Transformers Earthspark is like Rescue Bots at times, because of how everyone treats each other like a tight family. Just when I thought the home release might offer material to explain the similarity, this bare-bones release doesn’t delve into the development. I’m curious about why Quintus Prime finds it vital to seed other planets with Emberstone. This artifact can create new life, and while this Primus allowed this planet to run its natural course, why would this artfact remain? Since it was placed on a pedestal, there’s a lingering question of who worshipped it?
Maybe one day, I can meet the creators and ask about this new direction for the franchise. Aside from seeing Nicole Dubuc‘s name–who has helped produce the series for a long time–the others involved in the development are not as familiar. As long as she’s leading the charge, I’m okay with this update.
After all, he’s gone to hell and back. He’s more dangerous than Doctor Arkeville from G1. There’s something more sinister about him when considering how quick he is to embrace technology despite his agenda to do away with all Transformers.
As for Bumblebee, after teaching these new lifeforms all that he can, he’s off to search for Breakdown (“Security Protocols”), and G.H.O.S.T. is in hot pursuit. As this ‘bot is searching for other Autobots gone into hiding, what’s presented is fairly good at reintroducing those characters fans love over the years. For instance, we finally meet Grimlock (“Home”) and he’s not the same type of character as before. This version’s personality is too refined for my tastes, and he’ll need to get a CPU downgrade before I can accept him.
Thankfully, the episode “Warzone” delivers that classic G1 formula. Shockwave is around, and doesn’t have a big role to play in this series. As he’s the new leader of the Decepticons after Megatron stepped down, he needs to be on top of his game! Although his significance is very short-lived, I still revelled in his on-screen moments. After this flashback and seeing him in the saddle again, Mandroid made quick work of him! This human is a fairly standard as far as mad scientists are concerned. Perhaps that’s why the showrunners dispensed with Shockwave so soon so there’s no competition.
After this human turned into a full on cyber-threat, he pretty much lost his lusture. I did like how he’s lost his humanity Cyberpunk 2024 style, and just what he is–it seems like a story thread that can get expanded upon when considering what the Emberstone represents. Can it remake those who’ve been “infected?” He eventually gets neutralised, and as for the ramifications of toying with DNA, I’m curious what the next chapter will entail.
To note, some online guides are confusing the release of episodes 11 to 26 as season two. Thankfully other fan sites are confirming more episodes are being made, and this next instalment is expected to be broadcast in Spring 2024. With Starscream showing some sympathy for the new ‘bots that are sort of Cybertronian, namely in saving Hashtag, I want to see him return! He deserves more screentime and when Steve Blum is is back playing this character, all I can say is that I want more!
Transformers Earthspark Official Trailer
