The Understated Genius of Optimus Prime's Character (Transformers: Prime)

[@noahversusacat9855]

You know quite often when the transformers themselves are the main focus i often forget that the average sized cybertronian is the size of a house at least

[@KnightsRealm98]

It's part of the fun of the franchise. Especially the "robots in disguise" bit.

[@tdpuuhailee8222]

This has acually been an idea of mine. Imagen a game where you are playing as very big buff guys with large guns and then at the end you discover that every single one of them is the same size (for excample) as Metroplex. I call it: Galactic Eternal Horizons

[@LotsOfToubleUsuallySerious]

I only paid attention to it when i saw Raf in Bumblebee's hand like a fly on mine

[@acylain4178]

Especially when you take into consideration the sizes of Metroplex and Trypticon from the Cybertron games

[@B1PFilms]

It’s so strange how Twitter just switched up on this show without giving any actual valid criticism or points. This is peak transformers.

[@kingmin9491]

This version of optimus will always have a special place in my heart , i just wish we had seen more of him and the prime's series overall was a bit longer

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

Me too buddy.🤖📺🥰

[@robertgonzalez6133]

Same here

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

@@robertgonzalez6133 I agree with you on that buddy.🥰🫂🤖📺

[@herbogarcia3022]

Same he’s a hero we always root for organically in this new age we have a few real hero’s left

[@AbysmalRandomn3ss]

@@herbogarcia3022 Real talk

[@musingsofahomeschooler5332]

This series does its characters justice. I think the reason that it’s called Transformers: Prime isn’t because Optimus is the main character, but because he’s at the core of its themes. He’s the one that each of the heroes strives to emulate. While it might have been nice to see this version of Optimus accept that he had to kill his foe for the greater good, it really warms my heart to see the ending of the series. Megatron, even after death, was finally able to change his mind. Not just because of Unicron’s torment, but because of Optimus’ centuries of mercy and belief in him. While Optimus did learn to put his feelings aside and withhold mercy when needed, I’m so glad that his long-suffering faith in his old friend was rewarded. Sometimes, every now and then, amazing things can happen when we give people more than they deserve.

[@KnightsRealm98]

I have my...opinions on the ending, but I definitely agree that this show is one of the best. It elevated the Transformers to actual characters, not just archetypes (though I do still love G1 despite its cheesy nature). Every character is incredibly three-dimensional, even the villains, which makes it easy to love the whole cast. Well, almost the whole cast.

[@musingsofahomeschooler5332]

@@KnightsRealm98 I made a video essay for my own channel explaining why Arcee’s character arc is fantastic

[@KnightsRealm98]

@@musingsofahomeschooler5332 Definitely my favorite version of Arcee

[@danielwood6833]

I agree with a lot here But Optimus DID accept he would have to kill Megatron. In season 1 he tried to strike him down before Megs got bailed out by a power boost. In season 2 he drew his gun to execute a weakened Megatron. And in 3 he was about to kill him but the Megatron caught him off guard with the dark star saber

[@yupyup2347]

Is bro special?

[@radolfkalis4041]

Often his best, and worst trait, is his endless hope and mercy.

[@honkhonk8009]

Hes given the full wisdom of the primes. He prolly realizes that this is the best way to go about war aswell honestly. We do the same here in earth in alot of ways. Its a similar concept in bhuddism where you gotta wish good fortune even upon your enemies. Optimus Prime is a cybertronian religous leader, and reminds me alot of the Buddha. Hes basically the cybertronian buddha. Everything from his cadence, demeneanor, and even his backstory, reminds me of those jakatha tales from sunday school.

[@PixelaGames2000]

Huh, interesting comparison. 🤔

[@radolfkalis4041]

@@PixelaGames2000 yeah.

[@gimixzstudios3427]

For a race that always transforms, they never change

[@KnightsRealm98]

*Palpatine Voice*: It's ironic...

[@CandleWisp]

Like the martians in DC Colorist, but they can literally change their look to whatever

[@optimus2008]

TFP Prime is a father for us all.

[@sayansaha155]

...and then Hasbro threw it all away in Robots in Disguise.

[@KnightsRealm98]

Might need to make a video critiquing *that* mess one of these days.

[@vishnugopalawasthi5888]

What rid 2015 ? Some kind of cheap sequel to tfp which ruins its characters ? Nah never heart of it & never bothered to check it. There's only 1 rid that exists.

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

I personally like robots in disguise my favourite episode is combine and conquer.💜

[@HOLDENPOPE]

I feel like them burying Skyquake goes overlooked. He was their enemy in a massive war, but they still showed him respect.

[@KnightsRealm98]

I adore that about the Autobots (most of them). Yeah, the 'cons are their enemies, but the 'bots still believe that they deserve honor in death.

[@popsjr]

Something thats even crazier about Optimus aiming his blaster at an unarmed Megatron is just two episodes prior, optimus stopped arcee from killing an unarmed star scream because "autobots never harm unarmed soldiers, no matter who they are." It adds so much more to the weight of the scene

[@Alina87967]

He said it in the SAME episode!

