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My kids have become big fans of the latest iteration of Transformers shown on the Hub network, Transformers: Prime. Saturday night is part two of "Operation: Bumblebee."
I missed the first version of Transformers. When the series came out in 1984 I was in high school and not watching afternoon cartoons anymore. (In case you're wondering, Star Blazers was my go-to afternoon cartoon.) Then came the Michael Bay movie adaption of Transformers. I thought the movie had some great visuals and explosions, but lacked a decent script. (Like most of Mr. Bay's movies.)
So I missed the television premiere of Transformers: Prime and probably would have ignored it anyhow. Through neglectful parenting, my kids found it anyhow. It runs on the Hub network, a popular television channel in my house.
(On a side note, I'm fascinated by the Hub's business model. It's a joint venture of Discovery Communications and Hasbro. So the toy company has created its own network to broadcast the television tie-ins to its products. Genius.)
To make up for my parental negligence, I sat down to watch the show to make sure I was not letting them watch unspeakable violence. Yes, the show can be a bit dark. But the writing and animation are very good. Much better than the original series. I think it's even better than the movies.
Now, my four-year old daughter insists I call her Arcee. Of course, I am Optimus Prime, leader of my household of Autobots. Getting in the car needs a cry of "Autobots... roll out!"
The first three episodes of this second season were an Orion Pax storyline. Last Saturday's fourth episode was "Operation: Bumblebee" Part 1. Bumblebee was ambushed by M.E.C.H. (a sinister group of humans), who knock him out and steal his T-Cog. We learn that the T-Cog is the device that allows Transformers to scan vehicle modes and transform. It's bio-mechanical, so you can't just build another one. That leaves Bumblebee unable to transform into vehicle mode. The Decepticon's number two, Starscream, stops by M.E.C.H. to suggests an alliance, offering his expertise on Cybertronian technology. Saturday's episode is the continuation of this story arc, layering in quite a bit of backstory.
If you have not yet starting watching Transformers: Prime with your kids, Saturday night's episode should be a good place to start. If you've already been watching, enjoy the exclusive images above and below.
