Transformers: Energon
“Cybertron City” – Episode 1 (Paramount DVD Release)
Written by Voicebox
Transcription by Brandon Williams

–

Optimus: (VO) I am Optimus Prime. It has been twenty Earth years since the Transformers’ war ended with the Decepticons. The evil living planet Unicron was damaged and blown into deep space, along with my arch-enemy, Megatron. Since then, the Autobots have forged an uneasy alliance with the Decepticons, and together we have joined with the ingenious humans in a quest for one of the rarest and most powerful elements in all the universe, Energon. Energon is the source of life itself. And harnessing its power promises to bring a better life to human kind.

[Transition]

Misha: Stop, Kicker! Don’t do it! You’ll get in trouble. Optimus Prime will be mad.

Kicker: Listen, Misha. I don’t care what that big old bucket of bolts says. I’m sick of being trapped underwater, and I’m gonna get some fresh air.

Misha: But you know you can’t raise Ocean City without proper authorization.

Kicker: Can’t? I’m doing it. I’m authorizing myself. I’m through being bossed around by those robots on my own planet.

Misha: Kicker…!

Kicker: Outta my way, Misha. I’m grabbin’ my bike and gettin’ outta here.

Misha: Kicker…! Ohh, what is wrong with him, anyway?

Demolishor: Hey, what’s going on here? Nobody told me we were surfacing. Hmm? What? Hey, it’s that kid, Kicker. What are you doing out here?

Kicker: It’s none of your business, Demolishor!

Demolishor: You’re not supposed to be out here, now get back!

Kicker: Heh! You can’t stop me, metalhead! Heh, heh, heh!

Demolishor: Kicker!

Kicker: Later! Loser!

Demolishor: Aww! What a jerk! Huh?

Hot Shot: Nice job guarding the gate, Demolishor.

Demolishor: You’re not the boss of me, Autobot!

Hot Shot: Hey, throttle back! We’re not enemies! It doesn’t matter who’s an Autobot and who’s a Decepticon.

Demolishor: Well, it matters to me, Hot Shot.

Hot Shot: Whatever. I gotta go get Kicker. Now get back to work!

Demolishor: Errrrrgh… One of these days, Hot Shot… I’m gonna crush you!

Hot Shot: Okay, Kicker, party’s over.

Kicker: Heheh… I don’t think so, Hot Shot!

Hot Shot: Aww, that kid can be such a pain in the rear bumper. Transform!

Kicker: Heheh… Hey, what’s the matter, Hot Shot? Too fast for ya? Uh oh…

Hot Shot: Okay wise guy, who gave you permission to surface the city?

Kicker: I don’t need your permission! It’s my planet, not yours! Now get outta my way!

Hot Shot: I’m in charge of Cybertron City! You have to do what I say.

Kicker: You think you’re the boss, but I’ve had enough of bots bossin’ me around! Huh?!

Hot Shot: Back to the city, Kicker!

Kicker: Watch where you’re pointing that thing!

Hot Shot: Ugh… Sorry.

Kicker: I hate this!

Hot Shot: Get back!

Kicker: Hhh… Hhh.

Hot Shot: Hey, what’s wrong?

Kicker: Heh… Energon, I sense it. The Omnicons finally found it! And there’s a lot. It’s more Energon than I’ve ever sensed before!

Strongarm: Huh?

Skyblast: What’s up?

Strongarm: Check it out, Skyblast.

Skyblast / Strongarm: Energon!

[Transition]

Q-2: Energon! Energon! Really? We need lots of Energon!

Q-1: Be quiet, blabbing fool.

Q-3: Yes, I need to strategize. We must plan very carefully. The Alpha Quintesson must always have a plan.

Q-1: Plan?! We need no plan! We take what we need! Activate the Terrorcons. We must collect sufficient Energon to awaken Unicron. Go forth, my pets. Bring us Energon!

Q-3: Very well. We shall play it your way, for now.

Rad: After all we went through, it’s hard to believe we wound up here on Cybertron. Isn’t it, Sally?

Sally: Yeah, Rad. Hey, wait! I’m getting a text message from Earth base! You’ve got to read this.

Rad: Huh? You’re kidding.

Sally: No, Rad. It’s for real! While I verify it, do you think you could tell my dad?

Rad: You got it, kiddo.

Sally: Thanks.

Dr. Jones: Rad, was that Sally?

Rad: Yeah, and we’ve got big news from Earth.

Dr. Jones: Aaah… Please don’t tell me Kicker did something again.

Rad: No, Doc. Your son is fine. But the message said the Omnicons have struck Energon!

