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Synthesis

2023-10-17T01:57:13Z

StarScreamer: /* Quotes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 64
|prev=Persuasion
|next=Deadlock (episode)
|image=Synthesis Megatron and Predaking.jpg
|caption=Everytime after Fiesta Night on the ''Nemesis'', Megatron gets extreme constipation for days on end.
|title="Synthesis"
|season=3
|season ep=12
|airdate=[[July 19]], [[2013]]
|written by=[[Marsha Griffin]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKT1hU2_huw
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''The Autobots attempt to rescue one of their own by tracking the Decepticon warship, while secrets are revealed to Predaking.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Team Prime]] gathers outside [[Hangar E|their base]] for the launch of [[Raf Esquivel|Raf's]] probe, [[Chip]]. It will instinctively follow its signal to the [[Decepticon]] warship with [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] following right behind, ready to relay the ship's coordinates to the other [[Autobot]]s. Optimus tells Raf that [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] would be proud of what he's done, and a moment later, both Chip and the Autobot leader take off into the night sky.

In [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'s laboratory, Ratchet and [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] discuss the issue at hand: once a stable form of [[Synthetic Energon|synthetic energon]] exists, it will be able to bond with [[CNA]] to create a stable form of [[Living metal#Aligned continuity|cyber-matter]]. Knock Out muses that this good fortune wouldn't have come about had the Decepticons not let the Autobots destroy the [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]] clones. Ratchet picks up on the use of the word "let", but Knock Out and Shockwave quickly change the subject.

[[File:Synthesis-scienceguys.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.67|'''Shockwave''': Is that T-rex pee? '''Ratchet''': Yup. '''Knock Out''': How'd you get it? '''Ratchet''': You don't want to know.]]
Team Prime continues to monitor Optimus as he follows Chip. [[Jack Darby|Jack]] wonders what will happen when the Decepticons pick up [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak's]] signal, and Raf says they're counting on Optimus making visual contact with the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'' before that happens.

On the ship, Knock Out is bristling at being reduced to an assistant in his own lab. He fetches a CNA sample from a locked cabinet for Shockwave, not noticing when a second sample jar tips over and blocks the cabinet's sliding door from closing again. Ratchet does notice, and asks Knock Out to fetch another lab instrument to distract him while he yanks the sample jar free.

[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] is watching a computer simulation of [[Earth]]'s [[cyberforming|cyberformation]] when [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] alerts him that Laserbeak's signal has been detected outside the ship. [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] notes the impossibility of that, as Laserbeak is right there in front of them. Megatron recognizes it for an Autobot trick, the complexity of which suggesting that Starscream failed to destroy their base. Starscream hastily volunteers to troubleshoot the problem.

With the aid of the Decepticons' advanced technology, Ratchet is able to complete the Synth En formula. His elation disappears upon hearing Megatron's voice over the comm system, ordering Shockwave to assist in the final stages of the [[Omega Lock]]'s assembly. Ratchet realizes he can never allow Megatron to possess the formula, and deletes it from the computer before setting off an explosion in the corner of the lab and blaming it on the formula's instability. Knock Out calls in some [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] to help extinguish the blaze, and when the lab's doors open, Ratchet transforms and drives out.

Optimus Prime continues following Chip until Starscream appears, firing a missile at him. Optimus dodges and fires back with his gatling gun. A squadron of Vehicons join the aerial assault, but Optimus blasts through them with ease. Starscream realizes Laserbeak's frequency isn't emanating from Optimus and continues the search for its source.

Knock Out alerts Megatron to the prisoner's escape, while Ratchet dodges Vehicon fire throughout the halls of the ship. He doesn't get far before Megatron finds him, stopping the ambulance in its tracks by stomping on it. Ratchet warns Megatron that if he kills him, he'll never get the Synth En formula. Megatron assures him that his experts are untangling Ratchet's false trail of information and will soon find the answer themselves.

Starscream finally locates Chip, destroying the probe with a single missile. Optimus opens fire on him, but is unable to prevent the Decepticon from escaping through a mid-air [[GroundBridge]]. Optimus is left alone in the sky, with no trail to follow.

Knock Out retrieves Ratchet's stolen sample of CNA and Shockwave confirms the stability of the Synth En formula. With the aid of hyper-acceleration technology, it will not take long to begin production. Megatron fulfills his promise by having Ratchet taken to [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking's]] quarters. The self-proclaimed leader of the Predacons wastes no time attacking the helpless Autobot in the name of his slaughtered kin.

[[File:TFP-Synthesis-PredakingandRatchet.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|Ah, hello, my new footrest.]]
Shockwave begins the synthesis of the cyber-matter, and Megatron orders the Omega Lock to be moved into ready position.

Just as Predaking is about to finish off his prey, Ratchet warns the Predacon not to let his vengeance end with him, but to continue avenging right up to Megatron. Predaking asks what he means, and Ratchet explains Megatron's role in the destruction of the Predacon clones. He challenges Predaking to analyze the situation; the enormity of the supposed coincidence that the Autobots somehow stumbled upon Shockwave's lab while looking for [[Energon]]. Predaking, starting to become convinced, asks why Megatron would wish to harm his kind. Ratchet says that Megatron fears him, and any like him. Enraged, Predaking storms into the halls, demolishing Vehicons along the way. One Vehicon is able to alert Megatron to the rampage before being terminated.

Ratchet makes his way to a communications array and contacts Optimus and Team Prime. Their joy is cut short when Ratchet reveals that Megatron has a working Omega Lock and is about to cyberform Earth. He deactivates the ship's shielding, allowing the Autobots to get a fix on his location, but is forced to leave the array by the sound of approaching gunfire. Optimus orders the Autobots to lock onto Ratchet's coordinates and storm the Decepticon ship. [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] sadly says that they can't leave without saying goodbye, but Fowler promises her they'll be back. The Autobots gear up with the arsenal from [[Iron Will|Ultra Magnus's ship]], and Raf opens a GroundBridge to the ''Nemesis''. As they enter, Optimus Prime tells them that this may be their last battle. But for the sake of Ratchet, Earth, and [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], they must take the Decepticon warship.