[@KenSahaja]

He said "this mf however, an exception"

[@KnightsRealm98]

This gave me a good laugh

[@Furydragonstormer]

We also do have to factor in that most of the atrocities committed by the Decepticons were ordered out by Megatron. Starscream isn't innocent, but he's far from the worst, and showed willingness to end the war (Albeit only if Optimus would bow to him)

[@danielwood6833]

That’s one of the things that makes this Optimus so interesting imo He holds well to his beliefs, even offering Decepticons the chance to stand down before a firefight, and he won’t kill an already beaten/unarmed foe… …EXCEPT for Megatron.

[@SirMemesLong]

Most people say the live action version of prime is the most realistic prime but tbh this version is quite literally the most realistic version of prime, at least in my opinion.

[@vishnugopalawasthi5888]

Indeed it is

[@8johh]

bayverse prime is pretty realistic too

[@vishnugopalawasthi5888]

@@8johh not really that much

[@novustalks7525]

​​@@vishnugopalawasthi5888yeah it is

[@ILovedarkspeakerman]

​@@vishnugopalawasthi5888it explores alot of optimus mental state

[@Furydragonstormer]

That "But I will bring you back a snowball" comment he made after giving an understandable reason why Raf can't come, is one of my favourite small moments in the show. Can't help but smile over it because it's just so sweet of him to do something like that when he doesn't even need to.

[@orcastrike7750]

He never brought it back though 😭

[@OOKIE_DOOKIE]

@@orcastrike7750 dude was about to freeze to death cuz scraplets ate through the energon supply to the ground bridge, give him some justice

[@laisphinto6372]

Honestly needed more of that , i Miss the G1 Optimus Prime dad Energy.

[@chikaknight5610]

Honestly it really struck me that he finally gave up on Megatron after he'd hurt Raf. Optimus kept the door open to peace for eons, even after friends died at Megatron's hand. But as soon as he went after a human (the smallest, most helpless of their human friends even), and even gloated about it, that's when all bets are off

[@jeepdino7353]

That was an incredible few episodes. Optimus went absolutely ham. I still cringe every time it cuts from megatron being under optimus' foot, to then being like 20 ft away from him and sitting up to allow him to catch optimus' sword.

[@m.o.l.a6812]

I guess there's a BIG difference between a literal kid who only knows about computers than a comrade in arms who fights at your side. The autobots are soldiers who are prepared to give their lives in war, while Raf is a boy who got involved in a war that he is not a part of just to help them. Optimus must feel more guilt in involving an innocent child in his own war against Megatron and cannot forgive Megatron for crossing that line.

[@Comkill117]

People who say this Optimus is boring are out of their minds honestly. Even as a kid I found him super compelling, and liked how much more reserved he was compared to other incarnations. My first TF series were the Unicron trilogy where Prime’s a lot more outspoken and exaggerated, especially in Energon, which is fine but I don’t think that character would fit TFP. His stoic nature here also worked well as he was clearly the role model of the Autobots. He did have a lot of more humanizing touches to him to make him relatable too, such as how he’d often have more personal conversations away from the group like an actual leader, which I feel get very overlooked. TFP Optimus might not party, but that doesn’t mean he’s a completely antisocial shell of a leader, just an aged one who was more willing to let the younger members of the team do their thing without him needing to oversee their every action.

[@jayc6894]

I don’t see him as boring, I just see him as steadfast. Not everyone needs some overblown personality disorder to be interesting. I feel like TFP was a truer “realistic” take than the Bayverse one, although it’s a shame that people always attribute “realistic” to “gritty”

[@honkhonk8009]

Bayverse Prime only had the original G1 cartoon to base shit off of. Back then, optimus was basically just "the leader" and nothing else. If Bayverse was remade but with Christopher Nolan at the helm, optimus would definitely be a Buddha-like character. Both from character traits, down to his role as a cybertronian religous leader.

[@kennethsatria6607]

​@@honkhonk8009Budha prime sounds interesting but he doesnt ever seem to be a pacifist either so im unsure of that

[@novustalks7525]

​@@honkhonk8009G1 was not the only cartoon back then lol

[@AbysmalRandomn3ss]

@@honkhonk8009 Buddha is too weak of a comparison. Optimus should always be down to squabble with the Decepticons, and be able to decide between right and wrong like all strong leaders do.

[@rebekadoczi2136]

Are you kiddig me? This Optimus had the most badass personality in my eyes! He's serious, self disciplined, yet really cares for his team! One of his sweetest moments is when he says to Raphael that he will bring home a snowball for him! 🥰😍 He almost had a hint of fatherly or grandfatherly hint to his personality over his whole team, and his stoic personality always made me want to see his personality beneath! 🤩 What wouldn't I have given if I could've seen more of Orion interacting with the Anobots with his unrestrained personality! 🤩😁

[@thehandsomeone8369]

My favorite line from Optimus in all media “ Are you certain I am worthy?”

