Conspiracy
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 If you want something done right... | ||||||
| "Conspiracy" (Inbō) "Scheme: Conspiracy" | ||||||
| Production code | TF: A-17 | |||||
| Production company | TV Tokyo, NAS | |||||
| Airdate | January 10, 2003 (English) 2 May 2003 (Japanese) | |||||
| Writer | Isao Shizuya | |||||
| Director | Satoru Kusuda, Shigenori Awai | |||||
| Animation studio | Actas Inc. | |||||
| Continuity | Unicron Trilogy | |||||
At another battle for a Mini-Con panel, Megatron schemes to have the Star Saber handed to him.
Synopsis
The Decepticons are enjoying their recent success. Starscream casually provokes Demolishor into attacking, and then tauntingly holds the tank off with the Star Saber. Starscream walks away, laughing, while Scavenger, characteristically observing events from a distance, predicts that Starscream's arrogance will cause the faction's eventual failure.
In the Autobot base, things are looking down. Billy and Fred unintentionally lay the blame on Hot Shot. Later, when a repaired Hot Shot is watching the sunset, his moping is interrupted by the five kids making stupid faces. This display of crazy expression cheers the Autobot up. As soon as he's regained his enthusiasm, Optimus calls Hot Shot to go on another mission.
In thick foliage, the Autobots and Decepticons all split up to search for the Mini-Con. Demolishor and Starscream again prepare to clash, but Megatron puts his underlings back in line. Once the other Decepticons leave, Megatron instructs Leader-1 to put "the plan" in motion. While considering his ambitions, Starscream comes under attack from laser fire, which everybody else heard. Starscream, not seeing his assailant, displays his power by slashing a tree and almost accidentally attacks the other Decepticons. Hot Shot runs into Sideways, who transforms and drives away. Hot Shot chases after the traitor and heads right into Scavenger, who taunts Hot Shot while dodging the Autobot's attacks with ease.
Optimus, Smokescreen, Red Alert, Cyclonus, Starscream, and Demolishor engage in an open firefight. Starscream comes under fire from Leader-1 once again and, unable to see the tiny Mini-Con, again almost accidentally slices Demolishor. Megatron, however, can leap out and block the slash. The Decepticons inquire as to why Starscream is attacking his comrades. The airborne 'Con tries to explain the accident, but nobody believes him, and eventually, it's agreed that Megatron should hold the Star Saber.
Laserbeak, remotely piloted by the kids, finds the Mini-Con panel. At the same time, Demolishor's Mini-Con finds the panel as well. The Autobots and Decepticons engage each other once more, and Optimus forms his Super mode. Sideways and Hot Shot again race each other. By recalling what Scavenger said earlier, Hot Shot defeats the motorbike. Back at the battle, Scavenger grabs onto the Mini-Con panel, and the Decepticons return to base.
At the Decepticon base, the Mini-Con resonates with the other yellow Mini-Con panel. Scavenger then announces that his time with the Decepticons is over, though Megatron is dissatisfied with his resignation. Before leaving, Scavenger mockingly notices that Megatron's wound healed too quickly. He soon arrives at the Autobot base, and Optimus orders Red Alert to let the Decepticon inside. Shaking hands with Optimus, Scavenger reveals that his entire time with the Decepticons was as an Autobot spy.
Featured characters
(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)
| Autobots | Decepticons | Humans | Mini-Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
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Quotes
"What an arrogant cretin. I bet he's going to be the one that causes the downfall of the Decepticons..."
- —Scavenger doesn't hold a high opinion of Starscream.
"Would you get with the program, Starscream? You're really starting to bug my system."
"Process this: You're finished!"
- —Demolishor is tired of hearing about Starscream's sword.
"You dented my armor, you creep! I don't have to hang around here and take this! Smash you later!"
- —Cyclonus, after getting a smackdown from Optimus
"You saved me?"
"Don't flatter yourself. It was the Star Saber that I saved. Now let's blast these Autobots!"
