- Welcome, my Terran siblings,
to the greatest event
- Welcome, my Terran siblings,
to the greatest event
Earth has to offer.
- No school day!
- [gasps] You get to stay home?
- [gasps] You get to stay home?
- With us?
- You know what this means!
both: Transformer tag!
- Whoever's it has
to be in alt mode.
- But I don't have an alt mode.
- We could pretend
to have alt modes.
- We could pretend
to have alt modes.
[imitates transforming]
I'm an ice cream truck,
and my cannons
fire pointy cones,
and my cannons
fire pointy cones,
brain freezes,
and rainbow jimmies!
- Yeah, I'm something
I haven't picked yet!
- Yeah, I'm something
I haven't picked yet!
[all laughing]
[all laughing]
- Whoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!
- Ahh!
- Sure, the kids have fun.
- Sure, the kids have fun.
But really, days off
are made for teachers.
Oh, yeah.
Oh, yeah.
- What are you two
doing out here?
- Watching the kids.
- Watching the kids.
- Mm-hmm. [slurps]
Where's...
[expl*si*n booms]
Ah!
[dramatic tone]
[dramatic tone]
all: Nightshade!
[transforming]
[transforming]
[mysterious synth music]
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
[expl*si*n booms]
- Overclock the processor,
boost the fan speed,
- Overclock the processor,
boost the fan speed,
and live, my darling!
and live, my darling!
- Whoa! Oh!
♪ ♪
- Nightshade, are you OK?
- Nightshade, are you OK?
We heard a bang.
- I'm fine.
Are you all right?
Are you all right?
Then behold the
Smart Trainer !
Then behold the
Smart Trainer !
- Why ?
- The first ,
tried to destroy me.
- The first ,
tried to destroy me.
♪ ♪
Science is dangerous,
but the rewards are worth it.
My Smart Trainer is
equipped with the latest
My Smart Trainer is
equipped with the latest
and greatest in adaptive AI.
It can act as
a defensive target...
It can act as
a defensive target...
[clang]
[electricity zapping]
or an offensive attacker..
or an offensive attacker..
[laser blasts]
[all exclaim]
- Ahh!
[transforming]
both: Ah!
- Ahh!
- Ahh!
- And features words
of encouragement.
- Good job, Malto-bots.
- Good job, Malto-bots.
- Hey, that sounds like me.
- Soon you'll be
kicking Decepticon butt.
- Why does that sound like me?
- Why does that sound like me?
- I based it off
the best trainer I know.
Whoopsy-doo.
Whoopsy-doo.
It's malfunctioning.
♪ ♪
- [grunts]
- [grunts]
[electricity zapping]
- Help me.
[powers down]
- Fear not!
I got it!
Ooh, ah, oh.
Now, who wants to help me work
on the Smart Trainer ?
Now, who wants to help me work
on the Smart Trainer ?
[clang]
- Hey, Nightshade,
don't you wanna
- Hey, Nightshade,
don't you wanna
come back outside with us?
- We can't have the
perfect no school day
- We can't have the
perfect no school day
if we're not all having fun.
- But I am having fun.
Why don't you stay instead?
Why don't you stay instead?
[clattering]
- Um, no.
That's OK.
- Um, no.
That's OK.
We kinda got a game
going right now.
But join us later
if you feel like it.
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
- Nightshade,
you know that even
if your siblings don't
always share your interests,
if your siblings don't
always share your interests,
they like being with you.
- I'm often in my
siblings' company,
but they continue to
regard me as if
I'm speaking another language.
I'm speaking another language.
- You know, Nightshade,
when I was around your age,
I had a hard time connecting
with other kids, too.
I had a hard time connecting
with other kids, too.
So I found friends in books.
This is one of
my favorite series
This is one of
my favorite series
by a local Witwicky author all
about these mythical beings
using science and magic to
protect their home world.
using science and magic to
protect their home world.
Something tells me it's
right up your alley.
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
- "And the sentry owl
stood guard,
protector of all in need."
protector of all in need."
Wow, I didn't know stories
could be like this...
a creation built not with
material, but with words
a creation built not with
material, but with words
and imagination.
D.E. O'Neil, you have spoken
to me in ways I didn't know
D.E. O'Neil, you have spoken
to me in ways I didn't know
were possible.
Surely, if we conversed,
you would feel the same.
Surely, if we conversed,
you would feel the same.
I must find out.
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
- [grunts]
[crashing]
- Ooh! Wanna be on my team,
Nightshade?
- Actually, I was hoping
your internet savvy
could help me learn where
this author resides.
could help me learn where
this author resides.
- Oh, cyber sleuthing, eh?
[chuckles]
Well, you came to
the right gumshoe.
Well, you came to
the right gumshoe.
[modem whirring]
Ho-ho! Jackpot!
