[[Image:Beast Wars Flying Island.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Cap'n K'nuckles and Flapjack took a wrong turn, and entered another dimension.]]
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An artificial creation of the [[Vok]], "'''Brigadoon'''" soared across prehistoric [[Earth]], containing great power and dangerous defenses. This flying island was completely surrounded by a cloud which hid it from view, yet within, it was lit as though the sun were shining. The island contained an ecosystem with bodies of water, plants and insect life. At its center, a massive obelisk rose out of a small building. The obelisk's pyramid-shaped top contained an eye-like image, a [[Vok|symbol]] which represented the island as a whole on the [[Golden Disk (Vok)|Alien Disk]].
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That kid's gonna need a lot of therapy.
Despite its peaceful appearance, Brigadoon was loaded with death traps, although each trap was marked with a symbol, allowing anyone to avoid the traps if they recognized the pictures' significance in time. The ones seen included single large, deadfall rocks; triggered landslides; and a pitfall, and there may have been other varieties. Additionally, the obelisk in the center would fire an extremely potent energy blasts at anybody who used a weapon on the island, though it required a small amount of time to charge up between shots. The tower could also unleash a swarm of smaller spheres of energy.
"Autobot Spike"
{{TOCclear}}
Production code #700-16
Production company Sunbow Productions
Airdate September 23, 1985
Written by Donald F. Glut
Continuity Generation 1 cartoon continuity
A wounded Spike is turned into an Autobot Frankenstein's monster to save his life.
==Fiction==
===''Beast Wars'' cartoon===
[[Image:Beast wars Vok Obelisk.jpg|left|150px|thumb|"No. Your people mimicked our traditions when we came to your world."]]
The flying island was discovered when [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] and [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] launched a sneak attack on [[Tigatron (BW)|Tigatron]] while he was in the mountains north of the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]''. Tigatron fell off a cliff and disappeared into a cloud. Unable to find Tigatron's remains below the cliff, Terrorsaur and Waspinator followed him into the cloud. There they discovered the island, as well as Tigatron. When they opened fire, however, the central obelisk fired a beam of powerful energy at the two [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]], seriously damaging them both.
Japanese title: フランケンシュタイン・スパイク (Frankenstein Spike)
Limping back to base, Terrorsaur and Waspinator told the other Predacons of their experience. [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] dispatched [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] to investigate. [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] reported the status of the two fliers to the ''Axalon'', then headed out again to follow Scorponok and Blackarachnia.
Contents
Tigatron, who had been enchanted by the island's beauty, captured a [[cyberbee]] sent by Scorponok for reconnaissance. Scorponok and Blackarachnia managed to get on the island and shoot down Airazor, who was recovered by Tigatron. Using the cyberbee, Tigatron sent a message to the [[Maximal]]s. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1|The Trigger, Part 1}} [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus]] and [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] left for the island, arriving after a brief encounter with Terrorsaur and Waspinator.
[hide]
* 1 Synopsis
[[Image:Beast wars Vok Trap sigil.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Apparently the Freemasons are a society with secrets.]]
* 2 Featured Characters
Blackarachnia, meanwhile, had figured out that the traps were identified by certain glyphs and began avoiding them. After hearing this, Rattrap concluded that the island was designed to draw intelligent species and test them. Realizing the power that the Predacons would have with the island under their control, the Maximals sped to the Obelisk, but Blackarachnia was able to interface with it, assuming control of the island.
* 3 Quotes
* 4 Notes
o 4.1 Animation and technical errors
o 4.2 Continuity errors
o 4.3 Continuity notes
o 4.4 Real-world references
o 4.5 Trivia
* 5 Home video releases
* 6 External links
[edit] Synopsis
[[Image:Beast wars Vok Eye Glyph.jpg|left|150px|thumb|"You're with the {{w|Illuminati}}." "I beg your pardon? That's just a bedtime story." "Illuminati."]]
In the future, Autobot X will be revived to systematically battle groups of eight animal-themed robots.
Blackarachnia unleashed a torrent of firepower in all directions, sending the Maximals scrambling for cover. She then sent the island for the Maximal base at full speed. Knowing what would happen, Tigatron was forced to destroy the Obelisk's power source. As the Maximals evacuated, the island crashed and shattered some distance from the Maximal base. After crashing, the Obelisk sent out a beam to another, similarly designed building on the planet's artificial moon, informing the Vok of the island's destruction. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}}
In the future, Autobot X will be revived to systematically battle groups of eight animal-themed robots.
The Autobots gather around Sparkplug's worktable in Autobot Headquarters for a demonstration. Using spare parts and human ingenuity, Sparkplug has cobbled together a large robot he has dubbed Autobot X, and with a flip of a switch sets him loose. He immediately runs amok—groaning, growling and smashing everything in sight. It takes Trailbreaker, Prowl and Ironhide to bring him down. Sparkplug apologizes to Optimus Prime for the mess and recommends Autobot X be put in storage.
