Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode

Sunday, March 8th, 2015 10:32AM CDT

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Fellow member and long time fan of Seibertron.com QBKiller94 was able to attend a première of the Transformers Robots In Disguise cartoon hosted by Hasbro at a movie theater in New York City. They were able to write up their thoughts of the two-part pilot episode, and we've copied it below for your perusal - why not compare it to our previous review from board admin Burn here? The show is already being aired across multiple countries, and will air in the US on March 14th.

Review: “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode

By QBKiller94

“Transformers: Robots in Disguise” draws upon several of its predecessors while carving out a unique place in Hasbro’s animated lineup thanks to a striking art style, talented voice cast and promising plot lines.

“Transformers: RID” made its North American debut with a private screening at the TriBeCa Theater in New York City on Saturday. I watched the two-part pilot with my 5-year-old daughter without commercial breaks in a small theater with about 60 fans of all ages.

The pilot opens up on Cybertron with two Autobots racing down a path together -- a familiar scene for fans of the original G1 series. Bumblebee, brilliantly voiced by Will Friedle, is a veteran street cop accompanied by the young and inexperienced Strongarm. An indeterminate number of years have passed since the events of “Transformers Prime.” Optimus Prime is dead and it appears the war is over.

While Optimus is no longer leading the Autobots, his presence is felt throughout the pilot and marked physically by a giant memorial statue on Seibertron. Bumblebee sees Optimus in a vision during the apprehension of the law-breaking Sideswipe near the former Autobot leader’s memorial. The message from Optimus is loud and clear – Bumblebee must return to Earth.

The scene shifts to Earth where a boy named Rusty laments living in a salvage yard with his father, Denny. Denny is a nostalgic collector, a hoarder of things others have grown tired of and he’s not keen on throwing any of it out. It’s a subtle wink at seasoned Transformers collectors, for sure. Rusty yearns for life in the nearby city to take him away from the boring salvage yard. Rusty is a plucky, rebellious kid and Denny is a laid-back dreamer who provides comic relief. Thankfully, neither one detracts from the action of the pilot episode.

Things pick up when an Autobot prison ship crash lands in a wooded area near Denny’s salvage yard shortly before Bumblebee, Strongarm and Sideswipe arrive on Earth. Hundreds of deadly Decepticons have escaped and they’ve got to be recaptured.

On Earth, the Autobots team up with the Minicon Fixit and Grimlock, whose back story is given a fresh new spin. Grimlock, like some of the other characters, is a mash up of several previously seen Transformers personality. Grimlock, voiced by Khary Payton, is a combination of his G1 namesake and “Transformers Animated” Bulkhead. He’s massive, dumb and super kid-friendly.

Bumblebee is the reluctant leader of the group and it’s clear early on that his maturation and growth in that role is going to be one of the overarching story lines for this series.

“Entourage” actress Constance Zimmer voices Strongarm, the young, by-the-book cadet who’s eager to jump into the action despite Bumblebee’s constant coddling. She’s peppy and green as grass, basically the complete opposite of Arcee’s role in “Transformers Prime.” Sideswipe is aimed squarely at the preteen crowd. He’s a cross between “Transformers Prime” Smokescreen and Ted Theodore Logan. The diminutive Fixit rounds out the crew. He stammers and stutters comically, which makes you wonder how he ended up being in charge of a prison ship full of the universes most dangerous Decepticons in the first place.

“Do you know who I am? I’m Underbite, the Chompazoid who devoured Nuon City!”

“Transformers RID” is set up for the Autobots to embark on endless missions to hunt down these escaped cons and if the rest of them are as colorful as Underbite, then we’re in for fun ride. Underbite is a Chompazoid who is incredibly proud of his strength, which grows each time he chomps down on some metal. Undrebyte flexes, preens and exclaims: “Feel the burn!” just as you’d expect an arrogant muscle head from Venice Beach or the Jersey Shore to. Underbite is a hefty Decepticon who gives the Autobots all they can handle all the while looking for validation of his past misdeeds.

