#tfp stronger faster

[tfp-is-my-lifeblood-lol]

Wouldn't it be funny if synthetic energon did ABSOLUTLEY nothing?

And the crazy shit Ratchet did in "Stronger Faster" was 100% the placebo effect?

I mean, we know that isn't true, because we literally SEE Ratchet's vital stats change, plus he passes out, and his eyes turn green, but wouldn't it be funny, though?

Imagine: It's completely harmless, basically just green water, and Ratchet's like "wow this is the good shit" and goes on a rampage because he thinks it's magical energon steroids cocaine.

[dragonsgirl572]

Optimus: GET BACK HERE YOU DUMB FUCK!

Ratchet, who's high on Synth-En: LET ME RUN FROM THE CONSEQUENCES OF MY ACTIONS!

[onewingedsparrow]

I love how Optimus subconsciously lowers himself to listen to Arcee the exact same way I subconsciously lower myself to listen to a toddler LOL The height difference between these two will never not delight me.

[tfp-is-prime]

Transformers: Prime Season 1, Episode 22: “Stronger, Faster”

Original Airdate: September 17, 2011 2023 TFP Rerun Date: September 17, 2024

[Watch on YouTube]

Synopsis, courtesy of Apple: Ratchet, experimenting with synthetic Energon, injects himself with the substance—which makes him a menace to the Decepticons...but also to the Autobots and himself.

[keef-a-corn]

Dat’s right, People, it’s time for ‘Keef watches TFP and you just get the notes!’

This is for season 1, episode 22: Stronger, Faster

Please reblog or comment on this with your thoughts! I really want to know what your opinion of the episode was!

I write down the timestamps, but I watch Transformers Prime on Stan (an Australian streaming service) so they may be slightly off.

