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[[Image:opdestroycons.jpg|right|300px|thumb|You'll believe a giant robotic scorpion can fly.]]
{{episode|
|series=headmasters
|ep=31
|title="Operation: Destroy the Decepticons"
|japanese=デストロン全滅作戦
|romaji=Destron Zenmetsu Sakusen
|translation=
|image=Opdestroycons.jpg
|caption=You'll believe a giant robotic scorpion can fly.  
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|writer=[[Yoshihisa Araki]]
|director=[[Katsutoshi Sasaki]]
|animation studio=Toei
|airdate=[[March 11|11 March]] 1988
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}


{{episodenav|headmasters|31|prev=The Zarak Shield Turns the Tide|next=My Friend Sixshot!}}
'''The Autobot Headmasters team up with the young warriors of planet Master for an attack on the Decepticons, but when things go wrong, the Master Sword and the Zarak Shield finally meet in combat!'''


The [[Autobot]] [[Headmaster]]s team up with the [[Headmaster Warrior|young warriors]] of planet [[Master (Headmasters)|Master]] for an attack on the Decepticons, but when things go wrong, the [[Master Sword]] and the [[Zarak Shield]] finally meet in combat!
==Synopsis==
[[File:HM31 endless meetings.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|"Battle plans? I thought this was our usual Thursday poker night."]]
As [[Raiden]] and [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] repair the damage to Battleship Maximus caused by [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]]'s bombs, [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] and the [[Autobot]]s discuss strategies while [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] take out their frustrations on video games. Fortress fears that [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] is going to make a fresh attempt at blowing up the [[Earth]] for its [[plasma energy]], and the [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s advocate a divide and conquer tactic, separating the [[Decepticon]]s and luring them into space to pick them off, thereby isolating Scorponok. [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] opposes the plan, fearing that the expanse of space is too vast a battleground, and the chance of the enemy escaping is too great. The Targetmasters dismiss his reservations and depart on a scouting mission; Chromedome is not best pleased about this, nor about the fact that Fortress also agrees with their plan because of the low risk to planet [[Master (planet)|Master]] itself.


*'''English/Malay dub name:''' "The Full-Scale Assault"
A short time later, Chromedome leads his fellow [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s on a winding path through a mountainous region—his three companions all agree that the Targetmasters shouldn't be allowed to boss them around, and Chromedome is leading them to the staging ground of a plan of his own. The team arrives at an abandoned mine, which, it is revealed, is being used as a staging base by [[Autobot Master Warrior|a group of young warriors-in-training]] to organize a strike against the Decepticons. They are greeted by the leader, [[Kirk]], and begin planning a strategy with him.


[[File:HM31 Chromedome outlines plan.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"...and I'll draw some horsies here..."]]
Meanwhile, [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]], his cassettes and the Decepticon Targetmaster partners are patrolling the area around the Decepticons' new base of operations, hidden within a mountain. They spot the approaching Autobot Targetmasters and alert the base—[[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] and the Decepticon Headmasters and Targetmasters attack the three Autobots en masse, and succeeding surrounding them.


==Detailed synopsis==
Back at the mine, Chromedome presents his strategy to an uneasy [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]]—to lure the Decepticons into the confines of a cloudy mountain range nearby, thereby trapping them and leaving them open to attack. Just then, [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] and [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] enter with a report from an aerial scout craft, revealing the Autobot Targetmasters' predicament. The location of this conflict allows the Chromedome to deduce the location of the Decepticon base and put the final touches to his plan, although he is left to wonder where on the map the Decepticons will make their appearance when they exit their base. At the same moment, that same scout craft distracts the attention of the Decepticon Headmasters, giving the Targetmasters the opening they need to break through the enemy barrage and escape. Returning to Battleship Maximus, they come across a battery of guns manned by young Master warriors, and suspect Chromedome's hand in their mobilization.


