Trust (Armada)
From Transformers Wiki
| This article is about the Armada episode. For the Cybertron episode, seeTrust (Cybertron). |
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 I am having a heart attack!! | ||||||
| "Trust" (Kizuna) "Comrade in Arms: Bonds" | ||||||
| Production code | TF: A-18 | |||||
| Production company | TV Tokyo,NAS | |||||
| Airdate | January 17,2003(English) 9 May,2003(Japanese) | |||||
| Writer | Ryō Motohira | |||||
| Director | Shin'ichirō Aoki | |||||
| Animation studio | Actas Inc.,Studio Guts,Big Bang | |||||
| Continuity | Unicron Trilogy | |||||
Which side is Scavenger really on?
Contents |
Synopsis
At theAutobotbase,Carlossits down to enjoy a drink of milk. The kids discussHot Shot's determination as he trains withScavengeras his new instructor, andAlexissuggests they go and see Hot Shot in action.Radand Alexis rush off, and Carlos struggles to catch up. Yet, none of them seems to care that they ditched their breakfast, so much for the day's most important meal.
The trio looks for Hot Shot but only finds Scavenger, fast asleep, after initially mistaking his snores for animal growls. Alexis jokes that Carlos also likes to take naps. As Scavenger, oblivious to the kids, continues napping, Hot Shot practices his dramatic punching and kicking. Surprisingly, Scavenger has no critique to offer.
Seeing Scavenger's sloth, Carlos ponders Scavenger's allegiance and advises Hot Shot to be wary. Elsewhere, Carlos overhearsSmokescreengive similar qualms about Scavenger, comparing him toSideways.
Meanwhile, on theMoon,Starscreamputs forward the idea that Scavenger has switched sides. Since Scavenger deserted theDecepticons,Megatrondeclares him an enemy and calls for his head. Starscream interjects, and Megatron responds by standing, ripping off a panel from the back of his shoulder treads, and throwing it at Starscream, which the steam from his shoulder shows.
Back onEarth,the kids questionOptimus Primeabout Scavenger. Before Prime can explain, the Autobots'Mini-Condetection alarms go off.
That name again is Sca-ven-ger!
The Autobots and Decepticons square off and battle head-on in a snowy area. Most of the battles are even, but Scavenger completely outmaneuvers and overpowers a Mini-Con-enhancedCyclonus.Moments later, when the fight nears a chasm, Scavenger is abruptly MIA, leaving Hot Shot to reconsider his previous faith in his instructor.
With Optimus and Megatron moving closer to the deep gorge, the battle continues, while Scavenger doesn't respond to any calls for him. Back at the Autobot base, Alexis spots Scavenger on the video broadcast fromLaserbeak.The kids fear that Scavenger plans to sneak attack Optimus from behind, so Rad tellsRed Alertto warn Optimus, but Red Alert continues watching stoically.
Megatron is ready to finish Optimus when Prime surprises the Decepticon by ejecting his legs and grabbing hold of Megatron in a move designed to plunge both warriors into the chasm. But before Optimus can plummet heroically to his and Megatron's mutual doom, Scavenger leaps off the other side of the canyon and, in mid-air, manages to fling Optimus to safety.
When the kids express their amazement at how much faith Optimus places in Scavenger, Red Alert patiently explains that Optimus and Scavenger came to trust each other long ago on Cybertron. Why didn't Red Alert enlighten them earlier? For suspense, of course. Red Alert also points out that Scavenger never really switched sides; he was only on the Decepticon side to gain needed strategic information.
While Red Alert schools the kids, the Autobots take some time to taunt the outnumbered Decepticons on the battlefield. As the Decepticons consider their less-than-ideal situation, Sideways and Megatron emerge dramatically from the chasm, and Sideways sends Megatron flying directly at Scavenger. Unfortunately for the airborne Decepticon leader, Optimus quickly protects Scavenger and blasts Megatron away. Megatron swears vengeance as the Decepticons make a hasty retreat.
The battle finally ends, and Smokescreen and Hot Shot apologize to Scavenger, who graciously accepts. More importantly, however, the Autobots got the Mini-Con...err, wait. The Decepticons got the... hang on. Whatever happened to the Mini-Con that caused this episode's battle?...Ah well. At least the Autobots learned a "valuable lesson."