[[File:Synthesis-predakingvsmegatron.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|Listen to me darling, you are beautiful!]]
Megatron, followed by Starscream and Knock Out, heads for the ship's vault, wondering aloud how the so-called Predacon king will fare against the [[Dark Star Saber]]. They're interrupted by Predaking, who tosses a deactivated Vehicon in their direction. Knock Out continues to the vault while Predaking asks if Megatron truly planned the destruction of his Predacon army. Megatron says he did, and his only mistake was not including Predaking in the destruction. He lands a few hits with his blade before Predaking overpowers him, clubbing him with the deactivated body of a Vehicon and knocking him down the length of the hall. Starscream distracts Predaking momentarily with a missile in the back, allowing Megatron to hurl the Predacon into the room behind them. Megatron hits a button on a computer panel inside the room, opening a door to the outside directly behind Predaking. He grips the sides of the door frame to fight against the sudden air pressure, but a blast from Megatron's cannon sends him tumbling out of the ship and into the clouds. Starscream closes the hull door and Knock Out arrives with the Dark Star Saber just as a Vehicon reports over the comm that the Autobots are attacking the ship. Megatron grabs the Dark Star Saber and tells the Decepticons to prepare to make their last stand.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (5)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (6)
*[[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] (7)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (9)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (10)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (11)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (12)

|c2=
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (13)
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] (14)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (15)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (16)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (17)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (18)

|c3=
*[[William Fowler]] (1)
*[[Jack Darby]] (2)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (3)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (4)

|h4=[[Predacon (Prime)|Predacons]]|c4=
*[[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] (19)
}}

==Quotes==
"So we know this cyber-matter to be produced by an atypical molecular-displacement reaction." 
"Extensive empirical evidence indicates the fundamental instability within the Synth En formulation to be the cause." 
"Double-blind analysis?" 
"Naturally. The results only confirmed my original hypothesis. Once the erroneous variable has been corrected for, the stabilized synthetic material will bind properly with cybernucleic acid." 
"And produce a stable form of cyber-matter... ''remarkable''." 
"Yes. Quite an act of providence."
:—'''Ratchet''' and '''Shockwave'''

"Starscream, you ''did'' destroy the Autobot base, did you not?" 
"With great fervor, my lord. Why do you ask?" 
"Because Laserbeak's frequency has been detected on radar." 
"But that's not possible. He's right here in Soundwave's torso."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Starscream''' with a sentence you can only get from ''Transformers''

''[Over comm]'' "Lord Megatron. There's been a situation... more like an accident, really—" 
"Spit. It. OUT!" 
''[Short pause]'' "THE PRISONER HAS ESCAPED!"
:—'''Knock Out''' and '''Megatron'''

"At last. Good riddance to a wretched species." 
"Although I will say they manufacture some fine-looking automobiles."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Knock Out''' debate the merits of Earth

"Why would my liege wish to destroy us?" 
"Having just been on the receiving end of your might, one theory springs to mind. Megatron ''fears you''."
:—'''Predaking''' and '''Ratchet'''

"Members of Team Prime, Autobot and human, it has been my honor to lead you. On this day, the fates of two worlds hang in the balance, and the battle to come may very well be our last. But for Earth, for Cybertron, for our comrade Ratchet, we must take the Decepticon warship."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''

"Is it true that you ordered the annihilation of my army?" 
"Indeed. And my only mistake was not seeing the extermination through."
:—'''Predaking''' and '''Megatron'''

"Bravo, my liege, it isn't every day one would witness the extinction of a species all over again." 
"One ultimate weapon, coming right up! Where's tall, dark and scaly?"
:— '''Starscream''' right before '''Knock Out''' comes in

"If Optimus Prime wishes to wage a battle for the fate of both Earth and Cybertron, then I shall oblige him. '''This WILL be our last stand'''!"
:—'''Megatron'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Starscream believed he destroyed the Autobot base in "[[Persuasion]]". That same episode, Megatron promised Predaking the honor of destroying Ratchet.
* Megatron set the Predacon clones up to be destroyed by the Autobots in "[[Evolution]]".
* The Dark Star Saber was last seen in "[[Darkest Hour (episode)|Darkest Hour]]".
* Megatron mentions his time as a gladiator in the pits of Kaon, as described in "[[Crossfire (Prime)|Crossfire]]" and the novel ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]''.
* Megatron tells Predaking he should have obeyed his command and fought as a beast, as he requested in "[[Minus One]]".
* Before they leave for the ''Nemesis'', the Autobots all grab the weapons they obtained from Ultra Magnus's ship in "[[Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion]]". Smokescreen gets a new weapon resembling a futuristic bow.
* Ratchet attempts, to no avail, to erase information crucial to the Decepticons, [[Orion Pax, Part 3|much like "Orion Pax" did]].

===Transformers references===
* Knock Out's frustrated muttering is a reference to [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul's]] from the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|G1 cartoon]] episode [[The Master Builders (episode)|"The Master Builders"]].

:"Knock Out, bring this. Knock Out, get that! Grrrrrr!"
::—'''Knock Out'''

:"Ugh, get this. Bring that!"
::—'''Long Haul'''

===Errors===
* Prior to being confronted by Predaking, Megatron, Starscream, and Knock Out were headed to the vault to get the Dark Star Saber. When Knock Out leaves to retrieve it, however, he turns right, which would take him back down the corridor they just entered from.
* Why do the car-type Vehicons ''run'' after ambulance-mode Ratchet as he darts through the corridors of the ship? He's able to elude them rather easily, which would be more difficult if they transformed and [[Darkness Rising, Part 1|''drove'' after him in their sports-car mode with their pop-out guns deployed]].
* After Shockwave verifies that Ratchet has perfected the Synth-En formula, the canister he removes from the spectrographic analyzer and which he and Megatron victoriously brandish about contains a yellow liquid, indistinguishable from CNA fluid, when, if it's meant to be the Synth-En, it should presumably be green. This isn't ''necessarily'' an error—the perfected formula may be a different color from the imperfect green one—but when Shockwave initiates the generation of cybermatter soon after, it is shown being formed from a mix of green Synth-En and yellow CNA fluid, so either one of these scenes contains a coloring error, or the canister didn't actually contain Synth-En, despite the way it was being brandished about.

===Trivia===
* This episode was dedicated to storyboard artist [[Armen Mirzaian]], who lost his life in a car accident on [[February 21]], 2013.
* Megatron and Starscream seem awfully quick to write off Predaking as dead, considering they merely blew him out an airlock and his [[beast mode]] can fly.
* Megatron's suspicions of Predaking's might are proven true. Predaking proves far mightier than Megatron in combat, and the latter only wins because Starscream shoots Predaking in the back.
* One of the devices at the lab is similar to a centrifuge, such as which is common biochemistry lab equipment. Those sometimes end up damaged like Ratchet does this one, by switching them on while they're unevenly loaded and thus sending the rotor spinning off balance.

