Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes
Sunday, November 13th, 2022 6:23PM CST
Categories: Cartoon News, ReviewsPosted by: william-james88 Views: 65,234
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The entirety of Season 1 of Transformers Eartrhspark was put up on Paramount Plus 2 days ago. Since then the show has been found across different channels internationally, with Spanish dubs on Youtube and even a marathon on Pluto TV's Transformers channel. For anyone curious, here is a review of the first two episodes, Secret Legacy Parts 1 and 2, which serve as the pilot to the show (and is even aired as a 40 minute episode in some places).
Review of Transformers: EarthSpark Episode 1-2 Secret Legacy
The show wastes no time getting the ball rolling. Within just a few minutes, we are introduced to the main characters and their bond to this strange new breed of Transformers which were formed in a cave thanks to the Emberstone from Quintus Prime. Now, yes, that is one hell of a deep cut, but what I like best is that since the show is clearly aimed at kids and not fans, this reference is not meant for fans but rather the writers using elements from the lore of the past 35 years and introducing it to a new generation of fans.
While many elements of the show will feel familiar, the take presented here is a new one. All the Transformers media we have experienced in the real world are in this show as well BUT in that world they are fictional retellings of what really happened. So you will get nods to the G1 show, IDW comics and loads of Transformers merchandise. This puts a new dymanic here that we haven't seen for years where it's not about robots in disguise but robots living among us and Transformers being seen like the Avengers in the MCU. This media is referenced when showing the new Transformers what they are. We soon get an idea of the conflict at hand where you have a human threat, Mandroid, capturing Cybertronians (specifically Decepticons) to experiment and learn more about their technology and how he can use it. The two parter ends with a showdown against Mandroid and his brainwashed Decepticons.
This leads me to talk about the action: it is excellent. While I am not a fan of some of the human characterizations, the action is what really impressed me. The fights among the bots feels fluid and dynamic, more so than anything I've ever seen in a live action film. We see lots of transformations too and it's incorporated into the fighting. We get to see Megatron in action and I am happy to report that while he is working with humans here, he still felt very much like Megatron to me, not neutered. His personality will feel very familiar to anyone who read the IDW comics, but of course remember that this is within a kids' show so the tone is levelled to that effect.
As for voice work, everything felt fine. I am impressed with Alan Tudyk's Optimus Prime since he aces that difficult balance of having a familiar Optimus Prime voice without it being an imitation of Peter Cullen. Also, regarding Optimus, it seemed at first like they were reusing the Evergreen design but seeing the character model in action it is a new take on it. I especially like how we can see he is a long nose truck in bot mode, with the nose adding a tapered effect to his abdomen where the grill is. Incorporations of the alt mode like that is found across the character models, which is always welcome from me, like seeing the car doors on Elita's shins and all the Transformations look well thought out.
Overall, I like everything concerning the bots in terms of action, designs, personality and story. I am not a fan of the characterizations for some of the human characters (especially the older kid) but it wasn't enough to be a turnoff from the show as a whole. I am glad the show is around and I see it creating new young fans.
Review of Transformers: EarthSpark Episode 1-2 Secret Legacy
The show wastes no time getting the ball rolling. Within just a few minutes, we are introduced to the main characters and their bond to this strange new breed of Transformers which were formed in a cave thanks to the Emberstone from Quintus Prime. Now, yes, that is one hell of a deep cut, but what I like best is that since the show is clearly aimed at kids and not fans, this reference is not meant for fans but rather the writers using elements from the lore of the past 35 years and introducing it to a new generation of fans.
While many elements of the show will feel familiar, the take presented here is a new one. All the Transformers media we have experienced in the real world are in this show as well BUT in that world they are fictional retellings of what really happened. So you will get nods to the G1 show, IDW comics and loads of Transformers merchandise. This puts a new dymanic here that we haven't seen for years where it's not about robots in disguise but robots living among us and Transformers being seen like the Avengers in the MCU. This media is referenced when showing the new Transformers what they are. We soon get an idea of the conflict at hand where you have a human threat, Mandroid, capturing Cybertronians (specifically Decepticons) to experiment and learn more about their technology and how he can use it. The two parter ends with a showdown against Mandroid and his brainwashed Decepticons.
This leads me to talk about the action: it is excellent. While I am not a fan of some of the human characterizations, the action is what really impressed me. The fights among the bots feels fluid and dynamic, more so than anything I've ever seen in a live action film. We see lots of transformations too and it's incorporated into the fighting. We get to see Megatron in action and I am happy to report that while he is working with humans here, he still felt very much like Megatron to me, not neutered. His personality will feel very familiar to anyone who read the IDW comics, but of course remember that this is within a kids' show so the tone is levelled to that effect.
As for voice work, everything felt fine. I am impressed with Alan Tudyk's Optimus Prime since he aces that difficult balance of having a familiar Optimus Prime voice without it being an imitation of Peter Cullen. Also, regarding Optimus, it seemed at first like they were reusing the Evergreen design but seeing the character model in action it is a new take on it. I especially like how we can see he is a long nose truck in bot mode, with the nose adding a tapered effect to his abdomen where the grill is. Incorporations of the alt mode like that is found across the character models, which is always welcome from me, like seeing the car doors on Elita's shins and all the Transformations look well thought out.
Overall, I like everything concerning the bots in terms of action, designs, personality and story. I am not a fan of the characterizations for some of the human characters (especially the older kid) but it wasn't enough to be a turnoff from the show as a whole. I am glad the show is around and I see it creating new young fans.
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Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149182)
Posted by Burn on November 13th, 2022 @ 6:25pm CST
WatchCartoonOnline wanted me to turn my adblocker off, so I just went elsewhere and found some handy dandy download links so I can keep the series on the ol HD until hopefully a physical release comes along (or I'll just make my own because I'm old and still have a DVD burner in my computer)
Posted by Burn on November 13th, 2022 @ 6:25pm CST
Sabrblade wrote:Forget what I said about KimCartoon. That site's pop-up ads have become way too infuriating to deal with (the videos won't play at all if any adblocker is turned on). Luckily, all ten episodes are also now on WatchCartoonOnline (wcofun.net), a much more generous site with significantly less frustration.Sabrblade wrote:At long last, after waiting all day long, all ten episodes have finally been uploaded to KimCartoon. Now anyone anywhere can watch them.
WatchCartoonOnline wanted me to turn my adblocker off, so I just went elsewhere and found some handy dandy download links so I can keep the series on the ol HD until hopefully a physical release comes along (or I'll just make my own because I'm old and still have a DVD burner in my computer)
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149186)
Posted by Bumblevivisector on November 13th, 2022 @ 7:02pm CST
Posted by Bumblevivisector on November 13th, 2022 @ 7:02pm CST
Yeah, call me old fashioned too, but as much as I loved the pilot, I might just wait and see if Nick shows the rest...if I don't cat-sit for a friend who has Paramount+ first. If I'm going to bother watching a cartoon online, it'll usually be something there's absolute zero chance of ever seeing elsewhere. Currently, I'm 3 eps into watching Car Robots and RID back to back, and when that's done, it's back to The Comic Strip or a fansub of Mazinger Z.
If there's one bad habit I've learned from being a lifelong TFan, it's being too patient for my own good. I swear I'll catch up on IDW and Japanese continuity someday...
If there's one bad habit I've learned from being a lifelong TFan, it's being too patient for my own good. I swear I'll catch up on IDW and Japanese continuity someday...
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149190)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on November 13th, 2022 @ 7:41pm CST
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on November 13th, 2022 @ 7:41pm CST
I just completed the first season, and there was so much to love.
For one thing, my wife was in the room with me the whole time, and she chuckled a good bit during the whole show. And she had comments, and it was pretty good from her, especially since she is not a TF fan and only listens to me talk about them in any capacity against her will.
The characters were all really good. The cast wasn't very big, but it had a lot to love. Several "special guest" characters if you will were nice, and provided some fresh takes on some characters, or some fresh twists.
Swindle for one got to live up to his name, his episode revolving around deception was enjoyable.
Arcee being a badass was great to see, and she was a lot of fun in her appearance.
