Comrade

« Transformers: Armada ep 4 »
Commie bastards!
"Comrade" 合体 (しんか) (Shinka) "Union: Evolution"
Production code	TF: A-04
Production company	TV Tokyo, NAS
Airdate	September 20, 2002[1] (English) 31 January 2003 (Japanese)
Writer	Akira Okeya
Director	Shigeki Hatakeyama
Animation studio	Actas Inc.
Continuity	Unicron Trilogy
Watch this episode on YouTube

The Autobots race to the Big Canyon to find a new Mini-Con, but struggle with the superior numbers of the Decepticons.

Synopsis

"High Wire, surely you can find a better vantage point than my foot."

At the Autobot base, sirens alert the Autobots and their new human pals that a new Mini-Con panel is active. Hot Shot is eager to head directly to the area, but first, Alexis connects her locator to the Autobot mainframe. Then Sureshock manages to pinpoint the Mini-Con's location, which Carlos recognizes as Big Canyon. The Autobots, humans, and Mini-Cons head out to claim the new panel, but first, Carlos and Alexis receive new Autobot suits easy for passing traffic to see at night. Rad is almost left behind, but he gets his suit and catches up.

Rad worries about how the Autobots intend to get to Big Canyon quickly despite it being MILES away. Alexis suggests Rad relax before Optimus startles the kids by informing them that the Autobots plan to warp to their destination. After the group arrives, Carlos decides to travel with his amigo Red Alert. Alexis hops into Hot Shot, and Optimus carries the Mini-Cons, leaving Rad alone and friendless.

Bumblebee did this better in the movie.

On the Moon, Megatron reasserts the Decepticon's objective of obtaining all the Mini-Cons. Starscream claims that Megatron's outstanding leadership will be critical to the Decepticon's success. After breaking up a dispute between Cyclonus and Starscream over who has dibs on the next Mini-Con, Megatron has a hearty and evil laugh.

Back on Earth, Rad laments his lack of company. Eventually, Alexis and Hot Shot return to pick him up. Alexis apologizes for forgetting Rad; she just became immersed in riding in Hot Shot, who impressed her with his speed. Once Rad's inside, Hot Shot accelerates over rough terrain, causing severe discomfort to his human occupants, who find him too harsh. Rather than take care to be more gentle, Hot Shot torments the kids by going even faster.

Megatron tries to look cool and scary.

Meanwhile, Carlos enjoys off-roading with Red Alert, but Red Alert eventually decides to stop having fun, so they continue on foot.

Hot Shot deploys his car mode's claws and stops suddenly, inches away from driving directly into a massive crevice. Hot Shot requests the Mini-Con's coordinates, but as Rad is ignorant of them, he deploys Laserbeak to relay visual data. Hot Shot apologizes for his aggressive driving, and Alexis mocks Rad's total lack of manliness. The three follow Laserbeak together and, on the way, Alexis advises Rad that even if he has a low threat tolerance, he shouldn't let the Decepticons see his fear. They soon discover an irregular rock formation that must signify the Mini-Con's location.

Meanwhile, Red Alert and Carlos are lost and continue bickering.

On the Moon, Megatron detects the Mini-Con panel and sends Demolishor and Cyclonus to retrieve it. Starscream notices that despite his earlier praise of Megatron, he is forgotten and ordered to stay behind at the base.

Cyclonus arrives on Earth and attacks Hot Shot, and Demolishor attacks Red Alert. Optimus rushes to retrieve the inactive Mini-Con on his own and releases the Street Action Team to aid Red Alert and Hot Shot.

...h-h-hand...

With a battle plan formed, Red Alert dramatically turns around and balances to pass Demolishor, who rotates his turret and opens fire. Red Alert turns around again and tries using his grappling line to bypass Demolishor again, but Demolishor's versatile aiming knocks the car off the rock face. Red Alert lands upside-down upon Demolishor and manages to continue on his course. Cyclonus fires at the surrounding terrain to box Hot Shot in with rubble. Alexis and Rad abandon their friend. They see the three Mini-Cons Prime sent to support the Autobots and use them to ride to safety.

