Episode One: Sacred Birthplace, Planet Cybertron Destroyed?!

SUMMARY

The planet Cybertron is on the verge of extinction.
A massive rift in space, the Grand Black Hole, is spreading across the universe, destroying and consuming everything in its path--and Cybertron just happens to be directly in its path.
Meanwhile, in the Rocky Mountains on Earth, a group of vacationers are out in force enjoying the calm, tranquil mountain air. There's a picnic and a dirtbike race going on, and in this we are introduced to our main human characters: Coby, a race nut and genius mechanic, Bud, his little brother, and Lori, a loudmouthed bossy girl (shades of Alexis much?). Coby is very protective of machines, believing them to be alive...
...which is a lucky coincidence, because a living machine is flying overhead. An Autobot, Dreadlock, is surveying Earth, scanning Earth vehicles for the Autobots to transform into so they can blend in without being discovered.
The Autobots make a last-ditch effort to save their home by firing a massive cannon at the Grand Black Hole--predictably, this has no effect. Therefore, the Autobots are left with no choice but to evacuate to Earth. Supreme Commander Galaxy Convoy warns his people that not only are they not to reveal themselves to the Earthlings, but they cannot under ANY circumstances let them know about the Grand Black Hole. With his warning delivered, he orders them to begin taking Earth vehicle forms. He himself goes first, becoming a very high-tech fire engine.
As the evacuation is commencing, a rift opens and an unknown Transformer appears. He introduces himself as Vector Prime, an ancient warrior from the distant past. He explains that in ancient times, there were four powerful forces known as the "Planet Forces" which the ancients planned to use for a vast space bridge project. However, the plan failed, and the Planet Forces were scattered and forgotten. Vector Prime believes that if the Planet Forces, which contain the power of Creator Primus' Spark, are gathered, the galaxy can be saved from the Grand Black Hole.
Elsewhere, the Decepticons have overheard the conversation between Convoy and Vector Prime. Master Megatron has decided that if he has the power of Primus' Spark, he can rule the galaxy. The Decepticons attack Cybertron without warning, and Master Megatron demands that Vector Prime hand over the map to him. Convoy intervenes, struggling one-on-one with Master Megatron, and revealing his Super Mode for the first time. Meanwhile, in the battle outside the command centre, Guardshell stops Starscream from intervening in the main event, and Starscream blasts him--straight into the Grand Black Hole! But there's no time to search, as Cybertron is about to be destroyed! The Autobots reluctantly flee into the Space Bridge as the Grand Black Hole claims their beloved homeworld...
And on Earth, an aurora suddenly appears, followed by what appears to be a meteor crash. The three kids check it out, and find...a Transformer!

ANALYSIS

To be honest, this was not exactly a great first episode. The main saving grace was the BEAUTIFUL CG animation, which served to draw attention away from the pacing problems and the rather rushed pace of the setup. Also, there were a buttload of holes in this: it seems Earth may or may not be aware of Transformers, the Decepticons seem to come from someplace nowhere NEAR Cybertron, and there are too many confusing elements which make it difficult to tell whether or not this is supposed to be linked to Micron and Superlink. I'm guessing not, but...who the hell knows at this point?
Also, the placement and spacing of the Earth-kid segments was REALLY haphazard and sloppy. It makes more sense when you think about it for a few minutes, but you shouldn't HAVE to think about it. So the flow is bad.
Subsequent episodes, fortunately, rock all over this one.
RATING: 7/10

FORCE CHIPS
None this episode

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