Wheeljack was my favorite though. Southern Scientist type Wheeljack complete with retractable faceplate showcasing the beard was great. Dad #2 was great, and his episode was wholesome.
And then the Starscream stinger in episode 8 was great. And the Blum is back!!! The perfect Starscream voice actor has returned!!!
I will say Twitch and Megatron were my favorites. There was nothing about either of them that I would change, they were pure joy, and definitely make me more excited to have their toys. Megatron is also complex while being a ton of fun, he strikes a great balance in character legacy with new ideas. And the Mountain makes a great voice. They really have not missed with a Megatron in a while outside of WFC/IDW2019.
The human characters were also good. I love Alex, he feels just like me if I lived in this universe, and I love it. I also love Dot, and she and her status as a war vet amputee and using that experience is really cool to see, and really hasn't been done in TFs before. I also like the kids, especially with the Terrans. The human aspect is good here.
I look forward to the story moving forward and hopefully some larger cast appearances happening, we have a great cast! We just need them all together now!
As for the story, I liked it. It was a good start to the series, had some great villains while also having some good storylines started. There is some good through-lines i can see developing.
GHOST is going to be interesting to follow, as will more Decepticon action with the Soundwave/Starscream stinger.
The new Terrans are also going to be great to follow. I was also very happy with how they handled Nightshade, that character is going to make some waves, and I am happy they are.
Mandroid was also pretty cool to see, he is someone Cybertronians fear, and his story is also interesting as a wartime amputee in addition to Dot. I look forward to what else he can do.
Also, I am super glad to see that we have another new show, and another new 13 member to bring some extra life to the fiction, and especially since this one of the ones that has not gotten the love yet. Funpub got Nexus, Cyberverse Alchemist, IDW got Onyx, the Arisen, and Liege Maximo to some degree, RiD2015 got Micronus, several have had Megatronus, Prime Wars had Solus, Alpha Trion is pretty frequent, Cybertron got Vector, so we sort of only have Prime, Amalgamous, and Quintus are left, and now we are diving into Quintus, which is cool! and voiced by Clancy Brown no less!
I also like the animation, this is nice and smooth and detailed, it feels like we are hewing closer to Prime again, and I like that, the show is visually good to look at and fun to follow. It especially was good for Megatron's and Elita's movements and fights.
It's a show that looks good, sounds good, and has some good quality and love in it with respect for what came before while still reinventing itself and making a cool new identity for itself.
It's a good show, watch it.
For one thing, my wife was in the room with me the whole time, and she chuckled a good bit during the whole show. And she had comments, and it was pretty good from her, especially since she is not a TF fan and only listens to me talk about them in any capacity against her will.
The characters were all really good. The cast wasn't very big, but it had a lot to love. Several "special guest" characters if you will were nice, and provided some fresh takes on some characters, or some fresh twists.
Swindle for one got to live up to his name, his episode revolving around deception was enjoyable.
Arcee being a badass was great to see, and she was a lot of fun in her appearance.
Wheeljack was my favorite though. Southern Scientist type Wheeljack complete with retractable faceplate showcasing the beard was great. Dad #2 was great, and his episode was wholesome.
And then the Starscream stinger in episode 8 was great. And the Blum is back!!! The perfect Starscream voice actor has returned!!!
I will say Twitch and Megatron were my favorites. There was nothing about either of them that I would change, they were pure joy, and definitely make me more excited to have their toys. Megatron is also complex while being a ton of fun, he strikes a great balance in character legacy with new ideas. And the Mountain makes a great voice. They really have not missed with a Megatron in a while outside of WFC/IDW2019.
The human characters were also good. I love Alex, he feels just like me if I lived in this universe, and I love it. I also love Dot, and she and her status as a war vet amputee and using that experience is really cool to see, and really hasn't been done in TFs before. I also like the kids, especially with the Terrans. The human aspect is good here.
I look forward to the story moving forward and hopefully some larger cast appearances happening, we have a great cast! We just need them all together now!
As for the story, I liked it. It was a good start to the series, had some great villains while also having some good storylines started. There is some good through-lines i can see developing.
GHOST is going to be interesting to follow, as will more Decepticon action with the Soundwave/Starscream stinger.
The new Terrans are also going to be great to follow. I was also very happy with how they handled Nightshade, that character is going to make some waves, and I am happy they are.
Mandroid was also pretty cool to see, he is someone Cybertronians fear, and his story is also interesting as a wartime amputee in addition to Dot. I look forward to what else he can do.
Also, I am super glad to see that we have another new show, and another new 13 member to bring some extra life to the fiction, and especially since this one of the ones that has not gotten the love yet. Funpub got Nexus, Cyberverse Alchemist, IDW got Onyx, the Arisen, and Liege Maximo to some degree, RiD2015 got Micronus, several have had Megatronus, Prime Wars had Solus, Alpha Trion is pretty frequent, Cybertron got Vector, so we sort of only have Prime, Amalgamous, and Quintus are left, and now we are diving into Quintus, which is cool! and voiced by Clancy Brown no less!
I also like the animation, this is nice and smooth and detailed, it feels like we are hewing closer to Prime again, and I like that, the show is visually good to look at and fun to follow. It especially was good for Megatron's and Elita's movements and fights.
It's a show that looks good, sounds good, and has some good quality and love in it with respect for what came before while still reinventing itself and making a cool new identity for itself.
It's a good show, watch it.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149195)
Posted by FASAT_CG on November 13th, 2022 @ 9:06pm CST
Posted by FASAT_CG on November 13th, 2022 @ 9:06pm CST
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149199)
Posted by Quantum Surge on November 13th, 2022 @ 10:21pm CST
Posted by Quantum Surge on November 13th, 2022 @ 10:21pm CST
I think I might like this Megatron more than the IDW version, just because he comes off more bearable here as well as there being some form of tension.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149200)
Posted by Sabrblade on November 13th, 2022 @ 10:34pm CST
Posted by Sabrblade on November 13th, 2022 @ 10:34pm CST
My top three favorite characters so far are Alex, Dot, and Megatron.
Alex is the most relatable character on the show, Dot is the awesomemest character, and Megatron is the most interesting.
Alex is the most relatable character on the show, Dot is the awesomemest character, and Megatron is the most interesting.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149201)
Posted by 84everfan on November 13th, 2022 @ 10:53pm CST
Posted by 84everfan on November 13th, 2022 @ 10:53pm CST
"This leads me to talk about the action: it is excellent. While I am not a fan of some of the human characterizations, the action is what really impressed me. The fights among the bots feels fluid and dynamic, more so than anything I've ever seen in a live action film."
This is the biggest lie I have ever read in my entire life.
This is the biggest lie I have ever read in my entire life.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149202)
Posted by 84everfan on November 13th, 2022 @ 11:06pm CST
Posted by 84everfan on November 13th, 2022 @ 11:06pm CST
"The show is clearly aimed at kids and not fans, this reference is not meant for fans but rather the writers using elements from the lore of the past 35 years and introducing it to a new generation of fans."
Every show before Prime had the exact same demographics, and they managed to not sound patronizing and childish. This is a piss poor excuse for the immaturity of the writing. It's a MAINLINE TRANSFORMERS SHOW. THEY HAVE HAD THE SAME AUDIENCE FOR 38 YEARS.
The children do not determine what shows get made for them, YOU do. They will watch WHATEVER is put in front of them. This show and CyberVerse are indictive of that.
If you think that a show made for fans and kids is mutually exclusive, you can NOT call yourself a transformers fan.
This is the stupidest take I have ever heard and everyone here is dumber having read it.
You cannot make the excuse that you can't have a mature tone and themes when Prime, Animated, Cybertron, and Armada did the same over a decade ago with the same age range as this show.
Every show before Prime had the exact same demographics, and they managed to not sound patronizing and childish. This is a piss poor excuse for the immaturity of the writing. It's a MAINLINE TRANSFORMERS SHOW. THEY HAVE HAD THE SAME AUDIENCE FOR 38 YEARS.
The children do not determine what shows get made for them, YOU do. They will watch WHATEVER is put in front of them. This show and CyberVerse are indictive of that.
