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Proving Grounds
Written By: Arthur Sellers
Airdate: 14 February 1999
Japanese Title: Love Typhoon
SYNOPSIS
The Maximals examine Blackarachnia's interior structures with an X-Ray machine, and Rhinox finds the location of the shell program that Tarantulas had inserted into Blackarachnia's protoform. A frustrated Blackarachnia snaps at Rattrap (who is suspicious) and Cheetor (who is infatuated), and leaves the Maximal base to clear her head after overhearing Optimus and Rhinox discuss an operation on her. Dinobot II, who is spying on the Maximals, stalks her. Blackarachnia finds herself walking into a secluded forest, and reflects on her situation when she notices Dinobot. After a scuffle, the two begin to hunt each other through the forest. In the Maximal base, Rattrap plays a video game but is evicted by Silverbolt, who uses the computer to locate Blackarachnia, and is surprised to find her in Predacon territory. Silverbolt manages to convince Rattrap not to report this to Optimus Primal, and sets off to rescue his beloved.
Blackarachnia and Dinobot continue their battle, tearing their way through large trees in a deeper, darker woods. Dinobot ultimately manages to trap Blackarachnia under two fallen logs, but Blackarachnia shoots Dinobot at pointblank. She manages to free herself and tries to radio for help, but doesn't notice Dinobot regenerating from his injuries. Fortunately for her, Silverbolt arrives. Meanwhile the other Maximals realize that Silverbolt and Blackarachnia are away, and heads off to help.
Silverbolt arrives near Blackarachnia, but is promptly attacked by Dinobot. Dinobot gains the upper hand, trapping Silverbolt's head in his optic laser, but Blackarachnia shoots Silverbolt, telling Dinobot that the fight is between the two of them. Blackarachnia proposes an alliance with Dinobot, but is rejected. Dinobot attacks, but Silverbolt uses the distraction to stand up, and uses Dinobot's hologram emitter used earlier on to fool Dinobot, and they shoot Dinobot over a cliff. Blackarachnia and Silverbolt argue about Blackarachnia's seeming betrayal. Blackarachnia explains that it was a stalling tactic to fool Dinobot
Blackarachnia tells Silverbolt of her decision to leave the Maximals, not wanting distrust to harm both parties. She headbutts Silverbolt, but it knocks both of them out. Optimus Primal arrives, and Blackarachnia confronts Optimus about the operation she overheard him discussing. Optimus explains that the choice falls to Blackarachnia alone and that the operation would not be forced. Satisfied, Blackarachnia remains with the Maximals.
Featured Transformers: Blackarachnia, Rhinox, Optimus Primal, Cheetor, Rattrap, Dinobot II, Silverbolt
REVIEW
(Eight out of Ten)
A nice little spotlight about Blackarachnia. Blackarachnia's character have been gradually developing episode by episode, and this little confrontation about her true loyalties is well-executed and is a natural development. Her frustration with the Maximals not trusting her, and simply taking a walk to clear her head, is a great character moment. The fight against the new Dinobot in the forest is very moody and brutal, although there are quite a bit of uncomfortable double entrendes in the dialogue between Dinobot and Blackarachnia. The little holoprojector also looks kind of phallic.
The romance between Silverbolt and Blackarachnia is well done, and while it may be a little cheesy, it feels... natural, somewhat. Dinobot II is also a nice foil for Blackarachnia, being a sadistic, people-shredding monster. The new Dinobot seems to be a cross between Rampage and the original Dinobot's personalities, being sadistic yet fair-play at the same time. That little moment where Silverbolt evokes the original Dinobot's memory to convince Rattrap to let him find Blackarachnia is also a nice moment. A great, tense spotlight for Blackarachnia.
NOTES
As of this episode, Blackarachnia now considers herself a Maximal officially. But then it's been that way since the start of season three, only that this is 'official' instead of just an alliance of convenience.
Dinobot's Transmetal two powers allows him to heal himself from his injuries almost instantaneously. Perhaps a side-effect of having half of Rampage's spark?
Rattrap plays a game based on 'Street Fighter' but uses a pixelated version of Transmetal Megatron and a simplified version of Optimus Primal.
Later, Rattrap plays a first person shooter game ala Doom, but instead of demons he shoots Waspinators.
GOOFS
While she is in the X-Ray machine, Blackarachnia's beast mode legs are missing from her hands. Then again, they won't fit there...
The damage on Blackarachnia's body sometimes disappears for short moments during the forest battle.
At one point when the Maximals try to locate Silverbolt and Blackarachnia, a piece of Rhinox's green parts clip through his chest.
Quote, Unquote
Blackarachnia: "What's the matter? Don't you trust me?"
Rattrap: "About as far as an anvil can jump." [Blackarachnia chokes Rattrap] "Of course, I mean that in the best possible way."
Blackarachnia: [to Dinobot] "I'm beginning to like you, skullface. Let's play."
Blackarachnia: "Mood, setting... all I need now is my dance partner."
Dinobot: "Now hold still. This will hurt."
Silverbolt: "You're going to hear the truth if it h-"
Blackarachnia: [headbutts Silverbolt in the face] "Warned you... ooh, not such a... great idea." [Falls to the ground]
Cartoon Episode Reviews: Beast Wars [completed]
Moderators: Skyquake87, ganon578
Go With the Flow
Airdate: 18 February 1999
Written By: Bob Forward
Japanese title: Zap! Shibire Babire bu
SYNOPSIS
Cheetor fools around with Chak and Una, teaching them the arts of self-defense as well as basic science and the usage of tools. Rattrap watches this with disdain. Meanwhile, on a mountaintop the Predacons build a gigantic cannon, but because the bipolar energon source is installed before the shields, the Predacons couldn't safely get near the cannon. In order to complete the weapon, Tarantulas suggests that they capture the two proto-children that Cheetor had 'educated'. Waspinator and Inferno is dispatched to kidnap them, and Waspinator manages to capture Una. Depth Charge arrives to help but the Predacons retreat. Cheetor reports to Optimus Primal, who orders Rattrap and Depth Charge to rescue Una while Cheetor returns to base for repairs.
Una does manage to dismantle Waspinator en route to the Predacon outpost. Megatron fires the weapon at a low setting, knocking Depth Charge and Rattrap out of the sky. However, the incomplete cannon creates a feedback that knock the Predacons silly, forcing them to shut it down. Megatron tries his best to instruct Una to install the shields to cover the machine, but it is slow going, with the protohuman's limited intelligence. However, she manages to cover the machine with the shield, albeit in a haphazard manner. During this time Depth Charge and Rattrap find themselves crash-landed in a forest. Damaged, Depth Charge is stuck in the crater, unable to transform or fly. Rattrap goes off on his own to rescue Una.
Una is ordered to place the stabilizer crystal when Rattrap arrives. Dinobot engages the Maximal, while Tarantulas heads off to 'dispose' Una. Rattrap and Una manage to out-trick the Predacons and run off. Arriving where Depth Charge had crash-landed, Una reminds Rattrap of Cheetor's earlier lesson with a lever, and they manage to get a nonplussed Depth Charge free and use him as a raft. Sailing through the rapids, they shoot Waspinator and Inferno out of the air, and they knock Dinobot out.? Megatron prepares to blow the Maximals up with his cannon, but apparently Una had fancied the stabilizer crystal as a hairclip. The cannon explodes and the Maximals sail float away victorious.
Featured Transformers: Cheetor, Rattrap, Quickstrike, Tarantulas, Dinobot II, Megatron, Waspinator, Inferno, Depth Charge, Optimus Primal, Rhinox, Blackarachnia
Notable Others: Chak, Una
REVIEW
(Three out of Ten)
One of the lousy gag filler episodes, and this one isn't particularly a good one. There are some funny moments, like Depth Charge snarling at a butterfly, or Waspinator being dismantled by Una, but the main problem is Una herself. The Protohumans are ugly and uninteresting, and the plot — another 'Giant Cannon' — is hardly original. The protohumans are irritating, the Predacons are treated like jokes, and the ending is all too predictable. Stuff like protohumans studying is also boring. The river rapid chase is well animated, though.
Also, the 'time cheat' — in this case Una hammering one panel in, and when the scene changes the entire thing is complete — is rather unprofessional in my opinion. And why the hell is Tarantulas working with Megatron? This feels like a rogue season one episode, with Depth Charge subbing for Dinobot. It probably is supposed to be a 'fun' episode, but it falls completely flat on its back.
NOTES
Cheetor teaches the kids how to beat people, as well as using pulleys and levers. Cheetor's power of premonition (unseen since season one) makes a comeback in a smaller extent, with his spark chamber opening moments before the alarms sound.
Megatron's creation of a giant cannon is very reminiscent of similar-looking giant cannon weapons-of-the-week from the original G1 cartoon.
This episode is used in place of the planned episode 'Dark Glass'. In that cancelled episode, Rattrap would've happened on a copy of the original Dinobot's memories and found a way to inject them into Dinobot II's mind in a heroic attempt to bring bad his friend. In the unproduced script, the old and new Dinobots would vie for dominance, with the new Dinobot winning out and Rattrap finally accepting Dinobot's death and mourns. something that would explain the otherwise unexplainable reason why Dinobot II would do what he would do in 'Nemesis Part 2' (yes, I'm being vague for the benefit of those who hadn't watched that episode yet). Depending on who you asked, reasons range from a substandard script, a too-dark storyline or lack of action, or a combination of the three. Shame, really.
GOOFS
Tarantulas is back with the Predacons for some reason, when nominally he has betrayed them since the end of season two.
During the battle with Dinobot II, Rattrap's tail-sword is slice into two. Several scenes later it is back in full length when Rattrap uses it as a makeshift oar.
When they crash into the forest, Depth Charge's mouth is also moving when Rattrap says his line.
During the river rapids scene, just before Dinobot says 'target immobilized', Depth Charge's fin clips through a rock.
Quote, Unquote
Rattrap: "Feh, educational stuff. I'd rather watching things explode."
Waspinator: "Waspinator sees helpless target! Oh, happy day!"
Waspinator: "Waspinator to Megatron. Waspinator has female fleshybot, but there is problem."
Megatron: "She'd better not be injured."
Waspinator: "No, she- injuring- Waspinator!"
Megatron: "Ah, situation normal, then. Yeeesss."
Waspinator: "Waspinator want to re-negotiate contract!"
Rattrap: "Heheh, I ain't dead."
Depth Charge: "This day's just full of disappointments."
Depth Charge (to an ersatz butterfly that lands on him): "What're you looking at?"
Airdate: 18 February 1999
Written By: Bob Forward
Japanese title: Zap! Shibire Babire bu
SYNOPSIS
Cheetor fools around with Chak and Una, teaching them the arts of self-defense as well as basic science and the usage of tools. Rattrap watches this with disdain. Meanwhile, on a mountaintop the Predacons build a gigantic cannon, but because the bipolar energon source is installed before the shields, the Predacons couldn't safely get near the cannon. In order to complete the weapon, Tarantulas suggests that they capture the two proto-children that Cheetor had 'educated'. Waspinator and Inferno is dispatched to kidnap them, and Waspinator manages to capture Una. Depth Charge arrives to help but the Predacons retreat. Cheetor reports to Optimus Primal, who orders Rattrap and Depth Charge to rescue Una while Cheetor returns to base for repairs.
Una does manage to dismantle Waspinator en route to the Predacon outpost. Megatron fires the weapon at a low setting, knocking Depth Charge and Rattrap out of the sky. However, the incomplete cannon creates a feedback that knock the Predacons silly, forcing them to shut it down. Megatron tries his best to instruct Una to install the shields to cover the machine, but it is slow going, with the protohuman's limited intelligence. However, she manages to cover the machine with the shield, albeit in a haphazard manner. During this time Depth Charge and Rattrap find themselves crash-landed in a forest. Damaged, Depth Charge is stuck in the crater, unable to transform or fly. Rattrap goes off on his own to rescue Una.
Una is ordered to place the stabilizer crystal when Rattrap arrives. Dinobot engages the Maximal, while Tarantulas heads off to 'dispose' Una. Rattrap and Una manage to out-trick the Predacons and run off. Arriving where Depth Charge had crash-landed, Una reminds Rattrap of Cheetor's earlier lesson with a lever, and they manage to get a nonplussed Depth Charge free and use him as a raft. Sailing through the rapids, they shoot Waspinator and Inferno out of the air, and they knock Dinobot out.? Megatron prepares to blow the Maximals up with his cannon, but apparently Una had fancied the stabilizer crystal as a hairclip. The cannon explodes and the Maximals sail float away victorious.
Featured Transformers: Cheetor, Rattrap, Quickstrike, Tarantulas, Dinobot II, Megatron, Waspinator, Inferno, Depth Charge, Optimus Primal, Rhinox, Blackarachnia
Notable Others: Chak, Una
REVIEW
(Three out of Ten)
One of the lousy gag filler episodes, and this one isn't particularly a good one. There are some funny moments, like Depth Charge snarling at a butterfly, or Waspinator being dismantled by Una, but the main problem is Una herself. The Protohumans are ugly and uninteresting, and the plot — another 'Giant Cannon' — is hardly original. The protohumans are irritating, the Predacons are treated like jokes, and the ending is all too predictable. Stuff like protohumans studying is also boring. The river rapid chase is well animated, though.
Also, the 'time cheat' — in this case Una hammering one panel in, and when the scene changes the entire thing is complete — is rather unprofessional in my opinion. And why the hell is Tarantulas working with Megatron? This feels like a rogue season one episode, with Depth Charge subbing for Dinobot. It probably is supposed to be a 'fun' episode, but it falls completely flat on its back.
NOTES
Cheetor teaches the kids how to beat people, as well as using pulleys and levers. Cheetor's power of premonition (unseen since season one) makes a comeback in a smaller extent, with his spark chamber opening moments before the alarms sound.
Megatron's creation of a giant cannon is very reminiscent of similar-looking giant cannon weapons-of-the-week from the original G1 cartoon.
