Episode Review: Transformers Prime Episode 30: Operation Bumblebee Part 1

[GoktimusPrime]

I don't dislike the TFP Bumblebee character per se, or the fact that he beeps instead of talking. What I disliked in this episode was how he went all "Miko" (re: Jar Jar) and went to the effort of making himself a nuisance! I was empathising with Bumblebee throughout the episode until he started insisting on going out instead of staying at the base like he should have. Then I lost all sympathy for him... yeah alright, I get the fact that he's upset about losing an important part of himself and a definitive part of their species - and also feeling more like a burden and losing his purpose in the team etc. - but the whole "but I wanna be useful!" thing got annoying. Yeah, you'll be useful by tagging along and becoming a liability in the field.

Like Bulkhead said, Bumblebee was acting like Miko... and Miko has always been my single most loathed character in TF Prime. If he'd just stayed at the based and sulked, then I would've maintained sympathy for him. I guess I would've liked to see a better motivation to get Bumblebee out of the base other than, "But I waaaannnnaaaa!" -- maybe have Raf in danger and the other Autobots are preoccupied and Bumblebee's the only one who can respond? Surely something better could've been done.

As for the voice thing, I don't object to the beeping... I just find it funny that after 29 episodes NONE of the kids thought to ask why Bumblebee can't talk! Oh, so NOW they want to know?? Up until the moment that Bumblebee left the base, I quite enjoyed this episode.

Another cool thing? We see Ratchet in alt mode!! (a rare sight indeed)

Hursti: we do see Jack and Arcee in this episode -- for some strange reason she was trying to beat her own personal speed record, which seems somewhat out of character for Arcee who's normally quite strict on keeping a low profile outside of Autobot HQ... and Jack who's normally not a hoon unless he's trying to impress a girl.

[Hursticon]

@Goki: Thanks for reminding me dude, I guess I forgot because it was such a throw away scene seeing as though it was only supposed to reinforce BBs predicament.

I'd also like to agree that it was cool seeing Ratchet in his Alt mode again, seeing Raf getting picked up by him reminded me of my Primary School days where my Father would occasionally pick-up/drop-off my Brothers and I in the Ambulance or Rescue Truck - Good memories actually.

[sideswipes brother]

I enjoy any episode where Ratchet is active in some sort of battle. Was really getting sick of him staying back at base all the time.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Yep, I enjoy a Ratchet heavy episode as well. I liked the way they managed to convey a feeling of failure in Ratchet in regards to BB's voicebox. You can see that being unable to help really wieghs heavily on him.

The opeing scene with BB retrieving that spark extractor was awesome! I even rewound it and watched it again! That's what I like to see, Transformers using their vehicle modes seamlessly in battle, which is something we rarely see. I did question why Megatron didn't transform to chase BB though...

The MECH guys remind me of the Road Jammers and I hope to see more of them (as long as they are a proper threat). I was thinking that if they get that robot working, we could end up with a Centurion character on our hands...

The Knockout time was great! I think I love Knockout as much as Ratchet! And the ensuing chase with BB grabbing the old truck! Nice improvisation, well until it broke...

What I found really interesting was when BB tried Transforming just after having his T-cog removed. In the shot where it shows his chest about to Transform, the bumper section moves in two different ways each time (first up and then outwards IIRC).

Could this mean that the Transformers can change the 'way' they Transform? If so, this could explain the slow and fast Tfing in the movie. (which my friends always questioned; "Why does Optimus TF so slow in the base, but can go really fast in battle?).

But BB was annoying with his impulsiveness. Hopefully this will be a lesson to him and he will learn that there is more to battle than just speed and action. Now I await another Bumblebee figure that can't transform and it will be called "MECH Victim Bumblebee."

As for Ratchet in the field of battle, even though it is nice to see him, he is old and probably better suited at the base, although I can see he still manages to kick a bit of arse when required!

[GoktimusPrime]

Could this mean that the Transformers can change the 'way' they Transform? If so, this could explain the slow and fast Tfing in the movie. (which my friends always questioned; "Why does Optimus TF so slow in the base, but can go really fast in battle?).

I think transforming is like any other kind of movement - they can do it slow or fast, like running or driving etc. In battle you gotta be quick but if you're not in a fight then you have the luxury to take your time.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I think transforming is like any other kind of movement - they can do it slow or fast, like running or driving etc. In battle you gotta be quick but if you're not in a fight then you have the luxury to take your time.

Yeah, but in relation to Bumblebee, it looked like there were 2 different ways for him to transform, first off, his bumper goes up. Fail, Second attempt, bumper goes sideways. This says to me that they have more than one way for their pieces to transform.

[GoktimusPrime]

Hot Rod'd!