Cramp: Difference between revisions
From MediaWiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
No edit summary |
|||
| Line 20: | Line 20: | ||
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]] | |continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Starscream prepares to do whatever it takes to convince Galvatron the threat of Unicron is real.''' | '''Starscream prepares to do whatever it takes to convince Galvatron the threat of Unicron is real.''' | ||
==Synopsis== | ==Synopsis== | ||
[[File:Starsmack.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Galvatron blasts Starscream with his rarely seen armpit-laser.]] | [[File:Starsmack.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Galvatron blasts Starscream with his rarely seen armpit-laser.]] | ||
[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] pleads to [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]], hoping to convince his leader that | [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] pleads to [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]], hoping to convince his leader that [[Unicron]]'s threat is real (as Starscream has first-hand experience in the beast's bowels), and 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]]. | ||
[[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?]] | [[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?]] | ||
The Autobots are still optimistic, believing there's a chance a diplomatic conference could lead to a truce between the two sides | The Autobots are still optimistic, believing there's a chance a diplomatic conference could lead to a truce between the two sides; this means the Autobots can't take aggressive action against the Decepticons, only defensive. 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. | ||
By a [[Megatron statue|monolithic statue of Megatron]], Starscream wonders | 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. | ||
Away from the armies, Galvatron and Optimus Prime send their men away, leaving the two leaders to battle one on one. Through the | 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. As soon as Megatron breaks Prime's metal, an explosion disturbs the showdown. Starscream walks from the smoke. | ||
The rest of the Autobots | 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. | ||
[[File:Cramp-Swindleejects.jpg|left|thumb|I'm not crying! I just have something in my eyes.]] | [[File:Cramp-Swindleejects.jpg|left|thumb|I'm not crying! I just have something in my eyes.]] | ||
Starscream quits the Decepticons and challenges Galvatron to one-on-one combat. The two clash, quickly cutting into each other. Starscream displays a show of skill beyond the last time he battled Megatron. Lightning from Unicron carves into the landscape, but the two warriors ignore the weather and continue their struggle. But in an instant, the Star Saber plunges into Starscream's torso, and the impaled Decepticon falls. | Starscream quits the Decepticons and challenges Galvatron to one-on-one combat. The two clash, quickly cutting into each other. Starscream displays a show of skill beyond the last time he battled Megatron. Lightning from Unicron carves into the landscape, but the two warriors ignore the weather and continue their struggle. But in an instant, the Star Saber plunges into Starscream's torso, and the impaled Decepticon falls. | ||
Lying with the blade sticking out of him, Starscream speaks earnestly to Galvatron, pointing out that it was | 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 both Galvatron and Optimus's shock. | ||
[[File:Cramp-AlexismournsStarscream.jpg|left|thumb|I never got to tell Starscream that I loved him!]] | [[File:Cramp-AlexismournsStarscream.jpg|left|thumb|I never got to tell Starscream that I loved him!]] | ||
Realizing that Starscream was right about Unicron's threat, Galvatron remembers all the experiences he had with him 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 and escapes through the underground portal, making sure to collapse them so he can't be followed. Upon witnessing Sideways' escape, Optimus and Galvatron fear for the worst to come. | |||
Aboard the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'', Alexis's [[Good Luck Necklace|luck charm]] breaks, and she runs outside to look out the window to see Starscream's laser blast fade away. Hearing news of Starscream's death over the video screen, the kids become sad, most notably Alexis, who begins crying. She runs out of 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 with her hands, asking why Starscream would do that. Rad does his best to try and console her. | |||
Aboard the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'', Alexis's [[Good Luck Necklace|luck charm]] breaks, and she runs outside to look out the window | |||
{{--}} | {{--}} | ||
| Line 90: | Line 88: | ||
==Quotes== | ==Quotes== | ||
[[File:Cramp-Galvatronregrets.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|You'll miss me when I'm gone!]] | [[File:Cramp-Galvatronregrets.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|You'll miss me when I'm gone!]] | ||
"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?" | "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?" | ||
