The Perfect Decepticon

« Transformers: Cyberverse ep 64
"You've got a little...something on your face."
"The Perfect Decepticon"
Season	4
No. in season	2
Production company	eOne
Airdate	November 7, 2021 (Canada) November 20, 2021 (YouTube) December 22, 2021 (Netflix)
Writer	Gavin Hignight Maasai Singleton
Director	Ehud Landsberg
Animation studio	Boulder Media Studio
Watch this episode on YouTube

The Decepticons from the other dimension return to Cybertron, forcing the Autobots and Decepticons into a conflict that threatens to reignite the Great War all over again.

Synopsis

Pictured: the terrible aftermath of the most recent SpaceX rocket launch.

Life on peacetime Cybertron goes on, with Optimus Prime and his fellow leaders speaking at the dedication of the new Trypticon Plaza. However, the festivities are interrupted by the sudden appearance of a swirling vortex in the air. The flaming form of Astrotrain emerges from the portal and crashes down in the plaza. As Optimus and the others rush to his side, the badly damaged Astrotrain gives the group a cryptic warning before succumbing to his wounds: something much worse than the other Megatron is coming.

Within Iaconus, the leaders of both factions attempt to prepare for the invasion, though not knowing what's coming makes preparations difficult. The Dinobots are itching for a fight, but only succeed in annoying everyone they come across with their overenthusiasm. Wheeljack and Sky-Byte raise the planetary shields as a precautionary measure, putting all of Cybertron on edge. However, it doesn't take long before the shield is broken, and a group of Decepticon supersoldiers teleport into the room—and immediately start beating the scrap out of each other. Confused, the others pull the fighters apart, and the most damaged among them takes the opportunity to finish off his aggressors, warning that everyone is in grave danger. Indeed, Optimus receives a transmission from Windblade, who confirms that more supersoldiers are appearing all over Cybertron, ruthlessly fighting one another. The damaged bot explains that his dimension's Megatron programmed them to be mindless soldiers that lived only for battle, but after his destruction, the supersoldiers slayed Astrotrain in retribution and now fight among themselves for leadership. While most of the supersoldiers are mindless and instinctive, the damaged one has evolved and given himself a name: Tarn. Optimus insists they stop the conflict, hoping the rest can change like Tarn did, but the Decepticons would rather see the invaders destroy each other. Thus, two plans are put into motion...

“Only in a leap from the lion's head, shall he prove his worth”.

Wheeljack arms the Autobots with various gadgets, intent on using them to pacify and disable the supersoldiers. The plan works well at first, with the devices managing to incapacitate the brawlers. However, the supersoldiers use their teleporters to free themselves from the traps before reemerging and beginning their street fight anew. With the plan deemed a failure, Soundwave decides it's time for the Decepticon approach. On his orders, the Decepticons open fire on their otherdimensional counterparts, but they prove impervious to their weapons. Even an attempt to drop a warhead on the supersoldiers is ineffective, as they simply teleport away from the blast. Optimus worries that they have run out of options, but Tarn offers a solution: the Cortex Helm, a legendary relic that could be used to rewrite their programming and remove their need for dominance.

At Bumblebee's suggestion, he, Optimus, Soundwave, Shadow Striker and Tarn journey into the wilderness and find Thunderhowl to ask him about the Cortex Helm. Thunderhowl confirms it once belonged to his former master Onyx Prime and, with some persuasion, agrees to take them to its hiding place. The group travels by shuttle to a spot high above Cybertron, and are shocked when Thunderhowl orders them to land on the open air—even more so when they actually do so successfully. The ancient warrior places his sword in a hidden plinth to reveal the landmass on which they now stand: the Isle of Onyx Prime. As they traverse the isle, the group find themselves attacked by giant statues of Alpha Trion. Despite the statues' regenerative abilities, they are defeated when the group manages to force them over the edge, plummeting to the surface below. Venturing deeper in, the group nearly falls victim to the same fate when a walkway crumbles beneath them, barely managing to reach the other side in time.