The art style for “Transformers: RID” has a strong anime vibe to it with a bright color pallet to give it a softer feel than “Transformers Prime.” It’s a mix of CGI characters and painted backgrounds that works well on screen. The action scenes are animated with skill and each characters transformation is expertly executed. There is a scene where Sideswipe saves Rusty while transforming that is reminiscent of one of the more famous live action movie scenes. There’s hope that we may get some of the cinematic quality action sequences that “Transformers Prime” made common place.

Overall, it’s clear “Transformers: RID” is aiming for a younger demo graphic, but it succeeds in both entertaining the under-10 crowd and having enough meat to keep parents and older fans engaged. The pilot episode does an excellent job of setting the stage for the series with well-written characters, laugh-out-loud moments and a solid plot foundation. If you’re looking for it to be as weighty as “Transformers Prime,” then you may be disappointed. However, if you can get past the tonal change you’ll be treated to a host of original characters and a fresh new voyage into the Transformers universe.

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Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660564)
Posted by PrymeStriker on March 8th, 2015 @ 11:46am CDT

I still think Part 1 was rushed and Part 2 has the shittiest resolve.

Meanwhile, "Collect 'Em All" was another good episode. However, while it was full of depth for Strongarm, I thought Filch would be a little more interesting than "shiny" and "mine." It got really irritating before too long. Otherwise, episode 7 carries itself nicely.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660572)
Posted by NuclearConvoy on March 8th, 2015 @ 12:12pm CDT

So, did "The Hub" fail? Is that why Transformers is back on Cartoon Network?

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660574)
Posted by dreadwing95 on March 8th, 2015 @ 12:18pm CDT

NuclearConvoy wrote:So, did "The Hub" fail? Is that why Transformers is back on Cartoon Network?

from what i heard it did. its getting renamed discovery family i think

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660575)
Posted by Madeus Prime on March 8th, 2015 @ 12:20pm CDT

NuclearConvoy wrote:So, did "The Hub" fail? Is that why Transformers is back on Cartoon Network?

Yeah, I blame it on it being a hard-to-find channel. At least in my experience. Also, two hit shows doesn't make a great channel (MLP: FIM and TFP).

Got to see episode 7, it was ok? I really hoped Filch was going to have some sort of Gollum like personality. Character development on Strongarm wasn't bad, I still just find myself not enjoying her character. I'm really hoping Jazz and Drift will bring some more colorful character to the main cast.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660596)
Posted by NuclearConvoy on March 8th, 2015 @ 1:47pm CDT

Madeus Prime wrote:
NuclearConvoy wrote:So, did "The Hub" fail? Is that why Transformers is back on Cartoon Network?

Yeah, I blame it on it being a hard-to-find channel. At least in my experience. Also, two hit shows doesn't make a great channel (MLP: FIM and TFP).

Got to see episode 7, it was ok? I really hoped Filch was going to have some sort of Gollum like personality. Character development on Strongarm wasn't bad, I still just find myself not enjoying her character. I'm really hoping Jazz and Drift will bring some more colorful character to the main cast.

I have only found the first 3 episodes so far and only watched the first two. I enjoy the voice acting, and the way they brought the humans into the story wasn't TOO heavy handed. It certainly shows potential.

Where are you guys getting your episodes from?

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660599)
Posted by Ultra Markus on March 8th, 2015 @ 1:52pm CDT

in case you missed them the 2 part pilot plus episode 3 is here:
http://www.watchcartoononline.com/trans ... lot-part-1

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660604)
Posted by fenrir72 on March 8th, 2015 @ 1:59pm CDT

Is this a continuation of Prime then?

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660608)
Posted by PrymeStriker on March 8th, 2015 @ 2:08pm CDT

fenrir72 wrote:Is this a continuation of Prime then?

Yes.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660619)
Posted by Seibertron on March 8th, 2015 @ 2:14pm CDT

PrymeStriker wrote:I still think Part 1 was rushed and Part 2 has the shittiest resolve.

Meanwhile, "Collect 'Em All" was another good episode. However, while it was full of depth for Strongarm, I thought Filch would be a little more interesting than "shiny" and "mine." It got really irritating before too long. Otherwise, episode 7 carries itself nicely.

Where are you guys watching these at?

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660635)
Posted by Madeus Prime on March 8th, 2015 @ 2:44pm CDT

Seibertron wrote:
PrymeStriker wrote:I still think Part 1 was rushed and Part 2 has the shittiest resolve.

