"Beast Wars: Transformers" (1996) TV series 1996-1999

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3

Release Date:

6 August 1996 (Canada)

Genre:

Action | Fantasy | Animation | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Tagline:

The Transformers story continues in the acclaimed sequel!

Plot:

The Transformers' war continues in an older time, through a newer generation. On a prehistoric Earth, the heroic Maximals and the evil Predacons battle for survival against each other and against nature.

Plot Keywords:

Planet | Battle | Robot | Spaceship | Alien

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Scott McNeil	...	Dinobot / ... (52 episodes, 1996-1999)
Gary Chalk	...	Optimus Primal / ... (51 episodes, 1996-1999)
Ian James Corlett	...	Cheetor / ... (50 episodes, 1996-1999)
Richard Newman	...	Rhinox / ... (50 episodes, 1996-1999)
David Kaye	...	Megatron (48 episodes, 1996-1999)
Venus Terzo	...	Blackarachnia (40 episodes, 1996-1999)
Alec Willows	...	Tarantulas (35 episodes, 1996-1999)
Jim Byrnes	...	Inferno (28 episodes, 1997-1999)
Doug Parker	...	Terrorsaur / ... (25 episodes, 1996-1997)
Don Brown	...	Scorponok (24 episodes, 1996-1997)

Also Known As:

Beasties: Transformers (Canada: English title)
Beasties (Canada: English title)
Transformers: Beast Wars (USA) (last season title)

Runtime:

30 min (52 episodes)

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby (1997-) | Matrix Surround (1996-1997)

Certification:

Australia:PG (some episodes) | Singapore:PG | Australia:G (some episodes) | USA:TV-Y7

Company:

Alliance Atlantis Communications

Trivia:

Early on, during the original broadcast, there have been major "clashes" between the fans of Transformers. Some were unable to accept this series, as it didn't feature the original characters and because the robots turned into organic animals rather than mechanical machinery. As the show progressed, though, more and more mechanical-looking robot modes began to emerge with vehicle modes, and the references and easter-eggs that tied it to its predecessor "Transformers" (1984) became more common. Finally the infamous sarcastic phrase "TRUKK NOT MUNKY" ("truck not monkey") was born, which represents the haters' anger over Optimus Primal being an ape and not a truck like the original Optimus Prime. Since then, Transformers fans have used it derisively towards those that complain about changes to the mythos. It is worth to note that the rants the phrase is based on were baseless from the start, since Optimus Primal and Optimus Prime are two different characters, and Primal is not in fact a monkey but an ape. It is unfortunate, however, that there are still fans who cannot accept organic or animal-like Transformers (or, in fact, any kinds of Transformers that differ from the original characters) and the fights between the "haters" and "supporters" still take place from time to time.

Goofs:

Continuity: In the episode "Fallen Comrade", during the fight over the bridge, Waspinator is missing his stripes on his posterior. They are missing again when he and Terrorsaur are attempting to open the stasis pod

Quotes:

Blackarachnia: Thanks for coming after me. It was sweet.
Silverbolt: As was the way you confessed the truth to Optimus. Oh we'll make a Maximal out of you yet.
Blackarachnia: In your dreams. I like myself just the way I am and I intend to stay this way. HOME ROVER.

Movie Connections:

Follows The Transformers: The Movie (1986)

Coolest show ever, and surprisingly dramatic

So many people would call this show "elementry" and stupid, but it's actually quite dramatic. The story that spanned three seasons focuses on two alien races (the Maximals and the Predacons) who crash onto Earth eons before the original Transformers are discovered by the humans. From there on, the Predacon leader Megatron tries to take control and destroy the Maximals.

The growth of the characters over the three seasons is very entertaining, funny and dramatic. Oh, and not to mention that the action and graphics are often amazing.

Good show, definitely my favorite children's action, 8/10.