petals

Here is a quote from the article (which I'll link to) that confirms it as Orci's "vision."

I apologize for the language here, but this piece is very enlightening with regards to Arcee's "arc" in TFP.

Below - and I won't link the article, but if you do find it, please avoid the first question and answer for the vulgarities it mentioned from the film - is confirmation that Bay was not the one who caused the trouble with the Arcee Triplets.

Honestly, the more I look back on Bayverse, the more I feel like I owe Michael Bay - and most likely Spielberg as well - a huge apology for the crap I and 90% of the fandom gave him over the years.

Before I get started, please excuse me if I sound critical and even bitter at some points. With that out of the way, let me share my two cents!

We’ve touched on this topic before here and there, but yeah…Roberto Orci’s “vision” of Arcee in particular will never not be iffy to me.

For starters, his “justification” for excluding Arcee from the main Autobot cast has always been a major headscratcher to me. The way he’s talking is as if Bayverse was the very first time Transformers introduced a female Autobot/Cybertronian, when in reality, G1 had already done that way back in the 80’s.

I’m…unsure what compelled him to think that there has to be an explanation for female transformers, especially when G1 (and correct me if I’m wrong) just went ahead and introduced them all with their own unique personalities and abilities. It’s even more baffling when you consider that he’s said to know about G1 (at least from what I heard/read), you’d think he’d just go ahead and introduce Arcee as is without needing any unnecessary “justification”. If the guys could just exist, no questions asked, why can’t she…?

Makes me wonder if Arcee would’ve stayed as one of Bayverse’s MC’s had it not been for Orci’s “concern”, especially since Bay himself, while didn’t oppose the concept of the “Arcee Triplets/Sisters”, seemed pretty firm about making them as their own separate characters and not a hivemind. Your first screenshot mentioned something about “the movie landscape of 2007”, but I don’t think people back then need an in–depth explanation on why female transformers exist…they just do. But apparently, that explanation wasn’t enough for Orci…?

Anyways.

Yep. It really does confirm Orci’s “vision” for Arcee. At this rate, I wouldn’t be surprised if Orci’s the main proponent of Arcee being blue in TFP, given his “appease women with a pink Transformer” line. Think about it, Arcee is pink/magenta in Bayverse, but she’s blue in TFP. The difference? Bayverse!Arcee is unfortunately a background character with virtually zero roles/presence that eventually got snuffed, while TFP!Arcee is an MC that’s paired with her human charge, Jack. And you know what they say about guys rolling on a pink bike? That’s right. They can’t.

Following the color logic…excuse my straightforwardness, but it wouldn’t be a far–fetched if I were to say that TFP Arcee being blue is a way to appease to men, now would it? Especially with how her color was specifically altered just because she’s paired with a guy. Don’t get me started on her design.

(Note: I just realized something. So, Orci thinks that Arcee needed a reason to “exist” in Bayverse just because she’s a gal. But fast–forward to TFP…and would you look at that? She existed from the get–go as part of Team Prime, no questions asked. There’s no explanation to why she, as a female transformer, is there, because she just is. What’s with the switch up…? Questionable writing aside, while it’s a good thing that Arcee made it to TFP, you can’t help but wonder what Orci was thinking back in Bayverse…)

On the flip side, it also explains Arcee’s “arc” in TFP. Moving on to your third and fourth screenshots (I found the article…and yeah, you weren’t kidding), again, I’m unsure of what Orci was thinking when he preferred a hivemind concept with the Arcee Triplets/Sisters. Was that ever explained? If so, I’m very curious to know his reasonings…

That aside, and I think(?) I’ve said it elsewhere, but it does explain Arcee’s weathervane tendencies/writing in TFP. Assuming that the “other two Arcees” are based off of Chromia and Elita’s personalities (which is very iffy–sounding to me), and assuming that the “three” are integrated into TFP Arcee’s wishy–washy writing…it all checks out. On one hand, TFP Arcee is steady, maternal and caring (Elita’s characteristics), but on the other, she’s unsteady, standoffish, and makes her compassion conditional. On one hand, TFP Arcee is cool–headed, serious, and responsible (Chromia’s traits), but on the other, she’s quick to anger, makes unnecessary quips, and irresponsible. On one hand, TFP Arcee is said to have moved on from the past, but on the other, she seems stuck in it…

The list goes on. The more I think about it, there more it does feel like TFP Arcee is a 3–in–1 character, and not in a good way. While I don’t expect a character to be flawless and that they have to be 100% perfect, TFP Arcee’s inconsistent writing just gets to a point. Again, while there’s nothing wrong with it when said character eventually gets the character development later on (AKA the eventual pay out turns out to be good)…the thing is; her “character development” felt rushed and even non–existent.

To quote what someone said about her “dead partners” plot/arc in particular: “This show gave he the exact same storyline twice and resolve neither of them.” (In this regard, recall the thing I said/mentioned to you before about how you’d be left with nothing if you take away Arcee’s “dead partners” plot/arc. But all in all, the quote can be said for her general weathervane tendencies/writing).

Mhm. Even if I still think Bayverse still made some pretty questionable writing choices (ex. the addition of vulgar jokes), I do agree that we should probably tone down our disdain of him. Besides, Bayverse was one of my introductions to Transformers (and I’m sure it’s other people’s “firsts” when it comes to Transformers. So, yeah…we should cut him some slack. Also, in regards to Bayverse Arcee, I have to agree with one of the comments that stated, “Bay did one thing right keeping the Arcee sisters as individuals”.

So, I now present to you these ladies as a possible girlfriend for Smokescreen (links to their bios below.)

Treadbolt, Nyx, Slash, Sonar, Road Rage, Windblade, Transmutate, Flareup.

They are named in order of their picture's appearance, so take your time and please choose! No other alternatives can be submitted.

Okay, let me say that I was one of the people that voted for Road Rage. I’ll be sure to share you my reasonings behind my choice (and some “basis” underlying it), while sprinkling some HCs here and there as well. I hope it’s alright!

Let me preface that I mainly base off of my (hypothetical) dynamics/interactions between Smokescreen and Road Rage base off of her Wiki, so I apologize in advance if there’s some OOC–ness on my part. Also, keep in mind that this was around the same time I was getting acquainted to your AU’s Smokescreen, and that, as I read through all the bios…Road Rage just seemed to appeal to me the most (though, if you made this poll now…I’d probably go for Windblade tbh, especially since its in–line with the whole “Smokescreen becomes the next Prime” route and that this pie chart you made sums up the parallels that she and Smokescreen has with one another!).

As for why I chose her, it’s mainly due to her personality and parallels to Smokescreen. From what I’ve seen/observed, they’re both: bodyguards to a ‘bot, have a “fiery” personality, have sportscar alt–modes, are considered as cheerful yet could lock/be serious in if need be (the cheerfulness aspect’s more on Smokescreen than Road Rage, at least her IDW 2019 version), have “wings”, are knowledgeable/well–versed in their respective fields of interest (Smokescreen’s knowledgeable in history, while Road Rage is knowledgeable on alien cultures), and lastly, have an “over my dead body” mindset towards those closest to them/the ones they’re protecting.

I also have this HC where any Autobot whose a guard most likely graduated from the Elite Guard (unless otherwise stated). That said, I like to think that Smokescreen and Road Rage went into the Elite Guard/Academy around the same time (plus, I personally feel that there should be more gals in the Elite Guard tbh). This is just me, but I kind of like the idea of Smokescreen being with someone who “keeps him on his toes”, as in someone who actively challenges him and encourages him to grow in a positive way. Meanwhile, it goes without saying that he’d definitely do the same.

Before I talk more about them, let me touch on Smokescreen for a bit.

Relationship–wise, it’s unfortunate that TFP never really made him have any meaningful relationship with others. It doesn’t help that the other ‘bots “outrank” him both in status and in experience, so Smokey’s left with no “common ground” to work with, especially not with how OG Team Prime never made a conscious effort to get to know him and pretty much alienate him (there’s also how a certain Two–Wheeler constantly held her seniority above his helm at any given chance.

But despite his lack of meaningful relationships (courtesy of the TFP writers), we do see him forge them with a select few. There’s the short–lived *glares at a certain someone* brotherly/sibling–like relationship with Jack, and how Smokescreen stood up for him against Vince. We also see his amiable dynamic with Miko (when she gave him a thumbs up in The Human Factor in support of his initiative to cheer Bulkhead up, despite how said bot threw a temper tantrum beforehand) and Wheeljack (when he complimented Smokescreen’s good shot in Persuasion). While Ultra Magnus greatly outranks him, there were some nice moments between the two (when he told Smokescreen to chin up in Persuasion, or when he called Smokescreen “kid” in Predacons Rising).

What this shows us is that Smokey’s pretty friendly when faced with someone “of the same standing” (read: Miko and Wheeljack with the one–dimensional “reckless” label often attached to them), or if you’re someone who doesn’t care about/willing to push aside one’s ranks (read: Ultra Magnus Post–Chain of Command). In other words; a friendship with him is guaranteed. As we know, Smokescreen has pretty good people/bot skills and could befriend/get acquainted with any bot if he wanted, provided that they’re amicable (or at least open, to an extent) with him in return. That’s his main “power”.

Had he been given the chance to actually befriend and create meaningful relationships with others, he’d definitely be the ‘bot that’d be able to: A) Make Jack feel like a kid/a teenager again after being surrounded by figures that insist him to “be an adult”, B) Cheer Miko up in light of Bulkhead’s injury (assuming he doesn’t throw a temper tantrum at their closeness) via his own experiences of loss, and C) Bond with Wheeljack over their shared “outcast” status. It goes without saying that there’s also the untapped potential of him being close to the rest of Team Prime, but given that they (and the show) insist that he’s nothing but a “reckless troublemaker”, we never got that. Sure, there’s bits and pieces here and there, but to me (and excuse my bitterness), they tended to feel insincere and I often felt like they were added “just for the sake of it”.

(Note: While Arcee did–begrudgingly–admit that Smokescreen pulled a big–brained move with his escape from the Nemesis and that he got the Omega Keys, see how she glared at him while crossing her arms beforehand? For the second instance, I expected more than…whatever that is from Ratchet. Yes, Arcee’s well–known for not making genuine comments/compliments towards Smokescreen, but Ratchet??? That’s all you have to say about Smokescreen’s act of saving Optimus’ life while you did next to NOTHING before Bee and Raf arrived???).

Ugh. Bitterness aside…

Going off of everything I just said, this is where Smokescreen and Road Rage come into play. You may view them either platonically or as “something more”, but since the two “have the same standing/starting point” (and if you consider their similarities/parallels), I feel like it’d be a great basis for their subsequent friendship/if they want to be “something more”. Due to their similar interests, I can envision them: sharing their bodyguard experiences, probably race one another (though it’d be Smokey dragging Road Rage on a race), sparring with one another (I envision Road Rage as having more “hands on” approach on a fight, while Smokescreen’s more so the “evasive” type), and them talking/sharing about their respective fields on interests, etc.

Though, given that they’re pretty duty–oriented bots, they may (and correct me if I’m wrong) not prioritize relationships for the time being. Maybe it’s just me, but both of them give off slow burn vibes, especially with Smokescreen’s dedication to furthering the Autobot cause and the fact that Road Rage is pretty serious with her job (I get that I emphasized Smokey’s openness, but there’s a difference between friendship and “becoming something more”). That said, I like the idea of Road Rage as another one of Smokey’s friends (outside of the Elite Guard/Mithril Sea squad) back in his Academy days.

((Note: Another HC, but I’m thinking that Road Rage had more of a temper back in her Academy days, and became more composed once she graduated. I’m also thinking that…maybe her bodyguard–like nature became evident once she saw certain cadets (Red Alert for his red optics and Smokescreen for his background and optimism) being picked on, and would gradually shift from someone that’d easily get into fights into someone who’d stop fights/acts of bullying when she’s around.

In the context of Smokescreen (again, tying this into your AU), his “bounce back despite unfairly treated” persona would certainly be a headscratcher for her, especially the way he’d go out of his way tohelp the bots that wronged him. On one hand, Road Rage couldn’t help but find it ridiculous, because…why would you show kindness to those that has consistently given you a hard time? But on the other hand, Smokescreen’s insistence to do good despite it all…it really made Road Rage think.I feel like she’d be one of the bots that genuinely respect him for his mindset, and that it inspired/moved her to adopt her eventual “bodyguard–like” persona))

Now, who fits that description better? Soundwave and Airachnid or Smokescreen and Arcee. Bonus points for the names of each role starting with the same letters.

(No pressure but feel free to add onto this if you like, @jazzimena)

So, while the grudge from Airachnid is brief, it also fits! Dang, they really are like the Decepticon equivalent of Smokescreen and Arcee, especially since both Airachnid and Arcee tend to just go off on their own to have a throwdown of sorts. Meanwhile there's Smokescreen and Soundwave winning the day for their respective sides while flat out ignoring the beef the girls have with them.

Gosh, Smokey going up against either of them would be epic, though I do owe @jazzimena (and myself at this point) a Smokescreen vs Dreadwing fight. As she pointed out, the dude zeroed in on Smokescreen. Now THAT is a fight I'd love to see!

Hmm. I can see a hypothetical fight between Smokescreen and Airachnid more-or-less resulting in Smokescreen being forced to go "confrontational" in his fighting style, at least once he managed to corner her - supposing he doesn't just phase her into a wall, which he could do rather easily/quickly. Now Soundwave, that would require equal amounts of trickery and strength from our Elite Guardsman. They're both very powerful despite their slim builds (Smokescreen's kicks can be qualified as deadly weapons, while Soundwave basically bodied Wheeljack even without the tentacles/stolen katanas), so that...........

First of all, WOW! You two are really onto something with this parallel that I’ve never thought of before! Especially between Smokescreen and Soundwave. And second of all, I’m loving the possibilities that’d come out of a hypothetical fight between Smokescreen with Soundwave and/or Airachnid!

To preface, let me say that Bee can stay as Knock Out’s rival/foil (tbh I personally think KO’s better off as Ratchet’s rival/foil since they’re both medics and the parallels in their personalities). Also, this is just me, but I don’t really see Bee and Soundwave being foils/rivals. Yes, they’re both non–verbal and it would’ve been interesting to further explore that tidbit, but unsurprisingly, TFP never did anything with it. So, it’s difficult for me to see the “vision”.

On the flip side, Smokescreen and Soundwave being rivals/foils really tracks if you look at the differences/parallels in their personality and design! Smokescreen is boisterous and expressive, while Soundwave is silent and expressionless. Smokescreen dons a white and vibrant/flashy paintjob, while Soundwave has a dark/black paintjob and is basically robo–Slenderman. Smokescreen has a ground–based alt mode while Soundwave could fly.

There’s also their similarities. For starters, both are VERY loyal to their factions and would do anything for their team/leaders. Smokescreen was pretty verbal about his disappointment for being unable to serve the Autobot cause, and his undying loyalty is reflected via his “there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you guys” line (kindly ignore Miss Insensitive’s response, please). Meanwhile, Soundwave has stood by Megatron’s side from Day One, and Megatron has nothing but good things to say about him; a courtesy he never really extends towards other Decepticons.

As mentioned prior, Smokescreen and Soundwave have brought nothing but wins for their respective factions (you can’t help but wonder how their respective teams/factions would’ve fared had they been absent). I also realized that they managed to escape from the enemy’s capture solo, but not before pulling a final “in your face!” (Smokescreen took the Omega Keys in Inside Job, while Soundwave kidnapped Ratchet in Minus One). Let’s also not forget how they’re the stealthiest bots in their respective factions, and that others could learn a thing or two from them.

Going back on their loyalty, they’re also the ones who CAN AND WILL stand up for their leaders while others stood by and watched. Smokescreen openly defended Optimus’ decision against Ratchet’s crash out, while Soundwave stood his ground against Airachnid’s plan of leaving Earth (and Megatron) behind. Look, if TFP ever has a last bot standing scenario from each faction (especially loyalty–wise), then it’d definitely be Smokescreen and Soundwave. (Or alternatively, if there's ever a "defend my leader" competition, they'd be in the front-lines)

(Note: Taking on a more serious turn…these two would willingly off themselves for their factions. Regarding Soundwave, I’m reminded by this scene from Evangelion when Rei, the blue–haired girl, confirms Asuka’s assumption/accusation that she’d off herself if her commander told her to via a simple "of course". I think a similar scenario could've played out with Soundwave and...maybe Starscream due to his envy...? Anyways, keep in mind that Soundwave’s the guy that stood by Megatron’s side from way back and still does now. He’s not going anywhere, and he’d do anything for Megatron and the Decepticon cause. If one day, Megatron deems his sacrifice to be necessary in furthering the Decepticon cause, then Soundwave would gladly do so.

I don’t mean to make this depressing, but Smokescreen’s just as willing to do so. Recall his “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you guys” line, and if I may add your “When the Dust Settles” fic as reference @blade-liger-4ever, the way he willingly took those extreme measures to defeat Tarn…? He’d do it again in a heartbeat (poor Chromia, though…). Smokescreen’s selflessness is…both a good and a bad thing. If someone from Team Prime asked him about the implications behind his words or if he’d be ready to lay down his life, he’d probably smile and reply, “Remember that time I said I’d do anything for you guys? I meant every word.”

Also, years ago, I vividly recall seeing a “what if” fanart of what’d happen had Smokescreen himself was the Omega Key. It depicted Smokescreen looking upwards with closed optics, his arms stretched to his side and taking a step forward, ready to jump into the Omega Lock to sacrifice himself. The piece was called “destiny”, which is…haha…maybe it’s a good thing I can’t find the fanart anymore)

…anyways, moving on to a lighter less–depressing topic!

Still on Smokescreen and Soundwave, I think you could expand on them being rivals/ foils. Inspired from this post, Soundwave would definitely view Smokescreen as a threat after learning of all his “feats”. While all Autobots are automatically a threat to the Decepticon cause…Smokescreen is different. He’s a newcomer, yet he managed to foil Lord Megatron’s plans for far too many times. Soundwave has faced his fair share of annoying Autobots, but…he’d be lying if he said that things aren’t getting personal with Smokescreen.

On the flip side, despite having every right to hold a grudge (to everyone, really)…Smokescreen’s not that type of guy. If anything, he thinks that Soundwave’s both crafty and creepy. He doesn’t appreciate Soundwave blindsiding him at his lowest and electrocuting him during his escape…but then again, Decepticons always play dirty. So…Smokescreen’s not very surprised.

(Note: You know, the vivid imagery of Soundwave having a one–sided beef with Smokescreen is pretty funny ngl. They have this constant back and forth where they try to one–up each other, and the difference is that Smokescreen takes it easy while Soundwave is SERIOUS, like this scene where Laserbeak intentionally rams into Smokescreen after getting shot by him, which I personally interpret as light pettiness from Soundwave’s/Laserbeak’s part. Anyways, can we talk about Smokescreen’s clean shot and how he managed to chip off a piece of Laserbeak? That was awesome! Once again, he’s the ONLY one who gets things done *sighs*).

All jokes aside, Smokescreen and Soundwave are the most loyal bots from their respective factions. Not to be dramatic, but if they ever traded blows, they’re not fighting for themselves, but rather, they’d be fighting in the name of their leaders and their faction. I’ll go back on this in a bit.

As I’ve also discussed with Blade, we felt that Smokescreen was robbed from having a proper one–on–one fight with the ‘cons. Dreadwing zeroed in on Smokescreen (before Bulkhead had his forced MC moment) in Hard Knocks andthere was a concept art of him solo–ing Shockwave in an early version of Project Predacon. We REALLY were robbed…*sigh*.

Anyways, a hypothetical Smokescreen vs. Soundwave or Airachnid would be awesome! I yearn for a proper Smokescreen vs. Soundwave fight because, as I said before, there’s the symbolism of them representing their respective leaders and faction. For a bit of comparison, in Triage, we saw how Soundwave managed against Wheeljack and his “coming at you full–force” fighting style (I recall someone describing Soundwave’s fighting style as “using your opponent’s strength against themselves”).

That said, I’m pretty curious to know how Soundwave would manage against an agile and opportunistic mid–to–closed–ranged fighter like Smokescreen. I’m (very) biased, but I’m confident that Smokescreen can give Soundwave a run for his money! (Smokescreen might’ve already learned about Soundwave’s gladiatorial past due to his close association to Megatron, so he’d be sure to take notes of his moves and may even learn a thing or two from available records. He’s an eager learner, people! He’ll also have to avoid Soundwave’s tentacles, but once that’s out of the way, he’s good to go).

As for a hypothetical Airachnid vs. Smokescreen fight…aside from this funny scene being the only time they ever “interacted”, Smokescreen has an advantage due to his agility and slighter build. Partners and Crossfire showed that bigger bots (read: Bulkhead and Optimus, then Dreadwing and Breakdown) don’t fare well against Airachnid’s speed. Since Bee’s the only one who managed to get the drop on Airachnid in Partners, Smokescreen could definitely do the same. Just like with Soundwave, Smokescreen has to keep an eye on Airachnid’s spider legs and webs (him not owning a sharp weapon might be a setback). But given his resourcefulness, I’m very sure he’ll manage.

He could try and consult a certain Two–Wheeler on how to face Airachnid…but I doubt she’d willingly impart her knowledge given the fact that she apparently has more beef/grudge with him than she does with STARSCREAM. Smokescreen might have to figure things out on his own...but then again, this isn’t his first rodeo.

It was @kzele's point, but yes, the parallels are incredible! I also love the hypothetical interaction/fights between Smokescreen and these two 'Cons!

Quite frankly, Bee can do whatever so far as I'm concerned (except commit more war crimes *side-eyes "Masters & Students"*), but I will die on the hill that Knock Out serves as a better foil to Ratchet. Visually Bee and KO are foils, but the fact that both medics are off the field 9/10 and even oppose each other in age makes them better foils than Bee and KO. Yeah, TFP's vision (as we've discussed elsewhere) is inconsistent and/or clearly focused on Arcee.

Exactly! Heck, white and black are actually opposite colors, so it's literally right there for all to see! Not to mention, neither Soundwave nor Smokescreen (so far as we know) have built-in melee weapons. Soundwave has the tentacles and later gets the Resonance Blaster, while Smokescreen has guns and the Phase Shifter. They are ACTUAL FOILS in the show!!!

Bingo: Their loyalty to their own faction is what makes them both so stand-out. Smokescreen would do anything for the Autobots (good grief, he sounds like he's almost in tears at the implication he's for all intents and purposes not good enough for the team. Also -

I think.....I think that's the only time we see how hurt/scared Smokescreen is in this show. Get this boy a hug and throw Arcee down the Mariana Trench.) Meanwhile, Soundwave has been there from the beginning of the War and never wavered. I can't believe that Soundwave gets rewarded for his loyalty, while Smokescreen is treated as a problem simply for not abiding by the emo quota of TFP. (Sidenote: I do believe that was the one time Smokescreen got short with Arcee; it's likely he eased off when he learned she was Optimus' SIC. Darn it, you nasty female of an Autobot....)

You could arguably call Smokescreen and Soundwave the stealthy aces of each faction (probably complete disarray if either side didn't have Soundwave or Smokescreen.) The only difference in their solo escapes are that Megatron had utter faith in Soundwave to handle himself, while the Autobots (except for, possibly, Optimus) didn't really consider anything sans the fact that Smokescreen had become a priority for the Omega Key he carried when he got captured. Ouch, my heart....

Hahaha, the loyal-to-death characters going mano-a-mano would've been legendary! Especially since Smokey's quips in this fight would either put Wheeljack to shame or make him applaud with a wide grin!

Oh definitely. Soundwave wouldn't hesitate if Megatron asked him to do something like that - which is both terrifying and impressive, somehow (Starscream would probably attempt that out of envy, as you said, but I feel he would ultimately back out in the end.) Oh yeah, Smokescreen wouldn't hesitate either, if it came down to it - which is admirable and frightening, because DUDE, YOU HAVE VALUE TOO, LISTEN TO CHROMIA (and please don't do that to her or us again.)

....Yeah I think it's a good thing you can't find that art piece again.

Moving on, yes! Soundwave is absolutely getting particularly annoyed with Smokescreen. None of Optimus' other subordinates were this effective at ruining their plans, yet this new guy fresh out of the Elite Guard/stasis is running circles around them? It's personal now.

Despite having every reason to hold a grudge against people, Smokescreen doesn't, which is awesome! (It also means he needs one or more people in his corner to defend him from those who'd abuse that about him.) That said, I can see Smokescreen, despite understanding that 'Cons play dirty, would feel a small need to "settle the score" with Soundwave, if only because he wants to "make up" for getting caught off-guard.

(Lol, totally! Smokescreen views it as a game, while Soundwave is out for blood. That would definitely explain Laserbeak's particular aim for Smokescreen. Also -

THAT was a heck of a shot! You know Arcee couldn't pull that off, hehehe...!) (Seriously, Smokescreen is carrying the group, give him some respect.)

Oh definitely. If they ever faced off, it's not a battle of people or wills: It's a battle of ideals.

WE WERE ROBBED OF SO MUCH, ARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHH! (Hmm, I wonder if this scrapped Smokescreen vs Shockwave battle could somehow be seen as "retribution" for the Dinobots' victimization at Shockwave's hand in Aligned Continuity.)

That would be cool, and more interesting than my idea of "the loyalist vs the renegade" foil of Wheeljack vs Soundwave in a hypothetical grudge match of sorts between them. Describing Soundwave's fighting style as "using your opponent's strength against them" is perfect, especially since, despite his own strength, that's EXACTLY what Soundwave does nearly all the time: takes the advantage of his foe and turns it into their disadvantage.

Biased as I am as well, you CANNOT tell me Smokescreen didn't do his research on Soundwave, especially since he knew enough about Starscream to call him out on his stilettos. Soundwave would have heard nothing about Smokescreen and likely predict him to act like Bumblebee - imagine his surprise when Smokescreen keeps changing the rules of the game! Yeah the tentacles would be a challenge, but Smokescreen's a fast learner; he can handle that, methinks.

