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Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime
- Voiced by: Alan Tudyk, Bill Rogers (Expedition), Tesshō Genda (Japanese)
The leader of the Autobots, who works hard to maintain good relations between humans and Cybertronians. He transforms into a semi-truck.
- Adaptational Personality Change: This version is more lighthearted than most, being willing to crack jokes and strike (what he thinks are) cool poses.
- Baritone of Strength: It's not Optimus Prime if he doesn't have one.
- Beware the Silly Ones: This incarnation of Optimus is much more goofy and humorous, but he's still willing to kick some tailpipe.
- Big Good: Par for the course when it comes to Optimus Prime.
- Hidden Depths: Gets an earful from Megatron from G.H.O.S.T.'s treatment of his former Decepticon troops, but given that he kept Bumblebee's existence a secret from them and is also complicit in hiding the existence of the Terrans, he clearly has his own agenda...
- Hypocrite: He's to some extent aware of G.H.O.S.T.'s shady nature and keeps a lot of secrets from them for that reason. Including the existence of the Terrans and that Bumblebee survived the Transformers War and is now living with the Maltos. Yet he has no problem delivering Decepticons to them by the truckload to be indefinitely locked away in an underground prison. Megatron calls him out on this in "Decoy". Played With in that it's ultimately revealed G.H.O.S.T. are the only humans willing to help the Autobots after the war, and thus he has no choice if he wants them to have any allies at all after stranding them on Earth.
- Improbable Use of a Weapon: During his and Megatron's battle with the Seekers, Prime uses his axe as a hook to grapple with Nova Storm.
- Mundane Utility: Uses his windshield wipers to clean off dirt and soot from an Arachnabot in the premier episodes.
- The Needs of the Many: He destroyed the Space Bridge, trapping himself and many other Cybertronians on Earth, in order to prevent their war from spilling out onto the planet more than it already had.
- Not So Above It All: If the Big Good texting sentences comprised entirely of Emojis isn't this, what else would it be?Dot: Someone's got to stop his Emoji abuse.
- He also leaves trolling voicemail messages for people trying to reach him...
- Out of Focus: While a prominent character in the first half of season 1, he's noticeably absent after Age of Evolution, aside from a mention by Dot in Missed Connections. This is especially weird as Megatron still gets a lot of appearances and even a whole episode dedicated to him (Warzone).
- Professional Butt-Kisser: He is constantly singing the praises of G.H.O.S.T., to the annoyance of Dot and Megatron. But given that he's ordered Bumblebee not to reveal that he's still alive to them, it's implied that he doesn't completely trust them and merely sees them as a necessary evil.
- Properly Paranoid: Works with G.H.O.S.T., but also clearly has his own agenda, keeping secrets from them like Bumblebee's existence, along with the fact that he is now living with the Malto's and training the Terrans. Given the revelations in "Home" that Croft is working with Mandroid, this is well-founded.
- Stepford Smiler: It's implied in several episodes that, despite his chipper demeanor, he's struggling to make things work on Earth and isn't all happy about his deal with G.H.O.S.T.
- Those Two Guys: Has developed this dynamic with Megatron. They're frequently seen working together and engaging in friendly banter. Downplayed after Age of Evolution, see Out of Focus above.
- Well-Intentioned Extremist: As part of his deal with G.H.O.S.T., Optimus is forced to let the humans imprison the Decepticons they capture. Downplayed in that Optimus is trying to find a better way to handle the captured Decepticons than what they're currently doing, as he explains to Dot when he first shows her the holding facility.Optimus: We make compromises to protect those we care about. I am not proud of this, but I know no better option to keep your planet safe. I promise you, I will never stop seeking one.
Bumblebee
- Voiced by: Danny Pudi, Joe Zieja (Expedition), Ryōhei Kimura (Japanese)
An Autobot scout who was believed to be dead and is assigned as the Terrans' mentor. He transforms into a sports car.
- Adaptational Jerkass: In most continuities Bumblebee is one of if not the kindest of the Autobots and always open to making friends with humans. In his debut episode, he's a good deal more haughty and arrogant than previous incarnations, seeing his job as a mentor for the Terrans as little more than a stepping stone on his way back to the Autobots. This lets up a bit after "Mooo-ving In" and the following episodes have him acting more like his previous incarnations.
- Big Brother Mentor: Takes on this role for Twitch and Thrash after warming up to them.
- But Now I Must Go: He's forced to leave the Maltos at the end of "Security Protocols", as G.H.O.S.T. has finally learned of his survival.
- Composite Character: Personality-wise, this Bumblebee is a hybrid of his Robots In Disguise (2015) counterpart (Kid Hero All Grown-Up and Only Sane Man who is still Not So Above It All) and his Transformers: Animated counterpart (an impulsive and impatient Speed Demon, though less obnoxious).
- Cool Car: Turns into a supercar based on a Ford GT.
