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Headmaster (episode)

2022-10-15T16:39:10Z

Ronsar: added critical vertical bar

{{disambig3|Headmaster}}
{{episode|
|series=Anitoon
|series2=AniJapan
|ep=13
|ep2=13
|prev2=Survival of the Fittest
|next2=Megatron Rising - Part 1
|title="Headmaster"
|image=TFA Headmaster robot mode.JPG
|caption=Mstr. Henry Masterson, master of the Headmaster.
|airdate=[[March 15]], [[2008]]
|season=1
|season ep=13
|written by=[[Michael Ryan]]
|directed by=[[Ben Jones]] [[Shunji Ōga|Shunji Oga]]
|animation studio=[[The Answer Studio]]
|continuity=[[Animated cartoon continuity]]}}

'''A disgruntled Sumdac employee seeks revenge and profit by taking control of one of the Autobots and sending him on a rampage. '''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Henrymastersonandhead.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Behold, my brilliant infringement on Marvel copyright!]]

On a secluded [[Sumdac Systems]] testing ground, [[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|Isaac Sumdac]] is interviewing an eager new employee: Henry Masterson, a web-jargon-spewing young hotshot engineer/inventor who has risen quickly through the company ranks on the recommendation of his superiors. Eager to impress his new boss and long-time idol, Masterson unveils his magnum opus: the Headmaster unit, a head-shaped piloted command unit/battle station that replaces the heads of other automatons in order to take control of their bodies. Sumdac is horrified, however, when he realises the militaristic intentions of the immature Masterson and his creation. When the warbot Masterson is using as a test subject buckles under the weight of the Headmaster unit and launches a missile towards Detroit, the Professor is understandably furious and immediately fires the belligerent geek.

[[File:Daniel and robot.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Scarred for life.]]

Meanwhile, in the city centre, [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] is in the middle of a different kind of interview: a televised streetside one-to-one with the sensationalist [[News Bot]]. Bulkhead hopes it will clear up misunderstandings about his large and intimidating appearance, but it's going rather less well than he might have hoped. Having accidentally ripped off News Bot's arm midway through his interview, Bulkhead is fortunately able to excuse himself from his press commitments when [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Prime]] radios in to tell him to intercept the missile heading for downtown. Speeding into action, he reaches the missile ahead of the other Autobots and destroys it before it can impact. His success is offset, however, by the destruction he himself causes in the process, including the totaling of the unfortunate News Bot, to the distress of [[Daniel Witwicky (Animated)|innocent onlookers]].

Back at [[Autobot Earth Base|Autobot headquarters]], [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari]] and [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] attempt to console a downcast Bulkhead, with varying degrees of success and sincerity. Sensing that the gentle giant might benefit from a creative outlet for his sensitive, emotional side, Sari decides to introduce Bulkhead to the concept of art. After some false starts and a violation of [[Detroit]]'s graffiti laws, and despite the slight bemusement of his Autobot colleagues, Bulkhead gradually gains a tentative grasp of basic painting and sculpture skills. He remains acutely self-conscious of his own heavy-handedness, however, and continues to express embarrassment both about himself and his artwork. As such, Sari's sudden declaration that she has arranged an exhibition of Bulkhead's creations in a real art gallery goes down poorly; the sensitive ''artiste'' has a panic attack and bolts.

[[File:Rock em'.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Rock 'em, Sock 'em Sumdac.]]

Masterson, meanwhile, has returned to his lab to brood over his rejection, using Headmaster units to convert warbots into ersatz [[:File:Rock 'em an' sock 'em, Rhinox.jpg|Rock 'Em, Sock 'Em Robots]] to ease his frustration. Deciding that he will instead create his own company to manufacture Headmasters, he formulates a plan to acquire the two things that will make his "wicked-sick" dream a reality: large amounts of cash and a body big enough to support a Headmaster. As he does so, he focuses in on an image of Bulkhead on the TV and hits upon his solution.

Indeed, moments later, Bulkhead is trudging alone down the darkened streets of Detroit, lamenting over his artistic difficulties, when he is suddenly incapacitated with a shock to the chestplate. He retains consciousness just long enough to see the Headmaster unit fire its metal-cutting laser and to hear a soon-to-be familiar proclamation of "TOTAL OWNAGE!!" When he awakens, he discovers, to his considerable distress, that he is nothing more than a disembodied head, with his body nowhere to be found.

[[File:TFA Headmaster statue fire.JPG|upright=1.1|thumb|The hottest thing to hit the art world in years!]]

Having brought Bulkhead's head safely back to headquarters, Prime, [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] and [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] depart to assist the police investigation, leaving the bodiless Bulkhead, much to his annoyance, in the care of the not-wholly-sympathetic Bumblebee. After taking the opportunity to belittle Bulkhead for his newly diminished stature and use him as a bowling ball, Bumblebee agrees to help Bulkhead create more art pieces for his gallery show. However, 'Bee manages to set the resulting sculpture on fire, then tries to incorporate Bulkhead's head into the art itself, which convinces Bulkhead that acquiring a body of his own should be his top priority.

Meanwhile, the police investigation, at Professor Sumdac's request, follows the trail of the body to Masterson's lab, where they find residual traces of Bulkhead's Cybertronian energy, but no signs of the body's current whereabouts. All of these factors become moot, however, when Bulkhead, who has in the meantime commandeered the luckless [[Tutor Bot]]'s body to complete his painting project, begins to sense and react remotely to his stolen body's actions. Checking the news broadcast, Bumblebee and Bulkhead see that the body, now under full Headmaster control, has stormed the [[Sidney Biggles-Jones Memorial Solar Fusion Plant|Detroit Solar Fusion Power Plant]]. Furthermore, Masterson, now referring to himself as "[[Headmaster (Animated)|The Headmaster]]", appears on air, demanding a ransom of 700 billion dollars to be delivered personally by Professor Sumdac, or else he will overload the plant, thus destroying the entire state of Michigan.

Faced with this diabolical threat, Prime concocts a plan to outwit the Headmaster. Sumdac, Sari and [[Carmine Fanzone|Captain Fanzone]] are sent into the plant in a convoy of vehicles, actually Prowl, Ratchet, Bumblebee and Prime, with Optimus himself carrying the "ransom" in a [[Optimus Prime (G1)|familiar-looking trailer]]. Once inside, they are confronted by the Bulkhead-mounted Headmaster, who falls for the ruse thoroughly enough to reveal his true intention: he's going to renege on the deal and destroy the city—and Sumdac Systems—even with the ransom paid, thereby eliminating his competition and creating a crisis that will fuel demand for his Headmaster units, whose construction the ransom money will finance. He initiates the plant's overload sequence, and, at Sumdac's suggestion, opens the trailer to count his money, only to find instead the enraged head of Bulkhead, who leaps out, demanding his body back. This is the Autobots' cue to transform and attack the Headmaster, who retaliates using the unit's sizable onboard arsenal, not to mention the strength of its host body. After some violent exchanges, the Autobots are able to overpower the Headmaster, but not without their conflict inadvertently destroying the control terminal for the fusion core.

[[File:TFA Headmaster headbutt.JPG|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Boink!]]

With overload imminent, Masterson decides to abandon the stolen body, activating the Headmaster unit's thrusters to make an aerial escape, but Bulkhead is able to bring him down to earth by using Prime's grapplers to turn his own head into a makeshift wrecking-ball projectile. With Headmaster apparently subdued, Bumblebee and Sari uses the [[AllSpark Key]] finally to reunite Bulkhead's head with his body. Unfortunately, they attach it backwards. Taking advantage of the distraction, Masterson transforms his Headmaster unit into a small robot, in which he flees the scene. Pursuit of the Headmaster is impossible, however, due to the imminent overload of the fusion core. Sumdac realises that the only remaining method of preventing meltdown is to enter the core and physically reset the solar dampeners, an unsurvivable task for human or Autobot. Prime volunteers himself, but Bulkhead, drawing on his newly developed creative instincts, instead rallies the Autobots to assemble hastily a crude robot, which Sari is able to activate with the Key. Entering the core, the robot is able to withstand the blistering heat just long enough to reset the dampening rods and stabilise the core with just seconds to spare.

[[File:TFA Headmaster war art.JPG|upright=1.1|thumb|The art of war.]]

Some time later, the melted remnants of the makeshift robot are relocated to the museum, where they become the centrepiece of Bulkhead's well-attended art exhibition. Looking on Bulkhead's print of the Autobots together, Optimus comments that he finally understands that art is about feeling, due to the emotion he feels looking at it: pride.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] (3)
*[[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] (8)
*[[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] (6)
*[[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] (7)

|c3=
*[[Headmaster (Animated)|Headmaster]] (1)
*[[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|Isaac Sumdac]] (2)
*[[Daniel Witwicky (Animated)|Daniel]] (9)
*[[Gary's mother]] (10)
*[[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari Sumdac]] (11)
*[[Carmine Fanzone|Captain Fanzone]] (13)
*[[Augustus Edsel|Mayor Edsel]] (15)

|c4=
* [[News Bot]] (4)
* [[Tutor Bot]] (12)
* [[Police drone]]s (14)
}}

==Quotes==
"Mr. Masterson! I have told my staff time and again: we do not make military robots or headmaster units that take over other military robots for...more military things!
:—'''Isaac Sumdac''' has a firm moral center. He just has trouble articulating it.

"I'm sure it wasn't that bad. You saved the city, right?" 
"After destroying half of it." 
"Not helping."
:—'''Sari Sumdac''' gives Bulkhead a pep talk, and '''Bumblebee''' just rips the poor guy.

''[Bulkhead is painting a picture while Bumblebee poses for him]'' 
'''Optimus Prime''': I'm afraid I don't see the logic in trying to reproduce an image with such primitive tools. 
'''Prowl''': I believe it's more about creating something from one's imagination, like this one for instance. 
'''Bulkhead''': Actually, that was an accident I had with Ratchet's blow torch. 
'''Ratchet''': You ask me, it's all a waste of time. No 'bot ever saved anyone with art. 
'''Bulkhead''': I'm not trying to save anyone. I'm just—I don't know—I'm trying to express how I feel. 
''[Bulkhead's paintbrush snaps, and he wrecks the picture in rage]'' 
'''Bumblebee''': I'm guessing you're feeling anger?
:—The Autobots discuss art.

"Total OWNAGE!"
:—'''The Headmaster''', many, many times.

"See? What'd I tell you? Your vision and my hands. It's magnificent. It's inspiring." 
''[Smoke alarm sounds as the statue begins to blaze]'' 
"It's on fire!!"
:—'''Bumblebee''' and '''Bulkhead'''

"I got a way with machines."
:—'''Captain Fanzone''' after smashing the control panel. The man's a bit scary.

==Notes==

===Continuity notes===
* The song that Bumblebee likes is the same song that [[Soundwave (Animated)|Soundwave]] dances to in "[[Sound and Fury]]".
* [[Daniel Witwicky (Animated)|Daniel]] appears again, crying his eyes out because of Bulkhead accidentally breaking a reporter-bot. Although the woman who comforts him is listed in the end credits as "Mother," she does not use the same [[character model]] as [[Carly Witwicky (Animated)|Carly Witwicky]].
* Sumdac insists that his company "[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Alternators.2FBinaltech|does not make military robots]]" and while this is technically true, it ''does'' [[The Elite Guard|produce]] [[Total Meltdown|large]] [[Nanosec (episode)|rolling]] [[police drone]]s, as well as [[Transform and Roll Out#Part 2|flying, shooting]] [[Sound and Fury|police drones]] capable of [[This Is Why I Hate Machines|lethal force]]. These are arguably military-adjacent.

===Transformers references===
[[File:TFA Headmaster Optimus trailer.JPG|thumb|And the fandom rejoiced (and complained).]]
* The [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster concept]] was originally part of the ''[[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' series and has seen sporadic use in other series since.
* Optimus tows a trailer with a [[Optimus Prime (G1)|certain paint job]]. Somewhere, a [[Customizing|kitbasher]] is already working on a version he can sell you.
* When Captain Fanzone switches Bumblebee's radio to something he likes, Bumblebee [[Bumblebee (Movie)|switches back]] to the previous radio channel. Fortunately, this reference is taken no further, so at no point does he make out with anyone on Bumblebee's hood.
*When the Headmaster unit detaches from Bulkhead, it transforms similarly to the Headmaster exosuits, with the face of the head ending up as a sort of backpack.
*When the fusion core is about to explode, Optimus volunteers to go in and stabilize it himself at the cost of his own life. [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|He sure likes to do this.]]

===Real-world references===
[[File:Greatestref.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|"Bumblebee, have you ever been in a Turkish prison?"]]
*Among the works of art that [[Tutor Bot]] shows Bulkhead to inspire him are Leonardo da Vinci's ''{{w|Mona Lisa}}'', Vincent Van Gogh's ''{{w|The Starry Night}}'', and James McNeill Whistler's ''{{w|Whistler's Mother|Arrangement in Grey and Black: The Artist's Mother}}''.
* Masterson plays "Rock 'Em, Sock 'Em Robots" with his Headmaster drones.
* When Bulkhead creates an image of the Autobots, he does so with the sound of a dot matrix printer.
* In the scene with Bulkhead painting his hand, Bumblebee's pose (one leg behind his head, carrying a baby, in front of an overturned Jeep) is a direct reference to the 1980 film ''{{w|Airplane!}}'', in which the main character is in a mental hospital and is painting a very similar image with a live model. (Bumblebee is missing the Tommy gun and explosion backdrop, but he does have one of his stingers deployed, close enough for the first one.)
* Also in the above scene, it is revealed that Bulkhead is actually painting his own thumb. This is a gag that is literally decades old and that has appeared in numerous shows and films, from ''{{w|Looney Tunes}}'' to ''{{w|M*A*S*H (TV series)|M*A*S*H}}''.

===Animation Errors===
* After Bulkhead runs through the wall upon finding out Sari booked an exhibition at an art gallery we see Sari turn her head and her right ear and pigtail stay in place, so it appears that she has three pigtails and an ear on her face.

===Continuity errors===
* Captain Fanzone is driving [[Captain Fanzone's car|his old car]] again after [[Snarl (Animated)|Snarl]] totally crushed it in "[[Blast from the Past]]".
* How is Bulkhead able to live without his Spark, unless it's in his head? (Granted, [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] spends most of Season 1 pulling exactly the same trick, as do a [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|couple]] [[Wasp|other]] characters later on in the show....as well as [[Waspinator (BW)|others]] in previous continuities.)

===Trivia===
*Unlike Isaac Sumdac himself, Masterson is capable of building a large, fully transformable, mobile robot. This, along with his lack of regard for human life, just goes to show that [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] is working with the wrong guy.
*This episode is notable in that Sari does not abuse the AllSpark Key, only using it to reattach Bulkhead's head and make a working robot to save the city.
*The AllSpark Key has, on a number of occasions, been shown to have the power to give sentient life to previously [[Spark]]-less automatons, notably [[Dinobot (Animated)|the Dinobots]] and [[Soundwave (Animated)|Soundwave]]. In this episode, Sari used the Key on the sculpture robot they sent in to sacrifice itself, which makes some fans think it may have been truly alive. On the other hand, Sari has used the Key on countless other unsophisticated machines (and a few semi-sophisticated ones like Tutor-Bot) that apparently did not gain sentience. Also, the two times Keyed robots ''have'' gained Sparks, they were reverse-engineered Cybertronian technology designed by Megatron; the former with an unusual burst of makeshift EMP mixed into the Key energy, the latter specifically designed to evolve through ''multiple'' uses of the Key. These facts suggest that the sculpture robot was not a sentient being. It's debatable—maybe we'll get an official explanation at a <s>BotCon</s> convention panel some time.
*Masterson claimed that the fusion core overloading would take out the entire state of Michigan. However, he planned to blow it up even though he had the money, apparently thinking he could both get far enough away before it exploded and get work from the government even though he ''destroyed a state''.
*This episode was adapted in comic book format using screen captures as half of "[[Transformers Animated Volume 6]]", with "[[Nature Calls]]" making up the other half.
*This episode was almost nixed by Hasbro, who raised concerns that the Headmaster's body-snatching would be too gruesome for small children. [[Derrick J. Wyatt]] managed to alleviate these fears by producing a proof-of-concept sketch that highlighted the episode's comedy potential.<ref>[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II]], pg. 173</ref>

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le cérébro-pilote'''" ("The Cerebro-Pilot")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Das irre Genie'''" ("The Mad Genius")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[July 9|9 July]] [[2008]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La Crisi di Bulkhead'''" ("Bulkhead's Crisis")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 20|20 December]] [[2008]]

'''Spanish (Latin America)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Super cabeza'''" ("Super Head")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 16|16 August]] [[2008]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Headmaster o Kuitomero!'''" (ヘッドマスターをくいとめろ!, "Stop the Headmaster!")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 26|26 June]] [[2010]]
::* Bulkhead and Ratchet do the intro, Bulkhead questioning about the transformation sound effect and sounding out "gi-go-ga-go-go", the onomatopoeia used when transformation occurs in the various [[manga]] series.
::* The [[title sequence]] has a variety of additional sound effects that range from the jets flying over the ocean to weapons fire to the transformation sound effect whenever any one of the Transformers switches their other mode.

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Unidade Mestre'''" ("The Master Unit")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

==Home video releases==
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Season One ([[Transformers Animated (cartoon)/home video|Paramount]]) — English and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Volume Three: Megatron Rising (Paramount) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Volume Three: Megatron Rising (Paramount) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Volume Drei: Megatrons Auferstehung (Paramount) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2010 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Vol. 4 (Paramount) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2013 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Season One ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers Animated'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Animated episodes]]

Unspace

2022-07-13T18:56:10Z

Ronsar: /* Aligned continuity family */ verb tense

{{featured}}
{{disambigm|Subspace (AB)|Infraspace|Foldspace}}
[[File:DotDpt1 interdimensional void.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|In Australia, it swirls counter clockwise.]]

'''Unspace''' is the void of nothingness that exists outside of normal space and time, sandwiched between the infinite dimensions of the [[multiverse]], acting as a buffer between universes. Down through ''Transformers'' history, it has been referred to with a great many different names, including '''transwarp space''' (or just '''"transwarp"'''), the '''warp dimension''', '''overspace''', '''underspace''', '''infraspace''', '''subspace''', '''foldspace''', and the '''bleed'''.

Many well-known [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] technologies utilize the properties of unspace to function, even if their creators or users do not always understand the specifics, or even the fact that they are using unspace at all. Most famously, the [[space bridge]], which allows a traveller to traverse vast intergalactic distances almost instantaneously by means of a "short-cut" through unspace, while [[Transwarp Drive]] allows for travel through time as well. In more common, everyday usage, personalized [[subspace storage pocket]]s give [[Transformer]]s the ability to store their weapons, and in some cases [[size changing|shunt their mass]], into unspace.

However, its widespread use does not necessarily mean that unspace has a glowing reputation. The precision and energy needed to access it often makes the technology required very temperamental, and hugely susceptible to disruption if its delicate balance is disturbed. Make one wrong move when voyaging through unspace, and it is very likely that you may not end up in the same time period, or even the same universe, that you started in... if you're fortunate enough to end up in a universe at all, and not cast adrift in its formless emptiness. And even this is not the worst that could befall a hapless castaway, because despite its seeming emptiness, unspace is home to a collection of [[Elder God|enigmatic, malignant, shapeless entities]], and for them to take notice of a stranded traveller is a fate far worse than a mere eternity of solitude. Fortunately, the [[Transcendent Technomorph|inhabitants]] of one of the older, more advanced realities have appointed themselves stewards of the multiverse and taken it upon themselves to trawl unspace, oftentimes rescuing both the on-purpose and the accidental travellers that find themselves lost in its unending expanse.

{{quote|Y’see, there are millions of alternate universes...floatin’ through transwarp space, the nothin’ between ‘em. [...] Space bridges, time travel, starslips, subspace storage pockets, an’ most of your faster-than-light travel uses transwarp, though more often than not the people usin’ it don’t even know it exists.|[[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]]|"[[Gone Too Far]]"}}

==Conceptual history==
[[File:RollForIt spacebridge opens.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|The space bridge opens in one of its earliest appearances, from "[[Roll for It]]".]]
The idea of "extra-dimensional space" used for highly accelerated travel is, of course, not unique to Transformers, being a long-standing trope of science fiction. Though not often discussed in detail, this method of transit was in play from virtually the very beginning of Transformers fiction: space bridges explicitly operated on the principle in both the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]] and [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic]], with the dangers of the interdimensional void occasionally serving as plot points. Many subsequent Generation 1 stories would feature pieces of technology that operated on this system, with many different names for the interdimensional space involved being used.

Early on, the concept of Transformers making use of extra-dimensional space was much more prolific as one of the earliest bits of widespread [[fanon]] in the burgeoning online [[fandom]]. Dubbed "subspace" by fans—again, a popular science-fiction term for the concept—it essentially arose as an explanation for perhaps the most famous question of all: "Where does [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s [[trailer]] go when he transforms?" When the Autobot leader transformed into [[robot mode]] in the original cartoon, his trailer would almost always slide out of the frame, not to be seen again until he transformed back into truck mode, at which point it would come sliding in to connect back up with him. Fans warmed to the notion that it was being shunted into this subspace, where it remained until Prime summoned it back, a concept that also helped to explain the assorted cases of [[size changing]] evident in Transformers fiction, with the notion that characters who shrank when they transformed did so by shunting their extraneous mass into subspace.

[[File:S3 darkawakening cyclonus subspace.gif|thumb|upright=1.5|[[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] summons his weapon from his [[subspace storage pocket]], as seen in "[[Dark Awakening (episode)|Dark Awakening]]".]]
This "subspace" theory also helped to explain where characters' weaponry disappeared to when they transformed into vehicle mode, and happened to line up well with a sparse few instances in the cartoon that featured the animation "cheat" of having some characters' weapons appear or disappear in a simple flash of light (a similar effect was even used on Optimus Prime's trailer in "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2]]"). Subsequent Japanese-exclusive Generation 1 cartoons ''[[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' and ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (cartoon)|Victory]]'' would later make prolific use of this effect, even turning it into a plot point in one instance, bringing more concrete validation to the idea.

Eventually, subspace was [[canonizing|canonized]], by name, in [[2004]] by the ''[[Story of Binaltech]]'', which established it as the void between dimensions, and saw characters travel through it to reach separate dimensions.

[[File:Darksyde chase.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|The ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' and the ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]'' emerge from transwarp space in the [[Beast Wars (Part 1)|first episode]] of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''.]]
In [[1996]], the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' cartoon introduced the world to transwarp technology. This tech was explained to operate by opening a window into "transwarp space", through which travellers could access entire other times and dimensions, and it was shown to do just that in the [[Beast Wars (Part 1)|very first episode]], before going on to play a recurring key role in numerous stories throughout the rest of the series as beyond. As the most consistent and explicit use of inter-dimensional-transit technology, its name began to be used in other fictions too. The [[Battle Protocol!|first episode]] of the [[2001]] ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' referred to a space bridge using transwarp technology, and ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' would continue to use the terms interchangeably.

Perhaps the most important addition to the ongoing story of interdimensional space was the 2008 prose story "[[Gone Too Far]]", produced for the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]] by longtime fans [[Greg Sepelak]] and [[Trent Troop]]. This story took the huge final step of combining the myriad depictions of interdimensional space together, establishing that they were all the same thing (see the quote up top) and using "transwarp" as its primary name. In the process, they canonized the fanon idea of "subspace storage pockets", in which Transformers could keep their personal paraphernalia. "Transwarp" remained the primary term for the concept (and was used as the title of this wiki article) until the late 2010s/early 2020s, when ''[[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|Transformers: Cyberverse]]'', ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy (cartoon)|War for Cybertron]]'', and IDW's ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars|Beast Wars]]'' comic book all collectively began using "unspace" to refer to the interdimensional void—a term plucked from [[Eye of the Storm|issue #69]] the original Marvel comic book—which is probably for the best, as it enables us to distinguish the location from the technology!

A few other barren extra-dimensional realms have sporadically appeared in ''Transformers'' fiction, perhaps most notably the utter [[void]] of complete non-existence left in the wake of [[Unicron]]'s passing. Sepelak and Troop's "[[Withered Hope]]" noted that this is what exists outside of all reality itself, while unspace is what is ''between'' dimensions, a slight but key distinction. Others exist that are so sparsely explained that they are harder to quantify and relate to the unspace concept, such as the UK Generation 1 comics' parasite-infested [[Limbo]], or the fleetingly-referenced, more metaphysical "[[infraspace]]" from IDW's ''[[The Transformers: Escalation|Escalation]]''. For these and other more vague, possibly-related concepts, see [[#See also|the list]] below.
{{--}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
[[File:ChildsPlay spacebridge interior.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|[[Energon cube]]s are transported through the "cold dark void" traversed by the space bridge, riding within a beam of light.]]
Stranded on Earth in [[1984]], the [[Decepticon]]s developed space bridge technology in order to facilitate the transport of resources to and from Cybertron. The bridge operated by opening a portal into interdimensional space—described by [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] as a "cold, dark void"—and generating a path across it in the form of a beam of light, which a traveller was required to focus upon, lest they risk becoming lost in nothingness. To become lost was to "cease to exist", according to Megatron, {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion}} or in the more dramatic parlance of [[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]], to be "catapulted into oblivion". {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} Although they would occasionally hijack the space bridge for their own purposes, the [[Autobot]]s never developed a system of their own, instead working in concert with [[human]]ity in the early 21st Century to create a network of [[warp gate]]s that operated on a similar principle, with the advantage of fixed entry/exit points, versus the constant relocation the Decepticon space bridge design required. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3}}

[[File:Kickback subspace.jpg|left|upright=1.66|thumb|Say hello to my leetle friend!]]
Instances of Transformers visibly displacing their weapons and paraphernalia were rare, but not unheard of; [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]]'s [[proton bomb]]s disappeared in a flicker of purple light when he transformed to enter [[Teletraan I]] {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}}; [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]]'s gun manifested in his hands in a purple flash during the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]' first battles with the Autobots {{storylink|A Plague of Insecticons}}; [[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] summoned his oxidating laser into his hand while confronting the Autobots in their [[Autobot Mausoleum|mausoleum]] {{storylink|Dark Awakening (episode)|Dark Awakening}}; and [[Blurr (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blurr]] once did the same to his electro-laser. {{storylink|Commercial bumper#Generation 1|1986 commercial bumper}} The glow-effect seen to accompany these displacements also appeared in a few other vanishingly rare instances that subspace can probably be attributed to: [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]]'s forearm once glowed orange when he substituted his hand for his grappling hook {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}}; [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s trailer sported a pronounced golden glow in one instance when he called it to him; {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}} and [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] shimmered with a white halo as he grew back to full size in one unique transformation sequence. {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion}}

The [[Quintesson]]s had also perfected a means of interdimensional travel, using a [[Planetary Corridor CB-311-B4|secret chamber]] to teleport criminals of their race away to different dimensions. One such realm was described as a "dimension without substance"; [[#Wreckers: Finale|subsequent evidence]] indicates that this realm was actually interdimensional space itself. {{storylink|Madman's Paradise}}
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====Japanese cartoon continuity====
[[File:IRiskMyLifeForEarth unstable spacebridge.jpg|thumb|Transit through a destabilized space bridge was punctuated by lightning-like bursts of energy.]]
The Autobot/human alliance that brought about warp gate technology began with the development of the ''[[Trigger]]'' space station, which even the Decepticons recognized as superior to their own space bridge system and attempted to appropriate. Damage done to the ''Trigger''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s systems in the attempt caused it briefly punch a hole through time. {{storylink|Transformers: The Battle of the Star Gate|The Battle of the Star Gate}} By the year [[2011]], however, warp gates had fallen into disuse among the Autobots, who instead finally adopted space bridge technology for themselves, setting up a network between Cybertron, [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]] on Earth, and their secondary command post on [[Athenia]]. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} The [[Trainbot]]s usually ferried travellers through the inter-dimensional space the bridge traversed, though transit grew dangerous when the gravimetric balance of the bridge was destabilized following the destruction of [[Mars (planet)|Mars]]. The Autobots' access to Earth was subsequently greatly diminished when their space bridge was destroyed by the Decepticons. {{storylink|Daniel Faces His Biggest Crisis Ever!!}}

[[File:Victory21 deathy subspace fail.gif|left|thumb|"Gnngh, blasted lighter..."]]
Weaponry displacement gradually became a much more common sight in the years that followed 2011; [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmaster]] warrior [[Ginrai (human)|Ginrai]] was often seen to summon up his cannons into his hands with a flash of light. The great users of this technique, though, were [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]], [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] and their warriors, who would regularly manifest their various weapons during battle. Their frequent use of the technique offered some more insight into its working, suggesting that a Transformer uses some of their personal energy supply in summoning a weapon, and in ''keeping'' it summoned: When Deathsaurus was poised to slay Star Saber with his [[Living-Metal-Destroying Cannon]], the weapon fizzled out and de-materialized because he did not have the energy to spare. Attempting to summon his sword immediately afterward, Deathsaurus could only manifest the blade for a moment before it too faded out. {{storylink|Resurrection!? The Decepticon Fortress}}
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====''Story of Binaltech''====
To increase the Autobots' manpower, [[Chip Chase]] invented the [[Genetronic Translink System]], which allowed a Transformer's [[spark]] to be safely stored in subspace, and from there, control multiple [[Binaltech (technology)|Binaltech]] bodies via translink ports installed on them. {{storylink|GT Units Online!}} Later, [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] attempted to use the GT System to transfer [[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]]'s spark into a new body from across the solar system by moving it through subspace. Unfortunately, a Decepticon attack caused the system to malfunction, and Prowl's spark was lost to the void. {{storylink|Prowl & Chase}} A few years later, Prowl's spark found its way through the infinite vastness of subspace and materialized in a parallel timeline where the Binaltech project had died out. Unfortunately, this did not put him beyond the reach of his timeline's Decepticons, who used a neuro-net frame, hooked up to subspace node, to locate his spark across the dimensions and drain energy from it to power a synthetic [[electrum]] monster they had created. An Autobot from the timeline Prowl had travelled to, [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]], voyaged across subspace to team up with the Autobots of Prowl's home time, stop the Decepticons, and restore Prowl to his true body. {{storylink|Unfinished Business, Part 1}} {{storylink|Unfinished Business, Part 2}}
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===Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics===
[[File:Unspace.jpg|thumb|upright=0.66|It's real purple in there.]]
[[File:Marvel18 interdimensional space.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb]]
The Decepticons' space bridge was designed to resemble a suspension bridge, and when activated, the swirling void of interdimensional space became visible through the "cables" that formed its sides. To fall from the bridge into the void was to be immediately and explosively destroyed, a fate met by several Autobots and Decepticons during an attempt by [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]'s rebel cell to destroy the bridge. {{storylink|The Bridge to Nowhere!}}

To counter the space bridge, the Autobots later bridged the interdimensional gulf with their new [[trans-time dimensional portal]] technology. {{storylink|King Con!}} When [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] attempted to use this technology to escape an impending implosion in his base on Cybertron, he was stopped by [[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]], {{storylink|Skin Deep}}, only for the subsequent blast to first hurl the two combatants through the portal, then damage the device enough to cause it to shut down before they could emerge on the other side. Consequently, the pair were left stranded in interdimensional space—called "unspace" by [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]], the "nothingness between realities"—before being recovered by an automated probe the Autobot detective sent into the void to find them. {{storylink|Eye of the Storm}}
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===Beast Era===
====''Beast Wars'' & ''Beast Machines'' cartoons====
:''See also: [[Transwarp Drive]], [[transwarp cell]], [[transwarp wavefront]], [[transwarp cruiser]]''
[[File:NemesisPt2 transwarp portal.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|Portals created by transwarp drives resemble rippling holes in the fabric of space.]]
At some point during the three hundred years that followed the end of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], the [[transwarp cell]] was perfected, allowing for the creation of the [[Transwarp Drive]]. The drive allowed starships equipped with it to voyage across time and space by generating their own portals through what Cybertronian culture now termed "transwarp space", without the requirement of the grounded entrance or exit portal that the space bridge before it had required. Having been aware that the technology was in development as far back as the 20th century, Megatron encoded a message on the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]], leaving instructions for any descendants of the Decepticons who found his missive to use transwarp tech to travel back in time and alter history in the Decepticons' favor. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}} The descendant who realized this scheme was the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] also known as [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]], who stole the transwarp-enabled ship ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]'' and brought his troops back in time to prehistoric Earth, only to be pursued by [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]]'s [[Maximal]] crew. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}}

[[File:CotFpt2 rhinox core consciousness.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Rhinox projects his consciousness through transwarp space into the Matrix.]]
In order to destroy an [[Planet Buster|alien weapon]] threatening Earth, Megatron triggered the explosion of a set of transwarp cells, obliterating the weapon, but also claiming Optimus Primal's life. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}} By virtue of its very nature, however, the explosion punctured a hole into transwarp space which remained open for some time afterward. This gave Maximal engineer [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] the chance to project his [[core consciousness]] through the window, piggybacking on the trail left by Primal's spark as it joined the [[Transformer afterlife|Allspark]] and actually follow and recover his departed leader's lifeforce from the afterlife itself via transwarp space. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}} Additionally, the transwarp energies that infused the [[transwarp wavefront|shockwave]] of the explosion caused it to move through time as well as space, eventually reaching Cybertron in the Beast Warriors' home time. Alerted to the time-lost Transformers' situation by the wavefront's arrival, the [[Tripredacus Council]] dispatched their covert agent [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] in a [[transwarp cruiser|transwarp-capable ship]] to recover them, but his mission met with failure. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)|The Agenda}}
[[File:Revelationspt2 transwarp.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|A view of tranwarp space from the Maximals' shuttle as they return to Cybertron.]]
After defeating the Predacons and capturing Megatron, the Maximals jury-rigged transwarp technology to an [[Autobot Shuttle Omega Delta|Autobot shuttle]] to effect their return to their home time. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}} Unfortunately, Megatron broke free during transit through transwarp space and escaped into the vortex, emerging on Cybertron some time before the Maximals' intended arrival date. He proceeded to conquer the planet, so that when the Maximals exited transwarp at their intended time in his relative future, his forces were waiting for them. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent}}

====''Beast Wars Neo'' cartoon====
The starships ''[[Gung Ho]]'' and ''[[Dinosaur (ship)|Dinosaur]]'' could achieve faster-than-light travel by travelling through a "warp dimension." {{storylink|Fight! Maximals}}

====3H comics====
[[File:Jnwan.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The unregulated interaction of transwarp space with the material world resulted in the creation of the chaotic landscape of the J'nwan.]]
A constantly-rotating fissure into interdimensional subspace that exists naturally on Cybertron gives rise to the region of the planet known as the [[J'nwan]], where space and time are constantly in flux, and numerous pocket dimensions frequently intersect with the planet itself, producing a maddening landscape among which many Transformers of legend have opted to live out the rest of their days. {{storylink|Paradox}}

When [[Unicron]] was destroyed in the year 2005, his death tore a hole into the "overspace" between dimensions, through which the chaos-bringer's [[Dark Essence]] wound its way to prehistoric Earth. Though initially chosen by [[Shokaract]] to recover the dark god's essence, [[Cataclysm (BW)|Cataclysm]] was too afraid of being lost to the void should he travel via transwarp, so [[Antagony (BW)|Antagony]] went in his stead, though the rigors of unprotected travel through overspace took it out of her, allowing her to be captured by Megatron. {{storylink|Herald}} Cataclysm went after her, and his worst fears were realized when [[Windrazor (BW)|Windrazor]] disrupted his transit through transwarp, causing his component molecules to be scattered among the nothingness. {{storylink|Schism (story)|Schism}} After the failure of his Heralds, [[Shokaract]] personally travelled through overspace to Earth to ensure the Dark Essence continued to exist, {{Storylink|Paradox}} but wound up cancelling out his own existence. {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}}

Following the end of the Beast Wars, Tarantulas attempted construction of a transwarp portal to bring the captured [[Matrix of Leadership]] into Unicron's clutches. {{storylink|Primeval Dawn}}

{{note|Had ''Primeval Dawn'' been finished, it would have shown the Maximals left behind on Earth—and [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]—using this portal to return to Cybertron at the time of the ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' cartoon.}}

After [[Cryotek (Universe)|Cryotek]] seized control of the power of [[Primus]] via the [[Divine Light]] and began to battle [[Sentinel Maximus]], the Quintesson [[Al-Badur]] opened a portal to dispose of them by sending them into the formless nothing between worlds. Pulled through the portal along with his intended victims, Al-Badur was disintegrated, unable to survive the non-realm, while the power of Primus within Cryotek and Sentinel Maximus sustained them. Maximus, however, was summoned away by Primus, whisked away through the void to emerge in another time and dimension, while Cryotek was left with the sense that he was [[Elder God|not alone]]... {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}
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====2006 IDW ''Beast Wars'' continuity====
[[File:Gathering4 transwarp shunt backfires.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|Magmatron is unhinged from space/time when his transwarp shunt is damaged at the moment of activation.]]
[[Magmatron]] used "[[Transwarp Drive|transwarp shunt]]" technology to send himself back in time without using a spacecraft in order to gather up the [[protoform]]s that became scattered across prehistoric Earth during the Beast Wars. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 1|The Gathering #1}} The small number of these protoforms who awoke as Maximals proved more industrious than their forebears, and their leader [[Razorbeast]] was able to beam a message through transwarp space to summon a rescue team from the future. He also dispatched Magmatron by blowing up his transwarp shunt platform just as he was attempting to return to the future, {{storylink|The Gathering issue 4|The Gathering #4}} which resulted in Magmatron becoming dislodged from space and time. {{storylink|The Ascending issue 1|The Ascending #1}}

====2021 IDW ''Beast Wars'' comic====
Cybertronian ships equipped with a Transwarp Drive could access unspace, propelling themselves through both time and space. Within unspace however, the laws of physics differed from those of normal space. After stealing the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] and [[Darksyde (BW)|a warship]], a group of Predacon separatists used their transwarp drive to travel to another world in another time but were pursued by a the Maximal exploration craft ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]''. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 1}}

Following the two ships crashing, they were visited by a trio of [[Vok]], [[Skold]] discovering this when a scan of hers picked up the unspace signatures that the aliens had left within the ''Darksyde''. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 2}}
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===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
[[File:AgeofWrath3 flash enters infraspace.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Flash passes through "Infraspace".]]
When the original [[thirteen]] Transformers defeated Unicron in battle at the dawn of time, they did so by blasting the chaos-bringer and his servant, their own traitorous brother [[The Fallen]], into a black hole and out of their dimension. While Unicron proceeded to emerge somewhere else in the multiverse, The Fallen was not so lucky, becoming trapped in the interdimensional void, {{storylink|Transformers: The Ultimate Guide|The Ultimate Guide}} which he called "underspace". {{storylink|Conflagration}} Untold eons later, around seven million years before the present day, the Decepticons developed space bridge technology, which operated by traversing this realm, referred to by the Transformers as both "infraspace" and "foldspace". The initial test of the bridge was disrupted by Optimus Prime, and he and Megatron vanished, cast adrift in interdimensional space, while simultaneously opening the pathway for The Fallen, who was at last able to return to the material world. {{storylink|Fragmentation (G1)|Fragmentation}} Prime and Megatron were later plucked from infraspace by the Quintessons and brought to their world of [[Quintessa (planet)|Quintessa]]. Megatron struck a deal with the aliens and returned to Cybertron with a new [[Air Warrior|army]], while Prime remained captive until [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] was able to probe the mysteries of infraspace and recover him. In the process, [[Flash (G1)|Flash]] made an impromptu trip through the fissure Perceptor had created into the void, experiencing a curious monochromatic "photo negative" vision of the world around him as he traveled through it. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath}}
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===2005 IDW continuity===
:''See also: [[orbital jump]], [[Emergency warp-out]], [[quantum generator]]''
[[File:SLTcracker quantum jumping.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|A view of the interdimensional void from a vessel in mid-quantum jump.]]
Interdimensional transit was a famed ability of the legendary [[Titan (group)|Titans]], who served as the fleet for the [[Knights of Cybertron]], carrying them across the galaxy on space bridges that were generated by technology integrated into their bodies. {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations}} This technology was lost in the "modern" era of Transformer civilization, and the closest they could come to recreating it was [[Quantum generator|quantum jump]] technology; short-range usage of this tech, known as an "[[orbital jump]]", was rapid, {{storylink|Infiltration issue 6|Infiltration #6}} but to traverse interstellar distances, multiple jumps through transwarp space were required, and far longer amounts of time had to be spent within it, in comparison to the near-instantaneous transport space bridges offered. {{storylink|The Hunting Party (IDW)|The Hunting Party}} [[File:RID19 waspinator metrotitan.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Waspinator gets dragged through interdimensional space.]] Space bridge tech was later employed by [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] as part of the [[Expansion]], and from there, fell into the hands of the Decepticons. {{storylink|Spotlight: Metroplex}}

An unprotected trip through transwarp space was accompanied by a sensory maelstrom in which various points of space and time were experienced simultaneously, as if seeing through four-dimensional compound eyes. {{storylink|Homecoming (IDW)|Homecoming}}

The Autobots also made use of subspace as part of their communications network, beaming transmissions through it; it was through this network that [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]] disseminated his ''[[Wreckers: Declassified]]'' datalogs {{storylink|Life After the Big Bang}} and how [[Solomus|Tyrest]] transmitted the signal of his [[universal killswitch]]. {{storylink|Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|Arm the Lonely}}
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===''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe''===
{{See also|M.A.S.S. Device}}
[[File:TFvsJoe4 duke snakeyes transwarp.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.67]]
Ruthless terrorist organization [[Cobra]] had interdimensional travel technology in the form of the [[M.A.S.S. Device]], but travel through the void proved fatal to all save for the cybernetically-enhanced [[Destro]]. {{storylink|Funeral for a Friend}} [[Snake-Eyes]] performed a meditation ritual that he believed would grant him the mastery of body and mind to survive the journey, but when he was tackled into the M.A.S.S. Device portal by a revenge-seeking [[Duke (G.I. Joe)|Duke]], the pair were set adrift in interdimensional space. They both clung to Snake-Eyes's sword, which somehow appeared to protect them from the effects of the void, and were then snatched to safety by Optimus Prime, who had wound up trapped in the space between worlds under unknown circumstances, and had adopted a misshapen [[alternate mode]] to survive its ravages. {{storylink|Form Follows Function}}
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===2019 IDW continuity===
[[File:TestFlightII-unspace.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|]]
Her teleportation ability temporarily enhanced by an experimental rig created by [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], [[Jumpstream]] passed through unspace and wound up in a possible future where Cybertron had been conquered by [[Exarchon]]. While in transit through the in-between dimension, she was noticed by [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], who had been stranded there years before. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Test Flight I|Test Flight I}} On Jumpstream's return trip to her proper time, Skywarp followed in her wake, freeing himself from unspace. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Test Flight II|Test Flight II}}

When Skywarp held the Autobots hostage with an [[imploder]], Jumpstream teleported him and it back into unspace, fusing his molecules with the weapon and venting all his [[energon]] in the process. She warned that if he tried to teleport back to normal space, the imploder would activate on arrival, killing him. Skywarp lamented his renewed consignment to the dimension as Jumpstream teleported back home. {{storylink|Transformers: Fate of Cybertron|Fate of Cybertron}}
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===2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon===
[[File:Landfill Midnight Express trapped.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]

Transwarp technology was employed by the Autobots in their [[Global Space Bridge]], a network of subterranean tunnels incorporating transwarp portals that allowed the heroes to travel to any location on Earth within minutes. {{storylink|Battle Protocol!}} The interior of the Global Space Bridge appeared in a variety of ways; one rendition in particular evoked the typical "empty void" visual that often accompanies uses of transwarp space. {{storylink|Landfill (episode)|Landfill}}

Additionally, the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] ship the ''[[Megastar]]'' was transwarp-capable. {{storylink|An Explosive Situation}}
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===Unicron Trilogy cartoon continuity===
:''See also: [[Warp gate]], [[Dimension gate]]''
[[File:PrehistoryMetamorphosis armada spacebridge.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|The Autobots take a warp gate to Earth.]]
To cross the interstellar distance from Cybertron to Earth in search of the [[Mini-Con]]s in the year 2010, the Autobots and Decepticons used [[warp gate]]s, which did not require a pre-constructed exit portal at the destination point; each traveler would individually materialize out of transwarp space at their intended location. {{storylink|First Encounter}} Like space bridges, though, they could be delicate: when [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] unexpectedly entered the gate moments after [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and his team had departed through it, he materialize on Earth in an entirely different region of their target continent. {{storylink|Prehistory}} While on Earth, both factions used instantaneous short-range warp technology to get from place to place, which could span the distance from Earth to its [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. These devices required a transmat pad to send travelers on their way, but unlike space bridges, they could be recalled to base without the need for one. {{storylink|Metamorphosis (Armada)|Metamorphosis}} The interstellar warp gate apparently lacked this recall feature; when the factions were ready to return to their home planet, they had to construct spacecraft to ferry them there. {{storylink|Threaten}} {{storylink|Depart}}

[[File:CybertronCity energon spacebridge.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The 2020-era space bridge has the appearance of a tunnel of light through transwarp space.]]

By the year 2020, during the war for energon, various [[Cybertron City (city)|Cybertron Cities]] had been constructed on Earth, each with their own space bridge, allowing for quick and easy transport from planet to planet. These operated on the more familiar "tunnel" principle, generating a glowing pathway through transwarp that riders would drive along, until they emerged through another portal at the tunnel's end. {{storylink|Cybertron City (episode)|Cybertron City}} The bridges used during the [[Cyber Planet Key]] quest of 2030 operated the same way, though they were only used for transit between Earth and Cybertron; to travel to Cybertron's various colony worlds, the Autobots used instantaneous [[dimension gate]]s sliced through reality by [[Vector Prime]], while the Decepticons could short-cut through [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s [[fire dimension]]. {{storylink|Fallen (episode)|Fallen}} At one point, the Autobots travelled through a naturally-occurring subspace fissure in the [[Skeleton Nebula]] to cross over into a different dimension, {{storylink|Warp}} where their attempt to create a space bridge to get them home exposed them to another of the time-transcending dangers of transwarp tech, when they wound up opening a hole into the past. {{storylink|Guardian (episode)|Guardian}}

[[Unicron]]'s [[Herald of Unicron|herald]] [[Ramjet (Universe)|Ramjet]] was lost to the infinite reaches of transwarp when his master collapsed into a [[Unicron Singularity|black hole]]. Floating helplessly there, he was discovered by the evil entities that inhabit the void, who repeatedly destroyed and recreated him until they grew bored and cast him back into the material universe. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 5|Ramjet profile}}

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===Dreamwave ''Armada'' continuity===
[[File:Armada17 spacebridges to other dimensions.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.5|Overlapping space bridges burrow through transwarp into entirely different dimensions.]]
In order to open an interdimensional rift so that [[Unicron]] could enter this universe, his [[Herald of Unicron|Heralds]] invaded the [[space bridge nexus]], a hub of multiple space bridges at [[Decepticon Command Headquarters]] on Cybertron. They activated all the bridges, causing overlapping portals to open all across local dimensional space, {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 2 of 4}} which even resulted in the bridges piercing holes through transwarp to entirely different dimensions. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4}} The turmoil this caused to the fabric of space/time caused Optimus Prime to vanish into another universe, so the Autobots sent a search probe into subspace through a space bridge. Floating in the gap between realities, the probe began searching through those innumerable other realities, searching for the one into which Prime had disappeared. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 2 of 4}} A squad led by [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] ended the chaos by destroying the space bridge nexus, but this did not close Unicron's portal {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4}} through which he soon emerged. {{storylink|The End (Armada)|The End}}

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===Live-action film series===
[[File:Defiance4 dynasty dimension jump.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|One of the Dynasty of Primes jumps through interdimensional space using his sarcophagus.]]
:''See also: [[Sarcophagus]], [[Foldspace warhead]]''

The [[Dynasty of Primes]] were the first to possess the power to traverse the interdimensional gulf, which they did using [[sarcophagus|sarcophagi]]. Their servants, the [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seekers]], were also gifted with the power to generate their own personal space bridges so that they could search the universe for stars to feed the [[AllSpark]]. {{storylink|Defiance issue 4|Defiance #4}} With the death of the Primes and the banishment of [[The Fallen]] across the dimensions, the technology was lost to modern Cybertronians until reinvented by [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]. {{storylink|Foundation issue 4|Foundation #4}} The unexpected activation of the pillars that made up Sentinel's bridge caused his craft, the [[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]], to jink uncontrollably across space and time until it crash-landed on Earth's moon in 1961, {{storylink|Convergence chapter 1}} but one pillar recovered from the wreckage was used by the Fallen to broach transwarp and allow him to escape his exile. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 4}} Sentinel would later be revived and would use his bridge to transport Cybertron into Earth's [[Star system|solar system]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}

A natural subspace fissure known as the [[Alkaris Anomaly]] was responsible for warping the AllSpark into Earth's solar system, but its constantly fluctuating nature meant that when [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] attempted to follow, he was disgorged in some far off corner of the galaxy. To delay the Autobots in following him, he had [[Brawl (Movie)|Devastator]] unleash a [[foldspace warhead]], which explosively warped its firer and several Autobots to randomized spots across the galaxy. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2|Prelude: Megatron}}
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===''Animated'' cartoon===

[[File:BridgeTooClosept1 spacebridge portal.jpg|left|thumb|Spacebridges consist of two pylons, which generate a spherical transwarp portal between them.]]

Space bridge technology is openly known to operate by piercing transwarp space. The key component in a bridge's functioning is the [[plasma dynamic thruster]], which is responsible for opening the fissures into interdimensional space that allow for transport. {{storylink|TransWarped}} In this universe, the term is even used as a verb: one "TransWarps" from place to place.

Transformers also use subspace for means of accelerated long-distance communication, beaming transmissions through it via use of a [[tachyon transmitter]]. Human science has yet to master this technology; all attempts remain in the development stage. {{storylink|Mission Accomplished}}

Two uses of transwarp space collided in amusing fashion when [[Swindle (Animated)|Swindle]] hijacked the Autobot ship ''[[Sigma Supreme|Steelhaven]]''. Using the Autobots' space bridge, [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari Sumdac]] was able to hack into the frequency Swindle used to access his subspace storage pocket and TransWarped [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] ''through'' it, so that he emerged on the ''Steelhaven'' through the access drawer in Swindle's chest. {{storylink|Decepticon Air}}
{{-}}
----

===''TransTech''===
[[File:Transcendent6 transwarp gate.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|A transwarp portal in one of the TransTech's Bleed Transit Facilities.]]
In one of the oldest realities in the multiverse, Cybertron was never burdened by civil war. Its inhabitants, the [[Transcendent Technomorph]]s, instead dedicated themselves to a study of the infinite mysteries of transwarp space, and the other dimensions that could be reached through it. Appointing themselves stewards of the multiverse, the TransTech constantly monitor transwarp (or "the bleed", as they also call it {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 1}}), chronicling each distinct universe they find and sifting through the interdimensional void for travelers in danger. Those who lose their way in transwarp can be redirected to one of the TransTech's receiving stations, where the travelers are then processed and allowed to live in the city of [[Axiom Nexus]] until such time as it may become possible to return them to their world of origin. When [[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]] and [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]] wound up in Axiom Nexus, [[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] gave them the abbreviated version of the TransTech's mission statement, and filled them in on the myriad uses of transwarp, explaining its connection to space bridges, time travel, subspace and more. {{storylink|Gone Too Far}}

From a far-off corner of the multiverse, a team of [[GoBots]] voyaged across transwarp space using [[Zebediah Braxis|Dr. Braxis]]'s [[Dimensional Interfacer]]. Their transit was detected by the TransTech, though the Interfacer's method of piercing transwarp was noted to be unlike any of the technology used by the Transformers to do so. {{storylink|Withered Hope}}

[[Swindle, Swindle and Swindle]] sold Transwarp drives as a way to travel between realities. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime}}
{{-}}
----

===Aligned continuity family===

{{See also|GroundBridge}}

[[File:OpBBpt1 inside the groundbridge.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|The interior of the GroundBridge.]]