If you think that a show made for fans and kids is mutually exclusive, you can NOT call yourself a transformers fan.
This is the stupidest take I have ever heard and everyone here is dumber having read it.
You cannot make the excuse that you can't have a mature tone and themes when Prime, Animated, Cybertron, and Armada did the same over a decade ago with the same age range as this show.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149204)
Posted by primalxconvoy on November 14th, 2022 @ 12:05am CST
Lining in Japan, this isn't even available here. The sites that have been mentioned are pretty awful for ads. A little Laserbeak told me that something called "freemovies2021DOTCOM" might be useful, but I wouldn't know about all of that...
Posted by primalxconvoy on November 14th, 2022 @ 12:05am CST
Burn wrote:...
Lining in Japan, this isn't even available here. The sites that have been mentioned are pretty awful for ads. A little Laserbeak told me that something called "freemovies2021DOTCOM" might be useful, but I wouldn't know about all of that...
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149205)
Posted by Sabrblade on November 14th, 2022 @ 12:14am CST
Posted by Sabrblade on November 14th, 2022 @ 12:14am CST
Send me a PM.primalxconvoy wrote:Burn wrote:...
Lining in Japan, this isn't even available here.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149207)
Posted by Bumblevivisector on November 14th, 2022 @ 1:15am CST
Posted by Bumblevivisector on November 14th, 2022 @ 1:15am CST
I know this comment may be considered off-topic enough to warrant admin removal or a warning, but it's something I've wanted to get off my chest for a bit, and this is a good opportunity.
Have I bashed Beast Machines too much over my years on Seibertron? I'm not going to apoligize, rather explain one benefit of the my unflinching mindset on that cartoon being the worst thing ever to happen to Transformers (no, I'm not conveniently forgetting about Kiss Players; until I see accurate english translations of every bit of Kiss Players fiction, I must objectively give it the benefit of the doubt). Focusing all of my hatred on my eternal least favorite means I never react like this...
I especially agree with will's point about the genesis of the Terran Bots referencing the mythos for the benefit of longtime fans without dumping it all on kids new to TF being a good way to start the show. Shoving protaganists through decades of lore too fast can alienate a target audience and leave too little room for a good story; I wish I could think of a more recent example of this than the Green Lantern movie.
Again, not trying to derail the thread, or troll 84everfan, this just gave me an opportunity to say my piece. I won't continue.
I will s#!t on Beast Machines again before too long though. Hopefully I'll see the next 8 eps of Earthspark first.
Have I bashed Beast Machines too much over my years on Seibertron? I'm not going to apoligize, rather explain one benefit of the my unflinching mindset on that cartoon being the worst thing ever to happen to Transformers (no, I'm not conveniently forgetting about Kiss Players; until I see accurate english translations of every bit of Kiss Players fiction, I must objectively give it the benefit of the doubt). Focusing all of my hatred on my eternal least favorite means I never react like this...
...to the latest TF cartoon, comic or movie. Having that one scar that will never heal lets me see all the good in each new iteration of the franchise, and Earthspark is at least experimenting with a few dynamics that haven't been tried before.84everfan wrote:"The show is clearly aimed at kids and not fans, this reference is not meant for fans but rather the writers using elements from the lore of the past 35 years and introducing it to a new generation of fans."
Every show before Prime had the exact same demographics, and they managed to not sound patronizing and childish. This is a piss poor excuse for the immaturity of the writing. It's a MAINLINE TRANSFORMERS SHOW. THEY HAVE HAD THE SAME AUDIENCE FOR 38 YEARS.
The children do not determine what shows get made for them, YOU do. They will watch WHATEVER is put in front of them. This show and CyberVerse are indictive of that.
If you think that a show made for fans and kids is mutually exclusive, you can NOT call yourself a transformers fan.
This is the stupidest take I have ever heard and everyone here is dumber having read it.
You cannot make the excuse that you can't have a mature tone and themes when Prime, Animated, Cybertron, and Armada did the same over a decade ago with the same age range as this show.
I especially agree with will's point about the genesis of the Terran Bots referencing the mythos for the benefit of longtime fans without dumping it all on kids new to TF being a good way to start the show. Shoving protaganists through decades of lore too fast can alienate a target audience and leave too little room for a good story; I wish I could think of a more recent example of this than the Green Lantern movie.
Again, not trying to derail the thread, or troll 84everfan, this just gave me an opportunity to say my piece. I won't continue.
I will s#!t on Beast Machines again before too long though. Hopefully I'll see the next 8 eps of Earthspark first.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149213)
Posted by Dr. Caelus on November 14th, 2022 @ 7:48am CST
Posted by Dr. Caelus on November 14th, 2022 @ 7:48am CST
I had to watch some of it with the sound off, so I can't say much about the voice-acting, beyond Danny Pudi is a solid successor to Will Friedle, Alan Tudyk is a... different... Optimus Prime, and Rory McCan's voice is right for Megatron, but his accent sticks out.
Storywise, I really feel like the writer's plotted out two seasons, but then were told to jam the whole first season into the pilot. The pilot feels rushed and hectic, because it introduces so many characters and concepts that would feel like they would ordinarily be dropped in an episode at a time.
Megatron is a good guy! - feels like a midseason viewership bump.
Ghost manipulated someone's employment! - feels like a midseason plot-twist.
Keep the bots hidden from Mom & Dad! - feels like it was probably supposed to be a running plot gimmick.
Decepticon Cameos in Mandroid's lab! - feels like they were supposed to have a couple episodes introducing those characters being hunted.
The thing is, although the pilot feels rushed as a result, I am glad to be spared the tedium of a full season of trying to hide Twitch and Thrash from Mom & Dad, and I was especially excited when we got to the second season plot points early. I think I shouted out loud when I saw the symbol in the cave, and when I made the connection to the magic rock in the first cave.
Other Thoughts:
The counter-intuitive mix of animations makes for really cool action sequences, and the fight scenes are cool - they have some of the over-the-top gymnastics of the Bay style, which is a nice departure from 'lets all stand in separate shots and fire generic weapons at each other' while still remaining visually coherent and easy to follow. Elita-1, Megatron (when he cuts loose), Thrash, and Skywarp were the best to watch, in my opinion.
Twitch scanning one of Wheeljack's drones felt like a bit of plot convenience at the time, but really has a fun pay off later. Also, goofy accent aside, Wheeljack is just wonderful.
Bumblebee being a knowledgeable world traveler makes sense for a scout and is a nice step up from the Aligned iteration that was fascinated by human culture but still mostly learned about it from watching TV.
That said -
Dot's back story is clearly really elaborate, but I felt like you had to be an adult viewer to put it all together from what little was given, and it needed more foreground attention.
Nightshade was badly executed. Their introduction as being non-binary felt clumsy - like it somehow found the worst middleground between downplaying it and addressing it. I'm conflicted about which way I think they should have gone with it, and would be interested to see what kids get out of it, but regardless my real issue with Nightshade is this: in the events that follow, they are the ONLY USELESS CHARACTER IN THE GROUP. Like, Nightshade is nonbinary, and kind of emo(?), and... that's it. Super badass name for a character who is really close to being a liability.
Storywise, I really feel like the writer's plotted out two seasons, but then were told to jam the whole first season into the pilot. The pilot feels rushed and hectic, because it introduces so many characters and concepts that would feel like they would ordinarily be dropped in an episode at a time.
Megatron is a good guy! - feels like a midseason viewership bump.
Ghost manipulated someone's employment! - feels like a midseason plot-twist.
Keep the bots hidden from Mom & Dad! - feels like it was probably supposed to be a running plot gimmick.
Decepticon Cameos in Mandroid's lab! - feels like they were supposed to have a couple episodes introducing those characters being hunted.
The thing is, although the pilot feels rushed as a result, I am glad to be spared the tedium of a full season of trying to hide Twitch and Thrash from Mom & Dad, and I was especially excited when we got to the second season plot points early. I think I shouted out loud when I saw the symbol in the cave, and when I made the connection to the magic rock in the first cave.