ALSO! I try my best to note points for every character, but tend to get a little caught up by Bee (although I think I do a pretty good job with the notes regardless) so do be warned.

~~~~Transition~~~~

00:03 - Said no one to a transformers fan ever.

00:15 - I don’t know what happened to Ratchet’s lip-sync.

00:26 - *throws to the Ratchet fans* FEAST!

00:33 - Raf’s a smart character, wouldn’t he know that Ratchet needs to test it a few times to make sure it’s stable? …Or does Raf want to put Bee’s life at risk?. O-Ó

00:58 - I get the other shots, but why the Cliffjumper one? His death didn’t have a negative effect on the energon supply.

01:41 - It’s like listening to your parents discussing the taxes.

01:59 - aww.. baby no! I wanna put him in a blanket.

02:08 - could you imagine being a parent in the early 2010s, thinking your child’s just watching an innocent show, then walking in and watching this scene? The episode is honest to goodness about drug addiction and there’s nothing anyone can say that would disprove it.

02:19 - Imagine if that had actually killed him? Like everyone returning after a mission to find Ratchet dead on the floor.

~intro~

03:12 - an amusing sight

03:24 - Ratchet’s first move to check if he was better than fine was to rotate his arm/check his shoulder. For anyone who theorises hidden, long-term injuries on the bots, there’s one for ya.

03:28 - I’m sad that his energon was so low… but which one belongs to the others? A possible consideration would be that Optimus is the bottom, then Bulkhead’s above Ratchet, then Arcee, then Bee, from their frame sizes and such. Where Bulkhead and Optimus use up more energon due to their larger sizes.

03:56 - that’s so strategically cruel.

04:49 - Oh Damn.. Optimus ain’t playing around (obviously) but he doesn’t use that tone at any other point. It’s so… uncharacteristically in character of that makes sense.

05:08 - way too high risk. Slim odds of reward. Arcee has a bad habit on taking on too much during fieldwork. It’s incredible how she hasn’t been held back more often.

05:53 - Mm.. there’s not enough appreciation for the way vehicon’s prepare to land.

06:10 - why would he put the ground bridge up there?? HOW ARE THEY SUPPOSED TO GET BACK? + could you just imagine Bee, Bulk and Optimus waiting behind the rocks, trying to make small talk.

06:18 - Slay Ratchet. Damn.

06:50 - so that idea from before… still imagine that. Just because it doesn’t work in canon, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be pictured.

07:16 - now I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t say that the fact that they included this shot could’ve meant something important, especially how the camera lingered on Bee for a second before the zoom (he’s the focus point in the shot. He’s the least blurry in the zoom). This will not be the last comment I make that’s probably me just thinking too hard.

07:22 - the side eye.

07:23 - That sounds familiar..

HA CALLBACK.

07:32 - *cri* He looks so proud. Good.

07:36 - Oh n o ✨ he’s now become aware of the size difference in a way that isn’t making him worried for the safety of the children (also Ratchet’s canonically called Raf ‘little fella’ I will now abuse this fact.)

07:46 - ‘no secret’ then proceeds to reveal that he’s on drugs.

07:48 - you can see the shift in the other bots features.

07:57 - … what. Did. He. Say?. W H Y A R E T H E R E N O H I N T S ? !

08:04 - this one’s a quick translation.. *concerned husband noises* + that slight glare though.

08:09 - Now kids remember, don’t do drugs. And if Arcee suggests it’s a good idea. It isn’t.

08:20 - Optimus probably has some history with drug addiction/abuse (might not have been him, but a friend *cough cough* Megatron)

08:26 - Damn, Optimus really on edge this episode.

08:43 - expressive story telling.

08:46 - Under influence or not, Ratchet still called Bulkhead ‘Bulk’. He must’ve done so before, but still.

08:50 - Bulkhead’s more likely to respond with a nickname if he gets addressed with a nickname.

08:51 - Ratchet just bitch-slapped Bulk. Damn.

09:16 - oh hells no. Ratchet’s fist should never be that close to Bee’s face like that. + From experience, when someone air punches so close so your face, once you recognise that you’re not actually going to be punched, you relax, but if you still believe you're in danger you're going to remain on edge. Bee keeps himself tilted away, meaning he still sees Ratchet as a threat.

09:22 - *cri*

09:25 - Bee’s eyebrows raise higher after Ratchet insults him.

09:29 - pretend he was straight? Yeah. But seriously, what an uncomfortable situation for all of them.

09:42 - that’s a dependency. It’s never a good thing.

09:52 - Arcee’s tone indicates she’s still upset, otherwise she would’ve been a bit higher pitched.

09:57 - There’s something about the way Optimus reactions (physically) when Bulkhead stops him that’s really interesting. I cannot work out what though.

10:05 - that’s how Knockout stands.

10:10 - I very seriously doubt that Ratchet chose Bumblebee to stay back as a randomised choice. If he had called him ‘Bee’, maybe, but he didn’t. He said ‘Bumblebee’. It was intentional. Considering that Ratchet’s still very strategic, despite being under influence, he would’ve been more likely to put Arcee on the sidelines (she goes against orders, makes unnecessary risks and is not as good at fighting compared to the others + the others are a bit more durable.). There are a few reasons why he might’ve chosen Bee. Although I want to say that it’s super unlikely, I cannot rule out the idea that a drugged up Ratchet could be a bit ableist, explaining why he’d first remove the disabled bot- but, as I said, highly unlikely. What’s more likely is that he’s putting Bee on the sidelines because he sees him as the weakest after he immediately backed down from a challenge. Then you also have the idea that there’s still apart of Ratchet that would put himself in the face of danger to protect Bee.

10:13 - WHAT DID HE SAY?! THE SYLLABLES RARELY MEAN ANYTHING WHEN IT COMES TO BEE’S DIALOGUE SO THERE’S NO HINTS!

11:01 - He’s an ass, but he’s got a point.

11:47 - what was gonna be the plan?

12:03 - this is a serious part, why would they include something so comedic? + he do be having a really good aim tho.

12:29 - Torture for the location of something important… the irony. (IYKYK)

12:41 - Optimus’s reaction shot is like every animal reaction to a loud noise in the distance.

12:44 - Really reflects on how often Autobots torture someone from the way everyone reacts.

12:47 - the shot would’ve been more impactful had Ratchet been kneeling, rather than leaning over.

12:57 - Nothing can stop the indestructible force that is Optimus putting his hand on someone’s arm/shoulder to make them calm down.

13:02 - Bulkhead and Arcee standing in the back watching them.

13:08 - Miner vs Minor. Both make a lot of sense before the rest of the dialogue.

13:11 - ‘servant class, not warrior class’, I need to do my research, damn. Are there classes between Servant and warrior? I imagine there’s probably ones below Servant and above warrior, so the lowest class the autobots would fight is warrior. Are the classes the same for the autobots? *

13:14 - his headlights weren’t coloured properly.

13:17 - with each shot the camera gets closer to them. + Optimus’s really fed up.

13:20 - he got the Lego mouth.

13:33 - I refuse to believe that the nemesis isn’t moving every five minutes.

14:24 - OH. WOW. Low blow.

14:59 - That was quick. Especially considering that that was not the original coordinates.

15:18 - they established early on that Ratchet could do that.

15:23 - ..where is he going?

15:34 - they either removed a scene or there’s a giant error. Bee wasn’t with them.

16:11 - domineering: asserting one's will over another in an arrogant way.

16:34 - I stand corrected, Megatron isn’t on the ship… for some reason.

16:51 - Knockout hasn’t fought Ratchet before.

17:16 - underrated line + delivery.

17:20 - Megatron’s got a big hand.

17:23 - that’s what it feels like to loose an arm wrestle.

17:31 - Knockout immediately suggesting drugs.

17:37 - WTFRaG.

17:49 - …Okay but like I know he doesn’t mean it this way, but I prefer to imagine that Megatron’s witness Ratchet sitting in Optimus’s lap.

17:53 - dude wants to drug a whole army.

17:56 - first move. Call out husband’s name.

17:58 - second move. Admit to wrong-doings.

18:05 - Optimus grabbing onto the handrails (I wasn't able to get a clear shot)

18:08 - He’s so concerned.

18:10 - FRAGGIN FINALLY I CAN GUESS. ‘Yeah? -on it.’

18:14 - Optimus didn’t even finish his sentence before running to the rescue.

18:23 - her legs are moving faster than she is.

18:26 - NOTHING CAN STOP HIM NOOOOW.

18:32 - he won’t stop moving. It’s beautiful.

18:38 - Oh dear.. oh Ratchy no!

18:44 - Knockout’s had like a 0% success rate with that saw.

19:35 - his eyes are blue

19:50 - THAT LINE DELIVERY!

20:07 - he k n e e l s

20:12 - that pool of energon wasn’t there before and he wasn’t actively bleeding.

20:14 - smexy scenery.

20:21 - babes has been by his side the whole time.

20:24 - ‘you bled out’ >:)

20:31 - Aww! But also.. he punched Bulkhead.

12:32 - shut up. You’re crying.

20:35 - he finished his sentence.

20:41 - AAAAAAAAA

