The Burden Hardest to Bear

Generation One >  Season 2

An overwhelmed Rodimus Prime has the Matrix of Leadership taken from him.

Detailed synopsis
At the dawn, the people of Japan are awakening to do their daily tasks: fishing, going to shrines, and sword practice.

Then the Decepticons show up to cause random trouble.

Devastator begins harrassing a few fishermen, but is chased off by Broadside. Astrotrain tries to ram a train head on (real smart) only to have the Aerialbots drive him away. Bruticus and Defensor fight it out, when Cyclonus and the Sweeps arrive, but are driven off by Rodimus, Kup, and Sky Lynx. However, instead of thanking the Autobots for saving many lives, the government of Japan is very upset, saying that the Autobots frightened people and ruined business (thankless bipeds). When Marissa Faireborn arrives and tries to talk to Rodimus, the Autobot leader throws a hissy fit, transforms, and drives off. Kup explains that Rodimus is merely strained under the burden of command, and Marissa decides to follow him, to let him have someone to talk to.

Meeting up on the highway, however, the two are attacked by Wildrider and Dead End, who knock Marrissa into a lake and force Rodimus off a cliff. When they inspect Rodimus, they find the Matrix. Realizing that Galvatron will be really happy, they steal it and return to Chaar. In his throne room, Galvatron inserts the Matrix into his cannon, but instead of making it even more powerful, the Ancient Autobots appear and demand that Galvatron return the Matrix. Galvatron orders Scourge to destroy the Matrix, believing it better to be destroyed if the Decepticons can't have it. Scourge, however, inserts the Matrix into himself, and becomes more powerful...but at a startling price.

Meanwhile, the Autobot leader wakes up, to learn that he's reverted to Hot Rod. Springer and Ultra Magnus argue that they should go after the Decepticons, but Hot Rod feels that the Matrix isn't worth it, and jets off. Real smart idea, Roddy. On Chaar, Scourge challenges Galvatron, defeating him and Cyclonus. Scourge leads the Decepticons in an attack on Earth, with Galvatron and Cyclonus in persuit. On Earth, Hot Rod, while watching a martial arts class, gets some perspective, and realizes that he needs to get the Matrix back. He tracks down Scourge, and manages to defeat him, reclaiming the Matrix and becoming Rodimus Prime once more. Galvatron and Cyclonus find a less powerful, and very frightened, Scrouge. And they are none too happy with him...

As the Decepticons retreat, Rodimus realizes that he must deal with his missing part, as have those who came before him. Kup reminds him that no matter who carries the Matrix, he will retain that part forever.

Stats
Original airdate: ???

Written by: ???

Quotes
"He done blowed up real good."
 * --Wildrider, master of grammer

Animation and/or technical glitches

 * References

Continutity errors

 * References

Transformers references

 * When Galvatron inserts the Matrix into his cannon, he says "Now, all shall become one, under Galvatron!"

Real-world references

 * References

Miscellaneous trivia

 * Trivia

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