- "We must do everything in our power to ensure Megatron's downfall... but we will need to be smart about it."- Ultra Magnus
The Decepticons are shocked by the arrival of Shockwave's latest creation, a massive even by their standards Predacon - Megatron can barely look the thing in the face - which Shockwave says is fully under their control. Shockwave gives it some of Wheeljack's spilt Energon, and the Predacon sets out to hunt him down.
Wheeljack plans to blow up an Energon mine to attract any nearby Autobots' attention, while Ratchet, Raf and Bumblebee are trying to get the systems of the Harbinger up and running. Arcee introduces Jack to Ultra Magnus, though they get off to a bad start when Ultra Magnus demands him to watch his tone and address him as "sir". Arcee explains that Magnus is a stickler for protocol, and Ultra Magnus explains he was roaming the stars, occasionally finding other Autobots, when the Omega Lock's beam drew him to Earth. Magnus realized the planet had been invaded, and came for the closest Autobot life signal. He also says he only detected five Autobot life signals, but Arcee reassures Jack that signals can be shielded if they are below ground, for one instance.
Wheeljack and Bulkhead are attacked by the nearly indestructible Predacon, who even survives being in the center of the Energon mine's explosion. Ultra Magnus arrives in his ship and picks up the Wreckers, and is just able to lose it in a canyon after a lengthy air chase.
Fowler gets a call from Ratchet, who gives them the coordinates of the Harbinger, but he and Bumblebee run outside when Magnus' ship makes a landing. The team is reunited, human and Autobot. While the others regroup, Ratchet reports to Ultra Magnus that the Harbinger's Groundbridge is up and running. Fowler and June arrive, bringing news of Jasper's take-over and that no one left the base after the blast. Ultra Magnus takes command, resolving to fight Megatron with or without Optimus.
Smokescreen has recovered the Forge of Solus Prime from the Nemesis, and asks Optimus to repair himself. The dying Prime refuses, expressing his wish for the Forge's waning energies to be used on repairing the Omega Lock and Cybertron. Optimus is prepared to die, and to pass on the mantle of Prime... and believes the Autobots' new leader is Smokescreen himself.
Tropes:
- Be Careful What You Wish For: Wheeljack planned on blowing up a Decepticon mining site to rally any Autobot and their ally. The plan works and he, Bulk, and Miko reunite with Arcee and Jack. He doesn't seem... happy to meet Ultra Magnus, however.
- Big Damn Reunion: Almost everyone in Team Prime is together again, save for Optimus and Smokescreen.
- Cliffhanger: Most of Team Prime have reunited, with Ultra Magnus making plans for a counterattack against Megatron and the new Predacon. Meanwhile, Optimus and Smokescreen debate whether to use the Forge of Solus Prime (with limited energy) on Optimus himself, or on the Omega Lock to finally revive Cybertron. Optimus considers Smokescreen to be a suitable leader and entrusts him to make the choice.
- Darkest Hour: Fowler says the entire planet is practically being held hostage by Megatron and that they can't just hope Optimus shows up to save the day. Ultra Magnus agrees, taking command and putting together a strategy.
- Establishing Character Moment: Ultra Magnus's first line in the show:"Soldier, we may not be on Cybertron, but military protocol remains!"
- Foreshadowing: Wheeljack is immediately displeased to see Ultra Magnus and having to take his orders. The next couple episodes fill in their strained history during the war on Cybertron and how Wheeljack deserted the Wreckers over it.
- Freeze-Frame Bonus: When Smokescreen discovers the Forge of Solus Prime, sharp-eyed viewers can spot the Star Saber held in storage in the background.
Also counts as a Chekhov's Gun for the last episode, "Deadlock". - Godzilla Threshold: Ratchet says as much when he contacts Fowler using the Harbinger systems and transmits the coordinates.
- Gunship Rescue: Ultra Magnus does this to the Wreckers and Miko.
- Honorary Wrecker: Miko, according to Wheeljack.
- The Juggernaut: Predaking proves to be one, it virtually surviving every attack thrown against it without so much of scratch.
- Jump Scare: Smokescreen gets a mild one in the form of a thankfully stasis-induced Airachnid.
- Lesser of Two Evils: Since they don't know who the ship belongs to, Wheeljack has this attitude during the Gunship Rescue. It could be a Decepticon ship for all they know, but that would still be preferable to Predaking hounding them.
- Mythology Gag: When talking about Bumblebee's new paint job:Arcee: At least you had something to work with. If I reversed my colors, I'd be pink.
- Not Quite Dead:
- According to Arcee, Ultra Magnus hasn't been seen by most Autobots since Cybertron was abandoned. Ratchet is genuinely surprised to see him, as well.
- Ratchet expresses surprise and relief over Arcee, Bulkhead, and Wheeljack arriving.
- Mass "Oh,Scrap"!: Miko, Bulkhead, and Wheeljack's reactions when encountering the Predacon for the first time.Miko: A dragon!? Where'd the 'Cons get a DRAGON!?Bulkhead and Wheeljack: (confused) What's a dragon?Miko: Giant flying fire-breathing lizard thing!
- Multiple Decepticon soldiers follow when Jackie leads it to where he laced the Energon mines with his explosive.
- Sergeant Rock: Ultra Magnus to a tee, being absolutely tough while in the thick of it and demanding an adherence to the command structure.
- Shout-Out:
- When the Predacon is seemingly destroyed in the Energon mine, Miko calls him "Snuff the Tragic Dragon", a play-on words to "Puff the Magic Dragon".
- Wheeljack and the Vehicons trying to outrun the Predaking resembles much like T-rex chase from The Lost World: Jurassic Park.
- Taking Up the Mantle - Take Up My Sword: Optimus is convinced that his time as Prime is coming to an end. By the end of the episode he tells Smokescreen that he can't be saved, and that Smokescreen will have to take his place.
- Wham Line:Optimus (to Smokescreen): The time for a new leader is upon us. In my spark, I believe... that leader stands before me right now.
- The Worf Effect: There is a reason why Shockwave titled his lab-bred Predacon "the Ultimate Autobot Hunter". He can track any specific 'Bot by scanning their energon, and he's massive and strong enough to withstand Wheeljack' s explosives.
- "You!" Exclamation: Wheeljack's response to seeing Ultra Magnus is piloting the ship.