:—'''Galvatron''' faces off against Optimus Prime in the 'negotiations'. | :—'''Galvatron''' faces off against Optimus Prime in the 'negotiations'. | ||
| Line 98: | Line 96: | ||
"I tried to gain | "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> | ||
"You were too weak to ever gain my respect."<br> | "You were too weak to ever gain my respect."<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..." | "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..." | ||
| Line 107: | Line 105: | ||
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''=== | ===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''=== | ||
[[File:Cramp - no ML title card.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4|Foreshadowing? Why, no!]] | [[File:Cramp - no ML title card.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4|Foreshadowing? Why, no!]] | ||
*In earlier | *In earlier ''Legends of the Microns'' episodes, the title card usually shows Optimus against a white background. There's no title card in this episode; instead, the title appears over Starscream. | ||
*Just before Galvatron impales Starscream, the animation is tweaked to | *While at Megatron's statue, rather than determining that he must protect the humans, Starscream resolves that he won't allow Alexis to die. | ||
*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. | |||
*Starscream's final moments are subtly different between the two versions: | *Starscream's final moments are subtly different between the two versions: | ||
**''Legends of the Microns'' has Starscream admire Galvatron as an ultimate warrior who he could never hope to beat. Galvatron acknowledges Starsceam's | **''Legends of the Microns'' has Starscream admire Galvatron as an ultimate warrior who he could never hope to beat and say he wanted Galvatron to recognize him. Galvatron acknowledges Starsceam'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 Starscream's demise are silent except for Galvatron gasping. Afterward, Galvatron has a montage of memories about Starscream's different moments of pleading and boasting throughout the series, including how he wanted Galvatron's recognition. | ||
**In ''Armada'', Starscream talks about his desperation to gain Galvatron's favor | **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 being too weak to be worthy of respect. | ||
*The | *When Sideways steals the Star Saber, he declares Unicron of being 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''. | ||
*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 rest of the episode is silent, whereas, in ''Armada'', the kids' reactions to the news of Starscream's death are heard. | |||
*In ''Armada'', Rad's closing narration has him say that Starscream was gone and his demise seemed to be in vain. He says everyone would have to wait to learn the reason behind Starscream's actions, but for now, all they had were too many unanswered questions. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis gives the narration, saying that perhaps someday the sorrow over Starscream's death will become determination, swearing that his efforts won't be wasted. | |||
===Animation and technical errors=== | ===Animation and technical errors=== | ||
* In the first scene | *In the episode's first scene, Demolishor has four fingers and one thumb on each hand. | ||
* When Hoist warns Blurr not to fire upon the Decepticons except in self-defense, Blurr's entire gun is colored one solid shade | *When Hoist warns Blurr not to fire upon the Decepticons except in self-defense, Blurr's entire gun is colored one solid orange shade. | ||
* Jetfire shoots Tidal Wave in the eye...with the back of his rifle? | *Jetfire shoots Tidal Wave in the eye...with the back of his rifle? | ||
* As Megatron slaps Starscream during their duel, his right hand is drawn as a normal hand instead of its regular claw-looking design. | *As Megatron slaps Starscream during their duel, his right hand is drawn as a normal hand instead of its regular claw-looking design. | ||
* Wheeljack says, "What's happening?" in Demolishor's voice. | *Wheeljack says, "What's happening?" in Demolishor's voice. | ||
*When Megatron 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. | |||
===Transformers references=== | ===Transformers references=== | ||
* Starscream's death by crumbling into a pile of debris is very similar to the death scene of [[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]] [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream's]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. | *Starscream's death by crumbling into a pile of debris is very similar to the death scene of [[Generation 1 cartoon continuity|G1]] [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream's]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. | ||
* Many parts of Galvatron and Starscream's speeches are quotes from ''[[The Touch]]'', like 'I'm nobody's fool' (see above), or Starscream's 'after all is said and done' | *Many parts of Galvatron and Starscream's speeches are quotes from ''[[The Touch]]'', like 'I'm nobody's fool' (see above), or Starscream's 'after all is said and done.' | ||
===Real-world references=== | ===Real-world references=== | ||
* Fred's "The horror!" line is from ''{{w|Heart of Darkness}}'', the novel adapted into the film ''{{w|Apocalypse Now}}''. | *Fred's "The horror!" line is from ''{{w|Heart of Darkness}}'', the novel adapted into the film, ''{{w|Apocalypse Now}}''. | ||
