Traitor (episode)
Could Mirage betray the Autobots???
Detailed synopsis
At the Experimental Energy Research Laboratories, two scientists are working on the new electro-cells that will hopefully solve Earth's energy problems. Unfortunately, they're not viable until they've been stabilized, which could result in a massive explosion. At that moment, Starscream and Skywarp tear through the roof and take the cells. Megatron arrives to carefully remove the cells, as an explosion could be quite destructive, and the Seekers are not known for being gentle. Having taken the cells, Megatron transforms and has Starscream fire away, destroying the lab to prevent anymore from being created.
Meanwhile, Cliffjumper is tearing toward the Autobot base. Heading into the control room, he informs Optimus Prime that he found where the Decepticons have placed the electro-cells—in the same place Mirage patrolled yesterday. Mirage is shocked that he didn't get a reading on them, and Cliffjumper says that maybe Mirage did. Before any formal accusations are made, Optimus Prime politely tells Cliffjumper to shut up. The Autobot leader then leads a team to recover the cells.
At a canyon, the Decepticons have hooked a buffer device up to the cells. Starscream is using it as a chance to call Megatron a coward for not turning the cells on and filling Energon cubes, so he activates it. The cells fill the cubes rather quickly, but just as quickly drain the cubes and explode. Megatron walks over to show Screamer the business end of the fusion cannon. As Megatron does this, the Autobots arrive, but are spotted by Laserbeak, who tells Soundwave. Megatron orders Soundwave to call in the Insecticons, with the promise of a special reward. A battle insues, during which Mirage is injured by Skywarp, tearing off the Decepticon's insignia. However, the Insecticons arrive, turning the tide of battle. Unfortunately, a stray shot by Shrapnel hits the buffer, risking an explosion. The Autobots take the Decepticons' distraction as a chance to retreat.
At the base, Mirage is repaired, while Cliffjumper continues his accusations of treason. Mirage defends himself, and Optimus orders Cliffjumper on recon, with instructions to inform them if Megatron tries to move the cells. Ratchet tells Mirage to rest, but Mirage doesn't need rest. Leaving the base, he heads to the Insecticons' hideout, where they are discussing their "special reward"...two energon cubes. Going invisible and sneaking into the base, Mirage swipes the cubes while the Insecticons aren't looking, leaving the Decepticon insignia in their place, then drives to the valley. However, Cliffjumper spots him. Naturally assuming that Mirage is a Decepticon, Cliffjumper prepares to fire, only for the Insecticons to arrive. As Mirage slips away, Starscream discovers Cliffjumper, but the little guy is able to escape. Megatron comes to investigate, and they spot Mirage. They fire, but it appears that the Decepticons are firing on the Insecticons. The Bugs and the Cons throw down, but Mirage is caught in the crossfire. Bombshell implants a cerebro-shell into Mirage, having him fire on the Decepticons. Megatron sees Mirage, puts two and two together, and convinces the Insecticons to stop fighting the Decepticons. Megatron also plans to use Mirage for a little trap of his own.
Heading back to the base, Cliffjumper tells Prime what he saw. Optimus, Ratchet, and Cliffjumper head to the valley, where Mirage greets them, explaining his original plan, and saying that the Insecticons fled from the battle and the Decepticons chased after them. Despite Cliffjumper's warnings, the Autobots head to retrieve the cells, only for the Decepticons to ambush them, with Mirage joining in on the fire. Cliffjumper attacks Mirage, throwing him some distance, which apparently deactivates him. Bombshell commands him to continue, but gives up. Ratchet investigates, and notices the cerebro-shell. Removing it allows Mirage to regain control, and he joins in the fight—on the side of the Autobots. Prime makes a run for the cells, but Megatron concludes that if he can't have them, no one can. Firing randomly, the buffer device explodes, sending the Decepticons every where possible as the Insecticons and Autobots retreat. Megatron, emerging from the wreckage, laments his hasty action.