Prime finds the rock face with the Mini-Con panel embedded in it when Megatron enters the battle and quickly opens fire while boasting about the inevitable nature of the Decepticon's conquest. Optimus rebukes with, "That's what you think!" Then Megatron unveils his Mini-Con, and, thanks to his aid, he succeeds in gaining the upper hand and wounding Prime. But just as he is about to finish the Autobot leader, Starscream suddenly arrives and declares himself mighty enough to destroy Prime by himself. Rad's yell of concern inspires the Street Action Team to combine into Perceptor, who manages to disable both Starscream and Megatron briefly.

Hail to the king, baby.

With the Decepticons distracted, the Mini-Con panel activates, which, to Prime's disbelief, happens to be his old partner Sparkplug. Prime transforms into his Super Mode and uses Sparkplug's power to knock the Decepticons away with his Maximum Blast. The Decepticons promptly retreat.

With the Decepticon threat gone, the four kids and their Mini-Cons help free Hot Shot, and Rad gives a voice-over about the power of Optimus and Sparkplug's teamwork.

At the Decepticons' Moon base, Demolishor reports that he disciplined Starscream as per Megatron's orders but is surprised that the penalty is so severe. Megatron explains that he's punishing Starscream harshly to set an example and enforce the other Decepticons to stay in line. He then laments the Autobots' victory.

Featured characters

(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)

Quotes

Why does EVERYONE always have to steal my Naruto cosplay?!

"Uh, hey! Hold on, you guys!"
"So, uh, what's the problem?"
"My suit itches too, but you'll get used to it."

—Rad, Carlos, and Alexis.

"Uh... guys? ... Guys?!? ... ANYBODY?"

—Rad, after everybody ditches him.

"Hot Rod is an amazing vehicle. And once I was inside, the speed! The power! *sigh* I guess I got carried away..."

—Alexis, who perhaps needs to tell us something.

"Does it hurt when you do that?"
"Don't worry, Carlos. I am mechanical, so I do not feel the sensation of pain as you know it."
"You still feel pain, though, right?"
"Sorry, your question is not relevant to our mission."

—Carlos and Red Alert, on transformation

"You humans sure are a fearless species!"

—Red Alert

Women drivers, eh? EH? *is suddenly punched*

Alexis: "Ahhh!"
Rad: "Uggghhh! Are you sure this is the right car for the job?"
Alexis: "This road is a little bumpy!"
Rad: "My teeth are rattling so much they're gonna bounce right out of my head!"
Alexis: "Stop talking or else you'll bite your tongue!"
Rad: "OW! I just did!"
Hot Shot: "What's the problem? I haven't even taken out of first gear yet."
Alexis: "You mean you can go faster?!?"
Rad: "I feel a whole lot safer on my BMX!"
Alexis: "I can't find the brake pedals!"
Rad: "You mean there's no way to stop?!?"
Hot Shot: "I'm really gonna open up now! Hold on!"
Alexis: "How can we go any faster than this?"
Rad: "Why did I ever come along to this crazy ride?!?"

—Alexis, Rad and, Hot Shot.

"This is all YOUR fault, Starscream."

—Megatron, after his defeat at the hands of Optimus Prime's Maximum Blast attack. Well, it seems that he had found a proper scapegoat at last.