"We are now no longer the Knights Who Say 'Ni'! We are now the Knights Who Say 'Ecky-Ecky-Ecky-Ecky-Pikang-Zoom-Boing-Gumzowehzeh'!"

At last, they reach the central chamber, sealed with a door that can only be unlocked by the Matrix of Leadership. As Prime does so, Tarn breaks away from the others and charges in, grabbing the Cortex Helm and placing it upon his head, much to everyone's shock. Tarn confirms he has removed the desire for dominance from his brethren's programming, but has instead replaced it with subservience to himself. Other supersoldiers appear and restrain the team, and Tarn announces that he will finish what Megatron couldn't, putting a permanent end to the Autobots. As Tarn issues his orders, supersoldiers all over the planet stop fighting and immediately turn their attention to the Autobots, opening fire.

With his machinations in motion, Tarn invites Soundwave and Shadow Striker to join his new regime, to which they reluctantly agree. Tarn then orders Shadow Striker to execute Bumblebee and Thunderhowl before departing with Optimus and Soundwave in tow. The three re-emerge in an empty Cube arena, and Tarn begins broadcasting to all of Cybertron. He announces himself as the new Decepticon leader, and that much like Megatron fought in the gladiator pits of old, Optimus will now have to fight a gauntlet of his supersoldiers for the right to challenge him. As Optimus begins his battle, Tarn declares that the peace treaty is now null and void, ordering the Decepticons to destroy any remaining Autobots. Some follow their new orders, while others like Dead End and Wildwheel can only bring themselves to watch. The Autobots attempt to fight back, but soon find themselves on the back foot and are forced to retreat. Hot Rod sends coordinates to all the Autobots, ordering them to regroup there.

"Uka Uka, this is not a fair contest! You have too many players! If your confidence in evil is so great, you can win with equal sides. You must surrender two of your team."

On the Isle of Onyx Prime, the supersoldiers hold Bumblebee and Thunderhowl over the precipice, waiting for Shadow Striker to finish them. Bumblebee chastises Shadow Striker for still holding onto her grudge against him, but she surprises him when she shoots the supersoldiers off the ledge instead. She orders the two to escape as she is confronted by another group of supersoldiers. In the arena, Optimus wins his first match, but Tarn begins sending increasing numbers of opponents to battle him at once. Elsewhere, Wheeljack, Arcee and Clobber find themselves cornered by a group of supersoldiers. Unable to watch his friend be hurt any longer, Lockdown steps in to help Clobber, giving them the opening they all need to get away. Jetfire finds himself under attack as well, but is saved by some timely intervention from Whirl, and they head to the rendezvous point.

Optimus's battle is beginning to take its toll on him, and though he attempts to reason with Tarn, pointing out how he has come to embody the sort of corrpution Megatron originally stood against, Tarn is unfazed and continues to throw more opponents at Optimus. Shadow Striker is brought before Tarn, who expresses disappointment at her decision to betray him. Shadow Striker berates Soundwave for serving under Tarn so easily, but Soundwave replies that he's simply following orders, just as he always did for Shockwave—and Shadow Striker at last realizes Soundwave's true intentions. Optimus tosses one of the supersoldiers at Tarn, knocking him aside and giving Shadow Striker the opportunity to escape.

"Grimlock, you're late again."

The Dinobots finally reach Hot Rod's coordinates in Cybertron's underworld, confident that the Decepticons will not find them there, and Repugnus leads them to where Hot Rod and the others are waiting. The group are all in agreement that they need to rescue Optimus, but Hot Rod points out they don't need to defeat Tarn's army; they just need to take the Cortex Helm so Tarn can't control them anymore. Wheeljack reveals they now have an advantage: while fleeing from the supersoldiers, he managed to pull a teleporter from one of their remains, and he should now be able to equip each Autobot with one of their own.