Meanwhile, "Collect 'Em All" was another good episode. However, while it was full of depth for Strongarm, I thought Filch would be a little more interesting than "shiny" and "mine." It got really irritating before too long. Otherwise, episode 7 carries itself nicely.

Where are you guys watching these at?

Dailymotion, Burn's been linking us up.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660636)
Posted by TurboMMaster on March 8th, 2015 @ 2:50pm CDT

PrymeStriker wrote:
fenrir72 wrote:Is this a continuation of Prime then?

Yes.

Yeah, I know... It is sometimes hard to belive

However, there is a few of my thoughs about this series

-This Decepticon's Prisoners database witch Fixit checked every episode remainds me of Pokedex...

- Is there any reason why Fixit can't scan some Segway or something? it seems kinda obvious solution to his problems, unless he just can't transform witch is kinda unbelivable for me.
The same is for Grimlock and some Truck.

-It's just me or there is intentionaly a lot of chemistry between Strongarm and Sideswipe? I don't expected this in childish cartoon about robots from space, but it's kinda seems to be very obvious to me, you don't need to want to see it, you just did. I hope they don't ruind this series with pointless pairings...

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660642)
Posted by Cobotron on March 8th, 2015 @ 3:04pm CDT

PrymeStriker wrote:
fenrir72 wrote:Is this a continuation of Prime then?

Yes.

I'm gonna go with, maybe, kinda, sorta?

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660645)
Posted by NuclearConvoy on March 8th, 2015 @ 3:12pm CDT

Madeus Prime wrote:
Seibertron wrote:
PrymeStriker wrote:I still think Part 1 was rushed and Part 2 has the shittiest resolve.

Meanwhile, "Collect 'Em All" was another good episode. However, while it was full of depth for Strongarm, I thought Filch would be a little more interesting than "shiny" and "mine." It got really irritating before too long. Otherwise, episode 7 carries itself nicely.

Where are you guys watching these at?

Dailymotion, Burn's been linking us up.

Links?

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660653)
Posted by Cobotron on March 8th, 2015 @ 3:36pm CDT

NuclearConvoy wrote:
Madeus Prime wrote:
Seibertron wrote:
PrymeStriker wrote:I still think Part 1 was rushed and Part 2 has the shittiest resolve.

Meanwhile, "Collect 'Em All" was another good episode. However, while it was full of depth for Strongarm, I thought Filch would be a little more interesting than "shiny" and "mine." It got really irritating before too long. Otherwise, episode 7 carries itself nicely.

Where are you guys watching these at?

Dailymotion, Burn's been linking us up.

Links?

ep.1 is on page 34 0r 36. We are up to ep.7. Look for sabrblade's posts.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660654)
Posted by Madeus Prime on March 8th, 2015 @ 3:39pm CDT

NuclearConvoy wrote:
Madeus Prime wrote:
Seibertron wrote:
PrymeStriker wrote:I still think Part 1 was rushed and Part 2 has the shittiest resolve.

Meanwhile, "Collect 'Em All" was another good episode. However, while it was full of depth for Strongarm, I thought Filch would be a little more interesting than "shiny" and "mine." It got really irritating before too long. Otherwise, episode 7 carries itself nicely.

Where are you guys watching these at?

Dailymotion, Burn's been linking us up.

Links?

Correction, sorry Sabrblade, both Burn and Sabrblade have been linking up the episodes.

Episode 1 is online - http://www.dailymotion.com/video/k6rbw1C4huuMqsacdqo
Episode 2 is online - http://www.dailymotion.com/video/k1okRQjL32875nacuAx
Episode 3 is online - http://www.dailymotion.com/video/k5my4G4HPpQdPtacLYd
Episode 4 is online - http://www.dailymotion.com/video/k25lI3h4HQBuEoagqxf
Episode 5 is online - http://www.dailymotion.com/video/k5YElj14MdRKuAah7mM
Episode 6 is online - http://www.dailymotion.com/video/k4TqCtMaJHkFAFakFCx
Episode 7 is online - http://www.dailymotion.com/video/k1hA28Y3Tvk7QgakZOt

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660662)
Posted by Cobotron on March 8th, 2015 @ 3:54pm CDT

Madeus, you got real class.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660708)
Posted by PrymeStriker on March 8th, 2015 @ 5:55pm CDT

Cobotron wrote:
PrymeStriker wrote:
fenrir72 wrote:Is this a continuation of Prime then?

