Transformers Rescue Bots "Family of Heroes" and "Under Pressure" Reviewed

Episode 1 -

According to Optimus, Cybertron has fallen. Could this series also be set in the Aligned Continuity?

"Rescue Force Sigma 17" is what these newcomers are called.

Argh! Once again, like the "Darkness Rising" premiere before it, Rescue Bots gets shafted in the theme song department.


Sorry, this particular note is not about the episode itself, but ZOMG TF: Prime season 2 commerical! Not much was shown that we haven't already seen. The only really new piece of material was Knock Out's voice saying "Welcome to he winning team." Also given was the airdate of "February 2012". Okay, back to the Rescue Bots episode.


Um... hello old guy with... helicopter hat. Mr. Harrison...

I can see this show taking place before the Prime cartoon (if it is set in the same world, that is).

Blades has the same heights phobia as G1 Silverbolt and WFC Silverbolt.

Seems like Chief Charlie Burns will play a similar role to Agent Fowler's role as human-Autobot liaison in this series.

So, the town's name is Griffin Rock, and it's known for its advances in technology kinda like Detroit in Animated (only not as extravagant). Guess this explains that hat from before.

The Rescue Bots pretend to be human-made automatons sent by the U.S. Government instead of real lifeforms, so as to not cause panic.

All four of the Bots have different human partners than what the toyline has. Though, both Chief Charlie Burns and Cody Burns are in the toyline, Charlie is partnered with Chase (instead of Optimus), and Cody's the tag along kid. Heatwave is partnered with Kade Burns (instead of Cody), Blades with Dani Burns (instead of Sawyer Storm), and Boulder with Graham Burns (instead of Walker Cleveland). Also, the toys have Charlie as a fire chief, but the show has him as a police chief.

Boulder is totally an expy of Bulkhead.

Cody Burns = male Sari Sumdac (and a fraction of Bud from Cybertron).

I like Heatwave. He knows when acting like a zombie is too silly.

Okay, how exactly did some water leaking into its circuits cause an animatronic T-Rex with no known supernatural (i.e. - Cybertronian) properties to come to life and go on rampage?

Despite not having any Deceptcions,that was still a pretty enjoyable fight against the T-Rex.

Ha! Nice reveal at the end.

Pretty good first episode. Great atmosphere, likable characters, a fair amount of characterization, and it felt like a true beginning. I give it an A.

Episode 2 -

Whoa! While episode 1 got the short end of the stick, episode 2 gets the full blown theme song! And it's... a rap... and long. Though, once it gets to the chorus, it gets a little catchy. But, it does need some work to be better. At least it's an actual song with actual energy, unlike TF: Prime's mellow opening. And, it kinda reminds me of the song "You're the Best" from The Karate Kid. And one more thing to note about it is that, for once, it's NOT another variation of the typical Transformers theme song, being completely unique and original.

LOL at Chase giving the Robo-Landscaper the Miranda Rights.

Hey, Chase transformed from vehicle to robot an back again with Charlie inside, who was seemingly uneffected by it. A historic moment in TF fiction history!

And so did Heatwave! Though, here, Kade appears cramped and pressed up against the windshield on Heatwave's chest.

Optimus: "I have found that the young of this species are the most valuable allies." - Did Optimus just reference Jack, Miko, and Raf? Maybe this could take place during TF: Prime season 1 (off screen)?

So saw that coming with Boulder ripping off the pinball plunger.

I like that they give Cody a purpose in this show, instead of just being the token human sidekick.

Why is LeVar Burton using an accent for Doc Green? Why not just use his natural voice? It sounds way cooler. Here, however, he sounds like an aged Kwame from Captain Planet.

Okay, what genius leaves an artificial volcano active when it isn't in use? Was there no one instructed to keep its lava pressure in check? In fact, why did they leave the lava in that fake volcano if the World's Fair had been over since 1939? If there's no more need for its use, then dispose of the lava already. Don't keep it if it's going to be an obvious safety hazard.

After stopping the lava at the volcano, the lava has instead decided to go kill Cody at the bunker... things just got real!

Self-sacrificing heroes about to be charred to death by lava. Are we sure this is for preschoolers?

Yes, I know they don't die, but these dangers they're facing are quite lethal to be all that friendly for toddlers.

Well, a very strong episode in characterization and such. Another A.

Overall, this show has far exceeded my expectations. I was expecting something along the mindset of the Playskool Go-Bots cartoon (which I re-watched right before watching this), but this blows that out of the water. This was GOOD! Very good, indeed. Much more entertaining than I found "Darkness Rising" to be on the first watch. While it was a bit silly, cheesy, and weird at times, it had acceptable animation, a lovable atmosphere, superbly written characters/characterization, above par acting, wonderful writing, and a great sense of fun and endearment. I will watch this show when it officially debuts later in 2012.