Season 3

3.00 – Transformers: The Movie (1986): A-

I have one very vivid memory of the run up to Transformers: The Movie (1986) – a television commercial that asked, “Does Optimus Prime die? And if so, who will lead the Autobots?” That, coupled with an image of a severely cracked and damaged Megatron proudly proclaiming, “It’s over Prime” and I was hooked. I still remember the theater I saw it in, the Cinema 10, and after seeing the movie, walking out of the theater completely in awe. I was also eleven years old.

3.01 – Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1: B+

“Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1” picks up almost immediately following the events of Transformers: The Movie. In fact, the opening moments of this episode flashback to some scenes from the film. And if The Movie was all about change, then change is certainly an operative word to begin the episode. The Autobots are in control of Cybertron, and are overseeing a kind of Olympics for various robot races. The Decepticons, on the other hand, are destitute, huddling on the planet Char and fighting over scraps of energon. Against this backdrop Season 3, and a new era of Transformers, begins.

3.02 – Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2: B

“Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2” deepens the mystery that was begun in Part 1. The Autobots are scattered across the galaxy, the Decepticons are in search of a leader, and the mysterious Quintessons continue to follow their hidden agenda. Though a few scenes are a bit cheesy and contrived, the episode gets high marks for a bit of mysticism, as well as characterization.

3.03 – Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3: B-

“Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3” is a little less plausible than Part 2. The story isn’t quite as compelling. And the multiple plotlines are beginning to make the story feel a bit fractured. But among all of these stresses, the episode is supported by a couple of very strong character elements from Rodimus Prime and Galvatron.

3.04 – Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4: B-

“Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4” is the penultimate episode in this five-part opening miniseries for Season 3. It’s been a fairly remarkable achievement to have created episodes that have been able to maintain a measure of the momentum generated by The Movie. But Part 4 has begun to show a little more strain on the story. Indeed, at this point, the sequences seem almost forced. Even so, the episode is still fairly strong, particularly when you factor in the little history lesson about Cybertron.

3.05 – Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5: C-

“Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5” is a rousing, yet flawed conclusion to the Season 3 opening miniseries. It is, almost entirely, action. There are three primary action set pieces, depicting fighting on Cybertron, Earth, and Io. And counter-intuitively, the result is an episode that just seems to drag onward. Also, with the addition of a very silly plot device, the episode is far from the triumphant conclusion that it ought to be.

3.06 – The Killing Jar: B

The Killing Jar” represents a rather high-minded premise and, for the most part, it works. Part of the strength of the episode is its focus on just six primary characters, allowing each one a lot more room to expand within the episode than is customary for a Transformers episode. Also, there is the underlying theme of similarities between enemies – and how, despite those similarities, rivals can remain at great odds. There are a few bumps in the road, but for the most part, the journey of “The Killing Jar” is well worth experiencing.

3.07 – Chaos: B-

“Chaos” is an episode that is not only a distinctly dark story, but it also has an intriguing focus on a main character. Not only that, but it offers a theme of redemption. But this isn’t a perfect episode, either. The setup is a bit suspect, and the “ultimate weapon of the week” concept is back once again. The criticisms are enough to diminish the overall effect of the episode, but they aren’t enough to sink it completely.

3.08 – Dark Awakening: B+

“Dark Awakening” is another episode which explores a “darker” subject matter. Thus far, this approach has worked for the new season of Transformers. Among the ideas explored in this particular episode are those of leadership and remembrance. And the power of our inner conscience. It’s quite a bit for a children’s show to explore. But it does so in a manner that, while needing to exploit the past, manages to be quite compelling.

3.09 – Forever is a Long Time Coming: C

“Forever Is A Long Time Coming” follows in the footsteps of “War Dawn” in terms of its use of time travel, the revelations about Cybertronian history, and the connection between the Aerialbots and Alpha Trion. There’s plenty of action, some commentary about time and the paradoxes involved if and when time becomes confused. But there’s little else to an episode that is unevenly paced and seems to ignore its own views of the paradoxes of time.

3.10 – Starscream’s Ghost: B+

“Starscream’s Ghost” is a fun episode. As the name implies, we get the return (sorta) of one of the most memorable characters from Seasons 1 & 2 of the series. The narrative is surprisingly dense for only twenty minutes of screen time. And even though the opening has a slight continuity problem with the season so far, and even though the story isn’t particularly deep, both shortcomings can be easily overlooked in favor of the episode’s other strengths.