Yes.
I'm gonna go with, maybe, kinda, sorta?

- Same animation company as Prime
- Same writers and creative staff as Prime
- Same voice actors (where applicable) as Prime
- Same aesthetic as Prime
- Continuity in-check and blatant references to Prime
- Some (unknown) Prime characters returning in season two
- Multiple press releases and descriptions from staff stating it takes place some years after Prime

I'm gonna go with yes.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660714)
Posted by Mechastrike on March 8th, 2015 @ 6:03pm CDT

there goes my shipping of Strongarm and Bee that I wrote months earlier but i guess Transformers shows aren't supposed to be about Bot pairings. let's just leave it up to the humans(although BW was an exception).

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660730)
Posted by Sabrblade on March 8th, 2015 @ 6:45pm CDT

Madeus Prime wrote:Correction, sorry Sabrblade, both Burn and Sabrblade have been linking up the episodes.

Episode 1 is online - http://www.dailymotion.com/video/k6rbw1C4huuMqsacdqo
Episode 2 is online - http://www.dailymotion.com/video/k1okRQjL32875nacuAx
Episode 3 is online - http://www.dailymotion.com/video/k5my4G4HPpQdPtacLYd
Episode 4 is online - http://www.dailymotion.com/video/k25lI3h4HQBuEoagqxf
Episode 5 is online - http://www.dailymotion.com/video/k5YElj14MdRKuAah7mM
Episode 6 is online - http://www.dailymotion.com/video/k4TqCtMaJHkFAFakFCx
Episode 7 is online - http://www.dailymotion.com/video/k1hA28Y3Tvk7QgakZOt

Your welcome.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660741)
Posted by Cobotron on March 8th, 2015 @ 7:06pm CDT

PrymeStriker wrote:
Cobotron wrote:
PrymeStriker wrote:
fenrir72 wrote:Is this a continuation of Prime then?

Yes.
I'm gonna go with, maybe, kinda, sorta?

- Same animation company as Prime
- Same writers and creative staff as Prime
- Same voice actors (where applicable) as Prime
- Same aesthetic as Prime
- Continuity in-check and blatant references to Prime
- Some (unknown) Prime characters returning in season two
- Multiple press releases and descriptions from staff stating it takes place some years after Prime

I'm gonna go with yes.

Ok. I'll upgrade to "probably". :lol:

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660761)
Posted by Sabrblade on March 8th, 2015 @ 8:17pm CDT

for those wondering, no, the episodes we've been watching are not leaked episodes. The show has been officially airing on Cartoon Network in Australia since February 21st.

We American viewers have just been put into the same boat as those viewers from foreign countries who have no choice but to watch online versions of a show whenever an episode usually airs on TV in America ahead of those other countries.

After all, by the time the show airs in America, it will have already started airing in China, France, Australia, the UK, Germany, and possibly Canada as well, all before the U.S. gets the show.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660774)
Posted by kaijuguy19 on March 8th, 2015 @ 8:44pm CDT

Caught up to all 7 episodes. I'm enjoying the series so far. It certainly has TFA vibes which is a good thing.

So far Grimlock,Strongarm,Steeljaw and Underbite are my favourites. The other Decepticons I'm really finding interesting because of how diverse they are. For example how Hammerstrike is a type of Sharkticon,Underbite is a type of Cybertronian called a Chompazoid,Terrashock being a Buffalo esque species of Cybertronian and Finch seems to be acting purely on some bird like instinct like how Inferno acted on Ant instinct in Beast Wars which is interesting.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660798)
Posted by PrymeStriker on March 8th, 2015 @ 9:54pm CDT

It's really weird, as I don't normally find myself caring too much for minicon characters, but Fixit is probably my favorite character from RID. Not because he's incredibly deep and interesting to analyze, but because he's an incredibly fun character to watch. The other four Autobots are entertaining, and in the case of Bumblebee and Strongarm, interesting. But none of them have the charm and charisma (Bumblebee coming the closest, especially in "W.W.O.D") that Fixit brings to his role. I really want to learn more about him in future episodes.