As Prime informs the scientists of what happened, Ratchet works to repair Mirage, as Cliffjumper admits that he may need some repairs as well...for having doubted his friend. Awwww...
Stats
Original airdate: ???
Written by:
Featured Characters
(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)
| Autobots | Decepticons | Humans | Others |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
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Regulars
Guests |
Notable quotes
"I just love opening presents."
- -- Skywarp as he breaks through the roof of a Human research institute.
"Where's the courage that your leadership demands, Megatron? To discover if something works, you must dare to... test it!"
- -- Starscream activating the electrocells.
"You fool! You'll destroy us all!"
"Destroy us all, oh brave Megatron? Perhaps the Decepticons should look elsewhere for directions. Someone prepared to make command decisions!"
- -- Megatron and Starscream arguing over who is a better leader.
"This time, you have dared too much, Starscream. You must pay the price for your insolence!"
- -- Megatron as he is about to terminate Starscream.
"There, Prime. In that valley, where Mirage found nothing."
- -- Cliffjumper highlighting Mirage's failure to find the Decepticon base in a place he patrolled.
"Remember which side you're on, Mirage."
"Keep your mind on the Decepticons, Cliffjumper."
"That's just what I'm doing!"
- -- Cliffjumper getting reprimanded by Optimus Prime.
"An electro-cell! Come to papa!"
"Not so fast, papa."
- --Cliffjumper and Starscream with witty banter
"I didn't feel a thing!"
"Then let's try... AGAIN!"
"Too fast for you, huh, Autobum?"
- -- Skywarp fighting against Mirage.
"Release the electrocells, Megatron. They don't belong to you."
"I possess them, therefore I own them! You've lost, Optimus Prime. Your destruction is at hand! Neither you nor your Autobot simpletons will prevent me from ruling the universe."
- -- Optimus Prime and Megatron after which the Autobot leader gets shot by Kickback and falls to the floor while Megatron continues his speech.
"Uh-oh. Suddenly I feel like I'm not alone."
"You're not! And this is one of those times when you really need a friend!"
- --Cliffjumper and Starscream witty banter; part two!
"HAHAHAHAH! Time for me to disappear."
- -- Mirage after tricking the Insecticons and the Decepticons into fighting one another.
"You missed again!"
"We both missed. Don't worry about the Autobots and worry about them!"
- -- Megatron and Starscream after they miss hitting the Autobots and the Insecticons begin attacking them.
"Those greedy little Insecticons are trying to steal my electrocells. I will squash them like the bugs they are! Decepticons, attack!"
- -- Megatron as the Insecticons are attacking him.
"You wouldn't cheat us. You need us to get rid of the Autobots. Maybe after that, you'll rob us blind. But not now!"
-- Bombshell after hearing Megatron out that Mirage was responsible for the theft of their energon cubes.
"My... my electrocells! They... they were meant for me! They were meann... argh!"
- -- Megatron damaged and in the ruins of the storage base which he destroyed.
Other notes
Animation and/or technical glitches
- When Megatron is rushing to put out the fire on the electrocells, there are two Starscreams beside him.
- When the Decepticons accidently fire on the Insecticons who believe Megatron has betrayed them; Shrapnel's voice is completely different.
Continuity errors
- Despite being a scientist, Starscream doesn't believe that any experimentation is needed with the cells. Then again, considering his delusions of grandeur, Starscream doesn't have a very good grip on reality.
- Cliffjumper is very quick to accuse Mirage of treachery, despite never showing any signs of mistrusting him before, i.e. "More Than Meets the Eye, Part 2". Then again, Cliffjumper is a jerk.
Transformers references
- Shrapnel makes use of his grenade launcher that fires spikes all around the target, its nasty... Mirage can testify to that.
Real-world references
- References
Miscellaneous trivia
- Poor Reflector. He (they?) appear(s?) just to be thrown back by the explosion of the electro-cells.