This episode is used in place of the planned episode 'Dark Glass'. In that cancelled episode, Rattrap would've happened on a copy of the original Dinobot's memories and found a way to inject them into Dinobot II's mind in a heroic attempt to bring bad his friend. In the unproduced script, the old and new Dinobots would vie for dominance, with the new Dinobot winning out and Rattrap finally accepting Dinobot's death and mourns. something that would explain the otherwise unexplainable reason why Dinobot II would do what he would do in 'Nemesis Part 2' (yes, I'm being vague for the benefit of those who hadn't watched that episode yet). Depending on who you asked, reasons range from a substandard script, a too-dark storyline or lack of action, or a combination of the three. Shame, really.
GOOFS
Tarantulas is back with the Predacons for some reason, when nominally he has betrayed them since the end of season two.
During the battle with Dinobot II, Rattrap's tail-sword is slice into two. Several scenes later it is back in full length when Rattrap uses it as a makeshift oar.
When they crash into the forest, Depth Charge's mouth is also moving when Rattrap says his line.
During the river rapids scene, just before Dinobot says 'target immobilized', Depth Charge's fin clips through a rock.
Quote, Unquote
Rattrap: "Feh, educational stuff. I'd rather watching things explode."
Waspinator: "Waspinator sees helpless target! Oh, happy day!"
Waspinator: "Waspinator to Megatron. Waspinator has female fleshybot, but there is problem."
Megatron: "She'd better not be injured."
Waspinator: "No, she- injuring- Waspinator!"
Megatron: "Ah, situation normal, then. Yeeesss."
Waspinator: "Waspinator want to re-negotiate contract!"
Rattrap: "Heheh, I ain't dead."
Depth Charge: "This day's just full of disappointments."
Depth Charge (to an ersatz butterfly that lands on him): "What're you looking at?"
Crossing the Rubicon
Airdate: 22 February 1999
Written By: D.C. Fontana
Japanese Title: Shiny!
SYNOPSIS
In an alcove, Blackarachnia straps herself a ragtag piece of machinery that would hopefully convert her into a Transmetal 2. When she activates the machine she accidentally attracts the attention of Silverbolt, who flies in to the 'rescue'. Blackarachnia berates Silverbolt, but suddenly short-circuits and passes out. Silverbolt rushed Blackarachnia back to the Maximal base, where Rhinox diagnoses the problem. The shell program is starting to degrade, and if not removed soon it would delete Blackarachnia's core consciousness with it. Rhinox begins the procedure to remove the shell, something that have never been done before. The disoriented Blackarachnia wanders off to think about it, and confides to Silverbolt that she still views herself as a Predacon, and the idea of becoming a Maximal bothers her. Silverbolt insists that the only reason she is thinking that way is because of Tarantulas' shell program, and that deep down she is a Maximal. Blackarachnia abruptly short-circuits again in the middle of the conversation.
With little time to spare, Blackarachnia decides to go through with the operation. She transfers the access codes to the Ark (gained some time ago) to Optimus Primal before submitting to the operation. Rhinox controls some sort of nano-machine injected into Blackarachnia's systems, and begins to destroy the safeguards guarding the web-like shell program with calculated precision. This attracts the attention of Tarantulas, who informs Megatron of the situation. Megatron concludes that the access codes to the Ark must've been transferred, and that they have no reason to keep Blackarachnia alive anymore. Megatron recruits Tarantulas and sends his Predacons to attack the Maximals in order to disrupt the delicate operation. Optimus Primal, Cheetor and Rattrap defend the base while Rhinox tries to concentrate and gun down the safeguards. As Rhinox is about to destroy the final safeguard, a rocket launched by Tarantulas hits the base, causing Rhinox to miss and extinguishing Blackarachnia's spark in the process. A shell-shocked Rhinox shuffles off to tell Optimus, but Silverbolt, fueled with rage, stalks out in hunt of Tarantulas. Tarantulas, meanwhile, detects that Blackarachnia is dead and breaks off the attack, heading in a different direction with the other Predacons. Silverbolt follows. Meanwhile, the other Maximals (not aware that Silverbolt had slipped away) give Blackarachnia an eulogy and apologizes belatedly for not trusting her more. When they realize this, they head off to hunt Silverbolt. Unseen by them, the Transmetal 2 Driver begins to glow...
Silverbolt trails Tarantulas into a desolate area, and brutally attacks the Predacon. However, just as he was about to deliver the killing blow Rampage arrives and beats Silverbolt to the ground... only to be stopped by Blackarachnia, having been upgraded into a Transmetal 2. Using her newfound powers she makes quick work of Rampage and returns to base with Silverbolt. They return to base and Blackarachnia shrugs off her revival as being 'dark, then light'. She then gives Silverbolt a kiss on the cheek, much to the other's embarrassment.
Featured Transformers: Blackarachnia, Silverbolt, Optimus Primal, Rhinox, Cheetor, Rattrap, Tarantulas, Megatron, Rampage, Quickstrike, Inferno
REVIEW
(Eight out of ten)
Another introduction of a Transmetal 2 upgrade, but unlike the case with Cheetor, Blackarachnia's upgrade had been hinted upon numerous times prior. It's very good writing throughout the series, and Blackarachnia's gradual change from an evil Predacon b*tch to a reluctant anti-hero and now to be accepted fully into the Maximal fold is so well-written, putting many of the laughable attempts at faction-hopping seen in the newer series look like paltry attempts in the process. Of course, that romance bit helps the storytelling too. And so far, Silverbolt and Blackarachnia's little love story is the only good one that I've seen in any Transformer fiction. And Megatron's plan this episode is uncharacteristically brutal for the series, where he sends his troops just to foil an attempt to operate on a mortally-wounded Blackarachnia. It's very dark compared to the 'build a big gun!' seen last episode.
Silverbolt's pain is really well played out, as is his vengeful hunt for Tarantulas. Rampage provides a sadistic foil to Silverbolt's hurting emotions, and Blackarachnia's 'death' does seem a little sad if you don't see what's coming. That said, this episode isn't without its bad sides, though. The parts where Rhinox had to basically play a video game to shoot down Tarantulas' safeguards is agonizingly long and not really interesting to see, and the new-toy-pwns-old-toy battle between Blackarachnia and Rampage isn't the best one. Still, it's a great episode, although it could do with some trimming.
NOTES
First appearance of Transmetal 2 Blackarachnia.
After his appearances of working with the Predacons in two previous episodes, this episode gives an inkling on how Tarantulas works now. He's somewhat of a loosely Predacon-based consultant that alerts Megatron of anything that could further mutual interests.
Megatron's rubber duckie is seen again, but it now has metal rings around it, as if it's been Transmetalized. Cute.
The medical machine connected to Blackarachnia is very similar to an electrocardiograph, the way it quickens and slows down, and even flatlines when she 'dies'.
When Megatron deduces that Blackarachnia has transmitted the Ark's access codes to Optimus Primal, he notes that this 'fits in nicely with our little plan for him', foreshadowing the next episode.
What exactly is a rubicon? It's a river in Italy which was illegal for Roman generals to cross (protecting the capital city from a military threat). Julius Caesar crossed it, causing a civil war which ended with Rome becoming his. 'Crossing the Rubicon' is an idiom meaning to go past the point of no return.
GOOFS
Like in 'Proving Grounds', when Blackarachnia gets out from the X-Ray machine, the spider legs mounted on her upper arms are missing. Perhaps they are removable?
Blackarachnia's gray battle damage disappears and reappears between shots.
When Optimus and Rattrap are talking when the Predacons attack, Optimus' blast shields are placed in his arms instead of his shoulders during one shot.
Optimus transforms into his jet mode by saying 'Maximize', when traditionally 'Maximize' is used to transform into robot mode. Normally he says 'Flight mode' when changing into jet mode.
When Dinobot II battles with Cheetor, the plate on his stomach/crotch is oddly stretched.
Not technically a goof, but Optimus Primal says that going off on your own is not a Maximal thing to do, when throughout all the episodes every single character (barring perhaps Rhinox) have done so at one point or another.
Quote, Unquote
Blackarachnia: "Oh, yeah. Sure. Like you were gonna help the Pred get more power."
Optimus Primal: "Maximal or Predacon, you're one of us. You should know that by now."
Silverbolt: "You're only a Predacon because of Tarantulas. Inside, you're a Maximal. When this is over, you'll be one again, as you were meant to be."
Blackarachnia: "Easy for you to say. You enjoy this hero stuff. Me? I'm a bad girl at heart."
Silverbolt: "I know your heart and when I look into it, I see no evil. Only love."
Blackarachnia: "Sappy as always. What did I ever see in you anyway? Oh yeah, I remember..."
Silverbolt: "Tarantulaaaas! She's… gone, and it's all because of you!"
Tarantulas: "Ahh, the avenging hero!"
Rampage: "Ah, such pain. I must help deepen it."
Rampage: "Love the new look… goodbye!" [Fires missile]
Blackaracnia: "Missed. And you're ugly!"
Optimus Primal: "Not a very Maximal approach."
Blackarachnia: "Even when I'm good, I'm still bad."
Airdate: 22 February 1999
Written By: D.C. Fontana
Japanese Title: Shiny!
SYNOPSIS
In an alcove, Blackarachnia straps herself a ragtag piece of machinery that would hopefully convert her into a Transmetal 2. When she activates the machine she accidentally attracts the attention of Silverbolt, who flies in to the 'rescue'. Blackarachnia berates Silverbolt, but suddenly short-circuits and passes out. Silverbolt rushed Blackarachnia back to the Maximal base, where Rhinox diagnoses the problem. The shell program is starting to degrade, and if not removed soon it would delete Blackarachnia's core consciousness with it. Rhinox begins the procedure to remove the shell, something that have never been done before. The disoriented Blackarachnia wanders off to think about it, and confides to Silverbolt that she still views herself as a Predacon, and the idea of becoming a Maximal bothers her. Silverbolt insists that the only reason she is thinking that way is because of Tarantulas' shell program, and that deep down she is a Maximal. Blackarachnia abruptly short-circuits again in the middle of the conversation.
With little time to spare, Blackarachnia decides to go through with the operation. She transfers the access codes to the Ark (gained some time ago) to Optimus Primal before submitting to the operation. Rhinox controls some sort of nano-machine injected into Blackarachnia's systems, and begins to destroy the safeguards guarding the web-like shell program with calculated precision. This attracts the attention of Tarantulas, who informs Megatron of the situation. Megatron concludes that the access codes to the Ark must've been transferred, and that they have no reason to keep Blackarachnia alive anymore. Megatron recruits Tarantulas and sends his Predacons to attack the Maximals in order to disrupt the delicate operation. Optimus Primal, Cheetor and Rattrap defend the base while Rhinox tries to concentrate and gun down the safeguards. As Rhinox is about to destroy the final safeguard, a rocket launched by Tarantulas hits the base, causing Rhinox to miss and extinguishing Blackarachnia's spark in the process. A shell-shocked Rhinox shuffles off to tell Optimus, but Silverbolt, fueled with rage, stalks out in hunt of Tarantulas. Tarantulas, meanwhile, detects that Blackarachnia is dead and breaks off the attack, heading in a different direction with the other Predacons. Silverbolt follows. Meanwhile, the other Maximals (not aware that Silverbolt had slipped away) give Blackarachnia an eulogy and apologizes belatedly for not trusting her more. When they realize this, they head off to hunt Silverbolt. Unseen by them, the Transmetal 2 Driver begins to glow...
Silverbolt trails Tarantulas into a desolate area, and brutally attacks the Predacon. However, just as he was about to deliver the killing blow Rampage arrives and beats Silverbolt to the ground... only to be stopped by Blackarachnia, having been upgraded into a Transmetal 2. Using her newfound powers she makes quick work of Rampage and returns to base with Silverbolt. They return to base and Blackarachnia shrugs off her revival as being 'dark, then light'. She then gives Silverbolt a kiss on the cheek, much to the other's embarrassment.
Featured Transformers: Blackarachnia, Silverbolt, Optimus Primal, Rhinox, Cheetor, Rattrap, Tarantulas, Megatron, Rampage, Quickstrike, Inferno
REVIEW
(Eight out of ten)
Another introduction of a Transmetal 2 upgrade, but unlike the case with Cheetor, Blackarachnia's upgrade had been hinted upon numerous times prior. It's very good writing throughout the series, and Blackarachnia's gradual change from an evil Predacon b*tch to a reluctant anti-hero and now to be accepted fully into the Maximal fold is so well-written, putting many of the laughable attempts at faction-hopping seen in the newer series look like paltry attempts in the process. Of course, that romance bit helps the storytelling too. And so far, Silverbolt and Blackarachnia's little love story is the only good one that I've seen in any Transformer fiction. And Megatron's plan this episode is uncharacteristically brutal for the series, where he sends his troops just to foil an attempt to operate on a mortally-wounded Blackarachnia. It's very dark compared to the 'build a big gun!' seen last episode.
Silverbolt's pain is really well played out, as is his vengeful hunt for Tarantulas. Rampage provides a sadistic foil to Silverbolt's hurting emotions, and Blackarachnia's 'death' does seem a little sad if you don't see what's coming. That said, this episode isn't without its bad sides, though. The parts where Rhinox had to basically play a video game to shoot down Tarantulas' safeguards is agonizingly long and not really interesting to see, and the new-toy-pwns-old-toy battle between Blackarachnia and Rampage isn't the best one. Still, it's a great episode, although it could do with some trimming.
NOTES
First appearance of Transmetal 2 Blackarachnia.
After his appearances of working with the Predacons in two previous episodes, this episode gives an inkling on how Tarantulas works now. He's somewhat of a loosely Predacon-based consultant that alerts Megatron of anything that could further mutual interests.
Megatron's rubber duckie is seen again, but it now has metal rings around it, as if it's been Transmetalized. Cute.
The medical machine connected to Blackarachnia is very similar to an electrocardiograph, the way it quickens and slows down, and even flatlines when she 'dies'.
When Megatron deduces that Blackarachnia has transmitted the Ark's access codes to Optimus Primal, he notes that this 'fits in nicely with our little plan for him', foreshadowing the next episode.
What exactly is a rubicon? It's a river in Italy which was illegal for Roman generals to cross (protecting the capital city from a military threat). Julius Caesar crossed it, causing a civil war which ended with Rome becoming his. 'Crossing the Rubicon' is an idiom meaning to go past the point of no return.
