The Energon Pub

Yea take the key away from that girl.


I think Professor Princess is a nod to this:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=MKuvqR7bf9M

I think!

I just watched this. I had some interuption (Wiggles playing right next to me to keep the babies happy) but overall I liked it. Soundwave is a favorite so I was looking forward to it. Only problem is, once they introduce a new character who knows if we'll ever see them again. Starscream? Dinobots? Now Soundwave? I haven't looked at all the episode synopses but I really hope they will go back to these characters, all fan favorites, that they bothered to introduce.

That said, who doesn't like Soundwave? He was his usual awesome self, even if he started out as kind of a lame-o at first. As for the Pretty Princess, I ain't going there. It was stupid, but pretty forgettable.

The episode wa pretty damn good in my opinion. I would give it a 10/10, but that fairy villain in the beginning brought my piss to a boil. I have not had a problem with Nanosec, Meltdown, Archer, etc, but this just brought it to a WHOLE new level. And don't think I really need to explain why.

Soundwave just overflows with slavish homages to G1 and he roxxorz mah soxxorz.

Overall I give the episode an 8.5/10.

BTW, I would have liked to see Professor Princess' origin...how she has a flying pony...etc.

I personally think that it could have been a lot better.

So here's the good and the bad stuff:

Good Stuff
- Soundwave shows up, it's been about time that he made a appearance.
- The part where Soundwave controlls all the machines appears to be a homage to "Day of the machines"
- Soundwave's personality seems very similar to G1 comic Shockwave since he's guided by logic. All of the previous Soundwave versions didn't show this behaviour.
- The idea that Soundwave evolves into full TF by repeated use of the key seems pretty cool.
- Soundwave's first incarnation appears to have his G1 alt-mode.

Bad Stuff:
- The human villain was the worst one so far.
- Why is Sarri such good friends with Bulkhead all of a sudden? Wasn't she Bumblebee's best friend?
- The key gets way too overused in this ep, eventough Sarri said that she wouldn't use it that much in the previous ep.
- Speaking of the key, wouldn't it be smarter if the Autobots took the key away from Sarri? I mean, the key would be in far better hands if Ratchet had it.
- Soundwave is way too gullible towards Megatron.
- Why couldn't Soundwave have created himself some minions when he had Sarri? It doesn't seem like too much trouble to zap some of the controlled bots with the key and turn them into Laserbeak, Ravage, etc.


All in all this episode was pretty predictable, you knew what was going to happen most of the time. This is very different from last weeks ep, you wouldn't have made the Elita One/Black Arachnia connection unless you knew that both characters were voiced by the same voiceactor.

The only redeeming factor for this is probably that Soundwave made his debute.

Moonbase2 wrote:I just watched this. I had some interuption (Wiggles playing right next to me to keep the babies happy) but overall I liked it. Soundwave is a favorite so I was looking forward to it. Only problem is, once they introduce a new character who knows if we'll ever see them again. Starscream? Dinobots? Now Soundwave? I haven't looked at all the episode synopses but I really hope they will go back to these characters, all fan favorites, that they bothered to introduce.

That said, who doesn't like Soundwave? He was his usual awesome self, even if he started out as kind of a lame-o at first. As for the Pretty Princess, I ain't going there. It was stupid, but pretty forgettable.

\
They all make a come back, don't worry. Next time you see Soundwave he has Laserbeak.

I'll say that this is one of the better Animated episodes thus far, but not perfect by any means. I liked how the writers handled the Soundwave's origins, and they did a fine job replicating his trademark monosynthetic voice - not perfect, but well. I'd love to see who the voice actor was for Sounders (TV.com says its Jeff Bennett, but I'd still like to see the end credits).

Bulkhead is still proving to be the big hearted clutz of this series. He doesn't come of as completely dimwitted as some believe (like Megatron) but still doesn't seem to realize his own strength. His closeness with Sari is rather sudden, but it works.

And yes, the Princess character (whatever she's called) was a real groaner - but thankfully, like the Angry Archer before her, she's sent to Juvee forthwith.

I thought Professor Princess was funny as a quick little throwaway villain. Just the name "Professor Princess" is hilarious.

Did anybody else find it IRONIC that Soundwave demanded "SILENCE" out of Bulkhead in the sewers, but then blasted him with that haunting organ tune?

Soundwave is so METAL [literally]. This episode makes me all the more glad I got my "SUPERIOR" tattoo, Soundwave is so brutal!

The bit with the Professor Princess makes sense when you take the episode theme as a whole: toys.

The whole episode, while it served as an introduction to Soundwave, was also commentary on toys from start to finish.