[@jamiemeansjamesmusic]

Agreed, the plot lines of the G1 cartoon are completely ludicrous.

[@KnightsRealm98]

Ludicrous, but fun.

[@rickyrackey7930]

Peter Cullen is literally the kindest human being in the world and you can feel that tenderness and compassion in Optimus’ voice. After all don’t be a Hollywood hero, be a REAL hero.

[@insectostrich4407]

You might not know this, but he actually based his acting of Optimus Prime off of his late brother who was a soldier. When found this out it made character even more incredible to me.

[@nummiebarry519]

tfp optimus is a stoic character because he's trying to still be a hopeful and powerful leader trying his best to overcome weaknesses, allowing other characters to give emotion. Besides as bulkhead stated to the humans optimus never laughed, cried, or lose his cool which he did lose his cool, but the idea that he is trying to seem emotionless stands. You don't want a leader in dire times to seem at all weak.

[@fireclaw9602]

Yeah I hate how Paperplane essentially popularized the idea that TFP Optimus is boring and bland (and that TFP is mediocre which I STRONGLY disagree with).

[@fexbd]

Same

[@omarsalem1219]

I mean emperor kumquat already ended that a argument

[@Resolver_Convoy_2160]

@@omarsalem1219Kumquat v. PaperPlane boxing match

[@Comicbroe405]

It's crazy that this version of the character gets a bad rap. He's my favorite iteration of the character (tho I did grow up with him) & his story lines were great.

[@DavidSilva-mn4dz]

Sometimes I like the OG state when Megs and Prime are unrelated. When this blue collar dock worker became a general and stood against the mightiest walking weapon of that time. Just like in the real world, Prime as a unknown person that became an Icon. Quick with words that challenged Megs speaches.

[@sylviaisafoot6570]

I remember when I was starting watching season 1 after my friend had finally convinced to watch it (I had never seen anything Transformers related prior) that Optimus’ demeanor completely took me by surprise. It was so different, so much more civil than any other hero I’d ever seen in media. I remember telling them that I would honestly trust Optimus with my life.

[@rebekadoczi2136]

Same, he's my favourite childhood hero and leader! 🤩😍

[@redpandafirefox9434]

Prime is the pure hero we love. The Bay Prime is a version of him that is forced to be more and more aggressive in his mission to protect Earth, and his famliy. Think of him as a war veteran thats getting more and more sick of the war.

[@Kaiju-bm4ts]

War veterans sick of war wouldn't rely on war crimes which is what bayverse prime at times does. Larry Cullen was a war veteran but he wasn't going mortal combat on Vietnamese soldiers

[@redpandafirefox9434]

@Kaiju-bm4ts as much as I love the brutal combat in the movies, I do agree it's not very Optimus like. Which is why TF Prime is the vest example of Optimus. Other then the OG

[@Kaiju-bm4ts]

@@redpandafirefox9434 same here, I see the movies as entertaining but that's it. Only the first film did optimus correct and while rotb does act like a bayverse film, it at least does the war torn optimus concept better as it was intentional from day 1. The bayverse just had it happen without it being pre-planned or valid explanation. I grew up with both bay optimus and prime optimus and while bay optimus was cool, prime optimus was the one I was emotionally invested in

[@redpandafirefox9434]

@Kaiju-bm4ts Faxs bro. Exactly how I feel and see

[@Nullmeo]

I feel like Bayverse Prime and TFP Prime are both realistic in their own way. Bayverse is when a good person has had enough of your shit and failures to change every time he gave a chance for you to. He got to that point because his faith in his foes changing cost him Jazz, Ironhide, and Ratchet at the hands of humans. TFP Prime acknowledges the severity of his circumstances, but he also has faith that anyone can change. They’re both good in my opinion because Bayverse Prime introduced me to the character, while TFP further solidified my love for his character.

[@devos65]

I like Optimus character in prime and even in robots in disguise when the war was over he became more open to his emotions smiling more often than he did in prime

[@simonlin9192]

Cybertron was restored and life is blooming he is a hero😍

[@ursidae97]

In prime he has all the same strength, tenderness and intelligence as ever, but unusually he's so much more tired, more sad, as though he's already made some grave failure that haunts him and that he hopes to correct. As if he's always preparing for his own death.

[@eernbru398]

the tfp books also really highlight why optimus is like this as he is constantly doubting himself and sometimes even doubting the matrix and its trustworthiness and that he holds out hope for megatron because they almost had peace after joining forces on another planet to destroy the quintessons and aquatronians who had held them captive

[@lavnder_bunny9447]

This is the first transforms show I’ve ever watched. My dad turned this on one day and now we watch transformers movies together on the couch. Oh, well, you’ve learned of other series existence, and I’ve grown to like them a lot, this show will always have a special place in my heart.