Other Thoughts:
The counter-intuitive mix of animations makes for really cool action sequences, and the fight scenes are cool - they have some of the over-the-top gymnastics of the Bay style, which is a nice departure from 'lets all stand in separate shots and fire generic weapons at each other' while still remaining visually coherent and easy to follow. Elita-1, Megatron (when he cuts loose), Thrash, and Skywarp were the best to watch, in my opinion.
Twitch scanning one of Wheeljack's drones felt like a bit of plot convenience at the time, but really has a fun pay off later. Also, goofy accent aside, Wheeljack is just wonderful.
Bumblebee being a knowledgeable world traveler makes sense for a scout and is a nice step up from the Aligned iteration that was fascinated by human culture but still mostly learned about it from watching TV.
That said -
Dot's back story is clearly really elaborate, but I felt like you had to be an adult viewer to put it all together from what little was given, and it needed more foreground attention.
Nightshade was badly executed. Their introduction as being non-binary felt clumsy - like it somehow found the worst middleground between downplaying it and addressing it. I'm conflicted about which way I think they should have gone with it, and would be interested to see what kids get out of it, but regardless my real issue with Nightshade is this: in the events that follow, they are the ONLY USELESS CHARACTER IN THE GROUP. Like, Nightshade is nonbinary, and kind of emo(?), and... that's it. Super badass name for a character who is really close to being a liability.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149214)
Posted by Sabrblade on November 14th, 2022 @ 9:14am CST
Posted by Sabrblade on November 14th, 2022 @ 9:14am CST
You're in luck. It was translated back in July.Bumblevivisector wrote:(no, I'm not conveniently forgetting about Kiss Players; until I see accurate english translations of every bit of Kiss Players fiction, I must objectively give it the benefit of the doubt).
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149223)
Posted by Bumblevivisector on November 14th, 2022 @ 1:10pm CST
Posted by Bumblevivisector on November 14th, 2022 @ 1:10pm CST
All the audio-dramas too? Yet another reason to wait and see if Nick shows the next 8 eps of Earthspark. Too much to catch up with online.Sabrblade wrote:You're in luck. It was translated back in July.Bumblevivisector wrote:(no, I'm not conveniently forgetting about Kiss Players; until I see accurate english translations of every bit of Kiss Players fiction, I must objectively give it the benefit of the doubt).
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149225)
Posted by Sabrblade on November 14th, 2022 @ 1:31pm CST
Posted by Sabrblade on November 14th, 2022 @ 1:31pm CST
All of the 2006 ones that were released commercially. The 2007 ones never saw release on CD, but their storyline was retold abridged in manga form.Bumblevivisector wrote:All the audio-dramas too? Yet another reason to wait and see if Nick shows the next 8 eps of Earthspark. Too much to catch up with online.Sabrblade wrote:You're in luck. It was translated back in July.Bumblevivisector wrote:(no, I'm not conveniently forgetting about Kiss Players; until I see accurate english translations of every bit of Kiss Players fiction, I must objectively give it the benefit of the doubt).
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149226)
Posted by First-Aid on November 14th, 2022 @ 1:32pm CST
Posted by First-Aid on November 14th, 2022 @ 1:32pm CST
Where can I see this outside of Paramount Plus? I'm not paying for another damned streaming service.
I hope there is a DVD release for this in the end if it's decent.
I hope there is a DVD release for this in the end if it's decent.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149232)
Posted by Decepticon Stryker on November 14th, 2022 @ 4:25pm CST
Posted by Decepticon Stryker on November 14th, 2022 @ 4:25pm CST
Only saw the first two episodes but I liked it, I really did. Action scenes were cool to look at especially that opening scene where Elita takes on Swindle and Hardtop (really clever use of her kibble as skates).
There’s definitely more to Mandroid than the trailers have let on as seen during his conversation with Twitch and Thrash, and I’m excited to see a human villain that’s actually a threat to the Transformers again. Silas came close and before that was… Meltdown, I guess? Kinda? Sorta? Not really? And I love the fact that the two main bots are entirely new characters (well, as long as you ignore the fact that Thrash’s name is recycled). This is something that needs to be a staple in every Transformers show going forward: at least one brand new character being a significant part of the main cast. I’m leaning more towards Twitch being my favorite of the two, as I felt we got to know more about her than we did Thrash. I guess this os the double-edged sword with new characters, not having any sort of past incarnation to look back on can make it difficult for me to have an opinion about them when they’re first introduced.
The kids were ok too, Robby’s wanting to go back home and then choosing to stay arc was rushed when it was introduced, then swept to the side for the rest of the pilot, and then rather hurriedly resolved. Mo, on the other hand, feels more mature than Robby at times, and I found her eagerness to bring the Terrans into the family to be heartwarming. I did love the family being together though, kind of a chaotic yet orderly fun-loving mess that reminds me of my family. Dot clearly has a lot of backstory with Megatron and I really hope that’s expanded upon as it seems there was a lot of stuff between them that happened after the war but before the show starts, maybe she’s the reason he’s turned good? I love Alex’s enthusiasm about Transformers (the fact he can tell who’s who based purely on the nose they make when they transform is absolutely amazing. However, outside of that it feels like he was only there to give the kids, Terrans, and audience exposition about the War, and I hope that he gets to do more than just that.
As for returning characters: I’m really liking how Elita’s starting to appear in shows now after being mostly forgotten since Animated. Optimus’ design is growing on me, but the more he keeps that faceplate up, the better (his chin’s massive). It’s going to take me awhile to get used to Tudyk’s voice because hearing someone that isn’t Cullen, Chalk, or someone channeling Cullen or Chalk is really throwing me for a loop, and I’m ok with that. There’s clearly something that happened between Optimus and Dot that appears to have driven a wedge between them, and I’m willing to bet that her relations with Megatron have something to do with it. Bumblebee is… there. Ok. Still has those door wings that I’ve come to hate (thank you very much 2007 game console edition) but I haven’t seen enough of him to actually formulate an opinion on his character yet.
And now we come to the Decepticons. Hoo-boy I love Megatron! Seeing him have a personality other than brooding, calculating tyrant (don’t get me wrong I love those versions of him too) is refreshing. His fusion cannon confuses me though, instead of singular blasts like an actual cannon, it’s more of a beam like a proton pack. Of course, it’s not specifically referred to as a fusion cannon (even the toy descriptions just call it a ‘blaster’) so I guess it works… It was pretty neat seeing the Insecticons (well 2/3’s of them) and Skullcruncher make an appearance, and I hope that they actually get to do more in the show than just be there for the pilot only to be arrested and never seen again. Swindle, who makes his first onscreen appearance since Animated (geez, can’t believe his last appearance was that long ago), was fun too see and I’m looking forward to seeing more of him. And then there’s Hardtop. Freaking. Hardtop. I love his Cyberton toy and I thought that was going to be it for him. A toy and maybe a few cameos in the background of some comics. But seeing him as an actual character in an actual show is nothing short of amazing to me and I really hope there’s more deep cuts like this throughout the series.
Anyway, that’s just my thoughts on it. I liked it. Gonna get Paramount+ in order to watch the rest. I’d say a 3.5 out of 5, maybe a 4, I don’t really do ‘X out of X’ rankings.
There’s definitely more to Mandroid than the trailers have let on as seen during his conversation with Twitch and Thrash, and I’m excited to see a human villain that’s actually a threat to the Transformers again. Silas came close and before that was… Meltdown, I guess? Kinda? Sorta? Not really? And I love the fact that the two main bots are entirely new characters (well, as long as you ignore the fact that Thrash’s name is recycled). This is something that needs to be a staple in every Transformers show going forward: at least one brand new character being a significant part of the main cast. I’m leaning more towards Twitch being my favorite of the two, as I felt we got to know more about her than we did Thrash. I guess this os the double-edged sword with new characters, not having any sort of past incarnation to look back on can make it difficult for me to have an opinion about them when they’re first introduced.