Funny as it was, it's also depressing that Smokescreen was locked out of so much in the series. His leaner build and speed would definitely be an asset against Airachnid, as you said. While Smokescreen canonically has no melee weapon, let alone a sharp one, I like to imagine him as similar in aspects to Laura for personal weaponry, and can see him having either a foot blade or one hiding behind his wrist like this.

Gosh, he'd probably just get lectured about how he "has no chance of facing her", or "your inexperience will get you killed if you go after her"....so the apoplectic fit of Smokescreen walking away virtually unscathed from a battle with Airachnid would be epic and worth our while >:)

I hope I satisfied with my answers. And yes, it's getting fun! I love these talks we've been having, it's always a pleasure!

*High-fives you* Yep! KO’s a WAY better rival/foil to Ratchet! There’s also the alt–mode differences despite their medic profession and their personalities. Not saying that rivals/foils can’t have the same/similar alt–modes (Bulkhead and Breakdown), but…some feel forced (Bumblebee and Knock Out). It’s interesting that a hypothetical rival/foil (Smokescreen and Soundwave) are more interesting than what canon has (Arcee and Airachnid).

(Note: This is sudden, but all this rival/foil talk made me think that...Bee and Airachnid make better foils/rivals than with their “counterparts”, especially considering their fight in Partners. Think about it: vibrant vs. dark paintjob, silent/serious vs. talkative/taunting, young vs. old, ground–based alt–mode vs. aerial alt–mode, etc. Also, look at the parallels: Bumblebee’s based off of bees, yet can’t fly, while Airachnid’s based off of spiders, yet can fly. To top it all off, did you know that Bees and Spiders are arthropods? While debatable on Bee’s part, they’re both stealthy, and often do sneak attacks/tricking).

Okay…moving on to a stress–inducing topic…

It’s ironic that the guy whose an Autobot through and through is having his loyalty questioned by the most Decepticon–like/Rogue–ish Autobot. Ugh. Someone please subject Smokescreen to at least an hour’s worth of self–love affirmations because he didn’t deserve ANY of that. Geez. There’s envy, and there’s Arcee. (Oh look, it rhymed).

The light waver on his voice when he said he’d do anything for the team…ohhh our poor boy…*hugs tightly*. Now that you said it, it’s ironic that the Decepticons treat their best–performing soldier WAY better than the Autobots. Of course, there’s Megatron’s looming “don’t EVER mistreat or talk badly about Soundwave” threat, even when Soundwave can defend himself…but still. It says quite a lot when the Decepticons can treat (or at least tolerate) one of their own WAY better than the Autobots. Take notes, OG Team Prime.

(Note: Agreed. Smokescreen’s got a thick plating, which explains why he’s unbothered by Arcee’s beef with him and Bulkhead’s act of SLAPPING THE APEX ARMOR FROM HIS SERVOS WITH HIS MACE. You can’t help but wonder what he faced in his Academy days or even his younger years…but even so, Smokescreen’s not completely immune, and I’m certain that Miss Hypocrite intentionally went for the jugular by saying/implying that he’s not an Autobot.

Keep in mind that she said something similar in Legacy. What, you get a kick over bullying Smokescreen by saying/implying he’s not Autobot? TWICE? Arcee, you're the LAST bot that should EVER yap about that. Look at a mirror, you Hypocrite.

*Sighs* I could also envision him easing off once he learns of that bit. But you know what this shows/emphasizes? That Arcee’s 100% comfortable with abusing her SIC status to “have her way”. Look at Darkness Rising, or her (insisting on) BERATING Smokescreen even after Optimus told her to STOP, because, APPARENTLY, “He (Smokescreen) needs to hear this”. You sure about that? At this rate, an apology from her would be OOC...she doesn’t deserve that SIC status. AT. ALL.

Haha…OG Team Prime…when I get you…*shakes fist at the air*. I get that Optimus meant well by letting Smokescreen “cool off” (though I still think he or the others should’ve STOPPED Miss Hypocrite’s tirade), but seriously, preventing Bulkhead from going after Smokescreen…wasn’t the best idea. Keep in mind that Smokescreen likely felt alienated since nobody stood up for him, meaning that him not being an Autobot is TRUE. Letting Bulkhead go after him would’ve at least showed that someone thought otherwise and cared enough to go after him. Plus, back up would’ve been available when Soundwave ambushed Smokescreen, because Bulkhead (assuming he could face Soundwave because he “beat” Dreadwing) could’ve stalled for time…*sighs *. I don’t know anymore…

Anyways, Wheeljack’s would 100% go all “proud uncle” mode. Look at him with Miko! He’d be pleasantly surprised to see Smokey landing those quips given that he’s often silent during fights…but Wheeljack’s loving what he’s seeing!He’d definitely cheer on Smokey from the distance, all the while yelling “Kick his aft, kid! Show ‘em what you’re REALLY made of!”

Yep. Soundwave doesn’t play with his loyalty (good point, especially since Starscream backing out after saying he’s ready to die is canon. Meanwhile, Smokescreen also doesn’t play with his loyalty (had he been in Sick Mind, he’d readily volunteer to use the Patch, unlike a certain someone). But yeah…good luck with that, Smokey. Chromia, Hound, and Red Alert are pulling him into a group hug post–When the Dust Settles and never letting go. That’s…enough selfless act for now…

Smokescreen: Are you guys gonna let me go anytime soon?

Red Alert: No.

Hound: Nah.

Chromia: Never.

Smokescreen, smiling as he gets comfortable: …okay.

On a much lighter note, Soundwave’s definitely keeping an eye on Smokescreen from now on. How is it that this newcomer is an even bigger thorn on their side more so than Optimus and his other subordinates? The fact that Smokescreen has (apparently) never encountered combat before arriving in Earth is both infuriating…yet fascinating to Soundwave.

Mhm! Nothing will ever erase Smokey’s boundless optimism, and he’s determined to do his best for the Autobot cause…even if some of his comrades give him a hard time. But hey, the Mithril Sea Gang/Squad is ready to back him up! Also, Smokescreen may not the grudgeful type, but he deserves to have an opportunity to settle scores with Soundwave after he blindsided him (and Wheeljack). He won’t fall for the same trick twice!

You know,I can imagine something like this happening during a Smokescreen vs. Soundwave fight, probably when Smokey’s delivering his quips/light trash talk. It’s funnier when you consider that Soundwave’s likely in his mid to late 30’s/40’s…while Smokescreen’s a young adult. Wheeljack’s laughing at the background as we speak, heh.

((Note: Arcee’s a “good shot”, but her targets were either in a comatose state or moving slowly. She’s also such a good shot to the point she caused a cave in. Congrats, Arcee. You trapped everyone. She knew the cave’s getting unstable after Megatron’s shots, so why not just…flee…? Ugh. That’s the umpteenth time her poor “decision–making” led to a snowball effect which endangered others in the process. (Read: Darkness Rising, Predatory, Speed Metal, Rock Bottom, Hard Knocks). It’s a miracle no one had died by her servos. Nice work, Arcee *claps sarcastically*.

Yeah, everyone better put some respect on Smokescreen’s name! At least he doesn’t endanger others 24/7, AND could land a shot on a moving target. Yet, even after Ultra Magnus gave Smokey some encouragement, and even after Wheeljack genuinely complimented his clean shot...guess what Arcee said? “You’re not such a bad shot after all.”

Wha…What’s with the backhanded compliment? Why do you ALWAYS feel the need to insert/include yourself in ANY Smokescreen–related matters? Most importantly, why are YOU, of ALL bots, DOWNPLAYING HIS CLEAN SHOT?! Is it THAT hard to give him a GENUINE compliment? Yeah. No. Arcee’s JEALOUS. For someone who dislikes him, why does she seem SO obsessed with him, I swear…

Please do us a favor and shut your trap. Let Smokescreen and Wheeljack have their moment. Seriously.))

Not a day goes by without me lamenting the “what if” Smokescreen vs. Dreadwing or Shockwave…why do we Smokey fans never get the good stuff…? *Sighs*. (Ooh, that’s a good point! Especially since Miko did namedrop the Dinobots. Wait…correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t Wheeljack close to the Dinobots in G1…? Hmm…while I don’t intend to rob Smokey of a solo fight, but maybe it should’ve been Smokescreen and Wheeljack that faced Shockwave in Project Predacon, the former due to his knowledge on Predacons/Dinobots, and the latter because he intends to give Shockwave some payback after what he did to the Dinobots…just a food for thought).

Actually, I love your idea of a grudge fight between Wheeljack and Soundwave! If Arcee’s allowed to “settle scores” with Airachnid, and then Bulkhead with Breakdown and Dreadwing…Wheeljack should have a grudge fight with Soundwave! (Especially after Triage). “The Loyalist vs. The Renegade” concept applied to them is just…*chef’s kiss*. That said, I can totally see the two being foils/rivals (though, maybe it’s just me…but I’m starting to see the “vision” of Wheeljack and Shockwave being rivals/foils, mostly for the scientist aspect as well as other factors I mentioned beforehand).

Smokey’s a fast and eager learner! He’s definitely heard of and researched Soundwave before, but he needs to lock in for their fight. And…yeah…it’s unfortunate that Smokescreen joined in pretty late into the series. Made me wish he appeared in mid to late S1 instead, because we’d get a lot of good (hypothetical) interactions, dynamics, and moments, for sure…*sighs*.  Slight depression aside, I LOVE those assassin–like weapons for Smokescreen! They’re awesome! Once again, he’s an opportunistic and prepared fighter, so he’s ready to face any kind of battle/combat scenario. Who needs a certain someone’s lecture when you can bring matters into your own servos?

Now, who fits that description better? Soundwave and Airachnid or Smokescreen and Arcee. Bonus points for the names of each role starting with the same letters.

(No pressure but feel free to add onto this if you like, @jazzimena)

So, while the grudge from Airachnid is brief, it also fits! Dang, they really are like the Decepticon equivalent of Smokescreen and Arcee, especially since both Airachnid and Arcee tend to just go off on their own to have a throwdown of sorts. Meanwhile there's Smokescreen and Soundwave winning the day for their respective sides while flat out ignoring the beef the girls have with them.

Gosh, Smokey going up against either of them would be epic, though I do owe @jazzimena (and myself at this point) a Smokescreen vs Dreadwing fight. As she pointed out, the dude zeroed in on Smokescreen. Now THAT is a fight I'd love to see!

Hmm. I can see a hypothetical fight between Smokescreen and Airachnid more-or-less resulting in Smokescreen being forced to go "confrontational" in his fighting style, at least once he managed to corner her - supposing he doesn't just phase her into a wall, which he could do rather easily/quickly. Now Soundwave, that would require equal amounts of trickery and strength from our Elite Guardsman. They're both very powerful despite their slim builds (Smokescreen's kicks can be qualified as deadly weapons, while Soundwave basically bodied Wheeljack even without the tentacles/stolen katanas), so that...........

First of all, WOW! You two are really onto something with this parallel that I’ve never thought of before! Especially between Smokescreen and Soundwave. And second of all, I’m loving the possibilities that’d come out of a hypothetical fight between Smokescreen with Soundwave and/or Airachnid!

To preface, let me say that Bee can stay as Knock Out’s rival/foil (tbh I personally think KO’s better off as Ratchet’s rival/foil since they’re both medics and the parallels in their personalities). Also, this is just me, but I don’t really see Bee and Soundwave being foils/rivals. Yes, they’re both non–verbal and it would’ve been interesting to further explore that tidbit, but unsurprisingly, TFP never did anything with it. So, it’s difficult for me to see the “vision”.

On the flip side, Smokescreen and Soundwave being rivals/foils really tracks if you look at the differences/parallels in their personality and design! Smokescreen is boisterous and expressive, while Soundwave is silent and expressionless. Smokescreen dons a white and vibrant/flashy paintjob, while Soundwave has a dark/black paintjob and is basically robo–Slenderman. Smokescreen has a ground–based alt mode while Soundwave could fly.

There’s also their similarities. For starters, both are VERY loyal to their factions and would do anything for their team/leaders. Smokescreen was pretty verbal about his disappointment for being unable to serve the Autobot cause, and his undying loyalty is reflected via his “there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you guys” line (kindly ignore Miss Insensitive’s response, please). Meanwhile, Soundwave has stood by Megatron’s side from Day One, and Megatron has nothing but good things to say about him; a courtesy he never really extends towards other Decepticons.

As mentioned prior, Smokescreen and Soundwave have brought nothing but wins for their respective factions (you can’t help but wonder how their respective teams/factions would’ve fared had they been absent). I also realized that they managed to escape from the enemy’s capture solo, but not before pulling a final “in your face!” (Smokescreen took the Omega Keys in Inside Job, while Soundwave kidnapped Ratchet in Minus One). Let’s also not forget how they’re the stealthiest bots in their respective factions, and that others could learn a thing or two from them.

Going back on their loyalty, they’re also the ones who CAN AND WILL stand up for their leaders while others stood by and watched. Smokescreen openly defended Optimus’ decision against Ratchet’s crash out, while Soundwave stood his ground against Airachnid’s plan of leaving Earth (and Megatron) behind. Look, if TFP ever has a last bot standing scenario from each faction (especially loyalty–wise), then it’d definitely be Smokescreen and Soundwave. (Or alternatively, if there's ever a "defend my leader" competition, they'd be in the front-lines)

(Note: Taking on a more serious turn…these two would willingly off themselves for their factions. Regarding Soundwave, I’m reminded by this scene from Evangelion when Rei, the blue–haired girl, confirms Asuka’s assumption/accusation that she’d off herself if her commander told her to via a simple "of course". I think a similar scenario could've played out with Soundwave and...maybe Starscream due to his envy...? Anyways, keep in mind that Soundwave’s the guy that stood by Megatron’s side from way back and still does now. He’s not going anywhere, and he’d do anything for Megatron and the Decepticon cause. If one day, Megatron deems his sacrifice to be necessary in furthering the Decepticon cause, then Soundwave would gladly do so.

I don’t mean to make this depressing, but Smokescreen’s just as willing to do so. Recall his “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you guys” line, and if I may add your “When the Dust Settles” fic as reference @blade-liger-4ever, the way he willingly took those extreme measures to defeat Tarn…? He’d do it again in a heartbeat (poor Chromia, though…). Smokescreen’s selflessness is…both a good and a bad thing. If someone from Team Prime asked him about the implications behind his words or if he’d be ready to lay down his life, he’d probably smile and reply, “Remember that time I said I’d do anything for you guys? I meant every word.”

Also, years ago, I vividly recall seeing a “what if” fanart of what’d happen had Smokescreen himself was the Omega Key. It depicted Smokescreen looking upwards with closed optics, his arms stretched to his side and taking a step forward, ready to jump into the Omega Lock to sacrifice himself. The piece was called “destiny”, which is…haha…maybe it’s a good thing I can’t find the fanart anymore)

…anyways, moving on to a lighter less–depressing topic!

Still on Smokescreen and Soundwave, I think you could expand on them being rivals/ foils. Inspired from this post, Soundwave would definitely view Smokescreen as a threat after learning of all his “feats”. While all Autobots are automatically a threat to the Decepticon cause…Smokescreen is different. He’s a newcomer, yet he managed to foil Lord Megatron’s plans for far too many times. Soundwave has faced his fair share of annoying Autobots, but…he’d be lying if he said that things aren’t getting personal with Smokescreen.

On the flip side, despite having every right to hold a grudge (to everyone, really)…Smokescreen’s not that type of guy. If anything, he thinks that Soundwave’s both crafty and creepy. He doesn’t appreciate Soundwave blindsiding him at his lowest and electrocuting him during his escape…but then again, Decepticons always play dirty. So…Smokescreen’s not very surprised.

(Note: You know, the vivid imagery of Soundwave having a one–sided beef with Smokescreen is pretty funny ngl. They have this constant back and forth where they try to one–up each other, and the difference is that Smokescreen takes it easy while Soundwave is SERIOUS, like this scene where Laserbeak intentionally rams into Smokescreen after getting shot by him, which I personally interpret as light pettiness from Soundwave’s/Laserbeak’s part. Anyways, can we talk about Smokescreen’s clean shot and how he managed to chip off a piece of Laserbeak? That was awesome! Once again, he’s the ONLY one who gets things done *sighs*).

All jokes aside, Smokescreen and Soundwave are the most loyal bots from their respective factions. Not to be dramatic, but if they ever traded blows, they’re not fighting for themselves, but rather, they’d be fighting in the name of their leaders and their faction. I’ll go back on this in a bit.

As I’ve also discussed with Blade, we felt that Smokescreen was robbed from having a proper one–on–one fight with the ‘cons. Dreadwing zeroed in on Smokescreen (before Bulkhead had his forced MC moment) in Hard Knocks andthere was a concept art of him solo–ing Shockwave in an early version of Project Predacon. We REALLY were robbed…*sigh*.

Anyways, a hypothetical Smokescreen vs. Soundwave or Airachnid would be awesome! I yearn for a proper Smokescreen vs. Soundwave fight because, as I said before, there’s the symbolism of them representing their respective leaders and faction. For a bit of comparison, in Triage, we saw how Soundwave managed against Wheeljack and his “coming at you full–force” fighting style (I recall someone describing Soundwave’s fighting style as “using your opponent’s strength against themselves”).

That said, I’m pretty curious to know how Soundwave would manage against an agile and opportunistic mid–to–closed–ranged fighter like Smokescreen. I’m (very) biased, but I’m confident that Smokescreen can give Soundwave a run for his money! (Smokescreen might’ve already learned about Soundwave’s gladiatorial past due to his close association to Megatron, so he’d be sure to take notes of his moves and may even learn a thing or two from available records. He’s an eager learner, people! He’ll also have to avoid Soundwave’s tentacles, but once that’s out of the way, he’s good to go).

As for a hypothetical Airachnid vs. Smokescreen fight…aside from this funny scene being the only time they ever “interacted”, Smokescreen has an advantage due to his agility and slighter build. Partners and Crossfire showed that bigger bots (read: Bulkhead and Optimus, then Dreadwing and Breakdown) don’t fare well against Airachnid’s speed. Since Bee’s the only one who managed to get the drop on Airachnid in Partners, Smokescreen could definitely do the same. Just like with Soundwave, Smokescreen has to keep an eye on Airachnid’s spider legs and webs (him not owning a sharp weapon might be a setback). But given his resourcefulness, I’m very sure he’ll manage.

He could try and consult a certain Two–Wheeler on how to face Airachnid…but I doubt she’d willingly impart her knowledge given the fact that she apparently has more beef/grudge with him than she does with STARSCREAM. Smokescreen might have to figure things out on his own...but then again, this isn’t his first rodeo.

I’m not sure if you already know about this, but I’ll share with you just in case.

So, there’s this Transformers toyline called Age of the Primes (AOTP). Apparently, in the upcoming Wave 5 of the toyline, our boy Smokescreen is going to be one of them! :D

I do have a few things to say about his design (Why does his chest look like that? And why is he frowning?), but…given that it’s been around 10 years or so since Smokey got a new figure, I’m not complaining much.

(Still, I’d say that the Go! Hunter Smokescreen is hands down the most accurate Prime Smokescreen figure. It’s based off of the Deluxe Class Beast Hunters Smokescreen, with my only gripe of the figure being that the colors are a bit off).

Going back to AOTP Smokescreen, his design aside, I’d like to focus on something really interesting.

The AOTP Smokescreen figure has a short bio. And…it states the following:

“Descended from Solus Prime, Smokescreen is eager to become a great Autobot warrior.”

If you listen carefully, you can actually hear the moment MY JAW DROPPED TO THE FLOOR.

Though, I've read that AOTP does have this thing where they say that a certain character is a descendant of a certain Prime. While this doesn’t apply to all characters, some characters do seem to be descendants of a prime, even if some of them...can be a hit–or–miss.

(And apparently…Prime Cliffjumper and Armada Red Alert are descendant of Prima Prime! What are the odds? And, get this…Heatwave’s a descendant of Optimus! That’s really interesting! Though, in his case, I wonder why that is, since Optimus did show up in Rescue Bots and all…)

Look, this VERY FUN FACT of Smokescreen may not be canon in Prime…but I don’t care. I’m eating this up. We’ve been denied/deprived of Prime Smokescreen content for too long that I’m willing to accept any Smokescreen–related crumbs that’s out there. Canon or not.

Plus, when you think about it…Smokey being a descendant of Solus Prime ACTUALLY MAKES A LOT OF SENSE! Especially when we see his interaction with two of her weapons, namely The Forge of Solus Prime and the Star Saber. (There’s also the Apex Armor, which he got from Starscream with little to no effort in his introductory episode. Though, I focused more on the other two since they’re more “prominent”).

In the show, we can see Smokescreen’s extensive knowledge of the relics, which includes The Star Saber.

Now that we’re discussing it, I vividly remember someone referring to Smokescreen as a “deliverer”/”messenger” to Optimus. The first time was when he brought/”delivered” The Forge of Solus Prime to a dying Optimus before using it to revive him. The second time was when he straight up delivered (“Special delivery!”) the Star Saber to Optimus in Deadlock.

Oh, and have I mentioned that he’s the only character aside from Optimus who touched/wielded both weapons at some point? And how he almost became a Prime…?

Smokescreen…really isn’t beating the biblical metaphor/”chosen one” allegations, huh?

In all seriousness though, despite the “disdain” that Prime’s writers had towards Smokescreen (which translated into how seemingly intent they were in making him the “bad guy” at times), you’ve got to admit, they weren’t subtle when it comes to establishing Smokescreen’s connection to Primehood/the Primes.

I mean, when you think about it...Smokescreen has a connection to THREE PRIMES.

Let’s review. He’s apparently a descendant of Solus Prime, used to work as Alpha Trion’s bodyguard in the Hall of Records, and is now Optimus Prime’s subordinate under Team Prime.

…I need to sit down. Because THREE PRIMES is crazy. Prime–like personality aside, it’s no wonder that Alpha Trion deemed Smokey as being worthy of Primehood.

…And it’s no wonder why Alpha Trion essentially made Smokescreen pretend as if he didn’t exist in the Hall of Records.

Maybe he foresaw the kind of threat Smokescreen is up against if his connection to the Primes/his possible Primehood is ever discovered by the Decepticons…who knows?

Okay, I think I need to take off my tinfoil hat for real now.

All in all, while I didn’t expect to see this kind lore drop from a toyline, especially 10 years after we had our last figure of him…canon or not, I’ll take it! And, hey! If it means that it’d get more people to acknowledge/recognize the implicit yet highly integral part that Smokescreen plays in Prime, then I see this as an absolute win!

I think I’ll end my ramblings/info dumping here. It’s hard not to be excited when Smokey’s under the spotlight again, especially with all of that lore dump. Our boy deserves it!

As always, thanks a lot for reading, and I’m looking forward to your thoughts, Blade :)

Hey Jazzi! I'm going good so far. How about you?

I didn't know that, but I gotta grab that toy and Smokey's Go! one now. (I kid you not, for years I was unaware that there were any toys for TFP. The marketing team failed about as badly as the series' writers on that front.) Thanks for the info!

In defense of the guys making his toy, they do have TFP's transformation sequence/stuff to work around, so the chest is probably the best they can manage. The frown is criminal, though.

Beast Hunters Smokescreen was....a choice. Love his Go! Hunter on the right, though! Especially since he seems to be legitimately smiling. That's our boy!

SOLUS FREAKING PRIME IS HIS ANCESTOR?!?!?!?!

No wait, that makes so much sense! Like, he's always compassionate, yet comes off as "insensitive" or whatever, but that is almost EXACTLY the same problem Solus had: she was compassionate and caring, but had a short temper, so there's low-key an overlap between them there.

Honestly, that "energon bloodline" works much better than Polarities. I do like the idea of Polarities, but it's....mind-numbing, quite frankly.

(Really? Prima for Cliff and Red Alert? I'd have personally classified Red as Solus' descendant, but I can kinda see it. Oh that is sweet with Heatwave! I think it's because Optimus was supposed to be the reincarnation of the Thirteenth Prime, but that's also a separate ball of wax I don't wanna deal with right now. Heh, Excellion/Hotshot being Amalgamous' grandkid makes so much sense...)

Hey, TFP canon went out the window a long time ago, plus is subject to change even with how it was written. Far as I'm concerned, Smokescreen being Solus' descendant is just as true as Optimus' color scheme being red, white/silver, and blue!

Ohhhhh shoot. You know, this makes Smokescreen's knowledge of history and the Primes make all the more sense. Why wouldn't a descendant of Solus be interested in her creations, in understanding their lore, how they work, and the powers they have? This all tracks so well, it's like it was set up from the beginning to turn out this way!

Oh yes, that is also an excellent point. Come to think of it, no one else on the team knew as much as he did about the Artifacts of the Primes, did they? Except Optimus of course, which heightens the connection here all the more...!

I vaguely seem to recall that as well - and given that his white color scheme and doorwings make him look angelic-ish, that is beautiful. Especially now that we stop and consider how he really was their guardian angel 9/10, and that's before we take into account the Primes' relics!

Heheheheh, the plot thickens....

He really isn't (that link isn't working, I'm so sorry!) Heck, even with how they tried framing Smokescreen as the one who's "wrong/a problem", the TFP writers couldn't make him stop being the heroic, biblical-like hero he is. I'm so proud of you, Smokey, and so's Chromia and the Mithril Sea Squad!

Wait a tic.

The knowledge of Alpha Trion, the "blood" of Solus flowing through his veins, and learning from Optimus Prime....no wonder the guy is so amazing and tough! He's got the best of each of these three keeping him going and adapting!

Given what he'd later go through, keeping Smokescreen in a position where he had to "pretend to not exist" likely saved his life. No wonder Alpha Trion kept that up and trusted him with the Matrix.

