In 1984, a franchise was born that has not only spanned every decade since the release of the first episode, but continues to thrive, evolve and entertain generations to this day. The cartoon that started the franchise, titled The transformersalso affectionately known as “Generation 1” by fans of the series, shown from 1984 to 1987, released in theaters, Transformers: the movie It hit theaters in 1986 and was set between the events of Season 2 and 3.
THE Transformers the franchise has now firmly established its iconic place in popular culturewith the original series spawning a very successful line of toys from Hasbro, as well as videos, cartoons and films. Michael Bay’s films are arguably the most familiar to modern audiences, but independent films like Beemore Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, which Paramount called the start of a new trilogy for the franchise. Looking back at the original series, it may have had some inconsistent animation, but among the 98 episodes, many left a lasting mark on the franchise.
10
Fire in the sky
Season 1, Episode 13
One of the most surprising highlights of “Fire in the Sky” is that the writers gave the previously diabolical and repugnant Starscream a more human side. Much of the episode focuses on his relationship with Skyfire, who receives his first real introduction to the franchise in the episode. The Decepticons travel to the Arctic Circle to drain Earth’s heat and stumble upon Starscream’s old friend Skyfire, who is frozen in ice.
The episode raises a moral question for Starscream about whether he should save and resurrect his old friend from the ice cap or let him die. Ultimately, Starscream is determined to save his former scientist friendbut when Skyfire decides that the Decepticon life is not for him, Starscream attacks him before he can become one of the Autobots. The episode has great characterization and action, and is a great example of how the franchise is full of origin stories and lasting relationships.
9
Starscream’s Brigade
Season 2, Episode 47
This episode again focuses heavily on the headstrong and obstinate Starscream, who seems to brag about being a better leader than Megatron in most episodes without ever actually doing anything to back up those claims. That is until the episode aired, and fans got to see him make a serious play for Megatron’s title as leader of the Decepticons, building your own mini-army to face him.
After Starscream is exiled from the Decepticons and banished to a Pacific island, he builds his army from the remains of discarded World War II vehicles. He gives them the personalities of the renegade Decepticons who are being held hostage on Cybertron.and, in the process, the Transformers The franchise is introduced to the Combaticons, a key part of the series who combine to form the extremely powerful Bruticus. This episode not only introduces fearsome new characters, who will possibly appear in future films, but it also features some great action sequences, making it one of the most entertaining in the series.
8
One main problem
Season 2, Episode 8
One of the biggest aspects of Transformers series, are the wonderfully inventive forms that the ‘Robots in Disguise’ take throughout the franchise. It also often spotlights slightly less prominent characters from time to time, and “A Prime Problem” makes full use of the series’ roster of fighting robots to full effect.
Witnessing Megatron attempt to pass off the real Optimus Prime as his clone is intriguing.
The devious Megaton creates a clone of Optimus Prime to lure the unsuspecting Autobots into a chasm of Korlonium crystals, which will explode on impact. Witnessing Megatron attempt to pass off the real Optimus Prime as his clone is intriguing. He doesn’t know the troops well enough, but he has invaluable help from the unlikely source of Laserbeak, who defeats Starscream in a pivotal battle, proving that the series’ minor characters really do get their moment to shine.
7
Call of the Primitives
Season 3, Episode 26
In season 3, the Transformers the series continued to evolveand in doing so was introducing more characters that would have greater significance for the future of the franchise. “Call of the Primitives” is a prime example of this, and expands on the lore behind the creation of Unicron, who makes a magnificent appearance in Transformers: the movieit was a bold move.
The episode reveals that Unicron’s creator was a small, almost ape-like scientist named Primacron, who built one of the most powerful characters, the destructive and nearly unstoppable energy force called Tornedron as Unicron’s successor. His goal was to consume the energy of the universe and leave a blank canvas for Primacron to do as he pleased. After relentlessly fighting each other, it’s great to see the Autobots and Decepticons teaming up in an episode that features some of the best animation in the series.
6
The Key to Vector Sigma: Part I
Season 2, Episode 39
The first part of the two-part episodes, “The Key to Vector Sigma”, is generally considered one of the best moments of Transformers tradition, as it not only sets up two main teams in the series, but also enhances the arsenal of Autobots and Decepticons. Introducing the Stunticons and Aerialbots was a genius move for the seriesas it was the first time fans saw the proper creation of new Transformers.
