Overmatch

'''The Autobots have a solid victory thanks to the Star Saber, but then Scavenger gives the Decepticons a new edge. Also he totally messes with everybody and there is nothing they can do about it.'''

Original American Air Date: December 13th, 2002.

Characters (in order of appearance): Scavenger, Starscream, Demolishor, Cyclonus, Hot Shot, Air Defense Mini-Con Team, Smokescreen, Megatron, Optimus Prime, Liftor, Rad, Carlos, Alexis, Sureshock, Red Alert,

Summary
In a mountainous area, under moonlight, the Decepticons search for another Mini-Con. As Starscream climbs a mountainside to the active panel, Hot Shot leaps in front of him and summons the Star Saber, while Smokescreen goes after the Mini-Con. Hot Shot pushes Starscream down the mountain, and the two swing their blades at each other. Hot Shot's sword easily slices through Starscream's, the stray shard knocking Cyclonus out of Smokescreen's way.

Megatron orders Demolishor forward, but Optimus then lands directly onto the Decepticon leader, leaving Demolishor to fight Hot Shot on his own. When Hot Shot removes Demolishor's cannons, Megatron once more orders a retreat.

Smokescreen arrives at the base of the mountain and introduces the activated Mini-Con: Liftor. Optimus warns Hot Shot not to be overconfident, and almost notices a cloaked figured who was watching the entire battle.

At the Autobot base, Rad complains that the fridge is full of tools, and Carlos explains that Alexis is out shopping for more food. This still does not explain why there are tools where the food should be.

In a grocery store, Alexis doesn't buys some laundry detergent with bleach, and some de-greaser, even if there is a suspected risk of causing her fashionable Mini-Con to short circuit.

When she gets back to the Autobot base, Red Alert reminds the kids that the Mini-Cons shouldn't go out in public, and then silences Carlos complaints of boredom. He then gives the kids an enhanced version of Laserbeak.

In the Decepticon base, the Decepticons are healing their wounds while Megatron berates his own troops. But then the mysterious cloaked figure from earlier arrives, whom Megatron introduces as Scavenger. Scavenger belittles all the Decepticon, aggravating Starscream into an assault that Scavenger is able to outright deny, leading Starscream to hold another grudge.

On earth, Scavenger locates a (yellow) Mini-Con panel, but instead of grabbing it, he leaves it as a catalyst in a series of manipulated events. And soon enough, the Autobots and the Decepticons face each other in combat. Hot Shot is eager to use the Star Saber to make the first move. Cyclous opens fire at Hot Shot, who leaps and slices off the Decepticon's butt. Starscream then challenges Hot Shot in open combat.

Just then, Scavenger's laughter is heard, drawing everybody's attention. Optimus admits that it was Scavenger who taught Prime how to fight. Starscream tells Scavenger to butt out, and Scavenger tells Megatron to butt out.

Starscream and Hot Shot begin their duel. Their first attacks bounce off each other. On the second approach, Starscream is able to put a nasty gash into Hot Shot's face. On the third dive at each other, Hot Shot again slices Starscream's sword.

Scavenger pronounces that Hot Shot's victory was only because of the Star Sabre. When Hot Shot challenges Scavenger, Scavenger uncloaks himself. Scavenger pushes Hot Shot back, and a stab from Hot Shot wedges the Star Saber within Scavenger's arm. Scavenger is unphased and slaps Hot Shot away, then delivers a brutal punch to Hot Shot's gut, winning the fight.

Megatron tries to claim the Star Saber, but Optimus intervenes. Cyclonus however has found the Mini-Con and with the prize in hand, the Decepticons retreat. On the moon, Megatron tries to unlock the Mini-Con, and Scavenger explains about legend of the Skyboom shield.

Notable quotes

 * Scavenger: "I wasn't sure until just now wether I would respond to your request. I made up my mind after witnessing that battle and seeing how pathetically you performed. You need all the help you can get. Still I'm impressed that you would have a base here, it's perfect for a warp facility. Nice work, Megatron. Sometimes your intelligence surprises me."
 * Megatron: "Spare me the cynicism. Calling you was a last resort, believe me, we must have that Star Saber. Can we count on your assistance, my friend? I'll be certain to make it worth your while."
 * Megatron: "Spare me the cynicism. Calling you was a last resort, believe me, we must have that Star Saber. Can we count on your assistance, my friend? I'll be certain to make it worth your while."


 * Scavenger: "Megatron, I've heard rumors about these three assistants of yours. Some claim they are among the most fearsome of the Decepticons. So much for believing everything you hear."


 * Cyclonus: "My butt! What have you done to my poor butt?!"

Errors

 * Alexis refers to Laserbeak as "Kind of like a spycam, only without th visuals" despire previous episodes showing that Laserbeak can record and broadcast visuals.