Editing Thief in the Night

{{episode|
|series=G1toon
|series2=2010
|ep=76
|ep2=6
|prev2=Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5
|next2=Starscream's Ghost
|image=ThiefNight Trypticon monuments.JPG
|caption=Looks more like a "Thief in the Day" to us.
|title="Thief in the Night"
|production code=700-96
|airdate=[[October 6]], 1986
|written by=[[Paul Davids]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|animation studio=[[AKOM]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Octane steals Trypticon in an attempt to use him to control the Decepticons.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:ThiefNight Seaspray Broadside.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Thundersub! Oh wait, wrong universe.]]

[[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]], [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], and the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] are reviewing the footage of [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s battle with [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. Grimlock declares that he wants to see the "good part", where Metroplex destroyed Trypticon, but [[Teletraan II]] states that Trypticon survived the encounter. [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] and [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] travel to where Trypticon landed in the ocean, and learn that he walked underwater to avoid being caught.

Meanwhile, the [[Triple Changer]] [[Octane (G1)|Octane]] is nursing Trypticon back to health, using [[energon]] made from the [[oil]] of [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Carbombya]]. Octane hopes that with Trypticon to back him up, he can overthrow [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] and become [[Decepticon leader|leader]] of the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]]. However, [[Abdul Fakkadi (G1)|Abdul Fakkadi]], the leader of the desert nation, is unhappy with Trypticon's constant consumption of oil. Fakkadi demands that the two Decepticons leave, or he will call the [[Autobot|Autobots]]. Octane offers to bring Fakkadi [[gold]] in exchange for being able to stay, but Fakkadi declares that it would take all the gold of the [[United States of America|United States]] to allow them to stay. The simple answer? Octane has Trypticon steal [[Fort Knox]].

Pacified, Fakkadi agrees to allow the Decepticons to remain in Carbombya until the next crescent moon, and Trypticon is put under strict ration of one thousand barrels a day. Octane declares that Trypticon will starve, and negotiates a new plan: give Fakkadi a new palace, and he will let them stay and have more oil. To make Fakkadi "more happy", Trypticon steals the [[Taj Mahal]]. 

[[Image:ThiefNight Autobots investigate.JPG|right|200px|thumb|What we looking at?]]

While the Autobots investigate the disappearance of Fort Knox ('cause that's something that directly involves the Autobots), Grimlock finds [[Energon cube|energon cubes]] which he says "smell different". As Perceptor begins analyzing the energon, Grimlock also smells [[dinosaur transform static]], and fears one of his own [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] may have been involved. Metroplex decides to interrogate all the Dinobots. 

At Carbombya, Fakkadi is pleased, declaring that with enough monuments, they will soon have a thriving tourist attraction. However, Galvatron has been tracking down Trypticon. He declares Octane a traitor, saying he stole Trypticon from [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]]. Thinking fast, Octane claims that he brought Trypticon to Carbombya to help him get better, with a more powerful form of energon, and tosses Galvatron a cube. As Trypticon says nothing to contradict the story, Galvatron takes a swig, and finds that it ''is'' stronger.

Meanwhile, [[Six-Gun (G1)|Six-Gun]] and [[Scamper (G1)|Scamper]] are interrogating the Dinobots, as well as [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], under the watchful eye of Metroplex. Sky Lynx angrily objects to being called a Dinobot, and refuses to participate. Perceptor runs in declaring that the energon Grimlock found was made via a Decepticon formula, with Carbombyan oil. Perceptor believes that Trypticon is responsible for the thefts. Broadside takes the Aerialbots to investigate, and spots the two stolen buildings. However, Trypticon surfaces, carrying the [[Eiffel Tower]]. Galvatron and Octane are explaining to Fakkadi that the Decepticons will supply Carbombya with more buildings, such as the [[Kremlin]], while they take over the oil fields. However, Trypticon spots the Aerialbots, and converts to battle mode, forcing the Aerialbots to retreat. 

[[Image:ThiefNight Metroplex Kremlin.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to become a tall building in a single bound!]]

Having learned that Trypticon intends to take the Kremlin, the Autobots head to [[Moscow]], but Metroplex is late. In the night fog, Trypticon arrives and steals the Kremlin, but Metroplex interrupts him. Metroplex takes back the Kremlin while Trypticon flees, and the [[Soviet Union|Soviet government]] accuses the Autobots of the theft, as does [[India]]. Grimlock laments the Autobots' sad fate.

[[Image:ThiefNight Metroplex Trypticon.JPG|right|200px|thumb|"Trypticon, I wouldn't trust you as far as I could thr—uh, wait..."]]

