There are two scripts available for this episode, and they can both be read at the Sunbow and Marvel Productions Script/Storyboard Archive. The original script was written by Larry Strauss on 9/16/85. There is then also a revised script, with updated dialogue. This script doesn't state who did this, it doesn't appear to be Ron Friedman as the hand writing is different. This revised script has a date of 9/26/85. The scripts are missing pages 22 and 29.
For the most part, the changes made on the revised script's are what were used in the episode, unless noted below.
The script has a different name for Groove: Cruiser. First Aid's name is missing from the cast list, but that's because he doesn't speak in this episode.
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STARSCREAM I can't stand it! I can't stand it! This is a cosmic prison! |
In the episode, Brawl is seen firing at Starscream, rather than hitting him with his turret.
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This note, which was added onto the revised script, was ignored in the episode.
The above was crossed out on the revised script, and isn't present in the episode.
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In the episode, the asteroid doesn't land in a crater, and the Combaticons don't put their hands over their heads as they march.
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In the episode, Swindle says the "But" rather than Bruticus.
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BRUTICUS You control giant Sentinels! If you destroyed, robots defeated! |
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SHOCKWAVE I must protect Cybertron from all hostile threats. |
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In the episodes, the Insecticons appear to attack an entire city, rather than just a few houses.
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This line was cut. It was not crossed out on the revised script.
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These lines were cut. On the original script, the stuff Kickback spits out was written to be "cotton" insulation, but was changed to "fiberglass" on the revised script.
This line was cut.
The sequence was changed so Shrapnel doesn't duck, he turns his body instead. The missiles hit the exterior of the tunnel, and Shrapnel doesn't say the above line.
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On the revised script, the line about the people being scared of the Autobots is crossed out. However in the episode people still seem to flee from the Autobots as they approach.
Prime isn't seen doing this in the episode.
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In the episode, Teletraan I shows a bunch of stars for this shot, so the revised script won out.
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On the revised script, Perceptor's above line is crossed out, and isn't heard in the episode.
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STARSCREAM Let go! |
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The script seemingly implies that Shockwave was meant to ride inside Starscream's cockpit, but in the episode, Shockwave sits on top of it instead.
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STARSCREAM (CONT-VO) Well, welcome aboard, Shockwave! It looks like we've got a planet to reclaim! |
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Despite the "back to camera" text being crossed out on the revised script, Onslaught has his back to the camera for this shot in the episode.
The "high-tech missile guidance" line was cut.
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The shot of the controls the script mentions here -showing a small blip moving towards a larger dot -was cut, along with most of Onslaught's lines here.
The above sequence was cut.
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PROWL (VO) We're wasting good ammo on these creeps! I'd like to just squash a few of 'em! |
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In the episode, Megatron is seen at the control panel, as the original script wanted.
In the revised script, all of the above lines are crossed out. None of them are heard in the episode.
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This line was cut.
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VORTEX Ooh, I love sneak attacks!! |
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In the episode, Blast Off transforms after Brawl's "keep firing!" line. Brawl was also named "Brawn" in the scripts here.
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On the revised script, Starscream's line is crossed out, and isn't heard in the episode.
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SHOCKWAVE But Megatron is also on Earth! |
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This line was crossed out on the revised script, and isn't heard in the episode.
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In the episode, Starscream doesn't put his hands behind his head.
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The Combaticons aren't seen transforming and rushing off in the episode.
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In the episode, neither of these lines are voice overs.
On the revised script, Onslaught's line here is crossed out, and isn't heard in the episode.
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RED ALERT (VO) That village! |
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In the episode, Inferno isn't seen racing in here.
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In the episode, Kickback doesn't kick a car, he instead shoves his hand into its engine.
In the episode, Ramjet doesn't crash through into the car park, he flies in through the entrance. No car horns are heard and Thundercracker isn't present.
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In the episode, the third act starts with the Insecticons dropping the panel and retreating, which isn't mentioned in the script.
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PROWL Well, anybody have any spare parts on 'em?! |
In the episode, Optimus is already in robot mode before he says this line, and isn't seen lying down here.
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In the episode, the sequence involving the waves and the beach isn't shown. Blades isn't shown spraying himself with cooling gel either.
In the episode, First Aid is seen outside the building, whilst the script wanted to show Streetwise and Cruiser/Groove pulling a couple of buses. The animators didn't quite get the name of the store right -"Pacing" instead of "Packing".
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GROOVE Won't they freeze in here? |
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STREETWISE No way! The temperature keeps climbing too fast outside. They'll be fine, at least 'til the ice melts. |
In the episode, no sirens are heard when Groove and Streetwise leave.
In the episode, the two leaders aren't seen pointing their weapons at each other here.
This shot was cut.
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STARSCREAM It was the Combaticons! They locked is in here! And they forced me to threaten you, Megatron! Believe me! |
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STARSCREAM Only if you relinquish leadership of the Decepticons! |
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There are a few things that happen here which aren't in the script, such as the Autobots, Decepticons and Sentinels running out, and a shot of these groups firing at the Combaticons.
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In the episode, the Decepticons jets aren't seen in this shot.
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In the episode, Vortex is seen mouthing Onslaught's "transform to Bruticus" line, despite speaking in Onslaught's voice. It looks like the revised script's added line for Vortex led to some confusion with the animators. Bruticus doesn't knock the ceiling apart when he rises, instead he rips part of the building up and throws it at some Sentinels.
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PRIME (VO) The space bridge... they've altered it! That's what's moving the Earth toward the sun! |
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This line was crossed out on the revised script, and isn't heard in the episode.
In the episode, the weak spots are only on the back of Bruticus, there are none on his neck.
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In addition to the above, Bruticus doesn't scream after saying his line, and Sideswipe actually says "change of direction" before saying "yes, yes!".
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This line was cut.
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PRIME Megatron -Bruticus is a hazard to the galaxy. Yours and ours. |
In the episode, Starscream was used here instead of Thundercracker.
In the episode, only Megatron is seen firing at Bruticus.
This line was cut.
In the episode, Sideswipe was drawn speaking Sunstreaker's line, but he speaks in Sunstreaker's voice. The line for Tracks was crossed out on the revised script, and isn't heard in the episode.
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In the episode, Megatron doesn't pat Starscream on the back.
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In the episode, Megatron briefly laughs after saying the above, which wasn't in the script.