GOOFS
Like in 'Proving Grounds', when Blackarachnia gets out from the X-Ray machine, the spider legs mounted on her upper arms are missing. Perhaps they are removable?
Blackarachnia's gray battle damage disappears and reappears between shots.
When Optimus and Rattrap are talking when the Predacons attack, Optimus' blast shields are placed in his arms instead of his shoulders during one shot.
Optimus transforms into his jet mode by saying 'Maximize', when traditionally 'Maximize' is used to transform into robot mode. Normally he says 'Flight mode' when changing into jet mode.
When Dinobot II battles with Cheetor, the plate on his stomach/crotch is oddly stretched.
Not technically a goof, but Optimus Primal says that going off on your own is not a Maximal thing to do, when throughout all the episodes every single character (barring perhaps Rhinox) have done so at one point or another.
Quote, Unquote
Blackarachnia: "Oh, yeah. Sure. Like you were gonna help the Pred get more power."
Optimus Primal: "Maximal or Predacon, you're one of us. You should know that by now."
Silverbolt: "You're only a Predacon because of Tarantulas. Inside, you're a Maximal. When this is over, you'll be one again, as you were meant to be."
Blackarachnia: "Easy for you to say. You enjoy this hero stuff. Me? I'm a bad girl at heart."
Silverbolt: "I know your heart and when I look into it, I see no evil. Only love."
Blackarachnia: "Sappy as always. What did I ever see in you anyway? Oh yeah, I remember..."
Silverbolt: "Tarantulaaaas! She's… gone, and it's all because of you!"
Tarantulas: "Ahh, the avenging hero!"
Rampage: "Ah, such pain. I must help deepen it."
Rampage: "Love the new look… goodbye!" [Fires missile]
Blackaracnia: "Missed. And you're ugly!"
Optimus Primal: "Not a very Maximal approach."
Blackarachnia: "Even when I'm good, I'm still bad."
Master Blaster
Airdate: 1 Match 1999
Written By: Eric Torin
Japanese Title: Blaze, Dragon
SYNOPSIS
Megatron sends Waspinator to lead an attack against the Maximal base, and he successfully dispatches Silverbolt before the other Maximals storm out. Denied of reinforcements, poor Waspinator is quickly squashed by the Maximals. However, Waspinator was merely a ruse to draw Optimus Primal out. A hidden Tarantulas uses a blowgun to shoot a dart, which burrows into Primal's foot. The dart unfolds and makes its way through Primal's interior machinery and accesses Primal's spark. Optimus Primal goes black for a moment, then punches Cheetor, speaking with a Western drawl.
Soon, Blackarachnia returns to the Maximal base, suspicious at the open doors and the darkened interior. Optimus Primal sneaks up and grabs her. The Predacons reveal themselves, as well as the rest of the unconscious Maximals trapped in a cage. Quickstrike is revealed to control Optimus Primal's body by piloting a large mechanical suit. Blackarachnia is left to Rampage to play with, while Quickstrike uses Optimus Primal's body to allow Megatron access to the Ark. Megatron enters the Autobot shuttle, only this time his target is not Optimus Prime, but rather his namesake, the original Megatron. The Predacon leader opens the Decepticon's chest and uses a tentacle to grab the original Megatron's spark. After a bit of a struggle Megatron manages to contain both sparks within his body. While he recovers from his ordeal, Quickstrike, influenced by Tarantulas into working against Megatron, dumps the Predacon leader into a lava pool.
Meanwhile, Rampage is about to step on Blackarachnia, but the Maximal uses her newfound telekinetic power to slam a girder onto the Predacon. After outsmarting Inferno, she then proceeds to free the rest of the Maximals, although they are too injured to be of help. Meanwhile, Tarantulas accesses Teletraan-1, activating a self-destruct sequence which would destroy all the Autobots and Decepticons within. However, as Tarantulas leaves the Ark, Megatron rises from the lava, now reformatted into a new dragon form by a combination of the lava dip and the original Megatron's spark. Megatron burns the treacherous Predacon for failing to destroy him and tosses him into lava as well.
Blackarachnia assaults Quickstrike and manages to outsmart the Fuzor, freeing Optimus Primal from his control. The two head back towards the Ark. Megatron and Optimus Primal battle, the former reveling in his newfound powers. Blackarachnia manages to shut down the destruction sequence with seconds to spare. The remaining Maximals regroup and manage to drive off Megatron. Optimus then remarks that they needed to end the Beast Wars quickly...
Featured Transformers: Silverbolt, Inferno, Quickstrike, Tarantulas, Waspinator, Megatron, Dinobot II, Cheetor, Rattrap, Optimus Primal, Blackarachnia, Rampage, Rhinox, G1 Megatron (deactivated), G1 Optimus Prime (deactivated)
REVIEW
(Seven out of Ten)
After the Silverbolt-Blackarachnia romance thread after the previous episodes, we finally kick up the gear for the final arc of Beast Wars. While this episode begun like something similar to another 'weapon of the week' episode, it is refreshingly surprising to see the Ark revisited again. Tarantulas is excellently portrayed here, in his manipulating the Predacons. The dialogue in this episode is especially well-scripted, Megatron in particular. We get lots of comedic moments for poor Waspinator and Inferno, while Blackarachnia's newfound sense of heroism works well. Taking over Optimus Primal's body might not have been the most original idea, but it suits well to get the Predacons in position in the Ark, in order to have Megatron do his stuff.
There are quite a bit of plot holes, though. Why didn't Megatron kill Optimus Prime while he's at it? Why hand Blackarachnia to Rampage when killing her outright or imprisoning her would've caused the plan to succeed? While they might be explained by Megatron simply being your typical gloating megalomaniac, the fact stands that they are glaring plot holes. Megatron's battle against Optimus Primal is nothing short of epic, as is the unveiling of his dragon body. And Optimus Primal's solemn proclamation at the end sets up the mood for the cataclysmic end of Beast Wars...
NOTES
First appearance of Megatron's Transmetal 2 body. Well, the toy is marketed as a Transmetal 2, and all fans call it Megatron's Transmetal 2 body, but it's never referred to as such for the four episodes it appeared in, and Megatron's upgrade into a Transmetal 2, unlike Blackarachnia, Cheetor and Dinobot II, is unrelated to the Transmetal 2 Driver. That's what happens when toy gimmickry collides with storytelling...
This episode effectively retcons that all Transformers in G1 had sparks as their soul or lifeforce thing. Megatron's spark is also funky instead of the normal blue... it lashes around, too. It is unclear if the original Megatron's spark influences the Beast Megatron's mind while the two are combined. There have been arguments on both sides of the party, but in the end it's up to the fandom to decide.
After several episodes of loosely working alongside the Predacons again, Tarantulas is now his own independent faction. Why does he want to destroy all the Autobots and Decepticons when it would lead to his death as well? Tune in next episode!
Several new abilities are showcased this episode. Blackarachnia apparently has telekinetic powers in her new body (which would not be seen again after this episode), while Megatron's new body can breathe fire or ice.
After several jibes in the then-still-growing online fandom, Teletraan-1 is now pronounced as such, instead of 'Teletron-1' like it had in previous episodes.
Megatron's line "Enter the Dragon" is a reference to a Bruce Lee movie of the same title.
Teletraan-1's line when it shuts down (quoted below) is a homage to the Star Wars parody 'Spaceballs'.
GOOFS
Several times the Beast Warriors interact with consoles for Transformers their size (roughly slightly bigger than a human) when in previous episodes the consoles in the Ark have always been portrayed as large compared to them.
At one point before his upgrade, when he's gloating about collecting the set of Maximals, Megatron's head is coloured like his Transmetal 2 head.
Why didn't Megatron shoot Optimus Prime's head again? It's his master plan, after all...
Quote, Unquote
Blackarachnia: "You'll live to regret this, crab legs."
Rampage: "I regret everything, my sweet. Struggle as much as you like, I enjoy it."
Tarantulas: "By the Pit, you live!"
Megatron: "I am not so easily destroyed. And thanks to your treachery, my power is greater than ever! Let me thank you."
Megatron: "I can suffer your treachery, lieutenant, but not your incompetence!" [lobs Tarantulas into lava] "Treachery requires no mistakes."
Megatron: "Enter the dragon!"
Megatron: "Megatron does not yield... he conquers!"
Teletraan-1: "Eight clicks to core implosion. Five... four... three... two... one- Core implosion aborted. All systems normal. Have a nice day."
Megatron: "Did you think you could stand against the fury of both Megatrons?"
Optimus Primal: "What Megatron's done has just made it more important than ever for us to win this war… and win it soon."
Airdate: 1 Match 1999
Written By: Eric Torin
Japanese Title: Blaze, Dragon
SYNOPSIS
Megatron sends Waspinator to lead an attack against the Maximal base, and he successfully dispatches Silverbolt before the other Maximals storm out. Denied of reinforcements, poor Waspinator is quickly squashed by the Maximals. However, Waspinator was merely a ruse to draw Optimus Primal out. A hidden Tarantulas uses a blowgun to shoot a dart, which burrows into Primal's foot. The dart unfolds and makes its way through Primal's interior machinery and accesses Primal's spark. Optimus Primal goes black for a moment, then punches Cheetor, speaking with a Western drawl.
Soon, Blackarachnia returns to the Maximal base, suspicious at the open doors and the darkened interior. Optimus Primal sneaks up and grabs her. The Predacons reveal themselves, as well as the rest of the unconscious Maximals trapped in a cage. Quickstrike is revealed to control Optimus Primal's body by piloting a large mechanical suit. Blackarachnia is left to Rampage to play with, while Quickstrike uses Optimus Primal's body to allow Megatron access to the Ark. Megatron enters the Autobot shuttle, only this time his target is not Optimus Prime, but rather his namesake, the original Megatron. The Predacon leader opens the Decepticon's chest and uses a tentacle to grab the original Megatron's spark. After a bit of a struggle Megatron manages to contain both sparks within his body. While he recovers from his ordeal, Quickstrike, influenced by Tarantulas into working against Megatron, dumps the Predacon leader into a lava pool.
Meanwhile, Rampage is about to step on Blackarachnia, but the Maximal uses her newfound telekinetic power to slam a girder onto the Predacon. After outsmarting Inferno, she then proceeds to free the rest of the Maximals, although they are too injured to be of help. Meanwhile, Tarantulas accesses Teletraan-1, activating a self-destruct sequence which would destroy all the Autobots and Decepticons within. However, as Tarantulas leaves the Ark, Megatron rises from the lava, now reformatted into a new dragon form by a combination of the lava dip and the original Megatron's spark. Megatron burns the treacherous Predacon for failing to destroy him and tosses him into lava as well.
Blackarachnia assaults Quickstrike and manages to outsmart the Fuzor, freeing Optimus Primal from his control. The two head back towards the Ark. Megatron and Optimus Primal battle, the former reveling in his newfound powers. Blackarachnia manages to shut down the destruction sequence with seconds to spare. The remaining Maximals regroup and manage to drive off Megatron. Optimus then remarks that they needed to end the Beast Wars quickly...
Featured Transformers: Silverbolt, Inferno, Quickstrike, Tarantulas, Waspinator, Megatron, Dinobot II, Cheetor, Rattrap, Optimus Primal, Blackarachnia, Rampage, Rhinox, G1 Megatron (deactivated), G1 Optimus Prime (deactivated)
REVIEW
(Seven out of Ten)
After the Silverbolt-Blackarachnia romance thread after the previous episodes, we finally kick up the gear for the final arc of Beast Wars. While this episode begun like something similar to another 'weapon of the week' episode, it is refreshingly surprising to see the Ark revisited again. Tarantulas is excellently portrayed here, in his manipulating the Predacons. The dialogue in this episode is especially well-scripted, Megatron in particular. We get lots of comedic moments for poor Waspinator and Inferno, while Blackarachnia's newfound sense of heroism works well. Taking over Optimus Primal's body might not have been the most original idea, but it suits well to get the Predacons in position in the Ark, in order to have Megatron do his stuff.
There are quite a bit of plot holes, though. Why didn't Megatron kill Optimus Prime while he's at it? Why hand Blackarachnia to Rampage when killing her outright or imprisoning her would've caused the plan to succeed? While they might be explained by Megatron simply being your typical gloating megalomaniac, the fact stands that they are glaring plot holes. Megatron's battle against Optimus Primal is nothing short of epic, as is the unveiling of his dragon body. And Optimus Primal's solemn proclamation at the end sets up the mood for the cataclysmic end of Beast Wars...
NOTES
First appearance of Megatron's Transmetal 2 body. Well, the toy is marketed as a Transmetal 2, and all fans call it Megatron's Transmetal 2 body, but it's never referred to as such for the four episodes it appeared in, and Megatron's upgrade into a Transmetal 2, unlike Blackarachnia, Cheetor and Dinobot II, is unrelated to the Transmetal 2 Driver. That's what happens when toy gimmickry collides with storytelling...
This episode effectively retcons that all Transformers in G1 had sparks as their soul or lifeforce thing. Megatron's spark is also funky instead of the normal blue... it lashes around, too. It is unclear if the original Megatron's spark influences the Beast Megatron's mind while the two are combined. There have been arguments on both sides of the party, but in the end it's up to the fandom to decide.
After several episodes of loosely working alongside the Predacons again, Tarantulas is now his own independent faction. Why does he want to destroy all the Autobots and Decepticons when it would lead to his death as well? Tune in next episode!
Several new abilities are showcased this episode. Blackarachnia apparently has telekinetic powers in her new body (which would not be seen again after this episode), while Megatron's new body can breathe fire or ice.
After several jibes in the then-still-growing online fandom, Teletraan-1 is now pronounced as such, instead of 'Teletron-1' like it had in previous episodes.
Megatron's line "Enter the Dragon" is a reference to a Bruce Lee movie of the same title.
Teletraan-1's line when it shuts down (quoted below) is a homage to the Star Wars parody 'Spaceballs'.
GOOFS
Several times the Beast Warriors interact with consoles for Transformers their size (roughly slightly bigger than a human) when in previous episodes the consoles in the Ark have always been portrayed as large compared to them.
At one point before his upgrade, when he's gloating about collecting the set of Maximals, Megatron's head is coloured like his Transmetal 2 head.
Why didn't Megatron shoot Optimus Prime's head again? It's his master plan, after all...