[@gem9535]

I deeply do not care if Transformers Prime even is boring (which it isn't for me, and I don't think it is objectively. Like, sure, there aren't a lot of deaths, but this show makes up for that by having some insane emotional stakes). This was my comfort show when I was in an insanely abusive household. I would wait for a new episode every single week, because it truly was a lifeline for me. It was my source of happiness, sanity, and morality in my own darkest hour.

[@KnightsRealm98]

It's my favorite TF show for many reasons

[@ComradeRagdoll]

TFP Optimus Prime is CRIMINALLY UnderRated!

[@ComradeRagdoll]

And I grew up with this Iteration of Optimus!

[@yuvalyanovitch2504]

Awesome looktrough on a ideal made into a living being. Optimus is and will always be our greatest hero...

[@KnightsRealm98]

Prime might just be my favorite hero in fiction. This definitely won't be the last time I talk about a version of him.

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

I agree with you on that buddy.🥰🤖📺

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

​@@KnightsRealm98I don't blame you on that buddy he good dad figure for bumblebee.🫂🥰🤖📺

[@Darth-vade123]

​@@KnightsRealm98will you do a video on transformers prime Megatron as well he is much more interesting compared to others who are genetic villains

[@KnightsRealm98]

@@Darth-vade123 Working on a Megatron video right now. If everything goes well, it should be uploaded on Wednesday.

[@copingflower1909]

Since this version of Optimus is a lot more close to his version of the autobots and cause their such a small unit compared to the deceptions, having him be a lot more reserved and quiet works so much more then people think, while the team gets to goof off when their on cooldown in the backround he's always handling a lot of tasks that would effect morale, especially when dark energon first appeared, rather then telling everyone whats going on and creating tension in the team, he does what both a great leader would do, but also in a way what a caring father would do to spare his children momentarily from a big threat that he could stop before it has a chance to begin

[@laisphinto6372]

What could be an Arc would be that Optimus relearns His more relaxed Side of him while He is ON earth

[@johnsmithfakename8422]

Transformers Prime was a work of art. Prime was the team's rock, the guy that was serious so everyone else could relax. Yet he still had his comedic moments, they were subtle.

[@thebatman7347]

The begining of your video made me remember when Optimus said to Megs: "no matter how vast this universe will never be big enough for you and I to coexist" I began therapy, and learned to accept that the world is big enough so 2 people can exist in a big enough world. Sad that this 2 can not

[@KnightsRealm98]

Megatron is a character I definitely want to do a deep-dive on in the future. His rivalry with Optimus is one of the best hero-villain relationships in fiction

[@thebatman7347]

​@@KnightsRealm98exavtly, but the most special relation between this 2, is the one portrayed in prime and cybertron games. Because optimus never tries to kill megatron ubtil megatron goes too far

[@radolfkalis4041]

I believe Optimus could, Megatron could not

[@jennahilton8259]

When did Optimus say that?

[@KnightsRealm98]

@@jennahilton8259 Final battle of Fall of Cybertron, when Megs nearly killed Bee. The Cybertron games and TFP exist in what is known as the Aligned Continuity, a shared universe of...dubious combined canonicity

[@Deceptinerd1995]

This is more of a personal opinion, but TFP Optimus' depiction reminds me of my own father, whom used to be kinda serious, stoic and not very expressive (it was even very rare to see him smile or laugh), but he made up all of that being a respectable leader and very humble hearmhearted person. This whole thing makes me understand this character far more and even have him as my all time favorite Optimus ever.

[@Deceptinerd1995]

Sorry for the typo, I meant "warmhearted"

[@Fusion-King2008]

this prime was my CHILDHOOD as was most kids were, he was like- a sort of comfort character but also a hardened warrior too. this prime has seen so much and yet he truly united cybertron: Till All Are One

[@CIorox_BIeach]

Prime had to be a 'wooden Indian', if you will, because he needed to maintain the courage of his tiny crew. If we could have just gotten a couple of scenes where he was alone, or with someone he felt like he could open up around, his character would have been absolutely perfect.

[@KnightsRealm98]

I don't entirely disagree. I would have loved a scene where we just see Optimus out in nature or something, no Ratchet, no Megatron, no war. Or if someone like Ironhide showed up to be the friend Optimus needs; not a soldier, a friend.

[@CIorox_BIeach]

@@KnightsRealm98 Yup. Or a lighthearted conversation with Fowler. Anything. We got to see a glimpse of the man behind his face in almost every episode and that's what made it so damn good. I just wish we could have seen a little more.

[@ga8r13l]

TFP Optimus and the lore itself has a place in my heart. I grew up with G1 and the films but I did really enjoy the serious tone of TFP. I find it very difficult now to watch new TF shows as I do miss the serious tone as it made a lot of sense why so TFP is probably my favorite show to date. You should do a video on the aligned continuity, its definitely worth a video. (Deleted bc I wanted you to see the last part)

[@KnightsRealm98]

I actually do have an idea for a couple vids on the Aligned Continuity as a whole, not to mention particular characters

[@ga8r13l]

@@KnightsRealm98 there's definitely a few videos you can do on the franchise so GL. Very excited to see them.