* 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?}}''. | *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?}}''. | ||
===Trivia=== | ===Trivia=== | ||
* The English-language version of "Cramp" first aired in the United Kingdom on the {{w|Sky One}} channel, at the time the network was running | *The English-language version of "Cramp" first aired in the United Kingdom on the {{w|Sky One}} channel, at the time the network was running an around-the-clock promotion of American magician/"endurance artist" {{w||David Blaine}}'s controversial London stunt, complete with an obnoxious '''DAVID BLAINE''' on-screen overlay. It aired in the United States on [[December 8]], 2003. | ||
* 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). | *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). | ||
* This is the first time Optimus combines with Overload in Jet Optimus configuration with Jetfire, with bonus stock transformation footage. However, Optimus combines with Jetfire | *This is the first time Optimus combines with Overload in 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 much pointless other than [[To sell toys|just to show that they can.]] | ||
* Starscream's photon cannon blasts don't even make it | *Starscream's photon cannon blasts don't even make it up to Unicron. You can see them dissipate before Alexis's eyes before they reach him. Most heartwrenching suicide ever? | ||
*Starscream's sword is surprisingly powerful in this episode, | *Starscream's sword is surprisingly powerful in this episode, durable enough to clash with Star Saber itself without any kind of visible damage. Due to his upgrade after Nemesis Prime kicked his skidplate? Nah. | ||
*Tidal Wave is also significantly smaller and weaker than previously depicted. Jetfire, shown not much smaller than Tidal Wave | *Tidal Wave is also 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. | ||
===Foreign localization=== | ===Foreign localization=== | ||
Revision as of 03:46, 10 November 2020
| ||||||
| ||||||
| "Cramp" (Shinnen) "Prepared for Death: Conviction" | ||||||
| Production code | TF: A-48 | |||||
| Production company | TV Tokyo, NAS | |||||
| Airdate | September 29, 2003 (English, United Kingdom) 28 November 2003 (Japanese) December 8, 2003 (English, United States) | |||||
| Writer | Akira Okeya | |||||
| English adaptation | Terry Klassen | |||||
| Director | Osamu Kamijō, Mitsuru Kawasaki (asst. dir.) | |||||
| Animation studio | Actas Inc. | |||||
| Continuity | Unicron Trilogy | |||||
Starscream prepares to do whatever it takes to convince Galvatron the threat of Unicron is real.
Synopsis
Starscream pleads to Galvatron, hoping to convince his leader that Unicron's threat is real (as Starscream has first-hand experience in the beast's bowels), and perhaps an Autobot and Decepticon alliance is the safest course to ensure 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.
The Autobots are still optimistic, believing there's a chance a diplomatic conference could lead to a truce between the two sides; this means the Autobots can't take aggressive action against the Decepticons, only defensive. Galvatron, armed with the Star Saber and Tidal Wave, flies into battle, ready to negotiate with Optimus Prime using firepower. Prime responds by combining with Jetfire and Overload and heading away from the thick of the battle.
By a monolithic statue of Megatron, Starscream wonders what he needs to do, and Alexis's words of encouragement run through his head.
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. As soon as Megatron breaks Prime's metal, an explosion disturbs the showdown. Starscream walks from the smoke.
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.
Starscream quits the Decepticons and challenges Galvatron to one-on-one combat. The two clash, quickly cutting into each other. Starscream displays a show of skill beyond the last time he battled Megatron. Lightning from Unicron carves into the landscape, but the two warriors ignore the weather and continue their struggle. But in an instant, the Star Saber plunges into Starscream's torso, and the impaled Decepticon falls.
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 cannons upwards at Unicron. Unicron fires back, disintegrating Starscream, much to both Galvatron and Optimus's shock.
Realizing that Starscream was right about Unicron's threat, Galvatron remembers all the experiences he had with him 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, who escapes the two leaders and escapes through the underground portal, making sure to collapse them so he can't be followed. Upon witnessing Sideways' escape, Optimus and Galvatron fear for the worst to come.
Aboard the Axalon, Alexis's luck charm breaks, and she runs outside to look out the window to see Starscream's laser blast fade away. Hearing news of Starscream's death over the video screen, the kids become sad, most notably Alexis, who begins crying. She runs out of the room and slams her fist on the window that displays Unicron in grief. When Rad appears behind her, she smacks his shoulders with her hands, asking why Starscream would do that. Rad does his best to try and console her.
