Uh... in order for me to tell you more about Ravage's fate, I would also have to reveal more about Tarantulas. Hurry up and finish watching Season 3, damnit!!
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Uh... in order for me to tell you more about Ravage's fate, I would also have to reveal more about Tarantulas. Hurry up and finish watching Season 3, damnit!!
Deep Metal
The introduction of Depthcharge! I really like the character. I have the toy actually; got it almost 4 months ago but have yet to get around to opening it. Having watched these episodes, I think I'm going to have to find time soon now.
As for the episode itself, I loved the waterr feel of the episode. It really made the Transformers Beast War universe seem vast and far spanning. I'm also quite a scenic guy so I loved the refreshing feel of the crystal clear water. Depthcharge's introduction was done quite well. He's a bot with only vengeance on his mind and there's a fear of him being generic. But so far he's interesting in providing a snarky and tough counter to Optimus. Rattrap is witty and frustrating but Depthcharge is outright defiant.
It's interesting how Rampage has embraced his new name despite the fact that it was given to him by Megatron. You'd think he'd resent the name a lot more since it's been given to him by the one who's controlling his every whim.
And poor Waspinator. If there's one constant I've appreciated in the BWs it's that Wazzzpinator always copping a slagging.
Excellent episode.
Changing of the Guard
The level of excellence continues. I like Blackarachnia being involved in the Maximal ranks for the first time and it reminds us that she's also got intelligence; cementing her in my mind as the richest fembot in Transformer lore. Everytime i think of Blackarachnia, it makes me wonder how the writers dropped the ball with Airazor.
Rattrap looks so cute inside the submarine. The music in the background was hilarious. Depthcharge being brought back to the fold was awesome. I liked how he mellowed slowly. It started with the realisation that this was Generation One Earth. Then more and more he starts to realise the gravity of the situation, the need for him to play a role. But in doing so, he's still willing to lip off to Optimus My favourite moment though was when Depthcharge let Optimus berate him. That was a strong moment.
Megatron ultimately won this episode, gaining Sentinel. I like that. I do wonder when he will get his Transmetall II form. There's 10 episodes left and we've still got to see the introduction of Tigerhawk as well as the other bots getting upgrades. A lot to fit in! The upgrade hardest for me to see myself liking is Cheetor. It's just so much more violent and reckless but alas that's later.
This season is beating the snot out of Season 2. And damn, that's just scary. I didn't think the series could get that much better.
The upgrade hardest to watch is Cheetor's! I'm not a fan of that story at all.
You can blame Aaron Archer! :)
I also hated his TM2 design, it was awful but at least concept wise he was still a robot despite his looks. That of course changed with Beast Machines :(
________
Mazda mx-5
Yeah, that's a big toy issue thing... but story wise I think it was done reasonably well. :)
Watch more! It gets gooder!!
Needed a break from application writing (which seems to be my life these days) and finally got to the next episode:
Feral Scream Part I
I thoroughly enjoyed it. The interactions were great between Depthcharge and all the other characters, Maximal or Predacon. I especially like how the writers tie in Rampage's spark to the new Dinobot which brings Depthcharge into the fold. There's no doubt who is in the shadows, it's a bit obvious. (and i'm not saying that from the pov of a person who already owns a TM2 Cheetor!)
I felt sorry for widdle Waspinator. He flies into the battlescene only to get toasted by Megatron. Black Arachnia grabbing the drive adds that little bit of intrigue to the story imo. And since she has a TM2 form, I suspect it's only a matter of time before we see it.
One of my principal problems was the typical new character = all powerful syndrome. It's always been a feature of many cartoons before the characters start drifting back to more realistic levels. The crazed cheetor here is able to take out a horde of Maximals. There are some hardened nuts in that crew and it's jarring that dark Cheetor can subdue them - enhanced or not.
Now one of the things I've noticed, quite annoyingly, is that Rhinox is taking more and more of a back seat as a secondary character. He hasn't had the same love as Rattrap, Cheetor and co. (I guess that's why they tried to make it up by giving him a Hard Hero Statue ;) ) I'm all for the new characters getting spotlight but it's a pity they forgot about the older ones. Rhinox's character hasn't really gone anywhere or been tested. Likewise with Rattrap. They've more fitted into their roles and been rather static despite the change in the war. I guess though you see that as the strength of their character.
