Definitely not a good bug zapper
After allying themselves with the Decepticons, the Insecticons feed on a new energy power source that will blow them to bits if an antidote isn't found.- Arbitrary Skepticism: The park ranger expresses disbelief in the existence of giant robotic insects, which would be perfectly reasonable if it weren't for the fact that he's talking to Beachcomber.
- Badass Boast: Right after Megatron and Starscream discover that the Insecticons have brain-washed the Decepticons, Bombshell tries to shoot cerebro-shells and brainwash them as well. Starscream is hit and enslaved, but Megatron catches it and crushes it with his fist. He then delivers this line:Megatron: No one gets into my cranial chamber!
- Blatant Lies: En route to the eaten part of the forest, Hound asks Bumblebee if he's having trouble with the mountain road. He insists that he isn't...only to skid from side to side as he tries to follow the others and mumble to himself that he needs to ask Ratchet for four-wheel drive.
- Brainwashed: Except for Megatron, all of the Decepticons are implanted with Bombshell's cerebro-shells and become his slaves.
- Deadly Upgrade: Draining energy from the Nova Power Core increased the Insecticons' size and strength, easily helping them turn the tables on the Autobots. However, the energy from the Power Core was incompatible with their stomachs and was going to cause them to explode soon.
- Enemy Mine: With his Decepticons under Bombshell's control, Megatron is forced to team up with Optimus and the Autobots to stop the Insecticons.Optimus Prime: Well, Megatron? Are you with us or not?Megatron: Anything to destroy those revolting, robotic roaches!
- Exit, Pursued by a Bear: The Insecticons, once they realize that their plan failed and that Megatron is ticked, flee the scene. Megatron orders the Decepticons after them.
- Extreme Omnivore: The Insecticons can and will eat practically anything. In fact, their main goal is to find and eat the strongest power sources they can to help themselves become bigger and stronger.
- No Honor Among Thieves: Megatron, knowing how untrustworthy the Insecticons are, plans to eliminate them once they've served their purpose and, not surprisingly, the Insecticons plan to turn on Megatron once they've gained enough power.
- The Mole: Soundwave unintentionally becomes this for the Insecticons after they inject one of Bombshell's cerebro-shells into his head.
- Not Quite Dead: Shrapnel perishes before he can be cured, but Bombshell simply creates a new body and he’s alright.
- Pet the Dog: While he typically doesn't care about whatever humans the Autobots have with them (unless he can use them as hostages or coerce them to his side), even Megatron looks concerned when Spike grabs the final antidote and climbs onto the about-to-explode Shrapnel.
- Remember the New Guy?: Beachcomber and Inferno first appear in this episode.
- Reports of My Death Were Greatly Exaggerated: The Autobots use a hologram to make the Decepticons and Insecticons believe that they and the humans are dead.
- Save the Villain: Not only do the Autobots try to save the Insecticons from exploding, but they have to free the Decepticons from the Insecticons' mind control.
- You Have Outlived Your Usefulness: Megatron attempts to pull this on the Insecticons. Unfortunately for him, they were well prepared.