As [[Raiden]] and [[Defensor]] repair the damage to Battleship Maximus caused by [[Weirdwolf]]'s bombs, [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] and the Autobots discuss strategies while [[Daniel Witwicky|Daniel]] and [[Wheelie]] take out their frustrations on video games. Fortress fears that [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] is going to make a fresh attempt at blowing up the [[Earth]] for it's [[plasma energy]], and the [[Targetmaster]]s advocate a divide and conquer tactic, separating the Decepticons and luring them into space to pick them off, thereby isolating Scorponok. [[Chromedome]] opposes the plan, fearing that the expanse of space is too vast a battleground, and the chance of the enemy escaping is too great. The Targetmasters dismiss his reservations and depart on a scouting mission; Chromedome is not best pleased about this, not about the fact that Fortress also agrees with their plan because of the low risk to planet Master itself.
[[File:HM31 Decepticons under attack.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|The other Transformers are like insects to Scorponok...which is kinda ironic if you think about it.]]
Back at the Decepticon base, Soundblaster reports his discovery of the alliance of the Autobot Headmasters and the Master warriors, just Scorponok announces his plan to strike at the centre of the nearby city. Just as the Targetmasters report their discovery to Fortress, prompting him to telepathically contact Chromedome to determine the truth of the matter, the Decepticons make their move—Scorponok emerges from beneath the city itself, appearing in its very heart, throwing everything into chaos as the Autobots and Master warriors are caught off-guard by this unexpected tactic. As the Targetmasters gun down civilians, the two groups of Headmasters meet in battle, which tips in favor of the Autobots when [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] accidentally afflicts [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] with his hypnosis. Just then, a fleet of ships piloted by the Master warriors appear in the sky and bombard Scorponok and the Decepticons with firepower—even the multiplying powers of Sixshot are no match for the combined might of the warriors and Headmasters, and Scorponok is unable to spare the energy to transform to robot mode.


A short time later, Chromedome leads his fellow Headmasters on a winding path through a mountainous region - his three companions all agree that the Targetmasters shouldn't be allowed to boss them around, and Chromedome is leading them to the staging ground of a plan of his own. The team arrives at an abandoned mine, which, it is revealed, is being used as a staging base by a group of young warriors-in-training to organize a strike against the Decepticons. They are greeted by the leader, [[Kirk]], and begin planning a strategy with him.
[[File:Hm31 fortmax defeated.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|This could have gone better.]]
Battleship Maximus, meanwhile, is approaching the city, and arrives just as the warriors manage to successfully force the Decepticons into the midst of the cloudy mountain peaks. However, Chromedome has failed to account for one major flaw in his plan, which the Decepticons immediately exploit—by using the clouds to ''conceal'' themselves! Striking from hidden positions beneath the clouds, the Decepticons down the vast majority of the ships, including Kirk's, and Fortress convinces Chromedome to call retreat. Scorponok orders the Decepticons to pull out and make for Earth, but Fortress has other plans—transforming to Fortress Maximus, he bars their way. But this is the chance Scorponok has been waiting for, as he too assumes his robot mode, and [[Master Sword]] meets [[Zarak Shield]] in a mighty clash... and the Zarak Shield emerges triumphant!


Meanwhile, [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundblaster]], his cassettes and the Decepticon Targetmaster partners are patrolling the area around the Decepticons' new base of operations, hidden within a mountain. They spot the approaching Autobot Targetmasters and alert the base - [[Sixshot]] and the Decepticon Headmasters and Targetmasters attack the three Autobots en masse, and succeeding surrounding them.
With Fortress Maximus downed and the Decepticons on their way to Earth, Chromedome moves to follow them, but Pointblank stops him and forces him to realize the damage and loss of life his strategy has caused. Kirk stumbles from the wreckage of his craft, and Chromedome apologises for putting his life in danger; Kirk says that he is equally to blame, as he was well aware of what he was getting himself into. The two friends shake hands, and soon after, Battleship Maximus heads back into space, hot on the trail of the Decepticons.