RE: You want to buy this toy. :p Remember that at the end of the day, this show exists as a marketing tool to sell toys which means that Hasbro, who are the ones who decide which toys have to appear (and disappear) in which episode would want to see the new toy portrayed in an appealing perspective, which typically means that they have to be "cool" in order to elicit kids to want to buy the toy. And with TM2 Cheetor that's pretty important considering that it's the crappiest of the Cheetor toys in BW. :pQuote:
Originally Posted by STL
He would've if he'd become a Transmetal! Again, as an "old" toy Hasbro isn't demanding as much attention onto that character. So during moments where the story is focusing on introducing a new toy, older toys can sometimes take a backseat. Even Waspinator's moments are brief - but fortunately for him, also very memorable! Rhinox will have his moments again, don't worry. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by STL
Rhinox undergoes some really, really massive change a lot later...Quote:
Originally Posted by STL
Rattrap has undergone change. In the beginning of the series he started off as being very reluctant and uncomfortable as a combatant. Even though he's maintained his pessissimistic demeanour, he has become a capable warrior and even proven to be a competent leader. Busting up Ravage's ship and retrieving Sentinel were things that he never would've thought of doing in the beginning of Season 1.
"YEE-HAR!" - Rattrap riding bareback on a Decepticon missile
http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/tr...impickins5.jpg
Talk about being out of your comfort zone...
http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/tr...ubaquatic2.jpg
STL, remember to bring Paul's Season 1 and 2 when you're down city or when we meet up next time. Thanks
If you are refering to Beast Machines, that is not really a proper development of the character as its 'artificially' forced in without any propper logic nor development. It just spontaneously happened.Quote:
Rhinox undergoes some really, really massive change a lot later...
It's not particularly good development, but it's still development - and it's officially canon. :p
Just wanted to add my 2 cents.
I've just finished watching rise of the fuzors and I am enjoying Beast Wars (Okay I was wrong!) I am surprised to say that my favourite character is... Dinobot. I really didn't like this guy in the begining but he has really grown on me. Love some of his one liners. (I can't recall the name but the episode where they lose their sight has some good comic relief from Dinobot in it). Still like Cheetor. Can't stand Rattrap (keep hoping Dinobot steps on him). Don't mind Silverbolt (although that regal music that plays after he says a line is a bit annoying) The rest of the characters are so so in my opinion. Naturally I still get creeped out by Tarantulas.
Plot wise I like how the story is developing in season 2 and I like how everything came to loggerheads at the end of season1. It cgot me that wrapped up in it that I watched the last 3 episodes in one sitting (something I hadn't done prior). My only criticism is they didn't make that big a deal out of Scorponok and Terrasaur's deaths. I nearly missed it as I was scooping up the last of my rice I was eating.
Anyway I wanted to say that even though I'll probably never collect the toys I do like the show. Is it my favourite? Only time will tell.
You can kinda blame Hasbro for that. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Bartrim
btw STL, during Depth Charge's debut, remember how Rampage spoke of "Starbase Rugby"? That's a reference to an old online fan-run TF toy store called Rugby's Starbase. :) I love how this show is just choc-full of fandom references like that! :D
At least it won't ever be part of my canon. ;)
2 cents? Cheapass!
The one where they were blind in was Call of the Wild, I think. Personally i hated that episode. It felt like a drain. I'd say you like the end of Season 1 much more than I did. I couldn't really feel it. I also agree w/ the death of Scorponok and Terrosaur. I actually missed it too on the first round. I'm glad you enjoying it too and it looks like you might finish before me even though I started before you. :o Like you, I'm still not sure what my verdict is on the entirety of the 3 seasons but I guess we'll find out soon enough.
Oooh if you were in Melbourne I'd show you some of the toys! I think they're much better personally than you really expect. Not all of them but Optimus Primal, Megatron and a few of the others are really great toys. Next Sydneyside meet, get some of those Sydney metro boys to bring some figures. Like yourself, I was proven wrong on all counts. I still fondly recall Borgeman and myself agreeing we'd never buy these stupid shellforming sorry excuses for Transformers. Borgeman's stuck to that. Me? Since six months ago, they're a large part of my collection. :eek:
scorponok and Terrorsaur aint deaded
They will return
Yes I'm cheap:p
I wasn't that thrilled about call of the wild I just enjoyed Dinobots comic relief. Like when Rhinox announces they are at the waterfall and over the sound of the tumbling water Dinobots yells "What a brilliant deduction You've made there".