Interdimensional transport technology was developed by the [[Ancient]]s, but lost to the Transformers of the modern day until it was re-engineered during the three-year period of inactivity that followed the opening salvo of their conflict on [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}} {{storylink|Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)|''Prime'' graphic novel}} {{storylink|Out of the Past}} While the Decepticons dedicated their efforts to recreated full-fledged space bridge tech, the most the Autobots could muster, with only human technology to work with, was a scaled-down version known as the "[[GroundBridge]]" that could only transport travelers around the planet and no further. {{storylink|Darkness Rising, Part 1}}
[[File:PhantomoftheSea interdimensionalvoid.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|The ''S.S. Phantom Voyager'' floats in the void outside of time.]]
Ground and space bridge portals take the appearance of a tunnel of light disappearing into the distance, but after walking partway into this tunnel, travelers will vanish in a flash over an unseen "event horizon", entering a swirling blue-green tunnel that cuts through transwarp itself with no visible beginning or end, before reappearing at their destination in a similar manner. {{storylink|Operation Bumblebee, Part 1}}

The island of [[Griffin Rock]] was also home to several independent examples. Human scientists experimented with transwarp travel as part of their [[Sanctuary Plan]], outfitting robotic "[[Tracer (RB)|tracers]]" with crystals that would teleport the island's human population to a subterranean shelter via subspace wormholes. {{storylink|Countdown (RB)|Countdown}} When the ''[[S.S. Phantom Voyager]]'', a ship from 1915, was teleported into the future by a malfunctioning [[Temporal Station|time machine]] on board, it disappeared into the interdimensional void outside of time. The ship rested in the void for a brief period before returning to the timestream, ten years into the future, repeating the process for a hundred years before being returned to its home time. {{storylink|Phantom of the Sea}}
{{-}}
----

===''Cyberverse'' cartoon===
[[File:Cyberverse-TheCrossroads-TwoArks.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|The ''Arks'' of two different dimensions meet in unspace.]]
The space between universes, unspace was a dangerous realm, its properties breaking down matter native to any universe. {{storylink|The Crossroads}} The bizarre, self-proclaimed masters of the multiverse known as the [[Quintesson]]s made free usage of unspace's lethal properties, using large quantities of it to destroy any universe they deemed guilty. {{storylink|The End Of The Universe I}}

The crew of [[Ark (Cyberverse)|''Ark'']], after making use of an old [[space bridge]], wound up in unspace along with several of their counterparts from other universes, a few Autobot crews meeting grizzly ends in the void. Using nine [[AllSpark]]s, the ''Arks'' managed to escape. {{storylink|The Crossroads}} The experience inspired [[Wheeljack (Cyberverse)|Wheeljack]] to bottle some unspace goo for use as weapon. His goo soon proved its worth by destroying [[Vector Sigma]] so that the [[Decepticon]]s could not pervert it. {{storylink|Battle For Cybertron IV}}

When the Quintessons invaded Cybertron, they incorporated [[Starscream (Cyberverse)|Starscream]] into their new [[Judge (Cyberverse)|Judge]]. To stop him, [[Windblade (Cyberverse)|Windblade]] unleashed the mighty [[Iaconus]], prompting the Quintessons to retaliate with [[Croaton (Cyberverse)|Croaton]]. Even with Quintesson technology augmenting his body, Croaton could not defeat Iaconus, forcing Starscream to kill the War Titan by dousing his head with unspace goo. {{storylink|The End Of The Universe III}}

During the invasion, [[Megatron (Cyberverse)|Megatron]] had stolen the Quintessons' [[multiverse drive]], {{storylink|The Judge (episode)|The Judge}} and travelled to another reality. In this world, Megatron found that [[Megatron X (Cyberverse)|his counterpart]] had won the [[Great War (Cyberverse)|Great War]] after stealing the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Managing to steal the Matrix, along with [[Astrotrain (Cyberverse)|Astrotrain]] and the [[Insecticon (Cyberverse)|Insecticons]], Megatron fled back to his reality, aware that his counterpart would follow. {{storylink|Silent Strike}} To that end, he had Astrotrain and Dead End fashion a weapon that could banish its targets to unspace. {{storylink|Rack 'n' Ruin 'n' Ratchet}} While the weapon proved readily capable of banishing the [[Decepticon supersoldier]]s to the hellish realm, the alternate Megatron swatted away the weapon before he could be consigned to such a fate. {{storylink|The Other One}}

==Notes==
*Unspace's alternate name "the Bleed", used in "[[Transcendent: Part 1]]", comes from DC Comics / WildStorm Productions stories.

==See also==
*[[Blastizone]]
*[[Infraspace]]
*[[Inner space]]
*[[Limbo]]
*[[Teleportation]]
*[[Void]]

[[Category:Animated technology]]
[[Category:Beast Machines]]
[[Category:Beast Wars technology]]
[[Category:Dimensions]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) technology]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:TransTech technology]]

Patch (episode)

2022-07-06T09:48:26Z

Ronsar: /* Notes */ grafted note extracted from other page

{{disambig2|the ''Prime'' episode|the dog from Generation 1|Patch (G1)}}

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 50
|prev=Inside Job
|next=Regeneration (Prime)
|image=Patch Starscream dances.jpg
|caption= Everybody cut loose! Footloose!
|title="Patch"
|airdate=[[October 19]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Duane Capizzi]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Starscream proposes a truce with Megatron, but the Decepticon leader remains suspicious.'''

==Synopsis==
Atop the Decepticon warship, [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] asks [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] what he seeks in return for the [[Omega Key]]s, his answer being that he merely wishes to once more be a [[Decepticon]] under Megatron's command. Megatron points out that [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] is now his second-in-command, and Starscream insists he will keep to his place. Skeptical, Megatron has [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] extracted from the wall so that he can connect Megatron and Starscream with a [[cortical psychic patch]].

[[Image:PatchKnockOut.JPG|thumb|left|250px|Don't get so cocky, Knock Out.]]

By rummaging through Starscream's memories, Megatron intends to find what really drives him. Once inside, he reminds Starscream that there are no secrets, even as they watch Starscream's base consciousness obnoxiously celebrating becoming leader of the Decepticons, much to the present Starscream's embarrassment and Megatron's amusement.

He begins by reviewing the events surrounding the [[space bridge]] explosion. Megatron watches various instances of Starscream's attempts at assassination: the time he made a bunch of clones to infiltrate the ''Nemesis''; and when he tried to make a deal with Airachnid. Starscream lamely claims he was half-crazed with energon deficiency at the time, and insists he always had Megatron's best interests at heart, like removing the [[Dark Energon]] from his body so his mind did not become corrupted by it. Naturally, Megatron doesn't buy it. Upon replaying Starscream's musings when Megatron was trapped underground, he suggests that Starscream refrain from thinking out loud in the future. He also drops the hint that if Starscream fails to be convincing, the patch session will end in Starscream's termination.

Starscream claims the occasional trouncing is enough to bring him back into line, and tries to play up his own generosity, bringing up the gift of [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]]'s corpse for Dark Energon experimentation, and his use of his wits in dealing with the Autobots. Megatron points out his wits are usually insufficient to compensate for his arrogance: when he faced [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] while charged up on Dark Energon; or when he tried to use the [[Energon Harvester]] on [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]]. The revelation that [[MECH]] took Starscream's [[transformation cog|T-Cog]] greatly amuses Megatron, though Starscream is hoping that that might be restored to him in exchange for the Omega Keys — after all, he usually transforms with such style. He points out that at the time he deserted the Decepticon cause, he was not being made to feel particularly welcome there, despite apparently learning his place. Megatron does not believe Starscream's change of heart at the time would have lasted, and replays a discussion between Starscream and Knock Out while Megatron was lying in a coma in the sick bay. In the real world, Knock Out starts to realize that Starscream's memories are going to be equally incriminating to himself. Panicking, he comes up with a plan to disconnect the patch, trapping Megatron in Starscream's mind.

[[Image:PatchKnockOutDreadwing.jpg|thumb|right|250px|That awkward moment when you find out that your thought-to-be-dead twin brother is a zombie.]]

As Knock Out goes to unplug Megatron, Dreadwing stops him and he is forced to make up an excuse. Megatron's psychic interrogation of Starscream continues, and while Starscream claims that not even Dreadwing may have been a "perfect" replacement as his second-in-command, Megatron agrees, but points out at least Dreadwing and his departed brother [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]] were loyal and honorable. Starscream's memories of Skyquake's death and revival through Dark Energon are replayed, and he recalls how Skyquake was left in an undead state in some dimensional nether-realm. This revelation comes as a shock to Dreadwing, who is still watching in the lab. Megatron announces that Starscream will be allowed to rejoin the Decepticon forces proper, as they ''must'' be working as one unit if Cybertron is to be properly restored, a fact also addressed to the watching Knock Out. Shaken, Knock Out turns away from the monitor to discover that Dreadwing is no longer in the room. The second-in-command is instead on the outer hull of the ''Nemesis'', and aims a scream of rage at the sky.

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* ''[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]]'' (6)
* ''[[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]]'' (12)
* ''[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]]'' (13)
* ''[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]]'' (14)
* ''[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]]'' (15)
* ''[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]]''
* ''[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (back of head only)
|c2=
* [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (1)
* [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (2)
* [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (3)
* [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (4)
* ''[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]]'' (5)
* ''[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]]'' (7)
* ''[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]]'' (8)
* ''[[Starscream clone (Prime)|Starscream clone]]s'' (9)
* ''[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]]'' (10)
* ''[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]]'' (11)
* ''[[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]]'' (17)
|c3=
* ''[[Silas]]'' (16)
* ''[[MECH Commando]]s''
}}

==Quotes==
"Few things of value come without a price."
:—'''Megatron'''

"This is going to be ''juicy''."
:—'''Knock Out''' will regret that prediction.

"A word of advice? Stop thinking aloud."
:—'''Megatron'''

"Ah, I do transform with an exceptional sense of style... I said that out loud, didn't I?"
:—'''Starscream'''

"Uh oh... Does this thing have a fast-forward button? Or better yet, erase?!"
:—'''Knock Out'''

"Infighting has nearly destroyed the Decepticons during your absence. We are to operate as a united front if we are to revive and conquer Cybertron. That means each and every one of us... ''Knock Out''!"
:—'''Megatron''', swatting two flies in one hit.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Being a [[clip show]], this episode shows bits from virtually every episode of the series up to this point.
* This is the first truly Decepticon-focused episode, with no Autobots appearing outside of flashbacks.
* Dreadwing learns of Starscream's attempt to revive Skyquake as a zombie minion in "Shadowzone", as well as his imprisonment in an alternate dimension at the end of that episode.
* Megatron tells Dreadwing to free Knock Out from the wall of the ''Nemesis'', which occurred in the [[Inside Job|previous episode]].

===Real-world references===
* While the Vehicons chant "All hail Starscream", he begins a hilarious victory-dance routine, with his final moves being an impression of John Travolta in ''Saturday Night Fever''. According to interviews with the crew, this was not in the script, being added in as a joke by the [[Polygon Pictures|Polygon]] animation team. After all laughing about it, the US crew decided to keep it in the actual episode.

===Errors===
* Starscream was not present when Skyquake was trapped in an alternate dimension in "[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]", nor was that fact ever made clear to him or any other Decepticon. While it is obvious that Skyquake lost his arm (since it attacked Starscream), Starscream shouldn't have such precise knowledge of his fate.
* When Knock Out is looking around the lab to see Dreadwing is gone, the tables are empty, when Megatron and Starscream should be visible on them.

===Trivia===
* This is the second [[clip show|clip episode]], the first being "[[Grill (episode)|Grill]]".
* Megatron's mental projection has his original arm, not the [[Liege Maximo|dead Prime]]'s arm, just like in the [[Inside Job|previous episode]].
* For being clever enough to engineer a plan to successfully steal all four Omega Keys, Starscream didn't really think through his plan to regain Megatron's favor. He went in with no insurance policy to make sure Megatron didn't just simply scrap him and take the keys instead.
* Knock Out's plan to leave Megatron in Starscream's body is similarly short-sighted: Megatron could have simply taken control of Starscream's body as he did with Bumblebee and ordered Dreadwing and/or Soundwave to assist him in returning to his own.
* So, uh... how did they get Knock Out out of the wall? And how did he expect to get put back into it?

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Réintégration'''" ("Reinstatement")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''In Starscreams Kopf'''" ("Inside Starscream's Head")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 25|25 February]] [[2013]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Shikkoku Henkei! Uragiri no Kage'''" (漆黒変形!裏切りの影, "Blackest Transformation! The Shadow of Treachery")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[March 16|16 March]] [[2013]]
:*A scene that was cut from the original Japanese dub of "[[Rock Bottom]]" is actually kept in and dubbed in this episode.

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fragmentos'''" ("Fragments")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 18|18 August]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Nella mente di Starscream'''" ("In Starscream's mind"), "'''Il Cerotto Psichico Corticale'''" (2017 airing, "The Cortical Psychic Patch")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 16|16 February]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 25 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 5: Advance on Cybertron ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 12: Die Entscheidung ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 4: Bataille épiques ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 4: Darkest Hour (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 4: L'ora più buia (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]
[[Category:Clip shows]]

Thirst

2022-07-06T09:47:20Z

Ronsar: /* Continuity notes */ extracted a note more fitting for "Patch"

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 60
|prev=Plus One (Prime)
|next=Evolution
|image=ThristEpisodeConZombie.jpg
|caption=There were demons in the base. He didn't see them, but had expected them now for years. His warnings to Cernel Joson were not listenend to and now it was too late. Far too late for now, anyway.
|title="Thirst"
|airdate=[[June 7]], [[2013]]
|written by=[[Marsha Griffin]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Knock Out and Starscream's experiment with synthetic energon threatens to take over the Decepticon ship and unleash an old enemy.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Thirst1.jpg|left|thumb|300px|When he was young he watched the spaceships and he said to dad "I want to be on the ships daddy." Dad said "No! You will BE KILL BY DEMONS"]]

In [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'s lab, [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] bemoans his current situation, having to compete with [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] for [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]'s favor. His whining is interrupted by moans from [[Silas|Cylas]], who is strapped to a table and begging to be freed. Knock Out injects him with a derivative of the [[Synthetic Energon|synthetic energon]] he recovered from the [[Autobot]]s. The compound drives Cylas into a rage, which Knock Out notes is one of its erratic side effects. Starscream sees in Cylas' fury the makings of a super-soldier for Megatron.

Starscream attempts to inform Megatron of this discovery, but the [[Decepticon]] leader is only interested in discussing the status of the [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]] [[protoform]]s with Shockwave, who is reporting in from his off-site lab. Brushed off by his leader as unimportant, Starscream sulks on his way back to Knock Out's lab.

Cylas becomes more enraged with each new injection of Synth En. Knock Out discovers that the more the compound is administered, the faster Cylas burns through his own natural [[energon]] reserves. Starscream cannot see the use of having [[Predaking (Prime)|another]] unruly beast that can't be controlled, but then has an idea: [[Dark Energon]]. Knock Out objects, noting that the "Blood of [[Unicron]]" once [[Flying Mind|turned their own ship against them]], and that he would need approval from Shockwave in any case. Starscream assures the doctor that a controlled, minimal injection will merely place Cylas under Megatron's command, via their leader's symbiotic link with the substance, then asserts that "super-soldiers" are a military concern and thus fall under ''his'' jurisdiction.

Under orders and under protest, Knock Out injects Cylas with the Dark Energon-enhanced formula. Cylas temporarily powers down before rebooting in a rage and breaking free from his bonds. But after only a few steps, he crumbles to his knees, desperately low on energon. Then with a fierce roar, his lower jaw splits into monstrous mandibles and a long, bladed tongue emerges, which he attempts to use on Starscream to drain him of energon. Unable to subdue him, Starscream and Knock Out flee down the halls of the ship.

Once a safe distance away, Knock Out suggests sounding the alarm. Starscream disagrees, not wanting Megatron to learn of their actions. He claims that once Cylas attempts to feed upon the ship's highly-trained [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]] troopers, they will take care of the threat.

Elsewhere, one of the Vehicons stumbles upon Cylas, who grabs the highly-trained trooper and begins draining his energon.

Starscream and Knock Out plan the disposal of Cylas' corpse when they find the Vehicon's corpse instead. While the two argue about who's to blame for their predicament, the dead Vehicon is reanimated by the Dark Energon in its system as a [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcon]] and reveals the same segmented jaw and bladed tongue that Cylas had. Starscream's blaster fire only staggers it, and Knock Out suggests destroying the Terrorcon's head, inspired by Human horror movies. Though Starscream's missile is successful in decapitating the creature, it doesn't stop it in the least, as the body lumbers forward with the tongue sticking out of the hole where the head used to be. A concentrated volley of blasts to the Vehicon's chest destroys the monster's revitalized spark, severing its link to the Dark Energon.

Knock Out posits that Cylas could infect the entire crew in the same manner, a theory that's borne out when they find themselves pursued by multiple energy-draining Terrorcons. Starscream and Knock Out lock themselves in a comm room to get a breather and assess the situation. Accepting that this may be the end, the two Decepticons exchange some awkward final pleasantries and step back into the hall…

[[File:Thirst-restinpeace.jpg|thumb|left|300px|"No! I must kill the demons" he shouted The radio said "No, John. You are the demons"]]
…Right into Megatron, who demands to know why the Dark Energon in his spark has been acting strangely as of late. Starscream provides a slanted explanation, but Megatron doesn't believe it until he's forced to destroy an attacking Terrorcon.

After a more extensive debrief of the situation, Megatron puts the ship on high alert and orders Starscream and Knock Out to seek and destroy Cylas. Around the ship, Vehicons and [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] battle the infected Terrorcons.

Cylas wanders into the ship's vault. Sensing energon within a [[stasis pod]], he breaks it open, freeing and reviving [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]]. Cylas attempts to drain her energon, though she ''barely'' ducks out of the way of his tongue, and a short battle ensues, but Airachnid is able to immobilize him with webbing long enough to deliver a fatal wound; ripping "[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]]" open in order to destroy his spark and make ''sure'' he's dead this time, Airachnid instead finds the mutilated real body of Cylas, who survives just long enough to thank her for freeing him from his tortured existence before dying. She immediately re-establishes her telepathic control over the Insecticons and commands them to return to her. Their sudden departure is noticed by [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]].

Starscream and Knock Out discover Cylas' corpse. Starscream is elated until Knock Out points out Airachnid's destroyed prison, followed by Megatron demanding a status update.

[[File:Thirst-Airachnidzombie.jpg|thumb|right|300px|And then John was a zombie.]]
Airachnid leads the Insecticons through the halls of the ship, ordering them to wipe out every Decepticon aboard. At the end of the hall, Soundwave calmly steps forward to face them. The bug-bots attack, and Soundwave opens a [[space bridge]] directly in front of him at the last second. Before they can react, Airachnid and the Insecticons are teleported away. As the bridge closes behind her, Airachnid realizes that they have been sent to a moon orbiting the abandoned [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and screams in rage.

Aboard the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', Megatron contacts Shockwave again to inform him they're implementing his containment protocol to prevent further outbreak. He also tells Shockwave to speed up the Predacon cloning project, as they have now lost more than half their military forces. Knock Out is sternly reminded that he is the ship's ''medic'' under Shockwave's command, and is forced to turn over all of his experimental projects to the scientist. Megatron then turns to Starscream, intent on teaching him a lesson the only way that seems to get through to him...

Back on the moon, an '''infected''' Airachnid drains the energon from one of her minions as the rest of the Insecticons line up obediently to await their turn.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
|c2=
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (1)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (2)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (4)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (5)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (6)
*[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] (7)
|c3=
|c4=
*[[Silas|Cylas]] (3)
*[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==

'''Megatron''': ''[Talking to Shockwave over comm]'' Tell me of the Predacon protoforms. What is the status of their incubation? Mm-hm. Uh-huh. 
'''Starscream''': Master, if I do say so myself, I have made the most intriguing discovery. It appears that-- 
'''Megatron''': Not now! ''[Back to Shockwave]'' Please continue, Shockwave. No, no one important.

'''Starscream''': Megatron will undoubtedly hold us responsible. 
'''Knock Out''': But...WE ARE! 
'''Starscream''': Well, you are, mostly.

"Aim for the head!" 
"What? How do you know?" 
"I've seen human horror films." ''[Starscream looks at him curiously]'' "At drive-in theaters!"
:—'''Knock Out''' schools '''Starscream''' on how to survive a zombie apocalypse

"I find it rather ironic that after battling Autobots all these years, getting smacked down, shot at, blown up, ''this'' is how our lights go out?" 
"Drained of our precious fluids. If this is indeed the end, if we are to become Terrorcon-chow, it has been an honor serving Lord Megatron with you." 
"You're no Breakdown. Though I must confess, I have always admired your lustrous finish." 
''[Awkward pause]'' 
"''*mm-hmm*'' Well, then." 
"Should be going."
:—'''Knock Out''' and '''Starscream'''

'''Megatron''': Would either of you like to tell me what exactly is going on? 
'''Starscream''': Yes, absolutely nothing, my liege. 
'''Knock Out''': All is quiet, too quiet. One could even say dull! 
'''Megatron''': Funny, because the Dark Energon within my spark has been pulsing. 
'''Starscream''': ''(To Knock Out)'' Allow me to handle this. ''(To Megatron)'' IT'S KNOCK OUT'S FAULT! 
'''Knock Out''': Precisely my-WHAT?!

"Silas? Whatever have they done to you? But more importantly, thank you for freeing me." 
"No. Thank…''you''…" ''[Dies]'' 
"Whatever."
:—'''Airachnid''' is unmoved by '''Cylas'''' final words

"Soundwave! I vow that on this day, the world will hear the sound of your screams."
:—'''Airachnid'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Airachnid was frozen in stasis in "[[Armada (episode)|Armada]]" and was retrieved from the Autobot base by the Decepticons in "[[Darkmount, NV]]".
* The [[polarity gauntlet]] can be seen in the vault, in the first of the five containment fields. It was left on Cybertron by [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] in "[[Darkest Hour (episode)|Darkest Hour]]", and can be assumed to have been recovered by Knock Out's salvage team offscreen in "Darkmount, NV". This leaves only the [[Immobilizer]] unaccounted for. There is also the [[Resonance Blaster]], but everyone seems to have forgotten about that by now.
* [[Silas]], the formerly fully-human commander of [[MECH]], was surgically combined with Breakdown's corpse in "[[The Human Factor]]". He changed his name to Cylas (Cybernetic Life Augmented by Symbiosis) and became a reluctant guest of the Decepticons in the same episode.
* Cylas (then Silas) entered into a partnership of convenience with Starscream in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 1]]" and conveniently stole his [[transformation cog|T-cog]] in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2]]".
* Cylas (then Silas) had Breakdown pinned to his operating table in "[[Operation: Breakdown]]".
* Knock Out recovered some of [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]]'s synthetic energon in "[[Stronger, Faster]]".
* Shockwave has been working from an off-site laboratory since "[[Chain of Command (Prime)|Chain of Command]]".
* Megatron previously used Dark Energon to reanimate and control the dead in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]".
* Dark Energon awakened a dangerous, self-serving intelligence within the Decepticon warship in "[[Flying Mind]]".
* Cylas' eyes turn green, then purple, when he is injected with synthetic energon and Dark Energon, respectively. This is consistent with previous applications of the substances. ("[[Stronger, Faster]]", "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]")
* Airachnid killed Breakdown and discovered her telepathic control of the Insecticons in "[[Crossfire (Prime)|Crossfire]]".
* Airachnid knows Cylas (then Silas) from their brief partnership in "[[Crisscross (episode)|Crisscross]]".
* Airachnid's desire to have Soundwave scream likely stems from the very one-sided beatdown she received from him in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 3]]".
* Starscream refers to the Decepticon soldiers as "Vehicons" confirming it as their real designation. [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] used that term in to describe them in "[[Plus One (Prime)|the previous episode]]"
* Megatron alludes to the beatings he bestowed on Starscream in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 4]]" and in-between the episodes "[[Out of His Head]]" and "[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]" when he prepares to punish Starscream "the only way he understands".
* Starscream took a fragment of Dark Energon and used it to raise [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]] from the dead as his first "re-animated warrior" in [[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]], all of which Megatron revealed he knew about through surveillance provided by Soundwave in "[[Rock Bottom]]".

===Transformers references===
* Protoforms are the first stage of Transformer life in many continuities.
* Megatron again refers to his upcoming Predacon army as "[[Beast Machines: Transformers (franchise)|beast machine]] super-soldiers".

===Real-world references===
* Knock Out's proclamation of "It's alive" echoes the famous words spoken in ''[[Frankenstein]]''. This is what, the third time in this series?
* In addition to the segmented jaw and barbed tongue, the Terrorcons' [[teeth]] also transform into vampiric fangs.
* As Knock Out indicated, destroying the head is the traditional way to kill zombies in many horror movies. But only human ones.
* This episode heavily pays homage to the 1985 zombie film ''The Return of the Living Dead'' where two humans (Frank and Freddie) cause a gas to spread across a cemetery that revives dead corpses into zombies and then plays comedy with the two trying to control the situation while blaming each other for the zombie apocalypse, much like Starscream and Knock Out in this episode. The zombies in ''The Return of the Living Dead'' couldn't be killed by headshots, either.
* There is also some homage to the film ''Blade II'', specifically in the physiological effects of the virus. The Reapers, genetically-engineered vampire mutants, possessed the same type of unfolding jaw and feeding tendril, as well as a greatly increased blood appetite due to a heightened metabolism.
* Starscream and Knock Out's conversation while hiding from the zombies is reminiscent of a scene in ''{{w|Dr. Strangelove}}'' wherein General Ripper and Group Captain Mandrake are hunkered down as a firefight rages around their base, and Ripper explains his fear that Communists are out for his "precious bodily fluids".
* Knock Out places his fingers on the neck of the first Vehicon that fell victim to Cylas to check for life signs. This is often done to test a seriously injured person for a {{w|pulse}} in their {{w|carotid artery}}.
* The Terrorcons' mouths open like the [[Predator (alien)|Predators]], and they also have a tube-shaped tongue with fanged jaws like the {{w|Alien (creature in Alien franchise)|Xenomorphs}}.

===Errors===
* Knock Out discusses the events of "[[Stronger, Faster]]" and "[[Flying Mind]]" with Starscream, even though Starscream wasn't part of the Decepticon ranks when either took place. While it is conceivable that Starscream learned of the events of both episodes through the ship's logs or another source, Knock Out speaks as if they were both witness to them.
* Airachnid lost one of her legs to the closing pod door when she was put in stasis, but all six are intact in this episode.
* Starscream's missile cleanly beheads a Vehicon, leaving no burn marks or exposed circuitry of any kind. For that matter, the headless Vehicon reveals that there is no "joint" on the model for the head to attach to, just a completely flat surface with a hole for the tongue. You normally don't see it because the neck just goes straight into the base of the collar, as if the collar form-fits around the neck.

===Trivia===
* This is the only episode to not feature the [[Autobot]]s in any capacity. Previously, "[[Patch (episode)|Patch]]", the last Decepticon-centric episode, had flashbacks which contained Autobots even though none appeared in person. [[Peter Cullen]], however, gets to voice the zombified Vehicon trooper Megatron puts down.
* Starscream says that the ship is crawling with "highly-trained Vehicon troopers". Kinda makes you wonder what a poorly-trained one is like, huh?
* On-the-move teleportation seems as if it's becoming Soundwave's signature move, having used it to dispatch [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] in "[[Orion Pax, Part 1]]" and to claim the Predacon fossil in "[[Project Predacon]]".
* [[Steve Blum]] is credited as "Insecticon #1" instead of [[Bombshock (Prime)|Bombshock]] this time.
* Starscream alludes to having collected "dozens of Predacon bones", and Shockwave has already grown a batch of protoforms. This implies a significant timeskip between this episode and the last, since Shockwave had only just just established an off-site laboratory in "[[Chain of Command (Prime)|Chain of Command]]" and "[[Plus One (Prime)|Plus One]]" takes place immediately after that episode. Furthermore, the amount of bones collected, assuming it's not hyperbole on Starscream's part, suggests a rather bad run of luck for the Autobots.
* While there have been several offscreen and implied deaths of humans in ''Transformers Prime'', this is the first full "watch the light die from his eye" death, not only in ''Prime'', but in western Transformers animation.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Les Mutants de l'Energon noir'''" ("The Mutants of Dark Energon")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Durst'''" ("Thirst")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 9|9 October]] [[2013]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Szomjúság'''" ("Thirst")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 11|11 September]] [[2013]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sede'''" ("Thirst")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 22|22 November]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Assetati'''" ("Thirsty")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[2013]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sed'''" ("Thirst")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 17|17 October]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 2: Race for Salvation ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 2: Race for Salvation ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Saison 3 Volume 2: L'ultime affrontement (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Staffel 3 Teil 2: Auf zur Rettung (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Intégrale Saison 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Die komplette Staffel 3 (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2016 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Plus One (Prime)

2022-07-05T13:31:26Z

Ronsar: /* Errors */ mainly de-capitalisation

{{disambig2|the ''Prime'' episode|the ''Rescue Bots'' episode|Plus One (RB)}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 59
|prev=Chain of Command (Prime)
|next=Thirst
|image=PlusOne-notdating.jpg
|caption=So, you come here often? ''I'm getting so damn tired of that joke''!
|title="Plus One"
|airdate=[[May 31]], [[2013]]
|written by=[[Greg Weisman]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''While on a mission to gather a Predacon bone, Agent Fowler finds himself in a tight squeeze with June.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:PlusOne-surrounded.jpg|left|thumb|300px|You must be new here if you thought those guys would actually pose a threat.]]
[[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] picks up a signal from [[Scotland]] and [[GroundBridge]]s [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] back to the [[Hangar E|Autobot base]]. [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] asks why he's returned alone, and Wheeljack disdainfully notes that the mission was a failure, and that the rest of his team will be returning via [[Iron Will|Ultra Magnus's ship]]. [[William Fowler|Fowler]] emerges from his office with reports of [[Decepticon]] activity in [[New Mexico]]. With [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime's]] team still in [[Texas]] and the rest of the [[Wrecker]]s still en route, that leaves Arcee and Wheeljack to continue the hunt for [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]] remains. They bridge to Fowler's coordinates and end up right in the middle of a squadron of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s. The two Autobots take them out quickly, impressing one another with their skills.

[[June Darby|June]] arrives at the [[Hangar E|Autobot base]] to pick up medical supplies being donated by Fowler, who asks her to call him "William". Raf announces that he's discovered a Predacon talon in a museum, kept in storage because scientists didn't know how to classify it. Fowler volunteers to retrieve the fossil, and invites June to accompany him. She's reluctant at first, but is angered by the hypocrisy in [[Jack Darby|Jack]] forbidding her from endangering herself, and agrees to go.

On the outer hull of the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] praises his [[Predaking (Prime)|new pet]] for successfully retrieving the fossil from Scotland. [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] reports the discovery of another Predacon energy signature, and Megatron orders him to acquire it. [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] arrives to mock Knock Out, but Megatron halts their bickering by telling Starscream to take Knock Out's place on monitor duty. As Megatron and Knock Out return inside the ship, a frustrated Starscream kicks the Predacon's tail. The beast responds with a vicious tail swipe that narrowly misses Starscream and wrecks the ship's communications array.

In a cave in New Mexico, Arcee inquires as to Wheeljack's foul mood. Wheeljack tries to brush off her questions, but Arcee persists, claiming that she knows Wheeljack only pretends to prefer working solo.

Fowler and June emerge from the museum with the Predacon talon in tow, joking about the experience and comparing past relationships. Their bonding is interrupted by the arrival of Knock Out, who renders them unconscious with a beam of light. They awake in the [[Decepticon]]'s trunk moments before he speeds off into the desert, leaving June's cell phone crushed on the ground. Knock Out attempts to request a GroundBridge, but is unable to make contact with the base.

On the ''Nemesis'', Starscream rants about the Predacon disabling their communications network while a couple of Vehicons attempt to repair it. Starscream enters an override code into a nearby computer console to reboot the system, but this only produces a shower of sparks.

Jack is worrying about how long his mother is taking when he receives a call from [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]]. She says that [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] is worried about Wheeljack, and Jack explains that he's on a mission with Arcee. Miko is annoyed that Wheeljack would replace Bulkhead so quickly, but also admits that she expected the two lone wolves to hook up.

June and Fowler bicker within Knock Out's trunk until the Decepticon tells them to stifle themselves. He continues to attempt communication with the ''Nemesis'', and June and Fowler begin devising an escape plan.

While digging in the cave walls, Wheeljack reveals to Arcee that Bulkhead, not [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]], is the source of his current frustration. He feels his onetime partner has gone soft. Arcee tells him that people change and he has to either adapt or rust. She knows [[Tailgate (Prime)|from]] [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|experience]] the pain of losing a partner.

[[File:PlusOne-snatched.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Now kiss!]]

Fowler emerges from Knock Out's trunk and into his vehicle interior, forcing the startled Decepticon to stop at a railroad yard by twisting his steering wheel and slamming on the break. June races from the car with the Predacon talon and Fowler flees in the opposite direction. Knock Out transforms and quickly finds Fowler hiding amongst the freight cars. He grabs Fowler and threatens to kill him if June doesn't reveal herself and the talon.

Jack tries calling his mother and Fowler, but both of their phones go straight to voicemail. Raf innocently suggests they went to a movie.

As he lugs a Predacon spine out of the cave, Wheeljack admits that he was wrong to abandon Bulkhead like he did. Arcee receives a distress call from Jack, who is now in the museum parking lot holding his mother's crushed phone and watching a set of tire tracks lead into the desert.

At the train yard, Knock Out notices a railcar pull away, revealing a defiant June. She tells Knock Out that she hid the fossil in one of the cars, and will only tell him which after he's let Fowler go. Knock Out realizes the fossil is most likely on the departing train car, grabs June, and heads after it.

On the ''Nemesis'', a furious Megatron discovers that communications have been down for hours. No sooner does [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] get the network back online than Knock Out calls again, reporting that he has the Predacon bone in his sights and Wheeljack and Arcee on his tail.

A squad of [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] are GroundBridged to Knock Out's location and open fire on the pursuing Autobots. Wheeljack and Arcee fight back but continue to move forward. Knock Out reaches the freight car where the bone is hidden and launches himself into the air, transforming to robot mode as he does and letting June and Fowler drop. Below, Wheeljack transforms into robot mode, catches them, and transforms back into vehicle mode with the humans inside. Knock Out snatches the fossil and makes it through the Decepticon GroundBridge before Arcee can catch him.

At the Autobot base, Jack is relieved to see his mother, but less excited that she's taken to calling Fowler "Bill". Miko teases that Jack has also lost his Autobot partner to Wheeljack. But Wheeljack and Bulkhead quickly make up, much to Miko and Jack's delight.

Back at the ''Nemesis'', Megatron congratulates Knock Out and chastises Starscream. While Starscream again blames the Predacon's bestial stupidity, the so-called beast is busy entering Starscream's access code into the computer console from earlier, calling up the ship's information on Predacons.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (3)
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (4)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (14)
*[[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] (15)

|c2=
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (7)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (9)
*[[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] (10)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (11)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (12)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (16)
*[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] (17)

|c3=
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (1)
*[[Jack Darby]] (2)
*[[William Fowler]] (6)
*[[June Darby]] (8)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (13)

}}

==Quotes==
"I didn't choose 'emergency' as my vehicle mode for laughs."
:—'''Ratchet'''

'''Wheeljack''': Know what I love most about Vehicon troopers? 
'''Arcee''': They're easily distracted.

"I'll have you know, Nurse Darby, I was an [[United States Army|Army Ranger]] and federal agent for [[Unit:E]] three decades before I ever heard the ''name'' 'Optimus Prime'."
:—'''Agent Fowler'''

'''Megatron''': Knock Out, do not return empty-handed. 
'''Knock Out''': Moi? Don't know the meaning of the word. 
'''Starscream''': Isn't "empty-handed" two words? 
'''Knock Out''': You would know. Or did your [[Apex Armor (Prime)|missing armor]] turn up?
:—'''Starscream's''' gonna need some ice after that burn.

"I wondered how long it would take for our two lone wolves to hook up."
:-'''Miko''', playing cupid with Arcee and Wheeljack

"Knock Out to Lord Megatron. I have secured one vintage Predacon talon. Plus, two of the Autobots' pets, for you to employ as hostages, lab experiments... well, any way you see fit. So go on, Big M, tell me you love me more than Starscream." 
''[Comm static]'' 
"My liege? Hello?" 
''[More static]'' 
"Too familiar?"
:—'''Knock Out'''

"Frankly, I find it ''repulsive''. The whole ''idea'' of you fleshies...''[[Reproduction|interfacing]]''." ''[Shudders]''
:—'''Knock Out'''

"*sigh* Okay, running from Bulk, shutting down like that, pretty spineless of me." 
"On the bright side, you have plenty of backbone now."
:—Guess what kind of fossil '''Wheeljack''' and '''Arcee''' found

"Bromance trumps romance."
:— '''Jack''' has it figured out

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Optimus Prime's unit went to "[[Texas|oil country]]" in "[[Project Predacon]]".
* Wheeljack ditched his unit, the Decepticons recovered the Predacon fossil, and Starscream lost the Apex Armor in "[[Chain of Command (Prime)|Chain of Command]]".
* Jack traveled to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], much to his mother's discomfort, in "[[Orion Pax, Part 2]]".
* The complex equation Ratchet refers to is more than likely the [[Synthetic Energon|synthetic energon]] formula, which he's been trying to recreate since "Project Predacon".
* Arcee still has the laser weapon she took from Ultra Magnus's arsenal in "[[Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion]]".
* The files accessed by Predaking are the same primitive renditions of Predacons that Ratchet showed to the others in "Project Predacon".
* While bickering, Starscream calls Knock Out a "wheel-bound" something (before Megatron cuts him off). He showed disdain for Knock Out's choice of alt-mode back in "[[Deus ex Machina]]".
* The museum in which Fowler and June find the Predacon talon appears to be the same one in which the Autobots found the Energon Harvester in "[[Deus ex Machina]]".

===Transformers references===
* Megatron refers to his upcoming Predacon army as "[[Beast Machines: Transformers (franchise)|beast machine]] super-soldiers".

===Real-world references===
* Fowler refers to Warren Gamaliel Harding, who was [[President of the United States]] when the Predacon talon was excavated in 1922.
* The video game Jack is playing appears to be a knock-off of ''{{w|Galaga}}''. Certainly a step-up from the [[generic racing game]] the kids played before.
**The game also features sounds from the original arcade game, though somewhat confusingly, mostly consists of sounds from {{w|Pac-Man (Atari 2600)|the Atari 2600 port of ''Pac-Man''}}, which was inexplicably ''the'' go-to for game sound effects for a few decades.

===Errors===
* Wheeljack's mouthplate silently opens and retracts when he fights the Vehicons.
* June Darby's car has only one lit headlight when she arrives at the base.
* The communication dish on the flight deck of the ''Nemesis'' didn't exist prior to this episode. In addition, it is initially shown to be on the port side of the vessel, but is on the starboard side (and facing the opposite direction) when Soundwave is working on it.
* Predaking copies Starscream's override code to access the communication array, but he was on the wrong side of the dish to see it when Starscream first used it.
* The locomotive on the train that June hides the talon in is diesel-electric, yet it makes the chuffing noise of a steam locomotive as it pulls out.

===Trivia===
* Vehicons are named for the first time within the series.
* Pepper spray apparently works on [[Sensors#Optical sensors|optic sensors]], just not nearly as long as it does on humans.
* Wheeljack's and Arcee's claim that the Vehicons are easily distracted is more obvious than it first appears, since they have Arcee and Wheeljack trapped yet just stand there while the former slowly tosses the latter into the air. Even after this they seem to pay no attention to the fight, and appear to barely wish to engage in combat, with extremely sluggish attacks and little, if any, return fire.
* Knock Out seems to be extremely adept with human catchphrases and terms, even with those he finds "repulsive". He's also picked up some French.
* It's ridiculously easy for June and Fowler to escape from inside Knock Out. Knock Out is somehow unable to keep them from turning his steering wheel, forcing him to stop by stomping his brake pedal, and opening his doors.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Wrecker un jour, Wrecker toujours'''" ("Wrecker One Day, Wrecker Forever")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Plus Eins'''" ("Plus One")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 8|8 October]] [[2013]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Három már tömeg'''" ("Three's a Crowd")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 10|10 September]] [[2013]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mais Um'''" ("Plus One")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 15|15 November]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Uno in più'''" ("One More")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[2013]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Más uno'''" ("Plus One")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 16|16 October]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 2: Race for Salvation ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Saison 3 Volume 1: Le règne de Mégatron ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Staffel 3 Teil 1: Schlacht um Darkmount (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Intégrale Saison 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Die komplette Staffel 3 (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2016 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Rebellion (Prime)

2022-07-05T02:25:41Z

Ronsar: /* Animation and technical errors */ parsed some errors into the new C. E. section

{{disambig2|the ''Prime'' episode|the ''Armada'' episode|Rebellion (Armada)}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 56
|prev=Prey (episode)
|next=Project Predacon
|image=Rebellion-eyes.jpg
|caption=[[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|It happens...]] [[Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)|but miracles happen, too.]]
|title="Rebellion"
|airdate=[[April 12]], [[2013]]
|written by=[[Steven Melching]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Team Prime wages war against the Decepticon citadel.'''

==Synopsis==
As the [[Autobot]]s prepare for battle, [[William Fowler|Fowler]] points out that the military has the weapons necessary to take down the fortress, but can't attack while [[Darkmount (Earth)|Darkmount]]'s [[fusion cannon]]s are pointed at major cities. [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] resolves to disable the cannons. As Darkmount has [[GroundBridge]] jamming capabilities, they will have to attack in a more roundabout way.

In an underground cavern, [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] expresses his doubt that he's ready to be a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], but [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus]] points out that the decision will be made by the [[Matrix of Leadership]].

[[File:Rebellion-Shockwave.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Move out, Predacons. We've waited a long time for this, yesss. Let us be close enough to enjoy it.]]

[[Jack Darby|Jack]] uses his cellphone at a gas station, and his signal is promptly picked up by the [[Decepticon]]s. [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] dispatches his seekers to investigate, but [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] GroundBridges Jack back to the ''[[Harbinger]]'' before they can reach him. [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] likewise calls for pizza from a [[New York City|New York]] alley to lure Decepticons there. Ratchet has Jack make a fake transmission from an [[Energon]] Mine, forcing Starscream to send [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]]s to check the location. With the Decepticon forces thus scattered, the Autobots bridge to the fortress while Fowler stands ready at a nearby air base with a squadron of jets.

[[File:Rebellion-UltraMagnus.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|They have deduced our strategy, such as it was.]]

As the report comes in that the Energon Mine is safe and not under attack, [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] demands to know why the Decepticons have been spread so thin. [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] solves the mystery of where the Autobots are by pointing out the existence of the ''Harbinger'', however before Starscream can dispatch his armada to attack it, Darkmount itself comes under attack. Down below, [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] toss grenades at the base of the fortress and use their new weapons to stave off the [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s that attack them. Meanwhile [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] and [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] take a more subtle route.

[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] humbly suggests releasing [[Predaking (Prime)|the Predacon]] to repel the attackers. The beast enters the fray, but is quickly distracted by the ''[[Iron Will]]''. As it attempts to chase Magnus, Ratchet opens a GroundBridge, sending the creature to the Arctic, where it quickly freezes. Shockwave leaves the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'' and starts jumping down the side of the fortress.

The dying Optimus begins to have a vision of the [[Transformer afterlife|Allspark]] and [[Alpha Trion (WFC)|Alpha Trion]]. Though Prime worries about the fate of the Matrix, his old teacher assures him it will pick a new leader.

Arcee reports to Magnus that she and Bumblebee have run into some trouble and are pinned down. Ultra Magnus decides to take matters into his own hands, entering the fortress and attacking the fusion cannon control room directly. He swiftly takes care of the Decepticons at the controls, only for Megatron himself to arrive. Meanwhile Shockwave reaches the bottom of the tower and incapacitates Bulkhead and Wheeljack with a single tank cannon blast, and Arcee and Bumblebee are surrounded by Decepticon troops. Ultra Magnus fights bravely against Megatron, but ultimately loses and is dragged up to the throne room.

Alpha Trion invites Optimus to join with the Allspark. In the cavern, the Optimus's optics flicker out and his chestplate opens up to reveal the Matrix. Smokescreen has other ideas, and drags the [[Forge of Solus Prime]] over in order to place it in Optimus's hand. A surge of energy emanates from the hammer.

[[File:Rebellion-prepunch.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.67|My turn.]]

As Ultra Magnus won't tell Megatron anything, the Decepticon leader orders the prisoners executed and the fusion cannons fired, however Starscream points out that there's something incoming. In the ''Harbinger'', Ratchet also detects the inbound object, and it has an Autobot signature. It reaches visual range of the Decepticons, revealing itself to be Optimus himself, in a new upgraded form. Landing in the throne room, Optimus deals Megatron a series of concussions before smashing the Decepticon leader all the way into the throne. Once the other Decepticons have been dealt with, Magnus deals Starscream a shattering uppercut before briefing Optimus, who sets out to destroy the fusion cannons. The Autobots at the base of the tower, on hearing the news, overthrow their captors.

Enraged, Megatron takes to the air and attempts to shoot down Prime. The news that there are incoming human forces has Starscream order the fusion cannons to fire, but while they're still powering up, Optimus Prime punches Megatron and flings the Decepticon leader directly into the fusion cannon power core, disabling the cannons. The Autobots make a hasty withdrawal as Fowler's squadron of [[Skystriker (vehicle)|Skystrikers]] unleashes missiles on Darkmount. The Decepticons likewise retreat to their warship. Smokescreen drives up the highway in time to see the fortress come crashing to the ground.

Later, at [[Hangar E|a military base]], Fowler gives the Autobots a speech of thanks. The Autobots note that the Forge's power has been completely drained, but Ratchet assures Smokescreen he made the right choice.

[[File:Rebellion-Autobotgroupshot.jpg|700px|center|thumb|In the meantime, I've got a lot of catching up to do. People to meet, things to do... specifically to have Rattrap clear all of his junk out of my quarters!]]

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] (1)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (2)
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (3)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (5)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (6)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (12)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (13)
*[[Alpha Trion (WFC)|Alpha Trion]] (22)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (14)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (15)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (16)
*[[Decepticon Miner]]s (17)
*[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] (18)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (19)
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] (20)
*[[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] (21)

|c3=
*[[William Fowler]] (7)
*[[Jack Darby]] (8)
*[[June Darby]] (9)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (10)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (11)

}}

==Quotes==
"Guess we'll have to sneak past enemy lines, Wrecker-style." 
"I couldn't deal with 'Wrecker-style' back on Cybertron, and I refuse to deal with it here."
:—'''Wheeljack''' and '''Ultra Magnus'''

"I knew the humans couldn't resist using their telecommunications... That is all they seem to do."
:—'''Starscream''' does have a point there...

"Ultra Magnus, you are no Optimus Prime."
:—'''Megatron'''

"This isn't how the story's supposed to end."
:—'''Smokescreen'''

"Commander?" 
"Sir, you are looking...robust."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Ultra Magnus'''

"Is it true the Forge has been drained of its power? Then any hope of rebuilding the Omega Lock has truly been lost." 
"I... did what I felt was right." 
"And your instincts once have again proven to be quite sound."
:—'''Ratchet''' and '''Smokescreen''' on the Forge of Solus Prime.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* The Autobots dispose of Predaking in the same manner as they did the [[Scraplet]]s in "[[Scrapheap (episode)|Scrapheap]]". [[Chain of Command (Prime)|It doesn't work as well as they hoped]].
* The Forge of Solus Prime was established to be low on energy in "[[Prey (episode)|Prey]]". Optimus' upgrade drains it completely.
* Optimus repeats the line "Megatron, begone" from "[[Orion Pax, Part 3]]", in much the same context.
* Wheeljack retains the scars inflicted by Starscream in "[[Scattered]]".
* With Darkmount destroyed and the Autobots getting a new base courtesy of the U.S. military, both sides are pretty close to where they started off. Just like old times.
* Despite her last encounter with Shockwave, Arcee does not seem at all surprised to see him. Nor is she even given any interaction with him.
* A returning Optimus deals with Megatron with a giant swing (grabs Megatron by the tail while he's in flight mode, spins him around and throws him), just like Megatron did with Starscream upon his own return from stasis in "[[Out of His Head]]".

===Transformers references===
* Optimus Prime (and [[Ginrai (human)|Optimus expies]]) gaining a flight-capable backpack is something of an Optimus tradition by this point.
* Ultra Magnus's "couldn't deal with" remark seems a nod to his [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Generation 1 counterpart's]] oft-referenced line from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

===Animation and technical errors===
* When Wheeljack unsheathes his katanas to attack the Decepticons, the handles remain part of his character model as he draws them. The error is fixed by the next shot.
* When Optimus flies to the scene and quickly starts pounding Megatron, the latter's leg wobbling doesn't really match with background movement.
* Ratchet's "Pfft, well..." reaction to Miko suggesting the Forge might do him some good is completely out of sync with his mouth movements. The line itself is lifted from "[[Scattered]]".
* When Megatron drops to the ground about to fight Ultra Magnus, the sound from his landing seems to stop too abruptly. Normally there is a slight echo after a crashing sound effect.
* When Megatron shoots Ultra Magnus's rifle out of his hand, the laser is red instead of purple.

===Continuity errors===

* Wheeljack doesn't have a grenade on his hip when he and Bulkhead engage the Seekers, but it appears there immediately after he uses his energy whip to destroy a few of them.
* When the Autobots sent the Scraplets to the Arctic in "[[Scrapheap (episode)|Scrapheap]]", Ratchet reasoned that the smaller body mass of the Scraplets would render them much more vulnerable to the extreme cold. By comparison, both Optimus and Arcee remained functional, if somewhat impaired, for a significant period. Despite this, Predaking, who is even larger than Optimus (not counting the wings), is frozen solid in under a minute. In "[[Minus One]]", Predaking would engage Optimus Prime in a protracted battle in [[Antarctica]] with no signs of freezing over.
* Wheeljack is seen in Ultra Magnus' ship holding the energy whip ''and'' a blaster. However in the battle that follows said blaster is nowhere to be seen.
* Darkmount was located right next to the ruins of the Autobot base. Smokescreen retrieved Optimus from the rubble and presumably hid him in a cavern somewhere close by. Yet when Smokescreen tries to join the battle, he's seen arriving by the highway, having apparently driven a considerable distance.

===Trivia===
* This episode has a different map of the United States, this time with Louisiana in the right place.
* This is the first time in this series that anyone has [[flight|flown]] in [[robot mode]].
* Fowler refers to the jet fighters as [[Skystriker (vehicle)|Skystrikers]], like the fighters from ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]''; this was one of the set-ups for the eventually-canned ''[[Unit:E]]'' crossover project that ''Prime'' was intended to lead into.
* The "[[Transformers: Prime Beast Hunters the Autobits edition|Autobits]]" edition of the episode mistakenly describes ''Shockwave's'' face as receiving "over 300 cable channels", rather than Soundwave's as intended.
* Bulkhead is silent throughout the whole episode, unless you count his grunts during the various battles or his laughs heard at the tail end of the episode. [[Kevin Michael Richardson]] is still credited in the episode's credits.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Rébellion'''" ("Rebellion")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Rebellion'''" ("Rebellion")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 22|22 October]] [[2013]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ostrom'''" ("Assault")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 5|5 September]] [[2013]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Insurreição'''" ("Insurrection")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 4|4 October]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ribellione'''" ("Rebellion")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[2013]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Rebelión'''" ("Rebellion")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 10|10 October]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Dawn of the Beast ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Saison 3 Volume 1: Le règne de Mégatron ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Staffel 3 Teil 1: Schlacht um Darkmount (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Intégrale Saison 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Die komplette Staffel 3 (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2016 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Scattered

2022-07-04T10:23:38Z

Ronsar: Added a quote and instances of a recurring theme

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 54
|prev=Darkmount, NV
|next=Prey (episode)
|image=Scattered-JackArcee.jpg
|caption=Everything you know will be scattered.
|title="Scattered"
|airdate=[[March 15]], [[2013]] (Singapore) [[March 29]], 2013 (USA)
|written by=[[Steven Melching]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''A key Decepticon arrives on Earth while Wheeljack manages a small victory.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] are both surprised to see [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]], having believed him dead. Shockwave explains that after his battle with [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] and [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] in the [[space bridge]], he found himself marooned on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. After repairing himself, he continued his experiments until an energy surge led him to [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'s team in the [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]]. He asks Starscream pointedly why he was left for dead, and judges the response logical enough. Megatron appoints Shockwave first lieutenant in charge of science, something Starscream doesn't seem that happy with.

[[File:Scattered-Bigfoot.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Unlike [[Bigfoot]], Ratchet is actually findable.]]

