https://tfwiki.duckdns.org/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=StarzoneMediaWiki - User contributions [en]2026-08-19T18:58:12ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.45.3https://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Ignition!_(song)&diff=1881341Ignition! (song)2025-12-26T03:24:52Z<p>Starzone: /* Lyrics */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig2|the ''Galaxy Force'' theme song|the mobile game event|Ignition! (Earth Wars)}}<br />
<br />
{{song<br />
|title=IGNITION!<br />
|japanese=IGNITION - イグニッション!<br />
|image=Ignition.jpg<br />
|caption=The remix is better.<br />
|series=[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Galaxy Force]]<br />
|position=opening theme<br />
|performer=[[CHINO]]<br />
|composer=[[Norihiko Togashi]]<br />
|lyrics=[[Shōko Shimizu]]<br />
|arrangement=[[Yasutaka Mizushima]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
"'''IGNITION!'''" (IGNITION - イグニッション!) is the second [[japanese themes|opening theme song]] of the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Galaxy Force]]'' cartoon. It debuted at episode 28 "[[Critical|Reincarnation! Vanguard Team]]".<br />
{{TOCclear}}<br />
<br />
==Lyrics==<br />
{{note|The lyrics on this page have been translated more idiomatically than literally.}}<br />
===TV size edit===<br />
{|width=100%<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====Original Japanese====<br />
:走り出せこの想い<br />
:未来へとトランスフォーマー<br />
:導けよ自由へ 強くなれ！<br />
:IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
君の中で目覚めた希望<br><br />
弾け飛んだ空の彼方へ<br />
<br />
聞こえる遙か遠く<br><br />
僕らの明日乗せたメロディー<br />
<br />
:蹴散らせよ創造の<br />
:この星を護るため<br />
:導いて英知よ 立ち上がれ！<br />
:闘いの時は来た<br />
:銀河へとトランスフォーマー<br />
:手に掴む欠片に 夢映して<br />
:IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====Rōmaji transliteration====<br />
:Hashiridase kono omoi<br />
:Mirai e to Transformer<br />
:Michibike yo Jiyū e Tsuyokunare!<br />
:IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
Kimi no naka de mezameta kibō<br><br />
Hajike-tonda sora no kanata e<br />
<br />
Kikoeru haruka tōku<br><br />
Bokura no ashita noseta merodii<br />
<br />
:Kechirase yo sōzō no<br />
:Kono hoshi o mamoru tame<br />
:Michibiite eichi yo tachi-agare!<br />
:Tatakai no toki wa kita<br />
:Ginga e to Transformer<br />
:Te ni tsukamu kakera ni yume utsushite<br />
:IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====English translation====<br />
:Race ahead with these feelings<br />
:Into the future, Transformers<br />
:Lead the way to freedom. Grow stronger!<br />
:IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
The hope that awakened inside you<br><br />
Bursts forth into the sky beyond<br />
<br />
From far away, I can hear it,<br><br />
The melody carrying our tomorrow<br />
<br />
:Scatter the forces of creation<br />
:To protect this planet<br />
:Please guide us, wisdom. Arise!<br />
:The time for battle has come<br />
:Into the galaxy, Transformers<br />
:Cast our dreams upon the shards we hold in our hands<br />
:IGNITION!!<br />
|}<br />
<br />
===Full version===<br />
{|width=100%<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====Original Japanese====<br />
:走り出せこの想い<br />
:未来へとトランスフォーマー<br />
:導けよ自由へ <br />
:強くなれ！ IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
僕の中に勇気を探す<br><br />
熱き炎 微かに揺れる<br><br />
君の中で目覚めた希望<br><br />
弾け飛んだ空の彼方へ<br />
<br />
聞こえる遙か遠く<br><br />
僕らの明日乗せたメロディー<br />
<br />
:蹴散らせよ創造の<br />
:この星を護るため<br />
:導いて英知よ<br />
:立ち上がれ！<br />
:闘いの時は来た<br />
:銀河へとトランスフォーマー<br />
:手に掴む欠片に<br />
:夢映して IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
宇宙の危機救うためなら<br><br />
どんな危険怖くないから<br><br />
<br />
目指せよプラネットフォース<br><br />
平和の鍵が眠る聖地<br />
<br />
:風を受け飛び立てば<br />
:信じてる友がいる<br />
:繋げてよ絆よ<br />
:この想いよ！<br />
:傷ついたこの空を<br />
:今だから抱きしめる<br />
:手に入れた希望を<br />
:重ね合わせて IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
:蹴散らせよ創造の<br />
:この星を護るため<br />
:導いて英知よ<br />
:立ち上がれ！<br />
:走り出せこの想い<br />
:銀河へとトランスフォーマー<br />
:未来への扉を<br />
:開け放てよ！ IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====Rōmaji transliteration====<br />
:Hashiridase kono omoi<br />
:Mirai e to Transformer<br />
:Michibike yo Jiyū e<br />
:Tsuyokunare! IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
Boku no naka ni yūki o sagasu<br><br />
Atsuki honō kasuka ni yureru<br><br />
Kimi no naka de mezameta kibō<br><br />
Hajike-tonda sora no kanata e<br />
<br />
Kikoeru haruka tōku<br><br />
Bokura no ashita noseta MELODY<br />
<br />
:Kechirase yo sōzō no<br />
:Kono hoshi o mamoru tame<br />
:Michibiite eichi yo<br />
:Tachi-agare!<br />
:Tatakai no toki wa kita<br />
:Ginga e to Transformer<br />
:Te ni tsukamu kakera ni<br />
:Yume utsushite IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
Uchū no kiki sukū tame nara<br><br />
Donna kiken kowakunai kara<br />
<br />
Mezase yo Planet Force<br><br />
Heiwa no kagi ga nemuru seichi<br />
<br />
:Kaze o uke tobitadeba<br />
:Shinjiteru tomo ga iru<br />
:Tsu'nagete yo kizuna yo<br />
:Kono omoi yo!<br />
:Kizutsuita kono sora o<br />
:Ima dakara dakishimeru<br />
:Te ni ireta kibō o<br />
:Kasa'neawase te IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
:Kechirase yo sōzō no<br />
:Kono hoshi o mamoru tame<br />
:Michibiite eichi yo<br />
:Tachi-agare!<br />
:Hashiridase kono omoi<br />
:Ginga e to Transformer<br />
:Mirai e no tobira o<br />
:Akeha'nate yo! IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====English translation====<br />
:Race ahead with these feelings<br />
:Into the future, Transformers<br />
:Lead the way to freedom<br />
:Grow stronger! IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
I search within myself for courage<br><br />
A fiery flame, flickering faintly<br><br />
The hope that awakened inside you<br><br />
Bursts forth into the sky beyond<br />
<br />
From far away, I can hear it,<br><br />
The melody carrying our tomorrow <br />
<br />
:Scatter the forces of creation<br />
:To protect this planet<br />
:Please guide us, wisdom<br />
:Arise!<br />
:The time for battle has come<br />
:Into the galaxy, Transformers<br />
:Cast our dreams upon the shards we<br />
:Hold in our hands—IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
If it's to save the universe from peril,<br><br />
We won't be afraid of any danger<br />
<br />
Set our sights on the Planet Force<br><br />
The sacred place where the key to peace lies<br />
<br />
:If we take flight upon the wind,<br />
:There are friends who believe in us<br />
:Let our bonds connect us<br />
:These feelings!<br />
:It's only now that we<br />
:Embrace this wounded sky<br />
:Gather together the hopes we<br />
:Have gained—IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
:Scatter the forces of creation<br />
:To protect this planet<br />
:Please guide us, wisdom!<br />
:Arise!<br />
:Race ahead with these feelings<br />
:Into the future, Transformers<br />
:Throw open the door to<br />
:The future! IGNITION!!<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Single release==<br />
[[Image:Ignition single.jpg|thumb|150px]]<br />
;Track listing<br />
#"IGNITION!"<br />
#"[[Growing Up!!|Growing up!!]]"<br />
#"IGNITION! (Original Karaoke)"<br />
#"Growing up!! (Original Karaoke)"<br />
<br />
'''Release date:''' [[July 21]], [[2005]]<br><br />
'''Label:''' [[Victor Entertainment]]<br><br />
'''Prod. code:''' VICL-35847<br><br />
'''ASIN:''' B0009V1H20<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
===Album releases===<br />
{{note|All releases listed feature the full version of the song, unless otherwise noted.}}<br />
*2005 — ''[[Transformers Galaxy Force: Sound Pack 2]]'' ([[Victor Entertainment]]) — "Live in Koblenz 2005" version only.<br />
*2007 — ''[[Transformers Song Universe]]'' ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]])<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
* Original Japanese lyrics from [http://web.archive.org/web/20100426152724/http://otakebihonpo.cool.ne.jp/lib/robots/transformers/index.html Otakebihonpo]<br />
* Rōmaji transliteration and English translation of the [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjwLmwpSdqI TV size edit] ([[Titans#Trivia|fifth]] [[title sequence]] from the fansub produced by [http://www.tvnihon.com/ TV-Nihon].<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Cybertron media]]<br />
[[Category:Japanese theme songs]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Ignition!_(song)&diff=1879090Ignition! (song)2025-12-11T18:32:28Z<p>Starzone: /* Lyrics */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig2|the ''Galaxy Force'' theme song|the mobile game event|Ignition! (Earth Wars)}}<br />
<br />
{{song<br />
|title=IGNITION!<br />
|japanese=IGNITION - イグニッション!<br />
|image=Ignition.jpg<br />
|caption=The remix is better.<br />
|series=[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Galaxy Force]]<br />
|position=opening theme<br />
|performer=[[CHINO]]<br />
|composer=[[Norihiko Togashi]]<br />
|lyrics=[[Shōko Shimizu]]<br />
|arrangement=[[Yasutaka Mizushima]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
"'''IGNITION!'''" (IGNITION - イグニッション!) is the second [[japanese themes|opening theme song]] of the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Galaxy Force]]'' cartoon. It debuted at episode 28 "[[Critical|Reincarnation! Vanguard Team]]".<br />
{{TOCclear}}<br />
<br />
==Lyrics==<br />
{{note|The lyrics on this page have been translated more idiomatically than literally.}}<br />
===TV size edit===<br />
{|width=100%<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====Original Japanese====<br />
:走り出せこの想い<br />
:未来へとトランスフォーマー<br />
:導けよ自由へ 強くなれ！<br />
:IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
君の中で目覚めた希望<br><br />
弾け飛んだ空の彼方へ<br />
<br />
聞こえる遙か遠く<br><br />
僕らの明日乗せたメロディー<br />
<br />
:蹴散らせよ創造の<br />
:この星を護るため<br />
:導いて英知よ 立ち上がれ！<br />
:闘いの時は来た<br />
:銀河へとトランスフォーマー<br />
:手に掴む欠片に 夢映して<br />
:IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====Rōmaji transliteration====<br />
:Hashiridase kono omoi<br />
:Mirai e to Transformer<br />
:Michibike yo Jiyū e Tsuyokunare!<br />
:IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
Kimi no naka de mezameta kibō<br><br />
Hajike-tonda sora no kanata e<br />
<br />
Kikoeru haruka tōku<br><br />
Bokura no ashita noseta merodii<br />
<br />
:Kechirase yo sōzō no<br />
:Kono hoshi o mamoru tame<br />
:Michibiite eichi yo tachi-agare!<br />
:Tatakai no toki wa kita<br />
:Ginga e to Transformer<br />
:Te ni tsukamu kakera ni yume utsushite<br />
:IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====English translation====<br />
:Make these emotions start running<br />
:To the future, Transformers<br />
:Guide us, lead us to freedom, become stronger!<br />
:IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
Hope has blossomed within you<br><br />
It has been flung to the end of the galaxy<br />
<br />
You can hear it from far away<br><br />
Our future is resting on that melody<br />
<br />
:Let the creation spring forth<br />
:So that this planet may be protected<br />
:Guide us wisdom, and stand up!<br />
:The time to fight has come<br />
:Go into the galaxy, Transformers<br />
:Make the fragments of your dream into reality<br />
:IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
|}<br />
<br />
===Full version===<br />
{|width=100%<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====Original Japanese====<br />
:走り出せこの想い<br />
:未来へとトランスフォーマー<br />
:導けよ自由へ <br />
:強くなれ！ IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
僕の中に勇気を探す<br><br />
熱き炎 微かに揺れる<br><br />
君の中で目覚めた希望<br><br />
弾け飛んだ空の彼方へ<br />
<br />
聞こえる遙か遠く<br><br />
僕らの明日乗せたメロディー<br />
<br />
:蹴散らせよ創造の<br />
:この星を護るため<br />
:導いて英知よ<br />
:立ち上がれ！<br />
:闘いの時は来た<br />
:銀河へとトランスフォーマー<br />
:手に掴む欠片に<br />
:夢映して IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
宇宙の危機救うためなら<br><br />
どんな危険怖くないから<br><br />
<br />
目指せよプラネットフォース<br><br />
平和の鍵が眠る聖地<br />
<br />
:風を受け飛び立てば<br />
:信じてる友がいる<br />
:繋げてよ絆よ<br />
:この想いよ！<br />
:傷ついたこの空を<br />
:今だから抱きしめる<br />
:手に入れた希望を<br />
:重ね合わせて IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
:蹴散らせよ創造の<br />
:この星を護るため<br />
:導いて英知よ<br />
:立ち上がれ！<br />
:走り出せこの想い<br />
:銀河へとトランスフォーマー<br />
:未来への扉を<br />
:開け放てよ！ IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====Rōmaji transliteration====<br />
:Hashiridase kono omoi<br />
:Mirai e to Transformer<br />
:Michibike yo Jiyū e<br />
:Tsuyokunare! IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
Boku no naka ni yūki o sagasu<br><br />
Atsuki honō kasuka ni yureru<br><br />
Kimi no naka de mezameta kibō<br><br />
Hajike-tonda sora no kanata e<br />
<br />
Kikoeru haruka tōku<br><br />
Bokura no ashita noseta MELODY<br />
<br />
:Kechirase yo sōzō no<br />
:Kono hoshi o mamoru tame<br />
:Michibiite eichi yo<br />
:Tachi-agare!<br />
:Tatakai no toki wa kita<br />
:Ginga e to Transformer<br />
:Te ni tsukamu kakera ni<br />
:Yume utsushite IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
Uchū no kiki sukū tame nara<br><br />
Donna kiken kowakunai kara<br />
<br />
Mezase yo Planet Force<br><br />
Heiwa no kagi ga nemuru seichi<br />
<br />
:Kaze o uke tobitadeba<br />
:Shinjiteru tomo ga iru<br />
:Tsu'nagete yo kizuna yo<br />
:Kono omoi yo!<br />
:Kizutsuita kono sora o<br />
:Ima dakara dakishimeru<br />
:Te ni ireta kibō o<br />
:Kasa'neawase te IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
:Kechirase yo sōzō no<br />
:Kono hoshi o mamoru tame<br />
:Michibiite eichi yo<br />
:Tachi-agare!<br />
:Hashiridase kono omoi<br />
:Ginga e to Transformer<br />
:Mirai e no tobira o<br />
:Akeha'nate yo! IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====English translation====<br />
:Race ahead with these feelings<br />
:Into the future, Transformers<br />
:Lead the way to freedom<br />
:Grow stronger! IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
I search within myself for courage<br><br />
A fiery flame, flickering faintly<br><br />
The hope that awakened inside you<br><br />
Bursts forth into the sky beyond<br />
<br />
From far away, I can hear it,<br><br />
The melody carrying our tomorrow <br />
<br />
:Scatter the forces of creation<br />
:To protect this planet<br />
:Please guide us, wisdom<br />
:Arise!<br />
:The time for battle has come<br />
:Into the galaxy, Transformers<br />
:Cast our dreams upon the shards we<br />
:Hold in our hands—IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
If it's to save the universe from peril,<br><br />
We won't be afraid of any danger<br />
<br />
Set our sights on the Planet Force<br><br />
The sacred place where the key to peace lies<br />
<br />
:If we take flight upon the wind,<br />
:There are friends who believe in us<br />
:Let our bonds connect us<br />
:These feelings!<br />
:It's only now that we<br />
:Embrace this wounded sky<br />
:Gather together the hopes we<br />
:Have gained—IGNITION!!<br />
<br />
:Scatter the forces of creation<br />
:To protect this planet<br />
:Please guide us, wisdom!<br />
:Arise!<br />
:Race ahead with these feelings<br />
:Into the future, Transformers<br />
:Throw open the door to<br />
:The future! IGNITION!!<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Single release==<br />
[[Image:Ignition single.jpg|thumb|150px]]<br />
;Track listing<br />
#"IGNITION!"<br />
#"[[Growing Up!!|Growing up!!]]"<br />
#"IGNITION! (Original Karaoke)"<br />
#"Growing up!! (Original Karaoke)"<br />
<br />
'''Release date:''' [[July 21]], [[2005]]<br><br />
'''Label:''' [[Victor Entertainment]]<br><br />
'''Prod. code:''' VICL-35847<br><br />
'''ASIN:''' B0009V1H20<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
===Album releases===<br />
{{note|All releases listed feature the full version of the song, unless otherwise noted.}}<br />
*2005 — ''[[Transformers Galaxy Force: Sound Pack 2]]'' ([[Victor Entertainment]]) — "Live in Koblenz 2005" version only.<br />
*2007 — ''[[Transformers Song Universe]]'' ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]])<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
* Original Japanese lyrics from [http://web.archive.org/web/20100426152724/http://otakebihonpo.cool.ne.jp/lib/robots/transformers/index.html Otakebihonpo]<br />
* Rōmaji transliteration and English translation of the [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjwLmwpSdqI TV size edit] ([[Titans#Trivia|fifth]] [[title sequence]] from the fansub produced by [http://www.tvnihon.com/ TV-Nihon].<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Cybertron media]]<br />
[[Category:Japanese theme songs]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Call_You..._Kimi_to_Boku_no_Mirai&diff=1878465Call You... Kimi to Boku no Mirai2025-12-07T23:16:49Z<p>Starzone: /* Lyrics */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{song<br />
|title=CALL YOU... Kimi to Boku no Mirai<br />
|japanese=CALL YOU... 君と僕の未来<br />
|translation=CALL YOU... The Future of You and Me<br />
|image=Kimi to Boku no Mirai.jpg<br />
|caption=<br />
|series=[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Galaxy Force]]<br />
|position=opening theme<br />
|performer=[[Shinji Kakijima]]<br />
|composer=Shinji Kakijima<br />
|lyrics=[[Shōko Shimizu]]<br />
|arrangement=[[Yasutaka Mizushima]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
"'''CALL YOU... Kimi to Boku no Mirai'''" (CALL YOU... 君と僕の未来, "CALL YOU... The Future of You and Me") is the first [[japanese themes|opening theme song]] of the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Galaxy Force]]'' cartoon.<br />
{{TOCclear}}<br />
<br />
==Lyrics==<br />
{{note|The lyrics on this page have been translated more idiomatically than literally.}}<br />
===TV size edit===<br />
{|width=100%<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====Original Japanese====<br />
風の歌 響く 遥かなる 大地<br><br />
聞こえるだろ 夢刻む リズム<br><br />
どんな敵 来ても 僕たちの 本気<br><br />
イグニッション 火を付けた 勇気<br />
<br />
この星を守る 何が起っても<br><br />
僕も君も生きている 証！だから！<br />
<br />
:駆け抜けてく勇士は<br />
:絆で結ばれた 正義さ<br />
:一緒に 行こうぜ<br />
:We just call you トランスフォーマー<br />
<br />
:トランスフォーマー<br />
<br />
''RIDE ON!''<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====Rōmaji transliteration====<br />
Kaze no uta hibiku haruka naru daichi<br><br />
Kikoeru daro yume kizamu Rizumu<br><br />
Donna teki kitemo bokutachi no power<br><br />
Ignition hi o tsuketa yūki<br />
<br />
Kono hoshi o mamoru nani ga okottemo<br><br />
Boku mo kimi mo ikiteiru akashi! Dakara!<br />
<br />
:Kakenukete ku yūshi wa<br />
:Kizuna de musubareta seigi sa<br />
:Issho ni ikō ze<br />
:We just call you Transformer<br />
<br />
:Transformer<br />
<br />
''RIDE ON!''<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====English translation====<br />
The wind's song echoes across the faraway land<br><br />
Can you hear it? The rhythm carving out our dreams<br><br />
Whatever enemy comes, this is our true power<br><br />
Ignition! Our courage has caught fire<br />
<br />
No matter what happens, we will protect this planet<br><br />
Both you and I are living proof! That's why!<br />
<br />
:The valiant warriors charging forth<br />
:Are united by a bond of justice!<br />
:Let's go together!<br />
:We just call you Transformers<br />
<br />
:Transformers<br />
<br />
''RIDE ON!''<br />
<br />
|}<br />
<br />
===Full version===<br />
{|width=100%<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====Original Japanese====<br />
風の歌 響く 遥かなる 大地<br><br />
聞こえるだろ 夢刻む リズム<br><br />
どんな敵 来ても 僕たちの 本気<br><br />
イグニッション 火を付けた 勇気<br />
<br />
この星を守る 何が起っても<br><br />
僕も君も生きている 証！だから！<br />
<br />
:駆け抜けてく勇士は<br />
:絆で結ばれた 正義さ<br />
:一緒に 行こうぜ<br />
:We just call you トランスフォーマー<br />
<br />
この空の 蒼を 大いなる 黒が<br><br />
呑み込んでく 切れそうな 鼓動<br />
<br />
今 僕は誓う 取り戻せ 未来<br><br />
明日へ向かう 真実の 扉！開けろ！<br />
<br />
:無限大の 勇気が<br />
:形を変えながら 旅立つ<br />
:答えを 探しに<br />
:We just call you トランスフォーマー<br />
<br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''ROBOTS IN DISGUISE''<br />
<br />
:駆け抜けてく勇士は<br />
:絆で結ばれた 正義さ<br />
:一緒に 行こうぜ<br />
:We just call you トランスフォーマー<br />
<br />
:トランスフォーマー<br />
<br />
''RIDE ON!''<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====Rōmaji transliteration====<br />
Kaze no uta hibiku haruka naru daichi<br><br />
Kikoeru daro yume kizamu rhythm<br><br />
Donna teki kitemo bokutachi no power<br><br />
Ignition hi o tsuketa yūki<br />
<br />
Kono hoshi o mamoru nani ga okottemo<br><br />
Boku mo kimi mo ikiteiru akashi! Dakara!<br />
<br />
:Kakenukete ku yūshi wa<br />
:Kizuna de musubareta seigi sa<br />
:Issho ni ikō ze<br />
:We just call you Transformer<br />
<br />
Kono sora no ao o ōinaru kuro ga<br><br />
Nomikondeku kiresōna kodō<br />
<br />
Ima boku wa chikau torimodose mirai<br><br />
Asu e mukau shinjitsu no tobira! Akero!<br />
<br />
:Mugendai no yūki ga<br />
:Katachi o kae nagara tabidatsu<br />
:Kotae o sagashi ni<br />
:We just call you Transformer<br />
<br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''ROBOTS IN DISGUISE''<br />
<br />
:Kakenukete ku yūshi wa<br />
:Kizuna de musubareta seigi sa<br />
:Issho ni ikō ze<br />
:We just call you Transformer<br />
<br />
:Transformer<br />
<br />
''RIDE ON!''<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====English translation====<br />
The wind's song echoes across the faraway land<br><br />
Can you hear it? The rhythm carving out our dreams<br><br />
Whatever enemy comes, this is our true power<br><br />
Ignition! Our courage has caught fire<br />
<br />
No matter what happens, we will protect this planet<br><br />
Both you and I are living proof! That's why!<br />
<br />
:The valiant warriors charging forth<br />
:Are united by a bond of justice!<br />
:Let's go together!<br />
:We just call you Transformers<br />
<br />
A great darkness swallows the blue of this sky,<br><br />
A heartbeat that is on the verge of giving out<br />
<br />
Now I swear: reclaim the future!<br><br />
The door of truth leading to tomorrow! Open!<br />
<br />
:Unlimited courage<br />
:Embarks on a journey while changing form,<br />
:In search of the answer<br />
:We just call you Transformers<br />
<br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''ROBOTS IN DISGUISE''<br />
<br />
:The valiant warriors charging forth<br />
:Are united by a bond of justice!<br />
:Let's go together!<br />
:We just call you Transformers<br />
<br />
:Transformers<br />
<br />
''RIDE ON!''<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Single release==<br />
[[Image:Kimi to Boku no Mirai single.jpg|thumb|150px]]<br />
;Track listing<br />
#"CALL YOU... Kimi to Boku no Mirai"<br />
#"[[Itsumo]]"<br />
#"CALL YOU... Kimi to Boku no Mirai (Original Karaoke)"<br />
#"Itsumo (Original Karaoke)"<br />
<br />
'''Release date:''' [[January 21]], [[2005]]<br><br />
'''Label:''' [[Victor Entertainment]]<br><br />
'''Prod. code:''' VICL-35762<br><br />
'''ASIN:''' B0006TPGAY<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
===Album releases===<br />
{{note|All releases listed feature the full version of the song, unless otherwise noted.}}<br />
*2005 — ''[[Transformers Galaxy Force: Sound Pack 1]]'' ([[Victor Entertainment]]) — TV size version only.<br />
*2005 — ''[[Transformers Galaxy Force: Sound Pack 2]]'' (Victor Entertainment) — "Live in Koblenz 2005" version only.<br />
*2007 — ''[[Transformers Song Universe]]'' ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]])<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Original Japanese lyrics from [http://web.archive.org/web/20100426152724/http://otakebihonpo.cool.ne.jp/lib/robots/transformers/index.html Otakebihonpo]<br />
*Rōmaji transliteration and English translation of the [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TOxRpxTLZo TV size edit] ([[Ice#Trivia|third]] [[title sequence]]) from the fansub produced by [http://www.tvnihon.com/ TV-Nihon.com].<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Cybertron media]]<br />
[[Category:Japanese theme songs]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Call_You..._Kimi_to_Boku_no_Mirai&diff=1878464Call You... Kimi to Boku no Mirai2025-12-07T23:12:48Z<p>Starzone: /* Full version */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{song<br />
|title=CALL YOU... Kimi to Boku no Mirai<br />
|japanese=CALL YOU... 君と僕の未来<br />
|translation=CALL YOU... The Future of You and Me<br />
|image=Kimi to Boku no Mirai.jpg<br />
|caption=<br />
|series=[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Galaxy Force]]<br />
|position=opening theme<br />
|performer=[[Shinji Kakijima]]<br />
|composer=Shinji Kakijima<br />
|lyrics=[[Shōko Shimizu]]<br />
|arrangement=[[Yasutaka Mizushima]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
"'''CALL YOU... Kimi to Boku no Mirai'''" (CALL YOU... 君と僕の未来, "CALL YOU... The Future of You and Me") is the first [[japanese themes|opening theme song]] of the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Galaxy Force]]'' cartoon.<br />
{{TOCclear}}<br />
<br />
==Lyrics==<br />
{{note|The lyrics on this page have been translated more idiomatically than literally.}}<br />
===TV size edit===<br />
{|width=100%<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====Original Japanese====<br />
風の歌 響く 遥かなる 大地<br><br />
聞こえるだろ 夢刻む リズム<br><br />
どんな敵 来ても 僕たちの 本気<br><br />
イグニッション 火を付けた 勇気<br />
<br />
この星を守る 何が起っても<br><br />
僕も君も生きている 証！だから！<br />
<br />
:駆け抜けてく勇士は<br />
:絆で結ばれた 正義さ<br />
:一緒に 行こうぜ<br />
:We just call you トランスフォーマー<br />
<br />
:トランスフォーマー<br />
<br />
''RIDE ON!''<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====Rōmaji transliteration====<br />
Kaze no uta hibiku haruka naru daichi<br><br />
Kikoeru daro yume kizamu Rizumu<br><br />
Donna teki kitemo bokutachi no power<br><br />
Ignition hi o tsuketa yūki<br />
<br />
Kono hoshi o mamoru nani ga okottemo<br><br />
Boku mo kimi mo ikiteiru akashi! Dakara!<br />
<br />
:Kakenukete ku yūshi wa<br />
:Kizuna de musubareta seigi sa<br />
:Issho ni ikō ze<br />
:We just call you Transformer<br />
<br />
:Transformer<br />
<br />
''RIDE ON!''<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====English translation====<br />
The song of the wind resounds across the land<br><br />
You can hear it right? It's the rhythm of the dream<br><br />
No matter what enemy comes, with our power<br><br />
Ignition! The flame of courage is lit<br />
<br />
I will protect this planet no matter what happens<br><br />
Because! It proves we're alive!<br />
<br />
:These journeying valiant warriors<br />
:Are bound by justice<br />
:Let's go together<br />
:We just call you Transformers<br />
<br />
:Transformers<br />
<br />
''RIDE ON!''<br />
<br />
|}<br />
<br />
===Full version===<br />
{|width=100%<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====Original Japanese====<br />
風の歌 響く 遥かなる 大地<br><br />
聞こえるだろ 夢刻む リズム<br><br />
どんな敵 来ても 僕たちの 本気<br><br />
イグニッション 火を付けた 勇気<br />
<br />
この星を守る 何が起っても<br><br />
僕も君も生きている 証！だから！<br />
<br />
:駆け抜けてく勇士は<br />
:絆で結ばれた 正義さ<br />
:一緒に 行こうぜ<br />
:We just call you トランスフォーマー<br />
<br />
この空の 蒼を 大いなる 黒が<br><br />
呑み込んでく 切れそうな 鼓動<br />
<br />
今 僕は誓う 取り戻せ 未来<br><br />
明日へ向かう 真実の 扉！開けろ！<br />
<br />
:無限大の 勇気が<br />
:形を変えながら 旅立つ<br />
:答えを 探しに<br />
:We just call you トランスフォーマー<br />
<br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''ROBOTS IN DISGUISE''<br />
<br />
:駆け抜けてく勇士は<br />
:絆で結ばれた 正義さ<br />
:一緒に 行こうぜ<br />
:We just call you トランスフォーマー<br />
<br />
:トランスフォーマー<br />
<br />
''RIDE ON!''<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====Rōmaji transliteration====<br />
Kaze no uta hibiku haruka naru daichi<br><br />
Kikoeru daro yume kizamu rhythm<br><br />
Donna teki kitemo bokutachi no power<br><br />
Ignition hi o tsuketa yūki<br />
<br />
Kono hoshi o mamoru nani ga okottemo<br><br />
Boku mo kimi mo ikiteiru akashi! Dakara!<br />
<br />
:Kakenukete ku yūshi wa<br />
:Kizuna de musubareta seigi sa<br />
:Issho ni ikō ze<br />
:We just call you Transformer<br />
<br />
Kono sora no ao o ōinaru kuro ga<br><br />
Nomikondeku kiresōna kodō<br />
<br />
Ima boku wa chikau torimodose mirai<br><br />
Asu e mukau shinjitsu no tobira! Akero!<br />
<br />
:Mugendai no yūki ga<br />
:Katachi o kae nagara tabidatsu<br />
:Kotae o sagashi ni<br />
:We just call you Transformer<br />
<br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''ROBOTS IN DISGUISE''<br />
<br />
:Kakenukete ku yūshi wa<br />
:Kizuna de musubareta seigi sa<br />
:Issho ni ikō ze<br />
:We just call you Transformer<br />
<br />
:Transformer<br />
<br />
''RIDE ON!''<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====English translation====<br />
The wind's song echoes across the faraway land<br><br />
Can you hear it? The rhythm carving out our dreams<br><br />
Whatever enemy comes, this is our true power<br><br />
Ignition! Our courage has caught fire<br />
<br />
No matter what happens, we will protect this planet<br><br />
Both you and I are living proof! That's why!<br />
<br />
:The valiant warriors charging forth<br />
:Are united by a bond of justice!<br />
:Let's go together!<br />
:We just call you Transformers<br />
<br />
A great darkness swallows the blue of this sky,<br><br />
A heartbeat that is on the verge of giving out<br />
<br />
Now I swear: reclaim the future!<br><br />
The door of truth leading to tomorrow! Open!<br />
<br />
:Unlimited courage<br />
:Embarks on a journey while changing form,<br />
:In search of the answer<br />
:We just call you Transformers<br />
<br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''ROBOTS IN DISGUISE''<br />
<br />
:The valiant warriors charging forth<br />
:Are united by a bond of justice!<br />
:Let's go together!<br />
:We just call you Transformers<br />
<br />
:Transformers<br />
<br />
''RIDE ON!''<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Single release==<br />
[[Image:Kimi to Boku no Mirai single.jpg|thumb|150px]]<br />
;Track listing<br />
#"CALL YOU... Kimi to Boku no Mirai"<br />
#"[[Itsumo]]"<br />
#"CALL YOU... Kimi to Boku no Mirai (Original Karaoke)"<br />
#"Itsumo (Original Karaoke)"<br />
<br />
'''Release date:''' [[January 21]], [[2005]]<br><br />
'''Label:''' [[Victor Entertainment]]<br><br />
'''Prod. code:''' VICL-35762<br><br />
'''ASIN:''' B0006TPGAY<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
===Album releases===<br />
{{note|All releases listed feature the full version of the song, unless otherwise noted.}}<br />
*2005 — ''[[Transformers Galaxy Force: Sound Pack 1]]'' ([[Victor Entertainment]]) — TV size version only.<br />
*2005 — ''[[Transformers Galaxy Force: Sound Pack 2]]'' (Victor Entertainment) — "Live in Koblenz 2005" version only.<br />
*2007 — ''[[Transformers Song Universe]]'' ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]])<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Original Japanese lyrics from [http://web.archive.org/web/20100426152724/http://otakebihonpo.cool.ne.jp/lib/robots/transformers/index.html Otakebihonpo]<br />
*Rōmaji transliteration and English translation of the [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TOxRpxTLZo TV size edit] ([[Ice#Trivia|third]] [[title sequence]]) from the fansub produced by [http://www.tvnihon.com/ TV-Nihon.com].<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Cybertron media]]<br />
[[Category:Japanese theme songs]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Call_You..._Kimi_to_Boku_no_Mirai&diff=1878463Call You... Kimi to Boku no Mirai2025-12-07T23:11:41Z<p>Starzone: /* English translation */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{song<br />
|title=CALL YOU... Kimi to Boku no Mirai<br />
|japanese=CALL YOU... 君と僕の未来<br />
|translation=CALL YOU... The Future of You and Me<br />
|image=Kimi to Boku no Mirai.jpg<br />
|caption=<br />
|series=[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Galaxy Force]]<br />
|position=opening theme<br />
|performer=[[Shinji Kakijima]]<br />
|composer=Shinji Kakijima<br />
|lyrics=[[Shōko Shimizu]]<br />
|arrangement=[[Yasutaka Mizushima]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
"'''CALL YOU... Kimi to Boku no Mirai'''" (CALL YOU... 君と僕の未来, "CALL YOU... The Future of You and Me") is the first [[japanese themes|opening theme song]] of the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Galaxy Force]]'' cartoon.<br />
{{TOCclear}}<br />
<br />
==Lyrics==<br />
{{note|The lyrics on this page have been translated more idiomatically than literally.}}<br />
===TV size edit===<br />
{|width=100%<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====Original Japanese====<br />
風の歌 響く 遥かなる 大地<br><br />
聞こえるだろ 夢刻む リズム<br><br />
どんな敵 来ても 僕たちの 本気<br><br />
イグニッション 火を付けた 勇気<br />
<br />
この星を守る 何が起っても<br><br />
僕も君も生きている 証！だから！<br />
<br />
:駆け抜けてく勇士は<br />
:絆で結ばれた 正義さ<br />
:一緒に 行こうぜ<br />
:We just call you トランスフォーマー<br />
<br />
:トランスフォーマー<br />
<br />
''RIDE ON!''<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====Rōmaji transliteration====<br />
Kaze no uta hibiku haruka naru daichi<br><br />
Kikoeru daro yume kizamu Rizumu<br><br />
Donna teki kitemo bokutachi no power<br><br />
Ignition hi o tsuketa yūki<br />
<br />
Kono hoshi o mamoru nani ga okottemo<br><br />
Boku mo kimi mo ikiteiru akashi! Dakara!<br />
<br />
:Kakenukete ku yūshi wa<br />
:Kizuna de musubareta seigi sa<br />
:Issho ni ikō ze<br />
:We just call you Transformer<br />
<br />
:Transformer<br />
<br />
''RIDE ON!''<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====English translation====<br />
The song of the wind resounds across the land<br><br />
You can hear it right? It's the rhythm of the dream<br><br />
No matter what enemy comes, with our power<br><br />
Ignition! The flame of courage is lit<br />
<br />
I will protect this planet no matter what happens<br><br />
Because! It proves we're alive!<br />
<br />
:These journeying valiant warriors<br />
:Are bound by justice<br />
:Let's go together<br />
:We just call you Transformers<br />
<br />
:Transformers<br />
<br />
''RIDE ON!''<br />
<br />
|}<br />
<br />
===Full version===<br />
{|width=100%<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====Original Japanese====<br />
風の歌 響く 遥かなる 大地<br><br />
聞こえるだろ 夢刻む リズム<br><br />
どんな敵 来ても 僕たちの 本気<br><br />
イグニッション 火を付けた 勇気<br />
<br />
この星を守る 何が起っても<br><br />
僕も君も生きている 証！だから！<br />
<br />
:駆け抜けてく勇士は<br />
:絆で結ばれた 正義さ<br />
:一緒に 行こうぜ<br />
:We just call you トランスフォーマー<br />
<br />
この空の 蒼を 大いなる 黒が<br><br />
呑み込んでく 切れそうな 鼓動<br />
<br />
今 僕は誓う 取り戻せ 未来<br><br />
明日へ向かう 真実の 扉！開けろ！<br />
<br />
:無限大の 勇気が<br />
:形を変えながら 旅立つ<br />
:答えを 探しに<br />
:We just call you トランスフォーマー<br />
<br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''ROBOTS IN DISGUISE''<br />
<br />
:駆け抜けてく勇士は<br />
:絆で結ばれた 正義さ<br />
:一緒に 行こうぜ<br />
:We just call you トランスフォーマー<br />
<br />
:トランスフォーマー<br />
<br />
''RIDE ON!''<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====Rōmaji transliteration====<br />
Kaze no uta hibiku haruka naru daichi<br><br />
Kikoeru daro yume kizamu rhythm<br><br />
Donna teki kitemo bokutachi no power<br><br />
Ignition hi o tsuketa yūki<br />
<br />
Kono hoshi o mamoru nani ga okottemo<br><br />
Boku mo kimi mo ikiteiru akashi! Dakara!<br />
<br />
:Kakenukete ku yūshi wa<br />
:Kizuna de musubareta seigi sa<br />
:Issho ni ikō ze<br />
:We just call you Transformer<br />
<br />
Kono sora no ao o ōinaru kuro ga<br><br />
Nomikondeku kiresōna kodō<br />
<br />
Ima boku wa chikau torimodose mirai<br><br />
Asu e mukau shinjitsu no tobira! Akero!<br />
<br />
:Mugendai no yūki ga<br />
:Katachi o kae nagara tabidatsu<br />
:Kotae o sagashi ni<br />
:We just call you Transformer<br />
<br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''ROBOTS IN DISGUISE''<br />
<br />
:Kakenukete ku yūshi wa<br />
:Kizuna de musubareta seigi sa<br />
:Issho ni ikō ze<br />
:We just call you Transformer<br />
<br />
:Transformer<br />
<br />
''RIDE ON!''<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====English translation====<br />
The wind's song echoes across the faraway land<br><br />
Can you hear it? The rhythm carving out our dreams<br><br />
Whatever enemy comes, this is our true power<br><br />
Ignition! Our courage has caught fire<br />
<br />
No matter what happens, we will protect this planet<br><br />
Both you and I are living proof! That's why!<br />
<br />
:The valiant warriors charging forth<br />
:Are united by a bond of justice!<br />
:Let's go together!<br />
:We just call you Transformers<br />
<br />
A great darkness swallows the blue of this sky,<br><br />
A heartbeat that is on the verge of giving out<br />
<br />
Now I swear: reclaim the future!<br><br />
The door of truth leading to tomorrow! Open!<br />
<br />
:Unlimited courage<br />
:Embarks on a journey while changing form,<br />
:In search of the answer<br />
:We just call you Transformers<br />
<br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''CALL YOU''<br><br />
''ROBOTS IN DISGUISE''<br />
<br />
:The valiant warriors charging forth<br />
:Are united by a bond of justice!<br />
:Let's go together!<br />
:We just call you Transformers<br />
<br />
:Transformers<br />
<br />
''RIDE ON!''<br />
<br />
==Single release==<br />
[[Image:Kimi to Boku no Mirai single.jpg|thumb|150px]]<br />
;Track listing<br />
#"CALL YOU... Kimi to Boku no Mirai"<br />
#"[[Itsumo]]"<br />
#"CALL YOU... Kimi to Boku no Mirai (Original Karaoke)"<br />
#"Itsumo (Original Karaoke)"<br />
<br />
'''Release date:''' [[January 21]], [[2005]]<br><br />
'''Label:''' [[Victor Entertainment]]<br><br />
'''Prod. code:''' VICL-35762<br><br />
'''ASIN:''' B0006TPGAY<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
===Album releases===<br />
{{note|All releases listed feature the full version of the song, unless otherwise noted.}}<br />
*2005 — ''[[Transformers Galaxy Force: Sound Pack 1]]'' ([[Victor Entertainment]]) — TV size version only.<br />
*2005 — ''[[Transformers Galaxy Force: Sound Pack 2]]'' (Victor Entertainment) — "Live in Koblenz 2005" version only.<br />
*2007 — ''[[Transformers Song Universe]]'' ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]])<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*Original Japanese lyrics from [http://web.archive.org/web/20100426152724/http://otakebihonpo.cool.ne.jp/lib/robots/transformers/index.html Otakebihonpo]<br />
*Rōmaji transliteration and English translation of the [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TOxRpxTLZo TV size edit] ([[Ice#Trivia|third]] [[title sequence]]) from the fansub produced by [http://www.tvnihon.com/ TV-Nihon.com].<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Cybertron media]]<br />
[[Category:Japanese theme songs]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Transformer:_Dream_Again&diff=1781470Transformer: Dream Again2024-09-03T14:42:58Z<p>Starzone: /* Lyrics */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{song<br />
|title=TRANSFORMER -Dream Again-<br />
|japanese=<br />
|image=Dream Again.JPG<br />
|caption=T3H 5H1NY!!<br />
|series=[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Transformers: Legends of the Microns]]<br />
|position=opening theme<br />
|composer=[[Psychic Lover|YOFFY]], [[Psychic Lover|IMAJO]]<br />
|lyrics=YOFFY<br />
|arrangement=[[Psychic Lover]],<br>[[Satoshi Kawase]]<br />
|performer=Psychic Lover<br />
|publisher=<br />
}}<br />
<br />
"'''TRANSFORMER -Dream Again-'''" is the first [[Japanese themes|opening theme]] for ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Legends of the Microns]]''.<br />
{{TOCclear}}<br />
<br />
==Lyrics==<br />
===TV size edit===<br />
{|width=100%<br />
|valign=top|<br />
====Original Japanese====<br />
TRANSFORM!<br><br />
TRANSFORM!<br />
<br />
:Transformer 飛び立つんだ その翼で...<br />
<br />
眠りから覚めた 惑星の片隅で<br><br />
闇を裂く光 今始まるよ Story<br />
<br />
(Transformer)<br><br />
見上げた空は こんなにもキレイなのに<br><br />
(It's Too Late!)<br><br />
迫り来る Destiny サイレンは鳴り響いてる<br><br />
Get It Out! 少年よ 戦士に生まれ変われ<br><br />
~More Than Meets The Eye!~<br />
<br />
:Transformer 飛び立つんだ その翼で<br />
:DREAM AGAIN もう一度宇宙を目指せ<br />
:Transformer 恐れるな 前を向いて<br />
:DREAM AGAIN 伝説が よみがえるまで<br />
:目の前の世界が カタチを変える<br />
:トランスフォーマー<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====Rōmaji transliteration====<br />
TRANSFORM!<br><br />
TRANSFORM!<br />
<br />
:Transformer tobitatsun da sono tsubasa de...<br />
<br />
Nemuri kara sameta hoshi no katasumi de<br><br />
Yami o saku hikari ima hajimaru yo Story<br />
<br />
(Transformer)<br><br />
Miageta sora wa konna ni mo kirei nanoni<br><br />
(It's Too Late!)<br><br />
Semari kuru Destiny siren wa narihibiiteru<br><br />
Get It Out! Shōnen yo senshi ni umare kaware<br><br />
~More Than Meets The Eye!~<br />
<br />
:Transformer tobitatsun da sono tsubasa de<br />
:DREAM AGAIN mō ichido sora o mezase<br />
:Transformer osoru na mae o muite<br />
:DREAM AGAIN densetsu ga yomigaeru made<br />
:Me no mae no sekai ga katachi o kaeru<br />
:Transformer<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
====English translation====<br />
TRANSFORM!<br><br />
TRANSFORM!<br />
<br />
:Transformer, take to the skies with your wings...<br />
<br />
A light tears through the darkness in a corner of the planet<br><br />
Where I have woken up, now beginning the story.<br />
<br />
(Transformer)<br><br />
The sky we gazed up at is so beautiful, but<br><br />
(It's Too Late!)<br><br />
The sirens of an imminent destiny are blaring<br><br />
Get It Out! Boy, you'll be reborn as a warrior<br><br />
~More Than Meets The Eye!~<br />
<br />
:Transformer, take to the skies with your wings<br />
:DREAM AGAIN, aim for the cosmos once more<br />
:Transformer, don't be afraid, look ahead<br />
:DREAM AGAIN, until the legend returns to life<br />
:The world before our eyes is changing shape<br />
:Transformer<br />
|}<br />
<br />
===Full version===<br />
{|width=100%<br />
|valign=top|<br />
====Original Japanese====<br />
TRANSFORM!<br><br />
TRANSFORM!<br />
<br />
:Transformer 飛び立つんだ その翼で...<br />
<br />
眠りから覚めた 惑星の片隅で<br><br />
闇を裂く光 今始まるよ Story<br />
<br />
(Transformer)<br><br />
見上げた空は こんなにもキレイなのに<br><br />
(It's Too Late!)<br><br />
迫り来る Destiny サイレンは鳴り響いてる<br><br />
Get It Out! 少年よ 戦士に生まれ変われ<br><br />
~More Than Meets The Eye!~<br />
<br />
:Transformer 飛び立つんだ その翼で<br />
:DREAM AGAIN もう一度宇宙を目指せ<br />
:Transformer 恐れるな 前を向いて<br />
:DREAM AGAIN 伝説が よみがえるまで<br />
:目の前の世界が カタチを変える<br />
:トランスフォーマー<br />
<br />
奇跡を待ってる 惑星の片隅で<br><br />
情熱の炎 今燃やすのさ Burning<br />
<br />
(Transformer)<br><br />
たった一つの出会い 世界を変えてゆく<br><br />
(Tell Me Why?)<br><br />
答えをつかむまで 僕たちは走り続ける<br><br />
Get It Out! 少年よ 戦士に生まれ変われ<br><br />
~More Than Meets The Eye!~<br />
<br />
:Transformer 飛び込むんだ 星の海へ<br />
:DREAM AGAIN 暗闇を 赤く照らせ<br />
:Transformer 輝きを 取り戻すため<br />
:DREAM AGAIN 真実を解き明かそう<br />
:目の前の世界が カタチを変える<br />
:トランスフォーマー<br />
<br />
星空に描いた 僕たちの夢は<br><br />
新しい時代の 叫び<br><br />
もしもどこかで この声が聞こえたら<br><br />
ためらわず今!!<br />
<br />
:Transformer 飛び立つんだ その翼で<br />
:DREAM AGAIN もう一度宇宙を目指せ<br />
:Transformer おそれるな 前を向いて<br />
:DREAM AGAIN 伝説が よみがえるまで<br />
:目の前の世界が カタチを変える<br />
:トランスフォーマー<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
<br />
====Rōmaji transliteration====<br />
TRANSFORM!<br><br />
TRANSFORM!<br />
<br />
:Transformer tobitatsun da sono tsubasa de...<br />
<br />
Nemuri kara sameta hoshi no katasumi de<br><br />
Yami o saku hikari ima hajimaru yo Story<br />
<br />
(Transformer)<br><br />
Miageta sora wa konna ni mo kirei nanoni<br><br />
(It's Too Late!)<br><br />
Semari kuru Destiny siren wa narihibiiteru<br><br />
Get It Out! Shōnen yo senshi ni umare kaware<br><br />
~More Than Meets The Eye!~<br />
<br />
:Transformer tobitatsun da sono tsubasa de<br />
:DREAM AGAIN mō ichido sora o mezase<br />
:Transformer osoru na mae o muite<br />
:DREAM AGAIN densetsu ga yomigaeru made<br />
:Me no mae no sekai ga katachi o kaeru<br />
:Transformer<br />
<br />
Kiseki o matteru hoshi no katasumi de<br><br />
Jōnetsu no honō ima moyasu no sa Burning<br />
<br />
(Transformer)<br><br />
Tatta hitotsu no deai sekai o kaete yuku<br><br />
(Tell Me Why?)<br><br />
Kotae o tsukamu made boku tachi wa hashiri tsuzukeru<br><br />
Get It Out! Shōnen yo senshi ni umare kaware<br><br />
~More Than Meets The Eye!~<br />
<br />
:Transformer tobikomunda hoshi no umi e<br />
:DREAM AGAIN kurayami o akaku tera se<br />
:Transformer kagayaki o tori modosu tame<br />
:DREAM AGAIN shinjitsu o toki-aka sō<br />
:Me no mae no sekai ga katachi o kaeru<br />
:Transformer<br />
<br />
Hoshi sora ni ekai ta bokutachi no yume wa<br><br />
Atarashii jidai no sakebi<br><br />
Moshimo doko kade kono koe ga kikoe tara<br><br />
Tamerawazu ima!!<br />
<br />
:Transformer tobitatsun da sono tsubasa de<br />
:DREAM AGAIN mō ichido sora o mezase<br />
:Transformer osoru na mae o muite<br />
:DREAM AGAIN densetsu ga yomigaeru made<br />
:Me no mae no sekai ga katachi o kaeru<br />
:Transformer<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
====English translation====<br />
TRANSFORM!<br><br />
TRANSFORM!<br />
<br />
:Transformer, take to the skies with your wings...<br />
<br />
A light tears through the darkness in a corner of the planet<br><br />
Where I have woken up, now beginning the story.<br />
<br />
(Transformer)<br><br />
The sky we gazed up at is so beautiful, but<br><br />
(It's Too Late!)<br><br />
The sirens of an imminent destiny are blaring<br><br />
Get It Out! Boy, you'll be reborn as a warrior<br><br />
~More Than Meets The Eye!~<br />
<br />
:Transformer, take to the skies with your wings<br />
:DREAM AGAIN, aim for the cosmos once more<br />
:Transformer, don't be afraid, look ahead<br />
:DREAM AGAIN, until the legend returns to life<br />
:The world before our eyes is changing shape<br />
:Transformer<br />
<br />
In a corner of the planet waiting for a miracle,<br><br />
The flame of passion is burning now, burning<br />
<br />
(Transformer)<br><br />
A single encounter can change the world<br><br />
(Tell Me Why?)<br><br />
We will keep running until we get the answer<br><br />
Get It Out! Boy, you'll be reborn as a warrior<br><br />
~More Than Meets The Eye!~ <br />
<br />
:Transformer, dive into the sea of stars<br />
:DREAM AGAIN, illuminate the darkness with red<br />
:Transformer, to recover the radiance<br />
:DREAM AGAIN, let's uncover the truth<br />
:The world before our eyes is changing shape <br />
:Transformer<br />
<br />
Our dreams drawn in the starry sky<br><br />
Are a cry for a new era<br><br />
If you can hear this sound anywhere,<br><br />
Don't hesitate now!!<br />
<br />
:Transformer, take to the skies with your wings<br />
:DREAM AGAIN, aim for the cosmos once more<br />
:Transformer, don't be afraid, look ahead<br />
:DREAM AGAIN, until the legend returns to life<br />
:The world before our eyes is changing shape<br />
:Transformer<br />
<br />
|valign=top|<br />
====2018 English lyrics====<br />
:Transformer, it's time to blast off, so ride upon your wings...<br />
<br />
Waking up from a long deep sleep on the far side of a star<br><br />
A bright light ripping through the dark is the beginning of our story<br />
<br />
(Transformer)<br><br />
Gazing up at the bright blue sky as its beauty tells a tale of irony<br><br />
(It's too late!)<br><br />
There's an imminent destiny and now you can hear the sirens wailing<br><br />
Get it out! You are the one, you can become a warrior<br><br />
~More Than Meets The Eye!~<br />
<br />
:Transformer, it's time to take off upon your wings of steel<br />
:DREAM AGAIN, the sky's the limit, let's make it all come real<br />
:Transformer, facing forward, your courage is your strength<br />
:DREAM AGAIN, the mighty legend returning to defend<br />
:Watching the world shapeshifting, right before your eyes<br />
:Transformer!<br />
<br />
Waiting for a miracle on the far side of a star<br><br />
Here we are with the fire of passion and in our hearts it's burning<br />
<br />
(Transformer)<br><br />
One fateful meeting can be a chance for you to change the world now<br><br />
(Tell me why)<br><br />
We won't stop marching on until we can find a new solution<br><br />
Get it out! You are the one, you can become a warrior<br><br />
～More Than Meets The Eye!～<br />
<br />
:Transformer, it's time to dive into the great sea of stars<br />
:DREAM AGAIN, make the darkness a bright new shiny red<br />
:Transformer, it's time to take back the life force radiance<br />
:DREAM AGAIN, we'll make the world see the true reality<br />
:Watching the world shapeshifting right before your eyes<br />
:Transformer!<br />
<br />
It's written into the night sky<br><br />
Everybody's dream is the ultimate scream of a brand new generation<br><br />
Maybe if somebody someday could ever hear the voices crying out<br><br />
Don't hold back, now is the time<br><br />
<br />
:Transformer, it's time to take off upon your wings of steel<br />
:DREAM AGAIN, the sky's the limit, let's make it all come real<br />
:Transformer, facing forward, your courage is your strength<br />
:DREAM AGAIN, the mighty legend, returning to defend<br />
:Watching the world shapeshifting right before your eyes<br />
:Transformer!<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Single releases==<br />
[[File:Dream Again single.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85]]<br />
;Track listing<br />
#"TRANSFORMER -Dream Again-"<br />
#"[[Mune Ippai no...]]"<br />
#"TRANSFORMER -Dream Again- (Original Karaoke)"<br />
#"Mune Ippai no... (Original Karaoke)"<br />
<br />
'''Release date:''' [[February 1]], [[2003]]<br><br />
'''Label:''' [[Columbia Music Entertainment]]<br><br />
'''Prod. code:''' CODC-2090<br><br />
'''ASIN:''' B00007JMIG<br />
{{-}}<br />
----<br />
<br />
[[File:Dream Again Never Ending Road single.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85]]<br />
;Track listing<br />
#"TRANSFORMER -Dream Again-"<br />
#"[[Never Ending Road]]"<br />
#"TRANSFORMER -Dream Again- (Original Karaoke)"<br />
#"Never Ending Road (Original Karaoke)"<br />
<br />
'''Release date:''' [[March 29]], 2003<br><br />
'''Label:''' Columbia Music Entertainment<br><br />
'''Prod. code:''' CODC-2102<br><br />
'''ASIN:''' B00008BDEO<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
===Album releases===<br />
{{note|All releases listed feature the full version of the song, unless otherwise noted.}}<br />
*2003 — ''[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1]]'' ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — TV size version only.<br />
*2003 — ''[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 2]]'' (Columbia Music Entertainment) — TV size version only.<br />
*2003 — ''[[Transformers Theme Song Collection]]'' (Columbia Music Entertainment)<br />
*2007 — ''[[Transformers Song Universe]]'' (Columbia Music Entertainment)<br />
*2018 — ''PSYCHIC LOVER 15th Anniversary Re-recording Tracks ～CRUSH & BUILD～'' (Columbia Music Entertainment)<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
* The 2018 album ''PSYCHIC LOVER 15th Anniversary Re-recording Tracks ～CRUSH & BUILD～'' included updated re-recordings of "Dream Again", "[[Don't Give Up!!]]" and "[[Mune Ippai no...]]", along with an English-language cover of "Dream Again" (as well as "[[wikia:powerrangers:Samurai Sentai Shinkenger (song)|Samurai Sentai Shinkenger]]" and "[[wikia:powerrangers:Boukensha ON THE ROAD|Boukensha ON THE ROAD]]"). While these lyrics have never been used in a ''Transformers''-branded product, we've included them as the closest thing to an official English version of the song.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrwWRfKphN8 TRANSFORMER -Dream Again 2018 (English ver.)] at YouTube<br />
<br />
{{musicstub}}<br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dream Again}}<br />
[[Category:Armada media]]<br />
[[Category:Japanese theme songs]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Transformers:_K%C3%85%C2%8Dtetsu_no_Y%C3%85%C2%ABki&diff=1781262Transformers: KÅtetsu no YÅ«ki2024-09-02T03:21:00Z<p>Starzone: /* Lyrics */ updated translations</p>
<hr />
<div>{{song<br />
|title=Transformers ~Kōtetsu no Yūki~<br />
|japanese=Transformers ～鋼鉄の勇気～<br />
|translation=Transformers ~Steel Courage~<br />
|image=Koutetsu no Yuuki.jpg<br />
|caption=So, is the galaxy powered by these guys running in wheels?<br />
|series=[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Transformers: Legends of the Microns]]<br />
|position=opening theme<br />
|composer=Hideaki Takatori<br />
|lyrics=Hideaki Takatori<br />
|arrangement=[[Hiroaki Kagoshima]]<br />
|performer=[[Hideaki Takatori]]<br />
|publisher=<br />
}}<br />
<br />
"'''Transformers ~Kōtetsu no Yūki~'''" (Transformers ～鋼鉄の勇気～, "Transformers ~Steel Courage~") is the second [[Japanese themes|opening theme]] for the ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Legends of the Microns]]'' cartoon, debuting in episode 27 "[[Detection]]".<br />
{{TOCclear}}<br />
<br />
==Lyrics==<br />
{{note|The lyrics on this page have been translated more idiomatically than literally.}}<br />
===TV size edit===<br />
{|width=100%<br />
|valign=top width=33%|<br />
====Original Japanese====<br />
(Transform!)<br />
:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ<br />
:まぶしいひかりを浴びて<br />
:渦巻く銀河のかなたへ<br />
:旅立てよ Transformers<br />
<br />
深い闇に こたえを求め<br><br />
胸を焦がす 闘いの日々<br><br />
運命に 進化してく 生命体<br />
<br />
傷つきさまよい それでも<br><br />
やさしさ探しあてたとき<br><br />
君の中 なにかが 変わりはじめる<br><br />
Transform!<br />
<br />
:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ<br />
:まぶしいひかりを浴びて<br />
:渦巻く銀河のかなたへ<br />
:旅立てよ Transformers<br />
<br />
:伝説の勇者闘え！<br />
:あふれる想い抱いて<br />
:いつの日かこの宇宙(そら)いっぱい<br />
:勝ち誇れ Transformers<br />
<br />
|valign=top width=33%|<br />
====Rōmaji transliteration====<br />
(Transform!)<br />
:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake<br />
:Mabushii hikari o abite<br />
:Uzumaku ginga no kanata e<br />
:Tabitate yo Transformers<br />
<br />
Fukai yami ni kotae o motome<br><br />
Mune o kogasu tatakai no hibi<br><br />
Unmei ni shinkashiteku seimeitai<br />
<br />
Kizu tsukisa mayoi sore demo<br><br />
Yasashi sa sagashi ateta toki<br><br />
Kimi no naka nanika ga kawari hajimeru<br><br />
Transform!<br />
<br />
:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake<br />
:Mabushii hikari o abite<br />
:Uzumaku ginga no kanata e<br />
:Tabitate yo Transformers<br />
<br />
:Densetsu no yūsha tatakae!<br />
:Afureru omoi daite<br />
:Itsu no hi ka kono sora ippai<br />
:Kachi hokore Transformers<br />
<br />
|valign=top width=33%|<br />
<br />
====English translation====<br />
(Transform!)<br />
:Shine with your steel courage<br />
:Bask in the radiant light, and<br />
:Go beyond the swirling galaxy<br />
:Journey forth, Transformers<br />
<br />
Seeking answers in the deep darkness,<br><br />
Yearning for the days of battle,<br><br />
Lifeforms evolve toward their destiny<br><br />
<br />
When you are hurt and wandering,<br><br />
And yet you find kindness,<br><br />
Something inside you will begin to change<br><br />
Transform!<br />
<br />
:Shine with your steel courage<br />
:Bask in the radiant light, and<br />
:Go beyond the swirling galaxy<br />
:Journey forth, Transformers<br />
<br />
:Legendary heroes, fight on!<br />
:The universe (sky) will one day<br />
:Be filled with overflowing feelings<br />
:Be victorious, Transformers<br />
|}<br />
<br />
===Full version===<br />
{|width=100%<br />
|valign=top width=33%|<br />
<br />
====Original Japanese====<br />
(Transform!)<br />
:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ<br />
:まぶしいひかりを浴びて<br />
:渦巻く銀河のかなたへ<br />
:旅立てよ Transformers<br />
<br />
深い闇に こたえを求め<br><br />
胸を焦がす 闘いの日々<br><br />
運命に 進化してく 生命体<br />
<br />
傷つきさまよい それでも<br><br />
やさしさ探しあてたとき<br><br />
君の中 なにかが 変わりはじめる<br><br />
Transform!<br />
<br />
:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ<br />
:まぶしいひかりを浴びて<br />
:渦巻く銀河のかなたへ<br />
:旅立てよ Transformers<br />
<br />
:伝説の勇者闘え！<br />
:あふれる想い抱いて<br />
:いつの日かこの宇宙(そら)いっぱい<br />
:勝ち誇れ Transformers<br />
<br />
出遭い別れ くりかえすたび<br><br />
“強くなれ”と 心が叫ぶ<br><br />
哀しみに 錆びつかないで 魂<br />
<br />
頬をこぼれてく 涙は<br><br />
自分を磨きあげた勲章(あかし)<br><br />
もっと君を 君自身を 信じて<br><br />
(all're one!)<br />
<br />
:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ<br />
:鋼の意思つらぬけ<br />
:燃え立つコロナを背にうけ<br />
:熱くなれ Shinin' Spark!!<br />
<br />
:鋼鉄の勇気かがやけ<br />
:まぶしいひかりを浴びて<br />
:渦巻く銀河のかなたへ<br />
:旅立てよ Transformers<br />
<br />
:伝説の勇者闘え！<br />
:あふれる想い抱いて<br />
:いつの日かこの宇宙(そら)いっぱい<br />
:勝ち誇れ Transformers<br />
<br />
(Transform!)<br />
<br />
|valign=top width=33%|<br />
<br />
====Rōmaji transliteration====<br />
(Transform!)<br />
:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake<br />
:Mabushii hikari o abite<br />
:Uzumaku ginga no kanata e<br />
:Tabitate yo Transformers<br />
<br />
Fukai yami ni kotae o motome<br><br />
Mune o kogasu tatakai no hibi<br><br />
Unmei ni shinkashiteku seimeitai<br />
<br />
Kizu tsukisa mayoi sore demo<br><br />
Yasashi sa sagashi ateta toki<br><br />
Kimi no naka nanika ga kawari hajimeru<br><br />
Transform!<br />
<br />
:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake<br />
:Mabushii hikari o abite<br />
:Uzumaku ginga no kanata e<br />
:Tabitate yo Transformers<br />
<br />
:Densetsu no yūsha tatakae!<br />
:Afureru omoi daite<br />
:Itsu no hi ka kono sora ippai<br />
:Kachi hokore Transformers<br />
<br />
Deai wakare kurkikaesu tabi<br><br />
"Tsuyoku nare" to kokoro ga sakebu<br><br />
Kanashimi ni sabitsukanai de tamashii<br />
<br />
Hō o koboreteku namida wa<br><br />
Jibun o migakiage ta akashi<br><br />
Motto kimi o kimi jishin o shinjite<br><br />
(all're one!)<br />
<br />
:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake<br />
:Hagane no ishi tsuranuke<br />
:Moetatsu corona o se ni uke<br />
:Atsuku nare Shinin' Spark!!<br />
<br />
:Kōtetsu no yūki kagayake<br />
:Mabushii hikari o abite<br />
:Uzumaku ginga no kanata e<br />
:Tabitate yo Transformers<br />
<br />
:Densetsu no yūsha tatakae!<br />
:Afureru omoi daite<br />
:Itsu no hi ka kono sora ippai<br />
:Kachi hokore Transformers<br />
<br />
(Transform!)<br />
<br />
|valign=top width=33%|<br />
====English translation====<br />
(Transform!)<br />
:Shine with your steel courage<br />
:Bask in the radiant light, and<br />
:Go beyond the swirling galaxy<br />
:Journey forth, Transformers<br />
<br />
Seeking answers in the deep darkness,<br><br />
Yearning for the days of battle,<br><br />
Lifeforms evolve toward their destiny<br><br />
<br />
When you are hurt and wandering,<br><br />
And yet you find kindness,<br><br />
Something inside you will begin to change<br><br />
Transform!<br />
<br />
:Shine with your steel courage<br />
:Bask in the radiant light, and<br />
:Go beyond the swirling galaxy<br />
:Journey forth, Transformers<br />
<br />
:Legendary heroes, fight on!<br />
:The universe (sky) will one day<br />
:Be filled with overflowing feelings<br />
:Be victorious, Transformers<br />
<br />
Each time we meet and part repeatedly,<br><br />
Our hearts cry out, "Be strong!"<br><br />
Don't get your soul rusty with sorrow<br />
<br />
The tears that spill down your cheeks<br><br />
Are medals (proof) that you improved yourself<br><br />
Believe in yourself more, believe in yourself<br><br />
(all're one!)<br />
<br />
:Shine with your steel courage,<br />
:Persevere with your steel will, and<br />
:Feel the blazing corona on your back<br />
:Grow hot, Shinin' Spark!!<br />
<br />
:Shine with your steel courage<br />
:Bask in the radiant light, and<br />
:Go beyond the swirling galaxy<br />
:Journey forth, Transformers<br />
<br />
:Legendary heroes, fight on!<br />
:The universe (sky) will one day<br />
:Be filled with overflowing feelings<br />
:Be victorious, Transformers<br />
<br />
(Transformers!)<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Single release==<br />
[[Image:Kotetsu no Yuki single.jpg|thumb|150px]]<br />
;Track listing<br />
#"Transformers ~Kōtetsu no Yūki~"<br />
#"[[Don't Give Up!!]]"<br />
#"Transformers ~Kōtetsu no Yūki~ (Original Karaoke)"<br />
#"Don't Give Up!! (Original Karaoke)"<br />
<br />
'''Release date:''' [[July 23]], [[2003]]<br><br />
'''Label:''' [[Columbia Music Entertainment]]<br><br />
'''Prod. code:''' CODC-2111<br><br />
'''ASIN:''' B00009SEYX<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
===Album releases===<br />
{{note|All releases listed feature the full version of the song, unless otherwise noted.}}<br />
*2003 — ''[[Transformers Theme Song Collection]]'' ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]])<br />
*2007 — ''[[Transformers Song Universe]]'' (Columbia Music Entertainment)<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*This song contains lyrics that directly reference to points that characters say in the ''Legends of the Microns'' cartoon up until this point.<br />
**The theme of evolution being the fate of all life forms comes from [[Alexis]]' line in "[[Base]]" of everyone wanting to evolve.<br />
**The lyric of seeking for answers comes from [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]]'s discussion with [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] about wanting to know why the Transformers fight in "[[Rebellion (Armada)|Rebellion]]".<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
* Original Japanese lyrics from [http://web.archive.org/web/20100426152724/http://otakebihonpo.cool.ne.jp/lib/robots/transformers/index.html Otakebihonpo]<br />
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMz5zhfSrko Clean version of opening] at YouTube<br />
<br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kotetsu no Yuki}}<br />
[[Category:Armada media]]<br />
[[Category:Japanese theme songs]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=First_Encounter&diff=1776768First Encounter2024-08-04T13:02:33Z<p>Starzone: /* Synopsis */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig2|the ''Armada'' cartoon episode|the ''Armada'' comic story|First Encounter!}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=1<br />
|prev=<br />
|next=Metamorphosis (Armada)<br />
|title="First Encounter"<br />
|furigana=であい<br />
|japanese=遭遇<br />
|romaji=Deai<br />
|translation=Encounter<br />
|image=FirstEncounter_Prime.jpg<br />
|caption=Just look at that thousand light-year stare.<br />
|production code=TF: A-01<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]<br />
|director=[[Hidehito Ueda]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[August 23]], [[2002]] (English)<br>[[January 10|10 January]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj0lkdUXOps<br />
|videosite=YouTube<br />
}}<br />
'''Three ordinary children find themselves faced with robotic visitors from another world and an extraterrestrial war on their own planet.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Firstenccybertron.JPG|left|155px|thumb|Cybertronian architecture was greatly influenced by the Inebriation Movement.]]<br />
''Eons ago, the Transformers were sent out as explorers by a "[[Primus|unique digital entity]]." One of the first planets they inhabited was [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. But the Transformers warred with one another over tiny robots named [[Mini-Con]]s, used as tools to boost power. Eventually, an internal protocol awakened the Mini-Cons, and they joined forces to resist domination by either [[Autobot]]s or [[Decepticon]]s. After a long war, the Autobots and Decepticons called a truce. A [[Exodus (Armada)|craft]] was constructed for the Mini-Cons and blasted into space to stop them from being used in another war. It traveled for millions of years until it collided with a [[Moon (moon)| Moon]]; damaged, it crashed to the surface of [[Earth|the Moon's parent planet]]. The Mini-Cons lay dormant for millions of years as the planet's terrain shifted and changed around them...''<br />
<br />
In the present day, a boy named [[Rad White|Rad]] narrates, introducing himself and his friend [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]]. They race to school (Rad wins) and meet a schoolmate named [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]]. Rad asks her if she wants to come with them to explore a cave, but she rejects him. They then meet and argue with two boys named [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]]. They then head to class for the day. So far, an ordinary day. <br />
<br />
[[File:Firstenclight.JPG|left|155px|thumb|"Darn it, Rad. Your nightlight is ''way'' too bright!"]] <br />
After school, Rad and Carlos race up the [[Mount Astrogate|mountain]] to the cave. Billy and Fred follow them using a locator stuck to Rad's bike. The boys head into the cave, using a rope and a trail of rocks to mark their path. Billy and Fred follow them at a distance and accidentally destroy part of the rock trail; soon, they become lost after being scared by some bats. While advancing deep into the cave, Carlos accidentally treads on a stone plate. It begins to slide downwards, with the boys rapidly riding on top. At the bottom, the boys find themselves in a strange artificial building of an unknown purpose. There, they discover a glowing green stone, in reality, a [[Mini-Con storage panel]], and Rad picks it up, activating a beacon that causes an earthquake.<br />
<br />
[[File:Firstenccybertron2.JPG|155px|thumb|"When you wish upon a staaaaaar... makes no difference who you aaaaaaare..."<Br>"Strafe, those are LASERS."<br>"Oh."]]<br />
Alexis notices the earthquake and heads off to investigate the cave. The beacon shuts down the Space Research Center's computers. The beacon then fires out of the cave in three parts: one red, one purple, and one green. The green portion activates the Moon's spaceship wreckage, causing Mini-Con panels across the Earth to activate. The other two parts alert the Autobots and Decepticons on Cybertron to the location of the Mini-Cons. The best warriors of the opposing sides teleport to Earth to seek the Mini-Cons.<br />
<br />
[[File:Firstencmegs.JPG|left|155px|thumb|Hey you! The worst of your nightmares is coming!]]<br />
Back on Earth, the earthquake is over. Rad and Carlos exit the cave safely and soundly. Suddenly, they see a strange purple halo in the sky. Then the warp gate opens with a gigantic robot inside: [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. At this moment, Alexis shows up and tells the boys not to panic, but it is too hard for them. When Megatron moves towards Rad, the boy drops the panel; it activates, and [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] emerges. High Wire scans Rad's bike and transforms himself into a bicycle. The three kids ride High Wire to try to escape Megatron, but Megatron flicks a boulder at them, knocking them off the Mini-Con. Megatron blocks their path, claiming High Wire belongs to him and demanding they return High Wire to him or else. But suddenly, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|another giant robot]] teleports in, and the two giants square off in battle.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (9)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (8)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
* [[Rad White]] (1)<br />
* [[Carlos Lopez]] (2)<br />
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (3)<br />
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (4)<br />
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (5)<br />
* Homeroom teacher (6)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
* [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (7)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"Hey, we were just wondering if you wanted to come with us after school. We're heading up the mountain to scope out this wicked cave we found..."<br><br />
"Sorry guys, but I'm gonna have to take a rain check. I've got a math test, and I told my mom I'd come straight home. So for the last time, the answer's no!"<br />
:—'''Alexis''' uses the old "math test" excuse to blow off '''Rad'''.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Rad''': "Is it just me, or do you get the distinct feeling that Little Miss Stuck-Up dissed us big time?"<br><br />
'''Alexis''': "I hope you realize I heard that Rad!"<br><br />
'''Carlos''': "I tell you, man; there's just no winning when it comes to girls, is there?"<br />
:—'''Rad''' and '''Carlos''' learn the eternal truth; women are difficult to comprehend.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Would you hurry up? They've probably gone home already!"<br><br />
"Hey! You don't have to yell at me. I got feelings too, ya know! I-I'm trying my hardest, but no, nothing's ever good enough for you!"<br><br />
"Aw, quit your bellyaching!"<br><br />
"My therapist says I don't have to take this from you because you're not the boss of me! Besides, I'm getting hungry again."<br />
:—'''Billy''' and '''Fred''' arrive at the cave Rad and Carlos are exploring.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Ah, it would have had more fun if I'd brought my sister."<br />
:—'''Billy''' reflects on the company he keeps.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Megatron:''' "You have something of mine."<br><br />
'''Alexis:''' "We have what?"<br><br />
'''Megatron:''' "Give it back ''immediately'', or you shall suffer the consequences."<br><br />
'''Rad:''' "Oh...great."<br><br />
'''Megatron:''' "I have given you your chance, Earthling."<br />
:—Megatron giving chances?! Unthinkable!<br />
<br />
<br />
[[File:FirstEncounter-Round One FIGHT!.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|{{w|Robot Wars (TV series)|Robot Wars}} has ''nothing'' on these two.]]<br />
"''Stand down'', Megatron!"<br />
:—The line that made a room full of fans cheer at [[BotCon 2002]], as '''Optimus Prime''' appears.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*Uniquely, this episode's name was changed for ''Armada''; the ''Legends of the Microns'' version is called "Encounter," keeping with the rest of the one-word titles in the show.<br />
*The opening scene narration is ''Armada''-exclusive. Consequently, the Japanese dub doesn't mention the Transformers' origins or the "unique digital entity," and there's no talk of a truce between the Autobots and Decepticons. Instead, we hear a real-time dialogue through radio chatter, clarifying that we see a battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. The former tries to keep the latter back until the Mini-Cons' ship can warp to safety. The ''Armada'' narrator also says the Mini-Cons' ship takes millions of years to arrive at Earth, whereas ''Legends of the Microns'' indicates the journey is immediate.<br />
*The aerial view of Earth's changing topography closing the opening sequence is cut down and sped up in ''Armada''.<br />
*Aside from some laughing and whooping, the scene of Rad and Carlos heading for school is silent in ''Legends of the Microns'', lacking the narration that describes them. Instead, Rad introduces himself to the audience in the later narration about the [[Cosmoscope Research Center]]. Furthermore, the boys racing to school and bumping fists over Rad's victory is the ''Armada'' interpretation of the scene. Their "brofisting" in the Japanese dub is about them finally being ready to do something they reveal later.<br />
*Rad doesn't mention he and Carlos finding a cave when talking to Alexis and instead says they have something interesting planned. Then Alexis says she's too busy to play with the boys and apologizes. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad talks about how Alexis was closer to them and "played in the mud" with them when they were younger, and Carlos says she's now spending all her time studying to become president. ''Armada'' has Rad and Carlos grumbling about being dissed and not understanding girls. Then Alexis calls back to them sarcastically as she walks away; she says nothing in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Billy and Fred spout fairly generic "bully" dialogue in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', they make teasing inquiries about Rad and Carlos's plan, recalling the last time they explored the woods. Billy mentions a landslide by the back of a hill a while ago and says Rad and Carlos will face punishment if they don't have permission to go there. According to Fred, they seemingly get punished frequently but never learn their lesson, prompting Carlos to demand that Fred stop feigning innocence. Throughout the episode, ''Armada'' makes Billy more hostile towards Fred while Fred is far more pathetic and food-obsessed; these exaggerated traits define them for the rest of ''Armada'', while ''Legends of the Microns'' gives them more intelligent moments here and there.<br />
*Rad thinking Alexis likes him but is playing hard to get is an ''Armada''-exclusive element. Unlike ''Armada'', Rad's introductory narration in ''Legends of the Microns'' actually sets up the episode's plot; he reveals having plans with Carlos that day but, unknown to them, they'd "trigger an outrageous situation." Also, Rad whispering to Alexis, and her response are only faintly audible.<br />
*Instead of asking Rad if he's excited about going up the mountain, Carlos asks if they're ready, and Rad assures him they are, with most of ''Armada''{{'}}s filler dialogue between them as they leave removed.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Fred's locator was a gift; in ''Legends of the Microns'', it's called a ''transmitter'' instead, which Fred says he took from his dad without asking. The Japanese dub also removes Fred's "glandular problem" line.<br />
*After entering the cave, Rad asks how deeper it goes before asking Carlos if they have enough rope, to which Carlos replies they do. Carlos's dialogue about the rope is removed, and the later shot of Billy noticing it is also silent.<br />
*When they arrive at the cave, Fred complains about being tired and hungry and wants to go home. He claims it's not in his nature to enjoy exploring and that it's something Billy is better suited at than him. The POV shot of Fred pointing at Rad's bike is silent. Then Billy guesses Rad and Carlos were planning to go spelunking. Fred asks if they should go home, but Billy calls Fred an idiot and says they're going after the others. In ''Armada'', Billy rags on Fred for being a wuss.<br />
*The following scene with Rad and Carlos is primarily silent as Rad's dialogue while making the rock arrow is reduced, and so is his subsequent talk with Carlos.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' mentions Rad's love and knowledge of the outdoors more than ''Armada'' as Carlos asks if Rad loves outdoor exploring, and Rad answers yes. After faintly hearing Fred's voice later, Rad tells Carlos it was probably the wind since that's how it makes an echoing sound.<br />
*Fred's childhood phobia of dark places dialogue is now his fear of getting lost, leading to Billy reminding him about the rope before seeing it run out. Then Fred insists they turn back, and Billy demands him to stop joking around. While stomping on the rock arrow and ruining it, Billy repeatedly swears and asks where Rad and Carlos went before continuing, sounding angrier than he does in ''Armada''. Billy's only source of frustration in the scene in ''Armada'' is Fred's endless whining.<br />
*After hearing Billy and Fred scream, Carlos doubts it's the wind, and Rad agrees. Then Carlos wants to turn back to be sure and tells Rad to accompany him.<br />
*Carlos's line about him and Rad opening a hidden shaft leading to the chamber is now him guessing that he lost his Maglite, prompting Rad to bring out the torch. In ''Armada'', the following shot of the boys looking at the ruins fades to black almost instantly after Rad's line. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad's line now has an echo effect, and after the zoom-out, the shot holds for a second before cutting to black instead of fading.<br />
*After the mid-episode [[commercial bumper]], Rad repeats his last line. Then Carlos calls the sight incredible and says it's now like another world in the cave. Instead of calling out to anyone possibly living there, Rad and Carlos decide to explore further, concluding they've found a wrecked spaceship sooner than in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', it's silent from Carlos descending the stairs to Rad finding the Mini-Con panel. The Japanese dub removes Carlos's line about the panel looking radioactive, and Rad asks what it is in a lower and more hesitant tone. The scene of the ruined ship becoming active again is silent.<br />
*Alexis's internal dialogue as she goes to Mount Astrogate is changed to wondering what awakened beneath the mountain.<br />
*Rad and Carlos's dialogue as they escape the cave is more frantic than in ''Armada''. As Megatron appears, Carlos's line about things getting freaky again is removed. Instead of sounding like he's stretching, Megatron roars in the Japanese dub, making his presence known loud and proud.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Alexis babbles instructions about keeping still so Megatron doesn't spot Rad and Carlos. In ''Legends of the Microns'', she distressingly asks about Megatron and why the boys are at Mount Astrogate since she's merely investigating the earthquake.<br />
*Instead of just agreeing to jump on High Wire as he does in ''Armada'', Carlos wonders ''how'' three people can fit on a bike, with the jump-cut to the kids piled on intended as a comedic moment in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis reacts to High Wire's transformation by saying they should name him "Wheelie," the character's Japanese name. This line would make no sense with High Wire's English name, so ''Armada'' replaces it with Alexis saying that she hopes the Mini-Con can outpace Megatron. Then ''Armada'' has Carlos brag that Megatron can't catch them, and Alexis quips about Carlos speaking too soon. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos, agreeing with Alexis on High Wire's name, cheers for the Mini-Con to go faster before shouting that Megatron is after them.<br />
*Megatron dramatically identifies High Wire as a Mini-Con, and the kids are amazed when he speaks. In ''Armada'', he demands they return "something" to him, and that's about it. In ''Armada'', Megatron threatens the kids' lives but only commands them to return High Wire to him in the Japanese dub. In ''Armada'', Alexis asks what Megatron is talking about, and Rad later exclaims in frustration. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos speaks instead of Alexis, and Rad questions what Megatron means by "Mini-Con."<br />
*When Optimus appears, ''Armada'' plays the show's [[theme song]] for the rest of the episode, but ''Legends of the Microns'' plays the track "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Charge!]]."<br />
*Megatron and Optimus's voices have an added echo effect, making them sound disembodied. Just before charging at Optimus, Megatron says, "Why you!"<br />
*In ''Armada'', Rad blames himself for the Transformers coming to Earth in his ending narration; however, in ''Legends of the Microns'', he believes that he, Alexis, and Carlos are all responsible. The English version might be correct in this case, but the Japanese version is still debatable.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*In the opening, the narrator uses light-years as a time measurement unit when it's a ''distance'' measurement unit. This mistake periodically reappeared throughout ''Armada'' and the sequel series ''Energon''.<br />
*Carlos's eyes have whites in them in some scenes. Sometimes, Rad suffers the opposite problem.<br />
*When Rad and Carlos leave school, Rad's bike tires are initially thick but return to their normal size in the next shot. The bike's tires are thick again when Megatron trashes it.<br />
*After Rad makes the arrow out of rocks and he and Carlos go deeper into the cave, their dialogue is the same pitch as if they didn't move. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes it to lower their voices and adds an echo effect.<br />
*The Mini-Con panel activation sound starts a split-second before Rad touches High Wire's panel.<br />
*When she sees Megatron, Alexis is strangely calm, but her facial expression says otherwise. Megatron equally frightens her in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*High Wire instantly appears in his new colors in the shot after scanning Rad's bike.<br />
*After Megatron notices Optimus, Rad holds High Wire's Mini-Con panel, although High Wire emerged from it two minutes ago.<br />
*In the scene where Optimus grapples with Megatron, Rad is wearing a bike glove, though he's been barehanded since arriving at the cave.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*This episode is the homeroom teacher's only appearance in the series.<br />
*Megatron and Optimus debut in their Cybertronian forms.<br />
*High Wire debuts as the first Mini-Con to awaken from stasis in the series; he is also the first Mini-Con to appear in their Cybertronian form and acquire an Earth vehicle mode.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**This episode reveals that the Mini-Cons have built-in scanning systems; [[Metamorphosis (Armada)|future episodes]] will show this is a common feature among ''all'' [[Transformer]]s of this universe.<br />
***Until this point, most ''Transformers'' cartoons showed that individuals couldn't scan alternate forms without the aid of their [[Teletraan I|ship computers]] or [[stasis pod]]s. However, there were [[Nightscream (BM)|some]] [[Skid-Z (RID)|exceptions]].<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*If the Transformers called a truce, why are they fighting as the ''Exodus'' prepares to warp away? It's a non-issue in ''Legends of the Microns'' since it doesn't mention any ceasefire.<br />
*Rad tells Alexis that he ''and'' Carlos found a cave, but it later sounds like Rad is showing it to Carlos for the first time. Rad asks if Carlos is ready to enter it in the Japanese dub, so it's not an issue.<br />
*Rad introduces himself as if that's his legal name when it isn't. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he introduces himself as Brad (short for Bradley) and clarifies that "Rad" is his nickname.<br />
*He might be joking, but Rad hints that Alexis has feelings for him; however, no romance develops between them in the future. It's not an issue in the Japanese dub since Rad makes no such claim.<br />
*Billy mentions having a sister in this episode, but never again. He doesn't mention having any siblings in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad's flashlight lacks the lens flare it had when he turned it on, but it returns in a later scene. The lens flare is consistent in ''Armada''.<br />
*When Alexis discovers the earthquake's epicenter is the mountain, she mentions Rad going there but forgets about Carlos. In the Japanese dub, she only says the earthquake's epicenter is beneath the mountain and doesn't mention the boys since she has no prior knowledge they'd be there.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' reveals the mountain is called [[Mount Astrogate]], and characters mention it often in the Japanese dub. ''Armada'' completely neglects this detail, so when Alexis says "''the'' Astrogate" in "[[Vow]]," English-speaking viewers don't know what she means, and it's never explained. <br />
*Unlike Rad and Carlos, Alexis is strangely unfazed when encountering Megatron. It's a non-issue in ''Legends of the Microns'' since Megatron's appearance also startles her.<br />
*A great precursor of things to come, ''Armada'' seriously doesn't know how to handle the idea of the kids being able to understand their Mini-Cons. Rad understands High Wire's request to jump on in both show versions. In response to Alexis's desire to go faster, however, ''Legends of the Microns'' has Rad accurately translate High Wire's answer (he's at maximum speed); in contrast, ''Armada'' has him unable to decipher the beeping. It will be near the end of the series before the kids' ability to understand the Mini-Cons gets explained, partially requiring the [[Linkage (comic)|''Linkage'' comic]] for additional context. The comic reveals that Mini-Cons' souls were essentially "split off" from humans in the distant past, so they operate on the same mental wavelength. ''Armada'' never wised up to this, so the kids' ability to understand their partners in the English dub comes and goes regularly. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the kids understand the Mini-Cons consistently throughout the show.<br />
<br />
===Transformers references===<br />
[[File:Hound braver roadking armada generics.jpg|upright=0.9|thumb|First homage.]]<br />
*As an origin for the Transformers, the narrator describes a "unique digital entity" coming into being and sending out a race of living machines to explore the galaxy. Logically, this was meant to refer to [[Primus]], who still hadn't appeared in any cartoons. The typically warped ''Armada'' dialogue makes it sound like the robots sent out by Primus find and colonize Cybertron. But—as fans would already know, and as the ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' cartoon would reveal—Cybertron itself was Primus's body, which birthed the robots. The idea of the Transformers being colonizers in their early days would—through a likely coincidence—be revisited and reaffirmed in the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' cartoon. Concurrently, [[Ask Vector Prime]] in ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac]]'' explicitly confirmed the digital entity's identity as Primus.<br />
*The Japanese version's opening and ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' reveal the Decepticon ship is their flagship called "The [[Doomsday]]." The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' also revealed the Autobot and Mini-Con ships' names are the ''[[Hyperion (Armada)|Hyperion]]'' and ''[[Exodus (Armada)|Exodus]]'' respectively.<br />
*During Cybertron's scenes, '''many''' Generation 1 character models are used as generic Autobots and Decepticons, including [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Braver]], and [[Road King]]. The series would continue this trend for all scenes with random Transformers set on Cybertron.<br />
*Since the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''Transformers'' cartoon]] itself, this episode marks the first time a ''Transformers'' series used a variation of the original Generation 1 theme music.<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad says Alexis used to "play in the mud" with him and Carlos when they were younger. It's a typical Japanese expression that explains how friends play together in childhood.<br />
*In the Japanese dub, Rad says he and Carlos brought a "Maglite and torch" before leaving school; Carlos mentions losing his Maglite later in the cave's hidden chamber. {{w|Maglite}} is a flashlight brand.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*Although the {{w|furigana}} is "''deai''," the kanji 遭遇 would usually be pronounced as "''souguu''." In the end, the meaning of "encounter" is still the same. "''Deai''" would be either "出合い" or "出会い."<br />
*Footage from the first few minutes of this episode was compressed into 30 seconds to create the series's first [[title sequence]].<br />
*Billy and Fred debut as recurring guest characters in this episode but later become part of the regular human cast. According to ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'', the ''Armada'' series producers kept meaning to write them out of the show but ultimately never got around to doing it; hence, their staying through to the show's end was wholly accidental. Signs of this unrealized plan possibly remain in the show as Billy and Fred are absent from some episodes without explanation after [[Confrontation (episode)|formally meeting the Autobots]] and [[Swoop (episode)|gaining access to their base]].<br />
*For stuff introduced in the Japanese version:<br />
**This episode is the only one not to include Optimus's narration about the key elements happening in the show's story before playing the opening, which makes sense since this is the first episode.<br />
**The show's first title sequence debuts here, infamously spoiling some character arrivals later in the series. During this sequence, the song that plays is "''[[Transformer: Dream Again]]''."<br />
**The end credits have [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] hovering over the Transformers characters who arrived in the show's first nine episodes. Unlike the title sequence, the only thing that changes about this ending is the song that plays, with this episode up to "[[Linkup]]" using "''[[Never Ending Road]]''."<br />
**The following episode preview narration has either Rad, Carlos, or Alexis telling the viewer the next episode's basic premise before ending with the line "Fight, Convoy! TRANSFORM!"<br />
*This episode begins several trends for the English dub:<br />
**This episode's first few minutes are condensed into the show's title sequence from the next episode until episode 40, "[[Remorse]]."<br />
**The end credits use the same images and clips from their respective episodes throughout the series.<br />
**It uses the first commercial bumper featuring Optimus as pointless filler; however, the Japanese dub uses it as the episode title card.<br />
**The commercial bumpers use the wrong music. This error also applies to the [[scene transition]]s, though there are [[Soldier (episode)|rare exceptions]].<br />
**Some scenes use different music than the Japanese dub; ''Armada'' often reuses the ''Transformers'' theme tune countless times as an "insert song."<br />
**The [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] is sometimes included at random times; the Japanese dub removes it for the most part.<br />
**Unlike ''Legends of the Microns'', the Transformers' voice actors have their voices put through a filter to make them sound robotic, a creative decision that carries through to ''Energon'' and ''Cybertron''.<br />
*The Japanese dub's title sequence from episodes 1 to 26 shows [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] Powerlinxing with Optimus and unlocking a unique power punch attack; Over-Run never appears during the show's run.<br />
*According to ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'', Billy and Fred's voice actors did the dialogue heard during the Japanese dub's opening scene.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''French'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''La Découverte'''" ("The Discovery")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 13]], [[2003]]<br />
<br />
<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Die grüne Armada'''" ("The Green Armada")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 1]], [[2003]]<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Az első találkozás'''" ("The First Encounter")<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Italian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Primo contatto'''" ("First Contact")<br />
::*This dub corrects the light-years mistake by having the narrator simply saying: "Billions of years ago...".<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''사이버트론과의 만납'''" ("Meeting Cybertron")<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Polish'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Pierwsze starcie'''" ("First Clash")<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Primeiro Encontro'''" ("First Encounter")<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Russian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Pervoe znakomstvo'''" (Первое знакомство, "First Encounter")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 1 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:01 ([[Universal]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume 1 ([[TFou Vidéo]]) — French audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Triple Collection (Universal)<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Bumper Double DVD Collection (Universal)<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One (Shout! Factory)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Transformers_(novel)&diff=1763221Transformers (novel)2024-05-10T00:25:37Z<p>Starzone: /* Notes */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Comicstory|<br />
|seriesissue=[[Movie (books)|''Transformers'' book series]]<br />
|prev=Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday<br />
|next=Transformers: The Veiled Threat<br />
|title=''Transformers''<br />
|image=TF2007_novelisation.jpg<br />
|caption=Transformers: the Movie: the Novel: the Game: the Movie: the Series: the Novel: the Toyline: the Movie: the Novel<br />
|publisher=[[Del Rey Books]]<br />
|date=[[May 31]], [[2007]]<br />
|writer=[[Alan Dean Foster]]<br />
|continuity=[[Movie continuity]]<br />
|pagecount=304<br />
|story=[[Alex Kurtzman]], [[Roberto Orci]], and [[John Rogers]]<br />
|screenplay=[[Alex Kurtzman]] & [[Roberto Orci]]<br />
|ISBN=ISBN 0345497996<br>ISBN 978-0345497994<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''An ancient conflict between those who worship chaos and those who follow freedom has come to Earth. Our World. ''Their'' War.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
The book begins with the history of Cybertron's destruction at the hands of Megatron, and his quest to obtain the [[AllSpark|Energon Cube]]. Megatron discovers the Cube on [[Earth]], but crash-lands in the [[Arctic|Arctic Circle]], becoming frozen in the ice. Captain [[Archibald Witwicky]] and his crew of explorers stumble upon Megatron's body in the late 19th century. Megatron's navigational system is unintentionally activated, and Archibald's eye glasses are imprinted with the coordinates to the Cube's location. Sector Seven, a secret organization of the United States government, discovers the Energon Cube and builds the Hoover Dam around it to mask the energy signal. The still-frozen Megatron is moved into this facility, and is reverse engineered to further advance human technology. <br />
<br />
In the present day, the rest of the Decepticons—Blackout, Scorponok, Frenzy, Barricade, Starscream, Bonecrusher, and Devastator—have already landed on Earth and assumed the disguise of Earth vehicles. Blackout and Scorponok attack a U.S. military base in Qatar in an effort to use the military database to discover the location of Megatron and the Cube, but they do not succeed. A small group of survivors from the military base attack wander through the desert and are attacked by Scorponok. The Autonomous Robotic Life Form (shortened to "Autobot") known as Bumblebee is also on Earth, disguised as a 1977 Chevrolet Camaro, and looking for Sam Witwicky, the descendant of Captain Archibald Witwicky. As soon as he locates Sam, the two quickly begin to bond as Bumblebee helps Sam try and woo his crush, Mikaela Banes; Sam is unaware of the fact that Bumblebee is an alien, until he witnesses Bumblebee transform and send out a homing signal for the rest of the Autobots. After Blackout's failure, Frenzy infiltrates [[Air Force One]] and discovers that Sam possesses the map that will lead the Decepticons to the Energon Cube. Frenzy and Barricade begin tracking Sam's location. <br />
<br />
Barricade confronts Sam, demanding Archibald's glasses. Bumblebee, who is following Sam, transforms and battles Barricade. Mikaela, who is also following Sam, is caught in the crossfire, and leaves with Sam and Bumblebee to rendezvous with the rest of the Autobots. The Autobots—Optimus Prime, Jazz, Ironhide, and Ratchet—land on Earth and take on the forms of several Earth vehicles. Sam, Mikaela, and the Autobots return to Sam's home to retrieve the glasses. However, agents from Sector Seven arrive to take Sam and Mikaela into custody. Bumblebee is also apprehended, against the pleas of Sam who assures the agents—to no avail—that he means them no harm. <br />
<br />
Frenzy secretly accompanies the group to the [[Hoover Dam]], and releases Megatron from cryogenic stasis. Locating the Cube, he sends out an alert to the rest of the Decepticons. Megatron escapes, and Sam convinces the Sector Seven agents to release Bumblebee so that he can get the Cube to Optimus Prime. The Decepticons chase the Autobots, who now possess the Energon Cube, into a neighboring city. An battle ensues, resulting in casualties on both sides, with Sam ultimately destroying Megatron and the Energon Cube when he rams it into Megatron's chest. The remains of the Decepticons are cast into the [[Laurentian Abyss]]. With no other home to go to — Cybertron having been destroyed by Megatron and the Cube being the only thing that could have restored it — the Autobots decide to stay on Earth, and Optimus sends out a signal across space in an effort to locate any surviving Autobots, while Sam and Mikaela begin a relationship. Starscream, one of the Decepticons that survived the battle, leaves Earth.<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] <br />
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] <br />
*[[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] <br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] <br />
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] <br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] <br />
*[[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] <br />
*[[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] <br />
*[[Brawl (Movie)|Devastator]]<br />
*[[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] <br />
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] <br />
*[[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]]<br />
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] <br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Tom Banachek]] <br />
*[[Mikaela Banes]]<br />
*[[Bobby Bolivia]] <br />
*[[Robert Epps]]<br />
*[[John Keller]] <br />
*[[William Lennox]] <br />
*[[Maggie Madsen]]<br />
*[[Seymour Simmons]]<br />
*[[Glen Whitmann]] <br />
*[[Judy Witwicky]] <br />
*[[Ron Witwicky]] <br />
*[[Sam Witwicky]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"Whoa, hey. I thought we'd wait till she was at least two before we got into the R-rated stuff."<br />
:—'''Lennox''' needs to head back to parenting classes.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Actually, it's not ''Margaret''. I ''hate'' that. It says ''Maggie'' on my birth certificate and whenever anyone calls me Margaret I tend to—never mind, sorry. I got a little impulse-control problem, no filter. Like I probably shouldn't say your bushy eyebrows are kinda throwing me right now..."<br />
:—'''Maggie''' needs to get her filter fixed and quick.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Optimus''': Did you look within the oblong clothing-storage device?<br><br />
'''Sam''': The what?<br><br />
'''Mikaela''': I think he means the dresser.<br><br />
'''Ratchet''': Perhaps it is beneath the four-point floor sheath.<br><br />
'''Sam''': Okay, totally stumped.<br><br />
'''Mikaela''': The rug?<br />
:—'''Optimus''' and '''Ratchet''' not understanding Earth culture, '''Sam''' not understanding alien language, and '''Mikaela''' being the smartest around.<br />
<br />
<br />
"I owe you my life. Humans do not always think rationally, but you can think fast."<br />
:—'''Optimus''' unintentionally insults and compliments humans in the same sentence.<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
Several scenes differ between the film and the novel because Foster worked from an earlier script version. These include:<br />
<br />
* The [[AllSpark]] is known as the "[[Energon Cube]]," although its function in the story is nothing like that of energon cubes from "Transformers" history. Instead, it serves the same purpose as the AllSpark in the film. <br />
* [[Jorge Figueroa]] doesn't talk in Spanish during the Osprey ride and later dies on the plane that's taking [[William Lennox|Lennox]] and his men back to America. Fig's death scene was filmed but ultimately cut from the movie, and it was suggested before the release of ''Dark of the Moon'' that Fig would return in that film, rendering his death non-canon.<br />
*[[Judy Witwicky|Sam's mom]] DOES NOT make any reference to [[Sam Witwicky|a certain embarrassed boy]] masturbating. Which is a good thing.<br />
*The Autobots, after being described, in narration, as downloading the entire [[Internet]] in a matter of seconds, attempt to communicate with Sam and Mikaela in a dialect of Chinese, as that is the language spoken by most humans on Earth, trying several other languages before getting to English. It's unclear why they wouldn't have just started with the language primarily spoken in their current physical location, as it seems likely that that would be mentioned ''somewhere'' on the Internet.<br />
*When Ratchet scans Sam and Mikaela, he reveals their undergarments. Weird.<br />
*As with the film, Optimus Prime and Megatron refer to each other as "brother." <br />
*During the battle in [[Mission City|some city]], the energy released when the AllSpark hits the ground causes ''lots'' of [[Xbox 360 robot|video game consoles]] to become Transformers. Interestingly, ''[[Megatron (G1)|guns]]'' can become Transformers if in range of the cube's energy.<br />
*The novel has the final battle take place in [[Las Vegas]] instead of [[Mission City]].<br />
*Sam and Mikaela don't make out on top of Bumblebee at the end; they instead kiss in the school parking lot.<br />
*Starscream chats with Megatron at [[Hoover Dam]], where they seem to be on good terms. Starscream's fight with the F-22s is not included, though much of the final battle scene is greatly abridged. <br />
*[[Brawl (Movie)|Devastator]] appears out of nowhere during the city battle.<br />
*Megatron rips out Jazz's spark instead of tearing him in half. In addition, during the hologram flashback to Cybertron, Megatron is shown killing an Autobot in the same way instead of spearing him from a distance.<br />
*Neither the movie nor its adaptations explain exactly ''how'' global communications were restored or how long it took for it to happen (or anything that happened beyond the events involving the Transformers). They also assume that no one used a camera (or even a camera phone, for that matter) to record the battle and post it on the Internet ''after'' it was restored.<br />
*Jazz doesn't talk "street" in the novel; in fact, all Autobots speak an unnaturally formal form of English to enhance their alien status. In the film, Jazz's first line is, "What's cracking, li'l bitches?"; while in the novel, his first line is "Greetings, terrestrial adolescent humans." This also reflects Foster's depiction of the character in ''[[Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday|Ghosts of Yesterday]]''.<br />
*Mikaela drove in demolition derbies for her dad.<br />
*Mikaela refused to rat out her father in court, so the authorities charged her as an accessory out of spite.<br />
*Mikaela's mother goes unmentioned in the film, but the novel implies that Mrs. Banes is still alive. Mikaela describes her to Sam as having a habit of falling for "romantic, yet tragically irresponsible men" like her dad. Yet [[Colin Banes|Mr. Banes]] loves his wife as much as he loves working on cars.<br />
*Mikaela has moments where she shows some advanced scientific knowledge, even using complex vocabulary. She even uses a scientific question to put Trent in his place one last time back in school.<br />
*Mikaela and the Autobots barely have any notable interactions in the movie; the novel has more moments and dialogue, and the Autobots even call her by name, which they never do in the film.<br />
<br />
==International printings==<br />
'''Japan'''<br />
*ISBN 4150116229<br />
*ISBN 978-4150116224<br />
*'''Date published:''' [[July 15]], 2007<br />
*'''Publisher:''' {{w|lang=ja|早川書房|Hayakawa Publishing Corp.}}<br />
*'''Translator:''' [[Naoya Nakahara]]<br />
*'''Pagecount:''' 415<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
*[http://www.randomhouse.com/book/54936/transformers-by-alan-dean-foster Product page at Del Rey Online]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Adaptations]]<br />
[[Category:Movie books]]<br />
[[Category:Novels]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Underground_(episode)&diff=1749214Underground (episode)2024-02-25T15:30:58Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig2|the ''Armada'' episode|the ''Cloud'' location|Underground (Cloud)}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=10<br />
|prev=Confrontation (episode)<br />
|next=Ruin<br />
|title="Underground"<br />
|furigana=ちか<br />
|japanese=迷路<!--underground--><br />
|romaji=Chika<br />
|translation=Maze: Underground<br />
|image=undergroundsmokescreen.jpg<br />
|caption=Not about the Autobots forming a rock group to stop Dr. [[Robotnik]].<br />
|production code=TF: A-10<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]<br />
|director=[[Satoru Kusuda]],<br>[[Shigeki Hatakeyama]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[November 1]], [[2002]] (English)<br>[[March 14|14 March]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''The battle for the Mini-Cons leads both forces underground, and another warrior enters the conflict.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Underground HotShotsaysRelax.jpg|left|thumb|So... Come here often?]]<br />
Underground, in the [[Mini-Con]] ship's ruins, [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] and [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] work to salvage what they can while the kids take a passive interest. Hot Shot whines that this kind of labor isn't his forte, and Rad offers to take his place. Just then, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus]] sends a message over the PA system, instructing everybody to return to the control room to prepare to find another activated Mini-Con panel. The computer determines the panel is in an urban area, and the kids suit up. The [[Autobot]]s warp to their destination.<br />
<br />
Within the ambiguous city, the Autobots determine the Mini-Con panel is underground, and [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] finds an entrance into the subway system for the Autobots to utilize. A problem emerges when an active train heads directly for Optimus, who doesn't have enough room to maneuver out of its path. Only at the last second is Optimus able to turn away and avoid killing the astonished train operator. The danger passed, and the Autobots split up and explore the underground, searching for the Mini-Con.<br />
<br />
[[File:Underground merchandising.jpg|thumb|So who's the red car, then?]]<br />
Hot Shot casually drives by civilians in what appears to be an underground shopping area, confused as to why the bystanders find his presence irregular. Red Alert goes alongside a train, confusing some children. Optimus Prime observes that driving around the subway system is like exploring a maze. Elsewhere, the [[Decepticon]]s have infiltrated the sewer system, to [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]]'s distaste. When [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] has trouble maneuvering, he and the Decepticons deploy their Mini-Cons to search for them.<br />
<br />
Following a staircase Alexis found, the kids locate a subway station that is evidently out of commission, and Alexis declares her ambition to become [[President of the United States]]. Under her administration, no subway station will fall into disrepair. Indifferent to Alexis's political agenda, the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team|Street Action Team]] Mini-Cons combine into [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] and locate the new Mini-Con within a ceiling panel. However, the panel is inches away from Perceptor's grasp, and he can't reach it. Using a ladder, [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] gets a grip on the Mini-Con panel and pulls it out from the ceiling, getting caught by Alexis. [[Rad White|Rad]] decides they should take the panel to the Autobots when the three come under a sudden attack from a blue hook.<br />
<br />
[[File:Underground truckontracks.jpg|left|thumb|"Step 5. Press down on child's head."]]<br />
Running from their new attacker, the kids run into an area where non-functional subway cars trap them. The kids jump into one of the cabs but find themselves trapped between their assailant and the Decepticons' Mini-Cons. Thinking quickly, the kids jump out a window and ride away, hiding in a cavern. Rad deploys Laserbeak to find Optimus.<br />
<br />
Receiving information about the Mini-Con from [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]], Megatron blasts his way into the sewer, while Optimus gets the same information from [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]]. Megatron and his cronies are the first to locate the kids, and they quickly surround them. Just then, the mysterious assailant from earlier saves the children. After the unknown robot transforms, the Decepticons manage to bury him, the Mini-Con panel, and the kids beneath some rubble.<br />
<br />
[[File:Underground-Hug.jpg|thumb|Time for a robo-noogie, Smokescreen!]]<br />
The Autobots arrive just in time to see Cyclonus pick up the Mini-Con panel and activate it, revealing it to be [[Drill Bit (Armada)|Drill Bit]]. Having won the battle by default, the Decepticons retreat. The Autobots quickly prepare to try to unbury the kids to see if they're still alive when the orange assailant emerges from the dirt, having used his body to protect the children. Hot Shot identifies the bot as [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]]. Smokescreen apologizes for not meeting up with the Autobots earlier, and Rad is happy to have made a new friend, who was maybe only briefly trying to kill him.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (1)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (2)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (6)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (19)<br />
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (22)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (10)<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (11)<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (12)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (13)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (3)<br />
*[[Rad White]] (4)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (5)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (7)<br />
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (8)<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (9)<br />
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (14)<br />
*[[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (15)<br />
*[[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] (16)<br />
*[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] (17)<br />
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (18)<br />
*[[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]] (20)<br />
*[[Crumplezone (Armada)|Crumplezone]] (21)<br />
*[[Drill Bit (Armada)|Drill Bit]] (23)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"Man! Haven't they seen a car on the sidewalk before?!"<br />
:—'''Hot Shot''' is either joking, or really bad at the whole "robot in disguise" thing.<br />
<br />
<br />
"I can't even fly in here! What a rip-off!"<br />
:—'''Cyclonus''' in the subway<br />
<br />
<br />
"Once I become President, I'll change all that, you'll see! I'll put an end to the misuse of public property, and THEN I'll work on saving the environment, and I'll end world hunger." <br />
:—'''Alexis''', acting like a complete hippie<br />
<br />
<br />
"Hello, kids, looks like you picked a "dead end", if you know what I mean!" <br />
:—'''Cyclonus''', trying to be funny but failing miserably<br />
<br />
<br />
"Combat is not a spectator sport."<br />
:—Says '''Starscream''', [[Heavy Metal War|except when it is]]<br />
<br />
<br />
"Ha ha! Look at those pathetic fools! They've all been buried alive."<br><br />
"Uh, that's great, sir, but the Mini-Con is buried too!"<br><br />
"Then why don't you go and dig it out, you numbskull? Why is it I have to spell everything out for you?"<br />
:—'''Megatron''' heaps abuse on '''Cyclonus''' again.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Stay where you are, and nobody gets hurt. Once we have the Mini-Con, we'll be on our way. Then you Autobots can dig in the dirt all you like."<br />
:—'''Demolishor'''<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*Red Alert tells Hot Shot to quit complaining since they still have work to do in ''Armada''. Red Alert says they're nowhere near done yet in ''Legends of the Microns''. Hot Shot claims that he'll rest until someone needs him on the battlefield before Rad offers to "cover" for Hot Shot since he's good with computers in ''Armada''. Hot Shot asks himself what a guy is supposed to do during a time like this, and Rad asks who he's referring to in the Japanese dub.<br />
*In Prime's cab, Alexis tells Carlos that nobody would ever believe that a "super robot lifeform" from outer space is here to protect them.<br />
*''Armada'' has Hot Shot claim to detect a weak signal from the Mini-Con. Then Optimus pinpoints the Mini-Con's location as being underground. Hot Shot makes a sarcastic quip about doing more digging, and Red Alert says they risk drawing attention to themselves if they start excavating. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Hot Shot unable to get a signal. Then Red Alert says it's the same on his end before Optimus says likewise and that the Mini-Con should be close. After Hot Shot's quip, Red Alert reiterates that the Mini-Con is close.<br />
[[File:Underground-animation-changes.jpg|thumb|290px|Some changes between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' (right).]]<br />
*''Armada'' uses the [[commercial bumper]]'s music during the [[scene transition]]s. ''Legends of the Microns'' uses the correct respective Autobot and Decepticon themes from the scene transitions and bumpers.<br />
*At the tunnel access point, Alexis calls it the subway system entrance in ''Armada''. She calls it "a new construction tunnel leading underground" in ''Legends of the Microns''., which is probably more fitting given the surrounding construction materials.<br />
*Red Alert asking Optimus if he has room to move in the tunnel, and Prime's response are reworded slightly in the Japanese dub as Red Alert asks if the Autobots will be alright, and Optimus says they'll manage.<br />
*After barely avoiding the train, Carlos says he's glad Alexis is there to protect him in ''Armada'', and Alexis has trouble breathing with him so close. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him stating how he was afraid of almost dying instead, and Alexis tells Carlos that he's hurting her. Also, in ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus credits the narrow train dodge to finding the side tunnel instead of a track switch.<br />
*When driving through the station, Hot Shot says, "Oh man!" instead of asking himself if people haven't seen a car on a sidewalk before in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad asks Alexis what's got her attention before she points out the entryway to the boys. She only points it out in ''Armada''. Additionally, Alexis is redrawn with better shading in the Japanese version as she reacts to finding the passage, which now has a shadow effect missing from ''Armada'' (see right).<br />
*During Decepticons' first scene in the tunnel, instead of previously telling Cyclonus to be quiet, Starscream agrees with him that it's a pain they can't fly in the cramped space. Starscream's internal monologue isn't about getting the Mini-Con before Cyclonus but laughing at Megatron and Demolishor's expense as they barely have room to move in their vehicle modes. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron repeatedly, and rather hilariously, swears about the cramped space.<br />
*The kids' scene on the abandoned platform with their partner Mini-Cons is similar between the dubs, but the dialogue is slightly different.<br />
**In ''Armada'', Alexis guesses the city abandoned the platform for not fitting its plans or to replace it with a new train line. After she finishes her tirade about her presidential goals, she apologizes for getting carried away. However, in ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis says "poor land zoning," and improperly planned construction routes caused the platform's abandonment. While Alexis rants, Carlos gets a line about Alexis giving another "lecture." After finishing, Alexis reflects on how the station was probably beautiful in the past.<br />
**The transform sound effect isn't heard when the Mini-Cons combine into Perceptor in ''Legends of the Microns''; the Japanese dub removes other instances of it from the rest of the episode.<br />
**Carlos suggests finding a ladder to help Perceptor before seeing it in ''Armada''. He sees the ladder first and then says he has an idea in ''Legends of the Microns''. The Japanese dub also reanimates Carlos's mouth for his line of dialogue.<br />
**During the shot of Carlos trying to get the panel while Alexis, Rad, and the Mini-Cons hold the ladder, Carlos is silent, and Rad tells Carlos to hurry up.<br />
**Though Alexis screams when the ladder falls, Carlos barely makes a sound in ''Armada''. The Japanese dub has him scream instead of Alexis.<br />
**Instead of remarking on how the panel is tightly wedged into the ceiling, Carlos says he can't hold on to it for long. His voice now sounds more strained, and Rad sounds more scared for Carlos than in ''Armada''.<br />
**In ''Armada'', Carlos screams that he's falling, and as Alexis holds him, her face is animated to show her frustration more clearly. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos does generic screaming that's shortened slightly, Alexis looks somewhat stoic, and her facial animation isn't cartoonish like it is in the English version. Meanwhile, Carlos repeats that he was scared of dying in ''Legends of the Microns''; he thanks Alexis for "saving" him again in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the animation for Carlos in the scene after he stops screaming is in reverse order. Additionally, the shot is tightly cropped in ''Legends of the Microns'' to have Alexis centered in the frame (see right).<br />
*Alexis tells Rad that Smokescreen must be a Decepticon since he's "chasing" them in ''Armada'' but says he's "attacking" them in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Rad says the Decepticons Mini-Cons know the panel is close to awakening in ''Legends of the Microns'', rather than stating the obvious about them not stopping until they get it.<br />
*Before Megatron blasts the tunnel, he only says the Decepticons should get going in ''Armada''. He again gripes about having little room to move in ''Legends of the Microns'', setting up Megatron blasting the tunnel to widen it.<br />
*Optimus says Laserbeak's name aloud when he arrives in ''Armada''. Prime makes a confused sound in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Instead of noticing Rad holding the Mini-Con in his video message as he does in ''Armada'', Hot Shot praises Rad's ingenuity. Hot Shot later speaks in Red Alert's place as the Autobots rush to the children's location.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' has the kids scream after trying to escape each Decepticon, and their screaming continues into the next shot until they're blocked again. In ''Armada'', they scream immediately after each escape attempt, but it stops whenever it cuts to the next scene.<br />
*Rather than his "dead end" quip, Cyclonus tells the kids that he can't allow their escape. Then Demolishor says, "Oops, too bad!"<br />
*Megatron says he is sick of the children's games in ''Armada'' but calls Rad a fool and orders the kids to be smashed to bits in ''Legends of the Microns''. It cuts to Cyclonus laughing maniacally instead of offering to show the kids "how the big boys play," as he does in ''Armada''.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream draws his sword and tells the kids it's the end of their cheerleading instead of combat not being "a spectator's sport" (quoted above).<br />
*After Smokescreen saves the kids from Starscream, Megatron asks the Autobot for his identity, and Smokescreen responds with, "Who knows?" in a smart-aleck tone. ''Armada'' has awkward silence during the moment instead. Megatron doesn't say anything to Smokescreen as he runs with the kids in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Megatron snickers at Smokescreen and the children being buried alive but doesn't mention the kids in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Instead of Optimus demanding the Decepticons release the children, he asks what happened to them in ''Legends of the Microns''. Rather than remarking how the children "brought the house down" as he does in ''Armada'', Cyclonus teases that he is digging for them in the rubble, but finding the Mini-Con comes first.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Hot Shot demands to know where the kids are, and Cyclonus asks if Hot Shot will "blow a circuit" if he doesn't tell. After giving warning shots, Demolishor says they'll be on their way and let the Autobots play in the dirt after finding the Mini-Con. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot tells Cyclonus to move, and Cyclonus refuses. Demolishor then demands Hot Shot stay where he is unless he wants anything to happen to the kids.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Cyclonus finding Drill Bit in the rubble, activating him, and demanding that he scan his image once he appears. He immediately says this before awakening the Mini-Con in ''Armada''. Drill Bit also speaks before Powerlixing with Cyclonus in the Japanese dub. Cyclonus says, "This is the best!" in ''Legends of the Microns'' as he makes the golf reference in ''Armada''.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Megatron says the newly acquired Mini-Con is a waste, presumably because it bonds with Cyclonus. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says there's no longer a reason to stay now that the Decepticons have the Mini-Con.<br />
*Smokescreen apologizes to the kids instead of asking if he scared them. Instead of Carlos claiming to know Smokescreen was on the Autobots' side, he calls Smokescreen bold for fighting off the Decepticons. Alexis tells Smokescreen how she thought he was a Decepticon, and he apologizes again. The kids are entirely redrawn in this scene with improved lighting and shading on their suits and better facial expressions, and Alexis's hands no longer look short and wonky (see right).<br />
*After Rad's ending narration in ''Legends of the Microns'', viewers can hear Hot Shot and Smokescreen's playful banter. Hot Shot says things could've been easier had Smokescreen arrived sooner, and the latter says he would have but got sidetracked.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*The shot immediately after the opening bumper is the opening shot from "[[Comrade]]," and the errors from that episode carry over here: Alexis and the Mini-Cons and nowhere in sight, only to appear moments later.<br />
*After realizing the new Mini-Con panel is in the city, the kids look at Optimus behind them as though he's talking when it's Red Alert who's speaking from off-screen. Red Alert isn't part of the scene in ''Legends of the Microns'', and Optimus is the one who speaks at that point.<br />
*The shot of Optimus and Hot Shot before the team leaves the base shows the monitor depicting the city behind them. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects the background to be a part of the Control Room (see above).<br />
*As the Autobots try to hone in on the Mini-Con's signal, Optimus has dialogue during the shot of Red Alert, making it seem like Red Alert is speaking with Prime's voice. The Japanese dub fixes it so that Red Alert talks before Optimus.<br />
*Alexis's phone changes color between shots.<br />
*When Carlos yells about the incoming train, his brief scream seems awkward because it's either shortened or placed wrong. In the Japanese dub, he screams ''before'' shouting his line, and he draws out his final word for emphasis.<br />
*The train boy's shirt changes from orange to blue between shots. The Japanese dub corrects the mistake.<br />
*During the shot of the kids riding through the tunnel before finding the doorway, High Wire's wheels don't move, so it looks like Rad is floating across the scene.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos's mouth doesn't move when he speaks while Alexis holds him up.<br />
*Just before Rad escapes the train car on High Wire, the rock encasing the Mini-Con panel disappears.<br />
*Rad's hair color changes to match Alexis's in two shots. This error doesn't happen in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*In the shots of Cyclonus and Starscream in the tunnel, Starscream's left wing is missing the Decepticon symbol. The right wing's emblem is badly drawn as a simple purple pentagon.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos's hands are miscolored in the close-up shot of him holding onto the Mini-Con panel as it emerges from the ceiling.<br />
*After Rad and High Wire slide under the train car, Alexis and Carlos move in the next shot, making it look like they're going down a long corridor when the train car is only a couple of feet in front of them. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes their movement, so they don't move until the next shot of them sliding under the train car.<br />
*After the kids and their Mini-Cons arrive in the cavern, the new panel vanishes from Rad's grasp, and it's also gone as he records the message to the Autobots with Laserbeak; Grindor is also missing during the latter shot. As Rad deploys Laserbeak, Alexis suddenly has the panel, and Grindor reappears.<br />
*The Decepticons' lasers are either miscolored yellow or Autobot-red. Two shots of Demolsihor and Cyclonus shooting proper Decepticon-purple blasts are near the end, but they turn red in the next shot in both cases.<br />
*The laser blast from Megatron firing into the cavern the second time is yellow, although it was red when leaving his tank turret. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects it so it's red both times (see above).<br />
*Starscream has a low-res pixelated model when taunting the kids in the cavern after the Decepticons surround them.<br />
*After Smokescreen saves the kids from Cyclonus, the Mini-Con panel goes missing from the rock in Rad's grasp. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds it back.<br />
*Smokescreen's cable is miscolored blue before swinging himself at Starscream. The Japanese dub corrects it.<br />
*In the shot of Smokescreen swinging his crane arm at Starscream, the Decepticon symbol is missing from the Decepticon's wings.<br />
*In the shot of Red Alert, Optimus, and Hot Shot before they transform after finding the Decepticons, their vehicle modes seem angled downward, though they're on a flat surface.<br />
**Optimus's forward-facing transformation is animated rather absurdly, as his trailer parts are visible behind his truck cab, merging into his back as he stands up. Red Alert and Hot Shot's transformations also look weird in the shot in terms of perspective.<br />
*As Cyclonus prepares to dig out the Mini-Con panel from the rubble, his head is drawn hideously off-model.<br />
*Demolishor's forearms are absurdly long in the shot after he fires a warning shot at Hot Shot's feet.<br />
*Carlos's eyes have whites in the shots of the kids trying to run from Cyclonus and later when talking to Smokescreen at the end in the Japanese dub (see above).<br />
*Cyclonus is missing from the scene of Optimus and Red Alert dodging his blasts.<br />
*Hot Shot is missing while Smokescreen explains coming across the kids. ''Legends of the Microns'' puts him back in the shot.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*This episode is the first time the Transformers face off in an urban setting instead of the wilderness.<br />
*This episode marks Alexis's third use of her phone after "[[First Encounter]]" and "Comrade."<br />
*Alexis never actually becomes [[President of the United States]]—or not that we know of, but she does have a pretty big success story following ''Armada'':<br />
**By [[2020]], Alexis becomes a diplomat on behalf of the [[Earth Federation]].<ref>Established in the ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' cartoon.</ref><br />
**By [[2030]], she becomes [[United States Secretary of State|Secretary of State]].<ref>Established in [[Ask Vector Prime]] during the events of the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' cartoon.</ref><br />
**A [[Multiverse|multiversal]] newspaper called [[ALTernity Today]] revealed Alexis won the [[Whig]] Party primary for President in an unknown timeframe. She ran a platform to form a stronger alliance between Earth and Cybertron, with the conclusion left ambiguous.<ref>Established in the ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II]]''.</ref> Alexis dreamed big and achieved some pretty positive results—even gaining recognition outside her universe! How's that for an inspirational story?<br />
*This episode marks Smokescreen and Drill Bit's debuts. [[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]] comments on how this now makes the numbers of the Autobots and Decepticons on Earth even.<br />
*Cyclonus now has two Mini-Cons that have "scanned his image," making him the first Transformer to acquire multiple partner Mini-Cons; that is, if one doesn't count Demolishor gaining Bonecrusher in "[[Palace]]."<br />
*As of this episode, Cyclonus is the first Transformer to use the term "Powerlinx."<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Megatron stores Leader-1 inside the claw-like compartment on the left side of his tank mode (right leg in robot mode).<br />
**Blackout appears to drive out from behind Demolishor's turret, possibly hinting towards him using the turret's seat before being deployed. Then again, Swindle and Crumplezone seem to leap over Starscream and Cyclonus's shoulders from out of nowhere, so...<br />
***The episode "Palace" showed the last time Blackout used Demolishor's seat.<br />
**Smokescreen can use his crane hook like a wrecking ball, even before [[Bulkhead (Animated)|wrecking balls became cool]].<br />
**Red Alert can deploy his left arm in vehicle mode. His laser scalpel also has a cable that extends out and can tap into Laserbeak.<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Cyclonus Powerlinx with Drill Bit for the first time, increasing his firepower in vehicle mode.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
[[File:Underground-Peekaboo.jpg|thumb|He's not evil; he's just <s>homicidal</s> misunderstood!]]<br />
*Why don't any of the kids ask why Optimus suddenly starts driving towards the approaching train? Fortunately, Alexis does ask this question in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Where's the track switch that Optimus supposedly found anyway? There is no track switch in the Japanese version.<br />
*Why does Starscream want another Mini-Con after obtaining Swindle back in "[[Jungle]]," especially considering that Starscream never Powerlinx with another Mini-Con similarly for the rest of the show? He doesn't want another Mini-Con in ''Legends of the Microns'' but laughs at Megatron and Demolishor for barely having room to move in the tunnel.<br />
*When the Decepticons deploy their Mini-Cons, Cyclonus has Longarm, ''Red Alert's'' Mini-Con, instead of Crumplezone. When confronting the kids on the subway cart, Bonecrusher appears in their place. Crumplezone finally appears when the Decepticon Mini-Cons chase the kids. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Cyclonus deploys Crumplezone, but then Bonecrusher appears seconds later with Crumplezone nowhere in sight.<br />
**Swindle never reappears afterward.<br />
**Crumplezone appears in Bonecrusher's place in some later shots.<br />
*Rad encourages Carlos to reach the Mini-Con, but it doesn't match Rad struggling to steady the ladder. The Japanese dub remedies this by changing Rad's line to tell Carlos to hurry, with Rad speaking in a strained voice.<br />
*After the kids find the Mini-Con and Rad says they're taking it to the Autobots, why does Smokescreen attack them after hearing they're on the same team? ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this plot hole as Rad says the children should regroup with the ''others'' after finding the Mini-Con; they could've been Decepticon allies for all Smokescreen knew at the time. This and Rad mentioning their alliance with the Autobots when the Decepticons surround them help explain why Smokescreen is initially weirdly threatening to the kids. Another critical detail ''Armada'' neglects is Smokescreen later revealing that he attacked them by mistake.<br />
**At the same time, how doesn't Smokescreen ever notice the Autobot symbol on the children's suits?<br />
*The rock encasing the Mini-Con panel is missing just before Rad goes out the train car window and reappears as he goes through.<br />
*As the Decepticon Mini-Cons chase the kids, Alexis states the obvious about them coming. Instead, she says the Mini-Cons will get them in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*After the shot of High Wire, Grindor, Sureshock, and the children facing Starscream after he pulls out his sword, the Mini-Cons vanish from the rest of the episode.<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*When Powerlinxing with Drill Bit, Cyclonus calls out, "Let the good times roll!" Likely a reference to the song "{{w|Good Times Roll}}" by [[The Cars]].<br />
*After firing at Optimus and Red Alert, Cyclonus quips that he got "a hole-in-one," a popular golf reference.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*The kanji 迷路 is usually pronounced as "''meiro''," while "''chika''" is used for the kanji 地下 in this episode's context.<br />
*Hot Shot passes by a mother and child looking into a store window, and on display in the store is a toy car identical to his vehicle form.<br />
*This episode is one of the few without an opening narration.<br />
*This episode is the first to feature Rad's new title sequence monologue, where he calls the Decepticons "a bunch of greedy bullies."<br />
*''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' reveals that the stigma of the September 11th terrorist attacks made setting this episode in the city complex, and the production crew had to change some Transformers' attack moves so they'd avoid evoking real-life warfare.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''French'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Dans le métro'''" ("In the Underground")<br />
<br />
<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Der Mini-Con in der U-Bahn'''" ("The Mini-Con inside the Subway Station")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but was dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''A föld alatt'''" ("Under the Ground")<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Italian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Scontro sotterraneo'''" ("Underground Clash")<br />
::*Alexis's line: "Hey, what are you doing, Rad?" is pronounced in an angry and irritated voice, like if she was scolding him for doing something bad. Calm down! (Although, who knows... maybe her actress was having a bad day...)<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''새친구 스모키'''" ("New Friend Smoky")<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Polish'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Metro'''" ("Underground")<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Subterrâneo'''" ("Underground")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 3 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:04 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume 2 ([[TFou Vidéo]]) — French audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:03 ([[Universal]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Triple Collection (Universal)<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Rebellion_(Armada)&diff=1745100Rebellion (Armada)2024-02-03T20:27:08Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Picsneeded}}<br />
{{disambig2|the ''Armada'' episode|the ''Prime'' episode|Rebellion (Prime)}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=23<br />
|prev=Vow<br />
|next=Chase (episode)<br />
|title="Rebellion"<br />
|furigana=かくご<br />
|japanese=謀反<!--rebellion--><br />
|romaji=Kakugo<br />
|translation=Rebellion: Resolution<br />
|image=Rebelliontitle.jpg<br />
|caption=One small step for schemers, one giant leap to overthrow a guy called Megatron.<br />
|production code=TF: A-23<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]<br />
|director=[[Takashi Sano]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[January 26]], [[2003]] (UK, English premiere)<br>[[January 28]], 2003 (USA)<br>[[June 13|13 June]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''One fine day on the Moon. Sideways manipulates, Starscream evaluates. Cyclonus snores, Megatron roars. You'll always have Demolishor!'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Armada Rebellion Megs SS abuse1.jpg|left|thumb|And the fangirls go WILD.]]<br />
Alone on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] notes that [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s poor leadership is the key to the [[Decepticon]]s' recent string of losses—Sideways must do something if he wants to keep the conflict going. As he records, he gazes at the sky, a dark region of deep space without stars.<br />
<br />
Soon afterward, Megatron and the other Decepticons return from battle, called back by Sideways, who claims to be suffering from damage in his leg. Megatron is unimpressed and annoyed, and even more annoyed when, practically in mid-sentence, [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] takes a nap.<br />
<br />
[[File:Rebellionbadreception.jpg|thumb|Man, the Cartoon Network reception up here is terrible.]]<br />
When [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] arrives, Megatron brutalizes and belittles him as punishment for failing during battle, even though he was only obediently operating under Megatron's direct orders. [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] blasts into the room and intervenes, possibly saving Starscream's life. Megatron leaves, and Starscream goes on his own soon after. After briefly questioning Demolishor about his unquestioning loyalty to Megatron, Sideways follows Starscream. When Cyclonus doesn't wake up, and even Megatron is napping on his throne, Demolishor concedes the Decepticons' morale is embarrassing.<br />
<br />
Starscream, who accidentally fell down a hill, cries out in anguish. Nearby, Sideways sympathizes with Starscream about how Megatron is operating irrationally. Before leaving again, Sideways alludes to a familiar concept: Starscream commanding the Decepticons. <br />
<br />
Megatron, hearing from Sideways a different perspective on his disciplinary actions, is manipulated. Sideways escalates the tension between Starscream and Megatron by suggesting Megatron's position is dependent on possessing the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]].<br />
<br />
Questioning his position, Starscream projects his doubt onto Demolishor and uses it as reassurance that they're both soldiers, even if he was born into a war and still doesn't know its ideology and purpose. Demolishor is confused by Starscream's rationalization and feels that the still-napping Cyclonus is the only Decepticon without issues. <br />
<br />
[[File:Armada Rebellion Megs SS fight.jpg|250px|thumb|Well, he still treats his troops better than G1 Galvatron.]]<br />
In a hallway, Starscream has come to disregard his misgivings and continue to obey Megatron. But Sideways pushes Starscream over the edge with a falsified order he claims to be relaying directly from Megatron. As Starscream storms out to find Megatron, Demolishor wakes Cyclonus so they can prevent the confrontation, but Cyclonus is more interested in being an audience to the brawl.<br />
<br />
Megatron wagers the Star Saber on his victory. When Cyclonus arrives to watch, Starscream loses his sword and gets a beatdown from Megatron. Megatron picks Starscream off the ground and re-states what's at stake: Everything. After Megatron's speech, Starscream delivers an uppercut and follows up with several sound blows, getting cheers from Cyclonus. But a hit from Megatron sends Starscream through the air. <br />
<br />
[[File:Armada Rebellion grab.jpg|left|thumb|Kiss me, you fool.]]<br />
Megatron holds the Star Saber in Starscream's face, and despite his earlier promise, he lets Starscream live, flaunting that he knows Starscream's psychological weakness. Sideways muses that Megatron had victory but walked away from it. He saw weakness in Megatron through Starscream; he prophesies that one day the Decepticon leader will regret what happened here, and it will be his ruin.<br />
<br />
The next time the Decepticons enter battle, they fight with recharged vigor; somehow, the conflict reaching its climax on the Moon re-established Megatron's leadership, which benefitted the rest of the team.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (7)<br />
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (8)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (1)<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (2)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (3)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (4)<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (5)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Mirror]] (6)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"There's gotta be a reason we fight. Because there's no point in continuing unless there is. This war is over ten million years old. In fact, I've been a warrior ever since my spark left the [[Iacon chamber]], and I was merged into the army of Megatron. The only difference between me and an Autobot is the way we do battle and the code of the Decepticons. I guess I'm starting to get a little... confused. But you shouldn't be. We are soldiers sworn to obey Megatron; capture the Mini-Cons and return to Cybertron triumphant." <br />
:—'''Starscream''', in [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] rambling speech mode.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Demolishor:''' What is going on with everyone here? Ever since we lost that battle, everyone's gone loopy.<br><br />
''(glances at Cyclonus, who's still sleeping and snoring)''<br><br />
Well, at least some things never change around here. But Cyclonus is starting to look like the only sane one.<br />
:—You know the Decepticons are in deep doo-doo when the nutty guy's considered the 'only sane one.'<br />
<br />
<br />
"This time, it's a fight to the finish, and I won't accept any of your lame excuses. Do you understand me, you worthless grunt? I hope to realize what is at stake here. The Star Saber and supreme command of the Decepticons go to the winner. Why, you could rule the universe if you were victorious. There is no greater prize, and this is your one chance to attain it, so don't blow it, dolt. But just remember this, Starscream, I won't show you mercy. You will be an example to my men, to prevent any further insubordination."<br />
:—'''Megatron''' simultaneously insults Starscream's pride and incentivizes him to fight harder.<br />
<br />
<br />
"You win, Megatron. Now just.. get it over with."<br><br />
"You're giving up? I expected more of you! At least ''beg'' me to spare your worthless life! Or is your foolish pride getting in the way of even that, Starscream? Well, ''is it?'' Your problem is you have a conscience. You don't have the stomach to finish the fight because you play by the rules. Well, then, you'll never come out on top, Starscream."<br />
:— '''Starscream''' asks for death, and '''Megatron''' gives him a complete evaluation instead.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Ha, you had the upper hand, Megatron, and then you walked away before it was over. A true leader would never leave a fight half-fought. I see weakness and one day, it will come back to haunt you. And it will be your ''ruin''."<br />
:—'''Sideways''', observing Megatron's refusal to finish off Starscream (with superb delivery by [[Paul Dobson]])<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*Sideways doesn't begin his report until the bird's-eye view shot of him. He says the Autobots are now the dominant faction rather than gaining the advantage. The Star Saber, Skyboom Shield, and Requiem Blaster will soon fall into their hands, making the Autobots overpowered in battle. Hence, he needs to act immediately to deal with this development. In ''Armada'', Sideways points out the Decepticons' recent losing streak due to their disorganization and how it's about to change.<br />
*Megatron starts speaking to Sideways during the former's close-up shot. He asks why Sideways retreated; Sideways answers that his leg was damaged. ''Armada'' makes it seem like Sideways called Megatron back to base before Megatron asks if he's pulling a joke.<br />
*Cyclonus teases Sideways after returning from battle in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him rambling about the Decepticons' losing streak, with this one being their third in a row.<br />
*Starscream's first line is changed to reflect the dark mood in the base better. Megatron is also calm and collected when telling Starscream to follow him.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Starscream stammers as he asks Megatron if something is wrong, and Megatron tells Starscream that he's terminated. Then Sideways says Megatron will exterminate Starscream and blames the latter for his failure. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream is silent as Megatron approaches, and the latter sternly asks Starscream what he just said. Then Demolishor asks what the sound heard was, and Sideways calls Megatron a hypocrite who abuses his men for his losses.<br />
*Rather than saying Starscream also fails at following orders, Megatron asks if Starscream can't do anything but what he's told and if he's even capable of using his head.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Megatron says what he did to Starscream was a fitting punishment for insubordination. ''Legends of the Microns'' makes him crueler as he says it was a bore and that his men are all pitifully dull. Starscream later tells Demolishor that he has unfinished business in ''Armada'' but tells him to be quiet in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Starscream doesn't say anything before he flies off. Sideways quips on how the former's departure is a fine example of teamwork among comrades. Then, after Sideways leaves, Demolishor asks what he means about why the latter is loyal to Megatron.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' gives Sideways an extra line about it being time for him to make a gamble since the Decepticons will be over if things remain in their current state. He doesn't mention Megatron maiming the others.<br />
*The camera zooms closer to the Decepticon base as Cyclonus snores and Demolishor calls him a lazy jerk.<br />
*As Starscream repeatedly stabs his wing blade into the ground, ''Armada'' has him rant about Megatron humiliating him while he only swears in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then, in ''Armada'', Sideways asks Starscream if he will make a bet. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he tells Starscream that he can beat Megatron with his sword.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Sideways says Megatron has gone off the deep end, and Starscream agrees. When talking about who is better suited to be the leader, Sideways says Starscream knows who he's referring to but won't admit it. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Sideways is more cryptic as he asks Starscream if he also believes someone else is more suitable to lead the Decepticons. Then he says sometimes it's best to welcome change per a situation's atmosphere.<br />
*When Sideways manipulates Megatron, ''Legends of the Microns'' goes right to the point with a calm Megatron not liking what Sideways says yet remaining confident Starscream could never rebel against him as the latter knows he would lose. Sideways says Megatron must do something; otherwise, Starscream's rebellious spirit will grow. However, Megatron then calls Starscream one of his most important subordinates, so Sideways doesn't know whether Megatron is more intelligent than he looks or a total idiot. Sideways says Megatron risks giving Starscream the upper hand unless he deals with him now, but Megatron says he'll use the Star Saber to crush Starscream. Then Sideways goads Megatron with how he believes the latter feels stronger while wielding the Star Saber, as Starscream can't compete with the weapon. This claim makes Megatron snap at Sideways, declaring he doesn't need the Star Saber to beat Starscream and can quickly kill him with his bare hands. With Megatron's response, Sideways determines him to be an idiot.<br />
*Compared to how cynical and bitter he is in ''Armada'' (as quoted above), Starscream is more reflective and tactful during his talk with Demolishor in ''Legends of the Microns''; Starscream also periodically pauses speaking in the Japanese dub, whereas he talks almost nonstop in ''Armada''. He goes through the ship's historical records on the Mini-Cons for clues on why the Transformers keep fighting. He tells Demolishor that despite only knowing to fight since birth, they're like the Autobots, who also fight without hesitation. Then Starscream says he and Demolishor wouldn't hesitate to battle Megatron if they were born as Autobots instead. Demolishor asks what Starscream is trying to say, and Starscream says Demolishor is probably right, but no one can do anything about it now.<br />
*The Star Saber is redrawn in the scene of Megatron asleep outside with it. In the next scene with Starscream and Demolishor, the latter says Megatron crossed the line by attacking Starscream in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says the Decepticons' losing streak is getting the better of Megatron since he's now more irritable than ever.<br />
*After Sideways gives Starscream the order from Megatron, Sideways says that Megatron said guarding the warp gate is a task befitting one who can only do as he's told. In ''Armada'', Sideways claims Starscream is the only one Megatron trusts with the job. Immediately after this exchange, Starscream thinks about the order's absurdness in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream has no internal dialogue, and he's redrawn. After he throws Demolishor aside, ''Armada'' has Starscream say he's fed up with his unjust treatment, while the assignment being stated for one who can only do as he's told angers him in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*In the scene with Sideways in the throne room, Starscream surmises that Megatron is "waiting" for him outside. He doesn't come to that conclusion in ''Armada''; instead, he says, "He's mine!"<br />
*In ''Armada'', Demolishor tells Cyclonus if they don't stop Starscream, the Decepticons can kiss their morale goodbye. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Demolishor says the group's unity is at stake instead.<br />
*Sideways tells Cyclonus he told Starscream he wasn't ready to face Megatron, but Starscream wouldn't listen in ''Armada''. Sideways says he pities Starscream but doubts he will survive the fight in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*After decking Starscream with several blows, Megatron tells him to stand up since they're only getting started. After Megatron says the winner gets the Star Saber and command of the Decepticons, he says Starscream shouldn't blow his only chance to get such a grand prize in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron asks whether it's what Starscream always wanted or if he's already quit.<br />
*Immediately afterward, in ''Armada'' (as quoted above), Megatron says he won't hold back and will make an example of Starscream to quell future rebellion ideas. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron tells Starscream he wouldn't believe him if he said he never considered being the leader. He asks if Starscream's ambition has ended and demands he not delude himself with "pitiful self-righteousness."<br />
*Instead of saying Megatron never planning to use the Star Saber against Starscream will ruin everything, Sideways says there must be another reason since "Megatron's not the type to do that."<br />
*Megatron says Starscream will never beat him as long as the latter's pride holds back his ambition. In ''Armada'', Megatron says he is the winner since he understands Starscream's weaknesses of having a conscience and playing by the rules.<br />
*Sideways says he now knows Megatron's weakness, but his naivety stopped him from killing Starscream. The following shots of Starscream lying defeated are silent.<br />
*During the final scenes of the Decepticons and Autobots fighting, ''Armada'' plays its "insert" version of the Transformers [[theme song]], but ''Legends of the Microns'' plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Invincible Power]]."<br />
*In ''Armada'', Sideways's closing narration ties into the subplot of the Decepticons' low morale and lack of unity. He notes their boosted resolve despite his failed plan to take down Megatron, enjoying how the team fights as one again; however, there's still no clear winner in sight between the two factions. ''Legends of the Microns'' connects it to Sideways's subplot to balance the factions' power; it ends more ominously and feels less like a cliffhanger. Sideways says the strength between the Autobots and Decepticons suddenly became more balanced, and they're now one step closer to the day when their fight will lead to their destruction.<br />
*In the last shot, Starscream's yelling stops when the screen goes black, and the final musical sting from the opening theme's trance version plays after Sideways finishes speaking in ''Armada''. Starscream's yell echoes as Sideways completes the narration in the Japanese dub, and Sideways's voice sounds disembodied.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
[[File:Rebellion animation changes.jpg|thumb|285px|Some animation differences between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' (right). It's like night and day, right?]]<br />
*The episode's animation shifts from high quality (particularly for close-ups and specific sequences) to average, mainly as Megatron defeats Starscream, going from a high-quality shot of Starscream slowly falling to the ground to a lower-quality shot of him landing (see right). Different lower-quality shots at the end of Megatron and Starscream's duel are redrawn to provide more consistent animation quality in the Japanese dub. However, several quick shots of the two seen in the Japanese cut of the fight are reused from the unfinished animation seen in the American cut.<br />
*As Megatron turns away after this scene, his Decepticon symbols are missing from his shoulders, and he seriously lacks in-drawn detail. ''Legends of the Microns'' replaces Megatron's low-quality model with a redrawn one, complete with the symbols on his shoulders.<br />
*The background doesn't match the previous shot during Sideways's close-up after the other Decepticons warp back to base.<br />
*When Demolishor tells Megatron that Cyclonus has fallen asleep, Cyclonus doesn't have a face, but we can still hear him snoring.<br />
*As Megatron walks toward Starscream before brutalizing him, Megatron's walking animation stops after the first step, but the walking sound effect is still audible. ''Legends of the Microns'' reanimates Megatron as walking, but his arms are now stationary.<br />
*When Starscream tries reasoning with Megatron that he followed his orders, parts of his body, like between his arms and the top of his chest, are heavily shadowed. The Japanese dub either removes the unnecessary shadows or lessens them; however, for some reason, ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the shadow above Starscream's eyes, though it's present in ''Armada''.<br />
*After trying to open the doors, Demolishor says Megatron "locked ''us'' in here" (referring to himself and Sideways) when really, Megatron locked himself and Starscream in the room. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes Demolishor's line to saying a key is needed to open the doors.<br />
*After Starscream passes Demolishor and leaves the room, Demolishor's Decepticon insignia is a plain purple shape.<br />
*In the next shot of Starscream from behind, he is a bit off-model, and some of the lightning on him is wrong. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this (see right).<br />
*After Starscream flies off, the right side of Demolishor's face is yellow, like his head.<br />
*After the shot of Starscream raising his wing blade, the background resembles the inside of the base, although he's outside.<br />
*In the wide shot of Sideways and Starscream talking, Sideways's sides are blue rather than yellow.<br />
*When Sideways tells Starscream that Megatron is afraid of him, Starscream doesn't move and looks shocked throughout the shot.<br />
*Starscream lacks the shadow above his eyes in some shots.<br />
*In another shot during the same scene, the Decepticon symbols on Starscream's wings have circles around them.<br />
*When Starscream responds to Sideways in the corridor after Sideways says Megatron only depends on Starscream to carry out his order, Starscream's body moves, but his shoulder thrusters don't.<br />
*In the scene of Starscream and Demolishor fighting in the corridor, they are both off-model, and Sideways has vanished. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds Sideways back into the scene; Starscream and Demolishor are entirely redrawn, and the background is slightly shifted to the right (see right).<br />
*In two shots where Demolishor and Cyclonus watch Megatron and Starscream fight in the distance, the top of Megatron's body just below his neck is miscolored red.<br />
*In the close-ups of Demolishor, after Cyclonus drops him, the lighting effect of his left eye is miscolored black.<br />
*During the last scene, there's an awkward silence after Megatron speaks to Demolishor. The Japanese dub removes it as Megatron doesn't immediately say his line after the scene cuts. Also, Megatron commands Demolishor to look ''after'' the Mini-Cons. In ''Legends of the Microns'', his command is for Demolishor to ''find'' the Mini-Con panel.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*The opening scene, where Sideways gazes up at a dark, starless region of space, is a clue to his [[Unicron|true allegiance]], which the [[Chase (episode)|following episode]] reveals.<br />
*Sideways's log also reveals that the Cybertronian date in this episode is "Astrodate Nimbus 3391," and his ID code is "002348".<br />
*This episode is the first to mention the Requiem Blaster (though by its Japanese name, as explained below).<br />
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'', Sideways aims to destroy both factions.<br />
*Since the Autobots gained a fair chunk of the Decepticons' Mini-Cons in the [[Vow|last episode]], the Decepticons appear to be losing every recent battle, something that Megatron is very displeased with and takes his frustrations out on Starscream.<br />
*The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' calls this episode the second in the "Starscream saga."<br />
*Starscream's loyalty to the Decepticon cause starts wavering more in this episode.<br />
*Demolishor is once again left to fix the Decepticon team alone.<br />
*According to Starscream in the English dub, the Transformers war is over 10 million years old.<br />
*This episode is the only one in the series without any humans and barely any Autobots.<br />
*The part about Starscream wondering why the Transformers fight comes up again in the Japanese version of "[[Sacrifice]]."<br />
*This episode has the show's first fight between Starscream and Megatron, although Sideways caused it through his manipulations.<br />
*During their fight, the Japanese dub has Megatron scold Starscream for lacking ambition; Megatron brings up Starscream's ambition again in "[[Cramp]]."<br />
*The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' states the main difference between Megatron and Starscream becomes clear in this episode, arguably that Starscream is more "human" than Megatron, which will lead to fascinating developments for Starscream in the future.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Sideways's arm cannons aren't attached in this episode. Since he isn't participating in any battles, he seems to have removed them. The toy's arm cannons are pressure-fire missiles and are easily removable.<br />
**Cyclonus carries Demolishor in vehicle mode, a practice he repeats in ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]''.<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Blurr Powerlinx with the Skyboom Shield for the first time.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*Sideways says the Autobots possess the Star Saber, Skyboom Shield, and Astro Blaster (the Requiem Blaster's Japanese name) in his opening log entry. However, the Decepticons still have the sword, the Autobots have the shield, while the show won't introduce the Requiem Blaster until "[[Desperate]]." He also says the Decepticons don't have the necessary organization to keep the weapons in their possession, but they never had all the weapons in the first place. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes these glaring errors; Sideways says the Autobots will soon possess all three weapons and become too strong, removing the mention of the Decepticons ever having the weapons beforehand.<br />
*Somehow, Sideways knows that Megatron plans to exterminate Starscream, but how could he have possibly heard Megatron say that? The Japanese dub instead has Sideways calling Megatron a hypocrite who takes his losses out on his men.<br />
*The background changes between the scenes of Starscream flying off and Sideways talking to Demolishor. ''Legends of the Microns'' switches it in Starscream's shot to match that of Sideways and Demolishor; however, the background of the ''Armada'' version of Starscream's scene is correct in this case (see above).<br />
*Starscream claims Demolishor has beef with Megatron and should get over it, but it's more like Starscream's talking about himself. The Japanese dub doesn't have this issue since the point of their talk is entirely different.<br />
*After this, Demolishor grumbles about everyone going "loopy" after losing the previous battle, despite the Decepticons already noted as suffering their third loss in a row at the episode's start. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this as Demolishor mentions the recent ''string'' of losses making everyone go crazy...at least, everyone except Cyclonus.<br />
*Megatron refers to the Transformers as "Cybertronians," a term for their race that isn't often used through most ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' fiction.<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*Sideways's log entry sequence is based on the ''[[Star Trek]]'' characters' logs that provide exposition for the ongoing plot.<br />
*Megatron's line that incompetent morons surround him is a version of Scar's "I'm surrounded by idiots" line from ''The Lion King''.<br />
*Megatron says before pounding Starscream, "You're terminated." It's an apparent reference to ''The Terminator''; even the music that plays during Starscream's second Megatron apparition sounds like a dead ringer for the Terminator theme.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*The kanji 謀反 would be pronounced as "''muhon''" or "''bouhan''," while "''kakugo''" uses 覚悟.<br />
*"Rebellion" first aired in the United States on [[January 28]], [[2003]].<br />
*Cyclonus is briefly shown [[humanization|drooling]] after he falls asleep.<br />
*Few other ''Transformers'' episodes focus exclusively on the Decepticons, with some Autobots only having brief appearances at the end.<br />
*This episode marks the first time in the series that a Transformer gives the opening and ending narrations instead of one of the kids, a given since this is a human-less episode.<br />
*Surprisingly, this episode's English dub doesn't spam the transformation sound effect and only uses it once after Cyclonus drops off Demolishor. ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't use it at all here. This episode's ''Armada'' dub has no drastic musical changes except the last scene with the Autobots.<br />
*Starscream's discussion with Demolishor in the Japanese dub about wanting answers for why the Transformers keep fighting later becomes a lyric in the second opening song, "[[Transformers: Kōtetsu no Yūki]]."<br />
*The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' claims that Megatron can never win, regardless of whether or not Starscream is stronger than him. Interesting.<br />
**It even calls Megatron "an attractive killer"; well, let's face it, there's no disputing the guy has some charisma.<br />
*The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' reveals that [[Yūjin Ishikawa]] wanted to try a new take on Starscream's betrayal and Optimus Prime's death in the series. He felt a Starscream who doesn't betray wouldn't please Transformers fans, so there are glimpses of him backstabbing Megatron for his self-interests in "[[Soldier (episode)|Soldier]]" and "[[Jungle]]," similar to past Starscreams. However, Starscream slowly grows and evolves, like Hot Shot; the producers' treatment of Starscream changed after realizing he'd be the only Decepticon with character development.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Lázadás'''" ("Rebellion")<br />
<br />
'''Polish'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Rebelia'''" ("Rebellion")<br />
<br />
'''French'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Rébellion'''" ("Rebellion")<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''스크림의 반란'''" ("Scream's Rebellion")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Rebelião'''" ("Rebellion")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 6 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Crisis_(Armada)&diff=1743058Crisis (Armada)2024-01-23T15:40:35Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig3|Crisis}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=39<br />
|prev=Threaten<br />
|next=Remorse<br />
|title="Crisis"<br />
|furigana=きき<br />
|japanese=地球<!--crisis--><br />
|romaji=Kiki<br />
|translation=Earth: Crisis<br />
|image=crisis.jpg<br />
|caption=I would have waited an-wait, you've heard this before.<br />
|production code=TF: A-39<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]<br />