The Decepticons really haven't appealed to me aside from Steeljaw, Terrashock, and Thunderhoof. They're just so...bland. Perhaps I'm expecting too much considering Prime gave us some of the best Transformers antagonists, but they just seem to fall flat a lot. Keeping in mind that most of them are one-offs that we'll probably never see again, they tend to fail in that regard as well. Take the RTD and early Moffat eras of Doctor Who for example, where the monsters of the week extended quite a bit beyond "ROAR I'M EVIL," which is what this show feels like it's doing. I'm earnestly waiting for this arc to end.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660803)
Posted by Madeus Prime on March 8th, 2015 @ 10:23pm CDT

PrymeStriker wrote:Take the RTD and early Moffat eras of Doctor Who for example, where the monsters of the week extended quite a bit beyond "ROAR I'M EVIL," which is what this show feels like it's doing. I'm earnestly waiting for this arc to end.

Ditto, I liked it at first, but now it just feels stupid. Being honest here, I thought I was liking the show, but it's going downhill very fast.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660822)
Posted by Burn on March 8th, 2015 @ 11:15pm CDT

Madeus Prime wrote:
Seibertron wrote:
PrymeStriker wrote:I still think Part 1 was rushed and Part 2 has the shittiest resolve.

Meanwhile, "Collect 'Em All" was another good episode. However, while it was full of depth for Strongarm, I thought Filch would be a little more interesting than "shiny" and "mine." It got really irritating before too long. Otherwise, episode 7 carries itself nicely.

Where are you guys watching these at?

Dailymotion, Burn's been linking us up.

Not me.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660824)
Posted by Sabrblade on March 8th, 2015 @ 11:22pm CDT

Burn wrote:Not me.

True that. >:oP

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660835)
Posted by Madeus Prime on March 9th, 2015 @ 12:30am CDT

Sabrblade wrote:
Burn wrote:Not me.
True that.

Sorry guys, I got confused since you both use spoilers and I was scrolling really fast.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660839)
Posted by Burn on March 9th, 2015 @ 1:14am CDT

Madeus Prime wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:
Burn wrote:Not me.
True that.

Sorry guys, I got confused since you both use spoilers and I was scrolling really fast.

Surprised he didn't correct you sooner.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1660855)
Posted by ausbot on March 9th, 2015 @ 4:30am CDT

Thanks for the links guys, I am super loving this new show, I don't hate the humans, and I am enjoying different villans each week, I cannot wait for more.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1661059)
Posted by fenrir72 on March 9th, 2015 @ 6:41pm CDT

PrymeStriker wrote:
Cobotron wrote:
PrymeStriker wrote:
fenrir72 wrote:Is this a continuation of Prime then?

Yes.
I'm gonna go with, maybe, kinda, sorta?

- Same animation company as Prime
- Same writers and creative staff as Prime
- Same voice actors (where applicable) as Prime
- Same aesthetic as Prime
- Continuity in-check and blatant references to Prime
- Some (unknown) Prime characters returning in season two
- Multiple press releases and descriptions from staff stating it takes place some years after Prime

I'm gonna go with yes.

Synpsis says Prime's dead? But since there are toys of him, he's gonna make a "Return" then? Wish this was just a different continuity fresh start and all.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1661063)
Posted by NuclearConvoy on March 9th, 2015 @ 6:57pm CDT

I'm a truck. Vroom, vroom.
Best Grimlock quote ever.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1661064)
Posted by PrymeStriker on March 9th, 2015 @ 6:59pm CDT

fenrir72 wrote:
PrymeStriker wrote:
Cobotron wrote:
PrymeStriker wrote:
fenrir72 wrote:Is this a continuation of Prime then?

Yes.
I'm gonna go with, maybe, kinda, sorta?

- Same animation company as Prime
- Same writers and creative staff as Prime
- Same voice actors (where applicable) as Prime
- Same aesthetic as Prime
- Continuity in-check and blatant references to Prime
- Some (unknown) Prime characters returning in season two
- Multiple press releases and descriptions from staff stating it takes place some years after Prime

I'm gonna go with yes.

