TFP 'Ep. 40'/TRB 'Ep. 12+13' R

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Just humble bounty hunters, ma'am.


PREVIOUS REVIEWS

TRANSFORMERS PRIME SEASON ONE
Though I do have reviews in DA, they're old and I've changed my mind on some. Follow my reviews (or look for older ones) on the Toonzone Blog. I reviewed every episode except Episode 20 to 23. Yet anyways. I'll eventually get to them in the future.  

:bulletred: EPISODE 1 - 19, 25 - 26 REVIEW HERE (NOTE: Season Two reviews are there, too. They're more condensed then the ones here): www.toonzone.net/blog/authors/…
:bulletred: EPISODE 24: (which is not listed on the link above) www.toonzone.net/blog/blogs/42…


TRANSFORMERS PRIME SEASON 2 AND RESCUE BOTS SEASON 1
TFP Episode 27 "Orion Pax: Part 1" Review
TFP Episode 28, "Orion Pax: Part 2" Review & TBR Episode 3 "Hotshots" Review
TFP Episode 29, "Orion Pax: Part 3" Review & TRB Episode 4, "Flobsters On Parade" Review
TFP Episode 30, "Operation Bumblebee, Part 1" Review & TRB Episode 5 "The Alien Invasion of Griffin Rock" Review
TFP Episode 31 Operation Bumblebee, Part 2" Review & TRB Episode 6 "Cody On Patrol" Review
TFP Episode 32 "Loose Cannons" Review
TFP Episode 33 "Crossfire" Review
TFP Episode 34 "Nemesis Prime" Review
TFP Episode 35, "Grill" Review & TRB Episode 7, "Four Bots and A Baby" Review
TFP Episode 36, "Armada" Review & TRB Episode 8, "Walk On The Wild Side" Review
TFP Episode 37, "Flying Mind" Review & TRB Episode 9, "Christmas In July" Review
TFP Episode 38, "Tunnel Vision" Review & TRB Episode 10, "Deep Trouble" Review
TFP Episode 39, "Triangulation" Review & TRB Episode 11, "Return of the Dinobot"



SPOILERS


TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS, EPISODE 12+13: "THE OTHER DOCTOR" AND "THE REIGN OF MOROCCO"

OR: "Tim Curry is in this episode, spread the word!"

NOTE: I will be tackling both episodes in one review. Much easier for me.

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Okay, I'm actually not a giant mega ultra fan of Tim Curry, but I figure there are others who are. But Dr. Morocco, let's talk about him. Dr. Morocco is a game changer. Outside of hints and foreshadowings, Rescue Bots kept a strict "No Antagonist" route. The purpose of the show involves the bots as they dealt with natural disasters and dangers that weren't set up by malicious people. It worked well all things considered, if not tediously. The potential for greater story arcs is a troubling thing for me because it largely means it'll betray the point/story of what Rescue Bots is. I'm not going to mince words when I say the arrival of Dr. Morocco (as well as the hints) actually do walk into that territory. I've never stated it was a bad thing either, but Rescue Bots essentially put on its Big Boy Pants and became less a series mostly intended for preschoolers and became a...well, standard Transformers show.