20:52 - so energon is a blue crystal that needs to be mined, where it’s then turned into glowing light blue cubes where it becomes a dark blue liquid and is injected into the arm? But if it’s purple it’s dark energon. If it’s green it’s Synth-en. But dark energon stays in crystal form and doesn’t need to be replaced, while normal energon needs to be stocked up and can burn.

21:24 - this is just the plot of Hercules (the Disney movie)

———————

And that was Stronger, Faster

A lot lighter and darker than I remembered it. A very good watch and even if it’s just known for being the drug addiction episode, I’m glad that it’s known.

It’s a very dark topic, but I think it was addressed well. 10/10 would watch in a binge and when being selective about episodes.

*so this touches on my question

[eemoo1o-tfrmoo]

“That’s Optimus Prime’s mech” — Megatron, knowing what’s up

[mariacrow]

Hello there!!! I was wondering if perhaps you could do either Cybertronian seeker or human reader that is female and she (you could change it to gender neutral) where she is from the TFP universe and ended up in Bayverse and she TFP’s Optimus’ lover and she spends time with the bots (all of them survived they didn't die) and she has grown close to the humans. She also has been treating Bay Optimus in a very similar way that she treats her Optimus but the thing is she has trouble telling him that they are sparkmates or married in TFP. Therefore, when a conversation arrises amongst the bots in a meeting with Simmons, Galloway and Mearing, asking about her joruney here, it ends up slipping she is in love with Optimus and ends up explaining they're conjuxed... I wonder how the other bots will react and how Optimus would be and the humans? 😭 I love your writing and thank you! Bonus if it's hinted throughout that she was taken when Sideswipe tried flirting with her but it didn't stick.

That’s so creative! I think I know how to make this spicy ;)

BTF x TFP reader who’s Optimus’s lover and ends up in Bayverse

2nd person

female reader

malfunctions, drama, crossovers

romance, flirting, realization, last goodbyes

abbreviations: BTF = Bayverse Transformers; TFP = Transformers Prime

takes place in Transformers Prime AU where everyone lives and is protecting Earth

takes place in Transformers: Dark of the Moon AU where Ironhide and Jazz are alive

added characters: Simmons, Galloway and Mearing

“Stay safe.” Optimus said to you while holding you in his servos. He softly smiled as he brought you closer to his face.

“Don’t worry boss, I will!” you joked as you gave him a hug. You gave his face plate soft kiss, right under his optic, making his spark lit up.

A low hum escaped his chest as he gently stroked your head.

“Are you two done?” Ratchet say enviously, holding the ground bridge ready.

Optimus gently placed you on the ground. You rolled your eyes at Ratchet and chuckled as you walked to the ground bridge

“Someone’s jealous-“ Bulkhead said.

“I AM NOT- would you stop with that?!” Ratchet shouted, making everyone have a good laugh. Optimus didn’t budge though, he was looking at you, your beautiful smile and beautiful figure.

“See ya guys!” you said before you gave Optimus a special little wave before stepping into the portal. Optimus gave a cute little wave back as a tiny smile couldn’t leave his face. So wholesome!

You went farther inside, ready to go home, to Washington DC. Ratchet had everything ready and didn’t think anything could go wrong, no one thought. But oh… they had no idea…

Suddenly the ground bridge started making weird high frequency pulsing noises that were getting louder and faster. A sudden force, like stronger gravity, pushed you down onto your knees. You were groaning, holding your ears shut.

“RATCHET!!!” you exclaimed, trying to get up but the force was getting stronger as well as the noises.

Mass panic took over the base. They could hear you yelling.

“Ratchet, bring her back!” Optimus yelled. It’s odd to hear him yell like that which means he was extremely scared…

“I am trying, Optimus!” the medic panicked while desperately trying to fix whatever happened with the portal.

“Hurry up!!!” Miko yelled. She was scared she was gonna lose her bestie… “Guys! It’s changing colors!!!”

The ground bridge was now blue. Ratchet has never dealt with something like this. They kept hearing you begging for help. Then suddenly…

The portal aggressively closed, almost like an explosion, making the whole base shake. Everything went quiet. Ratchet tried turning it on again but it wouldn’t budge.

“Oh no…” the medic said. He frantically tried tracking you, looking all over the globe but… no signs…

Sorrow and fear were all over Prime’s face. He felt his spark ache.

“Wh-wh-what do you mean “oh no”???” Jake panicked.

“I-I don’t think she’s coming back…” Rafael said.

Bumblebee buzzed in fear, Arcee was asking questions as well as Bulkhead.

“She’s not in this dimension anymore…” Ratchet barely mouthed those words, trying to think of how to bring you back but… that’s gonna be a very difficult and long process…

“There must be a way!” Optimus said.

“There is..” the medic continued, “but Optimus.. this has never happened before… It might take days.. weeks.. months..”

“MONTHS???” Miko shouted.

“I-I just need to concentrate, alright!? I can fix this! I can fix this…” Ratchet tried to settle down and not lose hope.

Optimus was at loss of words… His lover, his sparkling… Gone. No one knows where, no one knows how. Everyone was flabbergasted, trying to think of any possible answer how this could happen…

“One way or another… we shall bring her back…” Optimus said. He lost everything already… he can’t lose you as well…

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

<> Washington DC, Bayverse <>

You found yourself in an alley in the center of DC. Getting up with a headache, you tried your best to scan your surroundings. You went forward to the main street, looking around.

“Looks like DC alright” you thought as you made your way to the right, heading home while thinking what the hell happened to the ground bridge.

Suddenly you heard a rumbling engine approaching, revving as the car slowed down, driving next to you at your speed. You looked to your left to see a metallic Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. Stunning. You chuckled to yourself and rolled your eyes, continuing to walk as you ignored whoever was in the car, thinking it’s just a guy trying to win you with his expensive car. IF there was anyone in the car…

You heard a seductive whistle, “Ey what’s up sweetheart~? Care for a ride~?” as the door opened.

“No, thanks.” you said, not even looking at the car.

“Oh come on cutie, it’s rude to reject a car like me~”

A car… like “me”? You heard that one before, Smokescreen has the same way of picking up girls. That made you look. You saw there’s no one at the driver’s seat. You stopped in your tracks… Putting 2 and 2 together…

“Sideswipe at your service, m’lady~”

All of the autobots should know you and you should know them hence they know Optimus. You realized the ground bridge’s malfunction meant yeeting you to a whole another dimension… In your case, some kind of a parallel universe. You decided to keep yourself together and act cool. You needed to investigate all this. And this certainly isn’t the time to tell a random autobot who are you and what is actually happening.

You took a deep breath and smiled, “Alright though guy~” you said as you got in. He closed the door for you and drove off.

“M-m-m~ Wait till you meet my crew~ They’re gonna be sooo jealous~ What’s your name beautiful~?”

“Hey, I’m not here for you to show off.”

“Well then, I’m here for YOU to show off~” he chuckled, his beauty breaking people’s neck.

He made you hide a giggle, “I’m Y/N. And what about that.. crew you mentioned?” carefully choosing your words, trying to meet your surroundings.

“You haven’t heard about my crew? We saved your planet more than once! And we’re still protecting it.”

“O-oh yeah! Yeah I know, of course, pft! Our heroes. But uhm.. what are the names of your teammates, I was never really able to memorize all.” act cool, act cool.

“Ah well there’s Ironhide, weapon specialist, he’s a stubborn fella. Then there’s Ratchet, the medic,”

“Ratchet…” you thought.

“Jazz, Dino, Bumblebee- you probably heard of Bumblebee, that sucker got real famous.” your heart skipped a beat when you heard “Bumblebee”…

“And, of course, our leader, Optimus Prime~” he said that with pride.

This confirmed your theory that you’re in an alternative universe… You acted cool and chill, excited to meet them all. Deep down you were hella nervous… Some hope bloomed inside of you, considering there’s at least 3 autobots you already know.

…

The moment Sideswipe drove you into the base, you couldn’t stop looking around. So many cars and… people…

“So they managed to take advantage of them here huh… What a disgusting species we are…”

“I brought company!” Sideswipe transformed and said happily.

“Sideswipe, how many times do we need to tell you to stop bringing females into the base!?” Ratchet shouted, in his bot form, working on something with humans.

“Oh come oh man, look at her! How can you say no to such a cute faaace~?” he was gently pinching your cheek.

“Ow- ow ow ow! Sideswipe!” you laughed, trying to push his servo away.