Quote, Unquote
Blackarachnia: "You'll live to regret this, crab legs."
Rampage: "I regret everything, my sweet. Struggle as much as you like, I enjoy it."
Tarantulas: "By the Pit, you live!"
Megatron: "I am not so easily destroyed. And thanks to your treachery, my power is greater than ever! Let me thank you."
Megatron: "I can suffer your treachery, lieutenant, but not your incompetence!" [lobs Tarantulas into lava] "Treachery requires no mistakes."
Megatron: "Enter the dragon!"
Megatron: "Megatron does not yield... he conquers!"
Teletraan-1: "Eight clicks to core implosion. Five... four... three... two... one- Core implosion aborted. All systems normal. Have a nice day."
Megatron: "Did you think you could stand against the fury of both Megatrons?"
Optimus Primal: "What Megatron's done has just made it more important than ever for us to win this war… and win it soon."
Other Victories
Airdate: 5 May 1999
Written By: Larry DiTillio
Japanese Title: I Have Returned
SYNOPSIS
In deep space, several skull-like ethereal entities — the true forms of the Vok — discuss the experiment on Nexus Earth. The Vok decide that there remains a threat, despite their efforts to sterilize the planet. The Vok merge the dormant bodies of Tigatron and Airazor together, creating a new Transformer. Two Vok inhabit the new body and fly off. Unseen by them, two sparks follow in their trail.
On Earth the Predacons hold a mock trial for Quickstrike. Quickstrike begs for mercy, offering to hunt down Tarantulas for Megatron. Megatron is about to order Quickstrike's execution when sensors suddenly detect an incoming, massive energy surge. The Predacons (and, from their respective bases, Rhinox and Tarantulas as well) realize that the aliens are back. The Predacons' autoguns are ineffective, and the Predacons abandon their base. The Vok-controlled ball of energy slam onto the Predacon ship, obliterating it immediately. Optimus Primal, worried that the timeline could be destroyed if the spark of the original Megatron is harmed, heads of to save the Predacons. As the Predacons recover, the Vok-controlled Transformer emerges from the ashes of the Predacons, introducing himself as Tigerhawk, the Emissary of the Vok. Commanding the powers of the elements, he easily dispatches the Predacon troops and faces off against Megatron. Megatron's powers give Tigerhawk some problems but the Vok Emissary is ultimately victorious. Before he could kill Megatron, however, Optimus Primal arrives. Tigerhawk does not wish to harm Optimus but couldn't let him interfere, and buries the Maximal under Earth. This provides the distraction that Tarantulas' spider drones need to swarm over Tigerhawk, subduing him and dragging him away.
Cheetor sees a prophetic dream of Airazor, Tigatron and the Vok. He wakes up to see the two sparks flitting through the air. Following it, he finds Tarantulas' lair, as well as Tigerhawk's unconscious body. Tigerhawk wakes up and recognizes Tarantulas. Tarantulas reveals that he intends to use Tigerhawk's powers to destroy the Maximals and the Ark, since he and the Tripredacus Council are not descended from the Autobots or the Decepticons. Tarantulas uses a deprogramming device on Tigerhawk, and the two Vok inside him exit and float towards Tarantulas. The machinery, designed to seek out the Vok's energy, swivels around and targets the Vok as they enter Tarantulas' body, obliterating all three of them. Cheetor jumps in and drags the now-lifeless Tigerhawk body out. Tarantulas' lair explodes. Tigerhawk and Airazor's merged spark enter the Tigerhawk body, and Optimus Primal welcomes the old-new friend back into the Maximal fold.
Featured Transformers: Tigatron, Airazor, Tigerhawk, Megatron, Rampage, Quickstrike, Dinobot II, Inferno, Waspinator, Tarantulas (killed), Rattrap, Rhinox, Blackarachnia, Optimus Primal, Cheetor
Notable Others: the Vok (two destroyed)
REVIEW
(Three out of ten)
A veritable mess. The action scenes are amazing, granted — the Darksyde's destruction, as well as Tigerhawk's elemental battle against Megatron are superb. Dialogue is at its usual great quality, and that opening scene with Megatron holding a kangaroo trial, complete with a wig, is priceless. Megatron's reluctance and cold anger as he is forced to give the command to abandon base is perfect as well. However, the plot itself is messy. They try to resolve the Vok plot, the Tarantulas plot, place the characters where they are supposed to be for the finale, as well as introduce a new character. Now Tigerhawk, unlike most (read: every other) character in the show, is so bland and devoid of characterization. His addition and portrayal as a god-like superpowered being seems to be a desperate ploy by Hasbro to get the show to advertise a new toy in the final few weeks that Beast Wars aired. It's awkward, and Tigerhawk feels inadequate. Airazor and Tigatron's "return" doesn't even bat an eyebrow from me, and it seemed that the two forgotten Maximals are simply thrown in to make kids want to buy Tigerhawk.
The Vok is finally revealed as well after their two appearances in past episodes, and their conclusion and exit from the show is executed badly. A lot of lingering questions remain. Why seed Earth with energon? What is this 'experiment' they are talking about? Why kill Megatron? Why sterilize Earth? Who are they exactly? The Vok hasn't always been likeable. Interesting, maybe, but the show's insistence of putting them in the shadows constantly, not revealing much, ended up to be a downfall in terms of storytelling. Tarantulas' master plan, too, along with the whole inter-faction cloak-and-dagger stuff hinted throughout the series ends up unresolved and unsatisfying. Tarantulas' exit isn't particularly glamorous, although believable. It's a shame, though, that Tarantulas wouldn't play a part in the series finale. I love that crazy bug.
NOTES
The first appearance for Tigerhawk and the Vok's true forms. Final appearance of Tarantulas, the Predacon base Darksyde, the Sentinel shields, Tarantulas' spider drones as well as Airazor and Tigatron.
After being mostly an unseen enemy until now, the Vok are finally revealed to be an extra-dimensional race of floating, transparent skulls with powers. They live in a place called Nexus Zero.
Quickstrike's trial is based on a real court-martial, with Megatron wearing a barrister's wig. You know, those white, curly stuff used by British judges? Inferno acts as the stenographer, complete with a typewriter.
Tarantulas states that he and the Tripredacus Council are not descended from the Decepticons. This is a bit of a glaring retcon, since in 'the Agenda' the Council was pretty adamant of sending Ravage to save the timeline. This could mean that Tarantulas and the Council are either created by Unicron (the option 3H comics use, based on a throwaway line in the second season) or descended from the second-generation Cybertronian Empire (a popular theory among fans).
Tigerhawk is originally a Vok-controlled Transformer, but by the end of this episode he has Airazor and Tigatron's merged spark (whatever that means). Tigerhawk's powers, at least those that we see, include: travel through space and time (though that might be because of the Vok rather than Tigerhawk himself), altering the weather and creating tornadoes, shooting light beams and lightning bolts out of his palms, splitting open the ground, powerful cannons and presumably all other kinds of cool stuff as well.
Cheetor has his precognitive dreams again, after being non-existent since the early episodes.
Note that Waspinator drops some angry retorts about getting blown up all the time.
The Nemesis, the original Decepticons' warship, is seen on Tarantulas' computer.
Tarantulas makes a symbol of the crucifix with his hands when the Vok come to attack him, a sign traditionally used to ward off ghosts.
Tarantulas blows up, leaving only his feet behind, in a manner akin to Starscream's death in Transformers: the Movie.
Tarantulas dies after the two Vok enter him and blew him up. 3H's unfinished Beast Wars/Universe comic would place Tarantulas as surviving his death, being revived in an undead-ish body by Unicron, and refer to the whole scheme as a deliberate plan to absorb the Vok's powers for himself. Um. Yeah.
GOOFS
The Tripredacus Council mention in their conversation in 'the Agenda' that the Decepticons are their ancestors. Surely if it's really a charade they won't take it so far as in their private discussions? A popular fanmade assumption is that the Tripredacus Council is descended from the Second-Generation Decepticons from the G2 comic that aren't affected by the original Autobot-Decepticon war, which accounts for both parts of the story.
When the Predacons get ready for Tigerhawk's coming, Megatron's eyes are miscoloured green instead of purple.
When he fires at Tigerhawk, Dinobot II fires a green beam (like the original Dinobot) instead of his normal red lasers. Foreshadowing or animation error? You decide.
Why do the Maximals need to re-tell the story of Megatron having the original Megatron's spark to Rattrap? Surely all the Maximals would have been debriefed last episode.
Quote, Unquote
Waspinator: "Ooo, Waspinator like defense! A little more defense, and maybe Waspinator not get blown up all the time!"
Quickstrike: "Looks like this is my last round-up."
Waspinator: "Ah-eh-eh-hem! Two-head throw Megatron in lava pit. Megatron angry. Think Two-head traitor. Want to slaaag Two-head. Waspinator down with that!"
Quickstrike: "Ahh."
Waspinator: "Defense, take a rest."
Megatron: "Ah. Brilliant as always, yesss."
Inferno: "Royalty! It will destroy the colony!"
Waspinator: "Owhh... Megatron, what should we do? What should we do?"
Megatron: ".... Abandon base."
Rattrap: "Looks like the Beast Wars are over... for the Preds! Eheheh!"
Tigerhawk: "I am Tigerhawk, emissary of the Vok. Your form's changed, but I know you, Megatron. The Vok charge you with the willful disruption of time and space. Surrender to me immediately. Violence will not be tolerated."
Megatron: "Megatrons do not surrender. We conquer! Predacons, attack!"
Waspinator: "At least this time... Waspinator has companyyyyyy!"
Megatron: "[Tigerhawk]'s power is awesome."
Megatron: "This is my world now. You have no place in it!"
Rattrap: "Just when things were finally looking up... we're all gonna die."
Tigerhawk: "This is your last chance. Surrender or be terminated."
Megatron: "I give you... no chance at all!"
Tigerhawk: "You're insane!"
Tarantulas: "So they say. Bwaaaa!"
Tarantulas: "Something is wrong-"
Vok: [hisses]
Tarantulas: "AAAAA! No! Stay away from me!"
Airdate: 5 May 1999
Written By: Larry DiTillio
Japanese Title: I Have Returned
SYNOPSIS
In deep space, several skull-like ethereal entities — the true forms of the Vok — discuss the experiment on Nexus Earth. The Vok decide that there remains a threat, despite their efforts to sterilize the planet. The Vok merge the dormant bodies of Tigatron and Airazor together, creating a new Transformer. Two Vok inhabit the new body and fly off. Unseen by them, two sparks follow in their trail.
On Earth the Predacons hold a mock trial for Quickstrike. Quickstrike begs for mercy, offering to hunt down Tarantulas for Megatron. Megatron is about to order Quickstrike's execution when sensors suddenly detect an incoming, massive energy surge. The Predacons (and, from their respective bases, Rhinox and Tarantulas as well) realize that the aliens are back. The Predacons' autoguns are ineffective, and the Predacons abandon their base. The Vok-controlled ball of energy slam onto the Predacon ship, obliterating it immediately. Optimus Primal, worried that the timeline could be destroyed if the spark of the original Megatron is harmed, heads of to save the Predacons. As the Predacons recover, the Vok-controlled Transformer emerges from the ashes of the Predacons, introducing himself as Tigerhawk, the Emissary of the Vok. Commanding the powers of the elements, he easily dispatches the Predacon troops and faces off against Megatron. Megatron's powers give Tigerhawk some problems but the Vok Emissary is ultimately victorious. Before he could kill Megatron, however, Optimus Primal arrives. Tigerhawk does not wish to harm Optimus but couldn't let him interfere, and buries the Maximal under Earth. This provides the distraction that Tarantulas' spider drones need to swarm over Tigerhawk, subduing him and dragging him away.
Cheetor sees a prophetic dream of Airazor, Tigatron and the Vok. He wakes up to see the two sparks flitting through the air. Following it, he finds Tarantulas' lair, as well as Tigerhawk's unconscious body. Tigerhawk wakes up and recognizes Tarantulas. Tarantulas reveals that he intends to use Tigerhawk's powers to destroy the Maximals and the Ark, since he and the Tripredacus Council are not descended from the Autobots or the Decepticons. Tarantulas uses a deprogramming device on Tigerhawk, and the two Vok inside him exit and float towards Tarantulas. The machinery, designed to seek out the Vok's energy, swivels around and targets the Vok as they enter Tarantulas' body, obliterating all three of them. Cheetor jumps in and drags the now-lifeless Tigerhawk body out. Tarantulas' lair explodes. Tigerhawk and Airazor's merged spark enter the Tigerhawk body, and Optimus Primal welcomes the old-new friend back into the Maximal fold.
Featured Transformers: Tigatron, Airazor, Tigerhawk, Megatron, Rampage, Quickstrike, Dinobot II, Inferno, Waspinator, Tarantulas (killed), Rattrap, Rhinox, Blackarachnia, Optimus Primal, Cheetor
Notable Others: the Vok (two destroyed)
REVIEW
(Three out of ten)
A veritable mess. The action scenes are amazing, granted — the Darksyde's destruction, as well as Tigerhawk's elemental battle against Megatron are superb. Dialogue is at its usual great quality, and that opening scene with Megatron holding a kangaroo trial, complete with a wig, is priceless. Megatron's reluctance and cold anger as he is forced to give the command to abandon base is perfect as well. However, the plot itself is messy. They try to resolve the Vok plot, the Tarantulas plot, place the characters where they are supposed to be for the finale, as well as introduce a new character. Now Tigerhawk, unlike most (read: every other) character in the show, is so bland and devoid of characterization. His addition and portrayal as a god-like superpowered being seems to be a desperate ploy by Hasbro to get the show to advertise a new toy in the final few weeks that Beast Wars aired. It's awkward, and Tigerhawk feels inadequate. Airazor and Tigatron's "return" doesn't even bat an eyebrow from me, and it seemed that the two forgotten Maximals are simply thrown in to make kids want to buy Tigerhawk.