[@jonwoodhouse1444]

This was my favorite version of Optimus.

[@HeartYgo]

that's why jack gets the key card Also that's how megatron knows optimus was coming for his ass when his ship got grounded by bulkhead

[@The7thFleet]

Great video. TFP Optimus is my fav version of him. Peter Cullen’s interpretation of him as ”be strong enough to be gentle” is best represented in this version of Optimus, from action scenes to kind conversations with humans.

[@thelouster5815]

TFP Prime is the kind of leader people should look up to and strive to be. Level headed, listens to his subordinates, utilizes a fair but firm approach to judgement calls and decisions, all while being strong warrior whenever called to be. Anyone who doesn’t like TFP Optimus are out of their mind.

[@xxTC-96xx]

Optimus was always trying to find a diplomatic solution and show mercy….until one of his teammates was hurt in front of him, especially Raf or Bumblebee, then his rage would be almost unstoppable. I always liked that detail about his character that he does have a temper but he is always keeping it in check for the sake of his team

[@tristankawatsuma8962]

Honestly with the exception of IDW Optimus Prime and obviously the Shattered Glass Optimus Prime, I don’t see major differences between the others. Though now that I think about, Aligned Optimus Prime does seem like one of the few who wouldn’t give Megatron a chance to surrender before the finishing blow.

[@Darth-vade123]

They are both extremely compelling megatron is a gladiator turned revolutionary who was standing up to a corrupt cast system and threatened their rule while Optimus proposed piece both are very intelligent and equals on the batlefield

[@honkhonk8009]

the addition of the caste system into the story was a genius move. Optimus was a higher caste office jockey that was timid but supported the revolutionairies untill they deviated from their values.

[@Darth-vade123]

@@honkhonk8009 both characters sre very compelling

[@Jackson-hp7rt]

While the Bayverse Optimus will have a special place in my heart due to growing up with him the Unicron Trilogy Optimus, Aligned Optimus will singlehandedly be my favorite Optimus besides the OG. THIS is a true modern Optimus Prime. One who is still kind and compassionate, but harbors a lot of guilt and regret due to the war's tragedies, thus slowly becoming disillusioned with his own hopes.

[@Jackson-hp7rt]

Also, you'll be very pleased to know that, so far, Skybound Comics Optimus is superb! Jumped right out of the G1 and Prime cartoons!

[@Devidra48]

I think you put it exactly how I would. Optimus has more noticeable emotion than some other characters in the show, he's just old. He always chose others, be they human or Cybertronian, before himself. It's probably one of, if not my favorite versions of Optimus.

[@lolmetswhathappeneduhhh2029]

TFP Optimus is my favorite Optimus of all time. He is pretty much how I would imagine an eons old bot fighting a long, and neverending war would be, especially after the betrayal of one whom he once considered a brother. It is even moreso after watching Transformers One, and how we actually got to see the origin story of Orion Pax(soon to be Optimus Prime) and D-16(the to-be Megatron)

[@devinclarke4017]

“Crippling injuries, torture and death” Spoilers for those who haven’t seen this show Episode one, Cliffjumper dies. Episode two, Cliffjumper is resurrected as a zombie Episode three, Agent Fowler is tortured by Starscream Near the end of the season, Raf is just about killed by Megatron And that’s all just in the first of the seasons! I love this show, just as I love the Clone Wars. And just like Clone Wars, Transformers Prime requires quotations around the word “kids show”

[@KnightsRealm98]

Plus, Bulkhead being temporarily crippled in S2, what Airachnid did to Arcee, Airachnid in general, what MECH did to Breakdown, Bumblebee, and Starscream, and what Shockwave did to Arcee

[@da-vidcargill4975]

@@KnightsRealm98 and there's bumblee's temporary death by megatron in the finale

[@chozochiefxiii3298]

This is why i love the war/fall of cybertron games. Optimus kills because he's at war. He doesn't revel in it. He still feels like Optimus Prime. Even after Metroplex killed Megatron Optimus, let the decepticons leave. Bayverse Prime would have either killed them himself or ordered metroplex to kill them without hesitation. Even at the end, when they are fighting on the ark, Optimus is actively trying to finish off Megatron because he understands. "After eons of conflict, I finally see the truth of your words, Megatron." "And what might that be, Optimus?" "This universe, no matter how vast, will never be big enough for you and I to coexist." Optimus doesn't revel in it. He isn't spouting off psychopathic nonsense like "I'll kill you" or "give me your face." Optimus makes his intentions clear, but he isn't psychopathic about it. An Optimus Prime who gives up on his morals and kills without regret or mercy is no different than Megatron. Optimus also isn't shouting or anything like he is in the live action films. He still keeps a level head and calm demeanor even if he is afraid, or angry, or sad. Since he is a true leader. He can not back down. He has to set the example and be the paragon of peace that the autobots rally behind. I like the live action movies are supposed to be seen as the "dark and serious" depictions of transformers when transformers prime, animated, and the war/fall of cybertron games are more nuanced, mature in their themes and characterization than the live action movies, which just come across as a teenagers idea of dark and serious. By being as gratuitously violent as possible. Rise of the beasts didn't do Optimus any favors either. The original ending for dark of the moon had Optimus accept the truce, and Megatron returned to cybertron and tried for his crimes. The ending was leaked so it was changed to the abysmal ending that completely destoryed Optimus primes character in dark of the moon, although even in the original ending he still executes a defenseless sentinel prime so psycho Optimus was just an unfortunate foregone conclusion. Spoilers for transformers one Optimus Prime gets down and dirty in his brawl with Megatron. He's fighting for his life as he is jumped, and Megatron comes with the intent to kill. Even when he defeated Megatron and could have ended him, not only did he change the direction of his swing to avoid killing Megatron, he banished him instead of executing him despite knowing Megatron is too far gone.

