EarthSpark Shockwave Analysis
Since Shockwave's first appearance, he's been shown to have a strong affinity for Cybertron intertwined with his being a Decepticon, and this is central to his character.
Unlike all the other Decepticons, Shockwave is the only Decepticon who retains his Cybertronian altmode the entire time he's on Earth. While not unusual for this character at all, it does carry meaning in EarthSpark in particular due to altmodes being expressly reflective of one's identity/character. For him, keeping his Cybertronian altmode is reflective of his refusal to embrace Earth as a new home. (Compare with Megatron, whose adoption of an Earth altmode represents his acceptance of Earth and subsequent willingness to embrace a new path.)
Shockwave is first shown in S1E16 "Warzone" planning to use the AllSpark to raise a protoform army to defeat the Autobots and conquer Earth, and resurrect Cybertron under Decepticon rule: Shockwave upholds Decepticon supremacy, whereas Megatron values the lives of all Cybertronians regardless of faction. Both want to revive Cybertron with the AllSpark, but they refuse the other side's ways of going about it.
Of sides, Shockwave exhibits a very strong loyalty to the Decepticons and upholds their ideal of superiority over others.
Shockwave here rejects the Terrans, who represent "the new path to the future" post-Transformers War, and he doubles down in his bigotry by calling them "lower class Cybrids".
Shockwave: "You think you can just start over with these... lower class Cybrids?"
Megatron: "Class. You have learned nothing."
Shockwave: "Except that you will eventually betray them, just like you did me."
Shockwave's use of "start over" and "just like you did me" shows he doesn't grasp Megatron's actual meaning because of how narrow his perspective is: instead of seeing Megatron's desire to move forward post-war, Shockwave can only understand Megatron's alliance with the Terrans as being Megatron effectively starting a new movement with new recruits, just as Megatron did with the Decepticons back on Cybertron with Shockwave's allegiance.
Shockwave's rejection of the Decepticons losing the war is so strong that he's willing to die in a murder-suicide to defeat Megatron, whose betrayal he took personally*. This decision may likely be informed by his understanding of the ramifications of the Space Bridge being destroyed — as in, there's no way back to Cybertron for him without it (so he'd rather die assuredly defeating Megatron than stay marooned on Earth!).
*(It isn't just Soundwave that took Megatron's betrayal personally. Megatron called Shockwave "old friend" twice in the flashback, Shockwave calling him "traitor" in the stasis pod has emotional weight to it (corroborating "old friend"), and Shockwave's "[…] you will eventually betray them, just like you did me" all suggest he took Megatron's betrayal personally.)
Shockwave saying "You brought this on yourself, Megatron" and offering an out for Mo suggests he views humans as uninvolved in the current conflict, despite previously having wanted to conquer/destroy Earth (which would have harmed humans). Without access to the Space Bridge to Cybertron and, consequently, all the Decepticons back home, conquering Earth has disappeared from his priorities, so perhaps he considers humans to only be bystanders at this point, considering his recognition of their sentience (but also his view of them as inferior). I'll note here that none of the other Decepticons expressly extend this grace to the humans on their own accord, so Shockwave is unique in this regard.
(Based on Optimus Prime saying that Megatron had been allied with him and GHOST for 15 years in S1E09 "Age of Evolution", it is likely that Shockwave has been in the stasis pod for 15 years at this point.)
In S1E24 "The Battle of Witwicky" Shockwave is quick to reject Thrash's claim of the war being over, upholding a similar belief he held in his introduction episode (— "The war continues so long as I stand to oppose you."). Despite this, his immediate priority is Croft due to being betrayed by her.
Shockwave: "She has an active Space Bridge. Who knows what she plans to do with it."
While Shockwave doesn't go in-depth, it can be inferred that he had helped in some way to realize a Space Bridge under Croft and was able to because GHOST (as shown throughout S1) does possess and even engineer Cybertronian technology.
