Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1

Generation 1>Season 2

The Dinobots abandon the Autobots as both the Autobots and Decepticons begin to suffer malfunctions

Detailed synopsis
At a laboratory, Optimus Prime and the Autobots are being shown a new drone fighter by a professor. However, Megatron is out to steal the fighter's blueprints from the laboratory. Soundwave and Ravage, who are inside Ironhide, provide a distraction, while Starscream destroys the drone. Prime orders the Autobots to inspect the wreckage for any clues, while the Decepticons attack the lab, but the Autobots arrive and are able to send them packing.

Meanwhile, Spike Witwicky, Carly, and Bumblebee go to pick Sparkplug up at the airport. While there, they discover that the Decepticons have a base there. Contacting the Autobot base, Wheeljack sends the Dinobots to assist. The Dinobots quickly trash the Decepticons. however, Megatron orders the Decepticons to blast the planes, causing a massive explosion that damages the Dinobots and allows the Decepticons to retreat. Hoist, Red Alert, and Inferno arrive to put out the fires and take the Dinobots back to base. Ratchet and Wheeljack begin repairs on the Dinobots, while the other Autobots rebuild the airport.

While flying, Ravage ejects from Soundwave, cause unknown. Soon, however, the Decepticons fall from the sky, and Rumble begins attacking Megatron, though he doesn't know why. Megatron conlcudes that they are suffering from bad Energon, and decide to get some new cubes from a powerplant to refuel themselves. At the Autobot base, the Dinobots are repaired, and Prime, still rebuilding the airport, tries to send them to stop the Decepticons. Grimlock angrilly refuses, saying he's tired of tasking Prime's orders and saving the Autobots whenever they need help. The Dinobots leave the base, intending to fight whenever on their terms. The Autobots arrive to stop the Decepticons, but they too begin to suffer from malfunctions. After an indecisive battle, Megatron orders the Decepticons to retreat.

Back at the base, the Autobots are suffering power failures now. Perceptor concludes that they are suffering from Cybertonium depletion. However, Cybertonium only exists on Cybertron. Fortunately, Shockwave is sending a shipment over the space bridge, but the Autobots are in no condition to retrieve it themselves. Sparkplug, Spike, and Carly decide to track down the Dinobots. Grimlock is less than pleased to have been followed, and decides to crush the humans. Swoop, however, saves the humans because he wants to hear what they have to say. Sparkplug explains the situation, but Grimlock doesn't care. However, when Spike mentions Cybertonium, Grimlock realizes the Cybertron connection, and decides to help. The Dinobots attack the Constructicons, who are retrieving the Cybertonium, but the Dinobots simply get into the space bridge and head for Cybertron. Shockwave attempts to stop them. Guess what happens.

At the Autobot base, Sparkplug contacts Grimlock, who refuses to return and help the "bossy Autobots". Carly resolves that she and Spike must head for Cybertron themselves. Prime attempts to stop them, but finally succumbs to the effects Cybertronium depletion. Sparkplug stays to man Teletraan I to help the kids. Spike and Carly manage to drive past Devastator using Carly's car, but Shockwave is on waiting for the two humans.

To be continued...

Animation errors

 * When the Dinobots first appear on Cybertron, Shockwave has both his hands. In the next scene, however, his left hand blaster is there.

Transformer references

 * The Constructicons appear to be functioning perfectly well in this episode. What this says about there origin controversy is unknown.

Miscellanious trivia

 * At the final scene, Shockwave is holding a gun that looks exactly like his alternate mode.
 * How the hell did Soundwave get inside Ironhide without him knowning?