[@squashmallow2006]

Moreso than that, it's about how far you're willing to hold on to your morals, despite what it costs you. Cuz to be frank, Optimus was right. By the end of Predacons Rising, Megatron FINALLY understood the true meaning of oppression and he was sickened by his own actions. It's why Optimus said, "As even Megatron has displayed today, every sentient being possesses the capacity for change." In life, you will go through ups and downs. Sometimes, you lose faith in your principles, and sometimes, you regain them. By Season 3, Optimus had grown weary of all of it, genuinely fed up of trying to change Megatron. And then Predacons Rising happened, where his old hope was reignited, especially since Cybertron would soon be rejuvenated, and Optimus starting looking at things more positively again. I'm gonna disagree and say that I loved what S3 did for Prime and how Predacons Rising ended it off for him.

[@cameronnewton7053]

I loved watching TFP as a kid (and I've recently been binging it on youtube to try and see it all) and the relationship between optimus and megatron is really interesting, optimus clearly wants him stopped, yet doesnt want to kill the man he once aspired to, yet on the other side, megatron acts like he wants optimus dead by any means nessecary, yet was willing to save optimus, even if only so he could kill him with his own hands. They both have moral codes and and they are both different sides of the same coin.... Also, TFP was really good at going for a dark and gritty take on the war, it wasn't afraid of death, torture, PTSD and suffering. Heck, if you know what to look for the intro even tells you as much.

[@partycat10]

Optimus Prime is the reason I learned honor, loyalty, and respect. I watch tfp as a kid, but a while ago I rewatched the series, and seeing Optimus Prime (my father figure) I think genuinely made me a better person

[@KnightsRealm98]

He's probably my favorite heroic character ever.

[@musingsofahomeschooler5332]

Just wanted to say thanks. You don’t know how appreciated it is that your content is clean and has no profanity. That’s an exceedingly rare trait online and it truly elevates your content above the rest. It’s so painful when I’m forced to hear offensive words in analysis content. Thank you for being better.

[@derekstark9062]

I grew up with this show, and never realised that this show got any bad rep at all, let alone Optimus himself, arguably the best character in the show in my opinion. I hope that most people disagree with the hate.

[@KnightsRealm98]

After it stopped airing, some people who love to be contrary started nit-picking it, just because it was popular/mainstream. Most still hold it up as one of their favorites, but there's some who either like being contrarians or just have different tastes.

[@blakeverdon4492]

Something I remember people being upset about with the Bayverse's portrayal of Optimus was his willingness to kill Decepticons, and that never really made sense to me. (It's been years since I watched more than the first Bayverse movie, so I can't speak much on his portrayal after that point). These are two factions that have been fighting a long, costly, and bloody war for, in some iterations, _millions of years._ Optimus has been fighting on the front lines for so long that he's undoubtedly had to end countless Decepticon lives before they landed on Earth. Yes, he is a kind and compassionate person and leader who wants peace and desperately wants his friend back, but he's also a warrior. Those two characteristics can both be true without compromising his beliefs or the integrity of his character. He gives Megatron all these chances because a peaceful resolution with him alive is obviously better than killing him to end the war, but if the olive branch is continuously snapped, burned, and spat on, there's only so many times Optimus can offer it before it shrivels and dies... He's not infallible or naive to the idea that he can win a war without taking lives, but he'll give chances to those he thinks can be better. He's just doing the best he can.

[@KnightsRealm98]

Optimus in the first movie is actually really well done. Second movie onward, he became kind of a psycho. Not just killing but brutalizing his enemies. He lost his better qualities, and it was never called out in-universe.

[@blakeverdon4492]

@KnightsRealm98 Ah, I see. Yeah, I can definitely see how that would piss people off and ruin his character and the movies for people (if they weren't already pretty bad)

[@RandomMackem0069_Official]

Some fans didn’t like bayverse prime but some did like him cause it’s a more realistic prime that we needed

[@KnightsRealm98]

I don't dislike Bay Prime as much as some do, though he's far from my favorite version.