Shockwave's "She betrayed me" in context suggests he and Croft had some kind of deal before being under Mandroid's mind-control tech. Based on Shockwave's affinity for Cybertron shown in his introduction episode and dismay at the Space Bridge's destruction, I'd actually go so far as to say that he helped Croft realize the Space Bridge under the pretense that he and the other Decepticons could return to Cybertron upon its completion, because there's no reason to believe he would be interested in furthering a human's goals for just her benefit (due to having described humans as "sentient bags of goo", he sees them as an inferior species) (and Croft's major involvement in imprisoning earthbound Decepticons). Croft, of course, would never actually let the Decepticons go, so she betrays him. She would later reveal that her intention is to conquer Cybertron, validating Shockwave's concern about her intentions with the Space Bridge.
Shockwave's concern about Croft's intentions with the Space Bridge is grave enough to where he allies himself with the Maltos, and even Megatron and the Autobots. Unlike his first encounter with the Terrans, here he bears no hostility or prejudice against them — in fact, his alliance with them is immediate; he recognizes Hashtag's altmode capabilities and helps her (because doing so would also help him further his objective — a logical choice, and his logical nature would become apparent in the series henceforth [or since his introduction if you consider the murder-suicide a logical conclusion from seeing the Space Bridge's destruction]).
Although Shockwave still doesn't see eye-to-eye with Megatron, this team up with the Autobots and Terrans shows he's able to put grievances and factions aside when a greater danger demands it.
In S2, Shockwave's disapproval with the direction Starscream has taken the Decepticons is actually visible in the first episode of the season, S2E01 "Aftermath", when Starscream addresses them:
When Starscream shouts "Decepticons, to war!" to enthuse the rallied Decepticons, all of them shout and throw their fist up in agreement — except for Shockwave, who instead remains silent with his arms crossed, subtly displaying his discontent with Starscream's objective.
Shockwave is quickly hidden from view in the next shot by Breakdown's enthusiasm:
— Breaking off here for a moment to actually delve into the way Shockwave and Starscream's leadership and goals are continually (and intentionally) compared throughout the show, which begins in S1E16 "Warzone":
Shockwave often talks as if embodying the will/interests of all Decepticons rather than in the interest of furthering a personal agenda.
"For our glory" "We will conquer this planet and resurrect our own, under Decepticon rule" "[…] the Autobots will kneel before us" "[...] Cybertron will be ours"
Compare to Starscream who, when the AllSpark (the life force of Cybertron) tumbles to him, exclaims "Yes! I have it!" (be)holding it as if it were a personal victory/trophy. (More on S1 Starscream in this post.)
For Starscream it's all about himself, whereas for Shockwave it's all about the Decepticons and Cybertron. Shockwave lacks all of Starscream's self-interest, being instead wholly devoted to the Decepticons' interests.
Alex Malto in S2E01 "Aftermath" brings up the idea of Starscream using the Embershards to create a Chaos Terran army, which calls to mind Shockwave's original plan to use the AllSpark to create a protoform army to conquer Earth in S1E16 "Warzone".
Now, this is more pertinent to S2 Starscream's character than to Shockwave's (so, it'll be explored in a future post with S2 Starscream), but this does compare the two's leadership. (Without getting too in-depth about him here) Starscream ultimately seeks his own personal glory and power — Terratronus is a weapon he would personally wield, and with her he'd have power to crush all who oppose him like a dictator (rendering an army unnecessary when he holds all the power in his hand).
Starscream's selfish goals contrast greatly with Shockwave's, who has only ever had (what he sees as) the Decepticons' best interest in mind.
This makes Shockwave's leadership share a commonality with the Malto family's values of "family first": Shockwave is interested in the collective well-being of the Decepticons rather than just himself; Breakdown would even refer to the Decepticons expressly as "family" in S3.
Shockwave had actually discarded his interest in conquering Earth in S1 the moment he perceived the Space Bridge's destruction (the Decepticons' way back home), and this is further supported by his implied part in helping to realize Croft's Space Bridge (like mentioned before, he would have no reason to do this just for Croft's gain considering his view of humans as inferior and her role in imprisoning the Decepticons). Shockwave's frustration and disapproval with Starscream's goals in S2 makes this all the more apparent (elaboration on this shortly).