“This is not a party garage, this is a base! Take your urges elsewhere.” Ratchet scolded Sideswipe.

A giant truck with Optimus’s colors caught your eye real good… Suddenly, he transformed, approaching you and Sideswipe as the ground shook a little with each step he took. He was ready to shoo both of you out but then he made eye contact with you…

Your eyes locked in his optics and vice versa… He slowly stopped in his tracks as he frowned and as his optics widened… You looked extremely familiar. Too familiar… As if he was getting flashbacks of something he never even knew he experienced. He felt like he knows you. His spark warmed at the sight of you… He slowly lined up with you, putting his knee on the ground.

“Do I know you, girl?” he asked.

“I.. uh..” you could barely speak, you felt waves of adrenaline strike your body, “Perhaps, sir… M-maybe I just remind you of someone.” you awkwardly chuckled.

He hummed and straightened. Confused and suspicious, he walked to the platform where Galloway and Mearing were working with Ratchet.

“Let her stay. She has valuable information.” he lied. For the first time in his life he lied… There’s something special about you he needs to confirm…

…

It’s been weeks. Months. You got closer with everyone, Sam even. You were an important member of the crew now. Everyone was surprised by your Cybertronian tech knowledge that Ratchet passed onto you back in the base in Jasper…

Optimus and you got extremely close as well. You treated him with kindness. Not just any kindness. You didn’t only have high respect for him as a leader, you were ready to lie down your life for him and vice versa… It seemed as if he became your guardian in this universe too…

He let you climb his shoulder, have relaxing rides with him, stay up late, watch the sky and discuss about endless subjects… He wouldn’t take his optics off of you. Scanning your beautiful face whenever he had a chance, trying to find you in his memory but his recognition system was not responding positively…

…

One day…

“I need a group meeting, ASAP!” Mearing commanded, walking into the base furiously as her assistant, Galloway and Simmons were barely catching up to her.

“A-are you sure, ma’am?” Galloway said.

“Yes, I am sure! And don’t call me “ma’am”. I am not a “ma’am” “ she said while going through all of her purses.

“I knew there’s something odd about her- I just knew it! Optimus told us he feels as if he knows her- and now the big guy is in love!” Simmons said like the alien nerd he is.

“Please, do not say that, it’s disgusting.” Mearing said while going up the platform.

“How would they have intercourse anyway- it’s impossible!” Simmons continued.

“Shut up, agent.” Mearing said before quickly organizing a meeting.

…

And there you were, sitting along with everyone while all the autobots stood there.

“WHO ARE YOU AND HOW DID YOU GET HERE-“ Simmons started.

“Agent. Let’s stay calm.” Galloway said.

Simmons sat down, rubbing his face, biting his nails and bouncing his leg.

You looked at Optimus. “You told them..?”

“Y/N, please understand that I had to. There’s something strangely odd going on. I feel like my system had deleted you from my memory… but I can still feel like I know you.”

“We’ve checked your ID, tried tracking you, your home, family… We couldn’t find anything. You’re not in the system.” Mearing said. “So where do you come from? Are you even human? Who sent you?”

All of this was getting you extremely nervous. You sat there, occupied with questions and so many glares…

“Okay…” you took a deep breath, “okay. I will explain. No one sent me, let’s start with that. It was all an accident… Apparently I come from a parallel universe where the Cybertronian war was also brought. And no I’m not talking about another planet, I’m talking about Earth- like a- a mirror! But with some minor changes. There’s an autobot base in Jasper, Nevada where I’m with my three other human friends and the crew… There’s Bumblebee and Ratchet and Arcee and Bulkhead a-and… You, Optimus…”

The whole base was silent… They couldn’t believe what they were hearing… Optimus walked closed to you, listening carefully.

“I moved to Washington DC recently and we’re using something called a ground bridge to teleport where we need to. When I wanted to go back home, the portal started malfunctioning and… here I am, I guess…”

“WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL US BEFORE-“ Simmons again.

“Agent, let her finish.” Optimus said calmly.

“Because I… I don’t know! Okay!? I was scared! I was hoping they would get it fixed in a few days so I could just leave with a status of Sideswipe’s ex girlfriend or something but…” you exhaled in frustration, “It’s been months… Who knows if they’re gonna get it fixed at all… That’s why I wanted to analyze everything you have here and see if I can ask for ANY help…”

Mearing and Galloway were aggravated while Simmons was like “I TOLD YOU SO!!!”. Ratchet was trying to calculate everything in his head while everyone else was just speechless.

“That’s why I was feeling this way since we met…” Optimus said.

“Yes… and probably because.. we have something special going on where I come from…” you said with a tiny smile.

A deep hum rumbled in his chest, “Special…” he also smiled a little.

“Aw man, there goes my girlfriend!” Sideswipe said. He made Dino and Bumblebee laugh.

“You’ll find a chick.” Ironhide nudged him, “There’s plenty of fish in the sea.”

“How do we get you back?” Ratchet asked.

“The only thing I can think of is that we somehow make contact with them. I have the coordinates but we will definitely need more than just that…”

“Hm… yes.. yes. I think we can-“ Ratchet got interrupted

“Or maybe she can stay.” by Jazz who now got all of the eyes on him in silence, “…Just- just a suggestion-“

“As much as I would love for Y/N to stay with us, we need to think about her safety. We must get her home.” Optimus started, “She is not safe with us. As similar as her life might be here, she belongs in the universe she came from.”

“Agreed! Agreed.” Galloway interrupted, “If we manage to make this portal, it would mean a huge step for humanity!! Do you realize how much we could do with it!? We could-“

“With all due respect,” Optimus interrupted him back, “this is not the time to speak about the advantages humans can take from this.” irritated by him.

Ratchet and some other autobots were already working on the ground bridge.

“Y/N.” Optimus leaned closer to you, “It is very difficult for me to say goodbye…”

“I know… It was nice while it lasted…”

“I hope I treat you the same way in every universe our paths cross… I hope you will keep warming up my spark back home.” Optimus said softly, quietly talking to you.

“I will… I promise…” you got emotional, stepping closer, hugging his face plate… Your heart aching, you were torn apart between two universes… But you knew none of this is right. You need to get back.

You made him smile, his optics spinning and expanding before closing as he sunk into your tender touch…

“I will forever remember you, Y/N… Now it is time for you to go home, my love…”

Well this ended up being longer than I thought lmao and way more emotional

Dividers belong to @patches-1105 ❣️

[invadergia]

@mychlapci @lurkerintheabyss

Saw the post about cybertronians laying eggs and had to try writing this. Please go follow them if you're not already. :D

Vehicon Steve

First story attempt

I don't know all the cybertronian terms for things so sorry

Sorry if there are spelling mistakes

------NSFW UNDER-------

Tfp Steve and a plane

Steve was struggling today on the nemesis. He had been going through a rather rough heat this time and it was getting in the way of his work.

Sure Steve was able to keep it under control for a bit, but each time he did it was always coming back stronger, and stronger, and stronger. A few times Steve had to hold in his overload as commander Starscream walked past him in the hallways.

Steve couldn't take this much longer, his heat was getting stronger, his armor feeling heavy. He needed to do something about it. He needed just a good fragging to finally get it out of his system.

At that exact moment his team was called by commander starscream that his squad was to go out on a scouting mission for materials shockwave required. Steve rushed up to the flight deck transforming to head out with his team.

When they arrived at the location Steve seen it was another military base, the vehicons quickly raided the base wanting to get this over with and returned to there secret games aboard the nemesis. But Steve felt like he was on autopilot. Steve couldn't get his head to focus. He was stumbling around the base carrying only a few scraps of metal in his hands.

Steve stumbled into a open hanger looking up to see a few humans running out of the building, but Steve didn't care. All Steve could see was the beautiful, stunning F-22. Steve couldn't look away, it was perfect.

Steve dropped the scrap in his hands stumbling over to the jet. He gently placed his hand on the sides of the cockpit gently rubbing his hands down it's side and onto it's wings. He could have sworn he seen it trembling but it was probably just him.

Steve slowly made his way around the aircraft gently rubbing along it's wings and teasingly rubbing a finger or two into it's thrusters. Steve could feel his heat rising and a tingling sensation running up his back with every touch he gave.