|englishadaptation=[[Terry Klassen]]<br />
|director=[[Hidehito Ueda]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[August 19]], [[2003]] (English, Canada)<br>[[September 26]], [[2003]] (Japanese)<br>[[October 10]], [[2003]] (English, United States)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Megatron prepares to use the ''Hydra Cannon'' to destroy the Autobots' base on Earth from space.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Crisis kids standing around.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Shouldn't the skies be ''red''?]]<br />
As [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s [[Hydra Cannon|new weapon]] causes panic on [[Earth]] and a potent green haze fills the sky, the kids don't know what action they should take next.<br />
Onboard the [[Decepticon]]s' ship, Megatron annoys [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] by laughing at the tactician's silly head. To himself, Thrust mocks Megatron's stupid head. Outside, the force fields block [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]]'s efforts to attack the ship.<br />
<br />
The [[Autobot]]s ponder how to destroy the Decepticon ship without killing the [[Mini-Con]]s in its core. [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] angrily blames the entire situation on [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and goes so far as to yell at [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] for letting Starscream join the Autobots. Instead of responding, Optimus leaves to let Hot Shot whine vengeance on the edge of sanity.<br />
<br />
Optimus inspects his [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] before Jetfire returns to the launching dock. When the Autobots and kids assemble there, Optimus announces he has a plan to save Earth. Hot Shot's request to join Prime and Jetfire gets shot down, and in exchange, Prime attempts to pass on the Matrix to Hot Shot, who refuses to accept it.<br />
<br />
[[File:Crisis Optimus blocks Hydra Cannon.jpg|200px|thumb|Somebody is getting pregnant.]]<br />
Starscream considers his position with the Decepticons. When requested, he struggles to put aside the compassion he's learned and fire upon Earth, even if it harms humans. But when the shields are disengaged, Prime and Jetfire take advantage of the window and begin to attack.<br />
<br />
The Decepticons rush out to fight the two Autobots. Eventually, Megatron and Optimus face against each other. But Prime's desire to save Earth causes him to glow yellow and use his body to block the ''Hydra Cannon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s energy blast.<br />
<br />
[[File:Crisis Optimus Prime dies.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Hey guys, it's just like that scene in the obscenity-filled uncut version of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' where Prime disintegrates! I saw it as a kid while playing with my blue [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] toy!]]<br />
Optimus Prime holds back the blast (visible on Earth). With pieces of Prime breaking off, he pushes the shot back over the Decepticon ship. When the cannon is spent, Optimus stands, bleached white. When the kids see the Autobot leader standing, [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|he shatters into tiny fragments]], then the kids, the other Autobots, and even Megatron shout concerned yells.<br />
<br />
The Decepticons retreat while Jetfire recovers [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] and Optimus Prime's Matrix.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (10)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (16)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] (17)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (18)<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (19)<br />
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (20)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (21)<br />
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (22)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (11)<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (12)<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (13)<br />
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (14)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (15)<br />
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (26)<br />
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (27)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Sullivan (Armada)|Sullivan]] (1)<br />
*Other research center technicians (2)<br />
*[[Kelly Bomgartner]] (3)<br />
*[[Rad White]] (4)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (5)<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (6)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (7)<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (8)<br />
*[[Jhon Thompson]] (9)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (23)<br />
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (24)<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (25)<br />
*[[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] (28)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"But Rad, we can't stand around and not say anything while the whole stinkin' planet blows up to smithereens."<br />
:—'''Carlos'''<br />
<br />
<br />
"Do as the Squidhead says, men."<br><br />
"...Squidhead? Even you, Megatron?"<br />
:—'''Megatron''' begins to belittle '''Thrust'''<br />
<br />
<br />
"What's that? You don’t enjoy my Earthly humor? Buck up, soldier, or you’ll be looking at a demotion."<br><br />
"...I understand, sir."<br />
:— '''Megatron''' tells '''<s>Squidhead</s> Thrust''' to take it like a man. And he takes it.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Ha ha! Don't you just love watching those miserable mechanical morons attempt to attack me, Squidhead?"<br><br />
''[to self]'' "I wish he wouldn't call me that anymore. How would he like to be called flathead?" ''[giggles]''<br><br />
"So why don't you share your little joke with everyone?"<br><br />
"Ahem, I wasn't laughing, sir." ''[to self]'' "Flathead...boy, I can really dish it out."<br><br />
"You...are a freak."<br />
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Thrust'''<br />
<br />
<br />
"You have betrayed my trust on more than one occasion, Starscream, but you always seemed to return to the Decepticon fold when it really mattered. So can I trust you this time? Well, Starscream?"<br />
:—'''Megatron''' to Starscream, describing [[Starscream (disambiguation)|the problem]] [[Megatron (disambiguation)|they]] generally have.<br />
<br />
<br />
"What the?! ... He's completely disintegrated into space dust. ... OPTIMUUUUUUS!"<br><br />
''(The wreckage in space does not call back.)''<br />
:—'''Megatron''' begins stage one: denial.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*In the Japanese dub, Sullivan is unnamed, and instead of saying that the comet vanished from the screen, he says he doesn't know why.<br />
*Kelly's report is almost identical in both versions, but she emphasizes the sky's "hellish" appearance and says the cause is unknown in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*During the children's discussion, Fred asks if Megatron blew up the comet as an experiment, which Carlos believes was "a test for his real target." However, Carlos doesn't know what it might be before Fred says Megatron might be planning to blow up the Earth. He later says people might listen to them about the danger if the Transformers themselves explain. Alexis says Optimus wants to keep the fights secret; people might not listen to them or use the Autobots for experiments. She feels that keeping their secret may be impossible after the comet's explosion. Carlos and Fred agree they're in a tough spot, and Billy asks if adults will listen to them with Optimus present. Rad states they've been fighting the 'Cons in secrecy to keep Earth out of the Transformers' war and avoid creating more chaos, as Optimus would say that. Carlos asks Rad what they should do since they are the only ones who know the planet is in danger, but Rad asks, "But what is the rest of humanity supposed to do in this case?" In ''Armada'', the kids talk more about keeping the Autobots' secret as promised, and Rad says they should stay out of the Autobots' way and wait and see what happens next since it's all they can currently do. Then Carlos shouts to the heavens, asking what they're supposed to do.<br />
*In the Japanese dub, the elderly newscaster "Jhon Thompson" says the comet's explosion has caused an anomaly. ''Armada'' changes his line to the blast causing climate changes.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' includes a few redrawn and more detailed shots of the Hydra Cannon's surface.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Thrust spells his name and shouts at Megatron for repeatedly calling him "squidhead." Then Megatron questions Thrust for not enjoying his "Earthly humor" before threatening him with a demotion. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Thrust says that's his real name, and the nickname is too much coming from Megatron, who tells Thrust not to be angry since his top tactician looking nervous isn't a pleasant sight.<br />
*After Jetfire says the 'Cons are ignoring him, he says there's no reason he shouldn't charge them.<br />
*Megatron quips about how the Autobots are trying to attack the ship in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron brags that Jetfire couldn't do anything to them.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Thrust's nickname for Megatron refers to his horns invoking the appearance of a stag beetle instead of flatness. Then Megatron asks Thrust what is so funny, and Thrust replies that it's nothing.<br />
*When looking at the Hydra Cannon on the monitor, Scavenger says the device probably destroyed the comet, and Blurr reacts with disbelief. In ''Armada'', Red Alert says Scavenger's line a moment later.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Optimus references the Hydra Cannon but doesn't mention the weapon's name in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*In the Japanese dub, Side Swipe fears the Decepticons using the Hydra Cannon to destroy the base, and Optimus says the 'Cons probably won't succeed since the base is underground. ''Armada'' has Side Swipe gung-ho about destroying the weapon, and Optimus says the Autobots will stop the Hydra Cannon without destroying it.<br />
*Scavenger calling Megatron crazy is relatively identical in both versions, but his line sounds rushed and almost cut short in ''Armada'', unlike ''Legends of the Microns''. It's also a question instead of a statement in the Japanese dub, where he asks, "Megatron has it in his nature to be reckless, am I right?"<br />
*Blurr asks if they have any other options, and Red Alert says it's hard to form a counterattack with their current data. In ''Armada'', Red Alert states they can't destroy the weapon since they'd also kill the Mini-Cons they're supposed to save.<br />
*Side Swipe only implores that the Autobots have to save Earth in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says he's changed since coming to Earth.<br />
*Hot Shot blames Starscream for the current dilemma in ''Armada'' but blames Optimus for accepting Starscream in ''Legends of the Microns''. After Optimus leaves, Hot Shot starts pounding the floor, venting his frustration over Starscream's betrayal. Hoist points out that Hot Shot also accepted Starscream, but ''Armada'' warps the line into Hoist telling Hot Shot that their team represents good, not evil. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot breaks down over how he believed Starscream and asks how Optimus could let this happen, and Blurr says they were all too naive. In ''Armada'', Hot Shot's frustration is more about Optimus's decision and trying to understand why Starscream betrayed them before swearing to make him pay. Then Blurr reassures Hot Shot that Starscream will get what's coming to him.<br />
*On the launching dock, Jetfire deduces the Decepticons will lower their ship's protective barrier before firing the Hydra Cannon again. He says the Autobots must figure out how to break through it before the 'Cons fire the weapon in ''Armada''.<br />
*Carlos says the others were concerned about Jetfire in the Japanese dub but says everyone wanted to welcome him back in ''Armada''.<br />
*When addressing Hot Shot about Starscream, Optimus says he believes trusting and accepting Starscream wasn't bad; however, the current situation came from Starscream having a change of heart, so Prime says he will take responsibility for it as commander. ''Armada'' doesn't address the Starscream issue and warps Prime's dialogue into him claiming the others might not understand his decision yet, but things will work out fine.<br />
*Instead of talking about getting revenge, Carlos says sneaking aboard the Decepticons' ship isn't an option. Then Optimus swears on his name that he won't let the Decepticons do as they please, and the Transformers' battle won't spread harm to ''any'' lifeforms on Earth, not just humans.<br />
*''Armada'' adds Hot Shot shouting after Optimus and Jetfire after they turn to remove the Japanese dub's silence. Unlike ''Armada'', as Optimus shows him the Matrix, Hot Shot seems to recognize it, and Optimus asks Hot Shot to hold the Matrix for him instead of telling him.<br />
*The second time Hot Shot refuses to hold the Matrix for Optimus is ''Armada''-exclusive as he only replies once in the Japanese dub, and the next shot is silent.<br />
*As Optimus and Jetfire leave, the kids and other Autobots refer to Optimus. Then ''Armada'' adds Hot Shot's internal dialogue of wishing them luck since he's silent in that shot in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*When Megatron asks Starscream if he has any reservations about firing at the Earth if asked to pull the trigger in ''Armada'', he asks if Starscream's time with the Autobots made him soft and changed his spirit into one of theirs in the Japanese dub. Megatron later asks if Starscream will destroy the Autobot base, whereas Megatron says the whole planet in ''Armada''.<br />
*The Transformers theme tune plays when Jet Optimus blasts the Hydra Cannon after the ship lowers its barrier in ''Armada''. The track [[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|"Charge!"]] plays in ''Legends of the Microns'' instead.<br />
*Jet Optimus doesn't speak until the shot of the Decepticons' ship.<br />
*Cyclonus asks if Jetfire could see him from the back of his head after he's shot.<br />
*After Starscream covertly saves him from Tidal Wave, Optimus swears by his name that he will retrieve the Mini-Con weapons.<br />
*Before Megatron appears to fight him, Optimus says, "Give me the strength, Spark of my soul!" Then Megatron declares he won't let Prime succeed. In ''Armada'', Optimus says something about the ship's forcefield before Megatron calls him.<br />
*Optimus doesn't say Megatron's name until his close-up shot. ''Armada'' has Prime say it sooner, giving him an extra line.<br />
*Rather than saying he must quickly divert the Mini-Cons' power, Optimus says, as internal dialogue, [[burning spirit|"Spark of my soul...The Mini-Cons' power...ALLOW ME TO STOP IT!"]]<br />
*Kelly announces a bright light approaching Earth but doesn't know what it is in ''Armada''. She says a bright star appeared in the sky in the Japanese dub and is now shining brighter. Then Rad calls out Optimus's name.<br />
*Megatron yells, "This cannot be!" while Thrust describes in shock that Optimus managed to stop the Hydra Cannon's blast in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' switches their reactions around, with Thrust saying, "This can't be!" three times.<br />
*Optimus calls upon his spark to give him strength while blocking the blast. He only says he needs some more power in ''Armada''.<br />
*Watching the monitor, Rad only says Optimus's name. Carlos tells Fred that Optimus will be fine. Then Alexis urges Optimus not to lose, so Billy confidently tells her that Optimus won't lose.<br />
*Optimus groans as he continues deflecting the blast in ''Armada'', but he's silent in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then after the flash of light, everyone's reaction is silent except for Hot Shot.<br />
*Smokescreen's line about Optimus and Jetfire becoming invincible when they combine, followed by "Isn't that right?" is identical in both versions. In ''Armada'', he sounds confused, and it seems his last line is a question; this could be a misinterpretation of the line, as he speaks joyfully as though asking if the others agree in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*When Megatron shouts out Optimus's name after he disintegrates, it echoes into the next shot of the Decepticon ship. His voice doesn't echo in ''Armada'', so the shot of the ship is silent.<br />
*In ''Armada'', after Jetfire finds Sparkplug drifting in space holding the Matrix, he sadly and loudly declares he will never forget his commander. In the Japanese dub, he grunts before letting out a loud, anguished scream.<br />
*Rad's ''Armada'' ending narration is slightly long-winded as he says the universe cried over Optimus's death as the star shower occurred above the Autobot base. In ''Legends of the Microns'', it's more appropriately melancholy since Rad mentions meteorites flashing throughout the night sky later that day; however, the narration ends incomplete as he guesses why but can't bring himself to say the answer (probably because they're Prime's body fragments).<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*One newsreader has a nameplate reading "Jhon Thompson" on his desk.<br />
*When Jetfire transforms after hitting the shield, he raises his arms, presumably anticipating his shield and gun attaching, but they never appear. They're suddenly on his arms a moment later.<br />
*Hot Shot's right leg is miscolored gray after he pounds the floor.<br />
*Carlos and Fred discuss attacking the Hydra Cannon with the "Cybertron ship." While the Autobots' ship is meant to travel back to Cybertron, the line could be an error of the Japanese ''Cybertron'' faction name not translated into ''Autobot''.<br />
*Optimus's grille is missing when he explains that it might be the final battle.<br />
*Before he can fire the Hydra Cannon again, Megatron says, "Sayonara Optimus," a direct translation carried over from the Japanese dub since Megatron says the same phrase at that moment.<br />
*As Optimus blasts the Hydra Cannon, he gets shot in the back by a purple blast. Tidal Wave fades into the shot out of nowhere as he turns around. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the scene is redrawn and re-edited to correctly have the Decepticon emerge from a solidly colored yellow explosion and smoke.<br />
*Tidal Wave's mouth doesn't move when he speaks before continuing to shoot Optimus.<br />
*As Tidal Wave falls on top of Starscream, the latter is miscolored, with his usually red parts being either grey or white.<br />
*Wheeljack has blue stripes under his eyes after shooting Jetfire's gun out of his hand.<br />
*As Cyclonus, Wheeljack, and Demolishor hold Jetfire, Demolishor's face is miscolored yellow like his head.<br />
*When Optimus activates the Matrix's power to escape Megatron, his left leg is miscolored gray.<br />
*In the Finnish dub, when Kelly reports on an ample light in the sky (the blast from the Hydra Cannon), her voice actress misreads one of the words in her line before immediately correcting herself, seemingly without an option for another take on the line.<br />
*While Optimus blocks the Hydra Cannon's blast, Fred uses the past tense when asking what ''"happened"'' to him. It might be a mistranslation or mispronunciation since Fred uses the correct present tense and asks what is ''"happening"'' to Optimus instead in the Japanese dub.<br />
**In the same scene, Alexis says, "I sure hope you're alright," though she probably means to say, "I sure hope you're ''right''" in response to Carlos assuring Fred that Optimus had a plan. Alexis's line is completely different in ''Legends of the Microns'', so this mistake doesn't exist.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*After "Desperate," this episode is the second time Rad tells any of the other kids that standing by and doing nothing is the only thing they can do in their present situation.<br />
*Jetfire rejects Hot Shot from joining the mission against the Decepticon ship since the latter can't [[Powerlinx]] like him and Optimus can. ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Yet...]]''<br />
*This episode marks the [[Matrix of Leadership]]'s first appearance in the [[Unicron Trilogy]].<br />
*This episode marks the start of Optimus Prime's leadership struggles and feeling unworthy of the Matrix.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Optimus can use the Matrix's power to hold back the blast from the [[Hydra Cannon]].<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Optimus and Jetfire combine into Jet Optimus.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*Why is Side Swipe so ready and willing to destroy the Hydra Cannon, and how did he forget that the three Mini-Con weapons comprise it? Luckily, Optimus and Red Alert say that eradicating the weapon is out of the question, and the Autobots should stop the Hydra Cannon without destroying it.<br />
*Optimus and Megatron duel near the spaceship's nose before Prime rushes to block the Hydra Cannon blast. When Megatron later appears in a wider shot with other Decepticons (and Jetfire) on the ship's deck, he is suddenly standing further back than the others.<br />
**Tidal Wave, last seen falling on top of Starscream, has also disappeared.<br />
*Rad's closing narration notes the ''whole'' universe is crying over Optimus Prime's death; it's possibly exaggerated for drama's sake, but that's still pushing it since most of the universe doesn't even know what's happening. ''Legends of the Microns'' makes his closing monologue more fitting.<br />
<br />
===Transformers references===<br />
*When Optimus shows Hot Shot the Matrix and identifies it, he states that it's a gift from the original Transformers and holds all the data from previous commanders, like its Generation 1 counterpart. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Prime calls the Matrix proof of an Autobot Commander's leadership instead of a gift.<br />
*Optimus then asks Hot Shot to hold onto the Matrix for him. Hot Shot's Japanese name is Hot Rod, a name shared with [[Hot Rod (G1)|a Matrix holder]] from Generation 1.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*This episode is one of the few in the show without an opening narration.<br />
*The episode's Japanese dub reveals Kelly's last name is Cross.<br />
*The kids seem pretty dead set on letting the Decepticons destroy Earth to keep the Autobots' existence a secret. If that isn't the most remarkable example of friendship, I don't know what is. ''Legends of the Microns'' scales this back to more appropriate levels.<br />
*This episode marks one of the few times Optimus blinks in the series.<br />
*The Decepticons' ship is partially modeled after Megatron's head.<br />
*The ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has a few tidbits about this episode:<br />
**The final scene with the stars in the sky was one of the first ones the crew came up with for this episode.<br />
**The only sense of humor during this episode is at the beginning with Thrust's nickname, "Squidhead," and his "stag beetle" insult to Megatron.<br />
**Rad's line in the Japanese dub of how Optimus would say why the Autobots are fighting the Decepticons in secret exemplifies what being a leader means.<br />
**This episode is the first showing a large number of humans.<br />
**The quote "Spark of my soul" is considered a famous line. It returns in "[[Cramp]]" moments before another character's heartwrenching death.<br />
**This episode is considered one of the series's best.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Die Hydra-Kanone'''" ("The Hydra-Cannon")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but was dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Válság'''" ("Crisis")<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Jiguleul Jikyeola'''" (지구를 지켜라, "Protect the Earth")<br />
:*This episode is the marked finale of the Korean dub, effectively making Optimus Prime's death permanent. Wonder how Korean viewers felt at the time.<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Crise'''" ("Crisis")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 10 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Collector's Edition ([[Universal]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=First_Encounter&diff=1743054First Encounter2024-01-23T15:26:07Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig2|the ''Armada'' cartoon episode|the ''Armada'' comic story|First Encounter!}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=1<br />
|prev=<br />
|next=Metamorphosis (Armada)<br />
|title="First Encounter"<br />
|furigana=であい<br />
|japanese=遭遇<br />
|romaji=Deai<br />
|translation=Encounter<br />
|image=FirstEncounter_Prime.jpg<br />
|caption=Just look at that thousand light-year stare.<br />
|production code=TF: A-01<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]<br />
|director=[[Hidehito Ueda]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[August 23]], [[2002]] (English)<br>[[January 10|10 January]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Three ordinary children find themselves faced with robotic visitors from another world and an extraterrestrial war on their own planet.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Firstenccybertron.JPG|left|155px|thumb|Cybertronian architecture was greatly influenced by the Inebriation Movement.]]<br />
''Eons ago, the Transformers were sent out as explorers by a "[[Primus|unique digital entity]]." One of the first planets they inhabited was [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. But the Transformers warred with one another over tiny robots named [[Mini-Con]]s, used as tools to boost power. Eventually, an internal protocol awakened the Mini-Cons, and they joined forces to resist domination by either [[Autobot]]s or [[Decepticon]]s. After a long war, the Autobots and Decepticons called a truce. A [[Exodus (Armada)|craft]] was constructed for the Mini-Cons and blasted into space to stop them from being used in another war. It traveled for millions of years until it collided with a [[Moon (moon)| Moon]]; damaged, it crashed to the surface of [[Earth|the Moon's parent planet]]. The Mini-Cons lay dormant for millions of years as the planet's terrain shifted and changed around them...''<br />
<br />
In the present day, a boy named [[Rad White|Rad]] narrates, introducing himself and his friend [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]]. They race to school (Rad wins) and meet a schoolmate named [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]]. Rad asks her if she wants to come with them to explore a cave, but she rejects him. They then meet and argue with two boys named [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]]. They then head to class for the day. So far, an ordinary day. <br />
<br />
[[File:Firstenclight.JPG|left|155px|thumb|"Darn it, Rad. Your nightlight is ''way'' too bright!"]] <br />
After school, Rad and Carlos race up the mountain to the cave. Billy and Fred follow them using a locator stuck to Rad's bike. The boys head into the cave, using a rope and a trail of rocks to mark their path. Billy and Fred follow them at a distance and accidentally destroy part of the rock trail; soon, they become lost after being scared by some bats. While advancing deep into the cave, Carlos accidentally treads on a stone plate. It begins to slide downwards, with the boys rapidly riding on top. At the bottom, the boys find themselves in a strange artificial building of an unknown purpose. There, they discover a glowing green stone, in reality, a [[Mini-Con storage panel]], and Rad picks it up, activating a beacon that causes an earthquake.<br />
<br />
[[File:Firstenccybertron2.JPG|155px|thumb|"When you wish upon a staaaaaar... makes no difference who you aaaaaaare..."<Br>"Strafe, those are LASERS."<br>"Oh."]]<br />
Alexis notices the earthquake and heads off to investigate the cave. The beacon shuts down the Space Research Center's computers. The beacon then fires out of the cave in three parts: one red, one purple, and one green. The green portion activates the Moon's spaceship wreckage, causing Mini-Con panels across the Earth to activate. The other two parts alert the Autobots and Decepticons on Cybertron to the location of the Mini-Cons. The best warriors of the opposing sides teleport to Earth to seek the Mini-Cons.<br />
<br />
[[File:Firstencmegs.JPG|left|155px|thumb|Hey you! The worst of your nightmares is coming!]]<br />
Back on Earth, the earthquake is over. Rad and Carlos exit the cave safely and soundly. Suddenly, they see a strange purple halo in the sky. Then the warp gate opens with a gigantic robot inside: [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. At this moment, Alexis shows up and tells the boys not to panic, but it is too hard for them. When Megatron moves towards Rad, the boy drops the panel; it activates, and [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] emerges. High Wire scans Rad's bike and transforms himself into a bicycle. The three kids ride High Wire to try to escape Megatron, but Megatron flicks a boulder at them, knocking them off the Mini-Con. Megatron blocks their path, claiming High Wire belongs to him and demanding they return High Wire to him or else. But suddenly, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|another giant robot]] teleports in, and the two giants square off in battle.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (9)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (8)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
* [[Rad White]] (1)<br />
* [[Carlos Lopez]] (2)<br />
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (3)<br />
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (4)<br />
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (5)<br />
* Homeroom teacher (6)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
* [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (7)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"Hey, we were just wondering if you wanted to come with us after school. We're heading up the mountain to scope out this wicked cave we found..."<br><br />
"Sorry guys, but I'm gonna have to take a rain check. I've got a math test, and I told my mom I'd come straight home. So for the last time, the answer's no!"<br />
:—'''Alexis''' uses the old "math test" excuse to blow off '''Rad'''.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Rad''': "Is it just me, or do you get the distinct feeling that Little Miss Stuck-Up dissed us big time?"<br><br />
'''Alexis''': "I hope you realize I heard that Rad!"<br><br />
'''Carlos''': "I tell you, man; there's just no winning when it comes to girls, is there?"<br />
:—'''Rad''' and '''Carlos''' learn the eternal truth; women are difficult to comprehend.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Would you hurry up? They've probably gone home already!"<br><br />
"Hey! You don't have to yell at me. I got feelings too, ya know! I-I'm trying my hardest, but no, nothing's ever good enough for you!"<br><br />
"Aw, quit your bellyaching!"<br><br />
"My therapist says I don't have to take this from you because you're not the boss of me! Besides, I'm getting hungry again."<br />
:—'''Billy''' and '''Fred''' arrive at the cave Rad and Carlos are exploring.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Ah, it would have had more fun if I'd brought my sister."<br />
:—'''Billy''' reflects on the company he keeps.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Megatron:''' "You have something of mine."<br><br />
'''Alexis:''' "We have what?"<br><br />
'''Megatron:''' "Give it back ''immediately'', or you shall suffer the consequences."<br><br />
'''Rad:''' "Oh...great."<br><br />
'''Megatron:''' "I have given you your chance, Earthling."<br />
:—Megatron giving chances?! Unthinkable!<br />
<br />
<br />
[[File:FirstEncounter-Round One FIGHT!.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|{{w|Robot Wars (TV series)|Robot Wars}} has ''nothing'' on these two.]]<br />
"''Stand down'', Megatron!"<br />
:—The line that made a room full of fans cheer at [[BotCon 2002]], as '''Optimus Prime''' appears.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*Uniquely, this episode's name was changed for ''Armada''; the ''Legends of the Microns'' version is called "Encounter," keeping with the rest of the one-word titles in the show.<br />
*The opening scene narration is ''Armada''-exclusive. Consequently, the Japanese dub doesn't mention the Transformers' origins or the "unique digital entity," and there's no talk of a truce between the Autobots and Decepticons. Instead, we hear a real-time dialogue through radio chatter, clarifying that we see a battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. The former tries to keep the latter back until the Mini-Cons' ship can warp to safety. The ''Armada'' narrator also says the Mini-Cons' ship takes millions of years to arrive at Earth, whereas ''Legends of the Microns'' indicates the journey is immediate.<br />
*The aerial view of Earth's changing topography closing the opening sequence is cut down and sped up in ''Armada''.<br />
*Aside from some laughing and whooping, the scene of Rad and Carlos heading for school is silent in ''Legends of the Microns'', lacking the narration that describes them. Instead, Rad introduces himself to the audience in the later narration about the [[Cosmoscope Research Center]]. Furthermore, the boys racing to school and bumping fists over Rad's victory is the ''Armada'' interpretation of the scene. Their "brofisting" in the Japanese dub is about them finally being ready to do something they reveal later.<br />
*Rad doesn't mention he and Carlos finding a cave when talking to Alexis and instead says they have something interesting planned. Then Alexis says she's too busy to play with the boys and apologizes. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad talks about how Alexis was closer to them and "played in the mud" with them when they were younger, and Carlos says she's now spending all her time studying to become president. ''Armada'' has Rad and Carlos grumbling about being dissed and not understanding girls. Then Alexis calls back to them sarcastically as she walks away; she says nothing in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Billy and Fred spout fairly generic "bully" dialogue in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', they make teasing inquiries about Rad and Carlos's plan, recalling the last time they explored the woods. Billy mentions a landslide by the back of a hill a while ago and says Rad and Carlos will face punishment if they don't have permission to go there. According to Fred, they seemingly get punished frequently but never learn their lesson, prompting Carlos to demand that Fred stop feigning innocence. Throughout the episode, ''Armada'' makes Billy more hostile towards Fred while Fred is far more pathetic and food-obsessed; these exaggerated traits define them for the rest of ''Armada'', while ''Legends of the Microns'' gives them more intelligent moments here and there.<br />
*Rad thinking Alexis likes him but is playing hard to get is an ''Armada''-exclusive element. Unlike ''Armada'', Rad's introductory narration in ''Legends of the Microns'' actually sets up the episode's plot; he reveals having plans with Carlos that day but, unknown to them, they'd "trigger an outrageous situation." Also, Rad whispering to Alexis, and her response are only faintly audible.<br />
*Instead of asking Rad if he's excited about going up the mountain, Carlos asks if they're ready, and Rad assures him they are, with most of ''Armada''{{'}}s filler dialogue between them as they leave removed.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Fred's locator was a gift; in ''Legends of the Microns'', it's called a ''transmitter'' instead, which Fred says he took from his dad without asking. The Japanese dub also removes Fred's "glandular problem" line.<br />
*After entering the cave, Rad asks how deeper it goes before asking Carlos if they have enough rope, to which Carlos replies they do. Carlos's dialogue about the rope is removed, and the later shot of Billy noticing it is also silent.<br />
*When they arrive at the cave, Fred complains about being tired and hungry and wants to go home. He claims it's not in his nature to enjoy exploring and that it's something Billy is better suited at than him. The POV shot of Fred pointing at Rad's bike is silent. Then Billy guesses Rad and Carlos were planning to go spelunking. Fred asks if they should go home, but Billy calls Fred an idiot and says they're going after the others. In ''Armada'', Billy rags on Fred for being a wuss.<br />
*The following scene with Rad and Carlos is primarily silent as Rad's dialogue while making the rock arrow is reduced, and so is his subsequent talk with Carlos.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' mentions Rad's love and knowledge of the outdoors more than ''Armada'' as Carlos asks if Rad loves outdoor exploring, and Rad answers yes. After faintly hearing Fred's voice later, Rad tells Carlos it was probably the wind since that's how it makes an echoing sound.<br />
*Fred's childhood phobia of dark places dialogue is now his fear of getting lost, leading to Billy reminding him about the rope before seeing it run out. Then Fred insists they turn back, and Billy demands him to stop joking around. While stomping on the rock arrow and ruining it, Billy repeatedly swears and asks where Rad and Carlos went before continuing, sounding angrier than he does in ''Armada''. Billy's only source of frustration in the scene in ''Armada'' is Fred's endless whining.<br />
*After hearing Billy and Fred scream, Carlos doubts it's the wind, and Rad agrees. Then Carlos wants to turn back to be sure and tells Rad to accompany him.<br />
*Carlos's line about him and Rad opening a hidden shaft leading to the chamber is now him guessing that he lost his Maglite, prompting Rad to bring out the torch. In ''Armada'', the following shot of the boys looking at the ruins fades to black almost instantly after Rad's line. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad's line now has an echo effect, and after the zoom-out, the shot holds for a second before cutting to black instead of fading.<br />
*After the mid-episode [[commercial bumper]], Rad repeats his last line. Then Carlos calls the sight incredible and says it's now like another world in the cave. Instead of calling out to anyone possibly living there, Rad and Carlos decide to explore further, concluding they've found a wrecked spaceship sooner than in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', it's silent from Carlos descending the stairs to Rad finding the Mini-Con panel. The Japanese dub removes Carlos's line about the panel looking radioactive, and Rad asks what it is in a lower and more hesitant tone. The scene of the ruined ship becoming active again is silent.<br />
*Alexis's internal dialogue as she goes to Mount Astrogate is changed to wondering what awakened beneath the mountain.<br />
*Rad and Carlos's dialogue as they escape the cave is more frantic than in ''Armada''. As Megatron appears, Carlos's line about things getting freaky again is removed. Instead of sounding like he's stretching, Megatron roars in the Japanese dub, making his presence known loud and proud.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Alexis babbles instructions about keeping still so Megatron doesn't spot Rad and Carlos. In ''Legends of the Microns'', she distressingly asks about Megatron and why the boys are at Mount Astrogate since she's merely investigating the earthquake.<br />
*Instead of just agreeing to jump on High Wire as he does in ''Armada'', Carlos wonders ''how'' three people can fit on a bike, with the jump-cut to the kids piled on intended as a comedic moment in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis reacts to High Wire's transformation by saying they should name him "Wheelie," the character's Japanese name. This line would make no sense with High Wire's English name, so ''Armada'' replaces it with Alexis saying that she hopes the Mini-Con can outpace Megatron. Then ''Armada'' has Carlos brag that Megatron can't catch them, and Alexis quips about Carlos speaking too soon. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos, agreeing with Alexis on High Wire's name, cheers for the Mini-Con to go faster before shouting that Megatron is after them.<br />
*Megatron dramatically identifies High Wire as a Mini-Con, and the kids are amazed when he speaks. In ''Armada'', he demands they return "something" to him, and that's about it. In ''Armada'', Megatron threatens the kids' lives but only commands them to return High Wire to him in the Japanese dub. In ''Armada'', Alexis asks what Megatron is talking about, and Rad later exclaims in frustration. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos speaks instead of Alexis, and Rad questions what Megatron means by "Mini-Con."<br />
*When Optimus appears, ''Armada'' plays the show's [[theme song]] for the rest of the episode, but ''Legends of the Microns'' plays the track "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Charge!]]."<br />
*Megatron and Optimus's voices have an added echo effect, making them sound disembodied. Just before charging at Optimus, Megatron says, "Why you!"<br />
*In ''Armada'', Rad blames himself for the Transformers coming to Earth in his ending narration; however, in ''Legends of the Microns'', he believes that he, Alexis, and Carlos are all responsible. The English version might be correct in this case, but the Japanese version is still debatable.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*In the opening, the narrator uses light-years as a time measurement unit when it's a ''distance'' measurement unit. This mistake periodically reappeared throughout ''Armada'' and the sequel series ''Energon''.<br />
*Carlos's eyes have whites in them in some scenes. Sometimes, Rad suffers the opposite problem.<br />
*When Rad and Carlos leave school, Rad's bike tires are initially thick but return to their normal size in the next shot. The bike's tires are thick again when Megatron trashes it.<br />
*After Rad makes the arrow out of rocks and he and Carlos go deeper into the cave, their dialogue is the same pitch as if they didn't move. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes it to lower their voices and adds an echo effect.<br />
*The Mini-Con panel activation sound starts a split-second before Rad touches High Wire's panel.<br />
*When she sees Megatron, Alexis is strangely calm, but her facial expression says otherwise. Megatron equally frightens her in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*High Wire instantly appears in his new colors in the shot after scanning Rad's bike.<br />
*After Megatron notices Optimus, Rad holds High Wire's Mini-Con panel, although High Wire emerged from it two minutes ago.<br />
*In the scene where Optimus grapples with Megatron, Rad is wearing a bike glove, though he's been barehanded since arriving at the cave.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*This episode is the homeroom teacher's only appearance in the series.<br />
*Megatron and Optimus debut in their Cybertronian forms.<br />
*High Wire debuts as the first Mini-Con to awaken from stasis in the series; he is also the first Mini-Con to appear in their Cybertronian form and acquire an Earth vehicle mode.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**This episode reveals that the Mini-Cons have built-in scanning systems; [[Metamorphosis (Armada)|future episodes]] will show this is a common feature among ''all'' [[Transformer]]s of this universe.<br />
***Until this point, most ''Transformers'' cartoons showed that individuals couldn't scan alternate forms without the aid of their [[Teletraan I|ship computers]] or [[stasis pod]]s. However, there were [[Nightscream (BM)|some]] [[Skid-Z (RID)|exceptions]].<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*If the Transformers called a truce, why are they fighting as the ''Exodus'' prepares to warp away? It's a non-issue in ''Legends of the Microns'' since it doesn't mention any ceasefire.<br />
*Rad tells Alexis that he ''and'' Carlos found a cave, but it later sounds like Rad is showing it to Carlos for the first time. Rad asks if Carlos is ready to enter it in the Japanese dub, so it's not an issue.<br />
*Rad introduces himself as if that's his legal name when it isn't. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he introduces himself as Brad (short for Bradley) and clarifies that "Rad" is his nickname.<br />
*He might be joking, but Rad hints that Alexis has feelings for him; however, no romance develops between them in the future. It's not an issue in the Japanese dub since Rad makes no such claim.<br />
*Billy mentions having a sister in this episode, but never again. He doesn't mention having any siblings in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad's flashlight lacks the lens flare it had when he turned it on, but it returns in a later scene. The lens flare is consistent in ''Armada''.<br />
*When Alexis discovers the earthquake's epicenter is the mountain, she mentions Rad going there but forgets about Carlos. In the Japanese dub, she only says the earthquake's epicenter is beneath the mountain and doesn't mention the boys since she has no prior knowledge they'd be there.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' reveals the mountain is called [[Mount Astrogate]], and characters mention it often in the Japanese dub. ''Armada'' completely neglects this detail, so when Alexis says "''the'' Astrogate" in "[[Vow]]," English-speaking viewers don't know what she means, and it's never explained. <br />
*Unlike Rad and Carlos, Alexis is strangely unfazed when encountering Megatron. It's a non-issue in ''Legends of the Microns'' since Megatron's appearance also startles her.<br />
*A great precursor of things to come, ''Armada'' seriously doesn't know how to handle the idea of the kids being able to understand their Mini-Cons. Rad understands High Wire's request to jump on in both show versions. In response to Alexis's desire to go faster, however, ''Legends of the Microns'' has Rad accurately translate High Wire's answer (he's at maximum speed); in contrast, ''Armada'' has him unable to decipher the beeping. It will be near the end of the series before the kids' ability to understand the Mini-Cons gets explained, partially requiring the [[Linkage (comic)|''Linkage'' comic]] for additional context. The comic reveals that Mini-Cons' souls were essentially "split off" from humans in the distant past, so they operate on the same mental wavelength. ''Armada'' never wised up to this, so the kids' ability to understand their partners in the English dub comes and goes regularly. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the kids understand the Mini-Cons consistently throughout the show.<br />
<br />
===Transformers references===<br />
[[File:Hound braver roadking armada generics.jpg|upright=0.9|thumb|First homage.]]<br />
*As an origin for the Transformers, the narrator describes a "unique digital entity" coming into being and sending out a race of living machines to explore the galaxy. Logically, this was meant to refer to [[Primus]], who still hadn't appeared in any cartoons. The typically warped ''Armada'' dialogue makes it sound like the robots sent out by Primus find and colonize Cybertron. But—as fans would already know, and as the ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' cartoon would reveal—Cybertron itself was Primus's body, which birthed the robots. The idea of the Transformers being colonizers in their early days would—through a likely coincidence—be revisited and reaffirmed in the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' cartoon. Concurrently, [[Ask Vector Prime]] in ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac]]'' explicitly confirmed the digital entity's identity as Primus.<br />
*The Japanese version's opening and ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' reveal the Decepticon ship is their flagship called "The [[Doomsday]]." The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' also revealed the Autobot and Mini-Con ships' names are the ''[[Hyperion (Armada)|Hyperion]]'' and ''[[Exodus (Armada)|Exodus]]'' respectively.<br />
*During Cybertron's scenes, '''many''' Generation 1 character models are used as generic Autobots and Decepticons, including [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Braver]], and [[Road King]]. The series would continue this trend for all scenes with random Transformers set on Cybertron.<br />
*Since the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''Transformers'' cartoon]] itself, this episode marks the first time a ''Transformers'' series used a variation of the original Generation 1 theme music.<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad says Alexis used to "play in the mud" with him and Carlos when they were younger. It's a typical Japanese expression that explains how friends play together in childhood.<br />
*In the Japanese dub, Rad says he and Carlos brought a "Maglite and torch" before leaving school; Carlos mentions losing his Maglite later in the cave's hidden chamber. {{w|Maglite}} is a flashlight brand.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*Although the {{w|furigana}} is "''deai''," the kanji 遭遇 would usually be pronounced as "''souguu''." In the end, the meaning of "encounter" is still the same. "''Deai''" would be either "出合い" or "出会い."<br />
*Footage from the first few minutes of this episode was compressed into 30 seconds to create the series's first [[title sequence]].<br />
*Billy and Fred debut as recurring guest characters in this episode but later become part of the regular human cast. According to ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'', the ''Armada'' series producers kept meaning to write them out of the show but ultimately never got around to doing it; hence, their staying through to the show's end was wholly accidental. Signs of this unrealized plan possibly remain in the show as Billy and Fred are absent from some episodes without explanation after [[Confrontation (episode)|formally meeting the Autobots]] and [[Swoop (episode)|gaining access to their base]].<br />
*For stuff introduced in the Japanese version:<br />
**This episode is the only one not to include Optimus's narration about the key elements happening in the show's story before playing the opening, which makes sense since this is the first episode.<br />
**The show's first title sequence debuts here, infamously spoiling some character arrivals later in the series. During this sequence, the song that plays is "''[[Transformer: Dream Again]]''."<br />
**The end credits have [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] hovering over the Transformers characters who arrived in the show's first nine episodes. Unlike the title sequence, the only thing that changes about this ending is the song that plays, with this episode up to "[[Linkup]]" using "''[[Never Ending Road]]''."<br />
**The following episode preview narration has either Rad, Carlos, or Alexis telling the viewer the next episode's basic premise before ending with the line "Fight, Convoy! TRANSFORM!"<br />
*This episode begins several trends for the English dub:<br />
**This episode's first few minutes are condensed into the show's title sequence from the next episode until episode 40, "[[Remorse]]."<br />
**The end credits use the same images and clips from their respective episodes throughout the series.<br />
**It uses the first commercial bumper featuring Optimus as pointless filler; however, the Japanese dub uses it as the episode title card.<br />
**The commercial bumpers use the wrong music. This error also applies to the [[scene transition]]s, though there are [[Soldier (episode)|rare exceptions]].<br />
**Some scenes use different music than the Japanese dub; ''Armada'' often reuses the ''Transformers'' theme tune countless times as an "insert song."<br />
**The [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] is sometimes included at random times; the Japanese dub removes it for the most part.<br />
**Unlike ''Legends of the Microns'', the Transformers' voice actors have their voices put through a filter to make them sound robotic, a creative decision that carries through to ''Energon'' and ''Cybertron''.<br />
*The Japanese dub's title sequence from episodes 1 to 26 shows [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] Powerlinxing with Optimus and unlocking a unique power punch attack; Over-Run never appears during the show's run.<br />
*According to ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'', Billy and Fred's voice actors did the dialogue heard during the Japanese dub's opening scene.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Die grüne Armada'''" ("The Green Armada")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 1]], [[2003]]<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Az első találkozás'''" ("The First Encounter")<br />
<br />
'''Polish'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Pierwsze starcie'''" ("First Clash")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Primeiro Encontro'''" ("First Encounter")<br />
<br />
'''French'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''La découverte'''" ("The discovery")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 13]], [[2003]]<br />
<br />
'''Russian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Pervoe znakomstvo'''" (Первое знакомство, "First Encounter")<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''사이버트론과의 만납'''" ("Meeting Cybertron")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 1 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:01 ([[Universal]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume 1 ([[TFou Vidéo]]) — French audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Triple Collection (Universal)<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Bumper Double DVD Collection (Universal)<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One (Shout! Factory)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Alexis_Thi_Dang&diff=1677457Alexis Thi Dang2023-03-02T14:54:08Z<p>Starzone: /* Notes */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{factions|{{factions/icons|custom=E27 earthfederationlogo.png|cSize=35x35px|cLink=Earth Federation}}}}<br />
:''Alexis is a [[human]] from the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family]].''<br />
<br />
[[File:Armada Alexis character model.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|And once I'm elected, I'll legalize everything! Bar anything illegal.]]<br />
'''Alexis Thi Dang''' wants to be [[President of the United States|President]] when she grows up. Why does she think she's qualified? Running the free world has got to be less troublesome than keeping her friends [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] and [[Rad White|Rad]] from killing themselves every day.<br />
<br />
==Fiction==<br />
===Cartoon continuity===<br />
====''Armada'' cartoon====<br />
{{voiceactor|[[Tabitha St. Germain]] (English), [[Akira Tomisaka]] (Japanese)|[[Anke Kortemeier]] (German), [[Mia Kihl]] (Swedish), [[Elodie Ben]] (French), [[Rebeca Aponte]] (Spanish - Latin America), [[Belén Rodríguez]] (Spanish - Spain), [[Domitilla D'Amico]] (Italian), [[Jenni Laakso]] (Finnish), [[Ana Paula Martins]] (Brazilian Portuguese)}}<br />
<br />
[[File:ArmadaAlexis.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Get used to this, girlfriend.]]<br />
One day, [[Rad White|Rad]] and [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] invited Alexis to go exploring the caverns deep beneath [[Cosmoscope Research Center]] with them. Alexis turned them down, saying she needed to study for a math test. In her absence, Rad and Carlos found the remains of a wrecked spaceship as well as a [[Mini-Con storage panel]]. By activating it, they caused the entire structure to shake.<br />
<br />
Alexis felt the tremors at home and used her computer to pinpoint the apparent earthquake's epicenter as the mountain caverns that Rad and Carlos were exploring. Similarly, the scientists and researchers at the observatory were baffled by the sudden movement of the Earth. As Rad and Carlos made their escape with the artifact, a bright light engulfed the chamber they were in, simultaneously shutting down all electronic equipment in Lincoln, including Alexis's computer, as well as emitting three distinctly colored distress signals beams into the sky.<br />
<br />
One beam, green, reached an [[Exodus (Armada)|ancient starship wreck]] on the dark side of the moon, causing it to fire hundreds of smaller beams of green light at the [[Earth]]. The two remaining signal beams, colored red and purple, continued deep into space until it reached [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].<br />
<br />
Alexis elected to go out and check up on the two boys and came upon them just in time to see a huge glowing purple sphere of pulsating energy solidify into a huge robot. This being was [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]], supreme leader of the evil [[Decepticon]]s. As he tried to take the object that Rad found, which had now revealed itself to be [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]], a sought-after [[Mini-Con]], suddenly another massive robot ordered Megatron to stand down. He was [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], leader of the heroic [[Autobot]]s. {{storylink|First Encounter}}<br />
<br />
The kids attempted to flee on High Wire but were stopped by [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]]'s arrival. Demolishor tried to grab the kids, but [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]]'s arrival saved them. Rad fled back into the cave, calling Carlos and Alexis after him. Rad was sure they'd be safe there, but Alexis was concerned that the bigger robots might still follow them. High Wire led the three into a smaller room, to Alexis' further distress; Rad and Carlos, however, assured her that they'd be safer there. He accessed the ship's computer, and the kids learned about the Transformer conflict.<br />
<br />
At this point, High Wire activated a hidden storage panel, revealing [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] and [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]], who bonded to Carlos and Alexis. They took their new friends out to play in the woods but ran into Megatron. The timely arrival of Optimus Prime initially seemed to Rad and Carlos to make things worse, but when Alexis declared she trusted the giant Autobot, the boys acknowledged they did so as well.<br />
<br />
Optimus Prime took them into his cab and sped off to a distant location, where he set them down. Unfortunately, Megatron had followed close behind, and so Optimus had to combine with his [[trailer]] to fight him off. {{storylink|Metamorphosis (Armada)|Metamorphosis}} The commanders' battle caused a landslide to fall on the kids, but Hot Shot shielded them. They then dug up some more Mini-Cons, though Cyclonus stole two of those. The Decepticons retreated, and so the kids and robots made proper introductions.<br />
<br />
The next day at school, [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] grilled the trio over recent earthquakes; Rad and Carlos played dumb, while Alexis pointed out that if there were an earthquake, the news would have mentioned it. When Billy asked where Rad got his new bike, Rad claimed it was a birthday present from his grandmother. He and Carlos headed on up to the mountain; on the way, Alexis chewed them out for almost blowing their cover.<br />
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At the Autobots' base, Optimus Prime presented them with [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] to aid them with their reconnaissance work; right then, another Mini-Con was detected {{storylink|Base}} in the [[Grand Canyon|Big Canyon]]. The kids ran out with the Autobots and got spiffy new adventure suits on the way.<br />
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When they got to the canyon, Alexis and Hot Shot sped off, forgetting Rad behind. They came back, though, Alexis explaining she had gotten lost in a moment of exhilaration. Hot Shot then sped off as fast as he could over the rough terrain, severely shaking up the two humans. Rad sent Laserbeak off to find the Mini-Con and was himself chided by Alexis for being a coward.<br />
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[[File:Comrade Autobotuniforms.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|My suit guaranteed wedgie-free]]<br />
When the Mini-Con was finally found, Optimus Prime, Megatron, and Starscream simultaneously tried to claim it. Thankfully, High Wire, Grindor, and Sureshock combined into [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]], and managed to hold off both Megatron and Starscream. Optimus Prime claimed the Mini-Con—who turned out to be his old partner, [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]]—and the kids helped dig up Hot Shot from where he'd gotten himself buried. {{storylink|Comrade}}<br />
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Later, they played tag with Hot Shot, which got him in trouble with Optimus Prime as he was supposed to be helping Red Alert install some equipment. The kids then went to find a new Mini-Con in [[Antarctica]], where Rad and Alexis rode in Red Alert while Carlos went with Hot Shot. Red Alert ended up having to save all three kids after Carlos nearly fell into a crevice. {{storylink|Soldier (episode)|Soldier}}<br />
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Rad later came up with the sensible notion of bringing some camping supplies to the Autobot base if they ever had to stay the night. Though Alexis and Carlos taunted him over how many rations he elected to bring, they helped him set up nonetheless. Then, another Mini-Con was detected, and so the good guys all warped over to a forest. There, Alexis helped Rad educate the Autobots on the importance of keeping the environment as-is.<br />
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During this mission, the Decepticons started a forest fire. Alexis helped herd the forest animals to a safer area and afterward aided in dousing the inferno. Unfortunately, with their forces divided to both fight the Decepticons and the forest fire, the Autobots failed to stop their enemies from making off with [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]]. Optimus Prime assured the children they had been right about prioritizing the forest, though. {{storylink|Jungle}} <br />
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Back at the base, the kids tried to wake up the dormant Mini-Con they'd found in Antarctica, but to no avail. The boys then snuck off to a carnival with the Mini-Cons. After a while, the boys tried to take the robots home, but it turned out that Billy and Fred were also at the carnival, and got suspicious. They tried to capture one of the Mini-Con, causing the entire situation to descend into a slapstick farce.<br />
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[[File:Palace-Security Eyes.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Oh, god, it's the fanbase!]]<br />
They were saved by the timely arrival of Hot Shot, Sureshock, and Alexis, who managed to get things under control, swore Billy and Fred to secrecy, and gave the lads a good scolding. As punishment, Alexis had Rad and Carlos clean up their quarters back at the base. {{storylink|Carnival}} The kids later accompanied the Autobots to the [[Sahara|Sahara Desert]] and fell into a sandpit after an altercation with Demolishor. They found themselves in an ancient temple, where ancient guardian robots attacked them, but fortunately, Demolishor was there to blow them up. Further into the temple, they found a Mini-Con storage panel; but fell into a trap trying to get to it. Perceptor was able to rescue them, and Hot Shot brought the whole group back to the surface. Unfortunately, as this was happening, Demolishor got the Mini-Con. {{storylink|Palace}}<br />
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The next day, back in America, Billy and Fred pursued the other three kids to the Autobot base. Rad, Carlos, and Alexis all tried to outrun them but soon had to split up when Cyclonus attempted to capture them. Cyclonus didn't get any of the Autobots' allies, so he captured Billy and Fred instead, intending to hold them for ransom. They tracked Laserbeak to a ghost town, where the kids tried to rescue the bullies, but all ended up being captured by Megatron, who demanded Optimus Prime hand over all the Autobots' Mini-Cons in exchange for the children's lives. Optimus Prime went through with it, but Megatron naturally reneged on the deal. However, Rad was able to use Laserbeak to free all the other humans, and Hot Shot was able to rescue Rad with Fred's surprising help. {{storylink|Confrontation (episode)|Confrontation}}<br />
<br />
Alexis, Rad, and Carlos watched Red Alert and Hot Shot fixing up some computer systems when another Mini-Con was detected. The signal pointed the Autobots to a disused subway system, and Alexis helped search the tunnels in areas the larger Autobots couldn't reach. During the search, Alexis became frustrated over the condition of the tunnels they were in and went on a rant on how she would stop the misappropriations of public funds once she became president. She swore to save the environment and end world hunger too! For the moment, though, she had to settle with helping rescue the Mini-Con. Once the children had gotten ahold of the panel, [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] crossed their path, and they mistook him for a Decepticon. Trying to escape him, they encountered the real Decepticon. Smokescreen revealed his true colors just in time to rescue Alexis and the others from being crushed under a pile of rubble. {{storylink|Underground (episode)|Underground}}<br />
<br />
After that, the Autobots received a transmission from [[Atlantis]], and the team searched for yet another Mini-Con. At the bottom of the ocean, they once more came under attack from the Decepticons. Alexis, Carlos, and Rad explored the ruins while the Transformers fought outside. All the while, Alexis was also astounded by the boys' obsession with a [[Amphitrite|holographic girl]]. 'Amphitrite' gave them a canned history of Atlantis, focusing on how its inhabitants used the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] to dominate the world, and were eventually defeated by another civilization who wielded the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]]. Leader-1 managed to grab hold of it, though removing the panel caused the city to begin collapsing. The kids were forced to flee with the Autobots to escape drowning on the ocean bottom. {{storylink|Ruin}} Afterwards, Alexis noted that Rad was feeling troubled. When she pressed him, Rad admitted to Optimus that he had begun to feel ill-at-ease with the Mini-Cons being used by the Autobots in their war. The Autobot team was then called away to fight for another Mini-Con panel on a volcanic island. While the robots were fighting, Alexis was gung-ho to search for the panel, but Rad suggested using Laserbeak instead. After the kids barely avoided being cooked by a volcanic eruption, the Autobots managed to acquire the island's Mini-Con panel. {{storylink|Prehistory}}<br />
<br />
After that adventure, the trio decided to give Billy and Fred a tour of the Autobot base, but they were separated when the Decepticons attacked. Since the bullies were in danger of the automatic defenses, said defenses were shut off, allowing the Decepticons to penetrate deeper into the base that anyone would have liked. To make matters worse, Alexis and the other kids were nearly taken by Cyclonus. However, after a battle, the Star Saber was reassembled and in the hands of Hot Shot, so the day ultimately turned out all right. {{storylink|Swoop (episode)|Swoop}}<br />
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The next day, Alexis and Sureshock went out shopping for groceries. Both Red Alert and Rad chided Alexis for bringing her Mini-Con out in public, but Alexis had taken care to disguise her in some winter clothes. She dismissed their concerns and instead turned the conversation to Carlos's habit of raiding their fridge at night. {{storylink|Overmatch}}<br />
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When Alexis tracked down the next Mini-Con, the trio, plus Billy and Fred, rushed off with the Autobots to cheer them on; Alexis rode in Red Alert. She was left behind alongside Grindor, Sureshock, and High Wire when things started to get heated. Alexis joined up with the other kids as [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] joined the fray, claiming to be an Autobot drifter. Thanks to his help, the Autobots acquired [[Spiral]]. Nonetheless, Alexis had misgivings about the new arrival. Back at the base, she and Rad discussed their suspicions but decided not to raise their misgivings with Optimus just in case their first impressions were false. {{storylink|Gale}} <br />
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When Hot Shot and Sideways were warped to the Decepticons' base, Alexis worried whether they would return safely. Some of the other kids were certain that while the Star Saber was in his possession, Hot Shot could handle anything the evil robots could throw at him. This turned out to be false; Alexis witnessed Hot Shot return to Autobot headquarters barely alive, minus his sword and partner; Sideways had betrayed the Autobots! {{storylink|Credulous}}<br />
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[[File:Conspiracy-Welcome back.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]<br />
With Hot Shot feeling naturally depressed about this disaster, all five kids tried to cheer him up by making silly faces. They also helped the Autobots on their search for the next Mini-Con, and managed to find it at the same time as [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]], and after a scuffle, it was taken by Scavenger for the Decepticons. However, soon after, Scavenger came over to the Autobots and revealed he had been a double agent all along. {{storylink|Conspiracy}}<br />
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In the aftermath of Sideways's betrayal, the trio wasn't exactly eager to trust Scavenger. He seemed to be more interested in sleeping than mentoring Hot Shot, but when the kids tried to raise this with Optimus Prime, his explanation was cut short by still detecting another Mini-Con. The Autobots warped off somewhere with a lot of snow while the kids observed from back at base. Scavenger heroically saved Optimus Prime's life, very nearly plunging to his own [[death]], so the kids (and Smokescreen) apologized to him for their earlier suspicions when he got back, Scavenger accepted with characteristic stoicism. {{storylink|Trust (Armada)|Trust}}<br />
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When the boys decided to go on a camping trip with the Autobots, they forgot to tell Alexis. Hurt over being left out, Alexis furiously declared that she never wanted to go anyway. When Red Alert and Carlos were caught in a mudslide, Sureshock and Alexis coordinated Autobot activities from the base, desperately standing by for any good news. Although she was frantic with worry while they were in danger, Alexis didn't forget she was angry at the boys when they got back to base. {{storylink|Vacation}}<br />
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All five kids observed the battle in which [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] made his first appearance. They tried to make friends with the new arrival, but he turned out to belong to the monosyllabic loner school of heroism. Nonetheless, Alexis proclaimed that she was "a fan of his attitude." When his and Hot Shot's attitudes led to the Decepticons getting their servos on [[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]], Alexis and Rad gave Hot Shot a talking down for letting his competitiveness get the better of him. The loss did also cause Blurr to mellow out, however, and the kids were glad to see that Hot Shot and Blurr formed a friendship later that evening. {{storylink|Reinforcement}}<br />
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The next day, Blurr and Hot Shot trained together while the kids watched. They also congratulated Smokescreen for succeeding in a test where Hot Shot failed, even though Hot Shot only failed because he competed with Blurr while trying to dodge the obstacles.<br />
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This session was interrupted when Megatron challenged all the Autobots to a final, decisive battle. Due to the danger, the kids were left at the base to watch the proceedings from afar. Megatron would have won if Optimus Prime hadn't managed to get his hands on the Skyboom Shield, and when the Star Saber was used against the shield, a mighty light was released, which Rad and Alexis recognized as the same one that they had seen when Rad awoke High Wire. This light streaked off into space to awaken [[Unicron]]. {{storylink|Decisive Battle}}<br />
<br />
Despite this victory, Optimus Prime decided the situation was too dangerous for the kids and barred them from the base. Frustrated, they wandered off but were soon joined by the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]], who had received a transmission from the Decepticon-allied Mini-Cons on the Moon. While Rad and Fred went to tell Optimus Prime, the rest of the kids and the Mini-Cons headed to the location where the Decepticon-allied Mini-Cons were supposed to warp in. However, the transmission turned out to be a trap orchestrated by Megatron, seeking to divide and conquer. Rad, Fred, and four of the Autobots were teleported to various locations worldwide, leaving Alexis, Carlos, and Billy behind. Finding herself unable to contact Laserbeak, Alexis hurried back to the base to tell Red Alert and Scavenger about the situation. She then tried to re-establish contact with Laserbeak, which she did, just as Optimus Prime was persuading Megatron's Mini-Cons to convert to the Autobots' side. She was able to get all the rest of the Autobots to Prime's location, where they successfully drove off Megatron. {{storylink|Vow}}<br />
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After that adventure, the kids were allowed back into the base, though no longer on missions. Alexis got stroppy when Carlos complained about boredom, while Rad tried to keep the two from murdering each other. Despite not being at the front of the action, the war would still impinge on their lives when Sideways hacked the Autobots' computer system. Despite Rad and Alexis' best efforts, Sideways's virus quickly took control of the base and projected himself into it. The trio, faced with no other options, resorted to physically smashing the terminals, which granted them a brief reprieve.<br />
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However, this relief proved to be short-lived when Sideways sucked the kids' minds and their partner Mini-Cons into a cyberspace landscape of his devising. Rad and Carlos enjoyed the lack of gravity in this new realm for a while before Sideways's digital avatar appeared to them and tried to claim their Mini-Cons.<br />
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Back at the base, Billy and Fred tried to wake the trio up. Meanwhile, in cyberspace, the kids and Mini-Cons fled Sideways and discovered that all they saw was just an elaborate illusion. Sideways managed to capture Sureshock, but then Alexis realized that since he had gone to so much effort, he wasn't in control of this illusion - and also that he couldn't harm them.<br />
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[[File:Screenshot-arm-24-1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left|Ever had one of those days were you felt so...negative?]]<br />
At this, Sideways panicked and made a desperate bid to take the Mini-Cons, but the kids' lack of belief in the world they saw put paid to that plan. At that point, a massive force of evil manifested in cyberspace - Unicron, the one entity Sideways feared! The kids fled back to the meatspace through a portal opened by Red Alert, leaving Sideways to his master's mercies. {{storylink|Chase (episode)|Chase}}<br />
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When Fred tried to tell the others about strange lights seen recently in space, Alexis was the only one who seemed concerned. All the kids expressed relief when Sideways appeared on the battlefield during the next Mini-Con related skirmish, which meant he couldn't hack their system again. The Autobots won this battle, bringing [[Prowl (Armada)|Prowl]] into the fold, and the kids were all there to welcome him when they took him back to base. {{storylink|Tactician}}<br />
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In a subsequent battle, Optimus Prime was seriously injured, forcing Jetfire to take command. None of the kids were impressed by the new guy's constant boasting. They also got a brief history lesson on battles the Autobots had lost due to Thrust's tactical genius; while Carlos was confident that Jetfire could easily counter Thrust, the others weren't so sure.<br />
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As it turned out, the kids were right about Jetfire, as his overconfidence nearly led to the Autobots being wiped out after he got himself caught in another of Thrust's ambushes. To his credit, Jetfire was contrite, saying he had learned his lesson and would be more cautious in the future. {{storylink|Linkup}}<br />
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The next day, the kids watched Jetfire and Smokescreen arm-wrestling, and Alexis confused Carlos by cheering for both. They also filled in Jetfire on who Sideways was and what he had previously done. Jetfire then displayed his cunning side by showing the kids a still of Sideways shooting down Cyclonus after Sideways had defected, which cast doubt on the turncoat's allegiance to the Decepticons. The kids tried to figure out what Sideways's deal was while the Autobots went to obtain yet another Mini-Con. {{storylink|Detection}}<br />
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While the Autobots were dealing with [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], two Mini-Cons were detected in addition to the one the Transformers were at the time explicitly fighting over. Alexis was confused by the location data, but after some analysis, she discovered that it was pointing at the Moon. At that point, Sideways mockingly congratulated her on her ingenuity and explained that these three Mini-Cons would unite to form the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]].<br />
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Meanwhile, the boys found the other Mini-Con, [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]], in the caves around the base. {{storylink|Awakening (Armada)|Awakening}} Alexis continued to coordinate the Autobots from the base. At the same time, Red Alert took Sky Blast, Carlos, and Rad to the battlefield in a bid to complete the Requiem Blaster. Their gamble eventually paid off: Sky Blast awoke both [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] on the beach and [[Astroscope]] on the moon and the three Mini-Cons combined. Optimus Prime obtained the Requiem Blaster and used it to force the Decepticons to retreat. {{storylink|Desperate}}<br />
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In light of this, the kids became concerned about the Mini-Cons' rights and took the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] out to a remote farmhouse where they could be safe. Thrust tracked them down, but he got caught in a set of traps the kids had rigged up, which stalled the Decepticon long enough for Optimus to come and save the day. After a passionate discussion of why the Mini-Cons should not be viewed as mere weapons, the kids and Mini-Cons both returned to base. {{storylink|Runaway}}<br />
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All the kids were present when [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] came to Earth and rather enthusiastically begged to fight alongside Blurr. The kids weren't impressed, so Billy and Fred went off to play a video game. Alexis berated them for wasting time and resources, and, ''purely'' in the interest of demonstrating how silly their game was, decided to play against them. {{storylink|Past}} Naturally enough, she turned out to be the best of the lot. {{storylink|Past II}}<br />
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Later, the kids stayed at the base with Red Alert when the Autobots went out to counter a Decepticon attack. However, this attack proved to be nothing more than a distraction posed by Starscream, while the rest of the 'Cons attacked the Autobot base in search of the Requiem Blaster. The kids ran for hiding before the Autobots warped back, and bore witness to Megatron obtaining the Blaster and using it on Smokescreen, apparently killing him. {{storylink|Sacrifice}} Smokescreen clung to life, if only barely, and Red Alert went to task fixing him. As they watched, the children were given a brief lesson in Cybertronian anatomy, specifically on what a [[Spark]] was. Afterward, Starscream joined the ranks of the Autobots. Though most of the kids were initially suspicious, Alexis was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. All the kids eventually welcomed him when they saw his attendant Mini-Cons genuinely looked up to him. {{storylink|Regeneration (Armada)|Regeneration}} Alexis took a particular shine to him, but Starscream dismissed her and the other human children, as he was only concerned with defeating [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. The kids' favorable opinion of Starscream was further cemented when they watched him aid the Autobots to rescue the Decepticon-held Mini-Cons from the enemy's moonbase. {{storylink|Rescue}} Later, the kids asked Starscream to bring them back a souvenir when he and Jetfire traveled to [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] in search of a Mini-Con panel. Despite his rude, lone-wolf demeanor, Starscream brought back a mysterious green rock for the kids, thus earning him a place in their hearts, in particular Alexis. {{storylink|Mars (episode)|Mars}} Alexis fashioned a pendant from this, which had a mysterious connection to Starscream's [[spark]].<br />
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[[File:Chamois WHY.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|How dare you? Do you have any idea how much of my sweat and blood went into that thing?]]<br />
In return for his kindness, the kids threw Starscream a surprise party, sewing a large [[Chamois of Friendship]] out of several smaller rags. This gesture touched Starscream, but he unfortunately still had trouble adjusting to life with the Autobots. Rad, Alexis, and Carlos later took the [[Race Mini-Con Team]] out for a walk, inadvertently leading to Starscream being accused of stealing the Skyboom Shield for the Decepticons. Though the kids explained themselves to Hot Shot, the damage had been done, and Starscream abandoned both his gift and the Autobots when [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] duped him into returning to the Decepticons, ostensibly to destroy Megatron. {{storylink|Crack (episode)|Crack}} In the aftermath, Alexis and Rad tried to calm the more visibly enraged Billy and Carlos, and then they all went to their respective homes, where Alexis clutched her pendant and thought about Starscream.<br />
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The next day, all the kids returned to the base to discover the Autobots and their allied Mini-Cons working quickly to complete the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'' to retrieve the Decepticons' Mini-Cons. The kids discussed Starscream a bit and decided never to speak of him again; Alexis was visibly upset but tried to hide it. At Fred's suggestion, they all went to see a comet to take their minds off things. Alexis, still upset over Starscream, told Rad she was going home as the others watched the skies. Walking alongside her, Rad tried to convince Alexis to stay with her friends. Then, the comet was destroyed by the Decepticons' newly completed [[Hydra Cannon]]. {{storylink|Threaten}} Rad and Alexis raced back to their friends, and all the kids just kind of stood around wondering what to do. {{storylink|Crisis (Armada)|Crisis}}<br />
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[[File:Crisis kids standing around.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|Hey, it's a Christian Rock album]]<br />
As it turned out, the [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|Optimus Prime's noble sacrifice]] thwarted the Decepticons. The kids all suffered heartfelt grief.<br />
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Over the next week, the Autobots busied themselves with completing the ''Axalon'', but Hot Shot and Scavenger soon came to blows. The kids were confused by this and watched from afar as the two fought on an abandoned highway. When the rest of the Autobots joined in abusing Hot Shot, the kids tried to persuade them that bullying their youngest member wouldn't help anything but were overruled by Red Alert, who insisted that they had to get this out of their system. It turned out Scavenger was trying to snap Hot Shot out of his depression. In due course, Hot Shot did come to terms with Optimus Prime's death, and everybody's morale was reinvigorated; it was raised so much so that Hot Shot was chosen as the Autobots' new commander. {{storylink|Remorse}}<br />
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Under Hot Shot's understandably unsteady command, the ''Axalon'' was soon completed and preparations made to depart for Cybertron. The kids were looking forward to seeing another planet and so were naturally miffed when Hot Shot told them that he was leaving them on Earth where it was safe. All the kids glumly returned home, but ever hopeful, Alexis packed her bags anyway and, along with Rad and Carlos, headed for the Autobot base the next morning.<br />
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When they arrived, Hot Shot once again insisted that it was too dangerous for them to come along. Upon hearing this, the Mini-Cons collectively rebelled and blocked all the ship's systems, refusing to budge until the kids were allowed on. Hot Shot relented, and the kids and Autobots blasted off into space. Alexis saw fit to only inform her parents about her departure via e-mail at the last possible moment. {{storylink|Depart}}<br />
<br />
During the journey, the kids witnessed the arrival of thousands of new Mini-Cons and Optimus's rebirth, {{storylink|Miracle}} the conflict with [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]], and the Mini-Con powered [[spontaneous recoloration|recoloration]] of several Autobots and Decepticons. {{storylink|Puppet}}<br />
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Following a confrontation with the Decepticons, the Autobots arrived on Cybertron, only to find Galvatron had already conquered it. The Street Action Mini-Cons jumped out of their airlock to form a glowing green shield, which Alexis realized was to protect against Unicron. The Mini-Cons did return but soon tried to sneak down to Cybertron's surface. Though Carlos feared for their safety, Alexis and Rad favored letting them go down to the surface, as the little ones had a right to walk around on their home planet. {{storylink|Uprising (Armada)|Uprising}} With the Mini-Cons gone, the kids were left with nothing much to do but watch the lights of battle on the surface. They did try to stop Hot Shot from making a one-robot mission to the heart of the Decepticon stronghold to warn Galvatron about the impending threat of Unicron. Still, then Rad persuaded everyone to let him go ahead with it. {{storylink|Dash (episode)|Dash}}<br />
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[[File:Iceberg-anime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]<br />
They later received a message that Thrust had stolen the Skyboom Shield and Requiem Blaster and was at that moment speeding towards the center of Cybertron, being pursued by Starscream, Hot Shot, and [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]]. The trio teamed up with their partner Mini-Cons and joined in the chase, catching up to Starscream just as he confronted Thrust. Alexis called out Starscream's name, so Thrust decided to distract Starscream by shooting the humans with the Blaster. Starscream, remembering the kindness they had shown him when he defected, bravely leaped into the path of the Blaster, dying to save the kids. <br />
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Time got warped at that point, and the kids found themselves millions of years in the past, in an [[Splinter timeline|alternate timeline]]. They encountered Hot Shot, being trapped by semi-organic growth; Hot Shot revealed that Unicron had created the Mini-Cons, and the Transformers' use of them had led to the downfall of the entire race.<br />
<br />
With that happy thought, the kids were sent back even further in time, where they witnessed the first Mini-Cons being spawned. Among these were High Wire, Sureshock, and Grindor. The kids' encounter with the Mini-Cons granted them with a burgeoning free will.<br />
<br />
Finally, the kids were warped back to a few seconds before Thrust killed Starscream, allowing the Mini-Cons to combine into Perceptor and knock Thrust's aim off. Thrust's blast was redirected, saving Starscream. The ceiling then collapsed, but Starscream used his own body to shield the kids while Thrust flew off. At that point, Hot Shot and Wheeljack arrived. {{storylink|Drift (episode)|Drift}} The kids explained the situation and the fact that Starscream had saved them. Hot Shot ordered them to return to the ''Axalon'', but the kids managed to persuade him to let them tag along. The kids and bots sped along behind Starscream, following him through a portal to an organic-looking area where Thrust and Sideways were waiting; Alexis put on her necklace at this point. While the Transformers dealt with Unicron's minions and the various parasites and tentacles, the kids tried to rouse the Mini-Cons that made up the weapons in Thrust's possession from their dormant state. They were unsuccessful. The team was forced to flee, and the various organic... things soon separated Alexis and Starscream from the rest of the group. Starscream flew Alexis to safety, but she dropped her necklace en route. Rather than leave it to escape, she jumped from Starscream's shoulder to retrieve it. Starscream had to turn around and transform to save her.<br />
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[[File:Portent Alexis charm.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Alexis's Good Luck Necklace doesn't contain enough luck to match her outfit.]]<br />
They made it back to the surface, after which they realized the portal they had gone through had taken them to the interior of Cybertron's moon. Then, the ground began to crumble, revealing that the moon was concealing Unicron's body! Jetfire arrived and took the kids to safety back on Cybertron. As Autobots and Decepticons went their separate ways, Alexis begged Starscream to stay. Though he considered it, Starscream realized he'd just end up betraying her again and left. {{storylink|Portent}}<br />
<br />
Starscream later interrupted a rather aggressive negotiation between Optimus Prime and Megatron, battling his old commander to prove that Unicron's threat was genuine. During the battle, Starscream decided to de-energize his sword and let Galvatron run him through. When Starscream died, [[Good Luck Necklace|Alexis's pendant]] cracked; instinctively, Alexis knew this indicated that something had just gone horribly wrong. Her intuition was proved correct when Optimus informed the kids of Starscream's demise; Alexis was overcome with grief and consoled by Rad. {{storylink|Cramp}} Still, she was able to attend the meeting at which the Autobots and Decepticons agreed to suspend hostilities until the defeat of Unicron. Though sad that Starscream wasn't there, she was glad he had achieved his goal of temporarily uniting the factions. {{storylink|Alliance}}<br />
<br />
[[File:Cramp-AlexismournsStarscream.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|"They told me mullets were making a comeback. They lied!"]]<br />
When Optimus Prime and Galvatron managed to sneak inside Unicron, the Street Action Mini-Cons decided to infiltrate the titan's body as well. The children and Red Alert tagged along, barely avoiding getting crushed and getting through the warp gate that led to Unicron's interiors. {{storylink|Union}} Red Alert was left behind, but the rest of the group soldiered forth. They found the two leaders restrained by Unicron's tentacles, with Unicron trying to break Optimus Prime through Sideways's vocal synthesizer verbally. Unicron destroyed the Mini-Cons' human-derived personalities, restoring them to blank drones, and then dragged the kids into a bizarre mindscape. However, the kids' mental fortitude was strong enough to not only break Unicron's thrall over the Mini-Cons but also to restore their personalities. The kids and Mini-Cons then managed to release the weapons, allowing Optimus Prime to blow up Sideways with the Requiem Blaster.<br />
<br />
However, Galvatron challenged Optimus Prime to a final battle on the way out, {{storylink|Origin}} because as long as both of them still existed, the hatred and enmity would last forever. Thus Unicron would never be permanently defeated. The kids fled and were picked up by Jetfire and Cyclonus on Unicron's surface. Optimus Prime won the battle, and Unicron and Galvatron were both (apparently) destroyed.<br />
<br />
Hot Shot and Jetfire returned the kids to Earth, where they said tearful (but temporary) goodbyes. Alexis pondered her pendant, wistfully remembering Starscream. {{storylink|Mortal Combat}}<br />
<br />
====''Transformers Legends'' anthology====<br />
Alexis and Rad stared up in horror as the Decepticons unleashed the might of the Hydra Cannon towards the Earth. Though there was little they could do to stop the incoming desolation, Optimus thankfully sacrificed himself to prevent Earth's destruction. {{storylink|Prime Spark (story)|Prime Spark}}<br />
<br />
====''Legends'' comic====<br />
While at the beach with her friends, {{storylink|LG-18 Armada Starscream Super Mode Prologue}} a young Alexis was transported into the [[Legends World]] by [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], who knew of her connection with Starscream and hoped she could stop the resurrected Decepticon from causing tragedy by sacrificing himself again. As her appearance reawakened Starscream's lost memories, Alexis gently told him he'd "gotten lost" in this other universe and brought him home to their dimension. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 18|Bonus Edition Vol. 18}} With Starscream seemingly returned to death, Alexis reminisced about him on the beach. {{Storylink|Transformers Legends Final Chapter "Epiloge"|Epiloge}}<br />
<br />
An older Alexis, from her diplomat days, was one of the many women brought to the Legends World by [[Tigatron]] using the [[10.2 ultra-drill|ultra-drill]] in an attempt to get women who liked him better than [[Springer (G1)|Springer]]. It didn't work out, as all of the women brought over eventually swooned over Springer. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 19|Bonus Edition Vol. 19}}<br />
<br />
====''Energon'' cartoon====<br />
{{voiceactor|[[Tabitha St. Germain]] (English), [[Akira Tomisaka]] (Japanese)|[[Mia Kihl]] (Swedish), [[Victoire Theismann]] (French), [[Rebeca Aponte]] (Spanish - Latin America), [[Carmen Podio]] (Spanish - Spain), [[Domitilla D'Amico]] (Italian), [[Izabella Bukowska]] (Polish), [[Karolina Blom]] (Finnish)}}<br />
<br />
[[File:EnergonTVAlexis.jpg|left|thumb|Saturn Queen.]]<br />
Soon after Unicron's defeat and the reunification of the Cybertronians under the Autobot flag, Dr. [[Brian Jones]] traveled to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] with his son, [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]]. He also brought along Rad, Alexis, and Carlos to the alien planet. {{storylink|Team Optimus Prime}} Years afterward, Alexis traveled to Cybertron as part of the human delegation. {{storylink|Cybertron City (episode)|Cybertron City}}<br />
<br />
Ten years later, she worked as a diplomat on behalf of the [[Earth Federation]], usually as a liaison between Earth's nations and the Cybertronian Autobot-Decepticon alliance. Alexis traveled to [[Ocean City]] to tell the human crew and their Cybertronian allies about the Federation's decision to declare a neutral position in the latest Transformers conflict. While Alexis now represented the interests of Earth, she still had faith in Optimus Prime. She trusted his decisions in the Energon war, just as she trusted him during the [[Unicron Battles]]. {{storylink|Energon Stars}}<br />
<br />
After the Battle of the Asteroid Belt, Alexis traveled to [[Ocean City]] to discuss the creation of a global [[energon grid]] to protect Earth from Alpha Q-related attacks. She was on hand to greet Dr. Jones, who responded in his usual jovial manner, which involved pushing her space boundaries. {{storylink|Battle of the Asteroid Belt}} When construction got underway, she offered to requisition more supplies and human resources, but Dr. Jones reassured her they had quite enough resources to hand. {{storylink|Energon Tower (episode)|Energon Tower}} <br />
<br />
Shortly after that, she accompanied the Autobots and Earth Federation personnel to [[Jungle City]], where Kicker had received a vision of impending disaster. She and [[Sally Jones|Sally]] were removed from the scene before the fighting began.<br />
<br />
As Kicker had predicted, the Decepticons arrived to raid the city. Things went badly for the Autobots, and they were forced to blow it up. Alexis reluctantly supported this move, reasoning that humans had survived the fall of civilizations before, and they would survive this. {{storylink|Crisis in Jungle City}} <br />
<br />
Later, with Cybertron in danger, Dr. Jones sent all of Earth's energon to Cybertron. Alexis objected to this because it would leave Earth vulnerable but eventually gave in. {{storylink|Open Fire!}} She then arranged for Jungle City to be rebuilt on top of a newly discovered energon deposit on Earth. {{storylink|Team Optimus Prime}}<br />
<br />
====''Cybertron'' cartoon====<br />
[[File:Alexis cybertron.jpg|left|thumb|Psst... pssst... over here!]]<br />
[[File:CybertronArmadaKids.jpg|thumb|The seeds of the future lie buried in the past. Or something.]]<br />
Alexis continued in her governmental job. She was the only other person present onstage when the President appointed [[Mike Franklin|Colonel Franklin]] Earth's ambassador to Cybertron. Subsequently, she, Rad, and Carlos were among the humans who bid farewell to the Autobots as they departed Earth to begin a new [[space bridge]] construction program. {{storylink|Beginning}}<br />
<br />
{{note|The images of Alexis, Rad, Carlos, and Kicker with spectral characters from prior series didn't appear in the ''Galaxy Force'' version of the show; at the time [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] had taken the position of the show being a [[continuity|continuity reboot]]... a position they later [[retcon]]ned, placing it as the direct sequel to ''Super Link'' as was originally planned. Confused yet? Interestingly, the shot of Alexis onstage '''was''' in the original...}}<br />
<br />
=====Ask Vector Prime=====<br />
By [[2030]], she served as the [[United States Secretary of State|Secretary of State]] under [[Gabriella Constanza (Cybertron)|President Constanza]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/03}}<br />
<br />
====''The AllSpark Almanac''====<br />
[[File:AAII-Alexis-Thi-Dang.jpg|thumb|upright=0.5]]<br />
The [[multiverse|multiversal]] news source ''[[ALTernity Today]]'' reported that Alexis Thi Dang of [[universal stream]] [[Aurex 802.23 Alpha]] won the [[Whig]] Party primary for [[President of the United States]]. She ran on a platform for a stronger alliance between Earth and Cybertron. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|AllSpark Almanac II}}<br />
<br />
===Dreamwave ''Armada'' continuity===<br />
====''Armada''====<br />
[[File:Armada3-Alexis.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|Alexis rocks the muttonchops.]]<br />
Alexis helped Rad and Carlos with [[Project Supernova]], although she was rather cynical about it achieving flight. While she ran into some problems on launch day, including homework and Rad's insistence on playing secret agent (she was Agent Bubblegum), Alexis helped throw the Project Supernova off a cliff. Her cynicism was turned around when the craft managed to stay airborne, but it soon crashed due to [[Sid (Armada)|outside]] [[Seth|interference]]. Alexis was pissed and about having to go home when Rad fell into a cave and accidentally awakened [[Sparkplug (Armada)|four]] [[Street Action Mini-Con Team|alien robots]], whom he promptly hid in his garage. This didn't serve to improve Alexis's mood any, as she felt the robots could be dangerous and that they should tell people about them. Rad and Carlos eventually calmed her down, which was good as the robots turned out to be nice guys who built them a new Project Supernova. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 3|Armada #3}} However, while the kids and bots were flying around on their vehicle, they were attacked by [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] and fled back to the garage, where an angry Alexis demanded an explanation. The robots told the kids that they were [[Mini-Con]]s from the planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], and that Megatron was a [[Decepticon]] out to capture them. Mad that she and her friends had been pulled into another race's war, Alexis began to argue with Rad, but Carlos made them both realize that they had to lure Megatron away from their neighborhood. The kids and Mini-Cons fled to a nearby canyon, where they found [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] and his [[Autobot]]s. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 4|Armada #4}}<br />
<br />
While Alexis and the others were almost captured and killed by [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]], the Autobots and Mini-Cons soon drove the Decepticons away. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 5|Armada #5}} Unfortunately, as the kids were playing around in a forest some time later, Optimus Prime visited them, explaining that he couldn't let them get involved with the Transformers' war any longer. Alexis and her friends were subsequently forbidden from hanging out with the Street Action Team. Sparkplug, who was against this, broke order and took the kids with him to rescue some Mini-Cons from the Decepticon base. Their mission was to [[Mini-Con panic-pager|call for help]] if Sparkplug's infiltration team wasn't back within 30 minutes. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 6|Armada #6}} When the team failed to return, Alexis and the others called for help and ended up summoning the [[Land Military Mini-Con Team]]. However, it took some convincing to get them to help Sparkplug. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 7|Armada #7}}<br />
<br />
[[File:Armada8-gradesslipping.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Some time between issue 3 and now, she hit puberty.]]<br />
After a day at school, Alexis and her friends were riding around on the Street Action Team and eating burgers when the Mini-Cons suddenly stopped responding to them and sped away for an unknown destination. The kids were unable to get off until they came to a halt, which they did next to a [[Mini-Con Ark|mysterious monolith]] in [[Kansas]]. When the Mini-Cons entered the structure, Rad followed them, and Alexis could only watch as the monolith launched into space with her friend on board. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 8|Armada #8}} Optimus Prime explained that Rad had been taken to the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], and Alexis and Carlos couldn't do much other than urge the Autobots to save him. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 9|Armada #9}} While Optimus managed to retrieve a starship to travel to the Moon, he refused to endanger the humans by letting them come as well. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 10|Armada #10}} Fortunately, [[simulcrum]] technology allowed them to be on the ship "in spirit," and Alexis was eventually reunited with Rad. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 11|Armada #11}}<br />
<br />
After staying out of the Transformer conflict for a bit, Alexis, Rad, and Carlos learned the Mini-Cons were all returning to Cybertron to fight [[Unicron]]. They said their goodbyes to the Street Action Team, then watched as the Transformers entered a [[space bridge]] and left Earth. {{storylink|The End (Armada)|The End}} Some time after the conflict on Earth had ended, Alexis began to compile a comprehensive database of information on several Transformers. She was unaware that this information (which, in several cases, contradicted actual events) was planted into her mind by [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]]. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye: Transformers: Armada|More Than Meets The Eye}}<br />
<br />
====''Energon''====<br />
[[File:What Lies Beneath dusty protest.jpg|left|upright=1.66|thumb|The first protest she ever participated in was against having to wear the same color every day.]]<br />
In the ten years that followed the Transformers' departure from Earth, Alexis became an activist, traveling worldwide with other like-minded individuals to (violently) protest the misuse of Earth's natural resources. <br />
<br />
One such trip found her in [[Australia]], protesting [[Alterenergy]]'s [[Energon|01 Source]] research. Her group's protest was interrupted when the Transformers returned to Earth in the form of the [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcons]] and attacked the Alterenergy excavation site. Alexis was horrified that they were getting dragged into the Transformer war again but ended up rushing straight into it to save a young teenager named [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] from [[Battle Ravage]] by shooting the beast in the face with a flare gun. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath}} The two tried to escape on a motorcycle but ended up crashing it and getting captured by Battle Ravage, who brought them to [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]]. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Two}} The Terrorcon leader used Alexis as a hostage, threatening to kill her if Kicker wouldn't help him find 01 Source. Fortunately, Rad, who now worked for Alterenergy, came to her aid... or at least it would've been her aid if Battle Ravage hadn't been guarding her. They escaped thanks to Carlos, who aided them from space by remotely detonating the collected 01 Source, knocking the Terrorcon out. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Three}} After Rad explained to Alexis that 01 Source was Energon—Transformer fuel—and that Kicker could sense it, the two were suddenly reunited with Optimus Prime, who had arrived to fight the Terrorcons. The Autobots subsequently drove the Terrorcons away and rescued Kicker, who was surprised that Rad and Alexis knew each other. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Four}}<br />
<br />
As the Autobots officially revealed themselves to the human population, many began to fear an invasion and protested against them. Alexis was in [[Los Angeles]] at the time and reflected alongside Rad on how she would probably be opposing as well if she didn't know any better. Rad wasn't happy to hear this, nor was he happy about her way of life, as her frequent trips around the globe meant she never stuck around. Alexis explained that she had merely grown up and didn't see things in black and white anymore, but the disgruntled Rad just said his goodbyes and left. However, he came back and apologized as Alexis prepared to go in a taxi, which made her feel better. Then Terrorcon [[Insecticon (Energon)|Insecticons]] attacked Los Angeles and blew up the cab. {{storylink|Multiplicity}} Fortunately, she had gotten out in time and was safe and sound and returned to Rad. As he thought Alexis had died in the explosion, Rad had realized how much she truly meant to him and embraced her and told her never to leave him again. They were both reasonably embarrassed afterward. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 2}} Using Rad's truck, they raced away from the Insecticons and to Alterenergy's west coast headquarters. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 3}} Upon arrival, Alexis spent some time with Carlos, who explained how Rad planned to use the [[Energon Volant Accumulator]] to aid the Autobots in the fight against the Terrorcons. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 4}}<br />
<br />
{{Unreleased energon comic}}<br />
As the AlterEnergy collaboration grew between Cybertron and Earth, Alexis became involved with the [[United Nations]] in connection with the project. She helped orchestrate a task force to look for Kicker after he went missing. {{storylink|Armageddon Part 2}} Her information helped Rad and his people locate where [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] had taken the boy. {{storylink|Armageddon Part 3}} After being rescued, Kicker said goodbye to Alexis, Rad, and Carlos before joining the fight against Unicron. {{storylink|Armageddon Part 5}}<br />
<br />
===Panini ''Armada'' comic===<br />
When Rad and Carlos went spelunking, Alexis followed them to ensure they didn't get themselves killed. She was shocked to see them emerge from the cave with the alien robot [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]], but didn't have much time come to terms with the situation before [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] attacked them and tried to capture the smaller robot. High Wire transformed into a bike and took Alexis and the others to safety, where they met several other robots. [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] explained that they were [[Mini-Con]]s who had ended up on Earth after fleeing from the eternal war on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. {{storylink|First Encounter!}} When the Mini-Cons refused to save [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], who was getting his aft handed to him by Megatron, Rad decided to do it himself. Alexis protested, but her pleas fell on deaf ears. In the end, Rad taking action caused Megatron to flee and the humans to befriend the Autobots, but Alexis still told him not to let it go to his head. {{storylink|Friends and Foes!}}<br />
<br />
After playing with their new friends on the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]], Alexis, Rad, and Carlos were tasked with finding the [[locator log]] on board the crashed Mini-Con ship. When they were attacked by [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]], Alexis again took on the role of warning Rad against taking stupid risks, only for his crazy ideas to still work. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 3|Deep Trouble!}} Going back to her daily life, Alexis later visited the [[Cosmoscope Research Center|local observatory]] but was followed by Sureshock. After Sureshock's attempts to "help" the observatory crashed their mainframe, Alexis made a run for it and told the story to her friends. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 3|Just a Memory!}} When the Autobots decided to send the Mini-Cons back to Cybertron, she figured they had no other choice and told Rad not to get all emotional about it. In the end, the plans fell through, and the Mini-Cons remained on Earth. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 4|No Way Back!}}<br />
<br />
Alexis and her friends were racing with the Street Action Team again when they were suddenly attacked by [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], out to steal their Mini-Con friends. While the Street Action Team held the Decepticon back in the form of [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]], Alexis and the others fetched Optimus Prime to help them. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 7|The Two-Edged Blade}} Shortly afterward, they met [[Amos Hume]] and helped him save the [[Land Military Mini-Con Team]] from the [[Extra-Terrestrial Response Division]]. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 7|Sale of the Century!}}<br />
<br />
===Reader's Digest ''Armada'' novels===<br />
11-years old Alexis was one of the many self-titled "Cosmo Kids" that lived in the community around the [[Cosmoscope Research Center|Cosmo Scope Research Center and Interstellar Observatory]]. She possessed a "powerful handheld computer," which she affectionately nicknamed "Rover," and had a fondness for imitating a TV announcer voice and narrating her friends' adventures as they happened. During an early autumn afternoon, Alexis and her friends Rad and Carlos headed out into the nearby mountains for some trail exploring. Alexis rode her scooter on the trip, which eventually led to a trail none of them had ever seen before. Carlos and Alexis were hesitant to continue down the trail when they spotted some signs indicating it was dangerous, but Rad goaded them on into pushing forward. The path eventually led to a cave, which the kids decided to explore. When the trio found cave paintings within, Alexis initially believed them to be graffiti done by other school kids and was insulted that anyone from the local community would do such a childish thing. The kids soon realized that it wasn't graffiti at all, but ancient cave paintings depicting robots fighting. All of them depicted violence save one, which pictured three robots that Alexis found cute, prompting groans from her male companions. As if prompted by an unknown instinct, Alexis reached out to touch one of the three robots. This action triggered a hidden mechanism within the cave, which revealed real-life versions of the three robots the children had touched in the drawing after some rumbling. Alexis met Sureshock, a Mini-Con who could only be understood by Alexis herself. The children learned about Cybertron and its civil war from their new robot friends. The moment was cut short when Autobots and Decepticons were teleported on-site by a mechanism within the Mini-Cons' ship. Finding themselves in the middle of a vicious battle between mechanical titans, Alexis and her friends thankfully escaped from harm thanks to the Mini-Cons' efforts and the newcomer, Optimus Prime. Learning that Optimus had the best of intentions for both Earth and the Mini-Cons, Alexis promised to keep the Transformers' existence a secret and rode back to town on Sureshock, now reformatted into a high-tech scooter. Meeting with Carlos and Rad the next day at school, the trio dismissed Billy and Fred's insinuations that anything exciting had happened to them the previous day before heading off to class. {{storylink|Transformers Armada: The Battle Begins|The Battle Begins}}<br />
<br />
To explain to their parents how they had gotten totally sweet new extreme sports vehicles, Carlos and Alexis agreed to go along with a story that Rad had made up; the three of them had won their new gear in an extreme riding competition. Alexis's parents bought the story, and she took to riding Sureshock to school. The next afternoon, she, Carlos, and Rad readied themselves to visit the Autobots when they encountered Billy and Fred. Their schoolmates were curious about where they had gotten the new vehicles, and the trio knew they wouldn't be fooled by the story they had told their parents. Rad claimed that his dad had bought them the vehicles through some "connections," and they were the next year's model. Carlos and Alexis were quick to affirm his story. Narrowly avoiding exposure, the trio then took off for the Autobots' base. Strangely, they found the cave leading to the headquarters now sealed by a stone door. The Mini-Cons maintained a wireless connection to their vessel, however, and were able to grant themselves access to the base. But once inside, the group found it deserted. They eventually found Optimus and his fellow Autobots, Hot Shot and Red Alert, at a nearby highway, adopting new alternate modes. After brief introductions were made, explosions were heard off in the distance. The Decepticons were attacking the Autobots' base! Alexis, Carlos, and Rad raced ahead of the Autobots on their Mini-Cons, coming face to face with Megatron. The Decepticon leader halted his assault to demand the children surrender their companions. The Autobots arrived on the scene before Megatron was able to act on his threat, and Alexis and the others hid in some nearby brush to watch the battle unfold.<br />
<br />
During the battle, a stray shot from Megatron caused a rockslide to tumble towards the kids and their Mini-Cons. Hot Shot zipped in and rescued them, though the ride within the two-seat sports car was a cramped one for all three kids. As they drove back to Optimus, Alexis noticed four Mini-Con panels sticking out of the rubble. Carlos and Rad helped her dig them out. Two of the panels activated in the Autobots' presence, one of them becoming Red Alert's partner, "Longarm" and the other Hot Shot's partner "Jolt." Red Alert instructed the children to keep the remaining two panels safe, and they hid themselves once more. The Decepticons were soon forced to retreat, but one of them, Cyclonus, lingered long enough to snatch the panels from Alexis and Rad before warping away. The children were torn up about allowing the Mini-Cons to fall into enemy hands, but Optimus assured them they had done everything they could. {{storylink|Transformers Armada: Race for the Mini-Con Robots|Race for the Mini-Con Robots}}<br />
<br />
===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===<br />
One [[Halloween]] night, Alexis went Trick-or-Treating with Carlos, Rad, and their three [[Mini-Con]]s. Because she was the mature one, she collected donations for [[UNICEF]] instead of candy, though she did dress as a princess. {{storylink|Something Robotic This Way Comes}}<br />
<br />
After Alexis talked Doctor [[Jessica Theist]] into letting her niece [[Kelly (Armada)|Kelly]] come along an archeological dig, she also lent Kelly a computer. And Laserbeak. And [[Ransack (Armada)|Ransack]] and [[Dune Runner (Armada)|Dune Runner]]. It pays to be connected. {{storylink|Fire in the Dark}}<br />
<br />
===Bendon ''Armada'' books===<br />
[[File:RTD-Alexis.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|right]]<br />
Rad, Carlos, and Alexis talked Optimus Prime into letting them explore some nearby caves in the hopes of finding other Mini-Cons, claiming that he and Carlos had already explored a few of them in the past. The trio succeeded in finding a crystal but had to be saved by Hot Shot after a surprise Decepticon attack caused a landslide. {{storylink|Cave Catastrophe}} <br />
<br />
In another adventure, Carlos talked Rad into joining him for a Mini-Con race, to which Alexis invited herself. They foolishly left themselves out in the open, allowing Megatron to attack. Fortunately for them (your mileage may vary), Optimus and Hot Shot were there to save them yet again. {{storylink|Race to Disaster}}<br />
<br />
===''Kre-O'' comic===<br />
[[File:KreO_Alexis.jpg|thumb|left|50px|More [[Mini-Con]]s. Yawn.]]<br />
While [[Bumblebee (Kre-O)|Bumblebee]] was out shopping for [[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)|Optimus Prime]], he passed by Alexis, who could only stare in awe. {{Storylink|Bumblebee! The Gentle-Hearted Autobot Warrior}}<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
{{Twoimages|File:Alexis midriff.jpg|w1=50|File:Alexis-swimsuit.jpg|w1=50|caption=Alexis's original animation character model and unused swimsuit model.|float=right}}<br />
[[File:AlexisIPVersion.jpg|100px|thumb|Ridin' nerdy.]]<br />
*According to the now-defunct TV Tokyo ''Legends of the Microns'' website, Alexis was 11 years old at the start of ''Armada''. The page also stated she was Asian and that her Japanese name, Alexa, was short for Alexandra.<br />
**Meanwhile, according to the liner notes of the second series soundtrack, ''[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 2]]'', there were difficulties in coming up with the kids' character designs, as the producers were given three mandated ethnicities: White, Hispanic, and Asian. The notes go on to further confirm Alexis as being Asian ([[Vietnam]]ese American), specifying that she's the daughter of "{{w|Vietnamese boat people}}."<br />
**Despite the producers specifying Alexis as Asian, her final design doesn't reflect her ethnicity.<br />
**Alexis's ethnicity is more pronounced on the 2001 Armada IP creative bible's cover. Compared to the relatively unchanged Carlos and Rad, she was heavily redesigned, and why remains unknown.<br />
*''[[Transformers: Armada Official Guidebook]]'' backs up that Alexis was 11 years old when ''Armada'' started. It also specified that she always got excellent grades and was a computer whiz.<br />
**To be in the same 8th-grade class as Rad and Carlos at her age, Alexis must have been smart enough to skip 7th grade.<br />
*According to [[Aaron Archer]], Alexis was named after the daughter of [[Steve Drucker]].<br />
*Alexis didn't have a surname until the ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II]]'' dubbed her "Alexis Thi Dang."<br />
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' reveals that Alexis has an unused swimsuit model.<br />
<br />
===Foreign names===<br />
*''Japanese:'' '''Alexandra "Alexa"''' (アレクサンドラ ''Arekusandora'', アレクサ ''Arekusa'')<br />
*''Korean:'' '''Jenna Alexandra''' (제나 알렉산드라 ''Jenna Alleksandeura'')<br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dang, Alexis Thi}}<br />
[[Category:Armada humans]]<br />
[[Category:Cybertron humans]]<br />
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]<br />
[[Category:Energon humans]]<br />
[[Category:Fiction-only characters]]<br />
[[Category:Kre-O humans]]<br />
[[Category:Kreons]]<br />
[[Category:Legends humans]]<br />
[[Category:Politicians]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Mortal_Combat&diff=1673256Mortal Combat2023-02-11T17:49:38Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=52<br />
|prev=Origin<br />
|next=Cybertron City (episode)<br />
|title="Mortal Combat"<br />
|japanese=死闘<!--mortal-combat--><br />
|romaji=Shitō<br />
|translation=Death Match<br />
|image=Armada 52 - Prime hangon to Galvatron.jpg<br />
|caption=Fatality!<br />
|production code=TF: A-52<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]<br />
|englishadaptation=[[Terry Klassen]]<br />
|director=[[Hidehito Ueda]],<br>[[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.),<br>[[Munetaka Abe]] (animation dir.)<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[October 3]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom)<br>[[December 12]], [[2003]] (English, United States)<br>[[December 26]], [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Optimus and Galvatron wage their final brutal battle, while the rest of the Transformers deal with Unicron.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[Unicron]] is no longer functional, his body lying dormant in space. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] lets the assembled armies return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to begin the rebuilding.<br />
<br />
[[File:MortalCombat galvatron sacrifice.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left]]<br />
Inside of Unicron, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] holds onto the idea that he can still become the sole ruler of the universe. Now that Unicron is gone, it's left to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and Galvatron to finish the war. Optimus and the kids try to argue that now that the two armies are now united, there's no need to continue the fight. Still, Galvatron reminds his foe that the hatred left over from an unfinished war would repower Unicron.<br />
<br />
On Cybertron, [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] alerts the other that Unicron is in motion again. Hot Shot decides to go to Unicron to retrieve Optimus Prime, but [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] takes Hot Shot's place. [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] follows Jetfire.<br />
<br />
Optimus says goodbye to the children; they don't want to go, but Prime convinces them that he and Galvatron must have their final battle. After throwing away the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]—since this isn't a battle between Autobots and Decepticons, but Optimus' vision for peace against Galvatron's lust for conflict— Prime starts the fight with some gunfire and a knee to Galvatron's face. When Galvatron gets up, he and Prime blast their firepower at each other.<br />
<br />
Jetfire and Cyclonus pick up the kids outside Unicron and bring them back to Cybertron. The kids report what the two leaders are doing, and it seems Unicron isn't dead either. Under heavy pressure, Hot Shot orders the attack against Unicron to be resumed, with special care taken not to harm the leaders. <br />
<br />
Inside, Optimus Prime and Galvatron continue to rumble. Prime throws one of his wheels directly into Galvatron's primary cannon. The resulting explosion blasts Galvatron through a wall, but the ferocity of the combat only amuses the Decepticon. Unicron's words echo in Prime's mind. Galvatron uses his extending antlers to toss Prime around. Prime breaks off the blades and uses them against his rival, but Galvatron scores a critical hit through Optimus with his hidden wrist blade.<br />
<br />
[[File:Mortal Combat Hot Shot Jetfire.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|When we come back, we'll be terrible cel-shaded CGI!]]<br />
The [[Transformer]]s buzz around Unicron, blasting him through his trenches. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] notices that a large, growing black hole has appeared on Unicron's surface during the combat.<br />
<br />
Optimus Prime stands up, refusing to give up the fight. Decompression sends the warriors outside of Unicron onto his external surface. Galvatron acquires a nearby pipe to use as a battle staff, but Optimus displays amazing agility and stands on the staff, prancing along it to kick Galvatron in the face. While Galvatron is still stunned, Optimus hefts his foe and cramps Galvatron's midsection, but the metal pipe gets shoved down Prime's back in the process.<br />
<br />
[[File:Unicron-behind-a-planet-Armada.jpg|thumb|left]]<br />
The two warriors break for a moment, and Galvatron admits that he enjoyed the thrill of the battle despite losing it. The moment of peace between the two is disturbed by Unicron transforming into his planet mode. Prime is stuck holding onto Galvatron as the two get sucked toward Unicron's maw. Determined to see only one winner of the war (even if it isn't him), Galvatron instructs Prime to let him fall. Prime refuses, so Galvatron cuts himself loose and free-falls into oblivion. As soon as Galvatron is absorbed, Unicron vanishes. Left floating in space, Optimus decides he's unworthy of the Matrix.<br />
<br />
Sometime later, Hot Shot and Jetfire return the kids to Earth. They agree that they've learned much from each other since their first encounter. [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]], and [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] start to cry. Alexis gazes down at her pendant that contains the [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] stone that [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] gave her, sadly smiling as if remembering him. With the war over, Optimus Prime narrates the closing moments. But, hidden behind a distant planet, Unicron endures.<br />
<br />
[['Til all are one|'Til all are]] [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|undone.]]<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (2)<br />
* [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (3)<br />
* [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (4)<br />
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (6)<br />
* [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (13)<br />
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (14)<br />
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (15)<br />
* [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (16)<br />
* [[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] (24)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (5)<br />
* [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (17)<br />
* [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (18)<br />
* [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (19)<br />
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (23)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
* [[Rad White|Rad]] (7)<br />
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (8)<br />
* [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (9)<br />
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (10)<br />
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (11)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] (12)<br />
*[[Race Mini-Con Team]] (20)<br />
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (21)<br />
*[[Space Mini-Con Team]] (22)<br />
<br />
|h5=Other|c5=<br />
* [[Unicron]] (1)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"This probably isn't the time to ask, but when are we gonna eat, you guys?"<br><br />
"Zip it, Fred, or I'll give you my fist to chew on!"<br><br />
:—'''Fred''' and '''Billy'''<br />
<br />
<br />
"Your mindless ambitions are fueled only by your greed. You'll stop at nothing to get what you want. I should have let Unicron destroy you!"<br />
:—'''Optimus Prime''' to Galvatron<br />
<br />
<br />
"Why can't we all just get along?!"<br />
:—'''Fred'''<br />
<br />
<br />
"Children, the future is yours!"<br><br />
"Good riddance, humans!"<br />
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Galvatron''' bid farewell to the kids in their unique ways.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Don't act surprised. This is exactly what you wanted. And I fight you not as the leader of the Autobots, but as the leader of ''all'' Transformers!"<br />
:—'''Optimus Prime''' tosses aside his Matrix of Leadership before attacking Galvatron.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Farewell, Optimus Prime. Victory is all yours. Now go look after your men, they need you!"<br />
:—'''Galvatron's''' last words until ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]''<br />
<br />
<br />
"The war between the Autobots and the Decepticons has come to an end, and without the hatred between the two sides, there was no evil to feed Unicron, and he became powerless. Both Unicron and Megatron scattered into the far reaches of the universe. As for me, my purpose has been served. Cybertron is safe and Transformers live in peace with the Mini-Cons. So the next time you look out into space and see a peaceful star far, far away, it just might be Cybertron. TRANSFORM!"<br />
:—'''Optimus Prime's''' last words until ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]''<br />
<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*The opening is silent in ''Legends of the Microns'' until Hot Shot speaks. Meanwhile, ''Armada'' has [[Jim Conrad]] narrate the opening, recapping the last episode's events of how the union managed to neutralize Unicron, but an old battle is about to begin.<br />
*Hot Shot hopes that Optimus and Galvatron will get out of Unicron safely in ''Armada'', and Scavenger suggests they shouldn't worry too much since they can handle themselves. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shots asks if they escaped Unicron. Scavenger imagines those two can handle themselves but is unsure what to do now. Hot Shot then says that if taking down Unicron happened earlier, they would retrieve them, but figured they need a break in ''Legends of the Microns'', but Armada only has him say they'll meet them back on Cybertron.<br />
*Optimus and Galvatron's conversation before they clash is ''essentially'' the same in both dubs, but the points made are almost entirely different. ''Armada'' noticeably throws in being the ruler of the universe, whereas ''Legends of the Microns'' is about trying to embrace your nature.<br />
**''Legends of the Microns'' has Galvatron ask Optimus what their long struggle's purpose was and whether it was to only awaken Unicron before claiming they fought each other to preserve their true sense of selves and not to be Unicron's puppets. The kids—particularly Fred—are confused about this talk about maintaining a true sense of self. Galvatron reminds them he only joined forces with Optimus to take down Unicron, and now that he is defeated, there is no reason to continue the alliance. Alexis then asks why Starscream sacrificed himself, to which Galvatron also asks why, and Alexis replies with how it was to unite all Transformers. Galvatron continues that even if the Decepticons and Autobots join hands, he can never reconcile the differences between him and Optimus, causing the latter to ask if the battle with Unicron was pointless. Galvatron then says the battle itself wasn't pointless, but it can only have meaning if the party with justice must gain victory. Optimus replies with his own, saying that Unicron will only grow stronger as long as evil resides in the Transformers' hearts, and that's what the battle has wrought. The kids agree with Optimus, to which Galvatron asks if that's what he truly believes and mentions that he couldn't answer Sideways' question before asking again if Optimus' hatred of him was a motivator to fight all this time. When Optimus asks who is, Galvatron replies with "That again" before saying he wants to seek Optimus' true feelings as a Transformer.<br />
**''Armada'' makes Galvatron say that if they don't continue their battle, all their fighting has been pointless before making a very unwanted claim of how the universe can have only one ruler. The kids respond with annoyance except for Fred and Billy, with the former asking when they're gonna eat and the latter saying that he would give him his fist to chew on. Galvatron says it's now time to deal with the other obstacle before Alexis jumps in, reminding him of why Starscream sacrificed himself, to which Galvatron answers that Starscream was a fool before Alexis says that he wanted everyone to leave in peace. Galvatron tells the kids to understand the simple concept of only one person ruling the universe before claiming that it's going to be him, then Optimus asks if battling Unicron was just a means to an end. Galvatron confirms this and says he used him to further his ambitions, asking if it's wrong to think highly of yourself, to which Optimus says yes and continues that he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Then, in a bit of an out-of-character moment, he claims that he should've let Unicron destroy Galvatron. Galvatron says that this conversation is interesting, but Optimus fails to comprehend his own argument before reminding him of what Unicron said about their dilemma and asks if Optimus is either oppressing his hatred of him or actually likes him. Once Optimus reintroduces himself, Galvatron replies that he never changes and says Prime can deny his hatred all he wants, but he knows the real truth in his heart.<br />
*When Unicron starts to move, Hot Shot suggests it's maybe better if they wait until Optimus gets back to figure out what to do, then later says no to Red Alert's suggestion that this is the best opportunity to retrieve him and the kids and that everyone should stay here and be on the lookout in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' is mostly the same, but Hot Shot asks if Optimus, Galvatron, and the kids are still inside Unicron, then when responding to Red Alert's suggestion, mentions that the fleet's on standby. He then asks what the chances of Unicron attacking are, and if anything does happen, he can always count on Jetfire to take charge.<br />
*Jetfire speaks in a lot more of a commanding tone when suggesting that he goes and retrieves everyone on Unicron in ''Armada'' compared to ''Legends of the Microns''. When Jetfire leaves, and Cyclonus catches up with him, ''Armada'' plays the [[Theme song|theme song]] whereas no music is present in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
[[File:Mortal Combat animation changes.jpg|thumb|340px|Animation changes between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' screencaps (right).]]<br />
*The kids' departure from Optimus and Galvatron brings in more differences, yet still being ''somewhat'' the same thing in between dubs: <br />
**Before pointing out the differences between the dialogue, there are some surprising animation shot changes between versions.<br />
***When Optimus says the children's names before his speech, ''Armada'' has an exclusive pan of the kids. ''Legends of the Microns'' instead uses a later shot of Optimus looking down on the kids during this sequence (see right).<br />
***After Optimus tells the Mini-Cons to look after the kids, High Wire, Grindor, and Sureshock's shot are drawn differently in each version, with the Japanese dub swapping places between High Wire and Grindor to provide more consistency on who is where (see right).<br />
**''Armada'' has Galvatron ask the kids to step aside since he and Optimus have "business" to take care of, then Carlos says they aren't going anywhere, and Billy confidently says Optimus isn't going to fight. Galvatron mockingly replies that Optimus will let himself get obliterated before the latter thanks the kids for helping the Autobots save the Mini-Cons. Optimus then assures Galvatron is right about ending hate in the universe and that he must now finish what he started. Sureshock asks Optimus why he should fight after he entrusts them with the children, with the latter then saying it's the only way to achieve peace. Rad tells him he shouldn't let Galvatron suck him into this but later realizes Optimus isn't going to change. He then asks if they'll see each other again soon, and Optimus assures him that they will, and he'll always remember him. Optimus and Galvatron then bid the kids farewell, as quoted above.<br />
**In ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron asks the kids to leave Unicron since this is his and Optimus' fight, with Carlos asking why he still can't understand what they are saying and Billy reaffirming that there's no need to fight. Galvatron says it doesn't look like Optimus believes that before the latter says to the kids that they would've never been able to defeat Unicron without their help, but apologizes for going to fight with Galvatron and that he's still a regular Transformer when one removes the "Supreme Commander" title from him. Optimus trusts the Mini-Cons to take care of the children and assures them that they all must rely on their strength to carry on, which makes Rad ask if he is going to fight. Rad thanks Optimus for everything that has happened, and the latter assures vice versa and that he wouldn't be standing here today without Rad. High Wire says all of the kids' names whenever his eyes glow, and Optimus tells them farewell and to head toward the future. Galvatron is silent here.<br />
*Galvatron talks about being only with Optimus in ''Armada'', to which Optimus says that the time of speeches is over and it's time to end their quarrel, then later says Galvatron shouldn't be surprised and that this is what he wants before throwing the Matrix out. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Galvatron asking Optimus what's wrong, with Prime replying that he was right, which is why they'll fight as Transformers from this point onward.<br />
*After tossing the Matrix before his final battle against Galvatron, Optimus says that he's fighting him not as a Commander "but as a Transformer called Optimus Prime!"<br />
*After Optimus shoots at Galvatron, he comments on how he was the first one to attack in ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' has him say that Optimus is not superior to him.<br />
*When Cyclonus stops shooting at Unicron, he says he just got carried away in ''Armada'' whereas ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say, "I guess so..." Jetfire's reaction is also changed from him telling Cyclonus to knock it off in the English dub, but immediately remarks of Optimus and the others being inside Unicron in Japanese.<br />
*When Jetfire notices the kids coming out of Unicron, ''Armada'' has Rad sounding shocked about the teleportation he just witnessed, but ''Legends of the Microns'' has him silent and instead has Jetfire point out the kids.<br />
*The union's discussion back at the [[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]] is subtly different between versions:<br />
**''Legends of the Microns'' has Hoist ask how they are supposed to protect space with Unicron floating around, which Scavenger then asks what they are going to do since he's just there defenseless. Wheeljack asks Hot Shot what's the purpose of uniting the Transformers race before encouraging him to think, and then Demolishor reminds everyone that Galvatron is still inside Unicron. Side Swipe reminds everyone that Optimus is there too, to which Blurr responds that the two leaders are focusing intently on their duel, but he can't say why. Hot Shot then concludes that this might be their only chance to destroy Unicron, and even if Optimus is still inside, they must carry out the attack.<br />
**''Armada'' has Hoist suggest that they should wait for Jetfire and the kids to return before they do anything, with Scavenger agreeing. Wheeljack suggests to Hot Shot they should commence an assault now before Demolishor and Sideswipe remind him that the two leaders are still inside Unicron and they might get hit. Blurr says that it might be best for Optimus to return first, and he doesn't think they have a choice, and then Hot Shot evaluates that Unicron can't be fully recovered, nor Optimus and Galvatron should get hurt before he announces the assault.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Hot Shot's announcement longer than ''Armada'', which also focuses more on Optimus and Galvatron being inside than the actual attack.<br />
*After Galvatron gets thrown off course due to his blaster getting clogged, ''Armada'' has Galvatron saying he didn't expect Optimus to defend himself, but he's glad that he is his old self again, and all of this reminds him of the good old days. His laugh during this also has an echo effect. Meanwhile, in ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron says this is what he expects from a top-class Transformer who fights and then remarks on how fun this is.<br />
*Unicron's words hovering over Optimus gives the same intent in both dubs, but like with "[[Origin]]," there's no mention of Optimus being like Galvatron if he doesn't have the Matrix in ''Armada'' and instead, Unicron talks about he loves the smell of battle.<br />
[[File:Mortal Combat ML Exclusive Shot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|An exclusive ''Legends of the Microns'' shot—too disturbing for the kids?]]<br />
*When the scene cuts back to their duel, ''Legends of the Microns'' adds a short clip where Galvatron rips out his destroyed cannon to throw it at Optimus before striking him with his horns (see right). ''Armada'' only shows Optimus blocking a seemingly random object thrown at him. <br />
*Where High Wire says that Sideways was eliminated and Unicron is only in a dormant state in ''Armada'', ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say that defeating Sideways didn't kill off Unicron. In the same shot, Carlos asks what High Wire means in ''Legends of the Microns'', but says, "Mind saying that in English?" in Armada.<br />
*Alexis in ''Armada'' makes it so that the hole in Unicron's armor seemingly opens itself, making Billy's response awkward. Rad also wonders if it's a telltale sign that Optimus is okay. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Alexis say the union managed to punch a hole in Unicron's armor, so Billy getting excited is more appropriate here, and Rad asks if Optimus is alright with no relation to the hole.<br />
*Wheeljack says they are about to launch the second wave in ''Armada'', but tells the ''attack'' wave company to follow him ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Galvatron tells Optimus that he demands satisfaction since it can't end anti-climatically in ''Armada'', while ''Legends of the Microns'' has him ask if that's all he got and if this is how their grudge is going to end after thousands of years. Optimus says, "End?" before chuckling in ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' has him say that he wishes he could accommodate Galvatron. Galvatron then tells Optimus to get up so he can destroy him, with the latter replying to not count on it''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' simply has Galvatron telling Optimus to get up, and the latter says this isn't over yet.<br />
*Galvatron says, "That's the enemy I've come to know!" after Optimus gets up in ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' has him say, "That's more like it, Prime!"<br />
*Galvatron replies to his men about beating Unicron to forget about him and that his power will be his, then reminds Optimus about their battle in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say that Unicron is nothing but scrap metal now, and his excitement has only just begun. Additionally, Optimus says to Hot Shot he'll take care of Galvatron and tells him and everyone to attack Unicron with everything they got in the English dub. In contrast, he tells Hot Shot to leave him and Galvatron alone in the Japanese dub, and from this point onward, Hot Shot is in command.<br />
*Hot Shot says Optimus' name in ''Legends of the Microns'' but says "No problem," in ''Armada'' in a tired tone.<br />
*''Armada'' uses the theme song's insert trance version for the remainder of Optimus and Galvatron's fight and plays right when Hot Shot commands everyone to attack. ''Legends of the Microns'' instead uses "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 2|Theme of Megatron - Attack by Villains]]" and plays it when Unicron is transforming.<br />
*When the kids notice the Matrix floating in space, Jetfire asks what Rad just said in ''Legends of the Microns'', but doesn't say anything in ''Armada''. Additionally ''Armada'' has Alexis asking why he would take it off, with Carlos saying that's too freaky, followed by Billy saying there has to be a reason. Then Fred suggests that maybe there's something Optimus is not telling them. ''Legends of the Microns'' moves Alexis' line of why Optimus would take the Matrix off to Carlos; Billy says he has no idea, and Fred responds in fear, asking if this means Optimus is not the commander anymore.<br />
*The shot of Optimus panting was redrawn in ''Legends of the Microns'' to have more accurate shading and proportions (see above).<br />
*Once again, Optimus and Galvatron's conversation after they fought is a lot different between dubs, especially with Optimus:<br />
**In ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron tells Optimus that he is incredibly strong and that while he can't go on due to him falling apart, the battle was fun. Optimus then agrees despite him hating to admit it, followed by Galvatron saying as long as he knows how to fight, they are both the same, and Transformers love to fight overall. Optimus agrees with this, too, and says we're forged with a warrior's instincts, but he seeks the light beyond the combat and says that justice is indeed obtained by winning in the end, which he tried to deny before the fight. Galvatron responds in delight to what Optimus just said but tells him never to forget that justice can only be obtained through the hardships of battle.<br />
**''Armada'' has Galvatron say that this is the old Optimus he used to know, and follows that he has nothing left to offer and Optimus won fair and square, but the latter thinks they should call it a draw. Galvatron remarks how they went at it after all these years of being evenly matched and admits he enjoyed every nanosecond of it. Optimus apologizes that he can never admit to a joined battle, but it was necessary to remain at peace even if he might never see that day and hopes whoever survives this will remove evil from the universe. Galvatron then laughs and says that Optimus is right about never surviving beyond today, which means that he would now be the supreme commander.<br />
*Near the end, where Optimus refuses to let go of Galvatron from being sucked into Unicron, Galvatron practically yells at Optimus to let go so Unicron will die from the lack of evil and to watch over the others after slicing his tread in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' goes philosophical as Galvatron observes that both might've been looking for the same thing despite their differences, and Optimus is the light while he represents the dark. On slicing his tread, Galvatron adds that even in the next generation/world, Prime is destined to be his rival, darkness will exist as long as there's light, and not forget that evil is eternal. Optimus yells his rival's name after Galvatron disappears into Unicron in ''Armada'', but whispers "Megatron" in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Optimus not wanting the Matrix is the same in both versions, but ''Legends of the Microns'' also has him say that even now, he's still not worthy of carrying it, which better concludes his arc of being worthy of the Matrix, starting with "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]."<br />
*The final moments with the Transformers and children is subtly different in the dubs, but nothing too major, unlike the past examples:<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Hot Shot say that he now believes they'll always be comrades no matter what happens, with Carlos agreeing and saying it doesn't matter if they're on Earth or Cybertron, and Jetfire agrees with that. He then says that they learned lessons from the kids, with Alexis saying the kids themselves learned a lot from them too. Fred asks if everyone is going to rebuild Cybertron, and Hot Shot says yes, and it doesn't matter if it's the Autobots, Decepticons, or Mini-Cons, since they all want to build a new Transformer world. Billy responds that they'll also try making Earth the most peaceful planet in the universe, and After disjointing from Perceptor, High Wire says goodbye and thank you. Alexis tells Sureshock that she is truly grateful, and Carlos then says he's not going to cry about the departure along with Fred, with Billy telling them to knock it off since they already are and Fred snapping back that he's not. Rad then asks about Optimus, with Hot Shot stating not to worry and that even without the Matrix, he'll always be their commander, with Jetfire in agreement. Rad then gives his final monologue, saying their real adventure has just begun.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Hot Shot says they will never forget the kids, and Carlos replies with vice versa. Jetfire then thanks the kids for all they taught them, with Alexis saying they learned a lot from them. Fred asks Hot Shot and Jetfire to stop by Earth if they are ever in the Solar System, which the former promises but says it might be a long time to come since Cybertron is being rebuilt and with the war being over, with Billy happily stating that the Autobots and Decepticons are finally getting along. High Wire tells the kids that they'll always be in the Mini-Cons' memory, with Rad saying vice versa and Alexis saying they'll never forget them. When Carlos is holding back from crying, he says this is harder than he thought, and when Billy points out that they are balling like babies, Fred points out that he's crying too. When Rad asks about Optimus, Hot Shot says he's not sure where Prime is but is sure he's out there somewhere, with Jetfire then stating he's right here in all of their hearts. Rad agrees and gives his final monologue of Optimus always being a part of them no matter where they are or go.<br />
**When the kids get dropped off by Hot Shot and Jetfire, and they thank them for it, the shot of them talking is redrawn in ''Legends of the Microns'' to have more posing than ''Armada''.<br />
*Optimus's ending narration in ''Armada'' is the aftermath of Unicron's defeat, saying that Unicron has become powerless with the war over, and he and Galvatron have scattered across the universe. Optimus states that he's served his purpose now that Cybertron is safe and the Transformers live in peace with the Mini-Cons and mentions that if you see a peaceful star far away, it might be Cybertron. ''Legends of the Microns'' gives Optimus a more sincere narration that flows more with Unicron feeding off of hatred, with him talking about how even a battle fought for justice will always produce a degree of hate. However, to prevent Unicron's revival, you must have faith and a heart that ever seeks justice, and as long as you believe in that, anyone can become your comrade.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
[[File:ArmadaRhinoxTV.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"We never had any evil gods on prehistoric Earth."]]<br />
*Optimus's busted truck wheel shrinks down considerably to fit inside Galvatron's cannon to jam it.<br />
*There's an awkward silence when High Wire's eyes start glowing up, and he's supposed to talk when that happens. ''Legends of the Microns'' has High Wire say each kid's name when his eyes glow, so this error gets fixed.<br />
*When Tidal Wave and his fleet show up to attack Unicron, he looks off-model and lacks detail(Notice the missing canons). ''Legends of the Microns'' entirely redraws him with a more accurate model and makes his animation less jagged (see above).<br />
*When Hot Shot yells "Attack!" as Unicron transforms back into planet mode, the animation shows the Transformer fleet ''escaping'' (which would make sense), suggesting Hot Shot's line was a scripting error. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say Optimus' name.<br />
*Rhinox is colored like his original [[Rhinox (BW)/toys#TM1|Transmetal toy]] instead of his ''Armada'' toy.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
[[File:Armada 52 - Prime and no Matrix.jpg|thumb|How many Autobot [[insignia]]s does he have...?]]<br />
*Does it seem like Alexis's hair grows slightly longer during the Unicron Battles?<br />
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'', Optimus and Galvatron's final battle is settling their differences and answering the questions Sideways asked in the previous episode.<br />
*Rhinox makes his only physical debut in the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]]. [[Ask Vector Prime]] revealed in [[2015]] that Rhinox perished during the battle; Vector Prime also revealed that poor [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]]'s upgrades were left incomplete due to Rhinox's death.<br />
*This episode is the first time in the series that characters bleed upon receiving damage. As Optimus and Galvatron duel, parts of Unicron's insides take damage, with slightly yellowish-white liquid pouring out. Later, as the Decepticon leader rips a pipe from Unicron's armor to use as a weapon, bright red liquid pours out from where the pipe used to be. Additionally, when Galvatron slices Prime's chest with his wrist blade, his wound is briefly highlighted with bright red.<br />
*That was a strangely heroic sacrifice from Galvatron—''who knew he could be a good guy sometimes?'' More true to his character, his self-sacrifice isn't heroic in the Japanese dub.<br />
*In the second-to-last shot, Prime returns to his original colors but hasn't reclaimed the Matrix, as his Matrix compartment is visibly empty during his transformation.<br />
*This episode marks the last time [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]], [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]], [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]]—if you don't think [[Blurr (Cybertron)|Blurr]] from ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' is the same one—[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]], and [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] appear in the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]].<br />
**This also marks the last time Billy and Fred appear in the Unicron Trilogy, as they don't return in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' nor ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]''{{'}}s final episode. The reason is most likely because, according to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'', the team never planned on making them staple cast members, and they only lasted this long since the team never got around to writing them out.<br />
*Even with Galvatron sacrificing himself to remove evil from the universe, Unicron survived, marking the gateway to ''Energon''.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Since being deactivated, Unicron automatically reverts to planet mode as a defense mechanism.<br />
**Grindor can fly in skateboard mode; "[[Base]]" and "[[Comrade]]" previously alluded to this ability.<br />
**The Mini-Con super weapons seem able to fly, which seems to be a common feature among Mini-Con super weapons/Powerlinxed forms, as seen with the [[Magnawing]] in ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'', the [[Energon Saber]] in ''Energon'', and the [[Umbral Blaster]] in the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act|Cybertron]]'' comic.<br />
**The Mini-Cons tap into the [[Linkage (dimension)|Linkage dimension]] to phase them and the kids through Unicron's armor.<br />
**Galvatron hasn't used his antlers to attack anyone since he went by the name "Megatron" in "[[Swoop (episode)|Swoop]]." They seem to shock opponents too. <br />
**Galvatron uses his wrist blade for the first and last time in this episode, using it twice.<br />
**Optimus has ninja-like reflexes and can tip-toe on thin pipes—''what a badass.''<br />
**Unicron can warp.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*What's with Galvatron saying there can only be one universe ruler throughout the episode? It's like that's the best reason he can come up with for wanting to fight Optimus—granted, he is known to play tricks, but still. ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't mention the supreme commander stuff, so it's a non-issue.<br />
*After tossing out the Matrix before his final battle to the death against Galvatron, Optimus says that he's fighting him as the leader of ''all Transformers''; since when did Optimus Prime have such an uncharacteristic ego? ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this glaring error by having Optimus say, "I am not fighting you as a Commander but as a Transformer called Convoy!" In other words, Prime fights Galvatron, not as the Autobot supreme commander, but as himself.<br />
*Why would Hot Shot announce that it's now time to shift into stealth mode when they are doing the exact opposite the whole battle? Great hypocritically there. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes Hot Shot's line to him ordering everyone to attack Unicron's moving parts, so this is a non-issue.<br />
*Wheeljack tells Hot Shot that Unicron is headed towards Cybertron again, even though the next scene has him transforming into his planet mode. ''Legends of the Microns'' correctly has Wheeljack say that Unicron is changing to his planet mode.<br />
*During the end of their duel, Galvatron strikes a metal pipe in Optimus's back, who tries to pull it out unsuccessfully in a later shot, after which the pipe completely disappears.<br />
<br />
===Transformers references===<br />
*[[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] is visible in the hangar during the raid against Unicron. Because of the unanticipated success of ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'', he and the other ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' remolds were released, but they were unable to receive larger roles in [[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|the show]].<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*The Autobot/Decepticon fighters flying and firing down Unicron's trenches are an obvious nod to ''{{w|Star Wars (film)|Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope}}'s'' [[Death Star]] trench run.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
[[File:Tf ml 01 52 comparison title card.jpg|upright=1.0|thumb|Time for kanji quiz, kids!]]<br />
*The English dub of "Mortal Combat" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 12]], 2003.<br />
*Unlike the previous 51 episodes, the title card in this episode's Japanese airing didn't have the usual alternate-reading {{w|furigana}} over the {{w|kanji}} title as seen on the right.<br />
*This episode has some of the biggest differences in characterization and dialogue between the English and Japanese versions, particularly with Optimus and Galvatron, where the reason they are fighting is practically warped in the former version. Thus, many of their actions can appear unnatural and random compared to the Japanese dub, see above. Whether it's the case of the English dub's rushed schedule or wanting to simplify the themes for English viewers—like in "[[Trust (Armada)|Trust]]"—is still unknown.<br />
*According to the ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'':<br />
**When the team finished making this episode, they all felt a sense of completion, like when Optimus sacrificed himself in "Crisis," and felt this series expanded the Transformers brand into a new direction, with it being slightly different from past iterations. The team also hopes that viewers can think about what they made.<br />
**Optimus and Galvatron's final battle is perhaps the show's crowning achievement, nothing short of spectacular. ''And how!''<br />
***The fact that Optimus fights Galvatron with his fists and ingenuity, while Galvatron uses all the weapons at his disposal and his trump card knife proves Prime is the superior fighter.<br />
**[[Munetaka Abe]]'s primary concern when animating was how to convey emotion with Optimus before the fight since he only has eyes, unlike Galvatron. Abe was also surprised when he heard about Optimus throwing the Matrix away in this episode.<br />
**[[Hidehito Ueda]] thinks "trust" is the keyword of this series, so he wanted Optimus's last message in the episode to convey that and use it as a settlement for not only what Optimus endured throughout the show but what the team experienced while making it.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Unicrons Ende'''" ("Unicron's End")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 16|16 January]] [[2004]]<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''A végső csata'''" ("The Final Battle")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Combate Mortal'''" ("Mortal Combat")<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 13 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Collector's Edition ([[Universal]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Metamorphosis_(Armada)&diff=1673234Metamorphosis (Armada)2023-02-11T15:26:19Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig2|the episode of ''Armada''|the ''Cloud'' story|Metamorphosis (Cloud)}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=2<br />
|prev=First Encounter<br />
|next=Base<br />
|title="Metamorphosis"<br />
|furigana=へんしん<br />
|japanese=擬態<!--metamorphosis--><br />
|romaji=Henshin<br />
|translation=Mimicry: Metamorphosis<br />
|image=Metamorphcontact.JPG<br />
|caption=Grindor phone home<br />
|production code=TF: A-02<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]<br />
|director=[[Takashi Sano]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[August 23]], [[2002]] (English)<br>[[January 17|17 January]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Pursued by the Decepticons, Rad, Carlos, and Alexis find they have allies in the form of Optimus Prime and his Autobots.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Metamorphdeceps.JPG|left|155px|thumb|"Hello, you brats! Welcome to first contact!"<br>"Aw, but I liked "Generations" more..."]]<br />
[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] find that a cave-in has trapped them both underground. Above ground, the fight between [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] continues. [[Rad White|Rad]], [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], and [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] attempt to flee with their new [[Mini-Con]] friend, only to be cut off by two new robots teleporting in: [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]]. As Demolishor reaches for Rad and Carlos, two more robots appear, and the youngsters get surrounded. Alexis begins to lead her friends away, but Starscream spots [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] and moves to grab the Mini-Con. However, [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] blocks him, and the pair grapples. <br />
<br />
