I Have A Confession To Make. I Adore Ultra Magnus. Just A Commander, Who Tries His Best To Keep His People

I have a confession to make. I adore Ultra Magnus. Just a commander, who tries his best to keep his people alive/in line and isn't afraid to sacrifice himself for a greater good. He knows situation (Megatron won't let them go without a fight), he knows that if no one steps in all their plans, ideas, dreams of winning the war will be scrapped. So UM puts his and his comrades life at stake. This character trait was with Ultra Magnus from the start, even back to 1980s, since even decepticons respected his self sacrificial character. This shows great amount of bravery from him, because it's one thing to sacrifice oneself, but it's another to lead people in probably the most suicidal mission. Maybe this is why Optimus send UM to Wreckers. OP knew that Magnus is ready to put himself in danger as much as any of the wreckers would. And it's not like he's happy with it. Optimus thinks every life is very important and he even tries to stop UM, but there's no way in saving everyone. He has to agree, even if he's not happy. Optimus shows his stress by being a little too pushy on Ratchet, but then immediately shows his humbleness and pain by stating they "don't deserve their courage". And does a very interesting thing. Mb I forgot something abt Exodus (it's been a hot minute since I've read it) but Optimus, even as Orion, rarely showed any physical affection, so this gesture (some kind of a farewell hug) makes this scene even more sad and depressing.

And then there's this line that breaks me to pieces.

This☝☝☝ This is what makes GRAND difference between Megatron and Optimus. Former lost his idea of freedom of choice and if someone told him what Jetfire did, he'd kill him for disobedience. But Optimus didn't forget his cause. He respects Jetfire's and Ultra Magnus' decisions, even if it saddens him. I love it. I love that tf:exodus gives us so many stuff to think abt in one small scene.

PS it makes UM's and OP's reunion in tfp à bit sadder, cuz he says "commander?" Not in "Wow ur here" Kind of way, but in a "I didn't know you survived" Way. Which is sad.

"Get in, loser. We're going to overthrow goverment!"

As it is obvious from my blog, I adore TFP. It is the first Transformers show I've watched (I remember watching tf content before, yet i can't remember which it was). Yet as always, I have some criticism even to my most beloved things and now I want to talk about one of these. And the name to him is Dreadwing.

Dreadwing is particularly interesting cuz he seems like one sane person in the whole Nemesis, who is undeniably loyal to the cause. Something that even Megatron isn't anymore. Dreadwing is a great example of what the decepticon should be. Fierce, strong, yet smart, noble, loyal and respectful to his own team. And this is an interesting since we've never seen this before, cuz everyone else on Nemesis strayed from this path and just using this cause as a way of manipulation. And still Dreadwing was most loyal to Megatron, with the only thing standing between him and total obedience is his love for his late brother (Skyquake, hun, sorry, but I literally forgot abt you the moment you died).

And this is a great start, but all this potential was, at least for me, wasted.

Firstly. His position which he came in the show. He was presented to us as a) a threat; b) Wheeljack's enemy/rival. And that's when my first problem starts here. Let's look at the statistics.

Optimus prime — Megatron

Ratchet — KO (or Shockwave)

Bumblebee — KO

Bulkhead — Breakdown

Arcee — Arachnid

Smokescreen — KO (why does he have a beef with every child in the group?)

Ultra Magnus — Predaking

And then Wheeljack is like — ?????

And yeah, I am upset abt lack of Wheeljack in TFP, but it's relevant to my Dreadwing rant, since all the others I've mentioned has met at least once/twice and had some resolution to their rivalry (even though not the good one), but cowboy loose cannon and a flying samurai never even mention each other after their episode. It is cuz Wheeljack really likes to disappear from the plot for Primus knows how long, while this Seeker stays through all the season 2 until my greatest disappointment came.

Secondly, Dreadwing's death is the dumbest scrap I've seen and looks like a very rude way to get rid of character. I still have no idea of why Megan chose Starscream over someone who's loyal to you to the point of disobeying to save ur tailpipe! And don't start the 'but DW disobeyed him', WING BOY WAS PROMOTED FOR IT.

Furthermore, from the moment I saw him even if I thought DW was to die, I considered it would happen in a battle with Wheeljack. It would be so interesting to see a death match between two guys, madly loyal to their friends/family/team. But nahh, Jackie never tries to go after winged edgelord ever again and never even ask if he's up to rematch.

(Also, funny how Dreadwing is so mad at SS for bringing Skyquake back to life as a zombie, but not at Bee and OP for literally killing him..... Priorities, huh.. Just another scrap u to Starscream for no reason.)

