Barricade (Movie)

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Barricade is apparently a complicated robot. He's considered "fractious" even by Decepticon standards, yet is willing to give Starscream the benefit of the doubt and follow where he leads, at least for the time being. Though not totally dedicated to the service of the Decepticons' current leader, he is much more cautious and reserved about expressing mutinous dissent than say most. He believes that Starscream is vital in their search for Megatron and the All Spark. In many ways this makes him Starscream's closest ally in the naturally combative Decepticon ranks. Then again, it's been said that he likes to trick people into trusting him, just so he can see their reactions when they find out just how much of a bad idea it was.

If his attitude toward his fellow Decepticons is inconsistent, his attitude toward the Autobots is the same thing: kill all Autobots. Barricade might not be as large as most of his peers, but he is every bit as deadly. He thoroughly relishes every chance in fighting the Autobots. He's smart enough to let one live if he thinks he or the Decepticons can use it to their advantage, but most of the time, they're dead before someone's even thought of a plan.

"Autobots, foul Autobots, here we come. Let our long war resume--and let it end here."

- Barricade


 * Chinese name (Taiwan): Pàn Gūan (叛官, "Treacherous Official")

Ghosts of Yesterday prequel novel
Barricade acts as pilot and chief science officer for the Nemesis. Through this he apparently possesses an impressive "mastery of physics", being very intelligent. He claims to have chafed under Starscream's leadership, but is willing to tolerate him for now. Barricade spent most of his time rubbing everyone the wrong way and loving every minute of it. Optimus Prime once said that Barricade could be as dangerous as Starscream.

Prime Directive prequel comic


The Decepticon infiltration unit under the command of Starscream arrived on Earth in the year 2003. Barricade scanned a Saleen S281 police car, then destroyed the original human vehicle to cover his tracks, as did his fellow Decepticons when choosing their new forms. It is uncertain how he managed to scan what appears to be a 2006 model in 2003. Maybe he's just that good...

Later then, Barricade pursues Bumblebee outside of Denver, Colorado as the Autobot is working on a new lead on the Witwickys.

Transformers Movie Prequel (Target)
Barricade was one of the Decepticons under the command of Starscream at a battle outside of Tyger Pax. As they were mopping up the last remnants of Autobot resistance, Barricade amused himself by playing with the decapitated head of a fallen Autobot. When he saw the All Spark Cube jettisoned into space, Barricade realized that Cybertron would soon die. Bonecrusher said to let it die, and he could join it. Barricade did not bring up the discussion again.

After leaving Cybertron in pursuit of Megatron and the All Spark, the Decepticons landed in the Earth nation-state of Afghanistan. During their attack on a nearby US Military installation, Barricade used a facade of friendliness to trick nearby human soldiers into lowering their guard, whereupon he slaughtered them at point-blank range. Later, he was almost hit by a localized EMP weapon from a human, but it instead hit his comrade Wreckage.

"Flight of the Bumblebee" online game
Barricade was one of a group of Decepticons who trapped Bumblebee in a canyon. He stood around on a rocky butte, walking back and forth and waiting for Bumblebee to drive up to him. When the Autobot dropped in, Barricade immediately opened fire, blasting Bumblebee continuously. Unfortunately, Bumblebee had the idea to shoot back, blasting him right out of the picture with just one shot.

Transformers The Game (console)

 * Voice actor: Keith David

Autobot campaign
Barricade was sent to Tranquility to hunt down Sam Witwicky and the glasses that held the location of the All Spark. He attempted to capture Sam and Mikaela outside their high school, but Bumblebee stepped in. The humans fled for the nearby baseball field with Barricade in pursuit, but Bumblebee beat him to them, protecting them while they ran away again. He followed them to the power plant, but was once again foiled by Bumblebee and sent packing.

Later, in Mission City, Barricade made one last grab for the AllSpark after Starscream, Blackout and Brawl had each fallen to the Autobots. However, he was once again intercepted by Bumblebee, and finally defeated for good.