Alexis has enough time to spy the Autobot sigil on Hot Shot's shoulder before Rad announces they're heading for the caves. Before Demolishor can make a move to stop them, he's tackled by [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] and repeatedly pummeled so that his optical sensor is damaged. Megatron scornfully calls him "a weakling," but he is knocked down to the ground by Optimus Prime a moment later. Optimus demands that they surrender, but Megatron suddenly disappears, promising he will return. The other two Decepticons quickly retreat via teleport, leaving three surprised Autobots. Optimus tells his troops they must stop Megatron from getting hold of the Mini-Cons. Hot Shot points out the Decepticons are using short-[[Warp gate|warp]] equipment and must have a base nearby, which leads to Red Alert suspecting they're on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]].<br />
<br />
[[File:Metamorphdeceps2.JPG|155px|thumb|"I wasn't sleeping! I was just, errr... resting my eyes! Yeah, that's it."]]<br />
The Decepticons are indeed using the crashed Mini-Con spaceship as a base. The three Decepticons arrive there, waking [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]], who is taking a nap in a hallway. The latter immediately begins fawning over Megatron and is ignored. His inquiry over whether they found the Mini-Cons gets met with glares, and Starscream suggests Megatron could put him in charge of finding them. Megatron agrees but makes the price of failure clear.<br />
<br />
Back in the caves, Rad thinks they're safe, but Alexis is sure the giant robots will come after them, or, more specifically, High Wire. None of the kids can understand High Wire's speech, but they follow the Mini-Con into another chamber, and a door slowly slides closed behind them. Rad and Carlos assure Alexis this is a good thing. The lights come up, and the trio realizes they're standing on the threshold of a spaceship. Rad accesses the ship's computer, letting the kids learn about Megatron and Optimus Prime. Alexis recognizes the Autobot symbol from earlier.<br />
<br />
On the Moon, Megatron stands outside the ship musing over how he will find the Mini-Cons and spies a glint of light on the Moon's surface.<br />
<br />
High Wire goes nuts, much to the confusion of the three children. He opens a wall panel, revealing two [[Mini-Con storage panel]]s, which Alexis and Carlos activate. The panels unveil an [[Sureshock (Armada)|orange she-Mini-Con]] and a [[Grindor (Armada)|blue Mini-Con]], who pair up with Alexis and Carlos, respectively.<br />
<br />
[[File:Metamorphleader1.JPG|left|155px|thumb|Twinkle, twinkle, little star!]]<br />
On the Moon, Megatron has found another storage panel, which he activates to reveal his old Mini-Con [[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]], filling Megatron with evil glee.<br />
<br />
Fred and Billy finally manage to free themselves from the cave, only to panic upon seeing a giant footprint. Underground, Carlos and Alexis let the Mini-Cons scan their skateboard and scooter for alternate modes.<br />
<br />
Back on the Moon, Megatron demands to know why Cyclonus couldn't detect a Mini-Con right under his nose. Cyclonus can offer no excuse, and Starscream's chuckle only enrages the Decepticon leader further. Megatron tells them to witness the power of his Mini-Con, prompting Leader-1 to show his firepower. The two Decepticons are frightened and astonished. Demolishor arrives to report the news that two more Mini-Cons activated on Earth. Megatron puts Cyclonus in charge of the recovery team and gives his troops new [[Alternate mode|alt-modes]] based on Earth vehicles. Starscream transforms into a supersonic fighter jet; Demolishor can become a self-propelled gun; Cyclonus looks like a military helicopter, and Megatron transforms into a tank. They return to Earth. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the three kids have a good time with their new Mini-Con friends; they race on them through a forest, across water, and up a cliff before unexpectedly running right into Megatron and his troops. They try to escape, but the Decepticons surround them, as does Megatron's triumphant laughter. It seems to Rad that they're done for... until a big red-and-blue truck rams Megatron into a rock. Cyclonus and Starscream are so astonished that they remain poised in mid-air instead of doing anything. The truck pulls up by the three kids and asks them to get in; Alexis obliges after recognizing the Autobot symbol on its side. Rad and Carlos are more hesitant until Demolishor looms up behind them. The Decepticon attempts to stop the truck from leaving but gets shot repeatedly in the face and run over. Then a yellow sports car rams him when trying to pursue the truck.<br />
<br />
[[File:Metamorphsuperop.JPG|155px|thumb|"Do you feel your knees trembling? No? You '''will'''."]]<br />
Safely out of danger, the truck lets them out and transforms into robot mode — naturally, it's Optimus Prime. Likewise, Hot Shot and Red Alert appear in vehicle mode and transform into robots. Then the kids observe the oncoming Decepticon forces, and Optimus combines with his trailer to enter [[Super Mode]]. Rad reflects that the Autobots might need his help while on Earth, and the Autobots and Decepticons prepare to battle.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
({{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (4)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (11)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (12)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (3)<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (9)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (10)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (13)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (1)<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (2)<br />
*[[Rad White]] (5)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (6)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (7)<br />
*Truck driver (17)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (8)<br />
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (14)<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (15)<br />
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (16)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"What a weakling."<br />
:—'''Megatron''' is not impressed at Demolishor being taken down by Red Alert.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Hot Shot:''' They're using short-warp equipment, so they must have a base set up somewhere near here.<br><br />
'''Red Alert:''' ''(looking at the Moon)'' They're up there.<br />
:—200,000 miles "near"?!<br />
<br />
<br />
"You had better not. If you do, I'll have you dismantled for scrap. Then I'll launch what's left of you straight into the sun, understand?"<br />
:—'''Megatron''' on what will happen if Cyclonus fails.<br />
<br />
<br />
"So he really is from outer space! I bet he came from some distant galaxy a long time ago to escape those big robots. Maybe they use small robots like him to increase their power or something. His ship must have crash-landed on Earth, and now they've tracked him down."<br><br />
"Wow, you think so?"<br><br />
"That's the only reason I can think of why those big robots would come after him."<br />
:—'''Rad''' comes up with the most far-fetched, unbelievable explanation ever. '''Alexis''' is impressed.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Hey, guess what? He understands me! He does, he really does!"<br><br />
"Are you sure? This one's not reacting to anything I say. Aw, his batteries must be low. Maybe he needs to be recharged or something."<br />
:—'''Alexis''' and '''Carlos''' on meeting their Mini-Cons.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Shut your mouth, you worthless piece of junk!"<br />
:—'''Megatron''' on Cyclonus' failure.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Megatron! Uh... sir? What happened in here?"<br />
:—'''Demolishor''' is surprised at Leader-1's redecorating.<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus and Megatron's face-off scene is silent until Rad's narration, where he says, "Now in retrospect...This is what started everything." In ''Armada'', Rad recaps Megatron and Optimus appearing at the previous episode's end, mentioning that they're "bitter enemies from an ancient time" and how unbeknownst to him and his friends, they'd have an essential role in the Transformers' battle. The track "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Let's Roll Out, Cybertrons!]]" plays during this scene in the Japanese dub, but ''Armada'' plays the Transformers theme.<br />
*Billy asks what's happening outside, thinking there's another earthquake. After Fred starts crying, he tells him to stop since he doesn't want Rad and the others to hear him. ''Armada'' has Billy resign himself and Fred to their fate of being trapped in the cave, and he tells the crying Fred to get a grip.<br />
*In ''Armada'', when the kids and High Wire get surrounded, Carlos says they're in the middle of a showdown but says trying to run is useless in ''Legends of the Microns''. After Hot Shot saves Alexis and High Wire from Starscream, Rad asks if Alexis is alright before saying they should return to the cave.<br />
*''Armada'' has Red Alert express concern for Optimus after the fight. But as is often the case with Autobots in Japanese fiction, they're all business in ''Legends of the Microns''; Prime immediately talks about short-range warp equipment, and Hot Shot notes the Decepticons being unable to build a warp device in such a short time. The brief extension to the conversation in ''Armada'' means Hot Shot gets the equipment line instead.<br />
*The Decepticons' discussion in the Mini-Con ship is entirely different between the two versions: In ''Armada'', Megatron wants to know if Starscream had any luck finding Mini-Cons by scanning the planet. Starscream suggests that Cyclonus would do a better job, prompting the crazy 'copter to take up the task reluctantly. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the exchange is about how Cyclonus fell asleep instead of searching the ship for Mini-Cons. Megatron tells him to get back to work but is ''far'' less threatening about it than in ''Armada'' since the Autobots don't know about the ship yet, and they can afford to take their time as they set it up as their base. The Japanese dub has Starscream telling Cyclonus to wipe some drool off his face and adds a sniffling sound when Cyclonus wipes his face.<br />
*Once they take cover in the caves, the kids worry about the Transformers coming after them in ''Armada'' but want to tell people about them in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then, rather than ask High Wire if the Transformers are after him as she does in ''Armada'', Alexis decides against telling anyone about the Transformers since people would take High Wire away and asks him if "Mini-Con" is his real name. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad translates that High Wire is a Mini-Con and that he leads Rad, Alexis, and Carlos into an elevator in the Mini-Con ship. When Alexis questions why only Rad can understand High Wire, Carlos says that it's maybe because Rad's the one who found High Wire.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad claims High Wire said he and other Mini-Cons escaped from Cybertron four million years ago, and most of the flashback scene is silent. Then Alexis asks Rad if the Mini-Cons left Cybertron to escape war, and Rad tells her High Wire said Cybertron is far from Earth. The kids only learn Megatron and Optimus's names and that Megatron is a villain, and High Wire says they can trust Prime to protect them. They don't discover the Transformers' factions until [[Base|the next episode]].<br />
*As he looks at the Earth, Megatron doesn't vow to find the Mini-Cons in ''Legends of the Microns''; he's cursing Optimus for going there. ''Armada'' Megatron is relatively calm and collected.<br />
*When High Wire goes crazy, Rad translates him as saying he has friends on the ship, and Alexis asks, "Who's calling?" as she and Carlos react to Sureshock and Grindor, making their link with the Mini-Cons more explicit than in ''Armada''.<br />
*When Billy and Fred exit the cave, Billy's "giant footprint" line is absent; he asks what it is instead.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Megatron recognizes Leader-1 when he emerges from his panel, saying that he was formerly his partner in the past. It's less clear in ''Legends of the Microns''; he seems to recognize the Mini-Con, but later episodes imply the Decepticons also make up names for the Mini-Cons when they free them. However, the later episode, "[[Prehistory]]," would confirm Leader-1 was indeed partners with Megatron in the past and that it wasn't an ''Armada'' addition.<br />
*While the kids merely whoop about how awesome their Mini-Cons are in ''Armada'', in ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos shows Grindor his skateboard, already knowing the Mini-Cons can transform. Then Alexis tells Sureshock to scan her razor scooter and expresses distress over Sureshock's alternate mode, presumably referencing that she's turned into a moped instead.<br />
*After Megatron scolds Cyclonus for failing to find Leader-1, and Leader-1 beeps in seeming agreement, Cyclonus asks what the Mini-Con has just said. Most of Megatron's ensuing tirade involves demanding that Cyclonus refer to Leader-1 with the Japanese suffix "sama" to respect his leader's Mini-Con. After Cyclonus asks his question again with the appropriate suffix, Megatron admits he doesn't know what Leader-1 said because he can't understand the Mini-Con either, prompting Starscream's chuckle. ''Armada'' drops all of this, making the scene an extended run of generic threats and insults from Megatron as Cyclonus grovels and makes excuses, making it seem like Starscream is snickering at his pitiful teammate's plight.<br />
*Instead of claiming a demo of Leader-1's power will inspire them to work harder, Megatron says they will operate as planned, although he can't understand Leader-1's speech yet. He later asks Cyclonus if he's ready rather than stating the latter is leading their recovery team.<br />
*In ''Armada'', while looking at the Decepticons' new vehicle modes, Demolishor wonders what Megatron has done, and he claims to have "modified" their alt-modes. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes the dialogue to have Demolishor impressed by the designs instead. Then Megatron says they will scan the vehicles since they're "the strongest military weaponry." Megatron doesn't mention the Mini-Cons increasing their strength in this scene.<br />
*''Armada'' adds Optimus's lines to the otherwise silent scene in ''Legends of the Microns,'' where he scans the semi-truck that becomes his vehicle form.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' changes the children's dialogue during their Mini-Cons' "test drive": Alexis tells Sureshock to go faster. Then Carlos reminds Rad of his previous comment about Alexis not being an excitable type, and Rad says that Alexis is only scary when she focuses on becoming president. After this, Alexis points out the forest ahead.<br />
*When the kids encounter Megatron, Carlos and Rad start screaming during Alexis's close-up in ''Armada'', but the kids all scream after the scene cuts to them and Megatron in the Japanese dub. After landing, Rad says Megatron's name and notes the latter's tank mode after he transforms.<br />
*When Optimus shoots Demolishor in the face while in truck mode, the sound effect differs between versions. In ''Armada'', the missile pod firing sounds like lasers, while it sounds like a real-life gun in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*After Optimus transforms, Rad recognizes him and says his name. Red Alert doesn't have his sirens blaring when he arrives. After Optimus enters Super Mode, he doesn't address High Wire by name and instead says the Autobots will protect them (possibly referring to the Mini-Cons and kids). ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the transformation noise.<br />
*Rad's closing narration is about how the kids were excited as the Autobots surrounded them rather than scared. ''Armada'' takes a lighthearted approach as Rad says he's ready to return the favor and help the Autobots after they save the kids again.<br />
*Red Alert tells Hot Shot not to get scared on him, to which Hot Shot asks if old-timer Red Alert's lower back is alright.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*The kids are missing from the previous episode's closing shot of Megatron and Optimus during the opening.<br />
*The whites of Carlos's eyes appear multiple times throughout the episode.<br />
*Megatron and Alexis refer to Mini-Cons as plural, although High Wire is the only one seen at that point. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes it to the singular form.<br />
*When the Autobots and Decepticons surround the kids early on, Alexis says, "Come on, follow me," but High Wire is the only one who responds and follows. ''Legends of the Microns'' explains this with Alexis referring to High Wire specifically.<br />
*Starscream's head is miscolored red when he, Megatron, and Demolishor materialize in the warp gate.<br />
*When Megatron allows Cyclonus to try finding the Mini-Cons' location and threatens him with what will happen should he fail, Megatron's mouth stays shut the entire time he speaks.<br />
*After Megatron threatens him, Cyclonus's hand changes color from its usual dark gray to the same yellow as his forearms and hips. The top half of his chest changes to dark gray, like the lower half when he wipes his face.<br />
*The close-ups of Hot Shot and Prime's Autobot symbols look pixelated.<br />
*When looking at Optimus's hologram in the Mini-Con ship, Alexis looks angry despite saying he tried to help High Wire and the kids. ''Legends of the Microns'' explains that Alexis assumes Optimus is a baddie like Megatron before Rad translates for High Wire and corrects her, saying that Prime is on their side.<br />
*Grindor immediately appears in his alternate colors after scanning Carlos's skateboard.<br />
*When Megatron turns after the kids fly past him, the colors of his eye and its surrounding area are reversed, with his eye appearing black and around it red.<br />
*Megatron's first on-screen transformation includes different animation hiccups: The animation of his arms folding into his shoulders is layered incorrectly; The arms appear to fold on top of his shoulders rather than inside them; Then, as his animation model then moves his upper half outside the camera, his lower body is placed too low in the frame, showing that it's not attached to anything; lastly when his legs fold up, his crotch disappears for one frame.<br />
**For some reason, David Kaye says, "Transform! ''Vehicle mode''!" even though the second part of the line is pointless. Megatron only says, "Transform!" in the Japanese dub.<br />
*After Rad sees the rest of the Decepticons transform, he jumps the gun and says the kids are surrounded moments before it happens. This mistake is fixed in ''Legends of the Microns'' as Rad exclaims in shock at the sight of the Decepticons transforming and says, "We're surrounded!" at the proper time.<br />
*As the Decepticons surround the kids, Grindor is colored all blue, missing his yellow markings.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus's truck horn isn't heard before he rams into Megatron.<br />
*During the shot of Carlos, Grindor, Rad, and High Wire comically running toward the screen, Carlos's mouth doesn't move when he says, "Run for it!" The boys only scream like maniacs in the Japanese dub.<br />
**In the same shot, High Wire's two bottom tires are miscolored.<br />
*Grindor and Sureshock are off-model when exiting Prime's cab.<br />
*Optimus's faceplate is briefly miscolored yellow during his Super Mode [[Stock footage|transformation sequence]]. This mistake will occur throughout the series.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*Grindor and Sureshock debut in this episode and gain their alt-modes, rounding out the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]].<br />
*Cyclonus, Starscream, Demolishor, Red Alert, and Hot Shot debut in their Cybertronian and alternate Earth modes.<br />
*Megatron and Optimus Prime gain their alt modes.<br />
*Starscream reaches for Alexis and High Wire when he tries to grab the Mini-Con and appears beside Alexis when the Decepticons surround the kids and their Mini-Cons. These moments can come across as nothing but might foreshadow what happens between the girl and Decepticon in future episodes.<br />
*The Decepticons warp to their base for the first time.<br />
*The Decepticon [[Lunar Base (Armada)|Lunar Base]] debuts in this episode.<br />
*This episode marks the beginning of the running gag of Cyclonus falling asleep, especially at inconvenient times on the job.<br />
*Megatron reunites with his old partner Mini-Con, Leader-1.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Alexis refers to the female Sureshock as male. Then again, she doesn't indicate understanding anything Sureshock says either, so it's not surprising she has no indication.<br />
*The so-called "giant footprint" that Fred and Billy find is the imprint of Megatron's back from when Optimus pins him down.<br />
*After activating Leader-1, Megatron states that Leader-1 is his old Mini-Con partner. Optimus Prime says something similar upon activating Sparkplug in the episode "[[Comrade]]."<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**When Starscream first appears, he shows an ability akin to heat vision to detect Mini-Cons amongst humans on the battlefield, accompanied by retracting eyelids. After obtaining his new Earth alt-mode, he never shows this skill again for the rest of the series.<br />
**This episode is the last time Mini-Cons awaken in their Cybertronian forms and scan Earth-based alternate modes. The ones that transform into minimized Earth vehicles have those modes applied upon awakening in future episodes.<br />
**High Wire, Sureshock, and Grindor can cross water in their alt-modes in this episode, but we never see them do it again.<br />
**Sureshock and Grindor establish a psychic link by touching fingers with Carlos and Alexis; this allows them to understand the Mini-Con binary language, a supposedly present feature among all Mini-Cons.<br />
***However, ''Armada'' doesn't explore this ''nearly'' as well as ''Legends of the Microns'' or the ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'' comics—see below for a more in-depth explanation.<br />
**Megatron shows off his ability to ''forcefully'' activate Mini-Con panels by firing an energy beam from his antlers for the first time.<br />
***In later ''Legends of the Microns'' episodes, this supposedly has the same effect as the Mini-Cons scanning their [[Bulk]]'s image.<br />
**Much like the Mini-Cons, Optimus Prime can scan an alternate form without the aid of a ship computer or a [[stasis pod]].<br />
**Leader-1's chest panel with his Mini-Con insignia can flip around to reveal some energy weapon capable of firing fairly powerful beams. This ability is used quite frequently throughout the series.<br />
**Optimus Prime deploys his missile pod from his trailer for the first time while trying to remove Demolishor's grip from his grill.<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Optimus combines with his trailer to enter [[Super Mode]] for the first time.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*Rad notes that Megatron and Optimus are "bitter enemies from an ancient time" in his opening narration, but he can't possibly know that at that point unless he's psychic.<br />
*Red Alert immediately figures the Decepticon base is on the Moon, which is a ''huge'' continuity error since the Autobots' lack of knowledge about the villains' base location factors into the plot several times later. It's not an issue in ''Legends of the Microns'' since our heroes don't know where the Decepticons have gone.<br />
*The reason Cyclonus doesn't appear with the other Decepticons on Earth in the opening fight goes unexplained. According to the Japanese dub, he was tasked to search the ship for Mini-Cons but fell asleep instead.<br />
*Like in the previous episode's Japanese version, Rad can consistently translate for High Wire, but he can't in ''Armada'' since the English dub is anything ''but'' consistent. Maybe it's just padding, but despite initially speaking for High Wire, Rad starts guessing stuff, making massive leaps of logic, and reading from another source, including the Mini-Cons' history, who are the Autobots and Decepticons, and why they want the Mini-Cons. This continuity error extends to the other kids too. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis is surprised at understanding Sureshock, but she's amazed at ''Sureshock'' understanding ''her'' in ''Armada''. Meanwhile, Carlos complains that Grindor is ''not'' reacting to ''him'' in ''Armada'', but in ''Legends of the Microns'', he repeats what Grindor just told him: the Mini-Cons have been waiting four million years for the kids to arrive. This cryptic remark sets up a vital plot element explained near the end of the series.<br />
*Megatron claims to have "altered" the Decepticons' vehicle modes though Optimus scanning his truck form afterward renders this detail pointless. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects it to Megatron telling the others that they'll scan Earth military vehicles for their new alt-modes.<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*Leader-1 is named after [[Leader-1 (GoBots)|Leader-1]], leader of the [[Guardian (GoBots)|Guardians]] from the [[GoBots|''GoBots'' cartoon and toyline]].<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*The kanji 擬態 would usually be pronounced as "''gitai''," while "''henshin''" is the kanji 変身.<br />
*Pre-Earth mode Optimus stands on a ledge as a truck passes below. When he's finished scanning, the truck passes by, and we cut back to Optimus, already in his truck alt-mode. [[Transformers (film)|You will see this again.]]<br />
*Demolishor's eye [[Humanization#Crying|tears up]] a little bit in true anime-like fashion as he struggles to hold back truck-mode Optimus.<br />
*This episode is the first one after "First Encounter" without the [[title sequence]].<br />
**However, it's the first to have it in the Japanese dub before the opening song.<br />
*According to ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'', the truck driver is reportedly an aged-up version of Billy's model.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Transformation!'''" ("Transformation!")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 2|2 December]] [[2003]]<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Átalakulás'''" ("Transformation")<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Polish'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Przemiana'''" ("Metamorphosis")<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Metamorfose'''" ("Metamorphosis")<br />
<br />
<br />
'''French'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Métamorphoses'''" ("Metamorphoses")<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''변신하는 초로봇 생명체'''" ("Transforming First Robots Living Beings")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 1 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:01 ([[Universal]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Best Battles ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One (Rhino Entertainment)<br><br />
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume 1 ([[TFou Vidéo]]) — French audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Triple Collection (Universal)<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Bumper Double DVD Collection (Universal)<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One (Shout! Factory)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Palace&diff=1670616Palace2023-02-03T15:00:53Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=8<br />
|prev=Carnival<br />
|next=Confrontation (episode)<br />
|title="Palace"<br />
|furigana=たから<br />
|japanese=神殿<!--palace--><br />
|romaji=Takara<br />
|translation=Temple: Treasure<br />
|image=Palace-Stone Panel.jpg<br />
|caption=Not this world's Keyhole.<br />
|production code=TF: A-08<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]<br />
|director=[[Takashi Sano]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[October 18]], [[2002]] (English)<br>[[February 28|28 February]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''The Autobots detect a Mini-Con in the desert, but its panel is hidden away in a strange temple underground...'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Palace-Minicon Panel.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Arabian Nights]]<br />
After Rad narrates an old tale, the [[Decepticon]]s have arrived in the [[Sahara|Sahara Desert]] to attempt to locate a Mini-Con. [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] lays in ambush and fires on a passing helicopter, which turns out to be an indignant [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]], who reports no success in finding the [[Mini-Con]]. After complaining about the ubiquitous sand, Cyclonus takes off again, and the wash from his rotors covers Demolishor with sand. The tank Decepticon is further annoyed when the ground begins falling away.<br />
<br />
The Mini-Con alarm also sends the [[Autobot]]s and their three human friends to the desert, where [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] immediately discovers his tires don't get much in the way of traction. They prepare to search the desert on foot, but before they get the chance, Demolishor strikes them. While the kids and their Mini-Cons scatter, the Autobots take cover and attempt to locate the weapons fire source. Hot Shot combines with [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] to try returning fire and almost gets blasted, but [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus]] knocks him out of the way. <br />
<br />
[[File:Palace-Exploring.jpg|200px|thumb|Strangers in the night...]]<br />
[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] spots Demolishor, but before the three kids can execute a diversion, the panicked Decepticon begins sinking into the sand. As [[Rad White|Rad]] shouts a warning, [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] also falls into the growing hole, and [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] grabs him. Demolishor calls out to [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] while disappearing beneath the sand and, on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] reports the SOS to their leader. The kids all begin sinking into the pit too, and Rad releases [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] to get help.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the Autobots realize the kids are missing and begin looking for them. They quickly locate Laserbeak in the sand, but their search is interrupted by Megatron, Cyclonus, and Starscream's arrival.<br />
<br />
The kids recover to find themselves in a mysterious, ruined ancient palace in a cavern beneath the desert. They explore to find a way out and see the Mini-Con [[Insignia|symbol]] carved into a ceiling. After discussing what it might mean, Alexis, warns the others to watch out for Decepticons, who'll also be hunting for the Mini-Con.<br />
<br />
The Autobots and Decepticons fight topside. Megatron enquires what they've done with Demolishor, but Optimus naturally doesn't know.<br />
<br />
[[File:Palace-Security Eyes.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Uhmm... Want some Clear Eyes?]]<br />
In the ruin, Carlos sees a glowing eye symbol appearing on the wall and believes he sees things. He joins his friends only to see a couple of dozen glowing red eye symbols floating in the air ahead of them. They find themselves surrounded by terrible metal spider-like creatures. The kids are within a fraction of death, but Demolishor isn't far from them and, hearing their cries, begins breaking through walls to find them. He soon locates the kids and their Mini-Cons, but Demolishor is promptly attacked by the mechanical spiders, unwittingly saving Rad and his friends.<br />
<br />
Above ground, the battle continues, and Megatron wonders again where Demolishor is.<br />
<br />
[[File:Palace-Reeeeeaaaach!.jpg|200px|thumb|You don't wanna know what's going on below.]]<br />
While Demolishor deals with the spider robots, the kids go farther and arrive in a grand throne room. They stumble on a vast statue-lined chamber; at the end of it is the [[Mini-Con storage panel]] for which they've been searching. After admiring the sight for some time, Carlos steps forward and triggers a trap, and Rad has to save him from a colossal falling boulder. Demolishor appears, having disposed of the mechanical spiders and heads for the Mini-Con panel. As the kids move to stop him, the floor begins caving in, cutting them off from the Decepticon and panel. Demolishor clings to the side, climbing back up and running along the floor as it collapses behind him. The statues begin firing energy pulses at him to add to his troubles. The three Street Action Mini-Cons combine into [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] to save Rad and Carlos from another falling boulder. Finally, Demolishor can grab the Mini-Con and begins making for the surface in tank mode.<br />
<br />
[[File:Hotshotarmada.jpg|left|thumb]]<br />
Above, the warring Transformers are startled when the ground begins falling away. Demolishor climbs out of the growing pit to report success in obtaining the Mini-Con. As Hot Shot jumps into the hole, Demolishor activates the new Mini-Con, [[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]], and begins firing on the Autobots. Megatron orders a withdrawal as they've obtained the Mini-Con, and the Decepticons teleport away. Hot Shot soon emerges from the sand carrying Perceptor and the kids. <br />
<br />
Back on the Moon, Megatron demands that Demolishor hand over the Mini-Con to him as punishment for disobeying his orders to only stand lookout in the desert. The Decepticon objects, but Megatron forces him to obey. Starscream witnesses the scene, lacking his usual fiendish delight; though he's not a friend of Demolishor, he understands that Megatron treats him unjustly.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (8)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (9)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (10)<br />
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (17)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (2)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (4)<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (15)<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (16)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Rad White]] (5)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (6)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (7)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (1)<br />
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (11)<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (12)<br />
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (13)<br />
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (14)<br />
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (18)<br />
*[[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]] (19)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
[[File:Palace-Dusty Demolishor.jpg|200px|thumb|Wait, but aren't you a desert tank?]]<br />
"I tell ya, I got sand in my mouth, sand in my joints; I even have sand in places I'd rather not mention, but no Mini-"<br><br />
"Well, keep looking!"<br />
:—'''Cyclonus''' and '''Demolishor''' hate sand.<br />
<br />
<br />
"You think any mole-like dudes live down here?"<br><br />
"Boy, Carlos, with your imagination, you should write comic books. You are one strange guy."<br />
:—'''Carlos''' and '''Rad''' explore the ruined palace.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[File:Palace-Demolishor smug.jpg|200px|thumb]]<br />
"Hey you, what have you done with the humans?"<br><br />
"I ate them. And they were quite tasty, too."<br />
:—'''Hot Shot''' talks about the kids, but '''Demolishor''' is only concerned with food.<br />
<br />
<br />
"But that isn't fair, sir!"<br><br />
"Not fair? Why I'll show you what's not fair."<br><br />
"Well, actually sir, you really don't have to."<br><br />
"No no no, really, I insist. I said I was going to show you what's not fair and so I shall show you what's not fair. Why don't you come a little closer, Demolishor, so I can give you a hands-on demonstration, [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|yesss]]."<br />
:—'''Demolishor''' and '''Megatron'''.<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*There's a ''lot'' of silence in this episode's Japanese version, from un-narrated flashbacks to long pans of desert sands, to characters wandering through hallways and staring into the distance. ''Armada'' is determined to fill as much of it as possible with noise, whether it's the transformation noise; narration from Rad; characters grunting, gasping, growling, laughing under their breath, or making the dreaded "uh?" sound.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', the desert is never identified as the Sahara. The aesthetics of the flashbacks would instead seem to indicate that it takes place in the {{w|Arabian Desert}}... but given that the jackal statues in the palace seem to be based on the Egyptian god Anubis, it's likely that precise historical accuracy wasn't much of a consideration.<br />
*It's silent until Cyclonus transforms in ''Legends of the Microns''. ''Armada'' adds narration from Rad over the "prologue" segment, talking about the Mini-Con panel's history and the legend surrounding it (the Japanese dub never suggests that it's a known story), then some filler dialogue from Demolishor about "spotting a bogey" (the incoming Cyclonus).<br />
*While ''Armada'' has Cyclonus complaining about the sand (quoted above), he's complaining about being on the job alone and angrily suggests Demolishor should also be searching in ''Legends of the Microns''. Demolishor snaps back that Megatron ordered him to stand lookout, but ''Armada'' turns it into Demolishor demanding that Cyclonus return to work.<br />
*As the kids suit up and the Autobots warp out, the Japanese dub has Carlos give the opening narration, noting that although the kids know it's for a serious matter, it's something they plan on enjoying. ''Armada'' adds short lines to Hot Shot and Red Alert to fill in the Japanese version's silence. ''Legends of the Microns'' plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Lets Roll Out, Cybertrons!]]" during the sequence. ''Armada'' has the insert Transformers theme seamlessly flow into the [[Commercial bumper#Armada|opening bumper]], as Carlos laughs annoyingly during the last few seconds before it.<br />
*When Hot Shot gets stuck in the sand upon arrival in the desert, the tone of his exchange with Carlos is a little different between dubs: In ''Armada'', Carlos sarcastically informs him that he'll never get out of the sand in vehicle mode, so Hot Shot transforms, thanking him for the advice. However, in ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos notes exasperatedly that the kids ''already told'' Hot Shot that he couldn't travel over the sand in vehicle mode, and Hot Shot responds with a sarcastic "Know-it-all" harrumph. Hot Shot's reluctance to take their advice prompts Optimus to make his speech about listening to the kids, who know more about Earth than the Transformers do, making the children their ''sempai'' (mentors).<br />
*After Hot Shot complains about where they should look for the Mini-Con, Red Alert says, "More than likely we ''don't'' know where to look." He talks about setting up a grid system in ''Armada''.<br />
*The Japanese version removes the kids screaming as Demolishor's shots go over the team's heads. Demolishor later says the Autobots took off rather than saying that he missed them.<br />
*In ''Armada'', as the Autobots take cover after Demolishor's opening shots, Red Alert says he doesn't detect any Decepticons, and Hot Shot pointlessly says that they should keep their heads down. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes Red's line, and Hot Shot asks about the shots' origin instead. Then Rad doesn't speak until he turns to the camera in the Japanese dub, and Carlos acknowledges Rad's idea. Carlos quips about "kicking some 'bot butt" in ''Armada''.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Hot Shot guesses Demolishor to be the one shooting at the Autobots, and Optimus tells him to pipe down unless he wants Demolishor to lock on to them. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this slightly, so the dialogue makes sense as Hot Shot wants the Autobots to attack, but Optimus tells him to stay down instead of keeping quiet.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' removes Hot Shot saying, "Holy cow!" when Demolishor fires at him and changes his following line about Demolishor having the Autobots pinned down to "No way we can easily see each other."<br />
*As the kids sneak around to Demolishor's side, Rad's dialogue in ''Legends of the Microns'' suggests they will somehow attack him. Alexis is wary of the kids going ahead, but the eager Carlos says they should go. ''Armada'' changes Rad's lines to the kids suggesting they catch Demolishor's attention with a distraction, and Alexis agrees with Rad instead of being nervous.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Demolishor laughs while shooting at the Autobots and exclaims as the sand gives way beneath him. He is silent during the scene in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' changes the tone of Carlos's response to Rad just before he nearly falls into the sandpit from casual to cautious and removes Rad's line about the dune sinking into a pit.<br />
*When Demolishor sinks into the sand, his cry for Megatron to save him is a plea bellowed to the heavens. ''Armada'' reframes it as a literal SOS message he transmits to the Decepticon base, where Starscream informs Megatron of it. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream reports they've "lost contact" with Demolishor, not that they've ''received'' a message.<br />
*Similarly, as the kids sink with Demolishor in ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad calls for Optimus to save them before sending Laserbeak to get him. He addresses Laserbeak instead in ''Armada''. After the sandpit closes, ''Legends of the Microns'' removes some lines added to ''Armada'', like Optimus saying the Autobots should wait to be sure, Hot Shot being sick of waiting, and Prime saying that he has a bad feeling.<br />
*After finding Laserbeak in the sand, ''Armada'' has Optimus asking Hot Shot what's wrong and the latter saying that it doesn't look good; ''Legends of the Microns'' removes these lines and only has Prime referring to Hot Shot. Hot Shot's line about the kids being in trouble is changed in the Japanese dub to him only saying Carlos's name.<br />
*After waking underground, Carlos asks where they are, with his pyramid line removed, and Rad asks the same question after speaking to Alexis.<br />
*When the Decepticons appear, Starscream gives a slightly exaggerated chortle; he's silent like Megatron in the Japanese dub. Optimus says Megatron's name as the shot finishes panning from Starscream to the Decepticon leader; ''Armada'' has Prime say the snarkier, "Megatron, what an unpleasant surprise." Then he declares the Autobots have no choice but to delay searching for the missing humans until later, and Hot Shot (via internal monologue) hopes the kids (''sempai'') will stay safe until then.<br />
*Like the episode's opening, the first minute or so after the mid-episode commercial bumper is silent in ''Legends of the Microns,'' wordlessly continuing the story from the prologue. However, ''Armada'' features a pointless, filler narration from Rad, mainly dedicated to recapping the episode's first half and unrelated to the actual animation.<br />
*As the kids walk through the pyramid, Carlos and Rad are in awe of it in ''Legends of the Microns''. Rad recognizes it as a shrine's base, and Carlos wonders if it was initially built underground. Alexis explains it was likely buried because of the desert's shifting sands like the Sphinx, prompting Carlos to compliment her intelligence as something he'd expect from a future President. ''Armada'' warps this into more irrelevant jargon as Carlos says the place creeps him out and wonders if "mole-like dudes" live in this underground city. Rad says the feeling is mutual and tells Carlos he is a "strange guy" who should use his imagination to "write comic books." Then Alexis chips in by mocking the two "men" for hanging back and being scared while a "woman" takes the lead, resulting in Carlos angrily responding that he isn't scared of anything. What''ever, Armada.'' This trend continues into the following exchange in ''Armada'', where Carlos mocks Alexis for acting like "an archaeologist," delivering his "Harrison Ford" joke before Rad tells him to knock it off. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos only agrees with her again, complimenting her knowledge, and Rad says the Mini-Con may be "happy to be found again."<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', the "shrine" was built to "worship" the Mini-Con panel, but in ''Armada'', the "palace" was made to "honor" the Mini-Con panel. Subtle, but...yeah. Alexis later refers to multiple Decepticons looking for the panel in ''Armada'' but singles out Demploishor since he's underground with them in the Japanese dub.<br />
*After the glowing eye appears on the wall and vanishes, ''Legends of the Microns'' slightly edits Carlos's lines. Carlos says seeing the eye was just his imagination, and he must've been startled. He asks Rad and Alexis if they feel the same, and while the kids see the multiple floating eyes, ''Legends of the Microns'' removes his line of begging Rad and Alexis to tell him that he isn't imagining things. Then ''Legends of the Microns'' extends the children's screaming so that it flows naturally into the scene of Demolishor wondering what he just heard. He asks what's happening while demanding whoever is there to speak up in ''Armada''.<br />
*''Armada'' has Rad state the obvious about the kids now having company before comically resigning himself to his doomed fate. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Rad asking what the spider bots are and saying there're too many of them. The kids are silent as the bot's leg comes down.<br />
*Before leaving Demolishor in ''Armada'', Carlos says to him, "Hope you're not afraid of spiders!" before Demolishor demands the kids return. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad says they should use the 'Con's appearance to make a run for it. Then Carlos says, "We'll leave the rest to you from this point on, Ironhide!" and Demolishor tells Carlos not to mock him.<br />
*Cutting back to the fight above-ground, ''Armada'' plays the insert Transformers tune, but ''Legends of the Microns'' plays "Charge!". Megatron asking about Demolishor at the end of the scene is a shout to the heavens in the Japanese dub but is a somewhat average yell in ''Armada''.<br />
*''Armada'' adds even more narration from Rad to the extended scene that slowly pans across the statues and reveals the Mini-Con panel, which is silent in ''Legends of the Microns.'' This time, he describes what the animation is already showing. After Carlos triggers the boobytrap, Alexis asks what's happening instead of expecting more trouble.<br />
*Demolishor comments on how disposing of the spider bots was a handful instead of inquiring about the Mini-Con as he does in ''Armada''.<br />
*When Demolishor passes the children towards the Mini-Con, Carlos tells him to back off before going after him in ''Armada''. Carlos only says, "Not good!" in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Instead of telling Demolishor to quit "blubbering," Megatron praises the soldier for finding the Mini-Con.<br />
*After Hot Shot asks Demolishor what's happened to the kids, ''Armada'' has him utter perhaps one of his most famous lines (quoted above). In ''Legends of the Microns,'' he merely retorts, "Like I care?!" and returns to extolling the Mini-Con panel's importance.<br />
*When Demolishor opens fire after combining with Bonecrusher, his gun fingers make rapid laser noises in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' uses a sound effect closer to a standard machine gun.<br />
*Rather than "getting caught up in all of the excitement" as he does in ''Armada'', Demolishor blames an insufficient targeting adjustment for his aiming.<br />
*Red Alert remembers the kids after the Decepticons retreat in ''Armada''; in ''Legends of the Microns'', he refers to Hot Shot.<br />
*''Armada'' features more narration from Rad in the end. ''Legends of the Microns'' has narration from Carlos. He says the unconscious kids later awoke in their beds back at base; the Autobots were worried about them; they also lost the Mini-Con, so the whole experience was a downer, closing out his initial monologue on a depressing note.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Megatron extends his hand and demands Demolishor to hand over the Mini-Con before calling the latter a "spoiled bot" and demanding the Mini-Con again. Demolishor states being under the impression that the Mini-Con is now his, but Megatron berates him for disobeying a direct order and leaving his post, which is why the Mini-Con is ''his'' now. Demolishor says it's not fair, irritating Megatron, who insists on showing him what's unfair and tells a now-reluctant Demolishor to come closer for "a hands-on demonstration," much to Starscream's delight. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the scene's tone is the same but with slightly different dialogue. Megatron doesn't speak until the shot of him and Demolishor, asking the latter what he's so surprised about before demanding the Mini-Con. Demolishor begins mumbling in protest, but Megatron cuts him off with "No, ifs, ands, or buts!" before telling him off about leaving his post. Then Demolishor answers, "How can this be?" Now aggravated, Megatron asks Demolishor if he's unhappy about something and tells Demolishor to approach him if there is. The now-scared Demolishor tries to back out and tells Megatron he's not upset about anything, but Megatron insists that Demolishor come to him, so Demolishor gives in and complies. Demolishor continues babbling as Megatron laughs during the final shot in ''Armada'', but ''Legends of the Microns'' closes out with only Megatron's laughter.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*When Hot Shot calls for Jolt to Powerlinx with him, he refers to him as "Grindor," Carlos's partner Mini-Con. This mistake is ''Armada''-exclusive.<br />
*The shots Demolishor fires at the Autobots right before the sand gives way underneath him are Autobot-red instead of Decepticon-purple.<br />
*Just before Demolishor sinks into the sand, and while he sinks, he strangely sounds like Cyclonus. This mistake happens again when Demolishor laughs after grabbing the Mini-Con panel. He doesn't have Cyclonus's voice in the Japanese dub.<br />
*In the shot of Red Alert, Optimus, and Hot Shot, after finding Laserbeak in the sand, Hot Shot's right leg is miscolored light gray.<br />
*Upon awakening underground, Alexis asks where ''she'' is, as if she's alone when she isn't. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it so that Alexis realizes she and the others are alive.<br />
*When the Autobots are under fire from Cyclonus, the Autobot insignia on Red Alert's chest is miscolored as a white pentagon with a black outline.<br />
*Alexis tells the boys to look out for any Decepticons since they're also searching for the Mini-Con, and when Rad says, "We'll beat'em," his neutral tone doesn't match his facial expression. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Alexis tell Rad that he's right since ''Demolishor'' is somewhere nearby too, and they have to find the panel before he does. Now more in line with his animation, Rad excitedly says, "Okay, let's go!"<br />
*In the scene where Megatron threatens to "send Optimus to the scrapheap," Megatron's face looks like a jumbled off-model mess.<br />
*When Demolishor bursts through the wall, unwittingly "saving" the kids, Carlos's line about him seems incomplete or cut short as Rad immediately speaks after him abruptly. Carlos says Demolishor "saved" them in the Japanese dub without interruption.<br />
*The outline for Demolishor's right eye is colored tan like his face instead of black before Bonecrusher awakens. It suddenly corrects itself after the Mini-Con appears in the same shot.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*This episode makes Bonecrusher ''technically'' Demolishor's "true" Mini-Con partner in the cartoon. As Megatron is who activated Blackout back in the episode "[[Base]]," this would mean that he is only Demolishor's Mini-Con partner by association.<br />
**However, this doesn't seem to hold up later in the series as Megatron confiscates Bonecrusher from Demolishor at the end of this episode; Blackout is the one Demolishor partners with often, and he even gains the color-changing upgrade later in the series.<br />
**The ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'' comics (set in the same continuity as ''Legends of the Microns'') would later establish the "[[Servility Program]]," a program that all Mini-Cons have preinstalled, which bonds them with a Bulk. It's activated by either a Bulk waking them from their panels or when they [[Powerlinx]] with a Bulk. Blackout never once Powerlinx with Demolishor in the cartoon or any supporting fiction, meaning Blackout is ''still'' Megatron's Mini-Con.<br />
**''Legends of the Microns'' shows Demolishor christening the Mini-Con ("Bomb," as he's known in Japan) ''before'' activating his panel and releasing him. It's still unclear at this point if the Mini-Cons already have names that the 'bots learn upon bonding with them or if they're given to them by the 'bots who activate their panels. However, Megatron seemingly recognized Leader-1 by name in "[[Metamorphosis (Armada)|Metamorphosis]]," and referred to Blackout by name ''before'' activating his panel in the Japanese version of "Base."<br />
*This is the first episode to focus on Demolishor.<br />
*The Japanese dub provides some educational content about the desert and how things built above the sand can end up beneath it, much like how "[[Jungle]]" explained illegal logging and global warming.<br />
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' explains that the hidden temple and the fact that it houses a Mini-Con connects directly to "[[Ruin]]," as the later episode explains how and why the pair of vestiges contained the panels more in-depth.<br />
*Going by how the Japanese dub regards the children as the Transformers' ''sempai'', future episodes will show they won't be Hot Shot's only mentors for long.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Blackout sits behind Demolishor's turret; this is the only instance where the cartoon displays this function from the toy.<br />
**Starscream fires lasers from his chest again, but the lasers come from further down this time. His cockpit fins even fold down out of the way of the lasers.<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Hot Shot Powerlinx with Jolt in robot mode.<br />
**Demolishor Powerlinx with Bonecrusher for the first time, increasing the strength of his Finger Cannons.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*The Japanese dub sets up the final scene's gag between Demolishor and Megatron early as Demolishor affirms to Cyclonus that his job is to stand lookout via Megatron's orders. However, ''Armada'' changes Demolishor's line to him telling Cyclonus to return to work, doing away with the setup, so the ending between him and Megatron doesn't feel as natural as it does in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*In his brief monologue early on, Carlos explains the alarm sounding means a Mini-Con has been detected, though we already know that. He doesn't say this in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*After the rest of the Decepticons show up, how can Optimus be thinking about delaying finding the Mini-Con when he was troubled about the missing kids only moments before? On top of that, Hot Shot only thinks about how beating the Decepticons will be simple after worrying about the children a while ago, like Optimus. They appropriately think about the kids in the Japanese dub.<br />
*How can Demolishor end up with a spider bot on his back after busting through the wall behind it? It'd make sense if it fell from the ceiling, but the spider bot was already on the floor, so yeah.<br />
*When Demolishor spots the Mini-Con panel, he says, "My own Mini-Con," which is nonsense since he already has one. Demolishor only calls it a panel in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*For some reason, Starscream tells Megatron to move back from the sandpit, but wouldn't Starscream want to do Megatron in for treating him poorly? He apprehensively only notes the sand in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Rad's ending narration in ''Armada'' is about how the Autobots always care about the children's wellbeing, even in the heat of battle, whether or not they get the Mini-Con, which is bogus since the kids flew solo for most of the episode and the Autobots were busy fighting the Decepticons. Also, why does Rad give the closing monologue when the only kid that any shot during it focuses on is Carlos? ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects these errors as Carlos provides a more fitting narration in the Japanese dub, stating the Autobots were worried about the kids.<br />
<br />
===Transformers references===<br />
*[[David Kaye]] managed to fit a nice long "yes" into the last scene, a staple from his [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|''Beast Wars'' Megatron]].<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
[[File:Palace-Treasure.jpg|200px|thumb|"That belongs in a museum!"]]<br />
*Optimus saying, "I have a bad feeling about this," could be an homage to ''{{w|Star Wars}}'' media as many characters say that line either before something bad happens or something makes matters worse.<br />
*When Carlos worries about "mole-like dudes" in the temple, he references the urban legend about {{w|Mole people}}.<br />
*While joking about archaeology, Carlos refers to [[Harrison Ford]] "swinging out of the wall on a vine," alluding to Ford's famous film character, [[Indiana Jones]].<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*The kanji 神殿 would usually be pronounced as "''shinden''," while "''takara''" is used for the kanji 宝, 財, 貨, 寳, or 寶 (宝 is the most commonly used one).<br />
*This episode is noticeably ''very'' high quality in the animation department, especially compared to the three episodes before it.<br />
*According to ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'', the heart carving above the temple archway mimics the Mini-Con storage panel sigil.<br />
*This episode's Japanese dub reveals the kids have beds in the Autobot base, which the series never shows.<br />
*This episode's English dub possibly has the most narration for any episode in the series: four from Rad and one by Carlos, a total of ''five'', with one part near the middle being almost a ''minute'' long. Perhaps even "[[Rebellion (Armada)|Rebellion]]" doesn't have as much redundant monologuing as this one.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Sivatagi palota'''" ("Desert Palace")<br />
<br />
'''Polish'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Pałac'''" ("Palace")<br />
<br />
'''French'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Le temple'''" ("The Temple")<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''사막속의 신전'''" ("Temple in the Desert")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Palácio'''" ("Palace")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 2 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume 2 ([[TFou Vidéo]]) — French audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:03 ([[Universal]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Triple Collection (Universal)<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Sacrifice&diff=1670122Sacrifice2023-02-01T23:33:25Z<p>Starzone: /* Differences with Legends of the Microns */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Picsneeded}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=33<br />
|prev=Past II<br />
|next=Regeneration (Armada)<br />
|title="Sacrifice"<br />
|furigana=すていし<br />
|japanese=犠牲<!--sacrifice--><br />
|romaji=Suteishi<br />
|translation=Scapegoat: Sacrificed Stone<br />
|image=sacrifice.jpg<br />
|caption=<br />
|production code=TF: A-33<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]<br />
|director=[[Shigeki Hatakeyama]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[April 12]], [[2003]] (English)<br>[[August 22|22 August]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Megatron sends Starscream on a suicide mission and an Autobot falls in battle.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
On the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] discuss the necessary tactics needed for the [[Decepticon]]s to obtain the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]. Megatron agrees to give up the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] for the time, but only on the condition that Thrust's plan is effective, or else Thrust will pay.<br />
<br />
[[File:Autobot_stealth_sacrifice.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Has it occurred to them that if they want to hide, they might be slightly less visible in vehicle mode?]]<br />
The [[Autobot]]s hide in the jungle due to an anonymous tip that the Decepticons are in the area. [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] stay behind at the Autobot base, protecting the [[Space Mini-Con Team|Space Team]] [[Mini-Con]]s, in case the Decepticons attack. Smokescreen tries to make friends with the Mini-Cons, while the kids debate the ethics of using the Mini-Cons in battle. At the same time, the Autobots in the jungle have a similar debate.<br />
<br />
[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] detects Starscream in the area. Armed with the Star Saber, [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] screams and tries to draw out the Autobots with yelling. After Starscream begins to destroy the jungle, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] combine to fight back. Spying from a distance, Megatron and his goons wonder where the Requiem Blaster is. [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] and the [[Sea Mini-Con Team]] also fire into the forest to draw out the rest of the Autobots.<br />
<br />
The kids and Red Alert find their equipment at the base is malfunctioning, courtesy of [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]]. Sideways also telepathically whispers images of the Requiem Blaster in the Autobot base to Thrust, but the tactician dismisses the message as a hallucination.<br />
<br />
In the sky, Starscream strikes at Optimus Prime. With a flash of lightning, it suddenly starts to rain all over the forest. After the two warriors land, Optimus tries to reason with Starscream, but Starscream never listens and attacks the Autobot leader. Yet, not a single slash connects. Eventually, the Star Saber deactivates (possibly damaged from the rain), so Starscream calls for help from the other Decepticons. But to his dismay, Starscream finds all the other Decepticons have abandoned him, leaving Starscream on his own against the six Autobots. Before the six can beat down on the lone Decepticon, Laserbeak relays to the team that the Decepticons have invaded the base. The Autobots teleport home, leaving Starscream to cry in the rain.<br />
<br />
[[File:Smokescreen dies sacrifice.jpg|200px|thumb|If you squint really, ''really'' hard, you can see that he's giving Megatron the finger.]]<br />
The Autobots find their base trashed, with the kids in hiding. With help from Sideways, the Decepticons were able to invade the base and bypass the security systems that stopped them [[Swoop (episode)|before]]. In another section of the base, Smokescreen tries to protect the Mini-Cons. Megatron blows into the room and tears past Smokescreen, claiming the three Mini-Cons and combining them into the Requiem Blaster. Smokescreen refuses to stay down and takes on Megatron by himself, but Megatron fires his blaster right at Smokescreen.<br />
<br />
A torrent of energy pours from the blaster, shoving Smokescreen right through one of the walls, his scream stunning the Autobots and humans. Smokescreen rises again with a vast hole through his torso and his pieces in lousy shape even after heavy abuse. The Autobot approaches Megatron while the air around him still ripples in the heat of the last blast. The determination of the melting Autobot scares the Decepticons into retreating with their prize.<br />
<br />
In Optimus's arms, Smokescreen deactivates. The Autobots salute their fallen comrade and Optimus screams in sadness.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (3)<br />
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (4)<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (5)<br />
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (6)<br />
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (7)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (8)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (10)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (16)<br />
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (17)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (1)<br />
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (2)<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (18)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (20)<br />
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (21)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (24)<br />
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (25)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Rad White]] (11)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (12)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (13)<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (14)<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (15)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Space Mini-Con Team]] (9)<br />
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (19)<br />
*[[Sea Mini-Con Team]] (22)<br />
<br />
|c5=<br />
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (23)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
'''Starscream:''' "Here I come, Autobots! You're all mine! So come out from your hiding places, you cowards, and face the most powerful Decepticon in the universe!"<br><br />
'''Jetfire:''' "Boy, sure doesn't have a self-image problem, does he?"<br />
:—'''Jetfire''' calling the kettle black.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Demolishor:''' "I'm not talking to you, Eraserhead, I'm talking to Megatron. So butt out, will ya?"<br />
:—Not the [[Crisis (Armada)#Quotes|last time]] someone will mock Thrust's head.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Sideways:''' "There shall never be peace in this universe, there must always be war."<br />
:—A glimpse of Sideways's true motives.<br />
<br />
<br />
"You're trying to intimidate me! But it won't work! NEVER! <s>Tidal Wave!</s> Shockwave! Thrust! Cyclonus! Megatron! Demolishor! AAAANYYYBOOODYYY!? WHY HAVE YOU ALL ABANDONED MEEEE?!"<br />
:—'''Starscream''' realizes he's been abandoned by the Decepticons.<br />
<br />
<br />
"''(inhales)'' WHY HAVE YOU ABANDONED ME, MEGATRON?! WHY?! WHY?! WHYYYYY?!"<br />
:—'''Starscream''' is left all alone, and has what can only be described as a full-blown mental breakdown.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Okay... now take it easy, soldier..."<br />
:—'''Optimus Prime''' comforts a fatally injured Smokescreen.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*The opening dialogue between Megatron and Thrust is largely unchanged but has a few differences: In ''Armada'', Thrust plans to draw out the Autobots, so the Decepticons should prepare. Megatron wants to give the Autobots "a warm Decepticon welcome" and threatens Thrust with serious consequences should he fail. ''Legends of the Microns'' makes the exchange cryptic as it gives no clear details. Megatron asks if Thrust requests to take charge of the plan, which Thrust confirms. Then Megatron says he pities "that poor fool" (Starscream) before entrusting Thrust to lead the operation, which Thrust swears to make successful by putting his life on the line.<br />
*In the first half of Rad's opening narration for ''Armada'', he claims the Autobots were "mysteriously informed" about the Decepticons being in the jungle but were unknowingly walking into a trap. However, in the Japanese dub, he says the Decepticons issued the Autobots a challenge in a jungle location; it ends mid-sentence without mentioning the trick as the Autobots' dialogue begins.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Jetfire has a bad feeling, but Scavenger couldn't care less and tells him to focus. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Jetfire asks what kind of "party locale" the Decepticons invited them to, and Scavenger says they need to be ready to counter the 'Cons as the Autobots can't predict their movements. After Hot Shot and Blurr speak, Jetfire complains about the humidity in ''Armada'' but asks if the invitation mentioned the party's starting time in the Japanese dub. Then Optimus says it only said the place and date, and Jetfire curses how it's annoying in ''Legends of the Microns''. In ''Armada'', Optimus lectures Jetfire on how "patience is a virtue," and the latter expresses casual indifference.<br />
*During the second half of Rad's narration, he says Optimus would have perished, and the Decepticons would've won and conquered the universe if the Requiem Blaster hadn't arrived during the previous fight. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad says that the Autobots underestimated how the combat would escalate during the last battle, and the Requiem Blaster's arrival saved them. <br />
*Smokescreen says Optimus called him the best one for the job to look after the Mini-Cons, and he'll guard them with his life. Instead of explaining things to the Requiem Blaster Mini-Cons in "plain English," Smokescreen says he still can't understand their language.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Rad tells Carlos that the Mini-Cons don't want to fight, and Carlos says they have to. Then Alexis says they're missing the point of what Optimus is doing. Rad and Carlos aren't arguing in the Japanese dub, as Rad doesn't speak to Carlos here, and Alexis says the Mini-Cons' reluctance to fight is why Optimus is letting the Decepticons think the Autobots took the Requiem Blaster with them. Then, in the Japanese dub, Jetfire says the 'Cons won't dare attack directly if they believe the Autobots will use it even if they don't use the weapon, and it's what Optimus plans.<br />
*Scavenger tells Hot Shot to quit yapping about not bringing the Requiem Blaster and says that Optimus knows what he's doing in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Scavenger says the Decepticons can't "grasp the concept of someone not using a powerful weapon," and that by leaving the Mini-Cons with Smokescreen, the Autobots can still follow their ideals while battling the Decepticons.<br />
*Hot Shot hates not having the Requiem Blaster before Jetfire calls the Autobots sitting ducks in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot tells Scavenger he understands, and then Jetfire asks what the hosts are doing as the guests have arrived.<br />
*After Rad says Starscream has shown up, Jetfire and Hot Shot sound slightly on edge in ''Armada'', but not as much in ''Legends of the Microns'' as Jetfire quips about the Decepticons sending out "a single maid."<br />
[[File:Sacrifice animation changes.jpg|thumb|290px|Animation changes between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' screencaps (right).]]<br />
*Instead of repeating that Starscream is an idiot for thinking he's invincible, Hot Shot jokes that he's an "adorable little guy."<br />
*Starscream announces using his Null Ray Cannon to force the Autobots from hiding in the Japanese dub, whereas ''Armada'' extends his line about flushing them out.<br />
*The two first-person POV shots of Demolishor looking through the binoculars have the center boundary box surrounded by black in ''Armada'', but ''Legends of the Microns'' fills in the black with the surrounding environment: the jungle (see right) and later the clouds.<br />
*Thrust doesn't speak until the close-up of the other Decepticons in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Demolishor talks after Megatron to confirm the Autobots still haven't shown themselves as the camera zooms toward the Decepticons, leading into the next scene. Thrust stops talking before Megatron turns his head, while ''Armada'' extends Thrust's line and removes the pause between him and Starscream present in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*The Japanese dub gives Jetfire a line before Optimus gives the go-ahead for him and Jetfire to Powerlinx. ''Armada'' extends Starscream and Optimus's lines; Prime doesn't speak until he turns his head in the Japanese dub. ''Legends of the Microns'' plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Cybertrons, Transform!]]" during Prime and Jetfire's Powerlinx sequence; ''Armada'' plays the insert Transformers theme.<br />
*Megatron orders Tidal Wave to combine with him instead of going after Jet Optimus. Megatron later declares he must always know the Requiem Blaster's location and orders Thrust to tell Starscream to keep Jet Optimus busy by creating as much havoc as possible.<br />
*While the Sea Mini-Con Team fires at them, Hot Shot says they need to keep running and tells Blurr that he'll see him later in the Japanese dub. He says the laser blasts still sting regardless, and Blurr urges him to follow in ''Armada''.<br />
*Instead of telling Demolishor to keep looking for the Requiem Blaster, Megatron says Smokescreen may be the key. Thrust agrees but says they'll have to use all their strength to draw Smokescreen out since they don't know where he's hiding. ''Armada'' has Thrust call Demolishor a moron before the latter leaves to remove the Japanese dub's silence.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Megatron asks if anyone can follow a simple order before explaining why he gave the Star Saber to Starscream. ''Legends of the Microns'' slightly reverses Megatron's dialogue as he first says he wouldn't have loaned the Star Saber to Starscream if he was going to fight Optimus and asks why Starscream can't follow a simple objective.<br />
*''Armada'' gives Thrust an extra line after the scene cuts to Jet Optimus and Starscream; Starscream and Optimus each have a line during that time in ''Legends of the Microns'', with Starscream threatening to behead Jet Optimus with the Star Saber. Then Starscream brags that Megatron gave it to him personally; Optimus asks if Starscream can handle the sword's power, and Starscream tells him to shut up, so he will let Prime find out.<br />
*Red Alert reacts in shock when Smokescreen and the Space Mini-Con Team appear on the monitor, asking how it's happening when the scene cuts to Rad. In ''Armada'', Red Alert is relatively calm, merely chalks it up to "the switcher" malfunctioning, and the English dub changes his line to be that the system is unresponsive. Rad is entirely redrawn with a more detailed model at the end of the scene in the Japanese dub (see right).<br />
*Sideways's laughing starts as Rad looks up in ''Legends of the Microns'' but after the scene cuts to the monitor in ''Armada''. Then he says, "Surprise!" in ''Armada'', but says that he found the Blaster Mini-Cons in the Japanese dub. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds an audio effect to his voice, making it sound disembodied, while he sounds normal in ''Armada''.<br />
*As Starscream and Jet Optimus discuss the war's meaning in the rain before dueling again, there is a wide shot that's static in ''Armada'', but ''Legends of the Microns'' makes it a focus-shifting pan over from a praying mantis eating a snail added to the foreground (see right). Curiously, ''Armada'' does include the follow-up shot of the goo-dripping shell falling. Their argument differs considerably between the dubs:<br />
**In ''Armada'', it starts with Optimus asking Starscream the standard question, "After you beat me, then what?". Starscream replies that the Decepticons will win, the Autobots will be over, and Megatron will soon rule the universe. Then Jet Optimus says it's not about them but control over the Mini-Cons, who don't want to fight, so Starscream retorts that the Mini-Cons are only pawns in the war.<br />
**''Legends of the Microns'' has more intellectual dialogue as they examine their natures as Transformers. Jet Optimus asks Starscream if he's ever thought about what's the point of them fighting. Starscream says achieving victory is combat's purpose but admits to also contemplating why they fight. Starscream says he became a Decepticon while Prime became an Autobot after eons of fighting in an endless war, but it doesn't change that he keeps asking why they're fighting. Jet Optimus states the Autobots and Decepticons can learn from the Mini-Cons since they have no desire to fight. Starscream exclaims that Autobots and Decepticons only exist to fight each other and, questioning Prime's claim about the Mini-Cons, shouts that the Star Saber moves as he wants.<br />
*Sideways appearing to Thrust seems out-of-nowhere in ''Armada'' and appears in a close-up shot. Sideways alerts Thrust to his appearance with his laughter and appears, making the latter transform in ''Legends of the Microns'' (see right). More of Sideways's head is visible in the next shot, and there's now an effect over the images of him, Smokescreen, and the Mini-Cons, making them look distorted instead of faded as they are in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' also has Sideways visible in the background when he talks to Thrust, and his image wipes out from top to bottom instead of fading away. Besides saying there will never be peace (as quoted above), the specter of Sideways tells Thrust he found "the key to the fighting." The Japanese dub maintains the effect on Sideways's voice while he still sounds normal in ''Armada''.<br />
*After wondering what Sideways is planning this time, Thrust decides that if the image he saw of Smokescreen and the Blaster Mini-Cons is a fact, it explains everything. Then he says sacrificing Starscream is now the best option. In ''Armada'', Thrust believes he imagined the image before saying it's time to end Starscream. The next shot of Megatron has him asking where the Requiem Blaster is like a frustrated child in ''Armada'', but asking, "What? The Requiem Blaster is...?" in a surprised tone as if Thrust told him about what he saw off-screen.<br />
*The next shot of Jet Optimus is silent in the Japanese dub. Then Starscream asks what's wrong and if he won't shoot back due to fearing the Star Saber. Starscream calls him a fool, and Optimus demands that he leave the Mini-Cons out of the war. Then Starscream says he's the only one the Star Saber Mini-Cons want to fight alongside, making their sudden unresponsiveness flow more naturally than in ''Armada''. After they refuse to respond, Starscream tries using his Null Laser Cannon, but Swindle ignores him too. Determined to end Jet Optimus's "foolish banter," Starscream calls for Tidal Wave and Cyclonus so they can crush Jet Optimus together and shouts if they don't know how to follow their battle captain's orders when they don't show up.<br />
*Hot Shot tells Starscream that his fellow 'Cons already left, and Starscream refuses to believe it; Side Swipe says it to Starscream in ''Armada''. Then Blurr mocks Starscream for his team betraying him. Starscream still thinks they're lying, but Scavenger says it's true, after which Hot Shot repeats to Starscream how the Decepticons abandoned him.<br />
*After crying out for Megatron and his teammates, Starscream demands them to open the warp gate for him in ''Legends of the Microns'', but distraughtly asks why they abandoned him in ''Armada''. He later demands the Autobots to wait as they warp back to their base in the Japanese dub. Alone in the rain, ''Armada'' has Starscream continue screaming to the heavens about being stranded. He subtly contemplates his situation in ''Legends of the Microns'', asking himself, "I've truly been abandoned? I...What am I...doing?" The Japanese dub removes the musical sting at the end of the scene.<br />
*After Blurr asks the boys if they're okay, ''Armada'' adds Fred's line as he merely makes a sound in exasperation in the Japanese dub. Then Scavenger asks if Red Alert left, and Carlos answers that he did but can't protect Smokescreen alone, so Hot Shot says the Autobots will back them up.<br />
*Smokescreen says he'll protect the Requiem Blaster Mini-Cons at all costs to repay Prime's trust in him. Instead of telling them to quiet down, Smokescreen says they're friends, so there's no need to thank him. Thrust doesn't speak until the camera cuts to him and Megatron and doesn't finish his train of thought about Smokescreen's fate should he refuse to comply. After attacking Thrust, Smokescreen says the Autobots' strength stems from their unity, and Megatron dismisses it as nonsense and asks if Smokescreen blindly trusts his comrades to save him.<br />
*Instead of the insert Transformers tune that's inappropriate for the Autobots' dire situation, ''Legends of the Microns'' continues playing "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 2|Crisis on Planet Cybertron]]" from the previous scene.<br />
*Rather than saying to Scavenger how he thought he could hold off the Decepticons, Red Alert says, "Megatron and Thrust...If...If this continues..." Red Alert swears, Scavenger tells him not to give up, and Optimus says he's right. After telling Smokescreen that he doesn't have time for this, Megatron says the Mini-Cons combined into the Requiem Blaster at his command. Then Megatron brags about an unexpectedly easy victory in ''Armada'' but derides how trust is a fragile thing in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron says the Requiem Blater Mini-Cons don't have a consciousness anymore; only their capacity as a weapon remains. Then he muses at the irony in how the Autobots will be beaten by what they protected. Smokescreen doesn't again until he's back on his feet and says trust is powerful, as he said before.<br />
*Smokescreen's death scene is slightly different in ''Legends of the Microns''. The background is colored deep red and white in the shot where the Requiem Blaster's beam pierces him (see right); the shot of everyone's reactions is silent and colored deep red, and Smokescreen is silent while going through the wall.<br />
*Megatron remarks on the Requiem Blaster's incredible power and laughs maniacally in the Japanese dub, but ''Armada'' gives him an extra line.<br />
*When the fatally wounded Smokescreen tries walking, he glows with orange energy that fades away when Optimus takes him in his arms (see right).<br />
*When Optimus comes around the corner and says Smokescreen's name, the shot pans out in ''Armada'', but it's a still image in ''Legends of the Microns''. After standing, Smokescreen says Megatron will never have the Mini-Cons as long as he lives; Smokescreen only moans in pain in ''Armada''. The Decepticons have more appalled reactions to him.<br />
*Optimus doesn't talk until after Smokescreen's last words, and the other Autobots are silent after Smokescreen deactivates. Only Carlos and Fred say anything as the kids grieve, and the Autobots salute Smokescreen in the Japanese dub; Optimus's line is an ''Armada'' addition.<br />
*''Armada'' extends and dramatizes Rad's ending narration as he says it's the first time he saw Optimus so emotional, realizing the Autobots could feel pain, that the fight was personal for Optimus and Prime wanted revenge at any cost. ''Legends of the Microns'' keeps it short and frank but makes it more compelling as Rad says it was the first time the kids heard Optimus intensely cry out of grief and the first time they saw what happens in battle.<br />
*In ''Armada'', the Earth moves to the right, partially going behind the portion of the Moon. The shot slowly pans away from Earth and stays visible in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*The episode's last few seconds, where Optimus holds Smokescreen's body in the pillar of light, are silent.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*In the Japanese dub's opening scene, Megatron has a line during his first close-up, but his mouth doesn't move. ''Armada'' changed it to have Thrust speak at that point; however, when Megatron talks after him, Megatron's mouth still doesn't move, although it's mostly out of frame. Their dialogue here might be internal, but it isn't clarified.<br />
*The background with Megatron's throne is missing during his final shot before the opening bumper; only a black void is visible.<br />
*Smokescreen's left-hand fingers are miscolored orange during one shot when he talks to the Requiem Blaster Mini-Cons.<br />
*At one point, Scavenger's hands are mismatched: His right hand has square-shaped fingertips, while his left hand has pointy triangular fingertips. Fortunately, only one of the square-shaped fingers is visible due to Scavenger's arms' position, so the error is excusable.<br />
*Jetfire's mouthplate is colored white in one shot after the kids point out that Starscream has appeared.<br />
*Starscream appears back in the jungle despite his previous shot showing him in the sky. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes it so that he's above the trees in both shots (see above).<br />
*Starscream's Null Ray Cannon is miscolored yellow.<br />
*After Thrust speaks to him on the cliff, Megatron's left eye is off-model.<br />
*Although Starscream is heard during Jetfire's close-up before he Powerlinx with Optimus, Starscream is nowhere in sight. The Japanese dub animates Starscream flying overhead and out of the shot.<br />
*In the next shot of Optimus, part of his chest grille is miscolored yellow. The Japanese dub corrects the mistake.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron's mouth doesn't move during his line before commanding Tidal Wave to Powerlinx with him.<br />
*Jet Optimus tells Starscream that his objective is to free the Mini-Cons ''"and'' they make up the Star Saber," which is grammatically incorrect since he means the Mini-Cons in general, not only the Air Defense Mini-Con Team. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects the error as Jet Optimus refers to the Star Saber Mini-Cons.<br />
*In one shot in the rainy forest, Starscream looks like he'd shrunk to half the Autobots' size.<br />
*As Cyclonus, Wheeljack, and Demolishor blast the base, Wheeljack's slashed Autobot symbol is missing.<br />
*As Megatron stands over Smokescreen while holding the Requiem Blaster, Megatron says that "''those''" Mini-Cons are his now, which is grammatically incorrect as he meant to say "''these''."<br />
*After Megatron blasts Smokescreen, Cyclonus has three extra windows on his chest. He still has the extra windows in the shot of the Decepticons reacting to the wounded Smokescreen.<br />
*Just before the Decepticons teleport out of the Autobot base, Smokescreen's antenna/horn is colored blue instead of orange. In the scenes of Smokescreen dying afterward, his antenna/horn is missing.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*The Decepticons using an unaware Starscream as a distraction and abandoning him is the last straw. The ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' says Starscream's moment alone in the rain in his final shot begins a new story focused on him.<br />
*The [[Sea Mini-Con Team]] debuts in this episode; the Decepticons seemingly captured them off-screen at some point.<br />
*Demolishor calls Thrust "squid-head" in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Before Jet Optimus and Starscream's fight in the rain begins, their discussion in ''Legends of the Microns'' is somewhat a spiritual continuation of when Starscream pondered why the Transformers keep fighting in "[[Rebellion (Armada)|Rebellion]]."<br />
*The Anti-Sideways firewall Red Alert installed all the way back in "[[Tactician|Tactician]]" isn't doing its job whatsoever. <br />
*In the Japanese dub, Scavenger tells Starscream that he should know Megatron's penchant for dirty tricks better than anyone...and he should. He ''really'', ''REALLY'' should.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron will bring up Smokescreen's words to him about trust between the Autobots in "[[Cramp]]."<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Starscream uses his Null Laser Cannon.<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Starscream wields the Star Saber.<br />
**Optimus and Jetfire combine into Jet Optimus.<br />
**Megatron Powerlinx with the Requiem Blaster for the first time.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*The Autobots should stop frequently talking aloud about how they left the Requiem Blaster behind if they don't want the Decepticons to know they didn't bring it with them, especially Hot Shot.<br />
*Why does Rad introduce himself in the opening narration when we already know his voice by now? He doesn't do this in the Japanese dub. He also says the Autobots ''learned'' the Mini-Cons didn't want others using them as weapons, but they've already known this for a while. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad says they ''understood'' the Mini-Cons' reluctance to be weaponized.<br />
**In both dubs, Rad says the Reqiuem Blaster revealed itself during the last battle when the weapon's first appearance was ''four'' episodes ago in "[[Desperate]]."<br />
*The Autobots have somehow forgotten they also possess the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]].<br />
*In ''Armada'', Tidal Wave is referred to by his Japanese name, Shockwave, throughout this episode.<br />
*Smokescreen has seemingly forgotten that the Decepticons [[Swoop (episode)|already invaded the base once]].<br />
*Why is Carlos arguing with Rad again that the reluctant Mini-Cons have to fight after coming to understand otherwise like everyone else in "[[Runaway]]"? ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this mistake by having Carlos say that not wanting to fight is what the Mini-Cons said.<br />
*Rad states the obvious about Laserbeak locking onto something. He instead says, "They're here!" in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*After Thrust tells him Starscream is fighting Optimus, Megatron says he ordered Starscream to leave Prime for him; however, Megatron said no such thing. Megatron correctly reiterates that he commanded Starscream only to keep Optimus distracted in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Why don't the other kids believe Fred about someone messing with the camera when Rad said the monitor crashed a few seconds ago? The Japanese dub changes Rad's line to him saying that the Transformers are locked in a stalemate, making Fred noticing the camera getting switched around more of a surprise.<br />
*Why does Thrust decide to ditch Starscream after dismissing what Sideways showed him as a hallucination, jokingly or not? Thrust doesn't write it off in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
**Plus, deserting Starscream for "playing way above his head" seems like a weak reason, especially since Thrust gives a somewhat different rationale in the following episode. In ''Legends of the Microns'', it's clear from the get-go that abandoning Starscream was always part of the plan.<br />
*In the Japanese dub, Blurr asks, "How could this happen?" after Alexis says the Decepticons invaded the base so smoothly because of Sideways. Maybe it's for drama's sake, but Blurr has no reason to ask that question as Alexis already gave it.<br />
*Rad's ending narration makes several ridiculous claims: he realized the Autobots feel pain; the fight was personal for Optimus, and Prime wanted vengeance. First off, Rad learned the Autobots are more than just machines and capable of emotion at the end of "[[Jungle]]." Then, about Optimus, the fight is personal for everyone rather than only him, and he never seeks retribution for Smokescreen in future episodes. Hot Shot and Side Swipe are the only ones who try to avenge him at all, as the following episode shows. Therefore, Rad's closing monologue in ''Armada'' is a load of bull. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it so that it makes sense.<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*In one scene from the Japanese dub, Thrust compares Starscream to a stone to sacrifice in {{w|Go (game)|Go}}, a board game that originated in ancient China. It has a strategy where a player sacrifices a stone to gain more territory, similar to a chess player forgoing a pawn to gain an advantage against the opponent. Hot Shot also calls Starscream a sacrificial stone in a later scene.<br />
*In one scene, Demolishor calls Thrust "Eraserhead" (quoted above), another clever insult for his head shape. "Eraserhead" is also the name of an acclaimed {{w|Eraserhead|David Lynch film}}.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*The kanji 犠牲 would be ''gisei'', while ''suteishi'' is used for 捨て石, 捨石, 棄て石, or 棄石.<br />
*As the ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' explains, the episode title refers to Starscream ''and'' Smokescreen: the Decepticons abandon Starscream as their "sacrificed stone," pushing him into a corner, and Smokescreen ironically gets shot by the thing he tried to protect.<br />
**It also explains that this episode is where the kids truly realize they are fighting in a war.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Smokescreens Ende'''" ("Smokescreens End")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Áldozat'''" ("Sacrifice")<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''값진 희생'''" ("Precious Sacrifice")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Sacrifício'''" ("Sacrifice")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 9 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Regeneration_(Armada)&diff=1651190Regeneration (Armada)2022-11-15T16:06:10Z<p>Starzone: /* Differences with Legends of the Microns */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig2|the episode from ''Armada''|the episode from Prime|Regeneration (Prime)}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=34<br />
|prev=Sacrifice<br />
|next=Rescue<br />
|title="Regeneration"<br />
|furigana=すぱーく<br />
|japanese=生命<!--regeneration--><br />
|romaji=Spark<br />
|translation=Life: Spark<br />
|image=regeneration.jpg<br />
|caption=<br />
|production code=TF: A-34<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]<br />
|director=[[Osamu Kamijō]],<br>[[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.)<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[April 19]], [[2003]] (English)<br>[[August 29|29 August]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Smokescreen fights for his life while Starscream defects to the Autobots.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Regeneration Red Alert's face.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|You don't want to know what he's seeing.]]<br />
While [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] carefully disassembles [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] in hopes of saving his comrade, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the other [[Autobot]]s explain to the kids the mechanics of [[Transformer]]s' [[spark]]s. Red Alert reports that Smokescreen has a solid chance of survival, and then Red's face distorts nonsensically. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] swears revenge against the [[Decepticon]]s for the damage they did to Smokescreen.<br />
<br />
In the Decepticons' base, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] enjoys having the power of the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] under his control. A grumpy [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] then enters, resentful of his abandonment in the jungle. [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] feigns concern, and Starscream punches Thrust into a wall. While [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] are glad to see Thrust get what's coming to him, Megatron dismisses all his forces.<br />
<br />
Starscream and the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] enjoy a repairing energy bath (hot!). Demolishor comes to retrieve the [[Mini-Con]]s. Starscream and Demolishor almost get into a confrontation, but Demolishor relinquishes his duty to Starscream.<br />
<br />
Thrust and Megatron plot in private to abuse Starscream further, although Megatron is too busy enjoying Thrust's compliments to realize Thrust is manipulating him. Starscream overhears the conspiracy and combines the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] to take Thrust and Megatron down. The other Decepticons rush in to stop Starscream, so Starscream runs to the teleport chamber. Starscream proves that he can use the Star Saber to block the Requiem Blaster on his way out and flies to Earth.<br />
<br />
[[File:Regeneration Side Swipe flees.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Does anybody think Side Swipe can honestly handle Starscream?]]<br />
The Autobot sensors detect Starscream's presence in [[Earth]]'s atmosphere. Hot Shot and Side Swipe rush out to fight Starscream. [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], in pursuit of Starscream, switches his target to Hot Shot. Optimus Prime and Jetfire arrive to fight off Tidal Wave in their combined form, but they're unable to do any damage; luckily for them, the simple-minded giant is focused on attacking Starscream. Starscream then tosses the Star Saber to Jet Optimus, who uses it to slice off one of Tidal Wave's gun emplacements, and Tidal Wave retreats.<br />
<br />
[[File:Regeneration minicons hug Starscream.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Stockholm Subroutine.]]<br />
Starscream explains his story to the Autobots inside their base. Hot Shot passionately argues that it's wrong for them to offer Starscream refuge, particularly after Megatron severely injured Smokescreen. Hot Shot mentions the Autobots have already suffered betrayal from [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]], so [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] points out that he, too technically falls into the "betrayer" category. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] is the first one to suggest Starscream should stay, to the bewilderment of [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], but [[Rad White|Rad]] agrees with her. With votes of confidence from Alexis, Rad, and the Mini-Cons, Optimus declares that Starscream is now one of them.<br />
<br />
Outside, Hot Shot and Starscream formally have a showdown. Inside, the other Autobots debate who should be the one to tell them to stop their pointless grudge match when Red Alert comes in to report that the operation was successful, but Smokescreen needed a new body.<br />
<br />
Hot Shot and Starscream continue pounding each other, but a new challenger interrupts them by throwing boulders. The new Transformer quickly takes down Starscream and Hot Shot. When the new Autobot speaks, Hot Shot figures it out: it's Smokescreen in a new body. Smokescreen explains to the younger soldiers that being on the Autobot team means just getting along.<br />
<br />
With data from Starscream, the Autobots are ready to lead an attack on the Decepticons. They gather in the warp gate. Next stop: the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]].<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (2)<br />
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (3)<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (4)<br />
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (5)<br />
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (6)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (7)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen/Hoist]] (8)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (14)<br />
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (15)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (16)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (17)<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (18)<br />
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (19)<br />
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (23)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (9)<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (10)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (11)<br />
*[[Rad White]] (12)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (13)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Runway (Armada)|Runway]] (20)<br />
*[[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] (21)<br />
*[[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] (22)<br />
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (24)<br />
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (25)<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (26)<br />
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (27)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"You mean my heart looks like that?"<br />
:—'''Fred''' has no concept of biology.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Well, Starscream, you're still alive. I suppose congratulations are in order."<br />
:—'''Megatron''', showing the usual faith in his men.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Starscream:''' "Powerlink! Star Saber sword!"<br><br />
''(Starscream begins screaming and swinging the Star Saber all over the place.)''<br><br />
'''Megatron:''' "What?! What are you doing?!"<br><br />
'''Thrust:''' "It's a rebellion! Starscream is starting a rebellion! ''RUN BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!''"<br />
:—'''Starscream''' snaps, confusing '''Megatron''' and scaring the hell out of '''Thrust.'''<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Carlos:''' "Yeah, go get 'em!"<br><br />
'''Billy:''' "Yeah, it's payback time for Smokescreen!"<br><br />
'''Fred:''' "AND FREEDOM!"<br />
:—The kids watch Hot Shot and Side Swipe rush out to confront Starscream.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Hey, would ya back off? I'm trying to avenge my friend here! I won't be long!"<br />
:—'''Hot Shot'''<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*''Armada'' dramatizes Rad's opening narration and extends it to just before the opening bumper. ''Legends of the Microns'' has it short and right to the point as Rad says, "Smokescreen risked his life to protect the Mini-Cons...But now, Smokescreen lays here dying."; the narration ends before Smokescreen's spark gets removed.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Fred asks if his heart resembles a spark (as quoted above), and Billy sarcastically says Fred's would be smaller. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Fred follows up on Jetfire's statement about Earth's understanding of a soul, asking about the universe's view, to which Billy remarks, "It's still a soul, isn't it?".<br />
*Besides the Requiem Blaster destroying about 90% of Smokescreen's body, the remaining 10% is functioning weakly.<br />
*Red Alert worries about not restoring Smokescreen's body exactly as it was in ''Armada'' but fears his chances of success are slim with the tech he currently has in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Rather than declaring Megatron will pay for what he did to Smokescreen, Hot Shot says the Autobots let it happen.<br />
*The Japanese dub reverses Megatron's opening lines. Before declaring the universe will be his, Megatron says the Decepticons have nothing to fear since they now possess the Requiem Blaster. Then, while pointing the weapon at Thrust, Megatron asks if he agrees.<br />
*Megatron offers to reward Thrust for his successful operation in ''Armada'', but admits being "a ''bit'' impressed" with him in ''Legends of the Microns''. Thrust is silent when bowing to Megatron. Then Megatron says Thrust earned the right to call himself a Decepticon in ''Armada''. He states that Thrust is a true expert and callous tactician in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*After Starscream knocks Thrust into the wall, Starscream asks, "Why did you close it off?" Then Thrust claims Starscream misunderstands since the others didn't abandon him. Starscream asks why Thrust closed the warp gate on him and says, "Because of you... I..." In ''Armada'', Thrust says he doesn't know what Starscream's talking about, and Starscream claims Thrust closed off the warp gate on purpose.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Thrust says he didn't abandon Starscream but had to do it due to a change in the plan, and Starscream would've done the same. Then Starscream says he's not listening to Thrust's lies anymore. Thrust says the others were forced the close the warp gate after receiving new intel, and Starscream says Thrust will say anything to save himself in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Wheeljack says Thrust will die in ''Legends of the Microns'', but Thrust is getting trashed in ''Armada''. Demolishor says Thrust has a foul mouth instead of Thrust deserving a beatdown.<br />
*Starscream is silent after Megatron stops his assault on Thrust.<br />
*After he invites the Mini-Cons into the energy bath, ''Legends of the Microns'' gives Starscream an extra line in which he tells them not to fight.<br />
*The conversation between Thrust and Megatron is mostly the same, but it makes a few different points:<br />
**In ''Armada'', Megatron says Starscream has every right to be angry due to suffering a lot, and Thrust says that Starscream brought it upon himself. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron says he doesn't blame Starscream for being mad after being left behind as a "sacrifice stone" before Thrust tells Megatron he shouldn't be so blunt in saying that.<br />
**Megatron doesn't berate Thrust for not handling himself when Starscream attacked him, and Thrust says it was worth it since they acquired the Requiem Blaster.<br />
**Instead of Megatron claiming that Starscream is proving to be more valuable than initially thought due to bringing back the Star Saber, he states his fear of losing the sword and that having it back is a "wonderful miscalculation." Then instead of thinking Starscream is proving to be more valuable than he initially thought, Megatron says Starscream never stops surprising him and Thrust.<br />
**Rather than suggesting sending in Starscream first during the next battle with the Autobots and agreeing with Megatron about keeping him around longer, Thrust plays fortuneteller and ''predicts'' things getting more challenging for Starscream; however, his "reading" might be premature.<br />
**Megatron boasts about Starscream being unaware of what he's gotten himself into in ''Armada'', but calls Starscream unlucky in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
**In ''Legends of the Microns'', Thrust doesn't say anything about learning from Megatron. Instead, he asserts it's no surprise that Megatron's cold willingness to sacrifice his men led to their victory.<br />
*Starscream alerts Megatron and Thrust to his presence after cursing them under his breath; he grunts to himself in ''Armada'' instead. The English dub is the correct version, given that Starscream's mouth doesn't move in the shot.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' plays the track "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Destruction Order]]" when Starscream unleashes his fury.<br />
*Thrust tells Demolishor to grab Starscream instead of labeling Starscream a traitor.<br />
*When Megatron and Starscream face each other in ''Armada'', Megatron says he has always been suspicious of Starscream and that the latter could never handle the responsibility of leading the Decepticons as his emotions have taken over him. Starscream tells Megatron that he can think whatever he wants since he no longer cares. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron tells Starscream that he's not thinking things through and is suffering from "momentary impulses." Starscream replies that it's only wishful thinking on Megatron's part. ''Armada'' replays the track from when Starscream began raging during this scene before transitioning to the insert Transformers theme, but the Japanese dub plays "For The Glory!" throughout here.<br />
*Tidal Wave calls after Starscream before making him crash in ''Legends of the Microns''; this happens earlier in ''Armada'' when they enter Earth's atmosphere.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Jetfire questions why Hot Shot and Side Swipe would head out on their own, but he says they left to intercept the Decepticons but also notes how the situation looks different in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then Scavenger quips how they do as they please.<br />
*As Carlos, Billy, and Fred cheer for Hot Shot and Side Swipe for trying to avenge Smokescreen in ''Legends of the Microns'', Fred says, "We're cheering you on!".<br />
*Blurr believes that Tidal Wave chasing Starscream might be another diversion.<br />
*The scene of Starscream getting shot down by Tidal Wave before eventually surrendering himself to the Autobots has several differences from ''Armada'', mainly lines of dialogue being either removed or added:<br />
**Instead of telling the Star Saber Mini-Cons to stay with him, Starscream asks if they're alright.<br />
**Starscream tells Hot Shot and Side Swipe to forget about him since Tidal Wave is still after him, and Hot Shot asks him what he means. In ''Armada'', Starscream tells them they don't want to be caught in his situation, and Hot Shot calls Starscream "the one who's caught."<br />
**The scenes of Tidal Wave firing at Hot Shot and Starscream, Optimus taking the Star Saber, and Prime thanking Starscream are silent.<br />
*Jetfire points out that Megatron abandoned Starscream, so the latter wasn't around during what happened to Smokescreen.<br />
*Rad notes the Air Defense Mini-Con Team's concern for Starscream and says the Mini-Cons wouldn't feel that way towards a true Decepticon.<br />
*Optimus addresses the Autobots when he says Starscream is now a part of their team in ''Armada'' but talks directly to Starscream in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Starscream tells the Autobots to analyze his data to find a way to sneak into the Decepticon base in ''Armada''. He's more specific in ''Legends of the Microns'', revealing he downloaded the locking coordinates for the Decepticons' warp gate before escaping.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't have Hot Shot and Starscream grunting off-screen just before Jetstorm and Jolt leave.<br />
*While analyzing Starscream's data, Side Swipe claims the type of warp gate the Decepticons use is similar to the Autobots' launch gate.<br />
*While charging at Smokescreen with his sword, Starscream asks if he's an enemy.<br />
*The panning shot of the Autobots at the end goes from right to left in ''Armada'' but left to right in ''Legends of the Microns''. Jetfire and Blurr speak during the scene in ''Armada'', but it's changed to Optimus and Scavenger in the Japanese dub, with Scavenger's mouth seen moving as the camera stops panning.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*The tips of the top and right pliers that remove Smokescreen's spark are missing.<br />
*The background ceiling behind Optimus moves slightly between the two shots of him talking to Red Alert.<br />
*Starscream appears to knock Thrust into a pre-existing crater in a wall, though the way Thrust later looks at it when discussing Starscream suggests it was supposed to be made by the impact.<br />
*For some reason, Starscream sounds confused after Megatron orders him to fix his damaged body. The Japanese dub fixes it to have Starscream sound resigned instead.<br />
*While repairing himself in the energy bath, Starscream tells Sonar, Runway, and Jetstorm they shouldn't worry about him; however, this doesn't line up with the Mini-Cons nodding in the following scene. It makes sense in ''Legends of the Microns'' as it has Starscream ''asking'' the Mini-Cons if they're worried about him.<br />
*The Mini-Cons' size changes between shots when Starscream talks to Demolishor.<br />
*After Starscream steps out from behind the corner, Megatron asks if it's him even though it's obvious; this doesn't happen in ''Legends of the Microns'', as Megatron only says Starscream's name.<br />
**At the same time, Megatron doesn't sound surprised despite looking so. He is surprised by Starscream's appearance in ''Legends of the Microns'' and has an appropriately surprised tone of voice.<br />
**The Decepticon symbol on Megatron's chest is missing in the same shot.<br />
*Thrust says Starscream is starting a rebellion, but that's highly exaggerated. He says Starscream is rebelling in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Starscream calls his Null Laser Cannon the "Narrow Beam" Cannon twice.<br />
*Starscream's Null Laser Cannon goes from purple to red between shots when he fires at Cyclonus and Wheeljack.<br />
*Megatron and Starscream's mouths don't move during their confrontation.<br />
*The custom music that plays during Starscream and Megatron's face-off overlaps the track used in the Japanese dub. ''Legends of the Microns'' plays only one background track during the scene.<br />
*When Starscream fires his Null Laser Cannon the second time, his mouth doesn't move.<br />
*After Side Swipe and Hot Shot end their training session, Side Swipe's mouth opens a second before he starts talking. Side Swipe's dialogue moves in sync with his mouth in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*The children's positions change between shots while they watch the monitor with the Autobots. Some kids are also absent in some shots.<br />
*After Hot Shot and Side Swipe leave the base, it looks like Starscream and Tidal Wave have swapped places on the monitor before switching back.<br />
*After Tidal Wave shoots him down, Starscream is missing his left wing, but it's attached again seconds later.<br />
*Starscream disappears when he finishes crashing.<br />
*Starscream says, "Here ''they'' come!" to Side Swipe and Hot Shot before Tidal Wave fires at them. The Japanese dub fixes it so that Starscream says, "Here ''he'' comes!" instead.<br />
*As Tidal Wave advances on Hot Shot, his animation cel is misplaced.<br />
*Scavenger's chest is miscolored like his body while he says it wouldn't be right to send Starscream back to the Decepticons.<br />
*Rad singles out Runway for being upset though it was Jetstorm visibly reacting a moment ago. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this mistake.<br />
*As Jetstorm and Jolt arrive to alert the Autobots of Hot Shot and Starscream's fight, Optimus incorrectly refers to Jetstorm as Runway; ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects the mistake. After Jetstorm and Jolt land, Runway and Sonar suddenly replace them. The Mini-Cons switch back and forth for the next couple of cuts: Runway and Sonar appear whenever seen from the front, and Jetstorm and Jolt return when viewed from behind. By the end of the scene, Jetstorm is back, but Jolt has disappeared.<br />
*When Smokescreen pushes Starscream back after catching his sword, the sword is attached to him in wing form despite Smokescreen tearing the blade away from him an instant prior.<br />
*After Smokescreen knocks him down, Starscream's mouth moves, but nothing comes out.<br />
*Blurr's Autobot symbol is missing during the ending pan of the Autobots.<br />
*On the final shot of the Moon, the sides of the screen have a faint white glow, but in the Japanese dub, it's the top and bottom edges instead.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
[[File:Tidal Wave and Destron Moonbase.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb]]<br />
*''Armada'' shows a naked [[spark]] for the first time.<br />
*We also see a [[Transformer]] take an energy bath for the first time, which seems to have similar properties to a [[CR chamber]]. However, previously, Transformers in this universe were shown repairing themselves with tools.<br />
*Tidal Wave is floating above the Decepticon base in its first shot.<br />
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' states this episode marks the beginning of Starscream and Alexis' side story.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Smokescreen's new body is still strong enough to throw boulders. Since he no longer has a crane arm to throw them, he uses his shovel arm like a catapult.<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Starscream uses his Null Laser Cannon.<br />
**Hot Shot uses Jolt double-barreled cannon while Powerlinxed in vehicle mode.<br />
**Optimus and Jetfire Powerlinx and form Jet Optimus.<br />
**Jet Optimus briefly Powerlinx with the Star Saber for the first and only time.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*Thrust refers to putting the Requiem Blaster "back" in Megatron's hands, but he hadn't possessed it before "[[Sacrifice]]." ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this mistake as Thrust says they "acquired" the Requiem Blaster.<br />
*The Autobots saluted Smokescreen in the previous episode, implying he had died, with Optimus even saying they will never forget him. He is [barely] alive in this episode, and Optimus isn't surprised.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
[[File:Hoist Sunset Regeneration.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Look at me! I'm Hasbro colored!"]]<br />
*The kanji 生命 would be ''seimei'', while ''supāku'' is only written in katakana, as スパーク.<br />
*So, Starscream's story arc is forced forward by Megatron betraying Starscream? That's like... bizarro-G1.<br />
*During the scene after Smokescreen gets rebuilt, the sunset lighting reflects his [[Hasbro]] toy colors.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' reveals that [[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] compares this episode's events to a German soldier who surrenders to the Allied Forces during World War II but didn't expect Starscream and Alexis's subplot to take a more depressing turn later in the show.<br />
*This episode is one of the show's few lacking an ending narration, like "[[Prehistory]]," and the Japanese version of "[[Detection]]."<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Ein Neuer Anfang'''" ("A New Beginning")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but got dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Átállás'''" ("Desertion")<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''다시 태어난 스모키'''" ("Reborn Smoky")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Regeneração'''" ("Regeneration")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 9 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Regeneration_(Armada)&diff=1651189Regeneration (Armada)2022-11-15T15:48:36Z<p>Starzone: /* Notes */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig2|the episode from ''Armada''|the episode from Prime|Regeneration (Prime)}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=34<br />
|prev=Sacrifice<br />
|next=Rescue<br />
|title="Regeneration"<br />
|furigana=すぱーく<br />
|japanese=生命<!--regeneration--><br />
|romaji=Spark<br />
|translation=Life: Spark<br />
|image=regeneration.jpg<br />
|caption=<br />
|production code=TF: A-34<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]<br />
|director=[[Osamu Kamijō]],<br>[[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.)<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[April 19]], [[2003]] (English)<br>[[August 29|29 August]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Smokescreen fights for his life while Starscream defects to the Autobots.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Regeneration Red Alert's face.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|You don't want to know what he's seeing.]]<br />
While [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] carefully disassembles [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] in hopes of saving his comrade, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the other [[Autobot]]s explain to the kids the mechanics of [[Transformer]]s' [[spark]]s. Red Alert reports that Smokescreen has a solid chance of survival, and then Red's face distorts nonsensically. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] swears revenge against the [[Decepticon]]s for the damage they did to Smokescreen.<br />
<br />
In the Decepticons' base, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] enjoys having the power of the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] under his control. A grumpy [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] then enters, resentful of his abandonment in the jungle. [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] feigns concern, and Starscream punches Thrust into a wall. While [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] are glad to see Thrust get what's coming to him, Megatron dismisses all his forces.<br />
<br />
Starscream and the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] enjoy a repairing energy bath (hot!). Demolishor comes to retrieve the [[Mini-Con]]s. Starscream and Demolishor almost get into a confrontation, but Demolishor relinquishes his duty to Starscream.<br />
<br />
Thrust and Megatron plot in private to abuse Starscream further, although Megatron is too busy enjoying Thrust's compliments to realize Thrust is manipulating him. Starscream overhears the conspiracy and combines the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] to take Thrust and Megatron down. The other Decepticons rush in to stop Starscream, so Starscream runs to the teleport chamber. Starscream proves that he can use the Star Saber to block the Requiem Blaster on his way out and flies to Earth.<br />
<br />
[[File:Regeneration Side Swipe flees.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Does anybody think Side Swipe can honestly handle Starscream?]]<br />
The Autobot sensors detect Starscream's presence in [[Earth]]'s atmosphere. Hot Shot and Side Swipe rush out to fight Starscream. [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], in pursuit of Starscream, switches his target to Hot Shot. Optimus Prime and Jetfire arrive to fight off Tidal Wave in their combined form, but they're unable to do any damage; luckily for them, the simple-minded giant is focused on attacking Starscream. Starscream then tosses the Star Saber to Jet Optimus, who uses it to slice off one of Tidal Wave's gun emplacements, and Tidal Wave retreats.<br />
<br />
[[File:Regeneration minicons hug Starscream.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Stockholm Subroutine.]]<br />
Starscream explains his story to the Autobots inside their base. Hot Shot passionately argues that it's wrong for them to offer Starscream refuge, particularly after Megatron severely injured Smokescreen. Hot Shot mentions the Autobots have already suffered betrayal from [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]], so [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] points out that he, too technically falls into the "betrayer" category. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] is the first one to suggest Starscream should stay, to the bewilderment of [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], but [[Rad White|Rad]] agrees with her. With votes of confidence from Alexis, Rad, and the Mini-Cons, Optimus declares that Starscream is now one of them.<br />
<br />
Outside, Hot Shot and Starscream formally have a showdown. Inside, the other Autobots debate who should be the one to tell them to stop their pointless grudge match when Red Alert comes in to report that the operation was successful, but Smokescreen needed a new body.<br />
<br />
Hot Shot and Starscream continue pounding each other, but a new challenger interrupts them by throwing boulders. The new Transformer quickly takes down Starscream and Hot Shot. When the new Autobot speaks, Hot Shot figures it out: it's Smokescreen in a new body. Smokescreen explains to the younger soldiers that being on the Autobot team means just getting along.<br />
<br />
With data from Starscream, the Autobots are ready to lead an attack on the Decepticons. They gather in the warp gate. Next stop: the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]].<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (2)<br />
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (3)<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (4)<br />
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (5)<br />
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (6)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (7)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen/Hoist]] (8)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (14)<br />
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (15)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (16)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (17)<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (18)<br />
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (19)<br />
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (23)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (9)<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (10)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (11)<br />
*[[Rad White]] (12)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (13)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Runway (Armada)|Runway]] (20)<br />
*[[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] (21)<br />
*[[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] (22)<br />
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (24)<br />
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (25)<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (26)<br />
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (27)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"You mean my heart looks like that?"<br />
:—'''Fred''' has no concept of biology.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Well, Starscream, you're still alive. I suppose congratulations are in order."<br />
:—'''Megatron''', showing the usual faith in his men.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Starscream:''' "Powerlink! Star Saber sword!"<br><br />
''(Starscream begins screaming and swinging the Star Saber all over the place.)''<br><br />
'''Megatron:''' "What?! What are you doing?!"<br><br />
'''Thrust:''' "It's a rebellion! Starscream is starting a rebellion! ''RUN BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!''"<br />
:—'''Starscream''' snaps, confusing '''Megatron''' and scaring the hell out of '''Thrust.'''<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Carlos:''' "Yeah, go get 'em!"<br><br />
'''Billy:''' "Yeah, it's payback time for Smokescreen!"<br><br />
'''Fred:''' "AND FREEDOM!"<br />
:—The kids watch Hot Shot and Side Swipe rush out to confront Starscream.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Hey, would ya back off? I'm trying to avenge my friend here! I won't be long!"<br />
:—'''Hot Shot'''<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*''Armada'' dramatizes Rad's opening narration and extends it to just before the opening bumper. ''Legends of the Microns'' has it short and right to the point as Rad says, "Smokescreen risked his life to protect the Mini-Cons...But now, Smokescreen lays here dying."; the narration ends before Smokescreen's spark gets removed.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Fred asks if his heart resembles a spark (as quoted above), and Billy sarcastically says Fred's would be smaller. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Fred follows up on Jetfire's statement about Earth's understanding of a soul, asking about the universe's view, to which Billy remarks, "It's still a soul, isn't it?".<br />
*Besides the Requiem Blaster destroying about 90% of Smokescreen's body, the remaining 10% is functioning weakly.<br />
*Red Alert worries about not restoring Smokescreen's body exactly as it was in ''Armada'' but fears his chances of success are slim with the tech he currently has in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Rather than declaring Megatron will pay for what he did to Smokescreen, Hot Shot says the Autobots let it happen.<br />
*The Japanese dub reverses Megatron's opening lines. Before declaring the universe will be his, Megatron says the Decepticons have nothing to fear since they now possess the Requiem Blaster. Then, while pointing the weapon at Thrust, Megatron asks if he agrees.<br />
*Megatron offers to reward Thrust for his successful operation in ''Armada'', but admits being a "''bit'' impressed" with him in ''Legends of the Microns''. Thrust is silent when bowing to Megatron. Then Megatron says Thrust earned the right to call himself a Decepticon in ''Armada''. He states that Thrust is a true expert and callous tactician in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*After Starscream knocks Thrust into the wall, Starscream asks, "Why did you close it off?" Then Thrust claims Starscream misunderstands since the others didn't abandon him. Starscream asks why Thrust closed the warp gate on him and says, "Because of you... I..." In ''Armada'', Thrust says he doesn't know what Starscream's talking about, and Starscream claims Thrust closed off the warp gate on purpose.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Thrust says he didn't abandon Starscream but had to do it due to a change in the plan, and Starscream would've done the same. Then Starscream says he's not listening to Thrust's lies anymore. Thrust says the others were forced the close the warp gate after receiving new intel, and Starscream says Thrust will say anything to save himself in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Wheeljack says Thrust will die in ''Legends of the Microns'', but Thrust is getting trashed in ''Armada''. Demolishor says Thrust has a foul mouth instead of Thrust deserving a beatdown.<br />
*Starscream is silent after Megatron stops his assault on Thrust.<br />
*After he invites the Mini-Cons into the energy bath, ''Legends of the Microns'' gives Starscream an extra line in which he tells them not to fight.<br />
*The conversation between Thrust and Megatron is mostly the same, but it makes a few different points:<br />
**In ''Armada'', Megatron says Starscream has every right to be angry due to suffering a lot, and Thrust says that Starscream brought it upon himself. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron says he doesn't blame Starscream for being mad after being left behind as a "sacrifice stone" before Thrust tells Megatron he shouldn't be so blunt in saying that.<br />
**Megatron doesn't berate Thrust for not handling himself when Starscream attacked him, and Thrust says it was worth it since they acquired the Requiem Blaster.<br />
**Instead of Megatron claiming that Starscream is proving to be more valuable than initially thought due to bringing back the Star Saber, he states his fear of losing the sword and that having it back is a "wonderful miscalculation." Then instead of thinking Starscream is proving to be more valuable than he initially thought, Megatron says Starscream never stops surprising him and Thrust.<br />
**Rather than suggesting sending in Starscream first during the next battle with the Autobots and agreeing with Megatron about keeping him around longer, Thrust plays fortuneteller and ''predicts'' things getting more challenging for Starscream; however, his "reading" might be premature.<br />
**Megatron boasts about Starscream being unaware of what he's gotten himself into in ''Armada'', but calls Starscream unlucky in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
**In ''Legends of the Microns'', Thrust doesn't say anything about learning from Megatron. Instead, he asserts it's no surprise that Megatron's cold willingness to sacrifice his men led to their victory.<br />
*Starscream alerts Megatron and Thrust to his presence after cursing them under his breath; he grunts to himself in ''Armada'' instead. The English dub is the correct version, given that Starscream's mouth doesn't move in the shot.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' plays the track "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Destruction Order]]" when Starscream unleashes his fury.<br />
*Thrust tells Demolishor to grab Starscream instead of labeling Starscream a traitor.<br />
*When Megatron and Starscream face each other in ''Armada'', Megatron says he has always been suspicious of Starscream and that the latter could never handle the responsibility of leading the Decepticons as his emotions have taken over him. Starscream tells Megatron that he can think whatever he wants since he no longer cares. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron tells Starscream that he's not thinking things through and is suffering from "momentary impulses." Starscream replies that it's only wishful thinking on Megatron's part. ''Armada'' replays the track from when Starscream began raging during this scene before transitioning to the insert Transformers theme, but the Japanese dub plays "For The Glory!" throughout here.<br />
*Tidal Wave calls after Starscream before making him crash in ''Legends of the Microns''; this happens earlier in ''Armada'' when they enter Earth's atmosphere.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Jetfire questions why Hot Shot and Side Swipe would head out on their own, but he says they left to intercept the Decepticons but also notes how the situation looks different in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then Scavenger quips how they do as they please.<br />
*As Carlos, Billy, and Fred cheer for Hot Shot and Side Swipe for trying to avenge Smokescreen in ''Legends of the Microns'', Fred says, "We're cheering you on!".<br />
*Blurr believes that Tidal Wave chasing Starscream might be another diversion.<br />
*The scene of Starscream getting shot down by Tidal Wave before eventually surrendering himself to the Autobots has several differences from ''Armada'', mainly lines of dialogue being either removed or added:<br />
**Instead of telling the Star Saber Mini-Cons to stay with him, Starscream asks if they're alright.<br />
**Starscream tells Hot Shot and Side Swipe to forget about him since Tidal Wave is still after him, and Hot Shot asks him what he means. In ''Armada'', Starscream tells them they don't want to be caught in his situation, and Hot Shot calls Starscream "the one who's caught."<br />
**The scenes of Tidal Wave firing at Hot Shot and Starscream, Optimus taking the Star Saber, and Prime thanking Starscream are silent.<br />
*Jetfire points out that Megatron abandoned Starscream, so the latter wasn't around during what happened to Smokescreen.<br />
*Rad notes the Air Defense Mini-Con Team's concern for Starscream and says the Mini-Cons wouldn't feel that way towards a true Decepticon.<br />
*Optimus addresses the Autobots when he says Starscream is now a part of their team in ''Armada'' but talks directly to Starscream in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Starscream tells the Autobots to analyze his data to find a way to sneak into the Decepticon base in ''Armada''. He's more specific in ''Legends of the Microns'', revealing he downloaded the locking coordinates for the Decepticons' warp gate before escaping.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't have Hot Shot and Starscream grunting off-screen just before Jetstorm and Jolt leave.<br />
*While analyzing Starscream's data, Side Swipe claims the type of warp gate the Decepticons use is similar to the Autobots' launch gate.<br />
*While charging at Smokescreen with his sword, Starscream asks if he's an enemy.<br />
*The panning shot of the Autobots at the end goes from right to left in ''Armada'' but left to right in ''Legends of the Microns''. Jetfire and Blurr speak during the scene in ''Armada'', but it's changed to Optimus and Scavenger in the Japanese dub, with Scavenger's mouth seen moving as the camera stops panning.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*The tips of the top and right pliers that remove Smokescreen's spark are missing.<br />
*The background ceiling behind Optimus moves slightly between the two shots of him talking to Red Alert.<br />
*Starscream appears to knock Thrust into a pre-existing crater in a wall, though the way Thrust later looks at it when discussing Starscream suggests it was supposed to be made by the impact.<br />
*For some reason, Starscream sounds confused after Megatron orders him to fix his damaged body. The Japanese dub fixes it to have Starscream sound resigned instead.<br />
*While repairing himself in the energy bath, Starscream tells Sonar, Runway, and Jetstorm they shouldn't worry about him; however, this doesn't line up with the Mini-Cons nodding in the following scene. It makes sense in ''Legends of the Microns'' as it has Starscream ''asking'' the Mini-Cons if they're worried about him.<br />
*The Mini-Cons' size changes between shots when Starscream talks to Demolishor.<br />
*After Starscream steps out from behind the corner, Megatron asks if it's him even though it's obvious; this doesn't happen in ''Legends of the Microns'', as Megatron only says Starscream's name.<br />
**At the same time, Megatron doesn't sound surprised despite looking so. He is surprised by Starscream's appearance in ''Legends of the Microns'' and has an appropriately surprised tone of voice.<br />
**The Decepticon symbol on Megatron's chest is missing in the same shot.<br />
*Thrust says Starscream is starting a rebellion, but that's highly exaggerated. He says Starscream is rebelling in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Starscream calls his Null Laser Cannon the "Narrow Beam" Cannon twice.<br />
*Starscream's Null Laser Cannon goes from purple to red between shots when he fires at Cyclonus and Wheeljack.<br />
*Megatron and Starscream's mouths don't move during their confrontation.<br />
*The custom music that plays during Starscream and Megatron's face-off overlaps the track used in the Japanese dub. ''Legends of the Microns'' plays only one background track during the scene.<br />
*When Starscream fires his Null Laser Cannon the second time, his mouth doesn't move.<br />
*After Side Swipe and Hot Shot end their training session, Side Swipe's mouth opens a second before he starts talking. Side Swipe's dialogue moves in sync with his mouth in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*The children's positions change between shots while they watch the monitor with the Autobots. Some kids are also absent in some shots.<br />
*After Hot Shot and Side Swipe leave the base, it looks like Starscream and Tidal Wave have swapped places on the monitor before switching back.<br />
*After Tidal Wave shoots him down, Starscream is missing his left wing, but it's attached again seconds later.<br />
*Starscream disappears when he finishes crashing.<br />
*Starscream says, "Here ''they'' come!" to Side Swipe and Hot Shot before Tidal Wave fires at them. The Japanese dub fixes it so that Starscream says, "Here ''he'' comes!" instead.<br />
*As Tidal Wave advances on Hot Shot, his animation cel is misplaced.<br />
*Scavenger's chest is miscolored like his body while he says it wouldn't be right to send Starscream back to the Decepticons.<br />
*Rad singles out Runway for being upset though it was Jetstorm visibly reacting a moment ago. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this mistake.<br />
*As Jetstorm and Jolt arrive to alert the Autobots of Hot Shot and Starscream's fight, Optimus incorrectly refers to Jetstorm as Runway; ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects the mistake. After Jetstorm and Jolt land, Runway and Sonar suddenly replace them. The Mini-Cons switch back and forth for the next couple of cuts: Runway and Sonar appear whenever seen from the front, and Jetstorm and Jolt return when viewed from behind. By the end of the scene, Jetstorm is back, but Jolt has disappeared.<br />
*When Smokescreen pushes Starscream back after catching his sword, the sword is attached to him in wing form despite Smokescreen tearing the blade away from him an instant prior.<br />
*After Smokescreen knocks him down, Starscream's mouth moves, but nothing comes out.<br />
*Blurr's Autobot symbol is missing during the ending pan of the Autobots.<br />
*On the final shot of the Moon, the sides of the screen have a faint white glow, but in the Japanese dub, it's the top and bottom edges instead.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
[[File:Tidal Wave and Destron Moonbase.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb]]<br />
*''Armada'' shows a naked [[spark]] for the first time.<br />
*We also see a [[Transformer]] take an energy bath for the first time, which seems to have similar properties to a [[CR chamber]]. However, previously, Transformers in this universe were shown repairing themselves with tools.<br />
*Tidal Wave is floating above the Decepticon base in its first shot.<br />
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' states this episode marks the beginning of Starscream and Alexis' side story.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Smokescreen's new body is still strong enough to throw boulders. Since he no longer has a crane arm to throw them, he uses his shovel arm like a catapult.<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Starscream uses his Null Laser Cannon.<br />
**Hot Shot uses Jolt double-barreled cannon while Powerlinxed in vehicle mode.<br />
**Optimus and Jetfire Powerlinx and form Jet Optimus.<br />
**Jet Optimus briefly Powerlinx with the Star Saber for the first and only time.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*Thrust refers to putting the Requiem Blaster "back" in Megatron's hands, but he hadn't possessed it before "[[Sacrifice]]." ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this mistake as Thrust says they "acquired" the Requiem Blaster.<br />
*The Autobots saluted Smokescreen in the previous episode, implying he had died, with Optimus even saying they will never forget him. He is [barely] alive in this episode, and Optimus isn't surprised.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
[[File:Hoist Sunset Regeneration.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Look at me! I'm Hasbro colored!"]]<br />
*The kanji 生命 would be ''seimei'', while ''supāku'' is only written in katakana, as スパーク.<br />
*So, Starscream's story arc is forced forward by Megatron betraying Starscream? That's like... bizarro-G1.<br />
*During the scene after Smokescreen gets rebuilt, the sunset lighting reflects his [[Hasbro]] toy colors.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' reveals that [[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] compares this episode's events to a German soldier who surrenders to the Allied Forces during World War II but didn't expect Starscream and Alexis's subplot to take a more depressing turn later in the show.<br />
*This episode is one of the show's few lacking an ending narration, like "[[Prehistory]]," and the Japanese version of "[[Detection]]."<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Ein Neuer Anfang'''" ("A New Beginning")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but got dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Átállás'''" ("Desertion")<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''다시 태어난 스모키'''" ("Reborn Smoky")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Regeneração'''" ("Regeneration")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 9 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Cramp&diff=1646916Cramp2022-10-22T01:11:14Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=48<br />
|prev=Portent<br />
|next=Alliance<br />
|title="Cramp"<br />
|furigana=しんねん<br />
|japanese=決死<!--cramp--><br />
|romaji=Shinnen<br />
|translation=Prepared for Death: Conviction<br />
|image=Starscreamheroicdeath.jpg<br />
|caption="Tell my tale to those who ask, tell it truly. The ill deeds along with the good, and let me be judged accordingly..."<br />
|production code=TF: A-48<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]<br />
|englishadaptation=[[Terry Klassen]]<br />
|director=[[Osamu Kamijō]],<br>[[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.)<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[September 29]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom)<br>[[November 28|28 November]] 2003 (Japanese)<br>[[December 8]], [[2003]] (English, United States)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Starscream prepares to do whatever it takes to convince Galvatron the threat of Unicron is real.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Starsmack.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Galvatron blasts Starscream with his rarely seen armpit-laser.]]<br />
[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] pleads to [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] that [[Unicron]]'s threat is real (as Starscream has first-hand experience in the beast's bowels); hoping to convince his leader that perhaps an [[Autobot]] and [[Decepticon]] alliance is the safest course to ensure [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s survival. When Starscream refuses to stop pleading, Galvatron slaps his subordinate into a wall to silence him. The Decepticon leader is confident his military can overcome both the Autobots and Unicron. Starscream continues to stress the danger of Unicron, and Galvatron starts to swing his [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]].<br />
<br />
[[File:Cramp-Starscreamdies.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|[[Code of Hero|The rest is... silence]]. Well, [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|not really]], but don't you kinda wish it was?]]<br />
The Autobots are still optimistic, believing there's a chance a diplomatic conference could lead to a truce between the two sides, meaning they can't take aggressive action against the Decepticons, only defensive. Nevertheless, Galvatron, armed with the Star Saber and [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], flies into battle, ready to negotiate with [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] using firepower. Prime responds by combining with [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] and heading away from the thick of the fight.<br />
<br />
By a [[Megatron statue|monolithic statue of Megatron]], Starscream wonders what he needs to do, and [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]]'s words of encouragement run through his head. <br />
<br />
Away from the armies, Galvatron and Optimus Prime send their men away, leaving the two leaders to battle one on one. Through the struggle, Galvatron admits that he still considers Unicron an Autobot hoax, and with the Star Saber, he has the upper hand against Prime. However, as soon as Galvatron breaks Prime's metal, an explosion disturbs the showdown. Starscream walks from the smoke.<br />
<br />
The rest of the Autobots struggle to hold their ground, unable to cause any real damage to the Decepticons. Alexis has faith that things will be okay. Meanwhile, Unicron's lunar shell peels off thousands of miles away, and the behemoth attacks the assembled Mini-Con cluster.<br />
<br />
[[File:Cramp-Swindleejects.jpg|left|thumb|I'm not crying! I just have something in my eyes.]]<br />
Starscream quits the Decepticons and challenges Galvatron to one-on-one combat. The two clash, quickly cutting into each other. However, Starscream displays skill beyond the last time he battled Megatron. Lightning from Unicron carves into the landscape around them. The two warriors ignore it and continue their struggle, but in an instant, the Star Saber plunges into Starscream's torso, and the impaled Decepticon falls.<br />
<br />
Lying with the blade sticking out of him, Starscream speaks earnestly to Galvatron, pointing out that Galvatron's arrogance drove the situation to be what it is. Despite his injury, Starscream stands up and reiterates his wishes for a truce between the two Cybertronian factions against Unicron. With his final desire said, Starscream joins with his [[Mini-Con]] to fire his [[Proton cannon]]s upwards at Unicron. Unicron fires back, disintegrating Starscream, much to Galvatron and Optimus's shock. Aboard the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'', Alexis's [[Good Luck Necklace|luck charm]] breaks, and she runs outside to look out the window and sees Starscream's laser blast fade away.<br />
<br />
[[File:Cramp-AlexismournsStarscream.jpg|left|thumb|I never got to tell Starscream that I loved him!]]<br />
Realizing Starscream was right about Unicron's threat, Galvatron remembers their shared experiences and ''finally'' decides to join forces with Optimus Prime. He starts by offering the Star Saber to Optimus... But from the crater Starscream died in, a dark cloud emerges and grabs the Star Saber! The cloud forms into [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]], who escapes the two leaders through the underground portal, collapsing the tunnels so the Autobots and Decepticons can't follow him. Upon witnessing Sideways's escape, Optimus and Galvatron fear for the worst to come.<br />
<br />
After Optimus tells them about Starscream's death over the monitor, the kids are devastated, especially Alexis, who begins crying. She then bolts from the room and slams her fist on the window that displays Unicron in grief. When [[Rad White|Rad]] appears behind her, she smacks his shoulders, asking why Starscream would do that to himself, and Rad does his best to console her.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (8)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (9)<br />
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (10)<br />
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (14)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (15)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (16)<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (17)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (18)<br />
*[[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] (21)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (1)<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (2)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (3)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (4)<br />
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (5)<br />
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (20)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (6)<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (7)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (11)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (12)<br />
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (13)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (19) (Powerlinxed with Galvatron)<br />
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (23)<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (24)<br />
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (25)<br />
*[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] (26)<br />
<br />
|h5=Other|c5=<br />
*[[Unicron]] (22)<br />
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (27)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
[[File:Cramp-Galvatronregrets.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|You'll miss me when I'm gone!]]<br />
"How long have we been adversaries, Optimus? It seems like since the beginning of time. And I suppose I do have a certain respect for you, but I digress, you might have fooled Starscream with your little Truce ploy, but I am nobody's fool. Now let's end this charade, shall we?"<br />
:—'''Galvatron''' faces off against Optimus Prime in the 'negotiations.'<br />
<br />
<br />
"May I suggest that you have lost your mind?!"<br />
:—'''Galvatron''' to Starscream, who has just challenged him to a duel.<br />
<br />
<br />
"I tried to gain favor from you. But nothing was ever good enough. No matter how many battles I fought, you always found fault. Then I saw how Optimus treated his men, and I realized he was a leader of integrity. Unlike you."<br><br />
"You were too weak to ever gain my respect."<br><br />
"None of that matters now. You must listen — do as Optimus says and join forces with the Autobots, or else every last one of us is doomed! Please sir... do it for me..."<br />
:—'''Starscream''' pours his spark out to '''Galvatron''' after being impaled by the Star Saber<br />
<br />
<br />
"It's time to finish this once and for all! Activate Proton Cannon! YOU'RE ALL MINE, UNICRON!!!"<br />
:—'''Starscream's''' heroic last words before shooting at Unicron.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*Starscream asks why Megatron wants to cling to his rivalry with Optimus and says that the universe will soon be no more after witnessing Unicron's power. Galvatron says he's now aware of Unicron's existence and understands the need to destroy him but still refuses to work with Optimus. ''Armada'' rephrases the rivalry as a "petty argument" and changes Galvatron and Starscream's dialogue to Galvatron, warning Starscream not to test his patience or contemplate betraying him again.<br />
*Cyclonus and Demolishor's lines to Starscream are changed to the former calling Starscream a coward and the latter asking what there is to worry about since Unicron is "just some planet that became our moon." Then Starscream calls them idiots for not understanding Unicron's true horror.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Galvatron says Optimus will be sorry and that he'll also deal with Unicron. However, as he believes there can't be two supreme commanders, he's more focused on eliminating his competition before facing Unicron. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron says he never said the two factions couldn't join forces, but he'll have to deal with Prime first. He plans to kill Optimus and merge the Autobots into the Decepticon army, claiming Optimus is his sworn enemy and there's no tomorrow if he doesn't defeat Prime.<br />
*Galvatron offers Starscream command over the Autobots after defeating Optimus. ''Armada'' has Galvatron requesting Starscream's complete loyalty.<br />
*Before the episode title appears, Cyclonus says Starscream can wait there at HQ since their "Autobot Commander" only needs to sit on his throne.<br />
*The kids discuss if they and the Autobots can trust Galvatron or believe anything he says, as Carlos says that Galvatron is constantly manipulating things. Alexis states that's why they need to negotiate. Then Optimus says that she's right, and Galvatron should understand the need for the Autobots and Decepticons to combine forces to combat Unicron. Rad worries about another fight breaking out, but Billy assures him that Optimus won't lose, and Optimus says he will try to avoid a clash with Galvatron.<br />
*Afterward, an anxious Smokescreen demands the 'Cons to show themselves. Then Blurr reminds him the 'Cons are additional strength to help take down Unicron so they can't be too rough with them; Hot Shot tells Smokescreen they're counting on him, and Smokescreen answers, "I know! Use our heads, right?"<br />
*Unlike ''Armada'', Demolishor explicitly says "Hot Shot and the others" are with Optimus. Then Galvatron entrusts Demolishor with handling them, but in ''Armada'', Galvatron tells Demolishor to "spare me [him] the details."<br />
*Hot Shot is surprised when the Decepticons start firing. Blurr and Side Swipe's dialogue is changed to the former saying that the Autobots are now in the thick of things and the latter saying the Decepticons seemingly don't want to negotiate.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Red Alert has a cynical outlook while talking about Wheeljack. Like Carlos, he truly believed Wheeljack changed sides before insisting that one will always be a Decepticon after becoming one. Then Carlos gripes that it's now hard distinguishing who's friend or foe, and Fred agrees. Red Alert says they should focus on their side more than the Decepticons, and Carlos agrees they should support their comrades. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Red Alert is less pessimistic, saying Wheeljack made a temporary truce to track down Thrust but will become a trustworthy Autobot ally if Optimus successfully negotiates with Galvatron. Carlos asks if that's like Scavenger, and Fred thinks it would. Then Red Alert says Hot Shot and Wheeljack's dynamic is similar to that between Optimus and Scavenger, making Carlos say that in that case, they should hope that Prime pulls off the negotiation.<br />
*When Optimus combines with Jetfire and Overload and later breaks from them, ''Armada'' plays the ''Transformers'' theme and spams the transformation sound effect. In contrast, ''Legends of the Microns'' plays Prime's Super Mode theme, "Super Convoy," during the Powerlinx sequence. The Japanese dub later plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 2|Theme of Megatron - Attack by Villains]]," fitting the tense situation better.<br />
*''Armada'' has awkward silence after Jetfire's line as he forces away Tidal Wave because Jetfire says his lines without pausing. ''Legends of the Microns'' has a second-long pause between the lines, so there's no silence at the end of the shot.<br />
*Optimus and Galvatron's dialogue differs significantly between the dubs:<br />
**''Armada'' portrays Galvatron as very gung-ho about fighting Optimus as though it's how they'll "negotiate." He remains cynical about the reality of Unicron's threat and only cares about eliminating Optimus so he can be the universe's sole ruler. Optimus offers to talk once Galvatron cools off and later says the generic line about Galvatron's lust for power disgusting him. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes Galvatron's quip about needing to shut Optimus down to his offering to show Prime his "true incompetence." It continues his string of thoughts from earlier and the prior episode about believing two Supreme Commanders are too many and unnecessary to defeat Unicron. Thinking negotiating is needless, Galvatron wants to show he's the superior leader and orders Optimus to fight him. Optimus is silent until he calls Jetfire. After Optimus Powerlinx with Jetfire and Overload and flies off, Galvatron is confused about why Prime won't fight. Optimus asks Galvatron why he can't understand that they should make peace. When Optimus offers Galvatron command, Galvatron thinks Prime is mocking him and says Prime's presence will disrupt "the command structure" even if he steps down and demands Prime to show his power.<br />
**After Tidal Wave and Jetfire leave, ''Armada'' has Galvatron suggest he and Optimus "cut to the chase" now that they're alone. He admits to respecting Prime somewhat but isn't falling for his "truce ploy" charade like Starscream did (as quoted above), still focusing on who will rule the universe. He later mocks Optimus for waiting for the Mini-Cons to rescue him, saying that won't happen. The Japanese version makes their exchange more philosophical: Galvatron mentions what Smokescreen told him about trust among the Autobots, remarking how it's pathetic, and calls Optimus a fool to bind himself with such vague notions. He says Starscream is no different and has had the same silly ideas after returning from the Autobots; Optimus says Starscream awakened to his true self as a Transformer after spending time on both sides. There is some silence after Galvatron demands Optimus to stop feeding him lies in ''Armada'' because the English dub shortens Optimus's line about Starscream, making Galvatron's reply come sooner than it does in ''Legends of the Microns''. Galvatron claims Starscream might be a worse traitor than Thrust. He insists that trust is nonsense, saying that one's power is something worth believing in; power is everything, and justice without it means nothing. Then Galvatron mocks Prime, asking if he's frustrated and sad since the Mini-Cons Optimus fought to save are now under his control and itching to dish out the killing blow.<br />
*The Japanese dub uses the mid-episode [[commercial bumper]]s, while ''Armada'' uses the Autobot and Decepticon logos from the [[scene transition]]s with the transformation sound effect.<br />
*Starscream says he won't hesitate to betray Galvatron because he must stand by his beliefs. Optimus says this isn't Starscream's fight, but the latter asserts otherwise. Galvatron says Starscream has become "a boring fool" and asks if working with the Autobots is necessary; Starscream answers it is for "the Transformers of tomorrow" and not just defeating Unicron and declares he will take command of the Decepticons after besting Galvatron. Galvatron dismisses it as wishful thinking and says Starscream will never beat him, but Starscream states he won't know until he tries.<br />
*Carlos, Billy, and Fred's conversation in the Japanese dub shows them confused by how the negotiation looks no different than a regular Autobot and Decepticon encounter; Billy concludes it's something they'd expect when the factions meet. Then Alexis says things will be fine as she's sure something will change.<br />
*Galvatron questions if Starscream infused his wingblade with his spark's power, to which Starscream answers that he's put every bit of his energy into it to defeat him. Then Optimus says there's no point trying to stop them since Starscream is so determined; Optimus has only one line during the scene in ''Armada'', so there's some silence afterward. <br />
*When Unicron changes form again, Alexis says to look instead of asking what's happening, and Rad sounds more shocked. After Alexis's line about the Mini-Cons approaching Unicron, Billy has a line begging them to stop before Fred says Unicron is attacking the Mini-Cons. After stopping High Wire, Rad urges him to tell the other Mini-Cons to hide somewhere rather than stay put.<br />
* ''Armada'' reduces Galvatron's dialogue to chalking up that Starscream's actions are due to his programming going haywire and offering to put him out of his misery. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream scolds Galvatron for believing nobody could be his equal since he's so overconfident in his strength and declares that he will show him the power of a warrior willing to risk his life for his beliefs. Galvatron admits Starscream's newfound convictions deserve some respect, to which Starscream says the same for Galvatron's stubbornness. Galvatron wonders when the change started since Starscream never escaped his influence when he had ambition. Galvatron says something else is driving Starscream now, asking if the Autobots or the children are compelling him. Not understanding why Starscream would face him over something trivial, Galvatron asks if Starscream is betraying him for real this time before deciding that Starscream will never beat him as he keeps believing in things like trust and kindness.<br />
*After the lightning strike from Unicron, the Japanese dub adds screaming to the shot after Demolishor and Wheeljack. Then Galvatron admits being surprised by Starscream's increased strength and that maybe trust isn't a fleeting concept, but Starscream remains too naive. Starscream internally says Galvatron's name during his close-up, and Galvatron says never to drop his guard until the fight is over.<br />
*Just before Galvatron impales Starscream, the animation is tweaked to clarify that the latter "switched off" his sword with no intention of blocking the fatal blow. The two don't exchange jibes here; they only say the other's name, and Galvatron kneels, realizing what Starscream has done and acknowledging the latter's power, while Starscream says he's still not as strong as Galvatron.<br />
*Starscream's final moments are subtly different between the two versions:<br />
**''Legends of the Microns'' has Starscream admire Galvatron as an ultimate warrior he could never hope to beat and say he wanted Galvatron to notice him. Galvatron gently tells Starscream to stop speaking, later calling him a fool for persisting. Starscream says he'd never gotten the chance to talk to him like this without laying his life on the line first and calls Optimus a leader worthy of trust. After imploring both factions to team up, Starscream says a lot has happened. When unleashing his final attack, Starscream says, "SPARK OF MY SOUL...UNLEASH EVERY BIT OF YOUR POWER! NULL RAY CANNON!" The following scenes of his demise are silent except for Galvatron gasping.<br />
**In ''Armada'', Starscream talks about his desperation to gain Galvatron's favor while comparing him to Optimus as an unintegral leader (a monologue played again during the montage). Galvatron is more verbally hostile towards Starscream, calling him too weak to be worthy of respect.<br />
*After Starscream's last moments in ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus tells Swindle to come with him since his partner isn't here anymore. ''Armada'' has Optimus claim that Starscream was a brave soldier until the end.<br />
*The replay of Starscream's memories repeats what he said about Optimus having integrity in ''Armada'', but ''Legends of the Microns'' instead has the montage feature moments of Starscream boasting, pleading, and wanting Galvatron's recognition throughout the series.<br />