- —As unlikely as it seems, Starscream was just saved by Demolishor.
"I'm gonna hack you into the Matrix!"
- —Starscream to Red Alert
"I'm fine, that is, long as I know that you are all right. I did it for you."
"Oh, Megatron, sir."
- —Megatron feigns concern for Demolishor.
"If you want me to, I will take the Star Saber. I only want what's best for the Decepticons. I promise I'll keep well hidden until my wounds heal."
- —A mock-subservient Megatron offers to take the Star Saber from Starscream for the good of the Decepticons. Right.
"You must first know yourself. Only then will you have a chance at defeating your opponent."
- —Scavenger goes Obi-Wan on Hot Shot.
"Scavenger, where will you go?"
"Does your wound still cause you pain?"
"What?"
"It's amazing how fast you've healed..."
- —Megatron and Scavenger, who's wise to the whole plan.
Notes
Differences with Legends of the Microns
- In his opening narration, Rad says that he saw the Autobots were trying to hide the toll they were taking from their recent losing streak since the Decepticons acquired the Star Saber in Armada. In Legends of the Microns, he says they returned from their latest loss with injuries.
- In Armada, Fred laments that the Autobots are now losing because Hot Shot couldn't hold onto the Star Saber. Legends of the Microns changes his line to be less insensitive; he now says that the Star Saber was the best weapon after all.
- In Armada, Starscream warns Demolishor to watch what he says; in Legends of the Microns, he warns Cyclonus instead. Then Starscream asks Cyclonus if he wants to feel "God's wrath."
- Rather than agreeing with Starscream about Demolishor's recent "substandard" performance and telling the latter to watch his back, Megatron praises Starscream for performing admirably recently, saying he agrees with that much. Then Starscream brags about how the Star Saber Mini-Cons listen to whatever he says.
- Scavenger says Starscream is the self-proclaimed strongest Decepticon in the universe. Demolishor asks if he'd mind reviewing training exercises again. Scavenger says he hasn't officially joined the 'Cons and tells Demolishor to train himself if he wants to improve. After Demolishor says Starscream has the Star Saber, Scavenger tells him to shut up and do as he's told to stay out of trouble. In Armada, Scavenger says Starscream could cause the Decepticons' downfall with his arrogance. The English dub then warps his and Demolishor's dialogue into Demolishor requesting to download a strategic manual from Scavenger's mainframe. Scavenger claims that his files are off-limits and tells Demolishor not to involve him in planning an attack on Starscream, saying that Demolishor is on his own.
- In Legends of the Microns, Cyclonus lamely says, "I can't stand this" before walking off. In Armada, his line is changed to him quipping about going back to work; extended to cover the Japanese dub's silence.
- Megatron tells Demolishor he can guarantee the Star Saber will soon be in good hands in Armada, but outright says that it will be back in his hands in the Japanese dub.
- As Hot Shot mopes, Armada adds his inner dialogue about losing the Star Saber because Sideways is a traitor as the Japanese version is silent. After Billy and Fred apologize, Hot Shot asks about the children's funny faces before saying that he's okay. Fred wonders how the Autobots can reclaim the Star Saber, and Billy says Hot Shot "was just saying that." In Armada, Fred indifferently agrees with Hot Shot that it won't be easy, and Billy tells Fred to keep his opinions to himself.
- Rather than complaining about being unable to see in the fog, Cyclonus moans about the forest's depressing look.
- In Armada, Demolishor says Starscream is getting on his nerves, and Starscream tells Demolishor that he's finished. The Japanese version changes their dialogue to Demolishor asking if Starscream is trying to insult Megatron; Starscream asks what Demolishor would do if he did and calls him a lackey. Then Demolishor dares Starscream to repeat himself. During their standoff, the Japanese dub tones down Demolishor's growling to be more subtle, Starscream doesn't chuckle, and there's no dialogue. Then, instead of addressing them both, Megatron tells Demolishor that's enough.