===Foreign localization===
'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Síntese'''" ("Synthesis")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 7|7 December]] [[2013]]

'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''L'Ultime Affrontement'''" ("The Ultimate Confrontation")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Synthese'''" ("Synthesis")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 15|15 October]] [[2013]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Szintézis'''" ("Synthesis")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 17|17 September]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sintesi'''" ("Synthesis")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[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 3: Omega Lock ([[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]]

Synthesis

2023-10-17T01:56:50Z

StarScreamer: /* Quotes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 64
|prev=Persuasion
|next=Deadlock (episode)
|image=Synthesis Megatron and Predaking.jpg
|caption=Everytime after Fiesta Night on the ''Nemesis'', Megatron gets extreme constipation for days on end.
|title="Synthesis"
|season=3
|season ep=12
|airdate=[[July 19]], [[2013]]
|written by=[[Marsha Griffin]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKT1hU2_huw
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''The Autobots attempt to rescue one of their own by tracking the Decepticon warship, while secrets are revealed to Predaking.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Team Prime]] gathers outside [[Hangar E|their base]] for the launch of [[Raf Esquivel|Raf's]] probe, [[Chip]]. It will instinctively follow its signal to the [[Decepticon]] warship with [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] following right behind, ready to relay the ship's coordinates to the other [[Autobot]]s. Optimus tells Raf that [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] would be proud of what he's done, and a moment later, both Chip and the Autobot leader take off into the night sky.

In [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'s laboratory, Ratchet and [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] discuss the issue at hand: once a stable form of [[Synthetic Energon|synthetic energon]] exists, it will be able to bond with [[CNA]] to create a stable form of [[Living metal#Aligned continuity|cyber-matter]]. Knock Out muses that this good fortune wouldn't have come about had the Decepticons not let the Autobots destroy the [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]] clones. Ratchet picks up on the use of the word "let", but Knock Out and Shockwave quickly change the subject.

[[File:Synthesis-scienceguys.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.67|'''Shockwave''': Is that T-rex pee? '''Ratchet''': Yup. '''Knock Out''': How'd you get it? '''Ratchet''': You don't want to know.]]
Team Prime continues to monitor Optimus as he follows Chip. [[Jack Darby|Jack]] wonders what will happen when the Decepticons pick up [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak's]] signal, and Raf says they're counting on Optimus making visual contact with the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'' before that happens.

On the ship, Knock Out is bristling at being reduced to an assistant in his own lab. He fetches a CNA sample from a locked cabinet for Shockwave, not noticing when a second sample jar tips over and blocks the cabinet's sliding door from closing again. Ratchet does notice, and asks Knock Out to fetch another lab instrument to distract him while he yanks the sample jar free.

[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] is watching a computer simulation of [[Earth]]'s [[cyberforming|cyberformation]] when [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] alerts him that Laserbeak's signal has been detected outside the ship. [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] notes the impossibility of that, as Laserbeak is right there in front of them. Megatron recognizes it for an Autobot trick, the complexity of which suggesting that Starscream failed to destroy their base. Starscream hastily volunteers to troubleshoot the problem.

With the aid of the Decepticons' advanced technology, Ratchet is able to complete the Synth En formula. His elation disappears upon hearing Megatron's voice over the comm system, ordering Shockwave to assist in the final stages of the [[Omega Lock]]'s assembly. Ratchet realizes he can never allow Megatron to possess the formula, and deletes it from the computer before setting off an explosion in the corner of the lab and blaming it on the formula's instability. Knock Out calls in some [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] to help extinguish the blaze, and when the lab's doors open, Ratchet transforms and drives out.

Optimus Prime continues following Chip until Starscream appears, firing a missile at him. Optimus dodges and fires back with his gatling gun. A squadron of Vehicons join the aerial assault, but Optimus blasts through them with ease. Starscream realizes Laserbeak's frequency isn't emanating from Optimus and continues the search for its source.

Knock Out alerts Megatron to the prisoner's escape, while Ratchet dodges Vehicon fire throughout the halls of the ship. He doesn't get far before Megatron finds him, stopping the ambulance in its tracks by stomping on it. Ratchet warns Megatron that if he kills him, he'll never get the Synth En formula. Megatron assures him that his experts are untangling Ratchet's false trail of information and will soon find the answer themselves.

Starscream finally locates Chip, destroying the probe with a single missile. Optimus opens fire on him, but is unable to prevent the Decepticon from escaping through a mid-air [[GroundBridge]]. Optimus is left alone in the sky, with no trail to follow.

Knock Out retrieves Ratchet's stolen sample of CNA and Shockwave confirms the stability of the Synth En formula. With the aid of hyper-acceleration technology, it will not take long to begin production. Megatron fulfills his promise by having Ratchet taken to [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking's]] quarters. The self-proclaimed leader of the Predacons wastes no time attacking the helpless Autobot in the name of his slaughtered kin.

[[File:TFP-Synthesis-PredakingandRatchet.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|Ah, hello, my new footrest.]]
Shockwave begins the synthesis of the cyber-matter, and Megatron orders the Omega Lock to be moved into ready position.

Just as Predaking is about to finish off his prey, Ratchet warns the Predacon not to let his vengeance end with him, but to continue avenging right up to Megatron. Predaking asks what he means, and Ratchet explains Megatron's role in the destruction of the Predacon clones. He challenges Predaking to analyze the situation; the enormity of the supposed coincidence that the Autobots somehow stumbled upon Shockwave's lab while looking for [[Energon]]. Predaking, starting to become convinced, asks why Megatron would wish to harm his kind. Ratchet says that Megatron fears him, and any like him. Enraged, Predaking storms into the halls, demolishing Vehicons along the way. One Vehicon is able to alert Megatron to the rampage before being terminated.

Ratchet makes his way to a communications array and contacts Optimus and Team Prime. Their joy is cut short when Ratchet reveals that Megatron has a working Omega Lock and is about to cyberform Earth. He deactivates the ship's shielding, allowing the Autobots to get a fix on his location, but is forced to leave the array by the sound of approaching gunfire. Optimus orders the Autobots to lock onto Ratchet's coordinates and storm the Decepticon ship. [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] sadly says that they can't leave without saying goodbye, but Fowler promises her they'll be back. The Autobots gear up with the arsenal from [[Iron Will|Ultra Magnus's ship]], and Raf opens a GroundBridge to the ''Nemesis''. As they enter, Optimus Prime tells them that this may be their last battle. But for the sake of Ratchet, Earth, and [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], they must take the Decepticon warship.