Pity, my brain is going into overdrive now! XD

I'll take it too, Jazzi! Especially if it means Smokescreen gets the recognition he deserves. This is so cool, thank you for the information!

I'm stoked now, too! I can't wait for more, and I thought I'd never see the day where Smokescreen was given the spotlight. Thanks again, Jazzi!

You're welcome, and let me know if I missed anything. Take care, Jazzi, and have a good week!

That is SO GENIUS!

Heck, it would also line up with TFP Arcee narratively too: She's hot-tempered like Megatronus, and keeps losing HER lovers like he lost Solus.

Oh wow. I never thought about it that way…it all makes sense now! Thank you for the vision @kzele!

Just a heads up, my reblog’s gonna contain a wordy analysis and another unavoidable rant. I’m also going to make some comparisons between Arcee and Megatronus, though, I’m not very familiar with the relationship between the Thirteen, so I might miss or get something wrong. Please correct me if that’s the case!

As you’ve pointed out, Blade, the way their narratives parallel with one another is interesting, to say the least. On that note, I’d like to add Arcee’s impulsiveness, which often leads her to make brash decisions (with harsh consequences she never really faces). Recall the times when she decided to chase after the Decepticons solo (with her needing saving afterwards) and the revenge stunts against Airachnid that always pushes her to abandon her team as a result, with it also endangering her life and that of others. As for Megatronus…we see “Tragedy of Impulsiveness” when he murdered Solus.

Back to Arcee, these traits of her translate to her insubordination, and how she can be viewed as OG Team Prime’s “rogue member”. Moreover, we see a similar pattern with how Megatronus is also the “rogue member” of the Thirteen due to him chasing his own dark ambitions, ultimately causing him to turn away from the Thirteen.

The only difference between Arcee and Megatronus is that Arcee–fortunately–has OG Team Prime to hold her back/back her up when things do go South (plus the fact she’s got the MC treatment, so she’s always right and is “good”). Again, while I’m not so familiar with the relations between the Thirteen, I’m assuming that the “bond” between them isn’t(?) as strong, given how Megatronus murdered a fellow Prime as well as the underlying discord among the Thirteen (at least from what I read, but correct me if I’m wrong).

That aside, just imagine for a moment if Bee hadn’t stopped Arcee from snuffing Starscream in Partners? This is just me, but despite Megatron’s disdain towards Starscream’s antics, when you consider how he REALLY read the riot act on Airachnid for leaving Starscream behind…whose to say that Megatron WON’T take the murder of a high–ranking Decepticon officer at the hands of that Autobot Two–Wheeeler as a MAJOR offense? Is there any guarantee that Megatron WON’T up the ante the next time he encounters the Autobots, especially HER?

(Note: Ironically/unironically enough, there’s also the fact that Starscream helped the Autobots on several occasions. Had he been snuffed in Partners…the Autobots would’ve never gotten the info on the spacebridge in the Orion Pax arc, and NOONE would've saved Arcee from Airachnid in Crossfire. In other words; we’ve got to give Bee some credit for stopping Arcee from snuffing Starscream. Because had she succeeded, OG Team Prime would’ve likely lost Optimus forever AND Arcee herself would’ve kicked the bucket. While I don’t fault her for lashing out at Starscream in Partners…I’m telling you, the snowball effect from her action/actions NEVER ENDS WELL. Look at Darkness Rising and Speed Metal for further examples).

Moving on, I can agree with your take that she’s–partly, imho–at fault for her late partners’ death (more so Cliffjumper’s case). Given her less serious demeanor with Tailgate in Predatory’s flashback and that Airachnid DOESN’T PLAY when preying on someone…I can understand her oversight. What I don’t understand is how neither Cliffjumper nor Arcee (especially her as the “serious and cautious” one) didn’t see anything wrong with letting Cliff go alone. Granted, it’s been 3 years since the last Decepticon sighting so they’re at ease and all…BUT STILL. In the context of Cybertronian lifespan, isn’t that a SHORT window of time…? They’re acting like it’s been a decade or two since the last Decepticon sighting…*sighs*.

Anyways, as you’ve pointed out before, Arcee losing Tailgate and Cliffjumper is reflected from Megatronus’ “pattern of losing his lover/closest one”. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m inclined to believe that one of the “pattern/characteristics” of being Megatronus’ descendant is that they have this “bad luck” when it comes to relationships. Think about it, not only did Megatronus snuff Solus, but he also isolated/exiled himself from the rest of the Thirteen afterwards. We also see this with pattern with Arcee and her ties to her late partners, with her “lone wolf” tendencies after Tailgate’s death (and persisting long after). Plus, let’s not forget that Arcee didn’t exactly get along well with Cliffjumper and Tailgate at first. Jack included.

(Note: Though, I’d argue it’s somewhat to a lesser extent and even subverted Post–Tailgate and Cliffjumper. Due to the writers’ favoritism, as I said before elsewhere, there’s this “insistence” of partnering her up with guys, such as Bulkhead in Metal Attraction and the VERY forced “partnership” with Wheeljack in Plus One. There’s also Jack as her human charge, who almost suffered from her “bad luck” in Predatory, but of course, everything is fine and dandy due to the MC treatment bestowed upon the two. Let’s also not forget how she essentially guilt–tripped Jack into becoming her “partner”. Ya’ll ain’t slick, TFP writers).

Generational “bad luck” aside, you wanna know what I think is really, REALLY interesting? In the Energon Bloodline wiki, there’s a line that reads: “Megatron was born of the line of Megatronus, a passionate and resentful outsider”. Additionally, when you consider how Vortex and Brawl are the two confirmed descendants to Megatronus–both of whom are Decepticons–AND when you consider that a certain Two–Wheeler fits the whole “passionate and resentful outsider (lone wolf)” bit to a T…it looks like our view of Arcee being the most Decepticon–like Autobot holds merit after all. Flamewar would be proud :D

(Or, alternatively, Arcee could go rogue. While both view works, but the concept of Decepticon!Arcee is really difficult to ignore now)

Given that Megatronus is essentially the “face” of the Decepticons…methinks it would also explain Arcee’s one–sided beef with Smokescreen. I mean, look at Megatron (who may not even know that he’s Megatronus’ descendant) and his centuries–long beef with Optimus? And then look at Arcee’s own centuries–long beef with Airachnid. What I’m trying to say here is that both Arcee and Megatron do NOT play when it comes to resentment.

On a related note, I think Megatronus’ descendants would almost automatically resent anything/anyone “good” (certainly doesn’t help that his confirmed descendants are ALL BLOODTHIRSTY AND VIOLENT DECEPTICONS). On a more personal level, you could even say that Megatronus’ descendants may have this “generational beef” Solus’ descendants, given what had happened. Thus, when Arcee (as Megatronus’ descendant) sees Smokescreen (who is Solus’ descendant), someone who is an Autobot through and through who is thriving and so full of life without even trying…it triggered something in her AND explains why she specifically and insistently antagonizes him.

Referring back to my point on how Arcee’s “snowball effect” always ends up negatively…Smokescreen’s brand always ends up positively. I saw a “what if” post of what’d happen if Smokescreen, as the Omega Key “bearer”, landed elsewhere. The Autobots would’ve been in a lot of trouble had that been the case. Another major example would be how Smokey exposing himself in Legacy actually led to him being the first to discover the Star Saber and him stalling for time, or that the act of Bee snuffing Megatron in Deadlock WOULD’VE NEVER HAPPENED had it not been for Smokey’s quick thinking to locate the Star Saber in the first place. In other words (and excuse my bitterness); Bee would’ve never had his–rather forced, imho–“MC moment” AND MEGATRON WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN SNUFFED HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR SMOKESCREEN.

Everyone say “Thank you, Smokescreen!”

But even when all is said and done…SMOKESCREEN’S supposed to be the guy that bears the brunt of the fandom’s collective hate/disdain? Yeah. NO. Your insistence on making him the black sheep of Team Prime/the show (when you purposefully turn a blind eye against Arcee’s antics via favoritism) isn’t working on us Smokey fans, TFP writers. Once again, ya’ll ain’t slick.

I wasn’t kidding when I said this was gonna be wordy, heh. Still though, I did NOT expect those parallels between Arcee and Megatronus…that actually explains a lot tbh, especially her behavior. But most importantly, I definitely WON’T miss an opportunity to defend our boy Smokescreen once again :)

Me neither, but it all aligns perfectly! @kzele is really good with this kind of stuff!

Hehehe, this is gonna be fun! No worries, I'll help you out if that's the case!

Oooo, the impulsiveness is a good point. Megatronus, now that I consider it, was always impulsive, too - I mean, he clearly wasn't thinking straight/at all when he shot Solus in the middle of an argument over the Requiem Blaster's continued usage. Additionally though, I feel Arcee also gets her pride from him. Megatronus was a proud "dark warrior", according to some sources (they tried setting him up as a naturally dark aligned warrior as a "balance" to Prima, but that doesn't work on a number of levels), and while many times Liege is faulted for orchestrating the fracturing of the Thirteen, Megtronus was too proud to let the Requiem Blaster go to waste....and thus, enter, The Fallen.

Arcee is indeed the "rogue agent" of Team Prime, which as you said, reflects Megatronus' status as the "rogue" of the Thirteen. Funnily enough, depending on the continuity, Megatronus either goes rogue for his own ambitions, or aligns himself with Unicron for other reasons.

Yeah, that is the only real difference between Arcee and Megatronus *cough*Favoritismandplotarmor*coughcough*. You're not entirely wrong, as the Thirteen, despite being "close", ended up drifting apart over time, and between Liege Maximo being designated as a villain due to his Marvel appearance pre-2010 lore as well as Megatronus' personality, things went awry and left the Thirteen scattered across the universe. That said, I resent the idea that it was a combination of lack of checking in on each other, personal friction between them, and plotting that would break them apart, but that's just me.

Oooo.....that's a good point, and you know what? I want to see that! I want to see Megatron just ticked off enough with Arcee to want her head on a spike, not just because she killed one of his highest ranking officers, but because neither Starscream nor Airachnid could defeat her. In short, Megatron would be like -

Huh. So, basically, had Bee not intervened to prevent "Arcee crossing a line she'll never walk back" (hah! as if), they'd all be dead meat at this point with Earth the conquered world of the Decepticons. Sounds about right, especially since the consequences of her actions NEVER actually crosses her mind.

That is a good point about Airachnid, though in some ways, it is still her fault (but early enough in Arcee's career that yeah, she'd understandably make that mistake.) And what's funny, now that you mention the timeskip, is that in Energon, ten years HAD passed for the Autobots to get into a lull before the action picked up again, though they were used to some disturbances before then. So the notion that three years makes them go soft....Odd. Very odd indeed. (On a darker note, her not helping Cliffjumper when he got the readings could potentially be read as her not caring for him enough/just using him to make herself feel better, but I digress.)

Excellent point! I mean, given Megatronus' extreme reactions, both to a disagreement with Solus and as a result of killing her, it only explains why Arcee would react the way she does with Tailgate and Cliffjumper's deaths. And between that, her early beefs with both 'Bots (and Jack), and how Megatronus probably wasn't the nicest member of the Thirteen...it tracks, especially since both Arcee and Megatronus' luck is pretty bad.

(Oh it's definitely "inverted" later, which is totally forced. If they'd let Arcee off the leash properly, the girl would be an unhinged psycho not so different from Megatronus, though she likely wouldn't ally with the Decepticons, if only due to pride. What is it with Arcee getting thrown at all manner of guys? I really like the idea of her with Grimlock, and maybe there could be something inherent either in their bloodlines to make it work, or Grimlock's sheer power making him hard to kill, but still - pick a guy and stick with him, people!!! And no, DON'T make it Wheeljack! Wait, maybe he could be Alchemist's descendant....)

You know, between that and how Arcee basically got dragged into Team Prime via plot and Cliffjumper....her being Megatronus' descendant makes so much sense. Oh yeah, Flamewar would DEFINITELY be proud.

(Both views do work and make sense. It'd just be a tad more difficult to pull off Decepticon!Arcee in light of her partners' deaths at the hands of the 'Cons/the 'Cons' guns for hire [Airachnid].)

.........That's another valid argument. I mean, no one (outside of maybe Breakdown and Bulkhead, but that's debatable) else in the show holds a grudge like Megatron and Arcee do. That makes so much sense that it's scary.

You know, I can see that. Just because Solus and Megatronus had been lovers doesn't mean their descendants will see eye-to-eye. If anything, if the earliest members of their lines remembered what had happened, it would probably cause a noticeable rift between the two bloodlines, and given Megatronus is more resentful than Solus, it would likely be some sort of psychological projection reaction to encountering a member of Solus' bloodline and become a blame game of her being at fault when it was Megatronus' impulsivity. Heh, this lines up perfectly with how Arcee just projected onto Smokescreen, never gave him the time of day, and overall mistreated him. I'm reminded of the line "I hold no registry of anger stored" in this song for Solus in light of Smokescreen's unending forgiveness....

Hahaha, YES!!! Solus' line just ends up winning the day for the heroes, don't they? Seriously, Smokescreen's back should be checked for injury given how he ended up carrying the team once he arrived. Ooo, that's probably a reason for the (one-sided[?]) rivalry between Megatronus and Solus' lines: Megatronus' line ends in failure, while Solus' ends in success. (Agreed: Bee's sudden spotlight was left-field, and I'm still salty by how he stole Smokescreen's arc and role.)

Thank you, Smokescreen! You saved the day, repeatedly, and deserve all good things!

Yeah no, Arcee is quite clearly the black sheep here, folks. Smokescreen's NOT, never has been, or will be. I mean seriously, look at the wins he got, and compare them to Arcee's "wins". TFP writers (and like half the fandom) aren't fooling us Smokey fans one little bit!

For sure you weren't! And I didn't expect all these parallels either, but it makes bucket-loads of sense! I won't miss a chance to defend Smokey either, and this was fun! :D

Usually when a person bounces around like that, it's a sign of fear of commitment (understandable here), looking for something in particular in partner, or they have something missing inside them. Given her rather large self-destructive streak, the last option is also very much something to consider.

Envy is also factor, as I recall, where Megatronus was concerned. I think Liege Maximo might've stoked some jealousy about the some of the other Primes being interested in Solus. Don't quote me because I don't know that for sure. Megatron very much canonically had a problem with envy because instead of being thrilled that a member of his movement (which Orion Pax was at the time) was selected to be a Primal candidate, he threw a tantrum that it wasn't him who got selected. He disavowed Orion, murdered Halogen of the High Council who agreed with Orion's ideas for peaceful change, and then left.

Now Arcee, to her credit, is not nearly that extreme. Does she still have envy problem? Yes. She goes off and wrecks things for her side a lot because she follows a predictable emotional pattern. Smokescreen follows an unpredictable pattern of logic that he adjusts and keeps balanced between circumstances and ideals. Arcee's focus on teamwork is ultimately rather superficial when it comes to it getting in the way of personal grudges. By contrast, Smokescreen's talk of glory is ultimately superficial in terms of it not really being rooted in self-centeredness at all. He wants to serve the cause/his teammates/Optimus and glory to him just means being good enough at contributing that he's recognized for it.

The rivalry thing with the lines of Solus and Megatronus is fascinating. I do find it interesting that Arcee's physical victories are either in messy drawn out battles while Smokescreen actually relies on finesse/lateral thinking more often than not to achieve his own. Even their relics of choice are opposites than what you would think. The battle for the Omega Lock showed that Arcee chose the Apex Armor of all things. I understand it kept her armored from vast amounts of laser fire but it's still odd to me. I mean, the "flashy rookie" chose a stealth weapon that also allows him to safely use the most dangerous relic the Autobots had (Spark Extractor) but meanwhile the experienced stealth bot of the team chose the relic that was the polar opposite of her nature/skills. She couldn't run fast with it or dart around undetected like she could have done with the Immobilizer or Phase Shifter.

That’s an interesting comparison on their shared hollowness and how it’s much more apparent in Megatronus. I’d also like to point out the difference in how they “moved on”. Megatronus isolated himself (because he was the one who killed his loved one), while Arcee constantly seeks for a connection (because her partners were killed). Now that I think about it, it does explain why she’s often paired with many guys.

As such, I agree that “something missing inside them” part 100% applies to Arcee. Tailgate’s death was a major traumatic event for her, and Cliffjumper’s death only added salt to the injury. While it’s a good thing she joined Team Prime (we have Cliffjumper to thank), I felt it was a missed opportunity to not link Arcee’s “lone wolf” persona with her (hypothetical) “bad things happen when others get close to me” mindset. It was evident (implicitly) during her early interactions with Cliffjumper and Jack with how she initially pushed them away…but even so, she “accepted” them rather quickly all things considered, Jack in particular following Cliffjumper's death. It would be interesting to see her admit that outright, since it’d add more layers to her character with how she struggles with abandonment/commitment issues, but that’s just me.

I’m not very familiar with the dynamics between the Primes, but I agree with your point on Megatron’s envy. You could tie his envy towards Orion and how it manifested into his own personal end goal of being the only one who could snuff Optimus, at least that’s what I think. While Arcee’s envy isn’t even a fraction of Megatron’s own, but even then, she’s rather quick to deem others as the jealous type when she herself is rather tight–lipped about her obvious envy of Smokescreen, for example. This also includes her unaddressed impulsive streaks, some of which were fueled by envy or pride, or even both.

That aside, your comparison of Arcee and Smokescreen’s behavior/mannerism is very on–point! I also think that Arcee’s “team player” shtick is rather superficial and hypocritical when you consider her unaddressed revenge stunts and her tendency to chase after the ‘cons solo that almost always ends badly for her (and for others). Meanwhile, I’ve never gotten the impression that Smokescreen is selfish from his “destiny talk”. While it’s obvious that his exuberance grates on Team Prime’s nerves (Arcee’s in particular), not once has he ever displayed self–centered tendencies, especially when he’s been nothing but helpful ever since he emerged from stasis.

Glad to know that you find the rivalry between Megatronus and Solus’ descendants to be interesting! And that’s also a really neat detail you pointed out. Arcee tends to fight with brute force and anger, while Smokescreen tends to use out of the box methods that not only works well on his (and his team’s) favor, but also one that minimizes unnecessary confrontation/fights.

Look, I’m not disregarding Arcee’s experiences in the war, especially since Smokescreen did avoid most of the war due to being in stasis. Still, I feel like there’s something to be said about Arcee and her pride in fighting messy drawn–out battles, which also applies to rest of Team Prime imho. I’ve talked with @blade-liger-4ever regarding Team Prime’s “pride” in fighting the ‘cons face–to–face, hence I felt that Bulkhead’s “Optimus managed just fine for eons without the big sword” line can also be interpreted/expanded to include the rest of Team Prime and how they’ve never had to use weapons/relics up until Regeneration (with the exception of Smokescreen and his Phase Shifter).

What I’m trying to say is that Arcee in particular seems to respect and hold those that fight their opponent hands–on in a high regard. On the flip side, she may dislike (or even envy) those who “take the easy way out”. Aside from their obvious warrior/veteran status and association to Bulkhead, it explains why she gets along well with Wheeljack post–Hurt, especially in Plus One where we see the two “partnered up” and fight side–by–side. On the contrary, her envy/disdain of Smokescreen could also be attributed to his more effective yet successful “hands off” approach, and we can see this from her reaction after Smokescreen kicked Starscream out of the Apex Armor via the Phase Shifter. Plus, Smokescreen’s basically a stranger to Arcee with no connection to other members of Team Prime, so it’s much easier for her to antagonize/dislike him in spite of his many feats/contributions.

Moving on! Let me shake your hand through the screen because I’m glad I’m not the only one who found Arcee’s decision to go with the Apex Armor to be odd, especially when you consider her pride and how the show consistently portrays her as “small but mighty”. Sure, it’s probably just random weapons selection…but still. Your well–made point on Smokescreen aside (let me add that Smokescreen being entrusted with the Spark Extractor demonstrates the level of trust that Optimus has on him), I can ALSO get behind Bulkhead wielding the Immobilizer. He needs a faster way of immobilizing all those Vehicons, and you can even argue that it’s him reclaiming the weapon from the ‘cons after he was zapped with it by Airachnid in Partners. Plus, I do like juxtaposition between his “wreck it all” mindset and how he’s willing to use a weapon that just freezes his opponents in place.

Though, I can’t say the same for Arcee and Bee’s “weapons”. I think it'd be better if they switch, with Arcee using the Polarity Gauntlet (since she used it in Metal Attraction) while Bee uses the Apex Armor (as a way of him reclaiming it from Starscream after New Recruit and him being an overall menace to the 'cons). A bit out of topic, but I think it was a missed opportunity to not have Arcee and/or Bee using the Phase Shifter, especially since they’re Team Prime’s “stealth” bots and were the ones who got it in Tunnel Vision. But fortunately, Smokescreen’s ultimately the one to use it! I think that’s another example of how Team Prime’s “pride” prevented them from actually using the weapons/relics they already have.

Going back to Arcee again, her opting for the Polarity Gauntlet would’ve made sense if you want to use either the “the Apex Armor was obtained via Smokescreen and his un–warrior–like methods” or “the Apex Armor was used by Starscream and Arcee refuses to be as cowardly as him” reasoning. As we know, Arcee is rather envious and can hold a grudge, so her refusing to use the Apex Armor for those reasons would’ve actually been in–character. Though, I guess her decision to use the Apex Armor reflects how she’s stealthy in theory and not so in practice (read: Darkness Rising and Metal Attraction).

Okay so, tying the "seeks a connection" bit into what little I know of G1 Arcee, that would actually explain why she's so maternal with Daniel Witwicky and why she bounces back and forth between Springer and Hot Rod/Rodimus in G1. The bond with Daniel shows a desire for family, while her wishy-washy relationships with the two boys are likely her unable to decide what she seeks in a romantic partner. Springer's the action man with brains, experience, and an underlying sense of care (if I understand him right) that makes such a type of guy attractive to most women, whereas Rodimus is the young gun trying to prove himself before getting the Matrix. Since I rarely have something nice to say about Rodimus, I will be kind and also restrain myself by saying Arcee may have realized she felt more maternal/sisterly toward him than anything post-film and decided to back off on her pursuit of him in light of what was going on with his arc.

It absolutely applies to TFP Arcee and her trauma, as well as her commitment issues in the series. And I have to agree, letting her actively push others away (if I understand you right) would have done more service to her arc. Arguably too, if you let something actually happen to Jack under Arcee's watch, maybe then she'd at the very least see the consequences of her lust for revenge. She would grow, while also doubling down on "bad things happen when others get close to me", and thus you could actually let her process things while trying to protect the others by being a solo agent. This would have made her a much better character and given payoff to her arc, but instead she just magically moves on to both Cliffjumper ("Out of the Past") and Jack ("Darkness Rising" and beyond) and mysteriously never struggles with her past again.

That's actually a good point; I mean, you know that anyone who, hypothetically, snuffed Optimus would be killed by Megatron. Envy is most certainly one of his worst vices. It does make sense with Arcee, and "Speed Metal" proves this point on pride, while virtually any interaction with Smokescreen is a proof of her envy (again, this is "the rookie" who got them like 5 relics within a month and escaped on his own from the Decepticon warship. Arcee's envy of him is right there, each time.)

In short, Arcee doesn't practice what she preaches, whereas Smokescreen is an Autobot through and through, regardless of how the show tries to frame his "destiny talk". Unlike Arcee, Smokescreen gets results that confirm his loyalty to the Autobots.

Bingo: Arcee fights in anger, Smokescreen fights with a detached kind of mindset. It's great because then he's not losing his cool in battle, and also allows him to be flexible and finish things faster. Meanwhile Arcee just....charges in blindly with nothing but a desire to hurt her opponent.

I mean, that basically is the crux of the series as a whole: whenever the Autobots get something that tips the balance of the War in their favor, they just hide it in the basement. Heck, even in Transformers: Armada, the Skyboom Shield and Star Saber were used religiously (though to be fair, they did lose the Star Saber at times as a result, but at least we had the consequences of it's usage.)

Bulkhead looks suspiciously condescending/reprimanding here....where was that face with anyone else, buddy?

"'Course you wouldn't know about that. You've been locked in stasis the whole time we've been fighting this war."

DUDE. THAT was uncalled for! Smokescreen JUST PROVED after that that he IS NOT IN IT FOR THE GLORY. "Exactly! And I'm ready to make up for lost time." What - what is WITH y'all picking on the poor guy?!

I don't care what kind of projection game you're playing, Watermelon. Optimus already said Smokescreen was ready by BRINGING HIM INTO THE FIELD! Moreover, Smokescreen's proven throughout the WHOLE TIME HE'S BEEN ON EARTH that he's "in it for the long haul." If anything, YOU'RE the one ready to quit!!!!!!!!

Okay, deep breath. Letting it out....moving on. And closing that tab.

Good observation. Everyone else she at least claims to respect are "hands on" in battle, and have thus "seen battle". Wheeljack is obviously an up-close and personal fighter while Smokescreen rolls with whatever situation he finds himself in. So, between that and Arcee's trauma from being on the field, she's probably both jealous and disdainful because "Smokescreen could never know what battle/strife is like"...when he clearly knows better than her even if Smokescreen himself doesn't realize it.

Girl. Girl, what the heck? He just made up for his genuine mistake of shooting the energon leak in the forest and PROVED HIS COMPETENCY. Why are you -?!?! Moving on, moving on....

In all honesty, the only one who's weapon selection makes any kind of sense (besides Optimus with the Star Saber), is Smokescreen. The Phase Shifter lines up with his unpredictability, while his immediate deference to Optimus' orders and general competency makes him the right candidate for using the Spark Extractor, especially combined with his speed and the Phase Shifter. Bulkhead getting the Immobilizer....is doable, but I'd expect him to use the Apex Armor or try for it, not something that doesn't align with his "beat 'em to a pulp" attitude that's been consistent throughout the show. Bee should've gotten the Immobilizer, especially since he was the 'Bot who "won it" from Airachnid and likely knows more than the others on how to use it.