Steve soon made his way to the back of the aircraft seeing the perfect little hatch for a plug of sorts, in his mind atlases. Steve gave a teasing touch to the opening feeling around before sinking his fingers into the port finding the inside to be quite soft.

Steve practically melted at the felling wanting to just get his charge down and deal with his heat. Steve looked around seeing a few cans of oil, grabbing them he slowly poured some onto his finger and onto the port slowly thrusting his long sharp fingers into the soft inside of the jet. Steve began moving his fingers faster coating the inside with oil before slipping his finger out and placing his hand on his modesty panel.

Slowly transforming the panel away Steve's spike pressurized fully his left hand grabbed the oil can bring it above his spike letting the oil drip down into it. He gently grabbed his spike in his other hand gently stroking his spike covering it in the oil.

Steve moaned softly as he prepared his spike, he craved release and he was to far in to stop now he leaned forward pinning the jet underneath him.

Steve took a deep breath before slowly thrusting into the jet he moaned again as he slowly began to thrust his hips forward gently thrusting in and out of the jets port. Oh primus he needs this bad. Steve gently strokes the jets wings gently rubbing into the little seams along it's wings and barrel.

Steve pumped his hips faster thrusting deeper into the tight port of the jet. He just needed a little more. As Steve thrusts into the jet harder his spike pushed deeper and deeper into the internals of the jet pressing hard into the systems inside the engine began to stir awake sending a strong vibration into the sensitive nodes on Steve's spike.

Steve moans out as he feels the vibrating insides of the jet hitting all the right places. He was so close now his hips on autopilot as he pounds into the jet without warning Steve screamed out as he overloaded into the jet filling the tight space full of his transfluid and eggs, thrusting in a few more times before sliding his spike out with a wet pop.

Steve felt so good basking in his afterglow, but his charge was still high, he needed more.

Agent Fowler hated when the cons made these smash and grab missions they always caused a lot of property damage. Not to mention his superiors were breathing down his neck from the last one. Agent Fowler walked around the base surveying and logging the damage caused by the cons until he noticed a stream of blue liquid coming from one of the hangers. He slowly stepped inside only to blush slightly at the sight but more or less he was terrified and slightly discussed by the sight.

There in the hanger was a F-22 jet covered in transfluid, energon, and other cybertronian fluids he didn't wanna know about but next to it was a giant vehicon trooper one of the countless troopers for Megatron himself. Agent Fowler knew they could be dangerous at times but this one was gently cuddling the aircraft, nuzzling it as if he was... it suddenly clicked in Fowler's head what had happened when he seen the trooper had his spike out not fully pressurized but still very noticeable for a human.

Fowler took notes of the damage to the aircraft quietly seeking around the death machine seeing the fluids leaking out of the cockpit, tail, turbines, and many other places. Agent Fowler had seen enough and stared heading back when he here a wet splat from behind him, slowly turning around he seen... was that an egg!?!? The vehicon slowly woke up gently grabbing the egg and sliding it back inside of the turbine before snuggling closer to the jet with a low hum.

Fowler quickly left feeling a headache coming on from having to explain what he had just seen to team prime and his superiors.

[lets-try-some-writing]

I love the Unicron "I guess I'm a Sire now" au, like I adore it. But also I vibe the au "humans are other and terrifying, borderline uncanny valley to bots " line of thought......sooooooo, hear me out:

Unicorn sees his offspring: they are very tiny and deceptively weak (at least in comparison to his brother creations), so he decides to meddle and gives us a boon, he changes us....a bit. Maybe he starts with the little ones (to him we are little ones) that are closest to the conflict: the tfp kids + associated humans, and giving it a test trial before moving to humanity as a whole

They still look as humanly possible, but its obvious that they are very other to an external expectator (even to other humans). But one thing is for sure, he made them into predators using human skin...

He builds them stronger, faster and more cunning than ever before, with superior senses. More resilient to the trials of time and less prone to injury or disease (giving his children immortality is anathema to him; chaos brings the possibility of change, which is inherent to them as much it is to him). He re-makes them with a general idea, but gives them a singular extra gift, to make them unique between each other, and as proof of his care snd devotion, but not su much as to isolate them from each other...

If ever asked, he will deny the possibility of partaking in favouritism like his brother. And yet, its a fact that he holds his most favored very close to his core (aka: the tfp kids, much to Papa Op infinite dismay). His children have faced dangers beyond the capabilities, and still, they have percevered despite all odds being against them, and he couldn't be any prouder (he knows that his kids will bring down empires if given the chance, well...HE WILL GIVE IT TO THEM)

In simpler words: I want the kids to become wholly other cause of Father Unicorn meddling, their reactions (and the bots + cons reactions)

This idea is FANTASTIC! I'm mad at myself for not writing for it sooner! Dang. Well I will try to make up for it with my work! Let's see how this turns out. I've always been a bit fan of cosmic horror and uncanny valley type situations. They are fun to write about.

Previous part here.

Not Quite Human Anymore

It was not his wish originally to change his creations. They had adapted and evolved just fine on their own without his interference. However now that Primus's children were involved, things were different. The playing field needed to be evened once Primus's children inevitably failed to protect his in a moment of hesitation or a lapse of judgement. Unicron refused to watch his children perish to forced that were unnatural to their world. They were HIS creations, and they would die in a manner he saw fit, not as victims to Primus's creations ridiculous war.

Thus while he used his avatar to keep an eye on the children who were most affected by Primus's creations, Unicron began to think and plan. He observed Primus's creations, he saw what they gained and what they lacked. He saw their mentalities and watched how they behaved. Then he observed his own children, watching how they preferred to act and what would suit them best.

It took months of careful planning, he couldn't risk hurting his little ones after all. However once he had come up with a plan he liked, he looked to his three most affected children and decided to use them to test his newest alteration. He had never done this to any of his creations, so they would be the first. If all went well, they would be leaps and bounds ahead of the rest of humanity, his little heralds. But if things went south, they would have Primus's creations to guard them, especially the Prime that seemed to taken with them.

Thus very quietly, Unicron began to act. He twisted the essence of the children, molding their flesh, their senses, and their minds to better endure the presence of Primus's eternal creations. It was a slow process, one that had the children growing taller rapidly. The team and the adult humans wrote it off as growth spurts kicking in... right up until they just kept growing. Jack reached a startling eight feet and didn't even seem to be suffering for it. Miko stopped at around seven feet, and Rafael at six. They towered over their peers and didn't even end up being disproportionate in any way.

They were taken to doctors and had Ratchet look over them when they began to start developing other adjustments. Their teeth sharpened, their eyes restructured entirely to be able to see in almost any light condition, and their sensory capabilities skyrocketed to the point of being on par with the bots. Their skin evidently became tougher, not invincible and still very capable of bruising but far less likely to tear. Their immune systems shot up in ability, warding off any and all diseases that weren't severe and lessening the pains of those that were meant to kill. They became faster, able to jump farther, last longer, and more importantly, their reaction times became increadible.

Overall they looked largely the same, if not for the fact that they were now the size of smaller minicons. The only other noticeable difference in them beyond their leap in capability was Rafael's new agility to sense fields, Miko's near total resistance to climate changes besides the worst of temperatures, and Jack's ability to handle pressure changes and hold his breath without fainting or being crushed. The children were rightly panicked, June and Fowler especially so. For the children's safety and to keep the government off them, they were kept with the bots until Ratchet could figure things out.