[[File:Synthesis-predakingvsmegatron.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|Listen to me darling, you are beautiful!]]
Megatron, followed by Starscream and Knock Out, heads for the ship's vault, wondering aloud how the so-called Predacon king will fare against the [[Dark Star Saber]]. They're interrupted by Predaking, who tosses a deactivated Vehicon in their direction. Knock Out continues to the vault while Predaking asks if Megatron truly planned the destruction of his Predacon army. Megatron says he did, and his only mistake was not including Predaking in the destruction. He lands a few hits with his blade before Predaking overpowers him, clubbing him with the deactivated body of a Vehicon and knocking him down the length of the hall. Starscream distracts Predaking momentarily with a missile in the back, allowing Megatron to hurl the Predacon into the room behind them. Megatron hits a button on a computer panel inside the room, opening a door to the outside directly behind Predaking. He grips the sides of the door frame to fight against the sudden air pressure, but a blast from Megatron's cannon sends him tumbling out of the ship and into the clouds. Starscream closes the hull door and Knock Out arrives with the Dark Star Saber just as a Vehicon reports over the comm that the Autobots are attacking the ship. Megatron grabs the Dark Star Saber and tells the Decepticons to prepare to make their last stand.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (5)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (6)
*[[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] (7)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (9)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (10)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (11)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (12)

|c2=
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (13)
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] (14)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (15)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (16)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (17)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (18)

|c3=
*[[William Fowler]] (1)
*[[Jack Darby]] (2)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (3)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (4)

|h4=[[Predacon (Prime)|Predacons]]|c4=
*[[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] (19)
}}

==Quotes==
"So we know this cyber-matter to be produced by an atypical molecular-displacement reaction." 
"Extensive empirical evidence indicates the fundamental instability within the Synth En formulation to be the cause." 
"Double-blind analysis?" 
"Naturally. The results only confirmed my original hypothesis. Once the erroneous variable has been corrected for, the stabilized synthetic material will bind properly with cybernucleic acid." 
"And produce a stable form of cyber-matter... ''remarkable''." 
"Yes. Quite an act of providence."
:—'''Ratchet''' and '''Shockwave'''

"Starscream, you ''did'' destroy the Autobot base, did you not?" 
"With great fervor, my lord. Why do you ask?" 
"Because Laserbeak's frequency has been detected on radar." 
"But that's not possible. He's right here in Soundwave's torso."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Starscream''' with a sentence you can only get from ''Transformers''

''[Over comm]'' "Lord Megatron. There's been a situation... more like an accident, really—" 
"Spit. It. OUT!" 
"[Short pause] THE PRISONER HAS ESCAPED!"
:—'''Knock Out''' and '''Megatron'''

"At last. Good riddance to a wretched species." 
"Although I will say they manufacture some fine-looking automobiles."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Knock Out''' debate the merits of Earth

"Why would my liege wish to destroy us?" 
"Having just been on the receiving end of your might, one theory springs to mind. Megatron ''fears you''."
:—'''Predaking''' and '''Ratchet'''

"Members of Team Prime, Autobot and human, it has been my honor to lead you. On this day, the fates of two worlds hang in the balance, and the battle to come may very well be our last. But for Earth, for Cybertron, for our comrade Ratchet, we must take the Decepticon warship."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''

"Is it true that you ordered the annihilation of my army?" 
"Indeed. And my only mistake was not seeing the extermination through."
:—'''Predaking''' and '''Megatron'''

"Bravo, my liege, it isn't every day one would witness the extinction of a species all over again." 
"One ultimate weapon, coming right up! Where's tall, dark and scaly?"
:— '''Starscream''' right before '''Knock Out''' comes in

"If Optimus Prime wishes to wage a battle for the fate of both Earth and Cybertron, then I shall oblige him. '''This WILL be our last stand'''!"
:—'''Megatron'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Starscream believed he destroyed the Autobot base in "[[Persuasion]]". That same episode, Megatron promised Predaking the honor of destroying Ratchet.
* Megatron set the Predacon clones up to be destroyed by the Autobots in "[[Evolution]]".
* The Dark Star Saber was last seen in "[[Darkest Hour (episode)|Darkest Hour]]".
* Megatron mentions his time as a gladiator in the pits of Kaon, as described in "[[Crossfire (Prime)|Crossfire]]" and the novel ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]''.
* Megatron tells Predaking he should have obeyed his command and fought as a beast, as he requested in "[[Minus One]]".
* Before they leave for the ''Nemesis'', the Autobots all grab the weapons they obtained from Ultra Magnus's ship in "[[Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion]]". Smokescreen gets a new weapon resembling a futuristic bow.
* Ratchet attempts, to no avail, to erase information crucial to the Decepticons, [[Orion Pax, Part 3|much like "Orion Pax" did]].

===Transformers references===
* Knock Out's frustrated muttering is a reference to [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul's]] from the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|G1 cartoon]] episode [[The Master Builders (episode)|"The Master Builders"]].

:"Knock Out, bring this. Knock Out, get that! Grrrrrr!"
::—'''Knock Out'''

:"Ugh, get this. Bring that!"
::—'''Long Haul'''

===Errors===
* Prior to being confronted by Predaking, Megatron, Starscream, and Knock Out were headed to the vault to get the Dark Star Saber. When Knock Out leaves to retrieve it, however, he turns right, which would take him back down the corridor they just entered from.
* Why do the car-type Vehicons ''run'' after ambulance-mode Ratchet as he darts through the corridors of the ship? He's able to elude them rather easily, which would be more difficult if they transformed and [[Darkness Rising, Part 1|''drove'' after him in their sports-car mode with their pop-out guns deployed]].
* After Shockwave verifies that Ratchet has perfected the Synth-En formula, the canister he removes from the spectrographic analyzer and which he and Megatron victoriously brandish about contains a yellow liquid, indistinguishable from CNA fluid, when, if it's meant to be the Synth-En, it should presumably be green. This isn't ''necessarily'' an error—the perfected formula may be a different color from the imperfect green one—but when Shockwave initiates the generation of cybermatter soon after, it is shown being formed from a mix of green Synth-En and yellow CNA fluid, so either one of these scenes contains a coloring error, or the canister didn't actually contain Synth-En, despite the way it was being brandished about.

===Trivia===
* This episode was dedicated to storyboard artist [[Armen Mirzaian]], who lost his life in a car accident on [[February 21]], 2013.
* Megatron and Starscream seem awfully quick to write off Predaking as dead, considering they merely blew him out an airlock and his [[beast mode]] can fly.
* Megatron's suspicions of Predaking's might are proven true. Predaking proves far mightier than Megatron in combat, and the latter only wins because Starscream shoots Predaking in the back.
* One of the devices at the lab is similar to a centrifuge, such as which is common biochemistry lab equipment. Those sometimes end up damaged like Ratchet does this one, by switching them on while they're unevenly loaded and thus sending the rotor spinning off balance.

