Is Reflector an individual Decepticon, or is he several?

One of the most observant Decepticons, Reflector often is ignored but he is a very important part of their army. The question of course is, Is Reflector one individual or many?
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Song Used: "The Robots Have Spoken"
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[@gezi5927]

3:35 I like how there is 4 different clones of Rumble and Frenzy

[@Drawkcabi]

Kind of like Optimus Prime, in the one episode of the G1 cartoon when the Decepticons brainwashed/reprogrammed the Autobots, they had to tag each autobot with a deprogrammer to change them back. With Prime though, they mention he's got 3 components and they had to tag each one individually to completely free him, the trailer/base, Roller, and Prime the robot.

[@peterdanior4538]

I like the idea of him making copies of himself like Multiple Man, but only one being the "main" Reflector

[@Agent.Bob58]

But, in the pilot feature length episode, the 3 reflector bots are all the middle one with the lens as shown in this video.

[@collegerebel]

@@Agent.Bob58 Lazy animators.

[@roelbrekelmans8745]

I think reflector is one bot containing in 3 bodies. And why not? Transformers are an alien robotic race, so it would be cool to have caracters who go beyond our comprehension.

[@rubiconprime1429]

Roel Brekelmans I think he should just have multiplying abilities to have a potentially unlimited number of duplicates, allowing for grunt variation alongside seekers and sweeps

[@rodneyholmes5260]

I like this idea.

[@blinkachu05]

3 bodies under 1 'Con mind

[@jroak]

I like this concept of a core underlying personality forming duplicates of itself. The duplicates can be short-lived or long-lived, or a single mind, in three bodies. The idea can be explored further. For those familiar with the movie 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit,' the novel that it is adapted from uses duplication of a core individual and this ability is not used in the movie, but a central premise in the book.

[@TaydolfSwifter]

One bot mind and body split in to three main mind body and can duplicate each body fragmenting the that part of the mind more

[@arnoldcookiedown3123]

The idea that they are the same entity , is the coolest one

[@RDSArcade]

I've always believed Reflector was a single mind in three Decepticon bodies.

[@friendlyandroid]

Lights, camera, action!

[@TheSmart-CasualGamer]

Why are they not called that?

[@amurizon]

I like the thought of them being one Decepticon, in three bodies. More unique. Also, it's fun to think he's so conceited that he refers to himself as "Let's" and "We," similarly to how real world royalty might speak.

[@amurizon]

Bonus: on the subject of royalty, he's purple, of all colors!

[@nickcadwell1094]

I always felt sad for those robots that got dropped into the acid inside Unicron.

[@warlordsquerk5338]

Me too, it's a gruesome way to go

[@nickcadwell1094]

I agree@@warlordsquerk5338.

[@Swoll826]

Me too, but I just had the thought from the Simpsons where Professor Frink's robot catches on fire and screams "why? Why was I designed to feel pain?"

[@nickzilla20]

Probably the most underrated transformer in the franchise.

[@PCGamer77]

Reflector was for Transformers what the Crimson Twins were for G.I. Joe. Both challenged the viewer's preconception that all intelligent beings are totally separate and independent. They were both very cool additions to their respective shows.

[@cyclownus3658]

I think he is single individual split into three. It is a cool concept. It’s sad how Hasbro didn’t release his G1 toy at mass retail. Can’t wait to get the Siege versions of him.

[@warlordsquerk5338]

Me too. I don't personally know of any group of humanoid transformers that share one mind so it makes him unique. Or if there are others, it makes him distinct to most others at least

[@lonedragon3261]

Ok...How do you keep doing it?? Every time I think to myself "Haven't seen a new Rodimus Primal video in a while", less than an hour later, you deliver!

[@robertfrazier6563]

Call me old school but I like them as a single individual split into 3

[@39Hundred]

Robert Frazier Same here. I like the idea of them having a single hive mind. The way the 3 bodies all speak at the same time, adds a “creepiness” factor to Reflector. Back in ‘84, he was my 2nd favorite Decepticon. Soundwave was my ultimate favorite.

[@RubenAssassinRose]

agreed, the hive mind was the best reflector, and i would love it if rooster teeth will do the hive mind for the netflix series

[@maximopaz4126]

I think the same, nothing has changed my mind. Greetings from Peru. An old school fan.

[@Jayce_Alexander]

Hi Old School. I'm dad.

[@jhonathanbarthomelewoswald1936]

@@39Hundred good choice

[@draconic1802]

I really wish that the g1 cartoon had officially used the cloning idea, because that would provide a better explanation for why so many of him exist, and we could’ve had him featured more prominently.