The kids were ok too, Robby’s wanting to go back home and then choosing to stay arc was rushed when it was introduced, then swept to the side for the rest of the pilot, and then rather hurriedly resolved. Mo, on the other hand, feels more mature than Robby at times, and I found her eagerness to bring the Terrans into the family to be heartwarming. I did love the family being together though, kind of a chaotic yet orderly fun-loving mess that reminds me of my family. Dot clearly has a lot of backstory with Megatron and I really hope that’s expanded upon as it seems there was a lot of stuff between them that happened after the war but before the show starts, maybe she’s the reason he’s turned good? I love Alex’s enthusiasm about Transformers (the fact he can tell who’s who based purely on the nose they make when they transform is absolutely amazing. However, outside of that it feels like he was only there to give the kids, Terrans, and audience exposition about the War, and I hope that he gets to do more than just that.
As for returning characters: I’m really liking how Elita’s starting to appear in shows now after being mostly forgotten since Animated. Optimus’ design is growing on me, but the more he keeps that faceplate up, the better (his chin’s massive). It’s going to take me awhile to get used to Tudyk’s voice because hearing someone that isn’t Cullen, Chalk, or someone channeling Cullen or Chalk is really throwing me for a loop, and I’m ok with that. There’s clearly something that happened between Optimus and Dot that appears to have driven a wedge between them, and I’m willing to bet that her relations with Megatron have something to do with it. Bumblebee is… there. Ok. Still has those door wings that I’ve come to hate (thank you very much 2007 game console edition) but I haven’t seen enough of him to actually formulate an opinion on his character yet.
And now we come to the Decepticons. Hoo-boy I love Megatron! Seeing him have a personality other than brooding, calculating tyrant (don’t get me wrong I love those versions of him too) is refreshing. His fusion cannon confuses me though, instead of singular blasts like an actual cannon, it’s more of a beam like a proton pack. Of course, it’s not specifically referred to as a fusion cannon (even the toy descriptions just call it a ‘blaster’) so I guess it works… It was pretty neat seeing the Insecticons (well 2/3’s of them) and Skullcruncher make an appearance, and I hope that they actually get to do more in the show than just be there for the pilot only to be arrested and never seen again. Swindle, who makes his first onscreen appearance since Animated (geez, can’t believe his last appearance was that long ago), was fun too see and I’m looking forward to seeing more of him. And then there’s Hardtop. Freaking. Hardtop. I love his Cyberton toy and I thought that was going to be it for him. A toy and maybe a few cameos in the background of some comics. But seeing him as an actual character in an actual show is nothing short of amazing to me and I really hope there’s more deep cuts like this throughout the series.
Anyway, that’s just my thoughts on it. I liked it. Gonna get Paramount+ in order to watch the rest. I’d say a 3.5 out of 5, maybe a 4, I don’t really do ‘X out of X’ rankings.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149233)
Posted by william-james88 on November 14th, 2022 @ 4:37pm CST
Currently watching on wcostream.net for free
Posted by william-james88 on November 14th, 2022 @ 4:37pm CST
First-Aid wrote:Where can I see this outside of Paramount Plus? I'm not paying for another damned streaming service.
I hope there is a DVD release for this in the end if it's decent.
Currently watching on wcostream.net for free
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149260)
Posted by Sabrblade on November 15th, 2022 @ 10:57am CST
Posted by Sabrblade on November 15th, 2022 @ 10:57am CST
It just dawned on me that Twitch reminds me an awful lot of RBA Whirl.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149263)
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on November 15th, 2022 @ 11:15am CST
Same. I still remember watching Car Robots (via dial-up) back in 2000. Probably the last time I got caught up enough with a new show to do that. WFC, I gave up on after the boring Siege. I could have watched the other two shows, I chose not to bother. As previously mentioned, I'm sick of streaming services. I'm not going to buy into another one for a single show again.
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on November 15th, 2022 @ 11:15am CST
Bumblevivisector wrote:Yeah, call me old fashioned too, but as much as I loved the pilot, I might just wait and see if Nick shows the rest..
Same. I still remember watching Car Robots (via dial-up) back in 2000. Probably the last time I got caught up enough with a new show to do that. WFC, I gave up on after the boring Siege. I could have watched the other two shows, I chose not to bother. As previously mentioned, I'm sick of streaming services. I'm not going to buy into another one for a single show again.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149264)
Posted by Sabrblade on November 15th, 2022 @ 11:23am CST
Posted by Sabrblade on November 15th, 2022 @ 11:23am CST
Just to clue you in, Earthrise was a little better than Siege, but still not great. Kingdom, however, was the best of the three. Not perfect or amazing, but decent enough. And by that point, that's all anyone could really ask of it after the dullness of the first two.AllNewSuperRobot wrote:Bumblevivisector wrote:Yeah, call me old fashioned too, but as much as I loved the pilot, I might just wait and see if Nick shows the rest..
Same. I still remember watching Car Robots (via dial-up) back in 2000. Probably the last time I got caught up enough with a new show to do that. WFC, I gave up on after the boring Siege. I could have watched the other two shows, I chose not to bother. As previously mentioned, I'm sick of streaming services. I'm not going to buy into another one for a single show again.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149265)
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on November 15th, 2022 @ 11:30am CST
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on November 15th, 2022 @ 11:30am CST
I recall the discourse for Earthrise and Kingdom wasn't overtly positive here, at the time. Which didn't encourage me to seek either show out.
It's funny, the last TF show I watched was Prime. Which I didn't like and tapped out of about halfway through Season one. So I jumped at the chance to get onboard with a new show and even got Netflix for WFC. Now, I wouldn't do that again.
It's funny, the last TF show I watched was Prime. Which I didn't like and tapped out of about halfway through Season one. So I jumped at the chance to get onboard with a new show and even got Netflix for WFC. Now, I wouldn't do that again.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149270)
Posted by Rodimus Knight on November 15th, 2022 @ 12:23pm CST
Posted by Rodimus Knight on November 15th, 2022 @ 12:23pm CST
I watched the first 2 episodes and it's okay. The voices do bother me, Megatron more that optimus. Is that some accent from the British isles he's got? I keep thinking scottish, but not quite.
The other issue I had is, WHY IS THAT GIRL'S HEAD SO FREAKING BIG? It looks like her neck should collapse on itself, and it's not the hair. Her face is like 75% larger than her older, bigger brother's face. Anytime I see her it wigs me out.
The other issue I had is, WHY IS THAT GIRL'S HEAD SO FREAKING BIG? It looks like her neck should collapse on itself, and it's not the hair. Her face is like 75% larger than her older, bigger brother's face. Anytime I see her it wigs me out.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149271)
Posted by Sabrblade on November 15th, 2022 @ 12:27pm CST
Posted by Sabrblade on November 15th, 2022 @ 12:27pm CST
Megatron's voice actor is Scottish. He played Sandor "The Hound" Clegane on Game of Thrones.Rodimus Knight wrote:I watched the first 2 episodes and it's okay. The voices do bother me, Megatron more that optimus. Is that some accent from the British isles he's got? I keep thinking scottish, but not quite.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149273)
Posted by Dr. Caelus on November 15th, 2022 @ 1:01pm CST
She's so radically out of place that my wife and I have a tbeory that the artists were given a significant change in direction at some point that really altered the style of the show, and that (for some reason) the director decided to keep, finish, and use Mo's animation model, even as the other stuff was scrapped.
Posted by Dr. Caelus on November 15th, 2022 @ 1:01pm CST
Rodimus Knight wrote:The other issue I had is, WHY IS THAT GIRL'S HEAD SO FREAKING BIG? It looks like her neck should collapse on itself, and it's not the hair. Her face is like 75% larger than her older, bigger brother's face. Anytime I see her it wigs me out.
She's so radically out of place that my wife and I have a tbeory that the artists were given a significant change in direction at some point that really altered the style of the show, and that (for some reason) the director decided to keep, finish, and use Mo's animation model, even as the other stuff was scrapped.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149275)
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on November 15th, 2022 @ 1:22pm CST
The next step I suppose, from the overt sexualising of Transformers that has always bugged me, since Blackarachnia in Beast Wars. Yet also a thing that is both redundant to Alien Robots and will date this show horribly, in retrospect.