Back at the mine, Chromedome presents his strategy to an uneasy [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] - to lure the Decepticons into the confines of a cloudy mountain range nearby, thereby trapping them and leaving them open to attack. Just then, [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] and [[Brainstorm]] enter with a report from an aerial scout craft, revealing the Autobot Targetmasters' predicament.  The location of this conflict allows the Chromedome to deduce the location of the Decepticon base and put the final touches to his plan, although he is left to wonder where on the map the Decepticons will make their appearance when they exit their base. At the same moment, that same scout craft distracts the attention of the Decepticon Headmasters, giving the Targetmasters the opening they need to break through the enemy barrage and escape. Returning to Battleship Maximus, they come across a battery of guns manned by young Master warriors, and suspect Chromedome's hand in their mobilization.
==Featured characters==
 
{{featuredcharacters
Back at the Decepticon base, Soundblaster reports his discovery of the alliance of the Autobot Headmasters and the Master warriors, just Scorponok announces his plan to strike at the centre of the nearby city. Just as the Targetmasters report their discovery to Fortress, prompting him to telepathically contact Chromedome to determine the truth of the matter, the Decepticons make their move - Scorponok emerges from beneath the city itself, appearing in its very heart, throwing everything into chaos as the Autobots and Master warriors are caught off-guard by this unexpected tactic. As the Targetmasters gun down civilians, the two groups of Headmasters meet in battle, which tips in favor of the Autobots when [[Mindwipe]] accidentally afflicts [[Skullcruncher]] with his hypnosis. Just then, a fleet of ships piloted by the Master warriors appear in the sky and bombard Scorponok and the Decepticons with firepower - even the multiplying powers of Sixshot are no match for the combined might of the warriors and Headmasters, and Scorponok is unable to spare the energy to transform to robot mode.
|c1=
 
Battleship Maximus, meanwhile, is approaching the city, and arrives just as the warriors manage to successfully force the Decepticons into the midst of the cloudy mountain peaks. However, Chromedome has failed to account for one major flaw in his plan, which the Decepticons immediately exploit - by using the clouds to ''conceal'' themselves! Striking from hidden positions beneath the clouds, the Decepticons down the vast majority of the ships, including Kirk's, and Fortress convinces Chromedome to call retreat. Scorponok orders the Decepticons to pull out and make for Earth, but Fortress has other plans - transforming to Fortress Maximus, he bars their way. But this is the chance Scorponok has been waiting for, as he too assumes his robot mode, and [[Master Sword]] meets [[Zarak Shield]] in a mighty clash... and the Zarak Shield emerges triumphant!
 
With Fortress Maximus  downed and the Decepticons on their way to Earth, Chromedome moves to follow them, but Pointblank stops him and forces him to realize the damage and loss of life his strategy has caused. Kirk stumbles from the wreckage of his craft, and Chromedome apologises for putting his life in danger; Kirk says that he is equally to blame, as he was well aware of what he was getting himself into. The two friends shake hands, and soon after, Battleship Maximus heads back into space, hot on the trail of the Decepticons.
 
==Stats==
 
'''Original airdate:''' 11th March 1988
 
===Featured Characters===
(''Numbers indicate order of appearance.)''
{|border=5 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=5 align=center style="border:#800000"
 
! style="background:#FFEEEE" | [[Autobots]]
! style="background:#EEEEFE" | [[Decepticons]]
! style="background:antiquewhite" | [[Human|Humans]]
|-
| style="background:#FFEEEE" valign="top" |
*[[Raiden]] (1)
*[[Raiden]] (1)
*[[Defensor]] (2)
*[[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (2)
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] (3)
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] (3)
*[[Brainstorm]] (4)
*[[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] (4)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (5)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (5)
*[[Pinpointer]] (6)
*[[Pinpointer (G1)|Pinpointer]] (6)
*[[Peacemaker]] (7)
*[[Peacemaker]] (7)
*[[Spoilsport]] (8)
*[[Spoilsport]] (8)
*[[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (9)
*[[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (9)
*[[Crosshairs]] (10)
*[[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] (10)
*[[Pointblank]] (11)
*[[Pointblank]] (11)
*[[Sureshot]] (12)
*[[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] (12)
*[[Chromedome]] (13)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (13)
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (14)
*[[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]] (14)
*[[Wheelie]] (18)
*[[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (18)
*[[Rodney]]? (20)
*[[Rodney]]? (20)
*[[Loafer]]? (21)
*[[Loafer]]? (21)
Line 57: Line 61:
*[[Toraizer]]? (36)
*[[Toraizer]]? (36)