[@ahlpym]

Based on that one scene where they quite clearly merge together as they are defeated, and the fact that some scenes featured more than 3, I feel like the cloning idea is fully compatible with the G1 cartoon, if not outright canon.

[@jmurray1110]

Plus it could have either better as cyclonus armada instead of the skywarp/bombshell debate Like have all insecticons as sweeps under thundercracker as scourge and then reflectors as the armada under skywarp

[@theloverswineverytime1625]

"Ok, Reflector! Let's see....what you can SEE!"

[@WarhawkBeyond2040]

I've always looked at Reflector as one Transformer who could work in several bodies but still operated as a single mind, i always found him to be a very underrated Decepticon and always worked very well as a spy whether on his own or with Soundwave. I wished he wasn't phased out of the show as he definitely added more to the team and i would have loved to have seen much more of him

[@everetth-top4760]

I was lucky enough to get the mail-in offer Reflector back in the day. I loved that dang toy!

[@Nagatem]

I’m calling the hound voiced reflektor refraktor since he’s unique and they made a name change for siege

[@lordnagatron]

you are so original.

[@Thetazord]

The thing that makes him special is that he is one robot divided into three bodies that all acts in sync with each other that’s what makes them special giving them each individual personalities just makes them fall into the background.

[@TheKingofbrooklin]

I prefer Reflector to be a single Decepticon who can multiply himself. Reflector alone doesn't stick much out as a character and being multiple Perceptors with different personalities would turn them just into replacable vehicon like goons.

[@Peshi80]

I plan on buying them and displaying them out similar to how Seekers are, especially since Con's were outnumbered during season one of G1 anyway. So Reflector will be a Bot who can duplicate himself like Insecticons while Viewfinder, Spectro and Spyglass (which I'm sure Hasbro or Takara will eventually make as an exclusive set of) will be separate bots that combine to make a camera.

[@metalc.s3170]

HypertronDE@ hello again

[@TheKingofbrooklin]

@@metalc.s3170 Hi fellow Transformers fan. xD

[@matthewmarrett263]

Even if he is a descripticon Reflector is still cool character and he is one my favorite description

[@M3TR01DFANBOY]

Description? Lol

[@angeliquaserenity5009]

Descripticons... LOL

[@M3TR01DFANBOY]

Omg after my first comment, you edited yours and you made the same mistake again

[@matthewmarrett263]

i know i keep forgetting to put the another c in there.lol

[@matthewmarrett263]

Oh and the reasons why that i have to edit my comment is because i was do something.so i didn't have time to finish it and i didn't put that another c in descripticon lol

[@gman4736]

He's a hive mind. That's my head canon

[@everest5718]

One concept which I would find hilarious is if reflector was one bot with three bodies, but there are two more camera bots who also have three bodies and then they could all combine into one MEGA-CAMERA.

[@chicoplateado]

I like the concept of being one single person splited in three bodies XD... is much more interesting ...

[@TFfangeek]

Let's reflect on how much of a unique character Reflector has remained throughout the Transformers franchise. :D

[@Nagatem]

“We are one we are legion”, can’t wait to get my 3 pre ordered reflektor to finally have the camera Since g1 was re runs around 1996 when I probably watched it as a kid about 6 i guess

[@BrotherApexx]

Another great topic/video, Primal! Love the questions you pose and the history you give even more!

[@christianbrown2471]

Great video again Rodimus and on a character who has always intrigued me. Personally I like the 3 separate character version but with some kind of shared personality like a gestalt. Keep the videos coming bro!

[@Starcat5]

I used to have Reflector back in the day. Ah, the memories. I for one am fully willing to buy Refractor three times just for the camera mode. Recoloring two of them red/blue to match the old colors might be outside my skill set though.

[@RodimusPrimal]

I'm perfectly content with not painting them for cartoon accuracy's sake but I wouldn't be surprised if Hasbro released the mold two more times to get a toy accurate look.

[@Jaydog-sc8zv]

It would be a better idea to have an army of Reflectors sharing a single mind

[@davidacornell]

I remember a friend of mine in school having a Reflector toy. Probably around 1986-ish.

[@latourthierry4441]

In France, 1987, you can bought Reflector with the little points in the back of the boxes for 20 bucks. In the japanese box !

[@toddmiller5322]

You could do it in the US too. I had one that I sent off for.