3.11 – Thief in the Night: C+

“Thief In The Night” was a natural predecessor for “Starscream’s Ghost.” It’s a mystery, then, that it wasn’t aired first. Even so it’s still a comparatively weak episode. It’s not that the episode is a failure – it isn’t – but the story is a bit too grandiose, and implausible. About the only real interest to the episode is the return of a two massive Transformers – Tripticon and Metroplex – and the continuity is provides (albeit retroactively) to “Starscream’s Ghost.”

3.12 – Surprise Party: D

“Surprise Party” is a silly, juvenile episode that just isn’t very well constructed. In a sense, I appreciate the attempt to create an episode in contrast to the customary dark mood and tone of Season 3. But the fact is the episode is still a bit edgy. Therefore this attempt, in catering to a viewership which is so juvenile, contradicts its own style. The result is an awkward juxtaposition of concepts that just don’t work particularly well.

3.13 – Madman’s Paradise: B-

“Madman’s Paradise” is a fun adventure in the same vein as “A Decepticon In King Arthur’s Court.” The change of setting, the sword-and-sorcery tale, and the connections with Cybertronian history and the Quintessons create an episode that, while a bit thin on anything other than action, is no less enjoyable to watch. If there is a drawback, it’s the prominence of Daniel. But he’s not quite nearly as much of an issue in this episode as he is in others.

3.14 – Nightmare Planet: D

“Nightmare Planet” is another Daniel-centric episode. And it doesn’t fare quite as well as its predecessor. And that’s in spite of a story that presents a topic that is rich with potential: dreams, and controlling your dreams. But because the episode focuses on Daniel, it relies on the mostly juvenile nightmare visions Daniel’s subconscious conjures up. Also, the whole premise of the story, from a plausibility standpoint, is highly suspect.

3.15 – Ghost in the Machine: A-

“Ghost In The Machine” is another example of how good Transformers can be – especially now that it has a history of its own to draw upon. Drawing upon events from The Movie, as well as the episode “The Ghost of Starscream,” this episode constructs a story that is filled with action, intrigue and a plausible sequence of events that lightly refers back to mythological quests. The result is an episode that is one of the best of the series so far.

3.16 – Webworld: A-

“Webworld” is another fantastic Transformers episode. Focusing primarily on just one character, this episode delves deep into psychology and psychoanalysis. It does so with surprising directness and accessibility. Add in a bizarrely created atmosphere for the episode and a theme about the freedom of choice, and the and the results are quite surprising considering that the focus of the episode is none other than the Decepticon leader: Galvatron.

3.17 – Carnage in C-Minor: C-

“Carnage In C-Minor” is an episode with a fabulous concept that just doesn’t come across very well. In fact, the execution is a bit substandard. The concepts of harmony and discord, both literally and figuratively, are interwoven throughout the narrative. But the pacing, plausibility, and characterization of these themes leaves a lot to be desired. The result is an episode that just barely manages to be average.

3.18 – The Quintesson Journal: C+

“The Quintesson Journal” is an interesting, if slightly flawed, episode. It presents us with a bit of backstory on the Quintessons, detailing how they have spent the millennia since their exodus from Cybertron. It focuses on conflict and the resolution of conflict. And there’s a great chase between Quintessons, Decepticons and Autobots for a valuable artifact. It all could have added up to a classic episode but, thanks to some rather pedestrian choices for plot devices, the result is just slightly better than average.

3.19 – The Ultimate Weapon: B-

“The Ultimate Weapon” is, in spite of its preponderance of action battle scenes, an episode about character. There are two main characters who are the focus of this episode and both question their abilities to contribute to the Autobots. The soul searching, which is the heart of the episode, is an excellent basis for a story. What keeps this episode from being truly exceptional, however, are a series of poor choices in terms of the craft of the episode.

3.20 – The Big Broadcast of 2006: C-

“The Big Broadcast of 2006” feels like it should be a predecessor to “The Quintesson Journal.” In this episode we learn about the journal and its importance to the Quintessons – but we’re not given any specifics as to what its contents might contain. But of course, we already know what those contents are, thanks to “The Quintesson Jounral.” As for “The Big Broadcast of 2006,” the journal has landed on the Junkions’ homeworld and the episode is, once again, a race to retrieve it.