| style="background:#EEEEFE" valign="top" |
|c2=
*[[Misfire]] (15)
*[[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] (15)
*[[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]] (16)
*[[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]] (16)
*[[Triggerhappy]] (17)
*[[Triggerhappy (G1)|Triggerhappy]] (17)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundblaster]] (23)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]] (23)
*[[Ratbat]] (24)
*[[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] (24)
*[[Rumble]] (25)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (25)
*[[Ravage]] (26)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (26)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (27)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (27)
*[[Caliburst]] (28)
*[[Caliburst (G1)|Caliburst]] (28)
*[[Blowpipe]] (29)
*[[Blowpipe (G1)|Blowpipe]] (29)
*[[Aimless]] (30)
*[[Aimless]] (30)
*[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] (31)
*[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] (31)
*[[Sixshot]] (32)
*[[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] (32)
*[[Weirdwolf]] (33)
*[[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] (33)
*[[Skullcruncher]] (34)
*[[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] (34)
*[[Mindwipe]] (35)
*[[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (35)
*[[Battletrap]] (37)
*[[Battletrap (G1)|Battletrap]] (37)
*[[Abominus]] (38)
*[[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] (38)


| style="background:antiquewhite" valign="top" |
|c3=
*[[Daniel Witwicky]] (19)
*[[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (19)
|}
}}


==Other notes==
==Quotes==
{{note|The following quotes are from the [[Omni Productions]] dub.}}
"There's some highly explosive weapons here."<br />
"Do you think the warriors of planet Julian will come to attack here?"
:—'''Pointblank''' and '''Sureshot''', the latter of whom appears to be making up new planets.


===Animation and/or technical glitches===


*Throughout this episode, several robots appear based on the animation models of the [[Headmaster Warrior]]s. The only referred to by name is Kirk, but his color scheme is ''nothing'' like his actual toy, leaving it unclear whether or not any of the generic, unnamed robots are intended to be the actual characters, afflicted with a similar case of color-blindness. See the characters' own articles for details.
"Hrh, this is the wrong time! We always get the difficult ones. If only I could enlarge myself. I can't—I can't waste any more power."
:—'''Scorponok'''


===Transformers references===


"You're not dead...that's great."
:—'''Chromedome''' sure sounds glad '''Kirk''' is still alive.
==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Battleship Maximus was damaged in the previous episode.
*Battleship Maximus was damaged in the previous episode.
*Scorponok has been working on the Zarak Shield since "[[The Master Sword Is in Danger!!]]".
*Scorponok has been working on the Zarak Shield since "[[The Master Sword Is in Danger!!]]".
*Daniel is using his video game light gun (originally introduced in "[[Find MegaZarak's Weak Spot!!]]") again in this episode - it's back to just being a toy now, after being upgraded into a real pistol by [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] in "The Master Sword is in Danger!!"
*Daniel is using his [[Challenge Blaster]] (which originally introduced in "[[Find MegaZarak's Weak Spot!!]]") again in this episode—it's back to just being a toy now, after being upgraded into a real pistol by Highbrow in "The Master Sword is in Danger!!"
*Skullcruncher has previously been accidentally hypnotised by Mindwipe in both "[[Four Warriors Come Out Of The Sky]]" and "[[Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger]]."
*Skullcruncher has previously been accidentally hypnotised by Mindwipe in both "[[Four Warriors Come out of the Sky]]" and "[[Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger]]".
 