Dr. Morocco, to safely put it, is a menace. He's not above selling weapons to someone apparently growing a goddamn army (my theory: it's MECH), he has no qualms killing people - including kids - and his Morbot causes more damage in these two episodes than Doc did all throughout the show. He's immoral and vicious in a sedated, dandy sort of way. I was initially apprehensive the first time I wrapped up these episodes because of how calm and composed he was. Oh, I expected him to be dignified and gentleman-like, but I also expected hammy glory. It's Tim Curry, for fuck's sake. For a while, I feared he was...generic. And the last thing I need is another Silas. Closer observations really shows he's not. Sure, he's not yelling at the heavens or pulling off a villainous laughs, but that honestly makes him a far more convincing baddie that he can easily wrap his fingers around Griffon Rock's authorities even when he's being accused. He's still blatantly evil (or at least antagonistically obvious) and he pulls off blatantly evil actions (his Morbot screams "Evil"), but his elegant, dignified manners contributes to his dapper looks and mannerisms. He's leagues better than Silas. Take a good look at Silas and make out his personality. He's evil. He's just evil. He's a terrorist for no reason other then being evil. He dresses evil, he speaks evil, he breaths evil. You can take his trademark and fit it on any bad guys regardless of how they look or dress. In comparison, Dr. Morocco at least has a certain trait to him that defines who he is and what he looks like. Old-timey late 1800s-early 1900s Edwardian gentleman? Give him a refined accent and speech pattern. That's unique to him and him alone. Most importantly, he also has a motivation for why he pulls his scheme which is already one more step above what Silas is! So yeah, first impression were rocky and I'm not entirely sure if he'll actually be a favorite character (when I was hoping he would), but he's not necessary lacking. Just aristocratic.

If anything, he's very, very, veeeeeeeeery attractive.

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Mmm, shake that monocle, sexy man.


Identity crisis or not, these two episodes work best for viewers who's been watching the show since the beginning. It's rich in continuity and callbacks, lest of all the story arc achieved through Morocco and the ending implies we haven't seen the last of him. Specifically, what's so great about it is how subtle the continuity nods are. Three scenes in general stick out the most. The first occurs when Morocco is surveying Doc's previous inventions. At no point does he rattle on and list what each one does or other unnecessary exposition. The second is Dani teaching Cody how to pilot the blimp in an act that just screams, "Wow! It works so well in retrospect." Keen observers will know that Cody spends more time inside Blades (with Dani) than the other three rescue vehicles, so having his sister guide him as he tries to land a blimp is simply sublime and brilliant. The last is personally the best scene out of the episodes (among a field of excellent ones - Boulder gets the most adorable moments EVER): Heatwave and Kade having a heart to heart. Specifically, I am reminded of Episode 2 "Under Pressure" when the two refuse to even speak to one another. The snark between the two gradually declines. It's so organic that I was immediately convinced of Kade's speech. The bond has grown and he is not happy on the idea of Heatwave leaving (kept in-character, mind you; Kade doesn't turn into a blubbering mess). The point I'm trying to make is that Rescue Bots' character development and nods to previous episodes develop organically and subtly. They don't need to explain every little thing to get people up to speed; this show trusts its audience that they will get it. And this is a show meant for preschoolers who may or may not give a shit. That only makes it more amazing. It's extremely rewarding and respectful as a whole.

I've never really had much reservation on this show before and I've cemented its superiority over Transformers Prime, but these two episodes completely pass my already high expectations. If I didn't have faith prior, I do now. Unconditionally. This so kicks TFP's ass seven ways to Sunday.
:star::star::star::star::star: OUT OF FIVE


BONUS OBSERVATIONS

HELICOPTOR RIDE: Being dropped off school via helicopter: potentially dangerous or the MOST AWESOME WAY TO GET TO SCHOOL EVER!?

"COOOL": Cody didn't say "noble" for once.

BIRDIE LOVE: Doc makes a total of ten birdhouses. He's lost his shit.

PEDOBEAR ALERT: Lady, there's a strangely dressed man in old-timey clothes touching your kid's rocket—the kid's even making a frowny face—get him the shit away!

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OUR ANCESTORS: This episode reveals Griffon Rock was founded by the Burns family ancestor; Horace Burns. The statue even looks like Charlie. Sheesh, no wonder they have surveillance that seems to watch every part of the island; THEY ARE GODS AND NOW THEY SHALL SMITE YOU FOR BETRAYING THEM WITH THEIR GIANT ALIEN ROBOTS.

THIS JUST IN! Like Korra (where it uses a 1920ish newsreel to recap previous episodes), Huxley Prescott recaps the previous events via a news report. They have the same voice actor, too.