*When Sideways steals the Star Saber, he declares that he now has all the keys. He says Unicron is the only one worthy of it and congratulates Galvatron and Optimus for their "good work." After Sideways escapes, Galvatron exclaims how this nightmare could worsen in ''Armada'' but remarks on Sideways fleeing underground in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*The scene of Sideways destroying the underground tunnel now has an effect added to his maniacal laughter to make it sound disembodied. After this, the scene of the kids' reactions upon learning of Starscream's death is silent, whereas their responses are heard in ''Armada''.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Rad's closing narration is that Starscream was gone, and his demise seemed to be in vain. Then he says, like everything in life, everyone would have to wait to learn the purpose of Starscream's actions; for now, all they had were too many unanswered questions. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis gives the narration, which contains a small glimmer of hope, unlike the English version. She says Starscream has died, but perhaps someday, the tears of sorrow over his death will become ones of determination, swearing that his efforts won't be wasted.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*In the opening scene, Demolishor has four fingers and one thumb on each hand.<br />
*Galvatron's hands are small stubs after swinging the Star Saber at Starscream in the opening.<br />
*In the shots where Hoist warns Blurr not to fire upon the Decepticons except in self-defense, and after the others promise to cover Hot Shot, Blurr's entire gun is colored one solid orange shade.<br />
*Scavenger's chest is partially off-model after the Decepticons begin firing upon the Autobots.<br />
*Galvatron's mouth doesn't move when he says, "Let the negotiations begin!"<br />
*Before Optimus calls for Jetfire, Galvatron's turret is partially miscolored dark gray.<br />
*Galvatron's eyes are seemingly closed after Optimus Powerlinx with Jetfire and Overload.<br />
*Jetfire shoots Tidal Wave in the eye...with the back of his rifle? The Japanese dub fixes this error.<br />
*After Galvatron slashes Optimus with the Star Saber, one can hear the sound of crackling electricity from a wound, but Optimus looks unscathed until his next shot.<br />
*Galvatron says, "What?" too soon in two scenes: first, before the explosion goes off behind him, seemingly out of surprise about gaining the upper hand when the Star Saber cuts Optimus's shoulder, and later when Sideways steals the Star Saber. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the timing by having Galvatron say it the first time while turning around ''after'' the explosion and later a second after Sideways takes the sword from him and Optimus.<br />
*Starscream's mouth doesn't move when he speaks after appearing out of the smoke.<br />
*As Starscream descends after catching his wing blade, Galvatron exclaims fearfully despite his brash overconfidence a moment ago. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he appropriately shouts "What?!" in shock instead.<br />
*As Galvatron slaps Starscream during their duel, his right hand is drawn as a standard hand instead of its traditional claw-looking design.<br />
*Wheeljack says, "What's happening?" in Demolishor's voice. The Japanese version doesn't have this mistake.<br />
*When Alexis goes to the window to see Starscream's Photon Cannon fail to reach Unicron, the Autobot symbol on the back of her suit changes from red to blue.<br />
*When Galvatron raises the Star Saber before his memory montage, the inner part of his right shoulder is detached from the rest, already in its later position, before he lifts his arm.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*In the Japanese dub's opening scene, after Galvatron slaps Starscream, he says he already told Starscream three times that the Decepticons aren't teaming up with the Autobots. Galvatron mentions this again later before fighting Starscream. So, Starscream must have urged Galvatron to work with Optimus twice before since the prior episode's end.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Billy refers to Galvatron as "stag beetle head," the nickname Thrust previously used in "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]."<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron references what Smokescreen said to him in "[[Sacrifice]]" about trust binding the Autobots together.<br />
*Galvatron refers to the time when Sparkplug saved Optimus in "[[Decisive Battle]]"; he might also mean when the Mini-Cons turned against him to save Optimus in "[[Vow]]."<br />
*In the Japanese dub, Galvatron remarks about Starscream's ambition, which he previously did in "[[Rebellion (Armada)|Rebellion]]."<br />
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' calls this episode the last of the show's Starscream saga.<br />
*Prepare yourself for when [[Megatron Raid|Starscream returns]] in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' since his compelling character arc in ''Armada'' goes out the window like it never happened.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**This is the first time Optimus combines with Overload while in his Jet Optimus configuration with Jetfire, with bonus stock transformation footage. However, Optimus combines with Jetfire first, only to fly a relatively short distance, making the combination with Overload pretty pointless other than [[To sell toys| to show they can.]]<br />
**Starscream uses his wing blade against Galvatron.<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Galvatron Powerlinx with the Star Saber for the last time.<br />
**Starscream Powerlinx with Swindle to unleash his Null Laser Cannon against Unicron. The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' deems it the last time a Transformer Powerlinx with a Mini-Con in the series.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*At Megatron's statue, Starscream determines that he must protect the humans, but why would he defend all the kids when Alexis is the only one he knows well enough? Alexis is also who he thinks of at that moment. The Japanese dub correctly has Starscream resolving not to let ''Alexis'' die.<br />
*How does Tidal Wave know to Powerlinx with Galvatron when Galvatron never gives the order and only says they're leaving to face Optimus? ''Legends of the Microns'' has Galvatron tell Tidal Wave to combine with him.<br />
*Why would Red Alert believe there's no turning back once a Transformer becomes a Decepticon? Did he completely forget that Scavenger is an ex-Decepticon? There also must've been other rare cases of Decepticons becoming Autobots, and vice versa.<br />
*Galvatron tells Tidal Wave to attack Optimus when they split up, but Tidal Wave does nothing until later. Galvatron only commands Tidal Wave to uncombine with him in the Japanese dub since Optimus just split from Jetfire and Overload, and Galvatron wishes to even things out.<br />
*Tidal Wave is significantly smaller and weaker than previously depicted. Jetfire, shown not much smaller than Tidal Wave, shoulder-blocks and lifts off with him in a single movement.<br />
*Alexis's pendant cracks upon Starscream's death; it somehow connected to his spark, but previous episodes never really built up that detail or alluded to it. Since the necklace has only appeared in two episodes, this feature almost seems like an afterthought for drama's sake.<br />
**In the same scene, why does Rad ask Alexis what's happening outside when she doesn't know more than he does? He correctly asks her if something is wrong in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Why does Rad give the closing narration when Alexis had the bond with Starscream, and his death devastates her more than anyone else? The Japanese dub rightly has Alexis deliver the narration.<br />
<br />
===Transformers references===<br />
*Starscream's death by crumbling into a pile of debris resembles [[Generation 1 cartoon continuity|G1]] [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream's]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.<br />
*Many parts of Galvatron and Starscream's speeches quote lyrics from ''[[The Touch]]'', like 'I'm nobody's fool' (see above) or Starscream's 'after all is said and done.'<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*Fred's "The horror! The horror!" line is from ''{{w|Heart of Darkness}}'', the novel adapted into the film ''{{w|Apocalypse Now}}''.<br />
*Galvatron gives Starscream one last chance not to fight, and when Starscream declines, Galvatron's "Is that your final answer?" line might be a reference to ''{{w|Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?}}''.<br />
*Galvatron tells Optimus the Autobots and Decepticons could never work together since they're like oil and water. It refers to the proverb about oil and water, as oil always tries to stay separate from water whenever combined; it explains how beings with specific traits can never mix, no matter what anyone does.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
[[File:Cramp - no ML title card.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4|Foreshadowing? Why, no!]]<br />
*The episode's English version first aired in the United Kingdom on the {{w|Sky One}} channel when the network ran an around-the-clock promotion of American magician/"endurance artist" {{w|David Blaine}}'s controversial London stunt, complete with an obnoxious '''DAVID BLAINE''' onscreen overlay. It aired in the United States on [[December 8]], 2003.<br />
*There's no title card in ''Legends of the Microns''; the title appears over Starscream. This way of showing the episode titles was only done previously in "[[Linkup]]."<br />
*Optimus calls Starscream's Mini-Con Swindle instead of Zapmaster. So logically, Swindle received a color change like Starscream did (instead of him exchanging his Mini-Con for a new one in different colors).<br />
*Starscream's proton cannon blasts don't even touch Unicron. You can see them dissipate before Alexis's eyes before they reach him. Most heartwrenching suicide ever?<br />
*Starscream's sword is surprisingly powerful in this episode, durable enough to clash with Star Saber without any visible damage. Due to his upgrade after Nemesis Prime kicked his skidplate? Nah.<br />
*This episode is one of few without an opening narration.<br />
*This is the second time in the Japanese dub that a Transformer says, "Spark of my soul..." The last time was by Optimus Prime in "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]."<br />
*''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' reveals the following:<br />
**The episode's highlights include Magna Jet Convoy's debut and the first half of the climactic fight: Optimus vs. Galvatron, which serves as a prelude to their final battle. The main highlight is the battle's second half with Starscream and Galvatron's last fight.<br />
**[[Hidehito Ueda]] says that Galvatron expressing his feelings about Starscream wasn't in the scenario initially, but he wanted Galvatron to tell them.<br />
**Ueda jokes about wanting Starscream to return as a ghost in ''Super Link'' before becoming a [[Pretender]] and marrying Alexis.<br />
**The first moments for this episode that appeared in Ueda's mind when reading the scenario were Starscream's Null Laser Cannons not reaching Unicron, Alexis watching them stop short, and the silent scene of the children's reactions to Starscream's death at the end.<br />
**Starscream died not as a Decepticon but as a Transformer.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Das Friedensangebot'''" ("Peace-Offering")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 12|12 January]] [[2004]]<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Párbaj'''" ("Duel")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Obstáculo'''" ("Obstacle")<br />
<br />
[[Category: Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Rebellion_(Armada)&diff=1646379Rebellion (Armada)2022-10-17T22:10:41Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Picsneeded}}<br />
{{disambig2|the ''Armada'' episode|the ''Prime'' episode|Rebellion (Prime)}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=23<br />
|prev=Vow<br />
|next=Chase (episode)<br />
|title="Rebellion"<br />
|furigana=かくご<br />
|japanese=謀反<!--rebellion--><br />
|romaji=Kakugo<br />
|translation=Rebellion: Resolution<br />
|image=Rebelliontitle.jpg<br />
|caption=One small step for schemers, one giant leap to overthrow a guy called Megatron.<br />
|production code=TF: A-23<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]<br />
|director=[[Takashi Sano]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[January 26]], [[2003]] (UK, English premiere)<br>[[January 28]], 2003 (USA)<br>[[June 13|13 June]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''One fine day on the Moon. Sideways manipulates, Starscream evaluates. Cyclonus snores, Megatron roars. You'll always have Demolishor!'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Armada Rebellion Megs SS abuse1.jpg|left|thumb|And the fangirls go WILD.]]<br />
Alone on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] notes that [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s poor leadership is the key to the [[Decepticon]]s' recent string of losses—Sideways must do something if he wants to keep the conflict going. As he records, he gazes at the sky, a dark region of deep space without stars.<br />
<br />
Soon afterward, Megatron and the other Decepticons return from battle, called back by Sideways, who claims to be suffering from damage in his leg. Megatron is unimpressed and annoyed, and even more annoyed when practically in mid-sentence, [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] takes a nap.<br />
<br />
[[File:Rebellionbadreception.jpg|thumb|Man, the Cartoon Network reception up here is terrible.]]<br />
When [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] arrives, Megatron brutalizes and belittles him as punishment for failing during battle, even though he was only obediently operating under Megatron's direct orders. [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] blasts into the room and intervenes, possibly saving Starscream's life. Megatron leaves, and Starscream goes on his own soon after. After briefly questioning Demolishor about his blind loyalty to Megatron, Sideways follows Starscream. When Cyclonus doesn't wake up, and even Megatron is napping on his throne, Demolishor concedes the Decepticons' morale is embarrassing.<br />
<br />
Starscream, who accidentally fell down a hill, cries out in anguish. Nearby, Sideways sympathizes with Starscream about how Megatron is operating irrationally. Before leaving again, Sideways alludes to a familiar concept: Starscream commanding the Decepticons. <br />
<br />
Megatron, hearing from Sideways a different perspective on his disciplinary actions, is manipulated. Sideways escalates the tension between Starscream and Megatron by suggesting Megatron's position is dependent on possessing the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]].<br />
<br />
Questioning his position, Starscream projects his doubt onto Demolishor and uses it as reassurance that they're both soldiers, even if he was born into a war and still doesn't know its ideology and purpose. Demolishor is confused by Starscream's rationalization and feels that the still-napping Cyclonus is the only Decepticon without issues. <br />
<br />
[[File:Armada Rebellion Megs SS fight.jpg|250px|thumb|Well, he still treats his troops better than G1 Galvatron.]]<br />
In a hallway, Starscream has come to disregard his misgivings and continue to obey Megatron. But Sideways pushes Starscream over the edge with a falsified order he claims to be relaying directly from Megatron. As Starscream storms out to find Megatron, Demolishor wakes Cyclonus so they can prevent the confrontation, but Cyclonus is more interested in being an audience to the bout.<br />
<br />
Megatron wagers the Star Saber on his victory. When Cyclonus arrives to watch, Starscream has lost his sword and is getting a beatdown from Megatron. Megatron picks Starscream off the ground and re-states what's at stake: Everything. After Megatron's speech, Starscream delivers an uppercut and follows up with several sound blows, getting cheers from Cyclonus. But a hit from Megatron sends Starscream through the air. <br />
<br />
[[File:Armada Rebellion grab.jpg|left|thumb|Kiss me, you fool.]]<br />
Megatron holds the Star Saber in Starscream's face, and despite his earlier promise, he lets Starscream live, flaunting that he knows Starscream's psychological weakness. Sideways muses that Megatron had victory in his hands but walked away from it. He saw weakness in Megatron through Starscream; he prophesies that one day the Decepticon leader will regret what happened here, and it will be his ruin.<br />
<br />
The next time the Decepticons enter battle, they fight with recharged vigor; somehow, the conflict coming to a climax on the Moon re-established Megatron's leadership, which benefitted the rest of the team.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (7)<br />
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (8)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (1)<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (2)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (3)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (4)<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (5)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Mirror]] (6)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"There's gotta be a reason we fight. Because there's no point in continuing unless there is. This war is over ten million years old. In fact, I've been a warrior ever since my spark left the [[Iacon chamber]], and I was merged into the army of Megatron. The only difference between me and an Autobot is the way we do battle and the code of the Decepticons. I guess I'm starting to get a little... confused. But you shouldn't be. We are soldiers sworn to obey Megatron; capture the Mini-Cons and return to Cybertron triumphant." <br />
:—'''Starscream''', in [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] rambling speech mode.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Demolishor:''' What is going on with everyone here? Ever since we lost that battle, everyone's gone loopy.<br><br />
''(glances at Cyclonus, who's still sleeping and snoring)''<br><br />
Well, at least some things never change around here. But Cyclonus is starting to look like the only sane one.<br />
:—You know the Decepticons are in deep doo-doo when the nutty guy's considered the 'only sane one.'<br />
<br />
<br />
"This time, it's a fight to the finish, and I won't accept any of your lame excuses. Do you understand me, you worthless grunt? I hope to realize what is at stake here. The Star Saber and supreme command of the Decepticons go to the winner. Why, you could rule the universe if you were victorious. There is no greater prize, and this is your one chance to attain it, so don't blow it, dolt. But just remember this, Starscream, I won't show you mercy. You will be an example to my men, to prevent any further insubordination."<br />
:—'''Megatron''', simultaneously insulting Starscream's pride and incentivizing him to fight harder.<br />
<br />
<br />
"You win, Megatron. Now just.. get it over with."<br><br />
"You're giving up? I expected more of you! At least ''beg'' me to spare your worthless life! Or is your foolish pride getting in the way of even that, Starscream? Well, ''is it?'' Your problem is you have a conscience. You don't have the stomach to finish the fight because you play by the rules. Well, then, you'll never come out on top, Starscream."<br />
:— '''Starscream''' asks for death, and '''Megatron''' gives him a complete evaluation instead.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Ha, you had the upper hand, Megatron, and then you walked away before it was over. A true leader would never leave a fight half-fought. I see weakness and one day, it will come back to haunt you. And it will be your ''ruin''."<br />
:—'''Sideways''', observing Megatron's refusal to finish off Starscream (with superb delivery by [[Paul Dobson]])<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*Sideways doesn't begin his report until the bird's-eye view shot of him. He says the Autobots are now the dominant faction rather than gaining the advantage. The Star Saber, Skyboom Shield, and Requiem Blaster will soon fall into their hands, making the Autobots overpowered in battle. Hence, he needs to act immediately to deal with this development. In ''Armada'', Sideways points out the Decepticons' recent losing streak due to their disorganization and how it's about to change.<br />
*Megatron starts speaking to Sideways during the former's close-up shot. He asks why Sideways retreated, and Sideways answers that his leg was damaged. ''Armada'' makes it seem like Sideways called Megatron back to base before Megatron asks if he's pulling a joke.<br />
*Cyclonus teases Sideways after returning from battle in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him rambling about the Decepticons' losing streak, with this one being their third in a row.<br />
*Starscream's first line is changed to reflect the dark mood in the base better. Megatron is also calm and collected when telling Starscream to follow him.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Starscream stammers as he asks Megatron if something is wrong, and Megatron tells Starscream that he's terminated. Then Sideways says Megatron will exterminate Starscream and blames the latter for his failure. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream is silent as Megatron approaches, and the latter sternly asks Starscream what he just said. Then Demolishor asks what the sound heard was, and Sideways calls Megatron a hypocrite who abuses his men for his losses.<br />
*Rather than saying Starscream also fails at following orders, Megatron asks if Starscream realizes that he only acts as he pleases and if he's even capable of using his "fat head."<br />
*In ''Armada'', Megatron says what he did to Starscream was a fitting punishment for insubordination. ''Legends of the Microns'' makes him crueler as he says it was a bore and that his men are all pitifully dull. Starscream later tells Demolishor that he has unfinished business in ''Armada'' but tells him to be quiet in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Starscream doesn't say anything before he flies off. Sideways quips on how the former's departure is a fine example of teamwork among comrades. Then after Sideways leaves, Demolishor asks what he means about why the latter is loyal to Megatron.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' gives Sideways an extra line about it being time for him to make a gamble since the Decepticons will be over if things remain in their current state. He doesn't mention Megatron maiming the others.<br />
*The camera zooms closer to the Decepticon base as Cyclonus continues snoring, and Demolishor calls him a lazy jerk.<br />
*As Starscream repeatedly stabs his wing blade into the ground, ''Armada'' has him rant about Megatron humiliating him while he only swears in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then, in ''Armada'', Sideways asks Starscream if he's willing to make a bet. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he tells Starscream that he can beat Megatron with just his sword.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Sideways says Megatron has gone off the deep end, and Starscream agrees. When talking about who is better suited to be the leader, Sideways says Starscream knows who he's referring to but won't admit it. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Sideways is more cryptic as he asks Starscream if he shares the belief that there's someone else more suitable to lead the Decepticons. Then he says sometimes it's best to welcome change per a situation's atmosphere.<br />
*When Sideways manipulates Megatron, ''Legends of the Microns'' goes right to the point with a calm Megatron not liking what Sideways says yet remaining confident Starscream could never rebel against him as the latter knows he would lose. Sideways says Megatron must do something; otherwise, Starscream's rebellious spirit will grow. However, Megatron then calls Starscream one of his most important subordinates, so Sideways doesn't know whether Megatron is more intelligent than he looks or a total idiot. Sideways says Megatron risks giving Starscream the upper hand unless he deals with him now, but Megatron says he'll use the Star Saber to crush Starscream. Then Sideways goads Megatron with how he believes the latter feels stronger while wielding the Star Saber, as Starscream can't compete with the weapon. This claim makes Megatron snap at Sideways, declaring he doesn't need the Star Saber to beat Starscream and can quickly kill him with his bare hands. With Megatron's response, Sideways determines him to be an idiot.<br />
*Compared to how bitter he is in ''Armada'' (as quoted above), Starscream is more reflective and sensitive during his talk with Demolishor in ''Legends of the Microns''; Starscream also periodically pauses speaking in the Japanese dub, whereas he talks almost nonstop in ''Armada''. He goes through the ship's historical records on the Mini-Cons for clues on why the Transformers keep fighting. He tells Demolishor that despite only knowing to fight since birth, they're just like the Autobots, who also fight without hesitating. Then Starscream says he and Demolishor wouldn't hesitate to battle Megatron if they were born as Autobots instead. Demolishor asks what Starscream is trying to say, and Starscream says Demolishor is probably right, but no one can do anything about it now.<br />
*The Star Saber is redrawn in the scene of Megatron asleep outside with it. In the next scene with Starscream and Demolishor, the latter says Megatron crossed the line by attacking Starscream in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says the Decepticons' losing streak is getting the better of Megatron since he's now more irritable than ever.<br />
*After Sideways gives Starscream the order from Megatron, Sideways says that Megatron said guarding the warp gate is the task suited for those who can't follow simple orders. It's the opposite in ''Armada'' since Sideways claims Starscream is the only one Megatron trusts with the job. Immediately after this exchange, Starscream thinks about how absurd the order is in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream has no internal dialogue, and he's redrawn. After he throws Demolishor aside, ''Armada'' has Starscream say he's fed up with his unjust treatment, while the assignment being stated for those who can't follow orders angers him in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*In the scene with Sideways in the throne room, Starscream surmises that Megatron is "waiting" for him outside. He doesn't come to that conclusion in ''Armada''; instead, he says, "He's mine!"<br />
*In ''Armada'', Demolishor tells Cyclonus if they don't stop Starscream, the Decepticons can kiss their morale goodbye. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Demolishor says the group's unity is at stake instead.<br />
*Sideways tells Cyclonus he told Starscream he wasn't ready to face Megatron, but Starscream wouldn't listen in ''Armada''. Sideways says he pities Starscream but doubts he will survive the fight in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*After decking Starscream with several blows, Megatron tells him to stand up since they're only getting started. After Megatron says the winner gets the Star Saber and command of the Decepticons, he says Starscream shouldn't blow his only chance to get such a grand prize in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron asks whether it's what Starscream always wanted or if he's already quit.<br />
*Immediately afterward, in ''Armada'' (as quoted above), Megatron says he won't hold back and will make an example of Starscream to quell any future rebellion ideas. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron tells Starscream he wouldn't believe him if he said he never considered being the leader. He asks if Starscream's ambition has ended and demands he not delude himself with "pitiful self-righteousness."<br />
*Instead of saying everything will be ruined due to Megatron never planning to use the Star Saber against Starscream, Sideways says there must be another reason since "Megatron's not the type to do that."<br />
*Megatron says Starscream will never beat him as long as the latter's pride holds back his ambition. In ''Armada'', Megatron says he is the winner since he understands Starscream's weaknesses of having a conscience and playing by the rules.<br />
*Sideways says he now knows Megatron's weakness, but his naivety stopped him from killing Starscream. The following shots of Starscream lying defeated are silent.<br />
*During the final scenes of the Decepticons and Autobots fighting, ''Armada'' plays its "insert" version of the Transformers [[theme song]], but ''Legends of the Microns'' plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Invincible Power]]".<br />
*In ''Armada'', Sideways's closing narration ties into the subplot of the Decepticons' low morale and lack of unity. He notes their boosted resolve despite his failed plan to take down Megatron, enjoying how the team fights as one again; however, there's still no clear winner in sight between the two factions. In ''Legends of the Microns'', it connects to Sideways's subplot to balance the factions' power; it ends more ominously and feels less like a cliffhanger. Sideways says the strength between the Autobots and Decepticons suddenly became more balanced, and they're now one step closer to the day when their fight will lead to their destruction.<br />
*In the last shot, Starscream's yelling stops when the screen goes black, and the final musical sting from the opening theme's trance version plays after Sideways finishes speaking in ''Armada''. Starscream's yell echoes as Sideways completes the narration in the Japanese dub, and Sideways's voice sounds disembodied.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
[[File:Rebellion animation changes.jpg|thumb|285px|Some animation differences between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' (right). It's like night and day, right?]]<br />
*The episode's animation shifts from high quality (particularly for close-ups and specific sequences) to average, mostly as Megatron defeats Starscream, going from a high-quality shot of Starscream slowly falling to the ground to a lower-quality shot of him landing (see right). Different lower-quality shots at the end of Megatron and Starscream's duel are redrawn to provide more consistent animation quality in the Japanese dub. Though several quick shots of the two seen in the Japanese cut of the fight are reused from the unfinished animation seen in the American cut.<br />
*As Megatron turns away after this scene, his Decepticon symbols are missing from his shoulders, and he seriously lacks in-drawn detail. ''Legends of the Microns'' replaces Megatron's low-quality model with a redrawn one, complete with the symbols on his shoulders.<br />
*The background doesn't match the previous shot during Sideways's close-up after the other Decepticons warp back to base.<br />
*When Demolishor tells Megatron that Cyclonus has fallen asleep, Cyclonus doesn't have a face, but he's still heard snoring.<br />
*As Megatron walks toward Starscream before brutalizing him, Megatron's walking animation stops after the first step, but the walking sound effect is still audible. ''Legends of the Microns'' reanimates Megatron as walking, but his arms are now stationary.<br />
*When Starscream tries reasoning with Megatron that he followed his orders, parts of his body, like between his arms and the top of his chest, are heavily shadowed. The Japanese dub either removes the unnecessary shadows or lessens them; however, for some reason, ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the shadow above Starscream's eyes though it's present in ''Armada''.<br />
*After trying to open the doors, Demolishor says Megatron "locked ''us'' in here" (referring to himself and Sideways) when really, Megatron locked himself and Starscream in the room. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes Demolishor's line to saying a key is needed to open the doors.<br />
*After Starscream passes Demolishor and leaves the room, Demolishor's Decepticon insignia is a plain purple shape.<br />
*In the next shot of Starscream from behind, he is a bit off-model, and some of the lightning on him is wrong. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this (see right).<br />
*After Starscream flies off, the right side of Demolishor's face is colored yellow like his head.<br />
*After the shot of Starscream raising his wing blade, the background resembles inside the base, although he's outside.<br />
*In the wide shot of Sideways and Starscream talking, Sideways's sides are blue rather than yellow.<br />
*When Sideways tells Starscream that Megatron is afraid of him, Starscream doesn't move, and he looks shocked throughout the shot.<br />
*Starscream lacks the shadow above his eyes in some shots.<br />
*In another shot during the same scene, the Decepticons insignias on Starscream's wings have circles around them.<br />
*When Starscream responds to Sideways in the corridor after Sideways says Megatron only depends on Starscream to carry out his order, Starscream's body moves, but his shoulder thrusters don't.<br />
*In the scene of Starscream and Demolishor fighting in the corridor, they are both off-model, and Sideways has vanished. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds Sideways back into the scene; Starscream and Demolishor are entirely redrawn, and the background is slightly shifted to the right (see right).<br />
*In two shots where Demolishor and Cyclonus watch Megatron and Starscream fight in the distance, the top of Megatron's body just below his neck is miscolored red.<br />
*In the close-ups of Demolishor after Cyclonus drops him, his left eye's lighting effect is miscolored black.<br />
*During the last scene, there's an awkward silence after Megatron speaks to Demolishor. The Japanese dub removes it as Megatron doesn't immediately say his line after the scene cuts. Also, Megatron commands Demolishor to look ''after'' the Mini-Cons. In ''Legends of the Microns'', his command is for Demolishor to ''find'' the Mini-Con panel.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*The opening scene where Sideways gazes up at a dark, starless region of space is a clue to his [[Unicron|true allegiance]], which the [[Chase (episode)|following episode]] reveals.<br />
*Sideways's log also reveals that the Cybertronian date in this episode is "Astrodate Nimbus 3391," and his ID code is "002348".<br />
*This episode is the first to mention the Requiem Blaster (though by its Japanese name, as explained below).<br />
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'', Sideways's goal is to destroy both factions.<br />
*Since the Autobots gained a fair chunk of the Decepticons' Mini-Cons in the [[Vow|last episode]], the Decepticons appear to be losing every recent battle, something that Megatron is very displeased with, and takes his frustrations out on Starscream.<br />
*The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' calls this episode the second in the "Starscream saga."<br />
*Starscream's loyalty to the Decepticon cause starts wavering more in this episode.<br />
*Demolishor is once again left to fix the Decepticon team alone.<br />
*According to Starscream in the English dub, the Transformers war has been going on for over 10 million years.<br />
*This episode is the only one in the series without any humans and barely any Autobots.<br />
*The part about Starscream wondering why the Transformers fight comes up again in the Japanese version of "[[Sacrifice]]."<br />
*This episode has the show's first fight between Starscream and Megatron, although Sideways caused it through his manipulations.<br />
*During their fight, the Japanese dub has Megatron scold Starscream for lacking ambition; Megatron brings up Starscream's ambition again in "[[Cramp]]."<br />
*The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' states the main difference between Megatron and Starscream becomes clear in this episode, arguably that Starscream is more "human" than Megatron, which will lead to fascinating developments for Starscream in the future.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Sideways's arm cannons aren't attached in this episode. Given that he isn't participating in any battles, he seems to have removed them. The toy's arm cannons are pressure-fire missiles and are easily removable.<br />
**Cyclonus is seen carrying Demolishor in vehicle mode, a practice he repeats in ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]''.<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Blurr Powerlinx with the Skyboom Shield for the first time.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*Sideways says the Autobots possess the Star Saber, Skyboom Shield, and Astro Blaster (the Requiem Blaster's Japanese name) in his opening log entry. However, the Decepticons still have the sword, the Autobots have the shield, while the show won't introduce the Requiem Blaster until "[[Desperate]]." He also says the Decepticons don't have the necessary organization to keep the weapons in their possession, but they never had all the weapons in the first place. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes these glaring errors with Sideways saying the Autobots will soon possess all three weapons and therefore become too strong, removing the mention of the Decepticons ever having the weapons beforehand.<br />
*Sideways somehow knows that Megatron is planning to exterminate Starscream, but how could he have possibly heard Megatron say that? The Japanese dub instead has Sideways calling Megatron a hypocrite who takes his losses out on his men.<br />
*The background changes between the scenes of Starscream flying off and Sideways talking to Demolishor. ''Legends of the Microns'' switches it in Starscream's shot to match that of Sideways and Demolishor; however, the background of the ''Armada'' version of Starscream's scene is the correct one in this case (see above).<br />
*Starscream claims Demolishor has beef with Megatron and that he should get over it, but it's more like Starscream's talking about himself. The Japanese dub doesn't have this issue since the point of their talk is entirely different.<br />
*After this, Demolishor grumbles about everyone going "loopy" after losing the previous battle, despite the Decepticons already noted as suffering their third loss in a row at the episode's start. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this as Demolishor mentions the recent ''string'' of losses making everyone go crazy...at least, everyone except Cyclonus.<br />
*Megatron refers to the Transformers as "Cybertronians," a term for their race that isn't used very often through most ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' fiction.<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*Sideways's log entry sequence is based on the ''[[Star Trek]]'' characters' logs that provide exposition for the ongoing plot.<br />
*Megatron's line that incompetent morons surround him is a version of Scar's "I'm surrounded by idiots" line from ''The Lion King''.<br />
*Before he starts pounding Starscream, Megatron says, "You're terminated." It's an apparent reference to ''The Terminator''; even the music that plays during Starscream's second Megatron apparition sounds like a dead ringer for the Terminator theme.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*The kanji 謀反 would be pronounced as "''muhon''" or "''bouhan''," while "''kakugo''" uses 覚悟.<br />
*"Rebellion" first aired in the United States on [[January 28]], [[2003]].<br />
*Cyclonus is briefly shown [[humanization|drooling]] after he falls asleep.<br />
*Few other ''Transformers'' episodes focus exclusively on the Decepticons, with some Autobots only having brief appearances at the end.<br />
*This episode marks the first time in the series that a Transformer gives the opening and ending narrations instead of one of the kids, a given since this is a human-less episode.<br />
*Surprisingly, this episode's English dub doesn't spam the transformation sound effect and only uses it once after Cyclonus drops off Demolishor. ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't use it at all here. This episode's ''Armada'' dub doesn't have any drastic musical changes except the last scene with the Autobots.<br />
*Starscream's discussion with Demolishor in the Japanese dub about wanting answers for why the Transformers keep fighting later becomes a lyric in the second opening song, "[[Transformers: Kōtetsu no Yūki]]."<br />
*The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' claims that Megatron can never win regardless of whether or not Starscream is stronger than him. Interesting.<br />
**It even calls Megatron "an attractive killer"; well, let's face it, there's no disputing the guy has some charisma.<br />
*The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' reveals that [[Yūjin Ishikawa]] wanted to try a new take on Starscream's betrayal and Optimus Prime's death in the series. He felt a Starscream who doesn't betray wouldn't please Transformers fans, so there are glimpses of him backstabbing Megatron for his self-interests in "[[Soldier (episode)|Soldier]]" and "[[Jungle]]," similar to past Starscreams. However, Starscream slowly grows and evolves, like Hot Shot; the producers' treatment of Starscream changed after realizing he'd be the only Decepticon with character development.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Lázadás'''" ("Rebellion")<br />
<br />
'''Polish'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Rebelia'''" ("Rebellion")<br />
<br />
'''French'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Rébellion'''" ("Rebellion")<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''스크림의 반란'''" ("Scream's Rebellion")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Rebelião'''" ("Rebellion")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 6 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Cramp&diff=1605973Cramp2022-04-15T01:45:51Z<p>Starzone: more accurate dialogue translations</p>
<hr />
<div>{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=48<br />
|prev=Portent<br />
|next=Alliance<br />
|title="Cramp"<br />
|furigana=しんねん<br />
|japanese=決死<!--cramp--><br />
|romaji=Shinnen<br />
|translation=Prepared for Death: Conviction<br />
|image=Starscreamheroicdeath.jpg<br />
|caption="Tell my tale to those who ask, tell it truly. The ill deeds along with the good, and let me be judged accordingly..."<br />
|production code=TF: A-48<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]<br />
|englishadaptation=[[Terry Klassen]]<br />
|director=[[Osamu Kamijō]],<br>[[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.)<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[September 29]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom)<br>[[November 28|28 November]] 2003 (Japanese)<br>[[December 8]], [[2003]] (English, United States)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Starscream prepares to do whatever it takes to convince Galvatron the threat of Unicron is real.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Starsmack.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Galvatron blasts Starscream with his rarely seen armpit-laser.]]<br />
[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] pleads to [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] that [[Unicron]]'s threat is real (as Starscream has first-hand experience in the beast's bowels); hoping to convince his leader that perhaps an [[Autobot]] and [[Decepticon]] alliance is the safest course to ensure [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s survival. When Starscream refuses to stop pleading, Galvatron slaps his subordinate into a wall to silence him. The Decepticon leader is confident his military can overcome both the Autobots and Unicron. Starscream continues to stress the danger of Unicron, and Galvatron starts to swing his [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]].<br />
<br />
[[File:Cramp-Starscreamdies.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|[[Code of Hero|The rest is... silence]]. Well, [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|not really]], but don't you kinda wish it was?]]<br />
The Autobots are still optimistic, believing there's a chance a diplomatic conference could lead to a truce between the two sides, meaning they can't take aggressive action against the Decepticons, only defensive. Nevertheless, Galvatron, armed with the Star Saber and [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], flies into battle, ready to negotiate with [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] using firepower. Prime responds by combining with [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] and heading away from the thick of the battle.<br />
<br />
By a [[Megatron statue|monolithic statue of Megatron]], Starscream wonders what he needs to do, and [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]]'s words of encouragement run through his head. <br />
<br />
Away from the armies, Galvatron and Optimus Prime send their men away, leaving the two leaders to battle one on one. Through the struggle, Galvatron admits that he still considers Unicron an Autobot hoax, and with the Star Saber, he has the upper hand against Prime. However, as soon as Galvatron breaks Prime's metal, an explosion disturbs the showdown. Starscream walks from the smoke.<br />
<br />
The rest of the Autobots struggle to hold their ground, unable to cause any real damage to the Decepticons. Alexis has faith that things will be okay. Meanwhile, Unicron's lunar shell peels off thousands of miles away, and the behemoth attacks the assembled Mini-Con cluster.<br />
<br />
[[File:Cramp-Swindleejects.jpg|left|thumb|I'm not crying! I just have something in my eyes.]]<br />
Starscream quits the Decepticons and challenges Galvatron to one-on-one combat. The two clash, quickly cutting into each other. However, Starscream displays skill beyond the last time he battled Megatron. Lightning from Unicron carves into the landscape around them. The two warriors ignore it and continue their struggle, but in an instant, the Star Saber plunges into Starscream's torso, and the impaled Decepticon falls.<br />
<br />
Lying with the blade sticking out of him, Starscream speaks earnestly to Galvatron, pointing out that Galvatron's arrogance drove the situation to be what it is. Despite his injury, Starscream stands up and reiterates his wishes for a truce between the two Cybertronian factions against Unicron. His final desire said, Starscream joins with his [[Mini-Con]] to fire his [[Proton cannon]]s upwards at Unicron. Unicron fires back, disintegrating Starscream, much to Galvatron and Optimus's shock. Aboard the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'', Alexis's [[Good Luck Necklace|luck charm]] breaks, and she runs outside to look out the window and sees Starscream's laser blast fade away.<br />
<br />
[[File:Cramp-AlexismournsStarscream.jpg|left|thumb|I never got to tell Starscream that I loved him!]]<br />
Realizing Starscream was right about Unicron's threat, Galvatron remembers their shared experiences and ''finally'' decides to join forces with Optimus Prime. He starts by offering the Star Saber to Optimus... BUT from the crater Starscream died in, a dark cloud emerges and grabs the Star Saber! The cloud forms into [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]], who escapes the two leaders through the underground portal, making sure to collapse the tunnels so the Autobots and Decepticons can't follow him. Upon witnessing Sideways's escape, Optimus and Galvatron fear for the worst to come.<br />
<br />
After Optimus tells them about Starscream's death over the monitor, the kids are devastated, most notably Alexis, who begins crying. She then bolts from the room and slams her fist on the window that displays Unicron in grief. When [[Rad White|Rad]] appears behind her, she smacks his shoulders, asking why Starscream would do that to himself, and Rad does his best to console her.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (8)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (9)<br />
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (10)<br />
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (14)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (15)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (16)<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (17)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (18)<br />
*[[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] (21)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (1)<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (2)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (3)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (4)<br />
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (5)<br />
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (20)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (6)<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (7)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (11)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (12)<br />
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (13)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (19) (Powerlinxed with Galvatron)<br />
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (23)<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (24)<br />
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (25)<br />
*[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] (26)<br />
<br />
|h5=Other|c5=<br />
*[[Unicron]] (22)<br />
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (27)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
[[File:Cramp-Galvatronregrets.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|You'll miss me when I'm gone!]]<br />
"How long have we been adversaries, Optimus? It seems like since the beginning of time. And I suppose I do have a certain respect for you, but I digress, you might have fooled Starscream with your little Truce ploy, but I am nobody's fool. Now let's end this charade, shall we?"<br />
:—'''Galvatron''' faces off against Optimus Prime in the 'negotiations'.<br />
<br />
<br />
"May I suggest that you have lost your mind?!"<br />
:—'''Galvatron''' to Starscream, who has just challenged him to a duel.<br />
<br />
<br />
"I tried to gain favor from you. But nothing was ever good enough. No matter how many battles I fought, you always found fault. Then I saw how Optimus treated his men, and I realized he was a leader of integrity. Unlike you."<br><br />
"You were too weak to ever gain my respect."<br><br />
"None of that matters now. You must listen — do as Optimus says and join forces with the Autobots, or else every last one of us is doomed! Please sir... do it for me..."<br />
:—'''Starscream''' pours his spark out to '''Galvatron''' after being impaled by the Star Saber<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*Starscream asks why Megatron wants to cling to his rivalry with Optimus and says that the universe will soon be no more after witnessing Unicron's power. Galvatron says he's now aware of Unicron's existence and understands the need to destroy him but still refuses to work with Optimus. ''Armada'' rephrases the rivalry as a "petty argument" and changes Galvatron and Starscream's dialogue to Galvatron warning Starscream not to test his patience or contemplate betraying him again.<br />
*Cyclonus and Demolishor's lines to Starscream are changed to the former calling Starscream a coward and the latter asking what there is to worry about since Unicron is "just some planet that became our moon." Then Starscream calls them idiots for not understanding Unicron's true horror.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Galvatron says Optimus will be sorry and that he'll also deal with Unicron. However, as he believes there can't be two supreme commanders, he's more focused on eliminating his competition before facing Unicron. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron says he never said the two factions couldn't join forces, but he'll have to deal with Prime first. He plans to kill Optimus and then merge the Autobots into the Decepticon army, claiming Optimus is his sworn enemy and there's no tomorrow if he doesn't defeat Prime.<br />
*Galvatron offers Starscream command over the Autobots after defeating Optimus. ''Armada'' changes Galvatron's line to requesting Starscream's complete loyalty.<br />
*Before the episode title appears, Cyclonus says Starscream can wait there at HQ since their "Autobot Commander" only needs to sit on his throne.<br />
*The kids discuss if they and the Autobots can trust Galvatron or believe anything he says as Carlos says that Galvatron is constantly manipulating things. Alexis states that's why they need to negotiate. Then Optimus says that she's right, and Galvatron should understand the need for the Autobots and Decepticons to combine forces to combat Unicron. Rad worries about another fight breaking out, but Billy assures him that Optimus won't lose, and Optimus says he will try to avoid a clash with Galvatron.<br />
*Afterward, an anxious Smokescreen demands the 'Cons to show themselves. Then Blurr reminds him the 'Cons are additional strength to help take down Unicron so they can't be too rough with them; Hot Shot tells Smokescreen they're counting on him, and Smokescreen answers, "I know! Use our heads, right?"<br />
*Unlike ''Armada'', Demolishor explicitly says "Hot Shot and the others" are with Optimus. Then Galvatron entrusts Demolishor with handling them. In ''Armada'', Galvatron instead tells Demolishor to "spare me [him] the details."<br />
*Hot Shot is surprised when the Decepticons start firing. Blurr and Side Swipe's dialogue is changed to the former saying that the Autobots are now in the thick of things and the latter saying the Decepticons seemingly don't want to negotiate.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Red Alert has a cynical outlook while talking about Wheeljack. Like Carlos, he truly believed Wheeljack changed sides before insisting that one will always be a Decepticon once they become one. Then Carlos gripes that it's now hard distinguishing who's friend or foe, and Fred agrees. Red Alert says they should focus on their side more than the Decepticons, and Carlos agrees that they should support their comrades. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Red Alert is less pessimistic, saying Wheeljack made a temporary truce to track down Thrust but will become a trustworthy Autobot ally if Optimus successfully negotiates with Galvatron. Carlos asks if that's like Scavenger, and Fred thinks it would. Then Red Alert says Hot Shot and Wheeljack's dynamic is similar to that between Optimus and Scavenger, making Carlos say that in that case, they should hope that Prime pulls off the negotiation.<br />
*When Optimus combines with Jetfire and Overload and later breaks from them, ''Armada'' plays the ''Transformers'' theme and spams the transformation sound effect. In contrast, ''Legends of the Microns'' plays Prime's Super Mode theme, "Super Convoy," during the Powerlinx sequence. The Japanese dub later plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 2|Theme of Megatron - Attack by Villains]]," fitting the tense situation better.<br />
*''Armada'' has awkward silence after Jetfire's line as he forces away Tidal Wave because Jetfire says his lines without pausing. ''Legends of the Microns'' has a second-long pause between lines, so there's no silence at the end of the shot.<br />
*Optimus and Galvatron's dialogue differs significantly between the dubs:<br />
**''Armada'' portrays Galvatron as very gung-ho about fighting Optimus as though it's how they'll "negotiate". He remains cynical about the reality of Unicron's threat and only cares about eliminating Optimus so he can be the universe's sole ruler. Optimus offers to talk once Galvatron cools off and later says the generic line about Galvatron's lust for power disgusting him. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes Galvatron's quip about needing to shut Optimus down to him offering to show Prime his "true incompetence". It continues his string of thoughts from earlier and the prior episode about believing two Supreme Commanders are too many and unnecessary to defeat Unicron. Thinking negotiating is needless, he wants to show he's the superior leader and orders Optimus to fight him. Optimus is silent until he calls Jetfire. After Optimus Powerlinx with Jetfire and Overload and flies off, Galvatron is confused about why Prime won't fight. Optimus asks Galvatron why he can't understand that they should make peace. When Optimus offers Galvatron command, Galvatron thinks Prime is mocking him and says Prime's presence will disrupt "the command structure" even if he steps down and demands Prime to show his power.<br />
**After Tidal Wave and Jetfire leave, ''Armada'' has Galvatron suggest he and Optimus "cut to the chase" now that they're alone. He admits to respecting Prime somewhat but isn't falling for his "truce ploy" charade like Starscream did (as quoted above), still focusing on who will rule the universe. He later mocks Optimus for waiting for the Mini-Cons to rescue him, saying that won't happen. The Japanese version makes their exchange more philosophical: Galvatron mentions what Smokescreen previously told him about trust among the Autobots, remarking how it's pathetic, and calls Optimus a fool to bind himself with such vague notions. He says Starscream is no different and has had the same silly ideas after returning from the Autobots; Optimus says Starscream awakened to his true self as a Transformer after spending time on both sides. There is some silence after Galvatron demands Optimus to stop feeding him lies in ''Armada'' because the English dub shortens Optimus's line about Starscream, making Galvatron's reply come sooner than it does in ''Legends of the Microns''. Galvatron claims Starscream might be a worse traitor than Thrust. He insists that trust is nonsense, saying that one's power is something worth believing in; power is everything, and justice without it is meaningless. Then Galvatron mocks Prime, asking if he's frustrated and sad since the Mini-Cons Optimus fought to save are now under his control and itching to dish out the killing blow.<br />
*The Japanese dub uses the mid-episode [[commercial bumper]]s, while ''Armada'' uses the Autobot and Decepticon logos from the [[scene transition]]s with the transformation sound effect.<br />
*Starscream says he won't hesitate to betray Galvatron because he must stand by his beliefs. Optimus says this isn't Starscream's fight, but the latter asserts otherwise. Galvatron says Starscream has become "a boring fool" and asks if working with the Autobots is necessary; Starscream answers it is for "the Transformers of tomorrow" and not just defeating Unicron and declares he will take command of the Decepticons after besting Galvatron. Galvatron dismisses it as wishful thinking and says Starscream will never beat him, but Starscream states he won't know until he tries.<br />
*Carlos, Billy, and Fred's conversation in the Japanese dub shows them confused by how the negotiation looks no different than a regular Autobot and Decepticon encounter; Billy concludes it's something they'd expect when the factions meet. Then Alexis says things will be fine as she's sure something will change.<br />
*Galvatron questions if Starscream infused his wingblade with his spark's power, to which Starscream answers that he's put every bit of his energy into it to defeat him. Then Optimus says there's no point trying to stop them since Starscream is so determined; Optimus has only one line during the scene in ''Armada'', so there's some silence afterward. <br />
*When Unicron changes form again, Alexis says to look instead of asking what's happening, and Rad sounds more shocked. After Alexis's line about the Mini-Cons approaching Unicron, Billy has a line begging them to stop before Fred says Unicron is attacking the Mini-Cons. After stopping High Wire, Rad urges him to tell the other Mini-Cons to hide somewhere rather than stay put.<br />
* ''Armada'' reduces Galvatron's dialogue to chalking up that Starscream's actions are due to his programming going haywire and offering to put him out of his misery. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream scolds Galvatron for believing nobody could be his equal since he's so overconfident in his strength and declares that he will show him the power of a warrior who's willing to risk his life for his beliefs. Galvatron admits Starscream's newfound convictions deserve some respect, to which Starscream says the same for Galvatron's stubbornness. Galvatron wonders when the change started since Starscream never escaped his influence when he had ambition. Galvatron says something else is driving Starscream now, asking if the Autobots or the children are compelling him. Not understanding why Starscream would face him over something trivial, Galvatron asks if Starscream is betraying him for real this time before deciding that Starscream will never beat him as he keeps believing in things like trust and kindness.<br />
*After the lightning strike from Unicron, the Japanese dub adds screaming to the shot after Demolishor and Wheeljack. Then Galvatron admits being surprised by Starscream's increased strength and that maybe trust isn't a fleeting concept, but Starscream remains too naive. Starscream internally says Galvatron's name during his close-up, and Galvatron says never to drop his guard until the fight is over.<br />
*Just before Galvatron impales Starscream, the animation is tweaked to clarify the latter "switched off" his sword, having no intention of blocking the fatal blow. The two don't exchange any jibes here; they only say the other's name, and Galvatron kneels, realizing what Starscream has done and acknowledging the latter's power, while Starscream says he's still not as strong as Galvatron.<br />
*Starscream's final moments are subtly different between the two versions:<br />
**''Legends of the Microns'' has Starscream admire Galvatron as an ultimate warrior he could never hope to beat and say he wanted Galvatron to notice him. Galvatron gently tells Starscream to stop speaking, later calling him a fool for persisting. Starscream says he'd never gotten the chance to talk to him like this without laying his life on the line first and calls Optimus a leader worthy of trust. After imploring that both factions team up, Starscream says a lot has happened. When unleashing his final attack, Starscream says, "SPARK OF MY SOUL...UNLEASH EVERY BIT OF YOUR POWER! NULL RAY CANNON!" The following scenes of his demise are silent except for Galvatron gasping. Afterward, Galvatron has a memory montage about Starscream's different moments of pleading and boasting throughout the series, including how he wanted Galvatron's recognition.<br />
**In ''Armada'', Starscream talks about his desperation to gain Galvatron's favor while comparing him to Optimus as an unintegral leader (a monologue played again during the montage). Galvatron is more verbally hostile towards Starscream, calling him too weak to be worthy of respect.<br />
*After Starscream's last moments in ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus tells Swindle to come with him since his partner isn't here anymore, whereas ''Armada'' just has Optimus claim that Starscream was a brave soldier until the end.<br />
*The replay of Starscream's memories repeats what he said about Optimus having integrity in ''Armada'', but ''Legends of the Microns'' has the montage feature moments when Starscream wanted Galvatron's recognition throughout the series instead.<br />
*When Sideways steals the Star Saber, he declares that he now has all the keys. He says Unicron is the only one worthy of it and congratulates Galvatron and Optimus for their "good work." After Sideways escapes, Galvatron exclaims how this nightmare could worsen in ''Armada'' but remarks on Sideways fleeing underground in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*The scene of Sideways destroying the underground tunnel now has an effect added to his maniacal laughter to make it sound disembodied. After this, the scene of the kids' reactions upon learning of Starscream's death is silent, whereas their responses are heard in ''Armada''.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Rad's closing narration is that Starscream was gone, and his demise seemed to be in vain. Then he says, like everything in life, everyone would have to wait to learn the purpose of Starscream's actions; for now, all they had were too many unanswered questions. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis gives the narration, which contains a small glimmer of hope, unlike the English version. She says Starscream has died, but perhaps someday, the tears of sorrow over his death will become ones of determination, swearing that his efforts won't be wasted.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*In the opening scene, Demolishor has four fingers and one thumb on each hand.<br />
*Galvatron's hands are small stubs after swinging the Star Saber at Starscream in the opening.<br />
*In the shots where Hoist warns Blurr not to fire upon the Decepticons except in self-defense, and after the others promise to cover Hot Shot, Blurr's entire gun is colored one solid orange shade.<br />
*After the Decepticons begin firing upon the Autobots, Scavenger's chest is partially off-model.<br />
*Galvatron's mouth doesn't move when he says, "Let the negotiations begin!"<br />
*Before Optimus calls for Jetfire, Galvatron's turret is partially miscolored dark gray.<br />
*After Optimus Powerlinx with Jetfire and Overload, Galvatron's eyes are seemingly closed.<br />
*Jetfire shoots Tidal Wave in the eye...with the back of his rifle? The Japanese dub fixes this error.<br />
*After Galvatron slashes Optimus with the Star Saber, one can hear the sound of crackling electricity from a wound, but Optimus looks unscathed until his next shot.<br />
*Galvatron says, "What?" too soon in two scenes: first, before the explosion goes off behind him, seemingly out of surprise about gaining the upper hand when the Star Saber cuts Optimus's shoulder, and later when Sideways steals the Star Saber. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the timing by having Galvatron say it the first time while turning around ''after'' the explosion, and later a second after Sideways takes the sword from him and Optimus.<br />
*Starscream's mouth doesn't move when he speaks after appearing out of the smoke.<br />
*As Starscream descends after catching his wing blade, Galvatron exclaims in fear despite his brash overconfidence a moment ago. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he appropriately shouts "What?!" in shock instead.<br />
*As Galvatron slaps Starscream during their duel, his right hand is drawn as a normal hand instead of its regular claw-looking design.<br />
*Wheeljack says, "What's happening?" in Demolishor's voice. The Japanese version doesn't have this mistake.<br />
*When Alexis goes to the window to see Starscream's Photon Cannon fail to reach Unicron, the Autobot symbol on the back of her suit changes from red to blue.<br />
*When Galvatron raises the Star Saber before his memory montage, the inner part of his right shoulder is detached from the rest, already in its later position before he lifts his arm.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*In the Japanese dub's opening scene, after Galvatron slaps Starscream, he says he already told Starscream three times that the Decepticons aren't teaming up with the Autobots. Galvatron mentions this again later before fighting Starscream. So, Starscream must have urged Galvatron to work with Optimus twice beforehand after the prior episode's end.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Billy refers to Galvatron as "stag beetle head", the nickname Thrust previously used in "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]".<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron references what Smokescreen said to him in "[[Sacrifice]]" about trust binding the Autobots together.<br />
*Galvatron refers to the time when Sparkplug saved Optimus in "[[Decisive Battle]]"; he might also mean when the Mini-Cons turned against him to save Optimus in "[[Vow]]."<br />
*In the Japanese dub, Galvatron remarks about Starscream's ambition, which he previously did in "[[Rebellion (Armada)|Rebellion]]."<br />
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' calls this episode the last of the show's Starscream saga.<br />
*Prepare yourself for when [[Megatron Raid|Starscream returns]] in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' since his compelling character arc in ''Armada'' goes out the window like it never happened.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**This is the first time Optimus combines with Overload while in his Jet Optimus configuration with Jetfire, with bonus stock transformation footage. However, Optimus combines with Jetfire first, only to fly a relatively short distance, making the combination with Overload pretty pointless other than [[To sell toys|just to show that they can.]]<br />
**Starscream uses his wing blade against Galvatron.<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Galvatron Powerlinx with the Star Saber for the last time.<br />
**Starscream Powerlinx with Swindle to unleash his Null Laser Cannon against Unicron. The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' deems it the last time a Transformer Powerlinx with a Mini-Con in the series.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*At Megatron's statue, Starscream determines that he must protect the humans, but why would he defend all the kids when Alexis is the only one he really knows? Plus, Alexis is who he thinks of at that moment. The Japanese dub correctly has Starscream resolving not to let ''Alexis'' die.<br />
*How does Tidal Wave know to Powerlinx with Galvatron when Galvatron never gives the order and only says they're leaving to face Optimus? ''Legends of the Microns'' has Galvatron tell Tidal Wave to combine with him.<br />
*Why would Red Alert believe that there's no turning back once a Transformer becomes a Decepticon? Did he completely forget that Scavenger is an ex-Decepticon? There also must've been other rare cases of Decepticons becoming Autobots, and vice versa.<br />
*Galvatron tells Tidal Wave to attack Optimus when they split up, but Tidal Wave does nothing until later. Galvatron only commands Tidal Wave to uncombine with him in the Japanese dub since Optimus just split from Jetfire and Overload, and Galvatron wishes to even things out.<br />
*Tidal Wave is significantly smaller and weaker than previously depicted. Jetfire, shown not much smaller than Tidal Wave, shoulder-blocks and lifts off with him in a single movement.<br />
*Alexis's pendant cracks upon Starscream's death; it somehow became connected to his spark, but previous episodes never really built up that detail or alluded to it. Since the necklace has only appeared in two episodes, this feature almost seems like an afterthought for drama's sake.<br />
**In the same scene, why does Rad ask Alexis what's happening outside when she doesn't know any more than he does? He asks her if something is wrong instead in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Why does Rad give the closing narration when Alexis had the bond with Starscream, and his death devastates her more than anyone else? The Japanese dub rightly has Alexis deliver the narration.<br />
<br />
===Transformers references===<br />
*Starscream's death by crumbling into a pile of debris is very similar to [[Generation 1 cartoon continuity|G1]] [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream's]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.<br />
*Many parts of Galvatron and Starscream's speeches quote lyrics from ''[[The Touch]]'', like 'I'm nobody's fool' (see above), or Starscream's 'after all is said and done.'<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*Fred's "The horror! The horror!" line is from ''{{w|Heart of Darkness}}'', the novel adapted into the film, ''{{w|Apocalypse Now}}''.<br />
*Galvatron gives Starscream one last chance not to fight, and when Starscream declines, Galvatron's "Is that your final answer?" line might be a reference to ''{{w|Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?}}''.<br />
*Galvatron tells Optimus the Autobots and Decepticons could never work together since they're like oil and water. It refers to the proverb about oil and water as oil always tries to stay separate from water whenever they're combined, explaining how beings with specific traits can never mix.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
[[File:Cramp - no ML title card.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4|Foreshadowing? Why, no!]]<br />
*The episode's English version first aired in the United Kingdom on the {{w|Sky One}} channel when the network ran an around-the-clock promotion of American magician/"endurance artist" {{w||David Blaine}}'s controversial London stunt, complete with an obnoxious '''DAVID BLAINE''' onscreen overlay. It aired in the United States on [[December 8]], 2003.<br />
*There's no title card in ''Legends of the Microns''; the title appears over Starscream. This way of showing the episode titles was only done once before in "[[Linkup]]."<br />
*Optimus calls Starscream's Mini-Con Swindle instead of Zapmaster. So logically, Swindle received a color change like Starscream did (instead of him exchanging his Mini-Con for a new one in different colors).<br />
*Starscream's proton cannon blasts don't even touch Unicron. You can see them dissipate before Alexis's eyes before they reach him. Most heartwrenching suicide ever?<br />
*Starscream's sword is surprisingly powerful in this episode, durable enough to clash with Star Saber itself without any visible damage. Due to his upgrade after Nemesis Prime kicked his skidplate? Nah.<br />
*This episode is one of few without an opening narration.<br />
*This is the second time in the Japanese dub that a Transformer says, "Spark of my soul..." The last time was by Optimus Prime in "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]."<br />
*''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' reveals the following:<br />
**The episode's highlights include Magna Jet Convoy's debut and the first half of the climactic fight: Optimus vs. Galvatron, which serves as a prelude to their final battle. The main highlight is the battle's second half with Starscream and Galvatron's last fight.<br />
**[[Hidehito Ueda]] says that Galvatron expressing his feelings about Starscream wasn't in the scenario initially, but he wanted Galvatron to tell them.<br />
**Ueda jokes about wanting Starscream to return as a ghost in ''Super Link'' before becoming a [[Pretender]] and marrying Alexis.<br />
**The first moments for this episode that appeared in Ueda's mind when reading the scenario were Starscream's Null Laser Cannons not reaching Unicron, Alexis watching them stop short, and the silent scene of the children's reactions to Starscream's death at the end.<br />
**Starscream died not as a Decepticon but as a Transformer.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Das Friedensangebot'''" ("Peace-Offering")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 12|12 January]] [[2004]]<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Párbaj'''" ("Duel")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Obstáculo'''" ("Obstacle")<br />
<br />
[[Category: Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Mars_(episode)&diff=1605907Mars (episode)2022-04-14T17:59:53Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{picsneeded}}<br />
{{disambig3|Mars}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=36<br />
|prev=Rescue<br />
|next=Crack (episode)<br />
|title="Mars"<br />
|furigana=しょうとつ<br />
|japanese=火星<!--mars--><br />
|romaji=Shoutotsu<br />
|translation=Mars: Conflict<br />
|image=Armada-Mars-Starscream and Jetfire.jpg<br />
|caption=<br />
|production code=TF: A-36<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]<br />
|director=[[Mihiro Yamaguchi]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]], [[Big Bang (company)|Big Bang]]<br />
|airdate=[[May 3]], [[2003]] (English)<br>[[September 12|12 September]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Jetfire and Starscream get their ass to Mars to rescue a Mini-Con, but walk into a trap.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] rages, frustrated that the [[Autobot]]s do not share his priority of destroying [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. His [[Mini-Con]] partners, [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] and the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]], try to console him, followed by [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]], but he is too wrapped up in his self-doubts to listen to them. <br />
<br />
While Megatron rages about his recent setback, [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] receives some news that might calm him: [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] claims that while the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] has limited power, combining it with the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] and [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom]] Shield would make it unstoppable.<br />
<br />
The Autobots on [[Earth]] detect a new Mini-Con signal, but as it is on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], only [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and Starscream would be capable of flying there to retrieve it. The kids are upset that they can't go but ask Jetfire for a souvenir, like maybe a Mars rock. Jetfire isn't happy to be bringing Starscream at all, but they head out, with Jetfire wielding the Skyboom Shield and Starscream wielding the Star Saber.<br />
<br />
Having been briefed by Thrust on the Mini-Con and the three weapons' potential, Megatron recognizes that the Autobots' mission to Mars is the perfect opportunity to unite the Mini-Con weapons.<br />
<br />
On Mars, Starscream is itching for a fight with Megatron, and he seems to get his wish as an ominous shape appears in the stormy skies above. Starscream leaps to attack and is annoyed to find that it's only [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], who demands the Star Saber and knocks Starscream to the planet's surface. Jetfire, having noticed the Decepticon intruder as well, decides to investigate.<br />
<br />
Starscream pulls himself together and finds the Air Defense Team trying to cheer him on. He drives them away, screaming that he doesn't need their sympathy, only to lament immediately that now even the Mini-Cons have abandoned him. He declares that here, on this planet, he will crush Megatron. Starscream notices that he has been absentmindedly crushing a Martian rock while talking to himself, which he then looks at with interest. Soon, the Air Defense Team leads [[Comettor (Armada)|Comettor]] and Jetfire to Starscream's aid. The two [[Bulk]]s argue over Starscream's responsibilities, culminating in Jetfire arresting Starscream for insubordination. [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] agrees, and Jetfire heads home with Starscream in tow and the Mini-Con still helpless.<br />
<br />
Starscream fortuitously spots the Mini-Con they have been searching for on a nearby asteroid on the journey home. Jetfire entrusts Starscream with retrieving the Mini-Con, revealed to be [[Firebot (Armada)|Firebot]], but a new assault by Tidal Wave interrupts them. With the Autobots pinned down, Megatron and Thrust teleport to the battle. Starscream cries out for Jetfire to release his cuffs and let him help, but Jetfire is helpless to do so. Starscream pleads with Firebot to open fire on the Decepticons with no other recourse. He explains that while the Autobots will protect the Mini-Con, the Decepticons will only use him as a tool for war. Firebot seems to understand, as he holds off Tidal Wave long enough for Starscream to get him to safety. Starscream and Jetfire face off against Megatron, but their Mini-Con weapons emit a strange, golden glow that grows to envelop all three of them as they do. The three weapons' power knocks Tidal Wave and Thrust away and knocks Megatron unconscious, allowing Starscream and Jetfire to escape.<br />
<br />
[[File:Mysterious rock.JPG|left|upright=0.85|thumb|Santa Claus gives bad/annoying children radioactive rocks for Christmas.]]<br />
Back at the Autobot base, Optimus Prime and Jetfire agree that they should keep the Mini-Con weapons' mysterious power a secret. While the kids chat with Jetfire, who disappoints them when he admits he hasn't brought them a souvenir, Alexis explains to Starscream how she is proud of him for convincing Firebot to join the Autobots. She knows he cares for the Mini-Cons, and that's why she feels he belongs on the Autobot side. Starscream counters that his only mission is to destroy Megatron and stomps off but leaves behind the chunk of rock he found on Mars. Alexis is very excited to see it and calls the boys over to look at it. Alexis notes that Starscream has shown that he genuinely cares, and she hopes that he will soon join the Autobots for good.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (1)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (16)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (19)<br />
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (20)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (21)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (23)<br />
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (24)<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (25)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (9)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (10)<br />
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (11)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (12)<br />
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (13)<br />
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (23)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (2)<br />
*[[Rad White]] (3)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (4)<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (17)<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (18)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] (5)<br />
*[[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] (6)<br />
*[[Runway (Armada)|Runway]] (7)<br />
*[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] (8)<br />
*[[Mirror]] (14)<br />
*[[Comettor (Armada)|Comettor]] (22)<br />
*[[Firebot (Armada)|Firebot]] (26)<br />
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (27)<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (28)<br />
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (29)<br />
*[[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]] (30)<br />
<br />
|c5=<br />
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (15)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"Megatron looks a little testy today, huh?"<br />
:—'''Cyclonus'''<br />
<br />
<br />
"Any of you ladies going to do any work today, or are you just going to stand around chatting with one another?"<br />
:—'''Thrust''', interrupting water cooler chatter<br />
<br />
<br />
"I don't need your sympathy! Now leave me alone!"<br />
<br>''[the Mini-Cons trot off]''<br />
<br>''[gravely]'' "...Even the Mini-Cons have abandoned me now."<br />
:—''Angry'' '''Starscream''' transforms into ''sad'' Starscream<br />
<br />
<br />
"Let me tell you my personal motto: VICTORY IS MINE!"<br />
:—'''Jetfire's''' egotistical interpretation of ''"I wanna tell you about the Transformers"''<br />
<br />
<br />
"He's so difficult sometimes."<br />
:—'''Thrust''' on Megatron<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream's thoughts throughout the episode are mostly concerned not with Megatron but the Mini-Cons and his growing respect for them.<br />
*Almost every time Starscream tells someone to leave him alone in ''Armada'', it is changed to him telling them to be quiet.<br />
*The opening scene has some notable differences between the dubs:<br />
**When Starscream suddenly stops to stare at the flower valley with his mouth agape, Carlos's remark about Starscream puking up lunch is changed to him asking if Starscream is now exhausted, and Alexis says he stopped for another reason. At this point, ''Armada'' inserts an internal monologue in which he laments wasting time on Earth instead of going after Megatron, even going so far as saying he will, for some reason, ''perish'' unless he gets to Megatron soon. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the scene is silent, implying that Starscream is merely amazed by the flowers' beauty.<br />
**The scene is silent just before Swindle and the Air Defense Mini-Con team try consoling Starscream. During the shot of Swindle and Sonar, Carlos's line about Starscream being "out to lunch" is now him saying Starscream might lash out at Alexis in anger. In ''Armada'', Alexis says she knows why Starscream is upset. Then he says, "It's all about the Mini-Cons," and he wants to be left alone. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis notes how Starscream didn't cut the flowers, and Starscream mentions the Mini-Cons and calls Alexis "an annoying pest" before storming off. ''Armada'' has Alexis groan about Starscream being mean to her when she's just trying to help. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis wonders if Starscream wanted to say that the Mini-Cons would've hated him ruining the flowers. Then, instead of thinking that Starscream will do something drastic, Alexis says she's sure Starscream cares a lot about the Mini-Cons.<br />
*The exchange between Thrust and Sideways has a few changes: Sideways's line about the three Mini-Con weapons completing each other is changed to each weapon ''countering'' one another. In ''Armada'', Thrust says the weapons would be more powerful when combined and realizes they could become one. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him realize each weapon is formed by "three Mini-Cons in a set," making him wonder what would happen if someone combined the three weapons. Thrust's scenes asking if the weapons could unite to become one and turning around to find Sideways gone are silent. He also asks Sideways why he told him that information as he turns. ''Armada'' has Thrust gloat about destroying the Autobots with the Mini-Con weapons' combined power. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him ponder how much power the union would create. Thrust's laughter is extended to be heard during the shot of Earth appearing from beyond the Moon.<br />
*Billy says they ''need'' to go after the new Mini-Con on Mars, and Fred's line about needing to "go" is removed.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Carlos say, "Hurry, hurry!" to Billy and Fred as they're running to the launch gate.<br />
*''Armada'' has Rad snark about Carlos, Billy, and Fred wearing helmets, but he asks what Carlos is even doing in ''Legends of the Microns''. Jetfire even tells the boys he ''will'' bring them back a souvenir with the Mini-Con.<br />
*Some changes during the talk between Megatron and Thrust include the following: Thrust doesn't mention the Mini-Con when he says Starscream and Jetfire have left Earth; Megatron tells Thrust they must recapture the Star Saber from Starscream; in ''Armada'', Megatron says combining the Mini-Con weapons will unleash the "ultimate power of the universe" and conquer the Autobots forever. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says that ''if'' Thrust's theory about the Mini-Con weapons is correct, they'll release a large amount of energy; and rather than claiming the Decepticons will have their victory, Thrust says the Autobots will have a lot to fear.<br />
*While approaching Mars, Jetfire has an additional line about what Starscream could be doing. Jetfire is also silent when Comettor transforms.<br />
*Since she can't see anything on Mars, Alexis asks Jetfire what's happening instead of telling him he's on his own. Rad also says they can't hear Jetfire rather than asking what he just said.<br />
*About Fred's nose itching, Alexis says it's unavoidable and something he should've thought about when putting on the spacesuit. In ''Armada'', Fred asks how he will eat lunch if he can't touch his face. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he asks if he, Billy, and Carlos were going into space, and the other two answer, "Yeah!"<br />
*Starscream, Tidal Wave, and Jetfire are more obscured by the storm than in ''Armada''.<br />
*Right after Starscream shouts, "Megatron, where are you?" he has an extra line asking where Megatron is hiding before he shouts, "Show yourself!"<br />
*Starscream can't hear Tidal Wave demand that he hand over the Star Saber.<br />
*Instead of "hoping" that Starscream's okay, Hot Shot claims to be worried about him as he's an ally now.<br />
*During the scene of Starscream sulking, all of his lines are a more dramatic internal monologue instead, and one in which he doesn't mention Megatron at all. He asks himself what he wants, lamenting that Jetfire won't come to help him since the Autobot only sees him as another Decepticon and cares more about the Mini-Cons than him, but says that he won't let Mars be the end of him.<br />
*Jetfire is silent as he walks towards Starscream, and when he extends his hand, Starscream says he doesn't need any help. ''Armada'' has Jetfire tell Starscream to get up and help find the Mini-Con; ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say the Mini-Cons lead him to Starscream, and though the Autobots may not like Starscream, he seems to be popular with the Mini-Cons for some reason.<br />
*Instead of telling Jetfire that he will pay for arresting him, Starscream calls him "a loud-mouthed pest." Jetfire doesn't inform the others about restraining Starscream and only says he's injured. When it cuts to Optimus after he tells Jetfire to bring Starscream back to Earth, he says, "That'll do," as his line about Starscream needing to learn a lesson is gone, and he doesn't address the kids.<br />
*Jetfire telling Starscream to quit struggling is changed to him saying they are close to leaving Mars' orbit.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Jetfire's lecture to Starscream is about how, unlike the Decepticons, the Autobots need to work together and help each other. After that, Starscream mentions Megatron, seemingly ignoring what Jetfire said. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Jetfire says the Autobots' job is to help their friends, including the Mini-Cons, and since everyone agrees that Starscream is now one of them, they all want to help him too. Then Starscream asks about the missing Mini-Con. After this, ''Armada'' has Jetfire tell Starscream not to stop him from taking him back to Earth before Starscream tells him to wait. Then Jetfire tells Starscream to save his breath; Starscream says he sees "him," and Jetfire assumes he means Megatron but Starscream clarifies the Mini-Con. In ''Legends of the Microns'', while the shot focuses on Jetfire, Starscream tells him to wait, Jetfire tells him to quit wasting time, and during the close-up of Starscream, he says he found "it." Jetfire thinks he's talking about Megatron, so he says they don't have time to deal with him, but Starscream clarifies that he found the Mini-Con.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Starscream says the Mini-Con is on the asteroid, and Jetfire says that he sees it before telling Starscream his "personal motto" (quoted above). In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream is silent, and Jetfire doesn't say that he sees the Mini-Con until the shot where the panel flickers. As they approach the asteroid, Jetfire asks Starscream if that's where it is, and Starscream asks if they should rescue it. Then Jetfire says, "When the going gets tough...we get going!" After seeing the Mini-Con, Jetfire says this is Starscream's mission instead of telling him to grab the Mini-Con as they fly over it.<br />
*Megatron says that ''he'' is heading out instead of him and Thrust.<br />
*Starscream tells Jetfire to release him if he expects them to save the Mini-Con.<br />
*Instead of telling Starscream to fight and calling him a coward, Megatron curses him. As the Mini-Con weapons glow, Megatron asks if it could be what Thrust meant.<br />
*''Armada'' has Hot Shot believe Jetfire and Starscream may have encountered the Decepticons; ''Legends of the Microns'' has him ask what Alexis means when she says she can't see what happened, despite this being the case throughout the episode. The Japanese dub also has Jetfire appear on the monitor when he gets back in contact while static remains on the screen in ''Armada''.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Thrust doesn't call out to Megatron until the scene transitions to Megatron's close-up, and Thrust only calls him name once instead of three times. Megatron also only asks where he is.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Thrust says the explosion of energy blasted them all back, and that tremendous power was from the union of the Mini-Con weapons. ''Legends of the Microns'' slightly rewords it as Thrust says only Megatron got blasted back by the energy wave. As he talks about the weapons combining, it cuts to Optimus and Jetfire finishing Thrust's sentence instead of repeating the line about the power unleashed as ''Armada'' does it. Then Optimus claims they should keep the revelation concerning the mysterious energy on the DL to avoid causing needless panic in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this to Optimus wanting to prevent anyone else from getting involved.<br />
*In her ending narration, Alexis says that though Starscream states defeating Megatron is his only goal, she thinks he has another one and likes to believe the day when Starscream becomes an official Autobot isn't that far away.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*The first rock Starscream cuts already has the line showing the slice effect before he hacks through it.<br />
*During the shot where Starscream slices through a rock on the screen's left side, his eyes glow, but the stone looks unaffected. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds a faint line that glows and fades simultaneously with Starscream's eyes to show where he sliced through it.<br />
*As he calls out to Sideways, a shot with Thrust jump cuts to one with the same background and then jumps back to Thrust. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects it.<br />
*Where does Swindle come from in the opening scene? He isn't attached to Starscream during his temper tantrum, but after the first [[commercial bumper]], the Mini-Con is suddenly on Starscream's shoulder.<br />
*Sideways calls Thrust "a poor ''commander''," though Thrust is a tactician. The Japanese dub corrects the mistake.<br />
*The diagram Alexis shows looks nothing like the solar system.<br />
*The Transformers look off-model in some scenes with their enlarged torsos and small heads.<br />
*After Thrust tells Cyclonus, Wheeljack, and Demolishor to get to work on the spaceship, Cyclonus's mouth is miscolored to match his head.<br />
*Carlos, Billy, and Fred don't react to Starscream on the launch gate.<br />
*While Megatron and Thrust talk after Starscream and Jetfire leave Earth, Thrust says Tidal Wave will attack them once the other two get near the "base." ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this so that Thrust says Tidal Wave will attack Jetfire and Starscream once he figures out their location.<br />
*The whites of Carlos' eyes appear after Alexis loses contact with Jetfire.<br />
*After Fred complains about his itchy nose, Billy's mouth opens, but nothing comes out. Billy has a line in the Japanese dub.<br />
*In the storm on Mars, Tidal Wave initially appears as a formless black shape with no detail.<br />
*Despite being in the middle of a storm, the scene of Tidal Wave grabbing Starscream is visible, and for a split second, it looks as though there are ''two'' Starscreams when Tidal Wave grabs him. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes these mistakes.<br />
*Jetfire's disappearing and reappearing Autobot symbol.<br />
*The Decepticon insignia periodically appears on Starscream's arms and disappears from them.<br />
*During the scene of Jetfire lecturing Starscream after leaving Mars, when Starscream brings up Megatron, the shadow of his lower lip overlaps with his lower jaw.<br />
*Before he tells Jetfire that he's spotted the Mini-Con, Starscream says he sees ''"him"'' instead of ''"it"''. After this, when Starscream says, "Over there!" his mouth doesn't move.<br />
*Jetfire says he sees the Mini-Con despite there being no indication of it, and he says that he sees it again after the panel flickers.<br />
*Alexis asks about Starscream even though Jetfire previously said they're both on their way back before Jetfire cracks a joke about him and Starscream gives his sarcastic response. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this error by having Jetfire say that Starscream is fine, and the latter tells him to be quiet.<br />
*For some reason, the [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] plays when Megatron readjusts his position when Thrust and Tidal Wave find him after the battle. The Japanese dub removes the sound.<br />
*In the ending scene, as Alexis talks to Starscream, his lower jaw is miscolored.<br />
*During Alexis's ending narration, as the boys run to see the Mars rock on the floor, it doesn't sparkle; also, Starscream walks from right to left, although he previously went in the opposite direction. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes both errors.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' explains that Starscream and the Mini-Cons are in touch with each other because of his hidden kindness, something hinted at in "[[Regeneration (Armada)|Regeneration]]." That hidden kindness is what draws Alexis to Starscream.<br />
*[[Mirror]]'s ghostly head appears momentarily before becoming Sideways himself.<br />
*Firebot debuts in this episode, and he's never named.<br />
*Comettor debuts in this episode, and his origin goes unexplained, similar to [[Nightbeat (Armada)|Nightbeat]].<br />
**He was possibly among the Mini-Cons rescued in the [[Rescue|previous episode]].<br />
*The rock Starscream gives the children will become an important element between Alexis and Starscream in [[Portent|later]] [[Cramp|episodes]].<br />
*This episode marks the second time Starscream's eyes glow in a scene.<br />
*The Japanese dub foreshadows the [[Hydra Cannon]] during Thrust and Sideways' conversation.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Comettor has sensor powers much like [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]].<br />
**Jetfire carries handcuffs; unfortunately, they aren't [[Stasis cuffs]].<br />
**Firebot can fire chest lasers.<br />
**Jetfire has a storage compartment on his back large enough for a Mini-Con.<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Starscream Powerlinx with the Star Saber.<br />
**Jetfire Powerlinx with the Skyboom Shield.<br />
**Megatron Powerlinx with the Requiem Blaster.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*Rad and Carlos are utterly clueless about what Starscream's problem is in the opening scene, but shouldn't it be obvious after the end of the previous episode? They comment on Starscream making a mess during his rage session instead in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Starscream saying he'll perish unless he gets to Megatron soon is a dramatic statement that never amounts to anything. He doesn't say this in ''Legends of the Microns'' so it's not an issue.<br />
*Where is Blurr?<br />
*Starscream claims the Mini-Cons 'abandoned' him even though he's the one who just told them to go away. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes Starscream's line to him telling the Mini-Cons to be quiet before they leave to find Jetfire, so his remark about them abandoning him now makes sense.<br />
*When Jetfire and Starscream come under attack, Jetfire claims that he would separate them from the handcuffs if he could, but isn't the Star Saber undoubtedly more than capable of cutting them apart?<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*Billy and Fred talking about needing to go sometimes is a riff on the old saying, "When you gotta go, you gotta go."<br />
*When running to the launch gate, Carlos says, "Last one there is a rotten egg!"<br />
*Carlos says he wants to be like a rocketman, like {{w|Rocket Man (song)|the Elton John song of the same name}}.<br />
*In the Japanese dub, Jetfire says a version of the quote, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*The kanji 火星 would be as "''kasei''," while "''shoutotsu''" is used for 衝突.<br />
*The English dub commercial bumpers now have sound effects added to them.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' reveals the following tidbits:<br />
**Starscream and Alexis are this episode's lead characters as she tries to understand him better.<br />
**The scene between them by the flowers plays out almost like one from a school romantic comedy.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Starscreams Fehde'''" ("Starscream's Vendetta")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but was dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Mentőakció, 2. rész'''" ("Rescue Mission, Part 2")<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''뭉쳐야 산다'''" ("Union is Strength")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Marte'''" ("Mars")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 9 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Battle for the Mini-Cons ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two (Rhino Entertainment)<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Linkup&diff=1583976Linkup2022-01-13T03:29:46Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{picsneeded}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=26<br />
|prev=Tactician<br />
|next=Detection<br />
|title="Linkup"<br />
|furigana=りんくあっぷ<br />
|japanese=合身<!--link up--><br />
|romaji=Link Up<br />
|translation=Fusion: Link Up<br />
|image=Armada_ep_26_jet_optimus.JPG<br />
|caption=<br />
|production code=TF: A-26<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]<br />
|director=[[Osamu Kamijō]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[January 29]], [[2003]] (UK, English premiere)<br>[[January 31]], 2003 (USA)<br>[[July 4|4 July]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''With Optimus in the repair bay, Jetfire is the Autobots' best hope against the Decepticons.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] was critically damaged in a recent battle with the [[Decepticon]]s, and the prognosis is uncertain. [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] tells the kids that [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] will fill in for Optimus while the leader is in the repair bay. However, [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] and the kids are unimpressed by Jetfire's overconfident bragging.<br />
<br />
[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] is also unimpressed but at the failure of [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]]'s plan. Its failure merely amuses [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]], and Thrust blames it on a miscalculation in the form of Jetfire. He says he'll develop a new plan and interprets some shooting stars as a sure victory sign.<br />
<br />
The [[Autobot]]s discuss Thrust and how he led the Decepticons to victory on the planets: [[Vector]], [[Orga]], and [[Duke (planet)|Duke]], almost wiping out the Autobots. [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] thinks they have nothing to worry about on that score now that Jetfire is on their team. [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] attempts to report to Jetfire, but the Autobot doesn't speak [[Mini-Con]]; [[Rad White|Rad]] has to translate that there's a suspicious bot flying over the base. They soon recognize Thrust, and Jetfire immediately runs off to confront the Decepticon.<br />
<br />
Thrust takes off as soon as he sees Jetfire coming, goading the Autobot into following. Unsurprisingly, they reach a zone where the Decepticons are waiting. The kids plead with Jetfire not to fire on the swarm of Mini-Cons accompanying them, and he assures them he won't and shoots at Cyclonus, who protests that Thrust said the Autobot wouldn't fire with the Mini-Cons around. Thrust orders the Mini-Cons to attack, and soon Jetfire is being strafed with laser fire. Starscream closes in, but Jetfire dodges the Null Laser Cannon.<br />
<br />
The Autobots puzzle over how to help Jetfire at the base when [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] spots an island near the battle. [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]], Hot Shot, and [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] warp to the island, and Smokescreen prepares to fire his longarm cannon, but Demolishor and [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] blast him. Demolishor boasts that Thrust plans to steal the Skyboom Shield and opens fire on the Autobots, forced to use the shield for cover.<br />
<br />
[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]], still at the base, admires the Decepticons' trap, but the kids think he should take action. Rad contacts Red Alert in the repair bay and informs him of the situation, letting him know they need Optimus.<br />
<br />
[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] arrives on the island and tells his men to get on with it and demand the Shield. Megatron summons the Star Saber at Hot Shot's goading and begins the attack anew. Hot Shot suggests they should withdraw; Smokescreen is confident the Skyboom Shield will protect them, but the other two Autobots talk him into fleeing. The trio begins their escape, hampered by the Decepticons' weapons fire.<br />
<br />
Jetfire attempts to aid them but gets surrounded by the [[Air Military Mini-Con Team]] and is again almost blasted by Starscream. He flies towards the Decepticon, but a blast from the Null Laser Cannon grazes him. Jetfire is unable to shoot at Thrust when the Mini-Cons surround him again.<br />
<br />
Red Alert reports that Optimus is almost combat-ready, and Carlos stresses the situation's urgency.<br />
<br />
Megatron has Smokescreen pinned down on the island while Blurr and Hot Shot are busy with Demolishor and Sideways.<br />
<br />
While Red Alert and Scavenger are about to join the battle, an alarm indicates that someone's in the launch area: Optimus Prime! Though Red Alert and the kids protest that he's not ready, Optimus asks to be warped to Jetfire's coordinates.<br />
<br />
As Thrust and Starscream prepare to annihilate Jetfire, Optimus appears overhead. The Autobot leader freefalls towards Jetfire and the pair [[Powerlinx|combine]]. After dealing with Starscream, Optimus flies to the island and knocks Megatron into the ocean. For an encore, he picks up Demolishor and drops the protesting Decepticon into the water; Sideways wisely retreats. The impressed kids celebrate the Autobots' victory.<br />
<br />
Optimus suggests to Jetfire that he might want to exercise more caution next time, to which the Autobot says he's learned his lesson.<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (1)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (2)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (3)<br />
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (4)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (15)<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (16)<br />
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (17)<br />
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (21)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (10)<br />
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (11)<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (12)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (13)<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (14)<br />
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (24)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (5)<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (6)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (7)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (8)<br />
*[[Rad White]] (9)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (18)<br />
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (19)<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (20)<br />
*[[Air Military Mini-Con Team]] (22)<br />
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (23)<br />
*[[Mirror]] (25)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"He'll be signing autographs later."<br />
:—'''Hot Shot''' on Jetfire's smug boasting<br />
<br />
<br />
"It's time for you to taste my plasma blaster. See if this makes your teeth whiter and brighter."<br />
:—'''Jetfire''', shooting at Cyclonus<br />
<br />
<br />
"I am Demolishor, the fierce Decepticon warrior!"<br />
:—'''Demolishor''' introduces himself 26 episodes too late.<br />
<br />
<br />
"In your dreams! If you want it, why don't you come and get it? That is, unless you're a little bit of a wimp. Well, are ya?"<br />
:—'''Hot Shot''' taunts Megatron. Brave lad.<br />
<br />
<br />
"They don't call him Starscream for nothing."<br />
:—'''Optimus''', after Starscream falls screaming through the clouds<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
[[File:Linkup-animation-changes.jpg|thumb|290px|''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' screencaps (right).]]<br />
*In ''Armada'', the opening narration (given by [[Jim Conrad]]) is how the Autobot team's greatest fear has been realized: Optimus being injured in battle, and they're now unsure whether or not he'll recover. The Japanese dub lacks an opening narration and is silent until Fred speaks. He asks if Optimus is broken, so Billy calls him an idiot and says it's more accurate to say that Optimus is ''injured'' since he's still alive.<br />
*Instead of Jetfire's "cocky superhero" dialogue, ''Legends of the Microns'' maintains the opening scene's overall tone to show Jetfire's overconfidence. It adds that he was considered Optimus's "greatest right-hand Sub-Commander" on Cybertron. It changes Hot Shot's line about Jetfire signing autographs to him noting how the latter brags about himself, and Jetfire says it's one of his strengths.<br />
*Demolishor addresses Thrust during his rant and even mentions the Air Military Mini-Con Team. ''Armada'' has an awkward silence after Demolishor stops talking; in ''Legends of the Microns'', Demolishor's dialogue extends into the next scene, removing the silence.<br />
*Thrust says he will form a new battle plan as defeating the Autobots has become more critical with Jetfire's arrival. Instead of threatening Thrust that his next plan better not fail, Megatron entrusts him with forming a new strategy.<br />
*The first zoom out from Megatron as he laughs is faster while the second one is slower. He also doesn't start laughing until after the initial zoom-out.<br />
*The shots of the EKG and Optimus on the screen are silent.<br />
*In ''Armada'', the camera makes a nauseating continuous pan from Blurr to Hot Shot, then Scavenger, and back to Hot Shot. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the constant camera movement and quickly pans to Hot Shot and Scavenger when they speak, so their lines don't begin off-screen. Vector is the first planet Blurr mentions when he talks about Thrust in ''Armada''; ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it to Babil, and the next three are Orga, Droi, and Duke. In ''Armada'', Hot Shot says the Autobots were thrashed and almost wiped out due to Thrust. He asks Blurr if those other planets are where the Decepticons utterly crushed Autobots in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' reanimates the scene of Billy and Jetfire talking. Now, Jetfire's finger comes up when Billy starts talking, and Billy's fist and Jetfire's finger line up for a moment before Jetfire lowers his finger (see right). Carlos speaks to Jetfire after Billy finishes, and Jetfire talks after turning away. Jetfire is now animated to look down when he hears High Wire.<br />
*Jetfire's "Ready or not, Thrust. Here I come," line is now "I can't stand it when someone else is flying over my head!" During this scene, ''Armada'' speeds up Jetfire's running so that he's near the end of the hallway and Hot Shot's leg obscures him. The Japanese dub slows Jetfire down slightly, so he's only halfway down the hall, and Hot Shot's leg partially covers him.<br />
*During the shot where Thrust gives the order to attack in ''Armada'', ''Legends of the Microns'' gives Jetfire a line before him.<br />
*The camera zooms toward the monitor as Alexis warns Jetfire, and when the scene cuts back to the monitor later, it's silent. ''Legends of the Microns'' has the camera zoom away from the monitor, and Rad's line about telling Jetfire not to shoot at the Decepticons' Mini-Cons is heard during the monitor's second viewing. The Japanese dub also shows fully animated images on the monitor similar to actual video footage instead of bright-colored stills as ''Armada'' has (see right). The second shot of the monitor has more room around the sides, making the buttons on the right in full view while ''Armada'' has them cut off. Rad tells Jetfire not to hit the Mini-Cons when the scene cuts to the monitor the second time.<br />
*A rainbow ring is added around Jetfire's shadow against the clouds.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the Air Military Mini-Con Team's jerky movement while flying ahead of Jetfire. The shot of Jetfire pulling back when they block his path is now a second longer than in the English dub.<br />
*Cyclonus laughs ''after'' telling the Mini-Cons to follow him instead of before. He's also animated to move first instead of him and the Mini-Cons moving all at once.<br />
*''Armada'' starts playing the theme song when Jetfire transforms, while ''Legends of the Microns'' keeps playing "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Desperate Situation]]"; both tracks stops before Thrust orders the cross-fire attack. After which, there is a clear look at the Air Military Mini-Con Team. Jetfire is heard reacting to the shots as he takes them, and he also says, "So that's how you want to play this?" Cyclonus's line about getting payback is now, "We'll just give it back to ya!"<br />
*Rather than say that Thrust is right about underestimating him, Jetfire says he never hesitates to face the bad guys. Then ''Armada'' has Billy comment on how Jetfire is enjoying himself before Carlos cheers on the Autobot. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Billy says Jetfire is too carefree, and Carlos declares that he (himself) is enjoying what he sees before cheering for Jetfire.<br />
*The Japanese dub adds a green filter effect to the shot of Starscream's crosshairs locking onto Jetfire (see right), and just before firing his Null Laser Cannon, Starscream says, "Take this!"<br />
*In ''Armada'', after the clouds part and the Null Laser Cannon blasts approach Jetfire, it cuts to him dodging them and whites out. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the shot doesn't cut away (see right); the white-out effect is gone, and there's an added scene of the blasts hitting the ocean before panning to Jetfire.<br />
*The bird's eye view of the island in ''Armada'' is a generic flat drawing with no detail, and the surrounding water is equally bland. In ''Legends of the Microns'', they are fully detailed with depth in the colors (see right).<br />
*The theme tune starts as Blurr, Smokescreen, and Hot Shot arrive on the island, ending after Smokescreen gets shot in ''Armada''. "Invincible Power" plays as Smokescreen prepares to launch the Skyboom Shield in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Instead of pointlessly introducing himself as he does in ''Armada'', Demolishor announces himself as "The Decepticons' greatest warrior."; The shot also focuses on Demolishor until he finishes cackling. After the camera pans from him to Sideways, the shot focuses on Sideways for a second shorter than in ''Armada''.<br />
*In ''Armada'', the shot of Scavenger admiring Thrust's plan is a reused one from the Autobots' earlier discussion about Thrust. ''Legends of the Microns'' has a new reanimated frontal close-up (see right), after which Carlos tells Scavenger to quit admiring Thrust's handiwork.<br />
*When Rad speaks to Red Alert on the monitor, the shot doesn't zoom in, and the lights in Optimus's dashboard come on slowly instead of blinking.<br />
*''Armada'' has Megatron act like he's taken aback by Hot Shot challenging him. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him offended by the Autobot's foolishness to refuse his "only act of mercy."<br />
*Instead of calling Smokescreen too weak to handle the Skyboom Shield, Megatron says Smokescreen can't handle the shield's power since Optimus isn't around.<br />
*After this, Demolishor and Sideways agree to strike the Autobots with two simultaneous assaults in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Demolishor instead asks the Autobots if they can handle another collision between the shield and saber; Sideways says the reaction might be bigger this time.<br />
*In ''Armada'', the Transformers theme starts when Hot Shot, Smokescreen, and Blurr retreat and ends when the scene cuts to Carlos. ''Legends of the Microns'' continues playing "For The Glory!" until then.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' flips the shot of Jetfire dodging Starscream's second Null Laser Cannon so that he's on the right rather than left; the ''Armada'' version is the correct one in this case. ''Armada'' merely shows a giant geyser from the Null Laser Cannon's impact before the scene flash-cuts to Jetfire, while ''Legends of the Microns'' has the background glow purple as the effect makes a giant wave with the flash-cut removed.<br />
*The drizzle from the geyser stops when Thrust starts talking in ''Armada'' but it ends when the scene cuts from him to Jetfire in ''Legends of the Microns''. After telling Jetfire he's trapped, Thrust says his plan will ensure that the Autobot stays that way, so Jetfire's body will have to hold out.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' removes another flash-cut when Starscream shoots his Null Laser Cannon at Jetfire again. When Jetfire gets hit by Starscream, the Null Laser Cannon beam is extended, and the clouds don't disappear when Jetfire falls.<br />
*Before the cables attached to Optimus disconnect, ''Armada'' extends Carlos's line to cover the silence.<br />
*The shot of Megatron facing an injured Smokescreen is cropped on the top and right so that half of Smokescreen is out of frame. Megatron looks a bit closer in the shot and more imposing (see right).<br />
*In ''Armada'', Rad asks Red Alert and Scavenger what will happen to Optimus if they leave, and they don't answer. Rad's body faces the side with his arms bent; he doesn't move again until Carlos says his lines about Optimus still being immobilized and that someone should stay behind. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad asks Red Alert if Optimus is his top priority, repositioning himself when he finishes speaking. Red Alert tries to answer Rad before Carlos says Optimus is still inactive and that taking care of Prime is Red Alert's job.<br />
*When Optimus tells the others to trust him before Scavenger enters the coordinates, he says the line immediately in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says it two seconds after the scene cuts from Fred, reducing the scene's silence.<br />
*''Armada'' starts playing the theme song's insert trance version as Optimus heads out, and it ends after Jet Optimus drops Demolishor into the ocean. ''Legends of the Microns'' keeps playing "For The Glory!" before changing to "Destrons Ferocious Attack!" when Optimus arrives in battle. Then "Super Convoy" plays when he and Jetfire combine, and it stops during the pan-up shot of the redrawn Jet Optimus.<br />
*When Thrust tells Starscream to begin the final assault in ''Armada'', the camera pans to the upper-left as soon as Thrust speaks and stays on his arm until he finishes his line. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the camera moves after he says Starscream's name, and the shot ends as soon as Thrust extends his arm. Starscream responds in the next shot, but while he locks onto Jetfire in ''Armada''. The shot of Starscream is also redrawn, with the jagged movement removed.<br />
*Starscream's targeting crosshairs are brighter and easier to see. After Optimus appears, Starscream calls him out to Thrust by name, and Thrust is heard reacting.<br />
*Thrust's laughter is extended into the shot of Optimus continuing to fall toward Jetfire. Then, as a subtle visual hint, ''Legends of the Microns'' adds a slight white twinkle in Optimus and Jetfire's eyes as they trade glances before initiating their combination, during which they speak in unison.<br />
*The reactionary dialogue of Thrust and Sideways concerning Optimus and Jetfire's combination is altered as they're shocked and confused about what happened. Also, Red Alert only refers to Optimus instead of asking, "What is this?"<br />
*The scene of Jet Optimus shooting Starscream down is heavily reanimated. The shot of Starscream now shows him flying to the left above the clouds. Jet Optimus flies into the frame and fires at the Decepticon in his correct colors. The shot of Jet Optimus firing at Starscream is now a wider shot with a clearer view of the Autobot (see right). Instead of making the "Star''scream''" pun, Jet Optimus comments about taking care of one pest.<br />
*The shot of Starscream falling from the sky as Megatron sees him is sped up in ''Armada'' as Starscream is already out of frame when Megatron turns around. It's not an issue in ''Legends of the Microns'' since Starscream falls at a slower rate, so Megatron sees Starscream falling when he turns. ''Armada'' uses a bright flickering flash to portray Starscream getting shot in the clouds; ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this to a subtle glow effect. As Jet Optimus approaches him, the shots of Prime coming in the distance are redrawn still images (see right), and Jet Optimus isn't as close to Megatron in the shot of the latter trying to block him with the Star Saber. Furthermore, the shot of Megatron falling is slowed down slightly, but it's the same length as the ''Armada'' version.<br />
*The close-up shot of Demolishor firing at Jet Optimus is cropped, and his lasers are more brightly colored so that his fingers aren't as visible in the Japanese dub. In this shot, he also asks who Jet Optimus is.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Demolishor says he hates water before Jet Optimus drops him while Demolishor yells that he's afraid of ''heights'' while he falls in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*After the battle, as Thrust stands on the cloud and looks below him, he immediately fixes himself upright after saying he didn't know Optimus and Jetfire could combine. He also laughs as he transforms and flies away.<br />
*Alexis expresses relief instead of agreeing with the praises made by Carlos, Billy, and Fred. Then Scavenger notes how Optimus and Jetfire can combine and how he never imagined they could pull it off before congratulating them.<br />
*Optimus chuckles and warns Jetfire to be more cautious after looking up in ''Legends of the Microns'' but speaks to Jetfire immediately in ''Armada''. Jetfire mentions that he and Optimus fought together in the Air Brigade on Cybertron. After this, the shot of Optimus is entirely redrawn with him facing the camera (see right), telling Jetfire not to let his guard down since they're on the front lines.<br />
*Instead of Smokescreen snarking about Jetfire being lucky that Optimus showed up, he laments how he, Hot Shot, and Blurr couldn't save Jetfire themselves. After this, Hot Shot says what a pain it was on how Thrust toyed with them, and in agreement, Blurr states that he's upset about their lack of foresight.<br />
*In ''Armada'', after Jetfire says there's nothing to worry about now that he's here, Hot Shot snarks at him for forgetting his lesson to take things more seriously. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot interrupts Jetfire, tells him not to get carried away, and asks if he's already forgotten that they are on the front lines.<br />
*During Rad's ending narration, he says Jetfire is slightly overconfident but raises the team's spirits despite his mistakes. Since ''Armada'' ignores the subplot on Jetfire's overconfidence, Rad says the team would need Jetfire's "contagious optimism" to face future battles.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
[[File:Linkup Jet Prime Comparison.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|U.S. version (left), Japanese version (right)]]<br />
*Although ''Legends of the Microns'' has numerous minor animation changes, "Linkup" is one of the most prominent examples as the number of errors puts this episode up there with "[[Decisive Battle]]." Multiple scenes were entirely redrawn and reanimated with higher quality animation than the ''Armada'' version. Among the changes: Jet Optimus with his Super Mode colors and the wrong legs were fixed, while numerous close-up shots were also redrawn.<br />
*When Red Alert tells the kids about Optimus's status in the opening scene, the headlights on his chest are miscolored; this happens again when Rad contacts him later, but only Red Alert's left headlight is miscolored. The Japanese dub replaces the later shot of Red Alert with high-quality animation (see above).<br />
*Static shots of Jetfire and the kids and a scene of Hot Shot from later in the episode are used during the opening dialogue. ''Legends of the Microns'' has new fully animated scenes (see above).<br />
*During the close-up of Demolishor after zooming into the Decepticon base, the brown on the right side of his face "bleeds" into the outer yellow part.<br />
*Demolishor's mouth moves while the shot pans from him to Starscream and Cyclonus, but he's not talking. The Japanese dub fixes the issue by panning to Cyclonus and Starscream faster.<br />
*During Cyclonus and Starscream's scene of finding enjoyment in Thrust's plan from the previous episode, their mouths don't move, and Starscream's wings are missing. The Japanese dub fixes these errors (see above).<br />
*The background with the jagged edges surrounding Megatron while he laughs is mistakenly seen first since it's supposed to go over the background with the hole in the ship, as seen earlier while Demolishor was speaking; ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this.<br />
*When Megatron starts laughing on his throne, his face is miscolored as dark gray like his horns, and the black around his eyes are so thick they make his eyes look puny. The Japanese dub fixes Megatron's eyes but not his face color (see above). For some reason, ''Legends of the Microns'' makes Megatron's throne a single color in the same scene.<br />
*The Decepticon [[insignia]] on Megatron's chest disappears in several scenes.<br />
*When Smokescreen says, "It's Thrust?" he lacks his antenna/horn. He's missing it again when the Autobots are looking at Thrust on a monitor, a third time when he says, "Optimus sir," and a fourth time when the Autobots laugh at the end. Smokescreen's right eye looks bigger than his left, similar to Demolishor's in the next shot.<br />
*During the continuous shot, while Blurr, Hot Shot, and Scavenger discuss Thrust, a sound effect plays when the camera moves to Hot Shot, but nothing is animated to justify it. ''Legends of the Microns'' reveals the sound effect is from Blurr moving his blaster, and he is redrawn accordingly.<br />
**In the same scene, Scavenger says Hot Shot would've been "too young to battle on Cybertron" to know about Thrust. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the wording so that Scavenger says Hot Shot would've been relatively young ''during'' that battle.<br />
*Alexis is missing during the shot of Fred, Billy, Carlos talking about Thrust and Jetfire.<br />
*When Rad translates what High Wire is trying to tell Jetfire, Rad says "They" (referring to High Wire, Sureshock, and Grindor) instead of "He." When Jetfire asks why High Wire didn't tell him earlier about the suspicious bot flying over the base in the Japanese dub, Rad translates that High Wire said ''he'' did say that before.<br />
*After seeing Thrust on the monitor, Scavenger has a shadow under his right eye; ''Legends of the Microns'' removes it.<br />
*In the shot of the children, Smokescreen, Jetfire, and Hot Shot looking at the monitor, the Autobot symbol on Jetfire's chest is missing.<br />
*When Sureshock and Alexis speak, the scene cuts to a still of a later shot of Smokescreen, Jetfire, and Hot Shot; it's reused seconds later as they react to seeing Thrust on the monitor. Their mouths don't move, the railing the kids are leaning against is missing, and there's an awkward silence before Jetfire leaves the scene. First, ''Legends of the Microns'' adds a new scene of Sureshock while the kids are in the background when she and Alexis speak (see above). Then, in the later shot, the railing is there, the Autobots' mouths now move with Hot Shot and Smokescreen having lines, and when Jetfire runs off, he goes entirely off-screen with Hot Shot reacting to it.<br />
*When Jetfire flies after Thrust, the Decepticon's glare is miscolored orange; ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects it and makes it white.<br />
*One shot shows Jetfire flying towards the Decepticons and the Mini-Cons but no sign of Thrust in front of him, only for Thrust to suddenly return in the next shot; the Japanese dub fixes this by replacing Jetfire with Thrust.<br />
*As Laserbeak flies ''behind'' Thrust, the Decepticon's underbelly stops moving, and despite going behind Thrust, Laserbeak can still get a clear picture of what's going on. The monitor shows a still image with ''Jetfire'' in the shot among the Decepticons, and later the monitor shows another still image of the 'Cons without Jetfire. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Laserbeak goes under Thrust, whose underbelly doesn't stop moving.<br />
*For most of the episode, the Autobot HQ monitors display a bright-colored picture similar to a first-person POV shot instead of images on a screen. They're all animated to look like live video feeds in ''Legends of the Microns'' (see above).<br />
*The Japanese dub replaces Jetfire's profile shot while preparing to fire his Plasma Blaster at Cyclonus with high-quality animation with proper coloring, shadows, and additional details (see above).<br />
*Jetfire's blast is a plain straight shot, but it's out of proportion and wide enough to take up most of the two shots it's in; in ''Legends of the Microns'', the red beam is narrower and has branches along the sides.<br />
*When Thrust states that he didn't think Jetfire would attack, Thrust is miscolored orange.<br />
*In one shot, Jetfire moves away from the camera before it zooms toward his leg for an extreme close-up, and he isn't animated. ''Legends of the Microns'' only has Jetfire come toward the camera, and as he does, we get an animated close-up of him from top to bottom. In the next shot, ''Armada'' has Jetfire unanimated over clouds moving in the background. ''Legends of the Microns'' has higher quality animation; Jetfire moves away from the camera with his Plasma Blaster visible and repositions his legs.<br />
*During Thrust's cross-fire attack, Jetstorm is miscolored gray, and the shots fired by Cyclonus and the Mini-Cons are yellow instead of purple. They're fixed in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Hot Shot's position changes between shots as the other Autobots prepare to leave and help Jetfire.<br />
*As Smokescreen readies to launch the Skyboom Shield, a laser blast is heard, but Smokescreen doesn't react as his close-up remains static. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds a new shot with Smokescreen at a distance, showing his Longarm Launcher getting blasted and him reacting to it (see above).<br />
*When Rad calls Red Alert for an update on Optimus, Rad points at the console. ''Legends of the Microns'' animates his arm going out of frame.<br />
*In the shot of Blurr, Smokescreen, and Hot Shot taking cover after Demolishor asks where Optimus is, Smokescreen's longarm cannon is miscolored as dark blue in ''Armada''. The Japanese dub makes it the correct shade.<br />
*The ends of Starscream's Null Laser Cannons are miscolored red, and the blasts look like individual shots in the first shot of them going through the clouds. The Japanese dub corrects the Cannons' color and reanimates the initial shot, so the blast looks like a single beam.<br />
*While Hot Shot, Blurr, and Smokescreen take cover behind the Skyboom Shield as Demolishor fires at them, the shield glows in its close-up shot, but it isn't in the next one. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes it, so the shield glows in both shots.<br />
*Hot Shot, Smokescreen, Blurr, Sideways, Demolishor, and Megatron seem to be positioned wrong in their face-off shots together as the 'Cons look and fire downward, but the Autobots are above them.<br />
**Sideways and Demolishor are also slightly off-model in the two shots with Megatron's legs on either side in the foreground; ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects them.<br />
*In the overhead shot of Hot Shot, Blurr, and Smokescreen retreating, Smokescreen doesn't have the Skyboom Shield.<br />
*In the shots after Megatron shows up with the Autobots in the background, Smokescreen's crane looks undamaged.<br />
*Thrust refers to the Air Military Mini-Con Team as the Air ''Defense'' Team (which is concurrently busy being the Star Saber). He uses the correct term in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*When Megatron attacks Smokescreen with the Star Saber, the Skyboom Shield is miscolored blue and orange like the Autobot's body. In addition, Smokescreen's arm is miscolored to match the shield; it's corrected in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Alexis asks, "Who's that?" (which is grammatically incorrect), after which there is a "Humph" sound, and Alexis says someone's on the launching dock. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the grammar error as Alexis now asks, "''What'' is that?" Then Scavenger asks what's going on, and Alexis says the launch gate has been activated.<br />
*When setting the warp coordinates for Optimus, Scavenger refers to them as the ''"landing"'' coordinates, but there's no such thing as landing in midair. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Scavenger says "the ''arrival point''" instead.<br />
*After Optimus falls past Thrust while freefalling, Carlos and Fred let out cheerful and encouraging screams for Optimus despite having worried facial expressions; Carlos's mouth is always open while only Fred's mouth moves. In ''Legends of the Microns'', they're afraid Optimus will get smashed to bits from the fall after Thrust dodges him; their mouths are also reanimated as Carlos speaks first and Fred talks after him. Billy looks shocked with his mouth agape in both versions.<br />
*During the quick cuts as Prime approaches Jetfire, the area under Optimus's eye is miscolored red; the Japanese dub corrects it.<br />
**An extra frame is added before each cut of Optimus closing in on Jetfire, so the movement appears jagged. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the added frames, making Optimus's movement fluid by comparison.<br />
*Jet Optimus is drawn incorrectly three times: when firing at Starscream, his chest is colored red instead of white and has a red Decepticon insignia; after that, as he grabs Demolishor, his legs are shown as those of his trailer; and later, when Jet Optimus is landing on the island, he is shown with his lower body being from his trailer, instead of them being Jetfire. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes all of these errors.<br />
*When Starscream falls through the clouds after he's shot down, the cloud wisps are miscolored like dark gray smoke; ''Legends of the Microns'' correct it.<br />
*Megatron lacks the shadow around his eyes after seeing Starscream fall. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds them back.<br />
*In the shot of Megatron falling, he doesn't have the Star Saber.<br />
*Multiple times, Carlos's eyes have whites, but ''Legends of the Microns'' removes them.<br />
*In the shot of the Autobots at the end, Blurr's model is incomplete, Smokescreen's crane hook is miscolored gray, and Jetfire's face is partially miscolored white. ''Legends of the Microns'' only fixes the error with Blurr.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*Thrust seeing the shooting stars as a sure sign of victory continues his quirk of playing fortune-teller as previously established in "Tactician."<br />
*The [[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada War]]<ref>The name given in the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]] story, ''[[Force of Habit]]'', for the events that take place before and during the ''Armada'' cartoon, including "The Unicron Battles".</ref> is revealed to have taken place on countless other planets besides [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and [[Earth]]. Three known planets that the Decepticons triumphed in battle with the Autobots under Thrust's leadership are [[Vector]], [[Orga]], and [[Duke (planet)|Duke]].<br />
*This episode is the second time the Japanese dub mentions the Mini-Con [[Servility Program]], after introducing it in "[[Vow]]." However, it's the first and only time ''Armada'' brings it up.<br />
*The beginning of Jetfire and Optimus's Powerlinx sequence, which remains in every appearance of the sequence afterward, results from their combination occurring midair. The toys can replicate the shield attaching to Optimus and the Plasma Blaster/thruster adhering to the shield.<br />
*Strangely, the Jet Optimus transformation sequences don't have Optimus's mouthplate suffer the color-changing animation error present in the Super Mode Optimus sequence.<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Megatron Powerlinx with the Star Saber.<br />
**Optimus Prime and Jetfire Powerlinx for the first time, forming '''Jet Optimus'''. They're the first [[Transformer]]s to show the ability to Powerlinx (aside from the Mini-Cons) in the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]]. [[Ask Vector Prime]] would establish in [[2015]] that [[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] made the combination modifications to Jetfire.<br />
**Jet Optimus uses Jetfire's Plasma Blaster.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*Optimus didn't seem so severely damaged at the end of "[[Tactician]]" that he'd require a whole episode in the repair bay. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Red Alert is simply doing maintenance work on Optimus.<br />
*In the Decepticons' first scene, when Demolishor complains about Thrust, he refers to him as a military "leader" though he's a tactician; ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this mistake.<br />
*The color of Thrust's jet blasts alternates between orange and blue. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this and has them orange throughout the episode.<br />
*During the shot of Jetfire and Billy talking, Rad is missing despite being there in the previous shot, but the Japanese dub fixes the error.<br />
*Hot Shot asks Scavenger how "they" are supposed to land to help Jetfire out at sea as if he refers to the Autobots excluding himself and Scavenger. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot uses the correct word "we."<br />
*After stock footage of Smokescreen readying his launcher, the shot cuts to a reused close-up shot of his face until the sound of an explosion is heard, the screen then switching to Hot Shot and Blurr. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds an animated shot of Smokescreen getting his crane-arm blasted off (see above); the Japanese dub also corrects Smokescreen's line and changes it from "Wait a second, who is that?" to "But who did that?!"<br />
*When Megatron tries to strike the Autobots with the Star Saber, a big rock appears behind Smokescreen, and it's suddenly split in half; ''Legends of the Microns'' shows the Star Saber swipe across the scene and take out a chunk of the background.<br />
*Optimus requests to be warped to Jetfire's coordinates but appears near Thrust instead. The Japanese dub fixes this error by having Prime ordering the others to send him to ''Thrust's'' position instead of Jetfire's.<br />
*As Optimus freefalls toward Thrust, there's a shot of him with his arms ahead of him like Superman, but Optimus's arms are at his sides again when Thrust dodges him in the next shot. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this by having Prime's arms at his sides the whole time.<br />
*After the scene of Carlos, Billy, and Fred's reactions, Optimus is seen with his thrusters active and cloud trails coming from his body. However, they are suddenly gone in the next shot of Optimus falling towards Jetfire. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes these details (see above).<br />
*At the start of Jet Optimus's [[stock footage|combination sequence]], Jetfire first throws his gun and then his shield to Optimus to give him a makeshift jetpack, but it's the shield that attaches to Prime's back before the gun.<br />
*Optimus and Jetfire's combined form is referred to as "Jet Convoy" (the Japanese name for Jet Optimus) throughout the episode after its debut.<br />
*As Jet Optimus flies toward Demolishor, the background smoke is miscolored blue; the Japanese dub corrects it and makes the smoke dark gray. For some reason, during this shot in ''Legends of the Microns'', Demolishor's shots are fixed to be Decepticon purple instead of Autobot red as they are in ''Armada'', yet they're red in the next shot. ''Armada'' has Demolishor's shots miscolored red throughout.<br />
*In the shots of Jet Optimus carrying Demolishor, dropping him, and the shot afterward, Jet Optimus appears to be hovering in ''Armada''; ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this by adding the propulsion effect to Jet Optimus's feet.<br />
*The shot of Sideways riding away after the battle is a recycled shot from [[Gale]]; the Japanese dub corrects it.<br />
*In his ending narration for ''Armada'', Rad refers to this episode as an intro to Jetfire, which is false; he might mean Jetfire's personality since he technically first appeared in the previous episode.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
[[File:Linkup - No ML Title Card.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4|]]<br />
*The kanji 合身 is pronounced as ''gasshin''.<br />
*"Linkup" first aired in the United States on [[January 31]], [[2003]].<br />
*Shooting stars on the Moon are impossible because it has no atmosphere to burn objects.<br />
*Jetfire is ''very'' cocky at times, especially in front of the kids. Amusingly, [[Scott McNeil]] also played another cocky character in [[2003]] for {{w|LEGO}}'s ''{{w|BIONICLE: Mask of Light}}''. That character is Tahu, the Toa Nuva leader, whom Scott plays using the same voice.<br />
*According to ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'':<br />
**This episode displays Jetfire's light-hearted personality to show his difference from Optimus since it would've been difficult if they were both calm and collected leaders.<br />
**This episode shows how Thrust is an effective tactician, making double or triple strategies, and how dangerous the Decepticons can be when they fight with proper strategy rather than brute force.<br />
*This episode is a rare instance of no title card appearing in ''Legends of the Microns'', with the title instead appearing over Optimus getting repaired. It happens again later in "[[Cramp]]."<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Der Powerlink'''" ("The Powerlink")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but was dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Csatlakozás'''" ("Joining")<br />
<br />
'''Polish'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Połączenie'''" ("Link")<br />
<br />
'''French'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Le remplaçant'''" ("The Substitute")<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''스나이퍼 vs 제트파이어'''" ("Sniper vs Jetfire")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Conexão'''" ("Connection")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 7 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:09 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Title_sequence&diff=1583975Title sequence2022-01-13T03:01:59Z<p>Starzone: /* Unicron Trilogy (Japanese) */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:Targetmasters.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|''Mooooooom!'' Crosshairs and Pinpointer are making a title sequence!]]<br />
A '''title sequence''' is the animation that accompanies the [[theme song]] or opening narration of a television series, introducing the audience to the show's characters and storyline on a visual level. Title sequences are usually composed of original animation commissioned solely for the sequence, a collection of clips from actual episodes, or a mixture of both. Oftentimes, the original animation commissioned for the title sequence is of vastly superior quality to the animation seen in the actual program. ''Oftentimes'', but not always. These sequences can range from thirty seconds to a minute and thirty seconds, depending on the length of the theme song or opening narration.<br />
<br />
==Generation 1 (English)==<br />
:'''Theme song:''' "The Transformers" by [[Anne Bryant]] and [[Ford Kinder]].<br />
Each season of ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' boasted an original title sequence with varying performances of the classic ''Transformers'' [[theme song]]. Seasons 1 and 2 each offered unique performances of the theme song, while from season 3 onward, a third and final version was performed and used exclusively. For the reruns on the Sci-Fi Channel's [[Cartoon Quest]] and [[Animation Station]] blocks (as well as some syndicated reruns of season 2), the season 2 animation was combined with the season 3 version of the theme.<br />
<br />
===Season 1===<br />
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei Animation|Toei]]''<br />
[[File:G1season1intro01.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Prime at perhaps his wussiest.]]<br />
The [[Autobot]] and [[Decepticon]] insignias fly by as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and several of his troops transform. After the title flips to different faction colors, the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s transform and fire upon several Autobot cars. Optimus Prime and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] join the battle. [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] clashes with [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] and judo-flips him, but Jazz transforms to car mode, lands, drives back and returns to [[robot mode]], punching Skywarp in the face. [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] unleashes several of his cassette troops while Megatron transforms to gun mode and fires on the Autobots. Both sides then fly into the air and behind a mountain, where the title pops out.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
===Season 2===<br />
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei Animation|Toei]]'', ''[[Ashi Productions]]''<br />
:'''Key animation:''' [[Nobuyoshi Habara]]<br />
[[File:G1season2IntroGrid01.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"Hand-drawn version of computer-generated grids. How ironic!"]]<br />
The Autobot and Decepticon insignias come flying out from space and across the landscape of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] before the scenery changes to that of [[Earth]]. The "Transformers" title then appears and is snatched in the jaws of [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]], where it morphs into [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]. Grimlock releases Thrust as the rest of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] transform and fire upon [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]. Blitzwing transforms to tank mode and makes the mistake of firing upon [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], who transforms to robot mode and squashes him beneath his heel. [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] picks up the remains of Blitzwing, and Omega fires on the approaching [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], who transforms to space shuttle mode just as the tracks drop off into a pit of lava. Down in the lava, the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s are swimming about for some reason. The lava then changes into a ''Tron''-like grid where Optimus Prime and Megatron clash before sinking into a wormhole as the title explodes onto the screen.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
==="Five Faces of Darkness"===<br />
:'''Animation:''' ''[[AKOM]]'', ''[[Sam Young Studio]]''<br />
<br />
:''All five "[[Five Faces of Darkness]]" episodes had their own unique opening sequence, though on DVD releases of the series it only appears on Parts 3 and 5.''<br />
[[File:Season3AlternateIntro01.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|The valiant Springer leaves Rodimus to die.]]<br />
The Autobot and Decepticon insignias pass beneath the [[Rockeroid]] ship and glide across the landscape of Cybertron, passing over several battered Decepticons dogpiling on top of a single [[Energon cube]]. As the Decepticons fight over the Energon, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]], [[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] choose this strategic time to blast their helpless foes with laser fire. [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] then drives up and transforms to robot mode within a wall of flames as the title appears on his chest. The scene shifts to [[Thrull]], where [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] emerges from his plasma bath and fires on a nearby planet, destroying it. Beneath the planet, back on Cybertron, [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] is confronted by [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], only to be rescued by [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. Then, on [[Quintessa (planet)|Quintessa]], Ultra Magnus, Kup and Spike are dropped into a [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticon]] pit and swim away in fear from one of the approaching beasts. The faction insignias then go racing again through space, this time to the planet [[Goo 8739-B|Goo]], where the Autobots are stuck in slime. [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] transforms to helicopter mode and rescues everyone but Rodimus Prime, who gets sucked into a giant spaceship. Rodimus blasts his way out of the ship as several letters scramble together to form the title.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
===Season 3===<br />
:'''Animation:''' ''[[AKOM]]''<br />
[[File:Intro3 4 with error.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Remember that bit about title sequences having ''better'' animation than the show itself...?]]<br />
A vector grid forms the disembodied head of [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], orbiting Cybertron. [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] flies through his eye as the scene shifts to the landscape of Cybertron and an army of [[Overcharge (G1)|Overcharge]]s in tank mode. One of them fires a blast at the audience which blows up the title. Out in space, [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] is chasing a unit of [[Sweep (G1)|Sweeps]] and a miscolored [[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] through a field of space debris. Amid the debris is a TV set that shows Metroplex battling Trypticon. Grabbing Trypticon by the shoulders, Metroplex whirls him around into a crudely drawn tornado. That tornado then becomes the rings of Saturn, upon which are driving [[Blurr (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blurr]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]. Wheelie's spinning tire becomes the barrel of Galvatron's cannon, aimed directly at the audience. The Decepticon insignia on his chest then rises up, becomes an Autobot insignia and then situates itself onto the chest of [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]], who is engaged in a battle on Earth. Blaster transforms to boom box mode and emits several ripples representing sound or radio waves. Those waves then become the ripples in a pool of water filled with Sharkticons. A Sharkticon swims toward the audience, and the darkness in its mouth becomes a space background and a platform. Rodimus Prime, Ultra Magnus and Kup (with Springer's head) come running over the platform and toward the audience. The platform is then revealed to be the title.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
===Season 4===<br />
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei Animation|Toei]], [[AKOM]]''<br />
<br />
:''This title sequence is composed of animation commissioned for several Transformers toy [[commercial]]s as well as a few clips recycled from the season 3 title sequence.''<br />
[[File:Scorponok-Rebirth.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"I'm ready for my closeup, Mr. DeMille."]]<br />
Rodimus Prime and Blurr race across a wall and through an electrical field, where they meet a distraught Kup. [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] then unites beautifully with [[Zarak (G1)|his head]]. Elsewhere, the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s unite into [[Computron (G1)|Computron]]. [[Flywheels]] then transforms to robot mode and fires. An [[Overcharge (G1)|Overcharge]] appears with the title in front of its cannon in tank mode and blows it up (''recycled season 3 footage''). Above Cybertron, [[Triggerhappy (G1)|Triggerhappy]] and [[Blowpipe (G1)|Blowpipe]] fire and land on the ground. Triggerhappy is immediately tackled by [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]]. [[Spoilsport]] and Blowpipe transform out of gun mode and clash. As they do, [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] and [[Pinpointer (G1)|Pinpointer]] arrive in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] and transform, only to be immediately tackled by [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] and [[Aimless]]. On another planet, ship mode [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] blasts the approaching [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcon]]s. The scene shifts to the barrel of Galvatron's cannon as his Decepticon insignia rises and becomes Blaster's Autobot insignia (''recycled season 3 footage''). Back on Cybertron, Sureshot and Triggerhappy are still going at it. On Earth, Metroplex transforms from battle station mode to robot mode as he's fired upon by [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. The scene shifts to the platform in outer space, as Rodimus Prime, Ultra Magnus and Kup (miscolored as Springer) run across it, revealing it to be the title (''recycled season 3 footage'').<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
===Season 5===<br />
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei Animation|Toei]]''<br />
<br />
:''This title sequence is composed of animation commissioned for several Transformers toy [[commercial]]s as well as a few clips recycled from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.''<br />
[[File:G1season5titlesequence01.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]<br />
Hot Rod runs through a valley carrying Daniel Witwicky, transforms to vehicle mode and places Daniel in the driver's seat (''recycled Movie footage''). The Headmasters roll-out from a [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] city. A shuttle blasts off from planet Cybertron and into space. On the planet of [[Junkion (planet)|Junk]], Springer and the Junkions run from Galvatron and Cyclonus, who are spraying them with laserfire (''recycled Movie footage''). In [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]], Optimus Prime transforms from vehicle to robot mode, rocketing himself into the air and shooting several Decepticons beneath him while the title (''a stock 1984-86 version, slanted downward'') appears on the screen (''recycled Movie footage''). Megatron blasts his [[fusion cannon]] while Starscream strafes Springer, who fires back (''recycled Movie footage''). The [[Targetmaster (technology)|Double Targetmaster]]s transform from vehicle to robot modes and fire. In the sky, Triggerhappy and Blowpipe transform to robot and gun mode and open fire. In Autobot City, Devastator tears through a wall, on Cybertron, [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] smashes his hand down on the planet, back on Earth, Megatron and the Decepticons evacuate a burning Autobot shuttle and both Megatron and Starscream open fire (''recycled Movie footage''). On Cybertron, Crosshairs and Pinpointer arrive in vehicle mode, transform to [[robot mode]] and skid to a stop. The Autobot [[Pretender]]s exit their Pretender shells and rise up into the air in robot mode. On [[Quintessa (planet)|Quintessa]], Hot Rod punches a Sharkticon in the face (''recycled Movie footage''). Inside Unicron, Hot Rod opens the [[Matrix of Leadership]] and reveals the show title (''the same version as before, now slanted upward''), outside, Grimlock claws his feet into Unicron, at Autobot City, Megatron ignites his energon saber, leaps into the air and is felled by an uppercut from Optimus Prime (''recycled Movie footage'') that causes the title (''this time the 1988 commercial version'') to appear on the screen.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
===''Generation 2''===<br />
:'''Animation:''' [[Lamb & Company]]<br />
<br />
:''Rather than sport a theme song, the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Generation 2]]'' series featured new CG animation accompanied by narration.''<br />
[[File:G2CartoonIntro01.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|G2 Prime was too extreme for his own good sometimes.]]<br />
Optimus Prime drives over a bridge on some alien planet with two moons in the sky and transforms to robot mode as the narrator describes him as "More than meets the eye, he's a robot in disguise!" Optimus is then strafed by [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] in jet mode. The narrator describes him and the Decepticons as "going ballistic to destroy the Autobots". Ramjet transforms to robot mode and fires a missile into Prime's chest, damaging it, and then shoves him against the side of a cliff. Prime kicks Ramjet away and punches the fallen Ramjet square in the face before he can stand back up. (Way to fight fair, Prime.) Prime then begins stomping on the defeated Ramjet repeatedly with his foot while triumphantly firing his rifle into the sky. (''Jeez, man''.) The narrator then explains to the audience the "Magic of the [[Cybernet Space Cube]]" and introduces the "computer-enhanced stories of the Transformers".<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Generation 1 (Japanese)==<br />
===''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers''===<br />
====Title sequence #1====<br />
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei Animation|Toei]]''<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformer (song)|TRANSFORMER]]" by [[Satoko Shimonari]]''<br />
<br />
:''The first Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers title sequence consisted of the animation used for the English season 1 sequence with additional clips from "[[More than Meets the Eye (mini-series)|More than Meets the Eye]]" to pad out the full minute-and-twenty-second length.''<br />
[[File:FSRLTitleSequence01.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb]]<br />
The Autobot and Decepticon insignias fly by as Prime, atop the Autobot one, transforms from truck to [[robot mode]]. The Japanese title then appears floating in space. The Seekers fly down and transform to robot mode, attacking several Autobot cars who transform to robot mode and fire back. Prime and Megatron join the battle as the two sides clash. Skywarp judo-flips Jazz, who transforms to car mode as he lands, drives back, transforms to robot mode and punches Skywarp in the face. Soundwave unleashes several of his cassette warriors as Megatron transforms to gun mode and fires upon the Autobots (recycled from the English season 1 title sequence). Prime then commands a full line-up of Autobots to transform, and they roll out over the desert (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]"). Underwater, [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] causes an earthquake that begins destroying a dam. On top of the dam, Prime and Megatron battle with [[Energon-axe]] and [[Energon mace]], only for Prime to be knocked off the ledge (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]"). At the ruby crystal mines of [[Burma]], an explosion sends truck mode Prime tumbling down the side of a mountain (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]"). Out in the desert, Prime transforms from truck mode to robot mode and rushes toward the audience. Megatron transforms to gun mode and is caught by Skywarp as Soundwave unleashes several of his cassette warriors (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]"). A trio of [[Air Warrior]]s transform to jet mode and fly off (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]"). On Cybertron, [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] transforms to his pre-Earth saucer mode (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"). In the desert, Soundwave and Rumble watch as [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] transforms to jet mode and flies off into the distance (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"). The Autobots and Decepticons then go flying behind a mountain. Where the words creating the title would have popped out from behind the sides of the mountain in the English version, the Japanese title pops out from over top of the mountain (recycled from the English season 1 title sequence).<br />
<br />
====Title sequence #2====<br />
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei Animation|Toei]]'', ''[[Ashi Productions]]''<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformer (song)|TRANSFORMER]]" by [[Satoko Shimonari]]''<br />
<br />
:''The second Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers title sequence consisted of the animation used for the English season 1 and 2 sequences with additional clips from various other episodes (mostly the same clips used in the US season 2 closing credits sequence) to pad out the full minute-and-twenty-second length.''<br />
[[File:We Hope The Only Title Sequence.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|We hope the only grammar!]]<br />
The Autobot and Decepticon insignias fly through space toward the planet Cybertron. The Japanese "Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers" logo appears. Grimlock and the Dinobots open fire on Blitzwing, who transforms and attempts to shoot down Omega Supreme. Omega Supreme squashes Blitzwing (who is salvaged by Scrapper) and then opens fire on Astrotrain. Astrotrain transformers and retreats as the "camera" falls into a pit of lava containing the Insecticons (US season 2 title sequence footage). Starscream, Thundercracker, and Skywarp transform from jet to robot modes and open fire on [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]], Bumblebee and [[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]]. Optimus and Megatron both lead their respective factions in a charge into battle. Various robots grapple before the Decepticons fly off with the Autobots on the ground shooting at them (US season 1 title sequence footage). [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] transform to robot mode ("[[The Master Builders (episode)|The Master Builders]]"), [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] transforms to robot mode ("[[A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court (episode)|A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court]]"), Blitzwing transform to tank mode (??), [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] transform to dinosaur modes ("[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1]]"), [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] transforms to jet mode ("[[Dinobot Island, Part 1]]"), [[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]], [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]], [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], and Grapple transform from vehicle to robot modes (??), Starscream transformers to jet mode and flies off ("[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]"), Smokescreen, [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] and Wheeljack transform to [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]s (??), Optimus Prime transforms from truck to [[robot mode]] while Megatron transforms from robot to gun mode ("[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]"). Optimus and Megatron square off on a computerized grid in outer space and promptly sink into the grid (US season 2 title sequence footage). The grid then explodes and turns into the Japanese "Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers" logo.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