Notes

Differences with Legends of the Microns

• The Japanese version's opening lines go to Optimus; he says a new Mini-Con has awakened and asks for confirmation of its location before Red Alert states some coordinates, trying to get a lock on it.
• In Armada, Rad and Carlos scold Hot Shot for wanting to jump into action without knowing their destination and without a plan. In Legends of the Microns, Rad calls Hot Shot reckless, while Carlos says that people will see the Transformers if they rush off.
• Legends of the Microns has Alexis thank Sureshock for her help, while Armada has her voice her desire to head out on the mission.
• After she and Carlos get their suits, Alexis asks Rad what he's waiting for in the Japanese dub but says it's now like they're part of the Autobot team in Armada. After Rad gets suited up, Armada has Alexis address Optimus. In Legends of the Microns, she speaks to Red Alert instead, who has a line absent from Armada explaining the suits' purpose. Alexis's line to Rad about her uniform's itchiness is now her asking Rad what he's complaining about now.
• Armada removes a whole subplot involving Rad: He's nervous about leaving without enough information and unsure about the idea of the kids joining the Autobots on missions at all. Alexis and Carlos argue the Autobots will protect them, and they need the kids to help teach them about Earth. Unconvinced, Rad throws out how it'll take a day to reach Big Canyon and states how it'll affect returning home and school as a final attempt to make them reconsider. Armada reduces Rad's concerns to the travel time and method, and Alexis and Carlos's counterarguments to them saying they need to hurry and leave if it's going to take a while.
• When the kids get into Prime's cab, he asks if they've finished talking, and Alexis answers yes. Then as Rad talks to Alexis and Carlos just before launching, the Autobots have dialogue that overlaps with his. As Alexis and Carlos flip out about warping, Rad groans about how they didn't see something like it coming.
• Following the team's arrival at Big Canyon, Optimus asks if Alexis and Carlos are okay rather than laughing off their discomfort. Then Armada launches into an extended speech from Optimus about splitting up and searching, full of filler dialogue. In Legends of the Microns, Red Alert has additional lines as he tries scanning further for the Mini-Con, and his failure to do so prompts Prime's decision for the team to split up. Carlos rides with Red Alert so he won't have to worry about feeling sick, referring to the warp. After Rad grumbles about Carlos not waiting for him, Alexis says they can ride in Hot Shot.
• Optimus tells Rad to ride with Hot Shot in Armada, but asks him to wait at their present location while he surveys ahead in Legends of the Microns; this explains why Hot Shot drives off without Rad, which looks like a rude move in Armada when it's unintentional. The Japanese dub also removes Rad calling out to the heavens after being stranded.
• In the Decepticons' first scene, they're tracking the Autobots' movements. Starscream advocates a quick strike before the Autobots claim the Mini-Con, but Megatron calmly informs his men that they can take their time since they know the panel's location now. Starscream says they should take precautions and targets Optimus since the latter lacks a Mini-Con. Then Cyclonus laughs at Starscream's impetuousness, telling him that it's why he hasn't acquired a Mini-Con yet, prompting an angry response that Megatron quickly shuts down, putting Starscream in his place by giving him the role of backup in the coming battle.
• As Rad sits all by his lonesome, Legends of the Microns continues its subplot by giving him a moment of introspection, accepting that maybe he was slightly overcautious earlier; Armada has him moan about being abandoned. After Alexis and Hot Shot return, Rad is curious why Alexis is back so soon instead of being mad at her for ditching him. Alexis's whole attitude is different between the two versions: In Armada, she says she got carried away by Hot Shot's speed and power; however, in Legends of the Microns, it turns out Hot Shot isn't great at off-roading, so the experience wasn't fun for her, and then Hot Shot complains about Alexis having a big mouth.
• Carlos compares riding off-road with Red Alert to riding a stampeding bronco, and Red asks him to explain stampeding. Armada replaces this exchange with Red expressing concern for Carlos's safety and Carlos assuring him he can handle a few bumps.
• The following scene of Rad and Alexis panicking as Hot Shot roars across the landscape with them has Hot Shot laughing and joking in Armada but grumbling about the terrain and Alexis scolding him for speeding on the bumpy ground and the absurdness since the kids came to help in Legends of the Microns. Keeping with the episode's portrayal of Rad, the Japanese dub has him stammering about the unpleasant experience and repeating, "Wait a second!" with Alexis telling him to stop it.
• When Red transforms into robot mode, Carlos questions why they have to stop, and Red explains that he can only progress on foot. Armada twists the conversation into Carlos asking Red if transforming hurts and Red telling him that Transformers don't "feel" pain as humans know it.
• Armada makes changes to Hot Shot's off-roading capability, muddling the fact that when he pops his emergency brake claws and screeches to a halt in front of the fissure, he almost uncontrollably drives into it and narrowly saves himself, Alexis, and Rad. Legends of the Microns has Hot Shot telling the kids to pipe down before hitting the breaks, realizing the place is dangerous after all. Right after this, Rad chastizes Hot Shot for not listening to him and driving more carefully and deploys Laserbeak to map the area to identify a smoother route and make things easier. Armada changes this to have Rad instruct Hot Shot to "turn on his locator" to find the Mini-Con, and sends Laserbeak to look from the air. Then Armada has Alexis chuckle at the chance of telling Carlos about Rad panicking during Hot Shot's wild ride. Legends of the Microns makes her amused at how Rad has proved his worth beyond repeatedly saying, "Wait just a second!" with Rad unsure whether or not to take it as a compliment.