Synpsis says Prime's dead? But since there are toys of him, he's gonna make a "Return" then? Wish this was just a different continuity fresh start and all.

He'll probably make a return, but right now, he's getting toys because 1) he's Optimus Prime and 2) he's gonna have some sort of Afterlife/Tomb of the Primes arc going for him at some point. Personally I think they should restrict that to one episode as a connection point between all of his pop-up moments in the show so far, but whatever. >:oP

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1661864)
Posted by william-james88 on March 11th, 2015 @ 3:07pm CDT

fenrir72 wrote:
Synpsis says Prime's dead? But since there are toys of him, he's gonna make a "Return" then? Wish this was just a different continuity fresh start and all.

Well the show sure seems to act that way anyway.

And I totally think we would get a summary show that connects all of Prime's sporadic appearances.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1661869)
Posted by william-james88 on March 11th, 2015 @ 3:14pm CDT

Roger Craig Smith, who voices minicons Slipstream, Jetstorm and Airazor on Robots in Disguise has tweeted that there will be a Live Tweet session this Saturday, March 14th at 3pm PT with the cast and crew of the Robots in Disguise Show. This will be during the show's premier on cartoon network and you can tweet your questions to the cast and crew while the show airs. For those who don't mind spoilers, we already have a review of the two part pilot episode here.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1662071)
Posted by NuclearConvoy on March 12th, 2015 @ 7:30am CDT

I gotta say that I really enjoy the simple, episodic nature of this series. The villains are certainly simpler in motivation than usual, but the diversity of ideas and the high level of originality being brought to the table is great.

I'm a little sad that we didn't get to see Filtch's robot mode in detail. I am so far in a state where I would buy toys of any of these Decepticons if donein Warrior class.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1662673)
Posted by Sabrblade on March 14th, 2015 @ 11:22am CDT

Episode 8 is online - http://www.dailymotion.com/video/k4ClmoKtEMfPcJaoGAB

Episode 8 -

New proximity alarm installed by Fixit.

The others found an empty stasis pod covered in mud. Its emptiness can't be a good thing.

Grimlock's gone feral!

It's like Grimlock doesn't remember being the Autobots' teammate and has somehow reverted to being a savage Decepticon.

And it's like he's talking to someone inside his mind.

Okay, someone else is definitely in on control of Grimlock, with the real Grimlock trying to resist the guy in the driver's seat.

The guy controlling Grimlock (speaking through the real Grimlock's mouth) makes mention of some kind of "-Cons" that he refers to as hoarders, but I can't make out what he called them. "Koalacons" is my best guess, but I'm definitely not certain.

Evil Grimlock (not official, my nickname for him) has found the imprisoned Underbite.

Russell uses the proximity alarm to try and scare off Evil Grimlock, but Evil Grimlock smashes it. However, Russell claims the alarm means that Optimus Prime himself is on his way now, much to Evil Grimlock's horror.

Evil Grimlock makes mention of "the boss".

Evil Grimlock decides to get out of there with the still frozen Underbite.

Bee's seen Grimlock's criminal history rap sheet, stating that his only charge was property damage due to Grimlock being, well, Grimlock.

The Crown River Dam is the first place the Bots are gonna check for Grimlock's rendezvous with "the boss".

Bumblebee "Roll Out" fail of the day: "Autobots, maximum velocity!"

Russell has Fixit pull up the Alchemor's prisoner manifest, in which they spot something that worries Fixit so much that he fears the others might not make it back.

A trap in the woods sends Bee and Swipe careening over a steep downward slope. It was rigged from a cryo-inducer taken from a stasis pod.

Hiya, Steeljaw! He says Thunderhoof is out scouting for a larger base.

Steeljaw's true intention is to make this world a home for all Decepticons.

While Sideswipe engages Steeljaw, Evil Grimlock bashes around Bee and Strongarm as he hums the classic Transformers theme song! :lol:

Steeljaw abandons Evil Grimlock while the Bots subdue him Empire Strikes Back Snowspeeder-style.

Fixit and Russell finally fix the comms and get in touch with the others to tell them that Grimlock is being controlled by a Cybertate named Minitron, who can control any bot it bites.

Grimlock's ticklish as the others look for Minitron.

Strongarm swears "Sweet Solus Prime!"