The Vok is finally revealed as well after their two appearances in past episodes, and their conclusion and exit from the show is executed badly. A lot of lingering questions remain. Why seed Earth with energon? What is this 'experiment' they are talking about? Why kill Megatron? Why sterilize Earth? Who are they exactly? The Vok hasn't always been likeable. Interesting, maybe, but the show's insistence of putting them in the shadows constantly, not revealing much, ended up to be a downfall in terms of storytelling. Tarantulas' master plan, too, along with the whole inter-faction cloak-and-dagger stuff hinted throughout the series ends up unresolved and unsatisfying. Tarantulas' exit isn't particularly glamorous, although believable. It's a shame, though, that Tarantulas wouldn't play a part in the series finale. I love that crazy bug.
NOTES
The first appearance for Tigerhawk and the Vok's true forms. Final appearance of Tarantulas, the Predacon base Darksyde, the Sentinel shields, Tarantulas' spider drones as well as Airazor and Tigatron.
After being mostly an unseen enemy until now, the Vok are finally revealed to be an extra-dimensional race of floating, transparent skulls with powers. They live in a place called Nexus Zero.
Quickstrike's trial is based on a real court-martial, with Megatron wearing a barrister's wig. You know, those white, curly stuff used by British judges? Inferno acts as the stenographer, complete with a typewriter.
Tarantulas states that he and the Tripredacus Council are not descended from the Decepticons. This is a bit of a glaring retcon, since in 'the Agenda' the Council was pretty adamant of sending Ravage to save the timeline. This could mean that Tarantulas and the Council are either created by Unicron (the option 3H comics use, based on a throwaway line in the second season) or descended from the second-generation Cybertronian Empire (a popular theory among fans).
Tigerhawk is originally a Vok-controlled Transformer, but by the end of this episode he has Airazor and Tigatron's merged spark (whatever that means). Tigerhawk's powers, at least those that we see, include: travel through space and time (though that might be because of the Vok rather than Tigerhawk himself), altering the weather and creating tornadoes, shooting light beams and lightning bolts out of his palms, splitting open the ground, powerful cannons and presumably all other kinds of cool stuff as well.
Cheetor has his precognitive dreams again, after being non-existent since the early episodes.
Note that Waspinator drops some angry retorts about getting blown up all the time.
The Nemesis, the original Decepticons' warship, is seen on Tarantulas' computer.
Tarantulas makes a symbol of the crucifix with his hands when the Vok come to attack him, a sign traditionally used to ward off ghosts.
Tarantulas blows up, leaving only his feet behind, in a manner akin to Starscream's death in Transformers: the Movie.
Tarantulas dies after the two Vok enter him and blew him up. 3H's unfinished Beast Wars/Universe comic would place Tarantulas as surviving his death, being revived in an undead-ish body by Unicron, and refer to the whole scheme as a deliberate plan to absorb the Vok's powers for himself. Um. Yeah.
GOOFS
The Tripredacus Council mention in their conversation in 'the Agenda' that the Decepticons are their ancestors. Surely if it's really a charade they won't take it so far as in their private discussions? A popular fanmade assumption is that the Tripredacus Council is descended from the Second-Generation Decepticons from the G2 comic that aren't affected by the original Autobot-Decepticon war, which accounts for both parts of the story.
When the Predacons get ready for Tigerhawk's coming, Megatron's eyes are miscoloured green instead of purple.
When he fires at Tigerhawk, Dinobot II fires a green beam (like the original Dinobot) instead of his normal red lasers. Foreshadowing or animation error? You decide.
Why do the Maximals need to re-tell the story of Megatron having the original Megatron's spark to Rattrap? Surely all the Maximals would have been debriefed last episode.
Quote, Unquote
Waspinator: "Ooo, Waspinator like defense! A little more defense, and maybe Waspinator not get blown up all the time!"
Quickstrike: "Looks like this is my last round-up."
Waspinator: "Ah-eh-eh-hem! Two-head throw Megatron in lava pit. Megatron angry. Think Two-head traitor. Want to slaaag Two-head. Waspinator down with that!"
Quickstrike: "Ahh."
Waspinator: "Defense, take a rest."
Megatron: "Ah. Brilliant as always, yesss."
Inferno: "Royalty! It will destroy the colony!"
Waspinator: "Owhh... Megatron, what should we do? What should we do?"
Megatron: ".... Abandon base."
Rattrap: "Looks like the Beast Wars are over... for the Preds! Eheheh!"
Tigerhawk: "I am Tigerhawk, emissary of the Vok. Your form's changed, but I know you, Megatron. The Vok charge you with the willful disruption of time and space. Surrender to me immediately. Violence will not be tolerated."
Megatron: "Megatrons do not surrender. We conquer! Predacons, attack!"
Waspinator: "At least this time... Waspinator has companyyyyyy!"
Megatron: "[Tigerhawk]'s power is awesome."
Megatron: "This is my world now. You have no place in it!"
Rattrap: "Just when things were finally looking up... we're all gonna die."
Tigerhawk: "This is your last chance. Surrender or be terminated."
Megatron: "I give you... no chance at all!"
Tigerhawk: "You're insane!"
Tarantulas: "So they say. Bwaaaa!"
Tarantulas: "Something is wrong-"
Vok: [hisses]
Tarantulas: "AAAAA! No! Stay away from me!"
Nemesis Part 1
Airdate: 6 May 1999
Written By: Bob Forward
Japanese Title: Kaboom!
SYNOPSIS
Tigerhawk shows off his elemental powers while Optimus Primal reads a passage from the Covenant of Primus, believing Tigerhawk to be a good omen. With the Predacons missing a base, the Maximals begin to hunt down the disadvantaged Predacons. The Predacon troops are dissatisfied, but the ever-loyal Inferno offers to take Quickstrike and Waspinator to find a new 'colony' for his queen. Megatron, Rampage and the Dinobot clone search the abandoned remains of Tarantulas' lair. They discover a hatch that leads to an underwater tunnel. After accessing the files of a nearby computer Megatron becomes excited, and hops onto the rail car Tarantulas had prepared alongside Dinobot.
Silverbolt and Depth Charge, patrolling the skies in search of the Predacons, spots Inferno's squad. Despite Optimus Primal's orders otherwise, the two head in to investigate. Optimus Primal is forced to leave the base with Tigerhawk, Cheetor and Blackarachnia to support them. As Primal's group arrives, Depth Charge finds the hatch in Tarantulas' lair, but finds that it is booby-trapped. Silverbolt is torn to pieces, forcing Blackarachnia and Cheetor to carry him back to base.
Inferno declares that the Protohumans' cave dwellings would be their new colony, and, alongside Quickstrike, is prepared to wipe the Protohumans out. Waspinator, however, snaps, and bursts into an angry rant against everything in general. After several insults, Inferno and Quickstrike blasts him, and assault the Protohumans. However, the Protohumans have found ways to defend themselves with primitive spears.
Optimus Primal, Tigerhawk and Depth Charge locates a data terminal inside the tunnel, and discovers what Tarantulas had been planning — the Nemesis, the flagship of the Decepticon fleet, the vessel that the first Megatron used to shoot down the Ark. Primal and Tigerhawk flies through the skies while Depth Charge takes an aquatic route towards the Nemesis' landing site. Megatron likewise introduces Dinobot to the Decepticon warship with his usual flair for drama. They discover that Tarantulas had repaired the vessel, as well as added a transwarp cell and a Predacon-sized control panel. Megatron and Dinobot powers up the vessel for an attack.
Depth Charge informs Optimus of the Decepticon warship, and Optimus authorizes Depth Charge to neutralize the Nemesis by any means necessary. Rampage attacks his archenemy, and while Depth Charge tries to proceed with his mission, the inevitable fight occurs. The two mortal enemies engage in a brutal battle, which ends with them falling onto a field of energon crystals. Depth Charge gains the upper hand and manages to get an energon crystal above Rampage's spark. After a short struggle, Rampage let's go of the crystal, laughing like a maniac as a determined Depth Charge plunges the crystal into Rampage's spark, creating an explosion that kills both combatants. Dinobot II, with the death of Rampage, cries out in pain. Optimus Primal mourns Depth Charge's loss as pieces of him float up to the surface, but notes that the threat of the Nemesis has been dealt with... until the Nemesis rises from the ocean, fully operational...
To be concluded...
Featured Transformers: Tigerhawk, Rhinox, Optimus Primal, Blackarachnia, Cheetor, Rattrap, Depth Charge (killed), Silverbolt, Dinobot II, Rampage (killed), Quickstrike, Megatron, Waspinator, Inferno
Notable Others: Una, Hammer, Protohumans (many presumably killed), Chak
REVIEW
(Nine out of ten)
An amazing start to the conclusion of what is undeniably the best series in Transformers lore. The action scenes are non-stop, and the writers have manages to tie in reasons for Tarantulas' seemingly erratic plans. The soundtrack and the visual effects (especially the dramatic unveiling of the Nemesis), and the comparison of how massive the Decepticon warship is, are breath-taking. The Nemesis is a great plot device, with the threat of a gigantic warship being realistic and believable. And having it reference something from the original cartoon, thus cementing the whole time-travel thing, it sets up the mood for a do-or-die situation. There's a lot that I like about this episode. Megatron's grandiose speech, Silverbolt trying to act tough, Waspinator standing up for himself, Inferno rambling about the royalty, the Covenant of Primus... really entertaining stuff. Dialogue is perfect, with quoting the Covenant of Primus leading to the characters quoting some excellent (if a wee bit corny), almost biblical, quotes. No doubt Furman's work.
But to me, the real clincher was the Rampage and Depth Charge battle, resolving the cold-blooded rivalry between the two, while the Nemesis powers up in the background. You might argue about whether it comes off, but for me personally it does. Depth Charge's characterization is fantastic, especially that point where he was ready to abandon the fight to complete his mission, showing us that even cold-hearted pricks can warm up. The resolution to the brutal, excellently animated fight is so satisfying yet tragic. Rampage letting go of the energon dagger could be interpreted as many things — he wanted to end the mockery of a life being forced to serve Megatron, or he wanted to test Depth Charge's will, or he simply wanted to kill Depth Charge with him. It is a touching moment for both characters, and a nice, if a little abrupt, ending for those two.
However, there are bits where things could have been improved. Inferno's party of sidekick Predacons, while highly fun, feels so much like padding. The assault on the Protohumans, while supposedly a major plot point before (in 'Code of Hero'), doesn't attract the attention of the Maximals like it should, and seems to be a half-assed attempt to get the minor characters out of the way.... which is a shame, because I love those three goons. There is also Tigerhawk. He fills Silverbolt or Cheetor's role as a flying Maximal, only more lifeless. It's just because he's a new toy. And that little advertisement with Primal reading the Covenant of Primus in the beginning, making Tigerhawk seem like some promised deliverance... eesh. Plus, there's that whole unexplained Dinobot II/Dinobot thing. Still, like all things the writers of Beast Wars does things with charm and grace, and it's easy to overlook these minor mistakes in favour for the prelude to Beast Wars' conclusion. It's an excellent episode, with some of the most spectacular CGI for the series. Compared to G1's Rebirth, Nemesis feels like an all-or-nothing finale instead of yet another episode. At least Beast Wars would go out with a bang.
NOTES
The deaths (and final appearances) of Rampage and Depth Charge. The first appearance of the Nemesis, and the first time that the Decepticon shuttle is ever named.
The Nemesis crashing down under the sea solidly cements Beast Wars as being part of the G1 cartoon continuity as opposed to the comic continuity (where the Decepticon ship kind of floats around in space until Galvatron shoots it). However, Optimus Primal describes the Nemesis as shooting down the Ark, instead of the battle between the Autobots and Decepticon boarders aboard the Ark causing it to crash down onto Earth, as seen in the first episode of the cartoon. Although it seems to be a deliberate choice on the part of the writers to make the Nemesis more badass, using the advantage of Optimus Primal as an unreliable narrator.
Longtime Transformers scribe Simon Furman worked together with Bob Forward on the outline of Nemesis. However, when a fourth season was deemed unfeasible, much of the plans they had developed was cut short.
The Covenant of Primus seems to be the Transformers' equivalent of the Bible. The bits read by Optimus Primal, with a mighty warrior casting a great dragon and his followers away, while parallels Tigerhawk casting Megatron and the Predacons away, is a reference to a passage in the Bible where God banishes Satan and his followers from heaven.
There are only two copies of the Covenant of Primus. One of them is in the Ark, the other is in the Nemesis. It's also revealed that Beast Megatron took his name from the Covenant of Primus, not from G1 Megatron. Not directly, anyway.
Megatron calls Tarantulas "Unicron's Spawn", something that is possibly should be a generic insult. However, some fans took this literally, since last episode tells us that Tarantulas is neither of Autobot or Decepticon descent.
Silverbolt's remark 'tis just a scratch', followed by his arm falling off, is a homage to Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Inferno utilizes Looney Tunes' classic "somehow hiding behind an impossibly skinny tree" maneuver.
Waspinator has a long, green tongue. Also, this is the only time (barring his appearances as Thrust) where Waspinator refers to himself as 'I' instead of 'Waspinator'.
Like the T-Rex head in his original body, Megatron's dragon head seems to have a life of its own, being treated like a pet by Megatron.
When contacting the Maximals, Optimus encodes transmission 'M Sipher', a shout-out to a fan of the same name.
Depth Charge's part that sinks sombrely into the ocean floor totally has the same ball joint that the toy has.
GOOFS
The major plot hole: when Dinobot II cries out in pain after Rampage's death, he flashes back to the original Dinobot's character model and memories. It doesn't make any sense, since the episode 'Dark Glass' remains unproduced.
When Optimus Primal recites the Covenant of Primus in the beginning of the episode, Cheetor in his first Transmetal body could be glimpsed walking around.
Depth Charge flies around in his robot mode, when this is normally his vehicle-mode ability.
Depth Charge is the one who opened the hatch and was closest to the bomb, yet Silverbolt was the one who fell apart afterwards.
When Dinobot squeezes Rampage's spark to pacify him, his shoulder pads are missing.
Quote, Unquote
Waspinator: "Ant-bot not find own thorax with both hands and a road map."
Silverbolt: "Worry not, my love. It's just a scratch." [arm falls off]
Optimus Primal: "Maybe. But I think you're due some time in the CR chamber."
Silverbolt: "Sir, I'm fine. I..."
Blackarachnia: "Shut up and obey your commander, bone-brain."
Silverbolt: [head falls off] "Yes, dear."