"Who are they?"
"Oh, just some friends!"

With six supersoldiers fighting him at once, Optimus is finally pushed to his limit and falls. Tarn is disappointed by Optimus's failure and prepares to put him out of his misery, but Windblade teleports in and blasts him away. She is followed in short order by Thunderhowl, Rack'n'Ruin and Bumblebee, who knock the supersoldiers away and help Optimus to his feet. Tarn attempts to attack them, but they teleport out of the way before reappearing with an army of Autobots alongside them. Tarn isn't worried, though; not only are his troops stronger, but the Autobots now have to contend with the rest of the Decepticons, who have surrounded them. Tarn orders the Decepticons to attack, but is confused when they remain stationary. Shadow Striker emerges from the crowd and reveals that the Decepticons have unanimously decided the peace treaty still stands. Soundwave voices his agreement and prepares to fire on Tarn, but is restrained by the supersoldiers before being freed by Volcanicus. Enraged, Tarn orders his troops to destroy them all, and the Autobots and Decepticons engage in a united assault on the enemy invaders.

"See, your friends? Oh they're finished. My world is almost finished. The last thing I need to do is finish you."

The Cybertronians manage to fare well in the battle, working together with one another to take out many of the supersoldiers. As the two forces clash, Optimus and Hot Rod attempt to remove the Cortex Helm from Tarn's head, but he proves too powerful and manages to drive them off. Frustrated with the battle, Tarn summons even more of his forces, and they begin ripping the teleporters from the Autobots, quickly overwhelming all the combatants. With the opposition pinned down, Tarn mocks Optimus and controls his troops to charge their cannons, preparing to finish everyone off. Before he can fire, Hot Rod tackles him and attempts to pull the Cortex Helm off once more, but Tarn overpowers him and begins beating him senseless. Soundwave, having finally had enough, uses a sonic blast to free himself, and Tarn orders his troops to stand down so the two can have a final one-on-one confrontation.

Laserbeak ejects and attacks Tarn's face, giving Soundwave the chance to approach Tarn and pin him down, finally pulling the Cortex Helm free. He places it upon his own head and uses its power, causing the supersoldiers to release their captives, but Tarn attacks him and pulls the Helm off. Moments before Tarn can don the helm once more, the severely damaged Soundwave uses the last of his strength to release a massive sonic blast that engulfs the arena and spreads for miles. As the light fades, the supersoldiers stand and drop their weapons. Seeing the Autobots' confusion, one of them reveals that the changes Soundwave made to their programming didn't just make them stop—Soundwave gave them the freedom to choose to stop. Everyone turns to congratulate Soundwave, only to find a smoldering crater where he and Tarn once stood, with no trace of either one left behind. The onlookers can only stare in silence as Laserbeak mourns the loss of his trusted friend.

Raise a glass to freedom.
Something they can never take away.
No matter what they tell you…

Later at Maccadam's, Autobots, Decepticons, and reformed supersoldiers alike have gathered to hold a wake for Soundwave. Hot Rod eulogizes his friend and shares fond memories, and Optimus leads the others in a toast for their fallen ally. As the wake continues, Optimus steps out for some air, later joined by Bumblebee, Hot Rod and Windblade. Optimus smiles, commenting that for once, everything is good, and Bumblebee admits that after millions of years of war, he doesn't know what to do with himself now that it's all over, a sentiment the others agree with. Optimus knows, though: with the war over, Cybertron doesn't need a Prime anymore, so he'll be stepping away from leadership to simply enjoy the newfound peace. However, given how they've proven themselves, he's more than confident that the other three will be able to lead in his stead—as will Shadow Striker, now accompanied by her new partner Laserbeak, who has joined them outside. The other Autobots join Optimus in a group hug, while a reluctant Shadow Striker merely stands to the side until getting pushed into the hug by the arriving Dinobots. The group laugh as they look forward to the future of Cybertron together. A future where, at long last...