Giving him the Polarity Gauntlet....why?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is the first time he's ever laid eyes on it. Bulkhead using it makes more sense, even with it lining up with Arcee and her "arc" making the most sense. Instead, miss "stealthy" goes for the super suit, Bee gets the weapon he has no clue how to use (headcanoning he got told how to use it is a weak argument), and Bulkhead gets the "wimpy relic" that, while providing a good contrast to his personality, makes zero sense from the standpoint of this dude's violent history. Especially since he seems to hold no remorse for that, unless Miko's witnessing it, but that's because she's the innocent dragged into the War (thanks for that, Arcee.)

While it would be cool to see either of them use the Phase Shifter, Bee already proved his incompetency with it when he just stood there as the train car came at him (Smokescreen would've totally gotten out of the way.) Meanwhile, Arcee is too proud to use a "cheat" in battle, and given the grief she gave Smokescreen, she'd probably turn up her nose at the thought of borrowing his signature weapon. And regardless, Smokey's the best bet for the Phase Shifter, so yay for that!

Yep, I can agree to all of that. Between her grudges with both Starscream and Smokescreen, she'd at least logically never touch either weapon. The fact that she did use the Apex Armor....it's both that she's only stealthy in theory and a case of her deciding to have more beef with a kid she just met than the literal murderer of her latest partner (which itself is tied to horrible writing, but my point still stands. I think.)

I don't think either @kzele or you were out of line, Jazzi. If anything, you both raised good points that have me thinking some now. Thanks, and I hope I didn't miss anything!

@blade-liger-4ever Ohh, the part about Liege having a thing for Solus himself is interesting. I think I vaguely recall hearing something to that effect once but it's been ages since I last read that part of lore.

Haha, I understood the Kirk and Spock reference and why you made that comparison. (I agree in that it does sound more like "God delivered me to you all, especially Optimus, to help you," than "I'm God's gift to you all and this Earth because I'm so amazing." They took it the latter way but I don't think it was meant like that.)

Thank you both for agreeing how the lone, small female of the group is ironically far less precise in her damage/choices than the literal flashy rookie. The advertising doesn't line up with the results for me at all here.

Now to the meat here. I don't have any real beef with G1 Rodimus but at least G1 Arcee was kind and likable through that series even if they didn't explain her reasoning behind her relationship choices. G1 wasn't the best at answering follow-ups so while it's annoying, it's not the most surprising thing.

It would've been much better if she and Wheeljack traded roles. Have him integrate with Team Prime (after spending so much time in the stars and getting to like Miko), with Arcee deciding to be the lone wolf/scout who's sorting out her life choices and protecting the Team from afar. It'd be an interesting dual character contrast to watch one slip away and one slide in.

Envy is more of a subtle emotion in that it's not really pointed out as much where Megatron and Arcee is concerned. Which is weird given how envy is very much an underlying driving force. People point out their pride and anger but envy is the thing that keeps that same pride and anger fueled. Megatron wouldn't nearly be as fixated on Optimus/the Primal relics without it; being a Prime is the only title he can't brute force his way into. Similarly but to lesser degree, Arcee is frustrated about her scorecard and that Smokescreen didn't need brute force/firepower to outshine her record.

Plus, the genuine devotion is another thing he has despite waking up to a dead planet. He looked at the apocalypse and went "I'm here now so I can do something to help Optimus fix this." (<----More on this part later.) She's angry about the past but Smokescreen is already looking to fix it and making really good headway.

Worse, he's using cheat codes. The relics. The things that are too important for the Cons to have them but that the Autobots are too prideful/scared or something to use.

Boom! That response to Bulkhead's quote just proved the above point I made. Everyone is trapped by pride and hopelessness but Smokescreen is looking at the tools they have and going "Hey, might as well use these things to give our side the edge."

Yeah, Smokescreen does know what battle and strife is like. The problem she has with him isn't that, it's that he handles it better.

And yeah, ummm. You just complained that Smokescreen was too reckless in his tactics before and now you're rolling your eyes because he made a quip after saving you??? Like, did you expect him to punch the invincible armor? Smokescreen was just going "Now THAT was a plan!" What was wrong with saying his plan worked? The only criticism I had was that he didn't move in and knock Starscream out when he had the chance but nobody else on the Autobot side was yelling that bit of advice so. . .I dunno.

My thoughts on Bulkhead using the Polarity Gauntlet instead of Bee are similar in one way and different in another. You see, I agree that Bee having the Gauntlet when he had basically no connection or experience shown to the audience was foolish. When the Autobots are shown storing the artifacts instead of actually using them, saying that Bulkhead or Bumblebee learned how to work them off-screen doesn't really make sense to me. If they had shown at least some sort of scene where the Autobots were all testing the relics, I could've bought it.

Yep. 'Tis canon, at least in 1-2 universes. But don't worry, I only really found out when doing research myself.

Yay! That makes me so happy! (Yeah, it really does come off as the former, no matter how hard the writers tried to make us believe it was the latter. Come to think of it, I'm not sure if I ever read Smokescreen's destiny talk as selfish, but it's been so long I can't clearly recall.)

You're quite welcome, and boy does she lack any kind of precision or subtlety. Smokescreen's leagues ahead of her, and unlike Arcee, as you said, he has the track record to prove it.

I'm still not fully over Rodimus and his writing in the series, so I won't and can't say much on him that's nice. But from what I have seen, Arcee was much nicer (and more consistent in her portrayal) in G1. G1 did tend to not elaborate on much I suppose, but given that Bumblebee very nearly had canon parents in G1, you could possibly read into G1 Arcee having some kind of need for connection based off that example of what could have been.

Oh dang, that's an AWESOME idea! Heck, that would've made a much more interesting story than Makeshift's introduction and death. Not only would it have saved some money on the production team, it would've made their arcs make more sense (forgive my addition to this, but imagine if, say, Jack were still here and Wheeljack ends up saddled with him while still having that bond with Miko. Not only would June's crash out be even more justified by her son "trading in" his bike for a flashy concept sports car, but 1 Jack would actually have character development, 2 June would get roped in more quickly and easily, and 3 Wheeljack could then have his backstory get developed as he grows fond of Jack after weeks of giving him grief - *cough*DeathSeekerTendencies*cough*)

That's an excellent point. Envy drives things like pride and anger, which is the most evident with Megatron and how the War ultimately broke out. And Arcee, why else would she be beefing with Smokescreen, especially since his "overenthusiastic" attitude doesn't negate him from winning victory after victory while her own "professionalism" gets her no where?

So.................Smokescreen rapidly cycled through the five stages of grief, put trauma in the closet, and powered through to make the most of the situation, while Arcee is still hung up over her personal losses and thus living in denial? @jazzimena I feel both the need to share this and like I just had an epiphany about Arcee. Whether or not I did or didn't remains to be seen.

Yeah, that's really gonna trigger her. And it did. And she handled it so maturely (sarcasm for people stumbling upon this post.)

Exactly! (Wow, I echoed Smokey.) Smokescreen's like the one guy in this show (aside from Wheeljack and maybe Miko pre-"Hurt") who isn't trapped in an emo edgelord idea of "realistic outcome of alien robots landing on Earth" and figuring out how to use what's at their disposal in their favor.

True. Very true. I should have mentioned that earlier. Thank you for bringing it into the conversation!

Seriously, WHY does Arcee have to fault Smokescreen for every little thing he does? Even/especially when he succeeds? Hardcore projection and jealousy there, Two-Wheeler (that's a good point. He should have, but "Plot" I guess....)

Exactly, if we'd seen Bee practicing/messing around with the Polarity Gauntlet, then it would make sense. As it stands, it just feels like they threw it at him for no particular reason.

Oh. Oh man, that's a disaster waiting to happen alright.....

I appreciate G1’s effort in depicting her “seeking a connection” bit more clearly. You see her maternal side with Daniel, and then her navigating her dynamics with Springer and Hot Rod/Rodimus. Whereas in TFP, Arcee’s relationships are already established/”polished”, and we never saw much beyond the fact that “she had a traumatizing past, but all’s good now”. I would’ve loved to see how she was like when she first joined Team Prime, because I bet it was a rocky start for everyone. (Let’s not forget how quickly she moved on from Cliffjumper by making Jack as her human charge via guilt–tripping him…ugh)

You understood me correctly, Blade! Arcee is said to push others away due to her past, but interestingly, she accepts others rather quickly (and is selective too, look at her constant antagonism of Smokescreen and her doing a complete 180 with Wheeljack). Having her push others away due to her trauma would’ve lend credence to her “lone wolf” character, yet that didn’t happen because she just has to be partnered up. Forget about letting something actually happen to Jack, look at how she abandoned him in Predatory to fend for himself against Airachnid and how she left him again in Scattered. That's not very guardian-like of you, Arcee...*sighs*.

As Sick Mind showed, Megatron’s not letting anyone else snuff Optimus. On the flip side, Speed Metal shows that Arcee is easily ragebaited by a kid. Which is laughable. Plus, the way her envy puts a strain on her relationship with Smokescreen, AKA the one guy whose been bringing back nothing but wins…says a lot about her bitterness. This is the same gal whose all about being a “team player”, yet she did the exact opposite by antagonizing Smokescreen without ever trying ti sort things out. She’s certainly a hypocrite who doesn’t practice what she preaches.

The contrast between their fighting style is fascinating. You’d think Smokescreen as the New Guy would be the impulsive and “charge first, think later” type…but nope. It’s actually “seasoned warrior” Arcee that’s letting her impulsiveness dictate her actions. It’s also fascinating that it was the New Guy who had the initiative to use the weapons/relics in their vault while the rest of Team Prime sees them as décor. (Good to know that the characters in Transformers: Armada used their weapons! You can’t help but wonder what Team Prime was thinking…or if they’re even thinking at all)

Yeah…I dislike that scene. He means well or whatever, but seriously, where was that spine of yours when faced with Arcee’s constant insubordination and bull–headedness, Bulkhead? Or was it easier to zero in on Smokescreen? You’re really no different than Miss Hypocrite. The insinuation that it was Smokescreen’s fault that he’s in stasis despite him canonically being a POW who escaped from a Decepticon prison ship…haha…please shut your trap, Bulkhead.

Yep. Arcee’s one of those bitter “You haven’t seen a fraction of what I’ve been through” bots and would constantly hold that over Smokescreen’s helm, despite of his many contributions. It’s obvious from her refusal to admit that Smokescreen pulled an awesome move to get the Apex Armor. What’s the matter, Arcee? Bet you didn’t even think of that now, did you?

Anyways, good points on Team Prime’s weapons, @blade-liger-4ever & @kzele! It was iffy that Bulkhead chose the Immobilizer, but then I thought about his own pride and how he smacked the Apex Armor off of Smokescreen’s servos. You could argue it’s him being fussy while injured, but Bulkhead is someone who is easily fired–up when it comes to fighting/wrecking (imho), and I can envision him taking offense to the suggestion. To him, wearing the Apex Armor is akin to having his “wrecking skills” be underestimated/questioned (when that isn’t the case). So, I guess the reason why he opted for the Immobilizer is because he didn’t to be one–upped by the Apex Armor. You know, it’s silly that Bulkhead and the rest of OG Team Prime have that mindset/reservation in using the weapons/relics all the while wondering why they’re not getting an edge in the war. I...I need a moment.

Anyways, good point! In hindsight, Bulkhead really should’ve gotten the Polarity Gauntlet while Bee gets the Immobilizer. But that’d still leave Arcee with the armor. Hm…this is just my speculation, but it’s likely called dibs on the weapon (given her status as the unofficial SIC and her “when you’re in charge, you can call the shots” mindset. As for why she chose the Apex Armor despite it going against her skillsets…its certainly befitting of Arcee’s “who cares about stealth?” tendencies.

Optimus definitely assigned the Spark Extractor to Smokescreen. That aside, I’m thinking it’s a “first come, first serve” scenario for the others, because it explains the bizarre weapon choices. Just my own two cents, but I’m thinking Bulkhead went for the Immobilizer because of the “gentle giant” shtick, while Bee went for the gauntlet because he’s always the first to get saddled with new/different weapons and it magically works out for him. (It’s no coincidence that he’s saddled with the Phase Shifter in Tunnel Vision, the Polarity Gauntlet, and the Star Saber in Deadlock).

Heh, it’s their loss. And that’s why the Phase Shifter is Smokescreen’s signature weapon! (Seriously though, Bee aside, I think Arcee needs to get her audials checked. Tell me why she didn’t hear Megatron’s loud transformation sequence/landing as well as his booming voice in a cave…? She can pick up a Helicopter’s sound from far away but not Megatron? Doesn’t stealth require sharp hearing…? Maybe that’s why she got caught in Out of the Past).

You know what would’ve been realistic? Have her wield none of the weapons/relics, because they’re “cheating”. Sure, the Apex Armor shields her…but seeing as how none of the Vehicons fire landed on the ‘bots during the first Omega Lock battle (and in prior instances)…she’ll be fine. Besides, Arcee has the power of the MC treatment and plot armor by her side, she could solo the entire Nemesis if she/the writers wanted her to (I’m being sarcastic btw).

Ooh, that’s an interesting tidbit @kzele! Smokescreen as the manifestation of “God delivered me to you all, especially Optimus, to help you” actually fits when you consider his white paintjob, the way his doorwings made him look angelic, and him being referred to as a “biblical metaphor”. It all checks out!

Also, that’s a great point with your “role reversal” between Arcee and Wheeljack! I also had a discussion with @blade-liger-4ever about how it’s feasible for Arcee to “go rogue” in pursuing vengeance, and how it’d be more fitting had Jack been partnered with a bot who acts as an older brother/uncle/father figure–in this case being Wheeljack, but we've discussed about how Breakdown, Smokescreen, and Thundercracker are viable options–rather than have June 2.0. Especially since it was mentioned/implied that Jack's dad left him. Echoing Blade’s words and points, Jack and Wheeljack (I’m surprised these two never interacted despite their similar names) would’ve given each other some real character development! This scenario rocks!

(Note: Another good point about nobody getting the drop on Starscream in New Recruit, @kzele. While it’s odd that Smokescreen didn’t KO Starscream or wrestle him to direct his missile elsewhere…it’s even more baffling that neither Arcee, Bee, nor Optimus did anything about it. I mean, Optimus warned Smokescreen about the Apex Armor, so him or the others could’ve easily told Smokescreen to KO Starscream, snag the Red Energon or something…but they didn’t. Why…?

Keep in mind that Smokescreen was absent for the briefing (Jack was giving him a tour around the base). I’m assuming that he doesn’t know about Red Energon, hence why he didn’t make a grab for it. Anyways, I find it odd that; a) NOBODY kept Smokescreen up to speed on Red Energon, b) NOBODY yelled out instructions or commands, and c) Neither Arcee, Bee, nor Optimus tried to land a sneak attack when they absolutely can. Optimus in particular, since he should’ve been familiar with the area from Loose Cannons. Ugh. What is going on?

Smokescreen having a Steve Rogers/Captain America backstory where he wakes up after an unknown amount of time just to find out that his planet is dead making him 100% entitled for a crash out. And yet, he marches on. On the flip side, Arcee is stuck in the past, which is ironic when you consider her lines about change and adapting, when she does neither of those things (not significantly, at least). She should be the last ‘bot who speaks about change or adaptation imho.

All in all, Smokescreen’s mind is set in the present, while Arcee’s (and that of Team Prime’s, to an extent) is set in the past. It explains why her beef with Smokescreen is so consistent and intense (guess Airachnid was right on Arcee being the grudgeful type). Though, I guess whether or not Arcee’s stuck om the past depends on the writers’ weathervane interpretation of her character. Whatever. Still, thank you for drawing attention to this point, @blade-liger-4ever!

I’m not sure if you already know about this, but I’ll share with you just in case.

So, there’s this Transformers toyline called Age of the Primes (AOTP). Apparently, in the upcoming Wave 5 of the toyline, our boy Smokescreen is going to be one of them! :D

I do have a few things to say about his design (Why does his chest look like that? And why is he frowning?), but…given that it’s been around 10 years or so since Smokey got a new figure, I’m not complaining much.

(Still, I’d say that the Go! Hunter Smokescreen is hands down the most accurate Prime Smokescreen figure. It’s based off of the Deluxe Class Beast Hunters Smokescreen, with my only gripe of the figure being that the colors are a bit off).

Going back to AOTP Smokescreen, his design aside, I’d like to focus on something really interesting.

The AOTP Smokescreen figure has a short bio. And…it states the following:

“Descended from Solus Prime, Smokescreen is eager to become a great Autobot warrior.”

If you listen carefully, you can actually hear the moment MY JAW DROPPED TO THE FLOOR.

Though, I've read that AOTP does have this thing where they say that a certain character is a descendant of a certain Prime. While this doesn’t apply to all characters, some characters do seem to be descendants of a prime, even if some of them...can be a hit–or–miss.

(And apparently…Prime Cliffjumper and Armada Red Alert are descendant of Prima Prime! What are the odds? And, get this…Heatwave’s a descendant of Optimus! That’s really interesting! Though, in his case, I wonder why that is, since Optimus did show up in Rescue Bots and all…)

Look, this VERY FUN FACT of Smokescreen may not be canon in Prime…but I don’t care. I’m eating this up. We’ve been denied/deprived of Prime Smokescreen content for too long that I’m willing to accept any Smokescreen–related crumbs that’s out there. Canon or not.

Plus, when you think about it…Smokey being a descendant of Solus Prime ACTUALLY MAKES A LOT OF SENSE! Especially when we see his interaction with two of her weapons, namely The Forge of Solus Prime and the Star Saber. (There’s also the Apex Armor, which he got from Starscream with little to no effort in his introductory episode. Though, I focused more on the other two since they’re more “prominent”).

In the show, we can see Smokescreen’s extensive knowledge of the relics, which includes The Star Saber.

Now that we’re discussing it, I vividly remember someone referring to Smokescreen as a “deliverer”/”messenger” to Optimus. The first time was when he brought/”delivered” The Forge of Solus Prime to a dying Optimus before using it to revive him. The second time was when he straight up delivered (“Special delivery!”) the Star Saber to Optimus in Deadlock.

Oh, and have I mentioned that he’s the only character aside from Optimus who touched/wielded both weapons at some point? And how he almost became a Prime…?

Smokescreen…really isn’t beating the biblical metaphor/”chosen one” allegations, huh?

In all seriousness though, despite the “disdain” that Prime’s writers had towards Smokescreen (which translated into how seemingly intent they were in making him the “bad guy” at times), you’ve got to admit, they weren’t subtle when it comes to establishing Smokescreen’s connection to Primehood/the Primes.

I mean, when you think about it...Smokescreen has a connection to THREE PRIMES.

Let’s review. He’s apparently a descendant of Solus Prime, used to work as Alpha Trion’s bodyguard in the Hall of Records, and is now Optimus Prime’s subordinate under Team Prime.

…I need to sit down. Because THREE PRIMES is crazy. Prime–like personality aside, it’s no wonder that Alpha Trion deemed Smokey as being worthy of Primehood.

…And it’s no wonder why Alpha Trion essentially made Smokescreen pretend as if he didn’t exist in the Hall of Records.

Maybe he foresaw the kind of threat Smokescreen is up against if his connection to the Primes/his possible Primehood is ever discovered by the Decepticons…who knows?

Okay, I think I need to take off my tinfoil hat for real now.

All in all, while I didn’t expect to see this kind lore drop from a toyline, especially 10 years after we had our last figure of him…canon or not, I’ll take it! And, hey! If it means that it’d get more people to acknowledge/recognize the implicit yet highly integral part that Smokescreen plays in Prime, then I see this as an absolute win!

I think I’ll end my ramblings/info dumping here. It’s hard not to be excited when Smokey’s under the spotlight again, especially with all of that lore dump. Our boy deserves it!

As always, thanks a lot for reading, and I’m looking forward to your thoughts, Blade :)

Hey Jazzi! I'm going good so far. How about you?

I didn't know that, but I gotta grab that toy and Smokey's Go! one now. (I kid you not, for years I was unaware that there were any toys for TFP. The marketing team failed about as badly as the series' writers on that front.) Thanks for the info!

In defense of the guys making his toy, they do have TFP's transformation sequence/stuff to work around, so the chest is probably the best they can manage. The frown is criminal, though.

Beast Hunters Smokescreen was....a choice. Love his Go! Hunter on the right, though! Especially since he seems to be legitimately smiling. That's our boy!

SOLUS FREAKING PRIME IS HIS ANCESTOR?!?!?!?!

No wait, that makes so much sense! Like, he's always compassionate, yet comes off as "insensitive" or whatever, but that is almost EXACTLY the same problem Solus had: she was compassionate and caring, but had a short temper, so there's low-key an overlap between them there.

Honestly, that "energon bloodline" works much better than Polarities. I do like the idea of Polarities, but it's....mind-numbing, quite frankly.

(Really? Prima for Cliff and Red Alert? I'd have personally classified Red as Solus' descendant, but I can kinda see it. Oh that is sweet with Heatwave! I think it's because Optimus was supposed to be the reincarnation of the Thirteenth Prime, but that's also a separate ball of wax I don't wanna deal with right now. Heh, Excellion/Hotshot being Amalgamous' grandkid makes so much sense...)

Hey, TFP canon went out the window a long time ago, plus is subject to change even with how it was written. Far as I'm concerned, Smokescreen being Solus' descendant is just as true as Optimus' color scheme being red, white/silver, and blue!

Ohhhhh shoot. You know, this makes Smokescreen's knowledge of history and the Primes make all the more sense. Why wouldn't a descendant of Solus be interested in her creations, in understanding their lore, how they work, and the powers they have? This all tracks so well, it's like it was set up from the beginning to turn out this way!

Oh yes, that is also an excellent point. Come to think of it, no one else on the team knew as much as he did about the Artifacts of the Primes, did they? Except Optimus of course, which heightens the connection here all the more...!

I vaguely seem to recall that as well - and given that his white color scheme and doorwings make him look angelic-ish, that is beautiful. Especially now that we stop and consider how he really was their guardian angel 9/10, and that's before we take into account the Primes' relics!

Heheheheh, the plot thickens....

He really isn't (that link isn't working, I'm so sorry!) Heck, even with how they tried framing Smokescreen as the one who's "wrong/a problem", the TFP writers couldn't make him stop being the heroic, biblical-like hero he is. I'm so proud of you, Smokey, and so's Chromia and the Mithril Sea Squad!

Wait a tic.

The knowledge of Alpha Trion, the "blood" of Solus flowing through his veins, and learning from Optimus Prime....no wonder the guy is so amazing and tough! He's got the best of each of these three keeping him going and adapting!

Given what he'd later go through, keeping Smokescreen in a position where he had to "pretend to not exist" likely saved his life. No wonder Alpha Trion kept that up and trusted him with the Matrix.

Pity, my brain is going into overdrive now! XD

I'll take it too, Jazzi! Especially if it means Smokescreen gets the recognition he deserves. This is so cool, thank you for the information!

I'm stoked now, too! I can't wait for more, and I thought I'd never see the day where Smokescreen was given the spotlight. Thanks again, Jazzi!

You're welcome, and let me know if I missed anything. Take care, Jazzi, and have a good week!

That is SO GENIUS!

Heck, it would also line up with TFP Arcee narratively too: She's hot-tempered like Megatronus, and keeps losing HER lovers like he lost Solus.

Oh wow. I never thought about it that way…it all makes sense now! Thank you for the vision @kzele!

Just a heads up, my reblog’s gonna contain a wordy analysis and another unavoidable rant. I’m also going to make some comparisons between Arcee and Megatronus, though, I’m not very familiar with the relationship between the Thirteen, so I might miss or get something wrong. Please correct me if that’s the case!

As you’ve pointed out, Blade, the way their narratives parallel with one another is interesting, to say the least. On that note, I’d like to add Arcee’s impulsiveness, which often leads her to make brash decisions (with harsh consequences she never really faces). Recall the times when she decided to chase after the Decepticons solo (with her needing saving afterwards) and the revenge stunts against Airachnid that always pushes her to abandon her team as a result, with it also endangering her life and that of others. As for Megatronus…we see “Tragedy of Impulsiveness” when he murdered Solus.

Back to Arcee, these traits of her translate to her insubordination, and how she can be viewed as OG Team Prime’s “rogue member”. Moreover, we see a similar pattern with how Megatronus is also the “rogue member” of the Thirteen due to him chasing his own dark ambitions, ultimately causing him to turn away from the Thirteen.

The only difference between Arcee and Megatronus is that Arcee–fortunately–has OG Team Prime to hold her back/back her up when things do go South (plus the fact she’s got the MC treatment, so she’s always right and is “good”). Again, while I’m not so familiar with the relations between the Thirteen, I’m assuming that the “bond” between them isn’t(?) as strong, given how Megatronus murdered a fellow Prime as well as the underlying discord among the Thirteen (at least from what I read, but correct me if I’m wrong).

That aside, just imagine for a moment if Bee hadn’t stopped Arcee from snuffing Starscream in Partners? This is just me, but despite Megatron’s disdain towards Starscream’s antics, when you consider how he REALLY read the riot act on Airachnid for leaving Starscream behind…whose to say that Megatron WON’T take the murder of a high–ranking Decepticon officer at the hands of that Autobot Two–Wheeeler as a MAJOR offense? Is there any guarantee that Megatron WON’T up the ante the next time he encounters the Autobots, especially HER?

(Note: Ironically/unironically enough, there’s also the fact that Starscream helped the Autobots on several occasions. Had he been snuffed in Partners…the Autobots would’ve never gotten the info on the spacebridge in the Orion Pax arc, and NOONE would've saved Arcee from Airachnid in Crossfire. In other words; we’ve got to give Bee some credit for stopping Arcee from snuffing Starscream. Because had she succeeded, OG Team Prime would’ve likely lost Optimus forever AND Arcee herself would’ve kicked the bucket. While I don’t fault her for lashing out at Starscream in Partners…I’m telling you, the snowball effect from her action/actions NEVER ENDS WELL. Look at Darkness Rising and Speed Metal for further examples).