DISAPPEARING CARS: Okay, I get that Charlie is back in his older police car, but where are his kids' vehicles? They're actually never shown in the TV show proper, but you're telling me professionals like them never had their own fire truck, helicopter, and bulldozer prior to the Rescue Bots' arrival?

OPTIMUS IS A JERK:

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"Priority force from Rescue Mission Section Sigma 17: As previously reported, our mission on Griffon Rock has ended. We await—correction—we need reassignment."


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"Hey, Optimus, you got another message from the Rescue Bots."
"Delete it."


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"You know someday you have to stop ignoring them."

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"Fuck that shit; those assholes are on their own. I'm going lobbing. Later, bitches."


CRACK: The massive crack on City Hall's step caused by Doc's delorean is still there and remains so for the duration of the episode.

BY THE SEA: So, Morocco and the Mayor. On the latter's ship. Alone. Watching the sunrise. Noooo, they didn't. Did they? They couldn't have—

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Yeah, okay, they probably fucked. Also, Morocco mentions the sunrise even though it's daylight. …Unless they were on that boat watching the sunrise together and spent the next several hours togetherOhMyGODthey'refucking.

LOOP-DE-JUMP: Heatwave makes the same leap that Chase does every time you see the intro opening.

MASSIVE MEMORY, TINY HARD DRIVE: Like SHIT that tiny thing holds 100 terabyte. Since it's likely Doc's invention, he probably somehow powers it with nuclear or some impossible shit.

THAT'S HOW STRAYS GET IN: Why the fuck is there an invisible doggy door on the obscure side of the building. …Oh, god. Doc picks up strays and experiments on them. That's it, right? Right?!

PLEASE! GODDAMN IT! HATE THIS HACKER CRAP!

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Ah Ah Ahh, you didn't say the magic word.
Ah Ah Ahh, you didn't say the magic word.
Ah Ah Ahh, you didn't say the magic word.


BEST LINE: "Children should rarely be seen and never be heard." Damn! Frankie got pwned!

RUNNER-UPS: "I can't make any important decisions without pants!" Take it out of context and the result is far more hilarious.

"But let's stay positive. And however this turns out; we absolutely must keep Chase out of the kitchen."

WORST LINE: "Are the Rescue Bots "Rescue Nots?" Hur Hur, you think you're so clever with your puns, Prowl.



TRANSFORMERS PRIME, EPISODE 40: "TRIAGE"

Or "Ratchet is a Pretty, Pretty Ballerina."

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AGSJHGASKJSGDJHAAGHHH! MY FEELINGS! ALL OF THEM! TAKE THEM!

There's a lot of shit I point my Judgement Fingers on concerning Transformers Prime's iffy character directions, but Soundwave is never one of them. If there is just one character the writers constantly nails, it's Soundwave. Granted, he has the benefit of staying out of the limelight, but they have yet to royally fuck him up. He's still subtle, quiet, deadly, and fucking badass. Even the way he moves in battle emphasizes his elegance. I like the way he dodges Wheeljack's swords; it's very reminiscent of a dancer. This is probably the most we've seen of this guy, but there is two things I'm particularly glad to see. 1.) The creators actually have the amazing restrain to keep him in check and keep his mouth shut. Soundwave talking diminishes his character. His speech must be utilized in the proper time and this is not it. 2.) I like his treatment of Laserbeak. To him, the birdbot is a valuable ally that he'd go as far as leaving Wheeljack in one piece in order to retrieve his fallen comrade. Especially telling is the scene when he unleashes his tentacles, nearly discovering Ratchet in the process. It's a very intense scene, but oddly heartwarming at the same time. He will literally pick up every broken piece of Laserbeak - every single one. (Well, it's only one broken piece, but you get the idea) He's such a well-written, consistent character that I sometimes can't believe how the hell he ended up on this show. I'm not sure why Megatron never sends him out on the field since he has yet to lose a single battle he's been in (except "Flying Mind" when the Nemesis totally fried him, but that thing got everyone, so it's okay), but I theorize it was Soundwave's choice to stay in the shadows and I think Megatron totally respects that. I mean, the guy's been nothing but kind to Soundwave; he'd totally be cool with it. Also, Soundwave totally fucks Megatron to keep him subdued.