First, you have Sari and Bulkhead looking in a toy shop, talking about birthday presents. Then you get the girl on a pony attacking them, as she puts it, to "save them from violent toys."

Hello? Social commentary anyone? You betcha. Boys toys have often been criticized for being too violent. Remember how when Beast Machines was bought by Fox, they insisted that the heroes not be allowed to use guns, as "it might send the wrong message." Bleh.

However, the cartoon obviously doesn't agree with this line of thinking. What they are saying, through the use of this character, is that if you take the "violence" aspect from toys, what you end up with is sickingly stupid toddler riding a My Little Pony.

Next, we get to Sari's birthday party, where, we find out that she has no friends. Notice that this point is NOT resolved. Why? Because she pays them no attention. She doesn't want them there, they don't want to be there.

Sparkplug, her last present, is also brought up. He is a toy that has been abandoned.

And then we move on to her big birthday present, "Soundwave," who, let's face it, is presented as a child's toy.

Barney, the purple dinosaur, is shown, and the writers have Sari attacking it.

Sari enjoys her new toy alot, but, just like her human friends, she begins to pay more attention to it rather than her real friends. Like, for example, how some kids will pay more attention to playing video games, or similar things, than their real life friends.

Sari then uses something which is NOT a toy for an improper purpose: upgrading her toy to do more. This shows that she really can't distinguish between things that are toys and things which are not (possible commentary on children not being able to distinguish between toys and guns?). Even when reminded and warned, she still uses the key and all hell breaks loose.

Soundwave could very well have become an Autobot when he became self aware, but Sari's treatment of machines (even though she is friends with sentient ones) is more than likely a key factor as to the development of Soundwave's personality--something, you must remember, that Megatron was NOT responsible for.

This episode is a fun one, not only for its G1 nods and humor, but for the amount of analysis that one can do on the actual writing.

I didn't like this episode so much... I'm not sure exactly why but...

The Princess thing at the beginning threw me off. I wondered if I'd missed an episode. It was totally... 'why?'

And Soundwave... Okay, so I know I'm one of those "ITS NOT G1" guys, but I'm starting to see the appeal. I'm used to Soundwave being Megatron's lapdog, at his heel, obedient and silent and deadly and calculating... This Soundwave? Talked to much, and his voice was too high for me. I'd have loved a deep, booming voice under that flange. It's also hard for me to stomach that he's not a Cybertronian. Same with the Dinobots, I don't really like that half the cast are being made on earth. It kinda kills the Alien concept. I mean yes, its using Megatron's technology but thats not the same, is it? I just like it when bots come in with history, and Soundwave is cold and calculating enough that the Autobots would have enough to respect and fear.
As for him turning all Pied Piper on the machines... What? I know he's not much of a fighter himself, despite his shoulder rocket, but that just kinda... And his position as a 'freedom fighter' for the other robots kinda misaligns his character in the series. This position, to me, was too new and uncessecary. Not that it didn't make sense or was 'silly' in any way. Sci-Fi would make that plausable. But still...

Ah, someone make me like this episode, I feel like I should

Meverix wrote:I didn't like this episode so much... I'm not sure exactly why but...

The Princess thing at the beginning threw me off. I wondered if I'd missed an episode. It was totally... 'why?'

And Soundwave... Okay, so I know I'm one of those "ITS NOT G1" guys, but I'm starting to see the appeal. I'm used to Soundwave being Megatron's lapdog, at his heel, obedient and silent and deadly and calculating... This Soundwave? Talked to much, and his voice was too high for me. I'd have loved a deep, booming voice under that flange. It's also hard for me to stomach that he's not a Cybertronian. Same with the Dinobots, I don't really like that half the cast are being made on earth. It kinda kills the Alien concept. I mean yes, its using Megatron's technology but thats not the same, is it? I just like it when bots come in with history, and Soundwave is cold and calculating enough that the Autobots would have enough to respect and fear.
As for him turning all Pied Piper on the machines... What? I know he's not much of a fighter himself, despite his shoulder rocket, but that just kinda... And his position as a 'freedom fighter' for the other robots kinda misaligns his character in the series. This position, to me, was too new and uncessecary. Not that it didn't make sense or was 'silly' in any way. Sci-Fi would make that plausable. But still...

Ah, someone make me like this episode, I feel like I should

Well Meverix don't feel bad about not liking the episode, no one said you had to. If you don't like it, you don't like it. No one should make you like any episode. I love TF:A however I haven't liked every episode. So don't sweat not liking this I'm sure another one will come along that you will like. Also if you remember in the G1 show the Dinobots were created on earth just like in animated.

Autobot420 wrote:

Meverix wrote:I didn't like this episode so much... I'm not sure exactly why but...