- Armada has Megatron orders Leader-1 to "put the plan in motion," but Legends of the Microns changes Megatron's line to him telling Leader-1 that he has a job for him.
- As Starscream walks in the fog, Legends of the Microns changes his line slightly to have him say that if he continues making Megatron nervous, then becoming the Decepticon leader will no longer be a dream. Later, the Japanese dub removes his inner dialogue before calling the Star Saber; Starscream doesn't assume the Autobots are attacking, so he doesn't address them.
- When Starscream tells the other 'Cons about his unknown attacker, Megatron says the Autobots haven't shown themselves yet. Scavenger thinks they might be using a new tactic, and Megatron believes the Autobots are resorting to "desperate tactics" after continuously losing Mini-Cons lately. Armada has Megatron tell Starscream to be careful with the Star Saber. In Legends of the Microns, he says Starscream should consider himself lucky for escaping. Then, in Armada, Megatron complements Leader-1 and tells him to move on to Phase 2 of the plan. In Legends of the Microns, Megatron says, "Forget about it. I'm already thinking about what to take next."
- In the Japanese version, Hot Shot is shocked upon seeing Sideways. Hot Shot asks if he approached the Autobots with ulterior motives. Then Sideways says it's because Hot Shot is the naive type, and Hot Shot calls him "shameless scum."
- The Japanese dub removes the transformation sound effect.
- Instead of Cyclonus musing about having Optimus where he wants him, Cyclonus chuckles about Prime being a "ridiculously easy target."
- When talking to Hot Shot, Scavenger doesn't mention the Star Saber. He says the Autobot has some considerable fighting skills, but he can't ignore how Hot Shot's previous defeat was due to him not learning anything, causing Hot Shot to say that's his way of fighting. While dodging Hot Shot's punches, Scavenger asks him if he thinks others can't read his repetitive movements. Scavenger says Hot Shot doesn't have what it takes to win in his current state before leaving.
- After Demolishor 'saves' him, Starscream again refers to him as a lackey. Later, in Armada, just before he sees Leader-1, Scavenger says it's time for him to show his allegiance. In Legends of the Microns, he wonders which side will show their flaws.
- Rather than threatening to "hack (Red Alert) into Matrix," Starscream says it's payback time for what the Autobots tried to do to him.
- There are some differences in the scene of Starscream losing the Star Saber to Megatron between the dubs:
- In Legends of the Microns, Demolishor tells the others that Megatron saved him from the Star Saber. Megatron says his injury is nothing if he can protect his subordinates like Demolishor. Starscream says he was attacking an enemy who attacked him; Cyclonus asks if he's sure since it appeared Starscream was charging Demolishor, and Starscream says he was facing Red Alert. Sideways says the fog can confuse anyone into attacking a comrade by mistake. Demolishor says he was facing forward, and Starscream was the only one he knew was behind him. Cyclonus says Starscream having the Star Saber is too dangerous since it injured one of their own. Sideways says one of them might do the same someday, causing Cyclonus to ask if he's kidding and how they're supposed to fight alongside Starscream. After Cyclonus and Demolishor agree that Megatron should have the Star Saber, he tells Starscream that forming riffs at this point will lead to future conflicts among them, so he'll temporarily take the sword to stop any present concerns.
- Compared to the Japanese version, the English dub is partially lighthearted near the end. Demolishor says Starscream attacked him. Megatron is more of a suck-up as he says he got hurt for Demolishor's sake. Cyclonus asks Starscream if he's now calling Demolishor an enemy. After Sideways's line about the fog, Demolishor says that he'd be "half" himself if it weren't for Megatron. Cyclonus thinks they should take the Star Saber from Starscream as punishment, and though he agrees, Sideways jokes about not wanting to be Starscream's next victim. Then Cyclonus jokes about being nervous with Starscream standing behind him before suggesting that Megatron have the sword. Megatron says he'll take the sword if they insist as he wants what's best for the Decepticons.
