A revised scripted is available for this episode, which can be read in full at the Sunbow and Marvel Productions Script/Storyboard Archive. The original script was written by Douglas Booth on 12/28/1984, whilst Ron Friedman's revised script is dated 01/04/1985.

Unfortunately Ron used a pretty thick marker pen to cross out bits he changed, so it's often hard to tell what was there originally.

ACT 1
ACT 2
ACT 3



ACT 1

This episode was meant to start off with some dialogue from the narrator, but it was all cut from the episode.



SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
BUMBLEBEE
No way, smooth as selenium steel... piece of -oof! -cake! When I get back, I'm having Ratchet convert me to four-wheel drive!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
RANGER JEFF
There are the trees I was talking about...


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
RANGER JEFF (CONT)
Looks like they were chewed up!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
BEACHCOMBER
They were, and I'm not talking termites, I'm talking big creatures, reeeeeal big!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
RANGER JEFF
But that's ridiculous, what kind of animals can devour trees this size?


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
BEACHCOMBER
Not animals, Insecticons!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
SHRAPNEL
Don't scram your ram, Kickback... it's just Bombshell's stomach rumbling!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
BOMBSHELL
Yeah. That's the problem with pines. You eat a forest full of 'em and an hour later you're out of energy again!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
BOMBSHELL (CONT)
Hey -snack time, anyone?


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
RANGER JEFF
Gigantic robot insects that eat trees? You've gotta be kidding!



This was cut from the episode.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
RANGER MIKE
Impossible! I'm not seeing this!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
RANGER MIKE (VO) (CONT)
Some giant figments are eating the trees!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
BEACHCOMBER
Heh, don't let it get to you, ranger. Insecticons probably think humans are figments, too. Let's go!



In the episode, Laserbeak is missing from this shot.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
STARSCREAM
Allies? Humph. I don't trust them!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
MEGATRON
I shall exterminate them.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
SOUNDWAVE
Autobots approaching, Megatron. Insecticons located.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
MEGATRON
Ah, we can observe our six-legged friends in action!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
RANGER MIKE
Hah! Don't see anything... ah, guess I was just imagining things.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
BOMBSHELL
Grrrr.... human drivers!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
SHRAPNEL
Now how 'bout these redwoods? Tasty, huh? Full of electrons.



This was cut from the episode. It was scripted to happen after Shrapnel's "full of electrons" line.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
RANGER MIKE
Back! There are monsters in there!



In the episode, Shrapnel is present in this shot, but Bombshell isn't.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
HOUND
And... one of them's got a grenade launcher, so scatter!



This line was cut.




In the episode, Bombshell says "Great shot, Shrapnel" and instead of slapping him on the back, he just gives a thumbs up.



SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
BOMBSHELL (CONT)
Hmmm... a good meal always puts me in the mood....



The shot of the good guys mentioned here was cut. Instead, Bombshell goes after Bumblebee. The script also wanted the Autobots to be in robot mode here, but in the episode Bumblebee drives away from Bombshell for a few seconds, then transforms.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
BEACHCOMBER
This way!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
SHRAPNEL
They're getting away, away!

In the episode, Bumblebee charges into Shrapnel right before he says the above line. This isn't in the script.





All of the above was cut from the episode. It was meant to happen before the Insecticons roll a fallen tree at the Autobots.



This line was cut.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
SHRAPNEL
We did it!



This line was cut, which was originally meant to end act 1. Instead, act 1's last line is Shrapnel's "we did it!".



ACT 2

SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
SHRAPNEL
Insecticons always triumph, triumph!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
MEGATRON
The Insecticons have done well!

In the episode, right before Megatron says this line, Bombshell says "I'm hungry". This line isn't in the script.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
STARSCREAM
Yes, perhaps they should lead us.

MEGATRON
You test my patience, Starscream!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
BOMBSHELL
Why, if it isn't Megatron and his merry mechanical men!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
BUMBLEBEE (VO)
You can turn off your hologram projector now.

The script's original line here can't be read, but allegedly the original line was meant to be something like "thank heavens for that bogus plot device or we'd all be finished!". See this page of the TF wiki for more info.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
HOUND
Phew, sure glad it isn't really us down there.



This line was cut.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
RANGER JEFF
Where'd Spike and Bumblebee go?


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
MEGATRON
Insecticons, I will treat you to a feast of energy that will gouge your circuits.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
BOMBSHELL
Where? When?