The Princess thing at the beginning threw me off. I wondered if I'd missed an episode. It was totally... 'why?'

And Soundwave... Okay, so I know I'm one of those "ITS NOT G1" guys, but I'm starting to see the appeal. I'm used to Soundwave being Megatron's lapdog, at his heel, obedient and silent and deadly and calculating... This Soundwave? Talked to much, and his voice was too high for me. I'd have loved a deep, booming voice under that flange. It's also hard for me to stomach that he's not a Cybertronian. Same with the Dinobots, I don't really like that half the cast are being made on earth. It kinda kills the Alien concept. I mean yes, its using Megatron's technology but thats not the same, is it? I just like it when bots come in with history, and Soundwave is cold and calculating enough that the Autobots would have enough to respect and fear.
As for him turning all Pied Piper on the machines... What? I know he's not much of a fighter himself, despite his shoulder rocket, but that just kinda... And his position as a 'freedom fighter' for the other robots kinda misaligns his character in the series. This position, to me, was too new and uncessecary. Not that it didn't make sense or was 'silly' in any way. Sci-Fi would make that plausable. But still...

Ah, someone make me like this episode, I feel like I should

Well Meverix don't feel bad about not liking the episode, no one said you had to. If you don't like it, you don't like it. No one should make you like any episode. I love TF:A however I haven't liked every episode. So don't sweat not liking this I'm sure another one will come along that you will like. Also if you remember in the G1 show the Dinobots were created on earth just like in animated.

Damn, how did I forget about the Dinobots?

But no, its just that this is his intro that we all kinda waited for and for me it was a disappointment. Oh well. He'll be back. Once he's established I'm sure he'll grow some metal.

Couple of things caught my notice in this episode.

At the party, one of the kids asked Prime to "say it," to which Prime responds "Transform and roll out" rather hesitantly. It almost sounds as if Prime's getting tired of saying that line (or maybe even David Kaye).

When the Daniel Witwicky look-alike approached Ratchet for a ride, I noticed Ratchet let off a little growl of annoyance. It's probably just something generic with the crankcase of a medic, but I found it kinda interesting considering how reviled Daniel is in the fandom.

And I have to agree with the issue on the key - it's long past time someone took it away from Sari. The writers won't, of course; its too convienent a plot device. But that won't stop us older fans (and perhaps some younger ones) from screaming at the screen, "Would SOMEONE wake up and take that key from her!"

Personally I thought this episode was alright.

And I have to completely agree with what Black Bumblebee said a couple posts back. There was a pretty big social commentary whether intended or not.

Meverix wrote:Damn, how did I forget about the Dinobots?

How indeed, and some people say I have a bad memory. Maybe we are more alike than I thought. just kidding Meverix.

Black Bumblebee wrote:The bit with the Professor Princess makes sense when you take the episode theme as a whole: toys.

The whole episode, while it served as an introduction to Soundwave, was also commentary on toys from start to finish.

First, you have Sari and Bulkhead looking in a toy shop, talking about birthday presents. Then you get the girl on a pony attacking them, as she puts it, to "save them from violent toys."

Hello? Social commentary anyone? You betcha. Boys toys have often been criticized for being too violent. Remember how when Beast Machines was bought by Fox, they insisted that the heroes not be allowed to use guns, as "it might send the wrong message." Bleh.

However, the cartoon obviously doesn't agree with this line of thinking. What they are saying, through the use of this character, is that if you take the "violence" aspect from toys, what you end up with is sickingly stupid toddler riding a My Little Pony.

Next, we get to Sari's birthday party, where, we find out that she has no friends. Notice that this point is NOT resolved. Why? Because she pays them no attention. She doesn't want them there, they don't want to be there.

Sparkplug, her last present, is also brought up. He is a toy that has been abandoned.

And then we move on to her big birthday present, "Soundwave," who, let's face it, is presented as a child's toy.

Barney, the purple dinosaur, is shown, and the writers have Sari attacking it.

Sari enjoys her new toy alot, but, just like her human friends, she begins to pay more attention to it rather than her real friends. Like, for example, how some kids will pay more attention to playing video games, or similar things, than their real life friends.

Sari then uses something which is NOT a toy for an improper purpose: upgrading her toy to do more. This shows that she really can't distinguish between things that are toys and things which are not (possible commentary on children not being able to distinguish between toys and guns?). Even when reminded and warned, she still uses the key and all hell breaks loose.

Soundwave could very well have become an Autobot when he became self aware, but Sari's treatment of machines (even though she is friends with sentient ones) is more than likely a key factor as to the development of Soundwave's personality--something, you must remember, that Megatron was NOT responsible for.

This episode is a fun one, not only for its G1 nods and humor, but for the amount of analysis that one can do on the actual writing.