- Megatron shows off holding the Star Saber to the Autobots in Armada and says it will end them. After Smokescreen's line, Red Alert asks if he's serious. In Legends of the Microns, instead of bragging, Megatron says the forest will become the Autobots' grave. Red Alert addresses Optimus rather than responding to Smokescreen.
- Armada has Hot Shot's line about Sideways not escaping him again begin immediately. Hot Shot doesn't speak until his mouth is visible in the Japanese dub. In the Japanese dub, Sideways mocks Hot Shot for not learning his lessons and tells him to give up instead of wasting his efforts.
- Instead of saying that Hot Shot doesn't belong on the open road, Sideways says the Autobot still uses the same single attack, and he can already see through his pattern. After beating Sideways, Hot Shot quips about how the former wished he had a seatbelt in Armada. The Japanese dub changes Hot Shot's line to him saying he's also seen enough of Sideways's single attack patterns.
- Before leaving, Scavenger says taking the new Mini-Con was foolish on his part since it's useless to him. Then instead of remarking how quickly Megatron's wound healed, Scavenger says it's good that Megatron managed to get possession of it (the Star Saber).
- In the Autobot base, Scavenger says it was slightly out of the way and that the Decepticons' fate is sealed. Armada changes his dialogue to him saying he severed all ties with the 'Cons as he and Optimus planned.
- In Armada, Optimus says Scavenger was an undercover spy for the Autobots. The Japanese dub changes his line to say the opposite; he sternly tells Smokecsreen that Scavenger isn't a spy.
- In Rad's closing narration, he says that after some tough battles, Scavenger joining the Autobots now makes them prepared to counterattack the Decepticons. The Armada version is the same but with a more lively tone and adds the detail about the Decepticons still having the Star Saber and now possessing the two mystery Mini-Cons.
Animation and technical errors
- The Autobot and Decepticon insignias are off-model in some shots.
- Sometimes, the insignias are just colored dots.
- The Decepticon symbols on Starscream's wings have rings around them in some shots.
- When Scavenger calls Starscream "an arrogant cretin," his mouth doesn't move. In Legends of the Microns, an offscreen Demolishor speaks at this point instead, cursing Starscream and accusing him of getting carried away.
- In some shots of Scavenger and Starscream, their jaws are miscolored to match their faces.
- Immediately after this, how does Scavenger know to look up before Demolishor talks to him when there was a brief silence after Scavenger's line? In the Japanese dub, Demolishor is heard acknowledging Scavenger before they speak.
- After Scavenger talks with Demolishor, his head is partially miscolored like his body. The sides of Sideways's torso are also blue rather than yellow, and Cyclonus's chest windows are slightly off-model.
- When Megatron and Demolishor turn and face Starscream before the Decepticons split up, it looks like Demolishor lost an eye.
- Before he breaks up Demolishor and Starscream's standoff, Megatron's first shot shows heavy fog, but it suddenly decreases during his following close-up shot. Legends of the Microns has the mist at a consistent level between the shots.
- Part of Starscream's head is miscolored like his face in some shots.
- In two shots, Starscream has tire tread marks on his null-laser cannon thrusters.
- The close-up of Megatron after he tells Starscream to be careful with the Star Saber has his face partially miscolored like Starscream's.
- When Hot Shot appears above the treeline to see Scavenger, he says, "That isn't Sideways!" but his mouth doesn't move. In the Japanese dub, Hot Shot says his line before appearing above the treeline.
- When Scavenger tells Hot Shot to do better, there's an awkward pause just before Scavenger completes his line. In Legends of the Microns, there is no pause as Scavenger says his line about predicting Hot Shot's moves and calls him an amateur.
- After Demolishor saves Starscream from Red Alert and Smokescreen, the right side of Demolishor's face is yellow like his head.
