Transformers: Heroes

Our story is about a planet called Nebulos, in which the society is fighting back against their evil rulers, "The Hive." The Hive control all the machinery and basically do their dirtywork. Several autobots crash-land on the planet after being pursued by the decepticons. The autobots had the "key to the plasma energy chamber" which was what the Transformers were forged from (or maybe it was just the autobots?). Once the decepticons find them on the planet, both robotic factions take sides and engage in combat. Optimus Prime discovers this because of Alpha Trion (who merged with Vector Sigma, recall), who says that Vector Sigma allowed Galvatron to know of the key. New battles are fought, new Transformers are introduced, and the decepticons are shot halfway across the galaxy while Cybertron hits another Golden Age.

Plotwise, it's ok, but most of the episodes spend time introducing the new characters and this planet that they're on. It seems like it could've been a decent direction for the show had it lasted longer, but instead, everything seems crammed together. The "love" relationship between autobot Arcee and human Daniel is rather disturbing to say the least. After all, wasn't Arcee supposed to hook up with Hot Rod or Springer anyways? Speaking of which, Hot Rod was also disappointing in this episode. He has returned to the "young-in" that was portrayed in the movie, but seriously, after leading the autobots for almost a friggen year you think he could've matured a little. It's like the third season never happened.

Overall, while it's certainly not a terrible episode, I find myself wishing the Transformers series had ended on a better note. "The Return of the Optimus Prime" seemed like a near-perfect ending to me, with Prime gaining Galvatron's respect and all. Maybe I'm just thinking this way because it's the Transformers last hoorah and being a fan of this show, I never wanted it to end. A must for Transformers fans; others needn't bother.

Actually, come to think of it, I'm glad they didn't extend the series to a longer seasonal run. By season 3, Transformers had gone as far as it could. While it delved further into the mythology of the Transformers, the charm (and more importantly, the CHARACTERS) the made the series so excellent to begin with are practically nonexistant with the exception of a key few characters. So, is this three parter excellent with the return of Optimus Prime? While Optimus does have a decent role in the final installment, it's still an episode that seems jampacked with new characters (obviously because of the new toys that were out). Hot Rod's back to his old self like the movie and while that it appropriate given Optimus's return, it feels so awkward and out of place. Also, I was disturbed by the Arcee/Daniel relationship in the movie... seriously, a little kid loving an Autobot?? How could that work? I won't go into that much because Amazon edits submitted reviews, but I'm just going to say that it's inappropriate and completely WRONG.

The subplot of Vector Sigma's "plan" (which causes Cybertron's second golden age) seemed very rushed as well. They didn't spend enough time like any true transfan would've wanted.

I would only get this DVD if you are a die hard Transformers fan. It's still an interesting rental, perhaps, to see how the mighty cartoon series came to an end. Otherwise, I recommend caution. Perhaps it'll come with season 3, even though it's supposed to be season 4 (and only 3 episodes in the season).