[chuckles]
Ho-ho! Jackpot!
[chuckles]
Last known address,
the old Witwicky Cemetery,
just north of those woods.
just north of those woods.
- Yes!
Thank you, Hashtag!
[clang]
[ominous music]
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
Oh.
Oh.
[shimmering tone]
Oh, this must be
where D.E. resides.
Oh, this must be
where D.E. resides.
♪ ♪
Oh.
Oh.
- Hey, you.
Get out of here.
- Oh, hello.
I didn't see you there.
I didn't see you there.
Are you a fan of
D.E. O'Neil as well?
- [glitching]
Hey, you, get out of here.
- You're a hologram?
- You're a hologram?
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
Ooh, mysterious.
Da Vinci's beard!
I've never seen such
a mish-mash merging
I've never seen such
a mish-mash merging
of different technologies.
- [chittering]
- Oh, ho-ho-ho!
- Oh, ho-ho-ho!
Cybertronian and
GHOST technology?
Surely, this must be the
source for the human above.
Surely, this must be the
source for the human above.
[metal legs tapping]
- [growls]
- [growls]
- Ahh!
- [roars]
- Oh!
[transforming]
- Get away from my work!
[electricity zapping]
[electricity zapping]
[lights clanging on]
[mysterious music]
[mysterious music]
- You...you're a Decepticon!
- And you...you are...
- And you...you are...
Protoform, unaffiliated,
Protoform, unaffiliated,
sufficiently non-threatening.
Go.
Find somewhere else to hide.
- This interaction,
it does not seem like
typical Decepticon behavior.
- I am not
a typical Decepticon.
- I am not
a typical Decepticon.
I am Tarantulas.
- Well, my name is Nightshade.
My pronouns are they/them.
And I am not
a typical Protoform.
And I am not
a typical Protoform.
- Leave!
Before I change my mind.
- So you aim to improve
this mobile projector, yes?
- So you aim to improve
this mobile projector, yes?
Perhaps as a cloaking device.
- I aim to disguise myself
with a human avatar.
- I aim to disguise myself
with a human avatar.
- In order to infiltrate them?
- In order to evade GHOSTs.
I can't live the rest of
my life in these shadows.
I can't live the rest of
my life in these shadows.
I will remotely pilot
my avatar and integrate
into human society,
into human society,
start a new life elsewhere,
one less complicated.
- Good news!
- Good news!
Your projector was working.
The guard looked the part
but lacked behavioral nuance.
The guard looked the part
but lacked behavioral nuance.
You are working from a purely
Cybertronian perspective.
You are working from a purely
Cybertronian perspective.
♪ ♪
Human and Cybertronian
technologies
Human and Cybertronian
technologies
were not made to communicate.
And so, you have
a missed connection.
- Finally, after
weeks of toiling,
I may complete my work.
Now I only need to find
the necessary parts.
Now I only need to find
the necessary parts.
- Necessary parts, you say?
- Come on.
If we get this thing working,
then Nightshade will
have time to play with us.
then Nightshade will
have time to play with us.
- Am I missing some fun?
- Oh, no!
- Ahh!
- Nightshade! Hey!
- Nightshade! Hey!
Didn't see you sneak in.
- We were just, um, not
messing with anything
that belongs to you, or...
that belongs to you, or...
- Hey, did you
meet your author?
- Oh, no.
But I found someone
even better...
But I found someone
even better...
a scientist.
I want to help him.
So I came home for
the Smart Trainer.
- Uh, Nightshade...
- Uh, Nightshade...
- We wanted to fix it for you,
but we sort of
just broke it more.
just broke it more.
- This is perfect.
Thank you!
And you've started
disassembly already.
I've gotta get back to work!
I've gotta get back to work!
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
Tarantulas!
- [hisses]
What?
[transforms]
What?
[transforms]
What is this?
- It's an invention
of my own design,
using Earth and
Cybertronian technology.
using Earth and
Cybertronian technology.
- What do you want in return?
- Oh. [chuckles]
Perhaps I could help you work?
Perhaps I could help you work?
- I might have use for an
assistant
if you follow
my instructions implicitly.
if you follow
my instructions implicitly.
- I'll prepare the workstation!
This webbing is so versatile,
a truly ingenious design.
a truly ingenious design.
- Yes.
Yes, it is, Nightshade.
Most fail to properly
appreciate my inventions.
Most fail to properly
appreciate my inventions.
- Not even other Decepticons?
- Especially other Decepticons.
- Especially other Decepticons.
[beep]
[projector powering on]
And to think, once this
device is complete,
And to think, once this
device is complete,
I will pass for human.
I won't be bound by
constrictive labels like
I won't be bound by
constrictive labels like
Autobot or Decepticon anymore.
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
[beeping]
[beeping]
At last, I will be free.