- During the scene where the Decepticons force Starscream to give Megatron the Star Saber, Sideways is wearing his Autobot head with his Decepticon head's colors.
- At one point, all of Megatron's Decepticon symbols are missing.
- Optimus mistakenly refers to Sparkplug as Jolt.
- After Scavenger and Optimus shake hands, part of Scavenger's chest changes color.
Continuity errors
- Starscream says that Sonar, Runway, and Jetstorm combine into the Star Saber, but we've already known this for some time. In the Japanese dub, he says the Decepticons should entrust him with the sword.
- Some shots in the forest have little to no fog in them despite Rad saying the area is famous for year-round fog. Sometimes, the mist goes from heavy to light at a moment's notice during or between shots. Legends of the Microns has fog throughout the forest scenes, and it darkens several scenes depending on how heavy the fog is. The Japanese dub also depicts the sky as more overcast, unlike Armada, which shows the mist only darkening the clouds and clear blue sky patches in between.
- Demolishor says the new Mini-Con panel is coming to life, but this isn't true since he's looking at the previous one the Decepticons captured; it'll also be a while until the Mini-Con activates. In Legends of the Microns, he says the panel is responding instead.
- In the same scene, since Demolishor and Megatron refer to the new Mini-Con panels as "the second of the mystery Mini-Cons," it's as though the Decepticons have forgotten about the Skyboom Shield despite Scavenger telling Megatron about it three episodes ago. Megatron doesn't bring up the shield until three episodes later in "Reinforcement." In Legends of the Microns, Demolishor calls the encased yellow panel the Skyboom Shield Mini-Con, and Megatron realizes the new one is the second part of the shield accordingly.
Transformers references
- In Armada, Starscream threatens to hack Red Alert "into Matrix," probably referring to the Transformers' afterlife.
Real-world references
- Sideways tells the other Decepticons "not to jump the firewall," a riff on the phrase, "Don't jump the fence."
Trivia
- The kanji 策略 would be pronounced as "sakuryaku," while "inbō" is used for the kanji 陰謀.
- In this episode, Megatron receives the Star Saber from Starscream. As it happens, Megatron was the only other Decepticon at this time whose toy had hands capable of holding the sword.
- In the group shot of the Mini-Cons in the Decepticon base are two previously unseen members of the Street Speed Mini-Con Team (as well as their teammate Spiral, who last appeared with the Autobots in "Gale") and two members of Destruction Mini-Con Team. Also, in this shot is Rollbar, whom Scavenger picked up in part 3 of the Linkage comic.
- In a super-obvious foreshadowing moment, when Starscream threatens Demolishor and Demolishor looks to his teammates for backup, Sideways tells Demolishor, "I'm not taking sides."
- Scavenger, upon seeing Leader-1 enacting Megatron's plan to take the Star Saber, says, "That's strange. A Mini-Con acting on its own." Apparently, he's unaware that this is possible, probably due to him spending all his time in the Milky Way with the Decepticons.
- This episode marks the third time Optimus Prime uses his Super Mode, and only the second time he has powerlinxed with Sparkplug. He hasn't done either since episode 4.
- This episode marks the first time Optimus says his name before saying, "Super Mode! Transform!" when he does, just like in the Japanese dub.
- Strangely, this episode is missing from Tubi.
Foreign localization
Hungarian
- Title: "Csapda a ködben" ("A Trap in the Mist")
Polish
- Title: "Intryga" ("Intrigue")
French
- Title: "L'espion surprise" ("The Surprise Spy")
Korean
- Title: "메가트론의 음모" ("Megatron's Conspiracy")
Home video releases
- DVD
2003 — Transformers: Micron Densetsu — Volume 5 (Columbia Music Entertainment) — Japanese audio only.
2004 — Transformers: Armada — Season One: Part One (Rhino Entertainment)
2008 — Transformers: Armada — Volume One (New KSM) — English and German audio.
2014 — Transformers: Armada — The Complete Series (Shout! Factory)
