Deus ex Machina: Miko explains the trope to the guard, while waiting in his office and trying to stall for time. This happens right before Fowler arrives. Unlike straight examples, this development was properly foreshadowed.
Discriminate and Switch: Starscream derides the flamboyant Knock Out as "one of those", seemingly implying homophobia, then continues on to question why any Decepticon would choose a land vehicle as an alt-mode over a flier.
Knock Out's first appearance highlights his vanity and he even approaches Optimus while wolf-whistling and complimenting the customization of his vehicle.
The first two things Breakdown does: exchange banter with Bulkhead and try to kill a teenage girl by throwing a gigantic stone pillar at her.
Fantastic Racism: Starscream seems to have a preference within Cybertronian culture.
Starscream: Yes, right, you're one of those.
Knock Out: Come again?
Starscream: Never understood why any self-respecting Decepticon would choose automobile as his vehicle mode, when he could have flight.
Police Are Useless: Despite having a lead of several hours, they don't make it before Agent Fowler does.
Screw This, I'm Outta Here: Knock Out and Breakdown flee the scene once Optimus, Arcee, and Bumblebee arrive to assist Bulkhead.
Title Drop: While distracting the security guard, Miko explains what "deus ex machina" means.
The Worf Effect: To show the newcomers off, the episode has Knock Out take Optimus Prime down with a single sneak attack, and Breakdown takes out both Arcee and Bumblebee with one missile each. Neither of the duo is that much of a threat in further episodes.