Returning back to S2 — in S2E03 "Control Alt Delete" Shockwave is tasked with retrieving Croft's hard drive and he gets increasingly frustrated as this chase with Hashtag goes on.
Of Hashtag, despite his frustration chasing her, he's able to genuinely compliment her skills. This is quite the positive development from Shockwave's original impression of the Terrans, though not at all sudden given his previous alliance with the Terrans in S1E24 "The Battle of Witwicky" where he recognizes Hashtag's altmode capabilities and helped her.
Interestingly, he offers to let Hashtag live if she gives him the hard drives. Classic villain dialogue, but for Shockwave, he may actually be believed here, based on his logical nature and objective being to simply retrieve the desired hard drive. When he downs her, he immediately moves onto the hard drives rather than assuring her termination. By this, he doesn't see the Terrans directly as his enemies.
Earlier in the episode when Starscream says "The information on that drive is vital to the future of the Decepticons" Shockwave is visibly 'taken aback' when Starscream says "future", which is another subtle hint of Shockwave's disagreement with the future that Starscream wants for the Decepticons.
When Shockwave has the hard drive in hand, he says: "Finally. Starscream will be pleased." Due to his discontent being visible in the first episode of this season and reaction to Starscream's use of "future" earlier, perhaps this statement reflects how he doesn't actually view retrieving the hard drive (progressing Starscream's objective) as something he values or views as important himself (as his dissent would later be verbalized in S2E09 "Witwicky"). Of course, this statement also means to acknowledge Starscream's increasing frustration with Shockwave's lack of retrieving the hard drive.
It's also worth noting that when Shockwave says he didn't retrieve it, Starscream begins to say "I never should have entrusted such—" which actually subtly reveals that Starscream is aware of Shockwave's discontent, because Starscream would have no reason to believe him (a loyal Decepticon) to be untrustworthy for an important mission otherwise.
Based on Shockwave and Starscream's dialogue in S2E09 "Witwicky" —
Starscream: "Decepticons, when the sun next rises, it will shine upon New Cybertron. I, her ruler."
Shockwave: "Starscream, your objective is misguided. Had you consulted me, I—"
Starscream: "Fall in line, Shockwave."
Shockwave: "Our priority should be a return to Cybertron. Earth will never be our home. It is our prison."
Starscream: "For years, you have failed to provide proof of Cybertron's survival. So this world is our new domain. All who stand in opposition shall perish beneath the heel of my Chaos Titan."
— Shockwave had wanted to put the Decepticons' entire focus on returning to Cybertron following Mandroid's defeat (based on his extreme reaction to seeing the Space Bridge gone and later helping realize a Space Bridge under Croft), but was unable to put this into motion due to Starscream having taken Decepticon leadership.
Starscream's "For years, you have failed to [...]" reveals he has been aware of Shockwave's objection to his plans (which is corroborated on-screen in S2E03 "Control Alt Delete" as mentioned).
Starscream's objective may have appealed to the Decepticons based on their desire to get revenge on the Malto(bot)s/Autobots (and therefore the Earth and its inhabitants as a whole) for the role they played in imprisoning/hunting the Decepticons, whereas Shockwave never shared this desire for revenge against them (Croft, who had his focus for betraying him, is dead) (and unlike the rest of the Decepticons, he never spent years being hunted or imprisoned by GHOST).
Shockwave ends up choosing not to stop Twitch and Robby from stealing the Embershards. It's a choice made in opposition to what his leader wants, with his understanding of Starscream needing all of the Embershards to control Terratronus. From this it can be deduced that Shockwave does not want Starscream to have the power of a Chaos Titan.