===Scramble City: Mobilization===<br />
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei Animation|Toei]]''<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformer (song)|TRANSFORMER]]" by [[Satoko Shimonari]]''<br />
<br />
:''The "[[Scramble City: Mobilization]]" title sequence consisted of the animation used for the English season 2 sequence with additional clips from "More than Meets the Eye" to pad out the full minute-and-twenty-second length.''<br />
[[File:ScrambleCityTitleSequenceSoundwave01.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|"Laserbeak: Eject. Operation: Destroy the departing sky!"]]<br />
The Autobot and Decepticon insignias fly across the landscape of Cybertron, which becomes the landscape of Earth. The English title appears and is bitten by Grimlock, then morphs into Thrust. Grimlock releases Thrust as the Dinobots transform and fire upon Blitzwing. Blitzwing transforms to tank mode and fires on Omega Supreme, who squashes him beneath his foot. As Scrapper hauls off Blitzwing's remains, Omega fires on Astrotrain, who transforms to shuttle mode above a pit of lava. Down in the lava, the Insecticons are swimming around for no apparent reason (recycled from the English season 2 title sequence). On Cybertron, three [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s (including [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]) attack Bumblebee and Wheeljack with a flamethrower (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"). On Earth, a quake rumbles the crashed [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and knocks Optimus Prime into the repair beam of [[Teletraan I]], who converts him into a truck (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"). Soundwave ejects [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]], who chases after [[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] and Cliffjumper, blasting the former off of a cliff (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"). A vector grid then appears with both Autobots and Decepticons charging over top of it. Prime and Megatron clash and sink into a pit as the English title explodes onto the screen (recycled from the English season 2 title sequence).<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
===''Transformers 2010''===<br />
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei Animation|Toei]]''<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformer 2010|TRANSFORMER 2010]]" by [[Shō Hirose]]''<br />
<br />
:''Rather than recycle any of the crude animation from the English season 3 title sequence, the ''Transformers 2010'' title sequence was cobbled together from multiple toy [[commercial]]s and clips from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. Oddly, ''The Transformers: The Movie'' would not be released in Japan until 1989.''<br />
[[File:TF2010TitleClip01.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|It was a choice between "Cross of heat" or "BURNING HEART!" This won out.]]<br />
Unicron's head orbits Cybertron as the Japanese title pops out of his broken eye (recycled from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''). On an Earth highway, Ultra Magnus and several Autobots appear. Magnus transforms and fires his missiles at the approaching Galvatron and multiple Decepticons. Galvatron flies right through the flames, only to be socked in the jaw by Magnus. Galvatron transforms to cannon mode and returns fire. Elsewhere, Trypticon is approached by the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobot]]s, who transform and open fire on the city. Trypticon transforms first to battle station mode, then dinosaur mode. The Protectobots combine into [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] as Trypticon breathes fire in their direction. Metroplex arrives in mobile battle station mode and is attacked by Bruticus. Metroplex transforms to robot mode and returns fire (footage from the Metroplex commercial, also used in the English season 4 intro). In some other desert, [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] and [[Sandstorm (G1)|Standstorm]] show off their three transformations as they battle Blitzwing and Astrotrain. And yet elsewhere, the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] mow down [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] and then pose on a cliff before combining into [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]]. Inside Unicron, Rodimus Prime gives Galvatron the "end of the road" speech, picks him up and hurls him out into space. On Cybertron, Rodimus rallies a line-up of Autobots as the Japanese title appears (recycled from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'').<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
===''The Headmasters''===<br />
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei Animation|Toei]]''<br />
:'''Key animation''' Hidetoshi Ōmori<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[The Headmasters (song)|The Headmasters]]" by [[Hironobu Kageyama]]''<br />
<br />
:''The first completely original title sequence commissioned by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]. Beginning with "[[Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger]]", the Decepticons in the sequence would flash on and off as a tie-in with the light-gun game [[Video Challenger]].''<br />
[[File:HeadmastersTitleSequence01.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Apply directly to the footage!]]<br />
[[File:GalvyChallenger.gif|thumb|upright=1.1|Captain Powermaster and the Robots of the Future!]]<br />
As the sun is eclipsed by a planet, the title appears on the screen. [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s head-on and fly toward the audience. Above Earth, the [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Battleship Maximus]] transforms and deploys [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Twincast]] and the [[Trainbot]]s. On the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], Spike and Daniel Witwicky hop along the surface in their [[Exosuit]]s as [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] and the Decepticon Headmasters fly up behind them. In space, Galvatron, [[Scorponok (G1)|Mega Zarak]] and the Decepticon Headmasters open fire on the Trainbots, who combine into [[Raiden]]. The Autobot and Decepticon Headmasters then engage in a massive outer space firefight with lasers flying all over the place. Rodimus Prime is struck by a laser and injured, but is quickly shielded by Chromedome, who then blasts [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]] in the chest and sends him flying. [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] then attacks Chromedome with his sword, but is immediately deflected. The Terrorcons then arrive on the scene but are all blown up by the combined efforts of Raiden and the recovered Rodimus Prime. Sixshot and the remaining Decepticons are then driven back by a blast from [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]. The Autobot insignia then appears, and every Autobot that matters lines himself up in front of it, with Chromedome taking center point.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
===''Super-God Masterforce''===<br />
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei Animation|Toei]]''<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Chōjin Masterforce no Theme]]" by [[Toshiya Igarashi]]''<br />
<br />
====Title sequence #1====<br />
[[File:Masterforce opening 1.jpg|225px|thumb]]<br />
At a drive-in movie theater, [[Shūta Gō]] and [[Minerva (human)|Minerva]] prepare a computer, which projects the rest of the opening sequence onto the big screen for the theater's patrons. The title is revealed, standing atop a pedestal with spotlights illuminating it, before cutting away to a blue-tinged shot of human mode [[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]] racing across a field of anime speed-lines. The image is soon replaced with one of him in his [[Pretender]] armor, quickly joined by [[Phoenix (G1)|Phoenix]], [[Diver (G1)|Diver]] and [[Lander]] in theirs. The four Pretenders transform into [[robot mode]] and then fly into the screen. Jet mode Metalhawk and Phoenix fly around [[Ginrai (human)|Ginrai]]'s [[trailer]] in battle station mode as the [[Trainbot]]s soar by in the background, all in the sky above the Autobots' mountain headquarters. [[Buster (G1)|Buster]] and [[Hydra (G1)|Hydra]] fly by a dark castle in jet mode, and inset boxes appear onscreen revealing their names, ages and nationalities, before they engage Metalhawk and Phoenix in a dogfight. As Shūta and Minerva look on, worried, the two Decepticons merge into [[Darkwings]]. On the ground below, [[Lightfoot (G1)|Lightfoot]], [[Ranger]] and [[Road King]] come speeding into action, as an inset gives Lightfoot's details to the audience. Lightfoot races into a tunnel, where he is confronted by Pretender mode [[Dauros]], [[Gilmer]] and [[Blood]], the latter transforming to robot mode and opening fire. As Minerva cheers, Lightfoot transforms into robot mode and fire back, nailing Blood. Elsewhere, humans run in panic as a [[Tentakil (Masterforce)|Tentakil]] rampages through their city before combining with its fellow [[Seacon (Masterforce)|Seacons]] to form [[King Poseidon]]. Ginrai comes rolling onto the scene with the requisite inset box, transforms into robot mode and leaps into the air, avoiding King Poseidon's cannon fire and flattening the combiner with a kick. The projection ends with Ginrai and the four Autobot Pretenders standing on Ginrai's battle station, and the camera pulls back out to show Minerva and Shūta watching. The five Transformers onscreen leap towards the camera, and the two kids fall over as they come ''out'' of the screen and land in front of them. Shūta and Minerva right themselves and cheer.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
====Title sequence #2====<br />
[[File:Masterforce opening 2.jpg|left|225px|thumb]]<br />
Ginrai and the [[Headmaster Junior]]s come running towards the audience on a white field ([[Cab (human)|Cab]] swings in on a rope), which dissolves to reveal the image of the Autobots' mountain headquarters. The quartet turn stage-left and jump into the air as flames fill the screen, segueing to the title on a background of green spotlights. Ginrai very dramatically dons his [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmaster]] armor just before King Poseidon comes bursting through a field of ice and shoots at him, prompting him to leap into the air and merge with his [[Transtector]] to become Super Ginrai. [[Mega]] and [[Giga]] appear against a black field, surrounded by rainbow-colored energy, then combine with their Transtectors into [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]]. Human-form Road King, Lightfoot and Ranger slide across a sparkly green background, and their [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] Transtectors roll by below them. Each one of the three fades away as his Transtector lines up below him, transitioning into close-ups of their cockpits, with their armored drivers now behind the wheel. The three Godmasters drive off the top of waterfall and transform into robot mode before they hit the ground below. Back at the battle, Ginrai flips King Poseidon and slams him into the tundra, where he explodes dramatically. Ginrai then turns, and the scene changes to a city, where Overlord shields himself against a blast from Ginrai's cannon. Overlord unleashes his own weapons, but Ginrai leaps over the volley and kicks Overlord in the face. Overlord spins and launches his "Mega Child" jet-shield to pursue Ginrai, but the Autobot whips around and knocks it out of the air before blasting Overlord some more, then finally bringing him down with a rain of punches and kicks. Cab, Shūta and Minerva are then seen driving [[Godbomber]] into action, and the drone launches into the air, linking up with Ginrai to form God Ginrai. A long pan up God Ginrai's body concludes with the Headmaster Juniors jumping from Godbomber's cockpit and being joined by Ginrai. They all join hands and run forward, with the images of God Ginrai and their mountain base in the background.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
===''Victory''===<br />
[[File:Victory title sequence.jpg|thumb]]<br />
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei Animation|Toei]]''<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformer V]]" by [[Kōji Kaya]] and Morinoki Children's Chorus''<br />
The [[Brainmaster]]s roll across a blue grid and transform into [[robot mode]], quickly followed by the [[Breastforce]] doing the same, only on a red grid. A glowing "V" descends into shot, and the scene transitions to the show's title, with the V in place as part of the logo. [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] flies in space above the [[Earth]], as [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] wreaks havoc in a city down on the planet's surface. Star Saber [[stock footage|transforms to robot mode]] and lunges into battle with Deathsaurus, while the Brainmasters clash with the Breastforce. Elsewhere, the [[Dinoforce]] attack the Autobots' [[Rocket Base|Shuttle Base]], but are repelled by [[Galaxy Shuttle]]. [[Jan Minakaze]]'s face then fills the screen, and the camera zooms out to show him standing on a green grid, with an image of Earth hanging in space in the background. Galaxy Shuttle and the Brainmasters jump down from off-screen to join him, and then Star Saber's face fills the whole screen. The camera zooms out again, and the grid and other characters are gone, leaving only Star Saber standing before the Earth. He swings his sword and poses dynamically.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
===''Zone''===<br />
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei Animation|Toei]]''<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformer Z no Theme]]" by [[Ichirō Mizuki]]''<br />
[[File:Zone title sequence.jpg|left|225px|thumb|Is he union?]]<br />
[[Emusa]] cues the beginning of the sequence by popping up with a clapperboard. The [[Jet Patrol Team]] and [[Sunrunner (Zone)|Sunrunner]] come flying out of the sunset, over the ocean, followed by the huge form of [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]], who fills the whole screen. By the time Dai Atlas has passed, the scene has changed to a shot of [[Micro|Planet Zone]] from space, before the title card appears. [[Violengiguar]] whirls in space, and from the folds of his cloak, the [[Nine Great Demon Generals]] emerge. Dai Atlas transforms from jet to [[robot mode]], while [[Sonic Bomber]] destroys some kind of flying monster, then transforms to robot mode himself. The [[Rescue Patrol Team]], [[Battle Patrol|Battle Patrol Team]], and [[Race Car Patrol|Race Car Patrol Team]] prepare for action. The [[Rocket Base]]'s Galaxy Rocket flies through space, flanked by the Jet Patrol Team, while on Zone's surface, the other [[Micromaster]]s ride the Rocket Base itself into battle. [[Moonradar (G1)|Moonradar]] and [[Rabbicrater]] pose in front of a large "Z", then drive through a field, just behind [[Cain]] and [[Akira Serikawa]], who are hand-in-hand. [[Zone Base]] transforms into battle mode as Cain, Akira, and Emusa leap through the air excitedly, while Dai Atlas dodges his way around a series of explosions. He emerges from the dust of the explosions in drill tank mode and lunges towards the monster that is attacking him, drilling right through and destroying it. Dai Atlas and Sonic Bomber land in front of Zone Base, Cain and Akira pop up in front of them, and then Emusa reappears with his clapperboard to signify that it's all over.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==''Beast Wars'' (English)==<br />
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Mainframe Entertainment]]''<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"Beast Wars Theme" by [[Robert Buckley]]''<br />
<br />
:''All three seasons of ''Beast Wars'' use the show's main theme music for the intro sequence, accompanied by occasional shouts of "''Beast'' Wars!" The initial intro for Season 1 was 30 seconds in length, while a later verison, as well as the intros for Seasons 2 and 3, doubled it to a full minute by extending the musical theme. With the exception of the logo's appearance, the intro sequences do not use any original animation and instead are composed of clips from the series.''<br />
<br />
===Season 1 (short version)===<br />
[[File:BeastWarsS1Intro.jpeg|thumb|upright=1.4|Who. Stole. My. [[Rubber Ducky|'''Rubber. Ducky?!''']]]]<br />
A brief series of clips explaining the series' premise are shown: The ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' and ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]'' emerge from a [[unspace|transwarp]] portal and crash on prehistoric [[Earth]]. On board the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] ship, a computer analyzes the crew's new [[beast mode]]s, and a [[DNA scanner]] scans a rhinoceros and gorilla. A brief shot of [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] growling in beast mode is quickly overtaken by the appearance of the title logo, and "Beast Wars!" is heard. Several clips are then played showcasing various characters in the series: [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] oversees his Predacon troops, [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] and [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] transform into [[robot mode]], the Predacons launch an attack, [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] takes cover behind a boulder, [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] fires his leg-guns, and Waspinator and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] are hit by an explosion. Finally, Megatron and Optimus Primal both transform into robot mode and briefly struggle before the logo appears again, along with another chant of "Beast Wars!" accompanied by various animal cries.<br />
<br />
===Season 1 (long version)===<br />
The long version of the intro features more clips of the ''Axalon'' and ''Darksyde'' as the ships exchange fire before crashing onto Earth. After Megatron's console analyzes his robot mode, the ''Darksyde'' deploys its DNA scanner, detects dinosaur bones, and selects a T-rex beast mode for Megatron. The ''Axalon'' deploys its scanner as well, and its scan detects the rhino and gorilla. A computer screen shows these beasts, along with a rat. We then see the Maximals (with [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]]) and Predacons facing off against each other in their beast modes. There is a close-up of Dinobot and then Cheetor in their beast modes. Megatron shakes his fist. Dinobot in robot mode jumps into action to defend the ''Axalon''. Cheetor is ambushed by Tarantulas. Terrorsaur endures a [[Power Surge (episode)|power surge]]. Tarantulas attempts to bite Rattrap. Waspinator flies into the screen. [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] analyzes a scan. The Predacons stand before the [[Standing Stones]]. The logo then flies into view over Optimus Primal as in the short opening, complete with the "Beast Wars!" chant. In succession, Megatron, Optimus Primal (accompanied by the "Beast Wars!" chant again), Dinobot and Cheetor (who is outrunning an explosion) transform into robot mode. Megatron smirks as he fires. Optimus Primal evades an attack in flight mode. Rhinox transforms into robot mode. Optimus Primal and Rattrap are falling from the [[flying mountain]]. The energon crystal in the Standing Stones explodes. The Maximals and Predacons in beast mode charge at each other in a field of raw energon. The title once again flies into view, ending the opening.<br />
<br />
===Season 2===<br />
[[File:BeastWarsS2Intro.jpg|left|225px|thumb|Like a treasure from a sunken pirate wreck.]]<br />
The first 40 seconds of the intro are dedicated to clips summarizing [[Other Voices, Part 1]], [[Other Voices, Part 2]], and [[Aftermath]]. We begin with an opening shot of Earth. After Optimus Primal is interrogated by the [[Vok]] (using [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]'s head as their avatar), a beam shoots out from the [[Bio-Dome]], hitting Earth's fake second moon and revealing it to be the [[Planet Buster]]. The [[Maximal]]s, [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] in particular, are shown reacting to this. Optimus flies the [[transwarp cell]] to destroy the Planet Buster, but Megatron's face appears on the screen, taunting him. Optimus hits the pod's door futilely as it collides with the Planet Buster, destroying him and unleashing the [[quantum surge]]. The title logo appears and a chant of "Beast Wars!" is heard.<br />
<br />
Rattrap, Cheetor, and Megatron are shown being transmetallized by the surge, while Terrorsaur's hand sinks into the lava as "Beast Wars!" is chanted again. Finally, a rapid montage of clips of (most of) the characters is shown, several in their new [[Transmetal]] forms: Megatron, Tarantulas, Rattrap, Cheetor, Rhinox, [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]], [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]], Dinobot, Waspinator, [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]], and... Tarantulas again. The logo then appears and "Beast Wars!" is uttered a third time.<br />
<br />
===Season 3===<br />
[[File:BeastWarsS3Intro.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|He truly is a Big Bot now.]]<br />
The sequence begins with a brief all-new rendering of the Axalon and Darkside crashing on Earth, then cycles back into reused footage, including the "sunrise lineup" sequence that had already been used in season 2. We are then shown [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s eyes flickering to life, his [[spark]] being removed from its container, Optimus Primal's new "Optimal" body, and Megatron raging amidst the time storm, giving us a (very) brief summary of the events of [[The Agenda (Part III)]] and [[Optimal Situation]]. Several random scenes are then played: Megatron firing a blast from his tail-cannon, Rattrap leaping to avoid it, the [[subaquatic stealth vessel]] exploring the ''Axalon'''s ruins, [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]] blocking some energy blasts with his fins, [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]] running from the crashing [[transwarp cruiser]], Megatron roaring in beast mode, Rattrap riding atop a large missile from the transwarp cruiser, Silverbolt landing on the ground and brandishing his feather missiles, Tarantulas in vehicle mode riding alongside the [[cyber raptor]]s, the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] taking off from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Rhinox landing on the floor of the cavern in [[Mount St. Hilary]], Rampage rolling off a cliff and crushing a device that Inferno and Quickstrike have been building, Rattrap swinging in through the roof of the transwarp cruiser to attack Tarantulas, and a cyber raptor menacing an [[anthropoid]].<br />
<br />
All of that in 30 seconds. Yeesh.<br />
<br />
The title logo then appears, along with the customary shout of "Beast Wars!" More scenes appear: [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] presenting the Ark to Silverbolt, Depth Charge emerging from the water to a second cry of "Beast Wars!", Rhinox and Rattrap running from some energy blasts, Rampage jumping off a cliff into the water below, Tarantulas cackling in his lair, Optimus Primal transforming to jet mode and zooming off, Rattrap in vehicle mode driving across the ground, Blackarachnia being dropped off by Waspinator, Quickstrike transforming into beast mode, Rampage transforming into robot mode (boy, he sure shows up a lot in this one, huh?), Optimus Primal using his large arms to protect the other Maximals from a cave-in, Megatron transforming into beast mode, and finally Optimus Primal activating his chest-mounted blasters and laser sight. The title logo appears along with the usual chant.<br />
<br />
===Rhino home video versions===<br />
<br />
{{stub}}<br />
<br />
==''Beast Wars'' (Japanese)==<br />
<br />
===''Beast Wars''===<br />
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Mainframe Entertainment]]''<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[War War! Stop It|WAR WAR! STOP IT]]" by [[Banana Ice]]''<br />
<br />
:''The Japanese ''Beast Wars'' opening largely uses the same footage as the long version of the English Season 1 opening, with additional footage from early episodes.''<br />
<br />
The first 19 seconds of the Japanese ''Beast Wars'' opening is identical to the long version of the English Season 1 opening, with the ''Axalon'' and ''Darksyde'' exchanging fire, crash-landing, and the DNA scanners being deployed. After the shot of the Maximals and Predacons in their beast modes, Optimus Primal in beast mode points toward the viewer. An explosion is superimposed over Megatron's head. We then see the close-ups of Dinobot and Cheetor, followed by Optimus Primal and Rattrap riding on Rhinox's back. Dinobot leaps into action and Tarantulas ambushes Cheetor. We then see Rattrap (in beast mode) riding on Optimus Primal's back in flight. The clips form the English long opening are shown from Tarantulas attacking Rattrap to Optimus Primal's growl, but instead of a logo, the close-up on Primal's face cuts to the Predacons firiing missiles. Rattrap transforms, and Rhinox fires his [[Machine gun|Chainguns of Doom]]. The scenes are then identical from the English long opening from Megatron's transformation into robot mode to the two sides charging at each other in the energon field, when the Japanese title logo appears. The logo is followed by additional scenes: Waspinator firing on Cheetor, Optimus Primal punching Megatron, a large explosion, the Maximals transforming into robot mode, and a pan out from Optimus Primal's [[Beast Wars (Part 2)|declaration that the Beast Wars have begun]], before closing on a shot of the Maximals in robot mode in front of the ''Axalon''.<br />
<br />
===''Beast Wars Metals''===<br />
====Title sequence #1====<br />
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Mainframe Entertainment]]''<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Tamashii no Evolution]]" by [[Hironobu Kageyama]]''<br />
<br />
:''The first ''Beast Wars Metals'' opening uses almost entirely different footage from Season 2 than the English opening, with the only common clips being Megatron's roaring transformation, Silverbolt's howl, and the spooky backlit reveal of Tarantulas. The title logo does not appear until one minute and 23 seconds in.''<br />
<br />
Panning downward to Earth from space, the camera zooms into the atmosphere and through the clouds. The [[Transwarp cruiser]] flies over a valley as we zoom in to the cockpit to see the Maximals standing behind [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] at the controls. (from The Agenda, Part 2) Cut to Dinobot, Transmetal Rattrap, Silverbolt, Transmetal Cheetor, Rhinox, and Transmetal Optimus Primal transforming into robot mode one by one. Primal lands on a rock face in front of Dinobot and Rhinox and reaches behind his back for his maces. Silverbolt flexes his wings forward as Cheetor and Rattrap ready themselves for a fight. Megatron and the Predacons stand before a sunset. Megatron is then seen roaring while in flight mode before transforming into robot mode. Optimus Primal then transforms into his flight mode. Silverbolt swoops downward, wing blades in hand. Inferno pulls out his flamethrower. Ratbat is seen riding a rocket through a burning scene. Dinobot unsheaths his blade with the sun behind him. The camera than zooms in on Quickstrike's cobra head hissing. Silverbolt in beast mode howls in front of the moon. Dinobot fires his eye beams. Cheetor flies past a cloud. Tigatron maximizes. Transmetal Tarantulas is revealed. Cheetor, Rhinox, and Optimus Primal appear one by one in robot mode, and then Optimus appears in beast mode as the other Maximals appear behind him. With Tarantulas in front, the other Predacons transform into robot mode, zooming in on Megatron. Rattrap transforms into beast mode. Blackarachnia is tossed by an explosion. Quickstrike stands atop Rampage's transport mode. Silverbolt, Ratbat, and Cheetor transform into robot mode. Quickstrike transforms into robot mode. Silverbolt transforms mid-flight. Rattrap in transport mode talks to Rhinox in beast mode. Dinobot transforms into beast mode. We then see Dinobot in robot mode under a full moon, holding a large rifle. Megatron whips his tail weapon forward. Tarantulas operates a console. Silverbolt aims his wingtips forward. Dinobot, Cheetor, and Rattrap confront the Predacons with heavy weapons as the image fades to a sepia-tone still. Primal flies down and transforms. The title appears. The Maximals fly or run off together in beast mode, and then the camera zooms back out from the clouds into space as a distant star twinkles.<br />
<br />
====Title sequence #2====<br />
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Mainframe Entertainment]]''<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Sennen no Soldier]]" by Hironobu Kageyama''<br />
<br />
:''The second opening also features a much different selection of clips than the English Season 3 opening. The title logo appears much earlier, however, just six seconds in. Common clips are Depth Charge's deflections, Rattrap's evasion, Blackarachnia's landing, and Quickstrike's transformation.''<br />
<br />
After a brief clip of the Axalon and Darksyde approaching Earth, we see Optimal Optimus clenching his right fist. We then see him in flight mode attacking Transmetal 2 Megatron, who is breathing fire at him before the two transform to trade blows. After the title logo, Primal and Megatron square off again. Primal takes flight in robot mode. Cheetor flies in, transforms, and shoots. Rampage transforms into transport mode. Ratbat in robot mode rides Silverbolt in flight. Inferno is dual-wielding while flying. Primal fires his chest cannons. [[Dinobot II]] transforms into beast mode, and Primal does the same. Waspinator points. Transmetal 2 Cheetor in beast mode runs into view, using his rocket booster. [[Tigerhawk]] flies toward the screen. Rhinox pilots the Ark's shuttle. Depth Charge deflects enemy fire. Rattrap performs evasive maneuvers. Blackarachnia lands and prepares to attack. Quickstrike transforms into beast mode. Rampage transforms into robot mode as electricity flows around him. Primal and Cheetor fly over water. Silverbolt puts a wounded Blackarachnia on his back. Depth Charge cocks his weapon. We then see a crowd scene of Silverbolt, Rhinox, Transmetal 2 Blackarachnia and Cheetor, and Rattrap. The makeshift doors to the cave containing the Ark open deploying the Maximals while under attack. Transmetal 2 Cheetor transforms into beast mode and roars. Transmetal 2 Blackarachnia transforms into robot mode. Depth Charge and Silverbolt fly into view. Rattrap gives Rhinox a playful nudge. Primal transforms mid-flight. Dinobot II turns around. Transmetal 2 Megatron speaks in dragon mode. Tigerhawk hovers. The Maximals charge into view. Silverbolt transforms. Tarantulas transforms into transport mode. Depth Charge transforms into beast mode. Primal flies in front of the Maximals over the magma field inside Mt. St. Hillary. Dinobot II attacks Depth Charge. The camera zooms in on Transmetal 2 Cheetor's face. Depth Charge swims from the underwater remains of the Axalon. Transmetal 2 Blackarachnia transforms into beast mode. Transmetal 2 Megatron spreads his arms and wings out. Primal and Silverbolt fly by. Another crowd shot of Transmetal 2 Blackarachnia, Silverbolt, Transmetal 2 Cheetor, and Rattrap, as Silverbolt salutes a landing Primal. The opening ends on a closeup of Optimus Primal's robot mode face.<br />
<br />
===''Beast Wars II''===<br />
====Title sequence #1====<br />
:'''Animation:''' [[Ashi Productions]]<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Get My Future|GET MY FUTURE]]" by [[Cyber Nation Network]]''<br />
<br />
:''Most of the first ''Beast Wars II'' title sequence is composed of clips from "[[The New Forces Arrive!]]", along with [[stock footage]] of transformations and special attacks.''<br />
[[File:Bwii title sequence1.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|Invisible hot metal flooring.]]<br />
Glowing, yellow outlines of the individual letters of the ''Beast Wars'' logo fall into shot in front of the silhouette of [[Gaia]], shifting to full color as a large "II" rises up behind them, followed by the "Super Lifeform Transformers" logo. Light dawns on [[Lio Convoy]], who turns around to face the approaching [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]. [[Megastorm]] fires a blast that sends [[Bighorn]] sprawling off the top of the ''[[Galvaburg II]]'', and Lio Convoy unleashes his wrist cannons and fires back before jumping down to a rocky shoreline and looking up to watch the ''[[Yukikaze (BW)|Yukikaze]]'' fly by overhead. Scenes of the ''Yukikaze'' coming under fire when it arrived on Gaia and the Maximals leaving the damaged craft in escape pods play, followed by shots of Lio Convoy in lion mode posing heroically, the ''Galvaburg'' drifting in front of the [[Moon (moon)|moon]], and [[Scuba]] carrying [[Diver (BW)|Diver]] and [[Tasmania Kid]] through a body of water. [[Moon (BW)|Moon]] and [[Artemis]] appear, and when Moon tries to crowd Artemis out of shot, she clobbers him with her hammer. Stock footage of [[Apache]], Bighorn, Diver, Scuba and [[Starscream (BW)|Starscream]]'s transformations follow, after which Starscream rides tank mode [[BB]] into battle and the Maximals return fire. The heroes are then bombarded by bolts of purple lightning fired by the ''Galvaburg II'', and Lio Convoy leaps to their aid. The camera pans out on a still shot of the assembled Predacons, Scuba and Diver unleash their special attacks, and the camera pans out on a still shot of the Maximals.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
====Title sequence #2====<br />
:'''Director:''' Yutaka Arai<br />
:'''Key animation:''' [[Munetaka Abe]], Koichi Hatsumi, Ryoji Nakamori, Takahiro Yamada, Yoshiharu Sugai<br />
:'''Animation:''' [[Ashi Productions]]<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Super Voyager|SUPER VOYAGER]]" by Cyber Nation Network''<br />
[[File:BWIIOP2.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]<br />
The ''Beast Wars'' logo fades into shot, followed by the II symbol. The logo then shifts from grey to yellow. A small shooting star appears, revealing the "Super Lifeform Transformers" logo. Against the background of a far-off galaxy, [[Lio Junior]], [[Skywarp (BW)|Skywarp]] and [[Santon]] transform. The three are then fired from the ''Yukikaze'' in the form of streams of light. The camera pans out from a translucent Galvatron. Lio Junior draws his weapon and swings it. He is then seen alongside Santon and Skywarp in their light forms, about to enter Gaia's atmosphere. Artemis, Moon and [[NAVI]] briefly flash on screen. Gigastorm rears up, surrounded by rays of sunlight. Shots of Lio Convoy and Galvatron transforming are shown, followed by Lio firing his wrist missiles. From a still shot of drill mode Galvatron, the camera pans up to reveal Gigastorm and the ''Galvaburg II''. This is followed by stock footage of Apache, Bighorn, Tasmania Kid, Diver and Scuba transforming. Lio Convoy appears in a field, transforms to [[beast mode]], and begins to run. He is joined by Lio Junior and the other Maximals. The Lios are then shown on a windy cliff, staring out across a valley, with a close-up of Lio Convoy's face, followed by an underside shot of Skywarp rising towards the sun. [[Magnaboss (BWII)|Magnasboss]] combines against a background of stars. This is followed by a panning shot of [[BB|Max-B]], [[Dirge (BW)|Dirgegun]], [[Thrust (BW)|Thrustor]] and [[Starscream (BW)|Hellscream]]. Stock footage is shown of [[Tripledacus]] and [[God Neptune]]. Galvatron is then shown in his dragon mode. This followed by Gigastorm running in place in front of a background featuring Galvatron's face and dragon form. Water erupts from the ground as the [[Tako Tank]] rises up. The camera then pans out of a group shot of all the Maximals, followed by Lio Convoy turning to face the camera.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
===''Beast Wars Neo''===<br />
====Title sequence #1====<br />
:'''Animation:''' [[Ashi Productions]]<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Love For Ever: Kimi wo Mamoru Tame ni|Love For Ever —Kimi wo Mamoru Tame ni—]]" by [[M.C.R.]]''<br />
[[File:BigConvoyTitleSequencePoint01.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]<br />
A planet similar to Gaia is shown. The screen goes black before revealing a spotlight on Big Convoy's back. He is then shown flying through the sky. Magmatron appears, translucent against a background of space, firing random laser blasts. This is followed by stock footage of Big Convoy firing his Big Cannon. The "Beast Wars" emblem flies into the middle of the screen, followed by the "Super Lifeform Transformers" and "Neo" logos. In space, the ''Gung Ho'' launches the Maximals at a planet. They are shown walking through a valley, before looking shocked against an anime speedline background. [[Guiledart]] and [[Saberback]] appear in their [[beast mode]]s. The camera then pans across the Predacons in their [[robot mode]]s, with flames in the foreground. The Maximal emblem appears. A line drawing of Big Convoy is superimposed over it and then filled with colour. Superimposed over this are shots of the heads of Landsaurus, Skysaurus, and Seasaurus, with Magmatron appearing in front of these. Recycled episode footage of Big Convoy and the Maximals fighting Magmatron and the Predacons is show. Big Convoy points at the audience. The screen splits to reveal a group shot of the Maximals.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
====Title sequence #2====<br />
:'''Director:''' [[Masahiro Yamane]]<br />
:'''Key animation:''' [[Munetaka Abe]], Hideki Fukushima, Kōji Itō, Naoki Aisaka, Ryoji Nakamori, Satoshi Shigeta, Sayuri Sugitou, Tatsuya Oka, Tetsuya Yanagisawa<br />
:'''Animation:''' [[Ashi Productions]], Studio Partner (titles)<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Love For Ever: Kimi wo Mamoru Tame ni|Love For Ever —Kimi wo Mamoru Tame ni—]]" by [[M.C.R.]]''<br />
[[File:LoveIsHere01.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Love is here... and it BUURRNSS!!]]<br />
A sun is shown. As flames rise from it, one dissipates as a heavily shadowed [[Big Convoy]] passes through it and flies at the screen. The camera closes on his face as the shadow disappears. The ''[[Gung Ho]]'' passes by the screen and warps away as shots of the Maximals pan across screen. The "Beast Wars" emblem flies into the middle of the screen, followed by the "Super Lifeform Transformers" and "Neo" logos. On a planet with no atmosphere, Big Convoy in his mammoth mode faces off against [[Magmatron|Landsaurus]]. The camera then pans over Magmatron's three [[beast mode]]s before revealing the upper torso of his robot mode. [[Break]] dives into some water, [[Colada]] strikes at the screen from some grass, and [[Stampy (BW)|Stampy]], [[Heinrad (BW)|Heinrad]] and [[Longrack (BW)|Longrack]] run at the screen. Stock footage of Big Convoy and Magmatron transforming is shown, which moves partway through Magmatron's transformation into a mosaic of himself, Guiledart, Archadis, and Saberback transforming. Colada then shoots flames at the top left of the screen against a background of anime action lines. Stock footage of the Maximals including [[Mach Kick]] transforming is then shown, before panning across head shots of the original ''Gung Ho'' crew. Big Convoy and Magmatron then appear, battling in space above a planet before Big Convoy pushes them both into the atmosphere. Break bursts from an iceberg and fires missiles at the screen, followed by Longrack doing the same in a field. Big Convoy in space blasts Magmatron. The camera shows the [[Energon Matrix]], followed by Big Convoy drawing the [[Big Cannon]] and firing. Big Convoy is then shown in the foreground with his crew in the background left.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
====Title sequence #3====<br />
:'''Director:''' [[Masahiro Yamane]]<br />
:'''Animation:''' [[Ashi Productions]]<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Love For Ever: Kimi wo Mamoru Tame ni|Love For Ever —Kimi wo Mamoru Tame ni—]]" by [[M.C.R.]]''<br />
A sun is shown. As flames rise from it, one dissipates as a heavily shadowed [[Big Convoy]] passes through it and flies at the screen. The camera closes on his face as the shadow disappears. The ''[[Gung Ho]]'' passes by the screen and warps away as shots of the Maximals pan across screen. The "Beast Wars" emblem flies into the middle of the screen, followed by the "Super Lifeform Transformers" and "Neo" logos. On a planet with no atmosphere, Big Convoy in his mammoth mode faces off against [[Magmatron|Landsaurus]]. The camera then pans over Magmatron's three [[beast mode]]s before revealing the upper torso of his robot mode. [[Break]] dives into some water, [[Colada]] strikes at the screen from some grass, and [[Stampy (BW)|Stampy]], [[Heinrad (BW)|Heinrad]] and [[Longrack (BW)|Longrack]] run at the screen. Stock footage of Big Convoy and Magmatron transforming is shown, which moves partway through Magmatron's transformation into a mosaic of all the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] and [[Blentron]]s transforming. Colada then shoots flames at the top left of the screen against a background of anime action lines. Stock footage of the Maximals including [[Mach Kick]] transforming is then shown against a background of space, before panning across head shots of the original ''Gung Ho'' crew. Big Convoy and Magmatron then appear, battling in space above a planet before Big Convoy pushes them both into the atmosphere. Break bursts from an iceberg and fires missiles at the screen, followed by Longrack doing the same in a field. Big Convoy in space blasts Magmatron. The camera shows the [[Energon Matrix]], followed by Big Convoy drawing the [[Big Cannon]] and firing. Big Convoy is then shown in the foreground with his crew in the background left.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
==''Beast Machines''==<br />
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Mainframe Entertainment]]''<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Phat Planet]]" by [[Leftfield]]''<br />
<br />
:''A single intro sequence was used for the entirety of both seasons of the series. Similar to its predecessor, the sequence consists almost entirely of footage from the show's first season.''<br />
[[File:BeastMachinesIntroFaceoff.jpg|left|thumb|260px|Time to save the world and alienate half the fanbase!]]<br />
The camera zooms in on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] and [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] are shown stepping out of the light of the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] in their new [[technorganic]] bodies, before looking back at [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]], who has done the same. [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]]'s new form is shown as well. A squad of [[Cycle Drone]]s rides through the tunnels towards the Oracle's chamber, and the [[Maximal]]s prepare to face them. On the surface, an army of [[Tank Drone]]s drives over the upwards-facing camera; one slides to a halt and fires its cannon. The Maximals duck as an explosion erupts above their heads. [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], shown wearing his new [[control harness]], scowls. The camera zooms in on Optimus Primal's eye as he has a vision from the Oracle, then back out to show him transforming into robot mode. The three [[Vehicon general]]s appear, Blackarachnia and Cheetor are both shown in robot mode in the middle of the city, and the camera zooms out to a brief image of a [[spark]] before it morphs into the title logo, and a low voice utters "Beast Machines".<br />
<br />
{{note|Curiously, certain versions of the intro, such as the one seen on the [[Shout! Factory]] release and [[Tubi]], feature widescreen footage squished down to a 4:3 aspect ratio. The only native 4:3 footage is the last shot of Cheetor as the camera pans out to the logo. Given the intro is made up of clips from episodes of the first season, it's entirely possible that widescreen versions of these episodes existed at one point, but have never seen public release.}}<br />
<br />
{{--}}<br />
===Japanese version (''Beast Wars Returns'')===<br />
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Mainframe Entertainment]]''<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Phat Planet]]" by [[Leftfield]]''<br />
<br />
[[File:Beast Wars Returns title sequence production credit.jpg|right|thumb|260px]]<br />
The ''Beast Wars Returns'' title sequence is identical to the ''Beast Machines'' title sequence used in Western broadcasts of the show. The only visual difference is an overlay of Japanese credits and a new Japanese language logo. Though "Phat Planet" was retained as the theme, hearing it would be a challenge, as every broadcast of the ''Beast Wars Returns'' intro featured the cast of characters chatting amongst themselves, typically engaging in silly conversations or saying things that somehow related to the plot of the episode.<br />
<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==''Robots in Disguise'' (2001)==<br />
:'''Animation:''' [[Studio Gallop]]<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''Robots in Disguise'' theme by [[Shuki Levy]] and [[Haim Saban|Kussa Mahchi]]<br />
<br />
:''The ''Robots in Disguise'' opening is composed entirely of clips taken from the series. The only new material is superimposed on existing footage: the show's logo and two pairs of inset windows.''<br />
[[File:Rid titlesequence.jpg|left|thumb|225px|Through the magic of the Cybernet Space... Dodecahedron?]]<br />
The ''Robots in Disguise'' logo unfolds as the camera zooms through the subterranean tunnels of the [[Global Space Bridge]]. [[R.E.V.]], [[Crosswise (RID)|Crosswise]] and [[Ironhide (RID)|Ironhide]] transform and drive forward. The [[Autobot Brothers]] drive through a loop on the Global Space Bridge roadway. [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobot Brothers transform to [[robot mode]] one after the other, and [[Koji Onishi|Koji]] runs towards the camera. [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] swoops out of the sky, scattering the [[Commando (RID)|Commando]]s, followed anachronistically by the Commandos transforming to robot mode. Stock footage of [[X-Brawn]] and [[Midnight Express (RID)|Midnight Express]]'s transformation sequences play in small windows overlaid on top of a shot of Optimus Prime posing. R.E.V. emerges from his billboard hiding place and transforms to robot mode. [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] transforms to shark mode and grabs up the [[Plutonium Energy Generator]] in his jaws. [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] transforms to dragon mode and shoots bolts of flame at Optimus Prime. Inset windows containing clips of [[Slapper (RID)|Slapper]] and [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]]'s transformation stock footage appear over footage of Megatron's transformation to bat mode. [[Gas Skunk]] fires his left laser, and [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] and X-Brawn dodge it. Optimus Prime fires his shoulder-mounted missile launchers, then launches his [[Flying Fist]] over Koji's head, and a blast sends Megatron sprawling. Optimus Prime stands behind the show's logo, as the three Autobot Brothers jump down to stand beside him and they all pose together.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
===''Car Robots''===<br />
:'''Director:''' [[Masahiro Yamane]]<br />
:'''Key animation:''' Hiroshi Masuda, Eiji Komatsu, Katsumi Hiroe, Satoshi Shigeta, Yuki Kinoshita<br />
:'''Animation:''' [[Studio Gallop]]<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Honō no Overdrive: Car Robot Cybertron|Honō no Overdrive ~Car Robot Cybertron~]]" by [[Kōji Wada]]''<br />
[[File:Carrobots titlesequence.jpg|thumb|225px|BURNING CGI JUSTICE]]<br />
Silhouettes of [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]], [[X-Brawn]], [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] and [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] scroll past a pair of wailing red siren strobe lights. A shot of Optimus Prime in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] speeding down a city street towards the camera is followed by a slow pan across the rooftops of the city, on top of which the ''Car Robots'' logo appears. Optimus Prime continues on his way, coming face to face with a [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]] dragon mode [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]], while the [[Autobot Brothers]] zoom into the [[Global Space Bridge]] on their way to join him. Prime (briefly rendered in CGI himself) transforms to robot mode and opens fire on Megatron, then is attacked by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] and retaliates by blasting [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] with his "Blaze Baster" attack. Prime transforms into [[Super Mode]] and holds [[Koji Onishi|Koji]] and [[T-AI]] in his hand, while CGI versions of the Autobot Brothers arrive on the scene and transform. [[Team Bullet Train]] are shown driving along, and the CGI Megatron transforms into robot mode, before the sequence ends on a group shot of Prime, the Autobot Brothers and Team Bullet Train standing on a starfield, with Super Mode Prime superimposed on the background.<br />
<br />
{{note|A slightly modified version of this opening was introduced with "[[Sideburn's Obsession]]" that [[:File:Carrobots cgi intromod.jpg|replaced the cel-animated renditions of Team Bullet Train]] towards the end of the sequence with CGI counterparts.}}<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
==Unicron Trilogy (English)==<br />
===''Armada''===<br />
{{bigquote|The war between the Autobots and the Decepticons rages on as they struggle to retrieve the prized Mini-Cons.<br>There are new and more powerful Mini-Cons surfacing every day.<br>If the Decepticons prove victorious, then Megatron and his enslaved Mini-Cons will control the universe.<br>The Earth's only chance for a peaceful cosmos is for Optimus Prime and the Autobots to destroy their enemy and free all Mini-Cons.<br>Now, get ready for a new battle...|The narrator|[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'s opening credits}}<br />
:''The footage used in the ''Armada'' intro is pulled entirely from the first few minutes of the series premiere episode, "[[First Encounter]]."''<br />
The intro shows the audience a battle in space between the Autobots and the Decepticons until the [[Exodus (Armada)|ship]] containing the [[Mini-Con]]s enters a [[space bridge]]. On the other side, the ship crash-lands on the [[Moon (moon)|moon]], sending a part of the ship hurtling towards prehistoric [[Earth]]. The ship part ejects the Mini-Cons all across the globe before crash-landing into the planet. An aerial time-lapse shot of the surface shows the environment around the piece changing over the years before the camera pans out to a shot of the Earth from space. The Autobot logo appears, ending the intro.<br />
<br />
The show primarily used the narration quoted above, but the exact phrasing would sometimes change between episodes, with some such as "[[Decisive Battle]]" having their own specific narration. Some episodes also featured accompanying sound effects for the action on-screen, whereas most were silent aside from the theme song and narration. In some early episodes, the show used an alternate opening with the same footage but a different narration by [[Rad White]], again with some minor variances in verbiage between episodes:<br />
{{bigquote|Hi! My name's Rad, and I want to tell you about the Transformers: two races of mechanical beings from another world!<br>There's the Autobots, the good guys, and then the Decepticons, a bunch of greedy bullies.<br>They're all fighting over a smaller race of robots called the Mini-Cons.<br>The Mini-Cons crash-landed on Earth thousands of years ago, and they're scattered all over the planet!<br>The Decepticons want to enslave them and use them to increase their power, but the Autobots will put a stop to ''that'' evil plan!|[[Rad White]]| The alternate intro}}<br />
<br />
===''Armada: The Unicron Battles''===<br />
{{bigquote|The battlefield has shifted!<br>The Autobots and Decepticons are racing through space to face the greatest evil the Transformers have ever encountered.<br>They have entered...<br>The Unicron Battles!|The narrator|''The Unicron Battles'' opening credits}}<br />
:''Beginning with the episode "[[Depart]]," this title sequence promoted the [[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Unicron Battles]] subline imprint in late 2003. The opening blends footage from the first Japanese intro and a few later episodes of the series.''<br />
Super mode [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] fires a Maximum Blast from his rifle, followed by the Autobot and Decepticon [[insignia]]s turning into Optimus and [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]], respectively. Optimus knocks the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] out of Megatron's hands, and [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] catches it and twirls it around as [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] attacks him. As the Autobots and Decepticons float through space towards [[Unicron]], Megatron is reformatted into Galvatron, while Starscream and Hot Shot receive new armor. Galvatron attacks Optimus with the Star Saber, but Optimus blocks the attack with his hand. Jet Optimus then flies at the screen as Megatron emerges from the ground. A rainbow-colored rain falls on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] as Optimus flies upward into a fire. The intro ends as the title logo appears.<br />
<br />
The episode "[[Puppet]]" features a unique opening narration different from the one quoted above, though the footage remains the same.<br />
<br />
===''Energon''===<br />
:''Like ''Armada'', the ''Energon'' intro exclusively uses footage from the show's first few episodes.''<br />
The title kicks off with a cloud of energy that disappears, and super mode Optimus Prime unleashes an Energon Blast, destroying a swarm of [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcons]]. Hot Shot then prepares to [[Powerlinx]] with someone as [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] transforms into [[robot mode]] and fires on a group of Terrorcons attacking an [[Energon tower (technology)|energon tower]]. [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] rushes towards an enemy. Then the scene jumps to Optimus, Hot Shot, Inferno, Ironhide, and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] all lined up, and they each transform one by one. As a [[Battle Ravage]] Terrorcon lands on an energon tower, Optimus and company travel through a space bridge. Inferno then combines with Hot Shot, forming the lower torso. Super Optimus then poses, and the title appears before the screen fades to black.<br />
<br />
===''Cybertron''===<br />
{{bigquote|Our worlds are in danger!<br>To save them and the galaxy, we ''must'' find the four Cyber Planet Keys before the Decepticons can use them for evil.<br>''It'' is our ''mission.''<br>Hot Shot! Jetfire! Vector Prime! Landmine! Scattorshot! Optimus Prime!<br>Transform and roll out!|Optimus Prime|''Cybertron'' opening credits}}<br />
:''Like its predecessors, the ''Cybertron'' intro primarily uses reused footage from the first handful of episodes, but with additional visual effects on top for flavor.''<br />
The intro starts out with a shot of the [[Unicron Singularity|Black Hole]], followed by images of [[Earth]], [[Velocitron]], [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Animatron]], [[Gigantion]], and Cybertron. Images of the four [[Cyber Planet Key]]s, followed by a river of lava erupting. Megatron and Starscream appear in the [[fire dimension]] as the Black Hole destroys [[Moriturus|a planet]]. Images of Hot Shot, Jetfire, [[Vector Prime]], [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]], [[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]], and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] are shown before the images are replaced by clips of the aforementioned characters transforming into [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]].<br />
<br />
On Velocitron, [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] transforms and skids to a halt. Hot Shot transforms into car mode as Starscream collides with Jetfire. [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] and [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] change into robot mode as Optimus fires his blaster. Brief shots of Hot Shot, Landmine, Scattershot, [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]], Vector, and Optimus are shown, followed by Optimus and Megatron locking fists, causing the ground to quake. Vector Prime assumes robot mode, and the title logo appears, ending the intro.<br />
<br />
==Unicron Trilogy (Japanese)==<br />
===''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
Except for the series premiere episode, "First Encounter," all the other episodes feature narration from Optimus Prime, giving a general rundown of recent events, adding more details as the show progresses.<br />
<br />
====Title sequence #1====<br />
[[File:Dream Again.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4]]<br />
:'''Director:''' [[Munetaka Abe]]<br />
:'''Key animation:''' Munetaka Abe, Masami Nagata, Osamu Sato, Takashi Sano, [[Masahiro Yamane]] (uncredited)<br />
:'''Animation:''' [[Raretrick]]<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformer: Dream Again|TRANSFORMER -Dream Again-]]" by [[Psychic Lover]]''<br />
{{bigquote|The never-ending battle continues from the mechanical planet Cybertron.<br>Now one of the spaceships has departed.<br>For beyond time and space the Mini-Cons arrive...<br>And now...|Optimus Prime|''Legends of the Microns'''s opening credits}}<br />
:''From "[[Metamorphosis (Armada)|Metamorphosis]]" to "[[Comrade]]," the opening narration footage used before the song is identical to Armada's''<br />
<br />
{{bigquote|The heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons...<br>Have waged an endless Transformers battle between good and evil since ancient times.<br>Now, their battle continues on Earth.<br>Their objective is to obtain the legendary Mini-Cons.<br>What will happen as a result of this battle?|Optimus Prime|The first alternate intro}}<br />
:''From "[[Soldier (episode)|Soldier]]" to "[[Prehistory]]," Optimus provides the above opening narration''<br />
The opening footage is unchanged until prehistoric Earth appears beyond the Moon's horizon, after which Optimus transforms into his Super Mode; part of the ''Exodus'' scatters the Mini-Cons all over the world, and [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] and [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] awakening from stasis as shown in "Metamorphosis." Then a close-up of Super Optimus's chest Autobot symbol; a shot of Red Alert, Super Optimus, and Hot Shot in the field from the episode's ending scene before the camera pans out to the shot showing the Earth from space. Finally, the Autobot logo appears, ending the narration before the song plays.<br />
<br />
{{bigquote|Evolution!<br>This refers to how the Transformers ''evolve'' due to the power of the Mini-Cons.<br>However, the Mini-Cons' power is so potent that even the slightest misuse could destroy a civilization.<br>Seeking to seize every Mini-Con, is the Decepticons' Emperor of Destruction, Megatron!<br>Fighting against him, is the Autobots' Supreme Commander, Optimus Prime!<br>Will this result in him being able to protect them?|Optimus Prime|The second alternate intro}}<br />
:''From "[[Swoop (episode)|Swoop]]" to "[[Linkup]]," Optimus provides the third narration''<br />
Hot Shot fires his Giant Bazooka; stock animation of Smokescreen's first transformation into robot mode from "[[Underground (episode)|Underground]]," and the Street Action Mini-Cons merge into Perceptor. A shot of a Mini-Con panel that ripples like water. Then shots from "[[Ruin]]": the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] appears over an ancient city in the background; orange columns of light burst from parts of the Earth seen from space, and the Star Saber and [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] appear before a dark red and black sky with floating embers. The ''Exodus'' gets bombarded; the ''Hyperion'' releases attack vessels, and Cybertronian-form Red Alert sits in a cockpit as seen in "Prehistory." Then the stock animation of Megatron Powerlinxing with [[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] appears, with that of Super Optimus and Sparkplug Powerlinxing following, and Super Optimus poses, ending the narration.<br />
<br />
Flames against a black background appear before a shot of [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]], [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]], [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]], and [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] moving across a green landscape in their vehicle modes. Another shot of flames with a black background before the title appears. The flames shot repeats and then a shot of [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]], [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]], [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]], and [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] moving in vehicle mode across a purple landscape in the opposite direction. Then sweeping panning shots toward Optimus and Megatron, who fires a shot from his turret. Optimus transforms in a stock transformation sequence and flies into a fire in the sky, after which the shot pans out to reveal the title. A zoom-in shot toward Cybertron followed by the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] against a circuit board background; the Autobot and Decepticon symbols morph into Optimus and Megatron respectively, and quick cuts of Optimus and Megatron about to face off. Optimus blasts the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] out of Megatron's hand; the sword forms, and Hot Shot spins it around. Starscream draws his sword; Cyclonus flies toward Carlos, Rad, and Alexis while they ride their Mini-Cons near [[Mount Astrogate]], and the kids stop in front of [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] and [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]]. Demolishor and Bonecrusher Powerlinx followed by Cyclonus and Drill Bit. Starscream transforms, and Megatron's stock transformation sequence appears. [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] flies away from the screen; a shot of the Street Action Mini-Cons and the children, zooming into a close-up of Rad and cutting to the Mini-Cons forming [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]]. Perceptor speeds toward Megatron, jumping into the air in front of him, Demolishor, and Cyclonus. Then a four-way split-screen with stock sequences of Hot Shot, Optimus, Smokescreen, and Red Alert Powerlinxing with their respective partner Mini-Cons (except Optimus, who links with [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]], his second partner Mini-Con who was cut from the series). The shot zooms toward Optimus, unleashing a deleted power punch attack unlocked by Over-Run; the Autobot logo appears over the green commercial bumper background, and Super Optimus Powerlinx with [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] and unleashes his "Maximum Blast." Vehicle mode Optimus, Hot Shot, and Red Alert drive through a forest before appearing in robot mode with Smokescreen atop a cliff. The Decepticon symbol [[Scene transition|transitions]] into the Autobot logo, followed by shots of the kids (Rad, Alexis, Carlos, Fred, and Billy) in their regular clothes before they appear in their orange Autobot [[suit]]s against the Autobot symbol in the green commercial bumper background. Yellow, red, and blue streaks fly against a starry stock background, and Red Alert, Hot Shot, and Jet Optimus fly toward the screen. Megatron bursts out of the Moon's surface and enters vehicle mode. Two shots of the Autobots and Decepticons in vehicle and robot mode in a rocky landscape appear before dissolving to a shot of nearly all the main characters superimposed over a cliff with a starry sky and Cybertron in the background.<br />
<br />
====Title sequence #2====<br />
[[File:Koutetsu no Yuuki.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]<br />
:'''Director:''' [[Munetaka Abe]], Masami Nagata<br />
:'''Key animation:''' Munetaka Abe, Shigeki Awai, Yutaka Matsubara <br />
:'''Animation:''' [[Raretrick]]<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformers: Kōtetsu no Yūki|Transformers ~Kōtetsu no Yūki~]]" by [[Hideaki Takatori]]''<br />
{{bigquote|The history of the Transformers.<br>This is a history of battles where the evil Decepticon army has waged against the heroic Autobot warriors.<br>However, the battle has changed onward due to the rise of a new type of Transformers, known as the Mini-Cons...<br>Fighting to protect them in hopes of liberating them is Optimus Prime...<br>While Megatron wages battle in the hopes of enslaving them all.<br>As new warriors join the conflict, the battle for the Mini-Cons changes into an entirely new scenario.|Optimus Prime|The third alternate intro}}<br />
:''From "[[Detection]]" to "[[Depart]]," Optimus gives the fourth narration''<br />
The Deception and Autobot insignias appear over Cybertron during the war, symbolizing the factions dividing the planet as depicted in "Prehistory." The shot of the Decepticons in vehicle mode on the purple landscape from the first title sequence appears before the pan down to Megatron firing a blast from his tank turret, followed by the first sequence's shot of the Autobots in vehicle mode traveling over a green landscape, and the zoom toward Optimus on the ground. Then two quick shots of Megatron and Optimus; more footage from "Prehistory" plays as the Mini-Con logo appears between the Decepticon and Autobot symbols, followed by silhouetted Mini-Cons. [[Runway (Armada)|Runway]] and [[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] enter vehicle mode, and they join with Sonar, forming the Star Saber in Hot Shot's hand. Next, the Skyboom Shield forms before [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]], Jetfire, and Blurr transform. Then Sideways switches to his Decepticon head as shown in "[[Credulous]]," and Jet Optimus poses to the screen, closing Prime's narration.<br />
<br />
{{bigquote|Planet Cybertron, the birthplace of the Transformers.<br>Their factions have been battling...<br>And now, they've begun moving from Earth into the vastness of space.<br>The strongest weapons in the universe, the Star Saber, Skyboom Shield, and Requiem Blaster...<br>...have been obtained by Megatron, who has embarked on a quest to conquer the entire universe.<br>Meanwhile, the Autobots also departed in pursuit of him.<br>But what awaits them now?<br>And what is the destiny of the Mini-Cons?<br>The battles are increasingly becoming more intense!|Optimus Prime|The fourth alternate intro}}<br />
:''From "[[Miracle]]" to the series finale, "[[Mortal Combat]]," Optimus gives his fifth and longest narration''<br />
Shots from "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]" of Optimus and the Autobots in their base, and Jetfire flying. A close-up of the [[Hydra Cannon]] rising; shots of Megatron, Thrust, Megatron speaking to Starscream onboard, and a wide shot from "[[Threaten]]" of the Hydra Cannon rising from the Moon. Next, shots of the Moon; the Mini-Con weapons inside the Hydra Cannon; Optimus and Jetfire avoiding laser fire on the ship, and a close-up of a fanged Megatron. The next three shots show Optimus blocking the Hydra Cannon's blast. Then the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'' rises out of the water and leaves Earth as seen in "Depart." Then Hot Shot addresses the Mini-Cons beside Side Swipe and Scavenger. The Mini-Con insignia appears, partially obscuring the scene and the following quick shots of space. Then a shot of Cybertron appears, and the narration ends.<br />
<br />
The G1-style Transformers title slowly moves into frame over a starry background, which speeds up while panning to the left. Then the title whites out the screen, and the series title appears in its place. Optimus appears over the title, highlighted gold before fading to his standard colors. The other Autobots ([[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]], Hot Shot, Red Alert, [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]], Blurr, and Hoist) appear beside him, initially as silhouettes. The camera speeds through shots of nebulas and galaxies as streaks of light fly toward the screen's center from all directions, followed by Optimus and Jetfire flying above the other Autobots running in space with the Milky Way behind them. The Autobot symbol zooms toward the screen, followed by the show's title. Shots of [[Unicron]]'s planet form maw; Sideways entering vehicle mode; a stock transformation sequence from "[[Desperate]]" of Megatron Powerlixing with Tidal Wave and taking flight, and Blurr, Side Swipe, and Scavenger transforming into their robot modes. The [[Race Mini-Con Team]] starts glowing as seen in "[[Reinforcement]]," transitioning into a three-way split-screen of them forming the Skyboom Shield and the formations of the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] and Star Saber. Then the kids appear in their white spacesuits on a mechanical structure with Perceptor and green streaks flying around them. An explosion goes off on part of Unicron's body as Optimus runs through it toward the screen. Megatron falls back; Optimus and Jetfire combine against a stock footage background, and the screen splits into nine, depicting various action scenes featuring the Transformers. The camera pans out from the [[Matrix of Leadership]], and Jet Optimus flies into the shot. Powerlinxed with Tidal Wave, Megatron flies above Cybertron toward rainbow-colored light beams in the screen's top-right corner. The shot pans around him to reveal Megatron facing Jet Optimus, flying toward the screen. Flames appear in a shot of a starry background with stars speeding away from the screen. The fire covers the screen, which pulls out to reveal Unicron's orange silhouette, followed by a collage of all the main characters with green streaks of light in the night sky over Cybertron.<br />
<br />
===''Super Link''===<br />
[[File:Taiyo no Transform.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]<br />
====Title sequence #1====<br />
:'''Animation:''' [[Studio A-CAT]]<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Taiyō no Transform!!|Taiyō no transform!!]]" by [[Hiroshi Kitadani]]''<br />
[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]], and [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] all fly toward the screen in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]. [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] comes too and transforms. Optimus combines with the [[Prime Force]], and the title appears. [[Alpha Quintesson]] appears and creates the [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]]s. [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] and Ironhide come running on a field. Kicker then rides his bike, as seen in [[Cybertron City (city)|Cybertron City]]. Then Kicker and [[Misha Miramond]] hold hands against a stock background; they try to kiss but go through each other. [[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]] gives Optimus and Hot Shot the [[Spark of Combination]]; Ironhide shows off his. Stock footage of Hot Shot, Inferno, Ironhide, and Jetfire are shown along with the other humans (Carlos, Rad, Alexis, [[Miranda Jones|Miranda]], [[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]], and [[Sally Jones|Sally]]). The humans form a circle in a field, and Hot Shot and Inferno [[powerlinx]]. Kicker transforms into his Energon suit before entering Jetfire as they fly toward a ''planet-sized'' [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. Optimus, with the Prime Force, enters a sword fight with Megatron. A portrait of all the Transformers is shown.<br />
<br />
====Title sequence #2====<br />
:'''Animation:''' [[Studio A-CAT]]<br />
:'''Theme song:'''<br />
<br />
====Title sequence #3====<br />
:'''Animation:''' [[Studio A-CAT]]<br />
:'''Theme song:'''<br />
{{stub}}<br />
<br />
===''Galaxy Force''===<br />
[[File:Kimi to Boku no Mirai.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]<br />
====Title sequence #1====<br />
:'''Animation:''' [[GONZO]]<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Call You... Kimi to Boku no Mirai|CALL YOU... Kimi to Boku no Mirai]]" by [[Shinji Kakijima]]''<br />
:From "[[Fallen (episode)|Fallen]]" to "[[Detour (episode)|Detour]]"<br />
The camera zooms into a box of light, going past Cybertron, Earth, [[Velocitron]], [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Animatron]], and [[Gigantion]], and the title appears. Then the camera pans down to Earth, where [[Coby Hansen|Coby]] races a motorcycle before accepting a water bottle. Then there are two shots of [[Lori Jiménez|Lori]]: her yelling at the screen and turning toward the screen wearing pigtails. Then [[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]] and [[Six-Speed (Cybertron)|Six-Speed]] huddle around a laughing [[Bud Hansen|Bud]], followed by Bud talking and presenting a glass of water. Next, Vector Prime activates his personal Cyber Key. Shots of Starscream and Megatron in the [[fire dimension]]; Vector Prime's first appearance with the Recon Mini-Con Team; Jetfire, Landmine, Hot Shot, Scattershot, and Overhaul. Then Optimus orders Scattershot to fire the Cyber Cannon. Next are shots of the black hole; stock footage of Optimus entering robot mode; Optimus fighting; Vector Prime descending with [[Rhisling]]; Overhaul coming at the screen; Landmine fighting Starscream, and Megatron and Optimus clashing fists. Then stock footage of Megatron transforming into robot mode and Optimus entering Super Mode.<br />
<br />
====Title sequence #2====<br />
:'''Animation:''' [[GONZO]]<br />
:From "[[Savage]]" to"[[Champion]]"<br />
While the beginning is identical to the first opening, using footage from the show itself, the first new sequence has a superimposed Coby, Lori, and Bud fade in and out over Earth, seen from space one after the other. Next are shots of Vector Prime; Coby, Lori, and Bud striking poses and the reused scene of Optimus ordering the Cyber Cannon's firing from the first opening. Then what plays is a montage of scenes and shots from most episodes shown up to that point (with a few future peeks).<br />
<br />
====Title sequence #3====<br />
:'''Animation:''' [[GONZO]]<br />
:From "[[Ice]]" to "[[Honor]]"<br />
This opening sequence adds new animation to accompany the clips and stock footage that formed the previous two. The Autobot scene transition logo appears, and the camera zooms into it, going past Cybertron, Earth, Velocitron, Animatron, and Gigantion, and the title appears. Then a bald eagle flies over Coby, Bud, and Lori in a field. After a close ground-level shot of them, Lori dances down a street and poses in front of a dress shop, and Coby works on a bike before Bud jumps on his back, and Coby chases him while their family watches. Then Super Mode Optimus uses the Autobot Cyber Key to unleash a double cannon blast, like in "[[Hidden]]." Next, superimposed images of Coby, Bud, and Lori appear over a shot of Earth seen from space. Then Lori and Coby stand in a field back-to-back before holding hands (the first real hint at the romance that will eventually blossom between them) when Bud jumps into the shot and pulls a Naruto-style jutsu pose that turns everyone chibi. At this point, the chibi [[Recon Mini-Con Team]] appear one after another. Then Override speeds down a race track and passes other Transformers in vehicle mode, followed by shots of Override, Scattershot, and Red Alert play before Hot Shot enters robot mode. Then stock footage of Optimus entering Savage Claw Mode, Vector Prime, Jetfire, [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]], [[Snarl (Cybertron)|Snarl]], [[Backstop (Cybertron)|Backstop]], [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]], Sideways, [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]], [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]], Starscream, and Megatron. Finally, Optimus and Megatron clash fists with Earth in the background before the kids and Autobots gather in front of the same background.<br />
<br />
====Title sequence #4====<br />
[[File:Ignition.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]<br />
:'''Animation:''' [[GONZO]]<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Ignition!|IGNITION!]]" by [[CHINO]]''<br />
:From "[[Critical]]" to "[[Family]]"<br />
The opening remains almost entirely composed of clips from the show (taken almost exclusively from the preceding four episodes, plus a tantalizing glimpse of the Cybertron Defense Team's birth from "Critical" itself). It features no new animation, save for reusing the new scenes created for the show's third opening.<br />
<br />
====Title sequence #5====<br />
:'''Animation:''' [[GONZO]]<br />
:From "[[Titans]]" to "[[Beginning]]"<br />
Compared to the prior four, this opening stands out as it's ''finally'' composed almost entirely of ''new'' footage versus the heavy use of clips and stock footage seen in the other openings. A little stock footage appears (Prime and Wing Saber's Sonic Wing Mode combination, Dark Claw Mode and Sonic Wing Mode's "super moves"), while unique footage includes: Override outracing all the other Autobots on a track; the kids watching as the Autobots swoop down out of the air; a long pan of the assembled Autobot forces; individual shots of the planet leaders standing in front of their worlds (with [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]] temporarily blacked out), with Sideways and Soundwave appearing in front of [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]]; Starscream standing among flames; the kids looking wistfully over different vistas of nature; [[Mike Franklin|Colonel Franklin]] and [[Lucy Suzuki]] at an Air Force base at sunset on opposite sides of a fence, their backs to each other; the four Cyber Planet Keys swirling toward Primus; Leobreaker and Scourge battling; Jetfire and Thundercracker fighting in mid-air, Thunderblast and Wing Saber engaging in a firefight; and the assembled Autobots and Decepticons staring each other down on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]].<br />
<br />
==''Animated''==<br />
===English version===<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Studio 4°C]]<br />
:'''Theme song:''' [[Andy Sturmer]] and [[Sebastian Evans II]]<br />
:''This title sequence combines animation originally commissioned for promotional purposes with clips from the first few episodes of the series. The promotional animation (the "Mighty Orbots" tunnel sequence) was screened at conventions and released on the DVD packaged with the Optimus Prime and Megatron "The Battle Begins" two-pack.''<br />
<br />
[[File:BumblebeeAnimatedUSTitleSequence01.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]<br />
<br />
The Autobot insignia falls through a computer-generated grid, followed by the title "Transformers Animated". The "camera" then travels down a tunnel, first passing [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]], standing with his arms folded (followed by clips of him transforming and fighting). Next we pass [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]], who is surprised to see the ground-level camera zooming toward his legs (followed by clips of him transforming and fighting). Passing under Ratchet's crotch, we stumble upon [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]], who is sitting on the ground, drinking and then eating a whole barrel of [[oil]] (followed by clips of him transforming and fighting). Further down the tunnel we spot [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]], clinging to a wall. Prowl leaps down with a ninja-flip and lands in a stylish pose (followed by clips of him transforming and fighting). [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] then comes speeding by in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], transforms and dangles in midair (followed by clips of him transforming and fighting). The Decepticon insignia then shatters through a computer-generated grid, leading to clips of [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]], [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]], [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]], [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] and [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] transforming and fighting. We return to the computer-generated grid where now all the Autobots are making macho poses, ending with a group shot and the title logo.<br />
<br />
:''The uncut promotional footage of the tunnel sequence ends with the reveal that the "cameraman" zooming past everybody is actually [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari]] on a tricycle. She plants her [[AllSpark Key|key]] in the trike, turning it into a jetpack and proceeds to disappear down the end of the tunnel.''<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
===Japanese version #1===<br />
:'''Director:''' Toru Yoshida<br />
:'''Animation Director:''' [[Munetaka Abe]]<br />
:'''Key animation:''' Toru Yoshida, Munetaka Abe, Yuichi Nakazawa, Toshihiko Araki<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Barnum Studio]], [[diomedea]], [[Anime R]] (uncredited)<br />
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformers Evo.|TRANSFORMERS EVO.]]" by [[JAM Project]]''<br />
<br />
[[File:TheHoodedClaw01.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.67|I'll get you, Penelope Pitstop!]]<br />
<br />
The camera swoops through the depths of space, panning past planet after planet, finally settling on a view of [[Earth]] from space. The spectral form of a [[cloaked mystery villain]] appears over the planet, spreading its arms and then vanishing, leaving the planet surrounded by a glowing red miasma. Bolts of lightning strike the planet, dispelling the glow, and from the bolts the title appears. It moves forward into the camera, and the sun rises over Earth.<br />
<br />
[[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]], [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] (in jet mode) and [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] fly over an ocean. Tank mode [[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]] bursts out of the ground, and [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]] speeds in front of him. [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]] descends into shot in spider mode, supporting by a net of webbing, which she promptly rips through, transforming to [[robot mode]] and landing neatly. The image of Elita-1 is superimposed over her with a bolt of red lightning, and then she gestures, prompting the [[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobots]] to burst out of the scenery behind her and charge forward. <br />
<br />
[[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]], [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] and [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] appear side by side in front of [[New York City]]'s Flatiron Building, transform, and drive into the camera. In [[London]], [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] enters stage right and also transforms, driving past [[Elizabeth Tower]], followed by [[Arcee (Animated)|Arcee]] and [[Ironhide (Animated)|Ironhide]], who fly alongside him. [[Jazz (Animated)|Jazz]], [[Blurr (Animated)|Blurr]] and [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] appear one after the other against streaky blue anime speed lines, the shot ending on a close-up of Sentinel as he deploys his battle mask. [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] stomps his foot and poses dramatically on a highway, then transforms to truck mode after still shots of the other Autobots appear. The camera pans over the silhouetted form of [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Ultra Magnus]], only shining a little light on him as it passes over his head, to reveal a teasing glimpse of [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|the Autobot spaceship]].<br />
<br />
[[File:Japanese animated intro.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Wildest graduation photo shoot ever.]]<br />
<br />
Starscream appears in [[France]] and transforms to robot mode, revealing the [[AllSpark]] fragment in his forehead. He dogfights with Bumblebee (who is using his [[turbo booster]]s) in front of the [[Eiffel Tower]], while Prowl and Lockdown duel close to the {{w|Tsūtenkaku}} tower in Osaka, [[Japan]]. Lugnut fires bullets in front of the [[Russia|Moscow Kremlin]], Bulkhead unleashes his wrecking ball from the Great Wall of [[China]], and Blitzwing flies through the skies of [[Egypt]], firing a volley of ice missiles before switching to tank mode, landing in front of the [[pyramid]]s, and launching a flame blast. This blast, er, apparently makes it to [[Australia]], where it harmlessly bounces off Ironhide's steel skin as he jumps in front of the Sydney Opera House. Arcee and Blackarachnia grapple underwater, as do Ratchet and [[Shockwave (Animated)|Longarm]], and then out of a water spout, Starscream's army of [[Starscream clone (Animated)|clones]] emerges. The clones fly into the sky in jet mode, then descend back into shot in robot mode, over a red sky with a Decepticon symbol in it, with [[Slipstream (Animated)|Slipstream]] getting a close-up. The male clones gesture dramatically as the towering form of [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] in [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] mode appears, and Slipstream lands on his shoulder. Megatron's face fills the screen, and red lightning from his eyes lances out, striking the assembled [[Elite Guard]] in front of the [[Washington, D.C.|Washington Monument]]. With the White House in the background, Optimus Prime blocks the blast with his hand, and then dons his battle mask. Ultra Magnus activates his [[Magnus Hammer]], creating a surge of energy that surrounds Optimus. [[Burning justice|Glowing with blue energy]], Optimus flies into the sky and collides with the silhouetted, glowing form of Megatron (now in his Earth body). The resultant flash of light fills the screen, and the sequence ends with a still shot of the assembled Autobots (now including [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]]) standing on a different version of the logo.<br />
<br />
===Japanese version #2===<br />
[[File:Animated j op2.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Maybe the other Blackout is [[Grinder|''Animated'' Grindor]]!]]<br />
Beginning with "[[The Return of the Headmaster|Headmaster, Once Again!]]", the Japanese opening sequence was modified, replacing the scene of Cybertronian mode Megatron and the Starscream clones with new footage and using the second half of the song. This new clip shows Megatron in his helicopter alternate mode, as one after the other, [[Soundwave (Animated)|Soundwave]], Electrostatic Soundwave, and [[Swindle (Animated)|Swindle]] jump into and out of the shot. Soundwave appears from the left in car mode, transforms, and fires some sonic pulses from his shoulder speakers; Electrostatic Soundwave appears from the right, transforms to robot mode, and clutches guitar mode [[Laserbeak (Animated)|Laserbeak]]; and Swindle appears in the center from below the shot, transforms to robot mode, and deploys all his weapons and gadgets. Swindle's head fills the screen as he leaps into the camera, and when he has passed out of view, Megatron has transformed to robot mode, with two rather diminutive Cybertron mode [[Blackout (Animated)|Blackouts]] flanking him. The Blackouts transform as the camera swoops in on Megatron's face, and red lightning bursts from his eyes, linking the new sequence up to the remainder of the original.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
==''Cyber Missions''==<br />
{{stub}}<br />
<br />
==''Prime''==<br />
===English version #1===<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Polygon Pictures]]<br />
:'''Theme by:''' [[Brian Tyler]]<br />
[[File:PrimeTS-Autobots.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Light of the Moon.]]<br />
Introduced in the 2011 episode "[[Masters & Students]]", the ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'' opening sequence shows [[Team Prime]] driving down a speedway at night before [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] transforms and is flanked by his four teammates in [[robot mode]]. It quickly fades to [[Autobot Outpost Omega One]] and [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] jumping into a transforming [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]], [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] getting inside [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and [[Jack Darby|Jack]] jumping onto [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] and driving through the [[GroundBridge]]. [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] is then seen on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] firing his [[fusion cannon]], while [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] transforms to jet mode and fires at Optimus, who runs past the explosion while firing his [[ion blaster]] as Megatron attacks him with his fusion cannon. Optimus and Megatron then greet each other with a punch that flashes into the title card.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
===English version #2===<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Polygon Pictures]]<br />
:'''Theme by:''' [[Brian Tyler]]<br />
Introduced in the 2013 episode "[[Project Predacon]]", the altered ''Prime'' opening shows the [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]] symbol and then [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] breathing fire at [[Team Prime]], who drive away on the speedway. Optimus and Bumblebee's redesigns are altered accordingly for the subsequent identical shots of Team Prime transforming and heading for the GroundBridge, though [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]], [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] and [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] have not been included. Megatron fires his fusion cannon, now accompanied by Starscream and [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]], while Predaking fires on Optimus and swoops to greet his punch with a bite.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
===Japanese version #1===<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Polygon Pictures]]<br />
:'''Theme song:''' "[[FEELING]]" by [[BIGBANG]]<br />
<br />
The intro begins with the members of Team Prime (with [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] replacing [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]]) driving through various locations before transitioning to a shot of the team driving through a space bridge with the words "ROBOTS IN DISGUISE" appearing over the action, before absorbing on themselves. The intro then uses several clips to showcase [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]], [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]], [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]], Bulkhead, and [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] before cutting to a shot of Cybertron back in the Golden Age. The Autobot symbol appears and switches to the Decepticon symbol, cutting to clips showcasing [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]], [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]], and [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]]; when each character is introduced, their name and an image of them is showcased over the action. This is utilized in every intro from here, onwards.<br />
<br />
The camera then cuts to a shot of one of Optimus' eyes opening with the words "MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE" being superimposed over it. Inside a Decepticon mine, the Autobots prepare to open fire on the Decepticon before cutting to an image of the Great War. On Cybertron, Starscream fires at Optimus, who runs past the explosion while firing his [[ion blaster]] as Megatron attacks him with his fusion cannon. Optimus and Megatron then greet each other with a punch that flashes onto a highway where the Autobots are driving until Optimus transforms and is flanked by his teammates as the title appears. The intro ends with another shot of Cybertron back in the Golden Age.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
===Japanese version #2===<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Polygon Pictures]]<br />
:'''Theme song:''' "[[TRANSFORMERZ]]" by [[m-flo]]<br />
<br />
Introduced in [[Out of His Head|Counterattack Transformation! The Resurrection of Megatron]], this intro begins with Team Prime and Megatron's crew driving/flying through various locations, followed by a montage of the Autobots transforming to robot mode in various locations. This is then followed by another montage showcasing Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Bulkhead, Ratchet, and Arcee. The Autobot logo appears and switches to the Decepticon symbol to showcase Megatron, Starscream, Soundwave, [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] and [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]], and [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]]. Megatron then fires at the camera, Bulkhead and Breakdown duel in the Arctic, the kids flee from [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcon]] [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]], Airachnid and Arcee duel by the light of the moon in a construction yard, Team Prime evades missile fire in vehicle mode, a Dark Energon-infused Megatron celebrates the Dark Energon-spewing volcano erupting, Optimus and Megatron each clock each other in the face with their punches, [[Unicron]]'s eyes light up from inside the Dark Energon volcano, Optimus and Megatron fight side by side in Unicron's body, and Team Prime (minus Ratchet) transform into robot mode and grind to a halt as a gigantic Unicron emerges in front of them as the title card appears. The camera then zooms through the galaxies before stopping at a shot of the now-dead [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], ending the intro.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
===Japanese version #3===<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Polygon Pictures]]<br />
:'''Theme song:''' "TRANSFORMERZ (version 2.0)" by m-flo<br />
<br />
Introduced in [[Orion Pax, Part 1|Forgotten Transformation! Optimus Has Become a Decepticon]], this intro begins with Team Prime, Wheeljack, and the Decepticons (minus [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]], but adding in some [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] and [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]]) driving/flying through various locations (with Optimus Prime doing an introduction). A montage is then shown of Team Prime, Megatron, and [[Jack Darby]], travelling through Ground Bridges, the Autobots firing at enemies, [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|Nemesis Prime]] firing at the camera, Optimus donning his mouthplate before preparing to open fire on an enemy with Arcee and Bumblebee, Starscream's clones emerging from their stasis pods, Wheeljack facing Dreadwing, an Insecticon awakening inside its stasis pod, Soundwave sending Arcee through a Space Bridge, Bulkhead battling Breakdown, Bumblebee attacking an Insecticon, [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] battling [[Silas]], and Megatron smashing through Unicron's head. Nemesis Prime assumes robot mode, Silas sits in his control chair, Optimus prepares to unleash the power of the [[Matrix of Leadership]] onto Unicron as a Unicron-controlled Megatron prepares to fire on him, brief clips of the kids are shown, and Agent Fowler salutes Jack before the latter heads through a Ground Bridge.<br />
<br />
The camera then starts up another group of clips showcasing the members of Team Prime, adding in Wheeljack (despite him not being a team member). The Autobot symbol appears and switches to the Decepticon symbol to start another montage of the main Decepticons, adding Dreadwing to the mix. Jack watches [[Vector Sigma]] flare to life and Team Prime stands in front of a Ground Bridge as the title appears. A brief shot of Optimus is shown and the intro ends with a shot of the Autobot symbol on the floor of the Autobot base.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
===Japanese version #4===<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Polygon Pictures]]<br />
:'''Theme song:''' "TRANSFORMERZ (version 2.0)" by m-flo<br />
<br />
Introduced in [[Triage (episode)|Sonic Transformation! Ratchet's Recipe]], this intro begins with Team Prime (now with Smokescreen), Wheeljack, the Decepticons (minus Airachnid), Cylas, a group of Vehicons, and [[Hardshell]] driving/flying through various locations (with Ratchet doing an introduction). Arcee, Smokescreen, Bulkhead, and Bumblebee watch the [[Omega Lock]] flare to life, Team Prime (minus Ratchet) emerges from a Ground Bridge and defends the Omega Lock (with Optimus and Arcee using the [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]] and [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]], respectively), Megatron commands his new armada, Starscream dons the Apex Armor, Dreadwing stands on the deck of the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'' in the pouring rain, screaming, a swarm of Insecticons attacks the camera, Cylas rolls down the window of his vehicle mode to address a US officer, Cylas shows off his right eye (no longer covered up by an eye-patch), Wheeljack knocks Soundwave in the face with his head, Bulkhead attacks Hardshell, [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] prepares to fire his arm cannon, Arcee struggles against an enemy, Optimus jumps at the camera, Miko talks with Wheeljack inside the ''[[Jackhammer (Prime)|Jackhammer]]'', Arcee and Miko gaze at each other by the sunset, Arcee and Cliffjumper grab hands, Smokescreen shakes Optimus' hand, Smokescreen and Bulkhead do a hi-five, the kids and Agent Fowler celebrate, Optimus uses the Star Saber for the first time, and Ratchet watches Optimus, Bumblebee, Arcee, and Bulkhead transform and drive into the Ground Bridge (a sequence occasionally interrupted by brief shots of Bumblebee, Bulkhead, and Arcee with [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]], [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]], and Jack). <br />
<br />
Another montage ensues to showcase the Autobots, with Smokescreen being added to the mix. As Megatron utilizes the [[Dark Star Saber]] for the first time, the Autobot symbol appears and switches to the Decepticon symbol to showcase Megatron, Starscream, Soundwave, Knock Out, and Dreadwing. Bulkhead, Bumblebee, Arcee, and Smokescreen emerge from a storage unit in the Autobot base, each carrying a previously uncovered relic, (a scene briefly interrupted by clips of Optimus staring at the Star Saber, Megatron slashing the Dark Star Saber at the camera, and the two battling each other with their respective weapons. Optimus then runs at the camera with the Star Saber in hand and utilizes it as the title appears, and Optimus stares at a glowing object, ending the intro.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
==''Rescue Bots''==<br />
===Season 1===<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Atomic Cartoons]]<br />
:'''Theme by:''' [[Starr Parodi]] and [[Jeff Eden Fair]] (music); [[Nicole Dubuc]] (lyrics); [[Josh Ramsay]] (vocals)<br />
[[File:Rescue Bots cartoon title screen.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]<br />
The [[Rescue Bot]]s' ship flies through space with the crew in tubes, before landing on Earth and its crew disembarking. On [[Griffin Rock]], [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] talks to them over the monitor. The Burns family stands ready. The Rescue Bots work with the Burns family—[[Blades (RB)|Blades]] shakes [[Cody Burns|Cody]]'s hand, [[Heatwave (RB)|Heatwave]] sprays water with [[Kade Burns|Kade]], [[Charlie Burns]] presents the Rescue Bots and their partners at the dedication. [[Boulder]] scans his vehicle mode. The Rescue Bots roll out as Cody observes on the monitors. [[Chase (RB)|Chase]] dodges light fixtures, transforms and jumps over the [[robo-landscaper]]. Cody stands in front of the four Rescue Bots, Boulder uses his seismic sensors, Heatwave and Blades crash through things. The Rescue Bots transform in four-way split-screen. The main cast stand in front of the ''Rescue Bots'' logo before fading to just show the logo and main credits.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
===Season 2 and 3===<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' Atomic Cartoons/[[Vision Animation]]<br />
:'''Theme by:''' [[Starr Parodi]] and [[Jeff Eden Fair]] (music); [[Nicole Dubuc]] (lyrics); [[Josh Ramsay]] (vocals)<br />
Most of the animation is the same, the only changes being the reanimated deployment scene, the screen displays for Heatwave, Chase and Blades, and Cody showing the bots around in the forest during the day. Plus, Boulder now blocks falling rocks with his scoop while Blades carries a jail cell with [[Evan]] and [[Miles]], the last change being the delay of the stock footage.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
===Season 4===<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' Atomic Cartoons/Vision Animation/[[DHX Media]]<br />
:'''Theme by:''' [[Starr Parodi]] and [[Jeff Eden Fair]] (music); [[Nicole Dubuc]] (lyrics); [[Josh Ramsay]] (vocals)<br />
The animation was heavily reworked, Doc Greene and Anna walking Cece in a stroller, and 2 lad pioneers on the other side, plus Mr. Harrison and his helipack. Blades and young Cody shaking hands was replaced by older Cody getting pounced on by Servo, and Boulder's scanning and transformation scenes are now of his dino mode. The deployment scene of the last version was now of the team racing down the track with Blurr, Slavage and Bumblebee, and the command center scene has Boulder in Heatwave's old spot, and Heatwave's boat mode rushing towards a pier fire on the main monitor. Older Cody has also been added. Older Cody now shows the bots around a warehouse, and Dani is on Blades' skid, plus High Tide's megabot transformation. Blurr and Salvage were added to the title card alongside Cody and Frankie's updated models.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
==''Triple Combination: Transformers Go!''==<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Tatsunoko Production]]<br />
:'''Theme:''' "[[TRANSFORMERS-Go!]]" by [[Daiki Ise]]<br />
{{stub}}<br />
<br />
==''Q-Transformers: Mystery of Convoy''==<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' [[DLE]]<br />
:'''Theme:''' "[[Physical]]" by [[OLDCODEX]]<br />
{{stub}}<br />
<br />
==''Robots in Disguise'' (2015)==<br />
===Season 1 (short version)===<br />
===Season 1 (long version)===<br />
===Season 2-3===<br />
===''Transformers Adventure''===<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Polygon Pictures]], [[LandQ Studio]]<br />
:'''Theme:''' "[[Save the Future!!]]" by [[Mitsuhiro Oikawa]]<br />
<br />
===''Transformers Adventure -Prime of Micron-''===<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Polygon Pictures]], [[LandQ Studio]]<br />
:'''Theme:''' "[[Save the Future!!]]" by [[Mitsuhiro Oikawa]]<br />
{{stub}}<br />
<br />
==''Prime Wars Trilogy''==<br />
===''Combiner Wars''===<br />
===''Titans Return''===<br />
===''Power of the Primes''===<br />
{{stub}}<br />
<br />
==''Cyberverse''==<br />
===Chapter One===<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Boulder Media Studio]]<br />
:'''Theme song:''' [[Max Repka]] and [[Toonocracy LLC]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Cyberverse-Intro-Main3.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|''Ace Attorney'' called. They want their close-up speed lines back.]]<br />
[[Bumblebee (Cyberverse)|Bumblebee]] jumps in from the right side of the screen, striking a pose as he lands. [[Windblade (Cyberverse)|Windblade]] is superimposed over him in the same pose, activating her sword before charging towards the camera. She swings her sword, which transitions into [[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime]], who in turn strikes several action poses of his own before zooming in on his head facing the right side of the screen, as a frame of [[Megatron (Cyberverse)|Megatron's]] head pans in from the right to face him. The [[AllSpark]] appears between them and bursts open, obscuring the two bots with light as it glows. The AllSpark expands to take up the screen before the camera zooms out to reveal an active [[space bridge]], from which two [[Seeker (Cyberverse)|Seekers]] emerge. The camera pans down towards the hexagonal pattern of the ground as images of [[Grimlock (Cyberverse)|Grimlock]], [[Maccadam]], [[Chromia (Cyberverse)|Chromia]] and [[Starscream (Cyberverse)|Starscream]] float past, the latter growing to take up the whole screen. Starscream's image crossfades to Bumblebee, Windblade and Optimus sequentially sliding into frame from the left before transforming to vehicle mode and driving away. Optimus's transformation transitions into a sequence of himself and [[Prowl (Cyberverse)|Prowl]] driving towards the camera, flanked by [[Wheeljack (Cyberverse)|Wheeljack]] and Chromia running alongside them and [[Hot Rod (Cyberverse)|Hot Rod]] and Bumblebee driving behind. As he approaches the camera, Bumblebee transforms back to robot mode, leaping into the air and swiping at the screen with his stinger, flashing to a shot of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] floating in space that gradually grows larger as the series logo appears, accompanied by a deep voice singing "More than meets the eye!"<br />
<br />
The Japanese broadcast's intro is basically identical, though a different character each episode provides narration over the whole sequence to excite the kids watching. The English logo has also been replaced with its Japanese counterpart, and the "More than meets the eye" voice at the end has been removed, presumably because the character is still talking over it. Similarly, most other languages use the same intro, but with a narrator announcing the show's title at the end.<br />
<br />
===Chapter Two===<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Boulder Media Studio]]<br />
:'''Theme song:''' [[Max Repka]] and [[Toonocracy LLC]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Cyberverse-Intro-S2.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|left|Practically all that's missing is "Go Go Power Rangers" blaring in the background.]]<br />
The sequence is identical up to the point where the AllSpark bursts open. As the light fades, Starscream appears from below and grins as his [[spark armor]] forms around him. The camera pans away as [[Cheetor (Cyberverse)|Cheetor]], Grimlock, Hot Rod, Wheeljack, and [[Arcee (Cyberverse)|Arcee]] each move into frame and strike a heroic pose before the shot is again engulfed in white light. The scene suddenly cuts to the Autobots driving towards the camera, and the rest of the intro continues as normal.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
===Chapter Three===<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Boulder Media Studio]]<br />
:'''Theme song:''' [[Max Repka]] and [[Toonocracy LLC]]<br />
<br />
[[File:Cyberverse Intro S3.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|right|In their freetime, Autobots, Decepticons and Quintessons alike love to pose in front of a {{w|Beat Saber}} level.]]<br />
Like the previous intro, the sequence is identical until the AllSpark bursts open. It then cuts to a [[Quintesson]] [[Prosecutor (Cyberverse)|Prosecutor]] appearing from the bottom of the frame, followed in sequence by Megatron, Optimus, [[Dead End (Cyberverse)|Dead End]], Hot Rod in his Stealth Force colors, and [[Clobber (Cyberverse)|Clobber]]. The five Cybertronians strike battle poses as they appear, while the Quintesson's eye glows red, the light engulfing the screen. The scene fades to the profile shot of Optimus, Bumblebee and Windblade from the first intro, and it continues as per usual.<br />
<br />
Starting with "[[The Scientist]]" to the season finale, "[[The Other One]]", the Quintesson snarls when it appears. Early broadcasts of Chapter Three aired in the United Kingdom concluded the title sequence with the standard "Transformers: Cyberverse" title card also used on Chapters One and Two, but later episodes and the American releases of the season replaced this with the new, rebranded '''"Transformers: Bumblebee Cyberverse Adventures"''' title card, with Bumblebee popping out from behind the logo. This new title card would remain in use through Season 4.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
===The Immobilizers===<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Boulder Media Studio]]<br />
:'''Theme song:''' [[Max Repka]] and [[Toonocracy LLC]]<br />
<br />
The sequence is identical to the Chapter One intro up to the point where images of other characters appear, with Starscream's head being replaced by [[Soundwave (Cyberverse)|Soundwave]]. As it zooms in, Soundwave's image crossfades to [[Swoop (Cyberverse)|Swoop]] flying towards the camera in front of Cybertron, then transforming and running along a track leading away from the planet. The camera pans to three identical tracks parallel to Swoop's, with [[Snarl (Cyberverse)|Snarl]], [[Slug (Cyberverse)|Slug]], and [[Sludge (Cyberverse)|Sludge]] in dinosaur mode running along them in tandem. The camera zooms in on Slug as he transforms to dinosaur mode, then spins to show him and Swoop leap offscreen before panning down to show Snarl transform to dinosaur mode. The camera spins and zooms out to show all four tracks plus a fifth in the center with Grimlock running along it. The [[Dinobot (Cyberverse)|Dinobots]] all converge behind Grimlock as he transformes to dinosaur mode and leaps at the screen, his mouth charging a flame blast. The glow of the charge engulfs the screen and transitions to [[Volcanicus (Cyberverse)|Volcanicus]] standing in silhouette against a fiery backdrop, surrounded by generics. The combiner swings their sword and the flames follow, engulfing the screen in white, which gradually fades to the title card, now with the Cybertron behind it restored to a lively golden hue.<br />
<br />
===The Perfect Decepticon===<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Boulder Media Studio]]<br />
:'''Theme song:''' [[Max Repka]] and [[Toonocracy LLC]]<br />
<br />
The sequence starts out identically to that of "The Immobilizers" until the point where Soundwave's head approaches the camera. The sequence crossfades to a side-on shot of Optimus, Bumblebee, and Windblade akin to previous seasons, but this time with Hot Rod, Wheeljack and Clobber in the lineup as well. The Autobots glance at one another and rush to the right, with Optimus's body transitioning the shot to a Decepticon equivalent consisting of Soundwave, [[Shadow Striker (Cyberverse)|Shadow Striker]], [[Alpha Strike]], [[Lockdown (Cyberverse)|Lockdown]], Dead End, and [[Wildwheel (Cyberverse)|Wildwheel]], who rush to the left. The two groups meet in the middle before charging towards the screen together. Cut to a behind-the-back shot of them running before zooming forward, showing a group of [[Decepticon supersoldier]]s charging at them, and one of them punches the camera, causing the screen to go black. When the footage returns, Windblade is flying away from the camera and firing at two supersoldiers, who stand before a mound of Transformer corpses, including Soundwave, Wheeljack, and Bumblebee. Windblade swerves away and the camera pans up past the bodies to the top of the cliff behind them. At the top, [[Megatron X (Cyberverse)|Megatron X]] stands facing away, turning to glance towards the camera as it zooms in on his eye. The screen is engulfed in red, which fades into the title card.<br />
<br />
==''Rescue Bots Academy''==<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Boulder Media Studio]]<br />
:'''Theme song:''' [[Doug Califano]] (music); [[Zach Allen]] (vocals)<br />
<br />
[[File:RBA-Intro-Rollcall.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Picture day at the Academy plays it a little more fast and loose.]]<br />
[[Hot Shot (Prime)|Hot Shot]] chases a [[cube (sport)|cube]] across a court, where [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] catches it. Hot Shot heads trough a ground bridge portal, and Prime's face transitions to [[Wedge (RBA)|Wedge's]] tablet, who heads off after an okay from [[Heatwave (RB)|Heatwave]]. A car passes by, and [[Chase (RB)|Chase]] overlooks [[Medix (RB)|Medix]] as he notices the alarm while helping [[Tough Luck Chuck]] cross the street. Medix then leaves, and as the simulation ends, the walker Chuck uses disappears, and he falls. A torch then transitions to a wrench then [[Hoist (RB)|Hoist's]] hands gripping a chain, and after he high-fives [[Boulder]], a face closeup has him head off. A quick roll call then shifts to [[Whirl (RBA)|Whirl]] finishing an obstacle course, her performance gaining an thumbs-up from [[Blades (RB)|Blades]]. The recruits head down the tubes, and as Hot Shot's touchdown signals them to head off in vehicle mode, Optimus, [[Grimlock (RID 2015)|Grimlock]], [[Cody Burns]] and the other four rescue bots see them off as Hot Shot's bumper transitions to a black background with the series logo up front.<br />
<br />
==''War for Cybertron Trilogy''==<br />
===''Siege''===<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Polygon Pictures]]<br />
{{stub}}<br />
<br />
===''Earthrise''===<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Polygon Pictures]]<br />
{{stub}}<br />
<br />
===''Kingdom''===<br />
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Polygon Pictures]]<br />
{{stub}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Media]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Remorse&diff=1583347Remorse2022-01-10T18:22:44Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{picsneeded}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=40<br />
|prev=Crisis (Armada)<br />
|next=Depart<br />
|title="Remorse"<br />
|furigana=あせり<br />
|japanese=悔恨<!--remorse--><br />
|romaji=Aseri<br />
|translation=Regret: Impatience<br />
|image=remorse.jpg<br />
|caption=Megatron takes his nemesis not becoming a Masterpiece toy poorly.<br />
|production code=TF: A-40<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]<br />
|director=[[Yukio Okazaki]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[August 20]], [[2003]] (English, Canada)<br>[[October 3]], [[2003]] (Japanese)<br>[[October 17]], [[2003]] (English, United States)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''The Autobots mourn the loss of Optimus Prime, and Hot Shot is hit particularly hard.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Remorse-Angry Hot Shot.jpg|left|200px|thumb|]]<br />
The [[Decepticon]]s celebrate the destruction of [[Autobot]] leader [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]. While [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] laughs, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] stay calm, regretting the victory (for different reasons). Acting glad, Megatron orders his crew to return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].<br />
<br />
In the Autobot base, the kids have trouble coming to terms with Optimus Prime's death, with [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] openly crying. [[Rad White|Rad]] understands that Optimus knew he would die and mourns that nobody on Earth would know that Optimus died to save all humans.<br />
<br />
A week later, the Autobots are still depressed, but repressing their sadness to get work done has increased tensions. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] gets frustrated with how passively the other Autobots have been handling Optimus Prime's death and goes to the launching dock to meet with [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]]. He recalls accusing Optimus of letting the Decepticons get the upper hand by allowing Starscream to join the Autobots. Jetfire returns from his mission to the Decepticons' now-abandoned moonbase, and Hot Shot promptly demands that Jetfire take him into space to hunt down the Decepticons vengefully.<br />
<br />
[[File:Remorse-Hot Shot VS Scavenger.jpg|200px|thumb]]<br />
The other Autobots arrive and try to stress the importance of finishing the [[Axalon (Armada)|spaceship]], but Hot Shot tells his friends to shut up. Insulted, [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] throws Hot Shot to the ground and commands him to be silent while dragging the younger Autobot away. The two warp out, and [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] follows. The rest of the kids and Autobots are left wondering Scavenger's intentions.<br />
<br />
[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] determines Scavenger and Hot Shot to be on an abandoned highway. Scavenger brutalizes Hot Shot and demands he fights back; Hot Shot avoids most of Scavenger's punches but doesn't retaliate. The kids and other Autobots watch as Hot Shot gets thrown around. Hot Shot finally fights back when Scavenger mentions Optimus. When the two Transformers press their weight against each other, Scavenger says Hot Shot made him switch sides. Scavenger, between punches, explains that Optimus had integrity, and that's why he let Starscream join the Autobots. Watching the fight with the other Autobots, who refuse to help Hot Shot, Alexis realizes Hot Shot blames himself for Optimus Prime's death. <br />
<br />
Hot Shot retreats from Scavenger, still convinced that they need to avenge Optimus. [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] encounters Hot Shot on the freeway, but Hot Shot escapes again. The kids try to reason with the Autobots that abusing Hot Shot won't help him overcome his anxieties—but Red Alert is adamant that aggressive therapy is necessary.<br />
<br />
[[File:Remorse-Hot Shot becoming leader.jpg|left|200px|thumb]]<br />
[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] blocks Hot Shot's path and prepares to open fire against his brother. The [[Mini-Con]]s join in forming the barricade, bringing Hot Shot to an advanced stop; even Jolt abandons Hot Shot to join the other Mini-Cons. Hot Shot remembers Optimus Prime's word about trusting the Mini-Cons. Thanks to the Mini-Cons, Hot Shot has a moment of clarity, recalling the meaning of the war with the Decepticons.<br />
<br />
Hot Shot apologizes to the assembled Mini-Cons and Autobots, wanting to re-join and help in the fight against the Decepticons as part of the team again. With the Autobots' morale revitalized, Jetfire announces that he's making Hot Shot the new Autobot commander. Scavenger arrives and starts to swing at the new commander, but Hot Shot doesn't flinch. Scavenger cuts his punch before hitting and gives Hot Shot his approval.<br />
<br />
Later that evening, Jetfire tries to give Hot Shot the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]], but Hot Shot declines. Instead, he announces that he'll only lead the Autobots until the team returns to Cybertron. Working together, the team gets back to work, ready to stop the Decepticons.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen/Hoist]] (12)<br />
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (13)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (14)<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (15)<br />
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (16)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (17)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (18) (flashback)<br />
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (19)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (1)<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (2)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)<br />
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (4)<br />
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (5)<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (6)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (7)<br />
*[[Rad White]] (8)<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (9)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (10)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (11)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (20)<br />
*[[Rollbar (Armada)|Rollbar]] (21)<br />
*[[Incinerator (Armada)|Incinerator]] (22)<br />
*[[Nightbeat (Armada)|Nightbeat]] (23)<br />
*[[Liftor]] (24)<br />
*[[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] (25)<br />
*[[Comettor (Armada)|Comettor]] (26)<br />
*[[Oval]] (27)<br />
*[[Spiral]] (28)<br />
*[[Buzzsaw (Armada)|Buzzsaw]] (29)<br />
*[[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]] (30)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"Do you have any idea why I left the Decepticons and came over to the Autobots?"<br><br />
"Better money?"<br><br />
"I joined because of you."<br />
:—'''Scavenger''' and '''Hot Shot'''<br />
<br />
<br />
"That complete lack of fear has served you well, Hot Shot."<br />
:—'''Scavenger''' hasn't been paying attention.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Wow, either I'm overheating or I just heard Optimus speak to me directly from the other side."<br><br />
"Hey, that doesn't surprise me. In fact, I bet Optimus woulda chosen you to become the next commander of the Autobots."<br />
:—'''Hot Shot''' and '''Jetfire''' in a WTF moment<br />
<br />
<br />
"Yo, Autobots! Saddle up! We're going back to Cybertron!"<br />
:—'''Hot Shot''' gets down with the kids.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*The opening flashback of the previous episode has Rad narrating how he thought it was all over for Earth, but Optimus sacrificed himself to save it in ''Armada''. Rad doesn't narrate until Optimus's close-up art in ''Legends of the Microns'', expressing how he couldn't believe what happened. The Japanese dub contains SFX throughout the flashback, while ''Armada'' only features the characters' voices. Rad's narration about what happened after Prime's death is shorter than in ''Armada'' and doesn't mention the humans returning to their daily lives; plus, his comment about the Autobots being on edge comes later than in ''Armada'' (after Hoist drops some equipment).<br />
*When the Autobots are arguing while building the ''Axalon'', Hoist's insult to Red Alert is more insensitive in ''Legends of the Microns'', directly explaining why he couldn't fix Optimus. Scavenger and Side Swipe's following lines have them tell Hoist that it was uncalled for before Blurr steps in and tells everyone to knock it off.<br />
*Hot Shot tells the other Autobots that they should avenge Optimus instead of building the ''Axalon'' in ''Legends of the Microns'', but ''Armada'' only has him ask why they are making it since the Decepticons are already gone. Additionally, Hoist entirely agrees with Hot Shot in ''Armada'' but stops himself before saying anything in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*During Hot Shot and Scavenger's fight on the bridge, Alexis asks them to stop, and instead of saying this is the last chance for Hot Shot to prove himself to everyone, Jetfire says Hot Shot has been ''provoking'' everyone, which is why they can't stop it.<br />
*Hot Shot and Scavenger's argument during their fight on the bridge is heavily different between dubs:<br />
**''Legends of the Microns'' has Scavenger asks if they're fighting to take revenge for Optimus, which Hot Shot replies with yes; otherwise, he is never satisfied, but everyone is so heartless for not thinking the same thing. Scavenger calls Hot Shot a fool when throwing him into the wall and then says he brought this upon himself. ''Armada'' warps this into having Scavenger asking what Optimus would do in this situation, with Hot Shot saying he would fight and not get pushed around. Hot Shot then says he'd show what he's got before Scavenger gives him a head's up for his upcoming attack.<br />
**Before the commercial break, Scavenger asks Hot Shot if he wants to start pointless fights, and the latter points out that's what Scavenger's doing. Scavenger then asks if Hot Shot's ideals are eye to eye before saying to charge at him. Except for Hot Shot's scream, the rest of the scene is silent. ''Armada'' changes this to have Hot Shot pointlessly ask what he's done, and Scavenger tells him to think about it. This scene's last few seconds also have Scavenger say that if Hot Shot doesn't know his place in the Autobots, he can't help him.<br />
**After the commercial break, Scavenger tells Hot Shot he joined the Autobots for his sake, and the latter responds with not understanding. Scavenger then mentions when Hot Shot believed in Sideways and recklessly attacked the [[Lunar Base (Armada)|Lunar Base]]. Despite Hot Shot claiming he was an idiot back then, Scavenger says Hot Shot's spirit made him change sides. Scavenger also mentions similarities to when Optimus trusted Starscream, and because of this, he saw the future in Hot Shot. Hot Shot responds that he doesn't understand but knows that Optimus died while he is still alive himself and says it's frustrating. Scavenger then mentions that everyone is still here because of it and tells Hot Shot that the war isn't for revenge but to press towards the future. ''Armada'' makes the whole conversation more focused on Hot Shot calling out Optimus for trusting Starscream, with Scavenger calling Hot Shot "way out of line" as Optimus stuck to his decision, which made him an integral leader.<br />
**When Hot Shot is shaking, he says he doesn't get the feelings inside him in ''Armada'' but says he doesn't know any other way to do this in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
**Before leaving, Hot Shot says he can't forgive himself, so the only choice he has is revenge in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then Scavenger responds that if that's all he can think about, he should remove himself from the Autobots. ''Armada'' changes Hot Shot's line to him saying he wants to get even with the Decepticons and makes Scavenger less hostile.<br />
*When the kids figure out why Hot Shot has been feeling terribly lately, ''Legends of the Microns'' clarifies that he blames himself for Optimus's death more than the ''Armada'' version. Alexis also asks Jetfire why he can't understand that instead of asking him to stop. Jetfire is silent in his shot, whereas ''Armada'' has him say Scavenger knows what he's doing.<br />
*Instead of wishing Scavenger went easier on Hot Shot, Side Swipe says that's not the person he knows in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Before Blurr jumps in, Hot Shot asks Optimus what he should do in the Japanese dub, whereas ''Armada'' has him wish Prime was here and mentions that he doesn't even know where he's going.<br />
*When Blurr rams into Hot Shot, he sarcastically asks if he's the one that started this fight in ''Legends of the Microns'', but says he's going to end it in ''Armada''. Additionally, when Hot Shot gets away from Blurr, the latter doesn't ask the former to return.<br />
*When the Autobots prepare to space bridge to where Hot Shot is, Red Alert tells Alexis this is how warriors do things in ''Legends of the Microns'', and when Alexis repeats what he said, he tells her to sit back and watch. Meanwhile, in ''Armada'', Red Alert says it has to be done this way and instructs the kids to trust them.<br />
*When Hot Shot encounters Side Swipe, ''Armada'' makes the latter say that as usual, he went off on his own without considering how everyone else feels. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Side Swipe less aggressive, saying that everyone is thinking about taking revenge for Optimus, but they can't figure out why Hot Shot is acting so strange lately. Hot Shot responds that he's not like anyone else, then abruptly ends his sentence before charging at Side Swipe. ''Armada'' changes this to have Hot Shot say he doesn't need permission from Side Swipe to do anything. Once more, Hot Shot yells "out of my way" in ''Armada'' but gives a considerable shut up in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*When the Autobot's Mini-Cons appear, Hot Shot's reaction is more shock in ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' makes him tell the Mini-Cons to stay away from him.<br />
*When the Optimus illusion appears, Hot Shot only says Optimus's name in the Japanese dub, but the English dub has him say he has to help him. Optimus then tells Hot Shot not to forget about his friends in ''Armada'' but says that's enough in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*When Hot Shot apologizes to everyone for his behavior, he mentions how he even made the Mini-Cons his enemies and thanks everyone for saving him in ''Legends of the Microns''. ''Armada'' changes this slightly to him saying that he needs everyone's help and can't do it alone.<br />
<br />
====Second English dub====<br />
Two separate English dubs of this episode are known to exist. When the series initially aired, eight episodes passed after Smokescreen's reformatting (in "[[Regeneration (Armada)|Regeneration]]") before the show started addressing him by the new name under which his upgraded toy was sold, "Hoist" (in "[[Miracle]]"). However, this episode's dub was updated at some point to alter dialogue from Fred and Red Alert to introduce Smokescreen's new name a bit sooner.<br />
<br />
*Where Fred originally merely asked, "Is there any way we can fix Optimus?" in the modified dub, he adds, "the way we fixed up Smokescreen? I mean, Hoist?"<br />
*Red Alert's response goes from: "I'm sorry. It can't be done. Optimus's body released its spark when it blocked the Hydra Cannon's blast, and without it, there's no way we can bring him back. I wish there was some way we could, but we're just going to have to pull ourselves together and carry on without him." to "No. I'm sorry, we can't. Optimus's body released its spark when it blocked the Hydra Cannon. We saved Smokescreen's spark and were able to reformat him into Hoist. I wish there was some way that we could, but we're just going to have to carry on without him."<br />
*In the next scene, where Red originally addressed Smokescreen by his original name, he now calls him Hoist.<br />
<br />
Additionally, this version added "The Unicron Battles" opening to the episode, replacing the original; that opening wasn't added to the series's original broadcast until the [[Depart|next episode]]. Presumably, this redub would have been carried out sometime during 2003–2005, when [[Voicebox Productions]] was working on the Unicron Trilogy; yet, it was absent from [[Rhino Entertainment]]'s 2006 DVD release of the series and isn't known to have been broadcast or released in any form until [[Shout! Factory]]'s 2014 DVD release. However, nobody actually ''noticed'' the change until 2020, when TFWiki user Bag of Magic Food spotted it while watching the series on [[Tubi]]!<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical glitches===<br />
*During his first line in the episode, Hot Shot has enormous hips.<br />
*When Scavenger tells Hot Shot they're not friends, he's wearing a (red) Decepticon symbol.<br />
*There's some awkward silence after Hot Shot tells Side Swipe they are on the same side. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the mistake by adding a line before the shot cuts to a new one.<br />
*When Hot Shot asks Optimus for help in his vision, you can see the corner of a Decepticon symbol instead of an Autobot one.<br />
*When the other Autobots come to see Hot Shot after the latter realizes what happened, Blurr is taller than the other Autobots.<br />
*After Hot Shot has his vision, Smokescreen's eyes are too close together and too big.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*Optimus and Megatron had been fighting for roughly ten million years, the time given by Starscream as the war's current length from the episode "[[Rebellion (Armada)|Rebellion]]." With Optimus suddenly gone, it seems Megatron misses his foe.<br />
*[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]] explains that Red Alert saying that Optimus's extinguished spark and being unable to be revived in the same way as Smokescreen reveals the Transformers' lives.<br />
*Some flashback footage in this episode is taken from "[[Vow]]," specifically the scene where Optimus is walking towards Megatron and the Mini-Cons.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*The flashback of Hot Shot blaming Optimus for accepting Starscream isn't exactly what he said in "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]." ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't have this error.<br />
**Interestingly, it seems more of a direct translation of what Hot Shot said in the Japanese version of "Crisis."<br />
*Contrary to what Scavenger says in this episode, he was only an Autobot spy, not a real Decepticon; however, ''Legends of the Microns'' suggests that he genuinely worked for the Decepticons before joining the Autobots.<br />
**He was a Decepticon a ''very'' long time ago, but that was long before he met Hot Shot.<ref>Mentioned by Red Alert to the kids in the episode "[[Trust (Armada)|Trust]]."</ref><br />
*Scavenger also says that there was no way Hot Shot could've known that "[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] was working ''still'' working with the Decepticons." The moment he talks about is from the episode "[[Credulous]]," but Sideways wasn't working with the Decepticons until the end of that episode. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Scavenger tell Hot Shot he believed in a comrade who didn't deserve it instead, so it's not an error.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*This episode's Japanese dub debuts the [[commercial bumper]] of Jet Optimus and Overload Powerlinxing.<br />
**Additionally, it now uses [[Transformer: Dream Again|the first Japanese opening song]]'s opening riff instead of the exclusive Autobot and Decepticon themes.<br />
*In Germany, this episode followed "[[Carnival]]." RTL II—the channel that aired the show—stated that Hasbro Germany insisted on having the whole series aired in just two months to promote the toyline better.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Reue'''" ("Remorse")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 10|10 December]] [[2003]]<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Gyász'''" ("Mourning")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Remorso'''" ("Remorse")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 10 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Best Of The Decepticons ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Trust_(Armada)&diff=1581973Trust (Armada)2022-01-05T15:45:43Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig2|the Armada episode|the Cybertron episode|Trust (Cybertron)}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=18<br />
|prev=Conspiracy<br />
|next=Vacation<br />
|title="Trust"<br />
|furigana=きずな<br />
|japanese=戦友<!--trust--><br />
|romaji=Kizuna<br />
|translation=Comrade in Arms: Bonds<br />
|image=Trust-Scavenger sleeping.jpg<br />
|caption=I am having a heart attack!!<br />
|production code=TF: A-18<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]<br />
|director=[[Shin'ichirō Aoki]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[January 17]], [[2003]] (English)<br>[[May 9|9 May]], [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Which side is Scavenger really on?'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
At the [[Autobot]] base, [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] sits down to enjoy a drink of milk. The kids discuss [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]]'s determination as he trains with [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] as his new instructor, and [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] suggests they go and see Hot Shot in action. [[Rad White|Rad]] and Alexis rush off, and Carlos struggles to catch up. Yet, none of them seems to care that they ditched their breakfast, so much for the day's most important meal.<br />
<br />
The trio looks for Hot Shot but only finds Scavenger, fast asleep, after initially mistaking his snores for animal growls. Alexis jokes that Carlos also likes to take naps. As Scavenger, oblivious to the kids, continues napping, Hot Shot practices his dramatic punching and kicking. Surprisingly, Scavenger has no critique to offer.<br />
<br />
[[File:Trust-Bots Gossip.jpg|thumb|200px]]<br />
Seeing Scavenger's sloth, Carlos ponders Scavenger's allegiance and advises Hot Shot to be wary. Elsewhere, Carlos overhears [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] give similar qualms about Scavenger, comparing him to [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]].<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] puts forward the idea that Scavenger has switched sides. Since Scavenger deserted the [[Decepticon]]s, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] declares him an enemy and calls for his head. Starscream interjects, and Megatron responds by standing, ripping off a panel from the back of his shoulder treads, and throwing it at Starscream, which the steam from his shoulder shows.<br />
<br />
Back on [[Earth]], the kids question [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] about Scavenger. Before Prime can explain, the Autobots' [[Mini-Con]] detection alarms go off.<br />
<br />
[[File:Trust-Scavenger to the rescue.jpg|left|200px|thumb|''Call Sca-ven-ger! That's my name!''<br>''That name again is Sca-ven-ger!'']]<br />
The Autobots and Decepticons square off and battle head-on in a snowy area. Most of the battles are even, but Scavenger completely outmaneuvers and overpowers a Mini-Con-enhanced [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]]. Moments later, when the fight nears a chasm, Scavenger is abruptly MIA, leaving Hot Shot to reconsider his previous faith in his instructor.<br />
<br />
With Optimus and Megatron moving closer to the deep gorge, the battle continues, while Scavenger doesn't respond to any calls for him. Back at the Autobot base, Alexis spots Scavenger on the video broadcast from [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]]. The kids fear that Scavenger plans to sneak attack Optimus from behind, so Rad tells [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] to warn Optimus, but Red Alert continues watching stoically.<br />
<br />
Megatron is ready to finish Optimus when Prime surprises the Decepticon by ejecting his legs and grabbing hold of Megatron in a move designed to plunge both warriors into the chasm. But before Optimus can plummet heroically to his and Megatron's mutual doom, Scavenger leaps off the other side of the canyon and, in mid-air, manages to fling Optimus to safety.<br />
<br />
[[File:Pre-arm-scavenger.JPG|thumb|200px|Scavenger has flipped sides almost as much as your M—]]<br />
When the kids express their amazement at how much faith Optimus places in Scavenger, Red Alert patiently explains that Optimus and Scavenger came to trust each other long ago on Cybertron. Why didn't Red Alert enlighten them earlier? For suspense, of course. Red Alert also points out that Scavenger never really switched sides; he was only on the Decepticon side to gain needed strategic information.<br />
<br />
While Red Alert schools the kids, the Autobots take some time to taunt the outnumbered Decepticons on the battlefield. As the Decepticons consider their less-than-ideal situation, Sideways and Megatron emerge dramatically from the chasm, and Sideways sends Megatron flying directly at Scavenger. Unfortunately for the airborne Decepticon leader, Optimus quickly protects Scavenger and blasts Megatron away. Megatron swears vengeance as the Decepticons make a hasty retreat.<br />
<br />
The battle finally ends, and Smokescreen and Hot Shot apologize to Scavenger, who graciously accepts. More importantly, however, the Autobots got the Mini-Con...err, wait. The Decepticons got the... hang on. Whatever happened to the Mini-Con that caused this episode's battle? ...Ah well. At least the Autobots learned a "valuable lesson."<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (4)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (5)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (6)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (7)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (13)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (8)<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (9)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (10)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (11)<br />
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (12)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (1)<br />
*[[Rad White]] (2)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (3)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (14)<br />
*[[Drill Bit (Armada)|Drill Bit]] (15)<br />
*[[Rollbar (Armada)|Rollbar]] (16)<br />
*Sideways's [[Mirror|rider]] (17)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"Looks like you two have something in common, Carlos! Scavenger must like taking naps as much as you. He even snores like you do."<br />
:—'''Alexis''', razzing her friends<br />
<br />
<br />
"Starscream, watch yourself! If you keep running your processor in overdrive, pretty soon you won't be able to transform properly!"<br />
:—'''Cyclonus''' on Starscream's paranoia<br />
<br />
<br />
[[File:Trust-Scavenger-Cyclonus.jpg|thumb]]<br />
'''Megatron:''' Optimus Prime! Today is the day the Decepticons destroy the Autobots!<br><br />
'''Optimus:''' You're wrong again, Megatron, and we're going to prove it!<br><br />
'''Smokescreen:''' And today you'll feel the power of the Autobot team!<br><br />
'''Hot Shot:''' Let's do this!<br><br />
'''Megatron:''' Keep talking, you underdogs. Victory will be mine today.<br><br />
'''Scavenger:''' ''(yawns hugely)''<br />
:—Fight banter makes Scavenger sleepy.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[File:Trust-Yawn.jpg|thumb]]<br />
"I don't like showing off, but I think you'll agree that that high-flying wacko needed to be grounded permanently."<br />
:—'''Scavenger''', after shooting down Cyclonus<br />
<br />
<br />
"Oh, my aching motherboard!"<br />
:—'''Cyclonus''', after getting shot<br />
<br />
<br />
"It's boring talking about things that are in the past. It never does any good."<br />
:—'''Scavenger''' accepts apologies from Smokescreen and Hot Shot.<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*In ''Armada'', Alexis asks if Hot Shot will "pass the test," and Carlos answers he will since he's stubborn. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis says the specialized training that Scavenger is giving Hot Shot must be strict, and Carlos says, "Whatever, that's his business." Then, ''Armada'' has Rad say Hot Shot will be stronger than before; in ''Legends of the Microns'', he says Carlos would feel the same way Hot Shot does after having something stolen from him.<br />
*After the kids fail to find Hot Shot and Scavenger, ''Armada'' has an awkward silence during the wide shot after Alexis says her line. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the silence as Carlos has an extra line before saying that they should pay closer attention next time.<br />
*Instead of saying the strange sounds might be coming from an animal, Carlos says it sounds like groaning and grunting. <br />
*When the kids find Scavenger asleep, ''Armada'' adds more dialogue to fill out the silence, and the scene has a more lighthearted tone as Alexis compares Scavenger to Carlos.<br />
*Hot Shot asks Scavenger if he's still sleeping and doesn't call him a lame instructor. Then Carlos suggests that Hot Shot hit Scavenger to wake him up.<br />
*Instead of warning Hot Shot to watch himself and saying that he wouldn't trust Scavenger, Carlos says he can't believe this and is disappointed. Then Rad says he understands how Carlos feels, with Alexis in agreement.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Red Alert tells Smokescreen to give Scavenger a chance, and Smokescreen reluctantly complies. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Red Alert asks Smokescreen if he hates Scavenger, and Smokescreen shouts that he does.<br />
*Immediately after this, ''Armada'' adds an extra line to Carlos's internal monologue about him keeping an eye on Scavenger.<br />
*As Starscream confronts Megatron about letting Scavenger go, ''Armada'' has Starscream say that Scavenger will tell the Autobots the Decepticon base's location, and he made a "hasty exit" with no reason for leaving. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream says Megatron chose the right time to summon Scavenger; however, it's resulted in him betraying the Decepticons and probably joining the Autobots.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Sideways hopes Scavenger gets what's coming to him. After Cyclonus speaks, Sideways says if Scavenger is a traitor, he'll learn what happens to those who betray the Decepticons before Megatron asks them to bring him Scavenger's head. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says the next battle's outcome will show whether or not Scavenger has betrayed them. Sideways says that Megatron will severely punish any traitors since he's not as forgiving as Optimus was, and then Megatron says he'll break Scavenger's neck when the time comes.<br />
*Starscream doesn't beg Megatron to let him kill Scavenger, and Sideways doesn't address Megatron. In ''Armada'', Sideways speculates Scavenger might be spying on the Autobots for them and offers to interrogate him to do his part for the Decepticons. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Sideways says maybe he is overthinking it but believes Starscream's "wild speculation" wouldn't be getting Megatron worked up if he didn't anticipate Scavenger being an enemy spy.<br />
*After calling out to Optimus, Megatron says he's been waiting for this day to kill him in ''Legends of the Microns'' but says it's the day the Decepticons destroy the Autobots in ''Armada''. Then, ''Armada'' has Optimus respond that the Autobots will prove Megatron wrong. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Optimus tell Megatron to shut up and say he'll crush Megatron's "evil ambitions."<br />
*Instead of calling the Autobots underdogs and bragging that victory will be his, Megatron says, "Like a lost dog's bark, I didn't bother to listen." Then Megatron says no one can stop the Decepticons, to which Optimus replies that Megatron will never win since he lacks a heroic spirit.<br />
*After forming the Star Saber, Megatron's line is an ''Armada'' addition as he laughs maniacally in the Japanese dub. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the transformation sound effect heard when the Star Saber forms and Optimus enters Super Mode. ''Armada'' plays the Transformers theme when Prime transforms, but ''Legends of the Microns'' plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Cybertrons, Transform!]]."<br />
*When Scavenger catches Cyclonus, he makes an analytical quip about how holding many weapons increases the Decepticon's chances of missing his targets. In ''Armada'', Scavenger merely gloats about how Cyclonus will never touch him. After shooting Cyclonus down, Scavenger brags about dealing with a flying loudmouth even though he isn't good at flying himself. Then, instead of saying that Scavenger is stronger than he looks, Alexis says he is more ''serious'' than earlier.<br />
*As he swings the Star Saber in ''Armada'', Megatron tells Optimus to fight back and says he's not in the mood for Prime to play games with him. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron asks if Optimus has anything else to say and says Optimus won't be able to avoid him for much longer, alluding to how Optimus is backing up toward a chasm.<br />
*Hot Shot's line about him trusting Scavenger if Optimus does is an ''Armada'' addition.<br />
*Rad asks if Scavenger abandoned the team, and Carlos sounds more sure when he says that it looks as though Scavenger took off.<br />
*Rather than boasting about finally being close to killing Optimus and the Autobots, Megatron wonders if Optimus will run away in defeat.<br />
*After the kids notice Scavenger hiding, ''Armada'' has Rad claim that Scavenger would've already made a sneak attack if that's what he's planning. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says Scavenger wouldn't go behind Optimus if he's planning to attack Megatron, lining up with Carlos's subsequent dialogue better.<br />
*Megatron complements Optimus for holding his ground before asking what he'll try to do next and telling him to get ready to be sent to the Pit. The Japanese dub removes the transformation sound effect from when Optimus and Scavenger return to their standard forms.<br />
*The quick cuts of everyone's reaction to Megatron and Optimus going over the chasm's edge are silent. The only sound heard is Megatron's disembodied scream echoing.<br />
*Alexis explains that Scavenger waited until Megatron dropped his guard in ''Legends of the Microns''. ''Armada'' simplifies it to Scavenger waiting for the right time to save Optimus.<br />
*The scene of Red Alert explaining Optimus and Scavenger's relationship to the kids differs between the dubs slightly:<br />
**In ''Armada'', Red Alert says they realized they were better off as allies than enemies since they're both proud warriors with similar beliefs. After Carlos asks if they became friends, Red Alert explains that, as friends, Optimus and Scavenger go out of their way to help one another, and Scavenger fights for the common good with significant risk to himself. Then he says Scavenger gave Megatron the Mini-Con panel as a necessary sacrifice for the Autobots after infiltrating the Decepticons and learning about their operation.<br />
**In ''Legends of the Microns'', Red Alert says Optimus knew Scavenger to be a trusted warrior regardless of which side they're on. Then Carlos asks how Optimus could trust an enemy. Red Alert answers that partners help each other despite the danger; however, as enemies, the effort to help others goes to waste, and Scavenger will do anything to keep his partnership with Optimus. To answer Rad's question about Scavenger giving Megatron the Mini-Con, Red Alert says it's how a Decepticon would act in that situation; Scavenger didn't want to reveal himself as a traitor while on the battlefield.<br />
*After saving Scavenger, Optimus says the battle is still on in ''Armada'', but in ''Legends of the Microns'', he calls Megatron a nuisance. ''Armada'' plays the Transformers theme again during this scene while the Japanese dub repeats "Cybertrons, Transform!".<br />
*In ''Armada'', Scavenger accepts Smokescreen and Hot Shot's apologies and says the team should get back to searching for the Mini-Con. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he never mentions the Mini-Con and tells them "for their own good" to forget all trivial matters as quickly as possible.<br />
*In ''Armada'''s ending narration, Rad says that's how Scavenger became close to the rest of the Autobots, and even Carlos ''"eventually"'' learned to trust him. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos gives the narration, saying that's how Scavenger became the most trusted and most powerful member of the team.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Alexis and Rad muse on how, despite things going back to normal, they'll never get used to Scavenger's snoring before Carlos says it'd be more dangerous if Scavenger didn't catch some Zs and fell asleep on the job. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis says Scavenger is the same as ever, and Rad says it's okay since Scavenger puts all of his efforts into combat. Then Carlos says Scavenger also needs energy for his midday naps.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*After Rad takes the milk from Carlos, Carlos says, "Hey!" but his lips still move. Carlos says something else in the Japanese dub, but Rad talks over him, so he's faintly heard.<br />
*When Rad looks distracted, Alexis asks him, "Hey, what is ''that'', Rad?" even though he hasn't mentioned the strange noise yet. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes it so that Alexis asks Rad if something is wrong instead.<br />
*During the scene of Hot Shot and the kids watching the snoring Scavenger, Hot Shot's visor is miscolored white and blue.<br />
*Sideways is missing his Decepticon symbol.<br />
*Sideways's head is miscolored like his Autobot head after Megatron throws his shoulder thread panel at Starscream.<br />
*In the shot of Optimus and the kids after the alarm sounds, the bottom halves of Optimus's legs are a few inches off to the side, and they seem to be of low-quality animation.<br />
*Several scenes show Smokescreen's hook line miscolored orange like his chest.<br />
*When Megatron seems to have Optimus trapped, the laughing that's heard sounds like it is coming from Prime. It's fixed to be Megatron in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Shortly before warping away, Megatron mentions Optimus's treason when the context suggests that he means Scavenger. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron doesn't speak about Scavenger and curses Optimus for blasting him instead.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*The kids have gotten a bigger fridge since "[[Overmatch]]," and it's no longer full of tools.<br />
*Hot Shot has been training with Scavenger for a week, meaning about a week has passed since [[Conspiracy|the last episode]].<br />
*Back in "Overmatch," none of the Decepticons had heard of Scavenger before. This episode clarifies that he was initially a Decepticon long ago until he changed sides. Given how much older and wiser Scavenger is compared to the current Decepticon lineup, it's clear that he was a Decepticon long before they enrolled or, quite possibly, before they were created. Being an ex-Decepticon also partially explains his firm and imposing persona.<br />
*It's unclear whether Scavenger ''was'' ever a mercenary or if that was just a cover during his infiltration into the Decepticon ranks. Megatron ''did'' hire him, so he has at least one credited job. Megatron doesn't refer to Scavenger as a mercenary in the Japanese dub of "Overmatch" and only says he summoned Scavenger as a reinforcement.<br />
**Since the younger Autobots, Hot Shot and Smokescreen, never heard of him, it's evident that he left the Autobots at some point but what he did during that time remains unknown.<br />
*The last time Megatron threatened to send an Autobot to the [[Pit (BW)|Pit]] in ''Legends of the Microns'' was in "[[Swoop (episode)|Swoop]]." This episode marks the second time he says the expression in the Japanese dub, but the third time the series uses it.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Optimus disengages from his [[Super Mode]] and launches his lower torso section at Megatron as a distraction.<br />
**Sideways is strong enough to pull Megatron out of the hole using chains in motorcycle mode. Seriously, what is [[Unicron]] feeding you?<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Cyclonus Powerlinx with Drill Bit for the only time in robot mode. Drill Bit connects to his right arm so Cyclonus can use the drill.<br />
***Drill Bit remains on his right arm when he transforms into helicopter mode.<br />
**Scavenger Powerlinx with Rollbar for the first time in the cartoon, activating his "Dozer Cannon."<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
[[File:Trust-Revenge.jpg|thumb|[[Frank Welker|I'll get you, Gadget!]]]]<br />
*Alexis mentions Hot Shot needing to pass a test, but we never see anything come from it in this or any future episodes. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the test detail, and the kids only discuss Hot Shot's training with Scavenger, so it's a non-issue.<br />
*Where are Billy and Fred? They're MIA for the second time on the show without reason after "Overmatch."<br />
*While Crumplezone is Cyclonus's regular Mini-Con partner, he Powerlinx with Drill Bit in this case but still calls out Crumplezone's name. Cyclonus is the only ''Armada'' toy with a "gear-gimmick" that lets him take full advantage of Drill Bit's drill mechanism, but not in the fashion Cyclonus wears Drill Bit in this episode. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Cyclonus uses the correct name when referring to Drill Bit.<br />
*The Autobots again seem confused about the [[Lunar Base (Armada)|Lunar Base]]'s location, though Hot Shot was ''there'' [[Credulous|two episodes ago]]. The Japanese dub doesn't have this discrepancy.<br />
*Optimus can somehow block the Star Saber with his arms.<br />
*Smokescreen says, "Hey! Who is that?" as Scavenger rushes to save Optimus when it's already apparent. He correctly exclaims "What?" in the Japanese dub instead.<br />
*So, uh... the Mini-Con that caused this entire battle in the first place? It's never shown, and subsequent episodes never show any new Mini-Cons among the Autobots. Guess this means they didn't find one? Who knows. It's not an issue in ''Legends of the Microns'' since the Decepticons seemingly cause the alarm, prompting the Autobots to go out and face them. Optimus tells Red Alert to "confirm the coordinates," and neither Prime nor Scavenger ever mention any new Mini-Con.<br />
*Why does Rad give the ending monologue since Carlos gave the opening one, and he's the one out of the kids with the most explicit trust issues toward Scavenger? In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos provides the final narration to close out his subplot.<br />
<br />
===Transformers references===<br />
*During the flashbacks, Optimus uses a gun similar in design to [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s.<br />
*Similarly, Scavenger uses a gun resembling that of Generation 1 [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]'s.<br />
**Scavenger's name in ''Legends of the Microns'' is '''Devastor''', the same name used for Generation 1 Devastator in Japan. Fittingly, his colors also resemble the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s.<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*While preventing Hot Shot from helping Optimus in ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream says, "You shall not pass!"; a reference to Gandalf in ''{{w|The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring}}''.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*The kanji 戦友 would be pronounced as "''sen'yū''," while "''kizuna''" is used for the kanji 絆.<br />
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' reveals a few things:<br />
**Series director [[Hidehito Ueda]] added the dialogue between Optimus and Megatron at the beginning of the fight as Ueda often used dialogue from {{w|Rōkyoku|naniwabushi}} and period-dramas in his work.<br />
**The explanation behind Scavenger's actions is one of the most significant changes between the show's English and Japanese versions. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Scavenger joins the Autobots after sensing Optimus and Hot Shot's passion and fulfilling his duty to the Decepticons; Scavenger tells this to Hot Shot in the Japanese dub of "[[Remorse]]." Optimus and Red Alert call Scavenger someone who does his best regardless of which side he's on and "the furthest thing from a spy." However, ''Armada'' goes the opposite route and makes it that Scavenger acted as a spy under Optimus's orders. The difference came from the diverse mentalities between Japan and the U.S.; ''Armada'' uses a more simplistic understanding of friend and foe and the concept of warfare that's "more comfortable for American viewers."<br />
*This episode is the second time Carlos gives narration in the Japanese dub; the last time was in "[[Palace]]."<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Az új szövetséges'''" ("The New Ally")<br />
<br />
'''Polish'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Zaufanie'''" ("Trust")<br />
<br />
'''French'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Une affaire de confiance'''" ("A Matter of Trust")<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''사이버트론의 우정'''" ("Cybertron's Friendship")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Confiança'''" ("Trust")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 5 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Flashbacks ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One (Rhino Entertainment)<br><br />
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Le combat recommence... ([[TFou Vidéo]]) — French audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Metamorphosis_(Armada)&diff=1580202Metamorphosis (Armada)2021-12-29T02:58:24Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig2|the episode of ''Armada''|the ''Cloud'' story|Metamorphosis (Cloud)}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=2<br />
|prev=First Encounter<br />
|next=Base<br />
|title="Metamorphosis"<br />
|furigana=へんしん<br />
|japanese=擬態<!--metamorphosis--><br />
|romaji=Henshin<br />
|translation=Mimicry: Metamorphosis<br />
|image=Metamorphcontact.JPG<br />
|caption=Grindor phone home<br />
|production code=TF: A-02<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]<br />
|director=[[Takashi Sano]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[August 23]], [[2002]] (English)<br>[[January 17|17 January]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Pursued by the Decepticons, Rad, Carlos, and Alexis find they have allies in the form of Optimus Prime and his Autobots.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Metamorphdeceps.JPG|left|155px|thumb|"Hello, you brats! Welcome to first contact!"<br>"Aw, but I liked "Generations" more..."]]<br />
[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] find that a cave-in has trapped them both underground. Above ground, the fight between [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] continues. [[Rad White|Rad]], [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], and [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] attempt to flee with their new [[Mini-Con]] friend, only to be cut off by two new robots teleporting in: [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]]. As Demolishor reaches for Rad and Carlos, two more robots appear, and the youngsters get surrounded. Alexis begins to lead her friends away, but Starscream spots [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] and moves to grab the Mini-Con. However, [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] blocks him, and the pair grapples. <br />
<br />
Alexis has enough time to spy the Autobot sigil on Hot Shot's shoulder before Rad announces they're heading for the caves. Before Demolishor can make a move to stop them, he's tackled by [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] and repeatedly pummeled so that his optical sensor is damaged. Megatron scornfully calls him "a weakling," but he is knocked down to the ground by Optimus Prime a moment later. Optimus demands that they surrender, but Megatron suddenly disappears, promising that he will return. The other two Decepticons quickly retreat via teleport, leaving three surprised Autobots. Optimus tells his troops they have to stop Megatron from getting hold of the Mini-Cons. Hot Shot points out the Decepticons are using short-[[Warp gate|warp]] equipment and must have a base nearby, which leads to Red Alert suspecting they're on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]].<br />
<br />
[[File:Metamorphdeceps2.JPG|155px|thumb|"I wasn't sleeping! I was just, errr... resting my eyes! Yeah, that's it."]]<br />
The Decepticons are indeed using the crashed Mini-Con spaceship as a base. The three Decepticons arrive there, waking [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]], who is taking a nap in a hallway. The latter immediately begins fawning over Megatron and is ignored. His inquiry over whether they found the Mini-Cons gets met with glares, and Starscream suggests Megatron could put him in charge of finding them. Megatron agrees but makes the price of failure clear.<br />
<br />
Back in the caves, Rad thinks they're safe, but Alexis is sure the giant robots will come after them, or, more specifically, High Wire. None of the kids can understand High Wire's speech, but they follow the Mini-Con into another chamber, and a door slowly slides closed behind them. Rad and Carlos assure Alexis this is a good thing. The lights come up, and the trio realizes they're standing on the threshold of a spaceship. Rad accesses the ship's computer, letting the kids learn about Megatron and Optimus Prime. Alexis recognizes the Autobot symbol from earlier.<br />
<br />