However, before he can set his new team on the road, he must locate the key to reactivate Vector Sigma.. This episode proves to be extremely important for the franchise, as both warring factions receive a serious update and the series receives new characters to add to the roster of killers. Transformers.
5
SOS Dinobots
Season 1, Episode 7
Series 1 of The transformers may understandably have some of the poorest animation in the episodes overall, but it’s instrumental in introducing characters who have become fan favorites and who are now synonymous with the franchise. The introduction of the Dinobots not only adds much-needed firepower to the Autobots, it more than likely added some serial sales power to Hasbro’s toy line.
The episode begins with the Autobots finding the bones of what they believe to be large animals in a cave near their base. As the fight against the Decepticons shows no sign of getting easier, they decide to create three mechanical dinosaurs; Grimlock, scum and mud. The introduction of the Dinobots is monumental to the series, and it’s a lot of fun to see them initially turn against the Autobots, but the moment when they are reprogrammed and kick bits and pieces out of the Decepticons is an exhilarating moment for fans.
4
Dark Awakening
Season 3, Episode 8
When Transformers: the movie was released in 1986, left fans scared with the death of their hero, Optimus Prime. In season three, there’s a new leader of the Autobots, Rodimus Prime, and when Optimus finally returns in “Dark Awakening,” it’s not exactly the triumphant resurrection fans might have wanted.
However, the great part about “Dark Awakening” is that it stays true to its ominous title.
Television programming in the 80s was generally spoiler-free, but there were rumors that the return of Optimus Prime would happen. However, the great part about “Dark Awakening” is that it stays true to its ominous title. Prime returns, but is a reprogrammed apparition of his former self and is determined to destroy the Autobots. The series gains an incredible new leader in Rodimus Prime and congratulations must be given to the series’ showrunners for breaking fans’ hearts once again with Optimus Prime’s heroic death.
3
The Golden Lagoon
Season 2, Episode 27
This episode may come as a surprise to some fans of the series for having such a high rating, but presents important lessons about the struggle between good and evil, while also highlighting the futility of war as a whole. In the 1980s, most mainstream TV shows and films had the good guys almost always on the winning side, except for the dark ending in The Empire Strikes Backfor example.
In “The Golden Lagoon”, the Decepticons discover a lagoon from which they coat their armor with an electrum that makes them immune to laser fire. Ultimately, both the Autobots and Decepticons cover themselves in electrum and, despite realizing they cannot hurt each other, decide to keep fighting. They destroy the surrounding nature and, in the process, the pond. It’s an extremely important episode of the series and delivers a strong message along with the carnage.
2
Dawn of War
Season 2, Episode 44
This episode not only serves as one of the best entries in the series, but is also fundamental to the concept of the theatrical release, Transformers One, with the introduction of the Orion Pax on Cybertron. This proves that the series catalog is fundamental for the development of the next Transformers films, and also brings back the Aerialbots for another showdown with Megatron.
When Megatron attempts to destroy the Aerialbots by throwing them back in time, they end up trapped in the Golden Age of Cybertron. Once there, they end up meeting a dockworker named Orion Pax, and his girlfriend, Ariel. The subsequent action marks the beginning of Optimus Prime and features some very good action beats including an excellent and crucial first battle between Optimus Prime and Megatron. This is the series at its iconic best and it shows that season 2 was arguably the strongest overall.
1
The Return of Optimus Prime: Part 1 and Part 2
Season 3, Episode 29
If there’s one thing we can learn from popular culture, it’s that our heroes don’t stay dead for long, and sometimes they’re given new origin stories. So, following the outcry and actual crying of children around the world, Optimus Prime was once again resurrected after his death in the feature filmand at the beginning of season 3.
This two-part episode puts the legendary Autobot leader back among his troops and also explains how he was resurrected. Prime is brought back to deal with the plague, a virus created by Megaton to wipe out millions, and he does it again with the help of the Matrix of Leadership. Everything has been restored in the universe, at least for now, and this two-part episode showcases all the good things about the series; action, spectacle and a compelling narrative.