At Carbombya, Fakkadi is recording a message to send to the Autobots, authorizing them to invade Carbombya and attack the Decepticons. Galvatron, however, simply locks up the dictator. Rodimus, the Dinobots, the Aerialbots, Metroplex, and Broadside arrive to fight off the Decepticons, and Metroplex throws Trypticon into the ocean (again). Without Trypticon to even the odds, Galvatron orders the 'Cons to retreat. Metroplex returns the monuments, clearing the Autobots' name. Rodimus asks Fakkadi to never ally with the Decepticons again. Fakkadi promises the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] that he will not, swearing by the livestock of his various family members.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (2)
* [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] (3)
* [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (4)
* [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] (5)
* [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (6)
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (7)
* [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (8)
* [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] (9)
* [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (10)
* [[Teletraan II]] (11)
* [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] (12)
* [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] (13)
* [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] (21)
* [[Slammer]] (28)
* [[Six-Gun (G1)|Six-Gun]] (29)
* [[Scamper (G1)|Scamper]] (30)
* [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (31)
* [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (32)
* [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (33)
* [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (34)
* [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] (35)
* [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (40)
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (41)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (42)
|c2=
* [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (1)
* [[Octane (G1)|Octane]] (16)
* [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (22)
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (23)
* [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (24)
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (25)
* [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (26)
* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (27)
* [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] (39)
* [[Sweep]] (43)
|c3=
* Luxury Cruises captain (14)
* Luxury Cruises passengers (15)
* [[Abdul Fakkadi (G1)|Abdul Fakkadi]] (17)
* Fakkadi's lackeys (18)
* US Army officer (19)
* Private [[Dixson]] (20)
* Soviet army officer (36)
* Soviet news broadcaster (37)
* Indian news broadcaster (38)
}}

==Quotes==
"Trypticon and me wanna turn your country into a paradise!"<br>
"It already ''is'' a paradise"
:—'''Octane'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s offer elicits an icy response from '''Abdul Fakkadi'''.


'''Galvatron''': You're a traitor, Octane! You had no permission to take Trypticon away from Dinobot Island! I needed Trypticon for my plans of conquering the Earth. Now, thanks to you, he may never recover!<br>
'''Octane''': But you got it all wrong, Galvatron! Me and Trypticon found this fantastic new type of energon. It's helping Trypticon get all better real quick! Try some, you'll love it!<br>
'''Trypticon''': Drink! Drink and CRUSH!<br>
'''Galvatron''': That's good! Makes me feel stronger, more powerful!
:—Galvatron is soothed by Octane and Trypticon


"Why am I under investigation? I'm not a Dinobot."<br>
"Ya got Dinosaur electrons in yer circuits, Sky Lynx."<br>
"Never the less, I am ''definitely'' not a Dinobot! I refuse to participate in this...kangaroo court!"
:—'''Sky Lynx''' denounces '''Six-Gun''''s prosecution skills.


"Me Grimlock say this grim. Whole world thinks Autobots are building snatchers."
:—'''Grimlock''' laments the Autobots' sad fate.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical errors===
[[File:ThiefNight Fakkadi holding gold.jpg|thumb|right|200px|I said, when I woke up this morning, I heard a disturbing sound! What I heard was the jingle-jangle of a thousand lost souls!]]
[[File:G1 Six-Gun.jpg|thumb|right|100px|Don't be lost when the time comes!]]
[[File:Thiefinthenight trypticon steals kremlin.jpg|thumb|right|200px|<i>Well let us all, all go back<br>Back to the old, old landmark!</i>]]
*In the second shot of the episode (people running away from Trypticon), the woman in orange is missing her eyes.
*In Teletraan II's recap (of "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4"), Metroplex is shown throwing Trypticon over an icy environment (it was actually more like a desert), and Trypticon slides over a flat-topped brown cliffside on his way into the ocean (he actually ''bounced'' over some ''grey'' cliffs).
*When Rodimus Prime, Perceptor, Grimlock, and the Aerialbots are watching the footage on the battle of Metroplex and Trypticon, Grimlock is seen in robot mode from behind. When he starts to talk, he is in dinosaur mode.
* Abdul's throne has five steps in front of it. When he starts talking to his men about Octane and Trypticon, he walks down three of the steps. Two shots later, he takes two steps forwards, and then the shot changes and he's suddenly only on the third step and needs to take three more to reach the main floor.
* Speaking of the steps, they start out as a small platform around his throne but are much larger a few shots later.
* Once again, the commercial bumpers have an extra second or two of music.
* Abdul's medals (especially the one with white and red stripes) change colors and shapes during his chat with Octane after the Fort Knox heist.
* As Grimlock notices the energon cubes around the Fort Knox site, the top of his head disappears a few times.
* As Octane notes their partnership, there are six lines around the top of his Decepticon logo instead of four.
* Trypticon clips through the left side of the Taj Mahal as he steals it.
* In the first shot of Galvatron's troops, Cyclonus is missing half his left leg (and the top half is blue instead of grey) and Dirge is colored as Beachcomber.
* A few shots later, there are two Ramjets behind Galvatron. Note that Ramjet does not appear in the rest of the episode.
* When we pan down from Metroplex (in robot mode) to see Six-Gun for his first (and only) animated appearance, Metroplex is still wearing the shoulder cannons that supposedly form Six-Gun's arms.
* As Perceptor notes that the Dinobots are innocent, his Autobot logo is framed in black instead of white.
* Despite the dialogue, the building Trypticon attempts to steal from Moscow is not the [[wikipedia:Moscow_Kremlin|Kremlin]] but nearby [[wikipedia:Saint_Basil's_Cathedral|Saint Basil's Cathedral]].
* When the Autobots jump off Broadside, Grimlock disappears.
* When the Autobots are shown firing after Trypticon is hurled into the ocean, there are three Rodimus Primes, two Perceptors, and two [[Blurr (G1)|Blurrs]].
*When the Decepticons fly into Carbombya to retrieve Trypticon, their ranks include [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] miscolored as [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]].
* After Galvatron shoots Octane's energon cube, in a shot there are two Thrusts walking behind him.

