Line #18 Recap/TransformersPrimeS2E13Triangulation


1	!!Tropes:
2	* ADayInTheLimelight: For Optimus, Dreadwing and Starscream. This episode is an intimate look at the three characters' development - it shows how much Optimus has been pushed and what he's willing to do with those he considers a lost cause (Starscream and Megatron), and how he still retains his idealism that peace can be attained with the more honorable Decepticons like Dreadwing. Starscream proves how much of a HeelFaceRevolvingDoor he is, especially since going rogue - going from antagonizing Dreadwing to sucking up to Optimus to being his enemy once again in a few minutes. Dreadwing gets to show off his integrity and honor once again, and rejects Optimus' offer for redemption for what he claims is the last time.
3	* AlliterativeName: The Apex Armor.
4	* BigNo:
5	** Dreadwing gives one when he's engulfed in an avalanche caused by Optimus.
6	** Starscream shouts this, as he falls through the ice.
7	* BittersweetEnding: With no way to remove the Apex Armor, he and Dreadwing get rid of Starscream to remove the present threat he presents, though he survives and is able to make his way back to the ''Harbinger'', albeit very slowly. Both decide to part ways and fight later, as the other Iacon relics are still out there for the taking.
8	* ContinuityNod: The T-cog Starscream planned to install in himself was taken from his last clone in "Armada".
9	** Starscream also complains to Optimus for forcing him at gunpoint to lead him to the Apex Armor and after all he's done for the Autobots such as restoring Optimus's memory back in "Orion Pax Part 1". Optimus dismisses he's short of heroic claiming Starscream only did those things for his own gain.
10	* EnemyMine: Dreadwing and Optimus team up against Starscream.
11	* EvilIsPetty: Starscream remarks he'd happily beat Optimus to death just to stop the heroic lectures.
12	* ExactlyWhatIAimedAt: Optimus supposedly missed Dreadwing when his shot was fired way off its mark. Dreadwing mocks Optimus for missing him at so close a range, but the shot was actually directed at a cliff, causing an avalanche behind him.
13	* {{Flynning}}: Dreadwing's good at this; he twirls around his sword a lot.
14	* HairTriggerAvalanche: Optimus fires a shot into a snowy, icy cliff above Dreadwing.
15	--> '''Dreadwing:''' Your aim is poor.
16	--> '''Optimus:''' [[ExactlyWhatIAimedAt That is a matter of perspective]].
17	--> '''Dreadwing:''' gets buried
18	* HandicappedBadass: Starscream is unable to transform because he has yet to install the T-Cog into himself. The Apex Armor makes up for this issue with sheer strength and invulnerability.
19	* HandyCuffs: Starscream. This backfires on his captors, as he uses the cuffs as a hammer to free the Apex Armor from the ice.
20	* HoistByHisOwnPetard: Subverted. Starscream nearly cuts himself open with a drill to replace his T-cog (which is very dangerous and could have terminated him) but postpones the operation to instead find out why Decepticons are scattering across the globe.
21	* {{Hypocrite}}: Dreadwing is a ''huge'' one. First, he mocks Optimus on [[ExactlyWhatIAimedAt having "poor" aim]] when [[ImperialStormtrooperMarksmanshipAcademy he miserably failed to shoot Optimus only standing a few feet away]]. Then he gets angry when he believes Starscream has sided with Optimus. Not long after, Dreadwing teams up with Prime, once Starscream obtains the Apex Armor.
22	* IdiotBall: Seriously, Optimus and Dreadwing decided to duke it out and leave the rogue Decepticon alone with the relic. They were so asking for that beatdown from Starscream once he equips it.
23	* InternalHomage: The scene where Starscream walks from an explosion in an Antarctic research base is [[VideoGame/Transformers2004 not the first time a Starscream has done so]].
24	* IOweYouMyLife: Because Optimus saved his life during the fight with Starscream, Dreadwing chooses not to continue their battle. He vows, however, to destroy him the next time they meet.
25	* LastSecondChance: Even though Dreadwing's a villain, he's more of a NobleDemon -- and Optimus gives him another chance to turn his back on Megatron for good. [[UndyingLoyalty He doesn't take it.]]
26	* MakesUsEven: Dreadwing's attitude on sparing Optimus this time, while promising to kill him the next time they meet.
27	%%* MisplacedRetribution: Dreadwing wants to kill Optimus for killing his brother, even though it was Bumblebee who did the deed.
28	* NiceJobFixingItVillain: Starscream saves Optimus from getting sworded by Dreadwing.
29	* PoweredArmor: The Apex Armor. It lets Starscream go toe-to-toe with Optimus ''and'' Dreadwing.
30	* PragmaticVillainy: Starscream feels Optimus isn't showing him proper respect, reminding him of his help towards the Autobots earlier in the season. Optimus concedes that much, but not without reminding Starscream that he did so for his own agenda and not for noble reasons.
31	* PublicSecretMessage: In response to Starscream boasting about the Apex Armor making him invincible, Optimus loudly remarks he's still incapable of flight. He does this as a way to tell Dreadwing to start planting bombs on the ground around Starscream.
32	* SaveTheVillain: Optimus crashes into Starscream before the latter can crush Dreadwing.
33	* SelfSurgery: At the beginning of the episode, Starscream reluctantly attempts to install a new T-cog into himself without ''any'' sort of anesthesia.
34	--> '''Starscream:''' A simple, painless procedure. Nothing to it, really, provided one possesses the nerve.
35	* StickyBomb: Optimus plants one on Starscream. [[NighInvulnerability It doesn't take.]]
36	* SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome: While Starscream now has a new T-Cog and the tools to install it, he lacks the the expertise of Knock Out to run the proceedure, and the nerve to do it by himself. There would have been a chance he would unwittingly terminate himself if not for the four signals on the ''Harbinger'' screen grabbing his attention.
37	* TaughtByExperience: Optimus learned from [[Recap/TransformersPrimeS1E20Partners last time]] how even a restrained Starscream can be a handle if underestimated. Optimus constantly keeps his blaster trained on him and is sure to walk behind him. He only loses sight of Starscream when Dreadwing catches up with them and starts a fight.
38	* TeamRocketWins: Starscream gets dumped into the ocean, but still walks away with a powerful relic.
39	* TookALevelInBadass: After alternatively going back and forth through DiminishingVillainThreat, after obtaining the Apex Armor and becoming a MightyGlacier, Starscream might actually become a serious threat again.
40	* UngratefulBastard: At least in Starscream's view, he considers Optimus this. When Starscream tries ranting on to Optimus for why he "suits" this trope such as aiding the Autobots from time to time as a rogue neutral, Optimus brushes this off saying Starscream only does what's in his best interests.
41	--> '''Starscream:''' What a team we make! I am so glad that you prevailed, Optimus Prime! That wretch, Dreadwing, was going to terminate me! Now, if you could just remove my bonds, I can lead you straight to the relic.
42	--> '''Optimus:''' (points his gun at Starscream) You will lead me there regardless.
43	--> '''Starscream:''' Hmph... you're welcome.
44	* WalkDontSwim: After falling through the ice, Starscream is forced to walk along the ocean floor back to the ''Harbinger''.
45	* WeWillMeetAgain: Before departing, Dreadwing promises to kill Optimus the next time they see each other.

Context Recap / TransformersPrimeS2E13Triangulation