(The Maltos working to protect their home is something that Shockwave would do for Cybertron. While Shockwave can understand a human's desire for self-preservation, it might be too speculative to wonder if he empathizes with them. So, this may later function as a parallel to, assuming Breakdown in S3 suggesting Cybertron is in need of help is correct, Shockwave and his Decepticons working to save Cybertron from whatever menaces it.)
Following Shockwave's conversation with Starscream, Shockwave must have come to terms with the fact that Starscream's ambitions are selfish and actually threaten the Decepticons (Shockwave was not surprised at all when Starscream turned on them). If Starscream succeeded in his plan, would Shockwave have been able to continue to search for Cybertron (or return to it) under Starscream's dictatorial command with the Chaos Titan?
While Starscream wants to conquer Earth and call it "New Cybertron", Shockwave never believed Cybertron to be gone in the first place.
Shockwave: "Decepticons, Starscream has lost control of his weapon and his mind. This will be the end of us all."
Hardtop: "Woah, where are you going?"
Shockwave: "My own way. Follow me if you want to live."
^ Shockwave addresses the Decepticons who have just been betrayed by Starscream. Notably, they are injured from Terratronus's swipe; and now with a taste of what Starscream intends to do, Shockwave easily appeals to them.
Shockwave saying he's going his own way marks the new direction he intends to go in: focusing on a return to Cybertron like he said in this episode.
In S3E01 "The Need for Read" Shockwave's logic is emphasized to contrast Starscream's irrationality: Starscream threw away his promise to make the Decepticons a new home and threw away the good rapport he had built up with them just so he could empower himself, whereas Shockwave does not seek to empower himself or put his own interests above the interests of the Decepticons.
Shockwave describing the Decepticons as "much more logical" under his command and "this need not be a violent conflict" contrasts Starscream's leadership, where the Decepticons regularly fought the Autobots over the Embershards. While many of the Decepticons have been shown to enjoy fighting, Shockwave's use of fighting appears more pointed and intentional, rather than being just for the sake of fighting.
For example, Shockwave's first words to Hashtag after ambushing her in S2E03 "Control Alt Delete" were "Hand over the hard drives" which was straight to the point.
Shockwave says he wants to "facilitate an exodus from this planet" (leave Earth), which is completely consistent with how he's been portrayed throughout the series.
Shockwave honors the deal he made with Bumblebee, even when it means a Decepticon loss, and by doing this he shows himself to be honorable and fair (compare with Starscream, who ended up breaking his promise to the Decepticons).
In S3E04 "No Solider Left Behind" Shockwave's desire to return to Cybertron — to return home — like he has been wanting is finally put into motion now that he's the Decepticon leader and is able to commandeer the starship.
He heavily stresses the starship's importance to the Decepticons:
"That starship is our way home. We must have it at any cost." "Just find us a way inside. Do not destroy it." "The ship is our priority. [...]"
Shockwave, as Breakdown revealed in S3E01 "The Need for Read", has promised the Decepticons a return to Cybertron, and by commandeering the starship they'll be able to do just that. This also adds credibility to Shockwave's "you can trust our promises".
Shockwave referring to the Decepticons escaping the Dome and Earth as "freedom" reflects his calling both a "prison" (in S3E01 "The Need for Read" and S2E09 "Witwicky" respectively).
"To freedom." "But it's not too late to join us in freedom. Choose: us or the Autobots."
Shockwave is disappointed at Megatron's choice and doesn't end up blasting him. Giving Megatron that option in the first place shows that Shockwave wants Megatron back in the Decepticon fold, despite him having seriously betrayed him and the Decepticons. So, Shockwave doesn't totally hate Megatron.
For the second time, Shockwave has chosen to not fire at the enemy he's supposed to. (Or for the third time, if Bumblebee's dissuasion in S3E01 "The Need for Read" is counted.)
This is interesting, considering Shockwave still values Decepticon victory over the Autobots. Will this be challenged on Cybertron, once the Autobots are able to come? If Cybertron is in need of help like Breakdown suggested, would Shockwave ally with the Autobots like he has before?
[More of my EarthSpark meta ->]