On the Moon, Megatron stands outside the ship musing over how he will find the Mini-Cons and spies a glint of light on the Moon's surface.<br />
<br />
High Wire goes nuts, much to the confusion of the three children. He opens a wall panel, revealing two [[Mini-Con storage panel]]s, which Alexis and Carlos activate. The panels unveil an [[Sureshock (Armada)|orange she-Mini-Con]] and a [[Grindor (Armada)|blue Mini-Con]], who pair up with Alexis and Carlos, respectively.<br />
<br />
[[File:Metamorphleader1.JPG|left|155px|thumb|Twinkle, twinkle, little star!]]<br />
On the Moon, Megatron has found another storage panel, which he activates to reveal his old Mini-Con [[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]], filling Megatron with evil glee.<br />
<br />
Fred and Billy finally manage to free themselves from the cave, only to panic upon seeing a giant footprint. Underground, Carlos and Alexis let the Mini-Cons scan their skateboard and scooter for alternate modes.<br />
<br />
Back on the Moon, Megatron demands to know why Cyclonus couldn't detect a Mini-Con right under his nose. Cyclonus can offer no excuse, and Starscream's chuckle only enrages the Decepticon leader further. Megatron tells them to witness the power of his Mini-Con, prompting Leader-1 to show his firepower. The two Decepticons are frightened and astonished. Demolishor arrives to report with the news that two more Mini-Cons activated on Earth. Megatron puts Cyclonus in charge of the recovery team and gives his troops new [[Alternate mode|alt-modes]] based on Earth vehicles. Starscream transforms into a supersonic fighter jet; Demolishor can become a self-propelled gun; Cyclonus looks like a military helicopter, and Megatron himself transforms into a tank. They return to Earth. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the three kids have a good time with their new Mini-Con friends; they race on them through a forest, across water, and up a cliff before unexpectedly running right into Megatron and his troops. They try to escape, but the Decepticons surround them, as does Megatron's triumphant laughter. It seems to Rad that they're done for... until a big red-and-blue truck rams Megatron into a rock. Cyclonus and Starscream are so astonished that they remain poised in mid-air instead of doing anything. The truck pulls up by the three kids and asks them to get in; Alexis obliges after recognizing the Autobot symbol on its side. Rad and Carlos are more hesitant until Demolishor looms up behind them. The Decepticon attempts to stop the truck from leaving but gets shot repeatedly in the face and run over. Then a yellow sports car promptly rams him when trying to pursue.<br />
<br />
[[File:Metamorphsuperop.JPG|155px|thumb|"Do you feel your knees trembling? No? You '''will'''."]]<br />
Safely out of danger, the truck lets them out and transforms into robot mode — it's Optimus Prime, naturally. Likewise, Hot Shot and Red Alert appear in vehicle mode and transform into robots. The kids observe the oncoming Decepticon forces, and Optimus combines with his trailer to enter [[Super Mode]]. Rad reflects that the Autobots might need his help while on Earth, and the Autobots and Decepticons prepare to battle.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
({{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (4)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (11)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (12)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (3)<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (9)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (10)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (13)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (1)<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (2)<br />
*[[Rad White]] (5)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (6)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (7)<br />
*Truck driver (17)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (8)<br />
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (14)<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (15)<br />
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (16)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"What a weakling."<br />
:—'''Megatron''' is not impressed at Demolishor being taken down by Red Alert.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Hot Shot:''' They're using short-warp equipment, so they must have a base set up somewhere near here.<br><br />
'''Red Alert:''' ''(looking at the Moon)'' They're up there.<br />
:—200,000 miles is "near"?<br />
<br />
<br />
"You had better not. If you do, I'll have you dismantled for scrap. Then I'll launch what's left of you straight into the sun, understand?"<br />
:—'''Megatron''' on what will happen if Cyclonus fails.<br />
<br />
<br />
"So he really is from outer space! I bet he came from some distant galaxy a long time ago to escape those big robots. Maybe they use small robots like him to increase their power or something. His ship must have crash-landed on Earth, and now they've tracked him down."<br><br />
"Wow, you think so?"<br><br />
"That's the only reason I can think of why those big robots would come after him."<br />
:—'''Rad''' comes up with the most far-fetched, unbelievable explanation ever. '''Alexis''' is impressed.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Hey, guess what? He understands me! He does, he really does!"<br><br />
"Are you sure? This one's not reacting to anything I say. Aw, his batteries must be low. Maybe he needs to be recharged or something."<br />
:—'''Alexis''' and '''Carlos''' on meeting their Mini-Cons.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Shut your mouth, you worthless piece of junk!"<br />
:—'''Megatron''' on Cyclonus' failure.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Megatron! Uh... sir? What happened in here?"<br />
:—'''Demolishor''' is surprised at Leader-1's redecorating.<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus and Megaton's face-off scene is silent until Rad's narration, where he says, "Now in retrospect...This is what started everything." In ''Armada'', Rad recaps Megatron and Optimus appearing at the previous episode's end, mentioning that they're "bitter enemies from an ancient time" and how unbeknownst to him and his friends, they'd have an essential role in the Transformers' battle. The track "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Let's Roll Out, Cybertrons!]]" plays during this scene in the Japanese dub, but ''Armada'' plays the Transformers theme.<br />
*Billy asks what's happening outside, thinking there's another earthquake. After Fred starts crying, he tells him to stop since he doesn't want Rad and the others to hear him. ''Armada'' has Billy resign himself and Fred to their fate of being trapped in the cave, and he tells the crying Fred to get a grip.<br />
*In ''Armada'', when the kids and High Wire get surrounded, Carlos says they're in the middle of a showdown but says trying to run is useless in ''Legends of the Microns''. After Hot Shot saves Alexis and High Wire from Starscream, Rad asks if Alexis is alright before saying they should return to the cave.<br />
*''Armada'' has Red Alert express concern for Optimus after the fight. But as is often the case with Autobots in Japanese fiction, they're all business in ''Legends of the Microns''; Prime immediately talks about short-range warp equipment, and Hot Shot notes the Decepticons being unable to build a warp device in such short time. The brief extension made to the conversation in ''Armada'' means Hot Shot gets the equipment line instead.<br />
*The Decepticons' discussion in the Mini-Con ship is entirely different between the two versions: In ''Armada'', Megatron wants to know if Starscream had any luck finding Mini-Cons by scanning the planet. Starscream suggests that Cyclonus would do a better job, prompting the crazy 'copter to take up the task reluctantly. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the exchange is about how Cyclonus fell asleep instead of searching the ship for Mini-Cons. Megatron tells him to get back to work but is ''far'' less threatening about it than in ''Armada'' since the Autobots don't know about the ship yet, and they can afford to take their time as they set it up as their base. The Japanese dub has Starscream telling Cyclonus to wipe some drool off his face and adds a sniffling sound when Cyclonus wipes his face.<br />
*Once they take cover in the caves, the kids worry about the Transformers coming after them in ''Armada'' but want to tell people about them in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then, rather than ask High Wire if the Transformers are after him as she does in ''Armada'', Alexis decides against telling anyone about the Transformers since people would take High Wire away and asks him if "Mini-Con" is his real name. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad translates that High Wire is a Mini-Con and that he leads Rad, Alexis, and Carlos into an elevator in the Mini-Con ship. When Alexis questions why only Rad can understand High Wire, Carlos says that it's maybe because Rad's the one who found High Wire.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad claims High Wire said he and other Mini-Cons escaped from Cybertron four million years ago, and most of the flashback scene is silent. Then Alexis asks Rad if the Mini-Cons left Cybertron to escape war, and Rad tells her High Wire said Cybertron is far from Earth. The kids only learn Megatron and Optimus's names and that Megatron is a villain, and High Wire says they can trust Prime to protect them. They don't discover the Transformers' factions until [[Base|the next episode]].<br />
*As he looks at the Earth, Megatron doesn't vow to find the Mini-Cons in ''Legends of the Microns''; he's cursing Optimus for going there. ''Armada'' Megatron is relatively calm and collected.<br />
*When High Wire goes crazy, Rad translates him as saying he has friends on the ship, and Alexis asks, "Who's calling?" as she and Carlos react to Sureshock and Grindor, making their link with the Mini-Cons more explicit than in ''Armada''.<br />
*When Billy and Fred exit the cave, Billy's "giant footprint" line is absent; he asks what it is instead.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Megatron recognizes Leader-1 when he emerges from his panel, saying that he was formerly his partner in the past. It's less clear in ''Legends of the Microns''; he seems to recognize the Mini-Con, but later episodes imply the Decepticons also make up names for the Mini-Cons when they free them. However, the later episode, "[[Prehistory]]," would confirm Leader-1 was indeed partners with Megatron in the past and that it wasn't an ''Armada'' addition.<br />
*While the kids merely whoop about how awesome their Mini-Cons are in ''Armada'', in ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos shows Grindor his skateboard, already knowing the Mini-Cons can transform. Then Alexis tells Sureshock to scan her razor scooter and expresses distress over Sureshock's alternate mode, presumably referencing that she's turned into a moped instead.<br />
*After Megatron scolds Cyclonus for failing to find Leader-1 and Leader-1 beeps in seeming agreement, Cyclonus tries asking what the Mini-Con has just said. Most of Megatron's ensuing tirade involves demanding that Cyclonus refer to Leader-1 with the Japanese suffix "sama" to respect his leader's Mini-Con. After Cyclonus asks his question again with the appropriate suffix, Megatron admits he doesn't know what Leader-1 said because he can't understand the Mini-Con either, prompting Starscream's chuckle. ''Armada'' drops all of this, making the scene an extended run of generic threats and insults from Megatron as Cyclonus grovels and makes excuses, making it seem like Starscream is snickering at his teammate's plight.<br />
*Instead of claiming a demo of Leader-1's power will inspire them to work harder, Megatron says they will operate as planned, although he can't understand Leader-1's speech yet. He later asks Cyclonus if he's ready rather than stating the latter is leading their recovery team.<br />
*In ''Armada'', while looking at the Decepticons' new vehicle modes, Demolisher wonders what Megatron has done, and he claims to have "modified" their alt-modes. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes the dialogue to have Demolisher impressed by the designs instead. Then Megatron says they will scan the vehicles since they're "the strongest military weaponry." Megatron doesn't mention the Mini-Cons increasing their strength in this scene.<br />
*''Armada'' adds Optimus's lines to the otherwise silent scene in ''Legends of the Microns'', where he scans the semi-truck that becomes his vehicle form.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' changes the children's dialogue during their Mini-Cons' "test drive": Alexis tells Sureshock to go faster. Then Carlos reminds Rad of his previous comment about Alexis not being an excitable type, and Rad says that Alexis is only scary when she focuses on becoming president. After this, Alexis points out the forest ahead.<br />
*When the kids run into Megatron, Carlos and Rad begin screaming during Alexis's close-up in ''Armada'', but the kids all scream after the scene cuts to them and Megatron in the Japanese dub. After landing, Rad says Megatron's name and notes the latter's tank mode after he transforms.<br />
*When Optimus shoots Demolishor in the face while in truck mode, the sound effect is different between versions. In ''Armada'', the missile pod firing sounds like lasers, while it sounds like a real-life gun in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*After Optimus transforms, Rad recognizes him and says his name. Red Alert doesn't have his sirens blaring when he arrives. After Optimus enters Super Mode, he doesn't address High Wire by name and instead says the Autobots will protect them (possibly referring to both the Mini-Cons and kids). ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the transformation noise.<br />
*Rad's closing narration is about how the kids were excited as the Autobots surrounded them rather than scared. ''Armada'' takes a lighthearted approach as Rad says he's ready to return the favor and help the Autobots after they save the kids again.<br />
*Red Alert tells Hot Shot not to get scared on him, to which Hot Shot asks if old-timer Red Alert's lower back is alright.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*The kids are missing from the previous episode's closing shot of Megatron and Optimus during the opening.<br />
*The whites of Carlos's eyes appear multiple times throughout the episode.<br />
*Megatron and Alexis refer to Mini-Cons as plural, although High Wire is the only one seen at that point. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes it to the singular form.<br />
*When the Autobots and Decepticons surround the kids early on, Alexis says, "Come on, follow me," but High Wire is the only one who responds and follows. ''Legends of the Microns'' explains this with Alexis specifically referring to High Wire.<br />
*When he, Megatron, and Demolishor materialize in the warp gate, Starscream's head is miscolored red.<br />
*When Megatron allows Cyclonus to try finding the Mini-Cons' location and threatens him with what will happen should he fail, Megatron's mouth stays shut the entire time he speaks.<br />
*After Megatron threatens him, Cyclonus's hand changes color from its standard dark gray to the same yellow as his forearms and hips. The top half of his chest changes to dark gray like the lower half when he wipes his face.<br />
*The close-ups of Hot Shot and Prime's Autobot symbols look very pixelated.<br />
*When looking at Optimus's hologram in the Mini-Con ship, Alexis looks angry despite saying that he tried to help High Wire and the kids. ''Legends of the Microns'' explains that Alexis assumes Optimus is a baddie like Megatron before Rad translates for High Wire and corrects her, saying that Prime is on their side.<br />
*Grindor immediately appears in his alternate colors after scanning Carlos's skateboard.<br />
*When Megatron turns after the kids fly past him, the colors of his eye and its surrounding area are reversed, with his eye appearing black and around it is red.<br />
*Megatron's first on-screen transformation includes different animation hiccups: The animation of his arms folding into his shoulders is layered incorrectly; The arms appear to fold on top of his shoulders rather than inside them; Then as his animation model then moves his upper half outside the camera, his lower body is placed too low in the frame, showing that it's not attached to anything; lastly when his legs fold up, his crotch disappears for one frame.<br />
**For some reason, David Kaye says, "Transform! ''Vehicle mode''!" even though the second part of the line is pointless. Megatron only says, "Transform!" in the Japanese dub.<br />
*After Rad sees the rest of the Decepticons transform, he jumps the gun and says the kids are surrounded moments before it happens. This mistake is fixed in ''Legends of the Microns'' as Rad exclaims in shock at the sight of the Decepticons transforming, and he says, "We're surrounded!" at the proper time.<br />
*As the Decepticons surround the kids, Grindor is colored as all blue, missing his yellow markings.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus's truck horn isn't heard before rams into Megatron.<br />
*During the shot of Carlos, Grindor, Rad, and High Wire comically running towards the screen, Carlos's mouth doesn't move when he says, "Run for it!" The boys only scream like maniacs in the Japanese dub.<br />
**In the same shot, High Wire's two bottom tires are miscolored.<br />
*Grindor and Sureshock are off-model when exiting Prime's cab.<br />
*Optimus's faceplate is briefly miscolored yellow during his Super Mode [[Stock footage|transformation sequence]]. This mistake will occur throughout the series.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*Grindor and Sureshock debut in this episode and gain their alt-modes, rounding out the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]].<br />
*Cyclonus, Starscream, Demolishor, Red Alert, and Hot Shot debut in their Cybertronian and alternate Earth modes.<br />
*Megatron and Optimus Prime gain their alt modes.<br />
*Starscream reaches for Alexis and High Wire when he tries to grab the Mini-Con and appears beside Alexis when the Decepticons surround the kids and their Mini-Cons. These moments can come across as nothing but might foreshadow what happens between the girl and Decepticon in future episodes.<br />
*The Decepticons warp to their base for the first time.<br />
*The Decepticon [[Lunar Base (Armada)|Lunar Base]] debuts in this episode.<br />
*This episode marks the beginning of the running gag of Cyclonus falling asleep, especially at inconvenient times on the job.<br />
*Megatron reunites with his old partner Mini-Con, Leader-1.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Alexis refers to the female Sureshock as male. Then again, she doesn't indicate understanding anything Sureshock says either, so it's not surprising she has no indication.<br />
*The so-called "giant footprint" that Fred and Billy find is the imprint of Megatron's back from when Optimus pins him down.<br />
*After activating Leader-1, Megatron states that Leader-1 is his old Mini-Con partner. Optimus Prime says something similar upon activating Sparkplug in the episode "[[Comrade]]."<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**When Starscream first appears, he shows an ability akin to heat vision to detect Mini-Cons amongst humans on the battlefield, accompanied by retracting eyelids. After obtaining his new Earth alt-mode, he never shows this skill again for the rest of the series.<br />
**This episode is the last time Mini-Cons awaken in their Cybertronian forms and scan Earth-based alternate modes. The ones that transform into minimized Earth vehicles have those modes applied upon awakening in future episodes.<br />
**High Wire, Sureshock, and Grindor can cross water in their alt-modes in this episode; however, we never see them do this again.<br />
**Sureshock and Grindor establish a psychic link through touching fingers with Carlos and Alexis; this allows them to understand the Mini-Con binary language, a supposedly present feature among all Mini-Cons.<br />
***However, ''Armada'' doesn't explore this ''nearly'' as well as ''Legends of the Microns'' or the ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'' comics (See below for a more in-depth explanation).<br />
**Megatron shows off his ability to ''forcefully'' activate Mini-Con panels by firing an energy beam from his antlers for the first time.<br />
***In later ''Legends of the Microns'' episodes, this supposedly has the same effect as the Mini-Cons scanning their [[Bulk]]'s image.<br />
**Much like the Mini-Cons, Optimus Prime shows off the ability to scan an alternate form without the aid of a ship computer or a [[stasis pod]].<br />
**Leader-1's chest panel with his Mini-Con insignia can flip around to reveal some energy weapon capable of firing fairly powerful beams. This ability is used quite frequently throughout the series.<br />
**Optimus Prime deploys his missile pod from his trailer for the first time while trying to remove Demolishor's grip from his grill.<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Optimus combines with his trailer to enter [[Super Mode]] for the first time.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*Rad notes that Megatron and Optimus are "bitter enemies from an ancient time" in his opening narration, but he can't possibly know that at that point unless he's psychic.<br />
*Red Alert immediately figures the Decepticon base is on the Moon; this is a ''huge'' continuity error since the Autobots' lack of knowledge about the villains' base location factors into the plot on several occasions later. It's not an issue in ''Legends of the Microns'' since our heroes don't know where the Decepticons have gone.<br />
*The reason Cyclonus doesn't appear with the other Decepticons on Earth in the opening fight is unexplained. According to the Japanese dub, he was tasked to search the ship for Mini-Cons but fell asleep instead.<br />
*Like in the previous episode's Japanese version, Rad can consistently translate for High Wire, while in ''Armada'', he can't since the English dub is anything ''but'' consistent. Maybe it's just padding, but though he initially speaks for High Wire, Rad starts guessing stuff, making massive leaps of logic, and reading from another source, including the Mini-Cons' history, who the Autobots and Decepticons are, and why they want the Mini-Cons. This continuity error extends to the other kids too. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis is surprised at understanding Sureshock, but in ''Armada'', she's amazed at ''Sureshock's'' ability to understand ''her''. Meanwhile, Carlos complains that Grindor is ''not'' reacting to ''him'' in ''Armada'', while in ''Legends of the Microns'', he repeats what Grindor just told him: the Mini-Cons have been waiting four million years for the kids to arrive. This cryptic remark sets up a vital plot element that's explained near the end of the series.<br />
*Megatron claims to have "altered" the Decepticons' vehicle modes though Optimus scanning his truck form afterward renders this detail pointless. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects it to Megatron telling the others that they'll scan Earth military vehicles for their new alt-modes.<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*Leader-1 is named after [[Leader-1 (GoBots)|Leader-1]], leader of the [[Guardian (GoBots)|Guardians]] from the [[GoBots|''GoBots'' cartoon and toyline]].<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*The kanji 擬態 would usually be pronounced as "''gitai''," while "''henshin''" is the kanji 変身.<br />
*Pre-Earth mode Optimus stands on a ledge above as a truck passes below. When he's finished scanning, the truck passes by, and we cut back to Optimus, already in his truck alt-mode. [[Transformers (film)|You will see this again.]]<br />
*Demolisher's eye [[Humanization#Crying|tears up]] a little bit in a true anime-like fashion as he struggles to hold back truck-mode Optimus.<br />
*This episode is the first one after "First Encounter" without the [[title sequence]].<br />
**However, it's the first to have it in the Japanese dub before the opening song.<br />
*According to ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'', the truck driver is reportedly an aged-up version of Billy's model.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Transformation!'''" ("Transformation!")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 2|2 December]] [[2003]]<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Átalakulás'''" ("Transformation")<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Polish'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Przemiana'''" ("Metamorphosis")<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Metamorfose'''" ("Metamorphosis")<br />
<br />
<br />
'''French'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Métamorphoses'''" ("Metamorphoses")<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''변신하는 초로봇 생명체'''" ("Transforming First Robots Living Beings")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 1 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:01 ([[Universal]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Best Battles ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One (Rhino Entertainment)<br><br />
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume 1 ([[TFou Vidéo]]) — French audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Triple Collection (Universal)<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Bumper Double DVD Collection (Universal)<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One (Shout! Factory)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=First_Encounter&diff=1579888First Encounter2021-12-27T18:06:36Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig2|the ''Armada'' cartoon episode|the ''Armada'' comic story|First Encounter!}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=1<br />
|prev=<br />
|next=Metamorphosis (Armada)<br />
|title="First Encounter"<br />
|furigana=であい<br />
|japanese=遭遇<br />
|romaji=Deai<br />
|translation=Encounter<br />
|image=FirstEncounter_Prime.jpg<br />
|caption=Just look at that thousand light-year stare.<br />
|production code=TF: A-01<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]<br />
|director=[[Hidehito Ueda]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[August 23]], [[2002]] (English)<br>[[January 10|10 January]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Three ordinary children find themselves faced with robotic visitors from another world and an extraterrestrial war on their own planet.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Firstenccybertron.JPG|left|155px|thumb|Cybertronian architecture was greatly influenced by the Inebriation Movement.]]<br />
''Eons ago, the Transformers were sent out as explorers by a "[[Primus|unique digital entity]]." One of the first planets they inhabited was [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. But the Transformers warred with one another over tiny robots named [[Mini-Con]]s, used as tools to boost power. Eventually, an internal protocol awakened the Mini-Cons, and they joined forces to resist domination by either [[Autobot]]s or [[Decepticon]]s. After a long war, the Autobots and Decepticons called a truce. A [[Exodus (Armada)|craft]] was constructed for the Mini-Cons and blasted into space to stop them from being used in another war. It traveled for millions of years until it collided with a [[Moon (moon)| Moon]]; damaged, it crashed to the surface of [[Earth|the Moon's parent planet]]. The Mini-Cons lay dormant for millions of years as the planet's terrain shifted and changed around them...''<br />
<br />
In the present day, a boy named [[Rad White|Rad]] narrates, introducing himself and his friend [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]]. They race to school (Rad wins) and meet a schoolmate named [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]]. Rad asks her if she wants to come with them to explore a cave, but she rejects him. They then meet and argue with two boys named [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]]. They then head to class for the day. So far, an ordinary day. <br />
<br />
[[File:Firstenclight.JPG|left|155px|thumb|"Darn it, Rad. Your nightlight is ''way'' too bright!"]] <br />
After school, Rad and Carlos race up the mountain to the cave. Billy and Fred follow them using a locator stuck to Rad's bike. The boys head into the cave, using a rope and a trail of rocks to mark their path. Billy and Fred follow them at a distance and accidentally destroy part of the rock trail; soon, they become lost after being scared by some bats. While advancing deep into the cave, Carlos treads on a stone plate by accident. It begins to slide downwards, with the boys rapidly riding on top. At the bottom, the boys find themselves in a strange artificial building of an unknown purpose. There they discover a glowing green stone, in reality, a [[Mini-Con storage panel]], and Rad picks it up, activating a beacon that causes an earthquake.<br />
<br />
[[File:Firstenccybertron2.JPG|155px|thumb|"When you wish upon a staaaaaar... makes no difference who you aaaaaaare..."<Br>"Strafe, those are LASERS."<br>"Oh."]]<br />
Alexis notices the earthquake and heads off to investigate the cave. The beacon disables the Space Research Center's computers. The beacon then fires out of the cave in three parts, one red, one purple, and one green. The green portion activates the Moon's spaceship wreckage, causing Mini-Con panels across the Earth to activate. The other two parts alert the Autobots and Decepticons on Cybertron to the location of the Mini-Cons. The best warriors of the opposing sides teleport to Earth to seek the Mini-Cons.<br />
<br />
[[File:Firstencmegs.JPG|left|155px|thumb|Hey you! The worst of your nightmares is coming!]]<br />
Back on Earth, the earthquake is over. Rad and Carlos exit the cave safe and sound. Suddenly, they see a strange purple halo in the sky. Then the warp gate opens with a gigantic robot inside: [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. At this moment, Alexis shows up and tells the boys not to panic, but it is too hard for them. When Megatron moves towards Rad, the boy drops the panel; it activates, and [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] emerges. High Wire scans Rad's bike and reformats himself to transform into a bicycle. The three kids ride High Wire to try and escape Megatron, but Megatron flicks a boulder at them, knocking them off the Mini-Con. Megatron blocks their path, claiming High Wire belongs to him and demanding they return High Wire to him or else. But suddenly, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|another giant robot]] teleports in, and the two giants square off in battle.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (9)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (8)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
* [[Rad White]] (1)<br />
* [[Carlos Lopez]] (2)<br />
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (3)<br />
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (4)<br />
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (5)<br />
* Homeroom teacher (6)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
* [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (7)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"Hey, we were just wondering if you wanted to come with us after school. We're heading up the mountain to scope out this wicked cave we found..."<br><br />
"Sorry guys, but I'm gonna have to take a rain check. I've got a math test, and I told my mom I'd come straight home. So for the last time, the answer's no!"<br />
:—'''Alexis''' uses the old "math test" excuse to blow off '''Rad'''.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Rad''': "Is it just me, or do you get the distinct feeling that Little Miss Stuck-Up dissed us big time?"<br><br />
'''Alexis''': "I hope you realize I heard that Rad!"<br><br />
'''Carlos''': "I tell you, man; there's just no winning when it comes to girls, is there?"<br />
:—'''Rad''' and '''Carlos''' learn the eternal truth; women are difficult to comprehend.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Would you hurry up? They've probably gone home already!"<br><br />
"Hey! You don't have to yell at me. I got feelings too, ya know! I-I'm trying my hardest, but no, nothing's ever good enough for you!"<br><br />
"Aw, quit your bellyaching!"<br><br />
"My therapist says I don't have to take this from you because you're not the boss of me! Besides, I'm getting hungry again."<br />
:—'''Billy''' and '''Fred''' arrive at the cave Rad and Carlos are exploring.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Ah, it would have had more fun if I'd brought my sister."<br />
:—'''Billy''' reflects on the company he keeps.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Megatron:''' "You have something of mine."<br><br />
'''Alexis:''' "We have what?"<br><br />
'''Megatron:''' "Give it back ''immediately'', or you shall suffer the consequences."<br><br />
'''Rad:''' "Oh...great."<br><br />
'''Megatron:''' "I have given you your chance, Earthling."<br />
:—Megatron giving chances?! Unthinkable!<br />
<br />
<br />
[[File:FirstEncounter-Round One FIGHT!.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|{{w|Robot Wars (TV series)|Robot Wars}} has ''nothing'' on these two.]]<br />
"''Stand down'', Megatron!"<br />
:—The line that made a room full of fans cheer at [[BotCon 2002]], as '''Optimus Prime''' appears.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*The opening scene narration is ''Armada''-exclusive. Consequently, the Japanese dub doesn't mention the Transformers' origins or the "unique digital entity," and there's no talk of a truce between the Autobots and Decepticons. Instead, we hear a real-time dialogue taking the form of radio chatter, clarifying that we see a battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. The former tries to keep the latter back until the Mini-Cons' ship can warp away to safety. The ''Armada'' narrator also says the Mini-Cons' ship takes millions of years to arrive at Earth, where ''Legends of the Microns'' indicates the journey is immediate.<br />
*The aerial view of Earth's changing topography closing the opening sequence is cut down and sped up in ''Armada''.<br />
*Aside from some laughing and whooping, the scene of Rad and Carlos heading for school is silent in ''Legends of the Microns'', lacking the narration that describes them. Instead, Rad introduces himself to the audience in the later narration about the [[Cosmoscope Research Center]]. Furthermore, the boys racing to school and bumping fists over Rad's victory is the ''Armada'' interpretation of the scene. Their "brofisting" in the Japanese dub is about them finally being ready to do something they reveal later.<br />
*Rad doesn't mention he and Carlos finding a cave when talking to Alexis and instead says they have something interesting planned. Then Alexis says she's too busy to play with the boys and apologizes. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad talks about how Alexis was closer to them and "played in the mud" with them when they were younger, and Carlos says she's now spending all her time studying to become president. ''Armada'' has Rad and Carlos grumbling about being dissed and not understanding girls. Then Alexis calls back to them sarcastically as she walks away; she says nothing in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Billy and Fred spout fairly generic "bully" dialogue in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', they specifically make teasing inquiries about Rad and Carlos's plan, recalling the last time they explored the woods. Billy mentions a landslide by the back of a hill a while ago and says Rad and Carlos will face punishment if they don't have permission to go there. According to Fred, they seemingly get punished frequently but never learn their lesson, prompting Carlos to demand that Fred stop feigning innocence. Throughout the episode, ''Armada'' makes Billy more hostile towards Fred while Fred is far more pathetic and food-obsessed; these exaggerated traits define them for the rest of ''Armada'', while ''Legends of the Microns'' gives them more intelligent moments here and there.<br />
*Rad thinking Alexis likes him but is playing hard to get is ''Armada''-exclusive. Unlike ''Armada'', Rad's introductory narration in ''Legends of the Microns'' actually sets up the episode's plot; he reveals having plans with Carlos that day but, unknown to them, they'd "trigger an outrageous situation." Rad whispering to Alexis and her response are both only faintly heard.<br />
*Instead of asking Rad if he's excited about going up the mountain, Carlos asks if they're ready, and Rad assures him they are, with most of ''Armada'''s filler dialogue between them as they leave removed.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Fred's locator was a gift; in ''Legends of the Microns'', it's called a ''transmitter'' instead, which Fred says he took from his dad without asking. The Japanese dub also removes Fred's "glandular problem" line.<br />
*After entering the cave, Rad asks how deeper it goes before asking Carlos if they have enough rope, to which Carlos replies they do. Carlos's dialogue about the rope is removed, and the later shot of Billy noticing it is also silent.<br />
*When they arrive at the cave, Fred complains about being tired and hungry and wants to go home. He claims it's not in his nature to enjoy exploring and that it's something Billy is better suited at than him. The POV shot of Fred pointing at Rad's bike is silent. Then Billy guesses Rad and Carlos were planning to go spelunking. Fred asks if they should go home, but Billy calls Fred an idiot and says they're going after the others. In ''Armada'', Billy rags on Fred for being a wuss.<br />
*The following scene with Rad and Carlos is primarily silent as Rad's dialogue while making the rock arrow is reduced, so is his subsequent talk with Carlos.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' mentions Rad's love and knowledge of the outdoors more than ''Armada'' as Carlos asks if Rad loves outdoor exploring, and Rad answers yes. After faintly hearing Fred's voice later, Rad tells Carlos it was probably the wind since that's how it makes an echoing sound.<br />
*Fred's childhood phobia of dark places dialogue is now him being afraid of getting lost, leading to Billy reminding him about the rope before seeing it run out. Then Fred insists they turn back, and Billy demands him to stop joking around. While stomping on the rock arrow and ruining it, Billy repeatedly swears and asks where Rad and Carlos went before continuing onward, sounding angrier than he does in ''Armada''. Billy's only source of frustration in the scene in ''Armada'' is Fred's endless whining.<br />
*After hearing Billy and Fred scream, Carlos doubts it's the wind, and Rad agrees with him. Then Carlos wants to turn back to be sure and tells Rad to accompany him.<br />
*Carlos's line about him and Rad opening a hidden shaft leading to the chamber is now him guessing that he lost his Maglite, prompting Rad to bring out the torch. In ''Armada'', the following shot of the boys looking at the ruins fades to black after Rad's line almost instantly. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad's line now has an echo effect, and after the zoom-out, the shot holds for a second before cutting to black instead of fading.<br />
*After the mid-episode [[commercial bumper]], Rad repeats his last line. Then Carlos calls the sight incredible and says it's now like another world in the cave. Instead of calling out to anyone possibly living there, Rad and Carlos decide to explore further, concluding they've found a wrecked spaceship sooner than in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', it's silent from Carlos descending the stairs to Rad finding the Mini-Con panel. The Japanese dub removes Carlos's line about the panel looking radioactive, and Rad asks what it is in a lower and more hesitant tone. The scene of the ruined ship becoming active again is silent.<br />
*Alexis's internal dialogue as she goes to Mount Astrogate is changed to wondering what awakened underneath the mountain.<br />
*Rad and Carlos's dialogue as they escape the cave is more frantic than in ''Armada''. As Megatron appears, Carlos's line about things getting freaky again is removed. Instead of sounding like he's stretching, Megatron roars in the Japanese dub, making his presence known loud and proud.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Alexis babbles a list of instructions about keeping still, so Megatron doesn't spot Rad and Carlos. In ''Legends of the Microns'', she distressingly asks about Megatron and why the boys are at Mount Astrogate since she's merely investigating the earthquake.<br />
*Instead of just agreeing to jump on High Wire as he does in ''Armada'', Carlos wonders ''how'' three people can fit on a bike, with the jump-cut to the kids piled on intended as a comedic moment in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis reacts to High Wire's transformation by saying they should name him "Wheelie," the character's Japanese name. This line would make no sense with High Wire's English name, so ''Armada'' replaces it with Alexis hoping the Mini-Con can outpace Megatron. Then ''Armada'' has Carlos brag that Megatron can't catch them, and Alexis quips about Carlos speaking too soon. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos, agreeing with Alexis on High Wire's name, cheers for the Mini-Con to go faster before shouting that Megatron is after them.<br />
*Megatron dramatically identifies High Wire as a Mini-Con, and the kids are amazed when he speaks. In ''Armada'', he demands they return "something" to him, and that's about it. In ''Armada'', Megatron threatens the kids' lives, but he only commands them to return High Wire to him in the Japanese dub. In ''Armada'', Alexis asks what Megatron is talking about, and Rad later exclaims in frustration. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos speaks instead of Alexis, and Rad questions what Megatron means by "Mini-Con."<br />
*When Optimus appears, ''Armada'' plays the show's [[theme song]] for the rest of the episode, but ''Legends of the Microns'' plays the track "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Charge!]]."<br />
*Both Megatron and Optimus's voices have an added echo effect, making their voices sound disembodied. Just before charging at Optimus, Megatron says, "Why you!"<br />
*In ''Armada'', Rad blames himself for the Transformers coming to Earth in his ending narration; however, he believes that he, Alexis, and Carlos, are all responsible in ''Legends of the Microns''. The English version might be the correct one in this case, but the Japanese version is still debatable.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*In the opening, the narrator uses light-years as a time measurement unit when it's a ''distance'' measurement unit. This mistake periodically reappeared throughout both ''Armada'' and the sequel ''Energon'' series.<br />
*Carlos's eyes have whites in them in some scenes. Sometimes, Rad suffers the opposite problem.<br />
*When Rad and Carlos leave school, Rad's bike tires are initially thick but return to their normal size in the next shot. The bike's tires are thick again when Megatron trashes it.<br />
*After Rad makes the arrow out of rocks and he and Carlos go deeper into the cave, their dialogue is the same pitch as if they didn't move. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes it to lower their voices and adds an echo effect.<br />
*The Mini-Con panel activation sound starts a split-second before Rad touches High Wire's panel.<br />
*When she sees Megatron, Alexis is strangely calm, but her facial expression says otherwise. Megatron equally frightens her in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*High Wire instantly appears in his new colors in the shot after scanning Rad's bike.<br />
*After Megatron notices Optimus, Rad holds High Wire's Mini-Con panel, although High Wire emerged from it two minutes ago.<br />
*In the scene of Optimus grappling with Megatron, Rad is wearing a bike glove though he's been barehanded since arriving at the cave.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*This episode is the homeroom teacher's only appearance in the series.<br />
*Megatron and Optimus debut in their Cybertronian forms.<br />
*High Wire debuts as the first Mini-Con to awaken from stasis in the series; he is also the first Mini-Con to appear in their Cybertronian form and acquire an Earth vehicle mode.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**This episode reveals that the Mini-Cons have built-in scanning systems; [[Metamorphosis (Armada)|future episodes]] will show this is a common feature among ''all'' [[Transformer]]s of this universe.<br />
***Until this point, most ''Transformers'' cartoons showed that individuals couldn't scan alternate forms without the aid of their [[Teletraan I|ship computers]] or [[stasis pod]]s. However, there were [[Nightscream (BM)|some]] [[Skid-Z (RID)|exceptions]].<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*If the Transformers called a truce, why are they fighting as the ''Exodus'' prepares to warp away? It's a non-issue in ''Legends of the Microns'' since it doesn't mention any ceasefire.<br />
*Rad tells Alexis that he ''and'' Carlos found a cave, but it later sounds like Rad is showing it to Carlos for the first time. Rad asks if Carlos is ready to go inside it in the Japanese dub, so it's not an issue.<br />
*Rad introduces himself as if that's his legal name when it isn't. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he introduces himself as Brad (short for Bradley) and clarifies that "Rad" is his nickname.<br />
*He might be joking, but Rad hints that Alexis has feelings for him; however, no romance develops between them in the future. It's not an issue in the Japanese dub since Rad makes no such claim.<br />
*Billy mentions having a sister in this episode but never does so again. He doesn't mention having any siblings in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad's flashlight lacks the lens flare it had when he turned it on, but it returns in a later scene. The lens flare is consistent in ''Armada''.<br />
*When Alexis discovers the earthquake's epicenter is the mountain, she mentions Rad going there but forgets about Carlos. In the Japanese dub, she only says the earthquake's epicenter is beneath the mountain and doesn't mention the boys since she has no prior knowledge they would be there.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' reveals the mountain is called [[Mount Astrogate]], and characters mention it often in the Japanese dub. ''Armada'' completely neglects this detail, so when Alexis says "''the'' Astrogate" in "[[Vow]]," English-speaking viewers don't know what she means, and it's never explained. <br />
*Alexis is strangely unfazed when encountering Megatron, unlike Rad and Carlos. It's a non-issue in ''Legends of the Microns'' since Megatron's appearance also startles Alexis.<br />
*A great precursor of things to come, ''Armada'' seriously doesn't know how to handle the idea of the kids being able to understand their Mini-Cons. Rad understands High Wire's request to jump on in both versions of the show. In response to Alexis's desire to go faster, however, ''Legends of the Microns'' has Rad accurately translate High Wire's response (he's at maximum speed); in contrast, ''Armada'' has him unable to decipher the beeping. It will be near the end of the series before the kids' ability to understand the Mini-Cons gets explained, partially requiring the [[Linkage (comic)|''Linkage'' comic]] for context. The comic reveals Mini-Cons' souls were essentially "split off" from humans in the distant past, so they operate on the same mental wavelength. ''Armada'' never got wise to this, so the kids' ability to understand their partners in the English dub comes and goes regularly. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the kids understand the Mini-Cons consistently throughout the show.<br />
<br />
===Transformers references===<br />
[[File:Hound braver roadking armada generics.jpg|upright=0.9|thumb|First homage.]]<br />
*As an origin for the Transformers, the narrator describes a "unique digital entity" coming into being and sending out a race of living machines to explore the galaxy; Logically, this was meant to refer to [[Primus]], who still hadn't appeared in any cartoons. The typically-warped ''Armada'' dialogue makes it sound like the robots sent out by Primus find and colonize Cybertron. But—as fans would already know, and as the ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' cartoon would reveal—Cybertron itself was Primus's body, which birthed the robots. The idea of the Transformers being colonizers in their early days would—through a likely coincidence—be revisited and reaffirmed in the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' cartoon. Concurrently, [[Ask Vector Prime]] in ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac]]'' explicitly confirmed the digital entity's identity as Primus.<br />
*The Japanese version's opening and ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' reveal the Decepticon ship is their flagship called "The [[Doomsday]]." The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' also revealed the Autobot and Mini-Con ships' names are the ''[[Hyperion (Armada)|Hyperion]]'' and ''[[Exodus (Armada)|Exodus]]'' respectively.<br />
*During Cybertron's scenes, '''many''' Generation 1 character models are used as generic Autobots and Decepticons, including [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Braver]], and [[Road King]]. The series would continue this trend for all scenes with random Transformers set on Cybertron.<br />
*Since the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''Transformers'' cartoon]] itself, this episode marks the first time a ''Transformers'' series used a variation of the original Generation 1 theme music.<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad says Alexis used to "play in the mud" with him and Carlos when they were younger. It's a typical Japanese expression used to explain how friends play together in childhood.<br />
*In the Japanese dub, Rad says he and Carlos brought a "Maglite and torch" before leaving school; Carlos mentions losing his Maglite later in the cave's hidden chamber. {{w|Maglite}} is a flashlight brand.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*Although the {{w|furigana}} is "''deai''," the kanji 遭遇 would usually be pronounced as "''souguu''." In the end, the meaning of "encounter" is still the same. "''Deai''" would be either "出合い" or "出会い."<br />
*Footage from the first few minutes of this episode was compressed into 30 seconds to create the series's first [[title sequence]].<br />
*Billy and Fred debut as recurring guest characters in this episode but later become part of the regular human cast. According to ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'', the ''Armada'' series producers kept meaning to write them out of the show but ultimately never got around to doing it; hence, their staying through to the show's end was wholly accidental. Signs of this unrealized plan possibly remain in the show as Billy and Fred are absent from some episodes without explanation after [[Confrontation (episode)|formally meeting the Autobots]] and [[Swoop (episode)|gaining access to their base]].<br />
*For stuff introduced in the Japanese version:<br />
**This episode is the only one not to include Optimus's narration about the key elements currently happening in the show's story before playing the opening, which makes sense since this is the first episode.<br />
**The show's first title sequence debuts here, infamously spoiling some character arrivals later in the series. During this sequence, the song that plays is "''[[Transformer: Dream Again]]''."<br />
**The end credits have [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] hovering over the Transformers characters who arrived in the show's first nine episodes. Unlike the title sequence, the only thing that changes about this ending is the song that plays, with this episode up to "[[Linkup]]" using "''[[Never Ending Road]]''."<br />
**The following episode preview narration has either Rad, Carlos, or Alexis telling the viewer the next episode's basic premise before ending with the line "Fight, Convoy! TRANSFORM!"<br />
*This episode begins several trends for the English dub:<br />
**This episode's first few minutes are condensed into the show's title sequence from the next episode until episode 40, "[[Remorse]]."<br />
**The end credits use the same images and clips from their respective episodes throughout the series.<br />
**It uses the first commercial bumper featuring Optimus as pointless filler; however, the Japanese dub uses it as the episode title card.<br />
**The commercial bumpers use the wrong music. This error also applies to the [[scene transition]]s, though there are [[Soldier (episode)|rare exceptions]].<br />
**Some scenes use different music than the Japanese dub; ''Armada'' often reuses the ''Transformers'' theme tune countless times as an "insert song."<br />
**The [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] is sometimes included at random times; the Japanese dub removes it for the most part.<br />
**Unlike ''Legends of the Microns'', the Transformers' voice actors have their voices put through a filter to make them sound robotic, a creative decision that carries through to ''Energon'' and ''Cybertron''.<br />
*The Japanese dub's title sequence from episode 1 to 26 shows an unknown Mini-Con named [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] Powerlinxing with Optimus and unlocking a special power punch attack; neither appear during the show's run or any other time in the Unicron Trilogy.<br />
*According to ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'', Billy and Fred's voice actors did the dialogue heard during the Japanese dub's opening scene.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Die grüne Armada'''" ("The Green Armada")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 1]], [[2003]]<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Az első találkozás'''" ("The First Encounter")<br />
<br />
'''Polish'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Pierwsze starcie'''" ("First Clash")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Primeiro Encontro'''" ("First Encounter")<br />
<br />
'''French'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''La découverte'''" ("The discovery")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 13]], [[2003]]<br />
<br />
'''Russian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Pervoe znakomstvo'''" (Первое знакомство, "First Encounter")<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''사이버트론과의 만납'''" ("Meeting Cybertron")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 1 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:01 ([[Universal]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume 1 ([[TFou Vidéo]]) — French audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Triple Collection (Universal)<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Bumper Double DVD Collection (Universal)<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One (Shout! Factory)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Tactician&diff=1579176Tactician2021-12-22T23:50:21Z<p>Starzone: /* Animation and technical errors */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=25<br />
|prev=Chase (episode)<br />
|next=Linkup<br />
|title="Tactician"<br />
|furigana=ちえもの<br />
|japanese=軍師<!--tactician--><br />
|romaji=Chiemono<br />
|translation=Tactician: Wise Person<br />
|image=Arm_ep_25_thrust_sky.jpg<br />
|caption=<br />
|production code=TF: A-25<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]<br />
|englishadaptation=[[Terry Klassen]]<br />
|director=[[Satoru Kusuda]],<br>[[Masayuki Motsumoto]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[January 28]], [[2003]] (UK, English premiere)<br>[[January 30]], 2003 (USA)<br>[[June 27|27 June]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''A new figure emerges, throwing the balance of power among the Decepticons out of whack.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Arm ep25 jetfire in space.JPG|left|thumb]]<br />
A space shuttle is cruising through space when it encounters a bizarre flying object. Unable to hail the thing, the crew braces as it scans their shuttle. The object then flies off, revealing itself to be a look-alike for the said shuttle.<br />
<br />
[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] then tells the other kids about the incident, but no one except [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] appears to take him seriously.<br />
<br />
On the Moon, an invisible figure approaches the Decepticon base. He strolls into the facility, opening a door; inside the room are several [[Mini-Con]]s the being says are locked away. One of them, [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]], bravely walks forward and gets chosen to be this invisible figure's Mini-Con. The rest, trembling earlier, are left in the room when the form leaves them, and the door is closed.<br />
<br />
[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] flies over a battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. The kids ask where [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] is and are relieved to see that he's on the battlefield. Expressly, the kids are relieved that Sideways cannot hack into their system again, and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] informs them that he put a new firewall into place so that another incident can't happen again. <br />
<br />
[[File:Arm ep 25 blurr head dance.JPG|thumb|]]<br />
Laserbeak then spots a Mini-Con crystal embedded in the side of the canyon where the battle is taking place, and so [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] volunteers to retrieve it. [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] orders [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] to intercept, but [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] shoots Cyclonus down. The fight soon degenerates into a brawl, with Megatron forming the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] using the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] as a counter. Overhead, the same invisible figure notes how poorly the Decepticons are fighting and questions why Megatron is only using the Saber at half strength. Scavenger and Laserbeak note that someone else is on the battlefield, but as they've already retrieved the crystal and Megatron has ordered a retreat, they seem to pay it no further heed.<br />
<br />
Back on the Moon, Megatron is about to take the Decepticons to task for their recent failure when Cyclonus and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] start in on each other. Their fight is interrupted by a mysterious voice scrutinizing all of them for their loss. Demolishor sees Inferno in the back of the room and charges towards him, but the invisible figure trips him up. The form continues to criticize the Decepticons and then apologizes to Megatron for his late arrival. The entity then reveals himself to be [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]], who Megatron refers to as his “dear, dear friend” and welcomes him to Earth.<br />
<br />
Later on, a furious Demolishor punches a wall out of anger over his being humiliated. Demolishor expresses his rage towards Thrust, only to have Cyclonus and [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] point out that Thrust is a master of mimicry who has never suffered defeat in combat. Demolishor comments about seeing how good Thrust is by making him go up against the Autobots. Sideways then looks around the room but says that it was nothing when Starscream asks what Sideways is doing. The scene ends with a shot of a cloaked Thrust walking out of the room.<br />
<br />
Back on Earth, [[Rad White|Rad]], Alexis, and [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] cheer over the new arrival—the Mini-Con [[Prowl (Armada)|Prowl]]. The [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] greets Prowl, with [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] volunteering to show him around. [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]], Smokescreen, and [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] celebrate their new victory but soon get into a spat with Red Alert and Smokescreen, who advocate caution. They are interrupted by Optimus, who they tell that nothing is happening.<br />
<br />
On the Moon, Starscream is practicing while Demolishor and Cyclonus watch. They banter a little bit about how Thrust is their new secret weapon, then note that Sideways has gone missing again; it's speculated that he may be taking a nap. Instead, Sideways drives off in motorcycle mode while Thrust watches.<br />
<br />
[[File:Arm ep25 megs and thrust.JPG|left|thumb]]<br />
Thrust is then seen in Megatron's throne room, discussing matters with Megatron. Thrust notes that Starscream is suited for second-in-command status but is otherwise not impressed with Megatron's soldiers. Thrust offers to go into battle with Megatron's soldiers to observe them, but with the stipulation that he can possess the Star Saber. Megatron initially refuses, but a beam of light shining into the throne room allows Thrust a chance to talk Megatron into it through metaphor. <br />
<br />
The Decepticons, save for Sideways, are then assembled in the throne room. Megatron informs them that Thrust will lead the next mission, with Starscream as his second. Demolishor protests that Megatron told him he was the second in command, and Cyclonus adds that they don't know the plan. Demolishor and Cyclonus protest further when told to follow simple orders, but Megatron will have none of it.<br />
<br />
At the Autobot base, a Mini-Con alarm goes off. Optimus tells Red Alert to stay back while the rest of the Autobots warp to the site.<br />
<br />
At the alarm site, Cyclonus flies up to the others and notes that he destroyed the transmitter. Thrust orders Starscream to stand by with the Mini-Cons, and tells Megatron to hold onto the Star Saber for the time being.<br />
<br />
The Autobots arrive at a gully; Optimus gives them marching orders, and they all enter. Starscream radios back to Thrust that the Autobots are falling for the trap, and Thrust orders him not to attack just yet. Thrust then takes off with the Air Defense Team, telling Megatron to wait there.<br />
<br />
As the Autobots enter the gully, they get attacked from the air, driving them further into the ravine, where Demolishor and Sideways ambush them. Smokescreen takes cover behind the Skyboom Shield while the others duck behind some rocks. Thrust, Starscream, and the Mini-Cons attack from above. Thrust orders the others to focus on Smokescreen, and Cyclonus joins in with Sideways and Demolishor, resulting in Optimus telling the others to charge through. Just as Optimus blows past the three Decepticons, however, he is stopped by Megatron. Scavenger sees that Optimus needs help and rushes to take over the Skyboom Shield from Smokescreen. But then all of the Decepticons aside from Megatron start to concentrate their fire, pinning Scavenger, Smokescreen, and the Shield in place.<br />
<br />
Megatron pulls out the Star Saber and tries to use it against Optimus. Optimus transforms into his truck mode (minus his trailer) and races backward into a clearing. Megatron follows Optimus and mocks him for his choice since he's now further away from the others. Optimus tries to fight Megatron, but Megatron overpowers him and prepares to deliver the killing blow.<br />
<br />
Watching it on the monitor, the kids start to panic. However, Red Alert sees a bright flash of light and tells them to keep calm.<br />
<br />
[[File:Arm ep25 jetfire.jpg|thumb|Not to be confused with [[Jetfire (G1)#The Transformers cartoon|Skyfire]]. Maybe.]]<br />
That flash of light promptly shoots down the [[Air Military Mini-Con Team]] before revealing itself to be an armed space shuttle. It starts to dogfight with Starscream, and then both transform into robot mode; the shuttle identifies himself as [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], second in command of the Autobots. Jetfire then promptly shoots Starscream down before strafing the gully, allowing the other Autobots to move forward, blast Sideways, Demolishor, and Cyclonus before jumping Megatron. Seeing that he's outnumbered now, Megatron orders everyone to retreat. Thrust protests the order but also falls back after getting shot by Jetfire. <br />
<br />
Jetfire and the other Autobots share a moment as they finally meet back up. A voice-over by Rad talks about how, despite this being a quiet moment, the war was about to heat up, and Jetfire would play an important role.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (2)<br />
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (17)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (18)<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (19)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (20)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (21)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (27)<br />
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (28)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (8)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (22)<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (23)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (24)<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (25)<br />
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (26)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*Shuttle Astronauts (1)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (3)<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (4)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (5)<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (6)<br />
*[[Rad White]] (7)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Terradive (Armada)|Terradive]] (9)<br />
*[[Gunbarrel (Armada)|Gunbarrel]] (10)<br />
*[[Thunderwing (Armada)|Thunderwing]] (11)<br />
*[[Knock Out (Armada)|Knock Out]] (12)<br />
*[[Spin]] (13)<br />
*[[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] (14)<br />
*[[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]] (15)<br />
*[[Fetch]] (16)<br />
*[[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] (29)<br />
*[[Runway (Armada)|Runway]] (30)<br />
*[[Liftor]] (33)<br />
*[[Prowl (Armada)|Prowl]] (31)<br />
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (32)<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (33)<br />
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (34)<br />
*[[Mirror]] (35)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"And if he does, we'll pound 'im!"<br><br />
"Pound 'im good!"<br />
:—'''Billy''' and '''Fred''' on what they'll do to Sideways if he tries to hack them again.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Oh, great, time to get shot at again. Why couldn't I have just been a normal 'bot working in a factory?"<br />
:—'''Starscream'''<br />
<br />
<br />
"I'm quite sure your plans are impeccable, Thrust, but my main concern is that my men aren't capable of following them."<br />
:—'''Megatron''' has no faith in his troops.<br />
<br />
<br />
"You better watch out, you better not cry, 'cause you're gonna get blasted!"<br />
:—'''Cyclonus''' massacres the classics.<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*In ''Armada'', the shuttle pilot announces disengaging the autopilot. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he tells his crew to begin evasive maneuvers quickly. The Japanese dub goes silent until the pilot says they're under attack as something's gotten hold of the shuttle. While the shuttle gets scanned, the crew screams only for a second.<br />
*Billy sounds indifferent about the two shuttles almost hitting each other in ''Armada'', but he asks Fred if it was just a near-miss in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then, in ''Armada'', Billy teases Fred for possibly hearing the story wrong; in ''Legends of the Microns'', Billy asks Fred what the second object could have been.<br />
*In ''Armada'''s opening narration, Alexis says the others thought Fred was probably confused, but a larger mystery laid ahead. In ''Legends of the Microns'', she wonders what the mysterious object could be as they had no idea at the time.<br />
*The Mini-Cons held in the random closet that Thrust accesses changes between the English and Japanese dubs; specifically, [[Knock Out (Armada)|Knock Out]] replaces [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]], and [[Dualor (Armada)|Dualor]] stands in for [[Mirror]], while the generic versions of [[Oval]] and [[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]] become brighter. [[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]] generic's colors are changed to match those of his [[Exdimensions]] toy, which would later be [[repurposing|repurposed]] as "[[Spin]]."<br />
*Thrust says the Mini-Cons were locked away for years in ''Armada'' but doesn't mention any timespan in ''Legends of the Microns''. The Japanese dub adds an echo effect to Thrust's voice while he's cloaked.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Invincible Power]]" while ''Armada'' plays the insert Transformers theme when the kids find the Mini-Con panel.<br />
*Smokescreen says, "That's as far as you go!" before shooting down Cyclonus.<br />
*Megatron grumbles about Cyclonus getting beaten easily again in the Japanese dub, but about being saddled with embarrassing misfits in ''Armada''. Then Optimus orders the Autobots to cover Scavenger and change their formation, but Megatron says it won't make any difference.<br />
*After summoning the Star Saber, Megatron says he's charging in alone in ''Legends of the Microns'' but orders his men to follow him in ''Armada''. Starscream complains about moving in to get reshot in ''Armada'' (quoted above), but in ''Legends of the Microns'', he says Megatron's action is rash, but it can't be helped as there's no other choice.<br />
*''Armada'' plays "Invincible Power" when Megatron brings out the Star Saber. Then it switches back to the insert trance version of the theme tune as Optimus charges forward before playing "Invincible Power" again when Megatron orders a retreat. The Japanese dub continues playing "Invincible Power."<br />
*While watching the battle, Thrust says Megatron should stop using the Star Saber at half its strength in ''Armada'' but says, "the universe's strongest sword will be in tears" if the Decepticons only fight with brute force in ''Legends of the Microns''. The scene goes silent until Smokescreen speaks. Then, in ''Armada'', Thrust asks why the Decepticons are weak. The Japanese dub makes it more explicit that Thrust is taking notes he will implement with his plan at the end of the episode, like noticing the Decepticons using only brute force and Smokescreen being integral in the Autobots' formation.<br />
*Before he warps away, Megatron says, "I'll remember this!" instead of generically swearing that he will return.<br />
*Amid their cheering, the kids say that the fight was too easy.<br />
*Rather than shouting at his men for their incompetence, Megatron subtly says, "Damn it...Time and time again..." Cyclonus and Demolishor argue about one not backing up the other in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Cyclonus chides Demolishor for not using his head while Demolishor says Cyclonus keeps getting his head knocked around.<br />
*After hearing Thrust the first time, Demolishor questioning Sideways is extended, and Sideways answers in ''Armada'' to fill in the Japanese dub's silence. Instead of calling the Decepticons a pitiful lot, Thrust insults Demolishor for not recognizing his own comrade's voices before sympathizing with Megatron's foul mood. Megatron laughs after Thrust trips Demolishor instead of talking. After revealing himself, ''Armada'' has Thrust say he arrived just in time while he assures Megatron doesn't need to worry now that he's there in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Demolishor is steamed about Thrust humiliating him. Starscream says Thrust is reportedly undefeated. Cyclonus claims Thrust is a "master of mimicry," able to copy his opponent's power via energy absorption. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Demolishor is frustrated by Thrust's arrival. Starscream says Thrust is the type to do anything to win. Then Cyclonus claims to have heard rumors about the "cold-blooded tactician, Thrust" and his perfect record of flawless plans. Starscream tells Demolishor that Thrust came not to fight but teach the Decepticons how to beat the Autobots in ''Armada''. Then Demolishor says he is unimpressed, and after noticing Thrust, Sideways tells Starscream nothing is wrong. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says Thrust is not someone who fights, yet they have to accept his battle commands, causing Demolishor's hatred for Thrust to grow. Then Sideways tells Starscream that he saw something suspicious.<br />
*After Prowl and High Wire get introduced, Alexis says the latter should meet the other Mini-Cons, and Carlos says the Autobots should easily win the war at this rate.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Red Alert says he prefers to "air on the side of caution," and Scavenger tells Hot Shot to quit messing around and listen to Red. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Red says overconfidence can lead to mistakes, and Scavenger tells Hot Shot to listen since Red Alert is only worried about him.<br />
*While watching Starscream swing his sword around, ''Armada'' has Cyclonus brag that the Decepticons can't lose now that they have Thrust as their secret weapon. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes the topic to Cyclonus quipping about the former thinking he can beat an enemy he can't see. Then Cyclonus tells Starscream that Sideways is taking a stroll; in ''Armada'', he merely guesses that Sideways is napping.<br />
*Thrust tells Megatron that Starscream should be the Operational Commander. Though Megatron worries that might be a problem, Thrust assures him the operations will succeed as long as Starscream follows his instructions. Though he doesn't doubt Thrust's plans, Megatron says they're sometimes a handful and that he wants a total victory. Thrust thinks he will be fighting as well, and Megatron asks if he's willing to do that. Then Thrust says he needs the Star Saber, but Megatron is apprehensive. As the sun's rays shine upon the ground between them, Thrust claims it's a good omen that they have a clear path ahead, convincing Megatron to leave everything to him. The shot of Thrust at the end of the scene is silent. ''Armada'' has Thrust and Megatron mention the others more throughout the conversation.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Demolishor says Megatron considered him second-in-command instead of Starscream. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says he doesn't know his role in Thrust's plan. Instead of telling Demolishor to stop his petulance, Megatron orders to prepare to leave and begin the attack immediately. Then he says he is looking forward to it after looking at Earth, seeing it as another positive sign. Thrust backs this up by saying all of the data points to a Decepticon victory.<br />
*''Armada'' plays the theme song as the Autobots leave their base while ''Legends of the Microns'' plays "Let's Roll Out, Cybertrons!". Alexis tells the team to do their best before Carlos cheers them on in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Scavenger comments on the gulley being narrow in ''Legends of the Microns'' but says it doesn't feel right in ''Armada''.<br />
*After the first shots get fired in the gulley, Optimus tells the Autobots to take cover in ''Armada'' but to keep moving in ''Legends of the Microns''. When Cyclonus reappears, he explains the transmitter sent out a false signal to lure the Autobots into a trap.<br />
*Optimus decides to try and break through the Decepticons after Scavenger's line of the Autobots' current formation, leaving them unable to counterattack. ''Armada'' plays the Transformers theme again here, while "Invincible Power" plays in ''Legends of the Microns''; both tracks end when Prime reverses into the clearing. Later, Scavenger says Prime is under threat from the Star Saber; he doesn't mention the sword in ''Armada''.<br />
*After Optimus exits the chasm and enters the open field, Megatron mocks him for taking himself further away from any backup in ''Armada''. He taunts that Prime still can't hope to win, even in an open space, as he still lacks reinforcements in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*When the ball of light appears, Alexis thinks of what it could be, Carlos says they're done for since it might be another enemy, and Red is silent.<br />
*''Armada'' plays the insert theme song when Jetfire arrives in battle while ''Legends of the Microns'' plays "Charge!" instead. Jetfire announces his arrival by whooping in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Demolishor asks what is happening in ''Armada'', but in ''Legends of the Microns'', Scavenger says the Autobots can now push through, and Demolishor says the Decepticons aren't letting that happen.<br />
*Realizing he's been beat, Megatron gives Optimus the generic "It's not over yet" line in ''Armada'', while he says, "So much for a good omen..." in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*After the Decepticons retreat, Jetfire comments that Thrust ignored him, and the overshot shot of him looking at the other Autobots is silent. He mocks them for being put on the ropes by the 'Cons and says Smokescreen is just as out of shape but later reveals he's just joking.<br />
*In the ending narration for ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis says Jetfire turned out to be the strange object seen near Mars and notes how the Decepticons' battle plan differed from their past ones. In ''Armada'', Rad gives the narration instead; however, it focuses on Jetfire and strangely doesn't connect to Thrust though this is also his first appearance. He says Jetfire's arrival strengthened the Autobot team, and though the team got to share some laughs, Jetfire would play an essential role in future battles as things heat up.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
[[File:Tactician-New-Shots.jpg|thumb|Japanese-exclusive shots.]]<br />
*After the episode title card, the screen goes black as four seconds of animation are missing. ''Legends of the Microns'' inserts a shot of the Decepticon base (see right).<br />
*Smokescreen's Longarm Cannon doesn't complete its animation during the opening battle; his cannon flips out but disappears back into its crane configuration before the beam comes from where the barrel should be.<br />
*When Starscream is firing on Optimus Prime, his lower legs are miscolored all-white.<br />
*When the Decepticons retreat, Starscream's sword is purple instead of red.<br />
*Prowl is colored entirely green.<br />
*After Demolishor punches the wall and when Starscream tells him that Thrust didn't come to fight, the top half of Cyclonus's chest is miscolored.<br />
*The Autobot and Decepticon symbols are either drawn off-model or large dots in some shots. <br />
*In Megatron's throne room after the mid-episode [[commercial bumper]], the sides of Starscream's head are miscolored to match his face.<br />
*When cutting back to the Autobot base as the alarm sounds, the screen goes dark for seconds like earlier. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds a shot panning down to inside the base, reused from "[[Base]]" (see right), before cutting to Alexis, Rad, and Carlos running.<br />
*The Decepticons and Mini-Con are very off-model in their shots on the high ledge.<br />
*In both dubs, Megatron's line starts before his mouth moves when the Star Saber separates.<br />
*When Optimus tells Smokescreen to take point, Smokescreen's antenna/horn is missing; it is missing again for two cuts when Scavenger moves to shield Smokescreen with the Skyboom Shield, and also when Scavenger tells Megatron to go home.<br />
*In the gorge with Sideways and Demolishor, Cyclonus is tilting up, although his rotor blades make it seem like he's tilting forward. He's suddenly correctly positioned when Optimus drives beneath him.<br />
*Optimus's feet are miscolored blue after bypassing Sideways, Cyclonus, and Demolishor.<br />
*Immediately after Prime transforms, there's an awkward silence after Megatron demands him to freeze. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes it by giving Megatron an extra line so that he says, "Hold it! Your opponent...shall be me!"<br />
*In one shot, Sideways, Cyclonus, and Demolishor look superimposed into another part of the ravine with Optimus and Megatron in the center, and the latter two look Mini-Con-sized.<br />
*When Optimus flees from Megatron, the clearing's overhead shot makes Optimus look like a box truck instead of a standard semi.<br />
*During the battle in the clearing, Optimus is only tall as Megatron's waist; just a few seconds earlier, he stood as high as Megatron's chest. However, Optimus is leaning at an angle when in the clearing, so his size difference may not be an error.<br />
*When Jetfire appears near the end, Cyclonus's helicopter mode has four windows for a split second before he transforms inside the ravine.<br />
*When he transforms after Jetfire, part of Starscream's head is miscolored like his face for a second.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*This episode features the second time a Transformer scans an alt-mode since Optimus Prime did so in "[[Metamorphosis (Armada)|Metamorphosis]]."<br />
*Thrust and the [[Air Military Mini-Con Team]] debut in this episode.<br />
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'', Inferno starts developing stealth capabilities after Thrust chooses him.<br />
*During the canyon fight sequence, Starscream comments that he doesn't want to get reshot at; this seemingly throwaway line will set the stage for what happens in the upcoming episodes.<br />
*The kids and Autobots mention Sideways's break-in a few times as it occurred in the [[Chase (episode)|previous episode]].<br />
*Prowl appears for the first and last time in the cartoon. He'd later appear during the [[Unicron Battles]] in [[Linkage Part 13|issue #13]] of the ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'' comic.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Red Alert tells Hot Shot that one can make mistakes by being reckless, calling back to how Hot Shot's overconfidence made him lose the Star Saber in "[[Credulous]]."<br />
*In [[2015]], [[Ask Vector Prime]] [[repurposing|repurposed]] the [[Exdimensions]] as entirely new characters, nicely in hand with [[Spin]]'s deco appearing in this episode.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Knock Out is present among the Decepticon Mini-Cons in [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]]'s place. It would be easy to write this off as simple model reuse since he defected to the Autobots in "[[Vow]]"; however, he is later seen in Decepticon possession in "[[Runaway]]" with all the other Mini-Cons that defected. Given that the Decepticons stole [[Spiral]] offscreen, the Decepticons possibly stole these Mini-Cons back offscreen too.<br />
*After his cameo in "[[Prehistory]]" and seeing his silhouette in the past episode, Jetfire formally debuts in this episode.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Thrust has invisibility/stealth capabilities; the ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' explains digital compositing made the effect.<br />
**According to Cyclonus, Thrust is a "master at mimicry," able to "duplicate the fighting power of his opponent, simply by absorbing their energy."<br />
**The Air Military Mini-Con Team and [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]]s fire lasers in their vehicle modes.<br />
**Thrust fires lasers from his wing missiles.<br />
**Jetfire fires lasers from his wing missiles.<br />
**Jetfire carries his shield for the first time.<br />
**Jetfire uses his Plasma Blaster for the first time.<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Megatron Powerlinx with the Star Saber.<br />
**Smokescreen Powerlinx with Liftor.<br />
**Optimus Prime, Smokescreen, and Scavenger Powerlinx with the Skyboom Shield for the first time.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
[[File:TacticianMiniConChanges.jpg|thumb|American group (top), Japanese group (bottom).]]<br />
*[[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] is shown in the same room as the Air Military Mini-Cons and Inferno; this is a continuity error, as they're all revealed to be on Earth with Megatron, though it could be just an example of model reuse.<br />
*Megatron welcomes Thrust to ''Earth'' even though they are on Earth's ''moon''. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Megatron say that Thrust has finally arrived.<br />
*The series never shows Thrust's proclaimed mimic ability; it's not an issue in the Japanese version since it never mentions any such power.<br />
*Where did Billy and Fred disappear to in the middle of the episode before returning in the end?<br />
*Optimus orders Smokescreen to take point in the ravine, with Hot Shot and Blurr staying together while Optimus and Scavenger take the lead. But when they enter the gully, Hot Shot leads with Smokescreen in the back and the rest in the middle. The Japanese dub fixes the mistake as Prime tells Smokescreen the Autobots will depend on his support as they enter formation, with Hot Shot paired with Blurr and Optimus with Scavenger.<br />
*Cyclonus suddenly appears in helicopter mode alongside Sideways and Demolishor at the ambush point with no explanation given. The shot where he first appears also shows something resembling a transmitter located beneath him; this transmitter was absent in the shot of Sideways and Demolishor springing the ambush and isn't visible when Optimus tries to get through.<br />
**Oddly, Cyclonus earlier told Thrust that he ''destroyed'' the transmitter. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this error by having Cyclonus say he ''installed'' the transmitter.<br />
*''Armada'' completely ignores the point of the transmitter. ''Legends of the Microns'' clarifies that the Decepticons used it to trick the Autobots.<br />
*After asking Megatron for the Star Saber, it's like Thrust suddenly changes his mind as he says Megatron can keep it for now, but he will need the sword to deal the final blow to Optimus, and Megatron is oddly okay with that. Thrust doesn't shift gears in the Japanese dub; he assures Megatron will have the Star Saber back to kill Prime himself, and Megatron tells Thrust he better remember that.<br />
*After cornering Optimus, Megatron commands the Star Saber Mini-Cons to attack, but they never do, and Megatron has the Star Saber in his next scene. He calls the Mini-Cons to him instead in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*When trying to pass the Skyboom Shield to Optimus, Scavenger refers to it as "''my'' shield." ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this grammar error.<br />
*After Smokescreen shoots Megatron in the back, the shot of Optimus is reused from "[[Overmatch]]," but as a close-up, it has an overcast sky behind him even though it was clear a moment ago. The shot gets reused seconds later, but it suddenly changes to a medium close-up of Prime. The Japanese dub corrects the background, and it's a medium close-up shot both times to keep continuity.<br />
*Hot Shot asks if it's Jetfire despite Optimus saying his name a few seconds ago. This mistake doesn't happen in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Why does Rad give the ending narration after Alexis gave the first? ''Legends of the Microns'' has Alexis give both monologues.<br />
**The ending narration doesn't answer the question of the strange object's identity in the opening, reducing it to a throwaway detail. The Japanese dub includes mentioning Jetfire as the mysterious object in the beginning.<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*While arguing with Demolishor in the Japanese dub, Cyclonus says to him, "Dem's fightin' words!"<br />
*Cyclonus briefly does a riff on the song, "{{w|Santa Claus is Coming to Town}}" in the gulley.<br />
*Scavenger says the Decepticons are all over the Autobots like "ants at a picnic," a phrase used to describe someone annoying.<br />
*Thrust's personality was based on a '''Onmyōji''' (陰陽師), someone who practices '''{{w|Onmyōdō}}''' (陰陽道), a traditional Japanese system that's a blend of natural sciences and occultism based on the Chinese philosophies of Wuxing and Yin-and-Yang. True to the concept, ''Legends of the Microns'' portrays Thrust often using divination to plan strategies and determine omens of victory.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*The furigana ちえもの could be read as 知恵者, although technically it would be pronounced as ''chie'''sha'''''. The kanji 軍師 would be pronounced as ''gunshi''.<br />
*"Tactician" first aired in the United States on [[January 30]], [[2003]].<br />
*[[Garry Chalk]] sounds very bored in this episode.<br />
*The clip of Starscream with his miscolored white legs is shown on the preview used in the "Battle For The Mini-Cons" DVD.<br />
*According to the ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'':<br />
**Starscream's voice actor is the captain in the episode opening while Fred and Sideways's VAs play the pilots.<br />
**This is the show's first episode to show both the Autobots and Decepticons gain a new member.<br />
**Thrust's introduction marks a turning point in the show's story.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''A taktikus'''" ("The Tactician")<br />
<br />
'''Polish'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Strateg'''" ("Strategist")<br />
<br />
'''French'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Tacticien'''" ("Tactitian")<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''투명로봇 스나이퍼'''" ("Invisible Robot Sniper")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Tático'''" ("Tactician")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 7 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:09 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Battle for the Mini-Cons ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One (Rhino Entertainment)<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Collector's Edition ([[Universal]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Scourge_(episode)&diff=1578483Scourge (episode)2021-12-19T15:14:20Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig3|Scourge}}<br />
{{episode<br />
|series=Cybertron<br />
|ep=44<br />
|series2=Galaxy Force<br />
|ep2=45<br />
|image=Cyb ep44 scourge.jpg<br />
|caption=Must be [[Sweep (G1)|Sweep]]s week.<br />
|title="Scourge"<br />
|japanese=大きな星の小さな町<br />
|romaji=Ōki na Hoshi no Chiisa na Machi<br />
|translation=The Large Planet's Little City<br />
|production code=<br />
|production company=[[TV Aichi]], [[We've]], [[Tōkyū Agency]]<br />
|writer=[[Kenji Sugihara]]<br />
|director=[[Matsuo Asami]]<br />
|animation studio=[[GONZO]]<br />
|airdate=[[November 12]], [[2005]] (Japanese)<br>[[September 20]], [[2006]] (English)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy cartoon timeline|Unicron Trilogy cartoon continuity]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Scourge comes to some tough decisions about himself, with the help of some little friends.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Cyb ep44 secret passage.jpg|left|thumb|220px|"No, Mr. Hansen, I expect you to die."]]<br />
As [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]] descends further into [[Gigantion]]'s depths, he reflects on his past fight with [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]]. Recalling Leobreaker's claim that strength is more than just physical, Scourge grows furious, unable to comprehend his meaning, and on a deeper level, fearing that his power may not be enough to save [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Jungle Planet]].<br />
<br />
On [[Gigantion]], [[Evac (Cybertron)|Evac]] and [[Coby Hansen|Coby]] have found Leobreaker and [[Snarl (Cybertron)|Snarl]], left where Scourge beat them, unconscious but not too seriously injured. Coby calls the lead [[Autobot]] group on [[Lori Jiménez|Lori's]] communicator and informs them of the situation, prompting Lori to talk smack about Scourge. [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] reins her in as they prepare to open the doorway to the planet's next level. Optimus isn't the only one keeping the troops in line—Bud has been organizing the [[Mini-Con]]s into a mini-army, a feat that impresses [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]], and they all march through the door ahead of the other Autobots. They find reliefs of several small robots on the walls and recognize them as more Mini-Cons, leaning against the wall to compare the carvings to their height. Unfortunately, when Lori joins them and leans against the wall, too, she accidentally triggers a switch that opens up a secret passage, sending Bud and the four Mini-Cons tumbling downward.<br />
<br />
Elsewhere, the [[Cybertron Defense Team (Cybertron)|Cybertron Defense Team]] races along a highway to regroup with the other Autobots. When they encounter [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] and [[Menasor (Cybertron)|Menasor]] along the way, they challenge the Decepticon leader to a battle for payback for their defeat in their last meeting, but Menasor jumps in the way first.<br />
<br />
[[File:Cyb ep44 museum fun.jpg|thumb|220px]]<br />
Back with Prime's group, Metroplex realizes that the legends of the secret Mini-Con passages must be true. Lori insists on going down the tunnel, blaming herself for the accident. Optimus claims he's just as responsible for letting Bud and the others enter the tunnel first and convinces her that they're better off finding them by sticking together. The Autobots wonder where the passage leads, and Metroplex recounts the legend of a city built especially for Mini-Cons...which is, indeed, exactly where Bud and the Mini-Cons have found themselves! [[Six-Speed (Cybertron)|Six-Speed]] leads them to a museum nearby; once inside, [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] discovers some historical data. It explains that, after the war with [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]], Gigantion's citizens were too big, so the Mini-Cons did all the "detail work" and computer repair, which made them mentally similar to humans. (Uh, yeah. Just go with us on this, okay?) However, Bud instantly forgets everything, but Jolt shrugs it off.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the Cybertron Defense Team triple-teams Menasor, who's handling their assault pretty well; however, the three attack simultaneously in a [[triangle formation]] with their [[Cyber Planet Key|Cyber-Key-enhanced]] attacks, which fells the giant. Galvatron is unimpressed and enters battle with the trio, but they manage to hold their own and raise their standing in the Decepticon leader's eyes, even if he does still just shrug off their attacks.<br />
<br />
[[File:Cyb ep44 raise your hand.jpg|left|thumb|220px|"I should be leading, not being taught how to lead!"]]<br />
Bud's group has found a playground in the Mini-Con city, and Jolt remarks there's even a tale of an amusement park. The quintet leaves to find it but discovers a rubble-strewn wasteland with fresh claw marks instead. Jolt and the Mini-Cons promptly panic, so to make them calm down, Bud fakes a stomachache, causing them all to rush to his aid. They leave to return to the museum for safety but bump into Scourge, the one responsible for the damage they found. Lori told Bud not to fear Scourge, so he's able to have a moderately pleasant conversation with the dragon-bot, who reveals he was impressed by Bud's handling of the Mini-Cons' panic. Bud decides he can teach Scourge to be a leader who doesn't have to bust heads to make a point and gets a blackboard and some chalk from... somewhere... to hold a class on the subject. Bud confounds Scourge with some hypothetical situations, telling Scourge that his solutions involving the stronger taking the spoils and the weaker getting the short end of the stick are wrong. Scourge objects to Bud's solutions that involve just "making stuff up," which Bud explains is the entire point: to be a good leader, you have to be a creative thinker, and who said ''he'' couldn't make stuff up? Scourge starts laughing, having it explained to him so plainly and innocently; he realizes he's been locked in his "might makes right" mentality for so long that it ''weakened'' him.<br />
<br />
[[File:Cyb ep44 scourge defeated.jpg|thumb|220px|"So much for my Strength."]]<br />
The Autobots arrive on the scene, and Scourge challenges them to a duel, much to Bud's confusion, but Lori says it's okay since it's something Scourge needs to do. During a dramatic sunset in an open field, Metroplex goes first, soundly thrashing Scourge without the dragon landing a single blow. But Scourge challenges the next Autobot to step forward, Vector Prime, and gets beaten again. Even then, Scourge challenges another. [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] steps up, but Optimus says he'll go next instead and instructs [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] to combine with him. Wing Saber is confused, but Scourge laughs and insists. The two leaders charge at one another, landing simultaneous blows while passing. As they pause back to back, a small wound opens on Prime's shoulder; Scourge laughs, but then, as the sun sets, he topples over backward, completely immobilized, and admits defeat. The Autobots drive away, with Bud wishing that Scourge could have joined the Autobots. "Maybe someday," Lori tells him... and Scourge... still lying on the ground, staring up the stars, laughs to himself softly.<br />
<br />
Elsewhere, Galvatron carries Menasor away from the city in flames, leaving the Cybertron Defense Team to pick themselves up, though he admits they put up a good fight.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
* [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]] (2)<br />
* [[Evac (Cybertron)|Evac]] (4)<br />
* [[Snarl (Cybertron)|Snarl]] (5)<br />
* [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] (7)<br />
* [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] (8)<br />
* [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]] (9)<br />
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)<br />
* [[Six-Speed (Cybertron)|Six-Speed]] (11)<br />
* [[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]] (12)<br />
* [[Drill Bit (Cybertron)|Drill Bit]] (13)<br />
* [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] (14)<br />
* [[Vector Prime]] (15)<br />
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (16)<br />
* [[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] (17)<br />
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (18)<br />
* [[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] (21)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
* [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]] (1)<br />
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (19)<br />
* [[Menasor (Cybertron)|Menasor]] (20)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] (3)<br />
*[[Coby Hansen]] (6)<br />
*[[Bud Hansen]] (12)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"Strength is what leads the masses, commands their respect! ''My'' strength united an entire world! Now it seems it's not enough?! '''''Impossible!!''''' Strength will save my world! Strength ''must'' be enough! It ''must'' be! '''''It's all I have!!!'''''"<br />
:—'''Scourge'''<br />
<br />
<br />
"They said that Scourge was still around here somewhere, so be careful."<br><br />
"Pfft, ''right''. ''He'' should look out for ''me''!"<br><br />
"Huh? Oh, man! Lori just totally dissed a fire-breathing dragon! ... That's actually pretty awesome!"<br />
:—'''Coby''' and '''Lori'''<br />
<br />
<br />
"I'm fixin' to use your head as a hood ornament!"<br><br />
"Whoah, now ''that's'' some trash-talking!"<br><br />
"Straight up!"<br />
:—'''Scattorshot''' and '''Hot Shot'''<br />
<br />
<br />
"Being lost is what I do best!"<br />
:—'''Bud'''<br />
<br />
<br />
"And just what's ''that'' supposed to—UUUAGH!!!"<br><br />
[''explosion clears'']<br><br />
"<small>Aye, that'll do ye.</small>" (faints)<br />
:—'''Menasor'''<br />
<br />
<br />
"I wish I could use such guile. You brought order out of chaos... and you didn't even have to beat up anyone!"<br />
:—'''Scourge'''<br />
<br />
<br />
"But if ''you've'' been reborn, and ''I've'' been reborn, then that places us back where we started, doesn't it?"<br />
:—'''Galvatron'''<br />
<br />
<br />
"This is a duel of honor. Just like in the movies. I think you should be able to understand ''that''."<br />
:—'''Lori'''<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Galaxy Force''===<br />
*''Galaxy Force'' includes a "previously on" segment that summarizes the events of "[[Challenge]]".<br />
*Scourge's flashback to Leobreaker is silent. In ''Cybertron'', Scourge claims Leobreaker doesn't know anything about leadership since Scourge's strength is what commands respect and united his planet. Then he rages about how his power isn't enough anymore. In ''Galaxy Force'', he asks what Leobreaker meant when he said, "You can't fight just by hitting each other", and says Animatros will be saved once he gains remarkable power and "sees it through" as a leader. Scourge's subsequent outburst is over confusion about his newfound feelings of doubt.<br />
*''Cybertron'' adds Lori's line about Scourge defeating Snarl and Leobreaker and ditching them. In ''Galaxy Force'', her first line is her second one in ''Cybertron'', asking Coby about Leobreaker and Snarl. Lori doesn't know Scourge was responsible until Coby tells her moments later. Coby says they're "sleeping it off" in ''Cybertron'' but that they have more minor wounds than he thought in ''Galaxy Force''. In the Japanese dub, Coby remarks how "reassuring and scary" it is that Lori has grown stronger after referring to Scourge as "that guy".<br />
*After talking with Coby, Lori sounds more frustrated about Scourge in ''Galaxy Force'' than in ''Cybertron''. Lori says she'll need to brace herself after Optimus says they have to go down another two or three levels. After learning about Bud organizing the Mini-Cons, Lori remarks on the Mini-Cons' cheerfulness. Then he addresses Bud in ''Cybertron'' but only comments on the Mini-Cons being in a good mood in ''Galaxy Force''.<br />
*Optimus tells Vector Prime to open the door in ''Galaxy Force'', but Vector Prime speaks at that point instead of Optimus in ''Cybertron''. Optimus tells Bud to wait and not to go ahead without permission, but Bud tells Optimus he and the Mini-Cons are only playing, and they'll stop once they pass through the door.<br />
*When Lori asks if the Mini-Cons are doing camouflage training in ''Cybertron'', she only asks what they're doing in ''Galaxy Force''. It goes silent in the Japanese version until the shot pans to Bud. The ''Cybertron'' versions of their following lines are basically "flavor dialogue" that makes less sense than those in ''Galaxy Force''. Bud says he's sure the engravings are Mini-Cons and that they're slightly taller than him. Then Lori says there's no need for the guys to group since that's already easy to see. It's silent when the shot cuts to Lori pushing the hidden switch, so the action is more of a surprise.<br />
*Scattershot says the city that he, Hot Shot, and Red Alert are in doesn't have a route to the planet's lowest level. Then Hot Shot says they should hurry and pass the city, and Red Alert agrees. The idea of them racing each other is ''Cybertron''-exclusive. The music in the scene also doesn't play until two seconds into it. Red Alert doesn't point out Galvatron, and Hot Shot quips that the "guys who are doomed" are here. Galvatron asks, "Who do you think I am?" before saying that he has already settled things with them.<br />
*Instead of assuring Lori that Bud and the Mini-Cons are alright, Vector Prime deduces that the passage is a mode of transport based on the slant. ''Cybertron'' adds Metroplex saying that he's never seen a Mini-Con passage before. When Optimus tells Lori that what happened was an accident in ''Cybertron'', he says he's responsible for letting Bud and the Mini-Cons enter first in ''Galaxy Force''. After Lori objects, Optimus says that being the team's leader makes him liable and that he'll find Bud, asking Lori to believe in him.<br />
*After Wing Saber speaks, Metroplex finishes his line before the scene fades to Bud in the Mini-Con city. Jolt explains to Bud that he has data that their Mini-Con ancestors built the city but had never seen before.<br />
*Rather than fretting about Bud as she does in ''Cybertron'', Lori assures him that she'll be there soon and urges him to hang in there although he's scared.<br />
*In ''Galaxy Force'', Jolt doesn't mention the war with Planet X when explaining the Mini-Cons' origin; instead, he notes that Mini-Cons were created when the Gigantion Transformers found they couldn't get any bigger, so some started shrinking.<br />
*''Cybertron'' adds more upbeat "flavor dialogue" to the bout between Menosar and the Cybertron Defense Team to remove the Japanese dub's silent bits. Their dialogue in ''Galaxy Force'' is more aggressive as Menosar brags about being strong enough to smash the others in one swoop. Then Red Alert dares him to try, and Hot Shot doesn't say Menosar has one last chance before the team unleashes their Triangle Attack. ''Cybertron'' adds Menosar's dialogue before and after the attack hits; he only reacts with fear beforehand and is silent when he collapses.<br />
*Galvatron claims to take no satisfaction from defeating "small fish", so Scattershot and Hot Shot tell him to keep underestimating them as they'll make him eat his words. ''Cybertron'' changes their dialogue to Galvatron reminding the team that he's already beaten them before; they say they keep returning stronger each time he knocks them down, and Galvatron declares he will finish the job.<br />
*Jolt claims to be a little interested in the amusement park before Bud makes him admit that he's curious. In ''Cybertron'', Jolt says it's only for the sake of gathering data.<br />
*Bud makes it clear that his stomach "hurts" when he fakes it in ''Cybertron'', but he doesn't say in ''Galaxy Force'', and Jolt asks if it's his stomach aching. After calming the Mini-Cons, Bud expresses relief that they've stopped running in circles in ''Cybertron'' but says they should "quietly flee" from the place in ''Galaxy Force''. Then he says they should run instead of returning to the museum. Unlike ''Cybertron'', Jolt reacts to Bud's sudden stop and doesn't say anything after bumping into Scourge. He also only shouts Scourge's name as the Mini-Cons panic again. A sinister music sting plays after Jolt screams in ''Cybertron''.<br />
*Bud assures the Mini-Cons that Scourge isn't a villain, and Scourge asks how he knows that. Bud says Lori said that Scourge has "his own situation", and Scourge states that Lori understands, but he wants to discuss something else; Bud asks what, but Scourge muses about his recently lousy temperament so Bud frustratingly asks him again. Then Scourge says Bud showed him "a splendid insight" and implores Bud to tell him what he thinks leadership is. When Bud later begins his leadership class and prepares to take roll, Scourge is confused by what that means, and Bud tells him to be quiet.<br />
*Again, ''Cybertron'' adds more "flavor dialogue" to the fight between the Cybertron Defense Team and Galvatron, whereas Scattershot and Hot Shot only say "Transform!" in ''Galaxy Force''. After the team's assault, Galvatron says it's time for him to get serious, and Red Alert declares that's what they hoped for. Then Galvatron says he has regained his advantage over them after they're all reborn. Scattershot and Hot Shot assert the team's rebirth has a different meaning from Galvatron's, so they'll show him the difference, and Galvatron obliges. No music plays during the scene in ''Galaxy Force''.<br />
*In ''Cybertron'', Bud tells Scourge he answered the first riddle incorrectly, and Scourge doesn't see how that's possible. In ''Galaxy Force'', Bud says Scourge has "no sense of romance," and Scourge asks what romance has to do with what they're discussing.<br />
*In ''Cybertron'', Bud mentions that [[Robert Hansen|his dad]] always told him that great leaders think outside the box. ''Galaxy Force'' is a bit more specific: his dad told him the riddles he puzzles Scourge with, saying that Bud will be a great leader if he could solve them. The Japanese dub changes the parts in ''Cybertron'' where Bud and Scourge mention "making stuff up" to "cheating" in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Scourge's epiphany in ''Galaxy Force'' is that he's been too self-obsessed, while he realizes that he made himself weak by only relying on brute strength in ''Cybertron''. His subsequent laughter in the Japanese dub is from Bud's confusion for not understanding.<br />
*When Lori and Wing Saber arrive, the latter is silent, and Lori doesn't notice Scourge until after interrupting Bud. Scourge tells Lori that they meet again instead of explaining Bud's class. When the other Autobots show up, they say "Transform!"; Metroplex is silent, and Optimus only says Scourge's name. ''Cybertron'' adds their lines to remove the silence.<br />
*After Scourge challenges the Autobots, Lori tells Bud it's something Scourge needs to do in ''Cybertron'', but says it's Scourge's way of thinking in ''Galaxy Force''.<br />
*In ''Galaxy Force'', Vector Prime asks Optimus what they should do; Optimus asks Scourge if fighting him is required, to which Scourge claims the Autobots won't progress unless they defeat him. In ''Cybertron'', Vector Prime notices a change in Scourge; Optimus asks Scourge if it's what he wants, and Scourge claims it's the only way to settle the score. The Japanese dub plays no music during the scene.<br />
*Despite the similar theme, Lori sums up Scourge's wish to fight the Autobots in a duel-like format differently: In ''Cybertron'', she tells Bud it is a duel of honor "like in the movies", whereas, in ''Galaxy Force'', she makes the more astute observation that this is Scourge's way of learning right from wrong. Because Scourge is essentially throwing the fight, he is meshing his beliefs that the winner is "right" with his recent epiphany that there is a better way to be a good leader (i.e., the Autobot way). He also maintains his sense of honor by doing this. Optimus clearly understands and respects it by entering Sonic Wing Mode, explaining why Scourge laughs to himself despite losing at the end: it all makes sense within his mental framework now; clever dragon.<br />
*In ''Cybertron'', the music changes as Scourge and Optimus charge at each other. However, it doesn't change in ''Galaxy Force'', so the track "[[Transformers Galaxy Force: Sound Pack 1|Bitter Hostilities]]" keeps playing, fitting the duel's climactic nature more appropriately.<br />
*After Scourge collapses, Bud only says his name rather than wishing he finds peace. Then Scourge tells Optimus that he can continue his mission, and Prime states he will.<br />
*Lori later tells Bud they had no choice but to leave Scourge since he said he couldn't go with them and that Scourge will be fine now as he won't return to the Decepticons. ''Galaxy Force'' also plays the track "[[Transformers Galaxy Force: Sound Pack 2|Believing Heart]]" during the scene. ''Cybertron'' adds Bud's dialogue.<br />
*Instead of subtly complementing the Cybertron Defense Team for giving him a challenge, Galvatron quips that they got ahead of themselves as "small fish reborn are still small fish."<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*Jolt's mouth doesn't move when he speaks several times: when he formally addresses Lori, when Jolt tells Bud they should find another entrance, and when he bumps into Scourge's leg. This issue isn't present in ''Galaxy Force'' since Jolt doesn't talk at these points.<br />
*When he dares to question Galvatron's superiority, Scattershot's mouth still moves after finishing his line; it's because his line is longer in ''Galaxy Force''.<br />
*When Scourge has his epiphany, he seems to be talking out the corner of his mouth.<br />
*Hot Shot's mouth doesn't move when he says Galvatron's name in the final scene. He is silent in the Japanese version.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*Bud can seemingly understand Mini-Cons who speak in binary tones perfectly; past episodes gave some indication that all three kids can vaguely understand them on an emotional level (when they're happy, scared, etc.). However, this episode is the first instance where complex communication is seemingly understood in a direct conversation (here, it's between Bud and his "Mini-Con Team").<br />
*This episode has the second switch Lori accidentally activates on Gigantion, having done so once before in "[[Ambush (episode)|Ambush]]". She's got some luck.<br />
*Jolt refers to the time Red Alert scanned his mind, back in "[[Balance]]".<br />
*Jolt recalls seeing an amusement park in the Hansens' home movies, way back in "[[Collapse]]".<br />
*Galvatron and the Cybertron Defense Team refer to their previous battles in "[[Revelation (episode)|Revelation]]" and "[[Fury (Cybertron)|Fury]]".<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
[[File:Mini-Releifs.jpg|thumb|Later on, they punched holes in the heads for you to put your face through.]]<br />
*How can High Wire's relief in the corridor appear behind Lori and Bud in the same scene? It's almost like it was copied and pasted.<br />
*Bud says the others can't follow them through the tunnel, needless to say, unless they're human-sized. ''Galaxy Force'' fixes it to have Bud claim that his group can't go back up the passage.<br />
*After this, Jolt tells Bud that their group should try looking for another entrance, and they seemingly forget about Six-Speed mentioning the museum, which doesn't make sense since that's where they appear next. This error isn't in ''Galaxy Force'' since Bud says he and the Mini-Cons should investigate the museum, leading into the group's next scene at the museum better than ''Cybertron''.<br />
*We get an explanation for the whole "Mini-Con brains work like human brains" thing, but it... doesn't work very well. Essentially, we're asked to believe the far-fetched idea that ordinary Transformers are unimaginative beings with no concept of detailed design or function. But humans do, and the Mini-Cons' years of working on the details for the Gigantion Transformers' constructions gave them that ability, thereby making their brains like humans'. It seems this was foreshadowed as far back as "[[Haven]]" when the Autobots built their base on Earth. Scattorshot could only make a basic design with an inefficient layout; however, Lori put her human sense of imagination, detail, and function to work and created the finalized, highly-efficient design. But that doesn't change the fact that it's hard to believe that Transformers wouldn't be able to construct sufficient buildings or other structures without human or Mini-Con help. After all, how would anything have ever been built on any other planets?<br />
*In ''Galaxy Force'', Jolt's explanation for the Mini-Cons' origin doesn't include the "detail work" angle; yet, the ''Galaxy Force'' version of "[[Giant]]" previously mentioned it, with the vaguer claim that Mini-Cons are like humans simply because they're "born small"!<br />
*Not so much an error, but... where did the blackboard come from?<br />
*When they find Bud and the Mini-Cons with Scourge, many characters' positions change between shots:<br />
**When Wing Saber and Lori appear, they land to the left of the group, but they're now in front of Scourge and the Mini-Cons when the other Autobots arrive.<br />
**In the shot of Lori and Bud shouting at each other, Scourge and the Mini-Cons suddenly face Lori straight on.<br />
**When Optimus, Vector Prime, Override, and Metroplex arrive and transform, Bud is in the background behind them. However, Optimus looks ahead when he speaks to Bud like the boy is ahead of him, while Bud looks to his left when he talks to Optimus.<br />
<br />
===Transformers references===<br />
*Several ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' Mini-Con character models appear in this episode: [[Nightbeat (Armada)|Nightbeat]], [[Drill Bit (Armada)|Drill Bit (no relation)]], [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]], [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]], and [[Runway (Armada)|Runway]]'s models show up as reliefs on the hallway walls, while Runway is also seen in statue form inside the museum (pictured above).<br />
*When asking Metroplex about the Mini-Con passage, Wing Saber says, "Micron guy passage." Micron is the Japanese term for Mini-Cons. <br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*Metroplex refers to the Mini-Cons as "Wee Folk," an antiquated Celtic term for fairies.<br />
*In ''Galaxy Force'', Bud says the wreckage resembles "the aftermath of a kaiju attack". {{w|Kaiju}} is a Japanese film genre about giant monsters destroying cities; kaiju is often used as a general term for giant monsters themselves.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
[[File:Megs carries Menasor 2.jpg|thumb]]<br />
*According to Bud in ''Galaxy Force'', his flexibility is his weapon.<br />
*This episode is the first time in the series that Megatron/Galvatron seems to care enough about one of his fallen troops (Menasor) to carry him from the battlefield.<br />
{{-}}<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Galaxy Force'' — Vol. 12 ([[Victor Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Cybertron episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Regeneration_(Armada)&diff=1577230Regeneration (Armada)2021-12-14T19:28:12Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig2|the episode from ''Armada''|the episode from Prime|Regeneration (Prime)}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=34<br />
|prev=Sacrifice<br />
|next=Rescue<br />
|title="Regeneration"<br />
|furigana=すぱーく<br />
|japanese=生命<!--regeneration--><br />
|romaji=Spark<br />
|translation=Life: Spark<br />
|image=regeneration.jpg<br />
|caption=<br />
|production code=TF: A-34<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]<br />
|director=[[Osamu Kamijō]],<br>[[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.)<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[April 19]], [[2003]] (English)<br>[[August 29|29 August]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Smokescreen fights for his life while Starscream defects to the Autobots.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Regeneration Red Alert's face.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|You don't want to know what he's seeing.]]<br />
While [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] carefully disassembles [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] in hopes of saving his comrade, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the other [[Autobot]]s explain to the kids the mechanics of [[Transformer]]s' [[spark]]s. Red Alert reports that Smokescreen has a solid chance of survival, and then Red's face distorts nonsensically. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] swears revenge against the [[Decepticon]]s for the damage they did to Smokescreen.<br />
<br />
In the Decepticons' base, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] enjoys having the power of the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] under his control. A grumpy [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] then enters, resentful of his abandonment in the jungle. [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] feigns concern, and Starscream punches Thrust into a wall. While [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] are glad to see Thrust get what's coming to him, Megatron dismisses all his forces.<br />
<br />
Starscream and the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] enjoy a repairing energy bath (hot!). Demolishor comes to retrieve the [[Mini-Con]]s. Starscream and Demolishor almost get into a confrontation, but Demolishor relinquishes his duty to Starscream.<br />
<br />
Thrust and Megatron plot in private to abuse Starscream further, although Megatron is too busy enjoying Thrust's compliments to realize Thrust is manipulating him. Starscream overhears the conspiracy and combines the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] to take Thrust and Megatron down. The other Decepticons rush in to stop Starscream, so Starscream runs to the teleport chamber. Starscream proves that he can use the Star Saber to block the Requiem Blaster on his way out and flies to Earth.<br />
<br />
[[File:Regeneration Side Swipe flees.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Does anybody think Side Swipe can honestly handle Starscream?]]<br />
The Autobot sensors detect Starscream's presence in [[Earth]]'s atmosphere. Hot Shot and Side Swipe rush out to fight Starscream. [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], in pursuit of Starscream, switches his target to Hot Shot. Optimus Prime and Jetfire arrive to fight off Tidal Wave in their combined form, but they're unable to do any damage; luckily for them, the simple-minded giant is focused on attacking Starscream. Starscream then tosses the Star Saber to Jet Optimus, who uses it to slice off one of Tidal Wave's gun emplacements, and Tidal Wave retreats.<br />
<br />
[[File:Regeneration minicons hug Starscream.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Stockholm Subroutine.]]<br />
Starscream explains his story to the Autobots inside their base. Hot Shot passionately argues that it's wrong for them to offer Starscream refuge, particularly after Megatron severely injured Smokescreen. Hot Shot mentions the Autobots have already suffered betrayal from [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]], so [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] points out that he, too technically falls into the "betrayer" category. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] is the first one to suggest Starscream should stay, to the bewilderment of [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], but [[Rad White|Rad]] agrees with her. With votes of confidence from Alexis, Rad, and the Mini-Cons, Optimus declares that Starscream is now one of them.<br />
<br />
Outside, Hot Shot and Starscream formally have a showdown. Inside, the other Autobots debate who should be the one to tell them to stop their pointless grudge match when Red Alert comes in to report that the operation was successful, but Smokescreen needed a new body.<br />
<br />
Hot Shot and Starscream continue pounding each other, but a new challenger interrupts them by throwing boulders. The new Transformer quickly takes down Starscream and Hot Shot. When the new Autobot speaks, Hot Shot figures it out: it's Smokescreen in a new body. Smokescreen explains to the younger soldiers that being on the Autobot team means just getting along.<br />
<br />
With data from Starscream, the Autobots are ready to lead an attack on the Decepticons. They gather in the warp gate. Next stop: the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]].<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (2)<br />
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (3)<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (4)<br />
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (5)<br />
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (6)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (7)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen/Hoist]] (8)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (14)<br />
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (15)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (16)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (17)<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (18)<br />
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (19)<br />
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (23)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (9)<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (10)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (11)<br />
*[[Rad White]] (12)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (13)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Runway (Armada)|Runway]] (20)<br />
*[[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] (21)<br />
*[[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] (22)<br />
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (24)<br />
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (25)<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (26)<br />
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (27)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"You mean my heart looks like that?"<br />
:—'''Fred''' has no concept of biology.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Well, Starscream, you're still alive. I suppose congratulations are in order."<br />
:—'''Megatron''', showing the usual faith in his men.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Carlos:''' "Yeah, go get 'em!"<br><br />
'''Billy:''' "Yeah, it's payback time for Smokescreen!"<br><br />
'''Fred:''' "AND FREEDOM!"<br />
:—The kids watch Hot Shot and Side Swipe rush out to confront Starscream.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Hey, would ya back off? I'm trying to avenge my friend here! I won't be long!"<br />
:—'''Hot Shot'''<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*''Armada'' dramatizes Rad's opening narration and extends it to just before the opening bumper. ''Legends of the Microns'' has it short and right to the point as Rad says, "Smokescreen risked his life to protect the Mini-Cons...But now, Smokescreen lays here dying."; the narration ends before Smokescreen's spark gets removed.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Fred asks if his heart resembles a spark (as quoted above), and Billy sarcastically says Fred's would be smaller. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Fred follows up on Jetfire's statement about Earth's understanding of a soul, asking about the universe's view, to which Billy remarks, "It's still a soul, isn't it?".<br />
*Besides the Requiem Blaster destroying about 90% of Smokescreen's body, the remaining 10% is functioning weakly.<br />
*Red Alert worries about not restoring Smokescreen's body exactly as it was in ''Armada'', but that his chances of success are slim with the tech he currently has in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Rather than declaring Megatron will pay for what he did to Smokescreen, Hot Shot says the Autobots let it happen.<br />
*The Japanese dub reverses Megatron's opening lines. Before declaring the universe will be his, Megatron says the Decepticons now have nothing to fear since they now possess the Requiem Blaster. Then, while pointing the weapon at Thrust, Megatron asks if he agrees.<br />
*Megatron offers to reward Thrust for his successful operation in ''Armada'', but admits being a "''bit'' impressed" with him in ''Legends of the Microns''. Thrust is silent when bowing to Megatron. Then Megatron says Thrust earned the right to call himself a Decepticon in ''Armada''. He states that Thrust is truly an expert and callous tactician in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*After Starscream knocks Thrust into the wall, Starscream asks, "Why did you close it off?" Then Thrust claims Starscream misunderstands since the others didn't abandon him. Starscream asks why Thrust closed the warp gate on him and says, "Because of you... I..." In ''Armada'', Thrust says he doesn't know what Starscream's talking about, and Starscream claims Thrust closed off the warp gate on purpose.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Thrust says he didn't abandon Starscream but had to do it due to a change in the plan, and Starscream would've done the same. Then Starscream says he's not listening to Thrust's lies anymore. Thrust says the others were forced the close the warp gate after receiving new intel, and Starscream says Thrust will say anything to save himself in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Wheeljack says Thrust will die in ''Legends of the Microns'', but Thrust is getting trashed in ''Armada''. Demolisher says Thrust has a foul mouth instead of that he deserves a beatdown.<br />
*Starscream is silent after Megatron stops his assault on Thrust.<br />
*After he invites the Mini-Cons into the energy bath, ''Legends of the Microns'' gives Starscream an extra line in which he tells them not to fight.<br />
*The conversation between Thrust and Megatron is mostly the same, but it makes a few different points:<br />
**In ''Armada'', Megatron says Starscream has every right to be angry due to suffering a lot, and Thrust says that Starscream brought it upon himself. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron says he doesn't blame Starscream for being mad after being left behind as a "sacrifice stone," and Thrust tells Megatron he shouldn't be so blunt in saying that.<br />
**Megatron doesn't berate Thrust for not handling himself when Starscream attacked him, and Thrust says it was worth it since they acquired the Requiem Blaster.<br />
**Instead of Megatron claiming that Starscream is proving to be more valuable than initially thought due to bringing back the Star Saber, he states his fear of losing the sword and that having it back is a "wonderful miscalculation." Then instead of thinking Starscream is proving to be more valuable than he initially thought, Megatron says Starscream never stops surprising him and Thrust.<br />
**Rather than suggesting sending in Starscream first during the next battle with the Autobots and agreeing with Megatron about keeping him around longer, Thrust plays fortuneteller and ''predicts'' things getting harder for Starscream even though his "reading" might be premature.<br />
**Megatron boasts about Starscream being unaware of what he's gotten himself into in ''Armada'', but calls Starscream unlucky in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
**In ''Legends of the Microns'', Thrust doesn't say anything about learning from Megatron but instead asserts it's no surprise that Megatron's cold willingness to sacrifice his men is what led to their victory.<br />
*Starscream alerts Megatron and Thrust to his presence after cursing them under his breath; he grunts to himself in ''Armada'' instead. The English dub is the correct version, given that Starscream's mouth doesn't move in the shot.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' plays the track "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Destruction Order]]" when Starscream unleashes his fury.<br />
*Thrust doesn't label Starscream as a traitor to Demolisher and instead tells the latter to grab Starscream.<br />
*When Megatron and Starscream face each other in ''Armada'', Megatron says he has always been suspicious of Starscream and that the latter could never handle the responsibility of leading the Decepticons as his emotions have taken over him. Starscream tells Megatron that he can think whatever he wants since he no longer cares. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron tells Starscream that he's not thinking things through and is suffering from "momentary impulses." Starscream replies that it's only wishful thinking on Megatron's part. ''Armada'' replays the track from when Starscream began raging during this scene before transitioning to the insert Transformers theme, but the Japanese dub plays "For The Glory!" throughout here.<br />
*Tidal Wave calls after Starscream before making him crash in ''Legends of the Microns''; this happens earlier in ''Armada'' when they enter Earth's atmosphere.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Jetfire questions why Hot Shot and Side Swipe would head out on their own, but he says they left to intercept the Decepticons but also notes how the situation looks different in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then Scavenger quips how they do as they please.<br />
*As Carlos, Billy, and Fred cheer for Hot Shot and Side Swipe trying to avenge Smokescreen in ''Legends of the Microns'', Fred says, "We're cheering you on!".<br />
*Blurr believes that Tidal Wave chasing Starscream might be another diversion.<br />
*The scene of Starscream getting shot down by Tidal Wave before eventually surrendering himself to the Autobots has several differences from ''Armada'', mainly lines of dialogue being either removed or added:<br />
**Instead of telling the Star Saber Mini-Cons to stay with him, Starscream asks if they're alright.<br />
**Starscream tells Hot Shot and Side Swipe to forget about him since Tidal Wave is still after him, and Hot Shot asks him what he means. In ''Armada'', Starscream tells them they don't want to be caught in his situation, and Hot Shot calls Starscream "the one who's caught."<br />
**The scenes of Tidal Wave firing at Hot Shot and Starscream, Optimus taking the Star Saber, and Prime thanking Starscream are silent.<br />
*Jetfire points out that Megatron abandoned Starscream, so the latter wasn't around during what happened to Smokescreen.<br />
*Rad notes the Air Defense Mini-Con Team's concern for Starscream and says the Mini-Cons wouldn't feel that way towards a true Decepticon.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Optimus addresses the Autobots when he says Starscream is now a part of their team; he talks directly to Starscream in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Starscream tells the Autobots to analyze his data to find a way to sneak into the Decepticon base in ''Armada''. He's more specific in ''Legends of the Microns'' as he reveals that he downloaded the locking coordinates for the Decepticons' warp gate before escaping.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't have Hot Shot and Starscream grunting off-screen just before Jetstorm and Jolt leave.<br />
*While analyzing Starscream's data, Side Swipe claims the type of warp gate the Decepticons use is similar to the Autobots' launch gate.<br />
*While charging at Smokescreen with his sword, Starscream asks if he's an enemy.<br />
*The panning shot of the Autobots at the end goes from right to left in ''Armada'' but left to right in ''Legends of the Microns''. Jetfire and Blurr speak during the scene in ''Armada'', but it's changed to Optimus and Scavenger in the Japanese dub, with Scavenger's mouth seen moving as the camera stops panning.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*The tips of the top and right pliers that remove Smokescreen's spark are missing.<br />
*The background ceiling behind Optimus moves slightly between the two shots of him talking to Red Alert.<br />
*Starscream appears to knock Thrust into a pre-existing crater in a wall, though the way Thrust later looks at it when discussing Starscream suggests it was supposed to be made by the impact.<br />
*Starscream sounds confused for some reason after Megatron orders him to fix his damaged body. The Japanese dub fixes it to have Starscream sound resigned instead.<br />
*While repairing himself in the energy bath, Starscream tells Sonar, Runway, and Jetstorm they shouldn't worry about him; however, this doesn't line up with the Mini-Cons nodding in the following scene. It makes sense in ''Legends of the Microns'' as it has Starscream ''asking'' the Mini-Cons if they're worried about him.<br />
*The Mini-Cons' size changes between shots when Starscream talks to Demolishor.<br />
*After Starscream steps out from behind the corner, Megatron asks if it's him even though it's obvious; this doesn't happen in ''Legends of the Microns'', as Megatron only says Starscream's name.<br />
**At the same time, Megatron's expression looks surprised, but his voice doesn't. He is surprised by Starscream's appearance in ''Legends of the Microns'' and has an appropriate surprised tone of voice.<br />
**The Decepticon symbol on Megatron's chest is missing in the same shot.<br />
*Thrust says Starscream is starting a rebellion, but that's highly exaggerated. He says Starscream is rebelling in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Starscream calls his Null Laser Cannon the "Narrow Beam" Cannon twice.<br />
*Starscream's Null Laser Cannon goes from purple to red between shots when he fires at Cyclonus and Wheeljack.<br />
*Megatron and Starscream's mouths don't move during their confrontation.<br />
*The custom music that plays during Starscream and Megatron's face-off overlaps the track used in the Japanese dub. ''Legends of the Microns'' plays only one background track during the scene.<br />
*When Starscream fires his Null Laser Cannon the second time, his mouth doesn't move.<br />
*After Side Swipe and Hot Shot end their training session, Side Swipe's mouth opens a second before he starts talking. Side Swipe's dialogue moves in sync with his mouth in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*The children's positions change between shots while they watch the monitor with the Autobots. Some kids are also absent in some shots.<br />
*After Hot Shot and Side Swipe leave the base, it looks like Starscream and Tidal Wave have swapped places on the monitor before switching back.<br />
*After Tidal Wave shoots him down, Starscream is missing his left wing, but it's attached again seconds later.<br />
*Starscream disappears when he finishes crashing.<br />
*Starscream says, "Here ''they'' come!" to Side Swipe and Hot Shot before Tidal Wave fires at them. The Japanese dub fixes it so that Starscream says, "Here ''he'' comes!" instead.<br />
*As Tidal Wave advances on Hot Shot, his animation cel is misplaced.<br />
*Scavenger's chest is miscolored like his body while he says it wouldn't be right to send Starscream back to the Decepticons.<br />
*Rad singles out Runway for being upset though Jetstorm was the one visibly reacting a moment ago. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this mistake.<br />
*As Jetstorm and Jolt arrive to alert the Autobots of Hot Shot and Starscream's fight, Optimus incorrectly refers to Jetstorm as Runway; ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects the mistake. After Jetstorm and Jolt land, Runway and Sonar suddenly replace them. The Mini-Cons switch back and forth for the next couple of cuts: Runway and Sonar appear whenever seen from the front, and Jetstorm and Jolt return when viewed from behind. By the end of the scene, Jetstorm is back, but Jolt has disappeared.<br />
*When Smokescreen pushes Starscream back after catching his sword, the sword is attached to him in wing form despite Smokescreen tearing the blade away from him an instant prior.<br />
*After Smokescreen knocks him down, Starscream's mouth moves, but nothing comes out.<br />
*Blurr's Autobot symbol is missing during the ending pan of the Autobots.<br />
*On the final shot of the Moon, the sides of the screen have a faint white glow, but in the Japanese dub, it's the top and bottom edges instead.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
[[File:Tidal Wave and Destron Moonbase.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb]]<br />
*''Armada'' shows a naked [[spark]] for the first time.<br />
*We also see a [[Transformer]] take an energy bath for the first time, which seems to have similar properties to a [[CR chamber]]. However, previously, Transformers in this universe were shown repairing themselves with tools.<br />
*Tidal Wave is floating above the Decepticon base in its first shot.<br />
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' states this episode marks the beginning of the Starscream and Alexis side story.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Smokescreen's new body is still strong enough to throw boulders. Since he no longer has a crane arm to throw them, he uses his shovel arm like a catapult.<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Starscream uses his Null Laser Cannon.<br />
**Hot Shot uses Jolt double-barreled cannon while Powerlinxed in vehicle mode.<br />
**Optimus and Jetfire Powerlinx and form Jet Optimus.<br />
**Jet Optimus briefly Powerlinx with the Star Saber for the first and only time.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*Thrust refers to putting the Requiem Blaster "back" in Megatron's hands, but he hadn't possessed it before "[[Sacrifice]]." ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this mistake as Thrust says they "acquired" the Requiem Blaster.<br />
*The Autobots saluted Smokescreen in the previous episode, implying he had died, with Optimus even saying they will never forget him. He is [barely] alive in this episode, and Optimus isn't surprised.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
[[File:Hoist Sunset Regeneration.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Look at me! I'm Hasbro colored!"]]<br />
*The kanji 生命 would be ''seimei'', while ''supāku'' is only written in katakana, as スパーク.<br />
*So, Starscream's story arc is forced forward by Megatron betraying Starscream? That's like... bizarro-G1.<br />
*During the scene after Smokescreen gets rebuilt, the sunset lighting reflects his [[Hasbro]] toy colors.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' reveals that [[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] compares this episode's events to a German soldier who surrenders to the Allied Forces during World War II but didn't expect Starscream and Alexis's subplot to take a more depressing turn later in the show.<br />
*This episode is one of the show's few lacking an ending narration, like "[[Prehistory]]," and the Japanese version of "[[Detection]]."<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Ein Neuer Anfang'''" ("A New Beginning")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but was dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Átállás'''" ("Desertion")<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''다시 태어난 스모키'''" ("Reborn Smoky")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Regeneração'''" ("Regeneration")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 9 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Portent&diff=1576800Portent2021-12-12T03:25:02Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=47<br />
|prev=Drift (episode)<br />
|next=Cramp<br />
|title="Portent"<br />
|furigana=ぺんだんと<br />
|japanese=信頼<!--portent--><br />
|romaji=Pendant<br />
|translation=Faith: Pendant<br />
|image=Portentcap.jpg<br />
|caption=<br />
|production code=TF: A-47<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]<br />
|director=[[Shigenori Awai]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[September 28]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom)<br>[[November 21|21 November]] 2003 (Japanese)<br>[[December 5]], [[2003]] (English, United States)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Starscream, Hot Shot, and the rest continue their pursuit of Thrust, arriving at a portal to a strange organic area. The rest of the Autobots gather to fight Unicron.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Sshot-47-4-corpse.jpg|left|thumb|This was the ''lucky'' one.]]<br />
In the mysterious tunnels within [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the kids explain to [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] and [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] that [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] brought the kids to where they are. Hot Shot advises the kids to return to the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'', where it's safer, but the kids argue they can be useful, eventually convincing their gigantic metal pals. The group radios back to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] with their status, while [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] feel neglected.<br />
<br />
[[File:Jetfire Unicron.jpg|thumb|200px]]<br />
Meanwhile, [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] continue to order [[Autobot]]s to withdraw from their positions. [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] relays to Jetfire orders from Optimus Prime to assist Hot Shot and Wheeljack below. [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] is satisfied with the Autobots' retreat, allowing his forces to take over Cybertron easily. <br />
<br />
[[File:Sshot-71-1-face.jpg|left|thumb|"I can't give you my license officer"<br><br />
"Why not?"<br><br />
"BECAUSE YOU ARE HEADCRAB ZOMBIE!"]]<br />
[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]], still running from Starscream, dives through a [[Cybertron-Unicron warp gate|strange portal]]. Starscream bravely follows into the unknown. On the other side, in an organic-looking area with [[Transformer]] husks around, [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] finally appears. Starscream arrives soon after. Next, Hot Shot's group prepares to follow through the portal, with [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] making sure to put on a [[Good Luck Necklace|good luck charm]] first.<br />
<br />
Sideways and Starscream come face to face, and as is tradition, Starscream declines an offer to join up with [[Unicron]]'s side of the conflict before the battle. Sideways attacks Starscream with a swarm of [[bot-spider]]s. Hot Shot's team runs to assist, but more parasites attack Wheeljack and Hot Shot.<br />
<br />
[[File:Portent kids vs tendrils.jpg|thumb]]<br />
The kids try to rouse the [[Mini-Con]] weapons into freeing themselves from Thrust's possession, and whistling from [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] helps the effort. Thrust and Sideways ignore the kids and leave, their tracks covered by tendrils. Hot Shot and Wheeljack connect their backs and form an utterly silly-looking cyclone with no other options. Alexis lets Starscream join the team because she's Starscream's friend.<br />
<br />
Sideways plugs the Mini-Con weapons into Unicron's core processor, angry at Thrust for having not grabbed the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]].<br />
<br />
As the team moves through the caverns, they run into more suspiciously organic obstacles, separating Starscream and Alexis from the rest of the crew. Starscream goes airborne to fly Alexis to safety, but Alexis (stupid) hops off Starscream (more stupid) to retrieve the good luck charm she dropped (even sillier). Starscream saves her. <br />
<br />
[[File:Sshot-47-5-crowd.jpg|left|thumb|Just because Jhi loves generics.]]<br />
Everybody manages to make it to the surface, finding themselves on Cybertron's moon. The surface shatters and quakes, with Jetfire arriving in time to save Hot Shot, Wheeljack, the Mini-Cons, and the kids. From a distance, it becomes evident that Unicron has been hibernating inside the moon from the start. On Cybertron's surface, Wheeljack departs. Starscream also begins leaving before Alexis stops him, begging him to stay. Starscream thinks it wouldn't be fair if he betrayed them again, but Alexis knows he wouldn't do that. Starscream ponders for a moment before turning back to thank her for trusting and believing in him. As he leaves, Alexis says his name sadly and clutches her pendant.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (1)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (9)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)<br />
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (13)<br />
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (15)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (16)<br />
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (23)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (2)<br />
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (14)<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (17)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (18)<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (20)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (3)<br />
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (4)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (5)<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (11)<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (12)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (6)<br />
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (7)<br />
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (8)<br />
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (22)<br />
<br />
|h5=Other|c5=<br />
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (19)<br />
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (21)<br />
*[[Unicron]] (24)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"All right! Well, that was some fireworks display, fellas, but who said you can start the party without me?"<br><br />
"Show-off."<br />
:—'''Jetfire''' and '''Tidal Wave'''<br />
<br />
<br />
"You were wondering what kind of place this is. Well, for you, it's a graveyard. Goodbye, Starscream!"<br />
:—'''Sideways''' welcomes Starscream to Unicron.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Unicron will awaken, and both the Autobots and Decepticons will be destroyed. They will become a distant memory. The Mini-Cons' true destiny will be revealed. Those who helped will be rewarded, and all others will suffer Unicron's wrath."<br />
:—'''Sideways''' makes with the spoilers.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
[[File:Portent-animation-changes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' (right).]]<br />
*In ''Armada'', Hot Shot asks Rad why the kids came to Cybertron. Rad says they came to help the Autobots rescue the Mini-Cons, and that the kids felt useless waiting around on the ''Axalon'', which Carlos backs up as he says it was boring. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it slightly as Hot Shot asks why the kids are there rather than addressing Rad. Rad explains that they came down with High Wire, Sureshock, and Grindor to save the Mini-Con weapons Thrust took, and then Carlos says the enemy found them first. Alexis says Starscream ended up rescuing them and that he's still an ally after all; in ''Armada'', Alexis refers to Starscream as "a good friend" of the kids.<br />
*Carlos tells Alexis not to jump to conclusions about Starscream being an ally since saving them was probably accidental. Alexis retorts that it doesn't matter and asks why the others don't trust Starscream. Hot Shot says Starscream needs to be more honest in ''Legends of the Microns'' but says he needs to surrender in ''Armada''. Then, instead of asking if Starscream is still chasing Thrust as he does in ''Armada'', Wheeljack asks if ''they'' should keep chasing Thrust.<br />
*Carlos tells Hot Shot they won't save the Mini-Cons if they stand around arguing, and Alexis asks if Hot Shot wants Unicron to get the Requiem Blaster and Skyboom Shield. Wheeljack says the kids could be useful in ''Armada'', but says they're right in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*The Japanese dub removes the transformation sound from many scenes where ''Armada'' added it.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Hot Shot asks Optimus if the kids have permission to go but asks if ''he'' has Prime's consent in the Japanese dub. Then in ''Legends of the Microns'', the scene goes silent until Optimus says his line when he nods. After getting Prime's approval, Alexis and Carlos cheer in unison, and the kids sound more excited. The lighting inside the ship and on the characters is increased slightly.<br />
*Jetfire doesn't speak until the shot of him flying over the planet. He sternly tells the combatants that now's not the time to fight. In ''Armada'', he quips about the "fireworks" and the party starting without him; his order for the Autobots to retreat is laid back instead of urgent as it is in the Japanese dub.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Hoist says the Autobots forces are combining to battle their new enemy Unicron, whose power is unlike anything previously encountered. Then Blurr says they must stop Unicron at any cost as all Transformers' fate hangs in the balance. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hoist says Unicron is the Autobots' real enemy, and he will devour all Transformers regardless of faction. Blurr continues by saying Unicron will eradicate both the Autobots and Decepticons, so now is not the time for the Autobots to fight the Decepticons.<br />
*While thinking to himself, Megatron believes that teaming up with the Autobots will be pointless if he achieves a true victory against Optimus. The ''Armada'' version is similar but arrogant compared to the contemplative Japanese version. Instead of considering the idea of the Transformers teaming up, Megatron stubbornly balks at the thought, saying the Autobots and Decepticons will never be allies as long as he's in charge.<br />
*The scene of Thrust running from Starscream before entering the portal is silent. Later, in ''Legends of the Microns'', Sideways says Thrust is being followed. Then the scene goes silent until Thrust apologizes. ''Armada'' changes Sideways's line to him asking Thrust if he knows he's still being followed, and there's filler dialogue added to remove the Japanese dub's silence. Also, unlike the Japanese version, Thrust alerts Sideways to Starscream's arrival.<br />
*Rather than ask if Thrust escaped through the portal, Carlos says he can't see anything through it. Rad says they can't give up looking for him, Alexis remarks that it's why they are there, and Carlos replies in agreement. ''Armada'' lightens their dialogue by having Alexis take a jab at Carlos for being scared and Carlos firing back.<br />
*Alexis calls her necklace an "important amulet" in the Japanese dub but calls it her "good luck charm" in ''Armada''.<br />
*The Japanese dub lowers the sound of the Transformers' footsteps.<br />
*Thrust is silent as Sideways tries and fails to lure Starscream into joining them. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Sideways asks if Starscream hates Megatron before Starscream calls Sideways the object of his hatred. ''Armada'' warps their dialogue into Sideways claiming they could finish off Galvatron together, and Starscream saying he wants to destroy Sideways.<br />
*After Sideways chastises Starscream for his loyalty to Megatron in ''Legends of the Microns'', he chuckles for a bit before silently raising his arm. ''Armada'' gives him an extra line, and he laughs in the next shot as the bot-spiders appear. In the Japanese dub, Sideways is silent while Starscream slashes the bot-spiders.<br />
*The shot of the Transformer corpse in the Japanese dub is silent; in ''Armada'', Carlos states the obvious about it.<br />
*The shot of Alexis before she runs off to help Starscream is redrawn with high-quality animation, and the animation of her boarding Sureshock is modified to be more realistic (see right).<br />
*More bot-spiders are added to later scenes. ''Armada'' adds Hot Shot's line as he, Alexis, and Wheeljack arrive; the shot's Japanese version is silent. Instead of wondering what the bot-spiders are like she does in ''Armada'', Alexis says Starscream's name. Then, in ''Legends of the Microns'', Wheeljack asks Starscream if he's okay. After Starscream's lines, Hot Shot says the former's name. The bot parasites are unnamed in the Japanese dub.<br />
*When he unleashes more parasites on Hot Shot and Wheeljack, Sideways calls them "pathetic fools" in ''Legends of the Microns'' but says "it's feeding time" in ''Armada''. The later scene of Sideways telling the Autobots to get over that the Mini-Con weapons now belong to Unicron is silent. <br />
*Instead of calling the kids "an audience," Thrust mocks their useless effort to awaken the Mini-Cons since they can't hear them and asks the kids if doing so during combat would be problematic. Then, in ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos calls Thrust a "mean spirited squid-head," and Rad says the Mini-Cons aren't weapons. The kids are entirely redrawn in the Japanese dub, with Carlos and Rad's animation showing the most change. Sideways says the kids will be lost without the Autobots in ''Armada'' but says they won't live long whether Thrust shoots them or not in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Carlos doesn't have any dialogue when the tendrils grab him, and the shot of the kids falling back after Perceptor saves them is redrawn to be more natural (see right).<br />
*''Armada'' plays the insert Transformers theme as Hot Shot and Wheeljack perform their move, while ''Legends of the Microns'' plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Invincible Power]]." Then no music plays in ''Armada'' until Sureshock stops by Alexis, where "Invincible Power" starts playing in the English dub. The music doesn't stop abruptly in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Perceptor speaks after Hot Shot and Wheeljack help him in ''Armada'', but he doesn't talk in the Japanese version. Starscream telling the others to stop Sideways is also an ''Armada'' addition to cover the silence from ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*The Japanese dub has Starscream ask Alexis why she cares about him, with Alexis answering that they're still comrades as she has always believed that. ''Armada'' warps the dialogue into Alexis giving Starscream some generic gush about friends needing to help each other.<br />
*Carlos's line about the tunnel is heard sooner, and Alexis's line to Starscream about falling behind is an ''Armada'' addition as the scene is silent in the Japanese dub.<br />
*In Unicron's core processor, ''Armada'' reduces Thrust to more of a sniveling worm than his portrayal in ''Legends of the Microns'', primarily due to ''Armada'''s added filler dialogue. The Japanese dub also has Sideways ask Thrust how the latter expects to approach Megatron after failing to get the Star Saber. After Sideways sets down the Requiem Blaster and Skyboom Shield in ''Legends of the Microns'', the ground is now animated as latching onto them, and the rest of the scene is silent.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' adds some frames of Wheeljack grabbing a tendril. The Japanese dub also adds glowing circuit lines and an electrical effect to the severed tendrils after the acid wave appears (see right).<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' redraws Hot Shot with high-quality animation when he turns to see Starscream, Alexis, and Sureshock getting separated from him and the others (see right).<br />
*The Japanese dub shortens Rad's line after he contacts Alexis, so he only tells the others about her escaping with Starscream. Then the scene goes silent until Hot Shot sees more acid coming, and he tells everyone to run in the next shot.<br />
*Before jumping off Starscream in ''Armada'', Alexis says she needs to retrieve her lucky charm before stubbornly telling the reluctant Starscream that she needs it since they won't be safe without it. Then Starscream tells Sureshock to bring Alexis back. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream doesn't know about the pendant initially, as Alexis tells him about it later after thanking him and Sureshock. She desperately begs him to stop since she lost something important to her. Starscream is surprised when Alexis jumps off, and she is primarily silent while she tumbles. After Sureshock jumps off, Starscream is surprised again, calling the Mini-Con impulsive like Alexis.<br />
*Instead of calmly saying that something is causing Cybertron's moon to crumble, the Japanese dub has Starscream shocked by the revelation that he and the others were inside Cybertron's moon. After he says his line, there's some new animation where Alexis looks down for a moment before off to the side as she does in ''Armada''.<br />
*The shots of Wheeljack, Hot Shot, and the boys reaching the moon's surface and before Jetfire saves them are silent. As the ground between Hot Shot and Wheeljack splits, the frame zooms toward them in ''Armada'' but doesn't in ''Legends of the Microns''. After Jetfire rescues them, the Japanese dub replaces his quip with him asking, "What is this?" <br />
*Rad and Carlos say that Cybertron's moon is Unicron in unison as his horns emerge; the English version is silent. In ''Armada'', Hot Shot asks if it's Unicron, to which Jetfire says he believed Unicron to be a myth. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot asks his question in shock before Alexis says it is undoubtedly Unicron though she can barely believe it.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Jetfire says that Unicron spied on Cybertron and the Transformers the whole time; in ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream says the line instead. Then ''Armada'' adds some filler dialogue to the following two scenes of everyone reacting to Unicron's reveal. One of the generic Autobots is heard in the Japanese dub asking, "Is that Unicron?"<br />
*After Wheeljack says he's moving on despite enjoying fighting alongside Hot Shot again, there's an awkward silence in ''Armada'' before he continues speaking. There's none in ''Legends of the Microns'' as Wheeljack's line is longer.<br />
*The Japanese dub redraws Alexis as she asks Starscream to stay and assures him that he wouldn't betray his friends, changing her facial expression from stoic to despondent (see right). After Alexis tells Starscream he wouldn't betray his friends, Starscream says he's no longer sure of anything in ''Armada'', but he's silent in ''Legend of the Microns''. After Starscream thanks Alexis for believing in him, the sound of his footsteps is heavily toned down so that the music takes precedence, emphasizing the scene's emotion.<br />
*In ''Legend of the Microns'', the shot of Alexis watching Starscream walk away is entirely redrawn, with her face showing the most change, now looking more anguished compared to the ''Armada'' version. Her dialogue is now an internal monologue in which she says she will always believe in Starscream. However, in ''Armada'', Alexis begins the closing narration once she clutches her pendant; in the Japanese dub, she starts it after the scene dissolves to Starscream.<br />
*Alexis's ending narration in ''Armada'' is long-winded as she talks about how, while watching Starscream walk away, Alexis realized there's a lot about the Transformers she didn't understand as the scars from their age-old battle run deeper than she knew. She says if new "battle lines" are drawn in response to Unicron's appearance, then trust will become harder to come by. Unlike the ''Armada'' version, which connects to the subplot of some characters' lingering trust issues with Starscream, the ''Legends of the Microns'' version is brief and sincere as Alexis says she could only hear her heartbeat as she watched Starscream walk away. The episode's last few seconds are silent.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*Carlos calls Grindor "Sureshock," and Alexis later refers to Sureshock as "Grindor."<br />
*In some shots, the Autobot and Decepticon symbols are missing or just dots.<br />
*When Carlos and Alexis argue with Hot Shot, Wheeljack's right eye is gray.<br />
*When the kids speak to Optimus, the neck segments of their spacesuits are missing.<br />
*In the first shot of Thrust, he isn't carrying the Skyboom Shield or Requiem Blaster. The two weapons reappear as he jumps into the portal.<br />
*The children's gloves are gone in some shots. The Japanese dub adds their gloves to the scene of Alexis and Rad trying to save Carlos.<br />
**When Carlos reacts to the Transformer corpse in the same shot, he stops mid-pose like his animation is incomplete. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos is redrawn doing the full pose; however, his skin tone is darker than his ungloved hands (see above).<br />
*As Alexis, Carlos, and Rad react to the corpse, the white parts of Carlos's helmet are gray, and it looks like the visor is gone.<br />
*A couple of bot-spiders in the background don't move in some scenes.<br />
*When encountering Sideways in the organic cavern, Wheeljack's face is grey for two shots. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes his face color, but it's still gray under Wheeljack's eyes.<br />
*When the camera pans to the ridge after Sideways sics bot-spiders on Wheeljack and Hot Shot, the ridge is empty, but the kids and their Mini-Cons appear on it in the next shot. The Japanese dub adds the kids and High Wire to the scene.<br />
*As Rad spies on Thrust holding the Requiem Blaster and Skyboom Shield, they're colored like part of Thrust.<br />
*In the initial shot of the kids and Mini-Cons on the ledge, Rad has Carlos and Alexis on his right and left, respectively. However, while trying to awaken the Skybomm Shield and Requiem Blaster Mini-Cons, Carlos is suddenly between Alexis and Rad. Then Rad is back in the middle when the scene cuts back to the kids.<br />
*Perceptor looks very off-model, and he's silent when he tries to awaken the Skyboom Shield and Requiem Blaster Mini-Cons. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes his model, and he emits the frequency sound.<br />
*When the tendrils first appear, they're gray-colored. Their color changes between shots after this, except after Starscream saves Sureshock. The tendrils are always gray-colored in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*When Hot Shot and Wheeljack start spinning, they go from left to right, and the direction they're spinning in changes depending on the shot afterward.<br />