Minitron keeps jumping between Bee/Swipe/Strongarm to make them all fight each other. :lol:

The real Grimlock grabs and subdues Minitron.

The little cretin is returned to its tiny stasis pod.

Grimlock's gonna get his own Autobot symbol.

Steeljaw, however, now has Underbite.

Not a bad episode. Though he was the episode's main focus, this was less about Grimlock himself and more about fleshing out his relationship with each of the other members of his team. Strongarm was quick to assume the worst of him, Sideswipe wanted to remain hopeful in Grimlock, and Bumblebee was caught in the middle, torn between his duty as an Autobot officer and his duty to his friend. In the end, it was Strongarm who had to learn not to jump to conclusions and let her adherence to rules and regulations cloud all other rationality. Russell also got a pivotal role in this one, being key in uncovering the truth about Grimlock and having to convince the others about there being more to Grimlock than there appeared to be. Though Sideswipe was the only one willing to listen to him, he came through in the end with uncovering Minitron's existence. And Steeljaw, naturally, was the one pulling the strings behind the whole operation, and even got away with Underbite. What's more is that we got to see more of his agenda, in which he wants to create a world for Decepticons to live in free of Autobot authority, and that he believes things like "a good leader is only first among equals" and doesn't appreciate cowardly ways for justifying failure. He's certainly one of the more interesting main villains we've had in a while, so now that he's got both Underbite and Thunderhoof, let's see where he goes with his plans.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1662679)
Posted by dreadwing95 on March 14th, 2015 @ 11:54am CDT

pretty good episode. almost thought bumblebee was gonna say maximize at first lol

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1662686)
Posted by Madeus Prime on March 14th, 2015 @ 12:34pm CDT

Well, not bad, wish that Evil Grimlock had actually had different mannerisms to go with his possession.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1662699)
Posted by Sabrblade on March 14th, 2015 @ 1:13pm CDT

Madeus Prime wrote:Well, not bad, wish that Evil Grimlock had actually had different mannerisms to go with his possession.

But wouldn't that have better given it away to the Autobots that he wasn't his real self?

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1662717)
Posted by Madeus Prime on March 14th, 2015 @ 1:58pm CDT

Sabrblade wrote:
Madeus Prime wrote:Well, not bad, wish that Evil Grimlock had actually had different mannerisms to go with his possession.
But wouldn't that have better given it away to the Autobots that he wasn't his real self?

Yeah, but I thought that just putting an electronic overlay to the voice of the possessed bots was kind of dumb, why not give them some for of nervous tic or something to just make it more interesting? Not that we'll ever see Minitron again.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1662726)
Posted by Va'al on March 14th, 2015 @ 2:25pm CDT

Those spoilers we asked you to use? Please use them.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1662777)
Posted by NuclearConvoy on March 14th, 2015 @ 6:37pm CDT

Still enjoying this series a lot. It strikes such a good balance between being comfortably episodic and having a nice overarching narrative. I really hope Hasbro takes advantage of how many decepticons so far have cool designs and release many of them at Warrior scale. I don't think this most recent episode's villain needs a toy of that scale, but I think he is likely to get some recognition (I also don't think that this will be the last time we see him, he just seems too useful to be a one-episode character).

I feel I have been vague enough.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1662801)
Posted by psj333 on March 14th, 2015 @ 8:07pm CDT

Sabrblade, on the TFWiki.net website, a new synopsis for episode #13 is given. It states that while Bumblebee is trying to catch a bunch of Decepticon hoodlums, Optimus warns Bee of a much greater threat that threatens both Earth and Cybertron. I believe that threat is none other than a Decepticon skunk, Stench himself. Hopefully that Hasbro will get to use that name for the American release. Unfortunately, upon streaming the episode just weeks ago on 1905.com, I found out that the episode does not feature Optimus or the Decepticon hoodlums that is likely led by Stench himself. Instead, this episode only features a Decepticon crab, named Clampdown. Stench is in episode #14, not episode #13. Could this mean that Hasbro accidentally switch the synopsis around by mistake, or they have decided to show episode #14 first and then episode #13?