The team were startled and confused more than anything else when it came to the children, especially as their abilities became more obvious after their run in's with the Cons. Optimus nearly had a spark attack when Jack ended up flying high into the air after grabbing ahold of Laserbeak during battle and being carried off. He was retrieved but Optimus was expecting to find a corpse with how fast and how high the cassette had gone. Instead he found Jack right as rain clinging to Laserbeak's back as the cassette landed on the ground again. He nearly had a similar breakdown when Miko went through a groundbridge without them knowing that led straight to the Arctic. He once again expected to find a body, instead finding Miko rather unconcerned sitting in the snow building an igloo. As for Rafael? He didn't panic when the boy began asking why he was sad even when he was masking it, no instead he focused on helping Rafael figure out his gift if only so that it didn't overwhelm him.

The children startled Optimus, but he loved them all the same even if he had a vague inkling as to what was happening to them.

Ratchet straight up thought they were creepy. He still cared for the children and often found himself staring and running tests, but they worried him. He grew especially more concerned when after the children seemed to settle into their abilities, reports from around the globe began turning up pointing towards humans everywhere gaining a few extra inches and having an increase in strength, skill, and will.

Bulkhead and Wheeljack worried for the children but found their changes more relieving than anything else. Now the kids would be safer and less likely to die from random things that even their sparklings could endure. They found it especially fun to start chucking small lob balls (softly) at the children only to watch Jack or Miko catch it and toss it back. Bumblebee was also relieved, if a tad worried, but mainly took the changes in stride. He had a grand old time setting the children on his shoulders and not having to worry about them as much. Arcee was concerned and took little joy in the changes with how distressed they made the children in the beginning. Most of her time went toward trying to help them adapt while Ratchet tried to figure everything out.

The Decepticons didn't know all the details, but when the children did turn up on the battlefield, they found the vermin harder and harder to kill. A blaster shot just wasn't enough anymore, especially with that squirrel targeting them as well. Of course they grew more and more concerned about the whole thing when they too began noticing the reports of humanity changing into something... other. It reeked of divine influence and they began watching the children more closely to see if they could figure it out.

Unicron for his part simply began his work in relative silence. To ease the transition he sang to his children, every last one of them. During dreams he gave them visions of what they could do with their newfound frames. When they grew fearful he would hum softly to them in their minds through the bonds he forged through his touch. The humans didn't even know it was him, nor did they "hear" his song. But their souls knew him for what he was, their maker.

He tried not to play favorites, but he adored his three heralds. They were gifted, special, and so very unique. Not only that, but they had Optimus wrapped around their fingers. He adored them, and as he watched them grow and learn, he could see their ambitions and their drive. He would give them to the world.

Thus in dreams he sang to them. He showed them all they could be. And just to spite Optimus because he knew the Prime knew he was the one behind the changes, he became more bold with his usage of power around them, showing them marvels and warping the world to his desire.

[allhailthepandicorn]

Shout out to Elita One for heading an all female squadron of soldiers during the war and also being a badass queen.

I will forever mourn the fact that the line mentioning her in TFP episode Stronger, Faster was cut

[just-someone-online]

TFP AUs I Probably Won't Expand Upon

Exactly what it says on the tin. Just little AUs I've thought about but probably won't do anything with.

Masterforce AU - In which several headmaster and powermaster transtectors land on Earth. Three of them are found by the Autobots and are used by Jack, Miko, and Raf, while a fourth has been snatched up by Silas and MECH. Whether or not this means Breakdown avoids being used as a suit by Silas is anyone's guess.

Terrorcon Cliff AU - In which Cliffjumper's death was recent enough that the dark energon truly reignites his spark. Aside from a new uncanny valley effect and hearing the voices of Megatron and Unicron, he's as healthy as ever.

Out of Body Experience AU - In which Bumblebee is able to fight off Megatron and prevent the Decepticon leader from returning to his own body. Unfortunately for Bumblebee and the Autobots, it means the base now has a new permanent resident.

Earthspark AU - In which the kids get lost in a cave and stumble upon the Emberstone. Their Terran partners would all be original characters.

Action Master AU - In which Bumblebee's T-cog, while functional, isn't as reliable as it used to be, leading to him becoming stronger, faster, more alive to make up for the loss of his vehicle mode.

Miko & Arcee AU - In which Arcee is Miko's Autobot partner. I'mma be real, this is just an excuse to her face off against Airachnid.

Seaspray Lives AU - In which... well, you can figure it out. He and Wheeljack hunt down Dreadwing for trying to bump them off and decided to stay on Earth. To the surprise of nobody, Seaspray's alt mode is a boat.

Primal Mode AU - In which Optimus actually uses the T-rex mode he acquired in Rescue Bots. Whether this leads to the other Autobots taking on beast modes remains to be seen. At the very least, Bumblebee takes on the raptor mode one of his rescan toys had.

Fourth Human AU - In which Smokescreen picks a fight with one of Jack's classmates at the beginning of Legacy and they need to be brought back to base. Smokescreen is assigned to be their partner, which doesn't go well considering their initial meeting.

Actual Beast Hunters AU - In which Project Predacon is successful and the Autobots begin hunting the beasts before they can harm humanity.

Pretender AU - In which an unaligned Pretender lives among the humans, but comes out of hiding when the Cybertronian war threatens the humans they've come to care about.

Operation: Bulkhead AU - In which Bulkhead is the one to be captured by MECH, and whose corpse is later used to save Silas' life.

[tfp-is-my-lifeblood-lol]

I find the scene in "Stronger Faster" where Ratchet flirts with Arcee, and has his little: "How's it humming?" *fingerguns* moment to be so funny, because I headcanon that it's TOTALLY something Ratchet learned from human television.

Because, as far as we know, Cybertronians don't really flirt or have romantic desires the same way humans do, so Ratchet catcalling Arcee the way a human would is kinda like if a human tried to perform a weird mating dance like a bird of paradise. Like that one scene in How to Train Your Dragon 3 where Toothless hops around like an idiot.

Ratchet probably didn't even understand the actual meaning of anything he said or did. He just saw humans doing bad pick-up lines on TV, and copied it because he was high on green space crack.

It makes Arcee's reaction that much funnier, because it explains why she seems less mad, and more confused. Like: "Did he just...perform an alien mating ritual? Did he just pretend to be a human trying to court me? Huh?????"

[pluage-docters-go-brrrrrr]

So I kinda just want to talk about my headcannon about Synth-En. (Sorry if I spelt that wrong. I'm doing this on my phone.)

So basically it's that Synth-En wasn't made for cybertronian consumption. I've only watched the first season of TFP and know a few things that happen revolving around Synth-En in the later seasons, but what I've seen of the substance is that it works really well with inanimate machines and not with living cybertronians.

Take the episode "Stronger, Faster" the whole episode is about Ratchet's etempt at completing the unfinished formula. We all know that this version does not mesh well with a cybertronians attitude but it files them as well as normal energon and maybe even better. But the mechanism Ratchet uses to test the Synth-En works just fine. It runs smoothly with no hiccups.

Now the episode doesn't elaborate further on the test machine, but what if when the formula is complete that cybertronians still become massive ass holes while using it as fuel.

I know that at some point at the end of the TV show they use Synth-En to get cybertron up and running enough to live on and start rebuilding. And to my knowledge cybertron is Primus, so I may be wrong about Synth-En negatively effecting cybertronians.

But I also have another part to this that makes the whole headcannon a little funny. So we know that when the formula was ejected into Bulkhead's brain the autobots had to get it back out before it hurt him. And that got me thinking, sense Bulkhead never finished the formula maybe there was a note on he back of it saying something like "BTW you can't eat this." Or something along those lines.