[@yoshikagescrapper6650]

Reflector is one of my favorite decepticon

[@MrSheckstr]

I propose a compromise. Inspired by Frank Herbert’s Dune prequel series the Butlerian Jihad the multiple forms of Reflector are single nature when in close and constant proximity but time and distance causes those individual forms to develop emerging and distinct personalities even to the point that if separated long enough a single reflector might resist reintegration even to the point of violence. This would explain anytime Reflector is more or less than a trinity and the extra components are considered disposable but the root Reflector personality becomes agitated and disconcerted when less than a Triad

[@Hektols]

Funny enough, Optimus Prime was also initially a bot with a mind divided in three components (Optimus, Roller and the Combat Deck)

[@DkunPete]

Great Vid Primal. I kinda would love it if they made them individuals even "brothers" that are combiners, especially with all the modern gadgets(spy equipment) we have like cell phones,laptops, satellites,security cams etc.Heck you could even build a story Arc around them being a unit that at one point contained perceptor,blaster, and sound wave to name a few. Great Vid bro

[@rayvenkman2087]

Or have the three be part of a legion with Spyglass modeling himself after Reflector. The greatest spy that ever functioned.

[@deestttone791]

Someone posted a "spaceship fanmode" for combining all three Siege figures, and it actually looked pretty cool!

[@lasertanker8793]

i like how they are split into three just give it old school vibes

[@Optimegatrongodzilla]

I came up with ideas for 2 "Transformers Discussions" episodes: "How Did The Autobots & Decepticons Get To Earth So Quickly?" and "Where Did Hauler Go?".

[@absolutezero7174]

Good review, I think Reflector should be one person split into three because I like the original ideas!

[@nil981]

Overlord is also a transformer that splits into separate components.

[@im2hastyle]

Great new vid!! You explained alot of questions I've had for years since the G1 cartoons came out lol.

[@RodimusPrimal]

Thanks! Till all are one!

[@CrowAkechi_The_Luminary]

I like the idea of both, originally 1 split into 3 then later down the line each seperating and turning into their own selves, that's a cool idea

[@CollectiveWesterner]

Great video, thanks for doing it! I remember getting my Reflector in the mail back in the 80's. 😊

[@Zucchinna]

Reflector has always been one of my favorites, and I prefer to think of it as one person in 3 bodies. just makes him more interesting and alien

[@gezi5927]

Depends on which version. I like the idea that they are separate characters (Spyglass, Viewfinder, Spectro) but I think there should be an updated alt mode for reflector in general, maybe each one can separately turn into a vehicle and then combined they could be a huge camera-shaped laser. Just some ideas.

[@gavanthornton4484]

I kind of think that Reflector is one individual. With the Divide and Conquer episode it would have been good if Frenzy was the Decepticon who was sent to Cybertron rather than the Warrior (who was animated like a Reflector unit).

[@brenoferreiraferreira4409]

Reflector is my favorite character and for me he is just one mind in three bodies. That is what makes him unique in the TF lore, it has so many possibilities being that he can eventually find himself alone and split his personality into three different ones so he wont be alone any more or even have that happen just because he has split personality (like the Hulk) and in that case one can go rogue.

[@peppermintspacecapsule9898]

In the actual movie (not just the comic), the three coneheads can very briefly be seen being sucked into Unicron's mouth during the final battle... but you're right, they reappear in subsequent episodes nonetheless!

[@atsundiunstrun9199]

they didn't get sucked in, they literally flew directly into his mouth

[@peppermintspacecapsule9898]

@@atsundiunstrun9199 Been a long time since I saw it. Either way, they soon return.

[@360whiplash]

I remember that Reflector completely disappeared after appearing in just a couple of episodes in the first season.

[@cameronmonaghan6883]

I think the three being one decepticon Would make reflector stand out to other characters

[@RodimusPrimal]

I agree. It makes him very unique.

[@TheRealDustinNunn]

The Transformers G1 cartoon needs a G1 toy-accurate remake/reboot. And by that, I mean the G1 toy-accurate Masterpiece G1 figures can be used for stop-motion animation and special effects. The remade/rebooted Transformers G1 cartoon can be called Transformers '84.

[@lukepotvin6785]

Characters like Reflector would be so interesting if handled in the right way. I love unorthodox ‘bots like them

[@optimoosejones9493]

the fans toys reflector set is the best version of him

[@TheSmart-CasualGamer]

Whatever he/they is/are, they're an awesome and underutilized character with some BRILLIANT third party figures! Personally, I believe there's one true Reflector who can create two clones of himself at once. This can however, be cloned again by other means, producing more "originals" that can clone two versions of himself, although this uses so much energy it's not used often. It also damages their spark, eventually meaning they will lose a spark, and that personality will be lost forever (unless there's a computer backup) Now if you'll excuse me, my race of millennia old alien robots need to figure out how Polaroids work.