Featured characters
(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)
| Autobots | Decepticons | Humans | Mini-Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
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Quotes
"Looks like you two have something in common, Carlos! Scavenger must like taking naps as much as you. He even snores like you do."
- —Alexis,razzing her friends
"Starscream, watch yourself! If you keep running your processor in overdrive, pretty soon you won't be able to transform properly!"
- —Cyclonuson Starscream's paranoia
Megatron:Optimus Prime! Today is the day the Decepticons destroy the Autobots!
Optimus:You're wrong again, Megatron, and we're going to prove it!
Smokescreen:And today you'll feel the power of the Autobot team!
Hot Shot:Let's do this!
Megatron:Keep talking, you underdogs. Victory will be mine today.
Scavenger:(yawns hugely)
- —Fight banter makes Scavenger sleepy.
"I don't like showing off, but I think you'll agree that that high-flying wacko needed to be grounded permanently."
- —Scavenger,after shooting down Cyclonus
"Oh, my aching motherboard!"
- —Cyclonus,after getting shot
"It's boring talking about things that are in the past. It never does any good."
- —Scavengeraccepts apologies from Smokescreen and Hot Shot.
Notes
Differences withLegends of the Microns
- InArmada,Alexis asks if Hot Shot will "pass the test," and Carlos answers he will since he's stubborn. InLegends of the Microns,Alexis says the specialized training that Scavenger is giving Hot Shot must be strict, and Carlos says, "Whatever, that's his business." Then,Armadahas Rad say Hot Shot will be stronger than before; inLegends of the Microns,he says Carlos would feel the same way Hot Shot does after having something stolen from him.
- After the kids fail to find Hot Shot and Scavenger,Armadahas an awkward silence during the wide shot after Alexis says her line.Legends of the Micronsremoves the silence as Carlos has an extra line before saying that they should pay closer attention next time.
- Instead of saying the strange sounds might be coming from an animal, Carlos says it sounds like groaning and grunting.
- When the kids find Scavenger asleep,Armadaadds more dialogue to fill out the silence, and the scene has a more lighthearted tone as Alexis compares Scavenger to Carlos.
- Hot Shot asks Scavenger if he's still sleeping and doesn't call him a lame instructor. Then Carlos suggests that Hot Shot hit Scavenger to wake him up.
- Instead of warning Hot Shot to watch himself and saying that he wouldn't trust Scavenger, Carlos says he can't believe this and is disappointed. Then Rad says he understands how Carlos feels, with Alexis in agreement.
- InArmada,Red Alert tells Smokescreen to give Scavenger a chance, and Smokescreen reluctantly complies. InLegends of the Microns,Red Alert asks Smokescreen if he hates Scavenger, and Smokescreen shouts that he does.
- Immediately after this,Armadaadds an extra line to Carlos's internal monologue about him keeping an eye on Scavenger.
- As Starscream confronts Megatron about letting Scavenger go,Armadahas Starscream say that Scavenger will tell the Autobots the Decepticon base's location, and he made a "hasty exit" with no reason for leaving. InLegends of the Microns,Starscream says Megatron chose the right time to summon Scavenger; however, it's resulted in him betraying the Decepticons and probably joining the Autobots.
- InArmada,Sideways hopes Scavenger gets what's coming to him. After Cyclonus speaks, Sideways says if Scavenger is a traitor, he'll learn what happens to those who betray the Decepticons before Megatron asks them to bring him Scavenger's head. InLegends of the Microns,he says the next battle's outcome will show whether or not Scavenger has betrayed them. Sideways says that Megatron will severely punish any traitors since he's not as forgiving as Optimus was, and then Megatron says he'll break Scavenger's neck when the time comes.
- Starscream doesn't beg Megatron to let him kill Scavenger, and Sideways doesn't address Megatron. InArmada,Sideways speculates Scavenger might be spying on the Autobots for them and offers to interrogate him to do his part for the Decepticons. InLegends of the Microns,Sideways says maybe he is overthinking it but believes Starscream's "wild speculation" wouldn't be getting Megatron worked up if he didn't anticipate Scavenger being an enemy spy.