Moving on, I can agree with your take that she’s–partly, imho–at fault for her late partners’ death (more so Cliffjumper’s case). Given her less serious demeanor with Tailgate in Predatory’s flashback and that Airachnid DOESN’T PLAY when preying on someone…I can understand her oversight. What I don’t understand is how neither Cliffjumper nor Arcee (especially her as the “serious and cautious” one) didn’t see anything wrong with letting Cliff go alone. Granted, it’s been 3 years since the last Decepticon sighting so they’re at ease and all…BUT STILL. In the context of Cybertronian lifespan, isn’t that a SHORT window of time…? They’re acting like it’s been a decade or two since the last Decepticon sighting…*sighs*.

Anyways, as you’ve pointed out before, Arcee losing Tailgate and Cliffjumper is reflected from Megatronus’ “pattern of losing his lover/closest one”. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m inclined to believe that one of the “pattern/characteristics” of being Megatronus’ descendant is that they have this “bad luck” when it comes to relationships. Think about it, not only did Megatronus snuff Solus, but he also isolated/exiled himself from the rest of the Thirteen afterwards. We also see this with pattern with Arcee and her ties to her late partners, with her “lone wolf” tendencies after Tailgate’s death (and persisting long after). Plus, let’s not forget that Arcee didn’t exactly get along well with Cliffjumper and Tailgate at first. Jack included.

(Note: Though, I’d argue it’s somewhat to a lesser extent and even subverted Post–Tailgate and Cliffjumper. Due to the writers’ favoritism, as I said before elsewhere, there’s this “insistence” of partnering her up with guys, such as Bulkhead in Metal Attraction and the VERY forced “partnership” with Wheeljack in Plus One. There’s also Jack as her human charge, who almost suffered from her “bad luck” in Predatory, but of course, everything is fine and dandy due to the MC treatment bestowed upon the two. Let’s also not forget how she essentially guilt–tripped Jack into becoming her “partner”. Ya’ll ain’t slick, TFP writers).

Generational “bad luck” aside, you wanna know what I think is really, REALLY interesting? In the Energon Bloodline wiki, there’s a line that reads: “Megatron was born of the line of Megatronus, a passionate and resentful outsider”. Additionally, when you consider how Vortex and Brawl are the two confirmed descendants to Megatronus–both of whom are Decepticons–AND when you consider that a certain Two–Wheeler fits the whole “passionate and resentful outsider (lone wolf)” bit to a T…it looks like our view of Arcee being the most Decepticon–like Autobot holds merit after all. Flamewar would be proud :D

(Or, alternatively, Arcee could go rogue. While both view works, but the concept of Decepticon!Arcee is really difficult to ignore now)

Given that Megatronus is essentially the “face” of the Decepticons…methinks it would also explain Arcee’s one–sided beef with Smokescreen. I mean, look at Megatron (who may not even know that he’s Megatronus’ descendant) and his centuries–long beef with Optimus? And then look at Arcee’s own centuries–long beef with Airachnid. What I’m trying to say here is that both Arcee and Megatron do NOT play when it comes to resentment.

On a related note, I think Megatronus’ descendants would almost automatically resent anything/anyone “good” (certainly doesn’t help that his confirmed descendants are ALL BLOODTHIRSTY AND VIOLENT DECEPTICONS). On a more personal level, you could even say that Megatronus’ descendants may have this “generational beef” Solus’ descendants, given what had happened. Thus, when Arcee (as Megatronus’ descendant) sees Smokescreen (who is Solus’ descendant), someone who is an Autobot through and through who is thriving and so full of life without even trying…it triggered something in her AND explains why she specifically and insistently antagonizes him.

Referring back to my point on how Arcee’s “snowball effect” always ends up negatively…Smokescreen’s brand always ends up positively. I saw a “what if” post of what’d happen if Smokescreen, as the Omega Key “bearer”, landed elsewhere. The Autobots would’ve been in a lot of trouble had that been the case. Another major example would be how Smokey exposing himself in Legacy actually led to him being the first to discover the Star Saber and him stalling for time, or that the act of Bee snuffing Megatron in Deadlock WOULD’VE NEVER HAPPENED had it not been for Smokey’s quick thinking to locate the Star Saber in the first place. In other words (and excuse my bitterness); Bee would’ve never had his–rather forced, imho–“MC moment” AND MEGATRON WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN SNUFFED HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR SMOKESCREEN.

Everyone say “Thank you, Smokescreen!”

But even when all is said and done…SMOKESCREEN’S supposed to be the guy that bears the brunt of the fandom’s collective hate/disdain? Yeah. NO. Your insistence on making him the black sheep of Team Prime/the show (when you purposefully turn a blind eye against Arcee’s antics via favoritism) isn’t working on us Smokey fans, TFP writers. Once again, ya’ll ain’t slick.

I wasn’t kidding when I said this was gonna be wordy, heh. Still though, I did NOT expect those parallels between Arcee and Megatronus…that actually explains a lot tbh, especially her behavior. But most importantly, I definitely WON’T miss an opportunity to defend our boy Smokescreen once again :)

Me neither, but it all aligns perfectly! @kzele is really good with this kind of stuff!

Hehehe, this is gonna be fun! No worries, I'll help you out if that's the case!

Oooo, the impulsiveness is a good point. Megatronus, now that I consider it, was always impulsive, too - I mean, he clearly wasn't thinking straight/at all when he shot Solus in the middle of an argument over the Requiem Blaster's continued usage. Additionally though, I feel Arcee also gets her pride from him. Megatronus was a proud "dark warrior", according to some sources (they tried setting him up as a naturally dark aligned warrior as a "balance" to Prima, but that doesn't work on a number of levels), and while many times Liege is faulted for orchestrating the fracturing of the Thirteen, Megtronus was too proud to let the Requiem Blaster go to waste....and thus, enter, The Fallen.

Arcee is indeed the "rogue agent" of Team Prime, which as you said, reflects Megatronus' status as the "rogue" of the Thirteen. Funnily enough, depending on the continuity, Megatronus either goes rogue for his own ambitions, or aligns himself with Unicron for other reasons.

Yeah, that is the only real difference between Arcee and Megatronus *cough*Favoritismandplotarmor*coughcough*. You're not entirely wrong, as the Thirteen, despite being "close", ended up drifting apart over time, and between Liege Maximo being designated as a villain due to his Marvel appearance pre-2010 lore as well as Megatronus' personality, things went awry and left the Thirteen scattered across the universe. That said, I resent the idea that it was a combination of lack of checking in on each other, personal friction between them, and plotting that would break them apart, but that's just me.

Oooo.....that's a good point, and you know what? I want to see that! I want to see Megatron just ticked off enough with Arcee to want her head on a spike, not just because she killed one of his highest ranking officers, but because neither Starscream nor Airachnid could defeat her. In short, Megatron would be like -

Huh. So, basically, had Bee not intervened to prevent "Arcee crossing a line she'll never walk back" (hah! as if), they'd all be dead meat at this point with Earth the conquered world of the Decepticons. Sounds about right, especially since the consequences of her actions NEVER actually crosses her mind.

That is a good point about Airachnid, though in some ways, it is still her fault (but early enough in Arcee's career that yeah, she'd understandably make that mistake.) And what's funny, now that you mention the timeskip, is that in Energon, ten years HAD passed for the Autobots to get into a lull before the action picked up again, though they were used to some disturbances before then. So the notion that three years makes them go soft....Odd. Very odd indeed. (On a darker note, her not helping Cliffjumper when he got the readings could potentially be read as her not caring for him enough/just using him to make herself feel better, but I digress.)

Excellent point! I mean, given Megatronus' extreme reactions, both to a disagreement with Solus and as a result of killing her, it only explains why Arcee would react the way she does with Tailgate and Cliffjumper's deaths. And between that, her early beefs with both 'Bots (and Jack), and how Megatronus probably wasn't the nicest member of the Thirteen...it tracks, especially since both Arcee and Megatronus' luck is pretty bad.

(Oh it's definitely "inverted" later, which is totally forced. If they'd let Arcee off the leash properly, the girl would be an unhinged psycho not so different from Megatronus, though she likely wouldn't ally with the Decepticons, if only due to pride. What is it with Arcee getting thrown at all manner of guys? I really like the idea of her with Grimlock, and maybe there could be something inherent either in their bloodlines to make it work, or Grimlock's sheer power making him hard to kill, but still - pick a guy and stick with him, people!!! And no, DON'T make it Wheeljack! Wait, maybe he could be Alchemist's descendant....)

You know, between that and how Arcee basically got dragged into Team Prime via plot and Cliffjumper....her being Megatronus' descendant makes so much sense. Oh yeah, Flamewar would DEFINITELY be proud.

(Both views do work and make sense. It'd just be a tad more difficult to pull off Decepticon!Arcee in light of her partners' deaths at the hands of the 'Cons/the 'Cons' guns for hire [Airachnid].)

.........That's another valid argument. I mean, no one (outside of maybe Breakdown and Bulkhead, but that's debatable) else in the show holds a grudge like Megatron and Arcee do. That makes so much sense that it's scary.

You know, I can see that. Just because Solus and Megatronus had been lovers doesn't mean their descendants will see eye-to-eye. If anything, if the earliest members of their lines remembered what had happened, it would probably cause a noticeable rift between the two bloodlines, and given Megatronus is more resentful than Solus, it would likely be some sort of psychological projection reaction to encountering a member of Solus' bloodline and become a blame game of her being at fault when it was Megatronus' impulsivity. Heh, this lines up perfectly with how Arcee just projected onto Smokescreen, never gave him the time of day, and overall mistreated him. I'm reminded of the line "I hold no registry of anger stored" in this song for Solus in light of Smokescreen's unending forgiveness....

Hahaha, YES!!! Solus' line just ends up winning the day for the heroes, don't they? Seriously, Smokescreen's back should be checked for injury given how he ended up carrying the team once he arrived. Ooo, that's probably a reason for the (one-sided[?]) rivalry between Megatronus and Solus' lines: Megatronus' line ends in failure, while Solus' ends in success. (Agreed: Bee's sudden spotlight was left-field, and I'm still salty by how he stole Smokescreen's arc and role.)

Thank you, Smokescreen! You saved the day, repeatedly, and deserve all good things!

Yeah no, Arcee is quite clearly the black sheep here, folks. Smokescreen's NOT, never has been, or will be. I mean seriously, look at the wins he got, and compare them to Arcee's "wins". TFP writers (and like half the fandom) aren't fooling us Smokey fans one little bit!

For sure you weren't! And I didn't expect all these parallels either, but it makes bucket-loads of sense! I won't miss a chance to defend Smokey either, and this was fun! :D

Usually when a person bounces around like that, it's a sign of fear of commitment (understandable here), looking for something in particular in partner, or they have something missing inside them. Given her rather large self-destructive streak, the last option is also very much something to consider.

Envy is also factor, as I recall, where Megatronus was concerned. I think Liege Maximo might've stoked some jealousy about the some of the other Primes being interested in Solus. Don't quote me because I don't know that for sure. Megatron very much canonically had a problem with envy because instead of being thrilled that a member of his movement (which Orion Pax was at the time) was selected to be a Primal candidate, he threw a tantrum that it wasn't him who got selected. He disavowed Orion, murdered Halogen of the High Council who agreed with Orion's ideas for peaceful change, and then left.

Now Arcee, to her credit, is not nearly that extreme. Does she still have envy problem? Yes. She goes off and wrecks things for her side a lot because she follows a predictable emotional pattern. Smokescreen follows an unpredictable pattern of logic that he adjusts and keeps balanced between circumstances and ideals. Arcee's focus on teamwork is ultimately rather superficial when it comes to it getting in the way of personal grudges. By contrast, Smokescreen's talk of glory is ultimately superficial in terms of it not really being rooted in self-centeredness at all. He wants to serve the cause/his teammates/Optimus and glory to him just means being good enough at contributing that he's recognized for it.

The rivalry thing with the lines of Solus and Megatronus is fascinating. I do find it interesting that Arcee's physical victories are either in messy drawn out battles while Smokescreen actually relies on finesse/lateral thinking more often than not to achieve his own. Even their relics of choice are opposites than what you would think. The battle for the Omega Lock showed that Arcee chose the Apex Armor of all things. I understand it kept her armored from vast amounts of laser fire but it's still odd to me. I mean, the "flashy rookie" chose a stealth weapon that also allows him to safely use the most dangerous relic the Autobots had (Spark Extractor) but meanwhile the experienced stealth bot of the team chose the relic that was the polar opposite of her nature/skills. She couldn't run fast with it or dart around undetected like she could have done with the Immobilizer or Phase Shifter.

That’s an interesting comparison on their shared hollowness and how it’s much more apparent in Megatronus. I’d also like to point out the difference in how they “moved on”. Megatronus isolated himself (because he was the one who killed his loved one), while Arcee constantly seeks for a connection (because her partners were killed). Now that I think about it, it does explain why she’s often paired with many guys.

As such, I agree that “something missing inside them” part 100% applies to Arcee. Tailgate’s death was a major traumatic event for her, and Cliffjumper’s death only added salt to the injury. While it’s a good thing she joined Team Prime (we have Cliffjumper to thank), I felt it was a missed opportunity to not link Arcee’s “lone wolf” persona with her (hypothetical) “bad things happen when others get close to me” mindset. It was evident (implicitly) during her early interactions with Cliffjumper and Jack with how she initially pushed them away…but even so, she “accepted” them rather quickly all things considered, Jack in particular following Cliffjumper's death. It would be interesting to see her admit that outright, since it’d add more layers to her character with how she struggles with abandonment/commitment issues, but that’s just me.

I’m not very familiar with the dynamics between the Primes, but I agree with your point on Megatron’s envy. You could tie his envy towards Orion and how it manifested into his own personal end goal of being the only one who could snuff Optimus, at least that’s what I think. While Arcee’s envy isn’t even a fraction of Megatron’s own, but even then, she’s rather quick to deem others as the jealous type when she herself is rather tight–lipped about her obvious envy of Smokescreen, for example. This also includes her unaddressed impulsive streaks, some of which were fueled by envy or pride, or even both.

That aside, your comparison of Arcee and Smokescreen’s behavior/mannerism is very on–point! I also think that Arcee’s “team player” shtick is rather superficial and hypocritical when you consider her unaddressed revenge stunts and her tendency to chase after the ‘cons solo that almost always ends badly for her (and for others). Meanwhile, I’ve never gotten the impression that Smokescreen is selfish from his “destiny talk”. While it’s obvious that his exuberance grates on Team Prime’s nerves (Arcee’s in particular), not once has he ever displayed self–centered tendencies, especially when he’s been nothing but helpful ever since he emerged from stasis.

Glad to know that you find the rivalry between Megatronus and Solus’ descendants to be interesting! And that’s also a really neat detail you pointed out. Arcee tends to fight with brute force and anger, while Smokescreen tends to use out of the box methods that not only works well on his (and his team’s) favor, but also one that minimizes unnecessary confrontation/fights.

Look, I’m not disregarding Arcee’s experiences in the war, especially since Smokescreen did avoid most of the war due to being in stasis. Still, I feel like there’s something to be said about Arcee and her pride in fighting messy drawn–out battles, which also applies to rest of Team Prime imho. I’ve talked with @blade-liger-4ever regarding Team Prime’s “pride” in fighting the ‘cons face–to–face, hence I felt that Bulkhead’s “Optimus managed just fine for eons without the big sword” line can also be interpreted/expanded to include the rest of Team Prime and how they’ve never had to use weapons/relics up until Regeneration (with the exception of Smokescreen and his Phase Shifter).

What I’m trying to say is that Arcee in particular seems to respect and hold those that fight their opponent hands–on in a high regard. On the flip side, she may dislike (or even envy) those who “take the easy way out”. Aside from their obvious warrior/veteran status and association to Bulkhead, it explains why she gets along well with Wheeljack post–Hurt, especially in Plus One where we see the two “partnered up” and fight side–by–side. On the contrary, her envy/disdain of Smokescreen could also be attributed to his more effective yet successful “hands off” approach, and we can see this from her reaction after Smokescreen kicked Starscream out of the Apex Armor via the Phase Shifter. Plus, Smokescreen’s basically a stranger to Arcee with no connection to other members of Team Prime, so it’s much easier for her to antagonize/dislike him in spite of his many feats/contributions.

Moving on! Let me shake your hand through the screen because I’m glad I’m not the only one who found Arcee’s decision to go with the Apex Armor to be odd, especially when you consider her pride and how the show consistently portrays her as “small but mighty”. Sure, it’s probably just random weapons selection…but still. Your well–made point on Smokescreen aside (let me add that Smokescreen being entrusted with the Spark Extractor demonstrates the level of trust that Optimus has on him), I can ALSO get behind Bulkhead wielding the Immobilizer. He needs a faster way of immobilizing all those Vehicons, and you can even argue that it’s him reclaiming the weapon from the ‘cons after he was zapped with it by Airachnid in Partners. Plus, I do like juxtaposition between his “wreck it all” mindset and how he’s willing to use a weapon that just freezes his opponents in place.

Though, I can’t say the same for Arcee and Bee’s “weapons”. I think it'd be better if they switch, with Arcee using the Polarity Gauntlet (since she used it in Metal Attraction) while Bee uses the Apex Armor (as a way of him reclaiming it from Starscream after New Recruit and him being an overall menace to the 'cons). A bit out of topic, but I think it was a missed opportunity to not have Arcee and/or Bee using the Phase Shifter, especially since they’re Team Prime’s “stealth” bots and were the ones who got it in Tunnel Vision. But fortunately, Smokescreen’s ultimately the one to use it! I think that’s another example of how Team Prime’s “pride” prevented them from actually using the weapons/relics they already have.

Going back to Arcee again, her opting for the Polarity Gauntlet would’ve made sense if you want to use either the “the Apex Armor was obtained via Smokescreen and his un–warrior–like methods” or “the Apex Armor was used by Starscream and Arcee refuses to be as cowardly as him” reasoning. As we know, Arcee is rather envious and can hold a grudge, so her refusing to use the Apex Armor for those reasons would’ve actually been in–character. Though, I guess her decision to use the Apex Armor reflects how she’s stealthy in theory and not so in practice (read: Darkness Rising and Metal Attraction).

While I was thinking of my Transformers oc glowing in the dark, something hit me about the autobots. Like what if their car headlights things can glow in the dark? I find it really cool. However a certain episode and a season showed that their car headlights sadly don't glow.

In season 1 episode 7, in a certain scene with Bulkhead and Miko, the lights go out, the only thing we see is glowing is Bulkhead's optics. So their car headlights don't glow? Though, I have a headcanon that maybe, their car headlights only glow when they make them do it (but I dunno)

That being said, wish you the best Blaze, and hope you have a great day or night!

What happened to your other account?

Also if you watch shows that are either set in the Aligned Continuity or the Unicron Trilogy - perhaps even the 2001 RID show, though I can't totally recall at the moment - the headlights of the Autobots, as well as that of the Decepticons/their cockpits, glow when they speak in vehicle mode. I would assume that TFP avoided this in an attempt to "be realistic" or what have you, though to me it only makes sense that the headlights would flick on and off when they speak in v-mode. Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't their headlights work as flashlights at odd points throughout the series?

Excuse me for barging in, but funnily enough, that detail about a bot’s headlights is something I’ve always found interesting, for some reason. You could even say that the ‘bots (and land–based ‘cons) essentially have built–in flashlights, and that’s such a convenient addition tbh. I do recall some instances in TFP where the ‘bots use their headlights in bot–mode. That said, I hope I’m not stepping on your toes with my addition, Blade!

That one scene in Scrapheap sparkent mentioned was a missed opportunity tbh. Bulkhead could’ve used his headlights (and not a flashlight) in the dark, especially since they’d be much brighter and far–reaching in comparison. But…eh, I guess it’s episode’s way at upping the “suspense”. (Note: But it does make me wonder whether fear “disables” a bot’s ability to use their headlights…or maybe that’s just a Bulkhead thing. Who knows? But it might be the latter.)

Moving on, I recall other instances of bots using their headlights in TFP. For instance, Knock Out “blinked” his headlights to signal Breakdown, Bulkhead used his when he and Miko were inside a cave (which supports my speculation that he’s unable to/couldn’t activate his headlights when afraid), and Bee used his to light up his surroundings when he saved June and Raf from a tornado.

On that note, I feel it’s an unspoken rule that bots with headlights are often tasked to “lead the way” when they and their group found themselves in a dark place. Given that not all bots have headlights in their bot mode (ex. Arcee, Optimus, Ultra Magnus, and Wheeljack…though, correct me if I’m wrong on the last three, because I don’t see it/it’s not so obvious) or have a flashlight in hand, then they’d have to rely on their comrades who are equipped with it. (Though, if you happen to be Miss “I always take point”, then you might even reject the notion of letting your comrade lead/shine your way because you seemingly refuse to have it any other way due to your own pride and one-sided beef with him...but I digress).

Alternatively, in lieu of a flashlight or headlights, I also like to think that a bot’s biolights also function as a viable source of light in a dark place (when other sources of light are unavailable). Though, it’s preferred if the bot(s) in question has quite a lot of biolights compared to others.

By the way, I never knew that the Autobots’ headlights and the Decepticons’ cockpit glow when they speak in alt–mode! I vividly remember hearing/seeing that myself…but regardless, that’s super interesting! While not exactly an apple–to–apple comparison, I’d like to add that the TFP Autobots have a similar thing going on, where the Autobot insignia on their steering wheels glow whenever they spoke. You can see this with Bee, Bulkhead, Ratchet, Smokescreen and Ultra Magnus. Again, while not replicated to a T, it’s nice to know that TFP emulated that detail in their own way.

Edit: Here's another.

Big oof. Despite their "stealthiness", Arcee and Bee also possess the uncanny ability to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Press F to pay respects.

Magnus will give everyone (sans Optimus, to an extent) the 5W1H treatment, and he WILL know when you're being untruthful. Even if it's just a game, he does NOT play around. Same with Smokescreen, who takes his role as a detective (or crewmate) a TAD bit too seriously. He's that one guy who secretly keeps tabs on everyone, and some players (*cough*Arcee*cough*) aren't big fans of that.

Bulkhead can't lie to save his life. He probably made the mistake of killing someone in front of someone else, got reported, and stuttered so badly while trying to come up with a response. A for effort, Bulkhead. A for effort.

Again, Bulkhead's not a very confrontational guy when it comes to non-Decepticon related matters. And it doesn't help that he's a bit of a pushover. So...yeah...he needs help. On the flip side, Smokescreen would fight TOOTH AND NAIL to try and convince everyone who the impostor is. Unfortunately, others tend to brush him off. By the time the rest of the crewmates realize that he's been telling the truth, they'd already be too late. Oh well, it's their loss.

Ratchet and Wheeljack...oof. Ratchet's just unlucky. He gets a bit too fired up when defending himself, which makes others sus (heh) of him. He may or may not have rage quitted on some occasions. Meanwhile, Wheeljack does the exact opposite, as in he doesn't really care what others think despite his arguments/defense (because their reactions are TOO funny). It doesn't help that he intentionally does suspicious things like standing near a vent as a crewmate, though, it helps that he does finish his tasks. He gets a kick out of ragebaiting Arcee, Magnus, and Ratchet.

I can get behind the "everyone always trusts them" section, since...you know...(*cough*favoritism*cough*). But if I may, I'd personally include Bulkhead into the mix, just because it'd be funny to see him crashing out as he receives the Impostor role (which he heavily dislikes) for the UPTEENTH TIME. Bee, meanwhile, enjoys being a menace. This is just me (and take it as you will), but I think Bee and Bulkhead fits the bill better, since Arcee can be a bit too fired up and that makes her "easier to read" as a result. Besides, girl is pretty competitive and does not handle losing well (read: Speed Metal).

Okay, the mental breakdown section is just TOO funny. Hear me out, Ratchet's crashing out wondering why he can't swipe his card despite having steady hands/servos due to being a medic (he swipes the card too slowly). Arcee's crashing out because...shouldn't smaller hands/servos meant that she could do this is one go? (she swipes the card too quickly). Meanwhile, Bee's just cursed for some reason (he swears he swipes the card just right! Why isn't it working?!). He HATES this task, and would genuinely crash out/get mad like that one time in Operation Bumblebee.

(Note: Many expected Bulkhead to struggle, but surprisingly...he manages just fine. The others don't know how he does it. Bulkhead himself isn't sure how he pulled it off...but he's too proud of himself to overthink it. Heh.)

Optimus as the "impostor that never gets caught" is just...*chef's kiss*. Just like Bulkhead, he dislikes this role, and for obvious reasons. That said, it's usually up to his impostor partner to finish the job, even if Optimus is fine with losing.

(Note: Weirdly enough, Optimus is almost always paired with Smokescreen as the impostor, for some reason. Since it's canon that Smokescreen would 100% defend Optimus in any way shape or form, no questions asked...I also envision Smokey, once again, FIGHT TOOTH AND NAIL to ensure that Optimus "wins" as the impostor. Optimus thinks its unnecessary, but Smokescreen begs to differ!)

I’m not sure if you already know about this, but I’ll share with you just in case.

So, there’s this Transformers toyline called Age of the Primes (AOTP). Apparently, in the upcoming Wave 5 of the toyline, our boy Smokescreen is going to be one of them! :D

I do have a few things to say about his design (Why does his chest look like that? And why is he frowning?), but…given that it’s been around 10 years or so since Smokey got a new figure, I’m not complaining much.

(Still, I’d say that the Go! Hunter Smokescreen is hands down the most accurate Prime Smokescreen figure. It’s based off of the Deluxe Class Beast Hunters Smokescreen, with my only gripe of the figure being that the colors are a bit off).

Going back to AOTP Smokescreen, his design aside, I’d like to focus on something really interesting.