Dr. Jones: What am I gonna do with him? Huh?! What?! An Energon strike on Earth?!

Rad: Yes, sir. At our underwater mine at Ocean City. Pretty much where Kicker said it should be.

Dr. Jones: So Kicker was right. How about that?

Rad: Yeah… Go figure!

Dr. Jones: What wonderful news. After all these years, we may finally have enough Energon to finish my project, Transformers will have the power they need to revive and power-up Cybertron, and humanity may have the clean energy we need to solve our energy crisis. I knew our alliance would be the salvation of us all.

[Transition]

Tidal Wave: Tidal Wave like asteroid belt.

Omnicon A: Hey Tidal Wave, did you hear the good news? They found Energon on Earth!

Tidal Wave: Bug off, little Autobot!

Omnicon B: Boy, Decepticons are such jerks!

Omnicon A: Yeah, and he’s the biggest one of ’em all! Heh, heh, heh!

Omnicon B: Hey, look up there!

Tidal Wave: Hmm… Not good.

Omnicon A: What? What’s not good?

Tidal Wave: Tidal Waaaaaaave! Tidal Wave will defend Cybertron. Tidal Wave will attack!

[Transition]

Ironhide: Whaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Optimus: Ugh! Urrghhh. Powerful attack, Ironhide! But in the end, it’s not about power, it’s about leverage!

Ironhide: Aaaaaaaaaahhhhh!

Optimus: Any questions?!

Ironhide: Hey… Optimus!

Optimus: Huh?

Ironhide: C’mon… I want another shot!

Optimus: Haha. I like you, Ironhide. You remind me a lot of Hot Shot.

Ironhide: You… you really think so, sir?

Optimus: All right, that’s enough training for today, men. We’ll pick this up tomorrow.

Autobot Rookies: Yessir!

Ironhide: Aw, wow! I can’t believe Optimus said that! Just to be mentioned in the same breath as Hot Shot is probably the greatest compliment in the universe. I am the greatest!

Optimus: What’s up?

Rad: There’s big trouble, Optimus!

Dr. Jones: Our mining operation in the asteroid belt is being attacked by a force of unknown bots. They’re after the Energon.

Optimus: What?

Carlos: Mars-1 to base! We’re under attack! I repeat, all stations, this is not a drill! Enemy attack detected, and it’s coming from unknown mechanical lifeforms!

Dr. Jones: First the asteroid belt, then Mars. Earth could be next.

Optimus: Hot Shot will protect Earth until we can get there. But Mars is vulnerable. I’ll assemble a recon team at once.

Dr. Jones: No! Wait!

Optimus: Huh?

Dr. Jones: I have something for you.

Jetfire: Optimus… Is it true, sir? Are the mining operations under attack? Do you think it might be Decepticons?

Optimus: Of course not. Team, we have a new enemy and we don’t have time to waste.

Inferno: Hey Optimus, are they attacking Earth?

Optimus: Not yet, Inferno, but they are attacking Mars.

Jetfire: Okay, then what are we waiting for?

Optimus: Let’s roll out.

Ironhide: Hey, hang on…

Optimus: What now, Ironhide?

Ironhide: Ya gotta take me, sir. I wanna go on this mission.

Jetfire: Ya wanna learn from the best, huh? Well I hope you understand this isn’t just a game.

Ironhide: Okay, I know I’m a rookie, Optimus. But I wanna see some action!

Jetfire: You uploaded your Spark of Combination, Ironhide?

Ironhide: Uh, no… Not yet. But I can!

Optimus: It’s your decision, Jetfire.

Jetfire: Ehh… Okay, come on.

Ironhide: Sir!

Optimus: Earth vehicle mode, transform! Rad, open the gates!

Rad: Roger that, Optimus. I’m all over it. Dr. Jones, is Ironhide going with them?

Dr. Jones: He is. I hope he’s ready.

Optimus: Roll out!

Ironhide: Aw man, this is great!

Jetfire: Just zip it!

Optimus: Transform!

Ironhide, Jetfire & Inferno: Transform!

Optimus: Ehh… It looks like we’re too late.

Jetfire: What coulda done this?

Ironhide: Hello?! Can anybody hear me?!

Inferno: Ironhide, get real, they’re miles away. Or, they were.

Jetfire: I’d say there were dozens of Omnicons working here.

Inferno: Nothing could’ve survived that attack!

Ironhide: You think they were wiped out?

Optimus: We’ve got to get to Earth.

[Transition]

Sally: So that’s Energon?

Miranda: Yes. It’s the energy source that all Transformers need to survive, Sally.