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on November 15th, 2022 @ 1:22pm CST
Dr. Caelus wrote:Nightshade was badly executed. Their introduction as being non-binary felt clumsy - like it somehow found the worst middleground between downplaying it and addressing it. I'm conflicted about which way I think they should have gone with it, and would be interested to see what kids get out of it, but regardless my real issue with Nightshade is this: in the events that follow, they are the ONLY USELESS CHARACTER IN THE GROUP. Like, Nightshade is nonbinary, and kind of emo(?), and... that's it. Super badass name for a character who is really close to being a liability.
The next step I suppose, from the overt sexualising of Transformers that has always bugged me, since Blackarachnia in Beast Wars. Yet also a thing that is both redundant to Alien Robots and will date this show horribly, in retrospect.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149278)
Posted by Dr. Caelus on November 15th, 2022 @ 1:41pm CST
How is asking to be referred to as "they" sexualising?
And how is it redundant to aliens?
Posted by Dr. Caelus on November 15th, 2022 @ 1:41pm CST
AllNewSuperRobot wrote:The next step I suppose, from the overt sexualising of Transformers that has always bugged me, since Blackarachnia in Beast Wars. Yet also a thing that is both redundant to Alien Robots and will date this show horribly, in retrospect.
How is asking to be referred to as "they" sexualising?
And how is it redundant to aliens?
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149280)
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on November 15th, 2022 @ 1:50pm CST
Further human gender identities, being erroneously applied to mechanical sentience.
Nonbinary: an umbrella term for gender identities that are not solely male or female—identities that are outside the gender binary.
They are Robots. Constructs, by various means. Humanising should only go so far. Otherwise you end up at Kissplayers.
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on November 15th, 2022 @ 1:50pm CST
Dr. Caelus wrote:How is asking to be referred to as "they" sexualising?
I wrote:The next step I suppose, from the overt sexualising
Further human gender identities, being erroneously applied to mechanical sentience.
Dr. Caelus wrote:And how is it redundant to aliens?
I wrote:Alien Robots
Nonbinary: an umbrella term for gender identities that are not solely male or female—identities that are outside the gender binary.
They are Robots. Constructs, by various means. Humanising should only go so far. Otherwise you end up at Kissplayers.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149281)
Posted by william-james88 on November 15th, 2022 @ 1:51pm CST
As an alternate take, all 3 are still some of the most boring Transformers media you will ever see. The animation is stilted and never exciting, it feels too slow. As does the voice acting. None of this changes with Kingdom. The reason it appears less boring is due to the story which incorporates more characters. As a Beast Wars fan though, I absolutely hated it. Instead of giving us something original, they just retread Beast Wars' biggest hits while trying to stuff it into a bigger G1 narrative which feels like shoving a square peg into a round hole. None of it feels competent.
Honestly, that whole trilogy is closer to the Machinima trilogy in terms of entertainment, than any other piece of TF media we got in the west.
Posted by william-james88 on November 15th, 2022 @ 1:51pm CST
Sabrblade wrote:Just to clue you in, Earthrise was a little better than Siege, but still not great. Kingdom, however, was the best of the three. Not perfect or amazing, but decent enough. And by that point, that's all anyone could really ask of it after the dullness of the first two.AllNewSuperRobot wrote:Bumblevivisector wrote:Yeah, call me old fashioned too, but as much as I loved the pilot, I might just wait and see if Nick shows the rest..
Same. I still remember watching Car Robots (via dial-up) back in 2000. Probably the last time I got caught up enough with a new show to do that. WFC, I gave up on after the boring Siege. I could have watched the other two shows, I chose not to bother. As previously mentioned, I'm sick of streaming services. I'm not going to buy into another one for a single show again.
As an alternate take, all 3 are still some of the most boring Transformers media you will ever see. The animation is stilted and never exciting, it feels too slow. As does the voice acting. None of this changes with Kingdom. The reason it appears less boring is due to the story which incorporates more characters. As a Beast Wars fan though, I absolutely hated it. Instead of giving us something original, they just retread Beast Wars' biggest hits while trying to stuff it into a bigger G1 narrative which feels like shoving a square peg into a round hole. None of it feels competent.
Honestly, that whole trilogy is closer to the Machinima trilogy in terms of entertainment, than any other piece of TF media we got in the west.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149282)
Posted by william-james88 on November 15th, 2022 @ 1:54pm CST
I just want to make sure I understand what is meant here, does this post imply that someone identifying as non binary is something that exists now and will not in the future?
Posted by william-james88 on November 15th, 2022 @ 1:54pm CST
AllNewSuperRobot wrote:The next step I suppose, from the overt sexualising of Transformers that has always bugged me, since Blackarachnia in Beast Wars. Yet also a thing that is both redundant to Alien Robots and will date this show horribly, in retrospect.
I just want to make sure I understand what is meant here, does this post imply that someone identifying as non binary is something that exists now and will not in the future?
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149283)
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on November 15th, 2022 @ 1:56pm CST
Terminology that is very specific to this era. Like slang that is context specific to 80's/90's cartoons and shows.
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on November 15th, 2022 @ 1:56pm CST
william-james88 wrote:AllNewSuperRobot wrote:The next step I suppose, from the overt sexualising of Transformers that has always bugged me, since Blackarachnia in Beast Wars. Yet also a thing that is both redundant to Alien Robots and will date this show horribly, in retrospect.
I just want to make sure I understand what is meant here, does this post imply that someone identifying as non binary is something that exists now and will not in the future?
Terminology that is very specific to this era. Like slang that is context specific to 80's/90's cartoons and shows.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149284)
Posted by Dr. Caelus on November 15th, 2022 @ 2:02pm CST
So, setting aside everything else wrong with all of that, you're upset that a fictional alien who you feel couldn't identify as either a 'he' or a 'she', does not, in fact, identify as a 'he' or a 'she'?
Posted by Dr. Caelus on November 15th, 2022 @ 2:02pm CST
AllNewSuperRobot wrote:Dr. Caelus wrote:How is asking to be referred to as "they" sexualising?I wrote:The next step I suppose, from the overt sexualising
Further human gender identities, being erroneously applied to mechanical sentience.Dr. Caelus wrote:And how is it redundant to aliens?I wrote:Alien Robots
Nonbinary: an umbrella term for gender identities that are not solely male or female—identities that are outside the gender binary.
They are Robots. Constructs, by various means. Humanising should only go so far. Otherwise you end up at Kissplayers.
So, setting aside everything else wrong with all of that, you're upset that a fictional alien who you feel couldn't identify as either a 'he' or a 'she', does not, in fact, identify as a 'he' or a 'she'?
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149285)
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on November 15th, 2022 @ 2:05pm CST
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on November 15th, 2022 @ 2:05pm CST
I didn't say I was upset. I've always found excessive humanising of Transformers creepy. Just as I found sexualising the designs of Transformers Very creepy.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149287)
Posted by First-Aid on November 15th, 2022 @ 2:37pm CST
So we are talking about alien humanoid robots with no genders that humans can understand. It boils down to preference. Look at it this way...Blaster and Jazz in G1 loved rock music, the other's not so much. These bots conceivably can customize everything about themselves (color, shape, etc). They are the very definition of fluidic forms. Although it makes no sense to HAVE a gender as they don't have biology AT ALL, they could choose something they identified with.
My issue with "they" isn't in regard to gender fluidity. It offends my grammar sensibilities. "They", as defined in Webster's Dictionary for several hundred years, is PLURAL. PLURAL DAMNIT! You shouldn't be able to refer to a single person or object in the plural. #WordCrimes
Posted by First-Aid on November 15th, 2022 @ 2:37pm CST
AllNewSuperRobot wrote:I didn't say I was upset. I've always found excessive humanising of Transformers creepy. Just as I found sexualising the designs of Transformers Very creepy.
So we are talking about alien humanoid robots with no genders that humans can understand. It boils down to preference. Look at it this way...Blaster and Jazz in G1 loved rock music, the other's not so much. These bots conceivably can customize everything about themselves (color, shape, etc). They are the very definition of fluidic forms. Although it makes no sense to HAVE a gender as they don't have biology AT ALL, they could choose something they identified with.