Decepticon campaign
Upon reaching Tranquility and choosing his alternate mode, Barricade attempted some recon, but encountered a squad of Autobot drones, a battle which spilled out to the local baseball field. Shortly afterwards, he was informed by Starscream that Frenzy had information they needed, but the diminutive Decepticon had been captured by Sector Seven agents. Barricade tracked them to the power plant, then hounded the agents across town in their highly resistant van, wrecking every building in his path until Frenzy was recovered.

Finally on the trail of Sam, he was stopped cold by Sam's protector Bumblebee. Barricade got the upper hand, but the Autobot led him on a chase that ended in Bay's Demolition lot, and an ambush courtesy of a lot of Autobot drones. Barricade overcame the odds, and hunted down Bumblebee once more, finally besting the Autobot and taking the glasses from Sam. Having located Megatron, Barricade relayed his findings to Starscream, who directed him to specific coordinates while coming to the aid of Bonecrusher and Brawl. When the Decepticons converged on Mission City, Barricade was tasked with taking out the Autobot Jazz. He later stood in Megatron's presence after the AllSpark had been recovered and Megatron ordered the Earth to be destroyed before they left it on their way to conquering all of known space.

Transformers The Game (Nintendo DS)

 * Voice actor: Keith David

Autobots
When Bumblebee went to investigate the source of an image found on the internet, he found Barricade waiting for him. Barricade blew up a nearby car and took off, sending out messages on the police radio that Bumblebee was responsible. After failing to lose Bumblebee in spite of all of Tranquility's police force being after him, he engaged him in combat. Unable to defeat Bumblebee, he hastily retreated. Later on, he encountered Bumblebee and Optimus Prime as the two were leaving Hoover Dam. With a large helicopter Decepticon at his side, he demanded the Allspark from Prime, not even caring of the consequences. He was defeated, but revealed to Prime he was merely a distraction while other Decepticons freed Megatron from his icy prison.

Decepticons
When the Decepticon Create-A-Bot arrived on Earth, his mentor, Starscream, directed him to rendezvous with Barricade, already active on the planet. Barricade was not enamored with the idea of a partner, feeling that the Create-A-Bot would only slow him down, but after putting the rookie through his paces, he permitted him to join him on his mission in the town of Tranquility. Barricade revealed to the Create-A-Bot what Starscream had not - that the signal which had brought the Decepticons to Earth had come from Megatron himself. The rookie dismissed Megatron as a relic, and was struck by Barricade for the insult. With some help from the rookie, Barricade discovered that the Autobot Bumblebee was already on Megatron's trail; Barricade pursued Bumblebee, defeated him in battle on the outskirts of Tranquility, and acquired the data he had gathered.

Now aware that the human military organization Sector 7 was holding Megatron, Barricade arranged for Blackout to the Create-A-Bot to a Qatar military base, where they and Brawl hacked Sector 7's databanks. The file they obtained was brought back to Barricade in Tranquility for deciphering, and revealed that Megatron was being held by Sector 7 in the Hoover Dam. The Create-A-Bot suggesting relaying this to Starscream, but Barricade loudly refuted the idea, happy that the impending resurrection of Megatron would mean that he would no longer have to serve under a cowardly, back-stabbing bureaucrat like Starscream. Swayed by Barricade's words, the rookie revealed a fact that Starscream had told only him - that the All Spark was also present on Earth. Shocked by the revelation, Barricade realized that Starscream had been scheming to acquire the All Spark for himself, to ensure that not even Megatron could remove him from power. With the rookie now turned from Starscream and on his side, Barricade was able to liberate Megatron from Sector 7, and the Decepticons pursued the Autobots, now in possession of the All Spark, back to Tranquility. During the battle, Starscream finally claimed the All Spark from Bumblebee, and Barricade stood against him, intent on bringing him in for treason. Alas, the All Spark-powered Starscream destroyed Barricade, but with in death, Barricade proved to the Create-A-Bot what it truly meant to be a Decepticon. An interesting note: Barricade became one of the only Decepticons to transform while fighting in this game, and he was very effective at it.