Mate, you've inspired me to look this scene in one of the language I know a bit (French) and it's hilarious.

Firstly, when Starscream wakes up KnockOut sings: "🎵Il est l'heure de se réveiller🎵 (it's time to wake up)". Just the way VA said it was hilarious. And right after that.

Knock Out: "La transplantation de T-cog est un succès. Oui, qu'est que tu veux, je suis le meilleur. (The transplantation of T-cog was a success. Yes, what do you want, I'm the best)".

And the scene you've mentioned.

Starscream: "Knock Out! Aide-moi! (Knock Out, help me!)"

Knock out: "Compte à tu! (You're on your own!/ Count on yourself)"

I need to rewatch TFP in French, it's too funny

I love how Knockout reacts differently in that scene with Starscream and Dreadwing:

Starscream: Knockout! Help me!!!

ENG Knockout: Hmph! *runs away*

Starscream: Medic Knockout! Tasukettekure (save me)!!

JAP Knockout: Iya desu (I dun wanna) *runs away*

It's once again a nighttime and I'm once again here with scene/character analysis.

As it's prominent from the last few post I'm a quite Ultra Magnus enjoyer, and I'm very upset at how people see him as heartless nerd. I see him as a person very damaged by the war. So here's some of my thoughts.

Ultra Magnus has a great problems with fitting in, because he forgot how to be in this kind of relationship and it's just depressing. For at least a century he has been in a war that took all his time for friends and especially family. And part of me thinks it is because Ultra Magnus is used to communication with orders. In "Evolution" we can see how he really tries to start a conversation, but all he knows now is orders and missions. And the next problem with him is he doesn't belong. He doesn't know what a family is, Wheeljack sends very clear messages that he is not welcomed to the Wreckers. Magnus felt completely isolated and this inability to make deeper connections than commander-soldier doesn't let him comprehend familial relationships. And I have some proofs.

The most important one is this line.

"The members of team prime are not cogs in a machine."

Why would Optimus use this particular line? It felt very meaningful and even as a non-english speaker, I felt it was very important for Ultra Magnus' character. So I went to Internet for the answer and I found this..

This one line opened a lot abt my boy. UM considers himself and team Prime through this war prism. "You are important,but we know how war is. Everyone can't survive. Sometimes you have to sacrifice something for a better outcome. Magnus doesn't think he's better than the rest of Team Prime, quite contrary, he holds himself by the same standards. I think Ultra Magnus sees himself as this metaphorical cog in a machine. He is important now, but if he isn't important in great scheme of things. This sounds like a very army type of mentality. He's prepared to die for a mission and sees little value in himself apart from weaponry and missions. So when Predaking had him and Wheeljack cornered he accepted it fairly quickly, yet was saddened with a thought of joining the allspark, especially with Wheeljack, whom he is to protect as his subordinate.

After Ultra Magnus wakes up, he's met with a lot of pleasant developments. Now he is fully accepted, Team Prime is by his side, and even Wheeljack drops this very meaningful line "Magnus fought like a wrecker"(=you're accepted in our group). And after finally asking OP about what was a Team Prime, he found out about a new concept, that basically breaks all his perceptions.

Family.

It isn't the army, or the elite guard where you are easily replaceable and aren't important. Now Ultra Magnus is family. And, forgive me for cliché, but you can't replace a family. They all are accepting each other and won't willingy leave someone behind for a brighter future.

I think if Ultra Magnus had more screen time his arc would be about relearning to care/connect in a deeper way and finding your own and others' importance, showcasing hardships of a soldier, trying to become more relaxed and closer to a people he knows and loves.

Or mb I just overanalyze one line¯\_(ツ)_/¯

(Also UM and OP have this so sweet bond. Former is, being as socially awkward as he is, still being honest about his feelings and asking smt he doesn't understand. And Optimus completely trusts his lieutenant with the team family and is able to see when the other's uncomfortable/sad. I dunno, they're so brothers/friends. They're very close without having much interactions on screen.)

Aghaghag, here's a WIP of a fan fiction abt Breakdown (him becoming an Autobot and his past) I've started. I'm a bit slow with this (I hate my laziness and sudden lack of motivation), but it is what it is. Enjoy.. (???)

"Am I the only one here, who considers this to be an overkill on Lord Megatron's part?" Arachnid said, moving forward, as her partners stayed behind. "I mean, dispatching two of his most proficient warriors to track down one unconfirmed energon spike."