Needless to say, the Vok were fairly pissed when they found out. {{storylink|Before the Storm}}
{{--}}
Before this can be done, the party is interrupted by an alarm. Decepticons are attacking the new Air Force rocket base. The Autobots roll out to the base and engage the Decepticons. During the battle, the rockets and their fuel are inadvertently destroyed, and Megatron orders a retreat.
==Merchandise==
* '''Beast Wars Monopoly''' (2022)
:Flying Island is a light blue property in this version of the [[Monopoly#Beast Wars Monopoly (2022)|game]].
To cover their escape, Megatron creates a diversion for the Autobots; he blasts Bumblebee while Spike Witwicky is riding in him. The attack leaves Bumblebee damaged and Spike comatose. Spike is taken to Metro Hospital, where the doctors suggest that if Spike's mind could be transferred somewhere else, they would be able to operate on his fragile body.
==Notes==
This happens whenever you see certain things.
*The island is not named in the cartoon series itself; it was referred to as "Brigadoon" in stage directions in the original script to the episode, but first came to fans' attention when it was used in the Japanese guidebook ''[[Beast Wars Universe]]''. It's not clear who ''calls'' it this, but maybe it's the Vok's name for it?
This happens whenever you see certain things.
*The island is named after the 1947 stage musical ''{{w|Brigadoon}}'', in which it is the name of a mysterious Scottish village that only appears for one day once a century.
Wheeljack and Sparkplug transfer Spike's mind into Autobot X's body. However, as a side effect of the transferral process, Spike's mind is in an extremely unstable state. Angry and confused about his new body, Autobot Spike rampages, destroying several computers and machines in Wheeljack's shop.
[[Category:Beast Wars locations]]
[[Category:Islands of Earth]]
Optimus Prime is able to subdue Autobot Spike without damaging his mind. To keep Spike calm, Wheeljack tunes Teletraan I to a television station, where cruel Fate just happens to have scheduled an airing of a movie featuring Dr. Frankenstein's unholy attempt to create life. Spike is roused to anger, convinced that he, like the Doctor's creation, is a "monster." He again rampages throughout the Ark, then escapes.
[[Category:Vok]]
At least he's not a Headmaster.
At least he's not a Headmaster.
Alone in the wilderness, Spike suffers from the conflict between his own mind and what there is of Autobot X. Will he use his new body and powers to help the world like Optimus Prime, or conquer all Humanity?
Laserbeak informs Megatron of Spike's new Autobot body and unstable mind, and Megatron forms a plan to trick Autobot Spike into destroying the Autobots. Megatron soon finds Spike with Reflector's help. Autobot Spike attacks, but Megatron has other plans. Spike's unstable mind makes it hard for him to think, and he is easily twisted by Megatron to side with him against the Autobots.
Bumblebee brings the Autobots to Spike's location, but they are unable to fight against the vengeful being for fear of destroying Spike's mind. Only after Autobot Spike shoots his father off the edge of a cliff does he realize what he has done. At once, he saves his father and turns on the Decepticons.
Finally, Spike's mind is returned to his human body after the surgical operation is successfully completed.
Spike will never be placed in a robot's body again. Never?
[edit] Featured Characters
(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)
Autobots Decepticons Humans Others
* Wheeljack (1)
* Optimus Prime (3)
* Bumblebee (5)
* Ratchet (6)
* Prowl (7)
* Autobot X (8)
* Trailbreaker (9)
* Ironhide (10)
* Windcharger (11)
* Brawn (12)
* Sideswipe (20)
* Sunstreaker (21)
* Huffer (25)
* Hound (26)
* Bluestreak (27)
* Jazz (28)
* Megatron (14)
* Thundercracker (15)
* Starscream (16)
* Soundwave (17)
* Skywarp (18)
* Laserbeak (22)
* Rumble (23)
* Reflector (24)
* Sparkplug Witwicky (2)
* Spike Witwicky (4)
* Air Force General (13)
* Spike's doctor (19)
On TV
* Doctor Frankenstein
* Igor
* Frankenstein's monster
[edit] Quotes
"Another Autobot? Even if it works, who needs it?"
—Ratchet is a 1984 purist.
"It's not supposed to do that!"
—Sparkplug referring to Autobot X destroying Autobot headquarters
"So you Decepticreeps like to fly, eh? Well, take off!"
—Brawn after kicking Soundwave
"Hmmm...if only there were a way of separating Spike's mind from his body while we work..."
—Spike's doctor clumsily moves the narrative along within earshot of Autobot X's creator.
"He wants a battle—let's give him one!"