- Isn't that
a contradiction, though?
- Isn't that
a contradiction, though?
You'll be free but also hiding.
- Um...you'll understand
once you choose an alt form.
- Um...you'll understand
once you choose an alt form.
- But I don't want an alt form.
- You are a Transformer.
- You are a Transformer.
Another mode is
your birthright.
- I see no need for one.
I'm sufficient as I am.
I'm sufficient as I am.
- Young one,
alt forms aren't meant
to complete you as though
you have a missing part.
to complete you as though
you have a missing part.
They further express
who you already are.
- I haven't heard it
explained that way before.
This is why you've chosen
such a unique appearance.
This is why you've chosen
such a unique appearance.
- Yes.
I will always be Tarantulas.
And you, Nightshade,
however you may appear
And you, Nightshade,
however you may appear
who will you be?
- I'll be me, a scientist,
a protector,
- I'll be me, a scientist,
a protector,
someone who helps those
in need.
- I...I am glad for it.
- I...I am glad for it.
No one's ever been
so generous to me, I...
No one's ever been
so generous to me, I...
It is a gift to know
yourself so well so young.
Take pride in that.
[upbeat rock music]
[upbeat rock music]
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
[no audible dialogue]
[no audible dialogue]
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
- Behold!
Your new mobile hologram
projector is complete.
Your new mobile hologram
projector is complete.
Thank you for everything.
Thank you for everything.
Our collaboration was brief,
but I'll never forget...
- Nightshade, wait.
We could leave together,
forge new identities,
We could leave together,
forge new identities,
at least until
the w*r begins again.
- But the w*r is over.
- But the w*r is over.
- There were many times over
the last million years
I thought that.
I thought that.
But I was wrong.
Why is now any different?
- This time, you can
choose not to fight.
- This time, you can
choose not to fight.
- I never chose to fight,
Nightshade.
I chose to survive.
And now I'm choosing to live.
And now I'm choosing to live.
With this, we both can.
- I'm sorry.
I cannot go with you.
- But...
- I have obligations
here in Witwicky.
here in Witwicky.
Goodbye, Tarantulas.
- Ah!
Nightshade, honey,
- Ah!
Nightshade, honey,
what are you doing back there?
- I need advice.
How did society come
to accept Megatron
as good after only knowing
him as a bad Decepticon?
as good after only knowing
him as a bad Decepticon?
- Well, Decepticons aren't
inherently good or bad.
- Well, Decepticons aren't
inherently good or bad.
Who they are depends on
their character and actions.
But, Nightshade,
But, Nightshade,
everyone deserves
a second chance,
whether they're human,
Autobot, or Decepticon.
whether they're human,
Autobot, or Decepticon.
- And the Decepticons
that are living
in shadows or in prison?
- Not everyone uses their
second chance wisely.
- Not everyone uses their
second chance wisely.
- I see.
Thank you, Mom.
Thank you, Mom.
- Of course.
Wait, did you meet a Decep...
Guh.
[ominous music]
[growling]
[growling]
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
And now all this talk
about Decepticons.
- What are you thinking?
- Something has to be
done about Nightshade.
- Something has to be
done about Nightshade.
- Oh, Dottie, you don't
think this is the Decepticon?
[distant screaming]
[distant screaming]
- Mom and Dad!
- Help, somebody!
- Look!
- Look!
[dramatic music]
[vehicle approaching]
[transforming]
- Bumblebee, help!
- Bumblebee, help!
- A giant spider
took Mom and Dad!
What are we supposed to do?
Who do we call to stop
a giant spider?
Who do we call to stop
a giant spider?
- Easy, team.
We gotta remain calm.
Now tell me again,
you said, giant spider?
you said, giant spider?
[electricity zapping]
[electricity zapping]
- Oh, Dottie, you don't
think this is the Decepticon
Nightshade was asking about?
Hashtag did mention
Nightshade went to a cemetery.
Hashtag did mention
Nightshade went to a cemetery.
- Let's not stick
around to find out.
We can...[grunts]
make a run for it.
We can...[grunts]
make a run for it.
[clanging]
- You would not even
make it to the door.
- What do you want, Tarantulas?
- What do you want, Tarantulas?
If you were going
to get rid of us,
you would have done it by now.
- If only it could be that
simple with you GHOST agents.
- If only it could be that
simple with you GHOST agents.
- I don't know what
you're talking...
- Spare me your lies.
I've seen your file
in this primitive tech.
I've seen your file
in this primitive tech.
You work for GHOST,
you and your lackey.
- Partner.
you and your lackey.
- Partner.
- GHOST like to pretend
to be noble all while
you imprison
or indenture bots.
you imprison
or indenture bots.
Well, tonight,
I will walk free
alongside...
- Let her go.
alongside...
- Let her go.
- Nightshade!
- No!