===Foreign localization===
'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Síntese'''" ("Synthesis")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 7|7 December]] [[2013]]

'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''L'Ultime Affrontement'''" ("The Ultimate Confrontation")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Synthese'''" ("Synthesis")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 15|15 October]] [[2013]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Szintézis'''" ("Synthesis")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 17|17 September]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sintesi'''" ("Synthesis")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[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 3: Omega Lock ([[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]]

Synthesis

2023-10-17T01:56:28Z

StarScreamer: /* Quotes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 64
|prev=Persuasion
|next=Deadlock (episode)
|image=Synthesis Megatron and Predaking.jpg
|caption=Everytime after Fiesta Night on the ''Nemesis'', Megatron gets extreme constipation for days on end.
|title="Synthesis"
|season=3
|season ep=12
|airdate=[[July 19]], [[2013]]
|written by=[[Marsha Griffin]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKT1hU2_huw
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''The Autobots attempt to rescue one of their own by tracking the Decepticon warship, while secrets are revealed to Predaking.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Team Prime]] gathers outside [[Hangar E|their base]] for the launch of [[Raf Esquivel|Raf's]] probe, [[Chip]]. It will instinctively follow its signal to the [[Decepticon]] warship with [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] following right behind, ready to relay the ship's coordinates to the other [[Autobot]]s. Optimus tells Raf that [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] would be proud of what he's done, and a moment later, both Chip and the Autobot leader take off into the night sky.

In [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'s laboratory, Ratchet and [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] discuss the issue at hand: once a stable form of [[Synthetic Energon|synthetic energon]] exists, it will be able to bond with [[CNA]] to create a stable form of [[Living metal#Aligned continuity|cyber-matter]]. Knock Out muses that this good fortune wouldn't have come about had the Decepticons not let the Autobots destroy the [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]] clones. Ratchet picks up on the use of the word "let", but Knock Out and Shockwave quickly change the subject.

[[File:Synthesis-scienceguys.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.67|'''Shockwave''': Is that T-rex pee? '''Ratchet''': Yup. '''Knock Out''': How'd you get it? '''Ratchet''': You don't want to know.]]
Team Prime continues to monitor Optimus as he follows Chip. [[Jack Darby|Jack]] wonders what will happen when the Decepticons pick up [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak's]] signal, and Raf says they're counting on Optimus making visual contact with the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'' before that happens.

On the ship, Knock Out is bristling at being reduced to an assistant in his own lab. He fetches a CNA sample from a locked cabinet for Shockwave, not noticing when a second sample jar tips over and blocks the cabinet's sliding door from closing again. Ratchet does notice, and asks Knock Out to fetch another lab instrument to distract him while he yanks the sample jar free.

[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] is watching a computer simulation of [[Earth]]'s [[cyberforming|cyberformation]] when [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] alerts him that Laserbeak's signal has been detected outside the ship. [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] notes the impossibility of that, as Laserbeak is right there in front of them. Megatron recognizes it for an Autobot trick, the complexity of which suggesting that Starscream failed to destroy their base. Starscream hastily volunteers to troubleshoot the problem.

With the aid of the Decepticons' advanced technology, Ratchet is able to complete the Synth En formula. His elation disappears upon hearing Megatron's voice over the comm system, ordering Shockwave to assist in the final stages of the [[Omega Lock]]'s assembly. Ratchet realizes he can never allow Megatron to possess the formula, and deletes it from the computer before setting off an explosion in the corner of the lab and blaming it on the formula's instability. Knock Out calls in some [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] to help extinguish the blaze, and when the lab's doors open, Ratchet transforms and drives out.

Optimus Prime continues following Chip until Starscream appears, firing a missile at him. Optimus dodges and fires back with his gatling gun. A squadron of Vehicons join the aerial assault, but Optimus blasts through them with ease. Starscream realizes Laserbeak's frequency isn't emanating from Optimus and continues the search for its source.

Knock Out alerts Megatron to the prisoner's escape, while Ratchet dodges Vehicon fire throughout the halls of the ship. He doesn't get far before Megatron finds him, stopping the ambulance in its tracks by stomping on it. Ratchet warns Megatron that if he kills him, he'll never get the Synth En formula. Megatron assures him that his experts are untangling Ratchet's false trail of information and will soon find the answer themselves.

Starscream finally locates Chip, destroying the probe with a single missile. Optimus opens fire on him, but is unable to prevent the Decepticon from escaping through a mid-air [[GroundBridge]]. Optimus is left alone in the sky, with no trail to follow.

Knock Out retrieves Ratchet's stolen sample of CNA and Shockwave confirms the stability of the Synth En formula. With the aid of hyper-acceleration technology, it will not take long to begin production. Megatron fulfills his promise by having Ratchet taken to [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking's]] quarters. The self-proclaimed leader of the Predacons wastes no time attacking the helpless Autobot in the name of his slaughtered kin.

[[File:TFP-Synthesis-PredakingandRatchet.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|Ah, hello, my new footrest.]]
Shockwave begins the synthesis of the cyber-matter, and Megatron orders the Omega Lock to be moved into ready position.

Just as Predaking is about to finish off his prey, Ratchet warns the Predacon not to let his vengeance end with him, but to continue avenging right up to Megatron. Predaking asks what he means, and Ratchet explains Megatron's role in the destruction of the Predacon clones. He challenges Predaking to analyze the situation; the enormity of the supposed coincidence that the Autobots somehow stumbled upon Shockwave's lab while looking for [[Energon]]. Predaking, starting to become convinced, asks why Megatron would wish to harm his kind. Ratchet says that Megatron fears him, and any like him. Enraged, Predaking storms into the halls, demolishing Vehicons along the way. One Vehicon is able to alert Megatron to the rampage before being terminated.

Ratchet makes his way to a communications array and contacts Optimus and Team Prime. Their joy is cut short when Ratchet reveals that Megatron has a working Omega Lock and is about to cyberform Earth. He deactivates the ship's shielding, allowing the Autobots to get a fix on his location, but is forced to leave the array by the sound of approaching gunfire. Optimus orders the Autobots to lock onto Ratchet's coordinates and storm the Decepticon ship. [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] sadly says that they can't leave without saying goodbye, but Fowler promises her they'll be back. The Autobots gear up with the arsenal from [[Iron Will|Ultra Magnus's ship]], and Raf opens a GroundBridge to the ''Nemesis''. As they enter, Optimus Prime tells them that this may be their last battle. But for the sake of Ratchet, Earth, and [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], they must take the Decepticon warship.