My issue with "they" isn't in regard to gender fluidity. It offends my grammar sensibilities. "They", as defined in Webster's Dictionary for several hundred years, is PLURAL. PLURAL DAMNIT! You shouldn't be able to refer to a single person or object in the plural. #WordCrimes
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149288)
Posted by Dr. Caelus on November 15th, 2022 @ 2:46pm CST
So an alien identifying as "he" or "she" is an appropriate amount of humanizing, but an alien not identifying as a he or a she is an excessive amount of humanizing.
[Of course, all of this disregards the fact Nightshade isn' an alien to begon with.]
Posted by Dr. Caelus on November 15th, 2022 @ 2:46pm CST
AllNewSuperRobot wrote:I didn't say I was upset. I've always found excessive humanising of Transformers creepy. Just as I found sexualising the designs of Transformers Very creepy.
So an alien identifying as "he" or "she" is an appropriate amount of humanizing, but an alien not identifying as a he or a she is an excessive amount of humanizing.
[Of course, all of this disregards the fact Nightshade isn' an alien to begon with.]
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149289)
Posted by Rodimus Knight on November 15th, 2022 @ 2:49pm CST
In the 80's it was complaints that there weren't any female transformers, now it's complaints that there is. A little ironic.
The fact that they all have different personalities is humanizing the transformers.
That they have emotions is humanizing the transformers.
Female transformers came about because of complaints that there weren't any females, that they were all shown as being male.
To me you might as well be complaining about how people humanize and sexualize a sports car by referring to it as her and she, and calling its form or lines sexy. Same thing with ships. They are almost always referred to as female. Humans humanize almost everything in life. We refer to "Mother Nature" humanizing nature. Is that also sexualizing nature?
The female transformers or robots in media are given a female shape so people will recognize its gender identity, the same way someone with gender dysphoria can use hormones to grow breasts or wear a nice set of fake ones, to show their gender identity.
If the transformers weren't humanized, you'd just be watching a show of automatons who were programed by some organic race to fight each other, rather then have their own reasons for doing so
and it would have ended after 13 episodes in the 80s.
Posted by Rodimus Knight on November 15th, 2022 @ 2:49pm CST
AllNewSuperRobot wrote:I didn't say I was upset. I've always found excessive humanising of Transformers creepy. Just as I found sexualising the designs of Transformers Very creepy.
In the 80's it was complaints that there weren't any female transformers, now it's complaints that there is. A little ironic.
The fact that they all have different personalities is humanizing the transformers.
That they have emotions is humanizing the transformers.
Female transformers came about because of complaints that there weren't any females, that they were all shown as being male.
To me you might as well be complaining about how people humanize and sexualize a sports car by referring to it as her and she, and calling its form or lines sexy. Same thing with ships. They are almost always referred to as female. Humans humanize almost everything in life. We refer to "Mother Nature" humanizing nature. Is that also sexualizing nature?
The female transformers or robots in media are given a female shape so people will recognize its gender identity, the same way someone with gender dysphoria can use hormones to grow breasts or wear a nice set of fake ones, to show their gender identity.
If the transformers weren't humanized, you'd just be watching a show of automatons who were programed by some organic race to fight each other, rather then have their own reasons for doing so
and it would have ended after 13 episodes in the 80s.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149291)
Posted by First-Aid on November 15th, 2022 @ 2:56pm CST
Humanizing in this case may be done, not by the bots, but by the humans for ease of communication. We're used to certain verbal cues with communication. The bots may simply have adopted it as an easier way to communicate.
Posted by First-Aid on November 15th, 2022 @ 2:56pm CST
Dr. Caelus wrote:AllNewSuperRobot wrote:I didn't say I was upset. I've always found excessive humanising of Transformers creepy. Just as I found sexualising the designs of Transformers Very creepy.
So an alien identifying as "he" or "she" is an appropriate amount of humanizing, but an alien not identifying as a he or a she is an excessive amount of humanizing.
[Of course, all of this disregards the fact Nightshade isn' an alien to begon with.]
Humanizing in this case may be done, not by the bots, but by the humans for ease of communication. We're used to certain verbal cues with communication. The bots may simply have adopted it as an easier way to communicate.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149296)
Posted by Dr. Caelus on November 15th, 2022 @ 4:13pm CST
I think Hasbro's official line is that Transformers instinctively adapt to their social environment, rapidly learning new languages and customs, and that includes the concept of identifying with another race's gender roles. They then bring those ideas back to Cybertron, where some of it gets passed around and adopted by those who never had direct contact with a gendered race.
Although, again, this isn't really relevant to Nightshade.
Posted by Dr. Caelus on November 15th, 2022 @ 4:13pm CST
First-Aid wrote:Dr. Caelus wrote:AllNewSuperRobot wrote:I didn't say I was upset. I've always found excessive humanising of Transformers creepy. Just as I found sexualising the designs of Transformers Very creepy.
So an alien identifying as "he" or "she" is an appropriate amount of humanizing, but an alien not identifying as a he or a she is an excessive amount of humanizing.
[Of course, all of this disregards the fact Nightshade isn' an alien to begon with.]
Humanizing in this case may be done, not by the bots, but by the humans for ease of communication. We're used to certain verbal cues with communication. The bots may simply have adopted it as an easier way to communicate.
I think Hasbro's official line is that Transformers instinctively adapt to their social environment, rapidly learning new languages and customs, and that includes the concept of identifying with another race's gender roles. They then bring those ideas back to Cybertron, where some of it gets passed around and adopted by those who never had direct contact with a gendered race.
Although, again, this isn't really relevant to Nightshade.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149297)
Posted by First-Aid on November 15th, 2022 @ 4:37pm CST
In the end, it's a cartoon. I'm still mad they are using "they" as a singular. IT'S PLURAL DAMNIT! MORE THAN ONE! LERN UR GRAMMER!!!
Posted by First-Aid on November 15th, 2022 @ 4:37pm CST
Dr. Caelus wrote:First-Aid wrote:Dr. Caelus wrote:AllNewSuperRobot wrote:I didn't say I was upset. I've always found excessive humanising of Transformers creepy. Just as I found sexualising the designs of Transformers Very creepy.
So an alien identifying as "he" or "she" is an appropriate amount of humanizing, but an alien not identifying as a he or a she is an excessive amount of humanizing.
[Of course, all of this disregards the fact Nightshade isn' an alien to begon with.]
Humanizing in this case may be done, not by the bots, but by the humans for ease of communication. We're used to certain verbal cues with communication. The bots may simply have adopted it as an easier way to communicate.
I think Hasbro's official line is that Transformers instinctively adapt to their social environment, rapidly learning new languages and customs, and that includes the concept of identifying with another race's gender roles. They then bring those ideas back to Cybertron, where some of it gets passed around and adopted by those who never had direct contact with a gendered race.
Although, again, this isn't really relevant to Nightshade.
In the end, it's a cartoon. I'm still mad they are using "they" as a singular. IT'S PLURAL DAMNIT! MORE THAN ONE! LERN UR GRAMMER!!!
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149298)
Posted by Dr. Caelus on November 15th, 2022 @ 5:12pm CST
It annoys me when people say "you" when they mean "y'all", but language is fluid.
Posted by Dr. Caelus on November 15th, 2022 @ 5:12pm CST
First-Aid wrote:I'm still mad they are using "they" as a singular. IT'S PLURAL DAMNIT! MORE THAN ONE! LERN UR GRAMMER!!!
It annoys me when people say "you" when they mean "y'all", but language is fluid.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149299)
Posted by First-Aid on November 15th, 2022 @ 5:16pm CST
Interestingly enough, "you" actually CAN be singular and plural according to Webster's. Southerners couldn't deal with it and corrected it in their own way
1. used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing.
"are you listening?"
used to refer to the person being addressed together with other people regarded in the same class.
"you Australians"
used in exclamations to address one or more people.
"you fools"
2. used to refer to any person in general.
"after a while, you get used to it"
Posted by First-Aid on November 15th, 2022 @ 5:16pm CST
Dr. Caelus wrote:First-Aid wrote:I'm still mad they are using "they" as a singular. IT'S PLURAL DAMNIT! MORE THAN ONE! LERN UR GRAMMER!!!
It annoys me when people say "you" when they mean "y'all", but language is fluid.