Yeah I'm trying to make it through season 2 as quick as I can although my wife keeps stopping me because she wants to watch Heroes (we just got season 1 on dvd refer non tf accquisitions)
If there is one figure that should get you wanting to collect the figures it will be someone who debuts late in Season 3.
I'd also suggest not looking at some of the Japanese only Beast Wars figures, figures like Longrack, Stampy and Lio Convoy are quite damn good.
Oh crud! You're absolutely right! Gah! Knew it was a long time episodes! :mad:
I did get to Feral Scream part 2 though.
I didn't mind it. Now one of the other things that's irking me is Cheetor's crush on Black Arachnia. Is it me or does the pussy cat need a whacking? When did he start falling for her? Why would he? Just b/c she's a fembot? Kind of happens out of nowhere.
I loved Optimal's line with Cheetor. "I know what's going on. I just wanted you to trust me enough to tell me yourself." Great line that reflects the leader that BW Optimus is.
The episode in its entirelty was mediocre at best in my opinion. I knew where it was going and the great parts were cameos by ohers like Rattrap, Megatron and Waspinator. Cheetor's problems were pretty secondary and it's irksome that after this "I am toughness" fiasco he reverts to being an insecure little pussy.
And I did think it was going a bit too far to have TM2 Dinobot slice Waspinator into think pieces. Just too far imo. They're team mates after all on a mission.
Off to rectify my mistake now....
yeah, personally I am not a big fan of most of Season 3, Beast Wars reached its peak in Season 2 in my opinion. However Season 3 does have a lot of good stuff even if it was very much rushed due to Hasbro deciding to can the series for Beast Machines with hardly any notice at all.
Don't worry about the Cheetor and Blackarachnia thing, it will not last more than the next episode.
Once you finish the Season, I will send you a comic that makes up a bit for some of the rushed aspects of Season 3 and the Prequel comic.
Yeah, the Cheetor-Blackarachnia thing finishes off pret-ty interestingly IMO. ;)
As for the whole current situation with Transmetal 2 Cheetor - Rattrap put it really well, "Oh joy... cyber-puberty." ;) As 'annoying' as it may seem, this is part of Cheetor's coming of age. He's now progressed from 'child' to 'teen.' In Beast Machines he progresses to 'adult' - and IMO Cheetor was the best developed character in Beast Machines.
I thought Blackarachnia's progression was logical too and done pretty well - she comes full circle in BM. Silverbolt's character development was progressively logical... just not very well done because of the whole "emo" thing. In Beast Wars we do see that Silverbolt has a bit of a dark side with the capacity for revenge - as seen when he hunted Tarantulas and impaled him when he thought that his Predacon shell program had caused Blackarachnia's death. Silverbolt going through that dark depressive phase was quite understandable - he had been through massive trauma as a Vehicon general... but the problem with that character was, as Scott McNeill put it, it just took him far too long to get over it. Silverbolt turned out pretty nicely in the final eps of Season 2, had that been done a lot sooner then Silverbolt would've been a pretty decent character in that show. So the problem with BM Silverbolt isn't so much that he was illogically developed, but because he spent too long brooding and should've just gotten over his freakin' issues and moved on!
Okay I've finished season 2 and watch episode1 of season 3 on TF:TM special edition.
I enjoyed the end of season 2 but it didn't impress me like the end of season1. Although I actually got quite a laugh out of it hwy was Cheetor used for comic relief when they jumped out of Ravage's ship? Totally out of character IMO
I liked Rattrap's line about how often Optimus switches bodies:)
Just waiting on season 3 to continue my journey
Cutting Edge
I missed this ep the first time around. Thanks to Kup for noticing. It really irked me but at least it explained (... kind of...) why Cheetor has a crush on Blackarachnia. Nevertheless it doesn't change the sheer stupidity of the plot. Silverbolt getting angry is a nice new angle. Not such a perfect white knight, after all. I loved seeing Tarantulas. He's seen so infrequently at times. Best part of the episode though was Blackarachnia's snappy remarks and, dare I say it, heroism.
Though I must guilitly admit, I wouldn't have minded if something splatted those annoying primitive children.