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1662815)
Posted by Madeus Prime on March 14th, 2015 @ 9:14pm CDT

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1662825)
Posted by Burn on March 14th, 2015 @ 10:18pm CDT

Madeus Prime wrote::roll:

Posts like this are a waste of time.
As are reporting posts just because they annoy you. Only report posts if they actually violate the rules.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1662830)
Posted by Sabrblade on March 14th, 2015 @ 10:23pm CDT

Wonder how many new viewers caught the primetime U.S. premiere of episodes 1 and 2 on Cartoon Network.

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1662838)
Posted by NuclearConvoy on March 14th, 2015 @ 11:03pm CDT

Sabrblade wrote:Wonder how many new viewers caught the primetime U.S. premiere of episodes 1 and 2 on Cartoon Network.

I hope it's a lot.
I really want a good Transformers series to be incredibly successful and bring Transformers up a notch in standing with new fans, both young and old.

Between the IDW comics getting better and this series feeling good to start, following on the heels of both the surprisingly entertaining Prime and the stellar Animated, it feels that we are in a renaissance of sorts for Transformers media. Then there are the movies, hard for me to say how i feel about them... I feel like they introduce interesting new takes on characters and some great designs, but they are amazingly inept in making Transformers respectable. Their reach is also much farther than the comics and television shows...

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1662841)
Posted by Sabrblade on March 14th, 2015 @ 11:09pm CDT

NuclearConvoy wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:Wonder how many new viewers caught the primetime U.S. premiere of episodes 1 and 2 on Cartoon Network.

I hope it's a lot.
I really want a good Transformers series to be incredibly successful and bring Transformers up a notch in standing with new fans, both young and old.

Between the IDW comics getting better and this series feeling good to start, following on the heels of both the surprisingly entertaining Prime and the stellar Animated, it feels that we are in a renaissance of sorts for Transformers media. Then there are the movies, hard for me to say how i feel about them... I feel like they introduce interesting new takes on characters and some great designs, but they are amazingly inept in making Transformers respectable. Their reach is also much farther than the comics and television shows...

There's one more praiseworthy cartoon series left out of that post of praise (and dispraise, in regards to the movies bit).

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1662853)
Posted by NuclearConvoy on March 14th, 2015 @ 11:55pm CDT

Sabrblade wrote:
NuclearConvoy wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:Wonder how many new viewers caught the primetime U.S. premiere of episodes 1 and 2 on Cartoon Network.

I hope it's a lot.
I really want a good Transformers series to be incredibly successful and bring Transformers up a notch in standing with new fans, both young and old.

Between the IDW comics getting better and this series feeling good to start, following on the heels of both the surprisingly entertaining Prime and the stellar Animated, it feels that we are in a renaissance of sorts for Transformers media. Then there are the movies, hard for me to say how i feel about them... I feel like they introduce interesting new takes on characters and some great designs, but they are amazingly inept in making Transformers respectable. Their reach is also much farther than the comics and television shows...
There's one more praiseworthy cartoon series left out of that post of praise (and dispraise, in regards to the movies bit).

1) What series did I leave out?
2) God, I really, really want to like the movies more. I want them to be as eloquent and wonderful as I know Transformers can be... but I also know that this sin't the venue for that, and the movies are aimed to tap into the buying power of those who like summer blockbusters. Some parts of it I enjoy, I can watch them for their unintended hilarity, I can watch them for their beautiful CGI battles, I just can't watch them for smart characterization and explicable, intelligent plots.

Still, they have introduced some wonderful elements to the fiction, in my opinion. They came in with an entirely new aesthetic that forced people to change what they thought Transformers had to be confined to, they put some new spins on existing character concepts that breathed fresh air into them and also provided us with a catalyst to discuss the benefits and negatives of these ideas.

I for one loved AOE Hound. I thought his design was unique and thoughtful, his basic character concept was solid and they had a great voice actor. Did he get much characterization beyond old, grizzled gun nut soldier who always keeps fighting...? no. But it provided us with a new "mold" to go with moving forward that is visually unique and still familiar enough. Sure, the name can waffle back and forth, but I can easily see that basic design being recreate with good chances of success in other media moving forward.

Pros and Cons...

Re: Review of “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” Two-Part Pilot Episode (1662891)
Posted by Sabrblade on March 15th, 2015 @ 5:08am CDT