Waspinator: "Waspinator feels much damage coming..."
Quickstrike: "Ew, I don't wanna move in there! It's got all those hairy critters livin' in it! Unless... unless... you mean we's gonna slag 'em! Oh, oh, puh-leeze tell me that's what you're plannin'!"
Waspinator: "No. I said no! Dragonbot command you, sub-commander Kiss-butt! Dragonbot not command Waspinator! Not any more! Waspinator sick of being evil. Sick of being Predacon! And Waspinator especially sick of getting blown to scrap all the time! So, Waspinator quit! As of now, which means Ant-bot and Two-head can just pucker their mandibles and plant big, wet, juicy one right here on Waspinator's big, fat, stripey-" [Quickstrike and Inferno blasts Waspinator]
Waspinator: [reduced to a head] "Waspinator has plans..."
Optimus Primal: "You have to stop Megatron at any cost."
Dinobot II: "Mmm... impressive."
Megatron: "Oh, it is more than that, my malevolent minion. That is the most powerful Decepticon warship in Transformer history. The ship that shot down the Ark itself! The NEMESIS!"
Rampage: "Think you can save the universe, fishboy? Don't make me laugh."
Depth Charge: "I have no time for you, X."
Rampage: "Like you had no time for Starbase Rugby? You had friends there as I recall. Tasty ones too!"
Rampage: "I was your assignment, and you failed!"
Depth Charge: "Raw energon! Right through your twisted spark! Take it- take it straight to the Pit, you sickening piece of slag!"
Rampage: [lets go of dagger] "Hahahahahaha!"
Airdate: 6 May 1999
Written By: Bob Forward
Japanese Title: Kaboom!
SYNOPSIS
Tigerhawk shows off his elemental powers while Optimus Primal reads a passage from the Covenant of Primus, believing Tigerhawk to be a good omen. With the Predacons missing a base, the Maximals begin to hunt down the disadvantaged Predacons. The Predacon troops are dissatisfied, but the ever-loyal Inferno offers to take Quickstrike and Waspinator to find a new 'colony' for his queen. Megatron, Rampage and the Dinobot clone search the abandoned remains of Tarantulas' lair. They discover a hatch that leads to an underwater tunnel. After accessing the files of a nearby computer Megatron becomes excited, and hops onto the rail car Tarantulas had prepared alongside Dinobot.
Silverbolt and Depth Charge, patrolling the skies in search of the Predacons, spots Inferno's squad. Despite Optimus Primal's orders otherwise, the two head in to investigate. Optimus Primal is forced to leave the base with Tigerhawk, Cheetor and Blackarachnia to support them. As Primal's group arrives, Depth Charge finds the hatch in Tarantulas' lair, but finds that it is booby-trapped. Silverbolt is torn to pieces, forcing Blackarachnia and Cheetor to carry him back to base.
Inferno declares that the Protohumans' cave dwellings would be their new colony, and, alongside Quickstrike, is prepared to wipe the Protohumans out. Waspinator, however, snaps, and bursts into an angry rant against everything in general. After several insults, Inferno and Quickstrike blasts him, and assault the Protohumans. However, the Protohumans have found ways to defend themselves with primitive spears.
Optimus Primal, Tigerhawk and Depth Charge locates a data terminal inside the tunnel, and discovers what Tarantulas had been planning — the Nemesis, the flagship of the Decepticon fleet, the vessel that the first Megatron used to shoot down the Ark. Primal and Tigerhawk flies through the skies while Depth Charge takes an aquatic route towards the Nemesis' landing site. Megatron likewise introduces Dinobot to the Decepticon warship with his usual flair for drama. They discover that Tarantulas had repaired the vessel, as well as added a transwarp cell and a Predacon-sized control panel. Megatron and Dinobot powers up the vessel for an attack.
Depth Charge informs Optimus of the Decepticon warship, and Optimus authorizes Depth Charge to neutralize the Nemesis by any means necessary. Rampage attacks his archenemy, and while Depth Charge tries to proceed with his mission, the inevitable fight occurs. The two mortal enemies engage in a brutal battle, which ends with them falling onto a field of energon crystals. Depth Charge gains the upper hand and manages to get an energon crystal above Rampage's spark. After a short struggle, Rampage let's go of the crystal, laughing like a maniac as a determined Depth Charge plunges the crystal into Rampage's spark, creating an explosion that kills both combatants. Dinobot II, with the death of Rampage, cries out in pain. Optimus Primal mourns Depth Charge's loss as pieces of him float up to the surface, but notes that the threat of the Nemesis has been dealt with... until the Nemesis rises from the ocean, fully operational...
To be concluded...
Featured Transformers: Tigerhawk, Rhinox, Optimus Primal, Blackarachnia, Cheetor, Rattrap, Depth Charge (killed), Silverbolt, Dinobot II, Rampage (killed), Quickstrike, Megatron, Waspinator, Inferno
Notable Others: Una, Hammer, Protohumans (many presumably killed), Chak
REVIEW
(Nine out of ten)
An amazing start to the conclusion of what is undeniably the best series in Transformers lore. The action scenes are non-stop, and the writers have manages to tie in reasons for Tarantulas' seemingly erratic plans. The soundtrack and the visual effects (especially the dramatic unveiling of the Nemesis), and the comparison of how massive the Decepticon warship is, are breath-taking. The Nemesis is a great plot device, with the threat of a gigantic warship being realistic and believable. And having it reference something from the original cartoon, thus cementing the whole time-travel thing, it sets up the mood for a do-or-die situation. There's a lot that I like about this episode. Megatron's grandiose speech, Silverbolt trying to act tough, Waspinator standing up for himself, Inferno rambling about the royalty, the Covenant of Primus... really entertaining stuff. Dialogue is perfect, with quoting the Covenant of Primus leading to the characters quoting some excellent (if a wee bit corny), almost biblical, quotes. No doubt Furman's work.
But to me, the real clincher was the Rampage and Depth Charge battle, resolving the cold-blooded rivalry between the two, while the Nemesis powers up in the background. You might argue about whether it comes off, but for me personally it does. Depth Charge's characterization is fantastic, especially that point where he was ready to abandon the fight to complete his mission, showing us that even cold-hearted pricks can warm up. The resolution to the brutal, excellently animated fight is so satisfying yet tragic. Rampage letting go of the energon dagger could be interpreted as many things — he wanted to end the mockery of a life being forced to serve Megatron, or he wanted to test Depth Charge's will, or he simply wanted to kill Depth Charge with him. It is a touching moment for both characters, and a nice, if a little abrupt, ending for those two.
However, there are bits where things could have been improved. Inferno's party of sidekick Predacons, while highly fun, feels so much like padding. The assault on the Protohumans, while supposedly a major plot point before (in 'Code of Hero'), doesn't attract the attention of the Maximals like it should, and seems to be a half-assed attempt to get the minor characters out of the way.... which is a shame, because I love those three goons. There is also Tigerhawk. He fills Silverbolt or Cheetor's role as a flying Maximal, only more lifeless. It's just because he's a new toy. And that little advertisement with Primal reading the Covenant of Primus in the beginning, making Tigerhawk seem like some promised deliverance... eesh. Plus, there's that whole unexplained Dinobot II/Dinobot thing. Still, like all things the writers of Beast Wars does things with charm and grace, and it's easy to overlook these minor mistakes in favour for the prelude to Beast Wars' conclusion. It's an excellent episode, with some of the most spectacular CGI for the series. Compared to G1's Rebirth, Nemesis feels like an all-or-nothing finale instead of yet another episode. At least Beast Wars would go out with a bang.
NOTES
The deaths (and final appearances) of Rampage and Depth Charge. The first appearance of the Nemesis, and the first time that the Decepticon shuttle is ever named.
The Nemesis crashing down under the sea solidly cements Beast Wars as being part of the G1 cartoon continuity as opposed to the comic continuity (where the Decepticon ship kind of floats around in space until Galvatron shoots it). However, Optimus Primal describes the Nemesis as shooting down the Ark, instead of the battle between the Autobots and Decepticon boarders aboard the Ark causing it to crash down onto Earth, as seen in the first episode of the cartoon. Although it seems to be a deliberate choice on the part of the writers to make the Nemesis more badass, using the advantage of Optimus Primal as an unreliable narrator.
Longtime Transformers scribe Simon Furman worked together with Bob Forward on the outline of Nemesis. However, when a fourth season was deemed unfeasible, much of the plans they had developed was cut short.
The Covenant of Primus seems to be the Transformers' equivalent of the Bible. The bits read by Optimus Primal, with a mighty warrior casting a great dragon and his followers away, while parallels Tigerhawk casting Megatron and the Predacons away, is a reference to a passage in the Bible where God banishes Satan and his followers from heaven.
There are only two copies of the Covenant of Primus. One of them is in the Ark, the other is in the Nemesis. It's also revealed that Beast Megatron took his name from the Covenant of Primus, not from G1 Megatron. Not directly, anyway.
Megatron calls Tarantulas "Unicron's Spawn", something that is possibly should be a generic insult. However, some fans took this literally, since last episode tells us that Tarantulas is neither of Autobot or Decepticon descent.
Silverbolt's remark 'tis just a scratch', followed by his arm falling off, is a homage to Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Inferno utilizes Looney Tunes' classic "somehow hiding behind an impossibly skinny tree" maneuver.
Waspinator has a long, green tongue. Also, this is the only time (barring his appearances as Thrust) where Waspinator refers to himself as 'I' instead of 'Waspinator'.
Like the T-Rex head in his original body, Megatron's dragon head seems to have a life of its own, being treated like a pet by Megatron.
When contacting the Maximals, Optimus encodes transmission 'M Sipher', a shout-out to a fan of the same name.
Depth Charge's part that sinks sombrely into the ocean floor totally has the same ball joint that the toy has.
GOOFS
The major plot hole: when Dinobot II cries out in pain after Rampage's death, he flashes back to the original Dinobot's character model and memories. It doesn't make any sense, since the episode 'Dark Glass' remains unproduced.
When Optimus Primal recites the Covenant of Primus in the beginning of the episode, Cheetor in his first Transmetal body could be glimpsed walking around.
Depth Charge flies around in his robot mode, when this is normally his vehicle-mode ability.
Depth Charge is the one who opened the hatch and was closest to the bomb, yet Silverbolt was the one who fell apart afterwards.
When Dinobot squeezes Rampage's spark to pacify him, his shoulder pads are missing.
Quote, Unquote
Waspinator: "Ant-bot not find own thorax with both hands and a road map."
Silverbolt: "Worry not, my love. It's just a scratch." [arm falls off]
Optimus Primal: "Maybe. But I think you're due some time in the CR chamber."
Silverbolt: "Sir, I'm fine. I..."
Blackarachnia: "Shut up and obey your commander, bone-brain."
Silverbolt: [head falls off] "Yes, dear."
Waspinator: "Waspinator feels much damage coming..."
Quickstrike: "Ew, I don't wanna move in there! It's got all those hairy critters livin' in it! Unless... unless... you mean we's gonna slag 'em! Oh, oh, puh-leeze tell me that's what you're plannin'!"
Waspinator: "No. I said no! Dragonbot command you, sub-commander Kiss-butt! Dragonbot not command Waspinator! Not any more! Waspinator sick of being evil. Sick of being Predacon! And Waspinator especially sick of getting blown to scrap all the time! So, Waspinator quit! As of now, which means Ant-bot and Two-head can just pucker their mandibles and plant big, wet, juicy one right here on Waspinator's big, fat, stripey-" [Quickstrike and Inferno blasts Waspinator]
Waspinator: [reduced to a head] "Waspinator has plans..."
Optimus Primal: "You have to stop Megatron at any cost."
Dinobot II: "Mmm... impressive."
Megatron: "Oh, it is more than that, my malevolent minion. That is the most powerful Decepticon warship in Transformer history. The ship that shot down the Ark itself! The NEMESIS!"
Rampage: "Think you can save the universe, fishboy? Don't make me laugh."
Depth Charge: "I have no time for you, X."
Rampage: "Like you had no time for Starbase Rugby? You had friends there as I recall. Tasty ones too!"
Rampage: "I was your assignment, and you failed!"
Depth Charge: "Raw energon! Right through your twisted spark! Take it- take it straight to the Pit, you sickening piece of slag!"
Rampage: [lets go of dagger] "Hahahahahaha!"
Nemesis Part 2
Airdate: 7 May 1999
Written By: Simon Furman
Japanese Title: Happy? This Should Do It.
SYNOPSIS
Megatron opens fire at everything on sight with the Nemesis, quoting a passage from the Covenant of Primus about a 'Megatron'. Optimus Primal contacts Rhinox to deploy operation Eternity, and with Tigerhawk opens fire at the Decepticon warship, but fail to do anything worse than scratching the hull before Megatron returns fire. Tigerhawk tells Optimus to hurry back to the base to rally the Maximals, telling Primal that he would hold the line there. Meanwhile, Dinobot II comments that with Rampage's death, his spark seems to have changed, and admires Tigerhawk's stalwart defense. Summoning a giant tornado with his powers, Tigerhawks manages to disable most of the power conduits on numerous parts, limiting Megatron to only use the main fusion cannon. Megatron opens fire at Tigerhawk, who tries to hold it back with an energy beam. Despite his power, Tigerhawk is overwhelmed by the power of the blast, and is atomized.
Rhinox tells Rattrap that they are preparing to move the Ark. Optimus returns to base, and is told by a computer that Tigerhawk has been terminated, and swears in rage that Megatron will be stopped. Inferno and Quickstrike, meanwhile, drives off the protohumans. Hammer the protohuman chief tries to fight them back. Inferno is about to open fire at Hammer when the Nemesis soars overhead. Not realizing that his troops are below him, Megatron prepares to open fire at Hammer with the Nemesis. Dinobot tries to stop Megatron for some reason he seems not to fathom, asking Megatron where the honor is in killing a lone human. After a tense silence, Dinobot waves it off as conserving power. Megatron ignores it, and opens fire at the protohuman, killing Inferno and Quickstrike in the process.
