If you're a fan of the 1980s Transformers cartoon then buckle up and hold onto your nuts and bolts you're in for a thrilling ride! But be warned, SPOILERS ahead! Episode one of six chapters begins with Siege. Siege introduces us to a dystopian Cybertron where the robots in disguise as a society divided into four factions; the ruling, oppressive Decepticons, the rebel freedom-fighters known as the Autobots, the Seekers of which I am not familiar with, and the desperate displaced citizens of Cybertron known as scavengers.
Our story begins with scavenger Bumblebee helping an Autobot, Wheeljack, recover medical supplies. Bumblebee is adamant that he has no interests in the autobot rebellion. He just wants to make a few bucks to survive. But it's too late for that. Shortly after locating the supplies, Bumblebee and Wheeljack are ambushed by the unmerciful Starscream, along with his cronies and a Seeker.
Outgunned, overpowered, and with nowhere to turn, Bumblebee and Wheeljack are about to meet their demise when none other than Megatron interrupts. We quickly learn Megatron is the leader of the Decepticons and cruel dictator. He offers Bumblebee and Wheeljack an opportunity to repent their Autobot ways and join the dark-side. When Wheeljack declines Megatron gears up to sent them to Autobot heaven but not before Optimus Prime rolls in.
A one-on-one battle ensues between Megatron and Optimus. Megatron clearly being the Alpha here, as he throws Optimus around like a rag-doll, and beats him within an inch of his life. Optimus, Bumblebee, and Wheeljack would surely all be dead if it wasn't for Elita (pictured below) the stealth sniper's intervention that gave the downed Autobots a window of opportunity to escape.
After retreating, Optimus and crew make their way to their secret headquarters where they meet the other Autobots in hiding. Here we learn that Cybertron was once a peaceful planet until the evil authoritarian Megatron made a mad grab for the life giving resources of the planet Cybertron. It was at this point when civil unrest began and the robots in disguise split into rivaling factions; one who fights for freedom, and the other for total authoritative power.
After the all that backstory spiel Optimus urges Bumblebee to join the Autobots in their fight for freedom. But Bumblebee, still wanting nothing to do with their fight, once again, goes his own way. Meanwhile, the villainous Megatron addresses the robots of Cybertron declaring war and no mercy for any robots or Autobots that dare to challenge his rule.
If that story sounds familiar then consider the social-political allegory of the War for Cyberton as it clearly throws shade at authoritarian world leaders. It's almost a cautionary tale of bad things to come when leaders abuse power by means of hoarding and exploiting natural life-sustaining resources such as food, water, and oil.
In the end, I have a feeling the Autobots will be alright sans a number of casualties of war and a few melodramatic narrative twists and turns that are sure to come. I just hope in reality we can achieve a similar outcome after the smoke clears and the dust settles. Never-the-less, we'll still have Netfix! So chill until next time!
More episode reviews and re-caps to come. So stay tuned and be sure to subscribe to this blog and don't forget to follow 1313 on Youtube! Peace.
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