[[Jack Darby|Jack]] and Arcee stop at a deserted farmhouse for a break and Jack worries that they're all that's left of Team Prime. Arcee says there are other Autobots out there who escaped in the [[Ark (WFC)|Ark]], but who knows where they are? Meanwhile [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] is surfing [[Internet|conspiracy websites]] in search of [[Autobot]] sightings. He hits dirt in the form of a photo of [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] in a junkyard outside Woodland Park. Starscream, doing likewise, finds the same picture, but before he can draw the other Decepticons' attention to it, Raf replaces the picture with a dancing monkey. To quell Megatron's displeasure, Shockwave suggests using a [[cortical psychic patch]] on [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]]. Meanwhile, [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] are waiting fruitlessly at the Wrecker meeting spot.

[[File:Scattered-Ultra Magnus.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"Hey, who's that?"]]

Shockwave reports that the patch didn't yield any new information. Starscream announces he'll see to Wheeljack's termination, and soon Wheeljack is standing on a platform over lava. The attendant [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s push Wheeljack towards the edge, but he grabs one of them and throws it off before jumping himself. The Vehicon transforms to flight mode, and Wheeljack lands on its back, proceeding to go on a Vehicon-trashing flight before driving off. Megatron is very upset until Starscream reveals he's planted a tracking device on Wheeljack so the Autobot can lead them to his friends.

Bumblebee and Raf reach the junkyard to find Ratchet sitting in vehicle mode and sporting the surliest mood as the Autobots have patently lost. The pair suggest that they can use the ''Harbinger''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s resources to fight back, but Ratchet has no hope they can do anything, and tells them to leave him alone.

Meanwhile, [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] has been unable to salvage anything medical from the ruins of the base. When [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus]] asks about the [[Forge of Solus Prime]], Smokescreen reasons it must be in the fortress somewhere, and goes to look.

[[File:Scattered-loomingshadow.jpg|left|thumb|300px|So big he's got his own zipcode.]]

Bulkhead and Miko's waiting is finally rewarded by the arrival of Wheeljack. The Decepticons, monitoring Starscream's bug, see that their plan has paid off, and Starscream sends out his Vehicon seekers. The Decepticons arrive at a river, but all they see is a log floating downstream. The log turns out to have both the tracking device and a grenade attached, the latter of which takes them all out. Watching from a nearby hill, Wheeljack reveals how he found the tracking device, and says he has some more explosives.

Raf and Bumblebee try unsuccessfully to power up the ''Harbinger'', only to be pleasantly surprised when Ratchet arrives to help noting they they miscalibrated the [[energon transducer]]. Elsewhere, Jack and Arcee's journey is interrupted by the surprise arrival of a [[Iron Will|starship]]. It lands in front of them and out steps none other than [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]].

On the ''Nemesis'', Megatron rages over Starscream's failure, but Shockwave reveals he has a wild card of his own, sitting in his lab on Cybertron. Taking a trip back to their home planet, Shockwave returns through the space bridge with the huge creature he has cloned—a [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]].

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*''[[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] (5)''
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (6)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (9)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (12)
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (13)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (15)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (16)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (17)
*[[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] (18)
|c2=
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] (1)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (2)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (3)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (4)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (7)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (14)
*[[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] (19)

|c3=
*[[Jack Darby]] (8)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (10)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (11)

}}

==Quotes==
"I find your reply to be... logical."
:—'''Shockwave''''s response to Starscream's explanation.

"Careful, Starscream. You may dislocate a landing gear patting yourself on the back."
:—'''Knock Out''' snarks at Starscream's billionth "I killed Cliffjumper" gloat.

"Do your worst, Doc. I'm a Wrecker. I can take it." 
"Trust me. You, in fact, cannot.
:—'''Shockwave''' is unimpressed by '''Wheeljack's''' defiance in the face of a cortical psychic patch.

"We can't stop Megatron. Not any more. The war is over, and ''we '''lost'''''."
:—'''Ratchet''', bucking for [[Huffer (Prime)|Huffer's]] job.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Shockwave's battle with Arcee and Cliffjumper took place in "[[Out of the Past]]".
* Starscream brings up the fact that he offlined Cliffjumper, yet ''again''.
* The photo Raf uses to replace Ratchet's is the same one he used in "[[New Recruit]]".
* Jack mentions the [[Key to Vector Sigma]], which Optimus gave him in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 2]]" and was returned in "[[Orion Pax, Part 3]]".
* Wheeljack counts Miko among the Wreckers when he reunites with her and Bulkhead, having unofficially inducted her into the group after she offlined [[Hardshell]] in "[[Hurt]]".

===Transformers references===
* Much like its Generation 1 equivalent, Darkmount has a [[smelting pool]].
* As of this episode, the silver Jet Vehicon Generals are identified as "[[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]" by both Starscream and the end credits.
* Starscream's tracking device looks like a smaller version of [[Dreadwing's bombs]].
* Like in other continuities, Shockwave has been stuck on Cybertron as he reveals in this episode as his past.

===Real-world references===
* Shockwave notes that "Reports of my demise were greatly premature," a paraphrase of a famous quote from [[Mark Twain]].
* The photo of Ratchet homages {{w|File:Patterson–Gimlin_film_frame_352.jpg|a particularly iconic image of Bigfoot}}.

===Animation and technical errors===
* As in the previous episode, Wheeljack is perfectly clean despite being pulled from the wreckage of his ship relatively disheveled and somewhat damaged. He does retain the scars on his chest, but these don't carry over to his vehicle mode.
* As Arcee chats with Jack about other Autobots who left Cybertron, the wings on her back are missing in one shot (see the main image). Later on, Bumblebee is missing one of his wings when he and Raf try to talk to Ratchet.
* When Starscream says he'll see to Wheeljack's immediate termination, his right arm seems to move out of place.

===Trivia===
* The worldwide premiere screening of the first three episodes was held at the Globe Theater in Universal Studios Hollywood on [[March 14]].
* The worldwide television premiere of "Scattered" was a day later on okto, a Singaporean channel, where it aired back-to-back with "[[Darkmount, NV]]" and "[[Prey (episode)|Prey]]".
* Raf is an ''amazing'' hacker. He not only replaced the image file of Ratchet where it was found on the internet, he ''also'' somehow managed to change the already downloaded image on Starscream's open browser window.
* It takes Ratchet mere seconds to deduce that Starscream was using the ''Harbinger'' as a base of operations back when he was an independent agent. Surely this would have been useful when [[Triangulation|he stole the Apex Armor]], the [[New Recruit|red energon]], or the [[Inside Job|Omega Keys]]. Ah, hindsight.
* By the same token, it seems odd that Starscream simply abandoned the ''Harbinger'', rather than have the Decepticons occupy it upon his return. He is aware that the Autobots know of its location, and it's the only available source of Cybertronian technology on the planet for them to make use of now that their base has been destroyed. This would later be addressed in "[[Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion]]".
* Knock Out is now the [[Ratchet (WFC)|third]] [[Starscream (WFC)|Cybertronian]] to be amused by human humor.
* Cybertronians apparently need to stretch.
* The sound Bulkhead's charging cannon makes when he's aiming at what turns out to be Wheeljack is one [[Ernie Hudson]] would probably recognize: that of a ''[[Ghostbusters]]'' [[proton pack]] being switched on.
* ''No One Cares About Vehicons'': Starscream's ploy to let Wheeljack escape involved (either by design or by happenstance) the destruction of four Vehicon jets.
* ''No One Cares About Vehicons, Redux'': When Wheeljack detonates his grenade in the faces of Starscream's armada, Screamer's only complaint is being outsmarted by the Wrecker.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le Secret de Shockwave'''" ("Shockwave's Secret")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Verstreut'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 1|1 October]] [[2013]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Szétszórva'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 3|3 September]] [[2013]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Espalhados aos Ventos'''" (Scattered to the Winds)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 11|11 October]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sparpagliati'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[2013]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Esparcidos'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 8|8 October]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Dawn of the Beast ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Saison 3 Volume 1: Le règne de Mégatron ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Staffel 3 Teil 1: Schlacht um Darkmount (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Intégrale Saison 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Die komplette Staffel 3 (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2016 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Out of the Past

2022-07-02T15:19:20Z

Ronsar: /* Trivia */ Don't forget about Bee

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 43
|prev=Hurt
|next=New Recruit
|image=OutofthePast-Shockwave.jpg
|caption=Arcee's partners are all dead.
|title="Out of the Past"
|airdate=[[August 31]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Mike Johnson]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7WdJYoKsLs
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Arcee recalls the time she and Cliffjumper discovered Shockwave and Starscream were building a space bridge.'''

==Synopsis==
''The ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'' flies through space. On the bridge, [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] is dragged before [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] who's interested in decrypting an Autobot signal he's intercepted. While Arcee defies his "offer" by telling him where to go, Starscream reveals he has another prisoner—[[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]].''

In the present day, [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] is struggling with his recovery, with [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] providing some "encouragement" in the form of ordering him around. [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] is similarly struggling to decode the recovered Iacon database. [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] says Bulkhead needs a break, despite Miko being annoyed at the slow progress her friend is making. She storms out of the base, but Arcee follows and finds her crying atop the plateau in which the base is located. The Autobot tries to talk to her friend about Bulkhead, and the conversation leads to Miko asking about Cliffjumper.

[[Image:OutofthePast-CliffArcee.jpg|left|thumb|300px|"Did it have anything to do with those sirens around noon?" "I said I ''don't'' want to talk about it!"]]
:''Cliffjumper is dumped in the cell, having undergone torture but has resisted talking. He and Arcee discuss how they came to be back on Cybertron. Elsewhere Starscream complains about the failure of his interrogation, and [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] suggests taking them down on the planet's surface. Starscream and some [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] are soon leading the two prisoners through [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]] to a laboratory. Cliffjumper is concerned at the sight of the many tools lying ready to be used, even more so when Starscream introduces them to [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] himself. The two Autobots are strapped to tables, and Shockwave uses a [[cortical psychic patch]] to hook in to Arcee's mind. The process is successful and Starscream uses it to decode the transmission—which turns out to be Optimus Prime's message to bring the other Autobots to [[Earth]].''

:''Though the Decepticons have assumed Arcee is dead, she is very much alive and surreptitiously begins freeing herself. As Shockwave prepares to finish off Cliffjumper, Cliff suggests Starscream should be the one to do it. Shockwave leaves them to it, but as Starscream moves in, he's attacked by Arcee. She straps him to the free table and releases Cliffjumper. Starscream quickly folds under questioning and confesses Shockwave remained on the planet because he's building a [[space bridge]]. Knocking the 'Con out, Arcee goes to shut down the space bridge, and Cliffjumper insists on going along, despite her skepticism about his capacity for stealth. As they walk, Cliff suggests they should join Optimus's team, but Arcee isn't as keen, and rejects the idea that Cliff is her partner. Cliffjumper believes she shouldn't close herself off just because of [[Tailgate (Prime)|Tailgate]]'s death.''
[[Image:Cliffjumper and Shockwave.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.1|"Thumbs up if you think Shockwave is weird!" "0_0" "He's right behind me, isn't he?"]]

Miko recognizes the truth of this advice, but asks Arcee what happened next.
:''Arcee and Cliffjumper find the space bridge, with two Vehicons operating it. While Cliff provides a distraction, Arcee starts sabotaging the bridge to overload it. Unfortunately Shockwave arrives and attempts to fix the bridge. Cliffjumper dispatches the Vehicons before sparring with Shockwave, ultimately being defeated by the hulking Decepticon. Arcee lends a hand, bringing the roof down on the Decepticon, but the pair become pinned down by Starscream and some Vehicons. Starscream demands they reverse the damage to the space bridge, but they instead head through it. Halfway through the space bridge tunnel, Shockwave catches up with the two Autobots and they exchange fire until Arcee shoots him in the eye. The space bridge deposits Cliffjumper and Arcee on Earth seconds before exploding, and after declaring themselves partners, they go to find Optimus.''

Arcee finishes her story as the sun goes down, saying she misses Cliffjumper. Miko rests her hand on Arcee's in a gesture of comfort as they watch the sunset.

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (2)
*''[[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] (5)''
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (9)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (10)
*''[[Tailgate (Prime)|Tailgate]] (13)''
|c2=
*''[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (1)''
*''[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (3)''
*''[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (4)''
*''[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] (11)''
*''[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] (12)''
|c3=
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (7)
}}

==Quotes==
"After I lost my first partner—Tailgate—I pushed everyone away, until Cliffjumper came along." 
"What was he like?" 
"Cliff was... quite the conversationalist."
:—'''Arcee''' tells '''Miko''' about her late partner

"So this is Kaon, huh? Love what you Decepticons have done with the place. The ruins are especially picturesque."
:—'''Cliffjumper'''

"While it often pains me, I ''try'' to be a team player."
:—'''Starscream''' lies, big surprise

"Only Starscream could fail to dispose of a helpless captive."
:—'''Shockwave'''

"They should really stop shooting at us if they want our help."
:—'''Cliffjumper'''

"Funny. At first I didn't think I'd ever get used to Cliff's constant chatter. Now, there's nothing louder to me than the silence."
:—'''Arcee'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* This episode retells the prequel story told in [[Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)|the IDW graphic novel]] (also written by Mike Johnson). The story's still about Arcee and Cliffjumper learning about Optimus Prime on Earth, uncovering a Decepticon plot to reestablish forgotten [[space bridge]] technology, Cliffjumper pretending to forfeit to the Decepticons as a cover for Arcee's hijinks, and them running for the space bridge portal to Earth while being blasted at by Decepticons. However, each of these stories occur in an incompatible way, and the episode gives responsibility for the space bridge project to Shockwave instead of Starscream. A notable change to the timeline see the episodes contradict the graphic novel's statement that Starscream had been on Earth with Megatron during the initial clash between the Autobots and Decepticons there (three years prior to the start of the cartoon), and only returned to Cybertron to set up the space bridge; on-screen, it is clear he has ''not'' been to the planet before, given that he requires Prime's signal to locate it (which in the comic only served to provide Cliffjumper and Arcee with knowledge of Prime's location).
* Optimus Prime’s message is ''prooooobably'' meant to be the same one that brought the [[Rescue Force Sigma-17|Rescue Bots]] to Earth, but its composition is different. But hey, [[Aligned timeline|squint test.]]
* Bulkhead has regained consciousness since the events of "[[Hurt]]", but he can barely walk.
* Optimus tries to decode the rest of the Iacon database gained in "[[Triage (episode)|Triage]]".
* Shockwave is revealed to have forcibly used the cortical psychic patch on Arcee, explaining her later reluctance to willingly undergo the procedure during "[[Sick Mind]]".
* As a nod to Cliffjumper's eventual fate, Starscream decides to eliminate Cliffjumper "the old-fashioned way": [[Darkness Rising, Part 1|by eviscerating him with his claws]].

===Transformers references===
* Cliffjumper mentions getting lost in the [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]], which did sort of happen in ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'', and he was, kind of, separated from his unit (if you count [[Sideswipe (WFC)|two]] [[Jazz (WFC)|bots]] as a unit). However, Cliff ''did'' have Jazz to talk to. (Talk "at")
*Shockwave stayed behind on Cybertron after Megatron departed, much like how his G1-counterpart - and several other counterparts - remained on the planet.
*Arcee's declaration that space bridge technology was lost for a long time was true in the ''Transformers: Exodus'' novel.
* Throughout several continuities, Shockwave has kept to logic as his sense for reason.
* This isn't the first time that [[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]] has attempted to extract [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|codes]] from [[Arcee (Animated)|Arcee]]. The same happened [[This Is Why I Hate Machines|towards]] [[Endgame, Part I|the end]] of ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]''.
* Cliffjumper pretends to be an Autobot traitor. In [[Cliffjumper (G1)|another life]], Cliffjumper [[Traitor (episode)|accused]] [[Mirage (G1)|other Autobots]] of being traitors. In [[Cliffjumper (Animated)|yet another life]], Cliffjumper [[Autoboot Camp|sent]] an [[Wasp|innocent Autobot]] to prison for being framed as a traitor, ironically by [[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]].

===Real-world references===
* The episode shares a title with the 1947 film noir {{w|''Out of the Past''}}, directed by {{w|Jacques Tourneur.}}

===Errors===
* Within the space bridge, Cliffjumper is by Arcee's side while shooting at Shockwave, but disappears when it's just Arcee facing the Decepticon. He reappears as Arcee shoots Shockwave's eye.
* When Starscream and Shockwave are listening to Optimus Prime's transmission, Shockwave is seen on the left of Starscream. When it ends, he's on the right. Of course, he might have changed position while the camera was focused on the Autobots.
* The bottom part of Arcee's head crest is red, but turns silver when she and Cliffjumper are interrogating Starscream. This happens again when they are in the space bridge vortex.
* In this episode, a point is made of the fact the space bridge controls are essential to its correct operation, with Arcee going after the nearby command console, and "[[Orion Pax, Part 3]]" depicting the Earth-based bridge as having operators and maintenance staff. However, in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]", "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]" and "[[Alpha/Omega]]", the bridges are simply remotely controlled from the warship. If the ones in space don't have this as a dependency, why do the Earth-based ones?

===Trivia===
* Cliffjumper is voiced by [[Billy Brown]], whose imitation of [[Dwayne Johnson]] generally sounds quite convincing.
* Shockwave is revealed to be the inventor of the illegal cortical psychic patch. Not surprising, considering he's also responsible for some "certain" changes made to some "certain" [[Dinobot (FOC)|Autobots]].
* As in "[[Predatory]]", the primary characters use the same models, meaning they all have Earth-mode kibble well before ever visiting Earth.
* Starscream gloats about how he captured the uncaptureable Arcee. Apparently he never heard of her [[Predatory|encounter]] with Airachnid. This is consistent with comments he makes in the episode "[[Partners (Prime)|Partners]]", in which he asks "Who's Tailgate?", accidentally revealing to Arcee that it was he who killed Cliffjumper.
** In general, Starscream's interrogation of Arcee at the beginning of the episode is very similar to Airachnid's attempts to extract information from her, although Arcee takes the former's threats better than the latter's.
* Arcee's flashback of Tailgate's death happens during the flashback of her adventure with Cliffjumper. A flashback within a flashback. Flashbackception. ''BWAMMMM''.
* The show's writers, not knowing what to do with the character, intended to kill Shockwave off by the end of this episode (à la [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]], [[Makeshift (Prime)|Makeshift]], and Cliffjumper himself), before coming up with a way to incorporate him into the show's third season.
* Perhaps unsurprisingly due to most of the featured characters using Earth-mode models before visiting Earth, this episode features a solitary instance of transformation: Bumblebee's, upon returning to base. Not even Shockwave, who ''has'' no Earth-based-vehicle-bits on his model, transforms.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Coéquipiers'''" ("Teammates")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Schatten der Vergangenheit'''" ("Shadows from the Past")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 2|2 February]] [[2013]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Tsuioku Henkei! Arcee no Kako'''" (追憶変形!アーシーの過去, "Reminiscent Transformation! Arcee's Past")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 26|26 January]] [[2013]]
:*Shockwave is given a speech quirk, spouting the word "shock" every other time he does something and weaving it into many of his lines, causing him to describe much of what happens as "shocking". For example, when Cliffjumper's blasts don't harm him, he responds with "Shocking, isn't it? That doesn't work on me." This is similar to how [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|''Armada'' Tidal Wave]], who was named Shockwave in Japan, talked. This is also his only appearance in the Japanese broadcast.

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''No Passado'''" ("In The Past")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 25|25 June]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Un salto nel passato'''" ("A Jump in the Past"), "'''Dal Passato'''" (2017 airing, "From the Past")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 7|7 February]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 22 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 10: Bulkheads Mission ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 4: Unclear Objectives ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 3: Toxicity ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 3: La course aux reliques (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 3: Il Tox-En (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Adaptations]]
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Orion Pax, Part 2

2022-06-30T09:20:50Z

Ronsar: /* Transformers references */ G1 sound effect use

{{disambig3|Orion Pax}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 28
|prev=Orion Pax, Part 1
|next=Orion Pax, Part 3
|image=300px Jack in Spacesuit.jpg
|caption="Jack, no! This is a really bad idea!" "Stick around, mom. I'm ''full'' of bad ideas."
|title="Orion Pax, Part 2"
|airdate=[[February 25]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Mairghread Scott]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxf57NAHhu4
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''While the Autobots search for the Decepticons' space bridge, Jack prepares to face his destiny.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:StarscreamMissiles-OP3.jpeg|thumb|left|250px|Starscream's scary face. Yeah, real creepy.]]
On the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] points his missiles at [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Orion Pax]]. After addressing him as "Optimus Prime", the former [[Decepticon]] realizes something is wrong as the cowering Orion insists he is just a clerk. Through a brief conversation, Starscream learns of [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]'s deception to Orion, and states that the archivist has much to learn. He seems ready to try and manipulate Orion's amnesia to his own ends, but is interrupted by a team of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]]. Starscream leaps into action and makes a quick escape, and Pax is ordered to remain in his quarters.

Back at base, [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] finishes adjustments on the [[GroundBridge]]'s power level, hoping to increase its range. [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] pilots a test subject in the form of a toy car into the bridge, but instead of teleporting, it is destroyed. Raf consoles Ratchet on the failure, saying it was only the first try, but Ratchet thinks it was a doomed idea from the start. In an effort to cheer him up, Raf tells the story of his slow triumph over the rope climb in gym class, but it falls on oblivious ears, since Ratchet doesn't understand what gym class has to do with increasing the Ground Bridge's power level.

In the halls of the ''Nemesis'', Starscream deftly maneuvers his way past many guards, blasting a door out in his bid for freedom. Seconds away from escape, a laser blast catches his tail, and he spins to the ground, badly wounded. Orion is soon visited by Megatron, who apologizes for the commotion. Orion asks why Megatron told him Starscream was dead, and he replies that Starscream is dead to the Decepticon cause — a defector to the Autobots. Megatron departs, but Orion's interest is piqued by Starscream's reference to him, and he begins to investigate this "Optimus Prime." On the database page for Optimus Prime (which displays a false image of a menacing-looking robot), Orion reads that Optimus Prime was the leader of the Autobot faction, not Doctor Ratchet, as Megatron told him.

[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] arrives at base, and reports no leads on the location of the Decepticons' [[space bridge]]. About to send Bulkhead on his way to the next search, Ratchet receives a high-frequency message of peculiar nature: it is addressed to him, and is from Starscream, the renegade Decepticon whom Megatron left for dead. The Seeker tells him that he must come alone with a medical kit to repair him, in exchange for valuable intel about Optimus.
[[File:MeetingWithScreamer-OP3.jpeg|thumb|right|250px]]
In a forest, the Ground Bridge portal opens, to the surprise and dismay of Starscream, who is wounded and lying in a pool of his own energon, only for both Ratchet and Bulkhead step out. Ratchet plays no games with his help, refusing to repair him unless he gets some useful information. Realizing his compromised position, Starscream tells all, but is horrorified when he finds the Autobots already know it as well, and plan to abandon him as a result. As Ratchet and Bulkhead depart, the medic responds to Starscream's pleading with the ultimatum that unless he knows anything about the space bridge, he's going to rust. The jet is amazed that his troops finished his project when he was gone, then laughs, realising that he has something to barter with, and smugly shows the medic where it hurts.

The group convenes at base to discuss the plan of action in seizing the space bridge. [[June Darby|June]] voices her concern at the prospect of [[Jack Darby|Jack]] traveling to another planet, but is reassured by [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] and [[William Fowler|Fowler]], and realizes the necessity of his mission. Ratchet works out a plan, where all four Autobots storm the space bridge chamber, jamming communications to block the deployment of Decepticon reinforcements. Fowler offers Jack a spacesuit for use on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], and Arcee volunteers to go with him. The Ground Bridge opens, and the team enters.

[[Image:TFP Orion Pax Part 2 - Jack Salute .jpg|thumb|left|200px|Don't wanna close my eyes, don't wanna fall asleep...]]At the Space Bridge complex, the team makes quick work of the guards. One attempts to send a message to control, but is stymied by Ratchet's scrambler and Bulkhead's fist. They arrive at the bridge, and Jack, fully decked out in a donated spacesuit from [[NASA]], is bridged to the location. The space bridge is activated, and the duo step through to Arcee's homeworld and Jack's destiny.

In the complex, the remaining Autobots are stopped in their tracks by a transmission from [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]], demanding a status report. Ratchet and Bulkhead fumble over who should answer, as their voices will be recognised, and Bumblebee can't speak at all. Ratchet settles on Agent Fowler, and he is patched through. He manages to field the call, and turns it around, asking Breakdown how ''he'' is faring, to surprising success.

Meanwhile, Orion searches through all files he can on "Optimus Prime", only to find that they have been altered, the true files encrypted, to his chagrin. However, Orion, a skillful hacker, manages to get past them and find an image that shocks him; it seems ''he'' is Optimus Prime! This does not go unnoticed by [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] and Megatron. The latter vows that he ''will'' see to it that Orion completes [[Project Iacon]], even if he has to inflict grievous pain on him.

On Cybertron, Jack and Arcee follow the [[Key to Vector Sigma|Key]]'s signal and are surprised to find that it leads to [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]], the Decepticon capital, much to Jack's chagrin, which is now abandoned, except, as Arcee puts it, for "Vermin". As they advance on foot, they cross a bridge, unaware that underneath them, one such Vermin is transforming and beginning to follow them...
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (9)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (10)
|c2=
*"[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Orion Pax]]" (2)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (3)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (6)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (7)
*[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] (15)
*[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]] (16)

|c3=
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (5)
*[[June Darby]] (11)
*[[William Fowler]] (12)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (13)
*[[Jack Darby]] (14)

|c4=
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (1)

}}

==Quotes==
"You do not suggest that our leader...would speak falsehoods?" 
''(laughing)'' "You truly are being kept in the dark, aren't you?"
:—'''Starscream''', upon learning of '''"Orion's"''' deception.

"The Decepticon Space Bridge is located right here, deep within an energon mine." 
"Adjacent to a raw fuel supply, clever. What's our intel?" 
"A... reliable source." 
:—'''Ratchet''' talks to '''Arcee''' about their tip, without realizing he's calling a Decepticon reliable.

"Not everyone is destined for a ordinary life. Optimus Prime was once Orion Pax after all."
:—'''Ratchet''' gives proof that anyone can be a hero.

"Command, this is Space Bridge Control! We are under attack! Command, do you read me?" 
<nowiki>*</nowiki>commlink static* 
<nowiki>*</nowiki>''Bulkhead smashes the Vehicon's face''* 
"Shhhh."
:—A '''Vehicon''' is reminded of the no-talking rule by '''Ratchet'''.

"Thank you, Starscream." 
<nowiki>*</nowiki>''Bulkhead looks at Arcee''* 
"Who else would it have been?"
:—'''Arcee'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s too clever by half.

"Don't worry, Space Bridging is just like Ground Bridging." 
<nowiki>*</nowiki>''Space Bridge fires up with a loud noise''* 
"Just a little more intense!"
:—'''Arcee''' tries to ease Jack's nerves about going on the big boy rides.

'''Fowler''': "Somebody say something, pronto!" 
'''Ratchet''': "Rafael, patch in Agent Fowler."
:—Agent Fowler gets exactly what he wants, just not what he expected.

"You have one nano-cycle to respond or—" 
"This is Space Bridge Control. Situation normal." 
"Normal? You sure about that?" 
"We were just calibrating the subsystems and we, uh, had a surge, but it's fine now. How are ''you''?" 
"Uh...uh... Never better. I know it's thankless down there. Keep up the good work, huh?" 
"Will do. Control out."
:—'''Breakdown''' and '''Fowler''' demonstrate that hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good "how are you" at your side.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* The braces on Raf's legs from last episode are gone. This is not so jarring as it seems at first, as the events of that led to his condition (in "[[One Shall Fall]]") took place two months prior, according to Fowler.
* Ratchet notes that Breakdown would recognize his or Bulkhead's voice. The latter is due to Breakdown and Bulkhead's rivalry (seen from Breakdown's first appearance in "[[Deus ex Machina]]"), and the former is probably from Breakdown's encounter with Ratchet in "[[Stronger, Faster]]".
* Kaon, the Decepticon capital, makes its first actual appearance, following Megatron's dream recreation of it in "[[Sick Mind]]". Jack remembers it from the events of that episode after Arcee identifies it.
* Ratchet mentions that no one is more accomplished at space bridge engineering than Decepticons. ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron]]'' reveals Shockwave initially re-discovered the long-lost science of space bridges when he found one on Cyberton.

===Transformers references===
* The false image of Optimus Prime had some resemblance to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Generation 1 Ultra Magnus]]. We later learn that this is because the image ''is'' of the ''Prime'' incarnation of Ultra Magnus.
* Arcee uses the classic transformation sound when she returns to robot mode to cross the bridge into Kaon

===Real-world references===
* The scene of Fowler talking to Breakdown is a reference to a similar scene in ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]] {{W|Star Wars (film)|Episode IV: A New Hope}}''. However, this time the guy on the other end responds more warmly to the "how are you?" bit.

===Errors===
[[File:Ratchet face and plating error Orion Pax pt 2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|ER MAH GERD I NERDERD THERT]]
* As the Autobots are boarding the lift which takes them to the space bridge, Ratchet seems to be missing a number of parts, including the white plating on the bottom half of his legs, the red plating on his forearms, the white plating from his chest, and ''his face''. Bumblebee is also missing the headlights on his chest, and Arcee's chest is missing its outer blue layer.
* There's no evidence of [[Dark Energon]] on Cybertron, much less any [[Terrorcon (Prime)|zombies]], despite Megatron having used enough to cover the entire planet in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]". Possibly, the Terrorcons' Dark Energon ran out and they went back to being off-line.

===Trivia===
* Aww, Breakdown cares about the worker bots.
* This is the second time Megatron denounces a mistake relating to Starscream that he "[[Out of His Head|does not intend to make again]]".
* A neat, slowed down version of Bulkhead's weapon transformation is seen, as opposed to the normally lightning fast animation employed.
* Bulkhead claims he could disguise his voice by making it higher. [[Scrapheap (episode)|That shouldn't be hard.]]
* Adaptations of this episode include a screen-capture-style comic version as part of ''[[Transformers Prime: The Orion Pax Saga|The Orion Pax Saga]]''.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Orion Pax, Partie 2'''" ("Orion Pax, Part 2")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Orion Pax, Teil 2'''" ("Orion Pax, Part 2")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 23|23 October]] [[2012]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Kibō Henkei! Cybertron-sei o Mezase'''" (希望変形!サイバトロン星をめざせ, "Hopeful Transformation! Aim for Planet Cybertron")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 13|13 October]] [[2012]]
*Not only does the Insecticon speak, but does so in the [[Kensō Katō|voice]] of [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] from the Japanese dub of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''. Much like characters in that dub, it speaks incessantly and out-of-universe for the sake of humor, promising to do its best "next week".

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Orion Pax, Parte 2'''" ("Orion Pax, Part 2")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 4|4 June]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Orion Pax, Parte 2'''" ("Orion Pax, Part 2")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 9|9 October]] [[2012]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — One Shall Stand ([[Shout! Factory]]) 

[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 14 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 7: Orion Pax ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Volume 1: Orion Pax ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 1: Orion Pax ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 1: Orion Pax (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 1: Orion Pax (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

One Shall Rise, Part 3

2022-06-30T05:06:48Z

Ronsar: /* Animation and technical errors */ rectified my typo

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 26
|prev=One Shall Rise, Part 2
|next=Orion Pax, Part 1
|image=OneShallRise3-together.jpg
|caption=Why can't we be friends? Why can't we be friends?
|title="One Shall Rise, Part 3"
|airdate=[[October 4]], [[2011]] (Singapore) [[October 15]], 2011 (USA)
|written by=[[Steven Melching]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Jack learns more about Optimus Prime's history on Cybertron while the Autobots continue their battle at the Earth's core.'''

==Synopsis==

As he leads the [[Autobot]]s further toward [[Earth]]'s core, [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] is again seized by a vision of the planet exploding. He notes how [[Unicron]]'s strength grows ever greater and continues on. [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] and [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] both voice their mistrust of the [[Decepticon]] leader, though they have no choice but to follow him. Unbeknownst to them, several [[Unicron's antibodies|strange, mechanical creatures]] observe the intruders into their dark domain.

Back at [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]], [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] and the [[human]]s watch a report that outlines how the planet's chaotic weather continues to spiral out of control. Despite [[June Darby|June]]'s efforts to lighten the mood, [[William Fowler|Fowler]] insists that something must be done—even if it means contacting his associates at the [[Pentagon]]. Fowler makes known his uneasiness about teaming up with Megatron, but Ratchet surprises the humans by explaining how such a situation has happened before. Ratchet relates how Optimus Prime and Megatron were once close friends, in the twilight hours of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s [[Golden Age]].

[[File:OneShallRise3-corresponding.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|''Once, I called you "Brother".'' 
''Once, I thought the chance to make you laugh'' 
''Was all I ever wanted...'' 
''And even now,'' 
''I wish that [[Primus|God]] had chose another.'' 
''Serving as your foe on His behalf'' 
''Is the last thing that I wanted...!'']]
''The great Autobot leader was once named Orion Pax, a simple clerk in the [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] Hall of Records. Learning of Cybertron's past, Orion grew concerned about the corruption affecting high places and the [[Caste system|state of inequity]] in society. He became inspired by the revolutionary words of Megatronus, a gladiator who took his name from [[The Fallen|one]] of the [[Thirteen|thirteen original Primes]]. Megatronus gained a loyal following through his radical and innovative actions, [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] chief among their number. Over time, Megatronus became a mentor figure to Orion Pax and chose to shorten his name as he left the gladiatorial arena for the political one. Megatron appeared before the [[Autobot High Council|High Council]], now showing his true colors and voicing his ideas for shaping a new Cybertron by violent means, demanding to be named the next [[Prime (rank)|Prime]]. Orion protested against Megatron's warlike suggestions before the Council, moving their [[spark]]s and minds as he unknowingly revealed himself to be the one worthy of the title. Megatron severed his ties to Orion and the Council, taking his "Decepticon" followers to begin the [[Great War (Prime)|war]] that consumed Cybertron and vowing to claim the legendary [[Matrix of Leadership]] for himself. Hoping to reverse the [[Dark Energon|damage]] that had poisoned the planet, Orion journeyed to Cybertron's [[Core]], where he found himself before the spark of [[Primus]], the creator of all [[Transformer|Cybertronians]]. Primus sensed the purity of Orion's own spark and bestowed upon him the legendary Matrix, transforming him into Optimus Prime.''

In the present, [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] and [[Jack Darby|Jack]] question Optimus's plan to give the Matrix to the [[Earth's core]], asking what could possibly stop Megatron from attempting to claim it for himself now. Ratchet darkly replies that Megatron only intends to save the Earth so that he may conquer it at a later date.

As they near Unicron's spark, [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] begins to feel the draining effects of the [[Dark Energon]]. [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] and Arcee help him a short way across the catwalks, but Megatron soon comes to a halt ahead with the realization that Unicron is preparing to expel them. A huge number of Unicron's drones suddenly swarm into view, surrounding Megatron and the Autobots. They engage the drones in a fierce battle, blasting and slashing through their attackers. Arcee is knocked to a lower level, not long before the Dark Energon clouds Bulkhead's vision. He stumbles from the catwalk but manages to grab hold of the edge, and is seized by Bumblebee before he can tumble to his death. Optimus and Megatron fight back-to-back, managing to hold their own against the drones in a spectacular display of effective—if uneasy—teamwork. Bumblebee struggles to hold onto Bulkhead, who insists that the scout lets him go. Optimus seizes Bulkhead just as Bumblebee loses his grip, and hauls him up to safety. As the group quickly becomes overwhelmed, Arcee hitches a ride on one of the drones to catch up with the others and beat a swift retreat with them.

[[File:OneShallRise3-SoundwaveAirachnid.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|Maybe Megatron should stop having seconds-in-command and just skip straight to thirds-in-command.]]
Aboard the [[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]], [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] outlines the questionable nature of their leader's recent behavior. [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] asks whether she is suggesting that they abandon Lord Megatron. Airachnid explains how Megatron's undetectable signal implies that he is either offline or at the mercy of Unicron—neither scenario being in the best interests of the Decepticons. She suggests an exodus from Earth and receives no protests from the surrounding [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]]. However, her order to retreat to [[Regulon Four]] is denied by Soundwave, who silently challenges her authority. When he refuses her demand to step aside, she leaps to attack him. Soundwave easily blocks every one of her blows, before lifting her clean into the air. He hurls her back, deploying [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] to stun Airachnid in a sudden sneak attack. Pinned under Soundwave's foot, much to Knock Out's amusement, Airachnid relinquishes command to the intelligence officer.

Back in the Autobot base, Ratchet notes he has lost the others' communication links and life signals, most likely caused by interference from the electromagnetic anomalies. Miko asks how they are supposed to know when the others are ready for pickup if contact is impossible, but Ratchet is prevented from responding by the sound of Jack tapping the [[GroundBridge]] key against a railing. Ratchet reveals that the object is actually the [[Key to Vector Sigma]]—one of Cybertron's most precious relics. Ratchet then realizes that Optimus entrusted the key to Jack because he did not plan on returning from the planet's core.

Megatron is gripped by yet another painful vision of Unicron whilst he and the Autobots are backed into an enclosed chamber by the attacking drones. Unicron orders him to destroy Optimus. Instead, Megatron saves the Autobot leader by blasting an oncoming drone. He then indicates a closed doorway nearby, stating that Unicron's spark lies just beyond. He explains that to pass through, they must fool Unicron into believing that they pose no danger, and moves his Dark Energon-infused chest up to the door. It opens in response, and Optimus orders the others to remain outside and provide cover fire while he and Megatron advance.

The passageway beyond leads directly into Unicron's spark chamber, where Optimus prepares to expose the Matrix within his chest. Unicron's spark reacts, striking both invaders with its energy. Unicron again orders Megatron to kill Optimus, forcing him to unsheathe his blade and approach the weakened Prime. Megatron struggles against him, declaring himself to be under the command of no-one. His resistance provokes only an onslaught of pain and a furious reaction from the Chaos Bringer.

The volcano outside erupts violently, and the ground enclosing the Autobot base begins to quake. Ratchet tells the humans to take cover, and he moves to shield them from falling debris.

[[File:OneShallRise3-unleash.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.67|Care Bear Stare!]]
Unicron's spark adopts the appearance of a face as Megatron is seemingly freed from his control. Optimus calls upon the power of the Matrix of Leadership but hesitates as Unicron possesses Megatron's body in a veil of purple flame and declares his own invincibility. Optimus cuts short Unicron's desire to pull the Earth into chaos, and he rises to his feet as he becomes surrounded by a brilliant blue light. Optimus fires the power of the Matrix from his chest directly into Unicron's spark, the resulting wave of energy knocking Megatron back off his feet. His energy drained, Optimus falls to his knees, and Unicron's spark emits a final wail of pain before vanishing into oblivion.

The drones outside suddenly fall from the air, lifeless. The volcano, along with all of the Earth's other natural phenomena, subside back to normality. Ratchet and the humans watch as the monitors flicker online, rejoicing as their team's life signals are all safely re-established. Aboard the Nemesis, however, Soundwave also detects the signature of the Decepticon leader.

[[File:OneShallRise3-hug.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|"You smell like my mom." "I smell like ''his'' mom!"]]
Megatron rights himself in Unicron's now-empty spark chamber, inspecting Optimus's steaming body for a moment before unsheathing his blade. Optimus gazes blearily up at the approaching Decepticon, then addresses him as "Megatronus" and asks where they are. Surprised, Megatron retracts his weapon and helps the Autobot to his feet. Bumblebee, Bulkhead and Arcee soon burst through the wall to assist, but Optimus does not recognise them. A GroundBridge suddenly opens nearby; Megatron claims that the Autobots are their sworn enemies and provides cover fire as Optimus heads for the vortex. Optimus blankly meets Bumblebee's devastated gaze for a split second before disappearing through the Bridge. Megatron follows, leaving the shocked Autobots alone in the empty chamber.

[[File:Megatroncamehome.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.67|Honey, I'm home!]]

Ratchet GroundBridges the team back to base, but is anxious to see that Optimus is not with them. They explain that Optimus is still alive, but did not even know his own name. Ratchet realizes that surrendering the Matrix of Leadership caused their leader to lose not only the wisdom of the Primes but his own memories as well.

Knock Out and the other Decepticons, minus Airachnid, welcome Megatron back aboard the Nemesis. Megatron steps aside to allow Optimus through, and [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] automatically moves to attack. Megatron halts him, insisting that this is no way to treat a "long-lost comrade", and declares that Orion Pax is one of them.

[[Cliffhanger|To be continued…]]

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (3)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (5)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (9)
*[[Autobot High Council|High Council]] (14–16)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (13)
*[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] (18)
*[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] (19)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (20)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (21)
*[[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] (22)

|c3=
*[[June Darby]] (7)
*[[William Fowler]] (8)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (10)
*[[Jack Darby]] (11)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (12)

|c4=
*[[Unicron/Aligned|Unicron]] (4)
*[[Core]] (17)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Raf:''' Megatron was an Autobot? 
'''Miko:''' Optimus was a 'Con?! 
'''Ratchet:''' No, on either count.
:—The kids get confused while Ratchet gets ready to tell a tale.

"You have something to say, Soundwave?"
:—'''Airachnid''' asking a rather ironic question to the silent bot.

"Watch out for the quiet ones…"
:—'''Knock Out''' after witnessing Soundwave "veto" Airachnid's motion to leave Earth.

"'''''Megatron! Destroy the Prime! I command you!'''''" 
"Megatron is commanded by NO ONE!"
:—'''Unicron''' and '''Megatron'''. [[The Transformers: The Movie|Déjà vu.]]

"'''''You cannot defeat me, disciple of Primus! I have transcended physical being! By my will alone, all upon this world shall fall into chaos!'''''" 
"Not while I still function, Unicron! The power of the Matrix shall light our darkest hour!" 
"'''''NOOOOO!'''''"
:—'''Unicron''' (possessing Megatron's body) is too late to stop '''Optimus Prime''' from using the Matrix on him.

"Where are we, Megatronus?" 
"Don't you remember, old friend?"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Megatron''' with an unexpected twist.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* The entire backstory given by Ratchet is an adaptation of the first half of ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]''. Plot elements were changed, such as Orion Pax becoming Optimus when he found the Matrix of Leadership, as opposed to when he was assigned the position by the Cybertron High Council. Notably, although the Dark Energon infection of Cybertron's core as seen in ''Exodus'' and ''War for Cybertron'' is made clear to have happened, the episode only refers to it as "poison", probably to avoid highlighting the incongruity this creates with the characters' lack of familiarity with the substance back at the start of the series.
* Ratchet's statement that Megatron started the war after not being made Prime contradicts the history given in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]", where Megatron is said to have split from Optimus ''during'' the war. Optimus could have believed that the war began with the initial movement of Megatronus, or Ratchet could be bringing continuity closer to ''Exodus''.
* A point is also made that Megatron "arrogantly demanded to be named Prime." However, in the context of the novel, Megatron viewed Orion being named Prime as a betrayal of his trust.
* Optimus's blade is still broken after the episode "[[One Shall Fall]]".
* The tail end of Unicron's final speech (while controlling Megatron's body) echoes Megatron's own words at the end of ''War for Cybertron'' Chapter 1: "By my will alone shall Cybertron be restored!"

===Transformers references===
* Optimus Prime was originally known as Orion Pax, much like [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|his namesake]] in the episode "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]",
* The [[Key to Vector Sigma]] first appeared in ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' episode "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1]]" and later featured prominently in the first season of ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]''.
* Optimus calls upon the Matrix to "[[Darkest hour|light our darkest hour]]".
* For once, Optimus is the one who gets to say he "still functions", rather than Megatron.
* Airachnid wishes to "set course for [[Regulon Four]]".
* Unicron's mind-control on Megatron to destroy Optimus Prime is similar to how Unicron kept torturing [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] into destroying [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
* When Unicron finally succeeds in possessing Megatron, the latter's body is enveloped in a purple, flame-like aura. This hearkens back to [[The Fallen|another of Unicron's servants]], as well as the power-up sequence of [[Megatron (Armada)#Cybertron|a different Megatron]].

===Animation and technical errors===
* The close up of Optimus firing at Unicron's antibodies shows his upper arms clipping through his chest.

===Continuity errors===
* All of the natural disasters around the world abruptly stop when Unicron is beaten. While it might make sense for the earthquakes to stop, tidal waves wouldn't just suddenly fall apart. Forward momentum doesn't just vanish. Similar problems occur with the tornadoes dissipating and the sky clearing.
* At the [[Earth's core]], the Autobots should experience very little gravity, as the total mass of Earth would be reasonably equally distributed around them and therefore the pull of gravity would be cancelled out. It's ''possible'' that they "gravitised" themselves to Unicron as they did to the Spacebridge in [[Darkness Rising, Part 5]], but the episode gives no indication that that's the case.
* Despite entering the tunnel to Unicron's spark chamber only a few seconds before Optimus, Megatron still manages a very hefty lead. By the time Optimus navigates the tunnel that leads into the spark chamber, Megatron is already inside, standing in front of Unicron's spark.
* After defeating Unicron, both Megatron and Optimus are knocked unconscious: Megatron on his back and Optimus on the ground facing away from the other. However, when we see them wake up later, Megatron is on his stomach and Optimus is facing him now.
* Bulkhead is the only Autobot visibly affected by the Dark Energon; previously, Arcee felt dizzy from even a tiny amount on her arm.

===Trivia===
* This episode aired in Singapore on [[October 4]], 2011, again preceding its American showing.
* Jack is clearly taking very good care of that Key Optimus gave him... by idly tapping it against a railing.
* This is the first time we've seen Soundwave "get his hands dirty". With how easily he trounces Airachnid, that's probably a good thing for the Autobots.
* According to the flashbacks, Megatron's optics are blue, his fingers, eyebrows, and shoulders less pointy, and his feet are also rather flat until he is rejected by the Council and storms out angrily, obtaining the sharp teeth and red eyes.
* Fowler hugs June. Make of that what you will.
* Once more, the Thirteen Original Primes make an appearance, this time as statue busts in the walls of the High Council's chamber.
* Unlike all other Autobots thus far in the cartoon, Optimus has a distinct Cybertronian robot form, with different kibble, in the flashbacks.
* The same goes for Soundwave - in the image of him standing by Megatronus at the beginning of the latter's movement, he has bulkier limbs and a more simplified torso than his modern form.
* A behind-scenes Internet video released by The Hub featured the voice actors recording the "Megatron was an Autobot? Optimus was a 'Con?" exchange, leading many (surprised) fans to believe this was indeed the case.

===Foreign localization===
'''Brazilian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Um Deverá Subir, Terceira Parte''''" ("One Shall Rise, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[April 30|30 April]] [[2012]]

'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Dans le cœur d'Unicron'''" ("In Unicron's Core")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die Prophezeiung erfüllt sich, Teil 3'''" ("The Prophecy Fulfilled, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[March 2|2 March]] [[2012]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Egyikünk állva marad, 3. rész'''" ("One of Us Remains Standing, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 13|13 February]] [[2012]]

'''Indonesian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Satu Harus Bertahan: Kejatuhan Kegelapan'''" ("One Shall Stand: The Fall of Darkness")
:*''Original airdate:'' 4 October [[2012]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il risveglio - Terza parte'''" ("The Awakening - Part Three"), "'''Uno di loro ascenderà - Parte 3'''" ("One of them will ascend - Part 3", 2017 airing)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 24|24 December]] [[2011]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fūin Henkei! Orion Pax no Nazo'''" (封印変形!オライオンパックスの謎, "Sealed Transformation! The Mystery of Orion Pax")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 29|29 September]] [[2012]]

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Optimeosu ui Gwageo'''" (옵티머스의 과거, "Optimus's Past")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 22|22 November]] [[2011]]

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 9|9 January]] [[2012]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Uno se alzará, tercera parte'''" ("One Shall Rise, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 11|11 August]] [[2012]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — One Shall Stand (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 5: One Shall Fall, One Shall Rise (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 6: Die Prophezeiung ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 13 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 5: One Shall Stand ([[Universal|Universal Pictures IT]]) — English, Italian, Dutch, French and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1 Vol. 5: Un seul vaincra ([[Universal|Universal Pictures France]]) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1: L'intégrale (Universal Pictures France) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One: One Shall Stand ([[Universal|Universal Pictures UK]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Universal Pictures UK)
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

One Shall Rise, Part 3

2022-06-30T05:03:34Z

Ronsar: /* Animation and technical errors */ recategorised those listed as continuity errors, added one to the existing category

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 26
|prev=One Shall Rise, Part 2
|next=Orion Pax, Part 1
|image=OneShallRise3-together.jpg
|caption=Why can't we be friends? Why can't we be friends?
|title="One Shall Rise, Part 3"
|airdate=[[October 4]], [[2011]] (Singapore) [[October 15]], 2011 (USA)
|written by=[[Steven Melching]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Jack learns more about Optimus Prime's history on Cybertron while the Autobots continue their battle at the Earth's core.'''

==Synopsis==

As he leads the [[Autobot]]s further toward [[Earth]]'s core, [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] is again seized by a vision of the planet exploding. He notes how [[Unicron]]'s strength grows ever greater and continues on. [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] and [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] both voice their mistrust of the [[Decepticon]] leader, though they have no choice but to follow him. Unbeknownst to them, several [[Unicron's antibodies|strange, mechanical creatures]] observe the intruders into their dark domain.

Back at [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]], [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] and the [[human]]s watch a report that outlines how the planet's chaotic weather continues to spiral out of control. Despite [[June Darby|June]]'s efforts to lighten the mood, [[William Fowler|Fowler]] insists that something must be done—even if it means contacting his associates at the [[Pentagon]]. Fowler makes known his uneasiness about teaming up with Megatron, but Ratchet surprises the humans by explaining how such a situation has happened before. Ratchet relates how Optimus Prime and Megatron were once close friends, in the twilight hours of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s [[Golden Age]].

[[File:OneShallRise3-corresponding.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|''Once, I called you "Brother".'' 
''Once, I thought the chance to make you laugh'' 
''Was all I ever wanted...'' 
''And even now,'' 
''I wish that [[Primus|God]] had chose another.'' 
''Serving as your foe on His behalf'' 
''Is the last thing that I wanted...!'']]
''The great Autobot leader was once named Orion Pax, a simple clerk in the [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] Hall of Records. Learning of Cybertron's past, Orion grew concerned about the corruption affecting high places and the [[Caste system|state of inequity]] in society. He became inspired by the revolutionary words of Megatronus, a gladiator who took his name from [[The Fallen|one]] of the [[Thirteen|thirteen original Primes]]. Megatronus gained a loyal following through his radical and innovative actions, [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] chief among their number. Over time, Megatronus became a mentor figure to Orion Pax and chose to shorten his name as he left the gladiatorial arena for the political one. Megatron appeared before the [[Autobot High Council|High Council]], now showing his true colors and voicing his ideas for shaping a new Cybertron by violent means, demanding to be named the next [[Prime (rank)|Prime]]. Orion protested against Megatron's warlike suggestions before the Council, moving their [[spark]]s and minds as he unknowingly revealed himself to be the one worthy of the title. Megatron severed his ties to Orion and the Council, taking his "Decepticon" followers to begin the [[Great War (Prime)|war]] that consumed Cybertron and vowing to claim the legendary [[Matrix of Leadership]] for himself. Hoping to reverse the [[Dark Energon|damage]] that had poisoned the planet, Orion journeyed to Cybertron's [[Core]], where he found himself before the spark of [[Primus]], the creator of all [[Transformer|Cybertronians]]. Primus sensed the purity of Orion's own spark and bestowed upon him the legendary Matrix, transforming him into Optimus Prime.''

In the present, [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] and [[Jack Darby|Jack]] question Optimus's plan to give the Matrix to the [[Earth's core]], asking what could possibly stop Megatron from attempting to claim it for himself now. Ratchet darkly replies that Megatron only intends to save the Earth so that he may conquer it at a later date.

As they near Unicron's spark, [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] begins to feel the draining effects of the [[Dark Energon]]. [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] and Arcee help him a short way across the catwalks, but Megatron soon comes to a halt ahead with the realization that Unicron is preparing to expel them. A huge number of Unicron's drones suddenly swarm into view, surrounding Megatron and the Autobots. They engage the drones in a fierce battle, blasting and slashing through their attackers. Arcee is knocked to a lower level, not long before the Dark Energon clouds Bulkhead's vision. He stumbles from the catwalk but manages to grab hold of the edge, and is seized by Bumblebee before he can tumble to his death. Optimus and Megatron fight back-to-back, managing to hold their own against the drones in a spectacular display of effective—if uneasy—teamwork. Bumblebee struggles to hold onto Bulkhead, who insists that the scout lets him go. Optimus seizes Bulkhead just as Bumblebee loses his grip, and hauls him up to safety. As the group quickly becomes overwhelmed, Arcee hitches a ride on one of the drones to catch up with the others and beat a swift retreat with them.