Rhinox and Blackatachnia note in dismay that the ship has been offline for too long. Meanwhile, the Nemesis approaches the Ark and activates the tractor beam, tearing the mountain apart while the cannon is forced to recharge. Optimus Primal enters the Decepticon warship after disabling the grinders, and begins a brutal battle royale with Megatron. Despite floating around, Blackarachnia and Rhinox manages to get the engines online but they burn out almost immediately. Rattrap notes that they are all going to die. Dinobot mutters that Megatron is not being honourable and sportive by attacking a defenseless enemy, and sends a message to the Maximals informing them of a shuttle hidden inside the Ark (something that Blackarachnia notes the history datatrax doesn't mention). The Maximals activate the Autobot shuttle. Megatron gains the upper hand against Optimus, and orders Dinobot to fire. Dinobot refuses, and Megatron bats him aside. Before he could fire, though, the Rhinox-piloted shuttle crashes through the Nemesis' bridge, going all the way through and taking Megatron with him. This causes a chain reaction that causes the Nemesis to begin to crash. Optimus Primal flies out, telling Dinobot to save himself. However, Dinobot remains with the ship, telling Optimus Primal farewell as an explosion engulfs him.
Some time later, Optimus Primal remarks that all is as it should be. They have repaired the Autobot shuttle and attached a transwarp cell to it, and leaves the past Earth to Cybertron, a screaming Megatron tied to the hull of the shuttle. Back on Earth, the protohumans have built a village, and are using parts of Inferno and Quickstrike to worship their new leader... Waspinator.
Featured Transformers: Optimus Primal, Tigerhawk (killed), Rhinox, Silverbolt, Blackarachnia, Cheetor, Rattrap, Megatron, Dinobot II (killed), Inferno (killed), Quickstrike (killed), Dinobot (flashback), Waspinator
Notable Others: Protohumans (many killed), Hammer (presumably killed)
REVIEW
(Eight out of ten)
An excellent, action-filled episode. However, there is the distinct feel of it being rushed, since there are some niggling questions left unanswered at the end of the episode. We never saw the Nemesis return back to its undersea grave, or G1 Megatron's spark being returned to its original body. Nor do we get a definite explanation for Dinobot II's sudden change of heart. Inferno and Quickstrike are also gotten rid of in an idiotic manner, although it's very ironic and I suppose it's all part of Megatron's insane delusions. Regardless, those two's exit aren't the glorious exit that the other Predacons like Rampage or Dinobot got. Sure, they are comedy material, but they could've gotten more awesome or respectful deaths, right? I loved those two goons...
Other than those minor quibbles, though, this episode is simply excellent. Considering that it had been reduced from a three or four parter into a two-parter, it's a nothing short of brilliant. It's a grand finale for the Beast Wars series, with the Nemesis being portrayed as the ultimate threat and with past, present and future all on the line. When Tigerhawk, new-toy boy who had single-handedly defeated the Predacon army two episodes ago, is obliterated in a single blast... Tigerhawk's death is really well-done, considering he doesn't have much of a personality. I felt kind of sad seeing him die like that, heroically picking a battle he couldn't win to buy some time. The most tragic death had to be Megatron killing Inferno and Quickstrike without knowing that they were down there, and Inferno's anguished scream at seeing his beloved royalty not even bothering to check... that's cold. Megatron's delusions of godhood, including him quoting the Covenant of Primus constantly, is well-executed, and that final battle between Megatron and Optimus Primal is nothing short of climatic. It's brutal, direct, and yet at the same time satsifying to watch. I do think that they spent too much time for Optimus to fly into the grinders.
Dinobot II, who spent all the rest of season three as nothing short of yet another Predacon powerhouse, went through a sea of characterization in this episode. While nowhere as grand as the original Dinobot in Code of Hero, Dinobot II gets a lot of excellent lines, even though his change of heart is kind of abrupt. Rhinox, too, gets an excellent moment as he flies a shuttle directly at the Nemesis' bridge. For a moment there I thought Rhinox was going to buy the farm, considering the death toll of season finales and Silverbolt's sad salute before Rhinox takes off. The character's emotions are excellently portrayed by the CGI, especially that of Dinobot and Optimus Primal. There's really very little to hate in this episode, with every action and line being a joy to look at. It's a fitting ending to what is probably considered the best cartoon series ever by most of the fandom (bar those zoophobics and G1 purists).
NOTES
The final appearances of Inferno, Quickstrike, Dinobot II and Tigerhawk. Also, everyone else has their final appearances in the Beast Wars cartoon... until Beast Machines, that is.
Megatron quotes the passage with the name 'Megatron' from the Covenant of Primus. Presumably the original Megatron took his name from it as well. From what it sounded, Megatron seems to be the name of some ancient powerful evil warrior. Very recently, this Megatron mentioned in the Covenant of Primus have been retconned as the Fallen. Eh.
The fusion cannon of the Nemesis borrows its name from the favoured weapon of G1 Megatron.
Rattrap mentions that he has a 'Predacon-parts' collection, including a lot of Waspinator pieces. Kind of morbid.
Optimus Primal lost a teeth in the battle with Megatron. Cute.
The passage from the Covenant of Primus, 'In the darkest hour, there will be light', is most likely a homage to the oft-repeated 'light our darkest hour' from the original Transformers: the Movie.
The pieces of machinery that float around as the Nemesis' tractor beam attacked the Ark include a dart from Blackarachnia's original gun, one of Rhinox's Chainguns of Doom, one of Depth Charge's missiles, Rattrap's gun, and one of the autoguns usually installed outside the Maximal base. Plus several other machinery bits.
Optimus Primal's line 'this has to stop! At any cost!' is another homage to the Movie, namely Optimus Prime's line 'Megatron must be stopped. No matter the cost'.
According to Blackarachnia, the Autobot shuttle hijacked by the Maximals to return to Cybertron was never mentioned in the history data-tracks, making the timestream constant with what it is supposed to be and not a paradox.
As befitting a Furman-written episode, there are lots of quasi-religious ramblings from the Covenant of Primus (several of which are quoted below). They bear strong resemblances to passages from the Bible.
Rattrap accuses Blackarachnia as being an 'emasculating fembot' when she uses his tail sword as a wire. Go find emasculating in the dictionary, and have a good chuckle.
Blackarachnia and Rattrap have a slight debate about how to correctly pronounce 'Teletraan', a nod to a similar debate in the internet fandom when the supercomputer was pronounced 'Teletron' by Blackarachnia in early episodes of season three.
If Megatron had heeded Dinobot's warnings and not opened fire on the Protohuman colony, the Nemesis would be recharged at full strength when reaching the Ark. Plus, he wouldn't have lost Inferno and Quickstrike due to the friendly fire. Had he not done that, he would've single-handedly won the Beast Wars...
Dinobot is still able to live even after Rampage's spark is destroyed, so it raises some interesting questions. Perhaps Megatron had placed some of the original Dinobot's cloning or whatnot inside the clone, causing it do develop a spark of its own? At this point I think we can assume that Dinobot II is really cloned from the original Dinobot, and it's not just a physical similarity.
It should be noted that Megatron seemingly killed Hammer the tribe chief. Coupled with Inferno and Quickstrike seemingly killing several in their assault, that should've had repercussions in the timeline...
In an early draft, the Maximals would launch the Ark instead of the Autobot shuttle. Also, the Coneheads Dirge, Thrust and Ramjet would've been activated to ram the Nemesis instead of the Autobot shuttle. This would've also probably provided an origin to where the three came out from in the second season of the original cartoon. This scene is obviously dropped.
Deleted scenes included in bonus DVD sets that have been partially animated but not included for time limits:
-Optimus Primal tearing out a transwarp cell (which would later be seen in the Autobot shuttle) from the Nemesis before telling Dinobot to save himself.
-Optimus Primal placing G1 Megatron's spark back where it belongs.
However, Optimus Primal did say that things were supposed to be (the scene that's supposed to take place after they return G1 Megatron's spark) where they are before they left Earth, so we could assume they returned G1 Megatron's spark off-screen.
GOOFS
When Tigerhawk is about to be blown apart, Dinobot's monocle is on the wrong eye. The same thing happens during the final battle scene.
When the Nemesis begins approaching the mountains, the cannon is at 65 percent power, and by the time they reach the Ark, it's at 75 percent power. However, a short while later when Optimus Primal boards the Nemesis, it's already at 90 percent out of the blue.
In 'Other Victories', Megatron is worried that if Tarantulas destroys the Ark, he will destroy the Decepticons as well, and in extension the Predacons. So why is he doing it now? Although judging by his religious ramblings, it seems like power corrupts absolutely...
When Optimus Primal returns to the base and discovers Tigerhawk's death, his right wing is missing.
After he leaves Tigerhawk, the blast shields normally on Optimus' lower arms go missing throughout the rest of the episode. However, they appear for brief scenes during the battle with Megatron.
Inferno and Quickstrike are seemingly vaporized by the Nemesis, so how could the Protohumans use their parts for tribal equipment?
Optimus tears one of his wings off to jam the grinders at the bottom of the Nemesis. However, in subsequent scenes his wing is fine.
When Rattrap says his 'we're all gonna die' line, his kibble backpack is missing.
How did the Protos put Waspinator back together?
Quote, Unquote
Megatron: "'I am alpha and omega... beginning and the end. I am... that which is... which was... and is yet to come! And you will know my name is Megatron... when I lay my vengeance upon you!'"
Dinobot II: "You have already read the Covenant of Primus?"
Megatron: "Just the good parts."
Optimus Primal: "For pity's sake, Megatron... No more!"
Megatron: "I'll say one thing for my namesake, he liked his artillery big and plentiful. Eh, now... where was I? Ah yes, mindless destruction! Good for the spark, I always say."
Dinobot II: "My spark has changed... it now feels... complete."
Optimus Primal: "You can't stop that thing alone."
Tigerhawk: "Perhaps, but it is my destiny to try. I will hold the line here. Go!"
Megatron: "Blast that Tigerhawk! My forecast was for clear skies all the way to Cybertron."
Dinobot II: [on Tigerhawk] "A brave stand... and noble."
Optimus Primal: "Nooo!" [slams the blast doors] "This ends here, Megatron. No more good friends will be sacrificed to your insane ambition. I swear it! No MORE!"
Rattrap: "Uh, you knock?"
Dinobot II: "This one [Hammer] seems hauntingly familiar... but I wonder why..."
Optimus Primal's voice: "...saved the valley... saved the lives of those who lived here... and those yet to come..."
Megatron: "Hmm, I suppose, given my imminent godhood, these primitives should really be beneath my intention. Still, no score is too small to settle, I always say."
Dinobot II: [stops Megatron, then silence] "You would turn the full fury of this mighty warship on a lone anthropoid?! Tell me, Megatron, where's the honor in that?"
Megatron: [glaring contest] "You dare use the H-word to me?"
Dinobot II: "I… ah... I apologize. I merely felt our power should be conserved for... the larger battle."
Megatron: "Duly noted... and ignored!"
Inferno: "But- my queen! We are down here!"
Quickstrike: "Ah don't like th' looks o' this!"
Inferno: "Nuh-NOOOOOOOOO!"
Rattrap: [Rhinox's machine explodes] "Just in time for one of those ominous silences..."
Megatron: [as the mountain is torn apart] "'...and the stone of their protection shall rise up forever and ever, as those who live and war as beasts confront their final cycle.'"
Optimus Primal: "This has to stop! At any cost."
Megatron: "Well, come on, let's have it. The usual 'destiny and honor' speech."
Optimus Primal: "Speech this!"
Dinobot: "Heh heh heh."
Megatron: "And there came a hero who said: hurt not the earth, nor the seas, nor the trees, nor the very fabric of time." But the hero would not prevail."
Optimus Primal: "Finish the quote, Megatron. 'Nor would he surrender!'"
Rattrap: [Blackarachnia uses Rattrap's tail-sword to substitute as a wire] "Hey! Ya emasculating fembot!"
Blackarachnia: "Main thrusters connected to Teletron I!"
Rattrap: "It's Teletraan!"
Rattrap: "No power, no weapons... we're all gonna die."
Rhinox: "Yup."
Megatron: "Victory is at hand."
Dinobot II: [mutters] "A coward's victory."
Blackarachnia: "The history tracts never mentioned this!"
Rhinox: "History is still being made. Come on, move!"
Megatron: "I am alpha and omega, Optimal Optimus! Now and forever, until the end of time!"
Megatron: "Destroy them!"
Dinobot II: [pauses, grits teeth] "Negative."
Megatron: "What? What possible reason could you have to disobey me? I am your master! I am your creator!"
Dinobot II: "And I... have my honor!"
Megatron: "Then stand aside, traitor, as I fulfill my destiny!"
Rhinox: [crashes into the Nemesis] "For everything that ever was..."
Optimus Primal: "Dinobot, save yourself!"
Dinobot II: "Farewell, Optimus Primal."
Optimus Primal: " 'In the spark of an enemy, there will be salvation, and in the darkest hour, there will be a light.' "
Rattrap: "Yeah, from a very unexpected source – old chopper-face's clone. Who'da thunk it?"
Optimus Primal: "And let us never forget those other brave bots, whose sacrifice safeguarded past, present and future."
Waspinator: "Waspinator happy at last."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
And, with that, my guide to the Beast Wars is complete! Now I'll probably be taking a break to review IDW stuff again, before doing Beast Machines. And after that, Animated... cause I can't bear to watch Armada and the others, that's why.
Airdate: 7 May 1999
Written By: Simon Furman
Japanese Title: Happy? This Should Do It.
SYNOPSIS
Megatron opens fire at everything on sight with the Nemesis, quoting a passage from the Covenant of Primus about a 'Megatron'. Optimus Primal contacts Rhinox to deploy operation Eternity, and with Tigerhawk opens fire at the Decepticon warship, but fail to do anything worse than scratching the hull before Megatron returns fire. Tigerhawk tells Optimus to hurry back to the base to rally the Maximals, telling Primal that he would hold the line there. Meanwhile, Dinobot II comments that with Rampage's death, his spark seems to have changed, and admires Tigerhawk's stalwart defense. Summoning a giant tornado with his powers, Tigerhawks manages to disable most of the power conduits on numerous parts, limiting Megatron to only use the main fusion cannon. Megatron opens fire at Tigerhawk, who tries to hold it back with an energy beam. Despite his power, Tigerhawk is overwhelmed by the power of the blast, and is atomized.