Sally: You know, it looks kind of dangerous. Don’t ya think?

Kicker: Like I care…

Sally: What is with that boy?!

Miranda: He’s just going through a phase, that’s all.

Sally: Well!

Kicker: Ergh! We don’t need Transformers or Energon! Hhh…

[Flashback]

Kicker: (VO) I thought it would be so cool to live on Cybertron. Boy, was I wrong. Everything was huge and there was nothing alive but us and the Transformers. I hated it so much, I kept trying to run away.

Optimus: Kicker! Where are you? Are you in there? Your father is worried about you! Kicker! Kicker! I just hope he isn’t again.

Kicker: Go away! I hate it here! I didn’t even want to come here! Egh. I wanna go home! Ahhh! Where am I?

Primus: I am the core, the heart, the very life force of Cybertron. You are safe. No harm shall come to you here, Kicker.

Kicker: B-but I’m scared.

Primus: A great destiny lies ahead of you. I shall help you achieve it.

[End Flashback]

Kicker: Problem is, from where I stand, destiny stinks. Huh?! Hehhh?!

Hot Shot: Are you serious, Carlos? Our base on Mars was hit?

Carlos: Yeah, Hot Shot. And according to our reports, it was destroyed by some kind of strange bots. And our sensors say a huge amount of Energon was stolen.

Hot Shot: Earth is probably next in line. Thanks for letting us know.

Kicker: Hot Shot! Hhh, hhh… Hot Shot! You gotta submerge the city! And make it quick!

Hot Shot: No can do, Kicker. We’re right in the middle of an Energon mining op. And besides, it was you who raised the city in the first place!

Kicker: Listen! We’re under attack!

Hot Shot: We’re what?!

Kicker: C’mon! Let’s go!

Hot Shot: Kicker! Not again…

Kicker: Hey, let’s go!

Demolishor: Not this time, kid!

Kicker: Outta my way, Demolishor! We don’t have time for this, now move!

Demolishor: Uggh!

Kicker: We’re under attack!

Demolishor: What?! Hey, wait… Hot Shot, no! Oh!

Hot Shot: I don’t see anything, Kicker!

Kicker: I tell you, I sense something.

Hot Shot: Yeah, Kicker. You sense Energon. Everybody knows that.

Kicker: (VO) This feels totally different… And bad.

Hot Shot: All right, I can’t put the city on full alert just because — Kicker? Kicker?!

Kicker: There. Fire right there.

Hot Shot: Hhh… I don’t see a thing. Transform! This better not be a joke.

Kicker: It’s not, now fire!

Hot Shot: Yeaaahh… Whatever. There’s nothing!

Kicker: Well… Ya missed! Look! There they are!

Hot Shot: Hey… You’re right! But what are those things?

Kicker: It looks like recon bots. And there’s more coming, Hot Shot.

Hot Shot: How’d ya know?

Kicker: Take a look for yourself.

Hot Shot: Kicker… Why would Transformers be attacking us?

Kicker: ‘Cause they’re after our Energon. C’mon, we gotta evacuate the city!

Hot Shot: Kicker! Huhhh!

Kicker: Egh.

Hot Shot: This is crazy!

Kicker: Hahaha…

Hot Shot: Kicker! Don’t be an idiot! Huh? We’re in trouble.

Demolishor: What’s goin’ on?! Hmm. What do you want?! Huh… Oh no, you’re not! Ugh! You’re not getting past me! Hrgh!

Hot Shot: Run for it, Kicker!

Kicker: Ughh! Ehh? Eh?

Jetfire: Somebody call for help? It’s Optimus and his boys to the rescue!

Inferno: Transform!

Optimus: Transform! Kicker, are you all right?

Kicker: ‘Bout time you showed up! They’re after the Energon. We have to stop ’em!

Strongarm: Did ya hear that, Skyblast? They’re gettin’ pretty close.

Skyblast: I know, but we gotta refine this Energon!

Strongarm: You’re absolutely right and it sounds like we’re gonna need it!

Miranda & Sally: Aaaahh!

Sally: Oh no! Where’s my brother?!

Miranda: Where’s Kicker?!

Jetfire: Oh no, they’re swarmin’ like flies! Ohh, now they’re in trouble.

Optimus: We’ll hold them off. You get outta here, Kicker.

Kicker: Hey, you can’t order me around.

Optimus: I promised your father I’d look after you.

Kicker: I’m not a kid… anymore!

Optimus: Kicker!

Kicker: I can look after myself!

Optimus: Ironhide, stop him!

Ironhide: Huh?! Yessir!