The AOTP Smokescreen figure has a short bio. And…it states the following:

“Descended from Solus Prime, Smokescreen is eager to become a great Autobot warrior.”

If you listen carefully, you can actually hear the moment MY JAW DROPPED TO THE FLOOR.

Though, I've read that AOTP does have this thing where they say that a certain character is a descendant of a certain Prime. While this doesn’t apply to all characters, some characters do seem to be descendants of a prime, even if some of them...can be a hit–or–miss.

(And apparently…Prime Cliffjumper and Armada Red Alert are descendant of Prima Prime! What are the odds? And, get this…Heatwave’s a descendant of Optimus! That’s really interesting! Though, in his case, I wonder why that is, since Optimus did show up in Rescue Bots and all…)

Look, this VERY FUN FACT of Smokescreen may not be canon in Prime…but I don’t care. I’m eating this up. We’ve been denied/deprived of Prime Smokescreen content for too long that I’m willing to accept any Smokescreen–related crumbs that’s out there. Canon or not.

Plus, when you think about it…Smokey being a descendant of Solus Prime ACTUALLY MAKES A LOT OF SENSE! Especially when we see his interaction with two of her weapons, namely The Forge of Solus Prime and the Star Saber. (There’s also the Apex Armor, which he got from Starscream with little to no effort in his introductory episode. Though, I focused more on the other two since they’re more “prominent”).

In the show, we can see Smokescreen’s extensive knowledge of the relics, which includes The Star Saber.

Now that we’re discussing it, I vividly remember someone referring to Smokescreen as a “deliverer”/”messenger” to Optimus. The first time was when he brought/”delivered” The Forge of Solus Prime to a dying Optimus before using it to revive him. The second time was when he straight up delivered (“Special delivery!”) the Star Saber to Optimus in Deadlock.

Oh, and have I mentioned that he’s the only character aside from Optimus who touched/wielded both weapons at some point? And how he almost became a Prime…?

Smokescreen…really isn’t beating the biblical metaphor/”chosen one” allegations, huh?

In all seriousness though, despite the “disdain” that Prime’s writers had towards Smokescreen (which translated into how seemingly intent they were in making him the “bad guy” at times), you’ve got to admit, they weren’t subtle when it comes to establishing Smokescreen’s connection to Primehood/the Primes.

I mean, when you think about it...Smokescreen has a connection to THREE PRIMES.

Let’s review. He’s apparently a descendant of Solus Prime, used to work as Alpha Trion’s bodyguard in the Hall of Records, and is now Optimus Prime’s subordinate under Team Prime.

…I need to sit down. Because THREE PRIMES is crazy. Prime–like personality aside, it’s no wonder that Alpha Trion deemed Smokey as being worthy of Primehood.

…And it’s no wonder why Alpha Trion essentially made Smokescreen pretend as if he didn’t exist in the Hall of Records.

Maybe he foresaw the kind of threat Smokescreen is up against if his connection to the Primes/his possible Primehood is ever discovered by the Decepticons…who knows?

Okay, I think I need to take off my tinfoil hat for real now.

All in all, while I didn’t expect to see this kind lore drop from a toyline, especially 10 years after we had our last figure of him…canon or not, I’ll take it! And, hey! If it means that it’d get more people to acknowledge/recognize the implicit yet highly integral part that Smokescreen plays in Prime, then I see this as an absolute win!

I think I’ll end my ramblings/info dumping here. It’s hard not to be excited when Smokey’s under the spotlight again, especially with all of that lore dump. Our boy deserves it!

As always, thanks a lot for reading, and I’m looking forward to your thoughts, Blade :)

Hey Jazzi! I'm going good so far. How about you?

I didn't know that, but I gotta grab that toy and Smokey's Go! one now. (I kid you not, for years I was unaware that there were any toys for TFP. The marketing team failed about as badly as the series' writers on that front.) Thanks for the info!

In defense of the guys making his toy, they do have TFP's transformation sequence/stuff to work around, so the chest is probably the best they can manage. The frown is criminal, though.

Beast Hunters Smokescreen was....a choice. Love his Go! Hunter on the right, though! Especially since he seems to be legitimately smiling. That's our boy!

SOLUS FREAKING PRIME IS HIS ANCESTOR?!?!?!?!

No wait, that makes so much sense! Like, he's always compassionate, yet comes off as "insensitive" or whatever, but that is almost EXACTLY the same problem Solus had: she was compassionate and caring, but had a short temper, so there's low-key an overlap between them there.

Honestly, that "energon bloodline" works much better than Polarities. I do like the idea of Polarities, but it's....mind-numbing, quite frankly.

(Really? Prima for Cliff and Red Alert? I'd have personally classified Red as Solus' descendant, but I can kinda see it. Oh that is sweet with Heatwave! I think it's because Optimus was supposed to be the reincarnation of the Thirteenth Prime, but that's also a separate ball of wax I don't wanna deal with right now. Heh, Excellion/Hotshot being Amalgamous' grandkid makes so much sense...)

Hey, TFP canon went out the window a long time ago, plus is subject to change even with how it was written. Far as I'm concerned, Smokescreen being Solus' descendant is just as true as Optimus' color scheme being red, white/silver, and blue!

Ohhhhh shoot. You know, this makes Smokescreen's knowledge of history and the Primes make all the more sense. Why wouldn't a descendant of Solus be interested in her creations, in understanding their lore, how they work, and the powers they have? This all tracks so well, it's like it was set up from the beginning to turn out this way!

Oh yes, that is also an excellent point. Come to think of it, no one else on the team knew as much as he did about the Artifacts of the Primes, did they? Except Optimus of course, which heightens the connection here all the more...!

I vaguely seem to recall that as well - and given that his white color scheme and doorwings make him look angelic-ish, that is beautiful. Especially now that we stop and consider how he really was their guardian angel 9/10, and that's before we take into account the Primes' relics!

Heheheheh, the plot thickens....

He really isn't (that link isn't working, I'm so sorry!) Heck, even with how they tried framing Smokescreen as the one who's "wrong/a problem", the TFP writers couldn't make him stop being the heroic, biblical-like hero he is. I'm so proud of you, Smokey, and so's Chromia and the Mithril Sea Squad!

Wait a tic.

The knowledge of Alpha Trion, the "blood" of Solus flowing through his veins, and learning from Optimus Prime....no wonder the guy is so amazing and tough! He's got the best of each of these three keeping him going and adapting!

Given what he'd later go through, keeping Smokescreen in a position where he had to "pretend to not exist" likely saved his life. No wonder Alpha Trion kept that up and trusted him with the Matrix.

Pity, my brain is going into overdrive now! XD

I'll take it too, Jazzi! Especially if it means Smokescreen gets the recognition he deserves. This is so cool, thank you for the information!

I'm stoked now, too! I can't wait for more, and I thought I'd never see the day where Smokescreen was given the spotlight. Thanks again, Jazzi!

You're welcome, and let me know if I missed anything. Take care, Jazzi, and have a good week!

That is SO GENIUS!

Heck, it would also line up with TFP Arcee narratively too: She's hot-tempered like Megatronus, and keeps losing HER lovers like he lost Solus.

Oh wow. I never thought about it that way…it all makes sense now! Thank you for the vision @kzele!

Just a heads up, my reblog’s gonna contain a wordy analysis and another unavoidable rant. I’m also going to make some comparisons between Arcee and Megatronus, though, I’m not very familiar with the relationship between the Thirteen, so I might miss or get something wrong. Please correct me if that’s the case!

As you’ve pointed out, Blade, the way their narratives parallel with one another is interesting, to say the least. On that note, I’d like to add Arcee’s impulsiveness, which often leads her to make brash decisions (with harsh consequences she never really faces). Recall the times when she decided to chase after the Decepticons solo (with her needing saving afterwards) and the revenge stunts against Airachnid that always pushes her to abandon her team as a result, with it also endangering her life and that of others. As for Megatronus…we see “Tragedy of Impulsiveness” when he murdered Solus.

Back to Arcee, these traits of her translate to her insubordination, and how she can be viewed as OG Team Prime’s “rogue member”. Moreover, we see a similar pattern with how Megatronus is also the “rogue member” of the Thirteen due to him chasing his own dark ambitions, ultimately causing him to turn away from the Thirteen.

The only difference between Arcee and Megatronus is that Arcee–fortunately–has OG Team Prime to hold her back/back her up when things do go South (plus the fact she’s got the MC treatment, so she’s always right and is “good”). Again, while I’m not so familiar with the relations between the Thirteen, I’m assuming that the “bond” between them isn’t(?) as strong, given how Megatronus murdered a fellow Prime as well as the underlying discord among the Thirteen (at least from what I read, but correct me if I’m wrong).

That aside, just imagine for a moment if Bee hadn’t stopped Arcee from snuffing Starscream in Partners? This is just me, but despite Megatron’s disdain towards Starscream’s antics, when you consider how he REALLY read the riot act on Airachnid for leaving Starscream behind…whose to say that Megatron WON’T take the murder of a high–ranking Decepticon officer at the hands of that Autobot Two–Wheeeler as a MAJOR offense? Is there any guarantee that Megatron WON’T up the ante the next time he encounters the Autobots, especially HER?

(Note: Ironically/unironically enough, there’s also the fact that Starscream helped the Autobots on several occasions. Had he been snuffed in Partners…the Autobots would’ve never gotten the info on the spacebridge in the Orion Pax arc, and NOONE would've saved Arcee from Airachnid in Crossfire. In other words; we’ve got to give Bee some credit for stopping Arcee from snuffing Starscream. Because had she succeeded, OG Team Prime would’ve likely lost Optimus forever AND Arcee herself would’ve kicked the bucket. While I don’t fault her for lashing out at Starscream in Partners…I’m telling you, the snowball effect from her action/actions NEVER ENDS WELL. Look at Darkness Rising and Speed Metal for further examples).

Moving on, I can agree with your take that she’s–partly, imho–at fault for her late partners’ death (more so Cliffjumper’s case). Given her less serious demeanor with Tailgate in Predatory’s flashback and that Airachnid DOESN’T PLAY when preying on someone…I can understand her oversight. What I don’t understand is how neither Cliffjumper nor Arcee (especially her as the “serious and cautious” one) didn’t see anything wrong with letting Cliff go alone. Granted, it’s been 3 years since the last Decepticon sighting so they’re at ease and all…BUT STILL. In the context of Cybertronian lifespan, isn’t that a SHORT window of time…? They’re acting like it’s been a decade or two since the last Decepticon sighting…*sighs*.

Anyways, as you’ve pointed out before, Arcee losing Tailgate and Cliffjumper is reflected from Megatronus’ “pattern of losing his lover/closest one”. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m inclined to believe that one of the “pattern/characteristics” of being Megatronus’ descendant is that they have this “bad luck” when it comes to relationships. Think about it, not only did Megatronus snuff Solus, but he also isolated/exiled himself from the rest of the Thirteen afterwards. We also see this with pattern with Arcee and her ties to her late partners, with her “lone wolf” tendencies after Tailgate’s death (and persisting long after). Plus, let’s not forget that Arcee didn’t exactly get along well with Cliffjumper and Tailgate at first. Jack included.

(Note: Though, I’d argue it’s somewhat to a lesser extent and even subverted Post–Tailgate and Cliffjumper. Due to the writers’ favoritism, as I said before elsewhere, there’s this “insistence” of partnering her up with guys, such as Bulkhead in Metal Attraction and the VERY forced “partnership” with Wheeljack in Plus One. There’s also Jack as her human charge, who almost suffered from her “bad luck” in Predatory, but of course, everything is fine and dandy due to the MC treatment bestowed upon the two. Let’s also not forget how she essentially guilt–tripped Jack into becoming her “partner”. Ya’ll ain’t slick, TFP writers).

Generational “bad luck” aside, you wanna know what I think is really, REALLY interesting? In the Energon Bloodline wiki, there’s a line that reads: “Megatron was born of the line of Megatronus, a passionate and resentful outsider”. Additionally, when you consider how Vortex and Brawl are the two confirmed descendants to Megatronus–both of whom are Decepticons–AND when you consider that a certain Two–Wheeler fits the whole “passionate and resentful outsider (lone wolf)” bit to a T…it looks like our view of Arcee being the most Decepticon–like Autobot holds merit after all. Flamewar would be proud :D

(Or, alternatively, Arcee could go rogue. While both view works, but the concept of Decepticon!Arcee is really difficult to ignore now)

Given that Megatronus is essentially the “face” of the Decepticons…methinks it would also explain Arcee’s one–sided beef with Smokescreen. I mean, look at Megatron (who may not even know that he’s Megatronus’ descendant) and his centuries–long beef with Optimus? And then look at Arcee’s own centuries–long beef with Airachnid. What I’m trying to say here is that both Arcee and Megatron do NOT play when it comes to resentment.

On a related note, I think Megatronus’ descendants would almost automatically resent anything/anyone “good” (certainly doesn’t help that his confirmed descendants are ALL BLOODTHIRSTY AND VIOLENT DECEPTICONS). On a more personal level, you could even say that Megatronus’ descendants may have this “generational beef” Solus’ descendants, given what had happened. Thus, when Arcee (as Megatronus’ descendant) sees Smokescreen (who is Solus’ descendant), someone who is an Autobot through and through who is thriving and so full of life without even trying…it triggered something in her AND explains why she specifically and insistently antagonizes him.

Referring back to my point on how Arcee’s “snowball effect” always ends up negatively…Smokescreen’s brand always ends up positively. I saw a “what if” post of what’d happen if Smokescreen, as the Omega Key “bearer”, landed elsewhere. The Autobots would’ve been in a lot of trouble had that been the case. Another major example would be how Smokey exposing himself in Legacy actually led to him being the first to discover the Star Saber and him stalling for time, or that the act of Bee snuffing Megatron in Deadlock WOULD’VE NEVER HAPPENED had it not been for Smokey’s quick thinking to locate the Star Saber in the first place. In other words (and excuse my bitterness); Bee would’ve never had his–rather forced, imho–“MC moment” AND MEGATRON WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN SNUFFED HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR SMOKESCREEN.

Everyone say “Thank you, Smokescreen!”

But even when all is said and done…SMOKESCREEN’S supposed to be the guy that bears the brunt of the fandom’s collective hate/disdain? Yeah. NO. Your insistence on making him the black sheep of Team Prime/the show (when you purposefully turn a blind eye against Arcee’s antics via favoritism) isn’t working on us Smokey fans, TFP writers. Once again, ya’ll ain’t slick.

I wasn’t kidding when I said this was gonna be wordy, heh. Still though, I did NOT expect those parallels between Arcee and Megatronus…that actually explains a lot tbh, especially her behavior. But most importantly, I definitely WON’T miss an opportunity to defend our boy Smokescreen once again :)

Edit: Here's another.

You know, this gets glossed over a lot but the fact Smokescreen immediately locked onto where the trophies, and by extension the Forge of Solus Prime, were/was is actually really impressive. Plus, it makes sense as to how he cottoned onto it when I thought about it myself.

Megatron plopped a big old fortress down in Jasper but that doesn't mean he knows the layout immediately. His troops def wouldn't be familiar with it at first, either. So instead of expecting the drones to memorize a whole new massive area and figure out where to put stuff like the relics, he has them patrol familiar territory since he doesn't really need most of that stuff at this point anyways. Plus, in case they have to pick up and move, the relics are already onboard.

On a funnier note, the fact that Megatron literally just got the Forge back and it was stolen immediately by Smokescreen is hilarious to me. His biggest opp was right under his feet. Also, literally. Smokescreen spent that whole arc being a Problem while Megatron was focusing on everybody else who were just trying to survive and regroup. Smokescreen grabbed the Phase Shifter, grabbed Optimus/kept him alive from underneath Megatron's nonexistent nose, infiltrated his warship AGAIN, and grabbed the Forge to revive him. Can you imagine how he'd feel about learning about all that?

That is REALLY impressive now that you mention it! Because Smokescreen's "the rookie" that everyone dismisses as incompetent or reckless, yet not only does he achieve the most out of anyone in the TFP cast, but he pulls off the literal miracle of saving the day BY SAVING OPTIMUS.

Because guess what folks, it wasn't Optimus' OG "family" who thought this far ahead and saved him, it was SMOKESCREEN, the new guy who is as devoted to the principles Optimus espouses as much as Optimus is. Not "Optimus' go-to gal", not his "old friend", not "the scout", or even the ex-Wrecker.

IT. WAS. SMOKESCREEN!!!!!!!

And you're right, it really does make sense that Megatron would leave them on the Nemesis. Not only is it less trouble with a brand new fortress, but you can't tell me he isn't a little paranoid about losing all this. So, should all go wrong, they keep the relics on the Nemesis in case they have to cut and run again.

OG Team Prime: We have to be careful, we're out-numbered and outgunned by everyone!

Smokescreen, who just rescued Optimus like another two times, snitched back the Phase Shifter AND got the Forge of Solus Prime back: Yeah, so? It's no biggie.

Meanwhile Megatron:

While his contributions and initiatives are nothing new to us Smokey fans, it made me think of how things would’ve ended badly for the bots and the humans had he been absent. Just imagine that he’s not the “vessel” for the Omega Key and that Team Prime managed to obtain it in Earth, then Darkmount happens…and what then? With everyone scattered, who would come back to save Optimus?

This is something I’ve realized when I think back on the events of Darkmount until Rebellion: Smokescreen single–handedly SAVED THE EARTH/HUMANKIND AND HIS (UNGRATEFUL) TEAMMATES VIA HIS DECISION TO REVIVE OPTIMUS. In other words; without Smokescreen, Team Prime and Earth would’ve been TOAST.

Yet when all is said and done…you’re telling me that NOBODY BENT OVER BACKWARDS TO EXPRESS THEIR GRATITUDE FOR HIS MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS THAT NOT ONLY SAVED A PLANET, BUT ONE THAT ALSO SAVED THEIR FACTION??? HE SAVED OPTIMUS PRIME, FOR PRIMUS’ SAKE!!! DOES THAT NOT MEAN ANYTHING TO YOU, OG TEAM PRIME???

Seriously. He got NOTHING. I’m honestly peeved with the whole “the celebration happened offscreen because of time constraint!” excuse, because if they could make Optimus acknowledge and have everyone celebrate Bee’s contribution in Sick Mind, then they could’ve done the same for Smokescreen! Is it that hard? Or does he not deserve it BECAUSE he’s the black sheep of Team Prime no matter what? Is that what you’re trying to say, TFP writers?

(Sidenote: What peeved me the most was the ending shot of Rebellion. We see Ultra Magnus putting his servo on Bulkhead’s shoulder, Bulkhead and Wheeljack fistbumping, and Ratchet placing his servo on Bee’s shoulder.

After everything Smokescreen did for Earth/Humankind and Team Prime, I was expecting some acknowledgement. But my question is; WHY IS THERE A GAP BETWEEN HIM AND THE OTHERS??? WHY IS NOONE GIVING HIM A PAT ON THE BACK OR BATTING AN EYE/OPTIC AT HIM??? WHY DOES IT SEEM THAT ARCEE–AS THE NEAREST BOT TO HIM–IS AVOIDING HIM IN FAVOR OF “CHECKING” THE HUMANS??? DON’T YOU, AS THE UNOFFICIAL SIC, WANT TO COMMEND SMOKESCREEN FOR SAVING OPTIMUS??? OR DO YOU REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE HOW MUCH OF A TEAM PLAYER HE REALLY IS COMPARED TO YOU???

You know what would’ve been great? Have Wheeljack pull Smokey into the group–because if noone’s including the poor kid, then HE will–as they’re the “outsiders” OR have Fowler commend him since he’s the nearest human to Smokey. But even THEN we didn’t get that. I’m peeved AND saddened…*sighs*)

You’re right, Optimus’ own “family” wasn’t the one that saved him, but rather, it was the same Rookie that they had alienated AND mistreated. You’d think OG Team Prime would’ve shown SO MUCH GRATITUDE to Smokescreen for saving Optimus’ life…yet, there’s seemingly nothing but cricket noises. Worse part is that he’s STILL treated like The Rookie or the “annoying and childish one”.

OG Team Prime does NOT deserve Smokescreen AT ALL. If anything, I’d trust the Arclight crew (or any other group of Autobots, really) to give him a PROPER celebration.

Moving on…despite my complaints, I get that the “Guardian Trio” in particular couldn’t go back to Optimus becausethey had to protect their human charge (meanwhile I’m  rather surprised that Ratchet’s not marching on out of sheer spite, with him fully intending to take down Megatron via any means necessary…but I digress). That said, kudos to Bee and Bulkhead for keeping Raf and Miko safe without exposing them to any unnecessary danger in Darkmount, NV.

Plus, they also achieved something in the process. Bee and Raf scrubbed Ratchet’s sighting on the internet, had the idea to use the Harbinger which eventually led to Ratchet’s return. Meanwhile, in Scattered, Bulkhead and Miko rendezvoused with Wheeljack, who managed to wreck some ‘cons during his escape and after he met up with the two. In Prey, before Predaking ultimately thwarted their plans, the trio planned to blow up an energon mine to rally the other Autobots.

My point is that they all kept a low profile AND gained the upper hand/achieved something in their own way. All in all, my gripes on the first two aside, Bee, Bulkhead, and Wheeljack did a good job protecting the kids, all things considered.

On the flip side…I can’t say the same for Arcee and Jack.

Guess what Arcee did when she spotted a–later revealed to be a civilian–helicopter? That’s right. SHE LEFT JACK BEHIND. She definitely did not learn her lesson from Predatory. I’m…not surprised. Also, am I the only one who thought it was weird that she chased after a helicopter? Airachnid’s the only canon helicopter ‘con among a sea of jets, AND EVEN THEN she’s put on a stasis pod by ARCEE HERSELF in Armada. So…what gives…?

You know, I almost felt bad for Jack…ALMOST.Because he had the great idea to TEXT HIS MOM. I get that he wanted to update her…but still, I expected more from the guy whose partnered with Miss “Stealthy”, but maybe I shouldn’t. What’s even more jarring is that Miko and Raf KNEW to keep a low profile when they used their gadgets! Heck, Bulkhead was frustrated/firm for once when he thought Miko was calling someone (though I let it slide since he apologized afterwards).

Besides, there’s NO way the kids weren’t briefed about “not contacting anyone”. Miko and Raf followed that rule to a T, but Jack didn’t? His action is also a MAJOR headscratcher since he KNOWS that calling anyone was a no–go! Yet texting is okay? What’s going on, “Mr. Mature and Responsible”? Did Arcee not inform him beforehand…? These two I swear…(Meanwhile, you know that Miko would’ve been FLAMED had she done the same *rolls eyes*)

“One text couldn’t hurt, could it?”

Congrats, Jack. You exposed AND endangered yourself. The only reason you’re still alive is because you’re: granted the MC treatment, have infinite plot armor AND partnered with “writer’s pet” of TFP. What a combo. It’s a miracle these two haven’t kicked the bucket, especially with how they encourage each other’s bad behavior while ALSO endangering themselves (and others) in the process. Would’ve been nice if some of that plot armor was given to those that actually need it (read: Cliffjumper, Breakdown, and Dreadwing).

Bitterness aside…on to a lighter topic!

Forget Bulkhead and Ratchet, Smokescreen is THE #1 Megatron hater/opp with the “in your face!” stunts he pulled! What better way to one up the Decepticons than to TARGET THE DECEPTION LEADER HIMSELF AND SUCCESSFULLY GETTING AWAY WITH ALL OF IT?

Okay, but real talk. Rather than the vitriolic hate from those two (plus Arcee) that endorses Megatron’s downfall to the point of disregarding Optimus’ reservations, I think Smokescreen acknowledges/notices Optimus’ reluctance when it comes to the idea of snuffing Megatron. (Note: I HC that Smokescreen knows of Optimus’ past relations with Megatron/Megatronus given his time in the Hall of Records, plus stories from Alpha Trion. So, even if he is Megatron’s biggest hater/opp, he won’t go so far as to push his views on Optimus himself).

As such, he’d settle on being a COMPLETE MENACE to Megatron and the ‘cons instead! Smokescreen does not care and would 100% do it again. Besides, Megatron doesn’t scare him! If him pulling those stunts meant that he’d further the Autobot cause in the process, so be it. In fact, he could do this all day :D

As usual, I see a Smokescreen appreciation ask/post, and suddenly I’m all over the place, heh. I just think it’s funny/ironic just how BIG of a role Smokescreen played in the grand scheme of things, and yet, the writers via OG Team Prime are adamant on painting him as the “annoying reckless guy”. Seriously, what is up with that? If I’m in a (hypothetical!) TFP Smokescreen–hating competition and my opponents were the writers of TFP…yeah…I’d forfeit on the spot.

Like just look at Milori and then Clarion here!

(Title below is misleading)

Okay, first of all; Secret of the Wings mention in 2026?! What?!

I vividly remember kid me watching Secret of the Wings (or anything Tinker Bell–related, really!) and this movie’s one of my favorites! Seeing your mention’s such a pleasant surprise, so, thanks a bunch for the tag (and trip down memory lane), Blade! :D

Second of all; I…I see your vision!

Now that you’ve said it, I can see Milori and Clarion’s interaction being applied to Optimus and Elita’s dynamics. Plus, you’re right; that’s how they should be written! (*coughs*especially in modern iterations*coughs*). The way they speak and the way they present themselves, especially with their strong leadership aura, really remind me of G1 Optimus and G1 Elita tbh.

Anyways, I really like Secret of the Wings’ depiction of Milori and Clarion as the leader of two groups of fairies that still remain cordial and understanding of one another, despite their obvious differences. Something similar could definitely be applied to Optimus and Elita imho (if they happen to have contrasting views/priorities, that is).

At the end of the day, despite their differences, they’re still Autobots; a faction whose currently at war with the Decepticons. They can’t afford to have a massive falling out that'd lead to a civil war among the Autobots *shivers at the thought of a certain ongoing Transformers comic and how I dislike its "depiction" of Optimus and Elita’s relationship/dynamics*.