[@RandomMackem0069_Official]

@@KnightsRealm98 well he’s other peoples favourite prime which is the point he’s not not some knight in shining for the fan he’s a war torn veteran who finally snapped trying to protect his friends

[@AUselessHumanCalledSarah]

This man deserves a fragging rest istg

[@1987palerider]

Also, Prime made up his mind to kill Megatron after Megs had almost killed Raf. I dunno why, but I thought that was a fitting moment

[@ShadowedJJ]

3:35 The Cybertron games are a canonical prequel to Prime. So we actually met this Optimus in his pre-prime state. But idk why the game called him Optimus while the show called him Orion

[@KnightsRealm98]

@@ShadowedJJ I meant in the show itself, but you are correct

[@ShadowedJJ]

@@KnightsRealm98 Oh okay

[@son-of-1810]

Love Optimus in this show, even as a kid he was my favorite due to how mature, stoic yet kind he could be. A strong leader who cared about his team and people he didn’t know

[@kennethsatria6607]

He is by far my favorite Optimus, no contest the way he should be done though I think him actually killing Megatron would be more interesting like how would that impact him afterwards.

[@ianr.9818]

Hands down one of the best show i have ever watched. thank you for making this video! made me really sad to hear that lots of people see this in a bad light.

[@laurenbernardfrio7679]

Well, he was once Orion Pax, a data clerk and a Cybertronian librarian... ...but as he became Optimus Prime, he may be strong and the bearer of the Matrix, he is still a tactical genius and a strategist with brawl force...

[@pascalgagne221]

I love this Optimus, he body look maybe give the look he emotionless but in his Spark show he care for his fellow Autobot or his Human companion, is what I love of Optimus in TV series, he care of his fellow Autobot and his Human companion but he will risk his own Spark for the sake of other, a true hero.

[@honkhonk8009]

Its what people mean when they say "real men dont show emotions". He shows his emotions through his actions. He doesnt cry or outwardly announce his emotions. But you can easily tell how he feels.

[@pascalgagne221]

@@honkhonk8009 No a real men do show his emotion but he do not want other see it, I see it on my father, when he emotional hurt, he do not want to show it to his friends but he be ok to his family, because he need them to heal. The real men who never show their emotion is only in fiction but True real men do show but he hate to show and prefer to hided it to other, only his family have the right to see it and be their for support them, sure a Soldier is hard of them to show them but when he dos, is preferable to him to not other but he can't hide it forever, so he need to let it go or it will break him a part more them any battle damage, This is why Friends and Family are there for support them. back to Optimus, I am sure he a cry many time of the lost my of people and friends, so he get use to it and he no tear left but his emotion are there , but he do not show but need to strong for those who will break more easily them him, plus do not forget he got the matrix of Leadership, so the wisdom of preview Prime who too be hurt and give this wisdom to make sure the next prime will not break easily but is do not mean is easy for all who hold it, all this wisdom come with the pain and responsibly of a true leader and is why Megatron is NOT worthy of the Matrix of Leadership, Optimus show what is a true leader shout be and in any transformers series he show a leader who are not only a strong Warrior but a kind soul who care for other and will not think twist to risk his life for other!

[@Robert-vq8fl]

Good video man. Like breakdown says, it's hard getting the recognicion you deserve, but keep up the good work!

[@KnightsRealm98]

Appreciate it!

[@therealangelalexander1858]

Though i do generally disagree with your assessment of season 3s' treatment of Optimus Prime, this video was incredibly well made and even pointed out one or two notes that I hadnt fully realized myself. Really good and thought-provoking video-made even better by its topic centering around my favorite show of all time.

[@KnightsRealm98]

Season 3's a controversial topic in TFP circles, I've noticed. My personal opinion is that it needed to be longer, cause there were a lot of plot threads left dangling. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@therealangelalexander1858]

@KnightsRealm98 I never really noticed that since I chose to never really bother with the Fandom side of things. I do myself feel that Season 3 had a lot more to offer and as someone who actually thinks season three is the second best season, I wouldve really have liked to have seen more of Wheeljack and Ulrtra Magnus' relationship get explored, plant even more seeds for Knockouts eventual face turn. Tho I will say Optimus being the one to kill Megatron is something that I thought years back when I first saw this show.

[@DefinitelyNotEmma]

0:23 he really went all Cato the Elder and said "Megatron delenda est"

[@ArcTrooper269]

ONE OF THE BEST ANALYSIS I'VE EVER SEEN IN THE INTERNET

[@robrockstar9648]

One my favorite episodes in this series was the on we’re Prime goes out of his way to try seek out and kill Megatron. That was great character work.

[@Krypto12]

People says this is who bayverse prime should have been. Thats maybe true but overall if not by bayverse we could never got this optimus prime. He is the definitive version of this character and lets be honest. No other prime in various of countinuities can compete to this prime. Well exept of course g1 prime. Over all great character. We really see he went through literal war. He is kind and good warior. Its the perfect balance between g1 father prime and more violante bayverse prime. He trully earned the title of prime and in the eyes of fans including me he won’t be forgotten.