• Continuing from the earlier change about Laserbeak's purpose, Armada plays Hot Shot and the kids as following Laserbeak, who detects the Mini-Con's location, instead of using him to find more suitable driving paths. As such, the following conversation during the drive differs between versions: Legends of the Microns has Rad continue urging Hot Shot to be careful, and Alexis teasingly asking if Rad wants to fly off the cliffside. The group also discusses how they need to figure out how to get to the canyon's bottom and search there. Armada has them worrying about the Decepticons beating them to the Mini-Con, and Hot Shot running out of fuel before they get there.
• When the scene cuts to Optimus following Hot Shot, Rad, and Alexis's discovery, Armada has Optimus tell the Mini-Cons that they're getting a transmission from Hot Shot. In Legends of the Microns, he only asks the small 'bots to continue searching, unaware of Hot Shot's impending message until it arrives. Further, Legends of the Microns has Optimus prepare to head to Hot Shot's location, while he chooses to standby and wait for updates in Armada.
• In Armada, Carlos complains to Red Alert about getting lost before Red tells Carlos off for not learning that disrespecting his superiors is wrong. Then Carlos says they're supposed to be a team. In Legends of the Microns, Carlos is griping about "losing" to Hot Shot in the Mini-Con hunt, and Red tells him that he's not concerned about such petty things since they're all trying to do what's right. Then Carlos calls Red Alert a weirdo, and Red asks curiously if that's true.
• While Hot Shot, Alexis, and Rad go the Mini-Con panel, Hot Shot complains about still not reaching it, and Rad says they can't help it as there's no faster way. In Armada, Rad tells Hot Shot it's now okay for him to open up and drive roughly.
• When Cyclonus appears and attacks in Armada, Alexis becomes scared, and Rad calls her out for going against her earlier advice to him about not showing the enemy fear. In Legends of the Microns, Alexis asks why the Decepticons are attacking now after all this time; Rad says they waited for the Autobots to find the Mini-Con first, so Alexis shouts that it's unfair. Instead of Red Alert saying the 'Cons are doing the classic "divide and conquer" routine, he tells Carlos they're being followed just before Demolishor appears beside them.
• As Megatron blasts Optimus, the latter warns him that he might damage the nearby panel. Megatron is more callous as he couldn't care less because losing out on one Mini-Con over the chance to destroy Optimus isn't a bad deal to him. In Armada, Megatron gives a typical villain monologue about how the Decepticons will collect all the Mini-Cons, and the Autobots can't do anything about it.
• Rad and Alexis say Megatron is treating the Mini-Con panel like a hostage, so Carlos wonders what they should do now since their plan failed. Demolishor threatens to Powerlinx with Blackout and unleash his "Iron Missles" once Megatron gets the Mini-Con.
• After Hot Shot gets trapped in Armada, Rad says he will get help, and Alexis thinks they can't leave Hot Shot since he's an easy target. In Legends of the Microns, Rad says he and Alexis have to go to Prime's location, and though Alexis says she thinks it won't do any good, she asks Hot Shot to cover their escape, explaining why he fires at Cyclonus.
• Megatron commends Optimus's toughness but notices he's now exhausted and offers to put him out of commission. When Starscream appears, Megatron says that he'll bring back the Mini-Con and orders Starscream to obey him and stay back.
• The kids shout Optimus's name just before the Mini-Cons combine, but each says something different in Armada. Then Megatron asks who Perceptor is instead of cursing Starscream and has an extra line when Perceptor dodges him. Alexis is surprised at the Mini-Cons combining, and Rad notices the panel activating behind Optimus instead of her.
• Like Megatron and Leader-1 in "Metamorphosis," the Armada dub inserts the idea that Optimus and Sparkplug were partners in the past. The later episode, "Prehistory," confirms this is also true for Legends of the Microns. Megatron curses when Optimus activates the panel. The Japanese dub plays the track "Super Convoy" as Optimus Powerlinx with Sparkplug and sends the Decepticons running. Armada replaces it with its insert version of the Transformers theme song.
• In Legends of the Microns, Hot Shot radios for the others' help to come and haul him out from the rocks, but Rad radios on his behalf in Armada.
• Rad's closing narration is a thematic end to his subplot. He reflects on his earlier skepticism, believing they stood no chance of winning, but realized that one's body would act and move when necessary in times of great need, mainly to protect their friends, exemplified by the Mini-Cons' spontaneous combination. Then Rad assures that they'll always be ready to answer their comrades' call. Armada neglects the Mini-Cons' big moment as Rad delivers some generic gush about how the fight was scary, but they won, and that teamwork makes the dream work.
• In the final scene, Armada adds Megatron placing Starscream in detention as punishment for insubordination. Demolishor asks Megatron why he chose such a harsh penalty, so Megatron responds with some trite evil dialogue about anyone who defies him getting the same treatment before blaming the Autobots for today's loss. In Legends of the Microns, nothing happens to Starscream, and the last scene involves Demolishor asking Megatron what he thought cost them their victory. Megatron initially blames Starscream before quietly remarking it's really "the small things" that will be his downfall if he keeps underestimating them and their desperation.

