Countdown to Extinction

The Transformers episode 14
Previous episode	Next episode

For a detailed overview of this episode, click here.

Optimus Prime and Megatron have to work together when Starscream threatens to destroy the Earth.
Original USA broadcast date: December 1st, 1984

Contents
1) Synopsis
2) Notes
3) Errors


Synopsis

Megatron returns to Earth, and finds the Decepticons fighting among themselves as they make repairs to their base. He quickly takes control of his forces, and finds out that Starscream is missing. Laserbeak then returns, having found info on Starscream's whereabouts -he's teamed up with Doctor Arkeville and believes Megatron has been destroyed, making him the leader of the Decepticons. Megatron and the others move out to find Starscream. Meanwhile, the Autobots repair Teletraan I and see the Decepticons on the move. They head out to intercept them. As this is happening, Starscream is in Arkeville's lab, and sees one of the doctor's inventions: a exponential generator. Starscream sets up a timed bomb, intending to use the generator's vast power to destroy the Earth and then collect the released energy, which will be sent to Cybertron. Arkevilla objects, but Starscream takes him and heads to Cybertron.

When they arrive, Starscream tells Shockwave that Megatron has been destroyed. Shockwave refuses to believe him, but he is unable to contact Megatron on Earth. Starscream declares himself the new leader of the Decepticons, and orders Shockwave to stop trying to contact Megatron. Arkeville attempts to use a computer to stop the energy collectors from working, but gets electrocuted. On Earth, Megatron leads the Autobots into a place called the Vallet of No Return, where they get stuck. Most of the Decepticons resume their journey to Arkeville's lab, but the Autobots eventually get free. Jazz maanges to catch Laserbeak, and plays back the info on him so the Autobots know what's going on.

On Cybertron, Starscream has Arkeville "repaired", turning him into a cyborg. Shockwave sneaks off to resume trying to contact Megatron. On Earth, the Autobots follow the Decepticons to the lab and a battle takes place. Optimus enters the lab and finds the exponential generator, as Megatron tells him to get away from it. However, Shockwave then finally gets through to him and warns him about Starscream's plan. Megatron locates the bomb and destroys it with seconds to spare. Starscream sees the bomb hasn't gone off, and believes the timer was faulty. He flies back to Earth.

Optimus and Megatron fight over the exponential generator, but it begins to get extremely unstable. Realizing it will explode, Megatron transforms and has Optimus load the generator into him. Optimus fires the generator straight into space, where it explodes. The blast hits Starscream and causes him to crashland, where he is found by Megatron. As the Autobots roll for home, they wonder what Megatron will do to Starscream -Prime thinks it'll be nothing gentle. The Autobots laugh, and Jazz thinks they've seen the last of Starscream alright -and that's the first thing that's gone right all day!

Notes

-SCRIPT DIFFERENCES: Click here for details.

-This episode introduces a new character: Frenzy. It seems that Rumble was the more popular cassette robot, since overall he appears in a lot more episodes then Frenzy does.

-This episode marks Arkeville's last appearance. It appears he was left on Cybertron, and is never mentioned again.

Errors

-Brawn is seen helping another Brawn near the start. When the shot changes, one of the Brawns has changed into Gears.
-Starscream's wings are misaligned with his body during this shot.
-During this shot, Brawn's head is colored orange instead of gray, and Jazz's Autobot symbol is missing.
-The warning shot Starscream fires at Shockwave causes an explosion on the wall slightly before the laser actually hits it.
-Shockwave's hand cannon is on his right hand instead of his left during this shot.
-One of Soundwave's hands is colored white instead of blue during this shot.
-The aerials on Prime's head are colored white instead of blue during this shot.
-When Skywarp says they'll make the Autobots regret undooming themselves, he's colored like Thundercracker.