This line was cut.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
MEGATRON (VO)
At the Nova power plant. And after your meal, you will be powerful enough to carry out a small task for me.

In the episode, after Megatron says the above, this conversation happens:

SHRAPNEL: What task, task?
BOMBSHELL: Who cares, if there's energy in it!
MEGATRON: You will help me seize the defense computer at Iron Mountain!

None of the above is in the script.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
SPIKE
We'd better radio Prime!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
OPTIMUS PRIME (CONT)
The facts are clear. If the Insecticons make lunch of the Nova power plant...

I'll just mention here that any instance of "electro power" in the script was changed to "nova power" in the actual episode.

SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
IRONHIDE
They'd get strong enough to have us for breakfast!

JAZZ
Yeah, over easy or sunny side up!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
OPTIMUS PRIME
Autobots... transform!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
OPTIMUS PRIME (CONT)
Roll out!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
SHRAPNEL (VO) (CONT)
That Nova power plant is a fit tid-bit...


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
SHRAPNEL
...for a ravenous Insecticon!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
MEGATRON
Starscream, Skywarp, Thundercracker... dispense with those primitive devices...


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
MEGATRON
Soundwave and I will...


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
MEGATRON (VO)
...decimate Optimus Prime!



This dialogue was cut.



In the episode, Jazz laughs between saying "buzzard's" and "caboose", which wasn't in the script.



The above was all cut from the episode. It was scripted to happen after Jazz's "buzzard's caboose" line.



In the episode, Inferno's siren isn't used.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
BOMBSHELL
Then let's grab the grub! Ahhhh... that divine aroma!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
SHRAPNEL
The tantalizing smell of power, power!



The script wanted the power source to be rainbow colored, but in the episode it's blue.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
BOMBSHELL
A little heavy on the neutrons...


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
KICKBACK (VO)
Yeah, but the protons are making...


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
KICKBACK (CONT)
...making me grow! Ooooooh!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
SHRAPNEL
Eat more, then we'll show Megatron whose really in control, control!



Shrapnel's line here was cut.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
SOUNDWAVE
The Insecticons plot treason!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
SHRAPNEL
An excellent idea! Implant the cerebro shell!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
OPTIMUS PRIME
Hit the dirt!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
SPIKE
Did you stop the Insecticons?


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
PRIME (VO)
No such luck!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
PRIME (CONT)
It's up to Wheeljack and Ironhide now...


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
PRIME (VO) (CONT)
...I just hope they're not too late!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
WHEELJACK (VP)
It's what I don't see that worries me!




The script has a note about possibly having Soundwave in this shot, but in the episode he's not there.



In the episode, Shrapnel doesn't say "In that case".



This shot of a panel opening on one of Ironhide's arms isn't in the script.



In the episode, Inferno carries Ironhide with his arms, rather than over his shoulder.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
INFERNO
All right, buddy. We'll get you out of here!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
JAZZ
All set, Prime!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
STARSCREAM
Ha! The Autobots are retreating!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
BUMBLEBEE
I hate fighting in reverse!



In the episode, Shrapnel doesn't fire off any lightning here.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
STARSCREAM
Power has made the Insecticons obnoxious!

MEGATRON
And invincible!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
STARSCREAM
Which will enable us to capture the defense computer at Iron Mountain!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
SPIKE
Optimus, according to this, the nova power core is incompatible with their trilithium stomachs!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
JAZZ
Say what? You mean they gonna get electro-chemical indigestion?!



This was cut from the episode, it was scripted to happen after Spike's "find an antidote" line.




The script's description of Iron Mountain differs from what it looks like in the episode.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
MILITARY GUARD
Command control alert! Defense perimeter has been breached!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
MEGATRON
Soundwave! When you have assimilated all data in the master defense computer...


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
MEGATRON (VO) (CONT)
(filtered)
those insufferable Insecticons!



This line was cut.



SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
MILITARY GUARD
Optimus Prime! Help!

MILITARY GUARD (VO)
Iron Mountain is under attack!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
JAZZ
The Insecticons are flying time-bombs, Prime!

PRIME
Yes, if they explode inside Iron Mountain...



In the episode, the image on Teletraan I's screen isn't shown exploding.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
SPIKE
They'll... they'll blow it sky high!




ACT 3

SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
MEGATRON
Give up, humans!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
MILITARY GUARD
Lower the shields!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
MILITARY GUARD (VO) (CONT)
Activate the master defense sequence!