- After calling out to Optimus, Megatron says he's been waiting for this day to kill him inLegends of the Micronsbut says it's the day the Decepticons destroy the Autobots inArmada.Then,Armadahas Optimus respond that the Autobots will prove Megatron wrong.Legends of the Micronshas Optimus tell Megatron to shut up and say he'll crush Megatron's "evil ambitions."
- Instead of calling the Autobots underdogs and bragging that victory will be his, Megatron says, "Like a lost dog's bark, I didn't bother to listen." Then Megatron says no one can stop the Decepticons, to which Optimus replies that Megatron will never win since he lacks a heroic spirit.
- After forming the Star Saber, Megatron's line is anArmadaaddition as he laughs maniacally in the Japanese dub.Legends of the Micronsremoves the transformation sound effect heard when the Star Saber forms and Optimus enters Super Mode.Armadaplays the Transformers theme when Prime transforms, butLegends of the Micronsplays "Cybertrons, Transform!."
- When Scavenger catches Cyclonus, he makes an analytical quip about how holding many weapons increases the Decepticon's chances of missing his targets. InArmada,Scavenger merely gloats about how Cyclonus will never touch him. After shooting Cyclonus down, Scavenger brags about dealing with a flying loudmouth even though he isn't good at flying himself. Then, instead of saying that Scavenger is stronger than he looks, Alexis says he is moreseriousthan earlier.
- As he swings the Star Saber inArmada,Megatron tells Optimus to fight back and says he's not in the mood for Prime to play games with him. InLegends of the Microns,Megatron asks if Optimus has anything else to say and says Optimus won't be able to avoid him for much longer, alluding to how Optimus is backing up toward a chasm.
- Hot Shot's line about him trusting Scavenger if Optimus does is anArmadaaddition.
- Rad asks if Scavenger abandoned the team, and Carlos sounds more sure when he says that it looks as though Scavenger took off.
- Rather than boasting about finally being close to killing Optimus and the Autobots, Megatron wonders if Optimus will run away in defeat.
- After the kids notice Scavenger hiding,Armadahas Rad claim that Scavenger would've already made a sneak attack if that's what he's planning. InLegends of the Microns,he says Scavenger wouldn't go behind Optimus if he's planning to attack Megatron, lining up with Carlos's subsequent dialogue better.
- Megatron complements Optimus for holding his ground before asking what he'll try to do next and telling him to get ready to be sent to the Pit. The Japanese dub removes the transformation sound effect from when Optimus and Scavenger return to their standard forms.
- The quick cuts of everyone's reaction to Megatron and Optimus going over the chasm's edge are silent. The only sound heard is Megatron's disembodied scream echoing.
- Alexis explains that Scavenger waited until Megatron dropped his guard inLegends of the Microns.Armadasimplifies it to Scavenger waiting for the right time to save Optimus.
- The scene of Red Alert explaining Optimus and Scavenger's relationship to the kids differs between the dubs slightly:
- InArmada,Red Alert says they realized they were better off as allies than enemies since they're both proud warriors with similar beliefs. After Carlos asks if they became friends, Red Alert explains that, as friends, Optimus and Scavenger go out of their way to help one another, and Scavenger fights for the common good with significant risk to himself. Then he says Scavenger gave Megatron the Mini-Con panel as a necessary sacrifice for the Autobots after infiltrating the Decepticons and learning about their operation.
- InLegends of the Microns,Red Alert says Optimus knew Scavenger to be a trusted warrior regardless of which side they're on. Then Carlos asks how Optimus could trust an enemy. Red Alert answers that partners help each other despite the danger; however, as enemies, the effort to help others goes to waste, and Scavenger will do anything to keep his partnership with Optimus. To answer Rad's question about Scavenger giving Megatron the Mini-Con, Red Alert says it's how a Decepticon would act in that situation; Scavenger didn't want to reveal himself as a traitor while on the battlefield.
- After saving Scavenger, Optimus says the battle is still on inArmada,but inLegends of the Microns,he calls Megatron a nuisance.Armadaplays the Transformers theme again during this scene while the Japanese dub repeats "Cybertrons, Transform!".
- InArmada,Scavenger accepts Smokescreen and Hot Shot's apologies and says the team should get back to searching for the Mini-Con. InLegends of the Microns,he never mentions the Mini-Con and tells them "for their own good" to forget all trivial matters as quickly as possible.