Honestly, to make the whole thing funnier have the original formula notes buried somewhere on cybertron and have someone find them and read the little note on the back. I like to imagine that the person who finds it is Ratchet because he used the unfinished formula as like steroids and/or a drug. I like to imagine he has a little crisis.

Yeah, but that's just my headcannon. Y'all can steal it if you want just give credit. Also, please tell me I used the right "sense". I'm not sure if there's another way of spelling it that I don't know how to. spell.

Edit: There is another sense. It's since.

[sneezilla]

I drew this at the end of December/beginning of January and debated posting this, but figured fuck it. This is TF related. Thomas is a Roland Juno 106 Synthesizer and Guy-Manuel is a Roland TR 909 Drum Machine. Both were used extensively in their early works. Styled in a blend of G1 and TFA! Long rant about both DP and TF, feel free to skip!:

2023, for me, was the year of the robot. Early last year I listened to DP's entire discography, and while in the middle of listening to HAA their 10 year remaster of RAM released. Since then, the entirety of this year has been dedicated to house music. They've always had a special place in my heart, as I was familiar with their standout hits (Get Lucky, Harder Better Faster Stronger, Robot Rock, etc.) but I never took the time to delve in deep. I finally had the time while on a trip with some friends. It's surprising how enjoyable it is to listen to Around the World while stuck in a van with others for hours at a time. Now, whenever people think about me, they think of that song. An earworm that entire week for sure. I remember in June when they released Infinity Repeating. A friend sent me the article of it, and I remember bawling my eyes out while listening to it. Several times, in fact. They were my number one listened to artist last year. I had almost 60k minutes listened, and out of that, I spent 7.7k of those on DP alone. Discovery was my number one album, 196 plays. While not my number one song (just missing the mark by one play), I listened to Face to Face 142 times. All of that is on apple music alone.

When I came back from that trip, I was reminded of Transformers. I, as many youngish people at the time, grew up with the Bay films. I also had the TFA game on my DS, and watched G1 a few times thanks to my little brother, but I definitely wouldn't say it was a core piece of my childhood. I binge watched the Bayverse movies, watched TFA, then TFP, then Earthspark, then G1, then intermittently read the comics (still ongoing with that one), tried watching RID 2015 (couldn't get through it, sorry) and then Cyberverse. All in the span of a few months. It's another thing people know me for, now. Not just in real life, but my online presence here is attached to it. In just this half a year interacting online I've met some amazing people. There's definitely other things to say, like how I know more about Transformers than my dad that grew up watching G1, or how I fondly recall painting my best friends nails while watching the 86 movie (his brother hates when men paint their nails, we wanted to prove a point). There's so many things I could say about this year, how incredibly humbling but exciting it was, how much I've grown and learned this year. But I want to say thank you. To both everyone I've met and everyone that's read this far. Here's to another!

[vanellygal]

My Favorite TFP Episodes

SEASON 1

Episode 7, Scrapheap

Episode 11, Speed Metal

Episode 15, Shadowzone

Episode 19, Rock Bottom

Episode 21, T.M.I.

Episode 22, Stronger, Faster

SEASON 2

Episode 8, Nemesis Prime

Episode 10, Armada

Episode 11, Flying Mind

Episode 12, Tunnel Vision

Episode 19, The Human Factor

Episode 23, Inside Job

Episode 26, Darkest Hour

SEASON 3

Episode 7, Plus One

Episode 8, Thirst

Extra: I loved the Ratchet moments in episodes 11 - 12. Also, the finale was amazing too!

[littlemisstfc]

Why TFP Doesn't Work For Me Anymore:

Hello, Hola, こんにちは。

Welcome back to this side of the Hundred Acre Woods. I do miss the feeling of writing on Tumblr here, so from here on and for a New Years resolution, I’ll try to write a new post every other week with thoughts I’ve had since December 2022. A lot has happened since I’ve started grad school and I have a part time job now, so there will be periods of inactivity. Hopefully, my writing can reflect my current opinions right to the best of my abilities, and I hope that you all enjoy them.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Alright, let’s cut to the chase: I kind of think Transformers Prime isn’t good, to me at least. Let me make it very clear: just because I don’t like it doesn’t mean you should stop loving it. After all, the world would be boring if we all shared the same opinion. I’m letting you all right now: I will be dropping a lot of bombshells that will rub off some of you the wrong way. For that, I advise skipping out on this one. Anyways…Transformers Prime is objectively a good show. The animation is the show’s biggest strengths, characters like Ratchet, Knockout, and Dreadwing are fun and interesting, the humor is good, I appreciate its commitment to darker subject matter, and several episodes such as, “Thirst” and “Stronger, Faster” are perhaps one of the best pieces of Transformers media in general. But…at the same time, it’s kind of messy.

From a lack of commitment to storylines to characters that don't feel put together to having stuff that screams Unfortunate Implications to its ending, Transformers Prime is a show that I stray from the more I get older and I have exposure to more Transformers media. On one hand, I appreciate this show being the reason why I got back into Transformers and hell, it’s a part of my username after all aksksksksksjsjsjsjsjsjkakakasa. It also made an impact on Transformers through characters like Knockout appearing in other media. On the other hand, I felt like its godlike status doesn’t make it exempt from criticism. No media is truly perfect, and it’s about time I get into the nitty gritty of why I’m not fond of TFP. Even if you don’t agree with me, at least hear me out.

3, 2, 1, Pingu.

MY FINISH-

My main problem with Transformers Prime is the lack of commitment to furthering certain storylines as well as character growth. Sure, there is character growth from characters such as Arcee and storylines like Starscream trying to be the boss he wanted to be are quite entertaining. However, at the same time, its commitment to its own status quo made this show an entire chore to watch. It felt like a majority of characters are still the same ol by the end of the series, like it felt like what could’ve been sources of character growth are instead ignored in the next episode. The Bulkhead getting sick storyline is the best example of this issue. At one point in Season 2, Bulkhead got infected with toxic energon and it seemed like he would have to stay behind on base. On paper, it’s an interesting premise. It could give him a storyline of feeling insecure over no longer being the bruiser of the team, and learning to overcome these insecurities through ways such as recognizing his other strengths. At the same time, Miko deals with her anxiety over Bulkhead’s predicament and the episode, “Hurt” is the proof of the writing potential here. However, it ended up being resolved too quickly after Smokescreen entered the picture. Bulkhead ended up recovering from his illness rather quickly and his small feud with Smokescreen is over and the next episode, they’re kiking with each other.

Along with other storylines such as the Orion Pax arc, Starscream becoming a neutral at one point, and the Predacons arc, the entire show is like this. It also doesn’t help that characters like Breakdown and Airachnid are thrown to the side, mainly due to their voice actors being too expensive to hire. Meanwhile, other characters like Dreadwing were also killed off due to the show refusing to change the status quo for the sake of furthering the story. And why is this the problem? Well…this show is one of the most notorious examples of Troubled Production. 

In shorter words, the show experienced a lot of production trouble in the writing and budget department, which is mostly John Hasbro’s doing. The company meddled one too many times throughout the show’s entire run, especially with the casting and writing. Originally, the third season was supposed to be about pirates, but a new director was then hired and they basically said, “nope, fuck that,” and made the entire team rewrite the story from scratch. It’s gotten so bad that an ex crew member created an entire ass binder of everything that went wrong. Just, my god... 

The amount of production issues definitely reflected in the show itself. Its strict adherence to Status Quo Is God, having what seems to be a game changing storyline and doing nothing with it, is so frustrating, because the potential of the writing is there. It wants to say something, but couldn’t because the problem behind the curtain is too much to ignore.

"It's Knockout's fault." "Precisely, my-WHAT!?"

First things first, I hate Jack.

Next.