Transformers (2007 film)

 * Voice actor: Jess Harnell (English), Katsuhiro Kitagawa (Japan), Oliver Siebeck (German)



After being active on Earth for some time, Barricade arrived to pick up Frenzy after the smaller Decepticon's attempt to hack into and sabotage the United States military network on Air Force One. Using data Frenzy had acquired, the two learned of Sector Seven, "Project Iceman", and Witwicky man, the discoverer of the entombed Megatron. The duo were able to use the internet to learn of both Witwicky man's descendants, ladiesman217, and a pair of glasses that Megatron had accidentally marked with the location of the long-lost All Spark. Frenzy declared that they needed to find ladiesman217, and Barricade moved out in search of him.



Later, Barricade confronted ladiesman217 regarding his recent eBay auctions while the human was fleeing Bumblebee, whom the human mistakenly believed was out to harm him. Ladiesman217 fell for Barricade's ruse, and requested the "officer's" help, only for Barricade to transform before him. As ladiesman217 fled, Barricade knocked him onto the hood of an abandoned car, then violently demanded information on eBay item 21153. Ladiesman217 and his female friend, who had been drawn into the encounter, managed to escape him when Bumblebee convinced the boy to trust him, and Barricade pursued both the Autobot and two humans to a junkyard. After temporarily losing and then regaining their position, he charged into battle, activating his mace/rotating blade, and dispatched Frenzy to chase down the humans. However, his battle with Bumblebee ended with Barricade heavily damaged. Considering the fact that Frenzy was decapitated, he got off lucky.



Evidently, though, he recovered, and was back to working order when Frenzy (who had survived and infiltrated Sector Seven) transmitted both Megatron and the All Spark's location to his fellow Decepticons. When the humans fled with the All Spark, Barricade answered the mobilization message saying he was en-route to the location and soon joined in the pursuit along with Devastator and Bonecrusher. Devastator soon broke off on an alternate route, while Barricade and Bonecrusher hit the freeway, making contact with the Autobot/human convoy. Barricade attempted to clear some room for the two Decepticons by activating his sirens; Bonecrusher simply rammed everything in his way. Ladiesman217 recognized Barricade, and warned that they were in danger. Optimus Prime, Ironhide, and Ratchet aligned to block their access to Bumblebee, who contained the humans and the All Spark.

Bonecrusher went on the offensive, and Barricade, being outnumbered 3 to 1, did not continue to pursue the others. His final fate was unknown.

Titan Magazines
Barricade was killed in the Mission City battle and then resurrected as a zombie for a few minutes by Starscream.

Reign Of Starscream comic


During the motorway chase, Barricade was taken out by Ironhide, knocking him off the road and causing him to go offline. He was later reactivated by "Lord" Starscream, and suggested to his new leader that they should find Frenzy.

He remained on Earth, watching over a Sector Seven research base.

Legends Class toys

 * Barricade (Legends Class, 2007)
 * Japanese name: EZ Collection Barricade




 * The smallest transforming version of the character, Legends Barricade features limited articulation and detail. In what could only be defined as an anomaly of physics, compared to the other Movie Legends, Barricade is quite close in appearance and transformation to the larger deluxe figure. Legends Barricade's instructions also overlook the fact that his grill can flip down to fill out his torso and raise his chest higher.


 * Battle for the Allspark (Toys'R'Us exclusive multi-pack, 2007)




 * A Toys'R'Us exclusive, this six-pack of Legends class figures contains unmodified toys of Optimus Prime, Jazz, Bumblebee, Megatron, Starscream and Barricade.


 * Cliffjumper vs. Recon Barricade (Legends Allspark Battles multi-pack, 2007)




 * Released as part of the AllSpark Battles refresh of the Movie toyline, Legends class Recon Barricade is a redeco of the regular Legends class Barricade in a paint scheme based upon the Deluxe class Recon Barricade. Yes. He comes packed with Legends class Cliffjumper, itself a repaint of Legends class Bumblebee.


 * Recon Barricade (Legends, 2008)


 * An individually packaged release of the Legends class toy, released within Europe.

Deluxe Class toys

 * Barricade (Deluxe Class, 2007)
 * Japanese ID Number: MD-02
 * Accessories: Frenzy mini-figure




 * Barricade transforms into an accurate Saleen S281 Police Cruiser. As with MOST deluxe-class cars in the Movie line, he features clear windows for his windshield and doors, but oddly his rear window is opaque black plastic. Stored inside the engine bay, behind the car's ram bar is a mini-figure Frenzy disguised as Barricade's grill.  We say mini, but Frenzy would be about six feet tall, scale wise.


