did it, Optimus! You stuffed that loudmouth once and for all." 
"I...hope so, Spike, because I'd hate to go through that again."
:—'''Spike''' congratulates a shaken '''Optimus''' as he recovers from a head-on collision with Motormaster.

''[The Autobots are towing the defeated Stunticons to the ''Ark'']'' 
'''Wheeljack''': Here they come. 
'''Ratchet''': I won't bother asking who won. 
'''Breakdown''': ''(taking note of the Autobots looking at them)'' They're gawking at us! How mortifrying! 
'''Dead End''': The word, Breakdown, is mortiFYing, my sentiment exactly. 
'''Motormaster''': I'm in no mood for your big words, Dead End. 
'''Ironhide''': For you, Motormouth, this '''IS''' a dead end.
:—Motormaster complains about Dead End's SAT-level vocabulary

"Man, Optimus. You're a dead ringer for Motormaster." 
"Did you have to say ''dead'' ringer, Spike?"
:—'''Spike Witwicky'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s vocabulary causes '''Optimus Prime''' to wince.

"All right, then...ah...Stunticons, let's roll for it. "
:—'''Optimus Prime''' disguises as Motormaster.

"Everybody out on bad behavior!"
:—'''Breakdown''' after freeing himself and taking out Inferno, Grapple, and Hoist.

"Imagine my turning that ray on the Autobots' headquarters. Perhaps when it's gone, someone will put up a memorial parking lot. Mwahaha!"
:—'''Megatron'''

"Machine appears unstable. Suggest abandoning it." 
"Suggestion noted—and ignored!"
:—'''Soundwave''' warns '''Megatron''', for all the good it does.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
[[Image:Huge Ironhide and Small Ratchet.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Introducing Ultra class Ironhide and Scout class Ratchet.]]
* As a result of animation cels being stacked incorrectly, Ratchet appears teeny-tiny in the front of a crowd shot, making Ironhide look colossal by comparison. The tiny Ratchet should, of course, be (barely visible) at the ''back'' of the crowd.
* When approaching the crater, Jazz appears to be driving above and not under rocks.
* When the real Menasor takes off to warn Megatron, he has an Autobot insignia.
* When the Autobots begin firing on Menasor, his face is entirely black.
* Just before Megatron fires the laser, Windcharger is miscoloured in green and grey.
* In the mid-1990s, many G1 episodes were aired on the [[SciFi Network]]. To allow expanded advertising time, they were edited down, cutting "unnecessary" dialog and scenes out. Some of the "unnecessary" dialog cut from this episode included parts of Grapple and Inferno's lines, resulting in them collectively uttering "Time to add firobably hate myself in the morning, but..."

===Transformers references===
* Megatron's line "Suggestion noted...AND IGNORED!" when Soundwave warns him would be revisited during the [[Nemesis Part 2|Beast Wars]] when his [[Megatron (BW)|namesake]] utters those exact sentiments to [[Dinobot II]] on board the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]''.

===Trivia===
*Two scenes deleted from this episode feature the individual Stunticons talking with each other ''while'' combined as Menasor, only for Menasor himself to then silence all of his components, because their chatter is confusing him!

[[Image:Soundwave fly.jpg|right|200px|thumb|In fact, Soundwave can fly in his alt mode, too.]]
* Ratchet's voice actor in this episode is [[Wally Burr]], not the usual [[Don Messick]], and it shows.

* Although Mirage had illusion-creating powers described in his [[bio]], the show limited it to him simply being able to turn invisible in all but this one instance, leaving it a bit anomalous within the cartoon series itself. This limitation occurred, of course, because Mirage being able to create illusions was rather redundant in the face of Hound being able to do exactly the same thing. Per their bios, though, illusions were actually supposed to be Mirage's "thing", while Hound used his holograms to create ''maps'' and could only make simple images on rare occasions.

* Did anyone know that Soundwave can fly in his tape deck mode? Because at the end of this episode he transforms and then flies off behind Starscream.

* Probable coincidence or not, ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Menasor is a [[redeco]] from ''[[Legends Class|Legends of Cybertron]]'' [[:Image:LOC_CybertronPrime.jpg|Optimus Prime]], while ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[:Image:Universe2008_DragStrip.jpg|Drag Strip]] is made from [[:Image:Classics_Mirage_toy.jpg|''Classics'' Mirage]] redeco. At one point there was intended to be a ''[[Alternators|Binaltech]]'' [[Wildrider#Trivia|Wildrider]] created from ''[[Alternators]]'' [[:Image:AltWindcharger_toy.jpg|Windcharger]] (or rather, his [[:Image:Binaltech_Overdrive_Toy.jpg|''Binaltech'' counterpart]]), but that never eventuated. Maybe someday there will come a [[:Image:Universe2008_SideSwipe_toy.jpg|''Universe'' Sideswipe]] redeco to represent ''Universe'' Breakdown. ''[[To sell toys|Who knows]]''?

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/masquerade.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicles]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]