All are one.

Featured characters

Characters in italic text appear only in flashbacks.
(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)

Quotes

Hot Rod: "Thaaat's... odd."
Swoop: "Yes, odd. And I would also call it... ominous."
Hot Rod: "Totally ominous."
Sludge: "What om-in-ous?"
Windblade: "It's like having a feeling something bad will happen."
(The supersoldiers start marching towards the Autobots)
Sludge: "Wooah! Sludge having om-in-ous!"

—The Autobots react to the om-in-ous Decepticon supersoldiers.

"Tarn, by using the Cortex Helm to force these soldiers to fight me, you are no better than those Megatron rose up against."
"That's fine. Three more!"

—Optimus Prime tries to convince Tarn of his wrongdoings, and he doesn't really care!

"'Decepticons attack?' Who're you to tell us what to do? I've talked with my fellow Decepticons, and we all agree: the treaty between us and the Autobots stands. Get off our planet, Tarn."

—Shadow Striker and the Decepticons make a stand against Tarn.

"Survival is the right of all sentient beings... if they're strong enough."

—Tarn steals Prime's catchphrase.

"Soundwave superior. Tarn... most inferior."

—Soundwave's glitchy last words.

"In defending each other, and protecting our home, you have all demonstrated that you are well equipped to lead."
"What'll you do now, Optimus?"
"I will... enjoy myself. I will enjoy a Cybertron that is free and just for everyone. When challenges arise, I know you will solve them together. All of you."

—Optimus Prime's parting words, as Hot Rod and the others look to the future.

Notes

Continuity notes

• This episode builds on the events of the Chapter Three finale episodes "Silent Strike" and "The Other One", in which Megatron X and his dimension-hopping army of supersoldiers attempted to invade. Those events ended with Astrotrain planning to leave the disabled Megatron X trapped within himself in unspace, but...well, you can see how that worked out.
• Trypticon's still-immobilized body stands at the center of the new "Trypticon Plaza" after he was time-locked in the previous episode.
• In the unique title sequence for this episode, we see Megatron X standing above a huge mountain of corpses, including Optimus, Bumblebee, Wheeljack, Hot Rod, and Soundwave, likely depicting the events of Megatron X's timeline.
• One of the Decepticon generics claims the planetary shields are being raised because the Quintessons have returned, having previously taken over the planet during the first half of the third season.
• An Autobot generic responds to the aforementioned claim, saying he heard from Red Five that the shields are protecting against Starscream's ghost. Starscream perished during the climax of the aforementioned Quintesson invasion, back in "The End Of The Universe IV". Meanwhile, Red Five was the name given to a generic Autobot in "Escape From Earth".
• Perceptor compares the supersoldiers' brawl to Polyhex vs. Iacon City, a Cube match depicted in the episode "Cube".
• Wheeljack arms the Autobots with the force shield blasters and Mega Magnetizers he created in "The Visitor", and the gravity modulators he invented in "Secret Science".
• Optimus recognizes the Cube arena, as seen in the flashback of "Cube", while Tarn recognizes it as an arena where Megatron rose to power, in the first flashback of "Megatron Is My Hero".
• Wildwheel comments he would like to see the supersoldiers deactivate Optimus. The Decepticon holds a personal grudge against the Autobot leader, as depicted in "Wild Wild Wheel".
• When Bumblebee is about to be executed by Shadow Striker, he assumes she will go through with it due to her grudge from the events depicted in the flashback scenes of "Shadowstriker".
• Teletraan-X refers to Windblade as "not crew", as he did back in his earliest first season appearances.
• Soundwave finally acts against Tarn after he nearly kills Hot Rod; Hot Rod and Soundwave developed a friendship during the third season.
• In Hot Rod's eulogy for Soundwave, he mentions when the Decepticon ordered Clobber to destroy him and her following attempt, in "The Prisoner".
• Optimus mentions he will finally enjoy himself, concluding his personal struggles from "Party Down".

