Chain of Command (BW)
After Optimus Primal is abducted by an alien probe, the remaining Maximals must decide on a new leader.
Summary
The Maximals detect an energon crystal under the cairn in the Standing Stones. Rattrap thinks it reeks of 'bait' and Rhinox notes that the energon on this planet isn't natural, it has the wrong geology. The Predacons attack, putting an end to that line of speculation. Optimus Primal engages Terrorsaur and Waspinator in the air, but Terrorsaur evades his attack and (with much malice) fires directly on the buried energon crystal. Both sides duck and cover as it builds to overload- but instead of a debilitating energon wave, it sends a signal to the stars. With the crystal destroyed, both sides retreat.
Later, an alien probe emerges from Transwarp Space and enters Earth's atmosphere. Initially mistaking it for a Stasis pod, both sides head to intercept it at the Standing Stones. Primal and Dinobot confront Megatron and Waspinator, but when the other three Transform and begins to battle, the Prime puts out an energy burst that renders them unconscious and abducts Prime. Primal, was still in beast mode was hurt by the wave, but not immediately rendered unconscious.
Dinobot awakens in the Axalon's CR Chamber and, seeing 3 pissed-off-Maximals standing over him, momentarily mistakes it for a Maximal Torture Chamber. The probe dumped Dinobot, Megatron and Waspinator outside of their respective bases. Believing Primal was destroyed by the probe, Dinobot attempts to take command of the Maximals. Rhinox heads off a fight between Dinobot and Rattrap by insisting on a secret ballot, the traditional Maximal method for resolving this problem.
After the vote results in stalemate, with two votes for each contender, Dinobot declares that he will break the tie by force and attacks Rattrap. Before the fight can begin they are contacted by Optimus Primal, who is not dead. Primal's body has been digitally stored, but his consciousness remains active within the probe. Primal puts Rattrap in charge.
Megatron, also believing Primal dead, sends Scorponok and Waspinator to the Standing Stones while the other Predacons attack the Axalon. Dinobot fights Megatron one-on-one, ignoring Rattrap's order to disengage and reset the Axalon's failing shield circuitry. The Predacons retreat when Dinobot beats Megatron back, and Dinobot apologizes to Rattrap for not following his order, which was the correct one. Donobot's uncharacteristic deference and respect makes Rattrap uncomfortable, and he brushes hit off.
The Maximals head to the standing stones with a device Rhinox has built to (hopefully) extract Optimus from the Prome. They're attacked by the Predacons, and Rhinox releases his frustrations on Waspinator when his device malfunctions. Waspinator shorts out and comes in contact with one of the stones which activates, revealing the entire Standing Stones site is a single device. The probe opens in response, and Primal rematerializes. The Predacons retreat, and the Probe dematerializes before the Maximals can decide what to do with it.
Primal commends Rattrap on his performance as commander, Rattrap is more than happy to hand the title back. The Maximals are left wondering what the Probe's purpose was, and Rhinox ominously observes the aliens have learned they have destructive capabilities, and the ability to reason.
Stats
Original airdate: September 24, 1996
Written by: Jesse Winfield
Featured characters
(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)
| Maximals | Predacons | Others |
|---|---|---|
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Quotes
Notes
- The initial fight by the Standing Stones features shadow, a rare luxury in early Beast Wars episodes.
- Optimus Primal is reading late at night below the Axalon when the Probe comes down, a rare quiet character moment.
- The Maximals are not entirely convinced Dinobot didn't off Primal himself for the job, as he attempted to 3 episodes prior.
- Dinobot, most unexpectedly, triumphs in single combat against Megatron while going full-out.
- Scorponok exhibits his 'babbling' personality this episode, being left alone with the scheming Terrorsaur and Tarantulus while Megatron was undergoing major repairs made him extremely nervious..
Technical/animation glitches
- NA
Continuity errors
- NA
Transformers references
- The episode opens with the second moon exlipsing the sun. The moon's unnatural nature will again be mentioned in The Trigger, Part 1, and it plays a critical role in the season finale.
- The ongoing Vok storyline put in its first appearance since Beast Wars, Part 2, it will feature again in The Trigger, Part 1. The Vok will not be named until the series is almost over.
Real-world references
- Rattrap makes a mention to 'b-movies,' a uniquely human concept.
Keywords
Standing Stones, Vok Probe, Energon Wave, Maximal Torture Chamber, shield circuitry, Energon radiation
External links
- Beast Wars Season 1 Synopses and scripts — BWTF.com