===Animation and technical errors===
*Defensor's left arm ([[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]]) should have the word "EMERGENCY" written on the side of it. Instead the bottom half has "TCMEGRIE". Close enough?
*Throughout this episode, several robots appear based on the animation models of the [[Autobot Master Warrior]]s. The only referred to by name is Kirk, but his color scheme is ''nothing'' like his actual toy, leaving it unclear whether or not any of the generic, unnamed robots are intended to be the actual characters, afflicted with a similar case of color-blindness. See the characters' own articles for details.
*After the Targetmasters are discovered by the Decepticons and begin charging up the side of the mountain, Sureshot's red parts are colored purple.
*As Soundblaster reports that the Autobot Headmasters are working with the Autobot Master Warriors, he's drawn as Soundwave, but with his Soundblaster color scheme.
 
===Trivia===
[[File:Fortress using telepathy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*"[[Tate! Ikari no Headmasters]]" plays once more as Fortress Maximus and Scorponok battle. This time, however, the Malaysian dub does ''not'' cut the song out.
*Fortress, in his giant head alternate mode, is totally seen using a giant-sized version of Professor X's Cerebro to communicate with Chromedome telepathically.
*Japanese puns are never easy to translate to English. When Chromedome meets up with Kirk and the other Headmasters ask who the others are, Chromedome answers "They're our comrades" using ''dōshi'', as in 同士 or 同志 for "comrade" (although 同士 would be more appropriate). Highbrow repeats "Dōshi?", to which Hardhead supplies "Dōshi... yō", as in どうしよう for "what to do". Chromedome then admonishes them that it's no time for puns. Easier said than done.
*When discussing the Decepticons' hiding spot, Kirk notes 灯台下暗し (''tōdai moto kurashi''), meaning "can't see the forest for the trees" (lit. "It's darkest at the base of the lighthouse").
 
===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''The Full-Scale Assault'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 14]], [[1993]]
 
 
:*''Title:'' "'''Operation: Destroy the Decepticons'''" ([[Shout! Factory]] sub)
::*The review of the last episode shown before the title card is omitted.<!--
::*Another instances of Mindwipe's hypnosis warrant more "blind as a bat..." utterances.-->
 
 
'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il piano disperato di Duobot'''" ("Chromedome's desperate plan")
 
 
'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Kuáng Pài /Bàtiānhǔ Jiānmièzhàn '''" (狂派/霸天虎歼灭战, "The War of Annihilation on the Decepticons")
 
 
'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Polnomasshtabnoye napadeniye'''" (Полномасштабное нападение, "Full Scale Attack")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 10]], [[1994]]


===Miscellaneous trivia===
==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|omni}}
;Laserdisc
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1996 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2002 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' — DVD Box ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.<br>
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — The Takara Collection Vol 1 — ''Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Metrodome]])<br>
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome)<br>
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Madman Entertainment]])<br>
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)<br>
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Headmasters'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only.<br>
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' (Shout! Factory) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only.


*''[[Arise! Headmaster of Anger]]'' plays once more as Fortress Maximus and Scorponok battle. This time, however, the Malaysian dub does ''not'' cut the song out.
*Fortress, in his giant head alt mode, is totally seen using a giant-sized version of Professor X's Cerebro to communicate with Chromedome telepathically.


[[Category:Headmasters episodes]]
[[Category:The Headmasters episodes]]

Latest revision as of 10:05, 27 July 2025

Transformers: The Headmasters ep 31

You'll believe a giant robotic scorpion can fly.
"Operation: Destroy the Decepticons"
デストロン全滅作戦 ()
(Destron Zenmetsu Sakusen)
Production company Takara, Toei
Airdate 11 March 1988
Writer Yoshihisa Araki
Director Katsutoshi Sasaki
Animation studio Toei
Continuity Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity

The Autobot Headmasters team up with the young warriors of planet Master for an attack on the Decepticons, but when things go wrong, the Master Sword and the Zarak Shield finally meet in combat!

Synopsis

[edit]
"Battle plans? I thought this was our usual Thursday poker night."