But on a lighter note, I personally would’ve loved to see a Marion and Clarion–like dynamic with Optimus and Elita! They don’t have to be together 24/7 (imho), especially since they can stand on their own two feet and they’re busy with their respective roles/positions…but still. Something like that would’ve been a great nod/reference to their brief yet meaningful interaction in G1 (again, especially since we haven’t really seen something similar ever since). Plus, when the “conflict” or their differences is finally resolved and that they’re back (working) together…that’d lead to some really sweet dynamics, I bet! At least, that’s what I think.

This was originally going to be a reblog of a post I saw with me tagging…but as always, I have thoughts, so an ask would have to do. That said, I saw this alternate design of TFU Swagger a while back, and I was wondering what you’d think of it. I think you should check it out first before reading the rest of my thoughts, though.

With that out of the way, on to my thoughts!

I personally HC that to be Younger!Swagger when he’s still under (your) Drift’s tutelage, especially with the more noticeable Samurai aesthetics (he looks a lot like RID 2015’s Drift, Jetstorm, and Slipstream tbh, especially the helm crests. I’ll also be focusing on RID 2015 Drift because he’s in the Aligned Continuity, and that I’ll mention your version of Drift here and there).

(Note: This whole time I legitimately thought Swagger’s still a Samurai–in–training, when in reality, he’s a full–fledged Samurai. Never realized I’ve been disrespecting my boy this whole time…my bad *facepalms*)

Tying his design a bit into your AU, since he was on his own basically living on the streets after his father died…I also envisioned him being rather skinny/malnourished as a result. It explains the stark contrast when you compare it to Present!Swagger, who appears healthier and is more buff in comparison due to (your) Drift’s strict training regimen (and the fact that she basically raised him as well). Though, I do appreciate the artists’ depiction of a more trimmed down version of Swagger. Nothing against his OG build, he could still stay as is, but I would’ve liked it if he looked like this in ‘bot mode, especially since he’s a Two–Wheeler.

Diving a bit into angst territory…I feel like Swagger would intentionally lose the Samurai aesthetics after (your) Drift’s departure. While part of it was indeed due to how he didn’t want the ‘cons to immediately identify him as (your) Drift’s student…a much more personal reason would be how it reminded him too much of her.

On one hand he wants to distance himself from her influence and memory, mostly out of pure spite and hurt. Though, on the other hand…he COULDN'T. How could he…after everything they went through together?

It was also during this time he began to tinker with technology. Given her background, (your) Drift had to be crafty, and as a result, she also taught Swagger a thing or two about technology (even if it's not as often).

So, it came off as no surprise that Swagger picked up a thing or two from this non–combat/physical lesson. As an effort to distance himself/minimize over–reliance on martial arts/his katanas, he’d turn to technology, and managed to create some high–tech gadgets and make some modifications to his pre–existing weapons that’d help him out in battle. (Ex. His cloaking device, his retractable katanas and how it could electrocute his opponents, etc.)

As a result? At first glance, not many (me included) could tell he’s a Samurai. A borderline arrogant and cocky swordsmech?  Sure. But a full–fledged Samurai? Even the revelation shocked the Arclight crew when they first found out, even more so when Swagger was comfortable enough to finally tell them who exactly his Master/Sensei is.

All in all, despite his boasting, one thing that Swagger often keeps quiet about is his Samurai background and the identity of his Sensei (even if his combat style and the way he uses his katanas are quite obvious to some Decepticons who pay close attention). It helps that he’s a Samurai who doesn’t act or present himself like a typical Samurai would, both appearance–wise and behavior/personality–wise.

In other words; Swagger is an unconventional Samurai. Sure, some more traditional Samurai/warrior (read: RID 2015 Drift, who gives Swagger a MAJOR case of déjà vu and is someone he actively avoids/is quite hostile to due to certain reasons) wouldn’t approve of Swagger’s methods…but hey, it’s not like his Master/Sensei is there to correct him Plus, it worked out well for him so far, so he’s going to keep doing it. Nobody’s the boss of him!

And honestly, I really like this contrast! It’s such a nice juxtaposition that you can’t help but wonder what was going on behind–the–scenes when Jagex was designing him and discussing what to do with his character. I mean, people are quick to point out and associate Prime Wheeljack with the “wandering Samurai” vibe due to his lone wolf persona (I’m aware of the “He should’ve been Drift” arguments/comments, but I digress). But I feel it’s a different case with Swagger, since you really can’t tell that he’s a Samurai at first glance, especially since his katanas are retractable and not visible like RID 2015 Drift and Prime Wheeljack.

That’s all from me, Blade! I took one good look at that fanart…and the thoughts and HCs just came flooding in, heh. Anyways, thanks a lot for reading my ask/ramblings, and I hope you have a great day, Blade! :D

(P. S. I don’t want to end this on a sad/depressing note…but given what we know of him, Swagger should’ve been classified as a Ronin instead of a Samurai. And apparently, Ronins are supposed to…well, snuff themselves after their Master is “gone”. This includes being abandoned by their master, btw. Just...wow.

But the thing is; Swagger’s bio and his weapons’ infos all describe him as a Samurai. So, what this tells me is that, despite his claims or thoughts of him hating his Master…he couldn’t bring himself to sever that Master-Student bond he forged with her. Swagger’s unsure if it was also (your) Drift’s intention to renounce him…but unless he directly hears it from her, his loyalty to her isn’t going anywhere. Is he in denial? Yes. Does he care? Nope.

There’s NO way this guys isn’t DEPRESSED after everything. That said, someone–yes, I’m looking at you, Arclight crew! Especially you, Showdown!–please give him some hot cocoa, a warm blanket, and a hug. Seriously, this guy needs it more than anything).

Hi Jazzi! It's been going pretty well, thank you. I hope yours is doing well, too!

Okay, I'll post the picture and give my thoughts on it since the original poster is deactivated now.

It's not that bad. Personally, I have a strong distaste for the art style of Animated, though I will admit that this kind of fits Swagger. He's scrawny enough that this, in regards to my AU, would fit him when he had been found by my Drift and taken under her (door)wing. And while I do like both the canon design and this one for their takes on his musculature, I do agree that something like the below would be better for him ultimately (thanks to @theangrycomet-art for creating such wonderful artwork.)

I think a design like Cliff's would work best for Swagger, as he's still small, but thickly built following his apprenticeship to my Drift.

Aww, thanks! I can see why - all the samurai themed ones (with the odd exception of Strongarm, but I don't want to go there) in RID 2015 had that head crest design, so it would make sense if Swagger picked up on that from my Drift. In fact, the art I used for my Drift kinda parallels that head crest, now that I consider it a little...

(Oh dang. I think I forgot that, too. So sorry, Swagger *hugs him* No worries, we both made that mistake!)

Yeah, Swagger is someone who had a rough time of it once his father was taken out of the picture. I do have to agree that he was shockingly malnourished when he and my Drift came across each other. Hard training and better food sources really helped him grow, though....maybe his growth would be permanently stunted? Come to think of it, while I feel he'll be taller than Arcee (and obviously beefier by comparison), Swagger might have lost any chance of growing taller from lack of food sources until he met Drift. She took care of him and all, but there's only so much you can do when undernourishment prevents further growth.

Definitely. Swagger would figure out after a short while that it would be a giveaway to not just who his sensei is/Swagger himself, but there were only so many times he could stand it whenever he looked at his reflection. The abandonment was still fresh, still sore, and it hurt Swagger too much to keep the samurai gear on.

But it was still her armor pieces he'd received. Still something he had of her, other than the skills she imparted to him. Swagger likely just packed it away and kept them close for the future. Or to look at when loneliness hit him like a meteor.

Ooo, that's a good point! Drift uses cunning as much as she does martial arts, so she probably taught him how to tinker with anything techy, as well as how to upgrade certain things. Was it as often as the martial arts training? No, in part because Swagger was at a stage in his life where he wanted to physically cause harm, not with guns and projectile weaponry. But it was there, and most likely often after a long day of training.

Yep: now on his own with nothing but himself, his gear, and his wits, Swagger took to improving the tools at his disposal to give himself a greater advantage in battle. Though even he has to admit that a part of it was because otherwise, he'd be too distracted by how he dedicated he was in following Drift's formula...

(Somewhere out there, Drift is proud of the only child she managed to raise.)

Absolutely! The skills are there, sure, but plenty of other Cybertronians know those forms, too. That, plus his arrogance and spite, means you don't give Swagger a second thought...until Anomaly saw a glimpse of the samurai armor pieces, and eventually the crew, after a begrudging, fiery confirmation of his samurai status, learned that ex-Decepticon Drift was his sensei.

"Boy kid, you disappeared into the mists well!"

Showdown after all's been said and done. There is no mistaking the pride in his voice.

Only eagle-eyed ones like Flamewar would take note of Swagger's particular moves, but otherwise? Virtually anyone, 'Bot or 'Con, would never stop to think that he was a full fledged samurai. He's got the skills, but so does Wheeljack, and Primus knows he's no samurai! And all of this is helped by the fact that Swagger, for all his cockiness, sharp tongue, and general attitude hides the fact that he was trained to become a samurai, and become one he did. Even Doubletake is impressed by the facade the young Two-Wheeler has put on.

Indeed! He's an unconventional samurai, but it works, so why change things up? Oh yes, RID 2015 Drift would grate on his nerves ("Why does he have to remind me so much of her?"), but he's not Swagger's sensei, and Swagger's not looking for a new one, thank you very much. If he meets THE Drift, his sensei? Then he might think about behaving as a proper samurai.

Till then, Swagger is his own mech, and no one will tell him how to live his life, including the code he follows.

Oh it's a beautiful contrast! I LOVE it! It really does make you wonder, especially since Jagex was obviously so loving of the source material, Transformers as a whole, and went above and beyond in their creation of all-new characters. I'm kinda familiar with the "Wheeljack should've been Drift" arguments, and while that's probably a topic for another day, I really disagree. Yes, we needed more of mad scientist Wheeljack, but his characterization in TFP was really good (and slept on, as I've said elsewhere.) So in light of that, Wheeljack's characterization was honestly good, if a little familiar to Western audiences (hey, he made the cut!) RID 2015 Drift and his students Jetstorm and Slipstream are the general idea of samurai in the West, which is fine, but Swagger really shook up that image we all have of the samurai. Man, I'd have paid good money to see someone write him intelligently as a honorable, code following samurai who didn't act the part and see how it went from there.

Thanks for dropping by, Jazzi! It was fun, and I'm pleased to share ideas about Swagger and his past in my AU with you and others! Feel free to drop by whenever you want to share more ramblings down the line. You're welcome, and I hope you have a great day, too! :D

(P.S. Same for Wheeljack, in my humble opinion. I mean the literal, non-kanji related translation is "drifter/wanderer", which fits both of them to a T. Yeah, that....the Japanese are hardcore, huh? 😅

So, if we translate the bushido code to Transformers, then Swagger not committing seppuku is a pretty big deal, especially since he could have been in a mental state where he would have done that. But, since Drift left him some provisions before suddenly disappearing without a trace, he could discern that she didn't actually disown/renounce her favor of him, and thus avoided seppuku that way. In short, there's enough evidence to support that, and unless and until he hears from Drift's mouth that she renounced her favor of him, he's not gonna do that.

Denial is stubborn, but so's Swagger. Nothing short of Smokescreen or Drift herself will really, truly, get through his thick helm on some matters such as this.

He's gotta be depressed. Good thing the Arclight crew takes care of their own, and that Showdown's Spark is as big as he is. Definitely get Swagger some hot cocoa, a blanket, and hugs. Boy needs it - Limelight, I think you can help with that, right?

I’m rather eh myself with Animated’s art style (still bothered by how they made Prowl, a bike, taller than Bumblebee, who is a car tbh), but I’m glad to hear that, Blade! And I 100% agree that Motorbike!Cliffjumper’s “small but thickly built” frame is the ideal physique for Swagger. That’s why I also prefer Swagger’s in–game appearance, since it resemble Bike!Cliff’s physique, to an extent.

Yeah, Samurai–themed characters tend to have that type of helm crests, with TFA Prowl being another example. And…huh, I never noticed how your Drift also has that Samurai–themed helm crest, even if it’s the same color as the rest of her helm.  That’s such a cool detail! On that note, I’d like to add Prime Wheeljack, because if you look closely, that design aspect/influence is there, with it resembling your Drift’s helm crest.

(We sure did, oof. Let’s think of it as Swagger’s success in hiding his identity as a full–fledged Samurai. Heh.)

Swagger’s growth being stunted due to malnourishment…*falls to my knees while clutching my chest in despair*. Honestly, that does seem to be the case. While Drift’s care helped him a lot, with him getting healthier and buffer/stronger as a result…his height would remain the same. (Oh, I also envision Swagger being taller than Arcee! My ranking of the Autobot Two–Wheelers’ height from tallest to shortest is as follows: Wildcard, Swagger, Arcee, and Cameo).

(Note: Since we’re talking about it and a bit of addition…in relation to your AU, I also think Cameo was also malnourished. I mean, she was alone from the get–go and had NO way of telling that the scraps of food/energon she consumed were “okay”. While things did take a turn for the better after she was saved and then raised by her teacher/mentor…I feel that her prior malnourishment stunted her growth the same way it did to Swagger, but it’s more noticeable in her case imho. I also HC her to be the shortest Autobot, with her just being a tad bit shorter than Arcee).

You know, I personally think Swagger would be a bit insecure about his height. It has little to do with his Two–Wheeler frame (he was born that way after all, and he takes great pride in the fact that he made it despite it all) and more on the fact that he was robbed of the opportunity to grow taller. That’s why he’s rather jealous of Autobots with “bigger and stronger” physique like Showdown (for obvious reasons), Catapult (she’s a Wrecker and long–time arm wrestling champion), Triage (him being a medic made it possible to lift/support/carry bigger allies), etc. He’d be jealous of Smokescreen too imho. But even so, Swagger’s too prideful to admit it (plus, he’s generally fine with his physique). Just…don’t make any “short” jokes/comments around him.

The fact that he still keeps Drift’s armor pieces to look at when he feels lonely…oh…my heart;; You think he’d often polish because of Drift’s reminder to always keep his armor clean? Do they serve as a reason to hang on when his thoughts spiral into a dark place? To remind himself that he wants to be there when Drift does return…whenever that is…? Haha…okay, I’ll stop now…*cries*.

Swagger was at a stage in his life where he wanted to physically cause harm. Yikes. All that anger, bitterness, and sadness after his father’s passing and having to survive on the streets…*sighs*. No wonder he’s not keen on following (your) Drift’s meditation. No wonder he tends to destroy the training dummies whenever he’s so angry. *Shivers* Hopefully he’s not too mad at Anomaly for accidentally finding out the truth…though, I have a feeling that Showdown’s light and easy, yet very proud praise did wonders to calm him down. Showdown’s no Drift, but to Swagger, it felt…nice to have his skills be acknowledged and praised.

Negativity aside, it’s a good thing (your) Drift taught him how to tinker with tech. While Younger!Swagger would find the “tech lessons” boring and unnecessary…nowadays, he’d definitely do some tinkering to keep his mind off of things, especially when his frame’s too sore after (yet another) relentless training. (Just my HC, but I can see Swagger as the unofficial “tech guy” when Wildcard’s not around, but more so on weapons’ maintenance/tinkering. He’s willing to help you out, especially since his smaller servos come in handy when reaching into small spaces and that they have better dexterity. Just…don’t emphasize/hyperfocus on that bit of himself).

(Mhm! Drift is very, veryproud of him, that’s for sure!)

I’ll also add that I love how Swagger’s character subverts the “cocky character has 0 braincells” trope, because he’s pulling a MAJOR big–brained move here. While his behavior and mannerisms align with his namesake, he intentionally presents himself as such because he knows it goes against the general expectation of what a Samurai should act like (ex. Wheeljack with his Ronin–like lone wolf persona, RID 2015 Drift’s basically the embodiment of the Bushido code, etc). And it worked!

Rumors of “Drift’s mysterious student” would circulate among the Decepticon ranks, and they’ve been trying to identify them. So, imagine their shock when it was revealed (probably by Flamewar) that Drift’s mysterious student had ACTUALLY been the annoying Two–Wheeler swordsmech this whole time! On the flip side, Doubletake is incredibly impressed by Swagger’s façade. As an ex–con whose used to deception, even he did NOT see that coming!

Unconventional Samurai indeed! It shows that Swagger is an adaptable ‘bot who can blend both the traditional (him being a Samurai) and the modern (him using technology and high–tech gadgets). Also, while RID 2015 Drift would grate on his nerves…Swagger’s irritation/hostility towards him is nothing compared to how he feels towards Smokescreen. The lack of personal ties makes it easier for Swagger to dismiss him (“Tch. They may be similar, but he’s NOTHING like Sensei.”). Though, the same can’t be said for Smokescreen. Sometimes, he forgets that the bot before him ISN’T his Sensei, but rather, her SON. Swagger can’t quite control his emotions around the ‘bot whose appearance and mannerisms reminds him SO MUCH of his Sensei in more ways than one.

Right? You have to admit that Jagex was cooking with their OG characters, and it makes you wonder what kind of development they had in mind for them…*sighs*. That aside, I also disagree with the “Wheeljack should’ve been Drift” argument AND the “Hot Rod should’ve been Smokescreen” variant. Trademark issues with their names aside (if I’m not mistaken), Transformers tend to either do a complete 180 with a character’s personality OR hit the randomize button when using a character’s name (Ex. TFP Arcee and G1 Arcee are polar opposites personality–wise, RID 2015 Slipstream and G1 Slipstream are completely different characters, etc.). While it is confusing/frustrating at times…it is what it is. Plus, while comparisons are ultimately unavoidable, what I’m trying to say is that TFP Wheeljack and TFP Smokescreen are their own standalone characters and should be treated as such.

All of that aside…I love that vision! Please let me chip in, because I’d really like to see that! (Excuse my bitterness, but I don’t trust TFP’s writers that represent the Aligned continuity to do so, especially their tendency to boil down the non–OG Team Prime Autobots into one negative trait and blow it out of proportion. Given his personality, it’s very likely Swagger would get the TFP Wheeljack and TFP Smokescreen treatment. Yeah…no thanks).

Your very welcome, and I’m so glad to hear that, Blade! The same also applies vice versa, you know I’m always down for a discussion or two about anything! Hope the rest of the week treats you well, and take care!

P. S. Yep! That also applies to Wheeljack, since it’s basically canon in his case. And I have to agree, the Japanese takes their codes of honor VERY seriously :’)

That aside, Swagger’s willpower must be studied, because not many can bounce back after going through something like that and still actively chose to be on the side of good. But despite him being abandoned, his loyalty towards your Drift shines through, especially as heacknowledges that Drift wouldn’t leave him like that without a reason, even if it STILL hurts at the end of the day. There’d come a day where Drift finds out how hurt Swagger was following her decision to abandon him, even if it’s for his own good. And as for Smokescreen…I’m giving him a pat in the back for his persistence in trying to be on Swagger’s good side…even if it could be a real struggle at times.

Thank you in advance!

Yayaya!!! Here’s your blorbo!

I know the song depicts Arcee as a Decepticon, which fits our prior discussions on her Decepticon-like nature. Though, the more I listen to the song and the more I think about it…I don’t think she’d join the faction that killed both of her partners.

So, consider a secret third option: Arcee going rogue.

Since she was a “lone wolf” (quotation marks, because it was implied rather than shown outright) before meeting Cliffjumper, she’d likely fall back into old habits after his death. Remember, the only reason Arcee joined Team Prime was BECAUSE of Cliffjumper, since she dismissed the idea. So, while she’s an Autobot, she does her own thing in her own way by going solo.

If you consider her “Teamwork isn’t my thing” quip and how it still applies to her even after joining Team Prime (via her conveniently unaddressed impulsiveness/recklessness that endangers both herself and others), you could say that that side of her never fully went away. It certainly shows from how she can be mean-spirited, standoffish, and borderline selfish (when it comes to her own needs and goals) in her interactions with Team Prime, AKA her own “family”, without ever apologizing.

Now, onto Arcee being a “lone wolf”

Let me say that we NEVER knew just how long Arcee had been a “lone wolf” in Cybertron. This is my speculation, but given that Tailgate died when there’s still active fighting in Cybertron, and that it had stopped when she got captured in Out of the Past…I think a century or so had passed.

(Note: My speculation’s based off of Arcee’s lines on the vague passing of time after Cybertron went dark. While I prefer if it had been millions of years or so…this’ll have to do).

So, when you consider how long Arcee’s solo run after Tailgate’s death (likely a couple of centuries) lasted, it explains solitary nature. Though, it doesn’t explain how quickly she warmed up to Cliffjumper. Sure, he’s that guy who could tear down your walls because he’s that charming, but realistically speaking, it should’ve taken WAY longer for her to be comfortable with him.

Keep in mind she literally said she didn’t care if Cliffjumper died. While I’m not justifying her words, it would’ve made a bit more sense had it been directed at a random ‘bot...AND NOT THE SAME ‘BOT WHO RESCUED HER FROM AIRACHNID. And yes, she RECOGNIZED him! Even if she barely knew him, does that REALLY excuse her harsh comment???

The following scene is pretty jarring to see imho. Afterwards, she switches up and got concerned…ONLY to be dismissive and standoffish. Again. She ten follows Cliffjumper while asking questions, but when he asks one in return, she just replies, “Same”.

*Sighs* I get that Arcee’s not a conversationalist, but would it kill her to explain how she got captured? I’m pretty curious to know how Miss “Stealthy” got captured tbh. It’s a good thing Cliffjumper’s the chill/relaxed type, because the way he didn’t get a single “thank you” really bugged me.

I’m getting sidetracked, but what I’m saying is that the show insists that Arcee is a “lone wolf” without ever showing it (sans her impulsive/vengeance-driven tendency to go solo). It doesn’t help she basically guilt-tripped Jack into becoming her partner, which…isn’t very “lone wolf” of her. Realistically speaking, she should’ve pushed everyone away, and the thought of having a human charge would’ve given her a headache.

That’s why, taking inspiration from the song itself, I can’t help but envision an AU where Arcee actually went rogue. I mean, she’s demonstrated time and time again that heeding Optimus’ commands (or even listening to her teammates) is very difficult for her. So, what if one day she just…left…? Team Prime couldn't get ahold of her, because unbeknownst to them, Arcee had deliberately scratched off her Autobot insignia.

Why should she stay…? The ‘bot that encouraged her to join Team Prime met a gruesome end. Optimus’ ideals suddenly seemed very foreign to her. The concept of giving a “second chance” to the SAME faction that took Cliffjumper felt so, so, WRONG to her. All she wants to do now is to SNUFF the ‘con that had made the mistake of doing so.

While there’s a small part of her that felt awful for leaving her newfound family…in retrospect, she had been alone for far longer than she had been with them. Besides, it’s highly unlikely that Team Prime would do anything drastic in light of Cliffjumper’s death. Not that she expected them to actually do so, but…a small part of her entertained the idea of Team Prime, Optimus, actually supporting her. If only.

Fine then, all the more reason to fall into old habits. All the more reason to do things HERSELF.

Now I’d like to touch on the song and how I think it supports the hypothetical scenario of Arcee going rogue.

Because one thing I noticed from the song is that there’s some lyrics that took a jab at the Autobots and/or OPTIMUS HIMSELF.

For example, “Optimus preaches about the noble way, but nobility gets you killed today” reminded me of Arcee’s forced “protecting humankind” line. I understand that she’s grieving over Cliffjumper, but she sounded spiteful, like she could care less about humans but just says it to appease Optimus. Given how snarky she can be, you can interpret that as her way of slighting Optimus’ orders/commands, especially with her walking away like that.

(Note: Not sure how she’s “protecting humankind” by taking five in a PARKING LOT when she KNOWS she’s getting tailed by ‘cons. Does she NOT consider the risks of things going south in a POPULATED area? Ugh. Don’t forget how she also straight up THREATENED a literal teenager *rolls eyes*).

Moving on, there are two more lyrics which I thought were really interesting:

“Autobots are soft, wrapped in their moral code. While I'm out here dropping bodies on the road” and “Optimus wants to save their spark. That's cute. I'm ripping them out at the root”

These two lyrics are mainly evident in Partners, where she outright questioned Optimus’ belief for giving others a second chance. Yes, Optimus is soft and his team may be against it at times…but still! Shouldn’t Arcee, as his “go-to-gal”/unofficial SIC, already anticipate that from him? I mean come on, that’s the same guy who sought to rescue and welcome Breakdown into the Autobots!

Plus, as “soft” as Optimus may be, it makes sense why he’d continuously re-instate such virtues/ideals, SINCE THE LAST THING HE WANTS IS FOR HIS AUTOBOTS TO TURN OUT LIKE THE DECEPTICONS. Could you imagine how things would’ve turned out if Optimus insisted on/enabled his team’s borderline “snuff all ‘cons” belief???

Going back to Arcee, her Decepticon-like nature is just too difficult to ignore. It certainly doesn’t help that she’s one of the most brutal/lethal Autobots in terms of fighting style, which lends credence to her borderline sadism in the aforementioned lyric.

All in all, what solidified the hypothetical Rogue!Arcee vision for me was the final lyrics(s): “They all died for nothing. Unless I win everything”. So…yeah. She’d definitely crank up the revenge/vengeance stunt by 100% if she went rogue. Nothing and no one is going to hold her back this time, which is both a good and a bad thing for her. Oh boy.

In the episode Sick Mind, it’s obvious that both Bumblebee and Arcee are able to go inside Megatron’s mind. Both are physically capable of it, but Arcee steps away for one reason.

She doesn’t want to. She just doesn’t want to. And that’s incredibly selfish. She doesn’t have anything against Megatron (apart from the obvious hate because of the war). Her anger is with Starscream and Airachnid for killing Cliffjumper and Tailgate, respectively.