Animation and technical errors

• Carlos, Alexis, and Red Alert are missing from the opening shot.
  • In the later shot of Hot Shot, Optimus, and the boys looking at Big Canyon on-screen, Alexis and Sureshock are missing although they were right behind the boys a moment ago; Red Alert is still a no-show too. It doesn't help that the missing Mini-Cons suddenly appear as the Autobots prepare to leave.
• The Decepticon symbol on Megatron's chest vanishes in some shots.
• When describing how cool Hot Shot's abilities are, she calls him Hot Rod. Hot Rod is Hot Shot's Japanese name and a prominent Generation 1 character with whom Hot Shot shares several traits.
• Demolishor doesn't say "Transform!" when he appears beside Red Alert and Carlos. Legends of the Microns corrects this.
• Megatron's mouth doesn't move as he talks before shooting at Optimus.
• The shot of High Wire transforming is recycled from "First Encounter"; the only difference being that Rad's old bike is gone.
• As Starscream suddenly arrives, insisting on finishing off Prime, Megatron's cannon is much larger than usual.
• In the shots of Starscream and Optimus, the raised spots on the Decepticons arms are miscolored purple.
• In some shots near the end of the episode, the Decepticon symbols on Starscream's wings look like purple pentagons.
• Sparkplug has scuff marks on him in his first close-up shot but looks otherwise pristine in his other scenes.
• Sparkplug detaches from Optimus's shoulder for one frame during their Powerlinxing sequence; the error remains for the rest of the show.
• When blaming Starscream for the mission's failure, Megatron looks frightened rather than angry. In Legends of the Microns, he orders a hasty retreat in a proper scared voice.

Continuity notes

• This episode shows Rad, Alexis, and Carlos's first mission with the Autobots.
• The kids' uniforms make their debut, complete with their "suit up" stock sequences.
• This episode marks the first time the kids and Autobots use the warp gate facility to travel to distant locations from the base quickly.
• This episode begins the Japanese dub's trend of Optimus being mostly silent on the warp gate until giving the order to launch and the other Autobots being silent while they warp. However, there are a few exceptions where there's slightly more dialogue but not much.
• After arriving in Big Canyon in Legends of the Microns, Alexis says it feels like they've been there before, possibly referring to how the terrain resembles that from the previous three episodes.
• When Red Alert transforms into robot mode, it's the same stock animation from the climax of "Metamorphosis."
• This episode is the first time the kids use Laserbeak during a mission.
• This episode marks the first in the relatively few times we see Optimus Prime and Megatron's flashy stock transformation sequences.
• Perceptor debuts in this episode.
• Optimus Prime's partner Mini-Con, Sparkplug, debuts in this episode.
• Demolishor indicates that Megatron has disciplined Starscream rather harshly for interfering in the battle with Optimus Prime. Later episodes reinforce that harsh punishments for Starscream the Decepticons are very common. Boy, Unicron Trilogy Megatron is a dick.
• This episode is the first in the series without Billy and Fred.
• Gadgets and powers:
  • Hot Shot reveals in this episode that he doesn't run on gasoline but fuel cells. He also notes that he has a backup cell in his trunk.
  • Hot Shot can deploy his chainsaws/robot feet as brakes to stop himself from falling into a canyon.
  • Hot Shot flips out twin-barrelled cannons from the back of his vehicle mode roof. This episode is the only time he ever uses this ability.
  • Red Alert can fire a grapple from his left hand when Carlos opens his driver's door in vehicle mode.
  • Starscream fires lasers from his retracted wrists in jet mode.
• Powerlinx forms:
  • Megatron Powerlinx with Leader-1 for the second time. It marks the first time a character says, "Transform and combine!" when Powerlinxing; Optimus follows suit after reuniting with Sparkplug.
  • The Street Action Mini-Cons combine into Perceptor for the first time to save Optimus.
    • Perceptor also shows off his super-speed while making a fool out of the Decepticons.
  • Super Mode Optimus Prime Powerlinx with Sparkplug for the first time, unlocking his "Maximum Blast" attack.