- Get away, Nightshade!
- Why are you doing this?
- Why are you doing this?
- I heard them conspiring
earlier tonight.
We must escape Witwicky, but we
can't risk these two knowing.
We must escape Witwicky, but we
can't risk these two knowing.
So we'll delete their memories.
So we'll delete their memories.
[w*apon whirrs]
This device was designed
by GHOST for use
This device was designed
by GHOST for use
on Cybertronians.
With my modifications,
it should work on humans.
[whirring]
They'll forget
you ever existed,
They'll forget
you ever existed,
and we can do whatever we wish.
[electricity zapping]
[lights popping]
[electricity zapping]
[lights popping]
[dramatic music]
- Mom, Dad, I am so sorry.
- Mom, Dad, I am so sorry.
- [grunts]
Nightshade, stop!
They are human.
You can't trust them.
They are human.
You can't trust them.
Fine. I didn't want
to do this,
but at least
we can test our new tech.
but at least
we can test our new tech.
[whirring]
- Nightshade, honey,
look out!
- Why do you protect
your captors?
- [grunts]
- [grunts]
- Look, another one!
- They are GHOST agents!
- Tarantulas,
if only you listened!
[transforming]
if only you listened!
[transforming]
- I don't think he's listening
to anybody right now.
- I don't think he's listening
to anybody right now.
- [panting]
- [chittering]
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
- One day, you'll
thank me for this.
- One day, you'll
thank me for this.
- Nightshade,
no matter what happens...
- Know that we love you.
- Mom, Dad!
[grunting]
- Mom, Dad!
[grunting]
[shimmering tone]
[shimmering tone]
"And the sentry owl
stood guard,
protector of all in need."
[whirring]
[whirring]
[blasting]
[beeping]
[beeping]
[transforming]
[screeches]
[screeches]
[whirring]
- Ah!
- [screeches]
- That's my baby!
Get him, child!
Get him, child!
- [grunting]
- Nightshade,
you read the book!
- Nightshade,
you read the book!
- You've made an interesting
choice for an alt mode.
[transforms]
But you're still
[transforms]
But you're still
just the lost Protoform
I first met.
- You've just proven
you don't really know me
- You've just proven
you don't really know me
because I was never lost!
[screeches]
- [grunts]
- [screeches]
[whirring, blasting]
- [grunting]
- [grunting]
Ahh!
[grunting]
- [transforming]
- [grunts]
- [grunting]
- [transforming]
- [transforming]
[screeching]
- [grunts]
[Tarantulas transforming]
[grunting, panting]
[grunting, panting]
Ah!
[groans]
- [transforming]
- No, all of our work.
- No, all of our work.
♪ ♪
[vehicles approaching]
[transforming]
[transforming]
- Mom, Dad!
- You're OK!
- Nightshade! [gasps]
Is that you?
[chuckles]
Wow, nice!
- You look awesome.
- You look awesome.
- You did good, baby.
- Tarantulas, my least favorite
not so itsy bitsy spider.
- Tarantulas, my least favorite
not so itsy bitsy spider.
You're abducting
humans now, huh?
Typical Decepticon.
Typical Decepticon.
- No, Bumblebee.
Tarantulas only
did this because he
thought he was protecting me.
thought he was protecting me.
He didn't realize Mom
and Dad were my parents
and that they protect me.
But everyone deserves
a second chance...
But everyone deserves
a second chance...
whether they're human,
Autobot, or Decepticon.
whether they're human,
Autobot, or Decepticon.
♪ ♪
[radio chatter]
- Guys, I'm picking up GHOST
chatter, getting nearer.
- Guys, I'm picking up GHOST
chatter, getting nearer.
- Our combat must have alerted
their surveillance sensors.
- Our combat must have alerted
their surveillance sensors.
- That's our cue.
Time to roll out.
- We're surrounded!
[helicopter whirring]
- So you're hiding, too.
- So you're hiding, too.
All of you?
Get your family to safety.
I'll lead them away.
I'll lead them away.
- But Tarantulas...
- Please, if this
is my second chance,
- Please, if this
is my second chance,
let me take advantage of it.
[shattering]
- Come on, Nightshade.
Let's go home.
[helicopter whirring]
[dramatic music]
[dramatic music]
♪ ♪
[dramatic music]
[dramatic music]
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
01x13 - Missed Connection
Watch/Buy Amazon Merchandise Collectibles
Fifteen years after the space bridge to Cybertron is destroyed, ending the civil w*r between the Autobots and the Decepticons, the Malto family relocates from Philadelphia to the small town of Witwicky, Pennsylvania.
Fifteen years after the space bridge to Cybertron is destroyed, ending the civil w*r between the Autobots and the Decepticons, the Malto family relocates from Philadelphia to the small town of Witwicky, Pennsylvania.