**The dust they kick up doesn't match the ground's color, and it becomes purple as they finish their move. The dust is purple throughout in the Japanese dub.<br />
*In one shot before Starscream shoots the rest of the parasites, they look mostly transparent.<br />
**Starscream is off-model as he destroys them. The Japanese dub has him redrawn accurately (see above).<br />
*Alexis's helmet is partially miscolored when she talks to Starscream in one shot. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the color placement.<br />
*While Jetfire walks through the tunnel, the scene cuts to the others' location when he says he hopes to find them. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos's line about the creepy atmosphere is heard instead.<br />
*Before Sideways places the Requiem Blaster and Skyboom Shield in Unicron's core processor, he isn't seen holding them, unlike the previous shot.<br />
*Before they and the others get attacked in the tunnel, Rad and Carlos's helmets' visor frames are partially miscolored white. The Japanese dub corrects the error.<br />
**Also, Carlos was behind Rad in the previous shot of the group, but he's missing when the scene cuts from Sideways and Thrust, only to return in the next shot.<br />
*In some shots, the kids' visor frames are a bit off-model as they have a shaded color on the inside against their foreheads. The Japanese dub either removes it or changes it to a shadow effect.<br />
*When Hot Shot and company flee from the acid, his thighs are briefly gray instead of black.<br />
*There seems to be a haze effect over the acid and the miscolored pink steam emitted when it dissolves the severed tendril in three shots. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the effect and changes the steam's color to white.<br />
*During the shot of Starscream running towards the screen as the path closes, Alexis and Sureshock appear whenever Starscream swings his sword out to his right side. Also, after Hot Shot notices the closing pathway, Starscream is missing from the frame. The Japanese dub fixes the latter issue.<br />
*The animation of Alexis jumping into Starscream's hand is a bit shoddy.<br />
*When Alexis jumps off Starscream, several parts of her model are miscolored: her eyes are red instead of dark-green, her suit's visor frame is colored greyish instead of pink, the shoulder region is grayish-pink rather than light-gray, and the blue lining around the cuff and waist are red-violet instead. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects all of these errors.<br />
*Before seeing her pendant on the ground, the neck portion of Alexis's suit is missing. The glints of her eyes are also missing, making her look possessed. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes both mistakes.<br />
*Her spacesuit's neck is missing when the tendrils grab Sureshock.<br />
*The tendril around Sureshock's neck is gray after Starscream cuts it.<br />
*Before Jetfire saves Wheeljack and Hot Shot, the latter two float in the chasm forming beneath them, unaffected by gravity, despite being on the ground in the previous scene.<br />
*The shot of Starscream with Alexis and Sureshock after emerging from Cybertron's moon vibrates, although they're in midair. It doesn't vibrate in the Japanese dub.<br />
*When Wheeljack leaves Hot Shot at the end, his back doesn't look as it should. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Wheeljack is entirely redrawn with his back now on model (see above).<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*Alexis made a pendant from her piece of the rock Starscream gifted the children in "[[Mars (episode)|Mars]]."<br />
*Unicron is revealed to have been hiding in plain sight as Cybertron's moon. <br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Jetfire uses his Plasma Blaster.<br />
**Starscream uses his Wing Blade.<br />
**Hot Shot and Wheeljack perform a move from their days as friends where they stand back-to-back and spin in unison.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
[[File:Portent Alexis charm.jpg|thumb|Sureshock desires the precious. Sureshock shall have the precious.]]<br />
*In the Japanese dub, Carlos tells Hot Shot that the enemy found the kids after they descended to the planet. However, the accurate answer is that the kids more or less stumbled upon Thrust and Starscream, as seen in the previous episode.<br />
*Alexis says Starscream found the kids and brought them to the planet, which isn't true. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it to Alexis saying that Starscream saved them.<br />
*Why does Carlos start whooping before Hot Shot stops him from taking off with Grindor as if he's forgotten the gravity of the situation? ''Legends of the Microns'' removes it, so it's not an issue.<br />
*During Hot Shot's transmission to Optimus, Alexis wears her pendant even though she technically hasn't put it on yet.<br />
**In some later scenes, the pendant isn't visible after Alexis puts it on. The Japanese dub adds it back in some instances.<br />
*In his inner monologue, Megatron regards Hot Shot as being under Optimus's "control" and claims to now have complete control of Cybertron, though beforehand, he said that he's achieved "''most''" of his goal as in he hasn't succeeded yet. In the Japanese dub, Megatron says "command" instead of "control" and that Cybertron is "''almost''" under his control.<br />
*After Alexis, Sureshock, and Starscream get separated from Hot Shot and the others, Rad looks to the side and says, "Look, it's Laserbeak!" even though he has Laserbeak. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad remembers Laserbeak, and he's reanimated about to take Laserbeak out of his pocket (see above).<br />
*Alexis says she made her lucky pendant from a rock she found on Cybertron when it's actually from Mars (as mentioned above). ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this error.<br />
*When Rad and Hot Shot mention the crumbling moon, the scene makes it seem they're talking about Cybertron since they're looking at it. The Japanese dub fixes this by changing their lines to Rad being shocked by the sight of Cybertron and Hot Shot wondering what's happening.<br />
<br />
===Transformers references===<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream mentions the [[Pit (BW)|Pit]] before following Thrust through the portal.<br />
*The Japanese dub has Carlos call Thrust by his nickname "squidhead" in one scene.<br />
*Jetfire calls himself a "Knight of the Sky" twice in the Japanese dub.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*The English version of "Portent" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 5]], 2003.<br />
*Similarly with "[[Threaten]]," ''Legends of the Microns'' following episode preview narration doesn't end with the usual "Fight, Convoy! TRANSFORM!" line, and instead ends with Alexis in shock about something involving Starscream.<br />
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' reveals these tidbits about the episode:<br />
**The central theme is the mystery of Unicron.<br />
**Alexis's belief in Starscream leads him down a new path.<br />
**As soon as they saw Unicron's toy, the team knew how they wanted his transformation from Cybertron's moon to play out.<br />
*Like "[[Soldier (episode)|Soldier]]" and "[[Rebellion (Armada)|Rebellion]]," this episode is one of the few without significant musical changes between the dubs, except when Hot Shot and Wheeljack perform their joint attack.<br />
*Like "[[Swoop (episode)|Swoop]]," this episode is one of few in the series lacking an opening monologue in both dubs.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Ein Zeichen'''" ("A Sign")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 19|19 December]] [[2003]]<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Hajsza és menekülés'''" ("Chase and Escape")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Presságio'''" ("Portent")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 12 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Mars_(episode)&diff=1576799Mars (episode)2021-12-12T03:19:18Z<p>Starzone: /* Continuity notes */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{picsneeded}}<br />
{{disambig2|the ''Armada'' episode|the planet|Mars (planet)}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=36<br />
|prev=Rescue<br />
|next=Crack (episode)<br />
|title="Mars"<br />
|furigana=しょうとつ<br />
|japanese=火星<!--mars--><br />
|romaji=Shoutotsu<br />
|translation=Mars: Conflict<br />
|image=Armada-Mars-Starscream and Jetfire.jpg<br />
|caption=<br />
|production code=TF: A-36<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]<br />
|director=[[Mihiro Yamaguchi]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[May 3]], [[2003]] (English)<br>[[September 12|12 September]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Jetfire and Starscream get their ass to Mars to rescue a Mini-Con, but walk into a trap.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] rages, frustrated that the [[Autobot]]s do not share his priority of destroying [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. His [[Mini-Con]] partners, [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] and the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]], try to console him, followed by [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]], but he is too wrapped up in his self-doubts to listen to them. <br />
<br />
While Megatron rages about his recent setback, [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] receives some news that might calm him: [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] claims that while the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] has limited power, combining it with the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] and [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom]] Shield would make it unstoppable.<br />
<br />
The Autobots on [[Earth]] detect a new Mini-Con signal, but as it is on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], only [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and Starscream would be capable of flying there to retrieve it. The kids are upset that they can't go but ask Jetfire for a souvenir, like maybe a Mars rock. Jetfire isn't happy to be bringing Starscream at all, but they head out, with Jetfire wielding the Skyboom Shield and Starscream wielding the Star Saber.<br />
<br />
Having been briefed by Thrust on the Mini-Con and the three weapons' potential, Megatron recognizes that the Autobots' mission to Mars is the perfect opportunity to unite the Mini-Con weapons.<br />
<br />
On Mars, Starscream is itching for a fight with Megatron, and he seems to get his wish, as an ominous shape appears in the stormy skies above. Starscream leaps to attack and is annoyed to find that it's only [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], who demands the Star Saber and knocks Starscream to the planet's surface. Jetfire, having noticed the Decepticon intruder as well, decides to investigate.<br />
<br />
Starscream pulls himself together and finds the Air Defense Team trying to cheer him on. He drives them away, screaming that he doesn't need their sympathy, only to lament immediately that now even the Mini-Cons have abandoned him. He declares that here, on this planet, he will crush Megatron. Starscream notices that he has been absentmindedly crushing a Martian rock while talking to himself, which he then looks at with interest. Soon, the Air Defense Team leads [[Comettor (Armada)|Comettor]] and Jetfire to Starscream's aid. The two [[Bulk]]s argue over Starscream's responsibilities, culminating in Jetfire arresting Starscream for insubordination. [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] agrees, and Jetfire heads home with Starscream in tow and the Mini-Con still helpless.<br />
<br />
Starscream fortuitously spots the Mini-Con they have been searching for on a nearby asteroid on the journey home. Jetfire entrusts Starscream with retrieving the Mini-Con, revealed to be [[Firebot (Armada)|Firebot]], but a new assault by Tidal Wave interrupts them. With the Autobots pinned down, Megatron and Thrust teleport to the battle. Starscream cries out for Jetfire to release his cuffs and let him help, but Jetfire is helpless to do so. Starscream pleads with Firebot to open fire on the Decepticons with no other recourse. He explains that while the Autobots will protect the Mini-Con, the Decepticons will only use him as a tool for war. Firebot seems to understand, as he holds off Tidal Wave long enough for Starscream to get him to safety. Starscream and Jetfire face off against Megatron, but their Mini-Con weapons emit a strange, golden glow that grows to envelop all three of them as they do. The three weapons' power knocks Tidal Wave and Thrust away and knocks Megatron unconscious, allowing Starscream and Jetfire to escape.<br />
<br />
[[File:Mysterious rock.JPG|left|upright=0.85|thumb|Santa Claus gives bad/annoying children radioactive rocks for Christmas.]]<br />
Back at the Autobot base, Optimus Prime and Jetfire agree that they should keep the Mini-Con weapons' mysterious power a secret. While the kids chat with Jetfire, who disappoints them when he admits he hasn't brought them a souvenir, Alexis explains to Starscream how she is proud of him for convincing Firebot to join the Autobots. She knows he cares for the Mini-Cons, and that's why she feels he belongs on the Autobot side. Starscream counters that his only mission is to destroy Megatron and stomps off but leaves behind the chunk of rock he found on Mars. Alexis is very excited to see it and calls the boys over to look at it. Alexis notes that Starscream has shown that he genuinely cares, and she hopes that he will soon join the Autobots for good.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (1)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (16)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (19)<br />
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (20)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (21)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (23)<br />
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (24)<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (25)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (9)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (10)<br />
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (11)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (12)<br />
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (13)<br />
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (23)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (2)<br />
*[[Rad White]] (3)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (4)<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (17)<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (18)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] (5)<br />
*[[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] (6)<br />
*[[Runway (Armada)|Runway]] (7)<br />
*[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] (8)<br />
*[[Mirror]] (14)<br />
*[[Comettor (Armada)|Comettor]] (22)<br />
*[[Firebot (Armada)|Firebot]] (26)<br />
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (27)<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (28)<br />
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (29)<br />
*[[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]] (30)<br />
<br />
|c5=<br />
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (15)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"Megatron looks a little testy today, huh?"<br />
:—'''Cyclonus'''<br />
<br />
<br />
"Any of you ladies going to do any work today, or are you just going to stand around chatting with one another?"<br />
:—'''Thrust''', interrupting water cooler chatter<br />
<br />
<br />
"I don't need your sympathy! Now leave me alone!"<br />
<br>''[the Mini-Cons trot off]''<br />
<br>''[gravely]'' "...Even the Mini-Cons have abandoned me now."<br />
:—''Angry'' '''Starscream''' transforms into ''sad'' Starscream<br />
<br />
<br />
"Let me tell you my personal motto: VICTORY IS MINE!"<br />
:—'''Jetfire's''' egotistical interpretation of ''"I wanna tell you about the Transformers"''<br />
<br />
<br />
"He's so difficult sometimes."<br />
:—'''Thrust''' on Megatron<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream's thoughts throughout the episode are mostly concerned not with Megatron but the Mini-Cons and his growing respect for them.<br />
*Almost every time Starscream tells someone to leave him alone in ''Armada'', it is changed to him telling them to be quiet.<br />
*The opening scene has some notable differences between the dubs:<br />
**When Starscream suddenly stops to stare at the flower valley with his mouth agape, Carlos's remark about Starscream puking up lunch is changed to him asking if Starscream is now exhausted, and Alexis says he stopped for another reason. At this point, ''Armada'' inserts an internal monologue in which he laments wasting time on Earth instead of going after Megatron, even going so far as saying he will, for some reason, ''perish'' unless he gets to Megatron soon. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the scene is silent, implying that Starscream is merely amazed by the flowers' beauty.<br />
**The scene is silent just before Swindle and the Air Defense Mini-Con team try consoling Starscream. During the shot of Swindle and Sonar, Carlos's line about Starscream being "out to lunch" is now him saying Starscream might lash out at Alexis in anger. In ''Armada'', Alexis says she knows why Starscream is upset before he says, "It's all about the Mini-Cons," and that he wants to be left alone. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis tells him the flowers are pretty, and Starscream mentions the Mini-Cons and calls Alexis "an annoying pest" before storming off. ''Armada'' has Alexis groan about Starscream being mean to her when she's just trying to help. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis asks if the Mini-Cons were bothering him. Then, instead of thinking that Starscream will do something drastic, Alexis says she's sure the Mini-Cons are worried about him.<br />
*The exchange between Thrust and Sideways has a few changes: Sideways's line about the three Mini-Con weapons completing each other is changed to each weapon ''countering'' one another. In ''Armada'', Thrust says the weapons would be more powerful when combined and realizes they could become one. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him realize each weapon is formed by "three Mini-Cons in a set," making him wonder what would happen if someone combined the set of three weapons. Thrust's scenes asking if the weapons could unite to become one and turning around to find Sideways gone are silent. He also asks Sideways why he told him that information as he turns. ''Armada'' has Thrust gloat about destroying the Autobots with the Mini-Con weapons' combined power. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him ponder how much power the union would create. Thrust's laughter is extended to be heard during the shot of Earth appearing from beyond the Moon.<br />
*Billy says they ''need'' to go after the new Mini-Con on Mars, and Fred's line about needing to "go" is removed.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Carlos say, "Hurry, hurry!" to Billy and Fred as they're running to the launch gate.<br />
*''Armada'' has Rad snark about Carlos, Billy, and Fred wearing helmets, but in ''Legends of the Microns'', he asks what the heck Carlos is doing. Jetfire even tells the boys he ''will'' bring them back a souvenir with the Mini-Con.<br />
*Some changes during the talk between Megatron and Thrust include the following: Thrust doesn't mention the Mini-Con when he says Starscream and Jetfire have left Earth; Megatron tells Thrust they must recapture the Star Saber from Starscream; in ''Armada'', Megatron says combining the Mini-Con weapons will unleash the "ultimate power of the universe" and conquer the Autobots forever. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says that ''if'' Thrust's theory about the Mini-Con weapons is correct, they'll release a large amount of energy; and rather than claiming the Decepticons will have their victory, Thrust says the Autobots will have a lot to fear.<br />
*While approaching Mars, Jetfire has an additional line about what Starscream could be doing. Jetfire is also silent when Comettor transforms.<br />
*Since she can't see anything on Mars, Alexis asks Jetfire what's happening instead of telling him he's on his own. Rad also says they can't hear Jetfire rather than asking what he just said.<br />
*About Fred's nose itching, Alexis says it's unavoidable and something he should've thought about when putting on the spacesuit. In ''Armada'', Fred asks how he will eat lunch if he can't touch his face. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he asks if he, Billy, and Carlos were going into space, and the other two answer, "Yeah!"<br />
*Starscream, Tidal Wave, and Jetfire are more obscured by the storm than in ''Armada''.<br />
*Right after Starscream shouts, "Megatron, where are you?" he has an extra line asking where Megatron is hiding before he shouts, "Show yourself!"<br />
*Starscream can't hear Tidal Wave demand that he hand over the Star Saber.<br />
*Instead of "hoping" that Starscream's okay, Hot Shot claims to be worried about him as he's an ally now.<br />
*During the scene of Starscream sulking, all of his lines are a more dramatic internal monologue instead, and one in which he doesn't mention Megatron at all. He asks himself what he wants, laments that Jetfire will be unable and unwilling to help him since the Autobot only sees him as another Decepticon and cares more about the Mini-Cons than him, but then Starscream says he won't let Mars be the end of him.<br />
*Jetfire is silent as he walks towards Starscream, and when he extends his hand, Starscream says he doesn't need any help. ''Armada'' has Jetfire tell Starscream to get up and help find the Mini-Con; ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say the Mini-Cons lead him to Starscream, and the latter should accept the Mini-Cons' help no matter how much he hates the Autobot.<br />
*Instead of telling Jetfire that he will pay for arresting him, Starscream calls him "a loud-mouthed pest." Strangely, Jetfire doesn't inform the others about restraining Starscream and only says that he's injured. When it cuts to Optimus after he tells Jetfire to bring Starscream back to Earth, he says, "That'll do," as his line about Starscream needing to learn a lesson is removed, and he doesn't address the kids.<br />
*Jetfire telling Starscream to quit struggling is changed to him saying they are close to leaving Mars' orbit.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Jetfire's lecture to Starscream is about how, unlike the Decepticons, the Autobots need to work together and help each other. After that, Starscream mentions Megatron, seemingly ignoring what Jetfire said. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Jetfire says the Autobots' job is to help their friends, including the Mini-Cons, and since everyone agrees that Starscream is now one of them, they all want to help him too. Then Starscream asks about the missing Mini-Con. After this, ''Armada'' has Jetfire tell Starscream not to stop him from taking him back to Earth before Starscream tells him to wait. Then Jetfire tells Starscream to save his breath; Starscream says he sees "him," and Jetfire assumes he means Megatron but Starscream clarifies the Mini-Con. In ''Legends of the Microns'', while the shot focuses on Jetfire, Starscream tells him to wait, Jetfire tells him to quit wasting time, and during the close-up of Starscream, he says he found "it." Jetfire thinks he's talking about Megatron, so he says they don't have time to deal with him, but Starscream clarifies that he found the Mini-Con.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Starscream says the Mini-Con is on the asteroid, and Jetfire says that he sees it before telling Starscream his "personal motto" (quoted above). In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream is silent, and Jetfire doesn't say that he sees the Mini-Con until the shot where the panel flickers. As they approach the asteroid, Jetfire asks Starscream if that's where it is, and Starscream asks if they should rescue it. Then Jetfire says, "When the going gets tough...we get going!" After seeing the Mini-Con, Jetfire says this is Starscream's mission instead of telling him to grab the Mini-Con as they fly over it.<br />
*Megatron says that ''he'' is heading out instead of him and Thrust.<br />
*Starscream tells Jetfire to release him if he expects them to save the Mini-Con.<br />
*Instead of telling Starscream to fight and calling him a coward, Megatron curses him. As the Mini-Con weapons glow, Megatron asks if it could be what Thrust meant.<br />
*''Armada'' has Hot Shot believe Jetfire and Starscream may have encountered the Decepticons; ''Legends of the Microns'' has him ask what Alexis means when she says she can't see what happened, despite this being the case throughout the episode. The Japanese dub also has Jetfire appear on the monitor when he gets back in contact while static remains on the screen in ''Armada''.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Thrust doesn't call out to Megatron until the scene transitions to Megatron's close-up, and Thrust only calls him name once instead of three times. Megatron also only asks where he is.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Thrust says the explosion of energy blasted them all back, and that tremendous power was from the union of the Mini-Con weapons. ''Legends of the Microns'' slightly rewords it as Thrust says only Megatron got blasted back by the energy wave. As he talks about the weapons combining, it cuts to Optimus and Jetfire finishing Thrust's sentence, instead of repeating the line about the power unleashed as ''Armada'' does it. Then Optimus claims they should keep the revelation concerning the mysterious energy on the DL to avoid causing needless panic in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this to Optimus wanting to prevent anyone else from getting involved.<br />
*In her ending narration, Alexis says that though Starscream states defeating Megatron is his only goal, she thinks he has another one and likes to believe the day when Starscream becomes an official Autobot isn't that far away.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*The first rock Starscream cuts already has the line showing the slice effect before he hacks through it.<br />
*During the shot where Starscream slices through a rock on the screen's left side, his eyes glow, but the stone looks unaffected. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds a faint line that glows and fades simultaneously with Starscream's eyes to show where he sliced through it.<br />
*As he calls out to Sideways, a shot with Thrust jump cuts to one with the same background and then jumps back to Thrust. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects it.<br />
*Where does Swindle come from in the opening scene? He isn't attached to Starscream during his temper tantrum, but after the first [[commercial bumper]], the Mini-Con is suddenly on Starscream's shoulder.<br />
*Sideways calls Thrust "a poor ''commander''," though Thrust is a tactician. The Japanese dub corrects the mistake.<br />
*The diagram Alexis shows looks nothing like the solar system.<br />
*The Transformers look off-model in some scenes with their enlarged torsos and small heads.<br />
*After Thrust tells Cyclonus, Wheeljack, and Demolishor to get to work on the spaceship, Cyclonus's mouth is miscolored to match his head.<br />
*Carlos, Billy, and Fred don't react to Starscream on the launch gate.<br />
*While Megatron and Thrust talk after Starscream and Jetfire leave Earth, Thrust says Tidal Wave will attack them once the other two get near the "base." ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this so that Thrust says Tidal Wave will attack Jetfire and Starscream once he figures out their location.<br />
*The whites of Carlos' eyes appear after Alexis loses contact with Jetfire.<br />
*After Fred complains about his itchy nose, Billy's mouth opens, but nothing comes out. Billy has a line in the Japanese dub.<br />
*In the storm on Mars, Tidal Wave initially appears as a formless black shape with no detail.<br />
*Despite being in the middle of a storm, the scene of Tidal Wave grabbing Starscream is visible, and for a split second, it looks as though there are ''two'' Starscreams when Tidal Wave grabs him. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes these mistakes.<br />
*Jetfire's disappearing and reappearing Autobot symbol.<br />
*The Decepticon insignia periodically appears on Starscream's arms and disappears from them.<br />
*During the scene of Jetfire lecturing Starscream after leaving Mars when Starscream brings up Megatron, the shadow of his lower lip overlaps with his lower jaw.<br />
*Before he tells Jetfire that he's spotted the Mini-Con, Starscream says he sees ''"him"'' instead of ''"it"''. After this, when Starscream says, "Over there!" his mouth doesn't move.<br />
*Jetfire says he sees the Mini-Con despite there being no indication of it, and he says that he sees it again after the panel flickers.<br />
*Alexis asks about Starscream even though Jetfire previously said they're both on their way back before Jetfire cracks a joke about him and Starscream gives his sarcastic response. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this error by having Jetfire say that Starscream is fine, and the latter tells him to be quiet.<br />
*For some reason, the [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] plays when Megatron readjusts his position when Thrust and Tidal Wave find him after the battle. The Japanese dub removes the sound.<br />
*In the ending scene, as Alexis talks to Starscream, his lower jaw is miscolored.<br />
*During Alexis's ending narration, as the boys run to see the Mars rock on the floor, it doesn't sparkle; also, Starscream walks from right to left, although he previously went in the opposite direction. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes both errors.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' explains that Starscream and the Mini-Cons are in touch with each other because of his hidden kindness, something hinted at in "[[Regeneration (Armada)|Regeneration]]." That hidden kindness is what draws Alexis to Starscream.<br />
*[[Mirror]]'s ghostly head appears momentarily before ultimately becoming Sideways himself.<br />
*Firebot debuts in this episode, and he's never named.<br />
*Comettor debuts in this episode, and his origin goes unexplained, similar to [[Nightbeat (Armada)|Nightbeat]].<br />
**He was possibly among the Mini-Cons rescued in the [[Rescue|previous episode]].<br />
*The rock Starscream gives the children will become an important element between Alexis and Starscream in [[Portent|later]] [[Cramp|episodes]].<br />
*This episode marks the second time Starscream's eyes glow in a scene.<br />
*The Japanese dub foreshadows the [[Hydra Cannon]] during Thrust and Sideways' conversation.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Comettor has sensor powers much like [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]].<br />
**Jetfire carries handcuffs; unfortunately, they aren't [[Stasis cuffs]].<br />
**Firebot can fire chest lasers.<br />
**Jetfire has a storage compartment on his back large enough for a Mini-Con.<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Starscream Powerlinx with the Star Saber.<br />
**Jetfire Powerlinx with the Skyboom Shield.<br />
**Megatron Powerlinx with the Requiem Blaster.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*Rad and Carlos are utterly clueless about what Starscream's problem is in the opening scene, but shouldn't it be obvious after the end of the previous episode? They comment on Starscream making a mess during his rage session instead in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Starscream saying he'll perish unless he gets to Megatron soon is a dramatic statement that never amounts to anything. He doesn't say this in ''Legends of the Microns'' so it's not an issue.<br />
*Where is Blurr?<br />
*Starscream claims the Mini-Cons 'abandoned' him even though he's the one who just told them to go away. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes Starscream's line to him telling the Mini-Cons to be quiet before they leave to find Jetfire, so his remark about them abandoning him now makes sense.<br />
*When Jetfire and Starscream come under attack, Jetfire claims that he would separate them from the handcuffs if he could, but isn't the Star Saber undoubtedly more than capable of cutting them apart?<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*Billy and Fred talking about needing to go sometimes is a riff on the old saying, "When you gotta go, you gotta go."<br />
*When running to the launch gate, Carlos says, "Last one there is a rotten egg!"<br />
*Carlos says he wants to be like a rocketman, like {{w|Rocket Man (song)|the Elton John song of the same name}}.<br />
*In the Japanese dub, Jetfire says a version of the quote, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*The kanji 火星 would be as "''kasei''," while "''shoutotsu''" is used for 衝突.<br />
*The English dub commercial bumpers now have sound effects added to them.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' reveals the following tidbits:<br />
**Starscream and Alexis are this episode's lead characters as she tries to understand him better.<br />
**The scene between them by the flowers plays out almost like one from a school romantic comedy.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Starscreams Fehde'''" ("Starscream's Vendetta")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but was dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Mentőakció, 2. rész'''" ("Rescue Mission, Part 2")<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''뭉쳐야 산다'''" ("Union is Strength")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Marte'''" ("Mars")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 9 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Battle for the Mini-Cons ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two (Rhino Entertainment)<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=File:Portent-animation-changes.jpg&diff=1576793File:Portent-animation-changes.jpg2021-12-12T02:42:03Z<p>Starzone: {{Armadacap|Changes in animation between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' (right).|Portent|2}}</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Armadacap|Changes in animation between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' (right).|Portent|2}}</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Crack_(episode)&diff=1576061Crack (episode)2021-12-08T03:39:19Z<p>Starzone: /* Continuity errors */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig3|Crack}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=37<br />
|prev=Mars (episode)<br />
|next=Threaten<br />
|title="Crack"<br />
|furigana=ぷらいど<br />
|japanese=決意<!--crack--><br />
|romaji=Pride<br />
|translation=Decision: Pride<br />
|image=Chamois WHY.jpg<br />
|caption=Is whack.<br />
|production code=TF: A-37<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]<br />
|director=[[Shigenori Awai]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[May 10]], [[2003]] (English)<br>[[September 19|19 September]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Starscream must choose between the human friends he has made among the Autobots and his hunger to destroy Megatron. Betrayal and conspiracy are so addictive.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
In a secret meeting, [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] plot how to get the [[Mini-Con]] weapons away from the [[Autobot]]s. It's all very ominous.<br />
<br />
On [[Earth]], [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] finds he doesn't feel very motivated to help the Autobots build their [[Axalon (Armada)|stupid spaceship]]. He feels it's a waste of time when they could be off killing [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] instead of worrying about Mini-Cons. [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] explains to [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], who is exasperated with Starscream's apathy, that the Autobots should take this chance to try and understand what makes Autobots and Decepticons different, and learn how to work together. After all, the inability to make such a rapport is why the two factions are still fighting.<br />
<br />
[[File:Crack Starscream confused.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"Do they really like me?" If they're fangirls.]]<br />
Starscream, meanwhile, is quite shocked to find the human kids throwing him a surprise party; it was [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]]'s idea to thank him for the [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] rock he previously gave them. The kids present him with a crudely stitched but brightly colorful [[Chamois of Friendship|chamois]], which they have made for him themselves and claim is for cleaning the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]]. Starscream explains that he has never received a present before, so he doesn't know how to react. When [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] arrives to assign Starscream to monitor duty, Starscream figures that if he slacks off, someone else will do it; Alexis has to explain the notion of teamwork to him. Starscream storms off after her abortive lecture, claiming that he needs some quiet.<br />
<br />
As with most of what Starscream says and does, this is total bluster, and he does end up doing his monitor duty as assigned. When a bizarre signal appears on the screens, he goes out to investigate its source. He finds Thrust, who tries to talk Starscream into rejoining the [[Decepticon]]s so that the two of them can work against Megatron from the inside. [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] and [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] happen by just in time to hear Thrust mention that if Megatron might welcome Starscream back if he were to bring the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom]] Shield.<br />
<br />
Back at the Autobot base, Starscream watches the [[Race Mini-Con Team]]—the Mini-Cons who combine to form the shield—and broods.<br />
<br />
[[File:Crack Hot Shot head.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Starscream is so dreamy, he's like, a dreamboat. Err, plane.]]<br />
Fred and Billy tell the Autobots about Thrust's appearance and how Starscream chased him away. Jetfire makes a crack about how Fred shouldn't consider Starscream a hero, which is, of course, the moment when Starscream walks in on the conversation. All share an awkward moment. [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] arrives shortly after that, reporting that the Race Team has disappeared. Billy and Fred remember that Thrust wanted them, which leads the Autobots—especially Smokescreen—to accuse Starscream of stealing them. Hot Shot tries to give Starscream a chance to explain himself, but the former Decepticon doesn't bother defending himself. Since the Autobots have already made up their minds that he is a traitor, he believes that trying to get along with them is a failed experiment.<br />
<br />
A Decepticon attack interrupts the tense situation, drawing the Autobots out to fight. While his erstwhile comrades face the main Decepticon force, Starscream seeks out Thrust alone high in the clouds. Brandishing the Star Saber and his chamois, Starscream rebuffs Thrust's offer, claiming he would rather stay with robots he can trust. Thrust is still bent on convincing Starscream to work with him against Megatron.<br />
<br />
Hot Shot, whom [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] chased into a forest, runs into Alexis, [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], [[Rad White|Rad]], and the Race Mini-Con Team. Hot Shot learns that the kids only took the Mini-Cons for a walk without notifying anyone first. He realizes he was wrong to accuse Starscream and asks the Mini-Cons to help.<br />
<br />
[[File:Crack Skyboom theft.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Another "Yoink" moment, brought to you by Photoshop.]]<br />
Meanwhile, Starscream is at a loss to explain to himself why he won't just kill Thrust and be done with the whole sorry affair. Thrust opines that working alongside the Autobots has caused him to go soft and forget his heritage. <br />
<br />
Smokescreen tosses the Skyboom Shield to Optimus Prime on the ground, but Starscream intercepts it. Wielding both it and the Star Saber, Starscream rushes to meet with Thrust, letting the chamois fall back to Earth behind him. He momentarily wonders if he's doing the right thing but knows that he must go to any length to bring Megatron down. He knows that he will never forget the human kids, and in his heart, he thanks them.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (3)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (4)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (5)<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (6)<br />
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (7)<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (8)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (9)<br />
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (10)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (11)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (1)<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (12)<br />
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (24)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (25)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (26)<br />
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (27)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Rad White]] (16)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (17)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (18)<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (19)<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (20)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] (13)<br />
*[[Runway (Armada)|Runway]] (14)<br />
*[[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] (15)<br />
*[[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]] (21)<br />
*[[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]] (22)<br />
*[[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] (23)<br />
*[[Incinerator (Armada)|Incinerator]] (28)<br />
<br />
|c5=<br />
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (2)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
'''Red Alert:''' "Hey, enough chit-chat ladies, we got a job to do."<br><br />
'''Hot Shot:''' "Ah—sorry, Red Alert, but what about Starscream?"<br><br />
'''Blurr, the jerk:''' "You mean Star-traitor, don't you?"<br />
<br />
<br />
"Why ''now''? Why...am I doubting myself?"<br />
:—'''Starscream''' broods while training.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Fred:''' "Guys! We just saw a cone-headed Decepticon!"<br><br />
'''Blurr:''' "You mean Thrust?"<br><br />
'''Billy:''' "He was just outside our base."<br><br />
'''Hot Shot:''' "What are we waiting for? C'mon, let's go get him!"<br><br />
'''Side Swipe:''' "Yeah, baby!"<br><br />
'''Fred:''' "Hang on a sec, Hot Shot. Starscream chased the creep away, already! ''Starscream is my hero''."<br><br />
'''Hot Shot:''' "You are one twisted kid."<br />
<br />
<br />
"Have you made your decision?"<br><br />
"I have, Thrust. I think I'll stay put here with bots I can trust."<br />
:—'''Starscream''' answers '''Thrust''''s offer with a strange assertion, given the Autobots had earlier accused him of theft.<br />
<br />
<br />
''Hot Shot shoots Tidal Wave in the eye with his axle-zooka''<br><br />
"All right! That's a bullseye—literally!"<br />
:—'''Hot Shot''' being Hot Shot.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*As Optimus and Hot Shot discuss Starscream, Optimus states Starscream changing sides is a major step towards peace between the Autobots and Decepticons, which is why he accepted him. ''Armada'' changes this to just having Prime suggest they ought to know their differences and then come to a mutual agreement. ''Armada'' also gives Optimus an extra line, saying to return to work, whereas the rest of the scene in ''Legends of the Microns'' is silent.<br />
*Unlike ''Armada'', Fred says that the kids didn't make a cake. Then the shot of Starscream taking the chamois is redrawn to show Alexis's arm before it leaves the frame, and the fabric now drapes more realistically.<br />
*Starscream is silent after Alexis explains his gift's purpose. As the boys describe how they made it, Fred goes off-topic and mentions the cake in ''Armada'' but says making the chamois took a lot of work in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Starscream is silent in the Japanese dub when he notes the colorful fabric in ''Armada''. ''Armada'' has Starscream saying thank you twice, but the Japanese dub has him say it as "Thank... you...?"<br />
*Fred asks Starscream if there were any "octopus-shaped aliens" on Mars, for which Billy calls Fred an idiot and says there's nothing like that there, and Starscream affirms it.<br />
*Starscream's reason for leaving the kids is to get some "peace and quiet" in ''Armada'', but he says, "I can't stand annoying pests..." in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then ''Armada'' adds Billy's subsequent line.<br />
*Starscream groans about all the teamwork talk making him soft in ''Armada'', but in ''Legends of the Microns'', he says the kids almost made him forget about his anger toward Megatron.<br />
*As he ponders his self-doubt, Starscream says, "Even now...Why do I still hesitate? I...Those kids...for my sake." ''Legends of the Microns'' mutes the kids' laughing as Starscream thinks about them.<br />
*After swiping the Skyboom Shield, Starscream asks forgiveness for his decision in the Japanese dub. He's unsure if he's making the right choice in ''Armada''.<br />
*Starscream swears to crush Megatron personally in ''Armada'' but reflects that taking Megatron down is currently his sole reason for living. Then instead of Starscream thanking the kids and saying he'll never forget them aloud, ''Legends of the Microns'' turns it into an internal monologue where Alexis is the only one of the kids he names.<br />
*The Japanese dub has Hot Shot ask "Why?" twice before shouting, "WHY? STARSCREAM!"<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*Starscream's wings vanish when he walks away from the rest of the Autobots. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds them back.<br />
*When Starscream and Thrust meet, Starscream makes hand motions like he's drawing his sword and using it, but nothing's in his hand. He's holding his sword a few shots later.<br />
*During Thrust and Starscream's meeting in the woods, after Thrust disappears and reappears, he is layered behind the treeline, making him enormous.<br />
*After meeting Thrust, Starscream lets out his frustrations by practicing his swordplay. During a close-up of the tip of his blade, it's incorrectly drawn as the distinctive Runway-shaped tip of the Star Saber.<br />
*Smokescreen is still called by his old name in his new "Hoist" body, likely since the character was still referred to as "Grap" (his Japanese name) on both bodies in the original Japanese scripts.<br />
*Demolishor's purple Decepticon lasers that he fires at Jetfire become red Autobot lasers as they fly towards the Autobot.<br />
*The kids look very off-model in their last shot, noticeably lacking noses. ''Legends of the Microns'' redraws them with more accurate models.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*As stated above, the episode's Japanese version has Optimus explaining to Hot Shot that he accepted Starscream because it's a major step for achieving peace between the two factions. ''Armada'' doesn't mention this and instead has the reason being that he "didn't have a choice at the time," as Scavenger explains in "[[Remorse]]."<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Smokescreen uses his new arm like a catapult to launch the Skyboom Shield.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*Rad's line response to Starscream leaving the party, "What's his problem? He sure is self-centered!" doesn't appear to jibe with the animation of him and Carlos smiling happily. The Japanese dub also has this issue since Rad says, "Well, that was rude..."<br />
*Starscream claiming to leave the kids for some "peace and quiet" doesn't work with the next scene, which shows him dutifully following Jetfire's order of performing monitor duty.<br />
*Upon arriving in the forest, Starscream says that someone's watching, but how could he have possibly known? It's a non-issue in ''Legends of the Microns'' since he asks what's this about instead.<br />
*Hot Shot instructs the kids to [[Powerlinx]] with the Skyboom Shield.<br />
*After Starscream punches him in the face, Thrust falls over and lands with a thud. It's usually impossible to land on a cloud and generally impossible to make a "thud" with them.<br />
*After Starscream appears with the Star Saber and Skyboom Shield, Thrust is angry with him when he should be ecstatic to have all three Mini-Con weapons finally if anything. The Japanese dub fixes it by having Thrust say he's glad that Starscream finally made his choice.<br />
*Given what happens with him in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Transformers: Energon]]'', Starscream saying that he'll never forget the kids is sadly ironic.<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*The line "You can't handle the truth!" is a famous quote from the movie, ''{{w|A Few Good Men}}''. Moments after delivering the line, Starscream isn't wearing a necktie.<br />
<br />
===Transformers references===<br />
*Fred calls Thrust a "cone-headed Decepticon", a possible reference to the [[Conehead|fan term]] for the Generation 1 jets [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] and of course, [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]].<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*Starscream calls Thrust a "pathetic snake," which is an amusing coincidence as Thrust's voice actor, [[Colin Murdoch]], previously played the cobra-headed [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] on ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''.<br />
*After Billy and Fred tell the Autobots that Starscream "drove off" Thrust, voice actor [[Brian Drummond]] delivers Blurr's appreciative line in a rather hostile, accusatory tone. Then again, Blurr is a bit of a jerk.<br />
*As this episode's main focus is on Starscream's angst and eventual betrayal, the battle between the Autobots and the other Decepticons is left unresolved.<br />
*The Japanese dub reveals that the kids made the chamois from Rad's mom's sheets.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Falscher Verdacht'''" ("Wrong Suspicion")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but was dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Árulás'''" ("Treachery")<br />
:** Confusingly, that's the same title the episode "[[Credulous]]" was given.<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''스크림의 선택 1부'''" ("Scream's Choice Part 1")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Ruptura'''" ("Rupture")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 10 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Cramp&diff=1576060Cramp2021-12-08T03:33:56Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=48<br />
|prev=Portent<br />
|next=Alliance<br />
|title="Cramp"<br />
|furigana=しんねん<br />
|japanese=決死<!--cramp--><br />
|romaji=Shinnen<br />
|translation=Prepared for Death: Conviction<br />
|image=Starscreamheroicdeath.jpg<br />
|caption="Tell my tale to those who ask, tell it truly. The ill deeds along with the good, and let me be judged accordingly..."<br />
|production code=TF: A-48<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]<br />
|englishadaptation=[[Terry Klassen]]<br />
|director=[[Osamu Kamijō]],<br>[[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.)<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[September 29]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom)<br>[[November 28|28 November]] 2003 (Japanese)<br>[[December 8]], [[2003]] (English, United States)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Starscream prepares to do whatever it takes to convince Galvatron the threat of Unicron is real.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Starsmack.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Galvatron blasts Starscream with his rarely seen armpit-laser.]]<br />
[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] pleads to [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] that [[Unicron]]'s threat is real (as Starscream has first-hand experience in the beast's bowels); hoping to convince his leader that perhaps an [[Autobot]] and [[Decepticon]] alliance is the safest course to ensure [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s survival. When Starscream refuses to stop pleading, Galvatron slaps his subordinate into a wall to silence him. The Decepticon leader is confident his military can overcome both the Autobots and Unicron. Starscream continues to stress the danger of Unicron, and Galvatron starts to swing his [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]].<br />
<br />
[[File:Cramp-Starscreamdies.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|[[Code of Hero|The rest is... silence]]. Well, [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|not really]], but don't you kinda wish it was?]]<br />
The Autobots are still optimistic, believing there's a chance a diplomatic conference could lead to a truce between the two sides, meaning they can't take aggressive action against the Decepticons, only defensive. Nevertheless, Galvatron, armed with the Star Saber and [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], flies into battle, ready to negotiate with [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] using firepower. Prime responds by combining with [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] and heading away from the thick of the battle.<br />
<br />
By a [[Megatron statue|monolithic statue of Megatron]], Starscream wonders what he needs to do, and [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]]'s words of encouragement run through his head. <br />
<br />
Away from the armies, Galvatron and Optimus Prime send their men away, leaving the two leaders to battle one on one. Through the struggle, Galvatron admits that he still considers Unicron an Autobot hoax, and with the Star Saber, he has the upper hand against Prime. However, as soon as Galvatron breaks Prime's metal, an explosion disturbs the showdown. Starscream walks from the smoke.<br />
<br />
The rest of the Autobots struggle to hold their ground, unable to cause any real damage to the Decepticons. Alexis has faith that things will be okay. Unicron's lunar shell peels off thousands of miles away, and the behemoth attacks the assembled Mini-Con cluster.<br />
<br />
[[File:Cramp-Swindleejects.jpg|left|thumb|I'm not crying! I just have something in my eyes.]]<br />
Starscream quits the Decepticons and challenges Galvatron to one-on-one combat. The two clash, quickly cutting into each other. However, Starscream displays skill beyond the last time he battled Megatron. Lightning from Unicron carves into the landscape around them. The two warriors ignore it and continue their struggle, but in an instant, the Star Saber plunges into Starscream's torso, and the impaled Decepticon falls.<br />
<br />
Lying with the blade sticking out of him, Starscream speaks earnestly to Galvatron, pointing out that it was Galvatron's arrogance that drove the situation to be what it is. Starscream stands up despite his injury and reiterates his wishes for a truce between the two Cybertronian factions against Unicron. His final desire said, Starscream joins with his [[Mini-Con]] to fire his [[Proton cannon]]s upwards at Unicron. Unicron fires back, disintegrating Starscream, much to Galvatron and Optimus's shock. Aboard the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'', Alexis's [[Good Luck Necklace|good luck charm]] breaks, and she and [[Rad White|Rad]] run outside to look out the window and see Starscream's laser blast fade away.<br />
<br />
[[File:Cramp-AlexismournsStarscream.jpg|left|thumb|I never got to tell Starscream that I loved him!]]<br />
Realizing Starscream was right about Unicron's threat, Galvatron remembers their shared experiences and ''finally'' decides to join forces with Optimus Prime. He starts by offering the Star Saber to Optimus... BUT from the crater Starscream died in, a dark cloud emerges and grabs the Star Saber! The cloud forms into [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]], who escapes the two leaders through the underground portal, making sure to collapse the tunnels so the Autobots and Decepticons can't follow him. Upon witnessing Sideways's escape, Optimus and Galvatron fear for the worst to come.<br />
<br />
After Optimus tells them about Starscream's death over the monitor, the kids are devastated, especially Alexis, who begins crying. She then bolts from the room and slams her fist on the window that displays Unicron in grief. When Rad appears behind her, she smacks his shoulders, asking why Starscream would do that to himself, and Rad does his best to console her.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (8)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (9)<br />
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (10)<br />
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (14)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (15)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (16)<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (17)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (18)<br />
*[[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] (21)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (1)<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (2)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (3)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (4)<br />
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (5)<br />
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (20)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (6)<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (7)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (11)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (12)<br />
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (13)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (19) (Powerlinxed with Galvatron)<br />
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (23)<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (24)<br />
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (25)<br />
*[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] (26)<br />
<br />
|h5=Other|c5=<br />
*[[Unicron]] (22)<br />
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (27)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
[[File:Cramp-Galvatronregrets.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|You'll miss me when I'm gone!]]<br />
"How long have we been adversaries, Optimus? It seems like since the beginning of time. And I suppose I do have a certain respect for you, but I digress, you might have fooled Starscream with your little Truce ploy, but I am nobody's fool. Now let's end this charade, shall we?"<br />
:—'''Galvatron''' faces off against Optimus Prime in the 'negotiations.'<br />
<br />
<br />
"May I suggest that you have lost your mind?!"<br />
:—'''Galvatron''' to Starscream, who has just challenged him to a duel.<br />
<br />
<br />
"I tried to gain favor from you. But nothing was ever good enough. No matter how many battles I fought, you always found fault. Then I saw how Optimus treated his men, and I realized he was a leader of integrity. Unlike you."<br><br />
"You were too weak to ever gain my respect."<br><br />
"None of that matters now. You must listen — do as Optimus says and join forces with the Autobots, or else every last one of us is doomed! Please sir... do it for me..."<br />
:—'''Starscream''' pours his spark out to '''Galvatron''' after being impaled by the Star Saber<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*Starscream asks why Megatron wants to cling to his rivalry with Optimus and says that the universe will soon be no more after witnessing Unicron's power. Galvatron says he's now aware of Unicron's existence and understands the need to destroy him but still refuses to work with Optimus. ''Armada'' rephrases the rivalry as a "petty argument" and changes Galvatron and Starscream's dialogue to Galvatron warning the latter not to test his patience or contemplate betraying him again.<br />
*Cyclonus and Demolishor's lines to Starscream are changed to the former calling Starscream a coward, and the latter asking what is there to worry about since Unicron is "just some planet that became our moon." Then Starscream calls them idiots for not understanding Unicron's true horror.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Galvatron says Optimus will be sorry and that he'll also deal with Unicron. However, as he believes there can't be two supreme commanders, he's more focused on eliminating his competition before facing Unicron. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron says he never said the two factions couldn't join forces, but he'll have to deal with Prime first. He plans to kill Optimus and then merge the Autobots into the Decepticon army, claiming Optimus is his sworn enemy and there's no tomorrow if he doesn't defeat Prime.<br />
*Galvatron offers Starscream command over the Autobots after defeating Optimus. ''Armada'' changes Galvatron's line to requesting Starscream's complete loyalty.<br />
*Before the episode title appears, Cyclonus says Starscream can wait there at HQ since their "Autobot Commander" only needs to sit on his throne.<br />
*The kids discuss if they and the Autobots can trust Galvatron or believe anything he says as Carlos says that Galvatron is constantly manipulating things. Alexis states that's why they need to negotiate. Then Optimus says that she's right, and Galvatron should understand the need for the Autobots and Decepticons to combine forces to combat Unicron. Rad worries about another fight breaking out, but Billy assures that Optimus won't lose, and Optimus says he will try to avoid a clash with Galvatron.<br />
*Afterward, an anxious Smokescreen demands the 'Cons to show themselves. Then Blurr reminds him the 'Cons are additional strength to help take down Unicron so they can't be too rough with them; Hot Shot tells Smokescreen they're counting on him, and Smokescreen answers, "I know! Use our heads, right?"<br />
*Unlike ''Armada'', Demolishor explicitly says "Hot Shot and the others" are with Optimus. Then Galvatron entrusts Demolishor with handling them. In ''Armada'', Galvatron instead tells Demolishor to "spare me [him] the details."<br />
*Hot Shot is surprised when the Decepticons start firing. Blurr and Side Swipe's dialogue is changed to the former saying that the Autobots are now in the thick of things, and the latter saying the Decepticons seemingly don't want to negotiate.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Red Alert has a cynical outlook while talking about Wheeljack. Like Carlos, he truly believed Wheeljack changed sides before insisting that one will always be a Decepticon once they become one. Then Carlos gripes that it's now hard distinguishing who's friend or foe, and Fred agrees. Red Alert says they should focus on their side more than the Decepticons, and Carlos agrees that they should support their comrades. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Red Alert is less pessimistic, saying Wheeljack made a temporary truce to track down Thrust but will become a trustworthy Autobot ally if Optimus successfully negotiates with Galvatron. Carlos asks if that's like Scavenger, and Fred thinks it would. Then Red Alert says Hot Shot and Wheeljack's dynamic is similar to that between Optimus and Scavenger, making Carlos say that in that case, they should hope that Prime pulls off the negotiation.<br />
*When Optimus combines with Jetfire and Overload, and later breaks from them, ''Armada'' plays the ''Transformers'' theme and spams the transformation sound effect. In contrast, ''Legends of the Microns'' plays Prime's Super Mode theme, "Super Convoy," during the Powerlinx sequence. The Japanese dub later plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 2|Theme of Megatron - Attack by Villains]]," fitting the tense situation better.<br />
*''Armada'' has awkward silence after Jetfire's line as he forces away Tidal Wave because Jetfire says his lines without pausing. ''Legends of the Microns'' has a second-long pause between lines, so there's no silence at the end of the shot.<br />
*Optimus and Galvatron's dialogue differs significantly between the dubs:<br />
**''Armada'' portrays Galvatron as very gung-ho about fighting Optimus as though it's how they'll "negotiate." He remains cynical about the reality of Unicron's threat and only cares about eliminating Optimus so he can be the universe's sole ruler. Optimus offers to talk once Galvatron cools off and later says the generic line about Galvatron's lust for power disgusting him. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes Galvatron's quip about needing to shut Optimus down to him offering to show Prime his "true incompetence." It continues his string of thoughts from earlier and the prior episode about believing two Supreme Commanders are too many and unnecessary to defeat Unicron. Thinking negotiating is needless, he wants to show he's the superior leader and orders Optimus to fight him. Optimus is silent until he calls Jetfire. After Optimus Powerlinx with Jetfire and Overload and flies off, Galvatron is confused about why Prime won't fight. Optimus asks Galvatron why he can't understand that they should make peace. When Optimus offers Galvatron command, Galvatron thinks Prime is mocking him and says Prime's presence will disrupt "the command structure" even if he steps down and demands Prime to show his power.<br />
**After Tidal Wave and Jetfire leave, ''Armada'' has Galvatron suggest he and Optimus "cut to the chase" now that they're alone. He admits to respecting Prime somewhat but isn't falling for his "truce ploy" charade like Starscream did (as quoted above), still focusing on who will rule the universe. He later mocks Optimus for waiting for the Mini-Cons to rescue him, saying that won't happen. The Japanese version makes their exchange more philosophical: Galvatron mentions what Smokescreen previously told him about trust among the Autobots and remarks how it's dull and foolish for one to let such vague notions bind them. He says Starscream is no different and has had the same feelings since spending time with the Autobots; Optimus says Starscream awakened to his true nature as a Transformer after seeing how both factions work. There is some silence after Galvatron demands Optimus to stop feeding him lies in ''Armada'' because the English dub shortens Optimus's line about Starscream, making Galvatron's reply come sooner than it does in ''Legends of the Microns''. Galvatron claims Starscream might be a worse traitor than Thrust. He insists that beliefs like trust and coexistence between their groups are nonsense, saying that since power is everything, joining forces without it makes heroism meaningless. Then Galvatron asks if Prime is suffering and sad and says Optimus desperately tries to save himself after being determined to rescue the Mini-Cons.<br />
*The Japanese dub uses the mid-episode [[commercial bumper]]s, while ''Armada'' uses the Autobot and Decepticon logos from the [[scene transition]]s with the transformation sound effect.<br />
*Starscream says he won't hesitate to betray Galvatron because he must stand by his beliefs. Optimus says this isn't Starscream's fight, but the latter asserts otherwise. Galvatron says Starscream has become "a boring fool" and asks if working with the Autobots is necessary; Starscream answers it is for "the Transformers of tomorrow" and not just defeating Unicron and declares he will take command of the Decepticons after besting Galvatron. Galvatron dismisses it as wishful thinking and says Starscream will never beat him, but Starscream states he won't know until he tries.<br />
*Carlos, Billy, and Fred's conversation in the Japanese dub shows them confused by how the negotiation looks no different than a regular Autobot and Decepticon encounter, with Billy concluding it's something they'd expect when the factions meet. Then Alexis says things will be fine as she's sure something will change.<br />
*Galvatron questions if Starscream infused his wing blade with his spark's power, to which Starscream answers that he'll put every bit of energy into it to defeat him. Then Optimus says there's no point trying to stop them since Starscream is so determined; Optimus has only one line during the scene in ''Armada'', so there's some silence afterward. <br />
*When Unicron changes form again, Alexis says to look instead of asking what's happening, and Rad sounds more shocked. After Alexis's line about the Mini-Cons approaching Unicron, Billy has a line begging them to stop before Fred says Unicron is attacking the Mini-Cons. After stopping High Wire, Rad urges him to tell the other Mini-Cons to hide somewhere rather than stay put.<br />
*Starscream scolds Galvatron for being a stubborn fool who thinks nobody could be his equal since he's so overconfident in his strength and declares showing him the power of trust and believing in his comrades. Galvatron notices Starscream's beliefs made him somewhat respect the Autobots but wonders when the change started since, even when he had ambition, Starscream never escaped his influence before. Galvatron says something else is driving Starscream's current actions, asking if the Autobots or the children are compelling him before deciding that Starscream will never defeat him as he continues believing in trust and kindness. ''Armada'' reduces Galvatron's dialogue to him chalking up Starscream's actions are due to his programming going haywire and offering to put him out of his misery.<br />
*After the lightning strike from Unicron, the Japanese dub adds screaming to the shot after Demolishor and Wheeljack. Then Galvatron admits being surprised by Starscream's increased strength and that maybe trust isn't a fleeting concept, but Starscream remains too naive. Starscream internally says Galvatron's name during his close-up.<br />
*Just before Galvatron impales Starscream, the animation is tweaked to clarify the latter "switched off" his sword, having no intention of blocking the fatal blow. The two don't exchange any jibes here; they only say each other's names, and Galvatron kneels, realizing what Starscream has done.<br />
*Starscream's final moments are subtly different between the two versions:<br />
**''Legends of the Microns'' has Starscream admire Galvatron as an ultimate warrior he could never hope to beat and say he wanted Galvatron to notice him. Galvatron acknowledges Starscream's enhanced power while being visibly perplexed by his actions. After imploring that both factions team up, Starscream says a lot has happened. When unleashing his final attack, Starscream says, "SPARK OF MY SOUL...UNLEASH EVERY BIT OF YOUR POWER! NULL RAY CANNON!" The following scenes of his demise are silent except for Galvatron gasping. Afterward, Galvatron has a memory montage about Starscream's different moments of pleading and boasting throughout the series, including how he wanted Galvatron's recognition.<br />
**In ''Armada'', Starscream talks about his desperation to gain Galvatron's favor while comparing him to Optimus as an unintegral leader (a monologue played again during the montage). Galvatron is more verbally hostile towards Starscream, calling him too weak to be worthy of respect.<br />
*After Starscream's last moments in ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus tells Swindle to come with him since his partner isn't here anymore, whereas ''Armada'' just has Optimus claim that Starscream was a brave soldier until the end.<br />
*The replay of Starscream's memories repeats what he said about Optimus having integrity in ''Armada'', but ''Legends of the Microns'' has the montage feature moments when Starscream wanted Galvatron's recognition throughout the series instead.<br />
*When Sideways steals the Star Saber, he declares that he now has all the keys. He says Unicron is the only one worthy of it and congratulates Galvatron and Optimus for their "good work." After Sideways escapes, Galvatron exclaims how this nightmare could get any worse in ''Armada'' but remarks Sideways fleeing underground in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*The scene of Sideways destroying the underground tunnel now has an effect added to his maniacal laughter to make it sound disembodied. After this, the scene of the kids' reactions upon learning of Starscream's death is silent; whereas, their responses are heard in ''Armada''.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Rad's closing narration is that Starscream was gone, and his demise seemed to be in vain. Then he says, like everything in life, everyone would have to wait to learn the purpose of Starscream's actions; for now, all they had were too many unanswered questions. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis gives the narration, which contains a small glimmer of hope, unlike the English version. She says Starscream has died, but perhaps someday, the sorrow over his death will become determination, swearing that his efforts won't be wasted.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*In the opening scene, Demolishor has four fingers and one thumb on each hand.<br />
*Galvatron's hands are small stubs after swinging the Star Saber at Starscream in the opening.<br />
*In the shots where Hoist warns Blurr not to fire upon the Decepticons except in self-defense, and after the others promise to cover Hot Shot, Blurr's entire gun is colored one solid orange shade.<br />
*After the Decepticons begin firing upon the Autobots, Scavenger's chest is partially off-model.<br />
*Galvatron's mouth doesn't move when he says, "Let the negotiations begin!"<br />
*Before Optimus calls for Jetfire, Galvatron's turret is partially miscolored dark gray.<br />
*After Optimus Powerlinx with Jetfire and Overload, it looks like Galvatron's eyes are closed. <br />
*Jetfire shoots Tidal Wave in the eye...with the back of his rifle? The Japanese dub fixes this error.<br />
*After Galvatron slashes Optimus with the Star Saber, one can hear the sound of crackling electricity from a wound, but Optimus looks unscathed until his next shot.<br />
*Galvatron says, "What?" too soon in two scenes: first, before the explosion goes off behind him, seemingly out of surprise about gaining the upper hand when the Star Saber cuts Optimus's shoulder, and later when Sideways steals the Star Saber. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the timing by having Galvatron say it the first time while turning around ''after'' the explosion, and later a second after Sideways takes the sword from him and Optimus.<br />
*Starscream's mouth doesn't move when he speaks after appearing out of the smoke.<br />
*As Starscream descends after catching his wing blade, Galvatron exclaims in fear despite his brash overconfidence a moment ago. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he appropriately shouts "What?!" in shock instead.<br />
*As Galvatron slaps Starscream during their duel, his right hand is drawn as a normal hand instead of its usual claw-looking design.<br />
*Wheeljack says, "What's happening?" in Demolishor's voice. The Japanese version doesn't have this mistake.<br />
*When Alexis goes to the window to see Starscream's Photon Cannon fail to reach Unicron, the Autobot symbol on the back of her suit changes from red to blue.<br />
*When Galvatron raises the Star Saber before his memory montage, the inner part of his right shoulder is detached from the rest, already in its later position before he lifts his arm.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*In the Japanese dub's opening scene, after Galvatron slaps Starscream, he says he already told Starscream three times that the Decepticons aren't teaming up with the Autobots. Galvatron mentions this again later before fighting Starscream. So, Starscream must have urged Galvatron to work with Optimus twice beforehand after the prior episode's end.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Billy refers to Galvatron as "stag beetle head," the nickname Thrust previously used in "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]."<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron references what Smokescreen said to him in "[[Sacrifice]]" about Autobots relying on trust between their comrades.<br />
*Galvatron refers to the time when Sparkplug saved Optimus in "[[Decisive Battle]]"; he might also be including when the Mini-Cons turned against him to save Optimus in "[[Vow]]."<br />
*In the Japanese dub, Galvatron remarks about Starscream's ambition, which he previously did in "[[Rebellion (Armada)|Rebellion]]."<br />
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' calls this episode the last of the show's Starscream saga.<br />
*Prepare yourself for when [[Megatron Raid|Starscream returns]] in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' since his compelling character arc in ''Armada'' goes out the window like it never happened.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**This is the first time Optimus combines with Overload while in his Jet Optimus configuration with Jetfire, with bonus stock transformation footage. However, Optimus combines with Jetfire first, only to fly a relatively short distance, making the combination with Overload pretty pointless other than [[To sell toys|just to show that they can.]]<br />
**Starscream uses his wing blade against Galvatron.<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Galvatron Powerlinx with the Star Saber for the last time.<br />
**Starscream Powerlinx with Swindle to unleash his Null Laser Cannon against Unicron. The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' deems it the last time a Transformer Powerlinx with a Mini-Con in the series.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*At Megatron's statue, Starscream determines that he must protect the humans, but why would he defend all the kids when Alexis is the only one he really knows? Plus, Alexis is who he thinks of at that moment. The Japanese dub correctly has Starscream resolving not to let ''Alexis'' die.<br />
*How does Tidal Wave know to Powerlinx with Galvatron when Galvatron never gives the order and only says they're leaving to face Optimus? ''Legends of the Microns'' has Galvatron tell Tidal Wave to combine with him.<br />
*Why would Red Alert believe that there's no turning back once a Transformer becomes a Decepticon? Did he completely forget that Scavenger is an ex-Decepticon? There also must've been other rare cases of Decepticons becoming Autobots, and vice versa.<br />
*Galvatron tells Tidal Wave to attack Optimus when they split up, but Tidal Wave does nothing until later. Galvatron only commands Tidal Wave to uncombine with him in the Japanese dub since Optimus just split from Jetfire and Overload, and Galvatron wishes to even things out.<br />
*Tidal Wave is significantly smaller and weaker than previously depicted. Jetfire, shown not much smaller than Tidal Wave, shoulder-blocks and lifts off with him in a single movement.<br />
*Alexis's pendant cracks upon Starscream's death; it somehow became connected to his spark, but previous episodes never really built up that detail or alluded to it. Since the necklace has only appeared in two episodes so far, this feature almost seems like an afterthought for drama's sake.<br />
*In the same scene, why does Rad ask Alexis what's happening outside when she doesn't know any more than he does? He asks her if something is wrong instead in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Why does Rad give the closing narration when Alexis had the bond with Starscream, and his death devastates her more than anyone else? The Japanese dub rightly has Alexis deliver the narration.<br />
<br />
===Transformers references===<br />
*Starscream's death by crumbling into a pile of debris is very similar to [[Generation 1 cartoon continuity|G1]] [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream's]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.<br />
*Many parts of Galvatron and Starscream's speeches quote lyrics from ''[[The Touch]]'', like 'I'm nobody's fool' (see above), or Starscream's 'after all is said and done.'<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*Fred's "The horror! The horror!" line is from ''{{w|Heart of Darkness}}'', the novel adapted into the film, ''{{w|Apocalypse Now}}''.<br />
*Galvatron gives Starscream one last chance not to fight, and when Starscream declines, Galvatron's "Is that your final answer?" line might be a reference to ''{{w|Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?}}''.<br />
*Galvatron tells Optimus the Autobots and Decepticons could never work together since they're like oil and water. It refers to the proverb about oil and water as oil always tries to stay separate from water whenever they're combined, explaining how beings with specific traits can never mix.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
[[File:Cramp - no ML title card.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4|Foreshadowing? Why, no!]]<br />
*The episode's English version first aired in the United Kingdom on the {{w|Sky One}} channel, when the network ran an around-the-clock promotion of American magician/"endurance artist" {{w||David Blaine}}'s controversial London stunt, complete with an obnoxious '''DAVID BLAINE''' onscreen overlay. It aired in the United States on [[December 8]], 2003.<br />
*There's no title card in ''Legends of the Microns'', with the title appearing over Starscream instead. This way of showing the episode titles was only done once before in "[[Linkup]]."<br />
*Optimus calls Starscream's Mini-Con Swindle instead of Zapmaster. So logically, this means that Swindle received a color change like Starscream did (instead of Starscream exchanging his Mini-Con for a new one in different colors).<br />
*Starscream's proton cannon blasts don't even touch Unicron. You can see them dissipate before Alexis's eyes before they reach him. Most heartwrenching suicide ever?<br />
*Starscream's sword is surprisingly powerful in this episode, durable enough to clash with Star Saber itself without any visible damage. Due to his upgrade after Nemesis Prime kicked his skidplate? Nah.<br />
*This episode is one of few without an opening narration.<br />
*This is the second time in the Japanese dub that a Transformer says, "Spark of my soul..." The last time was by Optimus Prime in "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]."<br />
*''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' reveals the following about the episode:<br />
**The episode's highlights include Magna Jet Convoy's debut and the first half of the climactic fight, Optimus vs. Galvatron, which serves as a prelude to their final battle. The main highlight is the second half with Starscream and Galvatron's final fight.<br />
**[[Hidehito Ueda]] says that Galvatron expressing his feelings about Starscream wasn't in the scenario initially, but he wanted Galvatron to tell them.<br />
**Ueda jokes about wanting Starscream to return as a ghost in ''Super Link'' before becoming a [[Pretender]] and marrying Alexis.<br />
**The first moments for this episode that appeared in Ueda's mind when reading the scenario were Starscream's Null Laser Cannons not reaching Unicron, Alexis watching them stop short, and the silent scene of the children's reactions to Starscream's death at the end.<br />
**Starscream died not as a Decepticon but as a Transformer.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Das Friedensangebot'''" ("Peace-Offering")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 12|12 January]] [[2004]]<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Párbaj'''" ("Duel")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Obstáculo'''" ("Obstacle")<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Drift_(episode)&diff=1575972Drift (episode)2021-12-07T21:22:07Z<p>Starzone: /* Notes */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig3|Drift}}<br />
<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=46<br />
|prev=Dash (episode)<br />
|next=Portent<br />
|title="Drift"<br />
|furigana=しんじつ<br />
|japanese=運命<!--drift--><br />
|romaji=Shinjitsu<br />
|translation=Fate: Truth<br />
|image=driftepisode.jpg<br />
|caption=It's ''Armada''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Wolverine.<br />
|production code=TF: A-46<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]<br />
|director=[[Hidehito Ueda]],<br>[[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.) <br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[September 27]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom)<br>[[November 14|14 November]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br>[[November 28]], [[2003]] (English, United States)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Everybody's hunt for Thrust leads to the revelation of the truth behind the Mini-Cons.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Screenshot-arm-47-1.jpg|left|thumb|It's a very "Gundam" moment.]]<br />
With [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] gone, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] orders [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] to find the traitorous [[Decepticon]] who stole both the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom]] shield and the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]. He disregards the [[Autobot]]s' activities and commands all his resources to hunt Thrust down. [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] and [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] are already on Thrust's trail.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the Autobots are having difficulty getting the soldiers to withdraw from their fortifications. The soldiers are reluctant to let the threat of [[Unicron]] trivialize all the work they've done to try to take back the planet.<br />
<br />
[[File:Screenshot-arm-47-2.jpg|thumb|This is when [[fan fiction|fanfics]] happen.]]<br />
<br />
[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] walks in on [[Rad White|Rad]] having a shower. Rad considers how much of a major difference in their lives it made to meet the [[Mini-Con]]s, and he speculates it might have been part of a larger design, based on a strange feeling he might have met [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] in the past. Carlos dismisses the theory entirely.<br />
<br />
[[File:Drift kids hide from Decepticon.jpg|left|thumb|"As usual, this is a six-person infiltration mission."<br><br />
"Weapons and equipment OSP?"<br><br />
"Yes. This is a top-secret black op. Don't expect any official support."]]<br />
<br />
Hot Shot and Wheeljack radio the news about Thrust to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], and High Wire sees on the video that the tunnels the two Autobots are venturing through are the same tunnels where the Mini-Cons were created. After disconnecting, Hot Shot and Wheeljack also notice the suspicious organic nature of the caverns. [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] also hounds Thrust on his own. The three kids, donning their color-coded space suits, also head to the same tunnels, guided by Rad's gut instinct.<br />
<br />
The first to locate Thrust is Starscream, so Thrust offers Starscream a job under Unicron. Starscream declines the offer and then he hears [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] call out his name, indicating the kids have arrived. Noticing the kids, Thrust points the Requiem Blaster at them, threatening to shoot. Starscream attempts to stop him, but Thrust turns back to him and fires a shot from the Requiem Blaster, blowing Starscream into the distance. Alexis calls out his name in fear and in the blaze of light from the blast...<br />
<br />
:''A younger Rad awakens on his mother's lap in the family car. Rad inquires about where the [[Transformer]]s are, but the parents dismiss his ramblings. High Wire's voice calls Rad's consciousness to another point in time.''<br />
<br />
[[File:Screenshot-arm-47-4.jpg|thumb|Bradley's mom has got it goin' on.]]<br />
<br />
:''In mysteriously colorful caves, the three kids see Hot Shot's body strapped to the terrain. Hot Shot doesn't identify the kids, but just mentions that the Mini-Cons were created by Unicron's cells. He brings their attention to other Transformers, lying dormant and embedded into the walls of the mysterious cavern, even the Decepticons. As Rad deduces that he and his friends have gone millions of years into the past, Alexis is creeped out. Hot Shot's body begins to be absorbed into the cavern, and there's another flash of time.''<br />
<br />
:''The three kids witness several Mini-Cons emerge from glowing eggs, knowing they're watching the Mini-Cons being created by Unicron. Rad sees High Wire, but when he tries to speak to his friend, all he receives is a mind's glimpse at Unicron. Rad, creating a kind of "bootstrap" paradox, instructs the Mini-Cons to find their way to [[Earth]]. High Wire reads a few images of Earth from Rad's mind.''<br />
<br />
Starscream's life is saved by time reversing just a bit as the kids' minds return to the present. Seizing the second chance, the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] combine and save Starscream's life, giving him a brief window to get close enough to be in no danger from the Requiem Blaster. An upwards shot alerts the two exploring Autobots to the location of the battle and brings the cavern down, letting Thrust get away while Starscream protects the children. <br />
<br />
Once the debris from the cavern stops falling, Alexis thanks Starscream. He smiles warmly at her and takes off after Thrust, continuing his hunt. High Wire speaks with Rad, validating Rad's theory that he had met the Mini-Cons before meeting on Earth. Hot Shot and Wheeljack arrive and are astounded to hear what Hot Shot had told the kids millions of years before.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (4)<br />
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (6)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (7)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (8)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (9)<br />
*Autobot soldier (10)<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (11)<br />
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (23)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (1)<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (2)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)<br />
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (5)<br />
*Decepticon soldier #1 (16)<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (17)<br />
*Decepticon soldier #2 (22)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (26)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (12)<br />
*[[Rad White]] (13)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (18)<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (20)<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (21)<br />
*[[Rad White's parents|Rad's mother]] (24)<br />
*[[Rad White's parents|Rad's father]] (25)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (14)<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (15)<br />
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (19)<br />
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (27)<br />
|h5=Other|c5=<br />
*[[Unicron]] (28) (silhouette)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"Be careful, Hot Shot! I almost bought the big one here!"<br><br />
"Aw, it's not too bad." ''[falls down hole]''<br />
:—'''Wheeljack'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s warning goes ignored by '''Hot Shot''', to the latter's peril.<br />
<br />
<br />
"I'd rather fight and die than follow the likes of you and Unicron."<br />
:—'''Starscream''' refuses '''Thrust's''' offer with a furmanism.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Who would have thought the Mini-Cons were created by Unicron's cells?"<br />
:—'''Past Hot Shot''' spoils the show's big twist for anyone waiting to see it.<br />
<br />
<br />
"So much for evolution, but one time we were told we could use them. But instead, we were the ones who were being used."<br />
:—'''Past Hot Shot''' savors the irony.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
{{stub}}<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*When the kids see the dead Transformers in the alternate world, Optimus is correctly shown in his Cybertronian form (since he never came to Earth), but his chest is colored white instead of red. Meanwhile, Megatron is in his Cybertronian body in the long shot, but in his Earth model in the close-up.<br />
*The alternate Hot Shot says, "So much for evolution" when addressing using the Mini-Cons. As "Evolution" is the Japanese term for Powerlinking, this could be a mistranslation.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*Rad met High Wire before he and the other Mini-Cons arrived on Earth four million years ago as the latter's time skip powers shows, explaining why the ''[[Exodus (Armada)|Exodus]]'' journeyed to Earth when the show began, and how the kids can understand their Mini-Con partners.<br />
*This episode marks the first time Starscream and Alexis meet since he rejoined the Decepticons.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**High Wire has time skip and alternate reality abilities activated after Thrust blasts Starscream with the Requiem Blaster.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*The recap dialogue at the start of the episode doesn't match that of the same events shown in [[Dash (episode)|the previous episode]].<br />
*If the Autobots had [[Depart|no intention of bringing the humans along]] when building the ''Axalon'' and only agreed at the last moment, why is there a human-sized shower on board?<br />
*Despite Rad's understanding they've gone into the past, the scene with Hot Shot and the other Transformers makes more sense as being in an alternate-timeline present where Rad never interacted with High Wire in the next scene/on Earth. Considering Hot Shot mentions that the Mini-Cons turned on the [[Transformer]]] s. If the Transformers were all dead, why were they active in the present, unless they had their memories erased and reactivated, which would almost make sense considering how Unicron functions. My God, I've gone cross-eyed.<br />
<br />
===Transformers references===<br />
*The tunnels under [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s surface have cables and vines "[[technorganic|fused in organic material]]."<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*The Autobot arguing with Hoist has [[Lander]]'s character model with a different color scheme.<br />
*Minus the wings, [[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]]'s character model turns up as one of the Decepticons searching for the kids.<br />
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'':<br />
**[[Takeshi Sano]] explains that this episode's events was one of the hardest parts to do and apologizes for the story being a bit difficult to understand.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Zurück in die Vergangenheit'''" ("Back to the Past")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 18|18 December]] [[2003]]<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Visszatérés'''" ("Return")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Impulso'''" ("Impulse")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 12 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Origin&diff=1575912Origin2021-12-07T17:43:57Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Picsneeded}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=51<br />
|prev=Union<br />
|next=Mortal Combat<br />
|title="Origin"<br />
|furigana=けっせん<br />
|japanese=終結<!--origin--><br />
|romaji=Kessen<br />
|translation=End: Decisive Battle<br />
|image=Sshot-arm-513-galvacape.jpg<br />
|caption="This church was built in the middle of the city, so everyone could be equally close to God. I like that, the symmetry, the geometry of belief."<br />
|production code=TF: A-51<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]<br />
|englishadaptation=[[Terry Klassen]]<br />
|director=[[Shigenori Awai]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[October 2]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom)<br>[[December 11]], [[2003]] (English, United States)<br>[[December 19]], [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''After the kids discover that the Mini-Cons were cast in the name of Unicron, the Transformers learn the big origin of Unicron. Meanwhile, Sideways attempts to negotiate Unicron's absorption of Optimus, questioning if Optimus is not guilty of enjoying the millennia of conflict.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
<br />
[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] survives the cave-in that trapped him while he was dropping off the kids at the underground portal to [[Unicron]]. Above the ruined landscape, he can see Unicron battle against the combined forces of [[Autobot]]s, [[Decepticon]]s, and the giant [[Mini-Con]] [[Unicron of Light|duplicate of Unicron]].<br />
<br />
Inside of Unicron, the kids explore, searching for [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]].<br />
<br />
[[File:Origin-SidewaysUnicroncore.jpg|left|thumb|upright=0.85|We need to stop meeting like this.]]<br />
The two leaders stand in the same chamber of Unicron's core, where the three Mini-Con weapons are plugged into the behemoth. From the heart of the atrocity, [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] emerges to welcome the two. Through Sideways, Unicron explains how he increased his power by leeching energy from the war between the Autobots and Decepticons that had lasted for so long. <br />
<br />
When Galvatron complains that Unicron has become long-winded, Unicron suspends the two leaders in black tentacles, absorbing Galvatron's very essence. Unicron continues to question Optimus's motives, suspecting that Optimus Prime enjoys the thrill of the conflict.<br />
<br />
Outside, [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] blasts open a hole in Unicron's throat, letting a team of fliers inside. The small group of jets flies through the tunnels of Unicron's interior, trying to avoid being destroyed by the shifting terrain. Yet, their efforts to combat Unicron feed their enemy the kind of energy that powers him. As soon as his attackers escape through his mouth, he astonishes them by healing all the damage they have inflicted against him.<br />
<br />
[[File:Sshot-arm-512-unicron.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|Not a screenshot from Super Metroid.]]<br />
In Unicron's core, [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] objects to Unicron's deconstruction of Optimus. The [[Street Action Mini-Con Team|Street Action Team]] approaches the Sideways figure, while outside, the green Unicron leaks its component Mini-Cons into Unicron. Unicron laughs and reboots the personalities of the Mini-Cons, returning them to their loyal, drone-like state. With the Mini-Cons out of the way, Unicron captures the kids and keeps trying to convince Optimus Prime to merge his essence into Unicron willingly.<br />
<br />
[[Rad White|Rad]] awakens in his bed, apparently on [[Earth]]. After a second, the location blurs into the desert where the Autobots and the Decepticons first battled, where he meets up with [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] and the other kids. The background shifts again to the part of Unicron that is Galvatron's fantasy of dominance. Alexis uses her mind to move the kids to a more pleasant delusion, but the kids are still aware of Unicron's devouring of Cybertron. Rad sets out to locate High Wire, but Unicron takes control of the mindscape. Rad's cries for help reawaken High Wire's true, friendly personality.<br />
<br />
All the Mini-Cons move against their evil creator, freeing the three Mini-Con weapons. With Unicron disabled, Sideways tries to lash out at High-Wire, but Optimus defeats the shell with the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]. With Unicron no longer a threat, Galvatron challenges Optimus.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (1)<br />
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (3)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (4)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (14)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (16)<br />
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (17)<br />
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (19)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (13)<br />
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (18)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (6)<br />
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (7)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (9)<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (10)<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (12)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (5)<br />
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (8)<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (11)<br />
*[[Race Mini-Con Team]] (20)<br />
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (21)<br />
*[[Space Mini-Con Team]] (22)<br />
*[[Mirror]] (23)<br />
*[[Unicron of Light]]<br />
<br />
|h5=Other|c5=<br />
*[[Unicron]] (2)<br />
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (15)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"How foolish to battle in the name of peace...how absurd. You were programmed for war, Optimus. Without it, you would be just another Autobot. You are exactly the same as Galvatron, only you claim your objective is for peace. How does engaging in war translate as peace?"<br />
:—'''Unicron/Sideways'''<br />
<br />
<br />
"As long as hatred exists, I shall remain impervious to attack."<br />
:—'''Unicron/Sideways''' makes his best Sith impression<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Galvatron:''' "What happened?"<br><br />
'''Optimus Prime:''' "The children awoke the Mini-Cons who were under Unicron's spell."<br><br />
'''Alexis:''' "EXACTLY. Now don't you think a simple 'Thanks' would be kind of nice, huh, Galvatron?"<br><br />
'''Galvatron:''' "...ah, thank you."<br />
:—'''Galvatron''' learns a few manners from Alexis, *cough* likely because he indirectly caused Starscream's death *cough*.<br />
<br />
<br />
"...I'll have my revenge."<br />
:—'''Sideways'''<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
[[File:Origin animation changes.jpg|thumb|290px|Animation changes between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' screencaps (right).]]<br />
*Sideways says he's fed up with Galvatron's "petty labels" in ''Armada'' but calls him a stupid fool for still not understanding in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Optimus assumes Sideways has been working with Unicron before the latter corrects him that they are the same, and Sideways is merely a disguise in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Optimus figure out that Sideways is Unicron, to which the latter confirms, saying that he's one of Unicron's cells and Unicron himself.<br />
*Sideways sounds disembodied whenever he talks in the Japanese dub, unlike ''Armada''. Additionally, Unicron's voice slowly fades in before fully taking over Sideways's in his second line, which appears automatically in ''Armada''.<br />
*Unicron says he has been watching Cybertron since becoming its moon eons ago, and the Transformers' battles produced hatred that increased his strength. In ''Armada'', he says it's now time for him to take his rightful place as supreme leader since the Transformers conflict created enough energy to progress his evolution into the cosmos' most formidable entity.<br />
*Then Optimus states that Unicron only absorbed their negative energy in ''Armada'', but asks what Unicron means by "energy of hatred" in ''Legends of the Microns''. Unicron says the Autobots and Decepticon made more than enough energy for him to surpass their power with them none the wiser in ''Armada'', while ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say the two factions fighting for millions of years enabled him to gather enough energy for his resurrection.<br />
*''Armada'' has Galvatron brazenly telling Unicron not to bet on it, but he asks how it's possible in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then the Japanese dub has Unicron claim that Optimus should've realized this already before asking Prime why he continued fighting an endless war until now, to which Prime answers that he fights for peace.<br />
*Unicron says the truth is that Prime is also a Transformer despite being an Autobot and can't survive in a warless world.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Unicron implore that Optimus should join with him and acknowledge his true nature. He claims that Optimus is only fooling himself; it's why Prime relies on the [[Matrix of Leadership]], better lining up with Optimus looking at the Matrix. ''Armada'' adds Optimus's line at the end of the scene.<br />
*After absorbing Galvatron, ''Armada'' adds Optimus asking Unicron what he's done. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Unicron tells Optimus to look at Galvatron, calling him "a character most consistent with the Transformers' true nature." Then he asks Optimus why he won't admit that Galvatron is a reflection of Prime's actual self and that Optimus wouldn't be any different than Galvatron without the burden of carrying the Matrix in his chest. ''Armada'' just has Unicron saying that Prime isn't immune to his wrath, and Prime should accept his destiny and join with him.<br />
*During Unicron's speech on how he can survive as long as hatred exists, several shots noticeably get upgraded or changed a bit in ''Legends of the Microns''; a prominent example is Unicron featuring more detail and lips.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Unicron only talks about Optimus being programmed for war, so it's pointless to continue denying it. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Unicron states that fighting is Optimus's way of life, fighting is his sole desire, and Prime even loves it.<br />
*After they've been freed from Unicron's grasp, ''Armada'' has Alexis aggressively ask Galvatron to thank the humans for their help, which he does (as quoted above). ''Legends of the Microns'' instead has Alexis asking if Galvatron would’ve been happier if he stayed within Unicron, confusing Galvatron.<br />
*Instead of claiming this wouldn't have happened if Optimus listened to Unicron, Sideways asks why not stop the current fighting, smoothly transitioning to Galvatron challenging Optimus to a fight.<br />
*Optimus says to Galvatron that he can't be serious about fighting, then Galvatron replies that he's never been more serious in ''Armada''. In contrast, these last few seconds are silent in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*Alexis calls Sureshock "Grindor" yet again. Likewise, Carlos (presumably, as we don't see which one he is talking to) calls Grindor "Sureshock."<br />
*As Unicron tightens his tentacle grip on Galvatron, Optimus briefly appears in his Powerlinx colors prematurely, as evidenced by his red eyes. Moments later, he is once again in his normal coloring. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this error.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*Sideways/Unicron's explanation that the two are different incarnations of the same evil entity doesn't perfectly line up with "[[Chase (episode)|Chase]]" when Sideways expressed fear of Unicron.<br />
**Also, Sideways speaks in his original voice after Unicron is disabled. After Sideways gets destroyed, he says, "This wouldn't have happened if you had just listened to Unicron." Once again, referring to Unicron as a separate individual.<br />
**Unicron also says he and the Mini-Cons are "one and the same," despite their clear capacity for independence, so it's possible Sideways can be both "a part" of Unicron and still separate enough to feel fear for him.<br />
**In the [[Mortal Combat|following episode]], High Wire explains that Sideways was eliminated and that Unicron lies dormant, distinguishing the two as individuals further.<br />
**The ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' cartoon and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act|Cybertron]]'' comic would later establish that Sideways survived. He and [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]] are [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] natives, and they cut a deal with Unicron long ago after their race caused their planet's destruction. The pair continued working with him, even after their "master" became a [[Unicron Singularity|blackhole]].<br />
*Although not explicitly stated, the show implies that Unicron released the Mini-Cons to intensify the Autobot/Decepticon conflict. It's also evident with Sideways's various activities on Earth, heightening the conflict between the two factions, and his tendencies to start leadership feuds within the Decepticon ranks, ensuring the war continues with or without Megatron leading the Decepticons.<br />
*Sideways accusing Optimus of enjoying combat revisits a plotline first established in the Japanese dub of "[[Vow]]," where Fred said fighting is now the only thing Optimus knows. However, this episode and the next are the only times ''Armada'' brings this up after "Union" establishes it.<br />
*Optimus finally receives his [[Powerlinx]] colors after being freed from Unicron's grip. Due to this episode's events, Prime getting the color scheme may relate to his inner darkness of enjoying fighting.<br />
*The scene in which Unicron is visible over Cybertron and the scene where Unicron's abdomen opens and causes the planet's surface to crumble are both reused in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' for flashbacks (albeit in black and white).<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Unicron feeds off the negative energies created from conflict, creating his immense power. His feeding off of hatred can also heal his wounds.<br />
**Unicron uses his ring-[[kibble]] to swat incoming fighters like flies.<br />
**Unicron uses multiple surface-based turrets.<br />
**Unicron's abdomen opens up to devour Cybertron. Similarly, the toy has an opening compartment in its abdomen, big enough for a Mini-Con to store inside.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*After Sideways mockingly compliments Optimus and Galvatron for reaching Unicron's heart, shouldn't Galvatron recognize Sideways's voice by now? It's a non-issue in the Japanese dub since Galvatron reacts in shock instead.<br />
*Galvatron calls Sideways "another Autobot deserter" despite knowing fully well that Sideways isn't part of either faction. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the error by having Galvatron ask why Sideways is there.<br />
*Optimus expresses surprise that Sideways has been working with Unicron all along and asks if that's the case. However, in "[[Cramp]]," as Sideways snatches away the Star Saber, he announces flat-out that everything has fallen into place for Unicron to destroy the universe. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this by having Optimus shocked that Sideways ''is'' Unicron.<br />
*Why would Hot Shot tell the others to look out for Optimus when they were trying to damage Unicron? ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this by changing his line to tell Side Swipe to confirm their location.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*The English version of "Origin" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 11]], 2003.<br />
*When Unicron utters the line, "So long as hatred exists, I will remain impervious to attack," his mouth moves.<br />
*Starscream and Thrust are present within Galvatron's fantasy but Sideways isn't.<br />
*With this episode's following episode preview narration in the Japanese version, while "[[Threaten]]" and "[[Portent]]" didn't end it with the usual "Fight, Convoy! TRANSFORM!" line that the characters would say, this episode doesn't have it all. Instead, Rad, Carlos, and Alexis all appear begging Optimus and Galvatron not to fight and end the following episode preview narration asking if they are supposed to be comrades now.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Endlich Frieden?'''" ("Peace at Last?")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 15|15 January]] [[2004]]<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''A világ ura'''" ("Ruler of the World")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Origem'''" ("Origin")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 13 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Collector's Edition ([[Universal]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Dash_(episode)&diff=1575869Dash (episode)2021-12-07T14:46:21Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{picsneeded}}<br />
{{disambig3|Dash}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=45<br />
|prev=Uprising (Armada)<br />
|next=Drift (episode)<br />
|title="Dash"<br />
|furigana=うらぎり<br />
|japanese=確信<!--dash--><br />
|romaji=Uragiri<br />
|translation=Confidence: Betrayal<br />
|image=dash.jpg<br />
|caption=<br />
|production code=TF: A-45<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]<br />
|englishadaptation=[[Ward Perry]]<br />
|director=[[Tomio Yamauchi|Tokio Yamauchi]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[September 26]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom)<br>[[November 7|7 November]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br>[[November 21]], [[2003]] (English, United States)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Hot Shot goes on a solo mission to convince Galvatron that the Autobots and Decepticons should unite to stop Unicron.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] command the rest of the [[Decepticon]]s not to pay any attention to the black hole outside and to disregard the [[Autobot]]s' offer for a collaborative effort against it. While away from the rest of the Decepticons, Thrust cackles at how he's manipulating both armies.<br />
<br />
The Autobots wait, impatient and tense. The kids aboard the ship feel depressed as they watch the combat lights on Cybertron's surface. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] passes them on his way to personally charge into the Decepticons' stronghold and reason with Galvatron. The kids and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] do their best to dissuade him—but [[Rad White|Rad]] realizes that everybody should let Hot Shot go and convinces the others that it's the best idea.<br />
<br />
Once Hot Shot is gone, the rest of the Autobots fly to assist [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] but come under attack. The [[Mini-Con]]s help by forming several holographic copies of the ship to distract the Decepticons. <br />
<br />
Fully armed, Hot Shot takes a small craft and buzzes through the Decepticon's defenses to their front door. He motors around their base, passing plenty of opposition. Eventually, [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] arrives to fight Hot Shot one-on-one. The rumble between the two carries on into the Decepticons' throne room, where Thrust was seconds away from receiving the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] from Galvatron.<br />
<br />
Wheeljack tries to convince Galvatron to listen to Hot Shot's message, and Wheeljack's compassion convinces Galvatron to open his ears. As Hot Shot explains Unicron, Galvatron notices Thrust panicking and connects the sudden presence of [[Unicron]] to the ''[[Hydra Cannon]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s un-Cybertronian technology. Starscream pipes up, mentioning that Thrust has been conspiring against Galvatron. With his plans exposed, Thrust grabs the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]], and the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] and reveals that he's been working in the service of Unicron, then he runs away. Starscream, Hot Shot, and Wheeljack chase after the traitor.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (7)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (8)<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (9)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (11)<br />
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (12)<br />
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (13)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (14)<br />
*Autobot officer (26)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (1)<br />
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (2)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)<br />
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (4)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (5)<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (6)<br />
*Decepticon weapons officer (20)<br />
*Decepticon fleet commander (21)<br />
*Decepticon infantry commander (22)<br />
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (25)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (15)<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (16)<br />
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (17)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (18)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (19)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]] (23)<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (24)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"...and stop overworking your brain by thinking!"<br />
:—'''Thrust''' to Cyclonus<br />
<br />
<br />
"I wonder what's gonna happen now."<br><br />
"Stressful times like these call for large quantities of comfort food."<br />
:—'''Billy''' and '''Fred''' show just what humans are made of.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Galvatron, you were never worthy of controlling the Transformers. I've got news for you: You're nothing compared to my true master, Unicron!"<br />
:—'''Thrust''' declares his true allegiance<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*After Scavenger stops Hoist from going after Hot Shot, Scavenger states it's important that the Autobots stay together right now and that Hot Shot can take care of himself. The kids then object that Hot Shot needs their help since he is doing it for all of them, but Blurr says it's too risky to follow him, and the Decepticons will be all over them. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this dialogue to a more negative tone as Scavenger says Hot Shot would have to face punishment for his decision disrupting military discipline. Then the kids say that Hot Shot is doing what he thinks is best for the Autobots, followed by Blurr saying they aren't playing any games. The shot of the kids is also entirely redrawn from the ''Armada'' version.<br />
*The last scene has Thrust saying with the Mini-Con weapons he stole, he can finally see Unicron in ''Legends of the Microns'', but he's silent in ''Armada''. It's the opposite when Starscream appears, as he's silent in the Japanese dub but says he's coming for Thrust in ''Armada''.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*Demolishor has an Autobot logo, albeit purple in the fifth shot.<br />
*The second time Jetfire radios the other Autobots, he's colored like Optimus.<br />
*Right after Jetfire radios the Autobots, Blurr's head is behind his seat's headrest.<br />
*The Decepticons' starship officers refer to the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'' as the "Cybertron ship" as a general description, Cybertron being the Autobots' Japanese name.<br />
*Wheeljack's Autobot insignia is colored purple in one shot.<br />
*When Thrust declares his true loyalty to Unicron, he initially appears without the Requiem Blaster and the Skyboom Shield he grabbed moments before, instead of holding one of his missile launchers (which are also missing from his legs). They appear subsequently after a reaction shot of Galvatron.<br />
*After the Decepticons are all blown away by Thrust's spinning wings attack, the spinning animation has disappeared, and he merely fades away instead of being animated running away (which is how he escapes moments later).<br />
*Though the [[character model]] of Generation 1 Decepticon [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] also appears as a Decepticon weapons officer in the blockade fleet, he later appears in different colors, missing half of his cockpit backpack as an Autobot questioning Optimus Prime's orders for a withdrawal.<br />
*Scavenger calls Optimus Prime the commander of the 'Cybertron' army, yet another case of the dubbing team not translating instances of 'Cybertron' (the faction) into 'Autobot.'<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*Rad feeling that he met High Wire before his arrival on Earth foreshadows the reveal in the [[Drift (Armada)|next episode]].<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Hot Shot wields two generic rifles and a portable turret in this episode.<br />
**Wheeljack uses his guns as swords.<br />
**This episode depicts the only use of Thrust's toy spinning wing gimmick, though he activates it independently of his Mini-Con [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]].<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*It is unclear how Wheeljack's missile/guns/sword things can withstand the Star Saber's power when he saves Hot Shot from Galvatron's enraged attack.<br />
*Red Alert agrees to "cover for" Hot Shot when the latter plans to make an unauthorized mission to Galvatron on Cybertron. The very next scene sees Hoist describing, in precise detail, the previous scene's events while Hot Shot has barely cleared the ''Axalon''. Red Alert defines "cover for" as "run and tell everyone." It could be a poorly translated reference to the decoy pod and rock disguise for Hot Shot's pod, though, since Hot Shot thanks him for it not long after.<br />
**In the same sequences, when Scavenger insists that Hot Shot "can take care of himself," the kids, including Rad, get upset and urge the other Autobots to follow and back him up. However, Rad said ''the same thing'' only moments ago to convince the other kids and Red Alert to let Hot Shot go in the first place. Erratic tween emotions or bipolar scriptwriters? You decide. Fortunately, ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't have this glaring inconsistency since the conversation is entirely different.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
[[File:Generic Space Team Mini-Cons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]? What are you doing here? [[Spy Changer|How did you get so small]]?]]<br />
*The Decepticon starship crew attacking the ''Axalon'' use recoloured [[character model]]s of [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] Decepticons Misfire and [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]].<br />
*Alongside Bonecrusher and Grindor, [[generic]] recolors of the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] appear very briefly. The generic recolor of [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] also somewhat resembles the [[2001]] ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Spy Changer]] [[Optimus Prime (RID)#SC|Optimus Prime]] toy, while [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]]'s recolor shares Thrust's color scheme.<br />
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some tidbits on this episode:<br />
**Wheeljack was thinking of rejoining the Autobots once he chases Thrust with Hot Shot; however, [[Hidehito Ueda]] thought it would be emotionally unforgivable, which is why he returns to Galvatron in "[[Portent]]."<br />
**Wheeljack's loyalty and Thrust's true intentions being at play in this episode raise the team's tension.<br />
**The Decepticon's base alarm is played by Rad's voice actor, while Fred's voice actor plays the Decepticon soldiers during Hot Shot's break-in.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Enthüllungen'''" ("Revelations")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 17|17 December]] [[2003]]<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Összeütközés'''" ("Collision")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Golpe'''" ("Hit")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 12 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Collector's Edition ([[Universal]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Past&diff=1575709Past2021-12-07T03:49:06Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=31<br />
|prev=Runaway<br />
|next=Past II<br />
|title="Past"<br />
|furigana=いんねん<br />
|japanese=過去 前編<!--past, part 1--><br />
|romaji=Innen<br />
|translation=Past, Part 1: Pretext<br />
|image=past.jpg<br />
|caption=<br />
|production code=TF: A-31<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]<br />
|englishadaptation=[[Jono Howard]]<br />
|director=[[Masayuki Motsumoto]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[March 29]], [[2003]] (English)<br>[[August 8|8 August]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''An Autobot and a Decepticon arrive from Cybertron, each with histories tied to the Autobot crew.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:AWheeljack-Fire.jpg|left|thumb|BURN in the FIRES of Inferno! Maxi—err, Autobot.]]<br />
''Surrounded by flames, [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] tries to lift off a large piece of debris holding down [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]]'s legs. Over Wheeljack's protest, Hot Shot runs to get additional assistance, leaving his friend waiting. Outside of the flames, Hot Shot's superior refuses to let Hot Shot endanger himself by entering the flames again.''<br />
<br />
On [[Earth]], the kids mock [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]]'s self-introduction. Side Swipe greets [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]], but Blurr is embarrassed and denies knowing Side Swipe. After coming inside, Side Swipe stands on his head and calls for help to jog Blurr's memory of the two's meeting.<br />
<br />
[[File:Past Part 1 Side Swipe caught.jpg|200px|thumb|Meanwhile, in Robots in Disguise...]]<br />
''On a sunny [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Side Swipe has been suspended upside down (possibly due to a poor attempt at a parachute landing). After a brief name exchange, Blurr blasts the rope holding Side Swipe in place.''<br />
<br />
Seeking his savior, Side Swipe followed Blurr to Earth. But Blurr has no interest in the enthusiastic wannabe and walks away. When Side Swipe tries to follow, he stumbles and disturbs Blurr's work. Blurr, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], and Hot Shot meet and decide that Hot Shot is best suited to become Side Swipe's mentor.<br />
<br />
[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] and [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] play [[Fighter Machine|a video game]]. Billy wins, but they get scolded by [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]]. <br />
<br />
Hot Shot walks out into the rain to take Side Swipe under his wing. After the two get introduced, they go to the target range. Side Swipe manages to destroy his target, but without anything close to precision. Outside, Side Swipe displays that he can't transform very fast either.<br />
<br />
''Wheeljack, stranded inside the burning terrain, calls out for help. While Hot Shot doesn't answer, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] marches from the flames.''<br />
<br />
By a pretty lake, Side Swipe and Hot Shot have a heart-to-heart. Side Swipe explains how he idolizes Blurr's dedication, but Hot Shot instead suggests Side Swipe set more reasonable goals to find his own identity. A black car monitors the two in secret.<br />
<br />
[[File:ArmadaHotShot Wheeljack sunset.jpg|left|thumb|"Sure would suck if I was trapped in a fire and rescued by Megatron, owing my life to him, forcing us to be on opposite sides."]]<br />
Alexis enjoys Fred and Billy's video game.<br />
<br />
The black car cruises on a highway and aggressively approaches the two [[Autobot]]s. They attempt to ignore him (assuming he's domestic to the planet), but Wheeljack knocks away Side Swipe and shows his defaced Autobot logo to Hot Shot. Side Swipe connects with his [[Mini-Con]] and accelerates to fight back, while Hot Shot remembers:<br />
<br />
''On Cybertron, years ago, Hot Shot was appointed the supervisor of an enthusiastic younger bot. In-person, Wheeljack's idolization matches Side Swipe's idolization of Blurr. Wheeljack then cryptically mentions the possibility of battle separating them.''<br />
<br />
The use of holograms, vanishing, and aggressive driving allow Wheeljack to easily knock Side Swipe off a cliff on one side of the road. With the younger Autobot out of the way, Hot Shot and Wheeljack are formally reintroduced. Wheeljack disregards Hot Shot's apology for abandoning him on Cybertron and explains how Megatron saved and recruited him. Now the two stand on opposite sides and Wheeljack faces down Hot Shot with his weapon drawn... and fires.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (1)<br />
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (2)<br />
*[[Sentinel Minor]] (3)<br />
*[[Endo]] (4)<br />
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (5)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (6)<br />
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (7)<br />
*[[Peritus Maximus]] (14)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (11)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (7)<br />
*[[Rad White]] (8)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (9)<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (10)<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (11)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Nightbeat (Armada)|Nightbeat]] (13)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"Attention soldier! Side Swipe, as this moment, you will be working under the supervision and guidance of Hot Shot."<br><br />
"Under Hot Shot?"<br><br />
"That's right kid."<br><br />
"Well, who's that?"<br><br />
"I am! I'm Hot Shot, you idiot!"<br />
:—'''Hot Shot''' assigns '''Side Swipe''' to himself.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Prepare yourself, Hot Shot. You're about to get a little surprise from your past. You may have forgotten what you did to me but I will ''never'' forget."<br />
:—'''Wheeljack''' expositing as he drives toward Hot Shot and Side Swipe.<br />
<br />
<br />
"I think you're mistaken, Hot Shot. I didn't come here for revenge. I'm no longer the Wheeljack you knew. Like I said, I've been reborn. I've become... a Decepticon!"<br><br />
"No! It's... not true!"<br><br />
"Sorry, but it is. Our friendship's over. Let's forget the past and get on with our lives so we can battle as enemies, understand? There's nothing I can do to change the past."<br />
:—'''Wheeljack''' oddly, claiming he isn't here for revenge when he's here for revenge.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*Hot Shot's opening narration over the flashback is ''Armada''-exclusive. He thinks to himself that he can't move the metal before telling Wheeljack to wait while he gets help in the Japanese dub.<br />
*After punching Hot Shot to the ground, the blue bot tells him to consider the whole unit over a single soldier in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says they can't afford to lose Hot Shot and tells him to think about what's important to the Autobots.<br />
*Side Swipe's arrival to the Autobot base is silent. After Side Swipe introduces himself, Hot Shot asks who he is before Side Swipe calls for Blurr. ''Armada'' adds Optimus reacting in surprise.<br />
*Blurr doesn't say anything after Alexis tells him to take another look at Side Swipe. Hot Shot says they should let Side Swipe in since he's a loudmouth, and they'll be in trouble if anyone from Earth sees him.<br />
*Blurr is silent in his flashback until the first time Side Swipe asks him to wait.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Side Swipe says he made up an excuse to get transferred to Earth after asking around about Blurr, and Hot Shot sarcastically says Blurr is a hero to him too. Then Side Swipe promises not to get in Blurr's way before Blurr says he's already in his way. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Side Swipe offered himself for deployment to the front lines after tracking Blurr's whereabouts, and Hot Shot understands that Side Swipe sees Blurr as his hero. Then Side Swipe says he knows it might cause some trouble for Blurr, and Blurr says it's a lot of trouble.<br />
*''Armada'' gives Billy and Fred some filler dialogue whenever their video game is onscreen; they only speak or react whenever the shot cuts to them in ''Legends of the Microns''. Billy tells Alexis the game helps them "strategize for future attacks" in the Japanese dub.<br />
*It's unclear if the changes came from mistranslation or a conscious simplification of the narrative and dialogue's nuance, but ''Armada'' omits a pretty crucial detail about Hot Shot and Wheeljack's backstory that reframes the whole situation. It shows Hot Shot leaving Wheeljack in the fire, promising to get help at face value, so Wheeljack's hatred of Hot Shot looks like wrongful resentment. However, ''Legends of the Microns'' makes it clear that Hot Shot ''did'' abandon Wheeljack out of cowardice; his promise to get help was an excuse, and his attempt to rush back into the fire was guilt-ridden second thoughts. This detail makes Wheeljack's grudge and Hot Shot's guilt considerably less misplaced.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*During the opening flashback, it sounds like Hot Shot says he needs to go back for "her" instead of "him."<br />
*Connecting with his Mini-Con changes Side Swipe's appearance, but they reuse his artwork from before he [[Powerlinx]]ed in the next overhead shot.<br />
*In the shot with multiple Wheeljacks, they are all missing their damaged Autobot symbols.<br />
*Additionally, Blurr is missing the Autobot symbol on his chest in Side Swipe's flashback and again in the following scene back at the base. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds Blurr's Autobot symbol in the flashback just before he shoots down Side Swipe and in the following scene in the base.<br />
*Blurr and Side Swipe are drawn in their Earth [[character model|animation model]]s in the flashback, despite having Cybertronian models in the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]''.<br />
*While Wheeljack is chasing Hot Shot and Side Swipe, his small Decepticon symbol is missing in one shot.<br />
*When Wheeljack first pulls his weapon out, it's colored grey. In the next shot, it's the proper color of yellow.<br />
*Hot Shot and Wheeljack are drawn without the details indicating having terrestrial alternate modes. But Megatron is animated in his Earth animation model, instead of the Cybertronian mode animation model he had in "[[First Encounter]]." This mistake also happens in the Japanese version.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
[[File:OfficerOfficer.jpg|thumb|200px|Merry Primus, everyone!]]<br />
*Side Swipe and Wheeljack debut in this episode.<br />
*This episode introduces three original characters that use [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] designs. While all of these "[[generic]]s" went unnamed during the original release of the show, they were later given names in [[2015]] by [[Ask Vector Prime]]:<br />
**[[Peritus Maximus]], uses ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|The Headmasters]]'' [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]'s model, and is much, ''much'' smaller.<br />
**[[Sentinel Minor]], uses ''The Headmasters'' [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]]'s model.<br />
**[[Endo]], uses Generation 1 [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]'s model, only... much larger.<br />
*According to ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'', Hot Shot's advice about understanding the difference between yourself and someone else is a continuation of what he learned from Scavenger back in "[[Conspiracy]]."<br />
*How and where Side Swipe picked up Nightbeat goes unexplained.<br />
*[[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] has clouds and an [[Earth]]-like atmosphere during its daylight scenes, something that carries over into ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]''.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Side Swipe uses his pistol without its bayonet.<br />
**It's not entirely clear, but Wheeljack can either teleport or use light manipulation.<br />
**Wheeljack can also make copies/holograms of himself.<br />
**Wheeljack uses one of his weird guns; these are the yellow missiles on his toy.<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Side Swipe Powerlinx with Nightbeat for the only time in the cartoon, making his vehicle mode drive faster.<br />
***As an impressive piece of toy accuracy, Nightbeat leaps out of Side Swipe's trunk compartment and activates the button on his hood, extending the front end of his vehicle mode. Once that occurs, Nightbeat transforms back to motorcycle mode and Powerlinx onto Side Swipe's Mini-Con port.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*Why would Billy call Side Swipe the weakest Transformers he's ever seen when he hasn't even seen the guy in battle yet? He might mean Side Swipe has a weak personality, but still. The Japanese dub changes Billy's line to say Side Swipe doesn't look like the most reliable guy instead.<br />
*Wheeljack claims he's not here for revenge, yet the rest of the episode clearly shows him obsessed with the past. He intentionally targets Hot Shot, drives Side Swipe off of a cliff in front of him, attempting to damage his psyche just before finishing him off, or so he thought. The Japanese version has identical/similar dialogue and plot point inconsistencies. Strangely, Wheeljack says that he was out for revenge in the [[Past II|next episode]]'s English dub.<br />
**''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' mentions that the episode plays Wheeljack having a grudge on Hot Shot due to what happened in the past as a mystery, so this may not exactly be an error.<br />
<br />
===Transformers references===<br />
*Autobot Wheeljack is colored white, similar to his Generation 1 [[Wheeljack (G1)|namesake]].<br />
*In the Japanese dub, Blurr and Hot Shot utter, "By the Matrix..."<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*The kanji 過去 would be ''kako'' and 前編 would be pronounced as ''zenpen'', while ''innen'' is used for 因縁.<br />
*This episode has no narration from Rad or [[Jim Conrad]] in the [[title sequence]] at all and is the only one to do so.<br />
*This episode ends on a [[cliffhanger]], with the screen fading to black as Wheeljack points his weapon at Hot Shot before a gunshot goes off.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' reveals the following tidbits:<br />
**This episode is the only one where flashbacks tell half of the current story, going in a back-and-forth way.<br />
**Side Swipe's introduction brings more comedy to the episode, as he even throws the calm and collected Blurr off his game.<br />
**[[Takeshi Sano]] likens Wheeljack to a ninja, including his design.<br />
**Sano was particularly worried about showing Hot Shot's relationship with Side Swipe and Wheeljack, but he thinks he managed to give each one legitimacy.<br />
**The Fighter Machine game Billy and Fred play is something of a combo of Transformers and {{w|Beyblade}}. The producers hoped to extend ''Armada'''s success into hobbyist toys and commercialize Fighter Machines, so they tried forcing it into the story. However, the problem was that no one had ever seen a Fighter Machine toy before.<br />
**Aside from one moment in "[[Cramp]]," this episode is the last one to feature a Powerlinx with a Mini-Con as the showrunners wanted to work more on the story. The gimmick was also not as impressive as it could've been in the show like it was with the prototype toys.<br />
*This is the show's only two-part episode.<br />
*This is the second episode in the series where both factions gain a new member, after "[[Tactician]]."<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Der Überläufer, Teil 1'''" ("The Renegade, Part 1")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''A múlt árnyai, 1. rész'''" ("Shadows of the Past, part 1")<br />
<br />
'''Polish'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Przeszłość'''" ("Past")<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''돌아온 프레디'''" ("Returning Freddy")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Passado'''" ("Past")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 8 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:10 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Flashbacks ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two (Rhino Entertainment)<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Collector's Edition ([[Universal]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Crack_(episode)&diff=1575704Crack (episode)2021-12-07T03:32:39Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig3|Crack}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=37<br />
|prev=Mars (episode)<br />
|next=Threaten<br />
|title="Crack"<br />
|furigana=ぷらいど<br />
|japanese=決意<!--crack--><br />
|romaji=Pride<br />
|translation=Decision: Pride<br />
|image=Chamois WHY.jpg<br />
|caption=Is whack.<br />
|production code=TF: A-37<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]<br />
|director=[[Shigenori Awai]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[May 10]], [[2003]] (English)<br>[[September 19|19 September]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Starscream must choose between the human friends he has made among the Autobots and his hunger to destroy Megatron. Betrayal and conspiracy are so addictive.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
In a secret meeting, [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] plot how to get the [[Mini-Con]] weapons away from the [[Autobot]]s. It's all very ominous.<br />
<br />
On [[Earth]], [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] finds he doesn't feel very motivated to help the Autobots build their [[Axalon (Armada)|stupid spaceship]]. He feels it's a waste of time when they could be off killing [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] instead of worrying about Mini-Cons. [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] explains to [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], who is exasperated with Starscream's apathy, that the Autobots should take this chance to try and understand what makes Autobots and Decepticons different, and learn how to work together. After all, the inability to make such a rapport is why the two factions are still fighting.<br />
<br />
[[File:Crack Starscream confused.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"Do they really like me?" If they're fangirls.]]<br />
Starscream, meanwhile, is quite shocked to find the human kids throwing him a surprise party; it was [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]]'s idea to thank him for the [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] rock he previously gave them. The kids present him with a crudely stitched but brightly colorful [[Chamois of Friendship|chamois]], which they have made for him themselves and claim is for cleaning the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]]. Starscream explains that he has never received a present before, so he doesn't know how to react. When [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] arrives to assign Starscream to monitor duty, Starscream figures that if he slacks off, someone else will do it; Alexis has to explain the notion of teamwork to him. Starscream storms off after her abortive lecture, claiming that he needs some quiet.<br />
<br />
As with most of what Starscream says and does, this is total bluster, and he does end up doing his monitor duty as assigned. When a bizarre signal appears on the screens, he goes out to investigate its source. He finds Thrust, who tries to talk Starscream into rejoining the [[Decepticon]]s so that the two of them can work against Megatron from the inside. [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] and [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] happen by just in time to hear Thrust mention that if Megatron might welcome Starscream back if he were to bring the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom]] Shield.<br />
<br />
Back at the Autobot base, Starscream watches the [[Race Mini-Con Team]]—the Mini-Cons who combine to form the shield—and broods.<br />
<br />
[[File:Crack Hot Shot head.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Starscream is so dreamy, he's like, a dreamboat. Err, plane.]]<br />
Fred and Billy tell the Autobots about Thrust's appearance and how Starscream chased him away. Jetfire makes a crack about how Fred shouldn't consider Starscream a hero, which is, of course, the moment when Starscream walks in on the conversation. All share an awkward moment. [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] arrives shortly after that, reporting that the Race Team has disappeared. Billy and Fred remember that Thrust wanted them, which leads the Autobots—especially Smokescreen—to accuse Starscream of stealing them. Hot Shot tries to give Starscream a chance to explain himself, but the former Decepticon doesn't bother defending himself. Since the Autobots have already made up their minds that he is a traitor, he believes that trying to get along with them is a failed experiment.<br />
<br />
A Decepticon attack interrupts the tense situation, drawing the Autobots out to fight. While his erstwhile comrades face the main Decepticon force, Starscream seeks out Thrust alone high in the clouds. Brandishing the Star Saber and his chamois, Starscream rebuffs Thrust's offer, claiming he would rather stay with robots he can trust. Thrust is still bent on convincing Starscream to work with him against Megatron.<br />
<br />
Hot Shot, whom [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] chased into a forest, runs into Alexis, [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], [[Rad White|Rad]], and the Race Mini-Con Team. Hot Shot learns that the kids only took the Mini-Cons for a walk without notifying anyone first. He realizes he was wrong to accuse Starscream and asks the Mini-Cons to help.<br />
<br />
[[File:Crack Skyboom theft.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Another "Yoink" moment, brought to you by Photoshop.]]<br />
Meanwhile, Starscream is at a loss to explain to himself why he won't just kill Thrust and be done with the whole sorry affair. Thrust opines that working alongside the Autobots has caused him to go soft and forget his heritage. <br />
<br />
Smokescreen tosses the Skyboom Shield to Optimus Prime on the ground, but Starscream intercepts it. Wielding both it and the Star Saber, Starscream rushes to meet with Thrust, letting the chamois fall back to Earth behind him. He momentarily wonders if he's doing the right thing but knows that he must go to any length to bring Megatron down. He knows that he will never forget the human kids, and in his heart, he thanks them.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (3)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (4)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (5)<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (6)<br />
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (7)<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (8)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (9)<br />
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (10)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (11)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (1)<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (12)<br />
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (24)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (25)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (26)<br />
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (27)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Rad White]] (16)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (17)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (18)<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (19)<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (20)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] (13)<br />
*[[Runway (Armada)|Runway]] (14)<br />
*[[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] (15)<br />
*[[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]] (21)<br />
*[[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]] (22)<br />
*[[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] (23)<br />
*[[Incinerator (Armada)|Incinerator]] (28)<br />
<br />
|c5=<br />
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (2)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
'''Red Alert:''' "Hey, enough chit-chat ladies, we got a job to do."<br><br />
'''Hot Shot:''' "Ah—sorry, Red Alert, but what about Starscream?"<br><br />
'''Blurr, the jerk:''' "You mean Star-traitor, don't you?"<br />
<br />
<br />
"Why ''now''? Why...am I doubting myself?"<br />
:—'''Starscream''' broods while training.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Fred:''' "Guys! We just saw a cone-headed Decepticon!"<br><br />
'''Blurr:''' "You mean Thrust?"<br><br />
'''Billy:''' "He was just outside our base."<br><br />
'''Hot Shot:''' "What are we waiting for? C'mon, let's go get him!"<br><br />
'''Side Swipe:''' "Yeah, baby!"<br><br />
'''Fred:''' "Hang on a sec, Hot Shot. Starscream chased the creep away, already! ''Starscream is my hero''."<br><br />
'''Hot Shot:''' "You are one twisted kid."<br />
<br />
<br />
"Have you made your decision?"<br><br />
"I have, Thrust. I think I'll stay put here with bots I can trust."<br />
:—'''Starscream''' answers '''Thrust''''s offer with a strange assertion, given the Autobots had earlier accused him of theft.<br />
<br />
<br />
''Hot Shot shoots Tidal Wave in the eye with his axle-zooka''<br><br />
"All right! That's a bullseye—literally!"<br />
:—'''Hot Shot''' being Hot Shot.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*As Optimus and Hot Shot discuss Starscream, Optimus states Starscream changing sides is a major step towards peace between the Autobots and Decepticons, which is why he accepted him. ''Armada'' changes this to just having Prime suggest they ought to know their differences and then come to a mutual agreement. ''Armada'' also gives Optimus an extra line, saying to return to work, whereas the rest of the scene in ''Legends of the Microns'' is silent.<br />
*Unlike ''Armada'', Fred says that the kids didn't make a cake. Then the shot of Starscream taking the chamois is redrawn to show Alexis's arm before it leaves the frame, and the fabric now drapes more realistically.<br />
*Starscream is silent after Alexis explains his gift's purpose. As the boys describe how they made it, Fred goes off-topic and mentions the cake in ''Armada'' but says making the chamois took a lot of work in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Starscream is silent in the Japanese dub when he notes the colorful fabric in ''Armada''. ''Armada'' has Starscream saying thank you twice, but the Japanese dub has him say it as "Thank... you...?"<br />
*Fred asks Starscream if there were any "octopus-shaped aliens" on Mars, for which Billy calls Fred an idiot and says there's nothing like that there, and Starscream affirms it.<br />
*Starscream's reason for leaving the kids is to get some "peace and quiet" in ''Armada'', but he says, "I can't stand annoying pests..." in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then ''Armada'' adds Billy's subsequent line.<br />
*Starscream groans about all the teamwork talk making him soft in ''Armada'', but in ''Legends of the Microns'', he says the kids almost made him forget about his anger toward Megatron.<br />
*As he ponders his self-doubt, Starscream says, "Even now...Why do I still hesitate? I...Those kids...for my sake." ''Legends of the Microns'' mutes the kids' laughing as Starscream thinks about them.<br />
*After swiping the Skyboom Shield, Starscream asks forgiveness for his decision in the Japanese dub. He's unsure if he's making the right choice in ''Armada''.<br />
*Starscream swears to crush Megatron personally in ''Armada'' but reflects that taking Megatron down is currently his sole reason for living. Then instead of Starscream thanking the kids and saying he'll never forget them aloud, ''Legends of the Microns'' turns it into an internal monologue where Alexis is the only one of the kids he names.<br />
*The Japanese dub has Hot Shot ask "Why?" twice before shouting, "WHY? STARSCREAM!"<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*Starscream's wings vanish when he walks away from the rest of the Autobots. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds them back.<br />
*When Starscream and Thrust meet, Starscream makes hand motions like he's drawing his sword and using it, but nothing's in his hand. He's holding his sword a few shots later.<br />
*During Thrust and Starscream's meeting in the woods, after Thrust disappears and reappears, he is layered behind the treeline, making him enormous.<br />
*After meeting Thrust, Starscream lets out his frustrations by practicing his swordplay. During a close-up of the tip of his blade, it's incorrectly drawn as the distinctive Runway-shaped tip of the Star Saber.<br />
*Smokescreen is still called by his old name in his new "Hoist" body, likely since the character was still referred to as "Grap" (his Japanese name) on both bodies in the original Japanese scripts.<br />
*Demolishor's purple Decepticon lasers that he fires at Jetfire become red Autobot lasers as they fly towards the Autobot.<br />
*The kids look very off-model in their last shot, noticeably lacking noses. ''Legends of the Microns'' redraws them with more accurate models.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*As stated above, the episode's Japanese version has Optimus explaining to Hot Shot that he accepted Starscream because it's a major step for achieving peace between the two factions. ''Armada'' doesn't mention this and instead has the reason being that he "didn't have a choice at the time," as Scavenger explains in "[[Remorse]]."<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Smokescreen uses his new arm like a catapult to launch the Skyboom Shield.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*Rad's line response to Starscream leaving the party, "What's his problem? He sure is self-centered!" doesn't appear to jibe with the animation of him and Carlos smiling happily. The Japanese dub also has this issue since Rad says, "Well, that was rude..."<br />
*Starscream claiming to leave the kids for some "peace and quiet" doesn't work with the next scene, which shows him dutifully following Jetfire's order of performing monitor duty.<br />
*Upon arriving in the forest, Starscream says that someone's watching, but how could he have possibly known? It's a non-issue in ''Legends of the Microns'' since he asks what's this about instead.<br />
*Hot Shot instructs the kids to [[Powerlinx]] with the Skyboom Shield.<br />
*After Starscream punches him in the face, Thrust falls over and lands with a thud. It's usually impossible to land on a cloud and generally impossible to make a "thud" with them.<br />
*After Starscream appears with the Star Saber and Skyboom Shield, Thrust is angry with him when he should be ecstatic to have all three Mini-Con weapons finally if anything. The Japanese dub fixes it by having Thrust say he's glad that Starscream finally made his choice.<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*The line "You can't handle the truth!" is a famous quote from the movie, ''{{w|A Few Good Men}}''. Moments after delivering the line, Starscream isn't wearing a necktie.<br />
<br />
===Transformers references===<br />
*Fred calls Thrust a "cone-headed Decepticon", a possible reference to the [[Conehead|fan term]] for the Generation 1 jets [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] and of course, [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]].<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*Starscream calls Thrust a "pathetic snake," which is an amusing coincidence as Thrust's voice actor, [[Colin Murdoch]], previously played the cobra-headed [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] on ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''.<br />
*After Billy and Fred tell the Autobots that Starscream "drove off" Thrust, voice actor [[Brian Drummond]] delivers Blurr's appreciative line in a rather hostile, accusatory tone. Then again, Blurr is a bit of a jerk.<br />
*As this episode's main focus is on Starscream's angst and eventual betrayal, the battle between the Autobots and the other Decepticons is left unresolved.<br />
*The Japanese dub reveals that the kids made the chamois from Rad's mom's sheets.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Falscher Verdacht'''" ("Wrong Suspicion")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but was dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Árulás'''" ("Treachery")<br />
:** Confusingly, that's the same title the episode "[[Credulous]]" was given.<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''스크림의 선택 1부'''" ("Scream's Choice Part 1")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Ruptura'''" ("Rupture")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 10 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Regeneration_(Armada)&diff=1575651Regeneration (Armada)2021-12-07T01:48:42Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig2|the episode from ''Armada''|the episode from Prime|Regeneration (Prime)}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=34<br />
|prev=Sacrifice<br />
|next=Rescue<br />
|title="Regeneration"<br />
|furigana=すぱーく<br />
|japanese=生命<!--regeneration--><br />
|romaji=Spark<br />
|translation=Life: Spark<br />
|image=regeneration.jpg<br />
|caption=<br />
|production code=TF: A-34<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]<br />
|director=[[Osamu Kamijō]],<br>[[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.)<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[April 19]], [[2003]] (English)<br>[[August 29|29 August]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Smokescreen fights for his life while Starscream defects to the Autobots.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Regeneration Red Alert's face.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|You don't want to know what he's seeing.]]<br />
While [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] carefully disassembles [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] in hopes of saving his comrade, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the other [[Autobot]]s explain to the kids the mechanics of [[Transformer]]s' [[spark]]s. Red Alert reports that Smokescreen has a solid chance of survival, and then Red's face distorts nonsensically. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] swears revenge against the [[Decepticon]]s for the damage they did to Smokescreen.<br />
<br />
In the Decepticons' base, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] enjoys having the power of the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] under his control. A grumpy [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] then enters, resentful of his abandonment in the jungle. [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] feigns concern, and Starscream punches Thrust into a wall. While [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] are glad to see Thrust get what's coming to him, Megatron dismisses all his forces.<br />
<br />
Starscream and the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] enjoy a repairing energy bath (hot!). Demolishor comes to retrieve the [[Mini-Con]]s. Starscream and Demolishor almost get into a confrontation, but Demolishor relinquishes his duty to Starscream.<br />
<br />
Thrust and Megatron plot in private to abuse Starscream further, although Megatron is too busy enjoying Thrust's compliments to realize Thrust is manipulating him. Starscream overhears the conspiracy and combines the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] to take Thrust and Megatron down. The other Decepticons rush in to stop Starscream, so Starscream runs to the teleport chamber. Starscream proves that he can use the Star Saber to block the Requiem Blaster on his way out and flies to Earth.<br />
<br />
[[File:Regeneration Side Swipe flees.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Does anybody think Side Swipe can honestly handle Starscream?]]<br />
The Autobot sensors detect Starscream's presence in [[Earth]]'s atmosphere. Hot Shot and Side Swipe rush out to fight Starscream. [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], in pursuit of Starscream, switches his target to Hot Shot. Optimus Prime and Jetfire arrive to fight off Tidal Wave in their combined form, but they're unable to do any damage; luckily for them, the simple-minded giant is focused on attacking Starscream. Starscream then tosses the Star Saber to Jet Optimus, who uses it to slice off one of Tidal Wave's gun emplacements, and Tidal Wave retreats.<br />
<br />
[[File:Regeneration minicons hug Starscream.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Stockholm Subroutine.]]<br />
Starscream explains his story to the Autobots inside their base. Hot Shot passionately argues that it's wrong for them to offer Starscream refuge, particularly after Megatron severely injured Smokescreen. Hot Shot mentions the Autobots have already suffered betrayal from [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]], so [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] points out that he, too technically falls into the "betrayer" category. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] is the first one to suggest Starscream should stay, to the bewilderment of [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], but [[Rad White|Rad]] agrees with her. With votes of confidence from Alexis, Rad, and the Mini-Cons, Optimus declares that Starscream is now one of them.<br />
<br />
Outside, Hot Shot and Starscream formally have a showdown. Inside, the other Autobots debate who should be the one to tell them to stop their pointless grudge match when Red Alert comes in to report that the operation was successful, but Smokescreen needed a new body.<br />
<br />
Hot Shot and Starscream continue pounding each other, but a new challenger interrupts them by throwing boulders. The new Transformer quickly takes down Starscream and Hot Shot. When the new Autobot speaks, Hot Shot figures it out: it's Smokescreen in a new body. Smokescreen explains to the younger soldiers that being on the Autobot team means just getting along.<br />
<br />
With data from Starscream, the Autobots are ready to lead an attack on the Decepticons. They gather in the warp gate. Next stop: the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]].<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (2)<br />
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (3)<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (4)<br />
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (5)<br />
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (6)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (7)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen/Hoist]] (8)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (14)<br />
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (15)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (16)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (17)<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (18)<br />
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (19)<br />
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (23)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (9)<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (10)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (11)<br />
*[[Rad White]] (12)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (13)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Runway (Armada)|Runway]] (20)<br />
*[[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] (21)<br />
*[[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] (22)<br />
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (24)<br />
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (25)<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (26)<br />
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (27)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"You mean my heart looks like that?"<br />