I think "Triage" is the best of the current Relic Hunt Quest. Ratchet and Wheeljack largely carries believable chemistry when the former constantly rags on the latter's rough and tumble lifestyle. It's dynamic and it mostly carries over the duration of the episode. More or less. Sorta. Alright, you guys saw this coming, but my mandatory complaint of the day: the main problem with this? Their interaction is often marred by iffy pacing. I'm sorry, but I have to talk about this. I mentioned (more like bitched) in the "Armada" review that Transformers Prime has a terrible grasp properly aligning story structure. Regrettably, this extends to individual episodes and the relationship between Ratchet and Wheeljack suffers a bit. I say "a bit" because "Triage" isn't even the most severe case, but it's there. Let me elaborate (and I will fully admit my incredibly awful anal behavior here): About three minutes in, Wheeljack gets into a dog fight with Soundwave that lasts for a good three minutes. By the time they finish, the episode is nearing six minutes. Ratchet quarrels with Jackie for a bit before they discover Laserbeak. About 7:30 minutes in, Ratchet quickly puts his vitriolic behavior aside and he successfully molds a plan while Wheeljack more or less agrees to. At the ten minute mark, Wheeljack leaves to fight Soundwave until another seven minutes before Ratchet even reunites with Wheeljack where the two more or less make their peace. They get one more scene at the tail end, but I kind of wished they had nixed that because everything they could have said there could be mentioned when Ratchet is cradling the injured Wheeljack. Much more emotional. And if you think I'm borderline insane for timing all this, well, it's all "Metal Attraction's" fault because that's when I really started noticing this.

Anywho, the point is, much of their character development began and ended within the first seven minutes and a good half of it was focused on the airship duel. It's not the worse because Ratchet does constantly bitch at WJ's unorthodox methods, but my point is, this show really suffers from poor pacing. Its action is one of the most incriminating elements to the show. Pretty to look at, but distracting to the overall story and plot. TFP will constantly pad out the damn episodes with minutes of brainless fighting, only to sacrifice character and story in the process. The reason I'm bringing up "Metal Attraction" is because that particular episode is one of its biggest offenders. The main plot of that story is Arcee's annoyance and jealously of Jack's mother. She constantly muses over it, but the grand total time is at least 5 - 8 minutes...out of a 20 minute episode. Keep in mind those 5 - 8 minutes is spread out in smaller 1-2 minute marks throughout the episode. In-between, it's subdued/consumed/pushed back by the BIG FIGHTING SCENES! (Among other problems, but that's another discussion). It's not just "Metal Attraction", there are other episodes that suffer this. "Flying Mind" was a pretty fun episode, but the general plot of the kids entering the Nemesis takes literally until the halfway point for the episode for it to occur. Everything before slowly sets it in place. Logically, it shouldn't take this long to set its overall story. Then there's "One Shall Rise: Part 2" where it takes at least eight friggin' minutes before they advance the goddamn plot, filling most of it with action. There has to be a proper balance and Transformers Prime has yet to find it.

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The best parts is actually the ending. The first one is Knockout. Dude, I think they are hinting of a greater character development for him and I am sooo excited. Please let him descend into madness. Please let him go apeshit crazy. It will be so appropriate and poetically beautiful in its own fucked up way. But my current question is what exactly is KO so pissed about? Okay, he's humiliated from the events of "Tunnel Vision" and his beauty is messed up. Judging by his facial appearance, he may or may not be able to fix it as perfectly as he tends to preen himself and if it's the latter, he will not be one happy camper, so yeah he has a reason to be agitated. However, this episode oddly seems to indicate that he's envious of Soundwave's special treatment from Megatron to which I ask why? Knockout's never had any malice towards SW prior and he's never hinted any desire to be Megatron's favorite. He's a bot who selfishly indulges in his own pleasure whenever he's off-duty. Like shit does he care about anything else. My only possible theory is that he's just having a rough day and like all Drama Queens, he wants attention. Or some bullshit. I'm playing it by ear. Whatever. If it advances KO's character, good. I expect a legitimate reason regardless, but excited nonetheless. EDIT: A commenter noted that perhaps KO's anger stems from Megatron telling him to fix Soundwave's visor before he attempts to preen himself. ...Hell, makes sense to me.