Most of the cast is fine. Ratchet and Knockout are the best characters of their respective character groups, Fowler is the best human character, Miko & Raf are precious, Bee, Arcee, Bulkhead, Wheeljack, and Smokescreen are enduring and likable, Shockwave, Starscream, Soundwave, and Breakdown are the scene stealers besides the best characters I mentioned. Unfortunately, due to the aforementioned production issues, these characters made me ask one question: who are they? Not only does the writing and story never commit to the biggest twists the shows set up, but it never explores any of the characters’ story arcs and motivations. We never learn anything about these people. True, characters like Miko and Ratchet do get character development. However, with characters like Arcee and Starscream, their pain are the only focus that is, “character growth.” Arcee is reduced to her trauma of losing her partners, and the show never allowed her time to grieve properly. In fact, it seems to condemn her for acting like any other person who has to deal with their loved ones’ killers. By the end, her grief and learning to cope with it is pushed aside and it feels like Cliffjumper and Tailgate’s deaths amount to nothing. To have the most prominent female Transformer reduced to her pain is no different from making a female character in TFA be tied to a man’s pain. It’s kind of disgusting of the show to be so dismissive of her storyline like that. Like…I’m sorry, but she deserves fucking better. And it’s no different with Starscream. Homeboy endured so much horrific shit for far longer than is comfortable, and for the show to just push his pain as, “karma” is fucking disgusting. True, he ain’t no saint and he only has himself to blame for his flaws and behavior. However, by having him be the countless target of abuse throughout the show, it only made me want to help him leave the Decepticons for good. He deserves better. It’s why I appreciate Earthspark existing, because it called out his Butt Monkey status and shows how it deeply affects him. And speaking of who is responsible for dishing out this abuse, it’s time to speak about the one half of two characters whom I don’t especially kiki with.

Megatron is just an irredeemable monster here. I love truly despicable and evil characters as much as the next guy, but with this guy, he just feels so off. The jarring disconnect between his backstory and how much of a despicable piece of shit he is results in a character that felt too evil, not to mention filled with the Unfortunate Implications of having a revolutionary with strokes of current social issues turn into a flat out bad guy turned up to 100. Before any of you say, “erm, actually IT HAPPENS IN REAL LIFE” to me, let me point this out: I’m approaching this as a person of color. The revolutionary Megatron characterization is a trope that is botched most of the time, because it doesn’t have the nuance and approach that is required to pull it off. If done well, we have Earthspark Megatron (so far). As a result, we have TFP Megatron. 

He’s just that: evil. It also doesn’t help that he has a half assed redemption arc in Predacons Rising. “I now know the true meaning of oppression.” BITCH, YOU FUCKING KILLED PEOPLE. This entire storyline doesn't make up for the utterly despicable shit he did throughout the series. With him still alive, it felt like he faced no consequences for his actions. Him dying and with his body on Earth, with the last face he saw being the one he brutalized the most, is an appropriate punishment! Yes, him being alive and dealing with the consequences of his actions is also a good punishment. However, with the sudden rush from point A to B, his resolve to self exile himself doesn’t feel earned. To me, he doesn’t seem like he’s truly sorry for his actions. Like…EWWW. Fuck out of here, he’ll never be Earthspark Megatron. 

Yes, it’s a joy to see Frank Welker back as Megatron. Yes, he has admittingly few moments of being a delicious evil bastard. Yes, I do understand why some would like the redemption arc. However, for me, he doesn’t work for me.

Now to the other half, we get to the other half of the characters I don’t kiki with. Good lord…this Optimus is just ehhh. Except for the few moments of the same warmth I associate with Optimus, he is just there. He doesn’t feel like a character; he feels like the start of the motivations of other characters. He’s the Deus Ex Machina when the situation gets too serious. We never got any moment to truly know about him as a person, his dynamic with the team feel like they’re more coworkers like a family, and the “Primes don’t party” logic only feels like an excuse to justify him being the Stoic and Serious Optimus characterization that plagues the 2010s. When you compare him to other Optimi, it feels like a jarring disconnect. TFA Optimus shows that you can have an Optimus with a personality and Bayverse Optimus shows that you can have a stoic Optimus with more to him than meets the eye. Plus, moments such as his conversation with Arcee after the entire fiasco with Starscream in Season 1 just feels like condescending compassion at best. Sure, he has well meaning intentions. However, as the bestie Tea-mew explains, it comes across as him invalidating Arcee’s trauma. Just because he is an older figure doesn’t make him correct all the time. She doesn’t owe anything to Starscream and Airachnid, she has every right to feel angry and disgusted at them both. Just god, it’s this moment that pretty much made me decide not to vibe with him anymore. Plus, with how Orion Pax is more interesting and had more development than Optimus ever did, that’s when the writers should’ve looked at the script twice. 

Yes, it’s a joy to see Peter Cullen as Optimus again. Yes, he has his fair share of charming moments. Yes, I understood that he has his own fair share of tragedies that made him the way he is. However, like Megatron, for me, he doesn’t work for me. Notice how I used the same wording here. For me, they both don’t work for me. They’re perhaps one of my least favorite versions of the characters, especially since other Transformers media showed that you can make them both interesting characters. Stoicism doesn’t justify blandness, and evilness doesn’t justify blandness. If you like them, that’s okay. I rather not bother with them both.

Welp, there goes my Twitter follower count.

There are other issues plaguing the series. As much of a fun and interesting character he is, Knockout is also a gay stereotype. I’ll talk about it more sometime in the future, but in shorter terms: this bit from the TFWiki on Knockout’s page is all you need to know.

“When asked at BotCon 2011, the Prime writers said that there is no designation for gay, or straight, for that matter, on Cybertron, where Transformers are created by the AllSpark, not through sexual reproductions. They also said that Knock Out is a knock out, and that the Nemesis is a very "don't ask, don't tell" place. And then they jokingly deflected the matter, claiming that Knock Out's mannerisms are not caused by any particular orientation, but are simply eccentricities caused by "a glitch in the AllSpark" the day he was created... which is unintentionally so insulting to gay people that it could create an awkward silence in the Void."

Okay, WHAT THE ACTUAL F-

Season 2 feels like a mish mash of things the writers were throwing at the board that day. While Season 3 hit the highs of Season 1, it's also a mish mash that is poorly constructed. We never really got closure on characters like Airachnid and Shockwave. Predacons Rising represents everything that affects Prime in the long run, except for a few gems throughout. Like I said, Prime is objectively a good show. However, compared to other Transformers shows, it’s an aesthetic, no substance type of show. If you wanna watch a show filled with a small cast of characters, set on Earth, deal with heavier subject matter, and have exciting moments, just go watch Beast Wars. This show feels like Transformers if it was written by a 12 year old edgelord. The show has a dark and brooding aesthetic, but the story really isn’t. It doesn’t have a lot to say about the premise of Transformers, as well as confusing violence and edginess for complex stories and characters. In fact, let me say this: TFP is too afraid to commit to change and it greatly suffers for it.

Conclusion: Once again…

I wanna make it clear again that just because I don’t like Transformers Prime doesn’t mean you should stop loving it. Don’t let my opinions influence yours. If you like, that’s great.

I felt bad about my current opinions about Prime as a whole because it does deserves its flowers and fanbase for what it does for Transformers as a whole. However, it’s also not a flawless masterpiece like everyone says it is.

I’m most likely never gonna rewatch it again cause it’s not my thing, and that’s okay. In case I do, I just watch clips of my favorite moments. The ultimate irony is that I have the initials of the show I don’t Kiki with anymore. I could change it, but it’s like the annoying younger sibling to me. I can’t really get rid of it aksksksk.

While I appreciate this show for getting me back into Transformers and for bringing characters like Knockout into mainline Transformers, it’s just not for me.

Anyways, Pingu.