As Raiden and Defensor repair the damage to Battleship Maximus caused by Weirdwolf's bombs, Fortress and the Autobots discuss strategies while Daniel and Wheelie take out their frustrations on video games. Fortress fears that Scorponok is going to make a fresh attempt at blowing up the Earth for its plasma energy, and the Targetmasters advocate a divide and conquer tactic, separating the Decepticons and luring them into space to pick them off, thereby isolating Scorponok. Chromedome opposes the plan, fearing that the expanse of space is too vast a battleground, and the chance of the enemy escaping is too great. The Targetmasters dismiss his reservations and depart on a scouting mission; Chromedome is not best pleased about this, nor about the fact that Fortress also agrees with their plan because of the low risk to planet Master itself.

A short time later, Chromedome leads his fellow Headmasters on a winding path through a mountainous region—his three companions all agree that the Targetmasters shouldn't be allowed to boss them around, and Chromedome is leading them to the staging ground of a plan of his own. The team arrives at an abandoned mine, which, it is revealed, is being used as a staging base by a group of young warriors-in-training to organize a strike against the Decepticons. They are greeted by the leader, Kirk, and begin planning a strategy with him.

"...and I'll draw some horsies here..."

Meanwhile, Soundblaster, his cassettes and the Decepticon Targetmaster partners are patrolling the area around the Decepticons' new base of operations, hidden within a mountain. They spot the approaching Autobot Targetmasters and alert the base—Sixshot and the Decepticon Headmasters and Targetmasters attack the three Autobots en masse, and succeeding surrounding them.

Back at the mine, Chromedome presents his strategy to an uneasy Highbrow—to lure the Decepticons into the confines of a cloudy mountain range nearby, thereby trapping them and leaving them open to attack. Just then, Hardhead and Brainstorm enter with a report from an aerial scout craft, revealing the Autobot Targetmasters' predicament. The location of this conflict allows the Chromedome to deduce the location of the Decepticon base and put the final touches to his plan, although he is left to wonder where on the map the Decepticons will make their appearance when they exit their base. At the same moment, that same scout craft distracts the attention of the Decepticon Headmasters, giving the Targetmasters the opening they need to break through the enemy barrage and escape. Returning to Battleship Maximus, they come across a battery of guns manned by young Master warriors, and suspect Chromedome's hand in their mobilization.

The other Transformers are like insects to Scorponok...which is kinda ironic if you think about it.

Back at the Decepticon base, Soundblaster reports his discovery of the alliance of the Autobot Headmasters and the Master warriors, just Scorponok announces his plan to strike at the centre of the nearby city. Just as the Targetmasters report their discovery to Fortress, prompting him to telepathically contact Chromedome to determine the truth of the matter, the Decepticons make their move—Scorponok emerges from beneath the city itself, appearing in its very heart, throwing everything into chaos as the Autobots and Master warriors are caught off-guard by this unexpected tactic. As the Targetmasters gun down civilians, the two groups of Headmasters meet in battle, which tips in favor of the Autobots when Mindwipe accidentally afflicts Skullcruncher with his hypnosis. Just then, a fleet of ships piloted by the Master warriors appear in the sky and bombard Scorponok and the Decepticons with firepower—even the multiplying powers of Sixshot are no match for the combined might of the warriors and Headmasters, and Scorponok is unable to spare the energy to transform to robot mode.

This could have gone better.

Battleship Maximus, meanwhile, is approaching the city, and arrives just as the warriors manage to successfully force the Decepticons into the midst of the cloudy mountain peaks. However, Chromedome has failed to account for one major flaw in his plan, which the Decepticons immediately exploit—by using the clouds to conceal themselves! Striking from hidden positions beneath the clouds, the Decepticons down the vast majority of the ships, including Kirk's, and Fortress convinces Chromedome to call retreat. Scorponok orders the Decepticons to pull out and make for Earth, but Fortress has other plans—transforming to Fortress Maximus, he bars their way. But this is the chance Scorponok has been waiting for, as he too assumes his robot mode, and Master Sword meets Zarak Shield in a mighty clash... and the Zarak Shield emerges triumphant!