[[File:OneShallRise3-SoundwaveAirachnid.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|Maybe Megatron should stop having seconds-in-command and just skip straight to thirds-in-command.]]
Aboard the [[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]], [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] outlines the questionable nature of their leader's recent behavior. [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] asks whether she is suggesting that they abandon Lord Megatron. Airachnid explains how Megatron's undetectable signal implies that he is either offline or at the mercy of Unicron—neither scenario being in the best interests of the Decepticons. She suggests an exodus from Earth and receives no protests from the surrounding [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]]. However, her order to retreat to [[Regulon Four]] is denied by Soundwave, who silently challenges her authority. When he refuses her demand to step aside, she leaps to attack him. Soundwave easily blocks every one of her blows, before lifting her clean into the air. He hurls her back, deploying [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] to stun Airachnid in a sudden sneak attack. Pinned under Soundwave's foot, much to Knock Out's amusement, Airachnid relinquishes command to the intelligence officer.

Back in the Autobot base, Ratchet notes he has lost the others' communication links and life signals, most likely caused by interference from the electromagnetic anomalies. Miko asks how they are supposed to know when the others are ready for pickup if contact is impossible, but Ratchet is prevented from responding by the sound of Jack tapping the [[GroundBridge]] key against a railing. Ratchet reveals that the object is actually the [[Key to Vector Sigma]]—one of Cybertron's most precious relics. Ratchet then realizes that Optimus entrusted the key to Jack because he did not plan on returning from the planet's core.

Megatron is gripped by yet another painful vision of Unicron whilst he and the Autobots are backed into an enclosed chamber by the attacking drones. Unicron orders him to destroy Optimus. Instead, Megatron saves the Autobot leader by blasting an oncoming drone. He then indicates a closed doorway nearby, stating that Unicron's spark lies just beyond. He explains that to pass through, they must fool Unicron into believing that they pose no danger, and moves his Dark Energon-infused chest up to the door. It opens in response, and Optimus orders the others to remain outside and provide cover fire while he and Megatron advance.

The passageway beyond leads directly into Unicron's spark chamber, where Optimus prepares to expose the Matrix within his chest. Unicron's spark reacts, striking both invaders with its energy. Unicron again orders Megatron to kill Optimus, forcing him to unsheathe his blade and approach the weakened Prime. Megatron struggles against him, declaring himself to be under the command of no-one. His resistance provokes only an onslaught of pain and a furious reaction from the Chaos Bringer.

The volcano outside erupts violently, and the ground enclosing the Autobot base begins to quake. Ratchet tells the humans to take cover, and he moves to shield them from falling debris.

[[File:OneShallRise3-unleash.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.67|Care Bear Stare!]]
Unicron's spark adopts the appearance of a face as Megatron is seemingly freed from his control. Optimus calls upon the power of the Matrix of Leadership but hesitates as Unicron possesses Megatron's body in a veil of purple flame and declares his own invincibility. Optimus cuts short Unicron's desire to pull the Earth into chaos, and he rises to his feet as he becomes surrounded by a brilliant blue light. Optimus fires the power of the Matrix from his chest directly into Unicron's spark, the resulting wave of energy knocking Megatron back off his feet. His energy drained, Optimus falls to his knees, and Unicron's spark emits a final wail of pain before vanishing into oblivion.

The drones outside suddenly fall from the air, lifeless. The volcano, along with all of the Earth's other natural phenomena, subside back to normality. Ratchet and the humans watch as the monitors flicker online, rejoicing as their team's life signals are all safely re-established. Aboard the Nemesis, however, Soundwave also detects the signature of the Decepticon leader.

[[File:OneShallRise3-hug.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|"You smell like my mom." "I smell like ''his'' mom!"]]
Megatron rights himself in Unicron's now-empty spark chamber, inspecting Optimus's steaming body for a moment before unsheathing his blade. Optimus gazes blearily up at the approaching Decepticon, then addresses him as "Megatronus" and asks where they are. Surprised, Megatron retracts his weapon and helps the Autobot to his feet. Bumblebee, Bulkhead and Arcee soon burst through the wall to assist, but Optimus does not recognise them. A GroundBridge suddenly opens nearby; Megatron claims that the Autobots are their sworn enemies and provides cover fire as Optimus heads for the vortex. Optimus blankly meets Bumblebee's devastated gaze for a split second before disappearing through the Bridge. Megatron follows, leaving the shocked Autobots alone in the empty chamber.

[[File:Megatroncamehome.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.67|Honey, I'm home!]]

Ratchet GroundBridges the team back to base, but is anxious to see that Optimus is not with them. They explain that Optimus is still alive, but did not even know his own name. Ratchet realizes that surrendering the Matrix of Leadership caused their leader to lose not only the wisdom of the Primes but his own memories as well.

Knock Out and the other Decepticons, minus Airachnid, welcome Megatron back aboard the Nemesis. Megatron steps aside to allow Optimus through, and [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] automatically moves to attack. Megatron halts him, insisting that this is no way to treat a "long-lost comrade", and declares that Orion Pax is one of them.

[[Cliffhanger|To be continued…]]

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (3)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (5)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (9)
*[[Autobot High Council|High Council]] (14–16)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (13)
*[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] (18)
*[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] (19)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (20)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (21)
*[[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] (22)

|c3=
*[[June Darby]] (7)
*[[William Fowler]] (8)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (10)
*[[Jack Darby]] (11)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (12)

|c4=
*[[Unicron/Aligned|Unicron]] (4)
*[[Core]] (17)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Raf:''' Megatron was an Autobot? 
'''Miko:''' Optimus was a 'Con?! 
'''Ratchet:''' No, on either count.
:—The kids get confused while Ratchet gets ready to tell a tale.

"You have something to say, Soundwave?"
:—'''Airachnid''' asking a rather ironic question to the silent bot.

"Watch out for the quiet ones…"
:—'''Knock Out''' after witnessing Soundwave "veto" Airachnid's motion to leave Earth.

"'''''Megatron! Destroy the Prime! I command you!'''''" 
"Megatron is commanded by NO ONE!"
:—'''Unicron''' and '''Megatron'''. [[The Transformers: The Movie|Déjà vu.]]

"'''''You cannot defeat me, disciple of Primus! I have transcended physical being! By my will alone, all upon this world shall fall into chaos!'''''" 
"Not while I still function, Unicron! The power of the Matrix shall light our darkest hour!" 
"'''''NOOOOO!'''''"
:—'''Unicron''' (possessing Megatron's body) is too late to stop '''Optimus Prime''' from using the Matrix on him.

"Where are we, Megatronus?" 
"Don't you remember, old friend?"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Megatron''' with an unexpected twist.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* The entire backstory given by Ratchet is an adaptation of the first half of ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]''. Plot elements were changed, such as Orion Pax becoming Optimus when he found the Matrix of Leadership, as opposed to when he was assigned the position by the Cybertron High Council. Notably, although the Dark Energon infection of Cybertron's core as seen in ''Exodus'' and ''War for Cybertron'' is made clear to have happened, the episode only refers to it as "poison", probably to avoid highlighting the incongruity this creates with the characters' lack of familiarity with the substance back at the start of the series.
* Ratchet's statement that Megatron started the war after not being made Prime contradicts the history given in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]", where Megatron is said to have split from Optimus ''during'' the war. Optimus could have believed that the war began with the initial movement of Megatronus, or Ratchet could be bringing continuity closer to ''Exodus''.
* A point is also made that Megatron "arrogantly demanded to be named Prime." However, in the context of the novel, Megatron viewed Orion being named Prime as a betrayal of his trust.
* Optimus's blade is still broken after the episode "[[One Shall Fall]]".
* The tail end of Unicron's final speech (while controlling Megatron's body) echoes Megatron's own words at the end of ''War for Cybertron'' Chapter 1: "By my will alone shall Cybertron be restored!"

===Transformers references===
* Optimus Prime was originally known as Orion Pax, much like [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|his namesake]] in the episode "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]",
* The [[Key to Vector Sigma]] first appeared in ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' episode "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1]]" and later featured prominently in the first season of ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]''.
* Optimus calls upon the Matrix to "[[Darkest hour|light our darkest hour]]".
* For once, Optimus is the one who gets to say he "still functions", rather than Megatron.
* Airachnid wishes to "set course for [[Regulon Four]]".
* Unicron's mind-control on Megatron to destroy Optimus Prime is similar to how Unicron kept torturing [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] into destroying [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
* When Unicron finally succeeds in possessing Megatron, the latter's body is enveloped in a purple, flame-like aura. This hearkens back to [[The Fallen|another of Unicron's servants]], as well as the power-up sequence of [[Megatron (Armada)#Cybertron|a different Megatron]].

===Animation and technical errors===
* The closup of Optimus firing at Unicron's antibodies shows his upper arms clipping through his chest.

===Continuity errors===
* All of the natural disasters around the world abruptly stop when Unicron is beaten. While it might make sense for the earthquakes to stop, tidal waves wouldn't just suddenly fall apart. Forward momentum doesn't just vanish. Similar problems occur with the tornadoes dissipating and the sky clearing.
* At the [[Earth's core]], the Autobots should experience very little gravity, as the total mass of Earth would be reasonably equally distributed around them and therefore the pull of gravity would be cancelled out. It's ''possible'' that they "gravitised" themselves to Unicron as they did to the Spacebridge in [[Darkness Rising, Part 5]], but the episode gives no indication that that's the case.
* Despite entering the tunnel to Unicron's spark chamber only a few seconds before Optimus, Megatron still manages a very hefty lead. By the time Optimus navigates the tunnel that leads into the spark chamber, Megatron is already inside, standing in front of Unicron's spark.
* After defeating Unicron, both Megatron and Optimus are knocked unconscious: Megatron on his back and Optimus on the ground facing away from the other. However, when we see them wake up later, Megatron is on his stomach and Optimus is facing him now.
* Bulkhead is the only Autobot visibly affected by the Dark Energon; previously, Arcee felt dizzy from even a tiny amount on her arm.

===Trivia===
* This episode aired in Singapore on [[October 4]], 2011, again preceding its American showing.
* Jack is clearly taking very good care of that Key Optimus gave him... by idly tapping it against a railing.
* This is the first time we've seen Soundwave "get his hands dirty". With how easily he trounces Airachnid, that's probably a good thing for the Autobots.
* According to the flashbacks, Megatron's optics are blue, his fingers, eyebrows, and shoulders less pointy, and his feet are also rather flat until he is rejected by the Council and storms out angrily, obtaining the sharp teeth and red eyes.
* Fowler hugs June. Make of that what you will.
* Once more, the Thirteen Original Primes make an appearance, this time as statue busts in the walls of the High Council's chamber.
* Unlike all other Autobots thus far in the cartoon, Optimus has a distinct Cybertronian robot form, with different kibble, in the flashbacks.
* The same goes for Soundwave - in the image of him standing by Megatronus at the beginning of the latter's movement, he has bulkier limbs and a more simplified torso than his modern form.
* A behind-scenes Internet video released by The Hub featured the voice actors recording the "Megatron was an Autobot? Optimus was a 'Con?" exchange, leading many (surprised) fans to believe this was indeed the case.

===Foreign localization===
'''Brazilian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Um Deverá Subir, Terceira Parte''''" ("One Shall Rise, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[April 30|30 April]] [[2012]]

'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Dans le cœur d'Unicron'''" ("In Unicron's Core")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die Prophezeiung erfüllt sich, Teil 3'''" ("The Prophecy Fulfilled, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[March 2|2 March]] [[2012]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Egyikünk állva marad, 3. rész'''" ("One of Us Remains Standing, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 13|13 February]] [[2012]]

'''Indonesian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Satu Harus Bertahan: Kejatuhan Kegelapan'''" ("One Shall Stand: The Fall of Darkness")
:*''Original airdate:'' 4 October [[2012]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il risveglio - Terza parte'''" ("The Awakening - Part Three"), "'''Uno di loro ascenderà - Parte 3'''" ("One of them will ascend - Part 3", 2017 airing)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 24|24 December]] [[2011]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fūin Henkei! Orion Pax no Nazo'''" (封印変形!オライオンパックスの謎, "Sealed Transformation! The Mystery of Orion Pax")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 29|29 September]] [[2012]]

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Optimeosu ui Gwageo'''" (옵티머스의 과거, "Optimus's Past")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 22|22 November]] [[2011]]

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 9|9 January]] [[2012]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Uno se alzará, tercera parte'''" ("One Shall Rise, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 11|11 August]] [[2012]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — One Shall Stand (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 5: One Shall Fall, One Shall Rise (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 6: Die Prophezeiung ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 13 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 5: One Shall Stand ([[Universal|Universal Pictures IT]]) — English, Italian, Dutch, French and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1 Vol. 5: Un seul vaincra ([[Universal|Universal Pictures France]]) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1: L'intégrale (Universal Pictures France) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One: One Shall Stand ([[Universal|Universal Pictures UK]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Universal Pictures UK)
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Out of His Head

2022-06-28T04:23:33Z

Ronsar: /* Notes */ reinterpreted an instance that was categorised as an error

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 14
|prev=Sick Mind
|next=Shadowzone (episode)
|image=OutOfHisHead-evileye.jpg
|caption=If looks could kill.
|title="Out of His Head"
|airdate=[[May 7]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Nicole Dubuc]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''Megatron attempts to resurrect himself using Dark Energon by controlling Bumblebee's mind.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:OutOfHisHead-basketball.jpg|left|thumb|250px|I really enjoyed playing with you guys. Let's play some basketball. I really enjoyed playing with you guys. Let's play some basketball. I really enjoyed playing with you guys. Let's play some basketball.]]
[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] concludes his tests on [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] and gives their leader a clean bill of health. Optimus thanks Ratchet and [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]], while [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] is unsure whether she managed to successfully end [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]'s life during their mission on the [[Trypticon (WFC)|Decepticon ship]]. In truth and unknown to any of the others, Megatron's psyche still dwells in Bumblebee's processor, and he's determined to reclaim his own body.

[[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] referees a [[basketball]] game between Bumblebee and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]]. Bulkhead easily sinks the first basket, but as Bumblebee goes to shoot, he suddenly flashes back to the [[space bridge]] explosion. When Bulkhead interrupts the vision, he gets the ball thrown at his head. Bumblebee apologizes and they play on. Later on, Bumblebee freezes as Megatron takes control. Megatron wonders how he escaped the destruction of the space bridge, and he recalls [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] pulling the sliver of [[Dark Energon]] from his chest. Now knowing what he needs to restore his body, Megatron vows to take revenge upon his subordinate.

On the Decepticon warship, Starscream taunts Megatron's body with the Dark Energon sliver, announcing that he has come up with a new, epic plan that will convince the other Decepticons that he's worthy of leadership. [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] arrives in time to hear the tail end of the speech.

Waiting outside his house, [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] calls [[Jack Darby|Jack]], who is already in class, to complain that Bumblebee hasn't picked him up for [[Memorial High School|school]]. Bumblebee is at [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]], being puppeted by Megatron to crush a piece of equipment. Ratchet is irritated by the destruction, and Bumblebee explains his visions of Megatron. Ratchet induces a power-down to allow Bumblebee's mind time to rest. While he's explaining this to Optimus and Raf, they get a call from [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]], who says that [[Decepticon]]s have broken into the [[Kauai Naval Observatory]] in [[Hawaii]] and stolen the [[Heuck Nigoghossian telescope]]'s primary lens. Fortunately, the lens has a tracking device, and the Autobots trace it to the [[Arctic]], where there's a massive, unmineable [[energon]] deposit—unmineable unless the glacier it's in is melted, something that would devastate coastal cities.

Indeed, the Decepticons have already created a heat ray with the lens, and Starscream begins melting the glacier in question.

[[Image:OutOfHisHead-vigil.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''While You Were Beeping'', starring Sandra Bullock.]]

Raf chats with the shut-down Bumblebee, despite Ratchet pointing out that Bumblebee can't hear him. Raf asserts that Bumblebee is family and shows off a photo of his parents and siblings.

Optimus, Arcee and Bulkhead walk through the Arctic and locate the Decepticon warship, which is warming things up with its heat ray.

Ratchet leaves Raf and Bumblebee to find parts to repair the equipment Bumblebee damaged. While he's gone, Bumblebee suddenly powers up and heads to the main control room, where he activates the [[GroundBridge]]. Ratchet and Raf are surprised to find him departing through the GroundBridge and wonder where the diminutive [[Autobot]] is going. Bumblebee arrives at the battlefield where Optimus and Ratchet once fought Megatron's army of [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcons]], in search of the Dark Energon shard Megatron used to raise the dead. Ratchet attempts to use the GroundBridge to follow Bumblebee, but once he activates it, Bumblebee promptly steps back through, carrying the Dark Energon, and decks the medic. Having placed Raf out of the way, Bumblebee runs back through the GroundBridge. Ratchet realizes that Megatron's mind has taken over Bumblebee, and he tracks the scout to coordinates in the Arctic. Raf insists on going too.

Atop the Decepticon warship, Starscream spots Bulkhead and Arcee. Knock Out orders [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] to deal with the two Autobots, and the big 'Con starts laying into them. Meanwhile, the unseen Optimus scales a nearby cliff.

Ratchet and Raf arrive in the Decepticon ship to find disabled [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s everywhere. They reach the lab, where Bumblebee has hooked himself up to Megatron's body, but when Ratchet attacks Bumblebee, he's knocked across the room. Raf manages to encourage Bumblebee to retake control, but it's only a brief respite. Ratchet yanks the life support cable from Megatron, only to again be tossed across the room. Despite a last-ditch attempt by Raf to stop Bumblebee, the scout plunges the Dark Energon shard into Megatron's body, and Megatron awakens. A group of Vehicons arrives to find Megatron has risen from the dead, and he orders them to terminate the Autobots, as he has his own "extermination to perform". Under fire from the Vehicons, Ratchet, Bumblebee and Raf retreat.

[[Image:OutOfHisHead-grabby.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"Exit, stage lef—GURRK!"]]

Optimus reaches the top of his cliff and takes a flying leap onto the Decepticon ship. On the ground, Arcee and Bulkhead continue to battle Breakdown. Starscream and Knock Out spot Optimus coming towards them across the hull of the ship, and Starscream turns the heat ray on the Autobot leader. Undeterred, Optimus drives all the way up to the heat ray and slices it with his sword, causing the whole thing to explode. Optimus is thrown to the ground, only to face the rage of Starscream, who begins diving towards him, missiles at the ready. Starscream is intercepted halfway through the dive by Megatron, who takes his disloyal lieutenant back to the Decepticon warship. Faced with his old leader, Starscream attempts to flee in his vehicle mode, only for Megatron to grab him by the tail and toss him against the ship. Even the promise of nearby Autobots to destroy isn't enough to distract Megatron, who begins dragging Starscream away by the head.

Watching the still-blazing ship depart, Optimus radios Ratchet for a bridge, but Ratchet, Bumblebee and Raf appear nearby.

Later at base, Ratchet finishes checking over Bumblebee, who thanks Raf for helping to rescue him.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (2)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (3)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (4)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (7)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (10)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (11)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (14)
*[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] (15)

|c3=
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (6)
*[[Jack Darby]] (8)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (9)
*[[Sierra's friend]] (12)
*[[William Fowler]] (13)

}}

==Quotes==


"Lucky for us, Megatron was still alive." 
''<Bumblebee says something>'' 
"Yeah, I actually said that."
:—'''Arcee''' surprising us all.

"Prime, you spot any Decepticons wearing hula skirts lately?" 
"No, Special Agent Fowler. ''Why?''"
:—'''Agent Fowler''' says something that makes sense in context that '''Optimus Prime''' hasn't received yet.

"Mm-hmm. Yes, very nice."
:—'''Ratchet''' is unimpressed with Raf's picture of his family.

"Yes! I love when a plan comes together!"
:—'''Starscream''', fan of the A-Team.

"Decepticons! Your rightful lord and master has returned!"
:—'''Megatron''' reawakens.

"Megatron's greatest mistake was ever allowing you to live, Prime!"
:—'''Starscream''', a few seconds before Megatron shows up.

"Lord Megatron? You are...you're healed! Praise the AllSpark! It is a miracle!" 
"Oh, it will be a miracle all right, Starscream...if you survive what I have planned for ''you''!"
:—'''Starscream''' discovers that '''Megatron''' [[Megatron Rising - Part 2|doesn't]] [[Mission Accomplished|tolerate]] [[A Fistful of Energon|traitors]] [[Endgame, Part I|anymore]].

"But the Autobots—Optimus—right there, waiting for you!" 
"My greatest mistake? I've made a few. But there is ''one'' I do not intend to make again!" 
"N-no! Master! NOOOOOO!!!"
:—A desperate '''Starscream''' and a surprisingly self-aware '''Megatron'''.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Arcee hasn't forgotten her trip to the Arctic in "[[Scrapheap (episode)|Scrapheap]]".
* It seems that Megatron was conscious (and able to perfectly remember) when Starscream extracted the fragment of Dark Energon from his chest in "[[Masters & Students]]".
* Starscream states that his Dark Energon shard is the only chunk of Dark Energon on Earth. Aside from the one Megatron retrieves, [[One Shall Rise, Part 1|this would be proven wrong later]].
* The fight with the Dark Energon zombies took place in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 4]]".
* Bulkhead and Bumblebee play with a hollowed-out version of the ball he used for lobbing with [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] in "[[Con Job]]".
* Raf doesn't know how he understands Bumblebee, as stated in his [[Raf's Notes|notebook]].
* Raf finally gets to see snow. But does Optimus remember the snowball [[Scrapheap (episode)|he promised to give him]]?

===Transformers references===
* Optimus Prime recalls their "end run on [[Polyhex]]".

===Real-world references===
* The Heuck Nigoghossian telescope is named for ''Prime'' directors Vinton Heuck and [[Shaunt Nigoghossian]].
* Starscream {{w|The A-Team|loves it when a plan comes together.}}

===Errors===
* In the real world, large telescopes use mirrors, not lenses.
* Starscream's eye is misaligned when he spots Arcee and Bulkhead approaching.
* When Ratchet rips away the life support tube from Megatron's chest, we see the buckled hole left from his wounds during the space bridge accident. However, after the Dark Energon shard restores Megatron to life, we see his chest armor completely fixed and sporting a snazzy fresh Decepticon [[insignia|sigil]]. Looks like Dark Energon doubles as a super polish in addition to reviving the dead.
* Megatron somehow manages to speak through Bumblebee, despite the fact that Bumblebee's damaged voice-box renders him incapable of such complex vocalizations.

===Trivia===
* This is one of the few episodes storyboarded by the artist [[Adam Van Wyk]].
* Raf apparently has seven people in his family, including himself. He also has at least two sisters with one of them named [[Pilar Esquivel|Pilar]].
* Sierra's friend sits in front of Jack in at least one class (or perhaps homeroom). And yet she is still unnamed.
* Raf is the first of the humans to see Megatron face to face.
* In the final scene, while Ratchet is talking, Optimus has his battle mask on, despite normally only wearing it when going out on a mission.
* It's pretty impressive that Starscream kept landing on the spires of the ships. You would think that since Megatron just aimlessly threw him aside, he wouldn't be necessarily aiming for another spire?
* In a nice show of attention to detail, Starscream can't immediately provide full thrust away from Megatron when he transforms because his engine is spooling up.
* Megatron was in the Autobot base and could have easily learned its location by just walking out "for a drive" and noting his coordinates. He even had the perfect excuse, since everyone could see something was wrong with Bumblebee.
* In later episodes, Optimus condemns the concept of killing a helpless life form, yet in this episode Arcee nonchalantly boasts about her attempt to kill Megs right in front of him. Guess Optimus' hearing took a hit from the cybonic plague?
* Adaptations of this episode include a prose version as part of ''[[Bumblebee in Danger!]]''.
* The Japanese broadcast of this episode was the first to use the second Japanese [[title sequence]], "[[TRANSFORMERZ]]".

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Bumblebee sous contrôle'''" ("Bumblebee under Control")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ausser Kontrolle'''" ("Out of Control")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 23|23 December]] [[2011]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Elbitorolt elme'''" ("Usurped Mind")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 26|26 January]] [[2012]]

'''Indonesian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Kembalinya Megatron: Invasi Bumblebee'''" ("The Return of Megatron: Bumblebee Invation")
:*''Original airdate:'' 19 September [[2012]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fuori di testa'''" ("Out of Mind")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 12|12 November]] [[2011]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Gyakushū Henkei! Megatron Fukkatsu!'''" (逆襲変形!メガトロン復活!, "Counterattack Transformation! The Resurrection of Megatron!")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[July 7|7 July]] [[2012]]

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Du Eolgul ui Beombeulbi'''" (두 얼굴의 범블비, "The Two-Faced Bumblebee")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 11|11 October]] [[2011]]

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 22|22 December]] [[2011]]

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fora de Si'''" ("Not Himself")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 6|6 February]] [[2012]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fuera de su cabeza'''" ("Out of his head")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[May 12|12 May]] [[2012]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 4: Die vierte Dimension ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 3: Alien Threat (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 7 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1 Vol. 3: L'attaque des Decepticons ([[Universal|Universal Pictures France]]) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 3: La furia dei Decepticons ([[Universal|Universal Pictures IT]]) — English, Italian, Dutch, French and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One: Decepticons Unleashed ([[Universal|Universal Pictures UK]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1: L'intégrale (Universal Pictures France) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Universal Pictures UK)
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Speed Metal

2022-06-27T23:07:27Z

Ronsar: /* Errors */ added another (pedantic) instance

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 11
|prev=Deus ex Machina
|next=Predatory
|image=SpeedMetal-startyourengines.jpg
|caption=Temptation, thy name is woman!
|title="Speed Metal"
|airdate=[[April 9]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Dean Stefan]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Knock Out and Jack are both drawn into the world of street racing.'''

==Synopsis==
Cruising along a road at night, [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] listens to a news report about illegal street racing. Switching it off, he pulls up alongside three other cars waiting to race. The [[Fast Willy|driver of one]] decides to put a long scratch in Knock Out's paintwork, rousing the [[Decepticon]]'s ire. After the race starts, Knock Out runs the other driver off the mountain road, informing the stunned human, "You scratch my paint, I scratch yours," before racing off.

[[File:SpeedMetal-whispering.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|There are so many captions for this, all of them dirty.]]

Outside the [[Memorial High School|high school]], [[Jack Darby|Jack]] encounters school bully [[Vince]], who mocks [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]]'s vehicle mode. Jack and Arcee leave, but while stopped at a traffic light, Jack's called out to by [[Sierra]], who's keen on a ride. Before Jack can answer, Vince pulls up and challenges him to a race. Jack's still thinking about it when the light changes and Arcee takes off, reminding Jack of the rules about abusing their power. Vince catches up with them at the next light and insults Arcee's motorcycle mode, goading her to suspend the rules, just this once. The pair let Vince know they're ready for the race, and Sierra and [[Sierra's friend|her friend]] turn out at an old dirt road to spectate. Arcee's driving abilities far outstrip Vince's, and they win easily, but Arcee turns down Jack's suggestion that they should offer Sierra a lift.

On the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] is buffing the comatose [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]. [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] wanders in to check on the patient and wonders aloud where Knock Out's got to. The 'Con himself walks in a few moments later, complaining about the scratch some "skinjob" put in his finish. Starscream is most disapproving that Knock Out's been street racing again, though what ''really'' annoys him is Knock Out's failure—and glib refusal—to refer to Starscream as "Lord".

Back at [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]], Arcee reminds Jack not to tell anyone about the race, but it turns out [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] and [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] already know, having heard about it at school. Jack swears them to secrecy.

At school, Sierra tells Jack she was impressed with the outcome of the race, but Vince challenges Jack to race again, this time at the circuit. Jack's compelled to agree, but Arcee flatly refuses to race.

Knock Out is out cruising a road somewhere near [[Jasper]], when a speeding street racer car gets his attention, and he heads toward the town.

Jack asks Raf if he can borrow [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] so he can go street racing. Raf isn't so sure (much to Bumblebee's dismay), but Miko and Jack talk him into it. Jack and Bumblebee haul up at the race track, as does Knock Out. As the race begins and Bumblebee and Vince jostle for lead position, Knock Out recognizes Bumblebee and begins chasing the Autobot while firing. Jack finds he has problems overcoming the communications barrier with 'Bee.

Back at base, Miko and Raf are playing a [[Generic racing game|video game]] when Arcee asks them if they've seen Jack. They attempt to cover for their friend, but Arcee immediately works out what's up, and a short time later, Bumblebee's distress call comes though.

Bumblebee dumps some [[oil]] to slow Knock Out down, then ducks under a bridge. At first, it seems they've lost the Decepticon, but Vince hauls in to confront Jack and demand he finish the race. Jack tries to warn Vince of the danger, but Vince's headlights have attracted Knock Out, who grabs the boy, renders him unconscious, drives off. Knock Out contacts Breakdown to announce he's captured Bumblebee's human "friend". Arcee and Bulkhead join Bumblebee, but before Arcee can start a lecture, Jack tells her about Vince, and they head off to mount a rescue.

[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] walks into the base and wonders where everyone else is. Raf and Miko give him the least convincing replies ever.

[[File:PrimeScreamer'sFingerOfDoom.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4|"Not the gumdrop buttons!"]]

The three Autobots track Knock Out to a warehouse area, and Bulkhead and Bumblebee stroll in while Arcee scales a nearby water tower. Bulkhead and Bumblebee are ambushed by Breakdown. Just as Knock Out is wondering where Arcee is, she jumps on top of him. Knock Out decides to bail, but at least has the courtesy to radio Breakdown and let him know. Unfortunately, the call distracts Breakdown long enough for Bulkhead to deck him with a street lamp. Knock Out streaks down a road with Arcee in pursuit, but is suddenly sideswiped by Optimus, who knocks him onto the embankment. With the 'Con unable to flee, Optimus rips his door off and retrieves the unconscious Vince. Knock Out is outraged at the damage done to him, but retreats when the rest of the Autobots arrive. Vince finally recovers in Bumblebee on the way back to his car, and Jack spins a story to cover the whole thing.

Starscream is ''very'' upset with Knock Out's disobedience. Knock Out assures Starscream that he's learned his lesson and been punished sufficiently, but once again addresses Starscream as 'Commander'. Angered, Starscream informs him that his punishment will be complete when ''he'' says so, and gives him more scratches to his paint job.

At school again, Sierra asks Jack for a ride, but he turns her down. Arcee, however, is feeling more accommodating—just this once—and soon Jack and Sierra are zooming through town.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (5)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (14)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (15)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (16)

|c2=
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (1)
*[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] (9)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (10)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (11)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (17)

|c3=
*[[Starter Guy]] (2)
*[[Fast Willy]] (3)
*[[Jack Darby]] (4)
*[[Vince]] (6)
*[[Sierra]] (7)
*[[Sierra's friend]] (8)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (12)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (13)
}}

==Quotes==
"Uh, Jack? A lady's vital stats are her own business."
:—'''Arcee''' doesn't want Jack bragging about the different aspects of her body.

"Winning isn't enough, Jack. You want to make him ''cry''."
:—'''Arcee''' explains her method of getting even.

"No worries, ''Herr Kommandant''." 
"It is 'Lord' to you." 
"Only if Megatron takes a nosedive." 
"''Hhhnnn.'' The day our master emerges from stasis, I will graciously relinquish the title. But I believe that outcome is unlikely. Something to do with the quality of medical care around here. So continue ''buffing''. We do want Megatron looking his best for the memorial." 
(''Starscream leaves the room.'') 
"Buff ''this''."
:—'''Knock Out''' and '''Starscream''' don't exactly see optic-to-optic.

'''Arcee''': Have you guys seen Jack? 
'''Miko''': ...not since we last saw him. 
'''Arcee''': They're racing, aren't they? 
'''Raf''': Just this once. 
'''Arcee''': Did you know about this? 
'''Bulkhead''': NO. Maybe. A little.
:—No one on [[Team Prime]] can lie.

"'Bee, do not engage. Your first priority is to keep Jack safe. [''murmurs''] Until I get my hands on him."
:—'''Arcee''' is a scary guardian.

[[File:SpeedMetal-OptimusEyebrow.gif|thumb|upright=1.8|"You are either lying or you're stupid."]]

'''Raf''': We should just tell Optimus the truth. 
'''Miko''': Absolutely not! We made a deal. Just act completely normal. 
'''Optimus''': Raf, Miko, do either of you know where the others have gone? 
'''Miko''': Why, no, sir. We do not know. 
'''Raf''': ''(stiffly)'' Miko is correct. We do not know. 
'''Miko''': Why would we know? 
'''Optimus''': Hmm...
:—Seriously, it's a minor miracle the kids haven't blown their cover with their parents yet.

"Do you know how hard that is to replace?!"
:—'''Knock Out''' loses a door to Optimus Prime.

"Knock Out! Was I not clear? You have defied my orders yet again!" 
"My mistake, Commander Starscream. But, I've learned my lesson... and paid the price. 
"It. Is. '''LORD'''! And you have paid when I say you have paid! ''[extends a sharpened finger]'' Do not worry, your punishment shall be merely... cosmetic." 
"No, not the finish! Anything but the finish! ''[the "cosmetic punishment" begins offscreen]'' NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
:—<s>Commander</s> '''LORD Starscream''' reminds '''Knock Out''' where he stands.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* (tbd)

===Real-world references===
* Knock Out calls Fast Willy a "skinjob," a derogatory slang term used to refer to the human-like {{w|Cylon (reimagining)|Cylons}} in the 2004 re-imagining of ''{{w|Battlestar Galactica (2004 TV series)|Battlestar Galactica}}'', itself an homage to ''{{w|Blade Runner}}''.
* Vince refers to Jack as "Ponch", a motorcycle-based reference to Erik Estrada's cycle-riding cop character from ''{{w|CHiPs}}''.
* Knock Out calls Starscream "Herr Kommandant", a reference to ''{{w|Hogan's Heroes}}''.
* "Drucker's Ranch" is presumably a reference to [[Steve Drucker]], longtime [[Hasbro]] creative person.

===Errors===
* During the whole scene where Knock Out crashes Fast Willy, we can see that Knock Out's rims are red and silver instead of his yellow rims, after that they are back to their usual color.
* Sierra and her friend hold their books back-to-front. This is not [[The Jasper Daily|uncommon]].
* When Jack and Arcee stop at the second traffic light, Arcee's front wheel is shown not moving at all, as if it were sliding on the asphalt instead of spinning.
* When Arcee and Jack drive along the street (while debating Jack's decision to accept Vince's second challenge), all the traffic lights are shown as if they were upside down; red lights are in the place of green lights and vice versa.
* Vince challenges Jack to a race on a "dirt road", but the road they race on is sealed and marked.
* Like in the [[Deus ex Machina|previous episode]], the clear parts of Arcee's chest are pink.
* While Knock Out drives away (after kidnapping Vince), and Jack turns to talk to Bumblebee, the former's rear-lights are white instead of red.
* Simply driving on oil, or bumping into another car, would not make any car instantly spin out, despite what decades of television and movies say.
* Despite school just getting out, when Jack, Vince, and Sierra are talking, the roads are empty.
* Bulkhead hits Breakdown with a streetlamp, causing him to be knocked into a warehouse some distance away. Streetlamps are actually hollow tubes of relatively thin metal, so the best Bulkhead could have hoped to do with such an object would be to cause a relatively minor dent to such a large adversary.

===Trivia===
* This is the first episode to premiere on a Saturday.
* Several of the other street racing cars in this episode are simply recolored variations of Bumblebee and [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]]'s alternate modes (sans horns in the case of the latter). Hello, easy [[redeco]]es!
* At least two of said cars never actually leave the starting line once the race begins.
* Sierra's friend continues to remain nameless, despite having appeared in more episodes than Sierra herself at this point. This girl really needs to introduce herself!
* Bumblebee's [[license plate]] is "936 SOH". Vince's is "281 DIL".
* In point-of-fact, it may have been better for Knock Out to stay with Breakdown rather than leave, seeing as he lost a door in addition to a nasty scratch.
* Adaptations of this episode include a prose version as part of ''[[Bulkhead's Biggest Battle]]''.
* This was the final episode in which G1 veteran [[Susan Blu]] served as voice director.
* Knock Out reacts more painfully to his finish getting scratched than his door getting ripped off.
* This is in only episode in which Knock Out uses a built-in blaster, and only in vehicle mode.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''À toute vitesse !'''" ("Full Speed!")
:*''Original airdate:''?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Nur dieses eine Mal!'''" ("Only Once This Time!")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 2|2 December]] [[2011]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Gyorsulási verseny'''" ("Drag Race")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 23|23 January]] [[2012]]

'''Indonesian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Balapan Liar'''" ("Wild Racing")
:*''Original airdate:'' 14 September [[2012]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Gare su strada'''" ("Road Races"), "'''La Gara'''" ("The Race", 2017 airing)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 30|30 October]] [[2011]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Kasoku Henkei! Speed Shōbu!'''" (加速変形!スピード勝負!, "Acceleration Transformation! Speed Match!")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 16|16 June]] [[2012]]

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Jilju Bonneung'''" (질주 본능, "Instinct for Speed")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 3|3 October]] [[2011]]

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 19|19 December]] [[2011]]

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''O Racha'''" ("The Street Race")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 16|16 January]] [[2012]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Velocidad metal'''" ("Speed Metal")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 5|5 November]] [[2011]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 3: Nur dieses eine Mal ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 3: Alien Threat (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 6 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1 Vol. 3: L'attaque des Decepticons ([[Universal|Universal Pictures France]]) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 3: La furia dei Decepticons ([[Universal|Universal Pictures IT]]) — English, Italian, Dutch, French and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One: Decepticons Unleashed ([[Universal|Universal Pictures UK]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1: L'intégrale (Universal Pictures France) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Universal Pictures UK)
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Deus ex Machina

2022-06-27T22:20:07Z

Ronsar: /* Real-world references */ added one

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 10
|prev=Convoy (episode)
|next=Speed Metal
|image=DeusExMachina-Screamer grins.jpg
|caption="With this map, I shall find all of the [[Cyber Planet Key|Cyber Planet K]]— wait. Wrong franchise."
|title="Deus ex Machina"
|airdate=[[March 11]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Nicole Dubuc]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''When Bulkhead makes a discovery in Greece, the race is on to recover an Energon Harvester.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] is failing to enjoy some detention when Bulkhead hauls up outside [[Memorial High School|the school]], blaring loud music. She takes advantage of an inattentive teacher to sneak out and join her Autobot buddy, who's obliged to act as her getaway car when a teacher approaches. They head for [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]] while Bulkhead tries to explain to Miko that she'll never get into college if she flunks out. Ratchet reports he's found an [[energon]] pulse in [[Greece]].

Meanwhile, [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] has finally arrived on the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', which took some time as he had to drive (something [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] disdains). Knock Out assumes he's been brought to provide [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] with a laboratory assist, when Starscream takes him to the [[Decepticon leader]]'s sick bed.

Bulkhead and Miko arrive at an excavation site in Greece, but to her disappointment, he's intending her to research her history report. Bulkhead says the humans have hit an energon vein, but then he spots something Cybertronian in an ancient fresco among the ruins.

[[Image:TFPrime_KnockOutDrill.JPG|left|thumb|300px|Ha HA! Phallic symbolism.]]

Starscream explains Megatron's condition to Knock Out. While Starscream was content to let nature take its course with Megatron, the crew of the ''Nemesis'' took a vote and decided to bring in a specialist. Knock Out says things would be easier with his assistant, but [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] is on the trail of some energon.

Bulkhead identifies the object in the fresco as an [[Energon Harvester]], but as Miko snaps a picture, they're interrupted by the arrival of Breakdown. Wondering if Bulkhead's new pet plays fetch, Breakdown throws a pillar at Miko. Bulkhead intercepts the pillar and is tackled by Breakdown, who slams him into the fresco, shattering it. The Decepticon races off, but Miko shows Bulkhead the image she snapped of the fresco.

Back at base, [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] confirms that the depicted device is an Energon Harvester. The Autobots are relieved that the fresco was broken, as they think it means the Decepticons won't be able to find the Harvester, but [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] points out that there are photos of the thing online, as the actual Harvester is held in a museum. The Autobots try to contact [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] for help, but he's away on a training retreat. Optimus says they'll have to obtain the Harvester themselves, and Miko volunteers the kids to help.

[[Image:DeusExMachina-fourcons.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Would you say this episode has a...''plethora'' of named Decepticons?]]

[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] has found the same photo using Breakdown's description of the Harvester, and Starscream says Megatron's revival will have to wait.

The Autobots move into position around the museum before the kids move in via [[GroundBridge]] on a motorized scissor lift. Miko deals with a security camera by taking a picture of the Harvester and balancing [[Miko's phone|her phone]] on top of the camera. While they move towards the statue holding the Harvester, Optimus has an encounter outside with Knock Out and Breakdown, the latter of whom fires a missile at the museum. Optimus manages to catch the missile, but Knock Out shocks him with an energon staff. Breakdown barrels towards the museum entrance, with [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] and [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] failing to stop him. Bulkhead joins the fight as well, but the disturbance sets off the museum's alarms, alerting the security guard. The kids finally manage to get the Harvester onto their lift platform and head for the exit. Miko, scouting ahead on foot, is caught by the security guard, who whisks her away. Raf and [[Jack Darby|Jack]] run toward a half-open loading ramp door, expecting Arcee, but instead it's Soundwave, who grabs the Harvester and departs. Knock Out and Breakdown spot him leaving and make their getaway as well. Meanwhile, Miko attempts to spin a yarn to the security guard about how she got locked in the museum while researching her history report.

[[Image:Tfprime_Soundwave_flying.jpg‎ ‎|left|thumb|300px|Hi dere, ima stealin ur golden ball. K thx bai.]]
Believing that Starscream will attempt to use the Harvester to gather energon as quickly as possible, Optimus, Bumblebee and Arcee go out attempting to intercept them. [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] works on a replica Harvester to return to the museum in place of the stolen one, while Bulkhead realizes that the Decepticons might be intending to go after the energon seam in Greece.

Indeed, Starscream, Knock Out and Breakdown are at the excavation site. When the other two Decepticons attempt to correct him on who's to thank for the Harvester, Starscream demonstrates the device's effectiveness on a hapless [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]], and the pair are suddenly a lot more submissive. While Starscream starts tapping the energon seam, Bulkhead attempts to sneak up behind the Decepticons but clumsily lets them know he's there. He manages to deal with Knock Out and Breakdown until Starscream turns the Harvester on him. Struggling to stay upright, Bulkhead reaches Starscream, smashes the 'Con in the face, and breaks the Harvester. He throws the device into the sky, where it explodes. The Decepticons are about to move in and finish the weakened Bulkhead when the rest of the Autobots arrive and chase them off.

Miko is starting to run out of Greek history to bore the museum security guard with, when Fowler turns up to collect her. The guard is surprised when Fowler points out the replica Harvester in place on the statue. Outside, Miko is reunited with Bulkhead and tells him all about how she's going to write her report on how the Autobots interacted with ancient Greece.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (4)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (6)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (12)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (14)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (15)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (7)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (8)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (10)
*[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] (11)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (16)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (9)

|c3=
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (1)
*[[Sierra's friend]] (2)
*[[Miko's teacher]] (3)
*[[Jack Darby]] (5)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (13)
*[[Museum security guard]] (17)
*[[William Fowler]] (18)

}}

==Quotes==
"Look Miko, before I became a warrior I was a laborer—construction. I can build stuff, I can break stuff, and that's it." 
"I love breaking stuff! I wanna be just like you, Bulk." 
"Aaargh...why would you wanna be like me, when you can be a medic like Ratchet?"
:—'''Bulkhead''' fails to convince '''Miko''' regarding the benefits of education.

"It's about time, Knock Out. I do not enjoy being kept waiting!" 
"Ah, it was a long drive, Starscream. I'm still picking bugs out of my grille." 
"Yes, right, you're one of ''those''." 
"Come again?" 
"Never understood why any self-respecting Decepticon would choose 'automobile' as his vehicle mode when he could have [[flight]]!" 
"I like the way I look in steel-belted radials."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Knock Out''' discuss an infraction of [[Autobot Cars|the]] [[Decepticon Planes|norm]].

"We have a history." 
"''(chuckles)'' And you have a [[Miko Nakadai|pet]]. Does it play catch?"
:—'''Bulkhead''' and '''Breakdown'''

"You've reached Special Agent William Fowler. I'm currently on an ''intensive training retreat'' and unavailable until Tuesday." 
"I hate talking to machines."
:—'''Agent Fowler''''s answering machine and '''Ratchet''' doesn't realize that all of his friends (including himself) are machines.

"[wolf whistles] Sweet rims. 24 gauge? You're ''reeeeeeal'' heavy-duty! Just like my [[Breakdown (WFC)|friend]] here!"
:—[[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]]'s got red cars, '''Knock Out''''s got [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|red trucks]].

"We're already trespassers and thieves. Why not add forgery to the list?"
:—'''Jack''' sarcastically comments on the crimes.

"Wait! What are you doing?!" 
"What I do best: ''(grabs Energon Harvester)'' Breaking things!" ''(punches Starscream)''
:—'''Starscream''' is no match for '''Bulkhead''''s sheer awesomeness.

"He's a glutton for punishment." 
''(Autobots arrive)'' 
"Fight?" 
"Mmm, drive."
:—'''Knock Out''' and '''Breakdown''' are prevented from killing Bulkhead.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Knock Out is the first ''Prime'' Decepticon to debut after the pilot miniseries and survive the experience. Breakdown might be considered to share that distinction, but technically he debuted ''before'' the cartoon, as he appeared in the [[Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)|''War for Cybertron'' video games]] and the [[Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)|''Prime'' comic]] first.
* Knowledge of Megatron's condition appears to have been confined to the crew of the ''Nemesis''.

===Real-world references===
[[Image:DeusexMachina-godfresco.jpg|thumb|250px|"Nothing is true, everything is permitted."]]
* A ''{{w|deus ex machina}}'', meaning "god from the machine", is a plot device in which a major conflict is instantly resolved by the uncanny, often unexpected appearance of a character, object, or other form of deliverance. Miko explains this to the museum security guard just before Fowler suddenly walks in and saves her from her predicament. While this is obviously intended to be a ''deus ex machina'' itself, there ''had'' been plenty of foreshadowing, with Optimus even declaring earlier that Fowler was Miko's best hope.
* The god depicted on the fresco is presumably {{w|Poseidon}}, because he bears his symbolic trident. The soldiers appear to be {{w|Sparta}}ns, as their shields bear the {{w|Lambda}}—which is odd, as their patron god was {{w|Ares}}.
* The establishing shot of the museum's atrium pans over a ''Tyrannosaurus'' skeleton and a moai head, referencing the film ''{{w|Night at the Museum}}''.

===Errors===
* The police have the worst response time imaginable. The guard presumably called them right after the Harvester was stolen, yet they never show up. Even accounting for the fact that Fowler would have called them off eventually, it should have only taken them minutes to get there.
* Miko's teacher is reading a copy of ''[[The Jasper Daily]]''. It is once again printed with the "Sports" page on the left instead of the right. The security guard at the museum is reading the same issue, despite the museum being located in a big city that is obviously not [[Jasper]]. It's also the same issue of the publication (with the same reverse page order) that Raf was using to make his papier-mâché volcano in "[[Masters & Students]]", despite being a daily.
* The two pages in Miko's open textbook are mirror images of each other.
* Bulkhead picks Miko up from school during detention—presumably 3pm-ish, Nevada time. They teleport to Greece later that same day, probably within an hour or two. Given that Greece is nine time zones later than Nevada, it should be the middle of the night there, but instead it appears to be dusk.
* The normally clear bits of Arcee's chest are pink in this episode.
* When Knock Out stands on top of Optimus and signals to Breakdown with his headlights, the sound of his Energon Prod is still going, despite there being no glow to signify its still on.
* When Miko takes a picture and puts the cellphone display in front of the security camera, the picture comes out flawless on the guard's screen. In real life, it would look blurry.
* As Knock Out drives off from the parking area, a couple of laser blasts appear to strike his car mode, yet the "hit effects" appear on the ground, right next to him.

===Trivia===
*''No One Cares About Vehicons'': Starscream's contempt for Knock Out choosing a non-flight alternate mode is strange, as most of the Vehicons are cars. Did they ''not'' get to choose?
*''No One Cares About Vehicons, Redux'': Despite reportedly being right on top of a motherlode of energon, Starscream instead uses the energon harvester to kill one of his own Vehicon troopers. Just 'cause.
* If Knock Out wants to get technical, when he calls the Harvester "a gift from Breakdown and myself", it was really a "gift" from Soundwave, as he was the one who actually obtained it from the museum.
* Some fans have interpreted Starscream's "you're one of ''those"'' line, Knock Out's wolf-whistling appraisal of Optimus's truck mode, the vanity about his appearance, and [[Daran Norris]]'s somewhat campy performance to be clues that Knock Out is [[Transformer romance|gay]]. Moreover, the term "knockout" is commonly used to describe an attractive ''woman,'' and the character's vanity suggests that that correlation is intentional. Make of all this what you will; very little [[Humanization#Sexuality|robotic sexuality]] of any kind has been evident in ''Prime''.
* There is a painting of [[Big Rocks National Park]] in the security guard's office, as well as a calendar set to March, which handily matches the month this episode first aired. Although on that calendar, March started on a Sunday instead of a Tuesday.
* The sound of the Energon Harvester's activation is the same as that of a [[wikia:stargate:Zat'nik'tel|zat gun]] from ''{{w|Stargate SG-1}}''.
* In his several decades of acting, this is [[Reggie Bannister]]'s first and so far only appearance in animation. In an episode that features a sphere that can kill Cybertronians with relative ease. {{w|Phantasm (film)|Hmmm...}}
* Initial descriptions of this episode, as well as the one on HubWorld.com's episode-viewing page,<ref name="hubworld">[http://web.archive.org/web/20110321182119/http://www.hubworld.com/transformers/shows/prime/videos/tfp-deus-ex-machina Archive copy of HubWorld's "Deus ex Machina" video page]</ref> say that "Miko and Bulkhead head to Greece on a field trip to bring back an Energon Harvester." Miko and Bulkhead do indeed go on what Bulkhead calls a "field trip" to Greece, but the Harvester is in an American museum at that point. By the time Bulkhead actually ''does'' go back to Greece to get the stolen Harvester, Miko is stuck in said museum.
* The guard seems very nonchalant about the museum's shattered front entrance and cratered parking lot. He treats Miko like a teen prankster, not like someone connected to a possible ''terrorist bombing.''
* Twice in promotional blurbs for the episode, it was mentioned [[Lugnut (WFC)|Lugnut]] would be in the episode,<ref>[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=31247 Comic Book Resources sneak-peek article]</ref><ref>[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/8582/20/ Allspark.com episode blurb]</ref> an error repeated on HubWorld.com's episode-viewing page.<ref name="hubworld" /> At [[BotCon 2011]] it was revealed that Lugnut was a pre-production name for [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] that was ultimately changed for not being "sexy" enough. Adding another wrinkle, the Season 1 Blu-Ray commentary claims that Breakdown's place in the show was originally intended to belong to Lugnut, since a fiercely loyal Decepticon bruiser was desired, but the show creators wanted a land-based Decepticon instead.
* Adaptations of this episode include a prose version as part of ''[[Bulkhead's Biggest Battle]]''.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le Collecteur'''" ("The Collector")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die Energon-Erntekugel'''" ("The Energon-Harvestingball")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 18|18 November]] [[2011]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Deus ex machina'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 20|20 January]] [[2012]]

'''Indonesian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Pemanen Energon'''" ("Energon Harvester")
:*''Original airdate:'' 13 September [[2012]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Deus ex machina'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 29|29 October]] [[2011]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' '''Mōgeki Henkei! Futari no Shikaku''' (猛撃変形!二人の刺客, ''All-Out Assault Transformation! The Pair of Assassins'')
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 9|9 June]], [[2012]]
:**Starscream sings when using the Harvester on Cybertronians.