"Megatron knows me and Dreadwing here will get the job done." Breakdown gestured at himself and his winged companion, who to this moment stayed quiet.

"Actually, I was referring to Dreadwing and myself." The sardonic smile appeared on the helicopter's face.

Orange-faced bot's fist clenched, as he angrily took a few steps towards a bold fembot. They never were on the good terms. Warrior found her intriguing, yet soon enough understood that she was just a crazy, rude killer with no morals or respect for authorities. Spider-looking con, on her part, never saw her comrade as anything worthy of her attention.

"Breakdown" A hoarse voice of a Seeker called out. "Remain on task. This must be a unified effort."

"Indeed, Breakdown. I know, we've never seen eyes to eye." Arachnid continued, not even trying to hide her smug expression. "But it doesn't mean we can't patch things up." She winked.

Now that was the last straw. With an fuming "that's it", Breakdown fiercely charged to attack, completely ignoring Dreadwing's objections. Yet the battle didn't last long, for Arachnid quickly transformed and blinded an attacker with her web. Yet fembot hadn't much time to celebrate, as a Seeker pulled out his riffle and started blasting helicopter. Being as shifty as she is, former second in command managed to dodge the blast, but was unable to web her opponent on the first try. For a few moments luck was on fembot's side, as she finally trapped Dreadwing, tying him to a nearby tree. But the last shot caused her to collapse, losing one of her spider legs. Breakdown, all this time trying to get rid of the web on his face, finally tore down his blindfold and resumed the chase. Blue boy's cannon fired, as Arachnid jumped from the spruce tree to another. Eventually helicopter fled further into the forest. One-eyed warrior wanted to run right after.

"Breakdown! Don't be a fool!" Seeker yelled, still not able to free himself.

Breakdown stopped for a few seconds and fired a couple of shots where commander's arm would be, thinning the web. He didn't stay any longer, as he decided to get the job done. Blue bot ran after the fleeing figure of the traitorous Decepticon, jumping through some fallen trees and rocks, and got to a pool of a bright blue energon. Suddenly, helicopter's shadow appeared once more, proceeding future to the bushes and leaving a trail of Cybertronian blood behind. Eventually, one eyed bot caught up with Arachnid at a small pile of stones, that weakened fembot seemingly had no strength to jump over.

Laughing, Breakdown said. "Easy prey.", swinging his hummer for a final blow. Yet no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't lower his weapon. It was too late, when a hunter realized that he was cleverly outsmarted by this cunning decepticon. She led him to a trap, pretending to be weak, only to trap his hand in a web. Arachid smiled, as she saw how defenceless Breakdown was. She lifted one of her spider legs and slowly, as if enjoying her victim's useless attempts to get out, sliced blue bot's chest, revealing a spark chamber. Orange faced decepticon fired his cannon, while being in immense amount of pain.

Arachnid prepared for the finishing blow, when suddenly, out of nowhere, she first heard a loud steps and then saw an energon blast, almost loosing another leg. Deciding this fight wasn't worth it, she transformed into a helicopter and fled the scene, while a red shots followed her.

Breakdown was flabbergasted by this save, looking shocked at Dreadwing. Admitting defeat, seeker stopped blasting at a long gone Arachnid.

"You won't chase her?" Bleeding bot asked.

"You won't thank me?" Winged con responded sarcastically. His face was gloomy, as he destroyed the string that kept Breakdown's hand.

Wounded decepticon fell on his knees, as the pain consumed him. Second in command placed a hand under his comrade's armpit.

"Thank you, sir..." Breakdown mustered, trying to get up on his feet. He honestly never expected for any decepticon to save him (well, minus Knock Out), especially this newcomer. But the more one eyed bot watched his comrade's actions, the more fascinated he became with the nobility of an explosive expert. Something felt really wrong about it, since the fraction, they both belonged to, has long forgotten about justice and kindness, even to each other. First seeker lieutenant's actions drastically contradicted Megatron's, and this revelation sparked something strange in Breakdown's mind.

"Soundwave, we require a ground bridge immediately, on my current location."

The mere seconds later a circular green portal appeared, illuminating surroundings. Dreadwing supported his subordinate the way so he could carry most of the weight himself. After entering this ground bridge, they immediately showed up on the board of the Nemesis. A few Vehicons were passing by this corridor and were very distressed, seeing their superior with his spark almost falling out if his chest.

"Is Knock Out at the medical bay?" Seeker asked the soldiers loudly.

"Yes, sir."