 * In robot mode, Barricade quite faithfully reproduces the CGI design, though his chest cannot deform to the same extent. He features a reasonable amount of articulation with ball joints for his shoulders and upper legs, ratcheting and swivels for his elbows and double-jointed knees (although the knees make it difficult to properly align the upper and lower portions of his legs). Barricade has no neck joint as the two car hood halves slot into place between the bottom of the head and the plate on which it sits. Barricade does not have any Automorphing gimmick to speak of; in its place is a spring-loaded extending "punching" attack on his left arm.


 * As with almost all Transformers toys issued over the last few years, a few of his transformation quirks are undocumented; in robot mode front wheel panels on his shoulders are ball-jointed, allowing one to position them in a manner similar to what is seen in the movie renders. Additionally, the sections that become his claws (apart from the thumb hinge) can swing up slightly to make themselves more pronounced, and spikes on the top of his feet can be swung up.


 * Bumblebee vs. Barricade: First Encounter (Wal*Mart exclusive multi-pack, 2007)
 * Accessories: Frenzy mini-figure




 * This Wal*Mart exclusive battle pack contains the deluxe-class Barricade and the 1974 Camaro deluxe-class Bumblebee figures, based upon their confrontation as seen in the movie. The box features a diorama-style background from a movie scene, but toys themselves are unchanged from their original carded releases.


 * Recon Barricade (Deluxe, 2007)
 * Accessories: Frenzy mini-figure


 * A redeco of the normal Deluxe Barricade toy, this time in a "local security" blue and gray pattern. All the gimmicks remain the same, including his little pal Frenzy, who is now colored more G1-accurate.


 * Recon Barricade's license plate reads "SAGE2764", a reference to the screenname of a member of a Chinese newsgroup used by Joe Kyde (who would later design the deco for Recon Barricade) to disseminate hoax information for a thesis project.


 * It may be a good thing that Frenzy's eyes are now the correct blue color, but the fact that the rest of his body is the same color kind of kills it.


 * First Encounter (Screen Battles, 2007)
 * Japanese ID number: SB-01
 * Accessories: Sam Witwicky figure, Mikaela figure and Frenzy figure


 * This Screen Battles pack features a largely unchanged Deluxe class Barricade figure. The only real difference is the Frenzy mini-figure, which is now cast entirely in black plastic, sports no paint applications and is supposed to be stuck permanently inside Barricade's chest thanks to a new, additional piece of plastic (as a matter of fact, the Frenzy figure is also neither advertised on the packaging nor depicted in the instructions).


 * This only applies to the Hasbro version, however—TakaraTomy's Japanese release of the pack features a Barricade that is identical to the single pack version, including an easily removable Frenzy figurine cast in grey plastic with painted red eyes.


 * The pack also comes with non-posable figurines of Sam Witwicky in a running pose, Frenzy menacing Sam and Mikaela holding the power saw she uses to attack Frenzy. The set is packaged in a special window box with a diorama depicting the battle between Barricade and Bumblebee.


 * According to details listed in an official checklist on Hasbro's website, this pack was originally supposed to feature Sam with a bike, and Mikaela with a Scooter.


 * All Spark-Enhanced Barricade (Target Exclusive Deluxe, 2007)
 * Accessories: Frenzy mini-figure
 * This Target exclusive features the Deluxe Class Barricade in unique cylindrical packaging, with the only difference from his standard release being that key robot mode parts are highlighted by the 'All Spark Blue' color for no other reason than to sell toys. Interestingly, in what can only be explained as an "answer" to Recon Barricade's blue Frenzy, this release's Frenzy is cast in red plastic with a minor black color application to the chest area, making him now resemble Rumble. Thanks to Hasbro, the debate continues...


 * Barricade (Deluxe Class "Premium Series", 2008)
 * Accessories: Frenzy mini-figure


 * This version of Deluxe Barricade features a slightly more movie-accurate deco, with additional "911" markings that were missing on earlier releases. However, confusingly his windows have a frosted paint deco applied to them for no apparent reason, other than to make the toy look 'different'.