Proving Grounds
Very basic premise. The ending is spelled out before you even get there and I'm inclined to really hate this episode but I couldn't. There was the long, drawn out fight with Dinobot but then we had the great banter between Rattrap and Silverbolt, Silverbolt/Dinobot/Blackarachnia. Oh, and Rattrap and his street fighting games quite funny. He's really adorable. So those things saved it but really it wasn't strong an episode and I feel as if the series is meandering away after a strong start. The last 4 episodes have been weak and I hope there's a good turn around the corner.
You've still got "Go With The Flow" to get past (well you might like depending on how much you like Una Witwicky.... it's a bit of a devisive episode), and then it's pretty much full speed ahead to the conclusion.
no he's lying!!! It all down hill from here!!! ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!
[jumps out window]
Your journey is taking forever STL
Rodimus had like forever to get used to have the Matrix, and look where he got... oh wait, bad example. :p
Personally, Although I like Season 3, Season 2 was when Beast Wars reached its peak for me. Season 3 is good generally but sadly it is noticeable that the writers were fighting Hasbro's calls for extreme change like TM2s, overly kiddie plot elements (why do executives think that kids can only relate to kid characters???), etc. From now on you will notice some decent episodes but the overall plot will seem very rushed as Hasbro struck with the 'we know better than you' hammer and wanted to move everything quickly onto Beast Machines with new writers.
The Beast Wars writers got a last minute notice of the series end when much of the third season was already under production and were forced to quickly conclude any unresolved plot elements and force a series finale when it was supposed to continue onto a 4th Season.
The above is one of the reasons of why I deeply hate Aaron Archer as there was no freaking reason to push for change, the series was a complete smash hit, only second to G1 (even by today's standards). Why oh why did they push for the technorganic nonsense and an strict attempt at reinventing the franchise is a mystery to me, you only do that as a last resort when the line is in trouble. At the end their push for extreme change caused the Transformers line to go from great success to an absolute flop with Beast Machines toys (Archer's babies) which sucked.
Having finished season 3 a few days ago I complete understand where you are coming from Kup. I couldn't believe how quickly they wrapped everything up. Kinda dissapointing. If Hasbro would of let it drag out a little bit longer it would of been alot better I feel.
Metals struggled in Japan, but Takara just went their own way with Neo & Second, so I doubt Hasbro changed direction due to any pressure from Takara.
Transmetal IIs probably would have killed Beast Wars had it gone on that much longer - they didn't sell anywhere near as well the earlier BW toys. Even then, that was because of Archer's McFarlane-esque obsession with detail over recognisable modes (he still doesn't get why well defined alt modes are so important).
But there was still potential in the toyline had they shifted it away from TMIIs. Mind you, BM took the line even further down that McFarlane-esque cul-de-sac, at least with the Maximals.
There is one big loose element which was not explained. This was addressed in the IDW Beast Wars 'The Gathering' comic.
Kup what are you refering to? pm me
I can sort of understand Hasbro calling it quits. This is from my point of view, as someone who was a kiddy at the time of beastwarsuzzles
I was in yr 3 when it arrived in Sydney, and by the time Season 3 played here i was in yr 7, 100% of the kids who had bought the toys when it started and mid way through were going through the pube yers and didnt want toys, and the cartoon wasnt exactly something you could just jump in on anywhere.
Plus the younger generation are too hyper to enjoy action figures
Transmetals 2 rock
BeastMachines rocketh
A lot of people for some reason confuse Optimal Optimus and Depth Charge as TM2s, design wise they are actually TM1s.
the really organic figures like Cheetor, Blackarachnia II and Dinobot II are TM2s.
TM2s did have a couple of good figures though, like Tigerhawk and Megatron Dragon (although the robot mode wasn't all that good). Unfortunately TM2s were mostly crap.
OpOp is technically a Transmetal II, but the design is closer to a Transmetal in most ways.
Guh. Stupid Canadian packaging. Okay, OpOp wasn't sold as a Transmetal II in most markets :p
Plus he, nor Depth Charge, had any contact with the Transmetal driver in the show.
Opop is a transmetal 1 just wit an extra mode
was there some packagin that said otherwoise?
you will really enjoy beast wars 2 (Neo) but there isnt alot of episodes on youtube so u may have 2 get it cheap at JB :)
Beast Machines failed cause of the character designs and overall animation, the story isnt so bad.