[[File:Synthesis-predakingvsmegatron.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|Listen to me darling, you are beautiful!]]
Megatron, followed by Starscream and Knock Out, heads for the ship's vault, wondering aloud how the so-called Predacon king will fare against the [[Dark Star Saber]]. They're interrupted by Predaking, who tosses a deactivated Vehicon in their direction. Knock Out continues to the vault while Predaking asks if Megatron truly planned the destruction of his Predacon army. Megatron says he did, and his only mistake was not including Predaking in the destruction. He lands a few hits with his blade before Predaking overpowers him, clubbing him with the deactivated body of a Vehicon and knocking him down the length of the hall. Starscream distracts Predaking momentarily with a missile in the back, allowing Megatron to hurl the Predacon into the room behind them. Megatron hits a button on a computer panel inside the room, opening a door to the outside directly behind Predaking. He grips the sides of the door frame to fight against the sudden air pressure, but a blast from Megatron's cannon sends him tumbling out of the ship and into the clouds. Starscream closes the hull door and Knock Out arrives with the Dark Star Saber just as a Vehicon reports over the comm that the Autobots are attacking the ship. Megatron grabs the Dark Star Saber and tells the Decepticons to prepare to make their last stand.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (5)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (6)
*[[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] (7)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (9)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (10)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (11)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (12)

|c2=
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (13)
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] (14)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (15)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (16)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (17)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (18)

|c3=
*[[William Fowler]] (1)
*[[Jack Darby]] (2)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (3)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (4)

|h4=[[Predacon (Prime)|Predacons]]|c4=
*[[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] (19)
}}

==Quotes==
"So we know this cyber-matter to be produced by an atypical molecular-displacement reaction." 
"Extensive empirical evidence indicates the fundamental instability within the Synth En formulation to be the cause." 
"Double-blind analysis?" 
"Naturally. The results only confirmed my original hypothesis. Once the erroneous variable has been corrected for, the stabilized synthetic material will bind properly with cybernucleic acid." 
"And produce a stable form of cyber-matter... ''remarkable''." 
"Yes. Quite an act of providence."
:—'''Ratchet''' and '''Shockwave'''

"Starscream, you ''did'' destroy the Autobot base, did you not?" 
"With great fervor, my lord. Why do you ask?" 
"Because Laserbeak's frequency has been detected on radar." 
"But that's not possible. He's right here in Soundwave's torso."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Starscream''' with a sentence you can only get from ''Transformers''

''[Over comm]'' "Lord Megatron. There's been a situation... more like an accident, really—" 
"Spit. It. OUT!"
"[Short pause] THE PRISONER HAS ESCAPED!"
:—'''Knock Out''' and '''Megatron'''

"At last. Good riddance to a wretched species." 
"Although I will say they manufacture some fine-looking automobiles."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Knock Out''' debate the merits of Earth

"Why would my liege wish to destroy us?" 
"Having just been on the receiving end of your might, one theory springs to mind. Megatron ''fears you''."
:—'''Predaking''' and '''Ratchet'''

"Members of Team Prime, Autobot and human, it has been my honor to lead you. On this day, the fates of two worlds hang in the balance, and the battle to come may very well be our last. But for Earth, for Cybertron, for our comrade Ratchet, we must take the Decepticon warship."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''

"Is it true that you ordered the annihilation of my army?" 
"Indeed. And my only mistake was not seeing the extermination through."
:—'''Predaking''' and '''Megatron'''

"Bravo, my liege, it isn't every day one would witness the extinction of a species all over again." 
"One ultimate weapon, coming right up! Where's tall, dark and scaly?"
:— '''Starscream''' right before '''Knock Out''' comes in

"If Optimus Prime wishes to wage a battle for the fate of both Earth and Cybertron, then I shall oblige him. '''This WILL be our last stand'''!"
:—'''Megatron'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Starscream believed he destroyed the Autobot base in "[[Persuasion]]". That same episode, Megatron promised Predaking the honor of destroying Ratchet.
* Megatron set the Predacon clones up to be destroyed by the Autobots in "[[Evolution]]".
* The Dark Star Saber was last seen in "[[Darkest Hour (episode)|Darkest Hour]]".
* Megatron mentions his time as a gladiator in the pits of Kaon, as described in "[[Crossfire (Prime)|Crossfire]]" and the novel ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]''.
* Megatron tells Predaking he should have obeyed his command and fought as a beast, as he requested in "[[Minus One]]".
* Before they leave for the ''Nemesis'', the Autobots all grab the weapons they obtained from Ultra Magnus's ship in "[[Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion]]". Smokescreen gets a new weapon resembling a futuristic bow.
* Ratchet attempts, to no avail, to erase information crucial to the Decepticons, [[Orion Pax, Part 3|much like "Orion Pax" did]].

===Transformers references===
* Knock Out's frustrated muttering is a reference to [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul's]] from the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|G1 cartoon]] episode [[The Master Builders (episode)|"The Master Builders"]].

:"Knock Out, bring this. Knock Out, get that! Grrrrrr!"
::—'''Knock Out'''

:"Ugh, get this. Bring that!"
::—'''Long Haul'''

===Errors===
* Prior to being confronted by Predaking, Megatron, Starscream, and Knock Out were headed to the vault to get the Dark Star Saber. When Knock Out leaves to retrieve it, however, he turns right, which would take him back down the corridor they just entered from.
* Why do the car-type Vehicons ''run'' after ambulance-mode Ratchet as he darts through the corridors of the ship? He's able to elude them rather easily, which would be more difficult if they transformed and [[Darkness Rising, Part 1|''drove'' after him in their sports-car mode with their pop-out guns deployed]].
* After Shockwave verifies that Ratchet has perfected the Synth-En formula, the canister he removes from the spectrographic analyzer and which he and Megatron victoriously brandish about contains a yellow liquid, indistinguishable from CNA fluid, when, if it's meant to be the Synth-En, it should presumably be green. This isn't ''necessarily'' an error—the perfected formula may be a different color from the imperfect green one—but when Shockwave initiates the generation of cybermatter soon after, it is shown being formed from a mix of green Synth-En and yellow CNA fluid, so either one of these scenes contains a coloring error, or the canister didn't actually contain Synth-En, despite the way it was being brandished about.