 * Unlike some earlier "Premium Series" toys, Barricade will be available at general retail.

Fast Action Battlers

 * Blade Shield Barricade (Fast Action Battler, 2007)


 * Fast Action Battlers Barricade is similar to the regular Deluxe clas toy. However, the details are simplied, and the proportions in both vehicle mode and robot mode are less realistic, generally skewed towards are more stylised and exaggerated appearance. Instead of the punching hand gimmick seen on the Deluxe class toy, FAB Barricade's left arm features a flip out arm extension with a shield made out of blades based on his spinning blades from the Movie.

Cyber Slammers

 * Barricade (Cyber Slammers, 2007)




 * Cyber Slammers Barricade is an amazingly cute Saleen S281 police car that transforms into an amazingly cute treacherous Decepticon pretending to be a cop. 'Slam' his robot mode down into car mode and he rolls along for a while, then pops back up into robot mode (and does a little wheelie. Like most Cyber Slammers, Barricade manages to cram most of his vehicle mode's major details into a compact, super-deformed version of that mode.


 * Patrol Barricade (Cyber Slammers, 2008)




 * This adorable, pudgy version of Barricade's car mode zips forward with a little motor. The robot mode Patrol Barricade pops up after a little while, rolling along. So cute! The colors are similar to Recon Barricade, but oddly enough, the scheme is different, and the markings are for a sheriff's car.

Robot Replicas

 * Barricade (Robot Replica, 2007)




 * A non-transforming action figure, Robot Replicas Barricade hews much closer to the CGI model of the character (albeit wrong paint job). With joints similar to the Revoltech series, he is also more posable than his transforming counterpart, plus features replacement arms that feature his "blender-blade tires" alternate hands briefly seen in the movie.


 * Barricade's shoulders/upper arms and shins (including the feet) are incorrectly assembled as compared to the CG design used for the movie. This can easily be fixed due to the interchangability of the Robot Replica limbs. (Although the CG design raises the question how exactly his transformation in the movie is supposed to work. The markings on the arms are located on opposite sides of the body as compared to the vehicle mode.)

Micro IR Transformers Cars

 * Barricade (2007)




 * Made under license by Radio Shack. Three-function infrared remote, in Barricade's signature colors, gives you control of the car with forward and reverse turn movement. More than just a vehicle styled after the Movie character, the car also transforms to robot mode. The top of the gun-shaped IR remote's barrel serves as a display stand.

Deluxe Class Toys

 * Interrogator Barricade (Deluxe Class, 2009)
 * Barricade is the same except for Interrogator arms on the front of his hood and no Frenzy.

Robot Heroes

 * Bumblebee vs. Barricade (2007)
 * The first Robot Heroes version of Barricade, he's sculpted in a bit of a hunched, thuggish crouch. He has the standard Robot Heroes articulation: Both shoulders swivel, and his head rotates.


 * Barricade vs. Optimus (2008)
 * This Robot Heroes pack features Barricade in a running/attacking pose, and Optimus Prime posed as he was in the Movie as he awaited Bonecrusher's attack. This version of Barricade only has articulation at the shoulders, and oddly enough has his shoulder pylons attached to his torso, as opposed to his arms.

XMODS® Evolution Transformers

 * Barricade (2007)
 * Model Number: 60-185






 * Barricade is one of the first Transformers characters to be licensed by Radio Shack from Hasbro and Dreamworks for their XMODS Evolution line of radio control cars. "The maximum in modification", Barricade is a base kit that can be upgraded with XMODS® Evolution Weapons and Light Kit for Barricade™ a weapons and light kit featuring the weapons/manipulators he uses in the film and rocket launchers that were cut from the film (Model Number: 600-barricade3), as well as any of the optional motor upgrades, body kits, steering and suspension upgrades, and more available for the brand.

