At last, I'm watching Beast Machines. May contain spoilers.

adam.creighton · Post by **adam.creighton** » Sat Jun 25, 2005 1:15 am

First of all I just want to say that Beast Wars is the best Transformers series, no arguments please. Now, being in the U.K and only having access to terrestial TV, I have never seen an episode of Beast Machines. Untill now. I'm upto episode four and I'm having very mixed feelings about the show. So I thought I'd share what I feel about it so far.

Good points.
Love the new beast modes.
Getting used to Optimus's, Cheetor's and Blackarachnia's robot mode.
Thank the Matrix they kept all the voice actors from BW
Love Megatron's re-coloured Dragon Mode.
Tankor Smash!!
The first time old Megs said YEESS
The mystery as to what happened with Rhinox and Silverbolt, and the rest of Cybertron.
Cheetor has lovely eyes in beast mode

Bad points.
Organic Cybertron!!??
What the hell has happened to Rattrap. He's a whining, selfish coward. And don't get me started on his robot mode (wheels for legs??)
Whats with the light when changing to beast mode, would be nice to see them transforming clearly.
I know he has a lot on his mind, but why can't Optimus lighten up a bit.
Oracle? More like plot device to get new forms for the Maxi's.
Not sure I like the drones being there as mindless cannon fodder, although I suppose that is th point of introducing Tankor etc.
Why don't they ressurect inferno?
Of course these are just my opinions, so feel free to argue. Now I'm off to episode five

Post by **spiderfrommars** » Sat Jun 25, 2005 10:39 am

Welcome to the board.

Where did you find the episodes?

Señior's Covenant · Post by **Señior's Covenant** » Sat Jun 25, 2005 3:31 pm

spiderfrommars wrote:Where did you find the episodes?

Indeed! Inquiring mind want to know!

ShadowSonic · Post by **ShadowSonic** » Sat Jun 25, 2005 4:34 pm

Inferno died at the end of BW, and his remains are still on Earth. Plus Megs never truly cared all that much about his troops so why would he ressurect Inferno?

Rattrap, at his core, has always been a "look out for number one" type guy. Just look at how he selfishly refuse to help Cheetor in the BW series opener.

Now, in BM he has lost most of his memories, all his weaponry, his confidence, his gadgets, and his ability to transform. To a Transformer, not being able to transform is the same as a human losing the ability to walk and having to learna ll over again. The fact athta all the Maxies, even Nightscream, leanrt how to transofrm fatser than he did didn'thelp the matter. Al this combined cuased him to revert to his old selfish cowardly self and made it even worse.

But by the end of "The Weak Component" he has learnt how to transform, and even if he has no weaponry he realized he had other talents that could help out the Maxies. So now he is less a battl-hardened warrior (no weapons anymore) he is now their tech-head (since Rhinox is gone) and spy.

His wheels make sense, he's supposed to be an infiltrator and spy, his wheels allow him to go faster than if he could walk. And besides, TRansformers are inhuman alien life-forms, they should't all look human.

Oracle is Vector Sigma, it's interfering since Megatron stands poised to conquer the Allspark and replace Primus, something that's never happened before.

Cybertron doesn't become organic at the end, it becomes TECHNORGANIC, hwo come no one can tell the difference? All the green stuff is made out of nanites and circutry.

The Maxies glow to show the mystical nature of their transformation. They also don't show the parts shifting around because they aren't transforming like old-style TFs, they're rearranging their atomic strucutres by moving the nanites in their bodies around. It's still transforming though.

Autobloke · Post by **Autobloke** » Sat Jun 25, 2005 7:57 pm

ShadowSonic wrote:Cybertron doesn't become organic at the end, it becomes TECHNORGANIC, hwo come no one can tell the difference? All the green stuff is made out of nanites and circutry.

Don't tell him that - he's only on ep 5.

And yes, as a denizen of the UK myself - with BM only on old blank vids - where'd you get your BM stash? Is it on DVD?