—Starscream, referring to the now-mechanized Spike
"I must say, you've improved your appearance since our last encounter, Spike!"
—Megatron, upon meeting Spike in Autobot form
General: Aren't they a gorgeous sight?
Optimus Prime: Impressive. [To Ironhide] For primitive rocket technology.
—Only Optimus Prime could both praise and diss humanity at the same time.
"Hmmm, I wonder—I wonder what it would be like for a robot mind to be transferred to a human?"
—Bumblebee, being eerily prophetic
[edit] Notes
[edit] Animation and technical errors
All in all, remarkably few errors:
* The beginning of Sparkplug's line "It's not working" is cut off, as if the sound dropped out for a split second.
* Technically it's not an error, but Ratchet maintains his "who needs it?" arm gesture for a very long time after he finishes speaking.
* Bumblebee can be seen rolling out from Autobot Headquarters along with Prime's team, even though he wasn't called out by Prime to be part of the attack force. He does arrive at the rocket base after the battle is over, so... maybe he just fell behind?
* Skywarp has an all-yellow chest as the Decepticons prepare to retreat from the rocket base. Only his cockpit canopy should be yellow.
* Spike's hospital room is hilarious. Not only is it completely devoid of any medical equipment whatsoever (not even so much as an IV drip), but Spike's ancient-looking dormitory-style bed is placed directly in the middle of the room. Despite this, the ticking of a heart monitor can be heard.
* Sideswipe's voice is off as he and Sunstreaker rush to contain Autobot X. The delivery's a bit off, too: he sounds like he's discussing the weather, not rushing into battle.
* The docking tower for Decepticon Headquarters is right off of a rocky coast. Usually it's in open water.
* Spike's second round of fire on the Decepticons hits three Thundercrackers.
* Okay, it's a cartoon and all, but... when Spike blasts him off the cliff, Sparkplug falls for an incredibly long time.
* As he flies out of Spike's hand, Megatron's gun-mode handle is colored gray instead of black.
* Just before Megatron orders a retreat, Soundwave has Skywarp's colors, and Skywarp is firing a laser beam that somehow passes in front of Starscream's air intake, even though Starscream is in the foreground.
[edit] Continuity errors
* Throughout the episode, Spike struggles with unpredictable destructive urges and freaks out at the slightest provocation. Sparkplug and the rest repeatedly assume that this is a side-effect of the mental transfer process, rather than the fault of the body they put it in. Did they forget that the body itself goes on similar rampages even without Spike's mind in it? Spike even says himself that it feels like "something" is telling him to do "bad things."
[edit] Continuity notes
* The three Reflector components, while speaking in unison, refer to themselves as "I".
* It's also the last time Reflector has a speaking part in an episode. The rest of his appearances are silent cameos.
* Autobot X/Spike demonstrates a few abilities that his component parts have never shown. None of the 1984 Autobots shoot lasers from their fingertips; Trailbreaker's gun arm has never been shown to be an extendable grappling hook; Bluestreak has never fired lasers from the headlights on his chest.
* When Optimus Prime tries to subdue Autobot X/Spike, he fires his ion blaster from his shoulder, like an RPG launcher.
* Furmanism alert: The phrase "What's that?" is said not once ... not twice ... but three times in this episode alone - First by the rocket general, then by Bumblebee hanging from cliff, and then by Ironhide at the rocket base.
[edit] Real-world references
* Autobot Spike watches the movie Frankenstein. Nice going Wheeljack...have an unstable guy who's a patchwork of parts watch a movie about a monster who is a patchwork of parts. That won't cause problems.
* The scene he watches doesn't correspond to any film adaptation of Frankenstein. The writers scripted the scene from whole cloth.
[edit] Trivia
I'm shooting him gently!
I'm shooting him gently!
* While this episode originally aired in the United States on September 23, 1985, it aired in Japan on September 14, 1985, making it the only episode of the original series to be aired in Japan before the United States.
* The episode begins with a narrative voice-over from Victor Caroli. Most such narratives recap events from previous episodes; however, this one is solely to introduce the episode's opening events. After a couple more tries ("Day of the Machines", "Atlantis, Arise!"), this convention would be dropped entirely.
* Ratchet is standing behind Wheeljack when Wheeljack "volunteers" him to help improve Autobot X. Ratchet has a comical surprised reaction to the news. Wheeljack later looks visibly depressed that his mind transfer device has burned itself out.
* This episode features a curiously large amount of extreme close ups with the camera constantly going straight into characters' faces for no reason.
* The episode finally addresses that it's incredibly unsafe to bring a teenager to a battle between two factions of giant robot killing machines. Except that Spike continues to tag along in the future...
[edit] Home video releases
All releases listed are in English audio unless otherwise noted.
