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.
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!".
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! |
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.