I really hated BM to begin with, but I've warmed to it consideraby on subsequent watches.
And it gave us a new TF quote:
"I am Transformed."

And welcome to the Transfans party. Was it our dashing good looks that prompted you to join?

adam.creighton · Post by **adam.creighton** » Sat Jun 25, 2005 10:05 pm

I had been meaning to join a message board a long time ago, but never got round to it. Plus I only had known one person interested in transformers, but he claims he's "grown out of it" so I needed somewhere to talk about all things transformers. As for where I got my episodes from, I bought them on VHS, recorded off TV, from a car boot. They have adverts and the picture quality is appaling, but I'm finally having the chance to see the conclusion to one of my all time favorite tv shows so to hell with the quality. I think It's taking me a while to get used to show because it is so racically different to BW. One of the main problems I find with the show is the music, I miss the sound of the guitar, and don't get me started on the theme tune. Going back to BW, I still get goosebumps from the music when I watch Code of Hero (best Beast Wars ep).

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jun 25, 2005 10:53 pm

Don't knock Phat Planet by Leftfield.

It could've been "Evolution Revolution" by someone or other.

*shudders*

adam.creighton · Post by **adam.creighton** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 5:24 pm

Just finished the Revelations three parter. Wow, thats all I can say. Wasn't expecting Tankor being Rhinox,and as for him understanding Megatrons goal and siding against the maxi's, just totally unexpected. And finally seeing what happened to the Maxi' once they got back cybertron, and the possibility of Thrust being Silverbolt, the pieces of the puzzle are beginning to fall into place. Just one question, why does Cybertron look like earth? And I really didn't like the weak component.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 6:07 pm

In what way does Cybertron look like Earth?

Autobloke · Post by **Autobloke** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 6:25 pm

Rebis wrote:In what way does Cybertron look like Earth?

Is this the ep with Primal swinging throught the trees? If that's what you mean, then it's just an Oracle vision or something.

This quite cool - hearing someone's first ever opinions on a TF series as they experience the show. Good first topic, mate. Long may it continue this way.
And as for 'growing out of TF', I'm not exactly young - and I've met a TF fan over eighty years old (Scary Gary).

adam.creighton · Post by **adam.creighton** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 7:11 pm

In Revelations Part two, while Rattrap is probing Tankor and seeing Rhinoxs memories of their return to Cybertron, you see Cybertron before the shuttle gets shot down. The planet looks like Earth. Loved the fact that the Maxi's on cybertron had onboard DNA scanners fitted whilst Optimus and co were on Earth. And Cybertron once had organic life, despite my initial reluctence i'm now intrigued to see where all this techno-organic storyline is heading.

Señior's Covenant · Post by **Señior's Covenant** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 1:27 pm

adam.creighton wrote:Organic Cybertron!!??

This one's been covered.

What the hell has happened to Rattrap. He's a whining, selfish coward. And don't get me started on his robot mode (wheels for legs??)

ShadowSonic covered this one, quite nicely too. I agree with a good portion of what he said. Kudos.

Whats with the light when changing to beast mode, would be nice to see them transforming clearly.

They're trying to get at this is an inner change progressing outward from the Transformer's Spark rather than just a physical change as in the TFs we're used to.

adam.creighton wrote:In Revelations Part two, while Rattrap is probing Tankor and seeing Rhinoxs memories of their return to Cybertron, you see Cybertron before the shuttle gets shot down. The planet looks like Earth.

Not sure there, I'd have to see it myself to make a call. Was it one of those image transfers where it starts out looking like one then becomes the other or something? Could be implying the fact they went from Earth to Cybertron, or vice versa. No clue.

adam.creighton wrote:Loved the fact that the Maxi's on cybertron had onboard DNA scanners fitted whilst Optimus and co were on Earth.