ZipZaps® Micro RC

 * Barricade (2007)
 * Model Number: 6000181




 * Barricade is also one of the first Transformers characters licensed by Radio Shack for their ZipZaps line of pocket-size radio control cars. As a ZipZap, Barricade can be customized, trimmed, and tuned with any other accessories available for the brand. He has working headlights and requires four "AAA" batteries for the charger.

Transformers 3D Battle Card Game

 * Barricade (3D Battle Card, 2007)
 * His card art was done by Lucio Parrillo.

Unleashed

 * Blackout and Barricade (2008)


 * The Blackout and Barricade turnaround is a 3D sculpture of the two characters in both robot mode emerging from rubble and explosions, with a movie-accurate sculpt (compared to the various transforming toys.) The 'turnaround' aspect of these sculptures simply means one can turn the piece around to display a raised-relief of the movie-style Decepticon sigil instead.


 * This product's release was cancelled for the US market, but was released in Australia and in Asia.

Second Life avatars
There is a full replica of the Sector Seven base which contains a giant discussion room where Michael Bay held a question board in Second Life. This room contains a giant frozen Megatron replica and free avatars of both Bumblebee and Barricade. Both freebees are non-transforming. However, some sellers have created a transforming version.

Trivia

 * An early version of the script featured Barricade and Frenzy as one and the same character, named "Soundwave". He would have infiltrated the CIA headquarters (rather than Air Force One) in the form of a "portable stereo" and then transformed (and size-shifted) into a Humvee for his escape.


 * Prowl was originally part of the Autobot line up for the movie, but was removed, as the writers loved the perverse idea of Barricade becoming a police car. This represents quite a step within any/all Transformers continuities, as a Decepticon has never before taken on a form (most) humans could so easily "trust", in a sense. Sorry, Prowl, better luck next time.


 * An early working name for Barricade was "Brawl", which was later given to another movie character (but not in the movie itself).


 * Early concept art for Barricade also suggests that he was originally going to transform into a white and black Crown Victoria (somewhat akin to Prowl's original G1 color scheme). Hasbro, continuing to capitalize on unused concepts/ideas, had Recon Barricade's redeco vaguely mirror the Vic's deco.


 * Although Barricade's rocket launcher was cut from the movie, rockets can be seen barely missing Bumblebee in the chase scene.


 * The promotional Saleen S281E cars that appeared at events and premieres featured the slogan "Power in the hands of a few" rather than the "To punish and enslave" motto, as well as Saleen decals rather than the Decepticon decals seen in the movie. Hmmm...


 * The IDW Prime Directive Prequel seems to contradict the very existence of his alternate mode, since the Decepticons were depicted as having come to Earth in 2003, yet his alternate mode is a 2006 model car. However, a little-known fact is that the Mustang design that would eventually be the 2006 model debuted sometime in 2003, with police car modifications showing up in car shows not long after. It could very well be that, similar to when/how Jazz scanned a Solstice in a dealership late at night, Barricade scanned a Police Mustang in one such car show display after-hours, explaining why there were "no witnesses" after he assumed this form and why his police deco has no state or city markings/I.D.


 * In an act of both love for his child and extreme fanwank, Jessie Vigil from New Mexico turned his own Ford Mustang into a homage of Barricade's alt-mode, right down to Decepticon symbol and the sinister twist on the LAPD motto. Though this has brought the ire of the New Mexico police upon him, let's just concentrate on the fact of how insanely cool this is. His kid is one lucky Transformers fan.


 * On the back of Barricade's toy, the number 643 is written. When combining the digits, the number is 13, a number thought to give bad luck.


 * When Barricade begins to pursue Bumblebee for the first time, he transforms into the vehicle mode, just as the right side headlight flashes a skull can be seen.

Barricade's fate


Barricade's disappearance from the film is puzzling. It appears he was originally meant to be destroyed, as both the novel and comic adaptations of the movie depict his destruction by Optimus Prime, who had both destroyed Bonecrusher and was delayed in joining the humans and his fellow Autobots. (Alternatively the children's chapter book adaption of the film The Transformers Quest for the Allspark describes Barricade as being destroyed by the US military.) Regardless, in the movie proper, Barricade simply does not appear again after Bonecrusher transforms. Since his remains are not seen among the Decepticon parts being buried at sea, it is quite possible he survived.