The second is Bulkhead which I'm actually not going to say much of. It's too ambiguous to note what his fate is, so I'll wait for the next episode to make a better judgment. Granted, I'm not saying I will actually care because Bulkhead never invested me, but I will say the ending is a damn good trick to keep audience anticipated.

Minus the bigass flaw, "Triage" is pretty fucking good. Winning cast of characters, good amount of badassery, and some neat revelations and expectations. Also, Marty Isenberg wrote this one, too. Granted, it's his weakest one, but I'm totally counting it as a hat trick. Just saying.
:star::star::star::star: OUT OF FIVE


BONUS OBSERVATIONS

TURDUCKEN: Wiki'ed it—it exists!

VIBRATION: When Soundwave finds the relic, it resonates, yet he's not in pain. Why? Are the wielders immune to it or does Soundwave have some sort of protection in his visor?

SUNRISE, SUNSET: Before Ratchet contacts Raf, it's daylight, yet the next scene, it's sunset. There's no indication that a good amount of time has passed. I highly doubt Ratchet needs hours to explain to Raf over the gravity of their situation.

WHY DONCHA PUSH HIM? Soundwave just stands there when Wheeljack is about to slip and fall off the gorge. So, um, why didn't Soundwave push him?

DANCING QUEEN: When Ratchet transforms after finding an injured Wheeljack, he twirls…like a ballerina. XD

BEST LINE: "Whatever you say…sunshine." Okay, forget Bulkhead/Wheeljack, I think I ship the latter with Ratchet now.

WORST LINE: Where do I begin? "The Hunter becomes the Hunted." "There I go again, shattering expectations." "Any last words? Right, silent type." Wheeljack: King of Obvious Insults. Get a new line, buddy.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Metalchick36's avatar
Loved the two-parter of Rescue Bots! I knew I heard Dr. Morocco say something about building an army! Also, that robot kinda looks like the one that MECH built! Or it looks like one of Megatron's drones. I was waiting for Heatwave to say something like "I had no problem taking down a few Decepticons, I can take this one down too!" I know they're rescue bots, but Heatwave looks like he may have battled a few Decepticons.

As for the cute moments, this time it was Boulder who had most of them, I love that they have him painting like Bulkhead (I swear they have got to be related! Like a brother or a cousin)

I was hoping that Optimus would answer back, but I figured that he was busy at that time hunting for the relic in Antartica & battling Starscream. He probably also figured he'd let them work out the problem first before considering reassignment.

I too liked the end of TF Prime, Knockout does look jealous of Soundwave. I imagine he will do something to sabotage him. Maybe he'll "accidently" break Soundwave's visor so he can no longer hide his face. Or...he'll kill Laserbeak. As for going mad...I can see that happening like when he finally gets to fixing himself up and finds that he can't get all the scratches out, so he goes berserk about no longer being beautiful and then decides to mess everyone up because he'll declare "If I can't be beautiful, no one can!" OK that one's stupid, so forget that part. Or Megatron discovers the virus in Soundwave and blames it on Knockout, so as punishment, Megatron mutilates him so Knockout is no longer beautiful which upsets him so much that he goes into exile until he is lured out by Optimus who tells him that he's not ugly and that beauty comes from within. OK maybe this one will opnly work in fan fiction, but the possibilities are endless of what will happen next!