I loved that too, and it was good to show there had been enough time passed for advancements in technology. I'm personally one of the holders of the theory that when BW characters were thrust back in time, once there time progressed at a parallel rate, meaning that however much time they spent on Earth in its past was how much time progressed on Cybertron back in their time. And given I also believe the Beast Wars lasted a thousand years or more with us being given episodes covering highlights, it would only make sense.

*Sigh* Me and my need for a passage of time for stuff to make viable sense to me, yes?

And Cybertron once had organic life, despite my initial reluctence i'm now intrigued to see where all this techno-organic storyline is heading.

It's quite revolutionary in its implication. That Primus did not inhabit a metal-strewn asteroid as once said, but a living or once-living planet.

Welcome Crichton, er, Creighton.

Legion · Post by **Legion** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 1:49 pm

Rebis wrote:Don't knock Phat Planet by Leftfield.

It could've been "Evolution Revolution" by someone or other.

*shudders*

oh gawd yes...

"It's an evolution revelution... it's beast machines..." quality theme... not.

PhatPlanet on the other hand is definitely quality.

adam.creighton · Post by **adam.creighton** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 3:07 pm

Vector Simga, Plasma Energy chamber, someones been doing their homework. I must say an impressive end to an impressive first season of Beast Machines. Here's what I liked about the final few episodes.

- Cheetor's all grown up

Questioning Optimus's command decisions and calling Nightscream "Kid", he's come a long way from that brash and impulsive, but loyal puddy-tat from series one of Beast Wars.

- Tankor/Rhinox's agenda, manipulating Megatron through his diagnostic drone and doing the same to Optimus through the Oracle, proves Rhinox is just as intelligent as he's always been, even after being trapped as Tankor.

- Some nice characterisation on Thrust and Jetstorm.

- Waspinator! After being led to believe Silverbolt was Thrust, who would have thought we'd ever see that poor fool again. Lusting after Blackarachnia and still talking about himself in first person. Although I could have done without seeing OONA again, stupid bad prehistoric humans ruined season three of beast wars

- Jetstorm is Silverbolt, didn't see that one coming. Great to hear his awfull poetry and his hero theme.

- Hardly any YEES from old Meg's, but plenty of Whaa!?

- The last few minutes of End of the Line. A good old fashioned fight between Megatron and Primal, something we hadn't seen since Nemesis Pt2. Rhinox taking centre stage afer imobilisng Primal only to be subdued by Megatrons control of his Vehicon body. And both sides setting off their doomsday weapons, ending in a stalemate. Although the end did remind me of the cliffhanger from Agenda Pt3.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 5:49 pm

adam.creighton wrote:Lusting after Blackarachnia and still talking about himself in first person.

That'd be the third person.

Señior's Covenant · Post by **Señior's Covenant** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 7:03 pm

Rebis wrote:...the third person.

Hey, don't bring me into this.

Autobloke · Post by **Autobloke** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 8:59 pm

Nice Farscape pic SC. Worryingly I realised what it was before I read the blurb at the bottom.
All this talk of BM makes me want to sit and watch them all again. If only I had the time...

Scraplet · Post by **Scraplet** » Sat Jul 02, 2005 11:17 am

I've still never seen beast machines

crappy terrestrial telly.......

Autobloke · Post by **Autobloke** » Sat Jul 02, 2005 5:32 pm

I'm getting ready for a marathon Beast Machies session next week. I shall sit and watch the lot from start to finish, and hopefully only need to get off my arse to take a slash and renew the cakes on my plate.

Sorry Scraplet - this is just rubbing it in.

Has there ever been mention of any release of BM (video or DVD) in the UK?

Scraplet · Post by **Scraplet** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 10:11 am

Autobloke wrote:
Sorry Scraplet - this is just rubbing it in.

I'll let you off if you lend me your videos.......

When you've finished your marathon session, of course. I'm not unresonable

Autobloke · Post by **Autobloke** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 7:11 pm

Ah, lending: the easiest way for things to get lost/disappear. That's how I lost my collection of 'The Tick' and 'Earthworm Jim' episodes. And most of my Snes games.