3.21 – Fight or Flee: C-

“Fight Or Flee” brings up the debate about whether or not pacifism is a practical philosophy. And for much of the episode, it does a fairly strong job of balancing both sides of the argument. Along the way, we see the benefits of a peaceful society as well as the benefits to well-coordinated and executed plans of attack. But the episode’s conclusion and, therefore, its final statement on the debate, are undermined by a radically extreme decision by Rodimus Prime.

3.22 – The Dweller in the Depths: B

“The Dweller In The Depths” is a good episode based on the strength of its central conflict. Once again, a return to the history of Cybertron bears fruit and ensuing story is suitably spooky. Additionally, the introduction of the “transorganics” is an excellent concept – one that will later be revisited in the Beast Wars and Beast Machines television shows. With that in mind, “The Dweller In The Depths” is a landmark episode, truly a Transformers classic.

3.23 – Only Human: B

“Only Human” will only work if you can accept the episode’s primary conceit that there is an invention that will drain a Transformer of its consciousness and transfer that consciousness into human body. It certainly is a stretch. A very loooooong stretch. But if you can get past it, you’ll be in for an episode that is an instant classic by way of the very prominent cameo role of a G.I. Joe character.

3.24 – Money is Everything: C+

“Money Is Everything” is a remarkable episode for the fact that it relies on just a handful of characters. We see only the Quintessons, two humans (Marisa Faireborn and a newcomer) and just two groups of Transformers – the Technobots and the Terrorcons. Also of note is the heavy emphasis on the interactions of Marisa Faireborn and the rogue smuggler, named Dirk. Their story is really the heart of the episode. And it works … up to a point.

3.25 – Grimlock’s New Brain: B-

“Grimlock’s New Brain” is an episode in which a bizarre accident leads Grimlock to a wildly incredible increase in intelligence. Aside from the humor and unusualness of seeing a super-smart Grimlock, the resulting episode also confronts with how we deal with sudden, rapid change – as well as coming to terms with our own limitations and appreciating ourselves for who we are.

3.26 – Call of the Primitives: B

The first thing you notice about “Call of the Primitives” is the exquisite quality of the animation. It’s easily a cut above just about everything else in the series thus far and, oftentimes, it rivals the quality we saw in Transformers: The Movie. I suspect this was done in order to underscore the important of some of the revelations made in this episode, which connect back to The Movie. But either way, from start to finish, “Call of the Primitives” is an enjoyable visual feast. As for the story, unlike The Movie it’s good, but not exceptional.

3.27 – The Face of the Nijika: B-

“The Face of Nijika” is an episode in the same vein as “Child’s Play” where the Transformers are transported to an alien planet. The difference, of course, is that this episode is much better. But its strengths aren’t exactly in character or theme, but rather in its concept and premise. In many ways, a race of telepathic people who gain their power from the stars is a truly exceptional concept. And it works exceptionally well in this episode.

3.28 – The Burden Hardest to Bear: A

“The Burden Hardest To Bear” just may be a crowning achievement for the Transformers series. After the tumultuous transition from Season 2 to Season 3, by way of Transformers: The Movie, the series developed a new identity. And yet it struggled recapture the same magic it had previously contained. That isn’t to say Season 3 is worse than its predecessors – in many ways it’s better – but the fact remains that it simply wasn’t as well-received. One of the main factors in all of this was the character of Rodimus Prime. The new leader of the Autobots was perpetually in the shadow of Optimus Prime – both the character himself as well as the stories involving the character. At some point, Rodimus Prime, who was conceived as a younger, more raw, less assured leader would have to come to terms with his destiny.

This is that episode.

3.29 – The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1: A

“The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1” is a wonderfully conceived and crafted episode. If “The Burden Hardest to Bear” was a crowning moment, then this episode surpasses it. What makes this episode so strong isn’t simply that Optimus Prime rises from the dead – but the story in which he returns is exquisitely constructed. By the time Optimus Prime makes his triumphant return, the fate of the entire galaxy is hanging in the balance.

3.30 – The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2: A

“The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2” is a rousing conclusion to not only Season 3, but also to the triumphant story of Optimus Prime’s resurrection. Having witnessed his return in Part 1, with the fate of the entire galaxy hanging in the balance, Part 2 is all about reintroductions – and saving the universe. What makes the episode successful is its continuation of the emotion of hate. What makes the episode exceptional is in its ultimate solution to the conflict.