- Defrosting Ice King: At first he's not all that gung-ho to be part of the Malto-family, at one point even outright stating he isn't looking to make friends. After getting to know the Maltos a bit better and realizing how much he's missed good company he warms up to them a lot more and no longer scoffs at being included.
- Dude, Where's My Respect?: As a super-famous war-veteran and hero he's used to people being in awe of or at the very least respectful of him. When the Terrans ignore his attempts to train them, he at first can't handle it at all and rants to himself about how baffling it is that they wouldn't want to be taught by him.
- Faking the Dead: G.H.O.S.T. has no idea he's still alive, and he is under orders to keep a low-profile by Optimus as a result. "Security Protocols" reveals that G.H.O.S.T. has actually suspected that he's still alive for quite some time, and believe that he "deserted" the Autobots.
- Hidden Depths:
- While at first his desire to go back to the Autobots as soon as possible might read like pure glory-seeking, there's actually more to it than that. Bumblebee genuinely missed his friends while he was in hiding and is worried that the long time away from the action might have made him a less capable hero.
- He's well-versed enough in Philipine culture to know what a Wakwak is and to recognize the alleged signs of one approaching.
- In-Series Nickname: Is called 'Bee' by his friends and family.
- Innocently Insensitive:
- In "Mooo-ving In" he inadvertently ruins the Malto's game night by attempting to turn every game into an impromptu training-session for Twitch and Thrash. When the kids and the Terrans call him out on it, he grows indignant and claims he's just trying to help.
- In "Friends and Family", he tells a rather gruesome story about Soundwave exploding a cassette as a result of not getting enough Energon. While him and the Malto kids are searching for Twitch and Thrash, who are glitching due to (presumed) Energon deficiency.
- The Mentor: He's assigned this position for the Malto kids (primarily the Terrans).
- Mid-Life Crisis Car: In "Age of Evolution - Part One", Nova Storm mockingly claims that Bumblebee has taken on a "midlife crisis alt mode".
- Old Shame: He's come to see his old Volkswagon beetle form as this, clearly being unhappy when it's brought up in "Outtakes".
- Open Mouth, Insert Foot: He has a tendency to say really messed up or insensitive things when attempting to cheer someone up. Probably due to his self-imposed exile eroding his social skills.
- Pet the Dog: He gives Alex a personalized autograph, despite being visibly put off by the request. When Alex asks for his signature on every single piece of Bumblebee-merch he owns, Bumblebee doesn't outright reject him, but merely tells him to leave the stuff in the barn and that he'll get to it later.
Elita- 1
- Voiced by: Cissy Jones, Ryōka Yuzuki (Japanese)
Optimus' right-hand-woman. She transforms into an all-terrain SUV.
- Action Girl: Seems to be the more battle-eager of the two between her and Optimus."I was hoping you'd say that! Makes the job SO much more fun!"
- Adapted Out: G1 Elita could stop time for a brief while, though this ability was a Dangerous Forbidden Technique that could kill her if used even once. This Elita shows no signs of possessing such a power.
- Ascended Extra: Elita is far more prominent here than most of her other incarnations, sans the Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy and Transformers: Animated to an extent.
- Hidden Depths: When Jawbreaker searches for an alt-mode, Elita confides in him that it took her a long time to find the right Earth form to take. It parallels Megatron who also took a long time to choose an Earth vehicle mode, only doing so near the end of the war.
- Lovable Jock: Is extremely physically strong, is shown to enjoy working out in her free-time and is a loyal and dependable 'Bot who's always willing to lend an ear to her friends.
- Number Two: She's Optimus' second-in-command.
Arcee
- Voiced by: Martha Marion, Fairouz Ai (Japanese)
A perky Autobot soldier. She transforms into a 50s-style muscle car.
- Big Sister Bully: Downplayed, but she really likes playing rough with Bumblebee and teasing him in front of his students.
- Cheery Pink: Is mostly colored pink and is a cheerful 'bot with a big smile on her face most of the time.
- Cool Car: Turns into a car inspired by a Chevrolet Bel-Air this time around.
- The Gadfly: Arcee really likes to tease others, either as part of a Secret Test of Character or just for fun. She continually rough-houses with and embarrasses Bumblebee, partially to get him to admit he actually likes being a mentor to the Maltos, and makes fun of a tied up Soundwave after his defeat.
- Genki Girl: She's constantly in a good mood and treats even life-or-death situations like a fun game. During the fight with Soundwave, she sounds like she's having the time of her life. Even if it's something relatively mundane and boring, like teaching the Terrans how to dig trenches, Arcee will treat it like a trip to an amusement park.
- Like Brother and Sister: She's shown roughhousing with Bumblebee a few times.
- Kick Chick: Arcee seems to favor her legs in combat, primarily attacking with high-kicks.
- Leitmotif: Has a very fun and bouncy musical theme that signifies her arrival.