Scraplet · Post by **Scraplet** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 7:31 pm

Autobloke wrote:Ah, lending

Such little trust in you fellow Transfans, I'm shocked. Well, if it helps, think of it as missionary work to us poor individuals who have little chance of seeing it unless it gets released on DVD.

And while we're on that, is there any rumour of a DVD release? Or has anyone found decent quality copies available anywhere?

Autobloke · Post by **Autobloke** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 7:37 pm

But then everybody will want a watch of 'em.

Is there any way to connect a video recorder to a PC and write to DVD-ROM? That way I could back-up my copies (including Armada and Energon).
Or can I copy videos to DVD with a recordable DVD player? I've been considering buying one.

adam.creighton · Post by **adam.creighton** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 9:11 pm

Well my VHS copy of Season 2 of Beast Machines has, to put it politely, gone tits up. So I turned to the internet where I have found and downloaded the episodes. I'm in the process of putting them onto DVD, but this is taking a long time to do. Thats whay its taaken this long to carry on my "live series review". They are out there, you've just got to know where to look. But I'm not saying where because I don't know what people think of downloading from the internet. But series two rocks, I'll elaborate some more soon. P.S The Tick is one of the funniest shows ever, glad to see there is another fan out there.

Autobloke · Post by **Autobloke** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 9:42 pm

Downloading from the 'net is naughty - but...

... okay. Kinda.
And hey, when you get some BM eps on disc, me and Scraplet will be on your case for copies.

The Tick kicked ass - although I never got to see the live-action show. Did it ever come out on disc in the UK?

Scraplet · Post by **Scraplet** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 11:24 pm

I don't care where you got them from Creighton, me old mate, especially if you do me a copy!!!.

Needs must and all that.

And if they don't want people making copies, then they should supply the demand!!! I demand someone supplies me asap

Serious point: there must be enough demand for an offical release, surely

Or we could lobby channel 5 to get hold of it for when they finish the current BW run? Shall we start campaign?

adam.creighton · Post by **adam.creighton** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 11:48 pm

The Tick came out on DVD in the U.S, one of the benefits of having a multi-region DVD player. As for copies of B.M, really cant promise anything, it takes a LONG time to put them onto disc. But I'd happily sign a petition to get them to release a DVD boxset, as long as they contained lots of extras.

Autobloke · Post by **Autobloke** » Mon Jul 04, 2005 7:19 pm

Scraplet wrote:And if they don't want people making copies, then they should supply the demand!!! I demand someone supplies me asap

Like what he said. Logical sense and all that.

Scraplet wrote:Serious point: there must be enough demand for an offical release, surely

Well, WE want 'em - that should be enough. Seriously, BW - the best TF show ever, and it STILL hasn't had a decent release. Dumbasses.

Scraplet wrote:Or we could lobby channel 5 to get hold of it for when they finish the current BW run? Shall we start campaign?

They only ever seem to show the first series (52 eps) - perhaps they don't own the rights to the rest of the shows - or BM.

Campaign is a good idea. Who exactly do I have to sleep with? That'll scare them into doing whatever we want.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 04, 2005 7:25 pm

Autobloke wrote:
Scraplet wrote:Or we could lobby channel 5 to get hold of it for when they finish the current BW run? Shall we start campaign?
They only ever seem to show the first series (52 eps) - perhaps they don't own the rights to the rest of the shows - or BM.

There were only 52 episodes of Beast Wars.

All other episodes qwith Beast Wars in the title are Beast Wars II and Beast Wars Neo, both are Japanese productions.

Autobloke · Post by **Autobloke** » Mon Jul 04, 2005 7:38 pm

Rebis wrote:There were only 52 episodes of Beast Wars.

Okay, you got me - my brain had a spasm and came up with the total number of BW episodes.