- InArmada's ending narration, Rad says that's how Scavenger became close to the rest of the Autobots, and even Carlos"eventually"learned to trust him. InLegends of the Microns,Carlos gives the narration, saying that's how Scavenger became the most trusted and most powerful member of the team.
- InArmada,Alexis and Rad muse on how, despite things going back to normal, they'll never get used to Scavenger's snoring before Carlos says it'd be more dangerous if Scavenger didn't catch some Zs and fell asleep on the job. InLegends of the Microns,Alexis says Scavenger is the same as ever, and Rad says it's okay since Scavenger puts all of his efforts into combat. Then Carlos says Scavenger also needs energy for his midday naps.
Animation and technical errors
- After Rad takes the milk from Carlos, Carlos says, "Hey!" but his lips still move. Carlos says something else in the Japanese dub, but Rad talks over him, so he's faintly heard.
- When Rad looks distracted, Alexis asks him, "Hey, what isthat,Rad? "even though he hasn't mentioned the strange noise yet.Legends of the Micronsfixes it so that Alexis asks Rad if something is wrong instead.
- During the scene of Hot Shot and the kids watching the snoring Scavenger, Hot Shot's visor is miscolored white and blue.
- Sideways is missing his Decepticon symbol.
- Sideways's head is miscolored like his Autobot head after Megatron throws his shoulder thread panel at Starscream.
- In the shot of Optimus and the kids after the alarm sounds, the bottom halves of Optimus's legs are a few inches off to the side, and they seem to be of low-quality animation.
- Several scenes show Smokescreen's hook line miscolored orange like his chest.
- When Megatron seems to have Optimus trapped, the laughing that's heard sounds like it is coming from Prime. It's fixed to be Megatron in the Japanese dub.
- Shortly before warping away, Megatron mentions Optimus's treason when the context suggests that he means Scavenger. InLegends of the Microns,Megatron doesn't speak about Scavenger and curses Optimus for blasting him instead.
Continuity notes
- The kids have gotten a bigger fridge since "Overmatch,"and it's no longer full of tools.
- Hot Shot has been training with Scavenger for a week, meaning about a week has passed sincethe last episode.
- Back in "Overmatch," none of the Decepticons had heard of Scavenger before. This episode clarifies that he was initially a Decepticon long ago until he changed sides. Given how much older and wiser Scavenger is compared to the current Decepticon lineup, it's clear that he was a Decepticon long before they enrolled or, quite possibly, before they were created. Being an ex-Decepticon also partially explains his firm and imposing persona.
- It's unclear whether Scavengerwasever a mercenary or if that was just a cover during his infiltration into the Decepticon ranks. Megatrondidhire him, so he has at least one credited job. Megatron doesn't refer to Scavenger as a mercenary in the Japanese dub of "Overmatch" and only says he summoned Scavenger as a reinforcement.
- Since the younger Autobots, Hot Shot and Smokescreen, never heard of him, it's evident that he left the Autobots at some point but what he did during that time remains unknown.
- The last time Megatron threatened to send an Autobot to thePitinLegends of the Micronswas in "Swoop."This episode marks the second time he says the expression in the Japanese dub, but the third time the series uses it.
- Gadgets and powers:
- Optimus disengages from hisSuper Modeand launches his lower torso section at Megatron as a distraction.
- Sideways is strong enough to pull Megatron out of the hole using chains in motorcycle mode. Seriously, what isUnicronfeeding you?
- Powerlinx forms:
- Cyclonus Powerlinx with Drill Bit for the only time in robot mode. Drill Bit connects to his right arm so Cyclonus can use the drill.
- Drill Bit remains on his right arm when he transforms into helicopter mode.
- Scavenger Powerlinx with Rollbar for the first time in the cartoon, activating his "Dozer Cannon."
- Cyclonus Powerlinx with Drill Bit for the only time in robot mode. Drill Bit connects to his right arm so Cyclonus can use the drill.
Continuity errors
- Alexis mentions Hot Shot needing to pass a test, but we never see anything come from it in this or any future episodes.Legends of the Micronsremoves the test detail, and the kids only discuss Hot Shot's training with Scavenger, so it's a non-issue.