Transformers references

• In the unique title sequence, the Autobots and Decepticons charge and battle the supersoldiers in a glowing grid, much like the Season 2 title sequence of the original cartoon.
• While Starscream returning as a ghost is just a rumor here, he's actually done so in many past Transformers stories dating back to the original cartoon episode "Starscream's Ghost".
• Locations shown on the war room monitor include Protihex, Praxus, Alexia, Kaon, North and South Iacon, North and South Croaton, and Cronum.
• At one point, the supersoldiers are using sniper rifles resembling Vos.
• While Thunderhowl's debut episode was ambiguous about which Prime he served, this episode confirms his old master to have been Onyx Prime, as tends to be the case for Transformers with beast modes.
• Tarn tells Optimus that "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings... if they're strong enough" in a twisted mirroring of Optimus' iconic quote.
• One last "Soundwave Superior" for the road.
• At Soundwave's wake, Optimus and the others cheer that "all are one".

Real-world references

• When the supersoldiers first invade Cybertron and fight each other, a blue Autobot generic shouts "Game over, man!" in reference to the movie Aliens.

Other trivia

• Originally scheduled for a November 21 premiere on Netflix, the episode was pushed back a month to December 22. However, the episode ended up airing well before then on November 7 via Canadian TV network Teletoon, followed by a YouTube release two weeks later.
• This episode was split into two 22-minute parts for its iTunes release.
• The Decepticon supersoldiers' melee weapons are red and purple recolors of a few of the weapons in Iaconus's training rooms in "The Alliance", as well as Shadow Striker's daggers.
• This episode marks the only instance in which we see Cosmos transform into her UFO alternate mode.
• Wheeljack addresses Ruin by name individually while he's handing out weapons, thus revealing that he's the one on Rack'n'Ruin's right, with the monocle.

Animation and technical errors

• In the unique title sequence, Shadow Striker switches to her old body when she charges at the supersoldiers.
• When Optimus, Bumblebee, and Shadow Striker drive across the crumbling walkway in the Isle of Onyx Prime, both Bee and Optimus are in their Earth vehicle modes. In the same scene, Shadow Striker hovers upward in car mode, much like Bumblebee's Cybertronian vehicle mode would.
• Before entering through the door to the temple, Optimus' arms are not properly out of his torso.
• The Autobot insignia Cosmos gained in "The Immobilizers" is missing in her robot mode.
• Hammerbyte has purple eyes, from his Dweller-controlled state in "Dweller In The Depths", instead of his typical blue eyes.
• Wildwheel regains his poncho when the Decepticons show up in the Cube arena and onward, after appearing without it since "The Immobilizers" (besides the title sequence). However, he loses it again only when Shadow Striker says "and we all agree, the treaty between us and the Autobots stands." In that same shot only, Dead End has his battle mask and Dirge moves from behind Alpha Strike to the right of Dead End.
• Wildwheel, Dead End, and Dirge disappear when the Decepticons charge to attack the supersoldiers (though all three do reappear later).
• A lone Seeker teleports in the Cube area battle and is later seen having their teleporter forcibly removed, despite only the Autobots and Lockdown receiving the teleporter.
• When the supersoldiers overtake the Autobots, the left arm and hand of the soldier who restrains Windblade twitches and clips through itself for a brief moment.
• At the start of the final scene, Optimus's shoulders switch positions (made clearly visible by his smokestacks) between shots in front of him and behind him.
• As in the previous episode, Teletraan-X is misspelled as "Teletran X" in the credits.

Foreign localization

Portuguese

• Title: "O Decepticon Perfeito" ("The Perfect Decepticon")
• Original airdate: November 20, 2021

German

• Title: "Der Perfekte Decepticon" ("The Perfect Decepticon")
• Original airdate: December 30, 2021

Home video releases

• TBA

References