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Eneojon Chuchulgi'''" (에너존 추출기, "The Energon Harvester")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 27|27 September]] [[2011]]

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Deus ex machina'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 16|16 December]] [[2011]]

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''O Deus da Máquina'''" ("The God in the Machine")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 9|9 January]] [[2012]]

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 9|9 January]] [[2012]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Deus ex machina'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 31|31 October]] [[2011]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Hub promotional DVD ([[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 3: Nur dieses eine Mal ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 2: Unfamiliar Enemies (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 5 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1 Vol. 2: Terrain miné ([[Universal|Universal Pictures France]]) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 1 Vol. 2: Terre Pericolose ([[Universal|Universal Pictures IT]]) — English, Italian, Dutch, French and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One: Dangerous Ground ([[Universal|Universal Pictures UK]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1: L'intégrale (Universal Pictures France) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Universal Pictures UK)
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Convoy (episode)

2022-06-27T06:33:46Z

Ronsar: /* Notes */ Split errors into animation and continuity, added one of the latter

{{disambig3|Convoy}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 9
|prev=Con Job
|next=Deus ex Machina
|image=TFP Convoy highway hijack.jpg
|caption=Ain't it a beautiful sight?
|title="Convoy"
|airdate=[[March 4]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Joseph Kuhr]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''The Autobots assist Fowler with transporting a nuclear device.'''

==Synopsis==
The Autobots get an angry call from [[William Fowler|Fowler]]. [[Fowler's V-tol|His plane]]'s been shot down while transporting the hi-tech [[Dynamic Nuclear Generation System]], or the "Dingus", a volatile nuclear device, and he needs help in completing his mission. [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus]] says that using the [[GroundBridge]] to transport it would be too dangerous, so instead they'll have to take it by road. They soon have it loaded into a [[trailer]] which Prime starts hauling, with [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] as an escort. Fowler's disappointed he doesn't get to drive. [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] and the kids monitor their journey from [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]].

Optimus is irritated by Fowler's enthusiasm with the horn. Unknown to any of them, the convoy is being observed by a helicopter. Fowler and Optimus are discussing whether there was any evil on Earth before the Decepticons came, when they spot the helicopter, which Fowler believes is a [[Decepticon]]. Five green sportscars move in on the convoy, but Optimus warns everyone to maintain their cover and stay in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]. Ratchet's surprised that they're not showing up on his sensors. All is made clear when one of the cars draws level with Optimus's cab, and a masked human aims a gun at Fowler. Optimus orders the other Autobots to use non-lethal force only. Bumblebee knocks one of the cars, flipping it over, but another drives up alongside Optimus. One of the masked goons climbs onto Optimus and starts attempting to sever the trailer. After Prime knocks the car off the mountainside road, Fowler climbs out and grabs the masked goon, but loses him before he can start the interrogation.
[[File:Prime-Silas.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|I want this mission high and tight. I wanna be home for dinner.]]
The fellow in the helicopter makes contact over the walkie and introduces himself as [[Silas]], part of the [[MECH]] organization, who intend to steal the Dingus for their own use. One of the cars pulls up behind Optimus and the MECH goons blow the trailer's back door open, only for [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] to jump out in motorcycle mode and flip their car, causing it to explode. While Optimus warns Fowler not to take Silas lightly (due to [[Megatron (WFC)|personal experience]]), Ratchet informs them they're nearing the rendezvous point.

On the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] has intercepted the communications, and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] sends a bunch of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] to join the party.

The Autobots reach the rendezvous point and duck into a rail tunnel alongside a train. Bulkhead seals off the incoming end. A short time later, they and the train emerge from the other end of the tunnel, and Silas continues to follow the Autobots. As luck would have it, the Vehicons take this opportunity to appear and open fire on the convoy. The Autobots avoid getting hit, but Prime's trailer is shaken loose and explodes. The Vehicons transform and move in, forcing Optimus to inform Fowler that they're going to have to break cover to survive. Silas observes the fight and notes that the rumors he's heard of living technology are true. He lets Fowler know that he's aware the Dingus was transferred onto the train while the Autobots were in the tunnel, and the helicopter moves off to intercept the cargo. Unfortunately, while Fowler's giving Optimus the bad news, the Autobot leader takes a tree trunk to the face and falls off a nearby cliff.

The kids have a frantic discussion about a plan B. [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]]'s in favor of Ratchet ground-bridging the kids onto the train so they can fight the MECH goons. With [[Raf Esquivel|Raf's]] help, [[Jack Darby|Jack]] and Miko are soon on the train. As the MECH helicopter tries to land on top of the train, Raf flips a point switch to make the train go off along another line. In response, the helicopter's pilot hacks Raf's laptop, causing it to short out. On the second try, the helicopter lands atop the carriage the Dingus is in, and the MECH guys start cutting through the carriage roof.

Not far away, the Autobots continue their fight with the Vehicons. Optimus comes around and sees the train in trouble.
[[File:Convoy-trainstop.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|More powerful than a locomotive!]]
Miko and Jack grab weapons, which they wave at the MECH guys when the ceiling's opened. Back in the chopper, Silas spots Optimus running alongside and sounds a retreat. As the helicopter heads away, he fires a missile and takes out the track ahead of the train. Due to Raf's laptop being out of commission, Ratchet no longer has the train's coordinates and can't bridge the kids out. They prepare to jump, but Optimus zooms past, grabs the front of the train and brings it to a halt in the nick of time. Hovering in the helicopter nearby, Silas promises that next time the playing field will be leveled. Optimus reports back to Ratchet that the kids and the Dingus are safe, but notes that a new player has entered the game...
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (3)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (9)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (13)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (14)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (15)

|c3=
*[[William Fowler]] (1)
*[[Jack Darby]] (5)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (6)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (7)
*[[MECH]] goons (10)
*[[Silas]] (11)
*[[MECH Navigator]] (12)

}}

==Quotes==
"Ah-ah, no need, Agent Fowler. I will handle the driving." 
"It's going to be a long trip."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' lets '''Agent Fowler''' in on his no-touch policy.

"Agent Fowler. Is that really necessary?" 
"Oh, don't tell me you're one of them 'textbook drivers'."
:— '''Optimus Prime''' isn't very keen on '''Agent Fowler's''' use of the horn.

"How about some radio? You seem like a Nashville sound kinda guy."
:—'''Agent Fowler''' to Optimus Prime.

"That's the one! The 'Con who shot me down! Who is he? Wingnut? Dingbat? Skyguy?"
:—'''Fowler''' shares some awesome Transformer name ideas.

"Gentlemen, stop their engines."
:—'''Silas'''

"Is that so? Tell me, Sy, what's the market price for a Dingus these days?" 
"What makes you think we intend to sell it, Agent Fowler?"
:—'''Agent Fowler''' and '''Silas''' discussing the value of Fowler's Dingus.

"After a long road trip, feels good to get out of the car, stretch my legs, and kick some tailpipe!"
:—'''Bulkhead''', the reigning king of one-liners.

"You want me to not only bridge you into a confined space, but one traveling at 90 miles per hour? I can't even count the number of things that can go wrong—mass displacement trauma, twisted limbs, metal burn!... Well, maybe not the last one."
:—Overly-attached '''Ratchet''' to the kids.

"First rule of combat: Never leave the enemy with the spoils."
:—'''Silas'''

"Maximum overdrive!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' coining a new catchphrase.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* The plane Fowler was transporting the Dingus on is the same one he had in "[[Masters & Students]]". And he's ''still'' flying without any kind of pilot gear on. Dude is ''hard core''.
* Miko makes reference to that episode when she follows up Fowler's comment that he had been shot out of the sky with an "again?"
* This episode is the first to feature a human enemy to the Cybertronians (both Autobots and Decepticons). However, they do not meet the leader, Silas, until much later; the Autobots only hear him speak this episode.
* On board the train, Jack and Miko each pick a "weapon" of choice to face the MECH goons. Miko happens to take an axe, like she did [[Darkness Rising, Part 5|to face Soundwave's tentacle]], while Jack takes a [[fire extinguisher]], like he did [[Scrapheap (episode)|a couple of episodes ago]].

===Transformers references===
* Optimus's [[trailer]] is adorned with the same paint scheme as his [[Optimus Prime (G1)|''Generation 1'' counterpart]]'s [[Combat Deck (G1)|trailer]].
* "[[Convoy (rank)|Convoy]]" is the usual Japanese equivalent to the English "[[Prime (rank)|Prime]]".

===Real-world references===
* This episode is the first in ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' to feature a reproduction of an actual real-world vehicle: the locomotive depicted hauling the 'Phase II' train is a very accurate model of a four-axle GP series model produced in La Grange, Illinois (Later London, Ontario) by {{w|Electro-Motive Diesel}}.

===Animation and technical errors===
* At the beginning of the episode, when Ratchet asks Agent Fowler why Starscream would bother with "such primitive technology" (i.e., the Dingus), a small light can be seen inside his open mouth, as if the light coming from his left optic sensor can be seen through it.
* While Silas delivers his last line, the straps that cross his chest clip into each other.

===Continuity errors===
* On the monitor inside the Autobot base, the fork is shown to be on the right side of the rails. When the scene changes to show the running train, it is shown to be on the left.
* The number of MECH cars is somewhat inconsistent, as are their positions. Three cars initially pull up behind and to the sides of Bulkhead. An additional car appears to replace the one that pulls ahead to block Bumblebee, and another appears to replace the one that pulls up to Optimus' driver side to force him to pull over. When the Autobots begin applying force, the car that was in front of Bumblebee has moved to Optimus' passenger side. After this, four of the pursuing cars are dispatched through various means, leaving only one, yet three cars are chasing the Autobots when they reach the train tunnel. The cars vanish from the story completely after this.
* When the Autobots first transform in front of the platoon of Eradicon Jets and reveal themselves to MECH in the process, there is no plateau near their right side to safely place Fowler on, but in the very next shot, it is right next to them, even though the Autobots never moved from their position.
* Upon seeing the Silas destroy the track, the locomotive driver would have released the air from the brake lines, applying maximum braking force to the train. With a train as short as the one carrying the Dingus, emergency braking would likely have stopped it before reaching the site of the explosion, however the train shows no signs of attempting to slow down.

===Trivia===
[[File:Convoy-kablooie.jpg|thumb|upright|"I used minimum force. That was the minimum force necessary to ensure they ''never bother us again.''"]]
* The Autobots have a curious definition of "minimum force". During the short battle, they flip over three cars and blow up a fourth. The latter most likely killed the passengers. It's amazing the others came out unharmed, considering one was hanging out of the sunroof of his car at the time.
* The train set piece germinated from [[Alex Kurtzman]]'s desire to have a Train Transformer, which would have been too expensive. Had the budget been there, they would have been an Autobot.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21Pb3MeUDdY Roundtable interview with ''Prime'' staff at BotCon 2011]</ref>
* The fact that the Autobots were battling humans rather than Decepticons - a not insignificant twist in the plot - was spoiled by the next-episode preview shown during the Hub's airing of "Con Job". What is this, [[Ultra Magnus Dies!!|Japan?]]
* As was previously featured in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 4]]", this episode features an Autobot transforming while carrying a human passenger. Fowler somehow ends up sitting in Optimus's hand rather than inside him, though.
* Silas deems the Autobots' use of the train tunnel a tactical error because it only has one exit, but then makes no effort to stop them on the other side.
* In the beginning of the episode Optimus tells Fowler he will handle the driving but later on in the episode we see Fowler driving. It might be that Agent Fowler just kept his hands on the steering wheel or that Optimus was just being kind.
[[File:JackFireExtinguisherMikoAxe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|So I married an axe murderer.]]
* When Jack and Miko grab the fire extinguisher and the fire axe to fight MECH, they apparently forget that there is a gun on the floor, dropped by the immobilized soldier. However, neither (presumably) has had firearms training, and it's unlikely that Optimus would appreciate trigger-happy allies.
* Silas' attempt to destroy the Dingus at the end of the episode seems a bit reckless, given its nuclear core. However, there's no indication he's aware of just how nasty that thing going up would be; when the decoy trailer goes up, the MECH pilot merely indicates there's no detectable radiation. If they knew about the five-state irradiation deal, they'd probably be just a ''wee'' bit more on edge and wondering why they weren't dead.
* This episode may contain human [[death]]. After Arcee jumps off one of MECH's vehicles, it rolls right into another vehicle and the two explode. No humans are seen exiting the vehicles during the accident, so it is likely that they perish in the explosion.
* Optimus Prime has a cup holder. Whether this is a default part of his [[alt mode]] or for Fowler's benefit is unspecified.
* Adaptations of this episode include a prose version in ''[[Optimus Under Threat]]'' titled "Off the Rails", and a storybook version for younger readers as ''[[Optimus Prime and the Secret Mission]]''.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le SGDN'''" ("The DNGS")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Konvoi'''" ("Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 25|25 November]] [[2011]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Konvoj'''" ("Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 19|19 January]] [[2012]]

'''Indonesian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Pengamanan Senjata Penghancuran Masal'''" ("Saving of the Weapon of Mass Destruction")
:*''Original airdate:'' 12 September [[2012]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Convoglio'''" ("Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 22|22 October]] [[2011]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' '''Bōsō Henkei! Dingus o Mamore!''' (暴走変形!ディンガスを守れ!, ''Reckless Transformation! Protect the Dingus!'')
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 2|2 June]] [[2012]]

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hosong Jakjeon'''" (호송 작전, "Operation Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 26|26 September]] [[2011]]

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 15|15 December]] [[2011]]

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''O Comboio'''" ("The Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 4|4 January]] [[2012]]

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 2|2 January]] [[2012]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Convoy'''" ("Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 29|29 October]] [[2011]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 2: Meister und Schüler ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 2: Unfamiliar Enemies (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 5 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1 Vol. 2: Terrain miné ([[Universal|Universal Pictures France]]) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 1 Vol. 2: Terre Pericolose ([[Universal|Universal Pictures IT]]) — English, Italian, Dutch, French and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One: Dangerous Ground ([[Universal|Universal Pictures UK]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1: L'intégrale (Universal Pictures France) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Universal Pictures UK)
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Darkness Rising, Part 4

2022-06-26T04:53:49Z

Ronsar: /* Notes */ added a real-world reference

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 4
|prev=Darkness Rising, Part 3
|next=Darkness Rising, Part 5
|image=DarknessRising4-beholddarkenergon!.jpg
|caption=Decepticons, transform and rise up!...Well, if you still ''can''.
|title="Darkness Rising, Part 4"
|airdate=[[December 2]], [[2010]]
|written by=[[Steven Melching]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''While Optimus and Ratchet battle Megatron's Terrorcon horde, the others attempt to rescue Agent Fowler.'''

==Synopsis==
As [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]'s army of [[Dark Energon]]-powered [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcons]] march, [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] are horrified at the desecration. The Dark Energon flowing through Megatron gives him control over this new army, and he directs them to destroy the two Autobots. When the Terrorcons keep getting up as fast as Optimus can blast them down, Ratchet discovers that dismemberment is a more effective way of dealing with them.

[[File:darkrising4 botgroup.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left|Pretty sure war zones don't count for Bring Your <s>Daughter</s> Partner to Work Day, Bulky.]]

At the [[Trypticon (WFC)|Decepticon ship]], [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] rescues [[Jack Darby|Jack]] and [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]], who are under fire from the [[Vehicon (Prime)|Decepticon sentries]]. They explain they were worried about [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]], who pops up from Bulkhead's back seat. Bulkhead drops everyone off behind some cover before driving under the Decepticon ship, scaling a nearby cliff, and jumping on board. After dealing with a bunch of Decepticons, Bulkhead realizes that Miko's not with the other kids, and she pops out of his chest, having stowed away. Miko finds herself in the middle of the fight between Bulkhead and the cons, which the Autobot swiftly terminates with the help of a piece of deck plating. While the pair move into the ship, problems are occurring outside; Jack and Raf are captured by the Decepticons and taken on board the ship, where [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] and [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] abruptly appear and rescue them. The two parties run into each other in a corridor, and Jack and Raf let Arcee know where [[William Fowler|Fowler]] is, having heard their guard talking.

[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]]'s interrogation of Fowler is finally beginning to bear fruit, when the distant sound of gunfire can be heard, and Fowler stops being helpful. Starscream gives him a jolt with the [[Energon prod]], stunning him into unconsciousness, and sends the two guards to find out what's going on.

Back at the Terrorcon battle, Ratchet notes that exposure to the Dark Energon is sapping their strength. The fight on, but first Optimus, then Ratchet disappear under piles of Terrorcons. Megatron laughs...but with a cry, Optimus breaks free and helps Ratchet up.

[[File:Optimus Prime Ratchet Zombies Darkness Rising 4.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|"Megatron has desecrated our ancestors, and ''I'' wanted to do that!"]]

The Autobots clear out the ''Nemesis'' bridge of Vehicons and instruct the kids to hide there. Miko and Jack immediately begin arguing over their situation, which upsets Raf. Jack and Miko try to reassure him, before Jack notices a huge computer display. Raf thinks it has important information on it.

Fowler's interrogation is complicated by the man's now-dazed state. It's further complicated when Bulkhead and Bumblebee appear in the doorway. They aim their guns at Starscream, who aims his at Fowler, only to feel a tap on the head. He looks up to find Arcee is balanced in a shaft right above him, aiming her gun downwards.

The kids know they've found important information, but are at a loss as to how to get it back to Optimus. As Raf's contemplating using a flash drive, a Decepticon walks in. The kids dive for cover, but Raf goes back for his backpack and is spotted by the Decepticon.

The Mexican standoff in the brig is broken when Fowler distracts Starscream, and the Autobots start firing. Starscream decides discretion is called for, and he flies off down the nearest corridor.

The Decepticon starts firing on Raf. Jack heroically runs out and tackles Raf behind one of the Decepticon corpses, before instructing Miko to take a picture. She snaps a picture of the Decepticon, before Jack redirects her at the computer screen. The kids leg it from the room, followed by the Decepticon, who is promptly taken out by Bulkhead. Reunited, the kids and Autobots make their escape.

Optimus and Ratchet finish off the Terrorcon horde, and Optimus starts climbing up to Megatron. Megatron compliments Optimus on his performance, but boasts that the battle was simply a prelude to the main event and flies off. Ratchet wonders ominously what Megatron has in store for them.

[[File:darkrising4 phonesnap.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|"Kay th-enx bay-eye?"]]

Back at base, Ratchet's damaged arm is tended to, and Optimus tells off Bulkhead for letting the kids accompany him into battle. Miko defends Bulkhead and tries to claim they were doing "recon" by showing the snapped schematics, but Jack's upset about the fact they were all almost killed and decides he wants out of the whole affair. After some sad farewells (except from Ratchet), they send him home by [[GroundBridge]].

[[File:Tfprimestarscreamsteppedon.jpg|thumb|right|275px|Just like [[The Transformers (cartoon)|old times!]]]]
Back on the Decepticon ship in orbit, Megatron abuses Starscream for disobeying his orders, which has resulted in damage to the ship, which threatens to delay Megatron's plans. Starscream manages to quell his master's anger by announcing he has a way to get their plans back on course.

Miko pays Jack a visit and tries to talk him into returning to the Autobots, but he's content to go back to his normal life.

Ratchet, meanwhile, is checking out the data Miko photographed, and he realizes that it's the specs for a [[space bridge]] part. Bulkhead thinks it's great that Megatron's thinking of leaving, but Optimus points out that he's probably intending to bring an army to [[Earth]] with it, and there's only one place he can find enough Transformer corpses to build a new army: [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].

===Japanese additional segments===
====From the Cybertron Satellite, Transformers Division====
{{epstub}}

====Arms Micron Theater====
[[File:DarknessRising4 AMT-Annoyed.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.1]]
At some point, R.A. and B.2 got infected with [[Dark Energon]]... which mostly just made them lazy, sitting on the couch all day. [[Arc]] jokes about their sloth, which annoys them both. All this time, a similarly-Dark-Energon-infected [[Zori]] crawls along the wall behind them...

{{note|There is in fact a [[R.A.#Shadow|toy of Dark Energon infected R.A.]], clear-black with a "fake" Dark Energon Crystal. However, so far there are no toy versions of Dark Energon B.2 or Zori.}}
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (2)
* [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (3)
* [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (8)
* [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (10)
* [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (11)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (4)
* [[Vehicon (Prime)|Decepticon drone]]s (5)
* [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (13)
* [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (14)

|c3=
* [[Jack Darby]] (6)
* [[Raf Esquivel]] (7)
* [[Miko Nakadai]] (9)
* [[William Fowler]] (12)

|c4=
* [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcons]] (1)

}}

==Quotes==
"Megatron has desecrated the resting place of our fallen ancestors... and his own!" 
"Not even the dead are free from his war-mongering."
:—'''Ratchet''' states the obvious in a slightly novel way while '''Optimus''' rues the depth of Megatron's evil.

[[File:DarknessRising4-BulkheadandMiko.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1UTN8WoZQQ That's disturbing...]]]
"I heaved on your floor mats. Sorry!"
:—'''Miko'''

"Wake up, you pathetic lump of flesh!" 
"Grandma? Is it cookie time?"
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Fowler'''

"I wouldn't." 
"Oh, but I ''might''..."
:—'''Arcee''' threatens '''Starscream''', who doesn't feel very threatened.

"I like pie. Can we stop for pie?" 
"You found Fowler! ROCK ON!"
:—'''Fowler''' and '''Miko'''

"No point in long good-byes. Here's the door."
:—'''Ratchet''' showing he doesn't give a damn

"NO ONE RIDS ME OF OPTIMUS PRIME BUT ME! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?! '''DO YOU?!'''"
:—'''Megatron''' lays down the law.

"I've been raised to be responsible. To my schoolwork, to my mom, my job."
:—The {{w|The Spectacular Spider-Man (TV series)|Spectacular}} '''Jack''' Darby

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Did Optimus forget that Arcee was supposed to be in charge? He tells Bulkhead off, but Bulkhead wasn't supposed to be in charge in the first place. Of course, Optimus could simply have been referring to the fact Bulkhead got the kids in danger (which, admittedly, was in part his fault).

===Transformers references===
* As in part 1, Cybertron appears with the same model as that used in ''War for Cybertron''.
* Optimus's response to Jack wanting to leave is very similar to the response Optimus Prime gave to [[Theodore Galloway]] in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''.

===Real-world references===
* Prime's statement that "Not even the dead are free from [Megatron's] warmongering" is a nod to the often quoted adage of "Only the dead have seen the end of war," from George Santayana.

===Errors===
* In the Decepticon warship, Raf's eyes are shown as blue in multiple shots.

===Trivia===
* While not the first time [[Flame (Marvel)|someone]] has used zombies as soldiers, Megatron seems intent on making them the bulk of his forces.
* The Terrorcons Optimus and Ratchet fight do not seem to be as tough as Cliffjumper was (seeing as how he was still functioning despite being cut in half), but that could be chalked up to Cliff's corpse being "fresh", or even the amount of Dark Energon used (Cliff had a whole shard to himself, these zombies had a whole shard to share).
* This episode shows one of the few times a Transformer has switched to [[robot mode]] while carrying a human passenger. This has happened previously in "[[The Human Element]]" and "[[The Secret of the Ruins]]," even in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of The Moon]]'' films, but in all those cases the passenger was ejected during transformation. It will also happen later in [[Convoy (episode)|"Convoy"]], in which Agent Fowler somehow ends up in Prime's hand. In ''[[Transformers: Rescue Bots (cartoon)|Rescue Bots]]'', it happens on a regular basis, though the Rescue Bots have cockpits so the passengers remain inside them.
* Adaptations of this episode include a prose version in ''[[Megatron Returns]]'' and a screen-capture-style comic version in ''[[Transformers Prime: Darkness Falls|Darkness Falls]]''. The Terrorcon battle sequences were adapted into the storybook ''[[Autobots versus Zombies]]''.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''L'Avènement des Ténèbres'''" ("The Advent of Darkness")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die dunkle Macht erhebt sicht, Teil 4'''" (The Dark Force Rises, Part 4")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 14|14 October]] [[2011]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Közeleg a sötétség, 4. rész'''" ("The Darkness Is Nearing, Part 4")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 12|12 January]] [[2012]]

'''Indonesian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Kegelapan Bangkit, Bagian 4'''" ("Darkness Rising, Part 4")
:*''Original airdate:'' 6 September [[2012]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La rimonta delle tenebre, quarta parte'''" ("Darkness Rising, Fourth Part"), "'''L'Ascesa dell'Oscurità, Parte 4'''" ("The Arisal of Darkness, Part 4", 2017 airing)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 25|25 September]] [[2011]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sen'nyū Henkei! Senkan ''Nemesis'''''" (潜入変形!戦艦ネメシス, "Infiltration Transformation! Battleship ''Nemesis''")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[April 28|28 April]] [[2012]]

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ak ui Buhwal 4'''" (악의 부활 4, "Return of the Evil, Part 4")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[2011]]

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 8|8 December]] [[2011]]

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Ascenção do Mal - Parte 4'''" ("The Rise of Evil - Part 4")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 7|7 November]] [[2011]]

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''El regreso del mal, Parte 4'''" ("The Return of Evil, Part 4")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 7|7 November]] [[2011]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Darkness Rising ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 1: Die dunkle Macht erhebt sich ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 1: Darkness Rising (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 2 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One: Darkness Rising ([[Universal|Universal Pictures UK]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1 Vol. 1: Le retour des Decepticons ([[Universal|Universal Pictures France]]) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 1 Vol. 1: La rimonta delle tenebre ([[Universal|Universal Pictures IT]]) — English, Italian, Dutch, French and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1: L'intégrale (Universal Pictures France) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Universal Pictures UK)
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Darkness Rising, Part 3

2022-06-26T04:27:02Z

Ronsar: /* Quotes */ added a quote

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 3
|prev=Darkness Rising, Part 2
|next=Darkness Rising, Part 4
|image=DarknessRising3-interrogateFowler.jpg
|caption="D'awwww, lookit the cute ickle human! Coochie coochie cooo!"
|title="Darkness Rising, Part 3"
|airdate=[[December 1]], [[2010]]
|written by=[[Marsha Griffin]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''Optimus and Ratchet head out to investigate Megatron's activities and Arcee and Bumblebee go on patrol, leaving Bulkhead in charge. But things start getting messy when Fowler is abducted.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:DarkEnergonbug.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|[[Scalpel (ROTF)|Scalpel]], is that you?]]
The three kids and their Autobot guardians head back to [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|the Autobot base]], where [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] is being attacked by a piece of [[manipulator arm|animated equipment]]. [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] deals with it, but now suspects that both it and [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] were vivified by [[Dark Energon]].

[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]], now powered up by the Dark Energon, has decided his next move and leaves the [[Trypticon (WFC)|Decepticon ship]] in [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]]'s hands. Starscream thinks Megatron's gone a bit loopy, and he orders [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] to increase surveillance.

Optimus has realized Megatron's plan to create an undead army. As the rest of the Autobots arrive, Optimus announces he's going on a mission with Ratchet, who doesn't take kindly to [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]]'s suggestion he may be a little rusty. Leaving Arcee in charge, the pair [[GroundBridge|bridge]] out. Arcee immediately puts [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] in charge and goes out on patrol with [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]]. [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] attempts to organize an impromptu band practice, but while she's belting out [[My Fist, Your Face|an electric guitar solo]], the proximity alert goes off. The kids hide behind Bulkhead as [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] walks in to complain about the energon mine explosion. Unfortunately, Miko's guitar gives them away, and Fowler announces he's taking them into federal custody, but Bulkhead puts his foot down, and Fowler storms out.

In a remote region, Prime explains to Ratchet that they're looking for the remains of an old Transformer battlefield, from the period in the war when energon started being hidden on other planets.

[[File:DarknessRising3-disgust.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.1|Ratchet, turn on the ''Evil Dead'' [[theme song|theme]]. We'll need all the charisma we can get.]]
As Fowler flies from the Autobot base in his copter, he radios in a report, which is intercepted by Soundwave. Starscream orders Fowler captured, so Soundwave sends out [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]]. The Deployer catches up with Fowler, who engages in some deft maneuvers to try and avoid it, and even gets some shots off before it slices the tail off his copter and abducts him.

Fowler's distress call is picked up at the Autobot base. Though Bulkhead is reluctant to help, the others point out Fowler knows the location of the base. [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] sets about hacking into a federal computer so they can locate Fowler. Bulkhead leaves [[Jack Darby|Jack]] in charge and heads out. Bulkhead finds himself near the Decepticon ship, but is surprised when Miko pops up next to him. After dealing with a Decepticon sentry, he contacts Arcee. Back at base, Jack and Raf have realized Miko is gone, and they use the ground bridge to follow. Unfortunately, this leaves the base unmanned when Arcee rings in to get use of the ground bridge. Jack and Raf arrive at Bulkhead's location and immediately manage to attract the attention of the Decepticon drones on guard.

Starscream interrogates Fowler without much success, so he resorts to getting out the [[energon prod]].

Meanwhile, Optimus and Ratchet reach the [[Transformer graveyard]] they've been seeking. Unfortunately, so does Megatron, who uses a chunk of Dark Energon to raise an army of [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcons]].
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (2)
* [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (3)
* [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (5)
* [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (7)
* [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (8)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (9)
* [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (10)
* [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (11)
* [[Vehicon (Prime)|Decepticon drones]] (13)
* [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] (14)

|c3=
* [[Jack Darby]] (1)
* [[Miko Nakadai]] (4)
* [[Raf Esquivel|Rafael Esquivel]] (6)
* [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] (12)

|c4=
* [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcons]] (15)
}}

==Quotes==

"I fear that when our master reached for the stars, he came down with a touch of... space madness."
:—'''Starscream''', ever ready to undermine Megatron.

"Besides, Ratchet hasn't been in the field since the war." 
"My pistons may be rusty, but my hearing is sharp as ever!"
:—'''Arcee''', on '''Ratchet''''s current military qualifications.

"Do I look like I do country? Just cover yourself in fake blood and jump around screaming."
:—'''Miko''' doesn't appreciate Jack's harmonica skills.

"Don't use that phone it's... [puts finger through phone cradle] ...out of order"
:—'''Bulkhead''' resorts to cheekiness to get Fowler to drop the matter of the Autobots harbouring civilians

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* This episode resolves some of the continuity issues with Dark Energon seemingly brought up in the previous episode. Both Optimus and Ratchet know of its existence and even the rumor that it brings the dead back to life. Supplies of it were just so scarce as to be non-existent, hence their inexperience with it.
** However, it does create another continuity problem, as Megatron (and Starscream, for that matter) have both had Dark Energon in their systems before. Not only that, once Cybertronians have had Dark Energon in their system, they will die without it (As proved by [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave's]] experiments in [[Transformers: Exodus|''Exodus'']]), so how did Megatron survive the withdrawal? Or perhaps he always had Dark Energon in his system, but then what was the point of inserting it into his Spark chamber? Regardless, Starscream's "worry" about Megatron not knowing what it would do was completely inaccurate.
* It also establishes the first two of a series of recurring links between Earth and Cybertron. Beyond [[Energon#Aligned|Energon]] and [[Transformer graveyard|war-time battles on Earth]], [[Skyquake (Prime)|a significant]] [[Insecticon (WFC)#Prime cartoon|number]] [[Scraplet#Prime cartoon|of additional]] [[Energon Harvester|Cybertronian]] [[Cybonic plague|influences]] [[Omega Key|and objects]] [[Unicron/Aligned|on Earth]] [[:Category:Iacon relics|would]] [[Cybertronian data cylinder|present]] [[CNA#Prime cartoon|throughout]] [[Pokeformers|the series]].

===Transformers references===
* Bulkhead has a compartment similar to his ''Animated'' [[Bulkhead (Animated)|incarnation]], but higher up on his chest. [[Miko Nakadai|Objects]] end up there when he transforms from vehicle mode.
* The concepts of the Transformers seeding energon on Earth and having had wars there in the distant past before have turned up in recent fiction, [[IDW]]'s comics and ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. The latter was also in [[Ladybird Books|an '80s Ladybird Book]], "[[Galvatron's Air Attack]]".
* When Megatron arrives at the graveyard, his [[transformation]] uses [[Transformation#The noise|a sound]] more like the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|classic G1 cartoon]] than the updated ''Prime'' sound.

===Errors===
* When Megatron turns around and orders Starscream to await his command, his fusion cannon disappears.
* The speakers for Miko's band practice appear spontaneously without any indication of their existence.
* Raf fixes the ''Nemesis'' at latitude 39.5 and longitude 116.9, which corresponds to a location roughly halfway between [[Beijing]] and the [[China|Chinese coast]]. Perhaps he meant longitude -116.9, which would put the ''Nemesis'' somewhere near the center of [[Nevada]], which works out with Arcee and Bumblebee being able to drive to the ship in the next episode.
* While on their way back to the base, Jack had his helmet on while riding Arcee. Upon their arrival at the base, his helmet is nowhere to be seen.

===Trivia===
* The [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] adaptation of the story, ''[[Transformers Prime: Darkness Falls]]'', specifies that the Terrorcon battle takes place in the [[Grand Canyon]], as does Titan's [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|''Transformers: Prime'' comic]]. Meanwhile Bantam Books' prose adaption ''[[Megatron Returns]]'' dubs the area the Lost Valley, while LB Kids' storybook version ''[[Autobots versus Zombies]]'' doesn't give it a name at all.
* In an amusing show of cultural differences, Bulkhead tries to order Miko to look away before tearing out a Vehicon's internals (presumably to spare her the sight of the carnage). Miko has no problem with it, only seeing a hunk of metal and a bunch of wires.
* No, really, Bulkhead was going to leave Fowler in Decepticon hands because he didn't like him. What a jerk!
* Twelve-year-old Raf can hack into the United States government's computer network and track down federal agents. What national security?
* Check out where Starscream sticks Fowler with the energon prod. Ouch!

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''L'Enlèvement'''" ("The Kidnapping")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die dunkle Macht erhebt sicht, Teil 3'''" ("The Dark Force Rises, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 7|7 October]] [[2011]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Közeleg a sötétség, 3. rész'''" ("The Darkness Is Nearing, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 11|11 January]] [[2012]]

'''Indonesian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Kegelapan Bangkit, Bagian 3'''" ("Darkness Rising, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' 5 September [[2012]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La rimonta delle tenebre, terza parte'''" ("Darkness Rising, Third Part"), "'''L'Ascesa dell'Oscurità, Parte 3'''" ("The Arisal of Darkness, Part 3", 2017 airing)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 24|24 September]] [[2011]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Kyūshutsu Henkei! Fowler no Kiki'''" (救出変形! ファウラーの危機, "Rescue Transformation! Fowler in Crisis")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[April 21|21 April]] [[2012]]

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ak ui Buhwal 3'''" (악의 부활 3, "Return of the Evil, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 5|5 September]] [[2011]]

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 7|7 December]] [[2011]]

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Ascenção do Mal - Parte 3'''" ("The Rise of Evil - Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 7|7 November]] [[2011]]

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''El regreso del mal, Parte 3'''" ("The Return of Evil, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 7|7 November]] [[2011]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Darkness Rising ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 1: Die dunkle Macht erhebt sich ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 1: Darkness Rising (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 2 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One: Darkness Rising ([[Universal|Universal Pictures UK]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1 Vol. 1: Le retour des Decepticons ([[Universal|Universal Pictures France]]) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 1 Vol. 1: La rimonta delle tenebre ([[Universal|Universal Pictures IT]]) — English, Italian, Dutch, French and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1: L'intégrale (Universal Pictures France) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Universal Pictures UK)
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Crossing the Rubicon

2022-06-08T06:43:29Z

Ronsar: /* Trivia */ subtly slipped a link to the ultimate plot driver

{{episode
|series=BWtoon
|ep=48
|series2=Metals
|ep2=21
|prev2=Go with the Flow
|next2=Master Blaster
|image=Crossing the Rubicon title shot.JPG
|caption=Man, female characters just can't catch a break.
|title="Crossing the Rubicon"
|production company= [[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|airdate= [[February 22]], 1999
|written by= [[D. C. Fontana]]
|directed by= [[Trenton Carlson]]
|animation studio= [[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|continuity= [[Beast Wars continuity]]
}}

'''After she experiments with the Transmetal Driver, Blackarachnia's core consciousness begins to crash.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Crossing the Rubicon Blackarachnia driver.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Seriously, they never do get a break.]]
Some distance from [[Mount St. Hilary]], [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] is setting up some equipment that will convert her into a [[Transmetal 2]]. However, [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] detects Blackarachnia's [[energy signature]], and, not understanding, pulls her from the machine. As Blackarachnia berates Silverbolt, she short circuits. Heading to the [[Maximal]] base, Rhinox concludes that the [[shell program]] is starting to degrade, and will erase her [[core consciousness]] if not treated soon. He can remove the shell, but it's never been done before.

Wandering off to think, Blackarachnia is followed by Silverbolt. She maintains that she's still a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]], and that becoming a Maximal scares her. Silverbolt points out that she's only a Predacon due to [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]], and deep down, she is one of the good guys. The touching moment is ruined when Blackarachnia short circuits again.

[[Image:Shell program.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Nice-looking arcade game.]]
In the lab, Blackarachnia has decided to go through with the procedure. Before she does, there is one last thing to do: transfer the access codes to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] to [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]], thinking that he'd have the best chance to keep them from [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. They begin the shell removal, but it has safe guards that will destroy Blackarachnia's core consciousness. Rhinox is able to destroy the first one. At his [[Tarantulas's lair|lair]], Tarantulas discovers the removal process. He contacts Megatron, informing him of the situation. Megatron notes that such an act risks destroying [[Teletraan I|Teletron 1]]'s access codes, and concludes that she gave them to Primal. Tarantulas informs Megatron of his safeguards, but the Predacon leader decides to cause a little more trouble.

[[Image:Crossing the Rubicon Blackarachnia dead.jpg|left|200px|thumb|By Grabthar's hammer, you shall be ''avenged!'']]
[[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]], [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]], and [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] are sent under Tarantulas to attack the Maximals. Optimus leads [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] and [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] in the defense of the base. Rhinox is almost finished, but two more power surges head for her core consciousness. Rhinox blasts one, but Tarantulas fires a rocket which causes Rhinox to miss the other surge, which hits Blackarachnia's core consciousness and extinguishes her [[spark]]. Rhinox leaves to inform Optimus and allow Silverbolt to be alone. Upon leaving, Silverbolt snarls out "Tarantulas…".

[[Image:Crossing the Rubicon Blackarachnia TM beast.jpg|right|200px|thumb|She's back and she's...blue?]]
Detecting that his creation is dead, Tarantulas orders the Predacons to break off, as Rhinox tells the others. Gathering around Blackarachnia, they express their regrets over not giving her their full trust, if only for Silverbolt's sake. As Rattrap notices that the Fuzor is absent, Primal realizes what he's planning to do, and the Maximals head to stop him. Unseen, the [[Transmetal driver]] begins to glow. Tracking down Tarantulas, Silverbolt easily defeats him and, with the villain unconscious, prepares to execute him. However, Rampage has been watching this and defeats Silverbolt. Preparing to strike the killing blow, Rampage is stopped—by Blackarachnia, now a Transmetal 2. Blackarachnia quickly defeats Rampage, and takes Silverbolt back to base.

In the control room, Blackarachnia explains to the Maximals that she saw only darkness, then a light, and thought Silverbolt was in danger. Primal points out that her actions weren't very Maximal, but Silverbolt express their gratitude at her return. Blackarachnia warns Silverbolt to stop rushing after her, but to show no hard feelings, [[kiss]]es him, sending a power surge through him and disorienting him.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal]]s|c1=
*[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (1)
*[[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] (2)
*[[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] (3)
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (4)
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (5)
*[[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] (6)

|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]|c2=
*[[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] (7)
*[[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (8)
*[[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]] (9)
*[[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] (10)
*[[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] (11)
}}

==Quotes==
"Oh, yeah. Sure. Like you were gonna help the Pred get more power." 
"Maximal or Predacon, you're one of us! You should know that by now."
:—'''Blackarachnia''' and '''Optimus Primal'''

'''Rhinox''': How do you feel? 
'''Blackarachnia''': Like someone's been playing 'squash the spider' with an energon bomb.
:—'''Blackarachnia''' gives a cheery view of her symptoms.

"See you soon, boys... if you're lucky."
:—'''Blackarachina''' says what she thinks may be her final words.

"Ahh, the avenging hero!"
:—'''Tarantulas''' on Silverbolt's attack

"Ah, such pain. I must help ''deepen'' it."
:—'''Rampage''', spying on Silverbolt

"Not a very Maximal approach." 
"Even if I'm good, I'm still bad."
:—'''Optimus Primal''' and '''Blackarachnia'''

==Notes==
===Script timeline===
* First draft: 19th June 1998
* Second draft: 6th July 1998
* Finalised: 12th August 1998
* As Air: 26th January 1999

===Animation and technical errors===
*Just as in "[[Proving Grounds]]", when Blackarachnia sits up in the scanning machine, the spider legs on her arms are missing.
*Each of the "wires" connecting the Predacon shell program to Blackarachnia's core consciousness has only one base point where they connect to the shell program. However, when Rhinox destroys the first link, the barely-visible link in the background also turns blue-only the near one should do so.
*When the Predacons are attacking the Maximal base, Primal first has his blast shields on his shoulders while talking to Rattrap. Then, when the camera goes back to Optimus, his blast shields are on his forearms, where they are in every one of his modes ''except'' robot mode.
*Rattrap's forearm compartments are rendered differently here, and are notably wonky-looking.

===Continuity errors===
*Throughout season 3 (not just in this episode), pre-Transmetal Blackarachnia appears to have battle damage (grey areas) which disappear when she's in the base. The damage extent also seems inconsistent, but in the same areas. Did she get into a fight between getting checked into the base and talking with Silverbolt outside? Or does the bright light of the base conceal her damaged body?
*Optimus Primal says "Maximize" despite already being in battle mode. Instead, he changes to flight mode. Previously, he has said "Optimus Primal—Flight Mode" to do this.
*Optimus Primal says that going off on your own isn't a very Maximal thing to do. Clearly, he hasn't been paying attention, since [[The Web|Cheetor, Rattrap]], [[The Agenda (Part 2)|Silverbolt]], [[Deep Metal|Depth Charge]], and [[Fallen Comrades|Tigatron]] have all done so at one point or another.

===Continuity notes===
*Blackarachnia's invention at the start of the episode appears to be a replica of the cloning device Megatron built in "[[Feral Scream Part 1]]". It is also set up inside the same cave that Cheetor spent the night in back in "[[Feral Scream Part 2]]".
*This episode sees the culmination of Blackarachnia's plan to acquire a Transmetal upgrade, a character arc that was first foreshadowed in "[[Cutting Edge]]" and touched on with varying degrees of subtlety over the next few episodes.
*Megatron's "bath time [[Rubber Ducky|rubber duckie]]" is seen again in this episode, but it has undergone a slight makeover. It now has metallic rings around it and an antenna on its head, probably a reference to the Transformers' Transmetal changes.
*Megatron refers to Tarantulas as "lieutenant", a reference to his rank in the Predacon secret police.
*After Tarantulas deduces that Blackarachnia transmitted the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s access codes to Optimus, Megatron notes that "fits in nicely with our little plan for him." That foreshadows [[Master Blaster|the next episode]].
*Silverbolt isn't just trying to kill Tarantulas, he's trying to kill Tarantulas after the guy is already unconscious and utterly helpless. This is a jarringly ruthless move, and although it seemingly clashes with his chivalrously goofy personality, it foreshadows a [[In Darkest Knight|later development]] in ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]''.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Rampage carries a telescope.
*This episode contains the second instance of Inferno getting slagged while assaulting the Maximal Base. This time (and the next) by an Auto-cannon.

===Transformers references===
*Blackarachnia describes her near-death experience as first seeing darkness, followed by a light. While this might just be a reference to real-world individuals who have undergone such an experience, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] described a very similar experience in "[[Dark Awakening (episode)|Dark Awakening]]".

===Real-world references===
*The Rubicon is a river in [[Italy]]. During the Roman Republic era, it was illegal for a Roman general to have his army cross it, thus protecting Rome from a military threat. [[Julius Caesar]] crossed it and started a civil war which would eventually lead to Rome switching from a republic to an empire. During this, he uttered, "Alea iacta est", Latin for "the die is cast". Today, "crossing the Rubicon" is an idiom meaning to go past the point of no return.
*When Blackarachnia goes offline, a flatline, as one from hospital monitoring equipment, can be heard in the background.
*The Maximals seem to treat Blackarachnia's shell program as a cancerous brain tumor, as evidenced by Rhinox's description of it and the risky surgery to remove it.
*Rattrap sings a fragment of "{{w|Pop Goes the Weasel}}" as he takes out Rampage.
*Blackarachnia's spark produces a sound that's very similar to an electronic heartbeat. It even quickens and slows down at different points.

===Trivia===
*"Proving Grounds" had Blackarachnia concluding that she's "fine with the way she is." Oh, really?
*The Predacons' plan involved the whole Predacon army in a coordinated effort with the sole purpose to kill an incapacitated Blackarachnia so she stays dead. When you think about it, that's one of the more openly diabolical schemes in a cartoon that usually involves battles where the losers limp home to [[CR chamber]]s.
*The missile Tarantulas fires to finally disrupt Blackarachnia's surgery bears a "[[w:No_symbol|No]] Maximals" symbol on its nose cone.
*Once again, the mysterious Transmetal Driver gives us a ''[[w:deus ex machina|deus ex machina]]'' at its finest—once Blackarachnia's Transmetallization plan goes wrong, Rhinox's antivirus program fails, and she's left for dead, the Driver activates, brings her back to life, and gives her a Transmetal 2 body... because[[To sell toys|...?]]
*Don't ever piss off Silverbolt.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le Passage'''" (Canada, "The Passage")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' '''Addio Arachnia''' ("Goodbye Arachnia")

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Pikapikā Sha!'''" (ぴかぴかーしゃ!, "Sssshiny!")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 23]] [[2000]]
::*The hissing noise "ssha" was Blackarachnia's verbal tic in the Japanese dub of ''Beast Wars'', indicating she is the one speaking the title.

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Atravessando o Rubicon'''" ("Crossing the Rubicon")

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Cambiando de Bando'''" (America, "Switching Sides")

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Shēngsǐ Yīxiàntiān '''" (生死一线天, "The Line that Linked Life and Death")

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

[[Category:Beast Wars episodes]]

The Spark

2022-06-05T22:55:33Z

Ronsar: /* Trivia */ added transliteration of an instance of Cybertronix

{{disambig3|Spark}}
{{episode
|series=BWtoon
|ep=15
|series2=BWJtoon
|ep2=12
|prev2=A Better Mousetrap
|next2=The Trigger, Part 1
|image=The Spark Rhinox spark.jpg
|caption="I got your soul!"
|title="The Spark"
|production company=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|airdate=[[November 11]], 1996
|packaged with=[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]]
|written by=[[Larry DiTillio]]
|directed by=[[Colin Davies]]
|animation studio=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|continuity=[[Beast Wars continuity]]
|packaged with=[[Rhinox (BW)##Beast Wars 10th Anniversary|Rhinox]], [[Gimlet#Beast Wars Telemocha Series|Gimlet]]
}}
'''Rhinox and Cheetor assist a downed stasis pod and the damaged protoform within.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:The Spark Falcon.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Oh, hey, more foreshadowing.]]
In orbit around [[Earth|the planet]], a [[stasis pod]] is clipped by a piece of space debris, causing the pod to descend to the surface. [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] and [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] detect this, and dispatch [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] to capture it.

Meanwhile, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] happens to be scouting the landing area in his [[beast mode]], observing that the local raw [[energon]] deters the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] from properly fortifying the terrain. He witnesses the pod descending and, unable to radio for support, goes to recover the pod by himself. In another area, [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] sees the pod and, after radioing the news to [[Tigatron]], heads to where he anticipates the pod will land.

[[File:The Spark Rhinox pod.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Rhinox struggles to work this really old video game console.]]
Rhinox is first to reach the pod, but finds that because of the local energon, his [[robot mode]] is in risk of damage from prolonged exposure to the energon radiation. Worse, the [[protoform]] within the pod could expire if the pod itself isn't repaired soon. Cheetor then arrives at the pod's crash site.

Meanwhile, Tigatron freezes Scorponok's journey to the stasis pod, but Blackarachnia paralyzes him with a dose of her [[cyber venom]].

At the pod, Rhinox tells Cheetor that his body contains [[Locking chip|a component]] the pod needs to save the protoform. Cheetor voluntarily deactivates to allow Rhinox to harvest the hardware that will protect the new [[Maximal]] from energon damage. While in deep sleep, Cheetor envisions himself learning about the concept of a Transformer [[spark]] from Rhinox. After Cheetor reactivates, a tense Rhinox installs the chip and gives the dormant Transformer a second chance.

[[File:The Spark Cheetor Waspinator.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"Waspinator only want one kiss!"]]
Blackarachnia arrives and exchanges trash talk as she battles Cheetor, who uses his robot mode conservatively. Cheetor manages to shove her own venom dart into her forehead, knocking her out. Next, Cheetor faces [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]]. With his robot mode pushed to the max, Cheetor uses his beast mode to draw the two fliers away.

Rhinox tries to interface his own systems with the stasis pod to assist the protoform, but is disconnected by feedback and left trapped in his own beast mode.

[[File:The Spark Airazor.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Don't mess with this lady.]]
Cheetor fries Waspinator with some maneuvering around one of the local natural energon geysers. However, Terrorsaur is able to score a direct hit on Cheetor, and proceeds to the now-unprotected pod. At the last possible moment, the pod scans a bird circling overhead, providing the biological information needed to complete the new Maximal.

The fresh-from-case avian Transformer drags Terrorsaur away from the crash site. His attempts to fry the bird with gunfire are dodged. Announcing her name to be [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]], the new Maximal transforms and blasts the Predacon to pieces.

Back at the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', Rhinox and Cheetor introduce the rest of the Maximals to their new friend.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal]]s|c1=
* [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (3)
* [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (4)
* [[Tigatron]] (5)
* [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] (10)
* [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] (11)
* [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] (12)
|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]|c2=
* [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] (1)
* [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (2)
* [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] (6)
* [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (7)
* [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (8)
* [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] (9)
}}

==Quotes==
"''Just as Megatron said! Just as Megatron said!'' Don't you ever get ''tired'' of grovelling to that saurian?"
:—'''Blackarachnia''' mocks Scorponok

"Bah, I'll tell you ''nothing'', Maximal! Scorponok, ''terrori—''" ''[is zapped and frozen]'' 
"Sorry, I don't have time to play."
:—'''Scorponok''' and '''Tigatron'''.

"When a Spark goes online, there is great joy. When one is extinguished, the universe weeps."
:—'''Rhinox'''

"''Whoa'', that was ultra gear!"
:—'''Cheetor''', coming out of his tripped-out dream.

"By the way, how do you dance with all those skinny legs?" 
"''Ugh'', this must be my day for cats!"
:—'''Cheetor''' to '''Blackarachnia'''

"You don't know what fast ''is'', furball." 
"I know what ''ugly'' is, and you're it!"
:—'''Blackarachnia''' feels '''Cheetor''''s burn.

"Who ''dares'' attack Waszzpinator?!"
:—A better question would perhaps be who ''wouldn't'' dare attack '''Waspinator'''.

==Notes==
===Script timeline===
* First draft: 7th March 1996
* Second draft: 25th March 1996
* Finalised: 19th June 1996
* As Air: 30th October 1996

===Animation and technical errors===
* The appearance of protoforms continue to fluctuate; whereas in "[[Double Jeopardy]]" the protoform had Blackarachnia's head prior to formatting, Airazor's protoform has a blank head.
* When Cheetor reports the falling stasis pod to Tigatron, the white on his underbelly disappears in a few shots.
* When Tigatron first Maximizes, one tree in the background, to his right, is floating.
* The tree he hides behind has an extremely low resolution, pixellated-looking texture.
* When Tigatron shoots Scorponok, a plant behind him jerks suddenly. Perhaps it's meant to indicate Blackarachnia sneaking up on him, but she appears from above just a couple seconds later.
* As he experiences an energon surge whilst hiding behind a rock column, Cheetor's left arm loses its shine.
* In a high angle shot of Terrorsaur flying after Airazor, Rhinox in the back vanishes a few frames before the shot cuts.

===Continuity errors===
* When Cheetor arrives at the pod, why does Rhinox ask him why he's there? Surely it's obvious!
* Rhinox changes to robot mode before making a dash for the pod, even though in other situations where he needs to cover a long distance in a [[Code of Hero|hurry]], he stays in his beast mode.
* Interestingly, when Scorponok is frozen mid-command code activation, he's still in [[beast mode]]. Contrast with Tarantulas in "Double Jeopardy", who was similarly interrupted, but managed to transform to [[robot mode]] before getting shot.

