Episode Review: Transformers S01 Ep06 Divide and Conquer

“Evil….superpowered robots…..Decepticons…..”

Following some epic narration, the episode opens by showing us a factory in production of weapons to try to stop the Decepticons. Chip’s computer skills are used to step up the efficiency of production. Naturally the factory is quickly attacked, and Chip calls the Autobots for help. Optimus Prime is the closest Autobot to the factory as he is out scouting for the next location of the Decepticon Space Bridge, so he heads to the factory and asks the other Autobots to meet him there.
Starscream and his team have collected all the energy from the factory and converted it to energon cubes. Prime takes on the Decepticons by himself and ends up sacrificing his own body to shield the humans from a blast, just as the Decepticons are about to finish Prime off, the rest of the Autobots arrive, so they fly off with their energon cubes in tow.

“I think Laserbeak’s Chicken”

The Autobots escort Prime back to base for repairs. Megatron wants to know Prime’s condition, so he sends Laserbeak into Autobot headquarters to spy and report back. Upon seeing that Prime is vulnerable, Megatron orders Laserbeak to attack, which causes an explosive chain reaction in Optimus’s chest. He manages to survive, but we learn that he needs a replacement cosmotron, which needs to be retrieved from Wheeljack’s workshop on Cybertron. Chip is needed on the mission to break the computerised lock that has been put on the door.

“Hey, just like Sherlock Holmes with Floppy Discs!”

Chip uses Teletraan 1 to decode where the Decepticon Space Bridge will appear next, so they can hitch a ride to Cybertron. As Starscream is overseeing the delivery of energon cubes to Cybertron via the Space Bridge, Bumblebee, Ironhide, Trailbreaker and Bluestreak arrive and battle breaks out as a heavy rainstorm starts to pour. The rainstorm gives Megatron an idea and he orders Starscream to let the Autobots win and gain access to the Space Bridge.

“Destroy all intruders with rain….acid rain!”

Megatron’s plan inspired by the rain storm is now clear! Ironhide and the others arrive on Cybertron and following a brief battle with Shockwave, travel to Wheeljack’s lab. Chip uses his computer skills to gain entry and they find the Cosmotron. However, Megatron has issued an order to the seekers still on Cybertron to use acid rain to destroy the intruders. The seekers attack and all looks doomed for the Autobots until Chip gives them a pep talk! Chip encourages the Autobots to use their courage to overcome the acid rain damage, and using Trailbreaker’s forcefield, they shield themselves from the acid rain long enough to allow their repair systems to engage. They are then able to see off the rain maker seekers and speed their way back to earth via the Space Bridge to get the Cosmotron to Optimus.
In the meantime, assuming they have the advantage with Prime vulnerable and the Autobots on Cybertron presumably incapacitated, Megatron and the Decepticons head to Autobot base to launch an attack.

“Well, are you with me, or do I fight this battle alone?”

On seeing that all the Decepticons are on their way to attack, the Autobots lament their chances without Optimus Prime. It’s now Spikes turn to give the Autobots a pep talk though and they work up the courage to face their foes. While the battle rages, Bumblebee, Spike and Chip get the Cosmotron to Wheeljack and Ratchet, who are protecting Optimus Prime.
The battle seems lost and Megatron issues a challenge for someone to challenge his might. Cometh the hour, cometh the robot, Optimus Prime steps up and answers Megatron’s challenge. They fight one on one and Optimus comes out victorious as the Decepticons retreat.

Key Scenes, Plot Points and Characters:

Starscream once again falls prey to some dodgy animation in the beginning of the episode, but there are some wonderful aerial scenes of Cybertron which are beautifully animated in this episode. Chip and Spike play key roles in this episode as their attitudes and pep talks motivate the Autobots to overcome their challenges. It’s great to see some scenes on Cybertron, especially featuring Shockwave, and the rainmaker seekers are a good addition to the storyline.

The Verdict:

A fun episode, with some iconic moments. It’s hard not to love an episode where Optimus Prime showcases his bravery! I score this episode 8 energon cubes out of 10.

Afterthoughts:

There are some great scenes in this episode. I love seeing that Megatron still has a loyal following on Cybertron even though he’s based on earth, and seeing those followers in their alt modes is a fun reminder that the alt modes we see most often on screen are adaptations to life on earth from their Cybertronian forms. Prime’s leadership, compassion for others, and bravery is on full display in this episode which is an early example of what so many would grow to love about him.

 

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About Steve Shreeve 68 Articles
When he isn't writing about Transformers, Steve runs Shreeve Health and Fitness, using his online training service to train people in any location. Steve loves Transformers and Star Trek, retro toys and cartoons, sharks, and nature.