With Fortress Maximus downed and the Decepticons on their way to Earth, Chromedome moves to follow them, but Pointblank stops him and forces him to realize the damage and loss of life his strategy has caused. Kirk stumbles from the wreckage of his craft, and Chromedome apologises for putting his life in danger; Kirk says that he is equally to blame, as he was well aware of what he was getting himself into. The two friends shake hands, and soon after, Battleship Maximus heads back into space, hot on the trail of the Decepticons.

[edit]

(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)

Quotes

[edit]
The following quotes are from the Omni Productions dub.

"There's some highly explosive weapons here."
"Do you think the warriors of planet Julian will come to attack here?"

Pointblank and Sureshot, the latter of whom appears to be making up new planets.


"Hrh, this is the wrong time! We always get the difficult ones. If only I could enlarge myself. I can't—I can't waste any more power."

Scorponok


"You're not dead...that's great."

Chromedome sure sounds glad Kirk is still alive.

Notes

[edit]

Continuity notes

[edit]

Animation and technical errors

[edit]
  • Defensor's left arm (First Aid) should have the word "EMERGENCY" written on the side of it. Instead the bottom half has "TCMEGRIE". Close enough?
  • Throughout this episode, several robots appear based on the animation models of the Autobot Master Warriors. The only referred to by name is Kirk, but his color scheme is nothing like his actual toy, leaving it unclear whether or not any of the generic, unnamed robots are intended to be the actual characters, afflicted with a similar case of color-blindness. See the characters' own articles for details.
  • After the Targetmasters are discovered by the Decepticons and begin charging up the side of the mountain, Sureshot's red parts are colored purple.
  • As Soundblaster reports that the Autobot Headmasters are working with the Autobot Master Warriors, he's drawn as Soundwave, but with his Soundblaster color scheme.

Trivia

[edit]
  • "Tate! Ikari no Headmasters" plays once more as Fortress Maximus and Scorponok battle. This time, however, the Malaysian dub does not cut the song out.
  • Fortress, in his giant head alternate mode, is totally seen using a giant-sized version of Professor X's Cerebro to communicate with Chromedome telepathically.
  • Japanese puns are never easy to translate to English. When Chromedome meets up with Kirk and the other Headmasters ask who the others are, Chromedome answers "They're our comrades" using dōshi, as in 同士 or 同志 for "comrade" (although 同士 would be more appropriate). Highbrow repeats "Dōshi?", to which Hardhead supplies "Dōshi... yō", as in どうしよう for "what to do". Chromedome then admonishes them that it's no time for puns. Easier said than done.
  • When discussing the Decepticons' hiding spot, Kirk notes 灯台下暗し (tōdai moto kurashi), meaning "can't see the forest for the trees" (lit. "It's darkest at the base of the lighthouse").

Foreign localization

[edit]

English


  • The review of the last episode shown before the title card is omitted.


Italian

  • Title: "Il piano disperato di Duobot" ("Chromedome's desperate plan")


Mandarin

  • Title: "Kuáng Pài /Bàtiānhǔ Jiānmièzhàn " (狂派/霸天虎歼灭战, "The War of Annihilation on the Decepticons")


Russian

  • Title: "Polnomasshtabnoye napadeniye" (Полномасштабное нападение, "Full Scale Attack")
  • Original airdate: August 10, 1994

Home video releases

[edit]
All releases listed feature the original Japanese audio with optional Omni dub and English subtitles, unless otherwise noted.
Laserdisc

Japan 1996 — Transformers: The Headmasters Set (Takara) — Japanese audio only.

DVD

Japan 2002 — Transformers: The Headmasters — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only.
United Kingdom 2005 — The Takara Collection Vol 1 — Transformers: Headmasters (Metrodome)
United Kingdom 2007 — Transformers — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome)
Australia 2007 — The Transformers: Headmasters (Madman Entertainment)
Australia 2009 — The Transformers: Japan Generation 1 — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)
United States of America 2011 — Transformers Japanese Collection: Headmasters (Shout! Factory) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only.
United States of America 2012 — Transformers: The Japanese Collection (Shout! Factory) — Japanese audio with optional English subtitles only.