:—'''Fred''' has no concept of biology.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Well, Starscream, you're still alive. I suppose congratulations are in order."<br />
:—'''Megatron''', showing the usual faith in his men.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Carlos:''' "Yeah, go get 'em!"<br><br />
'''Billy:''' "Yeah, it's payback time for Smokescreen!"<br><br />
'''Fred:''' "AND FREEDOM!"<br />
:—The kids watch Hot Shot and Side Swipe rush out to confront Starscream.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Hey, would ya back off? I'm trying to avenge my friend here! I won't be long!"<br />
:—'''Hot Shot'''<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*''Armada'' dramatizes Rad's opening narration and extends it to just before the opening bumper. ''Legends of the Microns'' has it short and right to the point as Rad says, "Smokescreen risked his life to protect the Mini-Cons...But now, Smokescreen lays here dying."; the narration ends before Smokescreen's spark gets removed.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Fred asks if his heart resembles a spark (as quoted above), and Billy sarcastically says Fred's would be smaller. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Fred follows up on Jetfire's statement about Earth's understanding of a soul, asking about the universe's view, to which Billy remarks, "It's still a soul, isn't it?".<br />
*Besides the Requiem Blaster destroying about 90% of Smokescreen's body, the remaining 10% is functioning weakly.<br />
*Red Alert worries about not restoring Smokescreen's body exactly as it was in ''Armada'', but that his chances of success are slim with the tech he currently has in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Rather than declaring Megatron will pay for what he did to Smokescreen, Hot Shot says the Autobots let it happen.<br />
*The Japanese dub reverses Megatron's opening lines. Before declaring the universe will be his, Megatron says the Decepticons now have nothing to fear since they now possess the Requiem Blaster. Then, while pointing the weapon at Thrust, Megatron asks if he agrees.<br />
*Megatron offers to reward Thrust for his successful operation in ''Armada'', but admits being a "''bit'' impressed" with him in ''Legends of the Microns''. Thrust is silent when bowing to Megatron. Then Megatron says Thrust earned the right to call himself a Decepticon in ''Armada''. He states that Thrust is truly an expert and callous tactician in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*After Starscream knocks Thrust into the wall, Starscream asks, "Why did you close it off?" Then Thrust claims Starscream misunderstands since the others didn't abandon him. Starscream asks why Thrust closed the warp gate on him and says, "Because of you... I..." In ''Armada'', Thrust says he doesn't know what Starscream's talking about, and Starscream claims Thrust closed off the warp gate on purpose.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Thrust says he didn't abandon Starscream but had to do it due to a change in the plan, and Starscream would've done the same. Then Starscream says he's not listening to Thrust's lies anymore. Thrust says the others were forced the close the warp gate after receiving new intel, and Starscream says Thrust will say anything to save himself in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Wheeljack says Thrust will die in ''Legends of the Microns'', but Thrust is getting trashed in ''Armada''. Demolisher says Thrust has a foul mouth instead of that he deserves a beatdown.<br />
*Starscream is silent after Megatron stops his assault on Thrust.<br />
*After he invites the Mini-Cons into the energy bath, ''Legends of the Microns'' gives Starscream an extra line in which he tells them not to fight.<br />
*The conversation between Thrust and Megatron is mostly the same, but it makes a few different points:<br />
**In ''Armada'', Megatron says Starscream has every right to be angry due to suffering a lot, and Thrust says that Starscream brought it upon himself. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron says he doesn't blame Starscream for being mad after being left behind as a "sacrifice stone," and Thrust tells Megatron he shouldn't be so blunt in saying that.<br />
**Megatron doesn't berate Thrust for not handling himself when Starscream attacked him, and Thrust says it was worth it since they acquired the Requiem Blaster.<br />
**Instead of Megatron claiming that Starscream is proving to be more valuable than initially thought due to bringing back the Star Saber, he states his fear of losing the sword and that having it back is a "wonderful miscalculation." Then instead of thinking Starscream is proving to be more valuable than he initially thought, Megatron says Starscream never stops surprising him and Thrust.<br />
**Rather than suggesting sending in Starscream first during the next battle with the Autobots and agreeing with Megatron about keeping him around longer, Thrust plays fortuneteller and ''predicts'' things getting harder for Starscream even though his "reading" might be premature.<br />
**Megatron boasts about Starscream being unaware of what he's gotten himself into in ''Armada'', but calls Starscream unlucky in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
**In ''Legends of the Microns'', Thrust doesn't say anything about learning from Megatron but instead asserts it's no surprise that Megatron's cold willingness to sacrifice his men is what led to their victory.<br />
*Starscream alerts Megatron and Thrust to his presence after cursing them under his breath; he grunts to himself in ''Armada'' instead. The English dub is the correct version, given that Starscream's mouth doesn't move in the shot.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' plays the track "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Destruction Order]]" when Starscream unleashes his fury.<br />
*Thrust doesn't label Starscream as a traitor to Demolisher and instead tells the latter to grab Starscream.<br />
*When Megatron and Starscream face each other in ''Armada'', Megatron says he has always been suspicious of Starscream and that the latter could never handle the responsibility of leading the Decepticons as his emotions have taken over him. Starscream tells Megatron that he can think whatever he wants since he no longer cares. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron tells Starscream that he's not thinking things through and is suffering from "momentary impulses." Starscream replies that it's only wishful thinking on Megatron's part. ''Armada'' replays the track from when Starscream began raging during this scene before transitioning to the insert Transformers theme, but the Japanese dub plays "For The Glory!" throughout here.<br />
*Tidal Wave calls after Starscream before making him crash in ''Legends of the Microns''; this happens earlier in ''Armada'' when they enter Earth's atmosphere.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Jetfire questions why Hot Shot and Side Swipe would head out on their own, but in ''Legends of the Microns'', he says they left to intercept the Decepticons but also notes how the situation looks different. Then Scavenger quips how they do as they please.<br />
*As Carlos, Billy, and Fred cheer for Hot Shot and Side Swipe trying to avenge Smokescreen in ''Legends of the Microns'', Fred says, "We're cheering you on!".<br />
*Blurr believes that Tidal Wave chasing Starscream might be another diversion.<br />
*The scene of Starscream getting shot down by Tidal Wave before eventually surrendering himself to the Autobots has several differences from ''Armada'', mainly lines of dialogue being either removed or added:<br />
**Instead of telling the Star Saber Mini-Cons to stay with him, Starscream asks if they're alright.<br />
**Starscream tells Hot Shot and Side Swipe to forget about him since Tidal Wave is still after him, and Hot Shot asks him what he means. In ''Armada'', Starscream tells them they don't want to be caught in his situation, and Hot Shot calls Starscream the one "who's caught."<br />
**The scenes of Tidal Wave firing at Hot Shot and Starscream, Optimus taking the Star Saber, and Prime thanking Starscream are silent.<br />
*Jetfire points out that Megatron abandoned Starscream, so the latter wasn't around during what happened to Smokescreen.<br />
*Rad notes the Air Defense Mini-Con Team's concern for Starscream and says the Mini-Cons wouldn't feel that way towards a true Decepticon.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Optimus addresses the Autobots when he says Starscream is now a part of their team; in ''Legends of the Microns'', he talks directly to Starscream.<br />
*Starscream tells the Autobots to analyze his data to find a way to sneak into the Decepticon base in ''Armada''. He's more specific in ''Legends of the Microns'' as he reveals that he downloaded the locking coordinates for the Decepticons' warp gate before escaping.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't have Hot Shot and Starscream grunting off-screen just before Jetstorm and Jolt leave.<br />
*While analyzing Starscream's data, Side Swipe claims the type of warp gate the Decepticons use is similar to the Autobots' launch gate.<br />
*While charging at Smokescreen with his sword, Starscream asks if he's an enemy.<br />
*The panning shot of the Autobots at the end goes from right to left in ''Armada'' but left to right in ''Legends of the Microns''. Jetfire and Blurr speak during the scene in ''Armada'', but it's changed to Optimus and Scavenger in the Japanese dub, with Scavenger's mouth seen moving as the camera stops panning.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*The tips of the top and right pliers that remove Smokescreen's spark are missing.<br />
*The background ceiling behind Optimus moves slightly between the two shots of him talking to Red Alert.<br />
*Starscream appears to knock Thrust into a pre-existing crater in a wall, though the way Thrust later looks at it when discussing Starscream suggests it was supposed to be made by the impact.<br />
*Starscream sounds confused for some reason after Megatron orders him to fix his damaged body. The Japanese dub fixes it to have Starscream sound resigned instead.<br />
*While repairing himself in the energy bath, Starscream tells Sonar, Runway, and Jetstorm they shouldn't worry about him; however, this doesn't line up with the Mini-Cons nodding in the following scene. It makes sense in ''Legends of the Microns'' as it has Starscream ''asking'' the Mini-Cons if they're worried about him.<br />
*The Mini-Cons' size changes between shots when Starscream talks to Demolishor.<br />
*After Starscream steps out from behind the corner, Megatron asks if it's him even though it's obvious; this doesn't happen in ''Legends of the Microns'', as Megatron only says Stascream's name.<br />
**At the same time, Megatron's expression looks surprised, but his voice doesn't. He is surprised by Starscream's appearance in ''Legends of the Microns'' and has an appropriate surprised tone of voice.<br />
**The Decepticon symbol on Megatron's chest is missing in the same shot.<br />
*Thrust says Starscream is starting a rebellion, but that's highly exaggerated. He says Starscream is rebelling in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Starscream calls his Null Laser Cannon the "Narrow Beam" Cannon twice.<br />
*Starscream's Null Laser Cannon goes from purple to red between shots when he fires at Cyclonus and Wheeljack.<br />
*Megatron and Starscream's mouths don't move during their confrontation.<br />
*The custom music that plays during Starscream and Megatron's face-off overlaps the track used in the Japanese dub. ''Legends of the Microns'' plays only one background track during the scene.<br />
*When Starscream fires his Null Laser Cannon the second time, his mouth doesn't move.<br />
*After Side Swipe and Hot Shot end their training session, Side Swipe's mouth opens a second before he starts talking. Side Swipe's dialogue moves in sync with his mouth in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*The children's positions change between shots while they watch the monitor with the Autobots. Some kids are also absent in some shots.<br />
*After Hot Shot and Side Swipe leave the base, it looks like Starscream and Tidal Wave have swapped places on the monitor before switching back.<br />
*After Tidal Wave shoots him down, Starscream is missing his left wing, but it's attached again seconds later.<br />
*Starscream disappears when he finishes crashing.<br />
*Starscream says, "Here ''they'' come!" to Side Swipe and Hot Shot before Tidal Wave fires at them. The Japanese dub fixes it so that Starscream says, "Here ''he'' comes!" instead.<br />
*As Tidal Wave advances on Hot Shot, his animation cel is misplaced.<br />
*Scavenger's chest is miscolored like his body while he says it wouldn't be right to send Starscream back to the Decepticons.<br />
*Rad singles out Runway for being upset though Jetstorm was the one visibly reacting a moment ago. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this mistake.<br />
*As Jetstorm and Jolt arrive to alert the Autobots of Hot Shot and Starscream's fight, Optimus incorrectly refers to Jetstorm as Runway; ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects the mistake. After Jetstorm and Jolt land, Runway and Sonar suddenly replace them. The Mini-Cons switch back and forth for the next couple of cuts: Runway and Sonar appear whenever seen from the front, and Jetstorm and Jolt return when viewed from behind. By the end of the scene, Jetstorm is back, but Jolt has disappeared.<br />
*When Smokescreen pushes Starscream back after catching his sword, the sword is attached to him in wing form despite Smokescreen tearing the blade away from him an instant prior.<br />
*After Smokescreen knocks him down, Starscream's mouth moves, but nothing comes out.<br />
*Blurr's Autobot symbol is missing during the ending pan of the Autobots.<br />
*On the final shot of the Moon, the sides of the screen have a faint white glow, but in the Japanese dub, it's the top and bottom edges instead.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
[[File:Tidal Wave and Destron Moonbase.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb]]<br />
*''Armada'' shows a naked [[spark]] for the first time.<br />
*Also, we see Starscream taking an energy bath for the first time, which seems to have similar properties to a [[CR chamber]]. However, previously, [[Transformer]]s in this universe were shown repairing themselves with tools.<br />
*Tidal Wave is floating above the Decepticon base in its first shot.<br />
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' states this episode marks the beginning of the Starscream and Alexis side story.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Smokescreen's new body is still strong enough to throw boulders. Since he no longer has a crane arm to throw them, he uses his shovel arm like a catapult.<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Starscream uses his Null Laser Cannon.<br />
**Hot Shot uses Jolt double-barreled cannon while Powerlinxed in vehicle mode.<br />
**Optimus and Jetfire Powerlinx and form Jet Optimus.<br />
**Jet Optimus Powerlinx with the Star Saber for the first and only time.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*Thrust refers to putting the Requiem Blaster "back" in Megatron's hands, but he hadn't possessed it before "[[Sacrifice]]." ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this mistake as Thrust says they "acquired" the Requiem Blaster.<br />
*The Autobots saluted Smokescreen in the previous episode, implying he had died, with Optimus even saying they will never forget him. He is [barely] alive in this episode, and Optimus isn't surprised.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
[[File:Hoist Sunset Regeneration.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Look at me! I'm Hasbro colored!"]]<br />
*The kanji 生命 would be ''seimei'', while ''supāku'' is only written in katakana, as スパーク.<br />
*So, Starscream's story arc is forced forward by Megatron betraying Starscream? That's like... bizarro-G1.<br />
*During the scene after Smokescreen gets rebuilt, the sunset lighting reflects his [[Hasbro]] toy colors.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' reveals that:<br />
**[[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] compares this episode's events to a German soldier who surrenders to the Allied Forces during World War II but didn't expect Starscream and Alexis's subplot to take a more depressing turn later in the show.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Ein Neuer Anfang'''" ("A New Beginning")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but was dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Átállás'''" ("Desertion")<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''다시 태어난 스모키'''" ("Reborn Smoky")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Regeneração'''" ("Regeneration")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 9 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Mars_(episode)&diff=1575544Mars (episode)2021-12-06T21:52:43Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{picsneeded}}<br />
{{disambig2|the ''Armada'' episode|the planet|Mars (planet)}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=36<br />
|prev=Rescue<br />
|next=Crack (episode)<br />
|title="Mars"<br />
|furigana=しょうとつ<br />
|japanese=火星<!--mars--><br />
|romaji=Shoutotsu<br />
|translation=Mars: Conflict<br />
|image=Armada-Mars-Starscream and Jetfire.jpg<br />
|caption=<br />
|production code=TF: A-36<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]<br />
|director=[[Mihiro Yamaguchi]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[May 3]], [[2003]] (English)<br>[[September 12|12 September]] [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Jetfire and Starscream get their ass to Mars to rescue a Mini-Con, but walk into a trap.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] rages, frustrated that the [[Autobot]]s do not share his priority of destroying [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. His [[Mini-Con]] partners, [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] and the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]], try to console him, followed by [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]], but he is too wrapped up in his self-doubts to listen to them. <br />
<br />
While Megatron rages about his recent setback, [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] receives some news that might calm him: [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] claims that while the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] has limited power, combining it with the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] and [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom]] Shield would make it unstoppable.<br />
<br />
The Autobots on [[Earth]] detect a new Mini-Con signal, but as it is on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], only [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and Starscream would be capable of flying there to retrieve it. The kids are upset that they can't go but ask Jetfire for a souvenir, like maybe a Mars rock. Jetfire isn't happy to be bringing Starscream at all, but they head out, with Jetfire wielding the Skyboom Shield and Starscream wielding the Star Saber.<br />
<br />
Having been briefed by Thrust on the Mini-Con and the three weapons' potential, Megatron recognizes that the Autobots' mission to Mars is the perfect opportunity to unite the Mini-Con weapons.<br />
<br />
On Mars, Starscream is itching for a fight with Megatron, and he seems to get his wish, as an ominous shape appears in the stormy skies above. Starscream leaps to attack and is annoyed to find that it's only [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], who demands the Star Saber and knocks Starscream to the planet's surface. Jetfire, having noticed the Decepticon intruder as well, decides to investigate.<br />
<br />
Starscream pulls himself together and finds the Air Defense Team trying to cheer him on. He drives them away, screaming that he doesn't need their sympathy, only to lament immediately that now even the Mini-Cons have abandoned him. He declares that here, on this planet, he will crush Megatron. Starscream notices that he has been absentmindedly crushing a Martian rock while talking to himself, which he then looks at with interest. Soon, the Air Defense Team leads [[Comettor (Armada)|Comettor]] and Jetfire to Starscream's aid. The two [[Bulk]]s argue over Starscream's responsibilities, culminating in Jetfire arresting Starscream for insubordination. [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] agrees, and Jetfire heads home with Starscream in tow and the Mini-Con still helpless.<br />
<br />
Starscream fortuitously spots the Mini-Con they have been searching for on a nearby asteroid on the journey home. Jetfire entrusts Starscream with retrieving the Mini-Con, revealed to be [[Firebot (Armada)|Firebot]], but a new assault by Tidal Wave interrupts them. With the Autobots pinned down, Megatron and Thrust teleport to the battle. Starscream cries out for Jetfire to release his cuffs and let him help, but Jetfire is helpless to do so. Starscream pleads with Firebot to open fire on the Decepticons with no other recourse. He explains that while the Autobots will protect the Mini-Con, the Decepticons will only use him as a tool for war. Firebot seems to understand, as he holds off Tidal Wave long enough for Starscream to get him to safety. Starscream and Jetfire face off against Megatron, but their Mini-Con weapons emit a strange, golden glow that grows to envelop all three of them as they do. The three weapons' power knocks Tidal Wave and Thrust away and knocks Megatron unconscious, allowing Starscream and Jetfire to escape.<br />
<br />
[[File:Mysterious rock.JPG|left|upright=0.85|thumb|Santa Claus gives bad/annoying children radioactive rocks for Christmas.]]<br />
Back at the Autobot base, Optimus Prime and Jetfire agree that they should keep the Mini-Con weapons' mysterious power a secret. While the kids chat with Jetfire, who disappoints them when he admits he hasn't brought them a souvenir, Alexis explains to Starscream how she is proud of him for convincing Firebot to join the Autobots. She knows he cares for the Mini-Cons, and that's why she feels he belongs on the Autobot side. Starscream counters that his only mission is to destroy Megatron and stomps off but leaves behind the chunk of rock he found on Mars. Alexis is very excited to see it and calls the boys over to look at it. Alexis notes that Starscream has shown that he genuinely cares, and she hopes that he will soon join the Autobots for good.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (1)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (16)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (19)<br />
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (20)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (21)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (23)<br />
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (24)<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (25)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (9)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (10)<br />
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (11)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (12)<br />
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (13)<br />
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (23)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (2)<br />
*[[Rad White]] (3)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (4)<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (17)<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (18)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] (5)<br />
*[[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] (6)<br />
*[[Runway (Armada)|Runway]] (7)<br />
*[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] (8)<br />
*[[Mirror]] (14)<br />
*[[Comettor (Armada)|Comettor]] (22)<br />
*[[Firebot (Armada)|Firebot]] (26)<br />
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (27)<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (28)<br />
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (29)<br />
*[[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]] (30)<br />
<br />
|c5=<br />
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (15)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"Megatron looks a little testy today, huh?"<br />
:—'''Cyclonus'''<br />
<br />
<br />
"Any of you ladies going to do any work today, or are you just going to stand around chatting with one another?"<br />
:—'''Thrust''', interrupting water cooler chatter<br />
<br />
<br />
"I don't need your sympathy! Now leave me alone!"<br />
<br>''[the Mini-Cons trot off]''<br />
<br>''[gravely]'' "...Even the Mini-Cons have abandoned me now."<br />
:—''Angry'' '''Starscream''' transforms into ''sad'' Starscream<br />
<br />
<br />
"Let me tell you my personal motto: VICTORY IS MINE!"<br />
:—'''Jetfire's''' egotistical interpretation of ''"I wanna tell you about the Transformers"''<br />
<br />
<br />
"He's so difficult sometimes."<br />
:—'''Thrust''' on Megatron<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream's thoughts throughout the episode are mostly concerned not with Megatron but the Mini-Cons and his growing respect for them.<br />
*Almost every time Starscream tells someone to leave him alone in ''Armada'', it is changed to him telling them to be quiet.<br />
*The opening scene has some notable differences between the dubs:<br />
**When Starscream suddenly stops to stare at the flower valley with his mouth agape, Carlos's remark about Starscream puking up lunch is changed to him asking if Starscream is now exhausted, and Alexis says he stopped for another reason. At this point, ''Armada'' inserts an internal monologue in which he laments wasting time on Earth instead of going after Megatron, even going so far as saying he will, for some reason, ''perish'' unless he gets to Megatron soon. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the scene is silent, implying that Starscream is merely amazed by the flowers' beauty.<br />
**The scene is silent just before Swindle and the Air Defense Mini-Con team try consoling Starscream. During the shot of Swindle and Sonar, Carlos's line about Starscream being "out to lunch" is now him saying Starscream might lash out at Alexis in anger. In ''Armada'', Alexis says she knows why Starscream is upset before he says, "It's all about the Mini-Cons," and that he wants to be left alone. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis tells him the flowers are pretty, and Starscream mentions the Mini-Cons and calls Alexis "an annoying pest" before storming off. ''Armada'' has Alexis groan about Starscream being mean to her when she's just trying to help. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis asks if the Mini-Cons were bothering him. Then, instead of thinking that Starscream will do something drastic, Alexis says she's sure the Mini-Cons are worried about him.<br />
*The exchange between Thrust and Sideways has a few changes: Sideways's line about the three Mini-Con weapons completing each other is changed to each weapon ''countering'' one another. In ''Armada'', Thrust says the weapons would be more powerful when combined and realizes they could become one. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him realize each weapon is formed by "three Mini-Cons in a set," making him wonder what would happen if someone combined the set of three weapons. Thrust's scenes asking if the weapons could unite to become one and turning around to find Sideways gone are silent. He also asks Sideways why he told him that information as he turns. ''Armada'' has Thrust gloat about destroying the Autobots with the Mini-Con weapons' combined power. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him ponder how much power the union would create. Thrust's laughter is extended to be heard during the shot of Earth appearing from beyond the Moon.<br />
*Billy says they ''need'' to go after the new Mini-Con on Mars, and Fred's line about needing to "go" is removed.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Carlos say, "Hurry, hurry!" to Billy and Fred as they're running to the launch gate.<br />
*''Armada'' has Rad snark about Carlos, Billy, and Fred wearing helmets, but in ''Legends of the Microns'', he asks what the heck Carlos is doing. Jetfire even tells the boys he ''will'' bring them back a souvenir with the Mini-Con.<br />
*Some changes during the talk between Megatron and Thrust include the following: Thrust doesn't mention the Mini-Con when he says Starscream and Jetfire have left Earth; Megatron tells Thrust they must recapture the Star Saber from Starscream; in ''Armada'', Megatron says combining the Mini-Con weapons will unleash the "ultimate power of the universe" and conquer the Autobots forever. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says that ''if'' Thrust's theory about the Mini-Con weapons is correct, they'll release a large amount of energy; and rather than claiming the Decepticons will have their victory, Thrust says the Autobots will have a lot to fear.<br />
*While approaching Mars, Jetfire has an additional line about what Starscream could be doing. Jetfire is also silent when Comettor transforms.<br />
*Since she can't see anything on Mars, Alexis asks Jetfire what's happening instead of telling him he's on his own. Rad also says they can't hear Jetfire rather than asking what he just said.<br />
*About Fred's nose itching, Alexis says it's unavoidable and something he should've thought about when putting on the spacesuit. In ''Armada'', Fred asks how he will eat lunch if he can't touch his face. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he asks if he, Billy, and Carlos were going into space, and the other two answer, "Yeah!"<br />
*Starscream, Tidal Wave, and Jetfire are more obscured by the storm than in ''Armada''.<br />
*Right after Starscream shouts, "Megatron, where are you?" he has an extra line asking where Megatron is hiding before he shouts, "Show yourself!"<br />
*Starscream can't hear Tidal Wave demand that he hand over the Star Saber.<br />
*Instead of "hoping" that Starscream's okay, Hot Shot claims to be worried about him as he's an ally now.<br />
*During the scene of Starscream sulking, all of his lines are a more dramatic internal monologue instead, and one in which he doesn't mention Megatron at all. He asks himself what he wants, laments that Jetfire will be unable and unwilling to help him since the Autobot only sees him as another Decepticon and cares more about the Mini-Cons than him, but then Starscream says he won't let Mars be the end of him.<br />
*Jetfire is silent as he walks towards Starscream, and when he extends his hand, Starscream says he doesn't need any help. ''Armada'' has Jetfire tell Starscream to get up and help find the Mini-Con; ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say the Mini-Cons lead him to Starscream, and the latter should accept the Mini-Cons' help no matter how much he hates the Autobot.<br />
*Instead of telling Jetfire that he will pay for arresting him, Starscream calls him "a loud-mouthed pest." Strangely, Jetfire doesn't inform the others about restraining Starscream and only says that he's injured. When it cuts to Optimus after he tells Jetfire to bring Starscream back to Earth, he says, "That'll do," as his line about Starscream needing to learn a lesson is removed, and he doesn't address the kids.<br />
*Jetfire telling Starscream to quit struggling is changed to him saying they are close to leaving Mars' orbit.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Jetfire's lecture to Starscream is about how, unlike the Decepticons, the Autobots need to work together and help each other. After that, Starscream mentions Megatron, seemingly ignoring what Jetfire said. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Jetfire says the Autobots' job is to help their friends, including the Mini-Cons, and since everyone agrees that Starscream is now one of them, they all want to help him too. Then Starscream asks about the missing Mini-Con. After this, ''Armada'' has Jetfire tell Starscream not to stop him from taking him back to Earth before Starscream tells him to wait. Then Jetfire tells Starscream to save his breath; Starscream says he sees "him," and Jetfire assumes he means Megatron but Starscream clarifies the Mini-Con. In ''Legends of the Microns'', while the shot focuses on Jetfire, Starscream tells him to wait, Jetfire tells him to quit wasting time, and during the close-up of Starscream, he says he found "it." Jetfire thinks he's talking about Megatron, so he says they don't have time to deal with him, but Starscream clarifies that he found the Mini-Con.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Starscream says the Mini-Con is on the asteroid, and Jetfire says that he sees it before telling Starscream his "personal motto" (quoted above). In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream is silent, and Jetfire doesn't say that he sees the Mini-Con until the shot where the panel flickers. As they approach the asteroid, Jetfire asks Starscream if that's where it is, and Starscream asks if they should rescue it. Then Jetfire says, "When the going gets tough...we get going!" After seeing the Mini-Con, Jetfire says this is Starscream's mission instead of telling him to grab the Mini-Con as they fly over it.<br />
*Megatron says that ''he'' is heading out instead of him and Thrust.<br />
*Starscream tells Jetfire to release him if he expects them to save the Mini-Con.<br />
*Instead of telling Starscream to fight and calling him a coward, Megatron curses him. As the Mini-Con weapons glow, Megatron asks if it could be what Thrust meant.<br />
*''Armada'' has Hot Shot believe Jetfire and Starscream may have encountered the Decepticons; ''Legends of the Microns'' has him ask what Alexis means when she says she can't see what happened, despite this being the case throughout the episode. The Japanese dub also has Jetfire appear on the monitor when he gets back in contact while static remains on the screen in ''Armada''.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Thrust doesn't call out to Megatron until the scene transitions to Megatron's close-up, and Thrust only calls him name once instead of three times. Megatron also only asks where he is.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Thrust says the explosion of energy blasted them all back, and that tremendous power was from the union of the Mini-Con weapons. ''Legends of the Microns'' slightly rewords it as Thrust says only Megatron got blasted back by the energy wave. As he talks about the weapons combining, it cuts to Optimus and Jetfire finishing Thrust's sentence, instead of repeating the line about the power unleashed as ''Armada'' does it. Then Optimus claims they should keep the revelation concerning the mysterious energy on the DL to avoid causing needless panic in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this to Optimus wanting to prevent anyone else from getting involved.<br />
*In her ending narration, Alexis says that though Starscream states defeating Megatron is his only goal, she thinks he has another one and likes to believe the day when Starscream becomes an official Autobot isn't that far away.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*The first rock Starscream cuts already has the line showing the slice effect before he hacks through it.<br />
*During the shot where Starscream slices through a rock on the screen's left side, his eyes glow, but the stone looks unaffected. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds a faint line that glows and fades simultaneously with Starscream's eyes to show where he sliced through it.<br />
*As he calls out to Sideways, a shot with Thrust jump cuts to one with the same background and then jumps back to Thrust. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects it.<br />
*Where does Swindle come from in the opening scene? He isn't attached to Starscream during his temper tantrum, but after the first [[commercial bumper]], the Mini-Con is suddenly on Starscream's shoulder.<br />
*Sideways calls Thrust "a poor ''commander''," though Thrust is a tactician. The Japanese dub corrects the mistake.<br />
*The diagram Alexis shows looks nothing like the solar system.<br />
*The Transformers look off-model in some scenes with their enlarged torsos and small heads.<br />
*After Thrust tells Cyclonus, Wheeljack, and Demolishor to get to work on the spaceship, Cyclonus's mouth is miscolored to match his head.<br />
*Carlos, Billy, and Fred don't react to Starscream on the launch gate.<br />
*While Megatron and Thrust talk after Starscream and Jetfire leave Earth, Thrust says Tidal Wave will attack them once the other two get near the "base." ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this so that Thrust says Tidal Wave will attack Jetfire and Starscream once he figures out their location.<br />
*The whites of Carlos' eyes appear after Alexis loses contact with Jetfire.<br />
*After Fred complains about his itchy nose, Billy's mouth opens, but nothing comes out. Billy has a line in the Japanese dub.<br />
*In the storm on Mars, Tidal Wave initially appears as a formless black shape with no detail.<br />
*Despite being in the middle of a storm, the scene of Tidal Wave grabbing Starscream is visible, and for a split second, it looks as though there are ''two'' Starscreams when Tidal Wave grabs him. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes these mistakes.<br />
*Jetfire's disappearing and reappearing Autobot symbol.<br />
*The Decepticon insignia periodically appears on Starscream's arms and disappears from them.<br />
*During the scene of Jetfire lecturing Starscream after leaving Mars when Starscream brings up Megatron, the shadow of his lower lip overlaps with his lower jaw.<br />
*Before he tells Jetfire that he's spotted the Mini-Con, Starscream says he sees ''"him"'' instead of ''"it"''. After this, when Starscream says, "Over there!" his mouth doesn't move.<br />
*Jetfire says he sees the Mini-Con despite there being no indication of it, and he says that he sees it again after the panel flickers.<br />
*Alexis asks about Starscream even though Jetfire previously said they're both on their way back before Jetfire cracks a joke about him and Starscream gives his sarcastic response. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this error by having Jetfire say that Starscream is fine, and the latter tells him to be quiet.<br />
*For some reason, the [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] plays when Megatron readjusts his position when Thrust and Tidal Wave find him after the battle. The Japanese dub removes the sound.<br />
*In the ending scene, as Alexis talks to Starscream, his lower jaw is miscolored.<br />
*During Alexis's ending narration, as the boys run to see the Mars rock on the floor, it doesn't sparkle; also, Starscream walks from right to left, although he previously went in the opposite direction. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes both errors.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' explains that Starscream and the Mini-Cons are in touch with each other because of his hidden kindness, something hinted at in "[[Regeneration (Armada)|Regeneration]]." That hidden kindness is what draws Alexis to Starscream.<br />
*[[Mirror]]'s ghostly head appears momentarily before ultimately becoming Sideways himself.<br />
*Firebot debuts in this episode, and he's never named.<br />
*Comettor debuts in this episode, and his origin goes unexplained, similar to [[Nightbeat (Armada)|Nightbeat]].<br />
**He was possibly among the Mini-Cons rescued in the [[Rescue|previous episode]].<br />
*Alexis eventually fashions the rock Starscream gives the children into a [[Good Luck Necklace|pendant]] that mysteriously has a deep connection with Starscream's [[Spark]] in [[Portent|later]] [[Cramp|episodes]].<br />
*This episode marks the second time Starscream's eyes glow in a scene.<br />
*The Japanese dub foreshadows the [[Hydra Cannon]] during Thrust and Sideways' conversation.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Comettor has sensor powers much like [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]].<br />
**Jetfire carries handcuffs; unfortunately, they aren't [[Stasis cuffs]].<br />
**Firebot can fire chest lasers.<br />
**Jetfire has a storage compartment on his back large enough for a Mini-Con.<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Starscream Powerlinx with the Star Saber.<br />
**Jetfire Powerlinx with the Skyboom Shield.<br />
**Megatron Powerlinx with the Requiem Blaster.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*Rad and Carlos are utterly clueless about what Starscream's problem is in the opening scene, but shouldn't it be obvious after the end of the previous episode? They comment on Starscream making a mess during his rage session instead in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Starscream saying he'll perish unless he gets to Megatron soon is a dramatic statement that never amounts to anything. He doesn't say this in ''Legends of the Microns'' so it's not an issue.<br />
*Where is Blurr?<br />
*Starscream claims the Mini-Cons 'abandoned' him even though he's the one who just told them to go away. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes Starscream's line to him telling the Mini-Cons to be quiet before they leave to find Jetfire, so his remark about them abandoning him now makes sense.<br />
*When Jetfire and Starscream come under attack, Jetfire claims that he would separate them from the handcuffs if he could, but isn't the Star Saber undoubtedly more than capable of cutting them apart?<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*Billy and Fred talking about needing to go sometimes is a riff on the old saying, "When you gotta go, you gotta go."<br />
*When running to the launch gate, Carlos says, "Last one there is a rotten egg!"<br />
*Carlos says he wants to be like a rocketman, like {{w|Rocket Man (song)|the Elton John song of the same name}}.<br />
*In the Japanese dub, Jetfire says a version of the quote, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*The kanji 火星 would be as "''kasei''," while "''shoutotsu''" is used for 衝突.<br />
*The English dub commercial bumpers now have sound effects added to them.<br />
*''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' reveals the following tidbits:<br />
**Starscream and Alexis are this episode's lead characters as she tries to understand him better.<br />
**The scene between them by the flowers plays out almost like one from a school romantic comedy.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Starscreams Fehde'''" ("Starscream's Vendetta")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but was dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Mentőakció, 2. rész'''" ("Rescue Mission, Part 2")<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''뭉쳐야 산다'''" ("Union is Strength")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Marte'''" ("Mars")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 9 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Battle for the Mini-Cons ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two (Rhino Entertainment)<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Trust_(Armada)&diff=1575535Trust (Armada)2021-12-06T20:51:01Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig2|the Armada episode|the Cybertron episode|Trust (Cybertron)}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=18<br />
|prev=Conspiracy<br />
|next=Vacation<br />
|title="Trust"<br />
|furigana=きずな<br />
|japanese=戦友<!--trust--><br />
|romaji=Kizuna<br />
|translation=Comrade in Arms: Bonds<br />
|image=Trust-Scavenger sleeping.jpg<br />
|caption=I am having a heart attack!!<br />
|production code=TF: A-18<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]<br />
|director=[[Shin'ichirō Aoki]]<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[January 17]], [[2003]] (English)<br>[[May 9|9 May]], [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Which side is Scavenger really on?'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
At the [[Autobot]] base, [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] sits down to enjoy a drink of milk. The kids discuss [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]]'s determination as he trains with [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] as his new instructor, and [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] suggests they go and see Hot Shot in action. [[Rad White|Rad]] and Alexis rush off, and Carlos struggles to catch up, and none of them seems to care that they left their breakfast behind. So much for the most important meal of the day.<br />
<br />
The trio looks for Hot Shot but only finds Scavenger, fast asleep, after initially mistaking his snores for animal growls. Alexis jokes that Carlos also likes to take naps. As Scavenger, oblivious to the kids, continues napping, Hot Shot practices his dramatic punching and kicking. Surprisingly, Scavenger has no commentary to offer.<br />
<br />
[[File:Trust-Bots Gossip.jpg|thumb|200px]]<br />
Seeing Scavenger's sloth, Carlos ponders on the matter of Scavenger's allegiance and advises Hot Shot to be wary. Elsewhere, Carlos overhears similar misgivings regarding Scavenger from [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]], who compares Scavenger to [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]].<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] puts forward the idea that Scavenger has switched sides. Since Scavenger deserted the [[Decepticon]]s, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] declares him an enemy and calls for his head. Starscream interjects, and Megatron responds by standing, ripping off a panel from the back of his shoulder treads, and throwing it at Starscream, which the steam from his shoulder shows.<br />
<br />
Back on [[Earth]], the kids question [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] about Scavenger. Before Prime can explain, the Autobots' [[Mini-Con]] detection alarms go off.<br />
<br />
[[File:Trust-Scavenger to the rescue.jpg|left|200px|thumb|''Call Sca-ven-ger! That's my name!''<br>''That name again is Sca-ven-ger!'']]<br />
The Autobots and Decepticons square off and battle head-on in a snowy area. Most of the battles are even, but Scavenger completely outmaneuvers and overpowers a Mini-Con-enhanced [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]]. Moments later, when the fight nears a chasm, Scavenger is abruptly MIA, leaving Hot Shot to reconsider his previous faith in his instructor.<br />
<br />
With Optimus and Megatron moving closer to the deep gorge, the battle continues, while Scavenger doesn't respond to any calls for him. Back at the Autobot base, Alexis spots Scavenger on the video broadcast from [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]]. The kids fear that Scavenger plans to sneak attack Optimus from behind, so Rad tells [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] to warn Optimus, but Red Alert continues watching stoically.<br />
<br />
Megatron is ready to finish Optimus when Prime surprises the Decepticon by ejecting his legs and grabbing hold of Megatron in a move designed to plunge both warriors into the chasm. But before Optimus can plummet heroically to his and Megatron's mutual doom, Scavenger leaps off the other side of the canyon and, in mid-air, manages to fling Optimus to safety.<br />
<br />
[[File:Pre-arm-scavenger.JPG|thumb|200px|Scavenger has flipped sides almost as much as your M—]]<br />
When the kids express their amazement at how much faith Optimus places in Scavenger, Red Alert patiently explains that Optimus and Scavenger came to trust each other long ago on Cybertron. Why didn't Red Alert enlighten them earlier? For suspense, of course. Red Alert also points out that Scavenger never really switched sides; he was only on the Decepticon side to gain needed strategic information.<br />
<br />
While Red Alert schools the kids, the Autobots take some time to taunt the outnumbered Decepticons on the battlefield. As the Decepticons consider their less-than-ideal situation, Sideways and Megatron emerge dramatically from the chasm, and Sideways sends Megatron flying directly at Scavenger. Unfortunately for the airborne Decepticon leader, Optimus quickly protects Scavenger and blasts Megatron away. Megatron swears vengeance as the Decepticons make a hasty retreat.<br />
<br />
The battle finally ends, and Smokescreen and Hot Shot apologize to Scavenger, who graciously accepts. More importantly, however, the Autobots got the Mini-Con...err, wait. The Decepticons got the... hang on. Whatever happened to the Mini-Con that caused this episode's battle? ...Ah well. At least the Autobots learned a "valuable lesson."<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (4)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (5)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (6)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (7)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (13)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (8)<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (9)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (10)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (11)<br />
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (12)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (1)<br />
*[[Rad White]] (2)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (3)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (14)<br />
*[[Drill Bit (Armada)|Drill Bit]] (15)<br />
*[[Rollbar (Armada)|Rollbar]] (16)<br />
*Sideways's [[Mirror|rider]] (17)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"Looks like you two have something in common, Carlos! Scavenger must like taking naps as much as you. He even snores like you do."<br />
:—'''Alexis''', razzing her friends<br />
<br />
<br />
"Starscream, watch yourself! If you keep running your processor in overdrive, pretty soon you won't be able to transform properly!"<br />
:—'''Cyclonus''' on Starscream's paranoia<br />
<br />
<br />
[[File:Trust-Scavenger-Cyclonus.jpg|thumb]]<br />
'''Megatron:''' Optimus Prime! Today is the day the Decepticons destroy the Autobots!<br><br />
'''Optimus:''' You're wrong again, Megatron, and we're going to prove it!<br><br />
'''Smokescreen:''' And today you'll feel the power of the Autobot team!<br><br />
'''Hot Shot:''' Let's do this!<br><br />
'''Megatron:''' Keep talking, you underdogs. Victory will be mine today.<br><br />
'''Scavenger:''' ''(yawns hugely)''<br />
:—Fight banter makes Scavenger sleepy.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[File:Trust-Yawn.jpg|thumb]]<br />
"I don't like showing off, but I think you'll agree that that high-flying wacko needed to be grounded permanently."<br />
:—'''Scavenger''', after shooting down Cyclonus<br />
<br />
<br />
"Oh, my aching motherboard!"<br />
:—'''Cyclonus''', after getting shot<br />
<br />
<br />
"It's boring talking about things that are in the past. It never does any good."<br />
:—'''Scavenger''' accepts apologies from Smokescreen and Hot Shot.<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*In ''Armada'', Alexis asks if Hot Shot will "pass the test," and Carlos answers he will since he's stubborn. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis says the specialized training that Scavenger is giving Hot Shot must be strict, and Carlos says, "Whatever, that's his business." Then, ''Armada'' has Rad say Hot Shot will be stronger than before; in ''Legends of the Microns'', he says Carlos would feel the same way Hot Shot does after having something stolen from him.<br />
*After the kids fail to find Hot Shot and Scavenger, ''Armada'' has an awkward silence during the wide shot after Alexis says her line. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the silence as Carlos has an extra line before saying that they should pay closer attention next time.<br />
*Instead of saying the strange sounds might be coming from an animal, Carlos says it sounds like groaning and grunting. <br />
*When the kids find Scavenger asleep, ''Armada'' adds more dialogue to fill out the silence, and the scene has a more lighthearted tone as Alexis compares Scavenger to Carlos.<br />
*Hot Shot asks Scavenger if he's still sleeping and doesn't call him a lame instructor. Then Carlos suggests that Hot Shot hit Scavenger to wake him up.<br />
*Instead of warning Hot Shot to watch himself and saying that he wouldn't trust Scavenger, Carlos says he can't believe this and that he's disappointed. Then Rad says he understands how Carlos feels, with Alexis in agreement.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Red Alert tells Smokescreen to give Scavenger a chance, and Smokescreen reluctantly complies. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Red Alert asks Smokescreen if he hates Scavenger, and Smokescreen shouts that he does.<br />
*Immediately after this, ''Armada'' adds an extra line to Carlos's internal monologue about him keeping an eye on Scavenger too.<br />
*As Starscream confronts Megatron about letting Scavenger go, ''Armada'' has Starscream say that Scavenger will tell the Autobots the Decepticon base's location, and he made a "hasty exit" with no reason for leaving. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream says Megatron chose the right time to summon Scavenger; however, it's resulted in him betraying the Decepticons and probably joining the Autobots.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Sideways hopes Scavenger gets what's coming to him. After Cyclonus speaks, Sideways says if Scavenger is a traitor, he'll learn what happens to those who betray the Decepticons before Megatron asks them to bring him Scavenger's head. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says the next battle's outcome will show whether or not Scavenger has betrayed them. Sideways says that Megatron will severely punish any traitors since he's not as forgiving as Optimus was, and then Megatron says that he'll break Scavenger's neck when the time comes.<br />
*Starscream doesn't beg Megatron to let him kill Scavenger, and Sideways doesn't address Megatron. In ''Armada'', Sideways speculates Scavenger might be spying on the Autobots for them and offers to interrogate him to do his part for the Decepticons. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Sideways says maybe he is overthinking it but believes Starscream's "wild speculation" wouldn't be getting Megatron worked up if he didn't anticipate Scavenger being an enemy spy.<br />
*After calling out to Optimus, Megatron says he's been waiting for this day to kill him in ''Legends of the Microns'' but says it's the day the Decepticons destroy the Autobots in ''Armada''. Then, ''Armada'' has Optimus respond that the Autobots will prove Megatron wrong. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Optimus tell Megatron to shut up and say that he'll crush Megatron's "evil ambitions."<br />
*Instead of calling the Autobots underdogs and bragging that victory will be his, Megatron says, "Like a lost dog's bark, I didn't bother to listen." Then Megatron says no one can stop the Decepticons, to which Optimus replies that Megatron will never win since he lacks a heroic spirit.<br />
*After forming the Star Saber, Megatron's line is an ''Armada'' addition as he laughs maniacally in the Japanese dub. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the transformation sound effect heard when the Star Saber forms and Optimus enters Super Mode. ''Armada'' plays the Transformers theme when Prime transforms, but ''Legends of the Microns'' plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Cybertrons, Transform!]]."<br />
*When Scavenger catches Cyclonus, he makes an analytical quip about how holding a large number of weapons increases the Decepticon's chances of missing his targets. In ''Armada'', Scavenger merely gloats about how Cyclonus will never touch him. After shooting Cyclonus down, Scavenger brags about dealing with a flying loudmouth even though he isn't good at flying himself. Then, instead of saying that Scavenger is stronger than he looks, Alexis says he is more ''serious'' than earlier.<br />
*As he swings the Star Saber in ''Armada'', Megatron tells Optimus to fight back and says he's not in the mood for Prime to play games with him. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron asks if Optimus has anything else to say and says Optimus won't be able to keep avoiding him for much longer, alluding to how Optimus is backing up toward a chasm.<br />
*Hot Shot's line about him trusting Scavenger if Optimus does is an ''Armada'' addition.<br />
*Rad asks if Scavenger abandoned the team, and Carlos sounds more sure when he says that it looks as though Scavenger took off.<br />
*Rather than boasting about finally being close to killing Optimus and the Autobots, Megatron wonders if Optimus will run away in defeat.<br />
*After the kids notice Scavenger hiding, ''Armada'' has Rad claim that Scavenger would've already made a sneak attack if that's what he's planning. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says Scavenger wouldn't go behind Optimus if he's planning to attack Megatron, lining up with Carlos's subsequent dialogue better.<br />
*Megatron complements Optimus for holding his ground before asking what he'll try to do next and telling him to get ready to be sent to the Pit. The Japanese dub removes the transformation sound effect when Optimus and Scavenger return to their standard forms.<br />
*The quick cuts of everyone's reaction to Megatron and Optimus going over the chasm's edge are silent. The only sound heard is Megatron's disembodied scream echoing.<br />
*Alexis explains that Scavenger waited until Megatron dropped his guard in ''Legends of the Microns''. ''Armada'' simplifies it to Scavenger waiting for the right time to save Optimus.<br />
*The scene of Red Alert explaining Optimus and Scavenger's relationship to the kids differs between the dubs slightly:<br />
**In ''Armada'', Red Alert says they realized they were better off as allies than enemies since they're both proud warriors with similar beliefs. After Carlos asks if they became friends, Red Alert explains that, as friends, Optimus and Scavenger go out of their way to help one another, and Scavenger fights for the common good with significant risk to himself. Then he says Scavenger gave Megatron the Mini-Con panel as a necessary sacrifice for the Autobots after infiltrating the Decepticons and learning about their operation.<br />
**In ''Legends of the Microns'', Red Alert says Optimus knew Scavenger to be a trusted warrior regardless of which side they're on. Then Carlos asks how Optimus could trust an enemy. Red Alert answers that partners help each other despite the danger; however, as enemies, the effort to help others goes to waste, and Scavenger will do anything to keep his partnership with Optimus. To answer Rad's question about Scavenger giving Megatron the Mini-Con, Red Alert says it's how a Decepticon would act in that situation; Scavenger didn't want to reveal himself as a traitor while on the battlefield.<br />
*After saving Scavenger, Optimus says the battle is still on in ''Armada'', but in ''Legends of the Microns'', he calls Megatron a nuisance. ''Armada'' plays the Transformers theme again during this scene while the Japanese dub repeats "Cybertrons, Transform!".<br />
*In ''Armada'', Scavenger accepts Smokescreen and Hot Shot's apologies and says the team should get back to searching for the Mini-Con. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he never mentions the Mini-Con and tells them "for their own good" to forget all trivial matters as quickly as possible.<br />
*In ''Armada'''s ending narration, Rad says that's how Scavenger became close to the rest of the Autobots, and even Carlos ''"eventually"'' learned to trust him. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos gives the narration, saying that's how Scavenger became the most trusted and most powerful member of the team.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Alexis and Rad muse on how, despite things going back to normal, they'll never get used to Scavenger's snoring before Carlos says it'd be more dangerous if Scavenger didn't catch some Zs and fell asleep on the job. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis says Scavenger is the same as ever, and Rad says it's okay since Scavenger puts all of his efforts into combat. Then Carlos says Scavenger also needs energy for his midday naps.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*After Rad takes the milk from Carlos, Carlos says, "Hey!" but his lips still move. Carlos says something else in the Japanese dub, but Rad talks over him, so he's faintly heard.<br />
*When Rad looks distracted, Alexis asks him, "Hey, what is ''that'', Rad?" even though he hasn't mentioned the strange noise yet. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes it so that Alexis asks Rad if something is wrong.<br />
*During the scene of Hot Shot and the kids watching the snoring Scavenger, Hot Shot's visor is miscolored white and blue.<br />
*Sideways is missing his Decepticon symbol.<br />
*Sideways's head is miscolored like his Autobot head after Megatron throws his shoulder thread panel at Starscream.<br />
*In the shot of Optimus and the kids after the alarm sounds, the bottom halves of Optimus's legs are a few inches off to the side, and they seem to be of low-quality animation.<br />
*Smokescreen's hook line is sometimes miscolored orange like his chest.<br />
*When Megatron seems to have Optimus trapped, the laughing that's heard sounds like it is coming from Prime. It's fixed to be Megatron in the Japanese dub.<br />
*Shortly before warping away, Megatron mentions Optimus's treason when the context suggests that he means Scavenger. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron doesn't speak about Scavenger and curses Optimus for blasting him instead.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*The kids have gotten a bigger fridge since "[[Overmatch]]," and it's no longer full of tools.<br />
*Hot Shot has been training with Scavenger for a week, meaning about a week has passed since [[Conspiracy|the last episode]].<br />
*Back in "Overmatch," none of the Decepticons had heard of Scavenger before. This episode clarifies that he was initially a Decepticon long ago until he changed sides. Given how much older and wiser Scavenger is compared to the current Decepticon lineup, it's clear that he was a Decepticon long before they enrolled or, quite possibly, before they were created. Being an ex-Decepticon also partially explains his firm and imposing persona.<br />
*It's unclear whether Scavenger ''was'' ever a mercenary or if that was just a cover during his infiltration into the Decepticon ranks. Megatron ''did'' hire him, so he has at least one credited job. Megatron doesn't refer to Scavenger as a mercenary in the Japanese dub of "Overmatch" and only says he summoned Scavenger as a reinforcement.<br />
**Since the younger Autobots, Hot Shot and Smokescreen, never heard of him, it's evident that he left the Autobots at some point but what he did during that time remains unknown.<br />
*The last time Megatron threatened to send an Autobot to the [[Pit (BW)|Pit]] in ''Legends of the Microns'' was in "[[Swoop (episode)|Swoop]]."<br />
*So, uh... the Mini-Con that caused this entire battle in the first place? It's never shown, and subsequent episodes never show any new Mini-Cons among the Autobots. Guess this means they didn't find one? Who knows. In ''Legends of the Microns'', it seems the Decepticons cause the alarm, prompting the Autobots to go out and face them. Optimus tells Red Alert to "confirm the coordinates" and never mentions any new Mini-Con.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Optimus enters [[Super Mode]] for the fourth time in the series; the last time was in "[[Conspiracy]]." He later disengages from his Super Mode and launches his lower torso section at Megatron as a distraction.<br />
**Sideways is strong enough to pull Megatron out of the hole using chains in motorcycle mode. Seriously, what is [[Unicron]] feeding you?<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Cyclonus Powerlinx with Drill Bit for the only time in robot mode. Drill Bit connects to his right arm to use the drill.<br />
***Drill Bit remains on his right arm when he transforms into helicopter mode.<br />
**Scavenger Powerlinx with Rollbar for the first time in the cartoon, activating his "Dozer Cannon."<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
[[File:Trust-Revenge.jpg|thumb|[[Frank Welker|I'll get you, Gadget!]]]]<br />
*Alexis mentions Hot Shot needing to pass a test, but we never see anything come from it in this or any future episodes. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the test detail, and the kids only discuss Hot Shot's training with Scavenger.<br />
*Where are Billy and Fred?<br />
*While Crumplezone is Cyclonus's regular Mini-Con partner, he Powerlinx with Drill Bit in this case but still calls out Crumplezone's name. Cyclonus is the only ''Armada'' toy with a "gear-gimmick" that lets him take full advantage of Drill Bit's drill mechanism, but not in the fashion Cyclonus wears Drill Bit in this episode. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Cyclonus uses the correct name when referring to Drill Bit.<br />
*The Autobots again seem confused about the [[Lunar Base (Armada)|Lunar Base]]'s location, though Hot Shot was ''there'' [[Credulous|two episodes ago]]. The Japanese dub doesn't have this discrepancy.<br />
*Optimus can somehow block the Star Saber with his arms.<br />
*Smokescreen says, "Hey! Who is that?" as Scavenger rushes to save Optimus when it's already apparent. He exclaims "What?" in the Japanese dub instead.<br />
*We never learn whether or not the Autobots ever found the new Mini-Con. Neither Optimus nor Scavenger mentions a Mini-Con in ''Legends of the Microns'', so this isn't an issue.<br />
*Why does Rad give the ending monologue since Carlos gave the opening one, and he's the one out of the kids with the clearest trust issues toward Scavenger? In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos provides the final narration to close out his subplot.<br />
<br />
===Transformers references===<br />
*During the flashbacks, Optimus uses a gun similar in design to [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s.<br />
*Similarly, Scavenger uses a gun resembling that of Generation 1 [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]'s.<br />
**Scavenger's name in ''Legends of the Microns'' is '''Devastor''', the same name used for Generation 1 Devastator in Japan. Fittingly, his colors also resemble the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s.<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*While preventing Hot Shot from helping Optimus in ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream says, "You shall not pass!"; a reference to Gandalf in ''{{w|The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring}}''.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*The kanji 戦友 would be pronounced as "''sen'yū''," while "''kizuna''" is used for the kanji 絆.<br />
*Billy and Fred are MIA for the second time on the show without reason after "Overmatch."<br />
*The ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' reveals a few things:<br />
**[[Hidehito Ueda]] added the dialogue between Optimus and Megatron at the beginning of the fight as Ueda often used dialogue from {{w|Rōkyoku|naniwabushi}} and period-dramas in his work.<br />
**The explanation behind Scavenger's actions is one of the most significant changes between the show's English and Japanese versions. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Scavenger joins the Autobots after sensing Optimus and Hot Shot's passion and fulfilling his duty to the Decepticons; Scavenger tells this to Hot Shot in the Japanese dub of "[[Remorse]]." Optimus and Red Alert call Scavenger someone who does his best regardless of which side he's on and "the furthest thing from a spy." However, ''Armada'' goes the opposite route and makes it that Scavenger acted as a spy under Optimus's orders. The difference came from the diverse mentalities between Japan and the U.S.; ''Armada'' uses a more simplistic understanding of friend and foe and the concept of warfare that's "more comfortable for American viewers."<br />
*This episode is the second time Carlos gives narration in the Japanese dub; the last time was in "[[Palace]]."<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Az új szövetséges'''" ("The New Ally")<br />
<br />
'''Polish'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Zaufanie'''" ("Trust")<br />
<br />
'''French'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Une affaire de confiance'''" ("A Matter of Trust")<br />
<br />
'''Korean'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''사이버트론의 우정'''" ("Cybertron's Friendship")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Confiança'''" ("Trust")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 5 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Flashbacks ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One (Rhino Entertainment)<br><br />
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Le combat recommence... ([[TFou Vidéo]]) — French audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Cramp&diff=1575528Cramp2021-12-06T20:08:44Z<p>Starzone: /* Trivia */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=48<br />
|prev=Portent<br />
|next=Alliance<br />
|title="Cramp"<br />
|furigana=しんねん<br />
|japanese=決死<!--cramp--><br />
|romaji=Shinnen<br />
|translation=Prepared for Death: Conviction<br />
|image=Starscreamheroicdeath.jpg<br />
|caption="Tell my tale to those who ask, tell it truly. The ill deeds along with the good, and let me be judged accordingly..."<br />
|production code=TF: A-48<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]<br />
|englishadaptation=[[Terry Klassen]]<br />
|director=[[Osamu Kamijō]],<br>[[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.)<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[September 29]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom)<br>[[November 28|28 November]] 2003 (Japanese)<br>[[December 8]], [[2003]] (English, United States)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Starscream prepares to do whatever it takes to convince Galvatron the threat of Unicron is real.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Starsmack.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Galvatron blasts Starscream with his rarely seen armpit-laser.]]<br />
[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] pleads to [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] that [[Unicron]]'s threat is real (as Starscream has first-hand experience in the beast's bowels); hoping to convince his leader that perhaps an [[Autobot]] and [[Decepticon]] alliance is the safest course to ensure [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s survival. When Starscream refuses to stop pleading, Galvatron slaps his subordinate into a wall to silence him. The Decepticon leader is confident his military can overcome both the Autobots and Unicron. Starscream continues to stress the danger of Unicron, and Galvatron starts to swing his [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]].<br />
<br />
[[File:Cramp-Starscreamdies.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|[[Code of Hero|The rest is... silence]]. Well, [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|not really]], but don't you kinda wish it was?]]<br />
The Autobots are still optimistic, believing there's a chance a diplomatic conference could lead to a truce between the two sides, meaning they can't take aggressive action against the Decepticons, only defensive. Nevertheless, Galvatron, armed with the Star Saber and [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], flies into battle, ready to negotiate with [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] using firepower. Prime responds by combining with [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] and heading away from the thick of the battle.<br />
<br />
By a [[Megatron statue|monolithic statue of Megatron]], Starscream wonders what he needs to do, and [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]]'s words of encouragement run through his head. <br />
<br />
Away from the armies, Galvatron and Optimus Prime send their men away, leaving the two leaders to battle one on one. Through the struggle, Galvatron admits that he still considers Unicron an Autobot hoax, and with the Star Saber, he has the upper hand against Prime. However, as soon as Galvatron breaks Prime's metal, an explosion disturbs the showdown. Starscream walks from the smoke.<br />
<br />
The rest of the Autobots struggle to hold their ground, unable to cause any real damage to the Decepticons. Alexis has faith that things will be okay. Unicron's lunar shell peels off thousands of miles away, and the behemoth attacks the assembled Mini-Con cluster.<br />
<br />
[[File:Cramp-Swindleejects.jpg|left|thumb|I'm not crying! I just have something in my eyes.]]<br />
Starscream quits the Decepticons and challenges Galvatron to one-on-one combat. The two clash, quickly cutting into each other. However, Starscream displays skill beyond the last time he battled Megatron. Lightning from Unicron carves into the landscape around them. The two warriors ignore it and continue their struggle, but in an instant, the Star Saber plunges into Starscream's torso, and the impaled Decepticon falls.<br />
<br />
Lying with the blade sticking out of him, Starscream speaks earnestly to Galvatron, pointing out that it was Galvatron's arrogance that drove the situation to be what it is. Despite his injury, Starscream stands up and reiterates his wishes for a truce between the two Cybertronian factions against Unicron. His final desire said, Starscream joins with his [[Mini-Con]] to fire his [[Proton cannon]]s upwards at Unicron. Unicron fires back, disintegrating Starscream, much to Galvatron and Optimus's shock. Aboard the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'', Alexis's [[Good Luck Necklace|luck charm]] breaks and she runs outside to look out the window and sees Starscream's laser blast fade away.<br />
<br />
[[File:Cramp-AlexismournsStarscream.jpg|left|thumb|I never got to tell Starscream that I loved him!]]<br />
Realizing Starscream was right about Unicron's threat, Galvatron remembers their shared experiences and ''finally'' decides to join forces with Optimus Prime. He starts by offering the Star Saber to Optimus... BUT from the crater Starscream died in, a dark cloud emerges and grabs the Star Saber! The cloud forms into [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]], who escapes the two leaders through the underground portal, making sure to collapse the tunnels so the Autobots and Decepticons can't follow him. Upon witnessing Sideways's escape, Optimus and Galvatron fear for the worst to come.<br />
<br />
After Optimus tells them about Starscream's death over the monitor, the kids are devastated, most notably Alexis, who begins crying. She then bolts from the room and slams her fist on the window that displays Unicron in grief. When [[Rad White|Rad]] appears behind her, she smacks his shoulders, asking why Starscream would do that to himself, and Rad does his best trying to console her.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (8)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (9)<br />
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (10)<br />
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (14)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (15)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (16)<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (17)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (18)<br />
*[[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] (21)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (1)<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (2)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (3)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (4)<br />
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (5)<br />
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (20)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (6)<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (7)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (11)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (12)<br />
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (13)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (19) (Powerlinxed with Galvatron)<br />
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (23)<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (24)<br />
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (25)<br />
*[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] (26)<br />
<br />
|h5=Other|c5=<br />
*[[Unicron]] (22)<br />
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (27)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
[[File:Cramp-Galvatronregrets.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|You'll miss me when I'm gone!]]<br />
"How long have we been adversaries, Optimus? It seems like since the beginning of time. And I suppose I do have a certain respect for you, but I digress, you might have fooled Starscream with your little Truce ploy, but I am nobody's fool. Now let's end this charade, shall we?"<br />
:—'''Galvatron''' faces off against Optimus Prime in the 'negotiations'.<br />
<br />
<br />
"May I suggest that you have lost your mind?!"<br />
:—'''Galvatron''' to Starscream, who has just challenged him to a duel.<br />
<br />
<br />
"I tried to gain favor from you. But nothing was ever good enough. No matter how many battles I fought, you always found fault. Then I saw how Optimus treated his men, and I realized he was a leader of integrity. Unlike you."<br><br />
"You were too weak to ever gain my respect."<br><br />
"None of that matters now. You must listen — do as Optimus says and join forces with the Autobots, or else every last one of us is doomed! Please sir... do it for me..."<br />
:—'''Starscream''' pours his spark out to '''Galvatron''' after being impaled by the Star Saber<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*Starscream asks why Megatron wants to cling to his rivalry with Optimus and says that the universe will soon be no more after witnessing Unicron's power. Galvatron says he's now aware of Unicron's existence and understands the need to destroy him but still refuses to work with Optimus. ''Armada'' rephrases the rivalry as a "petty argument" and changes Galvatron and Starscream's dialogue to the former warning the latter not to test his patience or contemplate betraying him again.<br />
*Cyclonus and Demolishor's lines to Starscream are changed to the former calling Starscream a coward, and the latter asking what is there to worry about since Unicron is "just some planet that became our moon." Then Starscream calls them idiots for not understanding Unicron's true horror.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Galvatron says Optimus will be sorry and that he'll also deal with Unicron. However, as he believes there can't be two supreme commanders, he's more focused on eliminating his competition before facing Unicron. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron says he never said the two factions couldn't join forces, but he'll have to deal with Prime first. He plans to kill Optimus and then merge the Autobots into the Decepticon army, claiming Optimus is his sworn enemy and there's no tomorrow if he doesn't defeat Prime.<br />
*Galvatron offers Starscream command over the Autobots after defeating Optimus. ''Armada'' changes Galvatron's line to requesting Starscream's complete loyalty.<br />
*Before the episode title appears, Cyclonus says Starscream can wait there at HQ since their "Autobot Commander" only needs to sit on his throne.<br />
*The kids discuss if they and the Autobots can trust Galvatron or believe anything he says as Carlos says that Galvatron is constantly manipulating things. Alexis states that's why they need to negotiate. Then Optimus says that she's right, and Galvatron should understand the need for the Autobots and Decepticons to combine forces to combat Unicron. Rad worries about another fight breaking out, but Billy assures that Optimus won't lose, and Optimus says he will try to avoid a clash with Galvatron.<br />
*Afterward, an anxious Smokescreen demands the 'Cons to show themselves. Then Blurr reminds him the 'Cons are additional strength to help take down Unicron so they can't be too rough with them; Hot Shot tells Smokescreen they're counting on him, and Smokescreen answers, "I know! Use our heads, right?"<br />
*Unlike ''Armada'', Demolishor explicitly says "Hot Shot and the others" are with Optimus. Then Galvatron entrusts Demolishor with handling them. In ''Armada'', Galvatron instead tells Demolishor to "spare me [him] the details."<br />
*Hot Shot is surprised when the Decepticons start firing. Blurr and Side Swipe's dialogue is changed to the former saying that the Autobots are now in the thick of things, and the latter saying the Decepticons seemingly don't want to negotiate.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Red Alert has a cynical outlook while talking about Wheeljack. Like Carlos, he truly believed Wheeljack changed sides before insisting that one will always be a Decepticon once they become one. Then Carlos gripes that it's now hard distinguishing who's friend or foe, and Fred agrees. Red Alert says they should focus on their side more than the Decepticons, and Carlos agrees that they should support their comrades. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Red Alert is less pessimistic, saying Wheeljack made a temporary truce to track down Thrust but will become a trustworthy Autobot ally if Optimus successfully negotiates with Galvatron. Carlos asks if that's like Scavenger, and Fred thinks it would. Then Red Alert says Hot Shot and Wheeljack's dynamic is similar to that between Optimus and Scavenger, making Carlos say that in that case, they should hope that Prime pulls off the negotiation.<br />
*When Optimus combines with Jetfire and Overload, and later breaks from them, ''Armada'' plays the ''Transformers'' theme and spams the transformation sound effect. In contrast, ''Legends of the Microns'' plays Prime's Super Mode theme, "Super Convoy," during the Powerlinx sequence. The Japanese dub later plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 2|Theme of Megatron - Attack by Villains]]," fitting the tense situation better.<br />
*''Armada'' has awkward silence after Jetfire's line as he forces away Tidal Wave because Jetfire says his lines without pausing. ''Legends of the Microns'' has a second-long pause between lines, so there's no silence at the end of the shot.<br />
*Optimus and Galvatron's dialogue differs significantly between the dubs:<br />
**''Armada'' portrays Galvatron as very gung-ho about fighting Optimus as though it's how they'll "negotiate". He remains cynical about the reality of Unicron's threat and only cares about eliminating Optimus so he can be the universe's sole ruler. Optimus offers to talk once Galvatron cools off and later says the generic line about Galvatron's lust for power disgusting him. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes Galvatron's quip about needing to shut Optimus down to him offering to show Prime his "true incompetence". It continues his string of thought from earlier and the prior episode about believing two Supreme Commanders are too many and unnecessary to defeat Unicron. Thinking negotiating is needless, he wants to show he's the superior leader and orders Optimus to fight him. Optimus is silent until he calls Jetfire. After Optimus Powerlinx with Jetfire and Overload and flies off, Galvatron is confused about why Prime won't fight. Optimus asks Galvatron why he can't understand that they should make peace. When Optimus offers Galvatron command, Galvatron thinks Prime is mocking him and says Prime's presence will disrupt "the command structure" even if he steps down and demands Prime to show his power.<br />
**After Tidal Wave and Jetfire leave, ''Armada'' has Galvatron suggest he and Optimus "cut to the chase" now that they're alone. He admits to respecting Prime somewhat but isn't falling for his "truce ploy" charade like Starscream did (as quoted above), still focusing on who will rule the universe. He later mocks Optimus for waiting for the Mini-Cons to rescue him, saying that won't happen. The Japanese version makes their exchange more philosophical: Galvatron mentions what Smokescreen previously told him about trust among the Autobots and remarks how it's dull and foolish for one to let such vague notions bind them. He says Starscream is no different and has had the same feelings since spending time with the Autobots; Optimus says Starscream awakened to his true nature as a Transformer after seeing how both factions work. There is some silence after Galvatron demands Optimus to stop feeding him lies in ''Armada'' because the English dub shortens Optimus's line about Starscream, making Galvatron's reply come sooner than it does in ''Legends of the Microns''. Galvatron claims Starscream might be a worse traitor than Thrust. He insists that beliefs like trust and coexistence between their groups are nonsense, saying that since power is everything, joining forces without it makes heroism meaningless. Then Galvatron asks if Prime is suffering and sad and says Optimus desperately tries to save himself after being determined to save the Mini-Cons.<br />
*The Japanese dub uses the mid-episode [[commercial bumper]]s, while ''Armada'' uses the Autobot and Decepticon logos from the [[scene transition]]s with the transformation sound effect.<br />
*Starscream says he won't hesitate to betray Galvatron because he must stand by his beliefs. Optimus says this isn't Starscream's fight, but the latter asserts otherwise. Galvatron says Starscream has become "a boring fool" and asks if working with the Autobots is necessary; Starscream answers it is for "the Transformers of tomorrow" and not just defeating Unicron and declares he will take command of the Decepticons after besting Galvatron. Galvatron dismisses it as wishful thinking and says Starscream will never beat him, but Starscream states he won't know until he tries.<br />
*Carlos, Billy, and Fred's conversation in the Japanese dub shows them confused by how the negotiation looks no different than a regular Autobot and Decepticon encounter, with Billy concluding it's something they'd expect when the factions meet. Then Alexis says things will be fine as she's sure something will change.<br />
*Galvatron questions if Starscream infused his wing blade with his spark's power, to which Starscream answers that he'll put every bit of energy into it to defeat him. Then Optimus says there's no point trying to stop them since Starscream is so determined; Optimus has only one line during the scene in ''Armada'', so there's some silence afterward. <br />
*When Unicron changes form again, Alexis says to look instead of asking what's happening, and Rad sounds more shocked. After Alexis's line about the Mini-Cons approaching Unicron, Billy has a line begging them to stop before Fred says Unicron is attacking the Mini-Cons. After stopping High Wire, Rad urges him to tell the other Mini-Cons to hide somewhere rather than stay put.<br />
*Starscream scolds Galvatron for being a stubborn fool who thinks nobody could be his equal since he's so overconfident in his strength and declares showing him the power of trust and believing in his comrades. Galvatron notices Starscream's beliefs made him somewhat respect the Autobots but wonders when the change started since, even when he had ambition, Starscream never escaped his influence before. Galvatron says something else is driving Starscream's current actions, asking if the Autobots or the children are compelling him before deciding that Starscream will never defeat him as he continues believing in trust and kindness. ''Armada'' reduces Galvatron's dialogue to him chalking up Starscream's actions are due to his programming going haywire and offering to put him out of his misery.<br />
*After the lightning strike from Unicron, the Japanese dub adds screaming to the shot after Demolishor and Wheeljack. Then Galvatron admits being surprised by Starscream's increased strength and that maybe trust isn't a fleeting concept, but Starscream remains too naive. Starscream internally says Galvatron's name during his close-up.<br />
*Just before Galvatron impales Starscream, the animation is tweaked to clarify the latter "switched off" his sword, having no intention of blocking the fatal blow. The two don't exchange any jibes here; they only say each other's names, and Galvatron kneels, realizing what Starscream has done.<br />
*Starscream's final moments are subtly different between the two versions:<br />
**''Legends of the Microns'' has Starscream admire Galvatron as an ultimate warrior he could never hope to beat and say he wanted Galvatron to notice him. Galvatron acknowledges Starscream's enhanced power while being visibly perplexed by his actions. After imploring that both factions team up, Starscream says a lot has happened. When unleashing his final attack, Starscream says, "SPARK OF MY SOUL...UNLEASH EVERY BIT OF YOUR POWER! NULL RAY CANNON!" The following scenes of his demise are silent except for Galvatron gasping. Afterward, Galvatron has a memory montage about Starscream's different moments of pleading and boasting throughout the series, including how he wanted Galvatron's recognition.<br />
**In ''Armada'', Starscream talks about his desperation to gain Galvatron's favor while comparing him to Optimus as an unintegral leader (a monologue played again during the montage). Galvatron is more verbally hostile towards Starscream, calling him too weak to be worthy of respect.<br />
*After Starscream's last moments in ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus tells Swindle to come with him since his partner isn't here anymore, whereas ''Armada'' just has Optimus claim that Starscream was a brave soldier until the end.<br />
*The replay of Starscream's memories repeats what he said about Optimus having integrity in ''Armada'', but ''Legends of the Microns'' has the montage feature moments when Starscream wanted Galvatron's recognition throughout the series instead.<br />
*When Sideways steals the Star Saber, he declares that he now has all the keys. He says Unicron is the only one worthy of it and congratulates Galvatron and Optimus for their "good work." After Sideways escapes, Galvatron exclaims how this nightmare could get any worse in ''Armada'' but remarks Sideways fleeing underground in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*The scene of Sideways destroying the underground tunnel now has an effect added to his maniacal laughter to make it sound disembodied. After this, the scene of the kids' reactions upon learning of Starscream's death is silent; whereas, their responses are heard in ''Armada''.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Rad's closing narration is that Starscream was gone, and his demise seemed to be in vain. Then he says, like everything in life, everyone would have to wait to learn the purpose of Starscream's actions; for now, all they had were too many unanswered questions. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis gives the narration, which contains a small glimmer of hope, unlike the English version. She says Starscream has died, but perhaps someday, the sorrow over his death will become determination, swearing that his efforts won't be wasted.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*In the opening scene, Demolishor has four fingers and one thumb on each hand.<br />
*Galvatron's hands are small stubs after swinging the Star Saber at Starscream in the opening.<br />
*In the shots where Hoist warns Blurr not to fire upon the Decepticons except in self-defense, and after the others promise to cover Hot Shot, Blurr's entire gun is colored one solid orange shade.<br />
*After the Decepticons begin firing upon the Autobots, Scavenger's chest is partially off-model.<br />
*Galvatron's mouth doesn't move when he says, "Let the negotiations begin!"<br />
*Before Optimus calls for Jetfire, Galvatron's turret is partially miscolored dark gray.<br />
*After Optimus Powerlinx with Jetfire and Overload, it looks like Galvatron's eyes are closed. <br />
*Jetfire shoots Tidal Wave in the eye...with the back of his rifle? The Japanese dub fixes this error.<br />
*After Galvatron slashes Optimus with the Star Saber, one can hear the sound of crackling electricity from a wound, but Optimus looks unscathed until his next shot.<br />
*Galvatron says, "What?" too soon in two scenes: first, before the explosion goes off behind him, seemingly out of surprise about gaining the upper hand when the Star Saber cuts Optimus's shoulder, and later when Sideways steals the Star Saber. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the timing by having Galvatron say it the first time while turning around ''after'' the explosion, and later a second after Sideways takes the sword from him and Optimus.<br />
*Starscream's mouth doesn't move when he speaks after appearing out of the smoke.<br />
*As Starscream descends after catching his wing blade, Galvatron exclaims in fear despite his brash overconfidence a moment ago. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he appropriately shouts "What?!" in shock instead.<br />
*As Galvatron slaps Starscream during their duel, his right hand is drawn as a normal hand instead of its regular claw-looking design.<br />
*Wheeljack says, "What's happening?" in Demolishor's voice. The Japanese version doesn't have this mistake.<br />
*When Alexis goes to the window to see Starscream's Photon Cannon fail to reach Unicron, the Autobot symbol on the back of her suit changes from red to blue.<br />
*When Galvatron raises the Star Saber before his memory montage, the inner part of his right shoulder is detached from the rest, already in its later position before he lifts his arm.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*In the Japanese dub's opening scene, after Galvatron slaps Starscream, he says he already told Starscream three times that the Decepticons aren't teaming up with the Autobots. Galvatron mentions this again later before fighting Starscream. So, Starscream must have urged Galvatron to work with Optimus twice beforehand after the prior episode's end.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Billy refers to Galvatron as "stag beetle head", the nickname Thrust previously used in "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]".<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron references what Smokescreen said to him in "[[Sacrifice]]" about Autobots relying on trust between their comrades.<br />
*Galvatron refers to the time when Sparkplug saved Optimus in "[[Decisive Battle]]"; he might also be including when the Mini-Cons turned against him to save Optimus in "[[Vow]]".<br />
*The ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' calls this episode the last of the show's Starscream saga.<br />
*Prepare yourself for when [[Megatron Raid|Starscream returns]] in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' since his compelling character arc in ''Armada'' goes out the window like it never happened.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**This is the first time Optimus combines with Overload while in his Jet Optimus configuration with Jetfire, with bonus stock transformation footage. However, Optimus combines with Jetfire first, only to fly a relatively short distance, making the combination with Overload pretty pointless other than [[To sell toys|just to show that they can.]]<br />
**Starscream uses his wing blade against Galvatron.<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Galvatron Powerlinx with the Star Saber for the last time.<br />
**Starscream Powerlinx with Swindle to unleash his Null Laser Cannon against Unicron. The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' deems it the last time a Transformer Powerlinx with a Mini-Con in the series.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*At Megatron's statue, Starscream determines that he must protect the humans, but why would he defend all the kids when Alexis is the only one he really knows? Plus, Alexis is who he thinks of at that moment. The Japanese dub correctly has Starscream resolving not to let ''Alexis'' die.<br />
*How does Tidal Wave know to Powerlinx with Galvatron when Galvatron never gives the order and only says they're leaving to face Optimus? ''Legends of the Microns'' has Galvatron tell Tidal Wave to combine with him.<br />
*Why would Red Alert believe that there's no turning back once a Transformer becomes a Decepticon? Did he completely forget that Scavenger is an ex-Decepticon? There also must've been other rare cases of Decepticons becoming Autobots, and vice versa.<br />
*Galvatron tells Tidal Wave to attack Optimus when they split up, but Tidal Wave does nothing until later. Galvatron only commands Tidal Wave to uncombine with him in the Japanese dub since Optimus just split from Jetfire and Overload, and Galvatron wishes to even things out.<br />
*Tidal Wave is significantly smaller and weaker than previously depicted. Jetfire, shown not much smaller than Tidal Wave, shoulder-blocks and lifts off with him in a single movement.<br />
*Alexis's pendant cracks upon Starscream's death; it somehow became connected to his spark, but previous episodes never really built up that detail or alluded to it. Since the necklace has only appeared in two episodes so far, this feature almost seems like an afterthought for drama's sake.<br />
*In the same scene, why does Rad ask Alexis what's happening outside when she doesn't know any more than he does? He asks her if something is wrong instead in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Why does Rad give the closing narration when Alexis had the bond with Starscream, and his death devastates her more than anyone else? The Japanese dub rightly has Alexis deliver the narration.<br />
<br />
===Transformers references===<br />
*Starscream's death by crumbling into a pile of debris is very similar to [[Generation 1 cartoon continuity|G1]] [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream's]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.<br />
*Many parts of Galvatron and Starscream's speeches quote lyrics from ''[[The Touch]]'', like 'I'm nobody's fool' (see above), or Starscream's 'after all is said and done.'<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*Fred's "The horror! The horror!" line is from ''{{w|Heart of Darkness}}'', the novel adapted into the film, ''{{w|Apocalypse Now}}''.<br />
*Galvatron gives Starscream one last chance not to fight, and when Starscream declines, Galvatron's "Is that your final answer?" line might be a reference to ''{{w|Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?}}''.<br />
*Galvatron tells Optimus the Autobots and Decepticons could never work together since they're like oil and water. It refers to the proverb about oil and water as oil always tries to stay separate from water whenever they're combined, explaining how beings with specific traits can never mix.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
[[File:Cramp - no ML title card.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4|Foreshadowing? Why, no!]]<br />
*The episode's English version first aired in the United Kingdom on the {{w|Sky One}} channel, when the network ran an around-the-clock promotion of American magician/"endurance artist" {{w||David Blaine}}'s controversial London stunt, complete with an obnoxious '''DAVID BLAINE''' onscreen overlay. It aired in the United States on [[December 8]], 2003.<br />
*There's no title card in ''Legends of the Microns'', with the title appearing over Starscream instead. This way of showing the episode titles was only done once before in "[[Linkup]]."<br />
*Optimus calls Starscream's Mini-Con Swindle instead of Zapmaster. So logically, this means that Swindle received a color change like Starscream did (instead of Starscream exchanging his Mini-Con for a new one in different colors).<br />
*Starscream's proton cannon blasts don't even touch Unicron. You can see them dissipate before Alexis's eyes before they reach him. Most heartwrenching suicide ever?<br />
*Starscream's sword is surprisingly powerful in this episode, durable enough to clash with Star Saber itself without any visible damage. Due to his upgrade after Nemesis Prime kicked his skidplate? Nah.<br />
*This episode is one of few without an opening narration.<br />
*This is the second time in the Japanese dub that a Transformer says, "Spark of my soul..." The last time was by Optimus Prime in "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]."<br />
*The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' reveals the following:<br />
**The episode's highlights include Magna Jet Convoy's debut and the first half of the climactic fight, Optimus vs. Galvatron, which serves as a prelude to their final battle. The main highlight is the second half with Starscream and Galvatron's final fight.<br />
**[[Hidehito Ueda]] says that Galvatron expressing his feelings about Starscream wasn't in the scenario initially, but he wanted Galvatron to tell them.<br />
**Ueda jokes about wanting Starscream to return as a ghost in ''Super Link'' before becoming a [[Pretender]] and marrying Alexis.<br />
**The first moments for this episode that appeared in Ueda's mind when reading the scenario were Starscream's Null Laser Cannons not reaching Unicron, Alexis watching them stop short, and the silent scene of the children's reactions to Starscream's death at the end.<br />
**Starscream died not as a Decepticon but as a Transformer.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Das Friedensangebot'''" ("Peace-Offering")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 12|12 January]] [[2004]]<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Párbaj'''" ("Duel")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Obstáculo'''" ("Obstacle")</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Cramp&diff=1575435Cramp2021-12-06T04:01:13Z<p>Starzone: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=48<br />
|prev=Portent<br />
|next=Alliance<br />
|title="Cramp"<br />
|furigana=しんねん<br />
|japanese=決死<!--cramp--><br />
|romaji=Shinnen<br />
|translation=Prepared for Death: Conviction<br />
|image=Starscreamheroicdeath.jpg<br />
|caption="Tell my tale to those who ask, tell it truly. The ill deeds along with the good, and let me be judged accordingly..."<br />
|production code=TF: A-48<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]<br />
|englishadaptation=[[Terry Klassen]]<br />
|director=[[Osamu Kamijō]],<br>[[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.)<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[September 29]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom)<br>[[November 28|28 November]] 2003 (Japanese)<br>[[December 8]], [[2003]] (English, United States)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Starscream prepares to do whatever it takes to convince Galvatron the threat of Unicron is real.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Starsmack.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Galvatron blasts Starscream with his rarely seen armpit-laser.]]<br />
[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] pleads to [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] that [[Unicron]]'s threat is real (as Starscream has first-hand experience in the beast's bowels); hoping to convince his leader that perhaps an [[Autobot]] and [[Decepticon]] alliance is the safest course to ensure [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s survival. When Starscream refuses to stop pleading, Galvatron slaps his subordinate into a wall to silence him. The Decepticon leader is confident his military can overcome both the Autobots and Unicron. Starscream continues to stress the danger of Unicron, and Galvatron starts to swing his [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]].<br />
<br />
[[File:Cramp-Starscreamdies.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|[[Code of Hero|The rest is... silence]]. Well, [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|not really]], but don't you kinda wish it was?]]<br />
The Autobots are still optimistic, believing there's a chance a diplomatic conference could lead to a truce between the two sides, meaning they can't take aggressive action against the Decepticons, only defensive. Nevertheless, Galvatron, armed with the Star Saber and [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], flies into battle, ready to negotiate with [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] using firepower. Prime responds by combining with [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] and heading away from the thick of the battle.<br />
<br />
By a [[Megatron statue|monolithic statue of Megatron]], Starscream wonders what he needs to do, and [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]]'s words of encouragement run through his head. <br />
<br />
Away from the armies, Galvatron and Optimus Prime send their men away, leaving the two leaders to battle one on one. Through the struggle, Galvatron admits that he still considers Unicron an Autobot hoax, and with the Star Saber, he has the upper hand against Prime. However, as soon as Galvatron breaks Prime's metal, an explosion disturbs the showdown. Starscream walks from the smoke.<br />
<br />
The rest of the Autobots struggle to hold their ground, unable to cause any real damage to the Decepticons. Alexis has faith that things will be okay. Unicron's lunar shell peels off thousands of miles away, and the behemoth attacks the assembled Mini-Con cluster.<br />
<br />
[[File:Cramp-Swindleejects.jpg|left|thumb|I'm not crying! I just have something in my eyes.]]<br />
Starscream quits the Decepticons and challenges Galvatron to one-on-one combat. The two clash, quickly cutting into each other. However, Starscream displays skill beyond the last time he battled Megatron. Lightning from Unicron carves into the landscape around them. The two warriors ignore it and continue their struggle, but in an instant, the Star Saber plunges into Starscream's torso, and the impaled Decepticon falls.<br />
<br />
Lying with the blade sticking out of him, Starscream speaks earnestly to Galvatron, pointing out that it was Galvatron's arrogance that drove the situation to be what it is. Despite his injury, Starscream stands up and reiterates his wishes for a truce between the two Cybertronian factions against Unicron. His final desire said, Starscream joins with his [[Mini-Con]] to fire his [[Proton cannon]]s upwards at Unicron. Unicron fires back, disintegrating Starscream, much to Galvatron and Optimus's shock. Aboard the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'', Alexis's [[Good Luck Necklace|luck charm]] breaks and she runs outside to look out the window and sees Starscream's laser blast fade away.<br />
<br />
[[File:Cramp-AlexismournsStarscream.jpg|left|thumb|I never got to tell Starscream that I loved him!]]<br />
Realizing Starscream was right about Unicron's threat, Galvatron remembers their shared experiences and ''finally'' decides to join forces with Optimus Prime. He starts by offering the Star Saber to Optimus... BUT from the crater Starscream died in, a dark cloud emerges and grabs the Star Saber! The cloud forms into [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]], who escapes the two leaders through the underground portal, making sure to collapse the tunnels so the Autobots and Decepticons can't follow him. Upon witnessing Sideways's escape, Optimus and Galvatron fear for the worst to come.<br />
<br />
After Optimus tells them about Starscream's death over the monitor, the kids are devastated, most notably Alexis, who begins crying. She then bolts from the room and slams her fist on the window that displays Unicron in grief. When [[Rad White|Rad]] appears behind her, she smacks his shoulders, asking why Starscream would do that to himself, and Rad does his best trying to console her.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (8)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (9)<br />
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (10)<br />
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (14)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (15)<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (16)<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (17)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (18)<br />
*[[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] (21)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (1)<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (2)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (3)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (4)<br />
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (5)<br />
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (20)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (6)<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (7)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (11)<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (12)<br />
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (13)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (19) (Powerlinxed with Galvatron)<br />
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (23)<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (24)<br />
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (25)<br />
*[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] (26)<br />
<br />
|h5=Other|c5=<br />
*[[Unicron]] (22)<br />
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (27)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
[[File:Cramp-Galvatronregrets.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|You'll miss me when I'm gone!]]<br />
"How long have we been adversaries, Optimus? It seems like since the beginning of time. And I suppose I do have a certain respect for you, but I digress, you might have fooled Starscream with your little Truce ploy, but I am nobody's fool. Now let's end this charade, shall we?"<br />
:—'''Galvatron''' faces off against Optimus Prime in the 'negotiations'.<br />
<br />
<br />
"May I suggest that you have lost your mind?!"<br />
:—'''Galvatron''' to Starscream, who has just challenged him to a duel.<br />
<br />
<br />
"I tried to gain favor from you. But nothing was ever good enough. No matter how many battles I fought, you always found fault. Then I saw how Optimus treated his men, and I realized he was a leader of integrity. Unlike you."<br><br />
"You were too weak to ever gain my respect."<br><br />
"None of that matters now. You must listen — do as Optimus says and join forces with the Autobots, or else every last one of us is doomed! Please sir... do it for me..."<br />
:—'''Starscream''' pours his spark out to '''Galvatron''' after being impaled by the Star Saber<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*Starscream asks why Megatron wants to cling to his rivalry with Optimus and says that the universe will soon be no more after witnessing Unicron's power. Galvatron says he's now aware of Unicron's existence and understands the need to destroy him but still refuses to work with Optimus. ''Armada'' rephrases the rivalry as a "petty argument" and changes Galvatron and Starscream's dialogue to the former warning the latter not to test his patience or contemplate betraying him again.<br />
*Cyclonus and Demolishor's lines to Starscream are changed to the former calling Starscream a coward, and the latter asking what is there to worry about since Unicron is "just some planet that became our moon." Then Starscream calls them idiots for not understanding Unicron's true horror.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Galvatron says Optimus will be sorry and that he'll also deal with Unicron. However, as he believes there can't be two supreme commanders, he's more focused on eliminating his competition before facing Unicron. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron says he never said the two factions couldn't join forces, but he'll have to deal with Prime first. He plans to kill Optimus and then merge the Autobots into the Decepticon army, claiming Optimus is his sworn enemy and there's no tomorrow if he doesn't defeat Prime.<br />
*Galvatron offers Starscream command over the Autobots after defeating Optimus. ''Armada'' changes Galvatron's line to requesting Starscream's complete loyalty.<br />
*Before the episode title appears, Cyclonus says Starscream can wait there at HQ since their "Autobot Commander" only needs to sit on his throne.<br />
*The kids discuss if they and the Autobots can trust Galvatron or believe anything he says as Carlos says that Galvatron is constantly manipulating things. Alexis states that's why they need to negotiate. Then Optimus says that she's right, and Galvatron should understand the need for the Autobots and Decepticons to combine forces to combat Unicron. Rad worries about another fight breaking out, but Billy assures that Optimus won't lose, and Optimus says he will try to avoid a clash with Galvatron.<br />
*Afterward, an anxious Smokescreen demands the 'Cons to show themselves. Then Blurr reminds him the 'Cons are additional strength to help take down Unicron so they can't be too rough with them; Hot Shot tells Smokescreen they're counting on him, and Smokescreen answers, "I know! Use our heads, right?"<br />
*Unlike ''Armada'', Demolishor explicitly says "Hot Shot and the others" are with Optimus. Then Galvatron entrusts Demolishor with handling them. In ''Armada'', Galvatron instead tells Demolishor to "spare me [him] the details."<br />
*Hot Shot is surprised when the Decepticons start firing. Blurr and Side Swipe's dialogue is changed to the former saying that the Autobots are now in the thick of things, and the latter saying the Decepticons seemingly don't want to negotiate.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Red Alert has a cynical outlook while talking about Wheeljack. Like Carlos, he truly believed Wheeljack changed sides before insisting that one will always be a Decepticon once they become one. Then Carlos gripes that it's now hard distinguishing who's friend or foe, and Fred agrees. Red Alert says they should focus on their side more than the Decepticons, and Carlos agrees that they should support their comrades. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Red Alert is less pessimistic, saying Wheeljack made a temporary truce to track down Thrust but will become a trustworthy Autobot ally if Optimus successfully negotiates with Galvatron. Carlos asks if that's like Scavenger, and Fred thinks it would. Then Red Alert says Hot Shot and Wheeljack's dynamic is similar to that between Optimus and Scavenger, making Carlos say that in that case, they should hope that Prime pulls off the negotiation.<br />
*When Optimus combines with Jetfire and Overload, and later breaks from them, ''Armada'' plays the ''Transformers'' theme and spams the transformation sound effect. In contrast, ''Legends of the Microns'' plays Prime's Super Mode theme, "Super Convoy," during the Powerlinx sequence. The Japanese dub later plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 2|Theme of Megatron - Attack by Villains]]," fitting the tense situation better.<br />
*''Armada'' has awkward silence after Jetfire's line as he forces away Tidal Wave because Jetfire says his lines without pausing. ''Legends of the Microns'' has a second-long pause between lines, so there's no silence at the end of the shot.<br />
*Optimus and Galvatron's dialogue differs significantly between the dubs:<br />
**''Armada'' portrays Galvatron as very gung-ho about fighting Optimus as though it's how they'll "negotiate". He remains cynical about the reality of Unicron's threat and only cares about eliminating Optimus so he can be the universe's sole ruler. Optimus offers to talk once Galvatron cools off and later says the generic line about Galvatron's lust for power disgusting him. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes Galvatron's quip about needing to shut Optimus down to him offering to show Prime his "true incompetence". It continues his string of thought from earlier and the prior episode about believing two Supreme Commanders are too many and unnecessary to defeat Unicron. Thinking negotiating is needless, he wants to show he's the superior leader and orders Optimus to fight him. Optimus is silent until he calls Jetfire. After Optimus Powerlinx with Jetfire and Overload and flies off, Galvatron is confused about why Prime won't fight. Optimus asks Galvatron why he can't understand that they should make peace. When Optimus offers Galvatron command, Galvatron thinks Prime is mocking him and says Prime's presence will disrupt "the command structure" even if he steps down and demands Prime to show his power.<br />
**After Tidal Wave and Jetfire leave, ''Armada'' has Galvatron suggest he and Optimus "cut to the chase" now that they're alone. He admits to respecting Prime somewhat but isn't falling for his "truce ploy" charade like Starscream did (as quoted above), still focusing on who will rule the universe. He later mocks Optimus for waiting for the Mini-Cons to rescue him, saying that won't happen. The Japanese version makes their exchange more philosophical: Galvatron mentions what Smokescreen previously told him about trust among the Autobots and remarks how it's dull and foolish for one to let such vague notions bind them. He says Starscream is no different and has had the same feelings since spending time with the Autobots; Optimus says Starscream awakened to his true nature as a Transformer after seeing how both factions work. There is some silence after Galvatron demands Optimus to stop feeding him lies in ''Armada'' because the English dub shortens Optimus's line about Starscream, making Galvatron's reply come sooner than it does in ''Legends of the Microns''. Galvatron claims Starscream might be a worse traitor than Thrust. He insists that beliefs like trust and coexistence between their groups are nonsense, saying that since power is everything, joining forces without it makes heroism meaningless. Then Galvatron asks if Prime is suffering and sad and says Optimus desperately tries to save himself after being determined to save the Mini-Cons.<br />
*The Japanese dub uses the mid-episode [[commercial bumper]]s, while ''Armada'' uses the Autobot and Decepticon logos from the [[scene transition]]s with the transformation sound effect.<br />
*Starscream says he won't hesitate to betray Galvatron because he must stand by his beliefs. Optimus says this isn't Starscream's fight, but the latter asserts otherwise. Galvatron says Starscream has become "a boring fool" and asks if working with the Autobots is necessary; Starscream answers it is for "the Transformers of tomorrow" and not just defeating Unicron and declares he will take command of the Decepticons after besting Galvatron. Galvatron dismisses it as wishful thinking and says Starscream will never beat him, but Starscream states he won't know until he tries.<br />
*Carlos, Billy, and Fred's conversation in the Japanese dub shows them confused by how the negotiation looks no different than a regular Autobot and Decepticon encounter, with Billy concluding it's something they'd expect when the factions meet. Then Alexis says things will be fine as she's sure something will change.<br />
*Galvatron questions if Starscream infused his wing blade with his spark's power, to which Starscream answers that he'll put every bit of energy into it to defeat him. Then Optimus says there's no point trying to stop them since Starscream is so determined; Optimus has only one line during the scene in ''Armada'', so there's some silence afterward. <br />
*When Unicron changes form again, Alexis says to look instead of asking what's happening, and Rad sounds more shocked. After Alexis's line about the Mini-Cons approaching Unicron, Billy has a line begging them to stop before Fred says Unicron is attacking the Mini-Cons. After stopping High Wire, Rad urges him to tell the other Mini-Cons to hide somewhere rather than stay put.<br />
*Starscream scolds Galvatron for being a stubborn fool who thinks nobody could be his equal since he's so overconfident in his strength and declares showing him the power of trust and believing in his comrades. Galvatron notices Starscream's beliefs made him somewhat respect the Autobots but wonders when the change started since, even when he had ambition, Starscream never escaped his influence before. Galvatron says something else is driving Starscream's current actions, asking if the Autobots or the children are compelling him before deciding that Starscream will never defeat him as he continues believing in trust and kindness. ''Armada'' reduces Galvatron's dialogue to him chalking up Starscream's actions are due to his programming going haywire and offering to put him out of his misery.<br />
*After the lightning strike from Unicron, the Japanese dub adds screaming to the shot after Demolishor and Wheeljack. Then Galvatron admits being surprised by Starscream's increased strength and that maybe trust isn't a fleeting concept, but Starscream remains too naive. Starscream internally says Galvatron's name during his close-up.<br />
*Just before Galvatron impales Starscream, the animation is tweaked to clarify the latter "switched off" his sword, having no intention of blocking the fatal blow. The two don't exchange any jibes here; they only say each other's names, and Galvatron kneels, realizing what Starscream has done.<br />
*Starscream's final moments are subtly different between the two versions:<br />
**''Legends of the Microns'' has Starscream admire Galvatron as an ultimate warrior he could never hope to beat and say he wanted Galvatron to notice him. Galvatron acknowledges Starscream's enhanced power while being visibly perplexed by his actions. After imploring that both factions team up, Starscream says a lot has happened. When unleashing his final attack, Starscream says, "SPARK OF MY SOUL...UNLEASH EVERY BIT OF YOUR POWER! NULL RAY CANNON!" The following scenes of his demise are silent except for Galvatron gasping. Afterward, Galvatron has a memory montage about Starscream's different moments of pleading and boasting throughout the series, including how he wanted Galvatron's recognition.<br />
**In ''Armada'', Starscream talks about his desperation to gain Galvatron's favor while comparing him to Optimus as an unintegral leader (a monologue played again during the montage). Galvatron is more verbally hostile towards Starscream, calling him too weak to be worthy of respect.<br />
*After Starscream's last moments in ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus tells Swindle to come with him since his partner isn't here anymore, whereas ''Armada'' just has Optimus claim that Starscream was a brave soldier until the end.<br />
*The replay of Starscream's memories repeats what he said about Optimus having integrity in ''Armada'', but ''Legends of the Microns'' has the montage feature moments when Starscream wanted Galvatron's recognition throughout the series instead.<br />
*When Sideways steals the Star Saber, he declares that he now has all the keys. He says Unicron is the only one worthy of it and congratulates Galvatron and Optimus for their "good work." After Sideways escapes, Galvatron exclaims how this nightmare could get any worse in ''Armada'' but remarks Sideways fleeing underground in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*The scene of Sideways destroying the underground tunnel now has an effect added to his maniacal laughter to make it sound disembodied. After this, the scene of the kids' reactions upon learning of Starscream's death is silent; whereas, their responses are heard in ''Armada''.<br />
*In ''Armada'', Rad's closing narration is that Starscream was gone, and his demise seemed to be in vain. Then he says, like everything in life, everyone would have to wait to learn the purpose of Starscream's actions; for now, all they had were too many unanswered questions. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis gives the narration, which contains a small glimmer of hope, unlike the English version. She says Starscream has died, but perhaps someday, the sorrow over his death will become determination, swearing that his efforts won't be wasted.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*In the opening scene, Demolishor has four fingers and one thumb on each hand.<br />
*Galvatron's hands are small stubs after swinging the Star Saber at Starscream in the opening.<br />
*In the shots where Hoist warns Blurr not to fire upon the Decepticons except in self-defense, and after the others promise to cover Hot Shot, Blurr's entire gun is colored one solid orange shade.<br />
*After the Decepticons begin firing upon the Autobots, Scavenger's chest is partially off-model.<br />
*Galvatron's mouth doesn't move when he says, "Let the negotiations begin!"<br />
*Before Optimus calls for Jetfire, Galvatron's turret is partially miscolored dark gray.<br />
*After Optimus Powerlinx with Jetfire and Overload, it looks like Galvatron's eyes are closed. <br />
*Jetfire shoots Tidal Wave in the eye...with the back of his rifle? The Japanese dub fixes this error.<br />
*After Galvatron slashes Optimus with the Star Saber, one can hear the sound of crackling electricity from a wound, but Optimus looks unscathed until his next shot.<br />
*Galvatron says, "What?" too soon in two scenes: first, before the explosion goes off behind him, seemingly out of surprise about gaining the upper hand when the Star Saber cuts Optimus's shoulder, and later when Sideways steals the Star Saber. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the timing by having Galvatron say it the first time while turning around ''after'' the explosion, and later a second after Sideways takes the sword from him and Optimus.<br />
*Starscream's mouth doesn't move when he speaks after appearing out of the smoke.<br />
*As Starscream descends after catching his wing blade, Galvatron exclaims in fear despite his brash overconfidence a moment ago. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he appropriately shouts "What?!" in shock instead.<br />
*As Galvatron slaps Starscream during their duel, his right hand is drawn as a normal hand instead of its regular claw-looking design.<br />
*Wheeljack says, "What's happening?" in Demolishor's voice. The Japanese version doesn't have this mistake.<br />
*When Alexis goes to the window to see Starscream's Photon Cannon fail to reach Unicron, the Autobot symbol on the back of her suit changes from red to blue.<br />
*When Galvatron raises the Star Saber before his memory montage, the inner part of his right shoulder is detached from the rest, already in its later position before he lifts his arm.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
*In the Japanese dub's opening scene, after Galvatron slaps Starscream, he says he already told Starscream three times that the Decepticons aren't teaming up with the Autobots. Galvatron mentions this again later before fighting Starscream. So, Starscream must have urged Galvatron to work with Optimus twice beforehand after the prior episode's end.<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Billy refers to Galvatron as "stag beetle head", the nickname Thrust previously used in "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]".<br />
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron references what Smokescreen said to him in "[[Sacrifice]]" about Autobots relying on trust between their comrades.<br />
*Galvatron refers to the time when Sparkplug saved Optimus in "[[Decisive Battle]]"; he might also be including when the Mini-Cons turned against him to save Optimus in "[[Vow]]".<br />
*The ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' calls this episode the last of the show's Starscream saga.<br />
*Prepare yourself for when [[Megatron Raid|Starscream returns]] in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' since his compelling character arc in ''Armada'' goes out the window like it never happened.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**This is the first time Optimus combines with Overload while in his Jet Optimus configuration with Jetfire, with bonus stock transformation footage. However, Optimus combines with Jetfire first, only to fly a relatively short distance, making the combination with Overload pretty pointless other than [[To sell toys|just to show that they can.]]<br />
**Starscream uses his wing blade against Galvatron.<br />
*Powerlinx forms:<br />
**Galvatron Powerlinx with the Star Saber for the last time.<br />
**Starscream Powerlinx with Swindle to unleash his Null Laser Cannon against Unicron. The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' deems it the last time a Transformer Powerlinx with a Mini-Con in the series.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*At Megatron's statue, Starscream determines that he must protect the humans, but why would he defend all the kids when Alexis is the only one he really knows? Plus, Alexis is who he thinks of at that moment. The Japanese dub correctly has Starscream resolving not to let ''Alexis'' die.<br />
*How does Tidal Wave know to Powerlinx with Galvatron when Galvatron never gives the order and only says they're leaving to face Optimus? ''Legends of the Microns'' has Galvatron tell Tidal Wave to combine with him.<br />
*Why would Red Alert believe that there's no turning back once a Transformer becomes a Decepticon? Did he completely forget that Scavenger is an ex-Decepticon? There also must've been other rare cases of Decepticons becoming Autobots, and vice versa.<br />
*Galvatron tells Tidal Wave to attack Optimus when they split up, but Tidal Wave does nothing until later. Galvatron only commands Tidal Wave to uncombine with him in the Japanese dub since Optimus just split from Jetfire and Overload, and Galvatron wishes to even things out.<br />
*Tidal Wave is significantly smaller and weaker than previously depicted. Jetfire, shown not much smaller than Tidal Wave, shoulder-blocks and lifts off with him in a single movement.<br />
*Alexis's pendant cracks upon Starscream's death; it somehow became connected to his spark, but previous episodes never really built up that detail or alluded to it. Since the necklace has only appeared in two episodes so far, this feature almost seems like an afterthought for drama's sake.<br />
*In the same scene, why does Rad ask Alexis what's happening outside when she doesn't know any more than he does? He asks her if something is wrong instead in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Why does Rad give the closing narration when Alexis had the bond with Starscream, and his death devastates her more than anyone else? The Japanese dub rightly has Alexis deliver the narration.<br />
<br />
===Transformers references===<br />
*Starscream's death by crumbling into a pile of debris is very similar to [[Generation 1 cartoon continuity|G1]] [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream's]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.<br />
*Many parts of Galvatron and Starscream's speeches quote lyrics from ''[[The Touch]]'', like 'I'm nobody's fool' (see above), or Starscream's 'after all is said and done.'<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*Fred's "The horror! The horror!" line is from ''{{w|Heart of Darkness}}'', the novel adapted into the film, ''{{w|Apocalypse Now}}''.<br />
*Galvatron gives Starscream one last chance not to fight, and when Starscream declines, Galvatron's "Is that your final answer?" line might be a reference to ''{{w|Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?}}''.<br />
*Galvatron tells Optimus the Autobots and Decepticons could never work together since they're like oil and water. It refers to the proverb about oil and water as oil always tries to stay separate from water whenever they're combined, explaining how beings with specific traits can never mix.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
[[File:Cramp - no ML title card.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4|Foreshadowing? Why, no!]]<br />
*The episode's English version first aired in the United Kingdom on the {{w|Sky One}} channel, when the network ran an around-the-clock promotion of American magician/"endurance artist" {{w||David Blaine}}'s controversial London stunt, complete with an obnoxious '''DAVID BLAINE''' onscreen overlay. It aired in the United States on [[December 8]], 2003.<br />
*There's no title card in ''Legends of the Microns'', with the title appearing over Starscream. This way of showing the episode titles was only done once before in "[[Linkup]]."<br />
*Optimus calls Starscream's Mini-Con Swindle instead of Zapmaster. So logically, this means that Swindle received a color change like Starscream did (instead of Starscream exchanging his Mini-Con for a new one in different colors).<br />
*Starscream's proton cannon blasts don't even touch Unicron. You can see them dissipate before Alexis's eyes before they reach him. Most heartwrenching suicide ever?<br />
*Starscream's sword is surprisingly powerful in this episode, durable enough to clash with Star Saber itself without any visible damage. Due to his upgrade after Nemesis Prime kicked his skidplate? Nah.<br />
*This episode is one of few without an opening narration.<br />
*This is the second time in the Japanese dub that a Transformer says, "Spark of my soul..." The last time was by Optimus Prime in "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]."<br />
*The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' reveals the following:<br />
**The episode's highlights include Magna Jet Convoy's debut and the first half of the climactic fight, Optimus vs. Galvatron, which serves as a prelude to their final battle. The main highlight is the battle's second half with Starscream and Galvatron's final fight.<br />
**[[Hidehito Ueda]] says that Galvatron expressing his feelings about Starscream wasn't in the scenario initially, but he wanted Galvatron to tell them.<br />
**Ueda jokes about wanting Starscream to return as a ghost in ''Super Link'' before becoming a [[Pretender]] and marrying Alexis.<br />
**The first moments for this episode that appeared in Ueda's mind when reading the scenario were Starscream's Null Laser Cannons not reaching Unicron, Alexis watching them stop short, and the silent scene of the children's reactions to Starscream's death at the end.<br />
**Starscream died not as a Decepticon but as a Transformer.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Das Friedensangebot'''" ("Peace-Offering")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 12|12 January]] [[2004]]<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Párbaj'''" ("Duel")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Obstáculo'''" ("Obstacle")</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Mortal_Combat&diff=1575393Mortal Combat2021-12-06T00:57:46Z<p>Starzone: /* Notes */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=52<br />
|prev=Origin<br />
|next=Cybertron City (episode)<br />
|title="Mortal Combat"<br />
|japanese=死闘<!--mortal-combat--><br />
|romaji=Shitō<br />
|translation=<br />
|image=Armada 52 - Prime hangon to Galvatron.jpg<br />
|caption=Fatality!<br />
|production code=TF: A-52<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]<br />
|englishadaptation=[[Terry Klassen]]<br />
|director=[[Hidehito Ueda]],<br>[[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.),<br>[[Munetaka Abe]] (animation dir.)<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[October 3]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom)<br>[[December 12]], [[2003]] (English, United States)<br>[[December 26]], [[2003]] (Japanese)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Optimus and Galvatron wage their final brutal battle, while the rest of the Transformers deal with Unicron.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[Unicron]] is no longer functional, his body lying dormant in space. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] lets the assembled armies return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to begin the rebuilding.<br />
<br />
[[File:MortalCombat galvatron sacrifice.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left]]<br />
Inside of Unicron, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] holds onto the idea that he can still become the sole ruler of the universe. Now that Unicron is gone, it's left to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and Galvatron to finish the war. Optimus and the kids try to argue that now that the two militaries have been united, there's no need to continue the fight, but Galvatron reminds his foe that the hatred left over from an unfinished war would repower Unicron.<br />
<br />
On Cybertron, [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] alerts the other that Unicron is in motion again. Hot Shot decides to go to Unicron to retrieve Optimus Prime, but [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] takes Hot Shot's place. [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] follows Jetfire.<br />
<br />
Optimus says goodbye to the children; the kids don't want to go, but he convinces them that the final battle must be fought. After throwing away the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] (because this isn't a battle between Autobots and Decepticons, but Optimus' vision for peace against Galvatron's lust for conflict), Prime starts the fight with some gunfire and a knee to Galvatron's face. When Galvatron gets up, he and Prime blast their firepower at each other.<br />
<br />
Outside of Unicron, Jetfire and Cyclonus pick up the kids and bring them back to Cybertron. The kids report on what the two leaders are doing, and it seems Unicron isn't quite dead either. Under heavy pressure, Hot Shot orders the attack against Unicron to be resumed, with special care taken not to harm the leaders. <br />
<br />
Inside, Optimus Prime and Galvatron continue to rumble. Prime throws one of his wheels directly into Galvatron's primary cannon. The resulting explosion blasts Galvatron through a wall, but the Decepticon is only amused by the ferocity of the combat. Unicron's words echo in Prime's mind. Galvatron uses his extending antlers to toss Prime around. Prime breaks off the blades and uses them against his rival, but Galvatron scores a critical hit through Optimus with his hidden wrist blade.<br />
<br />
[[File:Mortal Combat Hot Shot Jetfire.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|When we come back, we'll be terrible cel-shaded CGI!]]<br />
The [[Transformer]]s buzz around Unicron, blasting him through his own trenches. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] notices that during the combat, a large, growing black hole has appeared on Unicron's surface.<br />
<br />
Optimus Prime stands up, refusing to give up the fight. Decompression sends the warriors outside of Unicron, onto his external surface. Galvatron acquires a nearby pipe to use as a battle staff, but Optimus displays amazing agility and stands on the staff, prancing along it to kick Galvatron in the face. While Galvatron is still stunned, Optimus hefts his foe and cramps Galvatron's midsection, but in the process, the metal pipe is shoved down Prime's back.<br />
<br />
[[File:Unicron-behind-a-planet-Armada.jpg|thumb|left]]<br />
The two warriors break for a moment, and Galvatron admits that even though he lost the battle, he enjoyed the thrill of it. The moment of peace between the two is disturbed by Unicron transforming into his planet mode. Prime is stuck holding onto Galvatron as the two are sucked toward Unicron's maw. Galvatron, determined to see only one winner of the war (even if it isn't him) instructs Prime to let him fall. Prime refuses, so Galvatron cuts himself loose and free-falls into oblivion. As soon as Galvatron is absorbed, Unicron vanishes. Left floating in space, Optimus decides he's unworthy of the Matrix.<br />
<br />
Sometime later, Hot Shot and Jetfire return the kids to Earth. They agree that they've all learned a lot from each other ever since their first encounter. [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]], and [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] start to cry. Alexis gazes down at her pendant that contains the [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] stone that [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] gave her, smiling sadly as if remembering him. With the war over, Optimus Prime narrates the closing moments. But, hidden behind a distant planet, Unicron endures.<br />
<br />
[['Til all are one|'Til all are]] [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|undone.]]<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (2)<br />
* [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (3)<br />
* [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (4)<br />
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (6)<br />
* [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (13)<br />
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (14)<br />
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (15)<br />
* [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (16)<br />
* [[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] (24)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (5)<br />
* [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (17)<br />
* [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (18)<br />
* [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (19)<br />
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (23)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
* [[Rad White|Rad]] (7)<br />
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (8)<br />
* [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (9)<br />
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (10)<br />
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (11)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] (12)<br />
*[[Race Mini-Con Team]] (20)<br />
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (21)<br />
*[[Space Mini-Con Team]] (22)<br />
<br />
|h5=Other|c5=<br />
* [[Unicron]] (1)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"This probably isn't the time to ask, but when are we gonna eat, you guys?"<br><br />
"Zip it, Fred, or I'll give you my fist to chew on!"<br><br />
:—'''Fred''' and '''Billy'''<br />
<br />
<br />
"Your mindless ambitions are fueled only by your greed. You'll stop at nothing to get what you want. I should have let Unicron destroy you!"<br />
:—'''Optimus Prime''' to Galvatron<br />
<br />
<br />
"Why can't we all just get along?!"<br />
:—'''Fred'''<br />
<br />
<br />
"Children, the future is yours!"<br><br />
"Good riddance, humans!"<br />
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Galvatron''' bid farewell to the kids in their own unique ways.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Don't act surprised. This is exactly what you wanted. And I fight you not as the leader of the Autobots, but as the leader of ''all'' Transformers!"<br />
:—'''Optimus Prime''' tosses aside his Matrix of Leadership before attacking Galvatron.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Farewell, Optimus Prime. Victory is all yours. Now go look after your men, they need you!"<br />
:—'''Galvatron's''' last words until ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]''<br />
<br />
<br />
"The war between the Autobots and the Decepticons has come to an end, and without the hatred between the two sides, there was no evil to feed Unicron, and he became powerless. Both Unicron and Megatron scattered into the far reaches of the universe. As for me, my purpose has been served. Cybertron is safe and Transformers live in peace with the Mini-Cons. So the next time you look out into space and see a peaceful star far, far away, it just might be Cybertron. TRANSFORM!"<br />
:—'''Optimus Prime's''' last words until ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]''<br />
<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
*After tossing the Matrix before his final battle against Galvatron, Optimus says that he's fighting him not as a Commander "but as a Transformer called Optimus Prime!"<br />
*When the scene cuts back to their duel, ''Legends of the Microns'' includes a short clip where Galvatron rips out his destroyed cannon to throw it at Optimus before striking him with his horns. ''Armada'' only shows Optimus blocking a seemingly random object thrown at him.<br />
*Near the end, where Optimus refuses to let go of Galvatron from being sucked into Unicron, Galvatron practically yells at Optimus to let go so that Unicron will die from the lack of evil and to watch over the others after slicing his tread in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' goes philosophical as Galvatron observes that both might've been looking for the same thing despite their differences, and Optimus is the light while he represents dark. On slicing his tread, Galvatron adds that even in the next generation/world, Prime is destined to be his rival and that darkness will exist as long as there's light, and not to forget that evil is eternal. Optimus yells his rival's name after disappearing into Unicron in ''Armada'', but whispers "Megatron" in ''Legends of the Microns''.<br />
*Optimus's ending narration in ''Armada'' is the aftermath of Unicron's defeat, saying that Unicron has become powerless now with the war finished, and both he and Galvatron have scattered across the universe. Optimus states that he's served his purpose now that Cybertron is safe and the Transformers live in peace with the Mini-Cons and mentions that if you see a peaceful star right away, it might be Cybertron. ''Legends of the Microns'' gives Optimus a more sincere narration that flows more with Unicron feeding off of hatred, with him talking about how even a battle fought for justice will always produce a degree of hate. However, to prevent Unicron's revival, you must have faith and a heart that ever seeks justice, and as long as you believe in that, anyone can become your comrade.<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
[[File:ArmadaRhinoxTV.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"We never had any evil gods on prehistoric Earth."]]<br />
*Optimus's busted truck wheel shrinks down considerably to fit inside Galvatron's cannon to jam it.<br />
*When Hot Shot yells "Attack!" as Unicron is transforming back into planet mode, the animation shows the Transformer fleet ''escaping'' (which would make sense), suggesting Hot Shot's line was a scripting error.<br />
*Rhinox is colored like his original [[Rhinox (BW)/toys#TM1|Transmetal toy]] instead of his ''Armada'' toy.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
[[File:Armada 52 - Prime and no Matrix.jpg|thumb|How many Autobot [[insignia]]s does he have...?]]<br />
*Does it seem like Alexis's hair grows slightly longer during the Unicron Battles?<br />
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'', Optimus and Galvatron's final battle is about settling their differences and answering the questions Sideways asked in the previous episode.<br />
*After tossing out the Matrix before his final battle to the death against Galvatron, Optimus says that he's fighting him as the leader of ''all Transformers''; since when did Optimus Prime have such an out-of-character ego? ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this notable error by having Optimus say, "I am not fighting you as a Commander but as a Transformer called Convoy!"<br />
*Rhinox makes his only physical debut in the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]]. [[Ask Vector Prime]] revealed in [[2015]] that Rhinox perished during the battle; Vector Prime also revealed that poor [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]]'s upgrades were left incomplete due to Rhinox's death.<br />
*This episode is the first time in the series where characters bleed upon receiving damage. As Optimus and Galvatron duel, parts of Unicron's insides take damage, with slightly yellowish-white liquid pouring out. Later, as the Decepticon leader rips out a pipe from Unicron's armor to use as a weapon, bright red liquid pours out from where the pipe used to be. Additionally, when Galvatron slices Prime's chest with his wrist blade, his wound is briefly highlighted with bright red.<br />
*That was a seemingly heroic sacrifice from Galvatron. ''Who knew he could be a good guy from time to time?'' His self-sacrifice isn't so heroic in the Japanese dub.<br />
*During the second-to-last shot, Prime has returned to his original colors but hasn't reclaimed the Matrix, as his Matrix compartment is visibly empty during his transformation.<br />
*Gadgets and powers:<br />
**Since being deactivated, Unicron appears to revert to planet mode as a defense mechanism automatically.<br />
**Grindor can fly in skateboard mode; "[[Base]]" and "[[Comrade]]" previously alluded to this ability.<br />
**The Mini-Con super weapons appear to be able to fly, which seems to be a common feature among Mini-Con super weapons/Powerlinxed forms, as seen with the [[Magnawing]] in ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'', the [[Energon Saber]] in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'', and the [[Umbral Blaster]] in the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act|Cybertron]]'' comic.<br />
**The Mini-Cons tap into the [[Linkage (dimension)|Linkage dimension]] to phase them and the kids through Unicron's armor.<br />
**Galvatron hasn't used his antlers to attack anyone since he went by the name "Megatron" in "[[Swoop (episode)|Swoop]]." They seem to shock opponents too. <br />
**Galvatron uses his wrist blade for the first and last time in this episode; he uses it a total of two times.<br />
**Optimus has ninja-like reflexes and can tip-toe on thin pipes. ''What a badass.''<br />
**Unicron can warp.<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*Before fighting Galvatron, Optimus declares his intention to fight as the leader of ''all Transformers''. Since when did Optimus Prime have such an out-of-character ego? ''Legends of the Micron''' fixes this major error by having Optimus state he would fight Galvatron as ''himself''.<br />
*During the end of their duel, Galvatron strikes a metal pipe in Optimus's back, who tries to pull it out unsuccessfully in a later shot, after which the pipe completely disappears.<br />
<br />
===Transformers references===<br />
*[[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] is visible in the hangar during the raid against Unicron. Because of the unanticipated success of ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'', he and the other ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' remolds were released, but they were unable to receive larger roles in [[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|the show]].<br />
<br />
===Real-world references===<br />
*The Autobot/Decepticon fighters flying and firing down Unicron's trenches are an obvious nod to ''{{w|Star Wars (film)|Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope}}'s'' [[Death Star]] trench run.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
[[File:Tf ml 01 52 comparison title card.jpg|upright=1.0|thumb|Time for kanji quiz, kids!]]<br />
*The English dub of "Mortal Combat" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 12]], 2003.<br />
*Unlike the previous 51 episodes, the title card in this episode's Japanese airing didn't have the usual alternate-reading {{w|furigana}} over the {{w|kanji}} title as seen on the right. <br />
*According to the ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'':<br />
**When the team finished making this episode, they all felt a sense of completion, like when Optimus sacrificed himself in "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]," and felt this series expanded the Transformers brand into a new direction, with it being slightly different from past iterations. The team also hopes that viewers can think about what they made.<br />
**Optimus and Galvatron's final battle is perhaps the show's crowning achievement, nothing short of spectacular. ''And how!''<br />
***The fact that Optimus fights Galvatron with his fists and ingenuity, while Galvatron uses all the weapons at his disposal and his trump card knife proves Prime is the superior fighter.<br />
**[[Munetaka Abe]]'s primary concern when animating was how to convey emotion with Optimus before the fight, since he only has eyes to go off of, unlike Galvatron. He was also surprised when he first heard about Optimus throwing the Matrix away in this episode.<br />
**[[Hidehito Ueda]] thinks "trust" is the keyword of this series, so he wanted Optimus's last message in the episode to convey that and use it as a settlement for not only what Optimus endured throughout the show, but what the team experienced while making it. <br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Unicrons Ende'''" ("Unicron's End")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 16|16 January]] [[2004]]<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''A végső csata'''" ("The Final Battle")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Combate Mortal'''" ("Mortal Combat")<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 13 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Collector's Edition ([[Universal]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzonehttps://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Depart&diff=1575392Depart2021-12-06T00:08:10Z<p>Starzone: /* Notes */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{picsneeded}}<br />
{{episode|<br />
|series=Armada<br />
|ep=41<br />
|prev=Remorse<br />
|next=Miracle<br />
|title="Depart"<br />
|furigana=たびだち<br />
|japanese=出立<!--depart--><br />
|romaji=Tabidachi<br />
|translation=Departure<br />
|image=depart.jpg<br />
|caption="You ever seen the Empire Strikes Back?" <br> "No, I don't watch crap."<br />
|production code=TF: A-41<br />
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]<br />
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]<br />
|director=[[Osamu Kamijō]],<br>[[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.)<br />
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]<br />
|airdate=[[September 5]], [[2003]] (English, Canada)<br>[[October 10]], [[2003]] (Japanese)<br>[[October 24]], [[2003]] (English, United States)<br />
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''The Autobots prepare to return to Cybertron, joined—having acquiesced to the demands of Perceptor and the other Mini-Cons—by the kids.'''<br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
[[File:Depart Minicons.jpg|thumb|200px|left]]<br />
[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] addresses the [[Mini-Con]]s collected by the [[Autobot]]s so far, announcing that they're soon going to leave for [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The kids observe how unsure the Autobot is of himself, as he invites the Mini-Cons to decide whether they want to come or not. [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] wants to go to Cybertron. [[Rad White|Rad]] follows [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]], who unexpectedly tells him in English to stay on Earth. After Rad reacts in surprise to this, High Wire beeps and wanders off, leaving the boy to wonder if he imagined it after all.<br />
<br />
Rad has breakfast with [[Rad White's parents|his parents]] and asks his father if he ever wanted to go into space. Rad's mother seems more concerned with them finishing their breakfast. The Autobots and Mini-Cons are preparing the spaceship for liftoff at the base. [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] arrive with luggage, only to be disappointed when Red Alert informs them they won't be able to come along. The other three kids watch, glumly reflecting that they most likely won't be able to come along either.<br />
<br />
[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] expresses dissatisfaction that they haven't made much progress towards Cybertron, but [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] says they have to escape Earth's gravitational pull before they go to warp.<br />
<br />
That night, Rad wakes his parents to explain the Autobots and [[Decepticon]]s and gets told to go back to bed. He dreams of the Autobot ship under attack and High Wire asking him for help. On waking abruptly, his father comes in to chat, confiding that when he was Rad's age, he dreamed of going into space too. Rad's dad also permits him to go to Cybertron, but only if Rad promises to return.<br />
<br />
The following day sees Rad interrupting Carlos brushing his teeth. Carlos is already packed, and they meet up with [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]], who's also all packed, on their way to the Autobot base.<br />
<br />
[[File:Broadside Depart.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]<br />
Hot Shot asks the Mini-Cons to step forward if they're coming to Cybertron, and they all volunteer to go. The kids arrive too, but Hot Shot refuses to let them join. Reacting to this, the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] combine into [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] and begin making a strange whistling noise. The Mini-Cons start running out of the room. Red Alert, prepping the ship for launch, is surprised when the Mini-Cons storm in and block all the control panels on the bridge. While the Autobots are confused, Perceptor announces that the humans should come along. [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] suggests taking the kids somewhere safe, but the Mini-Cons start whistling until Hot Shot capitulates.<br />
<br />
Billy and Fred turn up while everyone is piling into the ship, and Hot Shot resigns himself to letting them join too. Once everything is ready, the ship, dubbed the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'', moves along an underwater corridor to a nearby lake, where it lifts off. The kids rush to a window to see Earth from space.<br />
<br />
The Decepticons detect the Autobot ship leaving Earth. Thrust laments that their superior engines will help them pass the Decepticon ship and reach Cybertron first.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Featured characters==<br />
{{featuredcharacters<br />
|c1=<br />
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (1)<br />
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (13)<br />
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen/Hoist]] (19)<br />
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (20)<br />
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (21)<br />
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (22)<br />
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (25)<br />
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (flashback)<br />
<br />
|c2=<br />
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (28)<br />
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (29)<br />
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (30)<br />
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (31)<br />
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (32)<br />
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (38)<br />
<br />
|c3=<br />
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (14)<br />
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (15)<br />
*[[Rad White]] (16)<br />
*[[Rad White's parents|Rad's father]] (17)<br />
*[[Rad White's parents|Rad's mother]] (18)<br />
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (23)<br />
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (24)<br />
*Research center technicians (37)<br />
<br />
|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=<br />
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (2)<br />
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (3)<br />
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (4)<br />
*[[Knock Out (Armada)|Knock Out]] (5)<br />
*[[Oval]] (6)<br />
*[[Stormcloud (Armada)|Stormcloud]] (7)<br />
*[[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]] (8)<br />
*[[Buzzsaw (Armada)|Buzzsaw]] (9)<br />
*[[Spiral]] (10)<br />
*[[Waterlog (Armada)|Waterlog]] (11)<br />
*[[Wreckage (Armada)|Wreckage]] (12)<br />
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (26)<br />
*[[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] (27)<br />
*[[Oceanglide]] (33)<br />
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (34)<br />
*[[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] (35)<br />
*[[Rollbar (Armada)|Rollbar]] (36)<br />
*[[Broadside (Armada)|Broadside]] (39)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Quotes==<br />
"I think I'm going to leave it up to you to decide your own stations. And, uh, if any of you decide to join us and defeat the Decepticons once and for all, that's up to you. Oh, and if you decide to stay back here on Earth, that's okay, too."<br><br />
:—'''Hot Shot''' is the best Autobot leader ever.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Please, Red Alert. We're here to help you battle. You really think you can do it without us?"<br><br />
"You need us!"<br />
:—'''Billy''' and '''Fred''' overestimate their importance.<br />
<br />
<br />
"How many times have I told you? Sci-fi is for your friends, not your parents."<br />
:—'''Rad's mother''' doesn't want to hear about the Transformers.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Ah, but now those are just childhood memories for me. Memories of when I let my imagination run wild and the world was filled with endless possibilities."<br><br />
"Whoa, dad!"<br><br />
"Never give up on your dreams. Sometimes that's all that we have."<br />
:—'''Rad's father''' tells '''Rad''' about how it was before his soul was crushed.<br />
{{--}}<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===<br />
{{stub}}<br />
<br />
===Animation and technical errors===<br />
*More shortcuts are employed in a few shots to depict the huge number of Mini-Cons amassed by the Autobots so far, at one point making it look like they've assembled into color-coordinated lines.<br />
<br />
===Continuity notes===<br />
[[File:Depart Speed Team Generics.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Is this the missing [[Exdimensions]] Mini-Con team?]]<br />
*High Wire speaks English for the first time.<br />
*After Rad mentioned them in the [[First Encounter|first episode]], his parents finally appear in the series.<br />
*The [[Street Speed Mini-Con Team]]-based generics appear again in this episode. Those Mini-Cons previously appeared in "[[Rescue]]" and "[[Tactician]]."<br />
<br />
===Continuity errors===<br />
*When High Wire talks for the first time, he says: "No, Rad. You must stay here." Yet, later in the episode, when Rad flashes back to that moment, High Wires says: "Journey with us." Since the Mini-Cons are later striking to let the kids join them, the first statement appears incorrect.<br />
<br />
===Transformers references===<br />
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'':<br />
**Blurr and Wheeljack were named after their ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' counterparts in the Japanese dub, [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] and [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]] respectively.<br />
**The ''Axalon'' got its name from the [[Axalon (BW)|ship]] the [[Maximal]]s used in ''Beast Wars''.<br />
<br />
===Trivia===<br />
*This episode's English dub features an entirely new [[title sequence]], which unfortunately spoils Optimus Prime's return, and "The Unicron Battles" now appears as a subtitle.<br />
*Two days travel, and the Decepticons are still in scanner range of Earth? Tell Tidal Wave to pedal faster!<br />
*Rad's father complains about how Rad's room is a huge mess, yet when we see Rad's bedroom floor a moment earlier, there's no sign of the "clutter" his father means.<br />
*Looking out his bathroom window, Carlos asks Rad what he's doing with his backpack on a Saturday. Rad's parents discuss him leaving for school early in the next scene. If they have classes on Saturdays, Carlos shouldn't be surprised, but if they don't, Rad's parents apparently can't even keep track of what day it is.<br />
*The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' reveals that:<br />
**[[Takeshi Sano]] thinks Rad's parents are a bit pathetic; however, he believes Mr. White is a good dad but says that Mrs. White is a little scary.<br />
**Fred's dad is the Cosmoscope Laboratory director, making him Rad's father's boss.<br />
**Billy and Fred didn't go into space with the others in the initial treatment.<br />
*This episode is one of the show's few that doesn't have a battle; "[[Carnival]]" and "[[Vacation]]" share this trait.<br />
<br />
===Foreign localization===<br />
'''German'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Ab nach Cybertron!'''" ("Let's go to Cybertron!")<br />
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 11|11 December]] [[2003]]<br />
<br />
'''Hungarian'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Indulás'''" ("Start")<br />
<br />
'''Portuguese'''<br />
:*''Title:'' "'''Partida'''" ("Departure")<br />
<br />
==Home video releases==<br />
{{homevidnote}}<br />
;DVD<br />
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 11 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]])<br><br />
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.<br><br />
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armada episodes]]</div>Starzone