Continuity errors

• Red Alert believes his difficulty locking onto the Mini-Con signal is because someone is interfering with it, but who could be capable of that this early in the show and why? In Legends of the Microns, it's instead a case of the signal being too weak to pinpoint accurately. Further complicating Red's attempts to locate the Mini-Con is that the Autobots' newly-constructed base's systems are outdated with Earth's geographical information.
• Alexis claims to "tap into the system" and loading the obscure location data Red has managed to obtain into her "locator" before Sureshock "boosts" the device's power to accomplish somehow what the base computers can't. Alexis is an esteemed computer whiz, but unless she's the series's Chip Chase, she can't be that smart to figure out alien technology so fast. She probably doesn't even have access to the base's system yet, therefore making this scenario impossible. The Japanese dub fixes this mistake by having Alexis bring up the Mini-Con's location on a world map on her phone and having Sureshock transmit it to the base computers for everyone to see.
• Armada never addresses the point of the kids' suits, reducing them to fanservice fashion. Red Alert explains the outfits are protective gear to lessen the children's injuries in Legends of the Microns.
• According to Rad, High Wire says Big Canyon is at least 100 miles from the base. How would High Wire even know that? Plus, being an Earthling and the outdoorsy one of the kids, wouldn't Rad already know that himself? He doesn't translate anything for High Wire in this episode's Japanese dub; Rad instead asks Alexis and Carlos if they should be gathering more information before leaving the base.
• How come Rad doesn't feel ill after his first warp, unlike Alexis and Carlos? He must have a strong stomach.
• Why does Cyclonus say he can't wait to hook onto a Mini-Con and increase his power to blast Optimus Prime when he got Crumplezone in the previous episode? In the Japanese dub, he's teasing Starscream for being the only Decepticon without a Mini-Con.
• Although Hot Shot says he runs on fuel cells instead of gasoline and has a backup in his trunk, why does he later worry about running out of fuel like he means gasoline?
• When arguing with Carlos, how can Red Alert be confused about what a team is when he's been part of one for ages? He asks Carlos if what he said about him being an oddball is true in the Japanese dub.
• Megatron states the obvious about a Mini-Con being on Earth before dispatching Demolishor and Cyclonus as if he didn't know that already. Megatron gloats that things went as he expected before sending the two out in the Japanese dub.
• Carlos appears to be psychic, somehow knowing that Hot Shot, Rad, and Alexis are in trouble. In Legends of the Microns, he gives Red Alert a heads-up about the Decepticons instead.
• Optimus tells the Mini-Cons to help the others while he goes to the panel's location, but all the Mini-Cons do is get Rad and Alexis and don't assist in fending off the Decepticons. In the Japanese dub, Optimus tells them to get to safety as he goes to help the others.
• When the Decepticons appear and begin attacking, the Autobots talk back and forth like Optimus is on his way to give the others back up. So why does Optimus arrive at the panel site alone, confused why Red Alert and Hot Shot aren't there too? It's because the sequence was supposed to go a different way. Legends of the Microns reveals a concept that Armada botched big time: Rad notices that Cyclonus is toying with them when he could've easily grabbed the panel, giving Hot Shot the idea to lure the Decepticon away. They tell Red Alert and Carlos to keep Demolishor busy, distracting both 'Cons and giving Optimus a clear path to the panel. Then Megatron appears when he does because he saw right through the Autobots' diversionary tactics.
• Before launching his grapple line, Red Alert tells Carlos to "open his door," setting up the opening door's visual and the line launching from it. However, Red is perfectly capable of opening his door himself. Legends of the Microns fixes this with Red telling Carlos to hold onto something instead.
• Why does Rad ask Alexis if she needs a ride when she already has Sureshock? The Japanese dub changes Rad's line to him, saying, "Okay then, Alexis..."
• Rad needlessly points out Laserbeak before he and Alexis follow him. Legends of the Microns changes their dialogue to Rad and Alexis depending on Laserbeak to lead them to Optimus.
• Megatron claims Optimus didn't know about Leader-1 despite using him an episode earlier. In the Japanese dub, he is merely talking about how it is time to end the fight.
• Seeing Starscream moments away from destroying Optimus, how can Rad scream for High Wire at a time like that, and how does he expect High Wire to help when the latter has shown no fighting abilities before that point? Rad correctly cries out Prime's name in the Japanese dub.
• After Rad calls out to Optimus, how is Prime supposed to know Rad is talking about the panel due to the awkward silence afterward? Legends of the Microns fixes this mistake by adding Rad telling Optimus to look behind him.
• Optimus refers to Sparkplug as Leader-1, which is the name of Megatron's Mini-Con. Rad's closing narration repeats this mistake. Get used to it. This dubbing error never happens in the Japanese version.
• It doesn't take long for Megatron to go from blaming Starscream for the mission's failure to shifting blame to the Autobots. He blames Starscream initially in his final scene before considering the loss was due to something else in Legends of the Microns.