===Continuity errors===
* This episode is actually set before "[[Starscream's Ghost]]" as it explains why Galvatron has it in for Octane. Except it doesn't actually explain that - Galvatron is no longer on bad terms with Octane at the end of the episode. Put it down to Galvatron's insanity. In real-life production terms, Octane's role in "Starscream's Ghost" was originally meant for Blitzwing, accounting for the somewhat wonky continuity with this episode.
* The Luxury Cruises captain says that Carbombya is off the ship's starboard bow. The country is actually on the port side of the ship.
* Considering that Fakkadi hired Trypticon and Octane to keep the American "imperialist fanatic" tourists away from Carbombya, it is rather unclear why he would desire his nation to become a tourist mecca via the appropriated world monuments. Did he suddenly realize the economic potential of having foreigners bringing their money to his country?
* It's pretty weird that Teletraan II didn't immediately inform the Autobots that a robot as dangerous as Trypticon was still alive.
* First Trypticon crunches the energon cubes, then they melt in his mouth, then he drinks from them.
* In this episode, energon cubes take on a rusted brownish color when emptied. Previously, they became clear when drained of energy, such as when the Decepticons got "over-energized" during the episode "[[Microbots]]".
* ''Nobody'' noticed Trypticon as he just strolled up to Fort Knox? What about all the guards who are supposed to be around the main building?
* Given their need for the energon cubes, why did Octane and Trypticon just leave several laying there at Fort Knox?
* Abdul just gets away with helping the Decepticons. Even if he denied responsibility, what is his explanation for all those priceless buildings in his country? You'd think Rodimus would at least want to take him in to prove to the world that the Autobots weren't responsible for the thefts.
* Amazing that the various buildings that Trypticon stole weren't damaged while he stole them.
* Amazing that Abdul wasn't held slightly accountable for the deaths of the soldiers crushed by the falling gold in Fort Knox.
* Amazing that after being carried by hand to a separate hemisphere the gold bars are still stacked neatly in Fort Knox.
* Amazing that all the gold of the United States was stacked so neatly when it was last seen falling on soldiers.
* Amazing that all the gold of the United States was not slathered in red, human blood after crushing and smashing American soldiers.
* Okay, seriously... [[dinosaur transform static]]? WTF?
* Although this episode is set in the year 2006, the [[Soviet Union]] still exists. In the real world, the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991.

===Continuity notes===
* Trypticon had been taken to [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]] in an attempt to help him recover. When the Decepticons last [[Dinobot Island, Part 2|visited the island]], they had been attacked by the [[Dinosaur (dinosaur)|natives]].

===Real-world references===
* While the title is a rather literal description of Trypticon's activities, the phrase comes from the [[Wikipedia:Bible|Bible]], regarding the second coming of [[Jesus]]: [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%204:16-5:2;&amp;version=31; "The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night."]

===Trivia===
*This was one of twelve episodes of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original cartoon]] released as audio adventures by the  [[Germany|German]] company [[Karussell|Karussell Musik und Video]].
* Trypticon is the most energy inefficient robot ever. Seriously.

===Foreign localization===

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Wie ein Dieb in der Nacht'''" ("Like a Thief in the Night")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?


'''Japanese''' 
:*''Title:'' メトロフレックスVSダイナザウラー (''Metroflex VS Dinosaurer'')
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 19]], [[1986]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1991 — ''Transformers'' — Thief in the Night / Surprise Party ([[Tempo Video]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only.<br>
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])<br>
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 1: Vol. 2 (Rhino Entertainment)<br>
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 3 and Season 4 ([[Metrodome]])<br>
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 4: Series 3.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]])<br>
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome)<br>
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)<br>
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season's Three & Four {{sic}} (Metrodome)<br>
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment)<br>
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]])<br>
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2010 — ''The Transformers'' — Seasons Three & Four: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

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


[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]