Interestingly enough, "you" actually CAN be singular and plural according to Webster's. Southerners couldn't deal with it and corrected it in their own way
1. used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing.
"are you listening?"
used to refer to the person being addressed together with other people regarded in the same class.
"you Australians"
used in exclamations to address one or more people.
"you fools"
2. used to refer to any person in general.
"after a while, you get used to it"
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149300)
Posted by First-Aid on November 15th, 2022 @ 5:19pm CST
Posted by First-Aid on November 15th, 2022 @ 5:19pm CST
Okay, I have to correct myself. "They" CAN be used as a singular in certain situations but those uses are not as a personal pronoun, simply a generic one.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149301)
Posted by Sabrblade on November 15th, 2022 @ 5:52pm CST
Posted by Sabrblade on November 15th, 2022 @ 5:52pm CST
FWIW, "genders" =/= "sexes".
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149302)
Posted by Dr. Caelus on November 15th, 2022 @ 5:59pm CST
I know. I was joking. I assumed you were as well.
Posted by Dr. Caelus on November 15th, 2022 @ 5:59pm CST
First-Aid wrote:Dr. Caelus wrote:First-Aid wrote:I'm still mad they are using "they" as a singular. IT'S PLURAL DAMNIT! MORE THAN ONE! LERN UR GRAMMER!!!
It annoys me when people say "you" when they mean "y'all", but language is fluid.
Interestingly enough, "you" actually CAN be singular and plural according to Webster's.
I know. I was joking. I assumed you were as well.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149303)
Posted by First-Aid on November 15th, 2022 @ 6:06pm CST
You never know anymore online. I had a problem reading your body language...
Posted by First-Aid on November 15th, 2022 @ 6:06pm CST
Dr. Caelus wrote:First-Aid wrote:Dr. Caelus wrote:First-Aid wrote:I'm still mad they are using "they" as a singular. IT'S PLURAL DAMNIT! MORE THAN ONE! LERN UR GRAMMER!!!
It annoys me when people say "you" when they mean "y'all", but language is fluid.
Interestingly enough, "you" actually CAN be singular and plural according to Webster's.
I know. I was joking. I assumed you were as well.
You never know anymore online. I had a problem reading your body language...
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149305)
Posted by Dr. Caelus on November 15th, 2022 @ 6:18pm CST
Yeah, the whole, 'Transformers shouldn't have genders because they shouldn't have sexes' argument is kind of eyeroll worthy.
People who think, 'Arcee wouldn't ask people to refer to her as a "she" in conversation because she wasn't created with a vagina and uterus for making babies' are basically presuming that one's choice of pronoun mainly serves to declare one's role in procreation. Seems like they have a pretty weird concept about what information is relevant and appropriate to expect for ordinary conversation.
===
Thinking about it more, I wish the conversation in the show had been more like:
Optimus: "These three pieces represent Hashtag, Jawbreaker, and Nightshade..."
Nightshade: "I'd like to be on the left please."
Optimus: "Very well, Mo, please move h- ...?"
Mo (Telepathing through gauntlet): "Nightshade isn't a he or a she."
Nightshade: "Neither word feels like it really fits me..."
Optimus: "Please move their piece to the left side."
===
There's probably a good reason they didn't do it that way, but it felt weird for a very young human and a very, very young terran to use the phrase "preferred pronouns". But then I do have trouble getting a bead on how old Mo is supposed to be.
Posted by Dr. Caelus on November 15th, 2022 @ 6:18pm CST
Sabrblade wrote:FWIW, "genders" =/= "sexes".
Yeah, the whole, 'Transformers shouldn't have genders because they shouldn't have sexes' argument is kind of eyeroll worthy.
People who think, 'Arcee wouldn't ask people to refer to her as a "she" in conversation because she wasn't created with a vagina and uterus for making babies' are basically presuming that one's choice of pronoun mainly serves to declare one's role in procreation. Seems like they have a pretty weird concept about what information is relevant and appropriate to expect for ordinary conversation.
===
Thinking about it more, I wish the conversation in the show had been more like:
Optimus: "These three pieces represent Hashtag, Jawbreaker, and Nightshade..."
Nightshade: "I'd like to be on the left please."
Optimus: "Very well, Mo, please move h- ...?"
Mo (Telepathing through gauntlet): "Nightshade isn't a he or a she."
Nightshade: "Neither word feels like it really fits me..."
Optimus: "Please move their piece to the left side."
===
There's probably a good reason they didn't do it that way, but it felt weird for a very young human and a very, very young terran to use the phrase "preferred pronouns". But then I do have trouble getting a bead on how old Mo is supposed to be.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149307)
Posted by Sabrblade on November 15th, 2022 @ 6:36pm CST
I don't disagree that there was probably a smoother and more natural way of handling it, but I'm sure someone would have still raised an issue with how was handled no matter what.
Posted by Sabrblade on November 15th, 2022 @ 6:36pm CST
It's possible the show didn't want to risk making Optimus sound insensitive by having him make an assumption about Nightshade before being corrected afterward. Having him simply wonder about it upfront avoided that chance of insensitivity.Dr. Caelus wrote:Thinking about it more, I wish the conversation in the show had been more like:
I don't disagree that there was probably a smoother and more natural way of handling it, but I'm sure someone would have still raised an issue with how was handled no matter what.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149308)
Posted by Dr. Caelus on November 15th, 2022 @ 7:12pm CST
I remembered him stopping himself after starting to say either "his" or "her", but maybe hr paused a half syllable sooner. Either way, it was the little kid busting out the formal vocab without any prior hint of awareness of such things that felt really forced to me, but maybe Mo is older than she looks.
Also, Nightshade was the only one who introduced themself without help to start with, so it felt odd they needed Mo to label them at all.
Posted by Dr. Caelus on November 15th, 2022 @ 7:12pm CST
Sabrblade wrote:It's possible the show didn't want to risk making Optimus sound insensitive by having him make an assumption about Nightshade before being corrected afterward. Having him simply wonder about it upfront avoided that chance of insensitivity.Dr. Caelus wrote:Thinking about it more, I wish the conversation in the show had been more like:
I remembered him stopping himself after starting to say either "his" or "her", but maybe hr paused a half syllable sooner. Either way, it was the little kid busting out the formal vocab without any prior hint of awareness of such things that felt really forced to me, but maybe Mo is older than she looks.
Also, Nightshade was the only one who introduced themself without help to start with, so it felt odd they needed Mo to label them at all.
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149314)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on November 15th, 2022 @ 7:37pm CST
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on November 15th, 2022 @ 7:37pm CST
I appreciate the civility of the discussion right now, I do.
But I will ask that members use the spoiler tags where necessary please. You must remember that for a good portion of the fandom, episodes 1 and 2 are the only ones available, so if you can please extend a courtesy spoiler tag for details past those episodes, mostly for plot and some character related items.
Thanks, again I appreciate the good conversations, just be wary of spoilers for others please
But I will ask that members use the spoiler tags where necessary please. You must remember that for a good portion of the fandom, episodes 1 and 2 are the only ones available, so if you can please extend a courtesy spoiler tag for details past those episodes, mostly for plot and some character related items.
Thanks, again I appreciate the good conversations, just be wary of spoilers for others please
Re: Transformers Earthspark Season 1 is Now Available + Review of First 2 Episodes (2149318)
Posted by Dr. Caelus on November 15th, 2022 @ 8:15pm CST
Honestly, it's killing me not to talk about tbe Beast Machines influences seeded in the pilot and then built on on further towards the end of the season.
Technoorganics!
Bots that don't need energon!
Caves full of magic water!
Possible connections to the quintessons!
Posted by Dr. Caelus on November 15th, 2022 @ 8:15pm CST
D-Maximal_Primal wrote:You must remember that for a good portion of the fandom, episodes 1 and 2 are the only ones available, so if you can please extend a courtesy spoiler tag for details past those episodes, mostly for plot and some character related items.
Honestly, it's killing me not to talk about tbe Beast Machines influences seeded in the pilot and then built on on further towards the end of the season.
Technoorganics!
Bots that don't need energon!
Caves full of magic water!
Possible connections to the quintessons!