Transformers references

DOODOODOO-DOO-DOO, DOOOOO!

• The sequence where Laserbeak flies over Hot Shot as the Autobot is driving along the Big Canyon's cliff edge is reminiscent of the scene in "More than Meets the Eye, Part 1", where Generation 1 Laserbeak chases after Hound and Cliffjumper.

Real-world references

• Optimus's line, "Engage the warp drive!" is a Star Trek reference.

Trivia

• The kanji 合体 would be pronounced as "gattai," a familiar enough word heard, while "shinka" is used for the kanji 進化.
• Though it's easy to imagine that "Big Canyon" is a mistranslation of "Grand Canyon," as that's the kind of language-butchering the Armada dub excelled in, nope, it's called "Big Canyon" in English and Japanese.
• When the kids get inside Optimus's cabin, Carlos appears to sit on an armrest and doesn't put on a seatbelt.
• The Toonami commercial for Armada, which aired before the series premiere, used Megatron's line, "You have no way to stop us." The commercial also featured G1 Optimus Prime voice actor Peter Cullen as the narrator.
• Why doesn't Hot Shot transform and climb over the rocks trapping him?
• In the Japanese dub, Carlos describes warping as "taking a bath from the inside out." Disturbing.
• This episode is the first without an opening narration. It's also one of the few lacking an opening monologue in the overall series.
• This episode is the second one after "First Encounter" that doesn't start with the title sequence.
• This episode marks the debut of Armada's "insert" version of the Transformers theme.
• The Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003 reveals several interesting tidbits:
  • This is the first episode that fleshes out the Autobots' personalities.
  • The cannons that appear on the sides of Optimus's body during his Maximum Blast were initially only on his left side before Takara gave the go-ahead to have them on both. The flashier, the better, right?
  • Episodes 1-4 happen continuously, setting up the overall premise, and they're the show's first episodes in this format.

Foreign localization

French

• Title: "Camarades" ("Comrades")

German

• Title: "Kameraden" ("Comrades")
• Original airdate: 4 December 2003

Hungarian

• Title: "Fegyvertárs" ("Brother in Arms")

Italian

• Title: "Un amico per Optimus" ("A Friend for Optimus")

• The Big Canyon is always referred to as the Grand Canyon, making it look like it's a completely different place.
• Sparkplug is actually called by his correct name, unlike in English.

Korean

• Title: "합체! 마이크론" ("Combine! Micron")

Polish

• Title: "Towarzysze" ("Comrade")

Portuguese

• Title: "Camarada" ("Comrade")

Home video releases

DVD

2003 — Transformers: Legends of the Microns — Volume 1 (Columbia Music Entertainment) — Japanese audio only.
2003 — Transformers: Armada — Vol:02 (Universal)
2003 — Transformers: Armada — Vol:02 (Warner Music Video)
2004 — Transformers: Armada — Season One: Part One (Rhino Entertainment)
2004 — Transformers: Armada — Volume 1 (TFou Vidéo) — French audio only.
2005 — Transformers: Armada — Triple Collection (Universal)
2008 — Transformers: Armada — Bumper Double DVD Collection (Universal)
2008 — Transformers: Armada — Volume One (New KSM) — English and German audio.
2014 — Transformers: Armada — The Complete Series (Shout! Factory)
2014 — Transformers: Armada — Volume One (Shout! Factory)

References