Pilot Wings: The Transformers (1984)

 Prepare to feel old- this Show turns 40 this year!

I was planning on waiting until September for this one- it debuted on September 17th- but my upcoming Birthday seems like a good excuse to do it early.

This is The Transformers, as all of the Marketing lists it.  This is not a full Mandela Effect, as the bumpers DO include 'The' on them, but other parts- like the opening Credits- don't.
I guess they can transform too apparently.

Like other Sunbow Shows, this one began with a multi-part Episode/Movie.

After too many Films, multiple other Shows and a million toys since, how does the original hold up?

It all begins on CyberTron and we see how the Transfomers and Decepticons are at War.

We also get to see them do their *alien* transformations- see below- which look really cool.

Did they ever make toys based on these versions?

They each get in their separate spaceships and do battle as they leave Cybertron.

Both ships crash on Earth a million years in the past (of 1984) in a big heap.

For some reason, the ship's systems come to life after all these Centuries and restore...the Decepticons?

They don't wreck the Autobots, instead choosing to start a new plan to collect energy to fly home to CyberTron.

Their plan involves attacking an Oil Platform, bringing our 2 Human Heroes into the mix.

It is nice to see a Father and Son work together...but is Spike old enough to be working on that?!?

The duo work with the Autobots, while the Decepticons keep seeking out energy.

This leads to a moment that truly is baffling if you think about it for even a second.

So, Soundwave transforms back to his Alt-Mode...

...and is suddenly small enough to fit in Spike's hand and LIGHT ENOUGH FOR HIM TO PICK UP.

How?

How?
HOW?!?

The Autobots finally get an edge near the end of Part 2, finding a mine full of gems that the Decepticons are making into energy.

They send Spike's Dad and Bumblebee to leave a bomb, but, of course, trouble occurs.

They manage to get out and seemingly trap the Decepticons...for about 2 minutes.

Time for Plan B, which will involve a trap and some Holograms.
Good thing that is one of your guys' specialty!

Things actually don't go our Heroes' way (again) and the bad guys get away.

Surprise- the guy named Mirage hid on the ship and sabotaged it.

The Autobots are sure that the Decepticons are gone after the ship crashed, but the Series was ordered before this even aired, so nah.

The End.

A fun trio of Episodes, even if adult me can't help but nitpick.

It is a Cartoon Show based on Japanese Toys designed to sell more Toys, so judge it appropriately.
That said, I do have to ask...

If every Transformer can fly (which they can, at least here), what advantage is there to being a jet?

The Show does hold up quite well.  It moves at a brisk pace.  It has good action.  It has a fun Plot.
I do wish that they would have spent more time on Cybertron, even if I know why they didn't.

I guess I can just watch the more recent Netflix Cartoon for that, eh?

Kid me was a fan, but he was more into Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and He-Man.  Adult me can enjoy a Show like this since, if anything, nitpicking it makes it more fun.

I will note that I'm reviewing the 25th Anniversary DVD and they have the Bumpers intact.
Thanks for including that, folks!

I liked enjoying the old stuff after so many damn Michael Bay Films.  Here's to more of this and no more of that.