===Trivia===
* This episode was dedicated to storyboard artist [[Armen Mirzaian]], who lost his life in a car accident on [[February 21]], 2013.
* Megatron and Starscream seem awfully quick to write off Predaking as dead, considering they merely blew him out an airlock and his [[beast mode]] can fly.
* Megatron's suspicions of Predaking's might are proven true. Predaking proves far mightier than Megatron in combat, and the latter only wins because Starscream shoots Predaking in the back.
* One of the devices at the lab is similar to a centrifuge, such as which is common biochemistry lab equipment. Those sometimes end up damaged like Ratchet does this one, by switching them on while they're unevenly loaded and thus sending the rotor spinning off balance.

===Foreign localization===
'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Síntese'''" ("Synthesis")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 7|7 December]] [[2013]]

'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''L'Ultime Affrontement'''" ("The Ultimate Confrontation")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Synthese'''" ("Synthesis")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 15|15 October]] [[2013]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Szintézis'''" ("Synthesis")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 17|17 September]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sintesi'''" ("Synthesis")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[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 3: Omega Lock ([[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]]

Minus One

2023-10-02T09:11:34Z

StarScreamer: /* Continuity notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 62
|image=MinusOne-facereflection.jpg
|caption=It took a Decepticon to show him the truth: Ratchet DOES have crazy-looking eyes.
|prev=Evolution
|next=Persuasion
|title="Minus One"
|season=3
|season ep=10
|airdate=[[July 5]], [[2013]]
|written by=[[Michael Cassutt]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eb2wiL4VKpo
|videosite=YouTube
}}

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

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

[[File:MinusOne-UltraMagnus.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|Oh no! My Me Time hand!]]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[[File:MinusOne-staredown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|So, you Autobots about ready to give up yet?]]

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

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

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

[[File:Soundwave Mocks.jpg|thumb|left|I punch those numbers into my calculator and it makes a happy face.|upright=1.4]]
Optimus asks Soundwave why the Decepticons have been stealing human technology. Soundwave mockingly plays back a remix of the question set to music, and punctuates it with a smiley face emoticon on his visor. Optimus threatens a less civil method of interrogation, and Soundwave broadcasts a sonic pulse throughout the room that causes humans and Autobots alike to double over in pain. Ratchet angrily suggests opening Soundwave up to get the information they need, but the Decepticon responds by erasing data directly from his own drives. With a final taunt spoken in his own voice, he says, "Soundwave superior, Autobots inferior." His visor blinks out and he slumps down on the table, off-line. An astonished Ratchet reports that the Decepticon's vital signs are stable, but that he crashed his own drives rather than allow them to be read.

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

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

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

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

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

[[File:MinusOnePredaking.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.67|''I am the shadow on the moon at night'' ''Filling your dreams to the brim with fright!'']]
It dawns on Ratchet that enough power to swallow a world could also be enough power to create one. He contacts Optimus at the South Pole and relays his suspicion that Megatron plans to rebuild the Omega Lock. He wonders if they should let him, but Optimus knows Megatron will use the Lock to cyberform Earth as well as Cybertron. Disappointed, Ratchet says he understands.

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

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

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

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

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

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

==Quotes==
"Master! Are you going to allow one lieutenant to harm another? Master?!" 
"I'm thinking."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron'''

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

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

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

''"Soundwave superior. Autobots inferior."''
:—'''Soundwave''' breaks his code just this once

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

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* The [[Omega Lock]] was destroyed by Optimus the last time Megatron tried using it to cyberform Earth, in "[[Darkest Hour (episode)|Darkest Hour]]".
* Ultra Magnus's hand was mangled by [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] in the [[Evolution|previous episode]].
* The story of how Bumblebee lost his vocoder was established in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 1]]" and the novel ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]''.
* Megatron recalls how the formula for synthetic energon was collected from Ratchet in "[[Stronger, Faster]]".
* Unicron was discovered to be buried within the Earth in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 1]]".
* The Decepticons tried to extract the location of the Autobot base from Fowler in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]".
* Ultra Magnus still wears the back hook for the [[Forge of Solus Prime]] as Optimus used for the [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]], the latter having been made by Ratchet in "[[Alpha/Omega]]".
* Optimus has learned his lesson about letting Laserbeak sneak up behind him as he did in "[[Project Predacon]]".
* In [[Regeneration]], [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] steps in and disposed of [[Dreadwing (Prime) |Dreadwing]] when the latter tried to kill of [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]]. Here he simply stand and watch as [[Shockwave (Prime)|Shockwave]] attempted to impale Starscream for not warning him about the incoming [[Autobots]] in the [[Evolution|previous episode]]. Most likely because he knew Shockwave isn't actually going to kill Starscream.

===Transformers references===
* Speaking with his own voice for the first time in the entire series, Soundwave paraphrases one of his most famous lines, directly from the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 movie]]. He is voiced by his original G1 voice actor, [[Frank Welker]], using the same Dr. Claw-esque tone used for Soundwave's [[Soundwave (ROTF)|live-action counterpart]] in the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|second]] and [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|third]] films. The Soundwave from ''Transformers Animated'' states the same line only backwards, "Autobots inferior, Soundwave superior," in the episode "[[Human Error, Part I]]", and Aligned Soundwave previously uttered it (several times) in the ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' video game.
* Bulkhead and Smokescreen's quoted fretting about Soundwave is near identical to [[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|Professor Sumdac]]'s fretting about the [[Headmaster unit]] in "[[Three's a Crowd]]" from ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]''.

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

===Trivia===
* Ultra Magnus appears unable to use the blaster in his right arm with his hand destroyed. This is similar to ''Animated'' [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] who could not use his hand if his wrecking ball cable was severed.
* Fowler wields a fire extinguisher against Soundwave, previously Jack's weapon of choice in both "[[Scrapheap (episode)|Scrapheap]]" and "[[Convoy (episode)|Convoy]]".
* The particle collider base has halls high enough to accommodate Transformers.
* Transformers' rear-view mirrors in their vehicle modes function as [[Sensor|optical sensors]]. This has previously been seen in episodes such as "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]" and "[[Speed Metal]]".
* This is the last episode of the series to use an [[theme song|opening theme]]; all following episodes only show the show's title and the showrunners' names much like the pilot.
* Despite directly continuing the story from "Evolution", this episode features no recap sequence as the majority of episodes that formed a story arc had. This was no doubt cut to save time for the actual episode itself, due to the serialized plot coming to a close with the end of the series being nigh.
* UK TV guides for this episode incorrectly call Soundwave "Shockwave".

