A Plague of Insecticons

The Transformers episode 15
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For a detailed overview of this episode, click here.

The Decepticons team up with the Insecticons.
Original USA broadcast date: December 29th, 1984

Contents
1) Synopsis
2) Notes
3) Errors


Synopsis

The Autobots learn of sightings of giant robotic insects on Bali, so a team of them -consisting of Bumblebee, Brawn, Spike, Skyfire and Windcharger -head there to investigate. The Decepticons also learn about the robot insects, so a group of them also head to Bali. Megatron's group comes across an escape module, which had been launched from their own starship four million years ago. They realize the bugs are Decepticons like them, and their idento-computers adapted them for life on Earth by turning them into Insecticons. Meanwhile, the Insecticons are attacking a farm, but then start firing at Skyfire's group. The Insecticons reveal they have the power to make clones of themselves, bolstering their numbers.

Things get worse when Megatron's group join forces with the Insecticons, but then Optimus Prime and the rest of the Autobots arrive. A battle takes place, but Megatron heads to an oil refinery whilst the Insecticons continue to battle the Autobots. The Decepticons start creating energon cubes, but the Autobots soon arrive at the refinery and the battle between the two sides continues.

The Insecticons are able to channel lightning and use it as a weapon, but the Autobots quickly nullify this by transforming -rubber tires are insulation, and the lightning can't hurt them when they're rolling on them. The Insecticons begin to think they've chosen the wrong ally in Megatron, and feast on some of the energon cubes. When Megatron sees this, he orders the Decepticons to destroy the Insecticons. The Insecticons fly away and are chased by the Decepticons. As the Autobots watch them leave, Wheeljack believes the Decepticons and Insecticons won't stay enemies for long. Bumblebee and Spike say the Insecticons should watch out, as they'll be ready for them next time.

Notes

-SCRIPT DIFFERENCES: Click here for details.

-This episode aired very late on in 1984, but the Insecticon toys, like several other characters introduced in this season, wouldn't be available to buy until 1985.

-After a fairly decent showing in The Ultimate Doom, Skyfire goes back to being not very durable. Just one attack from Kickback is enough to damage him!

Errors

-Kickback's face is colored black instead of gray during this shot.
-Megatron claims that the Insecticons were on their ship, but none of them can be seen on it back in this episode. And then Shrapnel says he doesn't know Megatron. I guess they were both having memory problems.
-When Optimus orders the Autobots to hit the brakes, the Autobot symbols on his trailer are missing.
-When Brawn says he hopes the clone Insecticons are optical illusions, the Autobot symbol on Bumblebee's chest disappears.
-When the Insecticons charge towards the Autobots, Bombshell's Decepticon symbol keeps flashing on and off.
-When Bumblebee says "I sure hope Prime got Sparkplug's message to meet us here", he's not on screen, but both Windcharger and Brawn's mouths are opening and closing like they're saying the line.
-Sunstreaker's head is colored yellow instead of black during this shot.
-Bombshell's eyes are colored gray instead of red when Shrapnel says "I don't know you".
-When Wheeljack lands on Prime's trailer, the trailer is missing its Autobot symbol.
-Optimus is seen transforming from robot to truck, but when Brawn then asks for a toss a second after this, Optimus in back in robot mode again.
-When Megatron asks what Kickback is talking about, his chest Decepticon symbol is missing.
-When Optimus warns Bumblebee and Spike to stay back, his hand is colored red instead of blue.
-Parts of Sunstreaker's head are colored yellow instead of black during this shot.
-Sideswipe's eyes are colored red instead of blue during this shot.