Wow. I could easily say that your reading too much into a children's TV show or something like that, but like any good nerd, looking for a deeper meaning to things is always fun. Also, your points are well thought out and quite valid, good job .

Your points also make me realize another reason why animated is growing more and more on me despite the art style not being my immediate liking, the writers actually seem to care about the characters more than selling some random product.

On the other side, the Transformer shows done by Takara(excluding Beast Wars II and Neo, cause I haven't seen them and can't comment on them) are pretty much about all flash with little substance, and usually have pretty generic character types. Even though the Takara shows are still ok, there's more depth to the characters in Animated already than most of the characters throughout the entire run of the Unicron Trilogy.

Moonbase2 wrote:That said, who doesn't like Soundwave? He was his usual awesome self, even if he started out as kind of a lame-o at first.

This episode was almost enough to make me want the new TF:A figure.
Almost.

Duke of Luns wrote:Wow. I could easily say that your reading too much into a children's TV show or something like that, but like any good nerd, looking for a deeper meaning to things is always fun. Also, your points are well thought out and quite valid, good job .

Well, to be fair, I "do" teach college level English... so... it's just kind of a bad habit for me. Can't watch anything without trying to take it apart.

And no, this is not the time to comment on my horrible grammar errors.

Very Cool Episode. Love all the G1 nods there. I'm gonna have to watch it again, just to catch everything.

As for Professor Princes , she's meant to be lame, she's a Joke. C'mon people, you are taking this way to seriously. She is all of the Girls toys rolled into one. She is a Joke. Probably not be seen again, or maybe once more just to milk the joke a bit more.

The Nods where good. Megatron is awesomely villainous and sly. I actually liked the fact that he created Soundwave, makes easier for him to become closer to his G1 personality of Megatron's Lap dog.
Its the second time he creates a robot in hopes of using it as his new body.

The only thing they failed to explain is why he chose a Scion like vehicle for his alt mode.
Still pretty cool episode with lots of nods to g1. Gotta love Kremzeek there.

Maybe Princess will be one of the members of S.U.V who defeat the Autobots, who knows.

I just thought of it, Soundwave did not say "I will no longer take orders from you" to Megatron but to Sarri! She told him to get on the train, he said no and stayed were he was, if he had been referring to Megatron he wouldn't have listened to him afterwards.

just a little thought.

Dead Metal wrote:I just thought of it, Soundwave did not say "I will no longer take orders from you" to Megatron but to Sarri! She told him to get on the train, he said no and stayed were he was, if he had been referring to Megatron he wouldn't have listened to him afterwards.

just a little thought.

He was actually talking to both Megatron and Sari. In fact Megatron tries twice to get Soundwave to answer. Its only when Sari tells him to move that he actually says something. He says "I will no longer take orders from you or anybody". Referring to both Megatron and Sari.

Afterwards Megatron broadcasts himself to the TVs near Soundwave, and proceeds to explain that the Autobots work for the humans and must be destroyed. Soundwave had already decided that humans were bad for enslaving machinery.

Megatron is just very what's the word, "deceptive" and "cunning" and "manipulative". So much so he can get a self aware robot to do his bidding even though said robot no longer takes orders from him.

Overcracker wrote:

Dead Metal wrote:I just thought of it, Soundwave did not say "I will no longer take orders from you" to Megatron but to Sarri! She told him to get on the train, he said no and stayed were he was, if he had been referring to Megatron he wouldn't have listened to him afterwards.

just a little thought.

He was actually talking to both Megatron and Sari. In fact Megatron tries twice to get Soundwave to answer. Its only when Sari tells him to move that he actually says something. He says "I will no longer take orders from you or anybody". Referring to both Megatron and Sari.

Afterwards Megatron broadcasts himself to the TVs near Soundwave, and proceeds to explain that the Autobots work for the humans and must be destroyed. Soundwave had already decided that humans were bad for enslaving machinery.

Megatron is just very what's the word, "deceptive" and "cunning" and "manipulative". So much so he can get a self aware robot to do his bidding even though said robot no longer takes orders from him.

Yes he actually did tell him twice before Sarri said something.
Yea deceptive is Megatron's only special ability during season 1, I forgot that

Dead Metal wrote:Yea deceptive is Megatron's only special ability during season 1, I forgot that

Well, he is kinda... "inconvienenced" at the moment.

Thunderscream wrote:

Dead Metal wrote:Yea deceptive is Megatron's only special ability during season 1, I forgot that

Well, he is kinda... "inconvienenced" at the moment.

Small price to pay for the wickedly awesome alt mode and body he gets later on.

And it Proves Megs doesn't need a fully armed and operational chassis to be dastardly and evil.