===Foreign localization===

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Menos Um'''" ("Minus One")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 7|7 December]] [[2013]]

'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Complot planétaire'''" ("Planetary Conspiracy")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Minus Eins'''" ("Minus One")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 11|11 October]] [[2013]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mínusz egy'''" ("Minus One")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 13|13 September]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il più piccolo'''" ("The smallest")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[2013]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Menos uno'''" ("Minus One")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 27|27 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 3: Omega Lock ([[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]]

Minus One

2023-10-02T09:11:00Z

StarScreamer: /* Continuity notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 62
|image=MinusOne-facereflection.jpg
|caption=It took a Decepticon to show him the truth: Ratchet DOES have crazy-looking eyes.
|prev=Evolution
|next=Persuasion
|title="Minus One"
|season=3
|season ep=10
|airdate=[[July 5]], [[2013]]
|written by=[[Michael Cassutt]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eb2wiL4VKpo
|videosite=YouTube
}}

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

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

[[File:MinusOne-UltraMagnus.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|Oh no! My Me Time hand!]]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[[File:MinusOne-staredown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|So, you Autobots about ready to give up yet?]]

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

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

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

[[File:Soundwave Mocks.jpg|thumb|left|I punch those numbers into my calculator and it makes a happy face.|upright=1.4]]
Optimus asks Soundwave why the Decepticons have been stealing human technology. Soundwave mockingly plays back a remix of the question set to music, and punctuates it with a smiley face emoticon on his visor. Optimus threatens a less civil method of interrogation, and Soundwave broadcasts a sonic pulse throughout the room that causes humans and Autobots alike to double over in pain. Ratchet angrily suggests opening Soundwave up to get the information they need, but the Decepticon responds by erasing data directly from his own drives. With a final taunt spoken in his own voice, he says, "Soundwave superior, Autobots inferior." His visor blinks out and he slumps down on the table, off-line. An astonished Ratchet reports that the Decepticon's vital signs are stable, but that he crashed his own drives rather than allow them to be read.

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

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

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

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

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

[[File:MinusOnePredaking.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.67|''I am the shadow on the moon at night'' ''Filling your dreams to the brim with fright!'']]
It dawns on Ratchet that enough power to swallow a world could also be enough power to create one. He contacts Optimus at the South Pole and relays his suspicion that Megatron plans to rebuild the Omega Lock. He wonders if they should let him, but Optimus knows Megatron will use the Lock to cyberform Earth as well as Cybertron. Disappointed, Ratchet says he understands.

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

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

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

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

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

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

==Quotes==
"Master! Are you going to allow one lieutenant to harm another? Master?!" 
"I'm thinking."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron'''

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

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

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

''"Soundwave superior. Autobots inferior."''
:—'''Soundwave''' breaks his code just this once

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

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* The [[Omega Lock]] was destroyed by Optimus the last time Megatron tried using it to cyberform Earth, in "[[Darkest Hour (episode)|Darkest Hour]]".
* Ultra Magnus's hand was mangled by [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] in the [[Evolution|previous episode]].
* The story of how Bumblebee lost his vocoder was established in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 1]]" and the novel ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]''.
* Megatron recalls how the formula for synthetic energon was collected from Ratchet in "[[Stronger, Faster]]".
* Unicron was discovered to be buried within the Earth in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 1]]".
* The Decepticons tried to extract the location of the Autobot base from Fowler in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]".
* Ultra Magnus still wears the back hook for the [[Forge of Solus Prime]] as Optimus used for the [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]], the latter having been made by Ratchet in "[[Alpha/Omega]]".
* Optimus has learned his lesson about letting Laserbeak sneak up behind him as he did in "[[Project Predacon]]".
* In [[Regeneration]], [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] steps in and disposed of [[Dreadwing (Prime) |Dreadwing]] when the latter tried to kill of [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]]. Here he simply stand and watch as [[Shockwave (Prime)|Shockwave]] attempted to impale Starscream for not warning him about the incoming [[Autobots]] in the [[Evolution|previous episode]]. Most likely because he knoew Shockwave isn't actually going to kill Starscream.

===Transformers references===
* Speaking with his own voice for the first time in the entire series, Soundwave paraphrases one of his most famous lines, directly from the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 movie]]. He is voiced by his original G1 voice actor, [[Frank Welker]], using the same Dr. Claw-esque tone used for Soundwave's [[Soundwave (ROTF)|live-action counterpart]] in the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|second]] and [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|third]] films. The Soundwave from ''Transformers Animated'' states the same line only backwards, "Autobots inferior, Soundwave superior," in the episode "[[Human Error, Part I]]", and Aligned Soundwave previously uttered it (several times) in the ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' video game.
* Bulkhead and Smokescreen's quoted fretting about Soundwave is near identical to [[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|Professor Sumdac]]'s fretting about the [[Headmaster unit]] in "[[Three's a Crowd]]" from ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]''.

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

===Trivia===
* Ultra Magnus appears unable to use the blaster in his right arm with his hand destroyed. This is similar to ''Animated'' [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] who could not use his hand if his wrecking ball cable was severed.
* Fowler wields a fire extinguisher against Soundwave, previously Jack's weapon of choice in both "[[Scrapheap (episode)|Scrapheap]]" and "[[Convoy (episode)|Convoy]]".
* The particle collider base has halls high enough to accommodate Transformers.
* Transformers' rear-view mirrors in their vehicle modes function as [[Sensor|optical sensors]]. This has previously been seen in episodes such as "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]" and "[[Speed Metal]]".
* This is the last episode of the series to use an [[theme song|opening theme]]; all following episodes only show the show's title and the showrunners' names much like the pilot.
* Despite directly continuing the story from "Evolution", this episode features no recap sequence as the majority of episodes that formed a story arc had. This was no doubt cut to save time for the actual episode itself, due to the serialized plot coming to a close with the end of the series being nigh.
* UK TV guides for this episode incorrectly call Soundwave "Shockwave".

===Foreign localization===

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Menos Um'''" ("Minus One")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 7|7 December]] [[2013]]

'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Complot planétaire'''" ("Planetary Conspiracy")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Minus Eins'''" ("Minus One")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 11|11 October]] [[2013]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mínusz egy'''" ("Minus One")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 13|13 September]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il più piccolo'''" ("The smallest")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[2013]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Menos uno'''" ("Minus One")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 27|27 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 3: Omega Lock ([[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]]

Thirst

2023-09-28T09:29:03Z

StarScreamer: /* Trivia */

{{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"
|season=3
|season ep=8
|airdate=[[June 7]], [[2013]]
|written by=[[Marsha Griffin]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWMF8lImZAw
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''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?!
:—'''Starscream''' pulls a '''Starscream''', as per usual

"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.
* When Starscream suggested a drop or two, Knockout clearly injected a ''whole'' syringe of Dark Energon. Though it's possible that a single drop is enough to render the entire syringe of Synthetic Energon green.

===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]]