Optimus: Prime Force, transform! Hot Shot, we need more firepower! Transmitting Spark of Combination now!

Hot Shot: Whoa… Awesome…

Ironhide: Aw man, is that Hot Shot up there?

Optimus: Okay, now combine with Inferno and attack!

Hot Shot: Roger that. Inferno, now!

Hot Shot: Hot Shot!

Inferno: Inferno!

Hot Shot & Inferno: Powerlinx!

Hot Shot: Errrrraaahhh!

Optimus: Prime Force, engage link sequence! Let’s send these bots packing! Optimus Prime, super mode! Powerlinx! Fire-1, combine! Copter-2, combine! Digger-3, combine! Submarine-4, combine! Optimus Prime, super mode! Energon Blast!

Jetfire: Whoa! Whoa, not bad!

Optimus: Are there any more intruders?

Jetfire: Yeah, they’re headed for the bridge!

Optimus: What?!

Inferno: All right, kid. Pull over.

Kicker: Hey, would ya get lost, ya freak?! Can’t you see I’m trying to create a diversion for Optimus?!

Ironhide: Sorry, pal, but I’ve got my orders. Hey! What are you doing?!

Kicker: Pay attention! Come and get it, ya freaks! Ugh! Aaaaahhh! Aaahhh!

Optimus: Kicker! As good a time as any!

Kicker: Ugh! What happened?

Optimus: A gift from your father.

Kicker: What? My father?!

Optimus: He knew you couldn’t stay outta trouble, so he wanted to give you a fighting chance. He made this armour to protect you.

Kicker: What happened to those bots?

Hot Shot: We took care of them. This isn’t your fight, Kicker.

Kicker: Gimme a break! And what about my mom and my sister, huh?! Or don’t you Transformers care?!

Ironhide: Hey! Watch it, punk! Nobody talks to Hot Shot like that!

Hot Shot: Take it easy, Ironhide…

Kicker: This is Earth – my planet! I decide what I do, and nobody else, ya got that?!

Optimus: Hahahaha…

Kicker: What’s so funny?!

Optimus: Your father said you’d feel that way. You’re right, Kicker. This is your future. But if you wanna battle alongside us, it takes guts, determination and discipline to be a warrior. Think you can handle it?

Kicker: Whatever it takes, I’m ready.

Optimus: Good, because whoever is behind these attacks is still out there. And something tells me this is far from over.

[End]

DVD Release Episode Notes

-These notes will list the major changes between the broadcast version of this episode and the DVD release. I suggest reading this alongside my original transcript (or better yet, buy the DVD).

-Instead of having Demolishor introduce the episode as Ocean City rises, Optimus Prime does the opening narration over top of Armada and Energon clips.

-The Ocean City scene originally came after Alpha Q’s speech. Now while Ocean City arises, Kicker argues with Misha (who uses the correct name for this episode).

-Kicker shouldn’t be so familiar with Optimus Prime, as he’s still stationed on Cybertron and they have only met once.

-Many (but definitely not all) lines were re-recorded, although they are the same lines as before with new deliveries. Many of the changes are to clear up the plot, which is sometimes unnecessary (in my opinion).

-Alpha Q pronounces his name “Quin-TESS-on,” which is different from the G1 pronunciation (“Quin-tiss-on”). Anyway, his dialogue in his scene is 100% different.

-The Omnicons on Asteroid City have new voices, probably both Terry Klassen. Personally, I prefer the original dialogue.

-Primus’ lines in Ocean City are replaced dialogue between Dr. Jones and Optimus. Also, Primus’ name is not mentioned in the episode.

-Jetfire’s first line was originally meant to be humourous, which was removed, unfortunately. Optimus still motions as if he’s laughing.

-I like how they pointed out that they’re using Earth vehicle modes.

-The Armada kids coming off the ship was edited out in favour of a Kicker VO. The Dr. Jones-Young Kicker dialogue was also removed and the two flashback scenes were meshed together.

-Several of young Kicker’s falling screams and other grunts are removed.

-Strongarm’s voice is not pitched while he is refining Energon.

-Some of the music later on in the episode is changed around.

-Luckily, Optimus doesn’t call the Terrorcons by name at the end of this episode.

-Alpha Q’s dialogue at the end is removed.

-My personal opinion is that this revision of the episode is not superior to the original, it’s just different. A lot of things I was happy to see fixed and changed, other things I was disappointed they changed, and some things I wished they had changed were left untouched. Still, if you like this series, I recommend buying the “Battle for Energon” DVD. “The Return of Megatron” contains no dialogue changes.