- Where are Billy and Fred? They're MIA for the second time on the show without reason after "Overmatch."
- While Crumplezone is Cyclonus's regular Mini-Con partner, he Powerlinx with Drill Bit in this case but still calls out Crumplezone's name. Cyclonus is the onlyArmadatoy with a "gear-gimmick" that lets him take full advantage of Drill Bit's drill mechanism, but not in the fashion Cyclonus wears Drill Bit in this episode. InLegends of the Microns,Cyclonus uses the correct name when referring to Drill Bit.
- The Autobots again seem confused about theLunar Base's location, though Hot Shot wastheretwo episodes ago.The Japanese dub doesn't have this discrepancy.
- Optimus can somehow block the Star Saber with his arms.
- Smokescreen says, "Hey! Who is that?" as Scavenger rushes to save Optimus when it's already apparent. He correctly exclaims "What?" in the Japanese dub instead.
- So, uh... the Mini-Con that caused this entire battle in the first place? It's never shown, and subsequent episodes never show any new Mini-Cons among the Autobots. Guess this means they didn't find one? Who knows. It's not an issue inLegends of the Micronssince the Decepticons seemingly cause the alarm, prompting the Autobots to go out and face them. Optimus tells Red Alert to "confirm the coordinates," and neither Prime nor Scavenger ever mention any new Mini-Con.
- Why does Rad give the ending monologue since Carlos gave the opening one, and he's the one out of the kids with the most explicit trust issues toward Scavenger? InLegends of the Microns,Carlos provides the final narration to close out his subplot.
Transformers references
- During the flashbacks, Optimus uses a gun similar in design toGeneration 1Optimus Prime's.
- Similarly, Scavenger uses a gun resembling that of Generation 1Devastator's.
- Scavenger's name inLegends of the MicronsisDevastor,the same name used for Generation 1 Devastator in Japan. Fittingly, his colors also resemble theConstructicons.
Real-world references
- While preventing Hot Shot from helping Optimus inLegends of the Microns,Starscream says, "You shall not pass!"; a reference to Gandalf inThe Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
Trivia
- The kanji chiến hữu would be pronounced as "sen'yū,"while"kizuna"is used for the kanji bán.
- Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003reveals a few things:
- Series directorHidehito Uedaadded the dialogue between Optimus and Megatron at the beginning of the fight as Ueda often used dialogue fromnaniwabushiand period-dramas in his work.
- The explanation behind Scavenger's actions is one of the most significant changes between the show's English and Japanese versions. InLegends of the Microns,Scavenger joins the Autobots after sensing Optimus and Hot Shot's passion and fulfilling his duty to the Decepticons; Scavenger tells this to Hot Shot in the Japanese dub of "Remorse."Optimus and Red Alert call Scavenger someone who does his best regardless of which side he's on and" the furthest thing from a spy. "However,Armadagoes the opposite route and makes it that Scavenger acted as a spy under Optimus's orders. The difference came from the diverse mentalities between Japan and the U.S.;Armadauses a more simplistic understanding of friend and foe and the concept of warfare that's "more comfortable for American viewers."
- This episode is the second time Carlos gives narration in the Japanese dub; the last time was in "Palace."
Foreign localization
French
- Title:"Une affaire de confiance"(" A Matter of Trust ")
Hungarian
- Title:"Az új szövetséges"(" The New Ally ")
Italian
- Title:"Fidarsi o non fidarsi"(" To Trust or Not to Trust ")
Korean
- Title:"사이버트론의 우정"(" Cybertron's Friendship ")
Polish
- Title:"Zaufanie"(" Trust ")
Portuguese
- Title:"Confiança"(" Trust ")
Home video releases
- DVD
2003 —Transformers: Legends of the Microns— Volume 5 (Columbia Music Entertainment) — Japanese audio only.
2004 —Transformers: Armada— Flashbacks (Rhino Entertainment)
2004 —Transformers: Armada— Season One: Part One (Rhino Entertainment)
2007 —Transformers: Armada— Le combat recommence... (TFou Vidéo) — French audio only.
2008 —Transformers: Armada— Volume One (New KSM) — English and German audio.
2014 —Transformers: Armada— The Complete Series (Shout! Factory)