===Continuity notes===
* One of the most important episodes in defining the physiology of Transformers, "The Spark" defined the concept of a spark to the Transformers mythos. Every subsequent series will go on to incorporate sparks in some way, and the concept will even be [[retcon]]ned back into the original Generation 1 continuity.
* This episode further confirms that the characters don't ''really'' need to say their activation phrases in order to transform. After Tigatron breaks cartoon convention and shoots Scorponok mid "Terrorize", Blackarachnia then sneaks up behind Tigatron and transforms without saying a word.
* Cheetor's youth really shows when he calls Blackarachnia "ugly". He doesn't seem to think so when he [[Feral Scream Part 2|grows up]] a little, but right now she clearly has cooties.
* Gadgets and powers:
** Rhinox carries a selection of repair tools in a pouch on his left leg.
** Blackarachnia's [[cyber venom]] makes its debut here.
** Cheetor experiences another precognitive dream. His vision correctly predicts the last line in the episode from Rhinox: "When a spark comes online, there is great joy." Cheetor makes a face indicating he recognizes it, and smiles to himself.

===Transformers references===
* Rhinox refers to the Transformer race as "Cybertrons", the Japanese name for [[Autobot]]s.

===Real-world references===
* In the vision, Rhinox greets Cheetor with the line "what's new, pussycat?", referencing the Tom Jones [[w:What's New Pussycat? (song)|song]] of the same name. The same reference was used previously in "[[Equal Measures]]" by Cheetor himself and would make a return in [[The Trigger, Part 1|the next episode]], suggesting that someone in the writer's room really liked this joke.

===Trivia===
* The monitor that Tarantulas accesses to identify the arriving stasis pod reads "BIRD" in [[Cybertronix]] while passive, and while sounding its alarm it switches to "GRID BOY".
* Tarantulas snickers to himself after detecting the pod. When Megatron appears, realises that a pod has crashed, and sets out to claim it, Tarantulas is visibly annoyed. Tarantulas's desire to obtain a pod for himself becomes a bigger plot point [[Spider's Game|later on]].
* Later stories (published after the show was over) would retcon Airazor's origin, establishing her as a character who had once existed on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] before being transferred into a protoform aboard the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]''. This revised timeline doesn't really gel with the episode itself - Rhinox's lines about sparks are pretty implicit that a new Transformer is being "born", as opposed to a pre-existing character returning to life. But then, that wouldn't be the only time something in the print stories doesn't quite line up with the TV series.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''L'Étincelle'''" ("The Spark")

:*''Title:'' "'''L'Étincelle'''" ("The Spark")

'''Italian'''
*''Title:'' "'''La scintilla'''" ("The Spark")

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hayabusa Senshi Airrazor'''" (ハヤブサ戦士エアラザー, "The Falcon Warrior Airrazor")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 17|17 December]] [[1997]]
::*During the scene where Waspinator chases Cheetor through the rocks, Waspinator spends the entire scene making mocking comments toward Cheetor (mainly questioning his speed and skill). When hit by the energon geyser, Waspinator shouts "bikkuri!" ("what a surprise!").
::*As is rather well known, Airazor was made ''male'' for the Japanese dub of the series. A fairly ''effeminate'' male, but a male never-the-less.

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' '''A Centelha''' ("The Spark")

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La Chispa'''" (America, "The Spark")

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Huǒzhǒng '''" (火种, "The Spark")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars'' — Warning from Space ([[Alliance Atlantis|Alliance Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''Robots-Bêtes'' — Alert Dans L'Espace (Alliance Video) — French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers'' — Goodbye Rattle!? ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars'' / ''Robots-Bêtes'' Three pack (Alliance Video) — Available in English or French audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2001 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Beginning: Vol. 3 ([[Universal]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Predacon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — English and Japanese audio.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — English and Japanese audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete First Season ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 2005 — ''Beast Wars'' — Classic Episodes: Volume 3 — The Battle Rages On! ([[Alliance Atlantis]]) — English and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 2005 — ''Beast Wars'' — The Complete First Season (Alliance Atlantis) — English and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Beast Wars'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)

{{DEFAULTSORT:Spark}}
[[Category:Beast Wars episodes]]
[[Category:Beast Wars 10th Anniversary]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Telemocha Series]]
[[Category:Pack-in material]]

Prime's Directive, Part Two

2022-06-02T23:20:12Z

Ronsar: /* Notes */ added 'Errors' subsection

{{disambig2|the IDW issue|the Dreamwave issue|Prime Directive issue 2}}

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Star Trek vs. Transformers]]'' #2
|prev=Prime's Directive, Part One
|next=Prime's Directive, Part Three
|image=STvsTF2 cvrB.jpg
|title="Prime's Directive, Part Two"
|caption=''It's life, Jim, but not as we know it'' ''Not as we know it'' ''Not as we know it'' ''It's life, Jim, but not as we know it'' ''Not as we know it, captain.''
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[November 14]], [[2018]]
|coverdate=October 2018
|written by=[[John Barber]] and [[Mike Johnson]]
|art by=[[Philip Murphy]]
|colors by=[[Leonardo Ito]] & [[Josh Burcham]]
|letters by=[[Christa Miesner]]
|editor=[[Chase Marotz]] and [[David Mariotte]]
|continuity=''[[Star Trek vs. Transformers]]''
}}

'''Kirk gets a crash course in Cybertronian history while the Decepticons and Klingons form a deadly alliance.'''

==Synopsis==
On the surface of [[Cygnus Seven]], [[Leonard McCoy|Doctor McCoy]] and [[Spock]] eye [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s body suspiciously; despite [[Scotty]]'s assurances, McCoy wonders, ''can'' they trust the gigantic robot, given their prior encounter? Spock is more optimistic, noting that the robot's comatose form is marked with a [[Autobot|symbol]] that distinguishes him from the hostile mechanoids they've just driven off. Scotty, meanwhile, remains eager to try and jumpstart their unusual patient, but is unsure ''how'' to do it until Spock comes up with a theory of his own; noting that the electrical signals of Prime's head are similar to those of humanoid brains, Spock uses the traditional [[Vulcan]] mind meld procedure to merge his consciousness with that of the Cybertronian's.

''Entering Optimus's mind, the science officer is quickly overwhelmed by a kaleidoscope of ancient memories: a [[Cybertron (planet)|metal planet]] locked in an [[Great War (G1)|endless war]], a [[Ark (G1)|starship]] crash, a battle against an [[Megatron (G1)|eternal foe]] on archaic [[Earth]]...'' and this emotional deluge causes the half-Vulcan to sever the telepathic link. Spock is shaken by his experience, but assures McCoy that he's unharmed. Scotty, on the other hand, is overjoyed; the brief mental connection has successfully roused their patient from stasis! Introductions are made all around as Prime thanks his rescuers, but when Spock reminds him of the circumstances behind his deactivation, Prime's concerns immediately go back to the Decepticons responsible for the attack on the planet. Spock reassures him that they've already sent the Decepticons packing... but Prime gravely corrects Spock's assertion that he's the last robot left on the planet—he's ''not''.

Deep beneath the planet's [[dilithium]] mine, [[James T. Kirk|Captain Kirk]], [[Hikaru Sulu|Sulu]], and [[M'Ress]] are learning this fact firsthand; an irate [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] is in no mood to play nicely with the organics, demanding to know what they've done with Optimus. Despite their best efforts to evade the colossal aliens, the captain and his shipmates find themselves pinned down by Autobots, with Jazz snarling that he knows what humans are capable of. Kirk tries a different tack, and after connecting the wounded robotic truck he encountered and the name "Optimus Prime," he convinces the Autobots to stand down. Kirk assures them that Prime is still alive and in the care of his capable associates, and that he and his team entered the mineshaft because of their unusual energy signatures. Kirk and his crew come in peace and mean no harm; indeed, all he wants to know is... who ''are'' they?

Meanwhile, on a nearby moon, the routed Decepticons themselves regroup inside [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] as [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] gets to grips with their unusual new [[Klingon]] allies. Commander [[Kuri]] explains how the starship ''[[USS Enterprise|Enterprise]]'' shot down their ship, and is all too eager to get revenge on Kirk, proposing that an alliance may prove beneficial for both parties. [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] shares Megatron's dismissive attitude at first, believing that the Decepticons stand nothing to gain by allying with the Klingons, but Kuri has an ace up his sleeve: do the Decepticons know anything about cloaking technology?

With the Autobots now assured of Kirk's good intentions, Jazz has [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] tell him and his crew their unusual history. Four million years ago, Bumblebee relates, the Autobots left their home planet of Cybertron aboard the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' and crash-landed on Earth, pursued by the warlike Decepticons, who sought to conquer other worlds in pursuit of [[energon]]. Reawakening in the years before humanity developed warp travel, the Autobots and Decepticons disguised themselves as human machines and fought a secret war on Earth for many years... until the beginning of [[World War III]] posed an existential threat to the Autobots. Prime's troops left Earth for good aboard the [[Titan (group)|Titan]] [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] and travelled through deep space for decades in search of fuel, unaware that the Decepticons had given chase aboard their own living starship, [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. When the Decepticons caught up with the Autobots over Cygnus Seven, Megatron and his warriors breached Fortress Maximus's hull, and in the chaos the Titan plummeted onto the barren planet, the impact incapacitating all aboard for many centuries. When the [[Federation]] recently colonized Cygnus Seven, miners stumbled on the abandoned ship and inadvertently reactivated the Titan's autonomous repair systems, bringing the Decepticons back online while giving them the chance to flee before the ship could bring Prime back online—but the moment Prime reactivated, Kirk realises, he headed to the planet's surface to defend the innocents caught in the crossfire.

Aboard the ''Enterprise'', acting-captain [[Arex (Star Trek)|Arex]] reports to Spock that he's followed the Decepticons to their current base of operations. When they arrive, however, they discover nothing but an empty crater... immediately followed up by Kuri's [[Warbird (Star Trek)|warbird]] decloaking itself, shooting down the starship in a surprise attack! Arex attempts to send a distress transmission to Spock before the ship goes down. Perched atop the warbird, [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] confirms that the ''Enterprise'' crew have left themselves divided and ripe for the taking, while Megatron enthuses over their success: now the planet's abundant supplies of energon are ripe for Decepticon conquest!

In the mineshaft, M'Ress receives the transmission on her communicator, but the thickness of the mineshaft walls mean that they can't send a message ''back'' to the ''Enterprise''. [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] offers them a lift up to the surface, unaware that, as they speak, Prime and his three passengers are already en route to the mine to regroup with the other Autobots. Prime and his allies arrive, at the mineshaft, only to be ambushed by [[Airachnid (G1)|Airachnid]], Starscream, and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], their blasts causing an avalanche that seals the entrance to the mine shut! Prime and his new allies take shelter behind a fallen building, but Scotty worries that the entrance to the mine won't hold for much longer.
Underground, Kirk and the trapped Autobots weigh up their options. Outgunned, outmanned, and outmaneuvered by the Decepticons, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] hatches a risky plan to bring Fortress Maximus back online...

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]/''Orion Pax'' (4)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (6)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (8)
*[[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] (10)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (12)
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (13)
*''[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]'' (21)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (6)
*[[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (12)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (13)
*[[Airachnid (G1)|Airachnid]] (14)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (19)

|h3=[[Federation]]|c3=
*[[Leonard McCoy]] (1)
*[[Scotty]] (2)
*[[Spock]] (3)
*[[James T. Kirk]] (7)
*[[M'Ress]] (9)
*[[Hikaru Sulu]] (11)
*[[Arex (Star Trek)|Arex]] (22)

|h4=[[Klingon]]s|c4=
*[[Kor]] (15)
*[[Kuri]] (16)
*[[Kali]] (17)
*[[Kaz]] (18)

|h5=Others|c5=
*''[[World War III|WWIII]] soldiers'' (20)
*''[[Zefram Cochrane]]'' (22)
*''[[Lily Sloane]]'' (23)
}}

==Quotes==
"My name is Optimus Prime. And you have my gratitude."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' greets the crew of the ''Enterprise''

"I hit one with my phaser, only to see it... '''change''', and say it wanted to '''protect''' human life." 
"I knew it! '''''You killed Optimus!''''' ... what's a 'phaser?'"
:—'''Kirk''' and '''Bumblebee'''

"Under all that '''metal''' and '''circuitry''', they're as human as '''you''' or—well, as human as '''me''', anyway."
:—'''Scotty''' to '''Spock'''

==Notes==
* Though the issue preceding it is called "[[Prime's Directive, Part One]]", and while it ''should'' logically follow that this is "Part Two" of this story, this issue doesn't receive a title of any kind.

===Continuity notes===
*Following on from last issue, this issue confirms that our ''Transformers'' cast is, indeed, native to this universe and not the result of any cross-dimensional shenanigans. Jazz and Bumblebee's narration implies that a series of events ''akin'' to those of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''Transformers'' cartoon]] or [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic]] went down, however, though Jazz explicitly notes that the Earthbound Transformers attempted to keep a "low profile", which is quite unlike the brazenly conspicuous antics of both the Autobots and Decepticons of these continuities.

===Transformers references===
*During his mind-meld with Prime, Spock glimpses the [[Matrix of Leadership]] and witnesses a vision of Orion Pax, looking identical to the young 'bot's appearance in the ''Transformers'' episode "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]".
* Another sequence of panels in the mind meld depict the Transformers' arrival to Earth, based on the events of "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]": the dogfight between the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' and the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'', the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s subsequent crash into [[Mount St. Hilary]], and [[Teletraan I]] zapping an unidentified [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] with a repair beam. The bottommost panel features Optimus and Megatron facing off at what is presumably [[Sherman Dam]], a nod to the oft-homaged battle between the two leaders from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]".
* Bumblebee notes that the ''Ark'' originally left Cybertron, here, described as "hurtling through space", so as to "blast some asteroids", referencing Cybertron's backstory and the original purpose of the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s voyage as described in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel G1 comic]].
* While detailing the Transformers' history on Earth, an event resembling the [[Battle of Autobot City]] from [[The Transformers: The Movie|the 1986 animated film]] is shown.
*Bumblebee says that the Cybertronians were forced off Earth by the humans' "very own World War III", the Great War having been established to be the "Third Cybertronian War" in the Sunbow universe.
* Bumblebee identifies Fortress Maximus and Trypticon as [[Titan (group)|Titan]]s, a name for colossal Cybertronians first used in the [[2005 IDW continuity]], with Trypticon being one in that continuity.
* Fortress Maximus and Trypticon being used together reflects them having recently received figures in the ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' toyline.
* Fortress Maximus's use in the story as an impromptu starship, left buried on an alien planet for centuries, evokes the fate of his 2001 ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|counterpart]].
* The battle aboard Fortress Maximus, and the deactivation and reactivation of the Cybertronian combatants after years of stasis, is pretty blatantly lifted from "More than Meets the Eye, Part 1"; it can barely even be called a reference, as Bumblebee straight-up mentions that this is "history repeating itself!"

===Star Trek references===
*Kuri threatens Megatron with a [[memoryalpha:D'k tahg|D'k tahg]] knife.
*Following on from last issue's mention of the [[Eugenics Wars]], this issue goes on to incorporate the ''next'' global conflict to sweep ''Star Trek''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s version of Earth—[[memoryalpha:World War III|World War III]]—into the plot. The narcotically-controlled soldier seen in Bumblebee's story is shown wearing the period-appropriate uniform, briefly adopted by omnipotent trickster [[memoryalpha:Q|Q]] in the ''The Next Generation'' episode "[[memoryalpha:Encounter at Farpoint (episode)|Encounter at Farpoint]]."
*This also establishes that in this continuity the Eugenics Wars and World War III were separate conflicts; in the Original Series (which the comic-using Animated Series was an extension of) they were implied to have been the ''same'' conflict, something that was retconned in later ''Trek'' series.
*[[Zefram Cochrane]]—the eccentric inventor of the [[memoryalpha:warp drive|warp drive]] and best known in the series' canon for his role in the film ''[[memoryalpha:Star Trek: First Contact|First Contact]]'', although he ''did'' have an [[memoryalpha:Metamorphosis (episode)|encounter with Kirk]] as well—appears during the flashback to World War III. Alongside him is [[Lily Sloane]], who was Cochrane's collaborator in ''First Contact''.
*While driving towards the dilithium mine, Optimus passes by a [[memoryalpha:Gossamer mouse|gossamer mouse]], a creature that made an appearance in ''The Animated Series''.

===Errors===
*Arex says the Klingons are decloaking off the starboard bow, but the illustrations show the D7 Class cruiser to the port of the ''Enterprise''.

===Other notes===
*Originally solicited for mid-October, this issue arrives rather late, midway through November.
*Backmatter for this issue includes an interview with ''Star Trek'' artist [[memoryalpha:Carlos Nieto|Carlos Nieto]].

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Kirk beams down while Prime and Megatron duke it out, by [[Philip Murphy]]
*'''Cover B:''' Spock, Cybertron, and the battle of Sherman Dam, by [[Marcelo Ferreira]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' Optimus and Spock greet one another with the [[memoryalpha:Vulcan salute|Vulcan salute]] as Kirk and Arex look on, by [[Derek Charm]]
<gallery>
File:STvsTF2 cvrA.jpg|Beam me the slag up, Scotty!
File:STvsTF2 cvrB.jpg|It is illogical, history never recorded the Transformers!
File:STvsTF2 cvrRI.jpg|Live long and prosper - REAL long!
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* [[Prime's Directive, Part Three|''Star Trek vs. Transformers'' #3]]
* ''Star Trek: Waypoint'' comic
* ''[[Transformers: Bumblebee - Go For the Gold]]''
* ''[[Go-Bots (comic)|Go-Bots]]'' comic series
* IDW/[[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] ''[[Spider-Man]]'' comic series
* ''The Highest House'' graphic novel
* ''Sword of Ages'' HC
* ''[[Transformers: Bumblebee - Win If You Dare]]'' (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://comicbook.com/startrek/2018/11/13/star-trek-vs-transformers-2-preview/ Preview]
*[[memoryalpha:Star Trek vs. Transformers, Issue 2|Issue article]] at Memory Alpha
*[[wikia:memory-beta:Star Trek vs. Transformers, Issue 2|Issue article]] at Memory Beta, the non-canon ''Star Trek'' wiki

[[Category:Star Trek vs. Transformers issues]]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Prime's Directive, Part 2}}

Darkmount, NV

2022-06-01T20:26:15Z

Ronsar: Made 'Continuity errors' section and recategorised many errors as such

{{disambig3|Darkmount}}

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

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

[[File:DarkmountNV-Bumblebee.jpg|left|thumb|Upright=2.6|''Black and yellow, black and yellow, black and yellow.'']]
Megatron contacts [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]], warning him that the Decepticons should not be interfered with, but with the news that Megatron bears the humans no ill will and simply wants to settle on Earth in peace. Starscream is impressed with Megatron's talent for deception. Fowler, meanwhile, reports to [[Bryce|his superior]] that Jasper's evacuation was completed in time and a cover story in place, but the military want to [[Nuclear weapon|nuke]] the Decepticons. [[June Darby]], working as a medic on the military base, asks if there's been any word from the others, but there's no way to contact anyone without giving away their position.

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

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

[[File:DarkmountNV-SmokescreenOptimus.jpg|thumb|300px|Smokescreen, am I... turning grey yet?]]
Optimus stirs, and Smokescreen relates how he snuck back to the base during the evacuation, and used the phase shifter to get Optimus out. While Smokescreen is keen to go find Ratchet, Optimus stops him, saying cryptically that there is "no hope" of finding Ratchet, but powers back down into unconsciousness before he can explain.

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

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

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (5)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (6)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (11)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (13)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (17)
|c2=
*[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]]s (1)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (2)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (4)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (15)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (18)
*[[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] (19)
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] (20)
|c3=
*[[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] (9)
*[[June Darby]] (10)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (12)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (14)
*[[Jack Darby]] (16)
|c4=
*[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] (7)
}}

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

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

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

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

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Fowler contacts his superior, [[Bryce|General Bryce]], previously seen in "[[Grill (episode)|Grill]]".
*This episode covers the fates of the various Iacon relics and other things left unattended in the previous episode. With the exception of the phase shifter, the relics taken by Prime's team were left on Cybertron. The Forge of Solus Prime and Airachnid both survived the destruction of the Autobot base. Prime's [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]] and Megatron's [[Dark Star Saber]] turn up again later, intact (while the dead Prime's arm was never seen again).
*Megatron is shocked to find the Forge in the Autobot base. [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] stole it and gave it to the Autobots back in "[[Regeneration (Prime)|Regeneration]]". Obviously Megatron didn’t find out about that particular bit of treachery.
*Megatron also has his original arm back, last seen being removed by Knock Out in "[[Alpha/Omega]]". Evidently he kept it in storage.
*Starscream expresses surprise at Megatron's diplomatic skills, echoing an exchange in ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]''.
*The [[Milky Way]] is shown outside Cybertron, consistent with the stellar cartography in ''Exodus''.

===Transformers references===
*The name "Darkmount" comes from the [[Darkmount (Cybertron)|fortress of the same name]] first introduced in the [[The Smelting Pool!|original Marvel comic]]; the name was later used for a toy representing [[Straxus (G1)|the commander of Darkmount]].
*Fowler references containment procedure "[[The Transformers (franchise)|G-1]]000" when describing the evacuation of Jasper.
*Bumblebee's new black-and-yellow paint job resembles an [[Bumblebee (Movie)#Robot mode and CG model(s)|unused redesign]] for him in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''.
*Darkmount's cannons seem to share a few similarities with the [[Dimensional Decimator]], a weapon featured in the 2012 game ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron]]''. Both of them suck in nearby objects and clump them together, only to explode and send whatever was grabbed (or what's left) flying.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:DarkmountNV-Louisiana.jpg|thumb|250px|So the Decepticons' master plan is to drive the Lousiana landmass into the ocean, forcing the state to re-locate inside Texas? ''Those bastards!'']]
*As previously seen in "[[The Human Factor]]", the map of the continental [[United States of America|United States]] shows [[Louisiana]] rendered within [[Texas]], with a noticeable gap along the coastline where Louisiana should be.

===Continuity errors===
*The shape of the Decepticon citadel appears to have changed since the previous episode to accommodate the four huge fusion cannons.
*The tanks spearheading the failed assault on Darkmount resemble German Leopard 2s more than M1 Abrams tanks- the latter being the more logical choice as the one operated by the United States.
*In "[[Darkest Hour (episode)|Darkest Hour]]", Optimus Prime had his mouthplate retracted when he was preparing to destroy the GroundBridge controls. When he is seen lying in the rubble, he is wearing it, only for it to disappear once Smokescreen pulls him into the cavern.
*The Decepticon citadel was previously named as "New Kaon" in "[[Darkest Hour (episode)|Darkest Hour]]", only to be called Darkmount in this one. While a change of heart regarding the name isn't out of the question, there can't be more than a few hours' difference between this episode and the previous one.
*Smokescreen's return to the base is inconsistent with the previous episode, or even the flashbacks to it in this episode. He is shown to have returned within moments of the base's destruction, but was the second-to-last to use the GroundBridge, Ratchet being the last. Since Ratchet changed the coordinates, he should have returned well before the blast, and should have been spotted by Optimus when he did.
*Since releasing gasoline from the hoses requires money, or at least using an activation code inside the station, behind the counter, there is no way Jack would have been able to activate the gas line from inside the station or use a credit card to activate it within the few seconds of the Vehicons' arrival.
*At the military base, the gas station, the truck depot and everywhere else the Autobots travel, there are no civilian humans but the named cast visible anywhere.

===Trivia===
*This episode was initially revealed in [[Hub Network|The Hub]]'s March highlights document under the name "Darkmouth, NV".
*The worldwide premiere screening of the first three episodes was held at the Globe Theater in [[Universal|Universal Studios]] Hollywood on [[March 14]].
*The worldwide television premiere of "Darkmount, NV" was a day later on okto, a Singaporean channel, where it aired back-to-back with "[[Scattered]]" and "[[Prey (episode)|Prey]]".
*This episode was rebroadcast on [[April 19]] with "Autobits", which are popups with trivia or jokes, added in.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le Règne de Megatron'''" ("The Reign of Megatron")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Darkmount, Nevada'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 30|30 September]] [[2013]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Darkmount'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 2|2 September]] [[2013]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Darkmount, Nevada'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 4|4 October]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Darkmount, Nevada'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[2013]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Darkmount, Nevada'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 7|7 October]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2013]] — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Dawn of the Beast ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] [[2014]] — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] [[2015]] — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Saison 3 Volume 1: Le règne de Mégatron ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Staffel 3 Teil 1: Schlacht um Darkmount (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Intégrale Saison 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Die komplette Staffel 3 (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] [[2016]] — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

1933

2022-05-30T19:58:34Z

Ronsar: five-->one

{{yearofthe|1933}}
The year '''1933''' (MCMXXXIIII) predates the launch of the [[Transformers brand]] by fifty-one years.

{{see|Transformers timeline}}

==Non-Fiction==
===Events===
====March====
* [[March 2]] — The original film version of ''[[King Kong]]'' premieres.

====December====
* [[December 26]] — The [[Nissan Motor Company]] is formed in [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]].

===Births===
====January====
* [[January 20]] — [[Gérard Hernandez]]
* [[January 31]] — [[Toshio Ishii]]

====February====
* [[February 27]] — [[Leandro Martinez]]

====March====
* [[March 6]] — [[Willy Schäfer]]

====April====
* [[April 26]] — [[Jean-Pierre Moulin]]

====September====
* [[September 18]] — [[Fred Willard]]
* [[September 20]] — [[Tony Tallarico Sr.|Tony Tallarico]]

====November====
* [[November 22]] — [[Alejandro Abdalah]]

====December====
* [[December 9]] — [[José Delbo]]

[[Category:Real-world events by year]]

1958

2022-05-30T19:57:19Z

Ronsar: hyphen

{{yearofthe|1958}}
The year '''1958''' (MCMLVIII) predates the launch of the [[Transformers brand]] by twenty-six years.

{{see|Transformers timeline}}

==Non-Fiction==
===Events===

====August====
* [[August 29]] — ''{{w|The Fly (1958 film)|The Fly}}'', the movie that would later inspire the [[Vintage Horror Movie Series]] [[Fly]] character is released.

====October====
* [[October 1]] — Electronics manufacturer and game publisher [[LG Electronics]] is founded in [[South Korea]] under the name GoldStar.

===Births===
* ??? — [[Chantal Baril]], [[Jordi Royo]]

====January====
* [[January 6]] — [[Yasuhiko Nemoto]]
* [[January 31]] — [[Vadim Gushchin]]

====February====
* [[February 1]] — [[Ryō Horikawa]]

====March====
* [[March 30]] — [[Maurice LaMarche]]

====April====
* [[April 1]] — [[Robert Missler]]

====May====
* [[May 12]] — [[Tony Oliver]]
* [[May 30]] — [[Ted McGinley]]
* [[May 31]] — [[Mitchell Amundsen]]

====June====
* [[June 17]] — [[Kerry Shale]]
* [[June 20]] — [[Teiyū Ichiryūsai]]
* [[June 22]] — [[José Luis Orozco]]
* [[June 24]] — [[Yoku Shioya]]

====August====
* [[August 2]] — [[Show Hayami]]
* [[August 5]] — [[Éric Legrand]]
* [[August 14]] — [[Junichi Inoue]]
* [[August 16]] - [[Angela Bassett]]

====September====
* [[September 2]] — [[Colin Murdoch]]
* [[September 3]] — [[Kevin Kiner]]
* [[September 8]] — [[Mitsuru Miyamoto]]
* [[September 17]] — [[Sander de Heer]]
* [[September 29]] — [[Seiichi Kyōda]]

====October====
* [[October 1]] — [[Don Daley]]
* [[October 6]] — [[Michael Carlin]]
* [[October 7]] — [[Katsuhiro Kitagawa]]
* [[October 10]] — [[Hiroyuki Hayashi]]
* [[October 17]] — [[John Nielsen]]
* [[October 27]] — [[Simon Le Bon]]
* [[October 28]] — [[Ruth Toscano]]

====November====
* [[November 10]] — [[Peter Tomaszewicz]]
* [[November 14]] — [[Francesco Pannofino]]
* [[November 22]] — [[Klaus-Peter Grap]]
* [[November 30]] — [[Shinya Fukumatsu]]

====December====
* [[December 27]] — [[Takashi Tsushimi]]

====Undated====
* ???? — [[Masumi Kaneda]], [[Kevin Nowlan]]

[[Category:Real-world events by year]]

1959

2022-05-30T19:57:03Z

Ronsar: hyphen

{{yearofthe|1959}}
The year '''1959''' (MCMLIX) predates the launch of the [[Transformers brand]] by twenty-five years.

{{see|Transformers timeline}}

==Fiction==
===Panini ''Armada'' comic===
During the construction of a casino in [[Las Vegas]], the [[Land Military Mini-Con Team]] were uncovered and subsequently the [[Extra-Terrestrial Response Division]] attempted to use [[inhibitor clamp]]s to control them. The [[Mini-Con]]s broke free and drove to nearby [[Stillwater]], [[Nevada]], delivering a message to [[Amos Hume]] before they were recaptured. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 6#Blast from the Past!|Blast from the Past!}}

==Non-Fiction==
===Births===

Unknown date — [[Frank Muth]]

====January====

* [[January 5]] — [[Clancy Brown]]
* [[January 11]] — [[Bob Harras]]
* [[January 18]] — [[Héctor Lee]]
* [[January 24]] — [[Pierre-Alain de Garrigues]]

====February====
* [[February 9]] — [[Rebeca Manriquez]]
* [[February 10]] — [[Minoru Komorita]]
* [[February 13]] — [[Yuriko Yamamoto]]
* [[February 26]] — [[Eleazar Osorio]]

====March====
* [[March 2]] — [[Éric Etcheverry]]
* [[March 7]] — [[Leopoldo Ballesteros]]
* [[March 10]] — [[Akira Okeya]]
* [[March 22]] — [[Lew Stringer]]
* [[March 23]] — [[Kazue Ikura]]
* [[March 24]] — [[Matthias Klages]]

====April====
* [[April 10]] — [[Yukiyoshi Ōhashi]]
* [[April 12]] — [[Alain Zouvi]]
* [[April 20]] — [[Leonardo Araujo]]
* [[April 24]] — [[Glenn Morshower]]

====May====
* [[May 11]] — [[Kōjin Ōno]]
* [[May 19]] — [[Jim Ward]]
* [[May 23]] — [[Toshiyuki Takahashi]]

====June====
* [[June 13]] — [[Steven DeNure]]

====July====
* [[July 5]] — [[Akari Hibino]]
* [[July 7]] — [[Frank Röth]]
* [[July 12]] — [[Jordi Boixaderas]]
* [[July 16]] — [[Bob Joles]]
* [[July 25]] — [[Hiroaki Harakawa]]
* [[July 28]] — [[Ian Akin]]

====August====
* [[August 2]] — [[Hiroshi Ōtaki]]
* [[August 15]] — [[Yōichi Kobiyama]]

====September====
* [[September 30]] — [[Mario Bombardieri]]

====October====
* [[October 8]] — [[Guilherme Lopes]]
* [[October 13]] — [[Dan DiDio]]
* [[October 15]] — [[Masako Katsuki]]
* [[October 18]] — [[Jim Massara]]
* [[October 23]] — [["Weird Al" Yankovic]]

====November====
* [[November 6]] — [[Nobuo Tobita]]
* [[November 11]] — [[Fushigi Yamada]]
* [[November 21]] — [[Mari Mashiba]], [[Naoko Watanabe]]
* [[November 24]] — [[Akio Ōtsuka]]
* [[November 28]] — [[Judd Nelson]]

====December====
* [[December 2]] — [[Kari Tamminen]]
* [[December 18]] — [[Jean-Philippe Puymartin]]
* [[December 21]] — [[Lindsay Dawson]]
* [[December 26]] — [[Yoshikazu Hirano]]
* [[December 30]] — [[Carlos del Campo]]

[[Category:Fictional events by year]]
[[Category:Real-world events by year]]

1960

2022-05-30T19:56:44Z

Ronsar: hyphen

{{yearofthe|1960}}
The year '''1960''' (MCMLX) predates the launch of the [[Transformers brand]] by twenty-four years.

{{see|Transformers timeline}}
==Fiction==
===2007 Movie===
====Births====
=====Undated=====
???? — [[Judy Witwicky|Judith "Judy" Witwicky]]

==Non-Fiction==
===Births===

* ??? — [[Tim Moeseritz]]

====January====
* [[January 11]] — [[Emmanuel Jacomy]]
* [[January 20]] — [[Mieczyslaw Moranski]]

====February====
* [[February 2]] — [[Shōji Kawamori]]
* [[February 12]] — [[Cyrille Artaux]]
* [[February 13]] — [[Jean-Marc Delhausse]]

====March====
* [[March 9]] — [[Roberto Mendiola]]
* [[March 20]] — [[Pascal Massix]]
* [[March 29]] — [[Hiromi Tsuru]]

====April====
* [[April 2]] — [[Takashi Matsuyama]]
* [[April 4]] — [[Hugo Weaving]]
* [[April 10]] — [[Cecília Lemes]], [[Fátima Noya]]
* [[April 11]] — [[Shōko Kanoki]]
* [[April 14]] — [[Brad Garrett]]
* [[April 28]] — [[Steve Blum]]
* [[April 30]] — [[Dick Eriksson]]

====July====
* [[July 1]] — [[Kōji Ishii]]
* [[July 20]] — [[Carlos Alazraqui]]
* [[July 25]] — [[Konta]]
* [[July 29]] — [[Alfonso Obregon]]

====August====
* [[August 3]] — [[Ari Wirta]]
* [[August 12]] — [[Thierry Desroses]]
* [[August 24]] — [[Roberto Draghetti]]

====September====
* [[September 1]] — [[Akio Kato]]
* [[September 21]] — [[Asakawa Tomoyuki]]

====October====
* [[October 2]] — [[Shinji Aramaki]]
* [[October 29]] — [[Juan Carlos Gustems]]
* [[October 31]] — [[Rubén Moya]]

====November====
* [[November 3]] — [[José Luis Alfonso Padilla Adorno|Luis Alfonso Padilla]]
* [[November 11]] — [[Stanley Tucci]]
* [[November 19]] — [[Hiroshi Naka]]
* [[November 27]] — [[Rolando Silva]]
* [[November 30]] — [[Jim Amash]]

====December====
* [[December 2]] — [[Jacek Mikołajczak]]
* [[December 12]] — [[Kunihiko Yasui]]
* [[December 13]] — [[Carlos Íñigo]]
* [[December 29]] — [[Mike Fisher]], [[Stefano Mondini]], [[Stefan Godin]]

====Undated====
* ???? — [[Alejandro Illescas]], [[Judith Marcos]], [[Dariusz Odija]], [[T.W. Peacocke]], [[Stephan Rabow]], [[Lutz Schnell]], [[Niko Macoulis]]

[[Category:Fictional events by year]]
[[Category:Real-world events by year]]

1961

2022-05-30T19:56:18Z

Ronsar: hyphen

{{yearofthe|1961}}
The year '''1961''' (MCMLXI) predates the launch of the [[Transformers brand]] by twenty-three years.

{{see|Transformers timeline}}

==Fiction==
* [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s ship the [[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]], carrying the [[space bridge|Space Bridge]] Pillars, crash lands on the moon. The USA detects this and sets out to find it before the Russians. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}

==Non-Fiction==

===Events===
====June====
* [[Marvel Comics]] is launched by Martin Goodman. The company would go on to publish the original [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Generation One]] and US ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (Marvel)|Generation 2]]'' comics.

===Births===
* ???? — [[Richard Marcej]], [[Javier Saltares]], [[Bernhard Völger]]

====January====
* [[January 4]] — [[Graham McTavish]]
* [[January 17]] — [[Michel Dodane]]
* [[January 21]] — [[Denis Gravereaux]]
* [[January 27]] — [[Hiroko Emori]]
* [[January 31]] — [[Torsten Michaelis]]

====February====
* [[February 13]] — [[Mauro Ramos]]
* [[February 18]] — [[Hironobu Kageyama]]

====March====
* [[March 1]] — [[Oliver Siebeck]]
* [[March 5]] — [[Seiji Katsu]]
* [[March 12]] — [[Titus Welliver]]
* [[March 20]] — [[Louis Chirillo]]
* [[March 22]] — [[Simon Furman]]

====April====
* [[April 10]] — [[Silvio Amato]], [[James Taylor]]
* [[April 19]] — [[Peter Chung]]
* [[April 23]] — [[Art Wetherell]]
* [[April 28]] — [[Jamieson Price]]
* [[April 29]] — [[Fumihiko Tachiki]]

====May====
* ???? — [[Nancy Krulik]]
* [[May 6]] — [[Wally Wingert]]
* [[May 13]] — [[Pierluigi Astore]]
* [[May 21]] — [[Jean-Michel Vovk]]

====June====
* [[June 4]] — [[Julie White]]
* [[June 8]] — [[Clyde Klotz]]
* [[June 17]] — [[Nancy Cortés]], [[Kōichi Yamadera]]
* [[June 30]] — [[Christopher J. Priest]]

====July====
* [[July 2]] — [[Michael Lindsay]]
* [[July 5]] — [[Yasunori Masutani]], [[Marie Vincent]]
* [[July 9]] — [[Martin Halm]]
* [[July 21]] — [[Eiji Itō]]
* [[July 24]] — [[Salvador Delgado]]

====August====
* ???? — [[Stanley Townsend]]
* [[August 4]] — [[Barack Obama]]
* [[August 4]] — [[Lauren Tom]]
* [[August 12]] — [[Luiz Feier Motta]]
* [[August 25]] — [[Kev Hopgood]]
* [[August 26]] — [[Satoko Shimonari]]

====September====
* [[September 2]] — [[Miyoko Aoba]]
* [[September 18]] — [[Brian Garvey]]
* [[September 22]] — [[Gavin Blair]]
* [[September 28]] — [[Takamune Negishi]]

====October====
* [[October 1]] — [[Akira Nishimori]]
* [[October 18]] — [[Rosario Zamora]]
* [[October 26]] — [[Yoshiyuki Kaneko]]

====November====
* [[November 8]] — [[Katsuyuki Sumisawa]]

====December====
* [[December 4]] — [[Chafūrin]]
* [[December 6]] — [[Robin Riggs]]

[[Category:Fictional events by year]]
[[Category:Real-world events by year]]

1921

2022-05-28T04:02:08Z

Ronsar: hyphen

{{yearofthe|1921}}
The year '''1921''' (MCMXXI) predates the launch of the [[Transformers brand]] by sixty-three years.

{{see|Transformers timeline}}

==Non-Fiction==
===Births===
====May====
* [[May 28]] — [[Ronaldo Magalhães]]

====June====
* [[June 17]] — [[Earl Hammond]]

====August====
* [[August 21]] — [[Carlos Nieto]]
* [[August 30]] — [[Manfred Schmidt]]

====December====
* [[December 6]] — [[Charles Nicholas Wojtkoski]]

[[Category:Real-world events by year]]

Combiner

2022-05-25T00:21:01Z

Ronsar: /* Generation 1 cartoon continuity */ pluralisation

[[File:studioox combiners whatif.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.]]

Over the course of their endless wars, the Cybertronian race has developed a frightful array of [[:Category:Weapons by franchise|weapons]], but the most powerful and versatile invention of all might be the power to physically merge multiple Cybertronians into a single form—this power might be unlocked through conventional Cybertronian science, or through the energies of a mystical artifact like the [[Enigma of Combination]]. The term '''combiner''' (sometimes capitalized, sometimes not) can be used to refer to both those rare Transformers who possess this ability and the composite machine they create.

Although many different varieties of combiners exist—for instance, two or more Cybertronians might merge to form a vehicle, weapon, or some kind of useful machine, the most famous and immediately recognizable form of combination involves the fusion of five or six individual Cybertronians into a larger robot, sometimes referred to as a '''gestalt'''; more often than not, this combined form possesses its own emergent personality based at least in part on the interaction between the minds of its individual components. Introducing the technology into any of the myriad iterations of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] across the [[multiverse]] inevitably leads to the same result: short of a [[Titan (group)|Titan]], the only thing capable of stopping a combiner rampage is another combiner, and more than one conflict between the [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s has spiralled into an endless combiner arms race as both sides scramble to accrue as many of these strategic-grade weapons as possible.

Although the mental merge usually dilutes the strength of a combiner's individual thoughts, to the point where many suffer from limited intellects or outright insanity, a few combiner teams like the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s or [[Breastforce]] have taken steps to mitigate this design flaw. But, as more than one [[Decepticon]] leader has used to his advantage, even the most dysfunctional combiner is exponentially stronger than the mere sum of its parts, and more than a match for a dozen average-sized Cybertronians.

{{bigquote|Superion is five Autobots put together. Think about the last time you and your friends tried to agree on pizza toppings, then make it '''way''' more complicated.|[[Spike (MLP)|Spike]]|"[[The Mightiest Dinobot]]"}}

==Conceptual history==
[[File:Diaclone Constructicons.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The Diaclone pre-G2 Constructicons.]]

The concept of combining robots is a [[tvtropes:Main/CombiningMecha|long-standing anime trope]], so it is perhaps appropriate that the story of combiners as we know them today began before the creation of the ''Transformers'' brand. In 1982, the ''[[Diaclone]]'' toyline introduced the "Construction Vehicle Robo" and "Train Robo" figures. Not only did these six-man teams change from robots into realistic construction vehicles and locomotives, they could also combine with their respective teammates to form a larger super robot. In [[1985]], with the ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' franchise now in its second year, [[Hasbro]] imported the construction-themed toys to the [[United States of America|United States]] and characterized them as the evil "[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s", who could unite to form [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. After Diaclone's 1986 cancellation, the next wave of combining toys saw release as ''Transformers'' characters on both sides of the Pacific. A significant step up from their predecessors, the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]]s, [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s, [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s, and [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobot]]s possessed a standardized combination scheme that allowed kids to mix and match team members at well, leading to [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] marketing them under the "Scramble City" subline on account of their ability to "scramble" limbs at will.

[[File:Raiden boxart.jpg|thumb|right|200px|There's a "derailment" joke waiting to happen.]]

Initially, tie-in fiction treated the ability to combine as a comparatively recent invention created after the Transformers arrived on Earth, but this soon changed: the cartoon episode "[[The Secret of Omega Supreme (episode)|The Secret of Omega Supreme]]" revealed that the Constructicons first combined early in the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]]; later, to accommodate the presence of the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcon]]s and [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s, Marvel's ''[[The Transformers: Headmasters|Headmasters]]'' miniseries showed these combiners existing on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] long before the exodus to [[Earth]]. By the end of the original ''Transformers'' toyline, the line had expanded beyond Scramble City: these included [[Mini-Cassette]] combiners like [[Squawkbox]], vehicle-mode combiners like the [[Micromaster Combiner]]s, and a number of oddballs like [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] and the [[Duocon]]s. Given Japan's aforementioned affection for the concept, basically every Japanese-exclusive franchise would introduce new combiners, even after Hasbro eased off on the concept—perhaps most prominently, the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (franchise)|The Headmasters]]'' franchise would resurrect the original Train Robo under the name "[[Raiden]]", and subsequent franchises would introduce a host of new combining characters like the [[Breastforce]], [[Multiforce]], and [[Dinoforce]].

While the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' and ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'' franchises did not embrace the gimmick to the same degree as the franchises that preceded them (although the toyline-exclusive combiners [[Magnaboss (BW)|Magnaboss]] and [[Tripredacus]] would go on to appear in various tie-in comics), Japanese-original shows from around the same time, most prominently ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|Car Robots]]'', introduced many new combiner characters like [[Landfill (RID)|Landfill]] and [[Rail Racer (RID)|Rail Racer]]. In [[2004]], riding on the success of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' franchise, its successor ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' spotlighted combination as one of its central gimmicks: in addition to resurrecting the Scramble City gimmick with the "Maximus" combiners (which were basically a last-minute addition to the toyline), the [[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|toyline]]'s central gimmick allowed almost every Autobot to combine with any other Autobot by forming either the upper or lower body of a combiner. Unlike most previous depictions of the process, or even [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s concurrent depiction of the technology as a mentally and physically rigorous mechanical upgrade, this series introduced [[Primus]]'s divine [[Spark of Combination]] as an explicitly supernatural force capable of instantly combining individual Transformers together.

For many years, [[Fandom|fans]] referred to super robot combiners with emergent personalities as '''gestalts''', based on the {{w|Gestalt psychology|real-world term}} meaning, roughly, an object greater than the sum of its parts. The term remained firmly in realm of [[fanon]] for years, but between ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' design sketches, ''[[Titanium Series]]'' [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]'s bio, and a mention in [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[Spotlight: Optimus Prime]]'', the term soon caught on with Hasbro designers. Initially, IDW's [[2005 IDW continuity|first ''Transformers'']] treated gestalt technology as an unpredictable and highly experimental technology—modern-day Autobots like the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s lacked combination powers, and author [[Simon Furman]] characterized [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] as an insane failed experiment from Cybertron's bygone [[Golden Age]]. ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'' introduced a new incarnation of Devastator, although [[Shockpoint|later stories]] established that he was the imperfect product of arduous research.

[[File:NexusPrimeflankedbyotherPrimes.jpg|thumb|left|200px|He-who-shall-not-be-named.]]

Around this time, [[Fun Publications]] released a number of [[redeco]]ed ''Energon'' combiner components through the Collector's Club. Tie-in fiction published in the [[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club (magazine)|official Collector's Club magazine]] detailed their adventures across the ''Transformers'' [[multiverse]], and eventually culminated with the reveal that all five of these seemingly unrelated 'bots were all fragments of [[Nexus Prime]], one of the [[Thirteen|thirteen original Transformers]] who displayed mastery over [[energon]]. Hasbro would fold Nexus Prime into their definitive version of the Thirteen; when he reappeared in 2013's ''[[Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus]]'', his new profile played up his status as the first combiner instead. Notably, that book established that he controlled a mysterious [[Enigma of Combination]], but what exactly this ''was'' would not be revealed for another few years.

The [[2010]] ''[[Power Core Combiners]]'' toyline featured a mixture of old and new characters, who combined with static [[Autotransformation|auto-transforming]] figures to form larger super robots. The Japanese counterpart of the toyline, ''[[Transformers United EX|United EX]]'', declared the toys (which were redecoed from the Hasbro toys) to be new bodies for various established characters in the sprawling [[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]], while others made appearances in [[Live-action film series|movie]]-related media like ''[[Transformers: Cyber Missions|Cyber Missions]]''. [[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 32|Issue #32]] of the Collectors' Club magazine expanded on their scant [[bio]] information by explaining that [[Power Core Combination]] was a "lost art"; modern attempts to reinvent the technology only created destructive monsters in what is presumably a reference to [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]]'s role in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''.

Just five years later, the ''[[Combiner Wars (franchise)|Combiner Wars]]'' multimedia branding again pushed combiners to the fore. To support this marketing push, [[IDW Publishing]] launched a [[Combiner Wars (comic)|tie-in comic series]] set in its [[2005 IDW continuity|primary ongoing universe]]... a universe that had already established combination as a forbidden, dangerous art. To get around all this, IDW revealed that Nexus Prime's "Enigma of Combination" was a supernatural artifact that could instantly merge Cybertronians together into a combiner. This reveal tied the old Spark of Combination to the idea that "true" combination had become a lost art by the modern day; furthering this revelation, ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[The Crucible|#34]] subtly retconned that Monstructor's creator [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] had been trying to recreate the power of the Enigma using mundane technology.

In the years since ''Combiner Wars'', depictions of combination have shifted toward something more supernatural than scientific in nature: many modern works of media tie the process to the Enigma of Combination, arcane super-science, or exposure to exotic radiation. Many contemporary depictions of combiners, including the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|2015 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon]], IDW's various comic continuities, or ''[[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|Cyberverse]]'', focus just as much on the internal struggles of the team to coordinate their efforts. For more specific descriptions of how individual stories have treated combination in all its forms, read on.

{{--}}

==Types of combiner==
{{bigquote|Decepticons are '''obsessed''' with combining. Put two of 'em in a room and within seconds one will be standing on the other's shoulders. '''Fact.'''|[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]|"[[The Waiting Game]]"}}

Although combiners are a diverse and varied clade, not ''all'' Cybertronians who combine with smaller robots or form a larger machine count as “true” combiners. Although many Transformers, such as [[Powermaster]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] or ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]], can combine with parts of their alternate mode to form a larger, [[Super Mode|powered-up form]], these only involve one character combining with an inanimate piece of machinery. [[Multi-component Transformer]]s like [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] or [[Magmatron]] possess a single consciousness distributed over several bodies; there is only ''one'' Transformer involved, regardless of how many bodies that character may simultaneously operate, although a few “true” combiners like the [[Power Core Combination|Power Core Combiners]] blur this line.

Sometimes a smaller Transformer will attach to and enhance a larger Transformer in some way. [[Binary bonding|binary bonded]] partners like [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s, or [[Mini-Con]]s who [[Powerlinx]] with larger partners, are not considered combiners; although the components involved often a share a deep, almost symbiotic relationship with each other, their "combined" form is almost exactly the same in appearance and functionality as their non-combined form.

Generally, combiners can be divided into three primary categories:

===Robot mode combiners===
[[File:Computron.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
The majority of Transformers who combine do so by merging into a humanoid "super robot" that exponentially magnifies the strength of its components. In many cases, this robot is its own being, with a unique name and a personality formed from the intersection of multiple minds. In other instances, however, a combiner might be governed by just ''one'' member of the team, their personality so strong that the act of combination becomes an extension of their own will supported by the other Cybertronians who comprise the combiner. Sometimes, the individual components involved in a combination might not actually possess humanoid robot modes of their own: for instance, the Autobot [[Slamdance (G1)|Slamdance]] is the combined form of [[Raindance]] and [[Grand Slam (G1)|Grand Slam]], who transform from [[Mini-Cassette|mini-cassette]]s into a tank and jet respectively.

While a combiner can be formed from as few as two robots or hundreds, perhaps the most immediately recognizable combiners of all are the five-man teams who made prominent appearances in the original [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|comic]] and [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]]. While [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] utilized a unique six-bot configuration that relegated nominal team leader [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] to the ignoble role of right leg, the "Scramble City" combiners that followed—[[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]], etc.—were all based on a standardized five-member design featured in the Japanese [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1986 (Scramble City and Transformers 2010)|''Scramble City'' toyline]]: the team leader forms the head and main body of the combiner, while the four other team members form the limbs. These limbs are interchangeable from one Scramble City-style combiner to the next, allowing for a number of improvised combinations. The [[Seacon (G1)|Seacon]]s are notable for incorporating ''six'' members into the team; while any four can combine with their leader [[Snaptrap (G1)|Snaptrap]] to form [[Piranacon (G1)|Piranacon]], one member of the team transforms into a blaster for the combiner to wield. A few other modern interpretations of the characters, most notably their ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' incarnations, have also featured a smaller sixth member of the team in a support role—sometimes acting as a weapon, other times serving as a chestplate or shield.

These specific four-limbs-and-one-torso combiners and their components have also been called, varyingly, '''Scramble City combiners''', '''[[Special Teams]]''',<ref> When the ''Scramble City'' toys were marketed in Europe they were referred to as Special Teams, and the term appeared in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|UK comic book]] series and some marketing materials in the US,, but never appeared in US fiction until 2004's [[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide|''Ultimate Guide'']].</ref> '''fusilateral quintrocombiners'''.<ref> Coined by [[Simon Furman]] in [[Swarm (issue)|issue 9]] of the [[Transformers: Generation 2 (Marvel)|''Generation 2'' comic]] to refer to the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]],</ref> or '''amalgam models'''.<ref>"[[Devastation Derby!]]"</ref> Although they comprise a substantial cross-section of combiners, not all combiners adhere to this specific layout: the various [[Micromaster]] combiners, including [[Sixwing]], [[Sixtrain]], or [[Sixbuilder]], feature their own standardized layout, which incorporate up to six members and also feature interchangeable limbs. Other combiners like [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]], [[Predaking (G1)|"Generation 1" Predaking]]", ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Rail Racer (RID)|Rail Racer]], or ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]] all incorporate a different number of components with unique transformation schemes.
{{--}}

===Vehicle mode combiners===
[[File:Fireshot vanquish windblade 4.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

Rather than combining into a larger robot, a number of Transformers can instead transform into a combined vehicle form. Unlike humanoid combiners, who generally merge into a single super robot with its own personality, almost all fiction has treated these kinds of combiners as a purely physical combination, with no kind of mental merge to speak of. This is not to say that Cybertronians who combine in this way are ''completely'' separate from one another: many works of fiction treat this kind of combination as a kind of sibling bond, sometimes shared between a literal set of [[twin]]s, and the Transformers involved might share some kind of deeper link.