Rhinox tells Rattrap that they are preparing to move the Ark. Optimus returns to base, and is told by a computer that Tigerhawk has been terminated, and swears in rage that Megatron will be stopped. Inferno and Quickstrike, meanwhile, drives off the protohumans. Hammer the protohuman chief tries to fight them back. Inferno is about to open fire at Hammer when the Nemesis soars overhead. Not realizing that his troops are below him, Megatron prepares to open fire at Hammer with the Nemesis. Dinobot tries to stop Megatron for some reason he seems not to fathom, asking Megatron where the honor is in killing a lone human. After a tense silence, Dinobot waves it off as conserving power. Megatron ignores it, and opens fire at the protohuman, killing Inferno and Quickstrike in the process.
Rhinox and Blackatachnia note in dismay that the ship has been offline for too long. Meanwhile, the Nemesis approaches the Ark and activates the tractor beam, tearing the mountain apart while the cannon is forced to recharge. Optimus Primal enters the Decepticon warship after disabling the grinders, and begins a brutal battle royale with Megatron. Despite floating around, Blackarachnia and Rhinox manages to get the engines online but they burn out almost immediately. Rattrap notes that they are all going to die. Dinobot mutters that Megatron is not being honourable and sportive by attacking a defenseless enemy, and sends a message to the Maximals informing them of a shuttle hidden inside the Ark (something that Blackarachnia notes the history datatrax doesn't mention). The Maximals activate the Autobot shuttle. Megatron gains the upper hand against Optimus, and orders Dinobot to fire. Dinobot refuses, and Megatron bats him aside. Before he could fire, though, the Rhinox-piloted shuttle crashes through the Nemesis' bridge, going all the way through and taking Megatron with him. This causes a chain reaction that causes the Nemesis to begin to crash. Optimus Primal flies out, telling Dinobot to save himself. However, Dinobot remains with the ship, telling Optimus Primal farewell as an explosion engulfs him.
Some time later, Optimus Primal remarks that all is as it should be. They have repaired the Autobot shuttle and attached a transwarp cell to it, and leaves the past Earth to Cybertron, a screaming Megatron tied to the hull of the shuttle. Back on Earth, the protohumans have built a village, and are using parts of Inferno and Quickstrike to worship their new leader... Waspinator.
Featured Transformers: Optimus Primal, Tigerhawk (killed), Rhinox, Silverbolt, Blackarachnia, Cheetor, Rattrap, Megatron, Dinobot II (killed), Inferno (killed), Quickstrike (killed), Dinobot (flashback), Waspinator
Notable Others: Protohumans (many killed), Hammer (presumably killed)
REVIEW
(Eight out of ten)
An excellent, action-filled episode. However, there is the distinct feel of it being rushed, since there are some niggling questions left unanswered at the end of the episode. We never saw the Nemesis return back to its undersea grave, or G1 Megatron's spark being returned to its original body. Nor do we get a definite explanation for Dinobot II's sudden change of heart. Inferno and Quickstrike are also gotten rid of in an idiotic manner, although it's very ironic and I suppose it's all part of Megatron's insane delusions. Regardless, those two's exit aren't the glorious exit that the other Predacons like Rampage or Dinobot got. Sure, they are comedy material, but they could've gotten more awesome or respectful deaths, right? I loved those two goons...
Other than those minor quibbles, though, this episode is simply excellent. Considering that it had been reduced from a three or four parter into a two-parter, it's a nothing short of brilliant. It's a grand finale for the Beast Wars series, with the Nemesis being portrayed as the ultimate threat and with past, present and future all on the line. When Tigerhawk, new-toy boy who had single-handedly defeated the Predacon army two episodes ago, is obliterated in a single blast... Tigerhawk's death is really well-done, considering he doesn't have much of a personality. I felt kind of sad seeing him die like that, heroically picking a battle he couldn't win to buy some time. The most tragic death had to be Megatron killing Inferno and Quickstrike without knowing that they were down there, and Inferno's anguished scream at seeing his beloved royalty not even bothering to check... that's cold. Megatron's delusions of godhood, including him quoting the Covenant of Primus constantly, is well-executed, and that final battle between Megatron and Optimus Primal is nothing short of climatic. It's brutal, direct, and yet at the same time satsifying to watch. I do think that they spent too much time for Optimus to fly into the grinders.
Dinobot II, who spent all the rest of season three as nothing short of yet another Predacon powerhouse, went through a sea of characterization in this episode. While nowhere as grand as the original Dinobot in Code of Hero, Dinobot II gets a lot of excellent lines, even though his change of heart is kind of abrupt. Rhinox, too, gets an excellent moment as he flies a shuttle directly at the Nemesis' bridge. For a moment there I thought Rhinox was going to buy the farm, considering the death toll of season finales and Silverbolt's sad salute before Rhinox takes off. The character's emotions are excellently portrayed by the CGI, especially that of Dinobot and Optimus Primal. There's really very little to hate in this episode, with every action and line being a joy to look at. It's a fitting ending to what is probably considered the best cartoon series ever by most of the fandom (bar those zoophobics and G1 purists).
NOTES
The final appearances of Inferno, Quickstrike, Dinobot II and Tigerhawk. Also, everyone else has their final appearances in the Beast Wars cartoon... until Beast Machines, that is.
Megatron quotes the passage with the name 'Megatron' from the Covenant of Primus. Presumably the original Megatron took his name from it as well. From what it sounded, Megatron seems to be the name of some ancient powerful evil warrior. Very recently, this Megatron mentioned in the Covenant of Primus have been retconned as the Fallen. Eh.
The fusion cannon of the Nemesis borrows its name from the favoured weapon of G1 Megatron.
Rattrap mentions that he has a 'Predacon-parts' collection, including a lot of Waspinator pieces. Kind of morbid.
Optimus Primal lost a teeth in the battle with Megatron. Cute.
The passage from the Covenant of Primus, 'In the darkest hour, there will be light', is most likely a homage to the oft-repeated 'light our darkest hour' from the original Transformers: the Movie.
The pieces of machinery that float around as the Nemesis' tractor beam attacked the Ark include a dart from Blackarachnia's original gun, one of Rhinox's Chainguns of Doom, one of Depth Charge's missiles, Rattrap's gun, and one of the autoguns usually installed outside the Maximal base. Plus several other machinery bits.
Optimus Primal's line 'this has to stop! At any cost!' is another homage to the Movie, namely Optimus Prime's line 'Megatron must be stopped. No matter the cost'.
According to Blackarachnia, the Autobot shuttle hijacked by the Maximals to return to Cybertron was never mentioned in the history data-tracks, making the timestream constant with what it is supposed to be and not a paradox.
As befitting a Furman-written episode, there are lots of quasi-religious ramblings from the Covenant of Primus (several of which are quoted below). They bear strong resemblances to passages from the Bible.
Rattrap accuses Blackarachnia as being an 'emasculating fembot' when she uses his tail sword as a wire. Go find emasculating in the dictionary, and have a good chuckle.
Blackarachnia and Rattrap have a slight debate about how to correctly pronounce 'Teletraan', a nod to a similar debate in the internet fandom when the supercomputer was pronounced 'Teletron' by Blackarachnia in early episodes of season three.
If Megatron had heeded Dinobot's warnings and not opened fire on the Protohuman colony, the Nemesis would be recharged at full strength when reaching the Ark. Plus, he wouldn't have lost Inferno and Quickstrike due to the friendly fire. Had he not done that, he would've single-handedly won the Beast Wars...
Dinobot is still able to live even after Rampage's spark is destroyed, so it raises some interesting questions. Perhaps Megatron had placed some of the original Dinobot's cloning or whatnot inside the clone, causing it do develop a spark of its own? At this point I think we can assume that Dinobot II is really cloned from the original Dinobot, and it's not just a physical similarity.
It should be noted that Megatron seemingly killed Hammer the tribe chief. Coupled with Inferno and Quickstrike seemingly killing several in their assault, that should've had repercussions in the timeline...
In an early draft, the Maximals would launch the Ark instead of the Autobot shuttle. Also, the Coneheads Dirge, Thrust and Ramjet would've been activated to ram the Nemesis instead of the Autobot shuttle. This would've also probably provided an origin to where the three came out from in the second season of the original cartoon. This scene is obviously dropped.
Deleted scenes included in bonus DVD sets that have been partially animated but not included for time limits:
-Optimus Primal tearing out a transwarp cell (which would later be seen in the Autobot shuttle) from the Nemesis before telling Dinobot to save himself.
-Optimus Primal placing G1 Megatron's spark back where it belongs.
However, Optimus Primal did say that things were supposed to be (the scene that's supposed to take place after they return G1 Megatron's spark) where they are before they left Earth, so we could assume they returned G1 Megatron's spark off-screen.
GOOFS
When Tigerhawk is about to be blown apart, Dinobot's monocle is on the wrong eye. The same thing happens during the final battle scene.
When the Nemesis begins approaching the mountains, the cannon is at 65 percent power, and by the time they reach the Ark, it's at 75 percent power. However, a short while later when Optimus Primal boards the Nemesis, it's already at 90 percent out of the blue.
In 'Other Victories', Megatron is worried that if Tarantulas destroys the Ark, he will destroy the Decepticons as well, and in extension the Predacons. So why is he doing it now? Although judging by his religious ramblings, it seems like power corrupts absolutely...
When Optimus Primal returns to the base and discovers Tigerhawk's death, his right wing is missing.
After he leaves Tigerhawk, the blast shields normally on Optimus' lower arms go missing throughout the rest of the episode. However, they appear for brief scenes during the battle with Megatron.
Inferno and Quickstrike are seemingly vaporized by the Nemesis, so how could the Protohumans use their parts for tribal equipment?
Optimus tears one of his wings off to jam the grinders at the bottom of the Nemesis. However, in subsequent scenes his wing is fine.
When Rattrap says his 'we're all gonna die' line, his kibble backpack is missing.
How did the Protos put Waspinator back together?
Quote, Unquote
Megatron: "'I am alpha and omega... beginning and the end. I am... that which is... which was... and is yet to come! And you will know my name is Megatron... when I lay my vengeance upon you!'"
Dinobot II: "You have already read the Covenant of Primus?"
Megatron: "Just the good parts."
Optimus Primal: "For pity's sake, Megatron... No more!"
Megatron: "I'll say one thing for my namesake, he liked his artillery big and plentiful. Eh, now... where was I? Ah yes, mindless destruction! Good for the spark, I always say."
Dinobot II: "My spark has changed... it now feels... complete."
Optimus Primal: "You can't stop that thing alone."
Tigerhawk: "Perhaps, but it is my destiny to try. I will hold the line here. Go!"
Megatron: "Blast that Tigerhawk! My forecast was for clear skies all the way to Cybertron."
Dinobot II: [on Tigerhawk] "A brave stand... and noble."
Optimus Primal: "Nooo!" [slams the blast doors] "This ends here, Megatron. No more good friends will be sacrificed to your insane ambition. I swear it! No MORE!"
Rattrap: "Uh, you knock?"
Dinobot II: "This one [Hammer] seems hauntingly familiar... but I wonder why..."
Optimus Primal's voice: "...saved the valley... saved the lives of those who lived here... and those yet to come..."
Megatron: "Hmm, I suppose, given my imminent godhood, these primitives should really be beneath my intention. Still, no score is too small to settle, I always say."
Dinobot II: [stops Megatron, then silence] "You would turn the full fury of this mighty warship on a lone anthropoid?! Tell me, Megatron, where's the honor in that?"
Megatron: [glaring contest] "You dare use the H-word to me?"
Dinobot II: "I… ah... I apologize. I merely felt our power should be conserved for... the larger battle."
Megatron: "Duly noted... and ignored!"
Inferno: "But- my queen! We are down here!"
Quickstrike: "Ah don't like th' looks o' this!"
Inferno: "Nuh-NOOOOOOOOO!"
Rattrap: [Rhinox's machine explodes] "Just in time for one of those ominous silences..."
Megatron: [as the mountain is torn apart] "'...and the stone of their protection shall rise up forever and ever, as those who live and war as beasts confront their final cycle.'"
Optimus Primal: "This has to stop! At any cost."
Megatron: "Well, come on, let's have it. The usual 'destiny and honor' speech."
Optimus Primal: "Speech this!"
Dinobot: "Heh heh heh."
Megatron: "And there came a hero who said: hurt not the earth, nor the seas, nor the trees, nor the very fabric of time." But the hero would not prevail."
Optimus Primal: "Finish the quote, Megatron. 'Nor would he surrender!'"
Rattrap: [Blackarachnia uses Rattrap's tail-sword to substitute as a wire] "Hey! Ya emasculating fembot!"
Blackarachnia: "Main thrusters connected to Teletron I!"
Rattrap: "It's Teletraan!"
Rattrap: "No power, no weapons... we're all gonna die."
Rhinox: "Yup."
Megatron: "Victory is at hand."
Dinobot II: [mutters] "A coward's victory."
Blackarachnia: "The history tracts never mentioned this!"
Rhinox: "History is still being made. Come on, move!"
Megatron: "I am alpha and omega, Optimal Optimus! Now and forever, until the end of time!"
Megatron: "Destroy them!"
Dinobot II: [pauses, grits teeth] "Negative."
Megatron: "What? What possible reason could you have to disobey me? I am your master! I am your creator!"
Dinobot II: "And I... have my honor!"
Megatron: "Then stand aside, traitor, as I fulfill my destiny!"
Rhinox: [crashes into the Nemesis] "For everything that ever was..."
Optimus Primal: "Dinobot, save yourself!"
Dinobot II: "Farewell, Optimus Primal."
Optimus Primal: " 'In the spark of an enemy, there will be salvation, and in the darkest hour, there will be a light.' "
Rattrap: "Yeah, from a very unexpected source – old chopper-face's clone. Who'da thunk it?"
Optimus Primal: "And let us never forget those other brave bots, whose sacrifice safeguarded past, present and future."
Waspinator: "Waspinator happy at last."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
And, with that, my guide to the Beast Wars is complete! Now I'll probably be taking a break to review IDW stuff again, before doing Beast Machines. And after that, Animated... cause I can't bear to watch Armada and the others, that's why.