Featured characters
(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)
| Autobots | Decepticons | Humans | Mini-Cons | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Quotes
"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?"
- —Galvatron faces off against Optimus Prime in the 'negotiations'.
"May I suggest that you have lost your mind?!"
- —Galvatron to Starscream, who has just challenged him to a duel.
"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."
"You were too weak to ever gain my respect."
"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..."
- —Starscream pours his spark out to Galvatron after being impaled by the Star Saber
Notes
Differences with Legends of the Microns
- In earlier Legends of the Microns episodes, the title card usually shows Optimus against a white background. There's no title card in this episode; instead, the title appears over Starscream.
- While at Megatron's statue, rather than determining that he must protect the humans, Starscream resolves that he won't allow Alexis to die.
- 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.
- Starscream's final moments are subtly different between the two versions:
- Legends of the Microns has Starscream admire Galvatron as an ultimate warrior who he could never hope to beat and say he wanted Galvatron to recognize him. Galvatron acknowledges Starsceam'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 Starscream's demise are silent except for Galvatron gasping. Afterward, Galvatron has a montage of memories about Starscream's different moments of pleading and boasting throughout the series, including how he wanted Galvatron's recognition.
- 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 being too weak to be worthy of respect.
- When Sideways steals the Star Saber, he declares Unicron of being 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.
- 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 rest of the episode is silent, whereas, in Armada, the kids' reactions to the news of Starscream's death are heard.
- In Armada, Rad's closing narration has him say that Starscream was gone and his demise seemed to be in vain. He says everyone would have to wait to learn the reason behind Starscream's actions, but for now, all they had were too many unanswered questions. In Legends of the Microns, Alexis gives the narration, saying that perhaps someday the sorrow over Starscream's death will become determination, swearing that his efforts won't be wasted.
Animation and technical errors
- In the episode's first scene, Demolishor has four fingers and one thumb on each hand.
- When Hoist warns Blurr not to fire upon the Decepticons except in self-defense, Blurr's entire gun is colored one solid orange shade.
- Jetfire shoots Tidal Wave in the eye...with the back of his rifle?
- As Megatron slaps Starscream during their duel, his right hand is drawn as a normal hand instead of its regular claw-looking design.
- Wheeljack says, "What's happening?" in Demolishor's voice.
- When Megatron 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.
Transformers references
- Starscream's death by crumbling into a pile of debris is very similar to the death scene of G1 Starscream's in The Transformers: The Movie.
- Many parts of Galvatron and Starscream's speeches are quotes from The Touch, like 'I'm nobody's fool' (see above), or Starscream's 'after all is said and done.'
Real-world references
- Fred's "The horror!" line is from Heart of Darkness, the novel adapted into the film, Apocalypse Now.
- 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 Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?.
Trivia
- The English-language version of "Cramp" first aired in the United Kingdom on the Sky One channel, at the time the network was running an around-the-clock promotion of American magician/"endurance artist" David Blaine's controversial London stunt, complete with an obnoxious DAVID BLAINE on-screen overlay. It aired in the United States on December 8, 2003.
- 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).
- This is the first time Optimus combines with Overload in 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 much pointless other than just to show that they can.
- Starscream's photon cannon blasts don't even make it up to Unicron. You can see them dissipate before Alexis's eyes before they reach him. Most heartwrenching suicide ever?
- Starscream's sword is surprisingly powerful in this episode, durable enough to clash with Star Saber itself without any kind of visible damage. Due to his upgrade after Nemesis Prime kicked his skidplate? Nah.
- Tidal Wave is also 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.
Foreign localization
German
- Title: "Das Friedensangebot" ("Peace-Offering")
- Original airdate: 12 January 2004
Hungarian
- Title: "Párbaj" ("Duel")
Home video releases
All releases listed are in English audio unless otherwise noted.
- DVD
2003 — Transformers: Armada — Vol:14 (Warner Music Video)
2004 — Transformers: Micron Densetsu — Volume 12 (Columbia Music Entertainment) — Japanese audio only.
2006 — Transformers: Armada — Season One: Part Two (Rhino Entertainment)
2007 — Transformers: Armada — The Collector's Edition (Universal)
2009 — Transformers: Armada — Volume Two (New KSM) — English and German audio.
2014 — Transformers: Armada — The Complete Series (Shout! Factory)