[@TheSmart-CasualGamer]

And I honestly thought 7:49 was Swindle. Should have read the text...

[@TheBaseball94]

Thank you for your friendship and your videos too

[@blammers]

He's far more interesting and unique as a single individual than 3 separate bots.

[@CjackProductions]

Another good review as always my man

[@svart_kors]

My favourite Transformer! Sweet!

[@crustypaladin]

I like the idea of Reflector having a singe mind in 3 bodies.

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

Optimus Prime also has 3 components when he transforms into a truck.

[@DCMarvelMultiverse]

I remember a foldout poster showcasing Transformers you can mail away to get. The Omnibots, some other robots, and Reflector.

[@rosiegratz8377]

Absolutely in love with the Seige Reflector figure, million thumbs up.

[@applepye1353]

I love Reflector. I like them sharing a mind better.

[@robertban871]

if you're gonna go thru the entire toy history, why not mention the various 3P figures that have been released aswell? pretty cool video, i didnt know alot of this stuff about this character

[@mitchellbambam5926]

My personal head cannon is that if the 3 Reflectors are grey, they share only one intelligence. However if they have varied colours, they’re just a 3 guys built at the same time, designed with the same standard ground trooper design. Also Reflector would’ve perfectly fit into TFA. Just make him one bot with the ability to make clones (Shadow clone style) and swarm Autobots.

[@RodimusPrimal]

Not only do I agree with that, I even consider the toy accurate Reflector team to be separate characters from the 3 mostly seen in the cartoon.

[@PCGamer77]

Reflector was the Borg before the Borg. Eat your heart out, Picard.

[@georgelea4297]

Great video as always I've thought of him as a group of three combining into one

[@-DeScruff]

I do like the hive mind idea of Reflector a lot. But I also think it might be interesting if they do a sort of new take on him, like that he is 3 clones of the same Decipicon, who's memories and consciousnesses are synced when the 3 transform. (Sort of like the Tachikomas from 'Ghost in the Shell', before they start becoming more individualistic.) Might come with a funny gag when one messes something up, and they can't decide who was the one that messed up because they all remember doing it.

[@mkonra3182]

They didn't release reflector here in the states back in 84 , so my mom got me a third party knock off sold at Meijer for Christmas that year! I took him everywhere with me! :)

[@TheAxelay]

No matter how it turns out I think that we can all be happy that Reflector AKA Refraktor is finally getting some momentum these days. Perhaps even have media fronts have both the cartoon and the original G1 alternate color originals some star together or would that be to complicated?! I always thought that the trine trio were so memorable back in the days of the cartoon but I always wondered where the toy mod was?! I have the original complete G1 Reflector (yes he costed an arm!!) but I also just purchased the SIEGE cartoon accurate version him as well which I also love! He deserves more now than ever but there will always be a form mystery and enigmaticness to our TF camera scout/blackmailer/extortionist. No more being on the short end of the stick for our camera men!!!

[@K05H_]

In the game Earth Wars, Spectro and Spyglass are minions for Reflector. And despite being a Transformers fan since day one, this is really all I know Reflector as.

[@javiersantanaaviles5885]

Reflector is most likely a hive mind, 3 decepticons bodies that share an unique mind

[@CwcvilleGuardian]

Reflector is indeed three individual beings, given their individual names. It is a matter of Viewfinder having copied himself to take Specto’s and Spyglass’ places, while the other two copied themselves, thus making up to three individual cameras. I have managed to assemble the three Refraktor bots, but I would like very much to see ReproLabels that would make them reminiscent of the individual trio, as well as the absent center top piece and the flash, reminiscent of the G1 toy. This would work out quite well, indeed, for the Perfect Effects add-ons for the lovely trio.

[@jase7474]

Very cool discussion. Never saw any of the bios so thought he was three individual robots that formed a camera. I might have second thoughts on that since the video did remind me they all spook in unison. So three robots and one mind. The way they talk in unison reminds me of Devastator in a way hearing more than one voice at the same time. He was one of my early favorites since he was the fist group of robots that combined into something. The way there were other Reflectors shown throughout the series they could of shown an army of Reflectors battling an army of Insecticons when the Insecticons got out of line. Thought they could of used him for spying a bit more but I understand they had the likes of Laserbeak and Ravage for the main spying.

[@darkwoods1954]

Killed by Wheelie. How undignified.

[@RodimusPrimal]

I know right!