Bumblebee however, does. Megatron tore his voice box out. He left Bumblebee mute and unable to communicate like everyone else can. And Arcee’s just going to step away because she doesn’t want to? She’s going to make Bumblebee, who’s probably severely traumatised, face the one mech who left him mute?

And as much as I don’t like Bumblebee, that’s such a horrible thing. He is canonically the youngest Autobot and has suffered so much, and now he has to face Megatron? What was Arcee thinking? What was going through her head? “Oh yeah, let’s make the youngest member of our team face the horrible monster that left him mute?”

What??

On another topic, I noticed something. In the episode where Arcee tells Miko about how she met Cliffjumper, she says something to Miko when she first arrives. “Aren’t we a little close to edge?” Or something similar. It might be me, but is that not implying that Miko might been thinking about jumping? I think I’ve already mentioned that Miko might have depression, but that one comment made me realise that Miko might be suicidal. We know she grew up in Japan, and they’re very strict about women’s roles there, so that already means that Miko probably has issues (being forced into a role she probably hates), like depression or anxiety. With the trauma of the war, and how others act with her, there is a chance that she might consider jumping off the roof of the base.

Another thing was how she acted with Jack in Tunnel Vision. On the outside, she might seem jealous of him for getting to go to Cybertron, even if it wasn’t alive like it used to be. My thoughts were that she’s not just jealous. She’s upset. Why? Maybe because she feels like Jack gets to do everything (and if you ask me, he’s definitely spoilt), or that she feels like she can’t be trusted. She came to Nevada to get away from her boring (and probably stifling) life back in Japan, only to be sidelined again and again while Jack gets to go to Cybertron and Raf gets to do all the computer and hacking things. She probably feels like she doesn’t have a place, and that’s why she kept running off, to prove herself. She didn’t want to be the damsel in distress, she wanted to be a warrior and break things like Bulkhead.

Also, her TFWiki page literally says that she’s vulnerable and has a slight inferiority complex? She wants to prove herself, but just doesn’t know how to (which screams undiagnosed ADHD to me). Sure, she’s reckless and has put others in danger, but she’s brave and isn’t afraid to stand up for her friends. Honestly, I hate how the fandom treats her sometimes. They act like she’s never done anything good before and she’s the reason for everyone getting hurt. That’s not strictly true. They just can’t handle emotionally complex characters.

Okay, ramblings over. That was a lot to write. I think I got a bit riled up there, oops. Hehe.

You know, as much as I really struggle with hating Bumblebee in this show and elsewhere, you made a very, VERY good point about "Sick Mind."

I confess I haven't seen the series fully in a long time, but the fact that Arcee just drops the duty on Bee when he's (currently) the one with the most trauma surrounding Megatron.........WHAT.

"She was traumatized from her experience with the Cortical Psychic Patch" that doesn't fly because we never see her on the receiving end of it until a season and a half later, THERE IS NO REASON FOR HER TO JUST DROP SOMETHING TRAUMATIC LIKE THAT ON BEE.

And they let her do this, dag-nabit......................

That - makes how "Out of the Past" turned it into an Arcee sob story all the worse. That's not helping Miko, especially if she's got suicidal tendencies, to choose life over death, especially since Bulkhead's near death at Hardshell's hands, plus coping with having to kill someone, are THE MOST TRAUMATIC THINGS SHE'S EXPERIENCED UP TO THIS POINT. It's one thing that she has to get constant As and be the perfect daughter of an upper class family, but it's not all dandy since she's so stifled that she LITERALLY JUMPED AT THE CHANCE TO GO TO PODUNK NOWHERE. And if all Arcee is gonna do is just go "woe is me, here is my sob story," then guess what Two-Wheeler? MIKO'S GONNA BE MORE LIABLE TO COMMIT SUICIDE BECAUSE YOU'RE **REINFORCING** HER FEELINGS OF HAVING NO VALUE UNLESS SHE'S PERFECT AT EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!!

Miko's role really should have been "the Big Guy", because then she could find purpose in a story that's deadset on Jack being oh-so-special and Raf as the plot device that realistically should have been killed in the premiere via Soundwave hacking him back and blowing up the computer. Seriously, just because she's overeager and trying to do everything all at once doesn't make her stupid, or useless, or the source of all their problems (that title goes to Arcee and her pointlessness in the story once you take out the characters who exist solely to run her rotten saga into the ground.)

Yeah, it's really annoying how they all just brush her (and Smokescreen) off as the "useless/annoying/Mary Sues" when the ones who ARE all that are the same ones the fandom praises to the skies. Seriously, get Miko some therapy, same as Smokescreen, before either of them decides to play Russian Roulette due to depression and isolation.

Sick Mind is a standalone episode, so it’s not connected to prior episodes/plotline. That said, I agree that the decision to send Bumblebee into Megatron’s subconsciousness was…something. I’m not Bee’s #1 fan, but seriously…NOBODY had issues with sending him into the subconsciousness of someone WHO RIPPED OUT HIS VOICEBOX???

Yes, they’re on a time crunch to get Optimus’ antidote…but still. The way no one was against Bee’s suggestion was baffling, and realistically speaking, almost everyone would’ve been AGAINST IT. Given how he blames himself for his inability to fix Bee’s voicebox and that he hates Megatron for what he did…where’s Ratchet’s apprehension? Bulkhead’s shock and protectiveness? Optimus’ reluctance/refusal to let Bee go…?

Heck, making Arcee conflicted/unsure would’ve been nice to see. On one hand, she doesn’t want to do it. But on the other hand, the thought of letting Bee go inside Megatron’s brain did NOT sit right for her. Also, having Bee insist on going while everyone else–sans Arcee, probably–prevent him from doing so would’ve shown that he had (somewhat) gotten over his trauma to the point he’s able to face Megatron AND showcase Team Prime’s “familial” and protective side towards Bee as the youngest.

But does that happen?

Nope. Everyone was all, “Oh, okay.” *Sighs* You know, it’s really something when Raf’s the only one asking Bee if he’s sure about the plan…

Look, I’m not saying that Arcee can’t be traumatized, scared, or reluctant over having the Patch used on her. But when she’s the one that immediately dragged Bee along with her and who said she’d “lay her life down for Optimus” only for her to backtrack afterwards…? It’s…not a very good look for her. I mean, having Arcee feel guilty over her wavering loyalty and then having her overcompensate via impulsive means would’ve been a good justification to her actions. But as always, the writers refuse to depict Arcee as anything other than “perfect”.

I know you’re not [fond of him, but bear with me. Writer’s favoritism aside, I think Sick Mind demonstrates Bee’s maturity and bravery. Unlike his “mature” comrade, he keeps his cool, didn’t point his blaster at the comatose Megatron (despite him having EVERY right to do so because what Megatron did was PERSONAL), and got the job done. But the same couldn’t be said for Arcee, because this is what she had to say about Ratchet’s plan. Compare that to Bee’s silence. Again, Bee had every right to dismiss and even lambast Ratchet for the idea…yet he didn’t.

Look, I understand Arcee’s traumatized over her experiences with the Patch in Out of The Past. While it’s not so assuring that Ratchet never performed the procedure, it doesn’t explain her reluctance with the plan, ESPECIALLY with Optimus’ life on the line. Had Shockwave–AKA the guy who actually used the Patch on her–been in Megatron’s place, then I’d understand her hesitation. I mean, we saw how ready she was to snuff Megatron, and it’s not like she’s scared of him…(or of anything, apparently, as her Wiki alleges). So, what gives?

Plus, her reaction/expression after the Patch was used on her...doesn’t really reflect someone who was shaken after the face. But maybe that’s just me.

Still, the more I think about it…ironically/unironically enough, I don’t think Arcee would be the right bot to go inside Megatron’s head. I mean, we saw how she was in Sick Mind. Not only did she put Megatron in gunpoint, but she also shot him while he’s unconscious. That said, is there any guarantee she’d keep her emotions in check had she been in Bee’s place? Sorry, but I don’t think so. (Ratchet might be able to negotiate with Megatron. Might. And no offense, given how he tends to be at times, I…don’t think Bulkhead would be able to pull it off. Geez, there’s not a lot of options in OG Team Prime, huh...)

(Sidenote: I noticed that Arcee never showed up in Megatron’s "daydream". I can get Ratchet’s absence since he’s often at base, but Arcee…? It’s an interesting detail, especially since she's also an active combatant like Optimus, Bee, and Bulkhead. That aside, despite his traumatic past, you could say that Bee does have a connection to Megatron, something that Arcee doesn’t have and may explain her absence. So…yeah, I don’t think she could make Megatron come around tbh, not with that lack of/non-existent connection).

All in all, timeline-wise, I think Sick Mind should’ve happened in S2 after Operation Bumblebee and Out of The Past, so that Arcee’s trauma over the Patch and Bee’s trauma over Megatron ripping his voice box would’ve explained their respective actions/reactions in Sick Mind…and NOT be explained only in the next season. At least, that’s what I think.

Moving on to Miko…yikes. That got dark real fast, and it doesn’t help that Japan has one of the highest suicide rates;; As I’ve also said elsewhere, Out of The Past should’ve been a Miko-centric episode, with her opening up about her past, inferiority complex, and exploring just how deeply affected she is by Bulkhead’s condition. But no, it was another Arcee-centric episode. What really bugged me was her “closing yourself off from feeling won’t help anyone” line, as if implying Miko is selfish for wanting to be alone. Arcee, that’s the last thing you should ever say to Miko or anyone else in her position! Besides, what’s wrong with a girl wanting some alone time to process her emotions/thoughts…? That’s normal. Why was Arcee allowed to brood/grief for as long as she did–often causing her to be impulsive to the point she’d endanger herself and others–yet when Miko, a literal teenager, does it…she’s framed as selfish???

It doesn't make any sense.

Honestly? Miko being upset with Jack getting the MC treatment is 100% valid (I still stand that she’s more Prime material than Jack). She might also find it unfair with how Jack is often prioritized. Remember how she went out of her way to try and coax Jack back to Team Prime? There’s bound to be some irritation on her part with how nobody acknowledges that she’s the only kid that stuck with Team Prime without ever leaving (Jack and Raf both “left” at one point, even if it’s brief). Doesn’t that count as loyalty? Why did Optimus hyperfocus on Jack’s supposed (and forced) Primehood when MIKO’S LOYALTY IS RIGHT THERE FROM THE GET-GO???

It doesn’t help the show’s so insistent on painting her as the “reckless kid”, which limited her portrayal in the show (that said, I would’ve much preferred if she’s depicted as “The Big Guy/Gal”, as you’ve suggested). Also, it’s no wonder she tries to prove herself 24/7 just to keep up with Jack and Raf, even if it means putting herself in danger. I’m starting to believe Prime just hates characters with a bit of whimsiness to them (except for Bee, for obvious reasons). I mean, Cliffjumper straight up died in the first episode, while Miko and Smokescreen (as well as Wheeljack) are framed in a way that intentionally invites the audience’s dislike/disdain. And I loathe it.

The show did Miko (as well as Smokescreen) SO dirty with how they’re made as the black sheep or the sponge that sucks up everyone’s hate/disdain. I’ll also never understand how they’re “Mary Sues”, when it’s very clear they have their own flaws, weaknesses, and struggles. Instead, a certain someone comes to mind, and it’s definitely not these two. Prime doesn’t deserve Miko and Smokescreen (and Wheeljack). Seriously.

Now before you jump on me, read this article.

Yes, we see Ratchet tending to Optimus, Arcee, Bulkhead, Bumblebee, and even Ultra Magnus throughout the show.

But who doesn't he tend to?

Wheeljack, and most poignantly, Smokescreen.

Yes, it's inferred that Ratchet patched up Wheeljack after the thrashing he received from Predaking, but the most obvious case where Ratchet actively did not help a wounded Autobot was in "Hurt".

I don't care how mad he was, I don't care how much anybody will shriek that he endangered Miko. Wheeljack was limping and clutching an arm that was seconds away from falling off, and Ratchet DIDN'T EVEN COME FORWARD TO LOOK HIM OVER.

There is absolutely NOTHING to defend this lack of medical care and flagrant rejection of doctorial protocol, because not once was it ever indicated that Wheeljack was a medic. Furthermore, the damage he sustained was so drastic, he had no hope of performing self-care/first aid on himself. He needed a doctor, and the fact remains that Ratchet withheld dire need of it from Wheeljack simply because he was ticked off with him.

Don't even THINK of coming and telling me that Wheeljack got repaired in the interim between "Hurt" and the S2 finale by Doc-Bot. There's no evidence of that beyond Wheeljack suddenly being A-Okay (which is merely another meteor of a plot hole courtesy of the writers who didn't want to "waste" time on "boring" stuff between action episodes), and a third option of either a separate medic Autobot tending him or the Rescue Bots picking him up and healing him is not possible within the boundaries of this ancient papyrus of a thin continuity.

So on that front, Ratchet is explicitly at a point where he could lose his doctor's license.

Look below for a summary from the above article.

Right there, it spells out my first argument. The next picture? Drives home my point, and also covers what I'll delve into with Smokescreen.

Not once was Smokescreen ever shown to be treated for injuries or possible minor health struggles by Ratchet. This is yet another case of malpractice because Smokescreen was like, the only living being on that prison ship. Which means there were up to HUNDREDS of dead bodies, disease, and even rust that he could've come down with and never be the wiser. Ratchet should've at least scanned him, but he didn't.

As for injuries, the most you can excuse that for is the pure lack of hits the 'Cons got on him because Smokey was that fast.

But there's still the concussion he got from going through the pyramid, and then the whole mess with Knock Out yanking a foreign, ancient, and dirty object clean out of his chest.

None of that was healthy, as the rust/disease/foreign contaminants on the Key could've and likely remained in Smokescreen's own skeleton.

WHICH MEANS HE COULD BE AT A SEVERE HEALTH RISK.

But do we see the consequences of this? Do we see Ratchet fussing over Smokescreen and correcting this?

NO.

This is once more where you'd have to pretend the check up happened after the fact, which given the scene of them catching up afterwards is highly unlikely to have happened. Even if Smokescreen is sitting somewhere as I think I recall seeing, that means nothing because there is no indication whatsoever that Ratchet took care of him after that experience.

In short, as much as any of us may like Ratchet, he is guilty of malpractice, and could (and maybe even should) lose his doctor's license for these failings.

Because who in their right mind would trust this guy post-War? Sure, Team Prime might, but anybody else who's never met the guy is gonna avoid him like the plague for this abhorrent behavior.

Smokescreen was with team Prime for so long before Optimus decoded that entry of the Iacon Database.

What, there was no like, on-boarding medical checkup? No tests? No searching for tracking devices on a former prisoner? No quarantine process for potential space illnesses? Nothing? No check up after any of the fights Smokescreen is in in the time between his arrival, and Knockout removing the key? Not a single scan? Just set him loses on the cons?

That foreign body should have been found and removed the second Smokescreen stepped foot into the base the first time.

I can maybe tell myself that Ratchet just needed to yell at Wheeljack first before he fixed him offscreen (not really in character, and definitely a bit of a reach, but maybe.) Maybe.

But the Omega Key?

I don't know if the writers just didn't fully think it through, or if they were trying to make Ratchet look incompetent for some reason but its always been just a little unbelievable for me. Its not like a Chief Medical Officer at ALL. Its not like Ratchet.

There's not even an excuse for Ratchet. He's not any more busy than normal. No one else is in immediate need of medical help. There is ample time - its not explicitly said, but it feels like weeks, at the very least multiple days. He definitely had the time to sit the kid down for 20 minutes.

In S2E21 "Alpha Omega" when Smokescreen gets yeeted into the pyramid by Megatron with the Dark Star Saber, its understandable Arcee thinks he's dead. Nobody knew he had the phase shifter - it must have looked like he was atomized or something. But Ratchet is shown, multiple times by that point to have vitals monitors on the team.

Did Smokescreen not get one? No - we see later when hes Skydiving off the Nemesis that he does in fact have one.

So, Ratchet just decides to not actually check?

Everybody is just like "oh no, Smokescreen is dead! :'(" and Rachet just... lets that happen? He comforts Arcee?

WTF Ratchet? You have the technology. You should know he's not dead.

Worse yet, when they discover he's NOT dead and bring him back to the base - Ratchet STILL does not even give him a basic medical checkup, (despite Smokescreen explaining he took a heavy impact and was unconscious for a prolonged period) because there is no way any kinda scan would miss that giant foreign object in his guts.

But in S2E22 "Hard Knocks" Bumblebee takes a couple decent hits for Knockout and gets immediately put in the whole medical chamber/repair cylinder thing in the medbay without hesitation.

Yet when Smokescreen gets knocked out AGAIN by a brutal sucker punch from behind does Ratchet run a medical scan? Frag no. Doesn't even try to get him in the Medibay, just lets Arcee chase him off. Lets the rookie, who has had TWO untreated major head traumas recently just leave.

They only care that he ran off when they finally, finally after DAYS of him being around, injured constantly with NO medical treatment at ANY point, they FINALLY decode the database entry that shows Smokescreen as the final Omega Key. Then they care.

It has been at least four days since Smokescreen's escape pod crashed to earth. FOUR DAYS.

Meanwhile? Smokescreen takes a THIRD hit to the head and is AGAIN knocked unconscious. The team WITNESSES this. They see him wounded, unconscious, being dragged away by Soundwave. They know.

Yet; when Smokescreen fragging comes back. From the NEMESIS ITSELF, Decepticon HQ, Con central station - via literally leaping of a spaceship in the upper atmosphere, being shot at the whole way down, and literally crashed into by Megatron, then continuing to fall several thousand feet all the way to the ground, only surviving because of his "signature weapon" - after they believe him dead a second time - does Ratchet run a single medical scan?

NO!

Ratchet. Come on man. What gives. Four whole days to find the omega key. Several severe injuries and incidents. Not one single scan. Not one. You would have seen it. You wouldn't have missed it.

What the frag?

Me coming for TFP Ratchet, AND Arcee. Bee's getting dropkick-ed somewhere too.

Also -

Gotta agree. A lot of it looks deliberate after a point including Wheeljack not getting treated for his injuries because no, I'm not letting that go.

Let me start off by saying that sickening is definitely one way to put it.

You know, Ratchet’s intentional neglect of Smokescreen is something that I’ve ALWAYS had issues with, because as the medic, he’s the LAST BOT that should’ve displayed such behavior. In the grand scheme of things, you could chalk it up to the way Team Prime (the same team that often lamented about being outnumbered btw) were being unnecessarily hostile, unwelcoming, and exclusionary towards Smokescreen. However, I personally think this behavior is unacceptable coming from Ratchet, especially WITH HOW IT TRANSLATES TO HIM NOT GIVING SMOKESCREEN ANY MEDICAL TREATMENT/CHECK-UP.

Hello…? Isn’t it Ratchet’s job to ensure the health and wellbeing of his fellow Autobots??? He’s Chief Medical Officer, for Primus’ sake. What makes this worse is that HE LITERALLY PROVIDED MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO STARSCREAM–AKA THE DECEPTICON THAT SNUFFED CLIFFJUMPER–AT ONE POINT. You’re telling me he’s more willing to treat a DECEPTICON than A FELLOW AUTOBOT???

Besides, the “Team Prime were wary/suspicious of Smokescreen” argument doesn’t stand when you consider how Smokescreen: A) Already told them of his backstory and ties to Alpha Trion in his debut episode, B) Has been nothing but SUPER HELPFUL in the following episodes, and C) Has demonstrated his UNWAVERING LOYALTY to Team Prime. But apparently, that’s not enough for them to cut him some slack and for Ratchet to give him a proper medical checkup/attention?

Am I missing something…?

You made a good point on how Team Prime doesn’t seem to have any on-boarding medical checkups, tests, or even searches for a tracking device on an ex-prisoner @murderous-snail. I also noticed this in Con Job, where Wheeljack…got off scot-free even after being captured by the Decepticons. No checkups. No tests. No search over a possible tracking device. Nada. Seriously, does Team Prime not have any procedures/protocols to ensure that newcomers are safe…?

Though, while this should’ve been the team’s overall responsibility…I can’t help but scrutinize Ratchet. You’d think the medic of a five-bot team would be MORE concerned over the health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone…and while I’m not downplaying his role or efforts, the fact that Ratchet’s often at base SHOULD’VE made him focus more on these things (especially since the rest are often out in the field). The fact that he isn’t is a major headscratcher…

Also, Team Prime’s lack of concern over a tracking device is jarring, especially when you consider their concerns/paranoia over being discovered. What’s even more baffling is that in Con Job, Team Prime made Wheeljack land in Egypt to protect their base’s location…yet NOBODY bothered to check if he had a tracking device on him after his capture…?

Huh???

I’m not a big fan of things happening off-screen…but I’ll assume that it did happen in Wheeljack’s case (though I’m still miffed with how Team Prime just let Wheeljack go after his fight with Hardshell in Hurt. While them being upset with him was justifiable…it doesn’t justify the Team’s/Ratchet’s decision to just let him go in his injured state).

But Smokescreen? IT’S LIKELY THAT RATCHET NEVER GAVE HIM MEDICAL ATTENTION/CHECKUP.

At least we saw Ratchet fixing up/fussing over Wheeljack in Loose Cannons and in Triage, but in contrast, we’ve NEVER seen him do the same for Smokescreen. Not even once. At this rate, I’m willing to accept a passing mention of Ratchet giving Smokescreen a checkup/medical attention…but here’s the thing; NO MENTION OF HIM DOING SO EVER OCCURRED IN THE SHOW!!! Not even a simple, “I checked him. He’s clear.”

Not only that, but the writers’ decision to make Ratchet, AKA THE Autobot Chief Medical Officer, miss something as big as the Omega Key in Smokescreen’s body is INSANE. Now that you mentioned it, as much as I am frustrated with him, I fully believe that Ratchet was made to look incompetent just so they can save the “big reveal” of Smokescreen being the final Omega Key *rolls eyes*. But even so, it only made Ratchet have this OOC selectiveness when it comes to WHO can/can’t receive his aid…which is JARRING to see, because it is SO unlike him to consistently deny/refuse medical attention to those that need it…ESPECIALLY A FELLOW AUTOBOT.

I need a breather.

Don’t get me started on the countless examples of Ratchet’s medical neglect towards Smokescreen @murderous-snail mentioned. You know, it does seem like Ratchet hates Smokescreen. (I’ll also add that we’ve never seen Ratchet give Smokescreen a checkup even after he revealed he was an ex-POW WHO ESCAPED FROM A DECEPTICON PRISON SHIP. Is that not a cause of concern???).

Can’t believe I’m making up an explanation…but in Alpha Omega, it’s likely that Smokescreen’s vitals bugged out due to him getting hit by the Dark Star Saber AND him being thrown/phased into the pyramid. It explains Team Prime’s shocked reactions after seeing him alive, and his vitals reappearing again in Inside Job meant Ratchet likely got it fixed afterwards. That’s just what I think imho.

But if that were the case…it honestly makes things WORSE. You’re telling me that Ratchet would rather fix a technical issue RATHER THAN GIVING SMOKESCREEN A MUCH-NEEDED MEDICAL ATTENTION???

Ratchet, I know you’re also Team Prime’s tech guy…BUT WHAT THE HECK??? Where do you your priorities lie???

Let me also add that, in Hard Knocks, Ratchet ran scans on Arcee after what happened with Knock Out. It’s a brief scene, but it shows Ratchet performing his duties. You’re telling me that Ratchet doesn’t bother to do the same to Smokescreen EVEN AFTER he got KO’d by Starscream??? Oh sure, let’s let the New Guy who already felt awful after failing his mission and who likely got a concussion be UNFAIRLY REPRIMANDED–BY SOMEONE WHO DIDN’T EVEN TRY TO GUIDE HIM IN THE FIRST PLACE (read: Arcee)–TO THE POINT HE STORMED OFF. You know what would’ve been great? Have Ratchet put an end to Arcee’s “lecture” by INSISTING that this is NOT the time because SMOKESCREEN NEEDS MEDICAL ATTENTION ASAP. But no, he just goes, “If Optimus tells you to stop, perhaps you should listen” after Smokescreen already stormed off.

Ugh. You’re part of the problem, Ratchet…

This is why Legacy, Alpha Omega, and Hard Knocks are the bane of my existence, because these three episodes are like a back-to-back humiliation ritual for Smokescreen. Maybe it’s my bitterness, but I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who thinks that Team Prime only began to care for Smokescreen’s wellbeing the MOMENT they found out that the Omega Key’s in his body.

It begs the question; what would’ve happened had the key not been inside Smokescreen’s body? Would they just…let him go? Especially since he turned off his comms…?

*Sighs* Who knows at this point…

I’m not very familiar with the Ratchet from other continuities…but to know that no other Ratchet would ever fail that badly is just sad. And the thing is; Ratchet had ZERO justification/reasoning to even deny medical checkup/attention to Smokescreen! Mind you that this was the same guy who worries and frets over the wellbeing of others, ESPECIALLY his team.

To take a prominent example, this was the same guy who still feels guilty (and blames himself) over his inability to fix Bee’s voicebox and when he lost his T-Cog. While not an apple-to-apple comparison, you’re telling me that he doesn’t see a bit of Bumblebee in Smokescreen’s optics? Does it…not drive a sudden urge/desire to protect and to perform his duties as best as he can?

Apparently not. No offense to Ratchet fans, but he’s definitely losing his license after consistently refusing medical treatment. Smokescreen deserved WAY better than…whatever this is. It’s a good thing Smokescreen’s patient and is an Autobot through and through (unlike a certain someone’s “claims”), because had I been in his shoes and found out that my medic’s been depraving me of medical checkups/attention…? I WOULD’VE CRASHED OUT.

I could go on and on…but I think that’ll have to do. Again, please excuse me if I’m a bit too passionate or all over the place. I couldn’t stand Smokescreen being neglected and disrespected like that. So, please bear with me!