Laserdisc
Japan 1994 — Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers — Convoy Set (Takara) — Japanese audio only.
Japan 1998 — The Transformers — Autobot Edition (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only.
DVD
Japan 2001 — The Transformers — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only.
United States of America 2002 — The Original Transformers — Season 2 Part 1 (Rhino Entertainment)
United States of America 2002 — The Original Transformers — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 1 (Rhino Entertainment)
United Kingdom 2003 — Transformers — Season 2 Part 1 (Metrodome)
United Kingdom 2004 — Transformers — Bumper Collection Special (Metrodome)
Australia 2004 — Transformers — Collection 2: Series 2.1 (Madman Entertainment)
United Kingdom 2006 — Transformers — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome)
Australia 2007 — The Transformers — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)
Italy 2008 — Transformers — Volume 03: Stagione Due Parte Prima (Medianetwork Communication) — English and Italian audio.
United Kingdom 2009 — Transformers — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome)
Australia 2009 — The Transformers — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment)
United States of America 2009 — The Transformers — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)
United States of America 2009 — The Transformers — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)
[edit] External links
* Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle
Retrieved from "http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Autobot_Spike"
Category: Generation 1 episodes
Latest revision as of 04:23, 25 April 2026
Cap'n K'nuckles and Flapjack took a wrong turn, and entered another dimension.
An artificial creation of the Vok, "Brigadoon" soared across prehistoric Earth, containing great power and dangerous defenses. This flying island was completely surrounded by a cloud which hid it from view, yet within, it was lit as though the sun were shining. The island contained an ecosystem with bodies of water, plants and insect life. At its center, a massive obelisk rose out of a small building. The obelisk's pyramid-shaped top contained an eye-like image, a symbol which represented the island as a whole on the Alien Disk.
Despite its peaceful appearance, Brigadoon was loaded with death traps, although each trap was marked with a symbol, allowing anyone to avoid the traps if they recognized the pictures' significance in time. The ones seen included single large, deadfall rocks; triggered landslides; and a pitfall, and there may have been other varieties. Additionally, the obelisk in the center would fire an extremely potent energy blasts at anybody who used a weapon on the island, though it required a small amount of time to charge up between shots. The tower could also unleash a swarm of smaller spheres of energy.
"No. Your people mimicked our traditions when we came to your world."
The flying island was discovered when Terrorsaur and Waspinator launched a sneak attack on Tigatron while he was in the mountains north of the Axalon. Tigatron fell off a cliff and disappeared into a cloud. Unable to find Tigatron's remains below the cliff, Terrorsaur and Waspinator followed him into the cloud. There they discovered the island, as well as Tigatron. When they opened fire, however, the central obelisk fired a beam of powerful energy at the two Predacons, seriously damaging them both.
Limping back to base, Terrorsaur and Waspinator told the other Predacons of their experience. Megatron dispatched Scorponok and Blackarachnia to investigate. Airazor reported the status of the two fliers to the Axalon, then headed out again to follow Scorponok and Blackarachnia.
Tigatron, who had been enchanted by the island's beauty, captured a cyberbee sent by Scorponok for reconnaissance. Scorponok and Blackarachnia managed to get on the island and shoot down Airazor, who was recovered by Tigatron. Using the cyberbee, Tigatron sent a message to the Maximals. The Trigger, Part 1Optimus and Rattrap left for the island, arriving after a brief encounter with Terrorsaur and Waspinator.
Apparently the Freemasons are a society with secrets.
Blackarachnia, meanwhile, had figured out that the traps were identified by certain glyphs and began avoiding them. After hearing this, Rattrap concluded that the island was designed to draw intelligent species and test them. Realizing the power that the Predacons would have with the island under their control, the Maximals sped to the Obelisk, but Blackarachnia was able to interface with it, assuming control of the island.
"You're with the Illuminati." "I beg your pardon? That's just a bedtime story." "Illuminati."
Blackarachnia unleashed a torrent of firepower in all directions, sending the Maximals scrambling for cover. She then sent the island for the Maximal base at full speed. Knowing what would happen, Tigatron was forced to destroy the Obelisk's power source. As the Maximals evacuated, the island crashed and shattered some distance from the Maximal base. After crashing, the Obelisk sent out a beam to another, similarly designed building on the planet's artificial moon, informing the Vok of the island's destruction. The Trigger, Part 2
Needless to say, the Vok were fairly pissed when they found out. Before the Storm
The island is not named in the cartoon series itself; it was referred to as "Brigadoon" in stage directions in the original script to the episode, but first came to fans' attention when it was used in the Japanese guidebook Beast Wars Universe. It's not clear who calls it this, but maybe it's the Vok's name for it?
The island is named after the 1947 stage musical Brigadoon, in which it is the name of a mysterious Scottish village that only appears for one day once a century.