- Secret Test of Character: Seems to be fond of giving these as she does one for the Malto Kids and the Terrans, and one for Bumblebee. She intentionally gives the kids and the Terrans boring, unfun chores so they'll learn to speak up against getting taken advantage of and acknowledge that Bumblebee might be strict but that they like him as a teacher. At the end of the episode she also pretends she wants to take over as the Terrans' mentor permanently to get Bumblebee to admit he actually likes teaching them and doesn't want to give them up.
Grimlock
- Voiced by: Keith David, Barron Bass (Expedition)
An Autobot warrior with a unique Tyrannosaurus rex alt-mode.
- Animal Mecha: As with most Grimlocks, his alt-mode is a mechanical T-Rex. He's even introduced in T-Rex mode.
- Baritone of Strength: Grimlock's voice, befitting an Autobot who can turn into the king of the dinosaurs, is very deep and commanding.
- The Berserker: When lost to his Dinobot rage, he goes on a rampage, attacking whatevers around him while spewing fire everywhere, unresponsive to most attempts at reaching him.
- Brainwashed and Crazy: Introduced having been put under Mandroid's mind control while on an undercover mission.
- Breath Weapon: As per usual, he can breathe fire in Dinobot mode.
- Composite Character: Grimlock takes some cues from his Cyberverse characterization. Generally being more well-spoken than typical Grimlocks but still has some of the gruffness of his G1 incarnations.
- Does This Remind You of Anything?: Grimlock's behavior after being freed from Mandroid is heavily reminiscent of someone suffering the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, having nightmares of his time at the Bot Brawl, being more temperamental when others insinuate it's okay if he's hurt, being quick to lash out if irritated too much, and losing himself to rage when triggered akin to a panic attack. It helps that Elita-1 and Jawbreaker calm him down by appealing to his better nature, reminding him of the things he's said, and letting him know that he's safe now, which are some methods used in trying to calm someone from a panic attack.
- More than Mind Control: Mandroid's control over Grimlock wasn't the only reason he was rampaging, rather it just directed where he'd rampage. His natural Dinobot rage overtaking him is the main reason he was so dangerous, and it's something he struggles to control on a normal basis. Even after being freed from Mandroid, he still suffers from intense PTSD, and while he can try to fight it off, if he's pushed far enough his Dinobot rage will overtake him and send him on another rampage, as Elita-1, Mo, Hashtag, and Jawbreaker discover firsthand.
- Red Baron: He's known as "The King of the Dinobots".
- Red Eyes, Take Warning: His eyes change from blue to red just before he goes on his rampage. Even after he's freed from Mandroid's control, his Dinobot rage combined with the trauma of the bot brawls cause him to lose control of himself and this is reflected by his optics turning from blue to red.
- Shockwave Stomp: He can create small earthquakes by stomping his foot.
- Unstoppable Rage: First thing he does when coming out of Mandroid's mind control is to go on a rampage in T-Rex mode and tearing the Bot Brawl arena apart. Bumblebee outright states that it would be best to wait for Grimlock to calm down before approaching him."Sometimes Dino-mode gets my special rage powers stuck."
Wheeljack
- Voiced by: Michael T. Downey, Yoji Ueda (Japanese)
A reclusive Autobot scientist and mechanic. He transforms into a rally car.
- Absentminded Professor: Is easily distracted when something piques his scientific interest. Played for Drama as him geeking out about the incapacitated arachnamechs leads to him being completely oblivious to Twitch trying to get a hug and then keeps him from noticing that she's saddened by the idea of him leaving.
- Accent Adaptation: Has a distinctly Southern-inspired accent in contrast to his vaguely-New Yorker inspired one from the original Transformers cartoon.
- Aliens of London: Has a noticeable Southern accent.
- In-Series Nickname: Twitch calls him "Dad 2" on account of her alt-mode being scanned from one of his drones.
- Mad Scientist: He's the one who builds most of the Autobots' gear, like the recon drones Twitch scanned her altmode from, and is a tad eccentric, to put it mildly. When he encounters Twitch, he at first thinks she's one of his drones that has somehow gained sentience and attempts to dissect her. Elita-1 and he himself also imply that his inventions have a tendency to explode sooner or later.
- Mythology Gag: This is the third incarnation of Wheeljack to have a mustache. The Transformers: Animated version of him also spotted one, and so did his Transformers: Cyberverse counterpart. Much like his Transformers: Prime counterpart, his signature faceplate is retractable.
- Parents as People: He eventually comes to accept his role as Twitch's second dad, but it's made painfully clear that he's just too emotionally distant to be the kind of parent she needs. That being said, he is making an effort to do better and they do part on amicable terms.
- Parental Substitute: Twitch takes to treating him as a father-figure due to her alt-mode being scanned from his drones. He's reluctant/uninterested at first but eventually warms up to her, teaching her abilities she wasn't aware she had that come from his drones.