While some 'bots—such as [[Darkwing (G1)|Darkwing]] and [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]], who combine into the larger [[Dreadwing (G1)|Dreadwing]]—possess individual vehicle modes that can then merge into a larger form, others, most notably the [[Micromaster Combiner]]s, lack individual alternate forms entirely: they can only transform into the front or back half of a vehicle, and rely on their partner to form a complete alternate mode.

{{--}}

===Others===
[[File:RequiemBlaster.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

A small number of Transformers combine into objects that are neither super robots nor vehicles. This kind of combination is most prevalent among [[Mini-Con]] teams, who possess the power to combine into larger weapons and tools for full-sized Cybertronians to wield, but a small number of other Transformers and near-Cybertronian lifeforms have adopted similar configurations: [[Sonic (IDW)|Sonic]] and [[Boom]] transform into a set of speakers, while the [[Recyclon]]s could unite to form the [[Prime Processing Unit]].

{{--}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 continuity family===
====Marvel Comics continuity====
=====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics=====
{{noteukonly}}

[[File:TFUS10 all crumble before devastator.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

Although a number of combiner teams existed on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], including both the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s and [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcon]]s, {{storylink|Ring of Hate!}} the ability was rare enough that [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] and his legion of Earth-bound Autobots had never encountered combiners. Thus, when [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] designed and built the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s and imbued them with life using the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] energy stored in Prime's severed head, they were taken by surprise and nearly defeated by the newly-formed [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}}
''The [[Special Teams]] were first conceived within [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]]'s mind shortly after the human had relinquished control of the Creation Matrix to Optimus Prime. Shockwave was able to view this data remotely and prepare for their development.'' {{storylink|Second Generation!}}

[[File:Menasor superion heavy traffic.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

Once the Autobots rescued and repaired Optimus Prime, the group turned their attention to countering Decepticon combiner technology: although their new warrior [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] could combine his rocket and tank modules into one mighty robot, his creator [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]] judged this combination inadequate compared to Devastator's six-way fusion. To get their hands on this advanced technology, [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]] secretly recorded their transformation pattern, {{storylink|Command Performances!}} and the Autobots successfully reverse-engineered to create the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]. Unfortunately, they were forced to go on their first mission with only [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]'s personality programming completed, leaving the rest of the team and their combined form [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] indifferent towards [[human]] casualties. {{storylink|Aerialbots over America!}}

After their first mission proved a failure, Optimus Prime had [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] wipe their memory and started reprogramming them with the Creation Matrix. However, [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], who had gotten a lift to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] on Silverbolt's plane mode, had injected Optimus Prime with a [[cerebro-shell]] with which [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] used to steal energy from the Creation Matrix and bring his newly built combiner team, the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], to life. {{storylink|Heavy Traffic!}} As this combiner arms race heated up, the heroic [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobot]]s and evil [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s became the next combiner teams to join the conflict on Earth. {{storylink|Afterdeath!}}

''Megatron summoned the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacon]]s to Earth'', {{storylink|Prey!}} and Shockwave would again call on their services. {{storylink|Gone but Not Forgotten!}} ''Shockwave would also bring the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacon]]s from Cybertron to Earth'', {{storylink|Enemy Action!}} and subsequent Decepticon leader [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] made use of [[Piranacon (G1)|Piranacon]] and [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]]. {{storylink|Club Con!}} Many combiner teams—the Aerialbots, Technobots, Terrorcons, Seacons, and possibly the Combaticons and Protectobots—fell to an [[Underbase]]-empowered [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]] during his infamous rampage. {{storylink|Dark Star}}

[[Darkwing (G1)|Darkwing]] and [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] combined to form [[Dreadwing (G1)|Dreadwing]]. They appeared to keep their individual personalities in their combined mode instead of merging their minds. {{storylink|People Power!}}

=====Earthforce=====
{{earthforcefiction}}
The Constructicons lost the ability to combine, but attempted to compensate by constructing a separate Devastator robot on a deserted island in the [[Bahamas]]. {{storylink|Desert Island Risks!}}

=====Marvel ''Generation 2'' comic=====
Multiple [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian]]s could combine into larger vehicle modes. {{storylink|Total War!}} The [[Stormtrooper (Cybertronian)|Stormtrooper]]s under [[Mindset (G2)|Mindset]]'s command, for instance, could form a single "thunderjet". {{storylink|Swarm (issue)|Swarm}}

=====''Classics''=====
[[File:ShatteredHope-Magnaboss.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

In the years after [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s defeat, Megatron rebuilt the Constructicons as a five-robot combiner, a new configuration that incorporated [[Hightower (Classics)|Hightower]] in place of [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] and [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]]. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 3}}

After the destruction of [[Primax 207.0 Epsilon|their native universe]], [[Prowl (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Prowl]], [[Ironhide (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ironhide]], and [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] recieved [[beast mode]] upgrades to survive on the prehistoric [[Earth]] of [[Primax -408.24 Epsilon|a parallel universe]]. While in their beast forms, they gained the ability to combine into the mighty [[Magnaboss (BW)|Magnaboss]]; this new form came in handy when they went up against Megatron and the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacon]]s, who had since adopted [[Scylla]] into their ranks and reforged their combined form into "God Neptune"—thanks to Scylla's influence, this new configuration proved to be more intelligent and tactically-minded than the brutish hunter that had preceded him. {{storylink|Shattered Hope}}

{{--}}

=====''Regeneration One''=====
{{NoteRG1}}

[[File:DestinyPt5 MonstructorDeathTouch.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

[[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]] prepared for the arrival of [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s invasion of Cybertron by having [[Wingthing (G1)|Wingthing]] alert the Neo-Decepticon cells to get ready, while he himself prepared to deploy Monstructor. {{storylink|Destiny, Part Three}} When [[Prowl (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Prowl]] deployed [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] to take out Bludgeon's [[Blitz Engine]]s, Soundwave ordered Monstructor to take out Omega Supreme. {{storylink|Destiny, Part Four}} The two giants clashed and just as the invasion was halted by [[Hot Rod (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Rodimus Prime]]'s defeat of Bludgeon and the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'s annihilation of the ''[[Warworld]]'', Omega Supreme utterly destroyed Monstructor. {{storylink|Destiny, Part Five}}

=====''Timelines''=====
During the campaign against the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]], [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] and [[Fixit (G1)|Fixit]] rebuilt a dying [[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]] and upgraded him with combiner technology in the hopes that he'd take the ailing First Aid's place as one of [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]'s limbs. Due to Ratchet's [[The Pri¢e of Life!|prior experiences with combination]], he remained wary of the upgrade and did not combine unless absolutely necessary. {{storylink|Ratchet (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Customization class G2 Ratchet bio}}

=====''Transformers '84''=====
Although combiner technology did not see widespread use on Cybertron due to its intense energy-inefficiency, Straxus nevertheless posted [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] to guard [[Project Dreadnought]]'s headquarters in [[Stanix]]. {{storylink|Secrets & Lies issue 4|Secrets & Lies #4}}

====Generation 1 cartoon continuity====
[[File:Heavy Metal War Devastator.JPG|thumb|left|250px]]
The secret of combination hinged on a Cybertronian’s [[personality component]]; only a fully-sentient Cybertronian could combine with their teammates into a more powerful form, and if even one ‘bot lacked a personality component then the team could not combine. {{storylink|B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.}} However, combiners could still function, albeit in a severely weakened state, even without a team member forming an arm. {{storylink|The Ultimate Weapon}} Some Cybertronians like [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] could combine into a single alternate mode. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}
On Cybertron, the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] were existing Transformers who were brainwashed by [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] to become Decepticons and modified so that they could combine into [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and challenge [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. After the fall of the [[Crystal City]] that they had worked to build together, Omega Supreme pursued the Constructicons for millions of years. {{storylink|The Secret of Omega Supreme (episode)|The Secret of Omega Supreme}} In 1984, the Constructicons were [[Constructicon (G1)#Origin inconsistency|(re?)created]] on [[Earth]] with the ability to combine to bolster the Decepticons' strength. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}}

As the Cybertronian war on Earth heated up, the Autobots and Decepticons wound up constructing the heroic [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]]s and evil [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s to plug specific tactical weaknesses in their ranks—a lack of air power and an inability to outmaneuver the Autobots on the road. Designed to combine, both sides eventually received personalities from [[Vector Sigma]]. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}} [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] installed the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s' [[personality component]]s into junked military vehicles and gave them the ability to combine into [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}} Later, the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobot]]s became part of the Autobot forces on Earth and used their combined form to great effect on multiple occasions. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}} On one notable occasion, a group of Autobots disguised themselves as the Stunticons, and were even able to combine their myriad abilities together to create a crude facsimile of Menasor himself. {{storylink|Masquerade}}

Years later, the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacon]]s appeared as combiners under the command of the [[Quintesson]]s. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}} The combinable [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcon]]s were part of [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]'s troops. An intellectually enhanced [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] created the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s with the ability to combine. {{storylink|Grimlock's New Brain}}

{{--}}

=====Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity=====
[[File:LegendsOptimusMaximus.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

A number of combiner warriors incorporated the mysterious technique known as "[[Scramble Power]]", which gave them the ability to swap and even interchange their component limbs at will to generate unique configurations for battle. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}} A smaller number of combiners were "[[Free-Combination|Free Combiners]]", who could rearrange their bodies at will. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Operation Combination (story page)|Operation Combination}} A unique form of [[energon]] known as "[[Joint energon]]" could cause Transformers to spontaneously develop combiner joints. {{storylink|Megatronia Chapter}}

[[Precursor World]] hero [[White Gallant Convoy]] could combine with members of the [[White Order]] to form a powerful "Grand Prime" mode, but even this powered-up mode could not withstand the might of a Matrix-empowered [[God Neptune]]. {{storylink|God Neptune comic 2}} During another battle with God Neptune, [[Purple Wicked Convoy]] combined with Megatron Omega to form an "Omega Hand Mode". {{storylink|Generations Selects Special Comic Finale Part 1|Finale 1}}

[[File:AutobotScrumFormation01.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Two dozen androids form into one, and we've only just begun!]]

A mysterious dimensional shockwave turned a number of [[Cyberdroid]]s into combining [[Micromaster]]s. {{storylink|A New Transformer Legend Begins!!}}

In the modern day, inspired by a [[Masquerade|previous incident]] in which several Autobots combined, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]], [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]], and [[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] initiated the "Masquerade Project" in the late 1980s, modifying their [[transformation cog]]s to adopt new combiner modes. Though the process was imperfect and unstable, they managed to combine into [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]] and defeat [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]] during the battle for the [[Transform Super Cog]]. The combiner was then split apart when hit by an energy shockwave emitted by [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. {{storylink|Slugslinger's Ambition}}

The [[Trainbot]]s were a group of Autobot rail vehicles with the power to combine into [[Raiden]]; on multiple occasions, they used their combined form to tussle with other combiners like Bruticus and Predaking. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} {{storylink|The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts}}

On one notable occasion, the combiners [[Guard City]], [[Sixbuilder]], [[Sixwing]], [[Sixturbo]], and [[Sixtrain]] all teamed up to unleash the awesomely powerful "[[Autobot Scrum Combination]]", summoning energy from their twenty-nine components and releasing it in a single devastating blast to save the Earth from [[Battle Gaia]] and the [[Jet Corps]]. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Operation Combination (story page)|Conclusion}}

With the help of [[Chip Chase|Professor Chase]], [[Power Core Combination]] was developed on [[Earth]] in the 21st century during a time when the Autobot/Decepticon conflict had largely moved away from the planet. Participants in the program—beginning with several Autobot [[Micromaster]]s from planet [[Micro|Zone]]—were upgraded into new forms and fitted with newly developed [[Energon Matrix]] power sources, becoming part of a new "[[Master Class]]" [[subgroup]]. {{storylink|The Mighty Bolt}} Before long, their successful tests of the Power Core Combination drones drew the attention of a team of Decepticons under the command of [[Scrash (G1)|Scrash]], who performed a similar upgrade on themselves (dubbing themselves "[[Master Chaos]]") that would enable them to interface with the Power Core drones and steal them. {{storylink|Prelude to the Siege}}

In the year [[2021]], the Autobots successfully resurrected Optimus Prime as a combiner; although he'd live for only seven days as a result of his many previous deaths, he was able to combine with several of his Autobot friends to form an improved version of Optimus Maximus. Despite this boost in power, however, Optimus Maximus and his components were quickly defeated by [[Megatronia]], a combiner composed of female Decepticons. {{storylink|Megatronia Chapter}} Meanwhile, a time-travelling [[Galvatron II|Galvatron]] from another reality invaded this world and possessed [[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]]'s body as his new vessel. Though Galvatron planned to usurp Unicron's body in order to implement the "[[Grand Galvatron]]" scheme, the crippled god offered him an alternative; instead he would summon from across the [[multiverse]] others who shared similar thoughts of revenge, and together they would unite to become a new "Grand Galvatron". Galvatron accepted and Cyclonus was joined by [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]], [[Roller (G1)|Roller]], [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]], and a partially re-materialized [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] into Galvatron's new body. Though Unicron ordered Galvatron to seize [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] for him, Galvatron planned to betray Unicron once again, and take control of his homeworld for himself. {{storylink|Grand Galvatron Chapter}}

In their new combined form, the team attacked Cybertron until [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] split them apart. Cyclonus and the rest made their way to [[Vector Sigma]]'s chamber before re-combining to do battle with [[Sky Reign]]. {{storylink|Sky Reign Chapter}} With the arrival of [[Megaempress]], the rest of the team fled, leaving Cyclonus and Galvatron at the empress's mercy as she threatened to enthrall them both. They were saved when a revived Optimus Prime took Megaempress and her soldiers on. {{storylink|Megatronia Chapter}} When Unicron himself showed up and tried to take Cybertron as his new body, Galvatron was angered and had Cyclonus attack the dark god, but he ended up blasted out of the sky and knocked unconscious. {{Storylink|Ruination Chapter, Part One}} Galvatron II's spirit then left Cyclonus's body, but he remained able to combine and, after recovering, convinced the rest of the team to form Grand Galvatron once more and help defeat Unicron. After their victory, he went into space, plotting to restore the Decepticon army by becoming the next Galvatron. {{Storylink|Ruination Chapter, Part Two}}

[[File:Roadcaesar robotmode.jpg|thumb|right|250px|]]

Although early Cybertronian combiners were lumbering brutes who struggled with intellectual or emotional issues, drawbacks that would be exemplified by the oafish [[Dinoking]], the [[Breastforce]] would be the first combiner team to bypass this debilitating weakness: their combined form, [[Liokaiser]], proved an intelligent and cunning warrior. {{storylink|Unite! Liokaiser}} Not to be outdone, the Autobots retaliated with next-generation combiners of their own: the Autobot [[Brainmaster]]s could unite into [[Road Caesar]], a perfect three-way fusion with an unbreakable fighting spirit, {{storylink|Attack! Leozack}} while the modular [[Multiforce]] could assume multiple sub-combinations or perform a six-way combination to form the mighty [[Landcross (SG)|Landcross]]. {{storylink|Unite!! Multiforce}}

[[File:Volcaticon.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

When the [[Quintesson]]s escaped their dimensional prison, they arrived on [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]] in the year [[2050]], where they spotted and hoped to subdue the Dinobots to use as merchandise. Towards this goal, they summoned [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]], who had the Dinobots on the ropes till Grimlock was encouraged by telepathic messages from the [[Primus|Oracle]] of the past universe to use [[Earth]]'s [[Angolmois Energy]] to manifest his heart's strength in reality. With this energy and the lending of an [[Energon Matrix]] from [[Kakuryu (G1)|Grimmaster]], Grimlock and the other four original Dinobots combined into the mighty Volcanicus. Soon after, Volcanicus was contacted by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] about the [[Selector]] revolt at [[Neo Scramble City]], so Volcanicus's components split up to go and assist their human allies against the [[Cybertron Alliance]]. {{storylink|Volcanicus comic 1}}

The Technobots arrived as Grimlock faced down [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], who had already defeated the other [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]; unwilling to hurt the humans, the six combined into [[Volcaticon]]: a new cross-factional combiner that combined Grimlock's strength and take-charge attitude with the intellect of the five Technobots. Although Volcaticon announced his intention to find a solution that would benefit the humans and Selectors alike, the Quintessons attacked and knocked the new combiner back into his components. To resist a barrage of corrosive gas bombs, the two teams reformed into Computron and Volcanicus. {{storylink|Volcanicus comic 2}} With the Cybertron Alliance combiners on the back foot thanks to a deblitating [[Angolmois Energy]] attack and a subsequent [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcon]] assault that took the female combiner [[Orthia]] out of action, a number of Technobots, Aerialbots, and Protectobots joinined up as another ad-hoc combination they dubbed "[[Comperian]]". Quintesson enforcer Abominus thus fought fire with fire by stealing [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] and [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]'s limbs to become [[Abomenaticus]]. The two combiners fought till [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron Omega]] threatened to take all of Earth's Angolmois Energy, so Abominus reformed to use the full capability of the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]]' Angolmois-manipulating nature and shifted his focus onto Megatron Omega. {{Storylink|Abominus comic 2}}

Combiner technology would persist and evolve into the distant future; [[Maximal]] combiners like [[Magnaboss (BWII)|Magnaboss]] and [[Tripledacus]] were powerful warriors, but eschewed the direct mind-melding technology of their ancestors in favour of a simpler system where each individual component worked in tandem to coordinate their attacks. {{storylink|The Combined Giant, Tripledacus}} [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] warriors like [[Starscream (BW)|Starscream]] and [[BB (BW)|BB]] could temporarily combine into [[Formation Scream]] while in vehicle mode, and tripartite warriors like [[Magmatron]] possessed a unique [[beast mode]] that could split and recombine at will. {{storylink|Big Convoy, Move Out}} The [[Seacon (BWII)|Seacon]]s used a quintuple combination system when they formed into [[God Neptune]], while the Jointrons incorporated a triple combination system that directly integrated their bodies into a greater whole. {{storylink|Face the Setting Sun}}

{{--}}

=====''TV Magazine'' comic continuity=====
Powerglide rescued a [[Battle Dog|puppy]] that was juiced up on energy thanks to the Decepticons. Before it died, the puppy transferred his power to Powerglide. This temporarily energized Powerglide with Scramble Power, which he used to combine with other Autobot Minibots. The [[Minibot combiner]] was then easily able to defeat [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] using the "Minibot Warrior Spiral Attack". {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 8|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #8}}

=====''Wings Universe''=====
[[File:TheComingStormPart6-Bruticus.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

{{Wingsnote}}

Combining technology was the brainchild of the Decepticon warlord [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]], who had tinkered with the technology for many years before the [[Stealth Team (G1)|Stealth Team]] discovered his fortress at [[Gygax]]. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 36|Bruticus's ''Wings Universe'' profile}} He perfected the technology about nine million years ago and tested his invention out on his new recruits the Combaticons, which gave them the ability to combine into [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 5}} Later, Megatron defeated Deathsaurus to become sole leader of the Decepticons, and stole Deathsaurus's technology to augment the Constructicons so that they could form Devastator. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 5}}

In the year [[2984]], the combiners [[Big Rescue Force]] and [[Big Motorvator]] could be glimpsed milling about in the [[Galadria Space Bridge Outpost]] in the [[Delta Prysmos Sector]]. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag}}

{{--}}

=====''Deviations''=====
[[File:TF-Deviations-Megascream-Combiner.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]

In a timeline where Megatron died before ever becoming Galvatron, it would be [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] who became [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]'s herald. As the newly-christened "Megascream", he bargained with Unicron to enhance his inner circle of warriors so that he could combine with them. As Unicron betrayed his minion and launched a direct attack on Cybertron, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] attempted to use the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to destroy Unicron, but Megascream combined with his troops into a towering new form and easily crushed Optimus under his fist. Ultimately, [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] saved the day by first teleporting the wounded Optimus to safety, then opening the Matrix to sacrifice himself but destroy both Unicron and Megascream in the process. {{storylink|Transformers: Deviations|Deviations}}

{{--}}

=====''Timelines''=====
An [[energon]] infusion from the Aerialbots gave the recently-arrived Protectobots the power to combine into Defensor. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 21/9/2015}}

Exposure to an [[Enigma of Combination|arcane Autobot artifact]] gave [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] the power of combination and the unique ability to act as a "universal donor" for any combiner by acting as a replacement limb. While in an arm configuration, he possessed a unique "healing touch" that could re-energize and rejuvenate injured Cybertronians, but overusing this power by trying to heal severe injuries could forcibly disengage the combination. {{storylink|Ratchet (G1)/toys#BotCon2016|Customization class G1 cartoon Ratchet bio}}

====Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity====
[[File:DevastatorDissectionDreamwave.jpg|thumb|right|200px|What, no Terror Claws? No Cranium Regulation Unit? What kind of lame dissection is this?!]]

The combination process has its roots in the "mass intellect" experiments carried out by the Decepticons during the earliest phases of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]]; building off the well-established science of mechanically combining bodies, the next step would be to mesh individual electro-neural impulses together into a unified mind. Following the failure of the planetary engine turbines, {{storylink|Transformers: The Ultimate Guide}} [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] recruited the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s to refine this technology into a viable weapon that would multiply a small group of warriors beyond the sum of their parts, but early experiments into this "cofunctional interlock" technology proved unsuccessful: the mind-merging experiments amplified stronger minds and drowned out weaker ones. {{storylink|Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye #8}}

After a period of trial and error, the Constructicons developed a unique "hyper vortex processor" that would preserve the minds of the individual within the combined whole. By testing the technology on themselves, the Constructicons became the prototype for all future combination experiments, but the rudimentary process left their combined form a dimwitted brute who needed all six Constructicons to agree on a single course of action to function. Despite these drawbacks, Devastator's destructive capabilities greatly pleased Megatron, and the Decepticon leader began planning for a full-scale combiner program. {{storylink|Transformers: The Ultimate Guide}} Combiner technology remained risky and unpredictable; only those rare Cybertronians with the correct predisposition and the ability to work as a team could safely undergo the upgrade, and unfit Decepticons who failed the trial period usually wound up insane or dead. {{storylink|Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye #8}}

[[File:Escalation-DevastatorVsDefensor.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]

Eventually, the [[Autobot Science Harmonium]] obtained combiner schematics from the Decepticons, successfully reverse-engineered the mass intellect process, and dramatically overhauled the procedure to create safer and more efficient combiners. [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] and [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], the combined forms of the Autobot [[Special Teams]], utilized advanced compartmentalized neural processors that maintained the integrity of individual brainwaves while also drawing on each to create an integrated mind. {{storylink|Confrontation (issue)|Confrontation}} The Decepticons retaliated by turning the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] and the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] into combiners; as this arms race escalated, the [[Crisis Intervention Accord]] resulted in all of the Special Teams agreeing to become non-aligned parties. {{storylink|Transformers: The Ultimate Guide}} After Optimus and Megatron vanished, [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] and his breakaway faction of [[Ultracon]]s flouted the Accords by deliberately recruiting Devastator into their ranks. {{storylink|Escalation}} As a result, the Protectobots intervened, although in the end they took him down by separating and fighting as individual robots. Despite all the advances that'd been made, the second-generation combiners still suffered from limited intellects, and Protectobots were trying to iron out these drawbacks while [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and Megatron were missing. {{storylink|Confrontation (issue)|Confrontation}}

After somehow travelling to Earth in 2002, Devastator spread chaos in [[San Francisco]] and trounced the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]]s when they formed Superion to take him down. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 4|Prime Directive #4}} Although Devastator proved tough enough to withstand a direct nuclear blast, the individual Constructicons suffered massive damage that permanently fused them together. {{storylink|Transformers: Fusion|Fusion}} In 2003, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] had [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] release the Stunticons, who'd been deemed too dangerous to function in society, from [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]'s [[Detention Banks]]. Menasor ran amok for a while, but [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] took down the combiner by insulting his components one by one; as his individual consciousnesses began bickering over whose fault it was that they were losing, Ultra Magnus rammed the paralyzed combiner in the chest and forced him to separate. {{storylink|Passive Aggression}}

After locating the rogue Predacons on the planet [[Beest (planet)|Beest]], Megatron bested their leader Razorclaw, brought them back into the Decepticon fold, and rebuilt them with combiner technology. {{storylink|Welcome to the Jungle}} As Predaking, they battled Bruticus, who had recently suffered damage at the hands of [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]], and triumphed. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

Other groups of Cybertronians utilized a less extreme version of combiner technology—robots like the [[Micromaster Combiner]]s, who combined to form a single vehicle mode, or armor-based powerups like [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s [[Powermaster]] trailer, did not rely on mental merging. {{storylink|Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye #8}}

{{--}}

====''Transformers/G.I. Joe''====
The Aerialbots formed Superion during a battle against [[Cobra]] and the Decepticons in the [[Fera Islands]]; {{storylink|Wolves}} as he waded toward the [[Terrordrome]], he was forced to hold his fire when Optimus noticed that Cobra was using their slaves as human shields. In response, Cobra opened fire on Superion with [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s massive cannon mode; {{storylink|Trenches}} although Superion shielded his allies for as long as he could, he eventually perished. {{storylink|The Iron Fist}}

Notably, the [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] of this reality was ''not'' a combiner, nor even a Cybertronian; he was born on Earth in [[1939]] as an unholy, unliving hybrid of Cybertronian and human technology, a walking engine of destruction created to be the ultimate weapon. {{storylink|Wolves}}

{{--}}

====''The Beast Within''====
[[File:THE BEAST.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

When Megatron and the other Decepticons held the upper hand on the battlefield, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and the four Dinobots displayed the ability to combine into a monstrous creature known only as the "[[Beast (G1)|Beast]]", an out-of-control berserker who easily slaughtered his way through the Decepticons and killed every Decepticon combiner Megatron sent to stop him. {{storylink|The Beast Within}} However, the Beast then turned on his nominal allies, and chased the Autobots around for a while before the survivors could bait him into falling off a cliff and killing himself. {{storylink|The Beast Within Part 2, Consequences}}

{{--}}

====''Hearts of Steel''====
After reawakening in the 19th century, the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s displayed the ability to combine into a self-propelled, heavily armed railcar known as the "[[Insectrain]]". {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 2|Hearts of Steel #2}}

{{IDW HOS}}

====2005 IDW continuity====
[[File:AllGoodThings-Monstructor.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Wubba wubba wubba is Monstructor's song.]]

The art of combination came easily to other mechanical species like the "omnicombinational" [[Ammonite]]s, where any one member of their species could combine with any other; {{storylink|Little Victories}} although all [[Transformer]]s possessed the ''capacity'' for combination encoded in their [[CNA]], only a handful would consciously manifest this ability in their lifetime as a result of external stimuli. {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt (IDW)|Dinobot Hunt}} The history of Cybertronian combiner technology began with [[Nexus Prime]], a member of the [[Thirteen]] in the years before the [[First Cybertronian Civil War]]. His [[Enigma of Combination]], an extremely powerful artifact of unknown origin, could instantly reconfigure two or more Cybertronians into a combiner, melding their minds so that they could coordinate their actions on a higher-dimensional plane known as [[antespace]]. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 6: Unforgivable|Unforgivable}} Most combiners utilized [[Size changing|mass displacement]] to some degree—when their components combined, they also grew in size to the point where they towered over their fellow Cybertronians. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 5: As Above...So Below|As Above...So Below}}

When the [[First Cybertronian Civil War]] swept Cybertron, Nexus colluded with his ally [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]] to create an army of [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s that fused beasts and 'bots together. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}} Not all Cybertronians viewed combination as a gift, however: [[Darklands|Darklander]] warrior [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]], already prejudiced against Cybertronians with [[beast mode]]s, viewed combination as a perversion that "rotted away the individual", {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Three: ONoffON|OnoffON}} his one-man war against Nexus Prime's armies singlehandedly drove the ancient Headmasters extinct. Eventually, Galvatron confronted and murdered Nexus Prime, stole the Enigma, and when he could not destroy it he jettisoned it into space in the hopes that it would burn up in a nearby star. {{storylink|The Crucible}}

[[Nova Prime]] led the planet out of the shadow of war and into a new [[Golden Age]], but his early idealism soon gave way to a twisted, fascistic imperialism: inspired by an ancient legends of the [[Guiding Hand]], and a time when "[['Til all are one|all were one]]", he sought to turn combination into a tool of conquest, and instructed his chief theoretical scientist [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] to create a combiner without the Enigma. {{storylink|The Crucible}} Without the reality-warping power of the Enigma, Jhiaxus's experiments yielded only a crude recreation of what once was; this stunted form of combination forcibly merged the bodies and minds of the [[Pretender Monster|six volunteers]] that Jhiaxus had conscripted to create a violently insane personality, and the newly-christened "[[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]]" ran amok in [[Crystal City]] until [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] could seal him in a dimensional prison. {{storylink|Primus: All Good Things}}

[[File:Windblade volume2 devisiun.jpg|thumb|right|350px]]

Although true combination on the mental level remained out of reach, some Cybertronians discovered safer but less dramatic forms of combination, including shared "duocombiner" [[alternate mode]]s. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|Patternism}} A "branched [[spark]]" telepathically linked them to a [[twin]] sibling; while incredibly rare on Cybertron, the Transformer colonists on the planet [[Devisiun (planet)|Devisiun]] evolved into an entire civilization of duocombiners, although they did not consider themselves "true" combiners. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|Windblade vol. 2 #6}} The twelve 'bots who made up the [[Functionist Council]] could all combine into a single alternate mode, a religious ornament known as the [[Key to Vector Sigma]]. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 4: Bad Moon Rising|Bad Moon Rising}}

Serious research into combiner technology stagnated for millennia until the outbreak of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], when [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]], seeking to create a Decepticon superweapon, recruited Jhiaxus's former student [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] into the Decepticons, provided him with a laboratory and ample resources, and ordered him to continue where his master had left off. {{storylink|Shockwaves}} An early attempt involved physically rebuilding five Cybertronians so that they transformed into four limbs and a torso; humiliated by the loss of his alternate mode, right leg [[Ambulon]] defected to the Autobots and the "[[Combicon]]" project was abandoned. {{storylink|How Ratchet Got His Hands Back}} {{storylink|No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases}} When Monstructor escaped from his dimensional prison, the Autobots apprehended him {{storylink|Spotlight: Optimus Prime}} and took his individual components into custody in the hopes that they could be rehabilitated. [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] and the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s studied them with the goal of rehabilitating them, but the difficulty of the technology meant that they didn't get the chance before the [[Decepticon Secret Service]] captured the "Monstructor Six". {{storylink|Spotlight: Arcee}} Eventually, however, Shockwave left the Decepticons to pursue his [[Regenesis|pet project]], in his absence, it would be [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] who created the first successful combiner: by using the like-minded [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s as test subjects, [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] avoided Monstructor's debilitating personality flaws but remained sluggish in both mind and body. {{storylink|Before the Dawn}} After [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] died, the Constructicons could still use his corpse to form Devastator, but the "dead leg" left Devastator hobbled. {{storylink|Chaos Part Three: Kings|Kings}} In the years following the Surge, other Decepticons subgroups acquired combiner upgrades, but their attempts generally went poorly: the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s rebuilt themselves using black market technology from [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] but couldn't properly unify their minds, {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 5: "Earthworks"|Earthworks}} while the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacon]]s didn't even get as far as combining due to their inability to agree on ''anything''. {{storylink|The Iron Klaw}}

[[File:IDWRID14 prowlstator.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]

In the final battle of the Great War, the eldritch [[D-Void]] harnessed a mysterious energy emitted from Cybertron's core and used it to suppress the individual wills of Galvatron, his [[Sweep (G1)|Sweep]]s, and every Decepticon on the planet save Megatron, then merged them all into a [[Deceptigod|monstrous avatar]] slaved to the D-Void's will. {{storylink|Chaos Part Three: Kings|Kings}} After the end of the war, Megatron learned to manipulate this same energy as part of a new plan to claim dominance over Iacon; when the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]]s ventured into the Cybertronian wilderness, this energy caused the group to became increasingly aggressive toward each other until they spontaneously combined into [[Superion (G1)|Superion]], which may have been a CNA-level defense mechanism against the hostile signal. {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt (IDW)|Dinobot Hunt}} {{storylink|Night and the City}} At the same time, Bombshell used his [[cerebro-shell]]s to brainwash [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] and turn his quarters into a secret "black room". In preparation for Megatron's impending return, Bombshell rebuilt the remaining Constructicons so that they could combine with any suitable Cybertronian, upgraded Megatron so that he could combine with the Constructicons, and used Prowl as a guinea pig to form a new Devastator under Bombshell's control. {{storylink|Before the Dawn}} Bombshell's death enabled a new, Prowl-centric Devastator personality, who ran amok and grievously injured Superion. {{storylink|Plan for Everything}} Before Megatron could trigger his own Devastator combination, the Autobots stopped him. {{storylink|Heavy Is the Head}}

United by their shared hatred of [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Spike Witwicky]], the Constructicons saw Prowl as a kindred spirit and allied themselves with the Autobots to stay with their new leader, {{storylink|Second Exodus}} and formed Devastator once more to defeat Monstructor during the "Dark Cybertron" crisis. {{storylink|Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|Black Planet}} While on Earth, Prowl came to rely on this new Devastator as his heavy-duty enforcer during the search for [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], {{storylink|Earthfall Part 2: Detonation Boulevard|Detonation Boulevard}} and later the [[Enigma of Combination]]. {{storylink|The Onyx Interface Conclusion: The Obliterati|The Obliterati}} However, as Galvatron foretold, the stress of repeated combination took its toll: even when not combined, the Constructicons began losing their individual quirks and finishing each other's sentences, {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}} while Prowl suffered energon "nosebleeds" and unconsciously referred to his teammates as "Scrapper". {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 5: I Dream of Wires|I Dream of Wires}} Eventually, Prowl admitted that his experiences as Devastator meant that he no longer saw the Decepticons as enemies, but as a part of him. {{storylink|Now and On Earth}}

[[File:AllThatRemains-OptimusMaximus.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

This dramatic upswing of combiner activity sparked an unofficial arms race between the different factions vying for control of the planet. Although Cybertronian ruler [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] and his faction of neutrals did not yet control a combiner, he revived a comatose [[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]] and convinced him to repair the damaged Superion. {{storylink|The World of Tomorrow}} Using the [[Enigma of Combination]] that Starscream's lackey [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] poached from Earth, Superion soon returned to full functionality with [[Alpha Bravo]] and [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] serving as new components. {{storylink|The Sum and Its Parts}} Superion's return coincided with the restoration of [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s [[space bridge]] and a potential alliance with the lost colony of [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]]. In the hopes that he could conquer Caminus and the other [[Cybertronian colonies]] to form a new galactic empire, Starscream orchestrated the "[[Combiner Wars (event)|Combiner Wars]]", which saw the Enigma repeatedly change hands as different factions tried to conquer or save Caminus: combatants included Superion, a rebuilt Menasor, {{storylink|First Contact (IDW)|First Contact}} [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], formed from the loosely affiliated "[[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobot]]s", {{storylink|Mistakes and Mayhem}} and a new version of Devastator that incorporated Starscream's lackey [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] in place of Prowl. Determined to keep Starscream from conquering the galaxy by forcibly cutting Cybertron off from the universe, Prowl pressganged Optimus Prime and several other Autobots into becoming [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]], {{storylink|You, Me, and the Universe}} but when he confronted their personalities in antespace the four members of the combination convinced him to work with them, fight for a united future, and defeat Devastator in a galaxy-spanning brawl. {{storylink|All That Remains}} After the formation of the [[Council of Worlds]], Arcee tried to steal the Enigma of Combination, sparking in motion a chain of events that led to six visiting [[Torchbearer]]s accidentally merging into the powerful [[Victorion]]. {{storylink|An Uneventful Night}} When Cybertron opened diplomatic relations with the citizens of Devisiun, Starscream brought Superion along to impress them and offered them a place on the Council in exchange for combiner technology. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|Windblade vol. 2 #6}}

Combiners created by the Enigma possessed a high degree of mental stability occasionally manifested unusual powers, including the ability to split their bodies apart or even fire their limbs as rocket-powered projectiles. {{storylink|Mistakes and Mayhem}} Victorion displayed a number of unusual traits: not only did she possess a suite of gravity-related powers, allowing her to fly under her own power or crush objects from afar, {{storylink|Conquerors Part 4: Perihelion|Perihelion}} she proved a sophisticated and erudite thinker capable of verbally sparring with Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 2: Lagrange}} However, this kind of combination ''also'' proved addictive: Defensor and Superion displayed an unwillingness to split into their components, and Prowl noted that combiners teams had trouble staying separate. {{storylink|You, Me, and the Universe}} After his arrest, Prowl taunted Optimus that a part of him would always exist in Prime's mind due to their brief mental merge as Optimus Maximus. {{storylink|Now and On Earth}} Aboard the ''[[Lost Light]]'', Defensor was able to substitute Ambulon as a replacement limb after [[Rook (CW)|Rook]]'s death, but was defeated by [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] shortly afterwards. Under unclear circumstances, the Decepticon combiner [[Liokaiser]] served under Decepticon leader [[Nickel]]. {{storylink|The Plotters' Club (Part 3): Journey's End|Journey's End}}

[[File:AHO-earthannexed.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]

While Optimus Prime was away on Cybertron, the Earthbound Autobots discovered that [[G.B. Blackrock|Garrison Blackrock]] had upgrade some of his mass-produced [[Seeker clone]] troopers into tripartite combiners. Later still, Optimus brought Superion and Victorion back with him when he made the controversial decision to annex Earth. They discovered that, thanks to the machinations of [[G.B. Blackrock|Garrison Blackrock]], who had previously reverse-engineered the Enigma of Combination, its energies had "infected" all of Earth's computerized technology and turned the entire planet into an Enigma--during the final battle against Galvatron and his rogue Decepticon faction, Galvatron betrayed his principles in the name of victory and forcibly amalgamated Cybertronians together to create [[Galvatronus (CW)|Galvatronus]] and [[Sky Reign]]. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 4: It's Beginning To And Back Again|It's Beginning To And Back Again}} To nullify this "Earth-Enigma", Superion incorporated part of the Enigma's code into his own mind, then permanently separated himself into his components, effectively killing himself. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 5: As Above...So Below|As Above...So Below}}
Around this time, the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] sought to access the mind of their former teammate Swindle, who'd supposedly dug up compromising information on Starscream's role in the Combiner Wars. To do this, they stole the Enigma and used it on themselves to create [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], but their inexperience with combination turned their combined form into a rampaging monster. {{storylink|The Line Between Us}} On Earth, [[human]] dictator [[Iron Klaw|Count "Iron Klaw" von Rani]] used a copy of the extraterrestrial [[Talisman (G1)|Talisman]] to suppress the individual minds of the Predacons and turn them into "[[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]]". When [[Snake-Eyes]] smashed the console that kept them docile, their argumentative personalities resurfaced and tore the combiner apart. {{storylink|The Iron Klaw}} During "Onyx Prime's" invasion of Cybertron, Victorion wound up clashing with a misguided Devastator, and thanks to an extra surge of power-enhancing [[Ore-8]] she unleashed a devastating gravitational wave that crushed Devastator to atoms. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 6: Unforgivable|Unforgivable}}

During [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]'s invasion of Cybertron, Monstructor returned and fatally wounded Victorion by killing [[Stormclash]] and forcing the other [[Torchbearer]]s to break apart. {{storylink|Road's End}} When the battle moved to Earth, the Aerialbots recombined into Superion , reactivated the latent Earth-Enigma by doing so, and allowed [[Slide]], a Devisen duocombiner who'd lost her ability to transform after the death of [[Oiler|her brother]], to sub in as Victorion's new leg. Together, Victorion and Superion took on Monstructor and finally put an end to their monstrous progenitor. {{storylink|Ceremony}}

{{--}}

====2006 IDW ''Beast Wars'' continuity====
[[File:DawnOfThePredacus-magnabossvsmegatron.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

In the twilight of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] oversaw the creation of [[Predacus]], a combiner formed from the members of the [[Tripredacus Council]]. {{storylink|Dawn of the Predacus}} The Autobots and [[Maximal]]s retaliated by creating [[Magnaboss (BW)|Magnaboss]], a combiner made up some of the most seasoned Autobot veterans. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook}} Although [[Under-3|an untested Maximal]] would wind up taking Perceptor's intended role in the combination, Magnaboss and Predacus both played vital roles in the final battle of the

Both combiners played vital roles in the final battle of the war before the ratification of the [[Pax Cybertronia]]; while Magnaboss took out the 'bot who would one day call himself "[[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]]", Predacus eliminated "Megatron's" trump card, Predaking. {{storylink|Dawn of the Predacus}} By the time of the [[Great Upgrade]], peacetime society dismissed combiners as energy-inefficient and the technology was largely forgotten. Magnaboss disappeared from the public eye, but the Tripredacus Council refined the technology to create [[Tripredacus]]. Other notable combiners included [[Magnaboss (BWII)|Magnaboss II]] and [[Tripledacus]], who participated in later Maximal-Predacon skirmishes over [[Angolmois Energy]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook}}
{{--}}

====''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe''====
[[File:TFJoe12-Defensor.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

To combat a [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] invasion, the Constructicons formed Devastator. In spite of being able to deter the initial invasion force, he was rammed by the ''[[Defiant (G.I. Joe)|Defiant]]'', {{storylink|Targetmasters (issue)|Targetmasters}} which killed Long Haul and took Devastator out of commission. {{storylink|Earth: R.I.P.}}

As Cybertron inched ever closer to Earth, the Decepticon/Cobra alliance attacked [[New York City]], the Combaticons combining into Bruticus. {{storylink|Expelled from the Garden}}

During the lead-up to the final battle, the [[Rescuebot]]s—a group of Autobots who'd developed a particularly strong affection for humanity—sealed their holy oath to protect mankind with a unique "Combination Lock". This combination lock allowed them all to spontaneously merge into [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]; in the final battle, the united G.I. Joe-Autobot force fetched up against a number of combiners, including Predaking, Abominus, Menasor, and a rebuilt Devastator. {{storylink|Transformers vs. G.I. Joe issue 12|Transformers vs. G.I. Joe #12}} Megatron briefly combined the energies of his black hole with the Matrix of Leadership to absorb all of the Autobots into his being to become the monstrous "Mega-Megatron" until [[Shipwreck]] and [[Polly]] crashed the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' into his new body and freed the captive Autobots. {{storylink|The War Never Ends}}

{{--}}

====''Beast Wars: Uprising''====
[[File:CulturalAppropriation-MonsterousVsDevastator.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

[[Nucleon (TR)|Nucleon]] considered gestalt technology to be a crude precursor to the [[binary bonding]] process that would come to define the later days of the Great War. {{storylink|A Brush With Infamy–Prologue}} A number of combiner teams survived into the era of the [[Builder of Cybertron|Builder]]s, [[Maximal]]s, and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s, including the Protectobots, Aerialbots, and Constructicons, but to survive on a crumbling post-war Cybertron the teams downsized into fuel-efficient [[Micromaster]] bodies. {{storylink|Micro-Aggressions}} The Constructicons retained the ability to form [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], but by the 24th century the team had evolved into a two-thirds Autobot unit led by [[Hightower (RID)|Hightower]]. {{storylink|A Brush With Infamy–Prologue}}

Inspired by the legendary titans of old, a number of other parties would go on to acquire combiner technology: [[Magnaboss (BW)|Magnaboss]], the first proto-race combiner, drew upon the strength and wisdom of the Maximals who made up the [[Maximal High Council]]: [[Silverbolt (Magnaboss)|Silver Bolt]], [[Tigatron]], [[Santon]], [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]], and [[Lio Junior|Lio Minor]]. Not to be outdone, the 'bots of the [[Tripredacus Council]] stole combination technology from their rivals and used it on themselves to become [[Tripredacus]]. {{storylink|Derailment}} More ominously, the street gang known as the "Antares Eight"—in reality, a group of dimensionally-displaced [[Monster GoBot]]s—could call upon their own personal gestalt, [[Monsterous]]. When these dimensional invaders attempted to bait the [[Human Confederacy]] into destroying Cybertron, Devastator faced off with the GoBot combiner and ultimately emerged triumphant. {{storylink|Cultural Appropriation}}

During the [[Vehicon Apocalypse]], Devastator and Magnaboss joined the final assault on the [[Grand Mal]].A beam from the ancient battle station hit both combiners, and though Magnaboss survived the battle with only [[Lio Junior|one component]] lost, three of Devastator's components perished. {{storylink|Derailment}} At the same time, the Tripredacus Council used their Tripredacus form to hunt down and slay [[Preditron]] before a vengeful [[Ser-Ket (BWU)|Ser-Ket]] killed two of his three components. {{storylink|Derailment}} With the dawn of the [[Cybertronian Parliament]], the surviving Constructicons recruited [[Wideload (G1)|Wideload]], [[Hauler|Road Hauler]] and [[Steam Hammer]] as replacements. The new, construction-minded Devastator who emerged would be hailed as the champion of the remaining Builders. {{storylink|The Inexorable March}}

====''Timelines''====
As the Autobot war machine came to increasingly rely on Combiners, the Autobots began taking steps to minimize their drawbacks. Most glaringly, the loss of a single member would all but incapacitate the whole; to minimize this tactical weakness, the Protectobots began drafting auxiliary members who could replace any given component when nessecary, including [[Rook (CW)|Rook]], [[Skyfeather]], [[Heatrock]], and [[Medix (G1)|Medix]]. {{storylink|Medix (G1)#Toys|Customization class Medix bio}}

====''Of Masters and Mayhem''====
[[File:OMAMFinale WreckageVThunderMayhem.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

During the Great War, combiners played a significant role, and both sides invested significant time and effort into producing combat-ready combiners. {{storylink|Lively Pursuit}} During one such experiment, [[Loudpedal]] and [[Oil Slick (G1)|Oil Slick]] accidentally created [[Toxitron (G1)|Toxitron]], a malformed mutant who spewed an endless torrent of noxious acid. {{storylink|The Toxic Transformer}} Soon, however, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and his underlings began tampering with forces that the Cybertronian race was not meant to control: seeking to create the "ultimate combiner",he combined [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]'s [[Point One Percenter]] spark with the artificial [[Matrix of Malice]], which formed the core of the terrifying [[Thunder Mayhem]]. Soon enough, Thunder Mayhem turned on his creators and rampaged across Cybertron: over the course of this one-sided war, it destroyed every other combiner, and the few survivors of this mass extinction assumed that Thunder Mayhem had annihilated Cybertron itself. {{storylink|Life Finds a Way}}

Wrecker leader [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]] began travelling the stars to assemble a team capable of taking down Thunder Mayhem and slowly assembled a new crew of Wreckers from the few surviving Cybertronians he found throughout the galaxy. Toxitron, [[Alpha Bravo]], and [[Offroad (CW)|Offroad]] were already combination-compatible,and [[Fractyl]] and [[Punch (G1)|Counterpunch]] recieved full rebuilds to accommodate combiner technology. Fractyl reverse-engineered the power of Thunder Mayhem's spark using a substance called "[[Greenergon]]" and implanted a supply of it into Toxitron to act as a booster when they combined. However, their their combined form went berserk and tried to kill Impactor. Terrified by the prospect of unleashing a second monster on the universe, Alpha Bravo murdered his friend Offroad to stop Thunder Mayhem from ever forming again, and was himself shot by Toxitron seconds later. {{storylink|Foundation and Wreckage Part 1: Deadly Aim|Deadly Aim}} Upon discovering the ruins of Cybertron, the Wreckers recruited [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] into their team; when alien [[Teklaan]]s attacked, Impactor used a design lab to modify Bluestreak for the process, and Wreckage re-emerged: with Impactor now leading the team from within the combiner's psyche, this new iteration proved stronger both mentally and physically... although Bluestreak's penchant for talk left him far chattier than the original Wreckage {{storylink|Lively Pursuit}}

The Wreckers finally located Thunder Mayhem on the planet Earth, and formed Wreckage to stop the monster once and for all. In battle with the destroyer of worlds, Wreckage's power was harnessed by a human with a genetic quirk named [[Lisa|Elizabeth]]. Joined by the other Earth-bound Autobots, the heroes successfully broke the Matrix of Malice and reduced Thunder Mayhem back into his separate components. {{storylink|Finale (OMAM)|Finale}}

{{--}}

====''Prime Wars Trilogy'' cartoons====
[[File:CombinerWarsMachinima-Menasorstill.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

The Enigma of Combination created many combiners during the later years of the Great War, including [[Computron (G1)|Computron]], [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], {{storylink|The Fall}}, [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]], {{storylink|Primal (POTP)|Primal}} and [[Victorion]]. {{storylink|Prelude to Transformers: Combiner Wars - Victorion}} Whether or not the combiners adhered to the old factions remains debatable: although [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] pointed out that they were still made up of Autobots and Decepticons, {{storylink|The Council}} a number of combiners appear to self-identify as members of an independent faction, separate from either Autobots or Decepticons. {{storylink|The Fall}} After the end of the Great War, Optimus Prime and Megatron willingly went into self-imposed exile, and as a result the leaderless combiners fell into a period of vicious, destructive infighting known as the "[[Combiner Wars (event)|Combiner Wars]]". The [[Council of Worlds]] came into possession of the Enigma and considered using it to stem the conflict—either fighting fire with fire by creating a new combiner army, or by simply destroying ''all'' combiners. {{storylink|The Council}}

As the council debated using the Enigma to control the Combiners, [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] aassisted [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] as they attacked the Council pavilion. All of the extant combiners converged on the building, and although Devastator attempted to claim the Enigma for himself, the Council ordered Starscream to use the Enigma to take control of the combatants. {{storylink|A War of Giants}} Instead, he used it to merge himself with Devastator, Victorion, and the bodies of [[Computron (G1)|Computron]] and [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]; his attempted "super-combination" collapsed and turned him into an unstable energy being. {{storylink|Darkest Hour (CW)|Darkest Hour}} Upon Starscream's defeat, the four other combiners were returned to normal; Victorion took ownership of the Enigma by claiming that the artefact rightfully belonged to the combiners. {{storylink|Destruction's Dawn}}

[[File:DesperateActions-UltimateVictorion.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

During [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]'s rampage across Cybertron, the Mistress of Flame recruited the combiners to find and reactivate [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]. {{storylink|Our Heroes Respond}} Computron discovered that the [[Titan (group)|Titan]]'s [[transformation cog]] was damaged but the weapons systems were intact, and so Victorion ordered him to take control of the weapons and fire everything they had at Trypticon. {{storylink|Overlord and Emissary}} When Megatron arrived at Fortress Maximus and revealed the Mistress of Flame had perished, the combiners assumed him responsible and attacked. Once Windblade arrived and the fight stopped long enough for Megatron to explain, Victorion fused with the other combiners to successfully form "Ultimate Victorion", a massive warrior comprised of spectral energy. {{storylink|Desperate Actions}} Although Ultimate Victorion fell in battle against Trypticon and wound up reduced to her components once more, all of the combiners joined in the ensuing battle. {{storylink|Consumed}} {{storylink|All Things Must Pass}}

Victorion joined Megatron and his crew on their subsequent quest to find the [[Requiem Blaster (Megatronus)|Requiem Blaster]] before [[The Fallen|Megatronus]], who had already stolen the Enigma of Combination, could use it to achieve his evil goals. While exploring a marshy wilderness, the team encountered the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s, who displayed the ability to combine into [[Volcanicus (POTP)|Volcanicus]]. {{storylink|The Swamp}} Predaking attacked the group shortly afterwards and demanded that Victorion turn over the Enigma, {{storylink|Volcanicus (episode)|Volcanicus}} but they were able to peacefully talk down the ex-Decepticon combiner. {{storylink|Primal (POTP)|Primal}} Not long afterwards, [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]] and [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Cron]] successfully killed almost all of the combiners: first Computron, Menasor, and Devastator, {{storylink|Volcanicus (episode)|Volcanicus}} then Victorion in the [[Athenaeum Sanctorum]]. {{storylink|Athenaeum Sanctorum (episode)|Athenaeum Sanctorum}} In the final battle against Megatronus, Predaking attempted to seize the Enigma and wound up fatally decapitated. {{storylink|Saga's End}}

{{--}}

====''Bumblebee'' graphic novels====
The Constructicons briefly formed Devastator during a battle for a [[cybertonium]] meteorite until the precious mineral exploded, reducing them back to the individual Constructicons. {{storylink|Transformers: Bumblebee - Go For the Gold|Go for the Gold}}

====''Mazinger Z vs. Transformers''====
As combiners, the Constructicons were the only Decepticons capable of taking on [[Kōji Kabuto]]'s [[Mazinger Z]] super robot, but not even Devastator could withstand Mazinger's infamous rocket-propelled punch that instantly collapsed the gestalt back into his components.