[@ottav69]

Poor Reflector always got the shaft. I thought the concept was pretty cool with him, I actually liked the singular mind, three bodies thing. I always suspected they had a scrapped idea where he could make copies of himself. What seemed odd to me was even after the Insecticons were added you would still see Reflector clones used as filler when it would make more sense to just use Insecticon clones.

[@gezi5927]

I always have preferred the 3-Man Team of Spyglass, Spectro, and Viewfinder. Maybe there should be a combination of the 2 ideas where Viewfinder can make clones, but also works with Spyglass and Spectro.

[@CoryTheRaven]

I had the Reflector mail-away figure, along with a few of the other mail-aways AND the cardboard STARS base. It made me feel very special!

[@VintageXCollectibles]

I liked and subscribed! 👍 Man, you're like the Transformers encyclopedia. Till all are one!

[@RodimusPrimal]

Thanks! I really appreciate that!

[@ericcampbell4211]

Reflector is my favorite transformers character. This was a perfect video whether he is of one mind or three. He was very under used. I love seeing him in the G1 version or the dreamwave version of spectro, viewfinder and spyglass. He's just badass!

[@umagnus77]

"You did well, Reflector" "Don't I always" ? *Video over*

[@NamehereInsert4]

Keep up the good work bro

[@dannyanderson3345]

Another great video, thank you!

[@Skeletor_the_Bigg]

7:05 when you’re a giant robot but then you die to a comically large shard of space glass

[@hopelessclown]

Reflector is far more interesting an unnerving as a single mind controlling three bodies at once, and it's obvious that's what he was in the G1 toon. It'd be cool to see a modern take on the character that does the same thing while going more in depth with it, instead of just using him as three regular bots that happen to combine into a camera.

[@blueraccoon1088]

Reflector is one of the obscure bots of they met sweeps they'd have a party attacking

[@TommyandTheGuineaPigCollective]

love those microchange line of toys remember getting em before Transformers were branded at local flea markets so many designs Hasbro never used

[@pjones8189]

Excellent video!

[@BEase44]

You say gen 1 and I'll come running. Another timely video I had in my head. I mainly enjoyed G1 in my life with a little bit of Armada and TF Prime. I would like to learn more and see a video on the impact of Generation 2 and the fans it brought in.

[@Peshi80]

Knowing HasTak, after wave 3 of Siege is released and people buy up 3 Refraktor's each, they'll eventually release a platinum series set that make up Viewfinder, Spyglass and Spectro in G1 toy colors. They'll distiguish them by saying Refraktor is one bot who makes up copies of himself while Viewfinder, Spyglass and Spectro are completely separate characters who combine in camera mode. That would justify there being as many as 6 in battle scenes during one episode.

[@SaPugmadafaka]

I love the idea of reflector being a target master

[@RayCoffman]

I think it’s a really cool concept having one consciousness I have it three bodies. Transformers was really ahead of its time with a lot its ideas and concepts.

[@stingrey1571]

@1:19 is why i always rooted for the decepticons. there was like 30 autobots in season 1 vs 9 decepticons.

[@SpiritedSpy]

I need a masterpiece reflector

[@campbellclan6708]

Awesome video!!!

[@DJDroz-tz4qc]

They need to use reflector more. I imagine him being able to self-replicate into an army of slightly weaker through away robots, like prime's vehicons, with the main robot having the "lense" on his chest that creates them.

[@DJDroz-tz4qc]

Thanks for the ❤.

[@CG-_-]

I mean his name is reflector it make sense that he can reflect himself into a clone...

[@peterparker6584]

reflector was sold here in Canada at consumers distributing in the early days of Transformers.i have 1 I got as a kid and still have him in my collection and i have a couple of extra of the robots that make him where I got them at yard sales.i believe I still have the Consumers catalog with a page showing the different Transformers that were available that year for Christmas which includes reflector. I can't are member with out going and taking the toy out what the sticker was on the middle of the camera if it red reflector or something else. I think it's even got the little hologram sticker on it

[@RodimusPrimal]

Everything I've looked at states that even in Canada he was a mail order only. Perhaps you did get him back in 1986, but it wasn't at a retail store. angrycanadiandecepticon.blogspot.com/2014/06/g1-reflector-mail-away.html

[@ethanadjei]

Every day items Says gun

[@TheSmart-CasualGamer]

He lives in the US. Does that count then?

[@RodimusPrimal]

Toy guns were very common in the 80's.

[@ethanadjei]

@@RodimusPrimal oh that makes sense

[@Always_on_Cue]

The concept of them being a singer entity kicks ass and they should put a spin on the copy/clone thing. Make it like hard light copies as part of their powers. Viewfinder makes a copy by taking a picture/scan of himself or the others.