This was all cut from the episode.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
SHRAPNEL
Heh heh, what's the matter, Megatron? Weakling humans too tough for you?



This was cut from the episode.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
OPTIMUS PRIME
Ratchet, Wheeljack -we're gonna need that antidote fast!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
WHEELJACK
Doin' our best, Optimus!

In the episode, Wheeljack isn't seen speaking into a communicator when he says this.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
BOMBSHELL
Ugh... that nova power core's given me heartburn! That is, if I had a heart!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
BOMBSHELL
If you have a brain, you'll realize...



In the episode, Shrapnel doesn't say this line when he transforms here.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
COMPUTER OPERATOR
Oh no! The defense computer's lost control of the lasers!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
MEGATRON
Insecticons! You keep the Autobots busy...


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
MEGATRON (CONT)
While we steal the secrets of the defense computer!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
SHRAPNEL
With pleasure, pleasure!





All of the above was cut from the episode.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
SPIKE
Guys, you all right?


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
INFERNO
Look, you get ten tons of boulders off my shoulder struts, and I'll get off your noggin.



In the episode, Spike doesn't look at his watch, and his dialogue was cut down to just "I hope so!".



In the episode, Megatron also says "good!" before saying this line.



This was cut from the episode.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
MEGATRON (CONT)
Soundwave has gathered the data he came for...



In the episode, Skywarp and Thundercracker turn around to stare at Megatron and Starscream, rather than the Insecticons.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
BOMBSHELL
I think your dear Decepticons would rather follow my commands!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
STARSCREAM
He must have bugged our forces with cerebro shells!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
BOMBSHELL
Yeah... like this!



In the episode, Starscream doesn't clutch at the shell, or yell when it hits him.



In the episode, this sequence was altered so the shell never hits Megatron -he instead catches it with his hand.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
BOMBSHELL
Owww!!! My cerebro shell! My precious shell!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
MEGATRON
And now I'm going to stomp you!!!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
SHRAPNEL
Heh heh heh! What a treat! Even the Autobots fight to save us, us! Into Iron Mountain!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
SHRAPNEL (CONT)
We'll help ourselves to the data Soundwave took from the computer!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
BOMBSHELL
Slaves! Blast away!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
STARSCREAM/THUNDERCRACKER/SKYWARP
Yes, master Insecticon.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
MEGATRON
Prime, why did you stop me from destroying those six-legged liabilities?


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
OPTIMUS
Your fusion cannon would have detonated the nova-power lunch inside the Insecticons -you'd have destroyed us all!



The above was all cut from the episode.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
MEGATRON
Fools! You've flip-flopped your circuits!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
RATCHET
Here Prime -the antidote!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
SPIKE
Optimus! Thirty seconds and the Insecticons go off!



In the episode, when Optimus grabs Megatron, the latter isn't seen to be sparking.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
OPTIMUS PRIME
Megatron... you've got to transform!



There is a note in the script about the Insecticons rumbling "louder and louder" throughout this scene, but in the episode only a bit of rumbling is heard, which soon stops.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
BOMBSHELL
I'm shrinking!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
KICKBACK
Let's get outta here with Soundwave!



This line for Kickback was cut.




The script doesn't mention anything about Shrapnel taking down Wheeljack and Hound here, which is what he's shown to do in the episode. He doesn't say the above line quite yet either, instead he says it after the lightning bolt blasts through Iron Mountain.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
SHRAPNEL
Now you'll learn what happens to those who stand in the way of the Insecticons!



In the episode, Shrapnel has a line for when he blasts Prime and Megatron, which isn't in the script: "You first, Prime!"



SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
JAZZ
Get away, Spike! He's gonna blow!


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
PRIME
Pike...

That really is what Optimus says in the episode. It seems an editing error led to this dialogue being cut out at the start.



The script notes Spike should pull out and use a screwdriver to open Shrapnel's chest compartment, but in the episode he doesn't use one. He just pull open the compartment with his hand.



In the episode, Soundwave hits a wall, rather than a power main.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
BOMBSHELL
Ugh! I've lost my hold on the Decepticons...



In the episode, this line is not a voice over.


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
STARSCREAM
What's going on?


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
STARSCREAM
What happened?


SCRIPT
EPISODE DIALOGUE
KICKBACK
Megatron'll tell ya, Starskunk!



These lines were cut.

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