====''Transformers/Ghostbusters''====
When [[Gozer]] invaded Cybertron, Megatron loosed every combiner they had against the extradimensional monster, to no avail. One by one, Predaking, Devastator, and Bruticus fell, and seeing the defeat of their ultimate weapons convinced the other members of [[Decepticon High Command]] that Cybertron was doomed. {{storylink|Ghosts of Cybertron Part 2}}

====2019 IDW continuity====
[[File:SeaOfRust1-Abominus.jpg|thumb|right|350px|"I'm not afraid of the mutation anymore. Not when I have ''this'' kind of power!"]]

The origins of the Enigma of Combination are unclear, but folk wisdom held that the artifact belonged to [[Nexus Prime]], who had once wielded the artifact at the dawn of Cybertronian civilization. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Enigmatic|Enigmatic}} Although the Enigma could theoretically combine any group of Cybertronians into a combiner, only those who shared a common sense of purpose could successfully master the art of combination. In the years before the [[War of the Threefold Spark]], a group of Cybertronians used the Enigma to try and combine, but without a clear goal their combined form became a mindless "[[Abominus (G1)|abomination]]" that rampaged across the planet in search of fuel; when it became clear that the combiner could not be reasoned with, [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]] and a legion of warriors finally felled the beast at [[Rivets Field]] in [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. {{storylink|Constructicons Rising, Part 1}} {{storylink|Escape Part Three}}

[[File:ConstructiconsRisingPart4-Devastator.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]

The Enigma of Combination wound up buried in the strata beneath the region, where it remained for many megacycles until after the end of the [[War of the Threefold Spark]], when the newly-christened [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] uncovered the Enigma while on cleanup duty. Their supervisor [[Termagax]] encouraged them to embrace this artifact to push their potential to its fullest; although they successfully united into [[Devastator (G1)|a combiner]], {{storylink|Constructicons Rising, Part 1}} mastering that combined form by learning to successfully merge their minds came less easily. Only by embracing the combiner's emergent personality, and learning to harness its deep reserves of primal anger, could they use their powerful new form to rebuild Iacon. [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], nervous about what would happen if the Constructicons lost control of their combined form, petitioned [[Nominus Prime]] to exile them to [[Mayalx]]. {{storylink|Constructicons Rising, Part 3}} Nominus agreed; to ensure that no more combiners would threaten his [[Nominus Edict|vision]] of Cybertron's future, Nominus entrusted Termagax with the Enigma in the hopes that she could keep the artifact safe until such time as it would be needed. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Sea of Rust I|Sea of Rust I}}

In the years that followed the ratification of the Nominus Edict, combiner technology fell by the wayside, although individuals like [[Power Punch]] and [[Direct-Hit]] appear to possess a combined vehicle mode. {{storylink|War World: Titans|Titans}} The only known Cybertronian to successfully crack the secret of combination would be the mad scientist [[Airachnid (G1)|Airachnid]], who used her knowledge to create a massive [[Combination Core]] aboard the [[Hexagon]] asteroid colony that could forcibly merge any five 'bots together. {{storylink|Light/Star}}

With a second civil war looming on the horizon, [[The Rise|Rise]] leader [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] turned his attention to acquiring a monopoly on combiner technology. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Sea of Rust I|Sea of Rust I}} To this end, he recruited his former allies the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]], to manipulate the Constructicons into embracing their rage; after renaming their combined form "Devastator", the combiner laid waste to the colony that they'd built and fled into deep space. {{storylink|Constructicons Rising, Part 4}} Several cycles later, [[Scattershot (G1)|Scattershot]] and his [[Technobot (G1)|Technical Specialist]] team fell into the Combination Core and emerged as [[Computron (G1)|Computron]]. Before their combined form could gather his wits, colony administrator [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwgin]] jettisoned the entire floor from the station and launched Computron into space. However, once returned to their regular forms, Scattershot discovered that he'd somehow absorbed the power of the Combination Core. {{storylink|Light/Star}}

{{--}}

====''My Little Pony/Transformers''====
[[File:TheMightiestDinobot-Superion.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

While stranded on [[Earth]], [[Spike (MLP)|Spike]] the [[dragon]] helped [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] defend the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' from a Constructicon assault. Devastator easily trounced Grimlock, Spike quickly worked out how to fire the ''Ark''{{'}}s primary thrusters, and the force of the blast reduced Devastator back to his components, who promptly fled. {{storylink|Inspiring}}

During [[King Sombra]]'s magical assault on Cybertron, the evil unicorn brainwashed [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] and the other four Aerialbots with his mind-control [[magic]] and forced them to combine into Superion. Although the brainwashed combiner quickly defeated Grimlock and the other Dinobots, Spike and [[Smolder (MLP)|Smolder]] deduced that forcing Sombra to split his control five ways would weaken his magic, and taunted the individual Aerialbots by playing on their individual hangups and personality traits until Superion could no longer maintain the combination and fell apart, breaking the spell in the process. {{storylink|The Mightiest Dinobot}}

{{--}}

===''Robots in Disguise''===
====2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon====
[[File:Landfill RiD Cartoon.JPG|thumb|left|250px]]
Many of the Autobots active on Earth were combiners: most notably, the three Autobots who comprised [[Team Bullet Train]] could merge into [[Rail Racer (RID)|Rail Racer]]. {{storylink|Bullet Train to the Rescue}} The hard-working 'bots who made up the [[Build Team (RID)|Build Team]] could also combine to form [[Landfill (RID)|Landfill]], but they rarely took an active combat role due to their duties maintaining the [[Global Space Bridge]]. {{storylink|Landfill (episode)|Landfill}} Rail Racer proved a powerful trump card for the Autobots during the early phases of the war for Earth; seeking some powerful new warriors to level the playing field, [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] leader [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] created the [[Commando (RID)|Commandos]], a team of crack warriors who could merge into [[Ruination (RID)|Ruination]]. {{storylink|Commandos}}

Many combiners in this reality displayed the ability to rearrange their components at will and gain specific powers in doing so: for instance, Landfill could combine in three possible configurations: one that balanced offense and defense, {{storylink|Landfill (episode)|Landfill}} a "Typhoon Mode" that optimized offensive power, {{storylink|Sky-Byte Saves the Day}}, and a "Cyclone Mode" close-quarters assault form. {{storylink|Galvatron's Revenge}} Ruination possesssed two primary configurations— a ground assault "Land Mission" mode, and a "Flight Mission" form that allow him to hover. {{storylink|Commandos}}

Even [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] displayed the power to combine: when his rebellious brother [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] travelled to Earth, he feigned compassion in an attempt to steal the Matrix, then forced his brother to combine with him. What he didn't expect, though, was that Optimus had as much control over their new "[[Omega Prime]]" form as Magnus did; his plan to steal the power of the Matrix backfired and he had to cooperate with Prime to defeat the Decepticons. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus: Forced Fusion!}}

{{--}}

====Ask Vector Prime====
In [[Viron 704.31 Epsilon|a dystopian alternate timeline]], [[Megazarak (Universe)|Megazarak]] [[Robosmasher|Robo-Smashed]] Rail Racer and Landfill so that they became the evil [[Dominus Trannis]] and [[Devastator (Universe Ultra)|Devastator]] respectively. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/07/30}} Megazarak slaughtered three out of the four members of the [[Protection Team]] and left their leader Hot Spot unable to combine. When [[Ultra Trion]] passed the Matrix onto him, he received new armor which gave him the abilities of his fallen comrades. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/07}} This new, one-bot iteration of "[[Defensor (OTFCC)|Defensor]]" tried to save Dominus Trannis, but was ultimately forced to put his old comrades out of their misery, {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/07/28}} while [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] plucked Devastator away from his home timeline to serve in the [[Universe War]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/07/30}}

[[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] claimed that [[beast mode]] Transformers such as himself were too emotionally delicate to suffer the indignity of combining. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime|Shark Sonnets, 2015/10/21}}

===Unicron Trilogy continuity family===
Across multiple continuities, the power-enhancing [[Mini-Con]]s possessed the ability to power up larger Autobots and Decepticons with extra weapons and abilities while physically attached to their bodies. This special bond is known as a "[[Powerlinx]]", and is not considered a "true" combination, although by the time of ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' this specific term would come to be used interchangeably with more familiar forms of combination.

====Cartoon continuity====
=====''Armada'' cartoon=====
[[File:Ruin-Star Saber Skyboom Shield.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]

In addition to their ability to Powerlinx, a number of Mini-Cons possessed the power to combine with each other: although [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]], [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]], and [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] combined into a super robot named [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]], {{storylink|Comrade}} most other Mini-Cons became enhanced weapons or tools: the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Team]] formed the supernatural [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]], the [[Race Mini-Con Team]] became the impenetrable [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom]] shield, {{storylink|Overmatch}} and the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] could unite to form the devastatingly powerul [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]. {{storylink|Awakening (Armada)|Awakening}}

During a battle with the Decepticons, the Autobots struggled against [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s new tactician [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and his 'henchman' [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]]. Right when it seemed hopeless, [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] fell from the sky and combined with Optimus to form Jet Optimus. {{storylink|Awakening (Armada)|Awakening}} Later still, Optimus began combining with the hulking [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]], who formed a large pair of cannons on top of Super Optimus's shoulders. Overload's additional firepower, combined with the already impressive firepower of the Requiem Blaster, enabled Optimus to destroy [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]]. {{storylink|Origin}}

The Decepticons were not without their own combiner; [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] was able to combine with Megatron to form additional armour and a back-mounted [[jet pack|rocket pack]]. In this form, Megatron was able to battle Jet Optimus to a standstill. {{storylink|Desperate}}

=====''Linkage'' comic=====
The non-flying members of the evil [[Speed Chaser Team]] could form the [[Magnawing]] aircraft to transport themselves around. {{storylink|Linkage Part 4}}

=====''Energon'' cartoon=====
[[File:TwoHeros optimus supermode.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

Long ago, during a time when the Decepticons and Autobots were at peace, four ancient combiner robots were tasked with guarding the [[Super Energon Temple]] deep beneath Cybertron: [[Bruticus Maximus (Energon)|Bruticus Maximus]], [[Constructicon Maximus]], [[Superion Maximus]], and [[Dauntless Maximus|Superion's brother]]. The Autobots and Decepticons glared at one another in mutual acrimony until they became completely corroded and were unable to move. {{storylink|Ambition}}

Millennia later, following Unicron's defeat, the [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]]s arrived on [[Earth]] to acquire energon, and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] granted [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] the [[Spark of Combination]], a divine power imbued upon the Autobot leader by [[Primus]], so that Hot Shot and [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] could Powerlinx with one another and fight off the invaders. {{storylink|Cybertron City (episode)|Cybertron City}} This new form of powerlinxing became a widespread ability among the Autobots, to the point where almost any Autobot could combine with any other to become more powerful. Spark of Combination didn't automatically make someone an expert at it, however—it took practice and both partners had to learn to synchronize their breathing. Several different varieties of combination emerged over the course of this new confict: similarly sized Autobots could Powerlinx together, with the top half becoming the dominant consciousness with an added "Powerlinx" title (e.g. "Powerlinx [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]]".) {{storylink|Megatron's Sword}} A few Autobots and some Decepticons combined with components of their alternate modes to form a larger "brute mode". {{storylink|Bulkhead (episode)|Bulkhead}}

[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] was able to Powerlinx with his [[Prime Force]] [[drone]]s, {{storylink|Cybertron City (episode)}} [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] {{storylink|Jungle Planet (episode)}} and [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]] to form his Super Modes.While Optimus Prime would become the dominant consciousness in all of his Super Modes, Omega Supreme was the only one who could continue to communicate with him, presumably due to [[Omega Supreme (Energon)#Omega|Omega]]—his head-unit—storing inside his right shoulder. {{storylink|A Heroic Battle}} After their discovery, the three remaining guardians of the Super Energon Temple joined the battle; in particular, Superion Maximus fought to avenge his deceased brother, and while briefly incapaciated by the loss of his combiner limbs during his final battle against Bruticus, stole Constructicon's limbs and used them to finally kill Bruticus Maximus. {{storylink|Spark (episode)|Spark}}

=====''Cybertron'' cartoon=====
[[File:Cyb ep16 savage claw mode.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

In addition to his preexisting ability to merge with Wing Saber into an airborne "Sonic Wing Mode", {{storylink|United}} Optimus would later display the ability to combine with [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]] to form the "Savage Claw Mode". {{storylink|Savage}} His evil clone [[Nemesis Breaker]] could likewise form a "Dark Claw" mode for Megatron. {{storylink|Darkness (episode)|Darkness}}

====''Cybertron'' comic====
The [[Deep Space Mini-Con Team]] could combine into the [[Umbral Blaster]] {{storylink|Revelations Part 5}} while the [[Sky Terror Mini-Con Team]] could form the [[Chaos Saber]]. {{storylink|Andromeda - Axiom Nexus News Reporter|Andromeda - Axiom Nexus News, 2015/05/19}}

====Ask Vector Prime====
In [[Aurex 1104.30-DB Zeta]], [[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]] attempted to reverse-engineer the Maximus combination technology and apply it to [[Mini-Con]]s, which resulted in the creation of the [[Micromaster]] combiners [[Superion (Universe)|Superion]], [[Defensor (Universe)|Defensor]], and [[Rail Racer (Universe)|Rail Racer]] . The [[Decepticon]]s, however, stole this technology and used it to create their own Micromaster combiner, [[Devastator (Universe Micromaster)|Devastator]]. During the [[Unicron Singularity]] crisis, these four Autobot and Decepticon combiners clashed in a conflict known as the [[Combiner Wars (event)|Combiner Wars]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/07/31}}

{{--}}

===''Timelines''===
[[File:Clubcombinercarving.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]

At the dawn of time, Nexus Prime was a member of the [[Thirteen]] and the first combiner. However, when [[The Fallen|Megatronus]] turned on his siblings, [[Vector Prime]], Alpha Trion, and [[Solus Prime]] made the decision to permanently reduce Nexus Prime into five components and conceal the location of Prima's [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]] sword. The Star Saber cut Nexus into five other robots: [[Skyfall (Cybertron)|Skyfall]], [[Landquake (Timelines)|Landquake]], [[Breakaway (Classics)|Breakaway]], [[Topspin (Classics)|Topspin]], and [[Heatwave (Timelines)|Heatwave]], who were subsequently scattered across the [[multiverse]] and lost to the ages. {{Storylink|Ask Vector Prime|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/05/18}} In time, however, the [[Caretaker]] supercomputer put the five components on the path to reunification, and upon recruiting the heroic Decepticon Heatwave in a [[Primax -408.24 Epsilon|mirror universe]] Nexus Prime successfully returned and used his powers to transform [[Megatron (SG)|that reality's Megatron]] into Galvatron before departing to recover the Star Saber. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 6}}

The [[GoBot]]s of [[Gobotron]] possessed their own version of combination technology: basing his designs of the transformable "power suits" of the heroic [[Guardian (GoBots)|Guardian]]s, [[Renegade]] leader [[Cy-Kill (GoBots)|Cy-Kill]] commandeered Earth vehicles and modified them into the mighty [[Puzzler]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Renegade Rhetoric (1), 2015/10/16}} While in [[Axiom Nexus]], he stole six [[spark]]s {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Renegade Rhetoric (1), 2015/10/15}} and, after recruiting a group of [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]] criminals from the [[Uniend|Uniend Cluster]] upgraded them with the the combination technology he'd once used for Puzzler to create [[Monsterous]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Renegade Rhetoric|Renegade Rhetoric, 2015/10/21}} Upon returning to his home reality, he used the stolen sparks to to recreate the Puzzler project with genuine living machines.{{storylink|Transformers: Renegade Rhetoric|Renegade Rhetoric}}

In a splinter reality created by [[Sideways (disambiguation)|Sideways]] and [[Gong (GoBots)|Gong]], Puzzler and Monsterous would menace the Autobots during a particularly strange version of the [[Unicron War]]. {{storylink|Echoes and Fragments}} Another iteration of Puzzler would join the [[Thirteen Great Demon Generals]] after [[Violengiguar|Bio Ranger Iga]] permanently fused his components together to ensure an unbroken existence. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/07/15}}

When asked who he'd combine with if he became a combiner, [[Vector Prime]] admitted that while he might merge with other members of the [[Thirteen]], he did not feel comfortable becoming a combiner. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/25}}

{{--}}

===''Animated''===
====''Animated'' cartoon====
[[File:WhereIsThySting-obligatorymisunderstanding.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

{{Idw-tfa}}

''[[Jetfire (Animated)|Jetfire]] and his [[twin]] brother [[Jetstorm (Animated)|Jetstorm]] were chosen for an ambitious genetic experiment after an industrial accident nearly killed them. By grafting Decepticon coding acquired from [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] during his time in custody onto their Autobot shells, the Autobots hoped to duplicate the Decepticons' vaunted flight abilities. When a simulated training exercise against a virtual simulation of Starscream went awry, the pair displayed an unconscious "gestalt powerlink" that allowed them to combine into [[Safeguard (Animated)|Safeguard]] and destroy the virtual Decepticon. {{storylink|First (and Second) in Flight}}''

After travelling to Earth, the pair formed Safeguard during the search for [[Wasp]] {{storylink|Where Is Thy Sting?}} and later used a combined jet mode to carry their leader [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] to [[Dinobot Island (Animated)|Dinobot Island]]. {{storylink|Predacons Rising (Animated)|Predacons Rising}}

''Later, the ambitious [[Dirt Boss (Animated)|Dirt Boss]] recruited his former lackeys [[Mixmaster (Animated)|Mixmaster]] and [[Scrapper (Animated)|Scrapper]] to work on something he called "[[Devastator (Animated)|Devastator]]." {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}}

====Sentinel Shouting====
In his younger days, Sentinel Minor appears to have been somewhat prejudiced against combiners. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Sentinel Shouting, 2015/10/07}}

{{--}}

===''Shattered Glass''===
[[File:ReunificationPart4-ComputronVsAbominus.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

As the Great War between the heroic Decepticons and evil Autobots escalated, the introduction of combiner technology afforded [[Optimus Prime (SG)|Optimus Prime]] and his warriors a distinct tactical advantage. To fight back, the Decepticons initiated "Operation: Combination", a program designed to refit their own warriors with combination technology. Decepticons who underwent the refit underwent a rigorous battery of psychological tests to ensure their compatability with one another, as well as an automatic disengagement mechanism designed to protect the individual minds of their components should the combination matrix fail. The erudite [[Abominus (SG)|Abominus]], combined form of the [[Terrorcon (SG)|Terrorcon]]s, eventually emerged as the apex of combination technology, although the care involved in buffering the minds of his components left him with an extremely fragile combination matrix. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 28|Abominus profile}}

Unlike the Decepticons, the Autobots showed no such care for the combination process and freely abused the technology to create unstable monsters. While [[Computron (SG)|Computron]], combined form of the scientifically-inclined [[Technobot (SG)|Technobot]]s, was once an evil genius, his components eventually grew addicted to the process to the point where they no longer separated. Cruel and egotistical, Computron suffered severe mental damage during an ill-advised attempt to imbue [[Grimlock (SG)|Grimlock]] with intelligence, which permanently corrupted his parallel processing capabilities and left him a mentally and emotionally stunted brute. Although the Technobots remained addicted to combining, Computron quickly grew to despise his individual components and continually, if ineffectually, plotted to rid himself of the "parasites" who comprised his body. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 27|Computron profile}}

[[Superion (SG)|Superion]], a smaller combiner, displayed the ability to freely split and recombine his body at will, which he used to flummox a [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|parallel-universe Grimlock]] when the two met in battle. {{storylink|Memory's Splinter}}

After downloading his consciousness into a backup body, [[Ratchet (SG)|Ratchet]] upgraded himself with combiner technology. While combined, he could plant viruses into a gestalt mainframe or even seize complete control of a combiner's motor functions, but his new body's tendencies to freeze and reboot could interfere with the combination processes. {{storylink|#Combiner Wars|Customization class SG Ratchet bio}}

===Live-action film series===
====Toy bios====
[[Knock Out (ROTF)|Knock Out]] hoped to undergo the "combination retrofit" process.<ref>Knock Out's toy bio.</ref> The [[Aerialbot (ROTF)|Aerialbots]] and the [[Combaticon (ROTF)|Combaticons]] could combine into [[Superion (ROTF)|Superion]] and [[Bruticus Maximus (ROTF)|Bruticus Maximus]], respectively. Both combined forms had limited intelligence: [[Superion (ROTF)|Superion]] was seemingly incapable of any thoughts beyond "destroy Decepticons" and "protect innocents", while [[Bruticus Maximus (ROTF)|Bruticus Maximus]], despite being both dumb and slow, could overwhelm almost any opponent his strength and nigh-impenetrable armor.<ref>Superion and Bruticus Maximus's toy bios.</ref>

====Movies====
[[File:Devastator-ROTFvsLeoSpitz.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

The [[Guardian Knight]]s could combine into the mighty three-headed dragon known as [[Dragonstorm]], whereas [[Quintessa (TLK)|Quintessa]]'s [[Infernocon]]s could combine into the monstrous [[Infernocus]]. {{storylink|Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|The Last Knight}} Cybertronian [[twin]]s, like [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], could assume separate combined forms or merge into a more durable shared alternate mode. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.1}} Some animalistic Cybertronians, like the insectoid [[Microcon]]s could combine into a [[Reedman|razor-thin robot form]] designed for infiltration purposes. {{storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen}}

Experimental combiner technology was developed by the Decepticons for combat advantage and then used on the [[Constructicon (ROTF)|Constructicon]]s who were able to form [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]]. Comfort was rather decidedly not on the top of the list of priorities and, as a result, the process was brutally painful to the Transformers involved, which also made the combiners fuse in a very aggressive and painful manner. The mental and physical torture involved left Devastator only interested in causing destruction.<ref>Devastator's [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/Battle-Bios.cfm Battle Bio] at Hasbro.com</ref> Combiners were not limited to one combination scheme, and their final forms could vary.<ref>[http://unicron-events-interviews.blogspot.com/2009/10/hasbro-q-10212009.html Hasbro's answer to Unicron.com] as part of the [[Hasbro Q&A/October 2009#Unicron.com|October 2009 Q&A]].</ref>

During the final battle in [[Egypt]], [[Jetfire (Movie)|Jetfire]] sacrificed himself so that the recently-revived Optimus Prime could use his parts. The combination gave Optimus a powered up, flight-capable form that he used to battle [[The Fallen]] and triumph. {{storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen}}

====''Unite for the Universe''====
[[File:Project Unite.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

In the wake of the battle in Egypt, [[NEST]] initiated [[Project Unite|Project: Unite]] so that Optimus Prime could maintain this combined state. {{storylink|Unite for the Universe issue 1|The Secret of Project: Unite}} Seeking to copy the project for his own ends, [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] hired [[Skystalker (ROTF)|Skystalker]] and [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] to aid him, and together they stole information on Project: Unite. {{storylink|Unite for the Universe issue 1|Ambition Instigated}} Using the knowledge he'd gleaned, Starscream applied the upgrade to himself and grafted parts of [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] and [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] onto his body. With his newfound power, he made short work of Bludgeon before declaring his intention to conquer the world and defeat Megatron. {{storylink|Unite for the Universe issue 2|Bludgeon's Revenge}} Unfortunately for him, Starscream had failed to acquire the neural interface protocols required for Project: Unite, causing his mind to deteriorate, and he began to rashly and mindlessly attack things around him. Both the Autobots and Megatron realized they had to stop the crazed Decepticon before he did too much damage. {{storylink|Unite for the Universe issue 2|On the Road to Destruction}}

Megatron attacked the powered-up Starscream himself, intending to take him apart and reverse-engineer the secrets to Project: Unite from his body. Optimus Prime couldn't allow this to happen, and had [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] bring in a new weapon to burn out the Unite technology in Starscream's body, defeating him and destroying his upgrades. Once Megatron had fled, Optimus lamented that the danger of their new weapons research falling into the Decepticons' hands was too great, seemingly signaling the end of Project: Unite. {{storylink|The Strongest Weapon}}

{{--}}

===''Power Core Combiners''===
The art of [[Power Core Combination]] was lost during the early days of the war on Cybertron. The Decepticons made an attempt to resurrect the process, but their crude "Gestalt Process" was a horrific procedure that usually cost the participants their sanity; the [[Autobot]]s made more careful attempts, but even these still inflicted mental damage. As a result, "[[Proto-Combiner]]s" with the potential to become a combiner were doomed to either live with a permanent sense of incompleteness or risk their sanity by submitting to these ill-concieved experiments.

All of this changed, however, when the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]'s database was recovered by the Autobots, and (with some [[human]] assistance) the Power Core process was at last rediscovered. It facilitated perfect symbiosis between a [[Commander (PCC)|Commander]] and their Mini-Con, not only enhancing the attributes of both, but also creating a mysterious bond of shared perception. With training, a Commander might graduate to having a set of drones to control. A single Commander could upload his own personality engrams into the drones and effectively be in multiple places at once. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 32|The Return of Power Core Combination!}} The Decepticons were able to steal the technology for their own warriors,<ref>Toy packaging blurb [https://www.seibertron.com/transformers-toys/view/power-core-combiners/bombshock-with-combaticons/2191/1/16/ (scan at Seibertron.com)]</ref> doling out the upgrades as a reward for displays of ruthlessness<ref>[[Bombshock (PCC)|Bombshock]]'s toy bio [http://tftechspecs.com/pics5/15531.jpg (scan at TFTechSpecs.com)]</ref> or for loyalty.<ref>[[Sledge (PCC)|Sledge]]'s toy bio [http://tftechspecs.com/pics5/15524.jpg (scan at TFTechSpecs.com)]</ref> Because the technology was rediscovered only recently, Gestaltics researchers have yet to reach the limits of their understanding and exploitation of it. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 32|The Return of Power Core Combination!}}

===Aligned continuity family===
====''The Covenant of Primus''====
[[File:TheCovenantOfPrimus-mutacons.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

At the dawn of time, [[Nexus Prime]] was the first combiner, a 'bot capable of splitting and reforming at will. Following the death of [[Solus Prime]] and the disastrous [[War of the Primes]] that drove the original [[Thirteen]] apart, Nexus permanently divided himself into five 'bots and scattered himself across the stars.

Following the [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Rust Plague]] and the collapse of the Cybertronian empire, a fleet of refugees fleeing [[Neutronia]] discovered [[Amalgamous Prime]]'s lost [[transformation cog]]. Its supernatural power mutated them into the [[Mutacon]]s, [[shifter]]s with the power of infinite transformation and combination. Seeking a way to cure their condition before they finally lost their individuality and combined into a single amorphous being, they traversed the galaxy in a fleet of living starships comprised of their own bodies. {{storylink|Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus}}

====Aligned novels====
The ancient art of combination was as old as Cybertron itself, although the fiercely independent [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] despised the notion of surrendering his hard-won individuality to some greater whole. During his time at [[Crystal City]] [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] created several prototype combiners, and merged the five [[Combaticon (WFC)|Combaticon]]s into the savage and uncontrollable [[Bruticus (WFC)|Bruticus Maximus]], but their combined form proved so dangerous that all five would be placed in protective [[stasis lock|stasis]] and sealed away. Undeterred, Shockwave continued his experiments; while in the gladiatorial pits of [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]] just before the [[Great War (Prime)|Great War]], he experimented on a trio of [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]]s and turned them into combiners who could merge into both robot and vehicle forms.

A number of combiners attended the fateful meeting of the [[Autobot High Council|High Council]] that saw Orion Pax promoted to the rank of [[Prime (rank)|Prime]]; when war broke out in earnest, the [[Constructicon (WFC)|Constructicon]]s joined the Decepticons, by which point Shockwave had perfected his combinatorial process and used it to turn at least seven of their number into the ferocious [[Devastator (WFC)|Devastator]], and the Decepticons later reactivated the Combaticons after discovering them beneath the ruins of Crystal City.

To fight back, the Autobots stole and successfully reverse-engineered Shockwave's combination process to create combiners of their own. The first, [[Defensor (WFC)|Defensor]], successfully blunted Devastator's rampage when the two clashed in the [[Tagan Heights]] but wound up destroying the secret lab where Autobot scientists had created him. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}}

The five [[Aerialbot (WFC)|Aerialbots]] aboard the ''[[Ark (WFC)|Ark]]'' were combiners; their gestalt form of [[Superion (Prime)|Superion]] would prove instrumental in rescuing both Autobots and Decepticons from the Quintesson-controlled [[Aquatron]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Retribution|Retribution}}

====''Timelines''====
[[Fisitron (Timelines)|Fisitron]] was discovered in a routine physical examination to have a rare "combination spark", which theoretically gave him the ability to combine with other machines. {{storylink|Fisitron (Timelines)#Toys|TFSS Fisitron profile card}}

====''Portal''====
{{stub}}

====2015 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon====
[[File:TRID E 57 Heatmark.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

A number of combiner teams possessed a unique form of combination known as "Crash Combination": by crashing into one another at high speed, two 'bots could temporarily fuse into one. Four out of the five [[Stunticon (Prime)|Stunticon]]s possessed this ability; in addition to combining with [[Motormaster (WFC)|their leader]] to form [[Menasor (RID)|Menasor]], they could unite to form [[Dragbreak]] {{storylink|Bee Cool}} and [[Heatmark]]. {{storylink|The Golden Knight}} None of these combinations utilized a mental merge: while the two smaller combiners simply drew upon the personalities of whoever formed the combiner torso,

The Decepticon criminal [[Chop Shop (RID)|Chop Shop]] was formed from five identical robots, although it's unclear whether "Chop Shop" is an emergent personality made up from the interaction of his five components, or if he is one mind spread across multiple bodies: notably, he could function without all of his components intact, and could appropriate [[Mini-Con]]s like [[Fixit (RID)|Fixit]] as replacements. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye (RID)|More than Meets the Eye}}

[[File:TRID SF Ultra Bee vs Galvatronus.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

While fighting [[Heatseeker]] above a nuclear waste dump, an explosion triggered a barrage of radiation that forcibly merged all six members of the [[Bee Team (RID)|Bee Team]] into [[Ultra Bee]], but none of them realized at the time. {{storylink|King of the Hill (Part 2)}} The team experienced this phenomenon again during their battle with [[Dragstrip (WFC)|Dragstrip]] at a swamp. They didn't understand how to control it, and being combined had the strange effect of splitting [[Sideswipe (RID)|Sideswipe]] into two individuals. {{storylink|The Great Divide}} Eventually, Fixit deduced that this mutation had been triggered by radiation, but attempts to recreate the accident initially proved fruitless: one attempt left [[Grimlock (RID 2015)|Grimlock]] and [[Drift (RID)|Drift]] stuck together, {{storylink|Get a Clue}} while later experiments led to the creation of temporary combined forms like [[Bumblearm]] {{storylink|The Fastest Bot Alive!}} and [[Sidelock]]. {{storylink|Out of the Shadows}} On one occasion, a bungled attempt to force the combination using mechanical assistance left the team with their minds in the wrong bodies. {{storylink|Disordered Personalities}}

Eventually, however, the team mastered their combination and used their new form to take on Menasor and win on two separate occasions. {{storylink|Combine and Conquer}} {{storylink|Moon Breaker}} To combat [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]], the [[Bee Team (RID)|Bee Team]] attempted to form Ultra Bee but found themselves unable to complete the combination without [[Drift (RID)|Drift]]. {{storylink|Collateral Damage}}

[[Cyclonus (WFC)|Cyclonus]] and his troops were able to combine into [[Galvatronus (RID)|Galvatronus]]. They attempted to use their combined form to defeat the Bee Team only to be met with Ultra Bee. Nonetheless, the Decepticon combiner proved stronger than his Autobot counterpart until [[Cyberwarp]]'s hesitation allowed Ultra Bee to triumph. {{storylink|Freedom Fighters}}

{{--}}

===''Cloud''===
[[File:Cloud Bruticus.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]

The combiner [[Bruticus (Cloud)|Bruticus]] was an invention of the mad logician [[Shockwave (Cloud)|Shockwave]], who incorporated the ability to combine into the (perhaps unwilling) [[Combaticon (Cloud)|Combaticons]], a team of renegades in the [[Underground (Cloud)|Underground]]. The giant was utilized as part of Shockwave's many contingencies to bring about the return of [[Megatron (Cloud)|Megatron]] for the ultimate conquest of the [[Multiverse|Spacetime World]]. {{storylink|Eagerness}}
{{--}}

===''TransTech''===
While in [[Axiom Nexus]], offworlder combiners required a license to operate. {{storylink|Transformers: Renegade Rhetoric|Renegade Rhetoric, 2015/10/21}}

[[Stakeout (PCC)|Stakeout]] and his Protectobot drones took part in ''[[Cybertron's Got Talent]]'' and dazzled audiences with their Power Core Combination. {{storylink|Axiom Nexus News Editor|Axiom Nexus News Editor, 2015/05/14}} After winning the Sub-Metro Amateur League [[Lobbing]] championship, the Mighty Mechanics considered moving up to the Combiner Leagues, although they'd have to be upgraded with combination technology to compete. {{storylink|Andromeda - Axiom Nexus News Reporter|Andromeda - Axiom Nexus News, 2015/05/28}}

===''Cyberverse'' cartoon===
[[File:TheImmobilizers-Volcanicus.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

After liberating the [[Enigma of Combination]] from the tomb of [[Nexus Prime]], [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and the [[Dinobot (Cyberverse)|Dinobot]]s accidentally activated the artifact, which merged them together into [[Volcanicus (Cyberverse)|Volcanicus]]. The newly-formed combiner spent a significant amount of time and effort learning to coordinate their actions in both their individual and combined forms, but after a lengthy training period the Dinobots took on [[Trypticon (Cyberverse)|Trypticon]]'s crew of [[Mercenary|Mercenaries]] and emerged triumphant. {{storylink|The Immobilizers}}

{{--}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Fall of Cybertron''===
Bruticus was formed by the Combaticons when they were making a last ditch effort to salvage a mission to capture a large Autobot energon transport. After the team disabled the anti-air guns, the got their dropship close enough for all five of them to depart onto the ship and combine. Bruticus's raw strength allowed him to easily eliminate the transport's crew, but the damage he did to the ship caused it to crash land. Bruticus later formed during [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]'s mission to recapture [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]], and later joined the fight during the Decepticon attack on the [[Ark (WFC)|Ark]] before [[Jazz (WFC)|Jazz]] and [[Jetfire (WFC)|Jetfire]] knocked him off. {{storylink|Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron}}

{{-}}

===''Transformers: Devastation''===
[[File:Devastation-OptimusMaximus.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

After the incident with the [[Ferrotaxis]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] mused to [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] about ending the war once and for all. They then both looked at a set of Combiner schematics on a computer screen, depicting Optimus Maximus. {{storylink|Transformers: Devastation}}

{{-}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
A number of combiners participated in battles against both Autobots and Decepticons, but could only be recruited if all of their component members were at max level. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
{{stub}}

==Combiner list==
{{note|Due to the many uses of redecoes as new characters and convenience for reading, each mold is listed on its own line, with all different-character decoes/retools on the same line.}}
{{See also|Super Mode}}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Combiners with two members'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Mega-Dinobot]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Decibel]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Legout]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Slamdance (G1)]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Squawkbox]]}}
{{bp-a1|[[Cog (G1)]] / [[Cog (Masterforce)]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dreadwing (G1)]] / [[Darkwings]]}}
{{Bp-d2|[[Stormtrooper (Cybertronian)|Stormtrooper]]s {{storylink|Swarm (issue)|Swarm}}}}
*[[Multiforce]] members
{{Bp-a1|[[Wingwaver]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Dashtacker]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Machtackle]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dreadwing (G2)]] and [[Smokescreen (G2)]]'s combined form / [[Megatron (G1)]] and [[Starscream (G1)]]'s combined form / [[Formation Scream]] / [[Stealth Bomber]] / [[Dreadwing (RID)]] / [[Gigant Sniper]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sky Powered]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Land Powered]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Attack Powered]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Wing Powered]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Drill Powered]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Powerlinx#Energon|Silver and Gold Powerlinx users]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Safeguard (Animated)]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] (only in ice cream truck mode)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Primestrong]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Beeside]]}}
{{Bp-a1|"[[Sidelock]]" {{storylink|Out of the Shadows}}}}
{{Bp-a1|"[[Bumblearm]]" {{storylink|The Fastest Bot Alive!}}}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Skyhammer (RID)|Skyhammer]] / [[Shocknado]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dragbreak]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Heatmark]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Primelock]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Saberclaw]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Dragonstorm#Premier Edition|Dragonstorm]] (only in toy form)}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Battletrap (G1)#Generations|Battletrap]] (only in toy form)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblegrim]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumbleswoop]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Slugtron]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wheelgrim]]}}
</ul>
|[[File:G1toy-Slamdance.jpg|thumb|200px|Slamdance]]
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Combiners formed by main bodies with power-up partners'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Godbomber|God]] [[Ginrai (robot)|Ginrai]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Victory Leo|Victory]] [[Star Saber (G1)|Saber]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Omega Prime]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime Super Modes#Unicron Trilogy|Jet Optimus]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Burning]] [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] and [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]]'s combined form}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime Super Modes#Unicron Trilogy|Optimus Prime Megaweapon]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime Super Modes#Unicron Trilogy|Optimus Prime Fight Mode or Optimus Prime Flight Mode]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime Super Modes#Unicron Trilogy|Optimus Supreme]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime Super Modes#Unicron Trilogy|Optimus Prime Savage Claw Mode]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime Super Modes#Unicron Trilogy|Optimus Prime Sonic Wing Mode]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] [[Nemesis Breaker|Dark Claw Mode]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime Super Modes#Live-action film series|Power Up Optimus Prime]] (only in toy form)}}
*[[Megatron (RID)#Legends/Unite Warriors|Devil God]] [[Optimus Prime (RID)#Legends/Unite Warriors|Fire Convoy]] {{storylink|Transformers Legends Final Chapter "Epiloge"}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Purple Wicked Convoy]] [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#Generations Selects Special Comic (1)|Omega Hand Mode]] {{storylink|Generations Selects Special Comic Finale Part 1}}}}
</ul>
|[[File:Armada JetOptimusMegaweapon toy.jpg|thumb|200px|Jet Optimus/Optimus Prime Megaweapon]]
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Combiners with three or more members (non-Scramble City-type)'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Devastator (G1)]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Devastator (ROTF)]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Raiden]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] / [[Dinoking]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Road Caesar]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Liokaiser]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Big Rescue Force]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Landcross (G1)|Landcross]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Big Powered]]}}
{{Bp-m1|[[Magnaboss (BW)]] / [[Magnaboss (BWII)]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dreadwing (RID)|MegaWing]] [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Dark]] [[Dreadwing (RID)|MegaWing]] [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Piranacon (Prime)]]}}
*[[Prime Processing Unit]] {{storylink|Collect and Save}}
{{Bp-p1|[[Tripredacus]] / [[Tripledacus]]}}
*[[Tri-Rex]]
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Rail Racer (RID)]] / [[Dominus Trannis]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Landfill (RID)]] / [[Devastator (Universe Ultra)]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Minibot combiner]] {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 8}}}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Beast (G1)|Beast]] {{storylink|The Beast Within}}}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Insectrain]] {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 2}}}}
*[[Cobratron]]
{{Bp-sa|[[Computron (SG)]]}}
{{Bp-sd|[[Abominus (SG)]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:Raiden toy.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Raiden]][[File:TF-Studio-Series-Devastator.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Devastator]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Reedman]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Deceptigod]]}}
{{Bp-d1p2|[[Abominus (Prime)]] / [[Goradora]] / [[Infernocus]] (only in toy form)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Mighty Robot]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Mighty Vehicle]]}}
*[[Puzzler]]
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-p2|[[Monsterous]]}}
{{bp-a1|[[Toxitron (Zone)|Toxitron]]}}
{{bp-d1|[[Overmegasixwave]] {{storylink|The Waiting Game}}}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Grimstone (Kre-O)|Grimstone]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Lazerbolt]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Obsidian (Kre-O)|Obsidian]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Volcanicon]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Gaiacross]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Gaia Scramble]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Starscream Combiner#Deviations|Megascream's combined form]] {{storylink|Transformers: Deviations}}}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Galvatronus (CW)]] {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 4: It's Beginning To And Back Again|It's Beginning To And Back Again}}}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Starscream Combiner#Prime Wars Trilogy cartoons|Ultimate Starscream]] {{storylink|A War of Giants}}}}
*The [[Functionist Council]] {{storylink|Dissolution Part 4: Bad Moon Rising|Bad Moon Rising}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Ultra Bee]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Menasor (RID)]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Galvatronus (RID)]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Dragonstorm]] {{storylink|Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|The Last Knight}}}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Infernocus]] {{storylink|Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|The Last Knight}}}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Victorion|Ultimate Victorion]] {{storylink|Desperate Actions}}}}
{{Bp-m1p1|[[Fossilizer Combiner]]}}
</ul>
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Triple Combination combiners'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Gekisoumaru|DaiGekisou]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kenzan|DaiKenzan]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Gekisoumaru|GoGekisou]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ganoh|GoGanoh]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Hishoumaru|GoHishou]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jinbu|GoJinbu]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kenzan|GoKenzan]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sensuimaru|GoSensui]]}}
</ul>
|[[File:TFGoSensuimaru.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Sensuimaru]]
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Scramble City-type combiners'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bruticus (G1)]] / [[Battle Gaia]] / [[Ruination (RID)]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Defensor (G1)]] / [[Guard City]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Menasor (G1)]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Superion (G1)]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Abominus (G1)]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Computron (G1)]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Piranacon (G1)]]<ref name="seacon">With extra "limb" robot used as weapon.</ref> / [[King Poseidon]]<ref name="seacon" /> / [[God Neptune]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bruticus (WFC)]] / [[Ruination (FOC)]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Victorion]] / [[Megatronia]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Sky Reign]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Grand Galvatron]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Thunder Mayhem]]}}
{{Bp-p1|[[Predacus]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Wreckage (G1)|Wreckage]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Volcanicus (POTP)|Volcanicus]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Orthia]]}}
|
[[File:Superion toy.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|Superion]]
</ul>
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Official mix-n-match Scramble City-type combiners'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Abomenaticus]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Comperian]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Autobot Super Scramble]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Super Scramble]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scramble 7]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ultra Prime]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Galvatronus (CW)]] (only in toy form)}}
|
|width="60%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Betatron (CW)|Betatron]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Grand Scourge|Scourge Grand Prime]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Modulus]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Starscream Combiner]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Elita-Infin1te]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Inferno Combiner]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[White Gallant Convoy|White Convoy Grand Prime]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Volcaticon]]}}
|
[[File:Abomenaticus toy.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Abomenaticus]]
</ul>
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster-type combiners'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Barrage (Micromaster)|Barrage]] and [[Heave]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Blackout (G1)|Blackout]] and [[Spaceshot]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Blast Master]] and [[Phaser (G1)|Phaser]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Direct-Hit]] and [[Power Punch]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Excavator (G1)|Excavator]] and [[Stonecruncher (G1)|Stonecruncher]] / [[Retro]] and [[Surge (G1)|Surge]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Fireshot]] and [[Vanquish]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Full-Barrel]] and [[Overflow]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Grit]] and [[Knockout (G1)|Knockout]] / [[Gusher]] and [[Pipeline]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Half-Track (G1)|Half-Track]] and [[Meltdown (G1)|Meltdown]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Hammer (G1)|Hammer]] and [[Sledge (G1)|Sledge]] / [[Cement-Head]] and [[Terror-Tread]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Missile Master]] and [[Moonrock]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Oiler]] and [[Slide]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Power Run]] and [[Strikedown]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Roadburner]] and [[Wheel Blaze]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Sixliner]] / [[Sixtrain]]<ref>Sixtrain was redecoed and retooled from Sixliner.</ref> / [[Rail Racer (Universe)]]<ref>Universe Rail Racer uses the same deco as Takara's 2003 redecoed "reissue" of Sixtrain.</ref>}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Sixbuilder]] / [[Decepticon Sixbuilder]] / [[Devastator (Universe Micromaster)]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sixturbo]] / [[Defensor (Universe)]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Sixwing|Sixwing / Berserker Sixwing / Destron Sixwing]] / [[Superion (Universe)]]}}
|
[[File:OC-toy Sixbuilder.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Sixbuilder]]
</ul>
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Mini-Con combiners'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-mc|[[Perceptor (Armada)#Armada 3|Perceptor (Armada)]] / [[Bumble]]}}
{{Bp-mc|[[Perceptor (Armada)#Energon 3|Perceptor (Energon)]] / [[Heavy Metal (Energon)|Heavy Metal]] / [[Windcharger (Energon)|Windcharger]] / [[Perceptor (Armada)#Cybertron|Perceptor (Cybertron)]] / [[Bumble]]}}
{{Bp-mc|[[Mirror]] / [[Nightcreeper]]}}
{{Bp-mc|[[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] / [[Umbral Blaster]] / [[Astro Blaster (Armada)]] / [[Transwarp Blaster]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-mc|[[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom]] / [[Magnawing]] / [[Cosmotector (Armada)|Cosmotector]]}}
{{Bp-mc|[[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] / [[Vorpal Saber]] / [[Energon Saber]] / [[Cryo Saber]] / [[Chaos Saber]] / [[Pyro Saber]]}}
{{Bp-mc|[[Centuritron]]}}
{{Bp-mc|[[Chop Shop (RID)|Chop Shop]]}}
</ul>
|[[File:EN-toy MB2 Frenzy.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Heavy Metal]]
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Maximus-type [[Powerlinx]] combiners'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bruticus Maximus (Energon)]] / [[Bruticus (G1)]] (Universe) / [[Bruticus Maximus (ROTF)]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Constructicon Maximus]] / [[Devastator (G1)]] (Classics)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Superion Maximus]] / [[Dauntless Maximus]] / [[Superion (G1)]] (Universe) / [[Superion (ROTF)]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Nexus Prime]]}}
</ul>
|[[File:TF-Super-Link-EX-01-Buildron.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Constructicon Maximus]]
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''"Omnicombinational" [[Stentarian]] combiners'''
<ul class="iconlist">
*[[16444/9]]
{{Bp-a1|[[Paddox]]}}
{{Bp-mc|[[Centuritron]]}}
</ul>
|[[File:Generationstoy-Centuritron.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Centuritron]]
|}

==Notes==
*'''Gestalt''', a German word which literally means 'form' or 'shape', in this context refers to the psychological concept, namely 'something which is more or greater than the sum of its parts', e.g. a table being more than the timber it's made out of. The origin of "gestalt" as a fan-term is unknown; the earliest documented use is in 1998, when it was already in common parlance.<ref>[https://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/af8234bb79475e5f?dmode=source&output=gplain&noredirect Earliest known alt.toys.transformers post using "gestalt"]</ref> Intriguingly, however, the {{w|Isaac Asimov's Robots in Time|''Robots in Time'' series of novels}} published in 1993-94 prominently feature a "gestalt robot" who could split into six smaller autonomous robots, each with a different personality. If this actually inspired some ''Transformers'' fan searching for a good word to use, there is no evidence of it, but the publishing timeframe is conspicuously close to the opaque early days of the online fandom.
*[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1986 (Scramble City and Transformers 2010)|Scramble City]]-type combiners were initially designed to be a sub-line of ''[[Diaclone]]'' called ''Jizai Gattai'' (自在合体, "Free Combination"). This goes along with their ability to interact with and attach to [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] and [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]], the designs of which were also originally intended for the ''Diaclone'' line. Due to the fact any robot can form either an arm or a leg, the franchise as a whole very rarely enforces a "standard" combination setup to a particular Scramble City combiner.
* Fiction has almost uniformly depicted combiners as being much larger than their individual components would suggest; combiners are almost uniformly depicted as, far bigger than the sum of their components would suggest. In perhaps the most egregious example, Dreamwave's comics present combiners as kaiju-sized monsters who loom over skyscrapers; after engaging and defeating Superion, he holds one of the latter's component members in his hand, his [[robot mode]] proportionally no larger than a doll. A few attempts, such as IDW's later ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' comic, have chalked this discrepancy down to judiciously-applied [[Size changing|mass displacement]] technology.

===Unused concepts===
[[File:Generations Street Combiner.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|He transforms into a traffic jam.]]
Combiners were a very popular idea during the "Generation 1" toyline and as such there are loads of scrapped combiner designs that never got past the drawing board. Among them were:
*A Scramble City-style dinosaur combiner. The body is a ''T. rex'', while the limbs are a pterodactyl (right arm), ''Ankylosaurus'' (left leg), ''Dimetrodon'' (left arm), and ''Styracosaurus'' (right leg)<ref>[[Transformers Generations (guidebook)|''Transformers Generations'']], p22</ref>
*A decidedly goofy organic insect combiner composed of a stag beetle (right leg), another beetle (left leg), grasshopper (left arm), fly (right arm), and a cockroach body.<ref name="p99">[[Transformers Generations (guidebook)|''Transformers Generations'']], p99</ref>
*A cybernetic beast combiner that did not form a robot, but rather a large cybernetic monster. It is formed from a cyber bat, mole, stag beetle, and a couple of fish things.<ref name="p99" />
*A fifteen (!) vehicle Micromaster combiner where the only attached parts not contained by the component robots were the large robot fists. This combiner consists of three uniformly colored teams (in a similar fashion to the vehicular Voltron of the same time period):
**Air team (blue) — two jets, two helicopters, a space shuttle.
**Construction team (green) — a hauler, a bulldozer, a steam shovel, a tank (don't ask), a missile carrier (don't ask).
**Street team (red) — two cars, a motorcycle, a formula racer, a jeep.<ref name="p108">[[Transformers Generations (guidebook)|''Transformers Generations'']], p108</ref>
*A simpler dinosaur combiner composed of a pterodactyl, a not-really-a-''Stegosaurus'', and a ''T. rex'' with a very large head. The three combine into a dinosaur thing similar to [[Magmatron]]'s combined dino mode. It shares many visual characteristics with Tomy's relatively simple robot designs.<ref name="p108" />
[[File:ClassicVehicombiner.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Either the smallest steamboat ever, or the largest car in existence.]]
*A five vehicle combiner (evidently not Scramble City-style in nature) composed of a steam engine (right arm), steam boat (torso), car (right leg), truck (left leg), and plane (left arm).
*A base consisting mostly of ramps and a hollow tower in the center that combined with 14 non-transforming cars and vans. Two vehicles make up each limb, with three crammed in the chest, two for feet, and one that slides into the tower's gun platform to form the head. The ramps would then act as an exoskeleton to contain all of the components.<ref name="p79">[[Transformers Generations 2009#Volume 2|''Transformers Generations 2009'' Vol. 2]], p79</ref>
*A robot formed from a truck cab and four cars with no robot modes that each have flip out weapon arrays. This may qualify more as a conventional "super robot" than a standard combiner, but we may never know.<ref name="p80">[[Transformers Generations 2009#Volume 2|''Transformers Generations 2009'' Vol. 2]], p80</ref>
*A "Duocon" (or rather, "Triocon", in this case) style robot formed by three cars. One car splits in half to form the arms, another splits for the legs, and a third folds in half to reveal the robot head and connect it all together.<ref name="p80"/>
*A Concorde jet that split into two robots, where the front portion's robot can pop out three wheels and a spare cockpit to give it a land mode. Presumably the larger rear robot could do the same.<ref name="p81">[[Transformers Generations 2009#Volume 2|''Transformers Generations 2009'' Vol. 2]], p81</ref>
*Two military convoy "trains", one good, one evil, of six vehicles each hooked together that combine along the lines of Devastator but with loads more guns. The robot core is formed by a tractor trailer that leads either convoy, the good one being long nosed, the evil one being flat, each with trailers that open up into small cannon platforms usable by the five smaller robots. Said trailers also become their respective combined form's handgun. The other five members each have a specific large weapon such as a missile rack or chaingun that they can also use in robot mode.<ref name="p83">[[Transformers Generations 2009#Volume 2|''Transformers Generations 2009'' Vol. 2]], p83</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Gattai''' (合体, "Combination"), '''Gattai Senshi''' (合体戦士, "Combined Warrior"), '''Gattai Heishi''' (合体兵士, "Combined Soldier")
*''Mandarin:'' '''Hétǐjīngāng''' (合體金剛, "Combination Vajra")

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Combiners| ]]
[[Category:Gimmicks]]
[[Category:Technology]]