This is a mostly spoiler-free review of the first chapter for Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy, titled “Siege.” All six episodes are currently available to binge on Netflix.
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Hasbro’s iconic Transformers franchise has been around for over three decades, and with a seventh live-action film reportedly on track for 2022 and an animated feature from Toy Story 4 director Josh Cooley in the works, one might assume the robot-heavy stories are in danger of losing their potency due to sheer overuse. Netflix’s latest venture into this imaginative universe, titled Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy, proves that there’s still plenty of Energon left to mine with an action-packed storyline that explores what happened on the Transformers’ home world of Cybertron before the Autobots and Decepticons make their way to Earth.
While the main plot of this six-episode first chapter surrounding the Autobots and Decepticons’ search for the AllSpark will be familiar to fans of the live-action movies, there are some fascinating new bits of lore that are worth tuning in for. One of the most notable and exciting aspects of the series is actually getting to spend a significant amount of time on Cybertron, as opposed to brief flashbacks. Instead of focusing on the Earthbound conflicts, here we get to follow iconic characters like Optimus Prime and Bumblebee through the ruined and abandoned streets of their once-prosperous civilization. It’s a distinctively different, more dystopian atmosphere: we’re watching the Titanic-like inevitable demise of this world rather than the hopeful establishment of a new home.
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The action doesn’t necessarily offer anything new in terms of its execution, but it’s always thrilling to watch some Decepticon-on-Autobot violence in a variety of settings. One scene in particular channels George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road, as the Transformers travel through a rust-colored desert while massive tornados and red lightning act as a mesmerizing backdrop. This epic scene also showcases the show’s gorgeous 3D animation, which doesn’t suffer from a lack of fluidity like many other anime-style shows.
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Music and sound design are used to great effect here, with the score appropriately reflecting a somber tone whenever the Autobots are exploring the planet-wide cityscape while booming to a ferocious techno roar once the battles against the Decepticons commence. The actual transformations from robots to vehicles and back again honor the original animated series from 1984, with none of the modern sound elements used in the live-action adaptations. Even some of the inflections of the voice actors, like Frank Todaro’s interpretation of Starscream (whom he’s played in other recent Transformers animated series), are very close to the original version of the character, as voiced by Christopher Collins. All of these tiny, yet vital details make War for Cybertron feel much more connected to the original animated series and less like a spinoff of the Michael Bay films. (The War for Cybertron video games, released in 2010 and 2012, were also able to accomplish that pleasingly retro aesthetic.)
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However, while it firmly establishes its universe’s loyalties, in terms of character development War for Cybertron struggles to give each of its vast ensemble of characters enough time to really stand out. Optimus Prime (voiced by Jake Foushee, who has carried original series and movie actor Peter Cullen’s torch in recent animated series), per usual, is front and center as the leader of the Autobots and embodies the heroic characteristics we’ve come to know and love – which works to his disadvantage, because it makes him a predictable and inspirational but uninteresting character. On the other end of the spectrum, Megatron is one of the more dynamic characters to follow here since he hasn’t really broken bad quite yet, and watching the beginning of his fall is interesting. For instance, when an opportunity presents itself to be rid of the Autobots for good, the Decepticon leader isn’t instantly on board with the whole genocide thing. It’s refreshing to see this iconic villain have priorities other than evil for evil’s sake.
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The supporting cast includes myriad Transformer legends such as Wheeljack (Bill Rogers), Ratchet (Rafael Goldstein), and Ironhide (Kaiser Johnson). But since many of them are relegated to minor plotlines, Bumblebee (Joe Zieja) definitely steals the show. Instead of the relatively diminutive, music-loving version of the yellow hero we’ve seen in the film franchise, this Bumblebee has yet to choose a side in the ongoing Autobot vs. Decepticon battle. It’s enjoyable to watch him slowly (forgive the pun) transform from a devil-may-care smuggler who doesn’t stand for anything into the noble soldier we’ve come to adore. We know where it’s going all along, but of all the characters in this first chapter of War for Cybertron, Bumblebee has the most complete character arc.
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Chapter 1 ends on a mostly satisfying note, as the story effectively sets up the next chapter. However, it feels like the Cybertron portion of the story is a bit rushed – you can feel the urgency as the writers hurry towards the inevitable conflict on Earth. First and foremost, while we are given glimpses and clues as to why the conflict between Megatron and Optimus began, it’s never fully explained to the degree you’d expect in a prequel series, making their relationship feel less complex than their actions imply. In addition to that, we’re given hints at ancient deities, prophecies, and even an abandoned concert hall once used for musical performances, giving the impression that there is still so much more to see on the ravaged planet. Hopefully, this isn’t the last time we’ll see Cybertron during this trilogy.