[@rubenbigbro9005]

8:54 bruh this was the first thing to come to mind when I thought of humorous moments for Optimus

[@Lili-o7-o4e]

Best Optimus, change my fragging mind. And, I didn't see Op as boring, I saw him as simply remaining calm in almost all of the time. He was trying to be a voice of wisdom, a leader, but he couldn't do that if he was energetic. FIGHT ME PAPER PLAIN! ✊✊😠✊

[@Addie-g5u]

As a little girl, i skipped most of my eighth birthday to watch transformers. My dad turned on the first Bayverse movie and I saw Optimus on screen and immediately was hooked. Since then, Optimus has always been my hero. I love every single version of Optimus, I’m not gonna lie. I graduate next year. Can’t believe transformers has been in my life for 9+years

[@LotsOfToubleUsuallySerious]

2:05 don't you love when the CG animation is more serious than the live action stuff? Really breaks the concept of "animation = kids". I also love the characterization of some characters, specially Optimus, the moment he said he'd give Raf a snowball was very heartwarming

[@Yuuuuhhhhhhhh]

Tbh I prefer Optimus being more serious lmao I don't want robot Superman I want a soldier who been fighting a war for millions of years ong

[@Whykickamoocow]

I grew up with G1 but i absolutely loved the Prime series

[@Abu_Brandino]

Excellent video mate. Well done!

[@190mohammedyasin6]

TFP was one of the best things I have seen related to transformers media and other shows . TFP Optimus prime is one of the best leaders in fiction that’s how I felt at end of the TFP movie

[@Crazinator]

Bro I love Transformers Prime Optimus bayverse Optimus war for Cybertron Optimus and Fall of Cybertron they're my favorite

[@vishnugopalawasthi5888]

Its my favorite interpretation of optimus ,imo even better than bayverse & g1 .

[@strikeattack8508]

Great Video I am happy it showed up on my fyp

[@WolfeSaber]

Prime Optimus is basically how I envisioned Master Chief, though more of the killer type. The one we got in the TV series is not it.

[@Oktiduz]

Great analysis! I agree with a lot of your points though I do have to disagree what his character arc is: it's not doing what must be done, but that his beliefs were right: people can change and have the capacity for good. The show puts him in numerous dilemnas to test his core beliefs to see if they are truly correct, and at the end of Predacons Rising, he is rewarded for being steadfast: Megatron DID change; it's too bad RID2015 completely ignored that plot point. For an analogy, take Captain America: he believes in freedom above all else and despite its dangers and drawbacks, his core tenets remain the same. Optimus's arc has a similar trajectory: despite how much the story tells him to abandon his beliefs, they remain the same at the end of the day.

[@KnightsRealm98]

I personally dislike the ending of Preds Rising, mostly because last-minute, unforeshadowed heel-turns are a personal pet peeve trope for me. If Megs's heel-turn had been set up before the movie, then I might like it. For example, I love Armada Megatron's redemption (I choose to ignore that Energon happened) and the original plan for DotM because those turns were set up. But Prime Megs is over here doing awful stuff right up until the end and...all it took was a couple days being puppeteered by Unicron for him to go, "My bad." I mean, it was him being oppressed that led to the Decepticon uprising in the first place (because Sentinel Prime can get fragged), so that whole, "now I understand oppression" line just rings hollow for me. Is it bad in concept? No, but the execution (and the execution of most of Season 3, honestly) left much to be desired. Thanks for commenting, by the way. I do like seeing others' perspectives, even if I may disagree. Hardly consider myself the "be-all, end-all" of media critiques. And I'm glad you enjoyed the video

[@trevorniddrie1088]

People were saying that Transformers Prime was a kids show, HA, they were wrong! I remember not even what 10 or 15 minutes into the first episode Cliffjumper literally gets snuffed by Starscream by getting stabbed in the chest, like what kids show would do THAT? And the Vehicon troopers bro? Maaan the screen shaking when one was chasing Jack and Raph, like im not gonna lie bro, i was SHOOK and SPOOKED! They looked seriously imposing! Heres my few things i loved about the show and maybe a couple gripes upon a few characters: Megatron: Facial design was something i didn’t care for at first and i think it was something that had to do with the angle his face was shown as he transforms from the Space bridge. But you can tell that he was probably one the most evil and darkest iterations of him yet, not worried about finding the allspark, but merely just focused on destroying team prime and ruling earth and cybertron. Arcee: She was definitely a character i thought i wouldn’t see have much of a character growth, but boy i was wrong! From absolutely closed off from feeling to someone who opened herself back up after losing two partners, you can start to understand why she was like that in the beginning, and i forgot what episode it is where her and cliff captured by the decepticons and cliff giving her good advice was definitely one major breakthrough, and the second being Jack. Ratchet: He was definitely giving off a grumpy grandpa vibe for a few episodes in the beginning, which he did have his come around too, but he definitely had his memorable moments! Fixing Bee’s T-Cog, the kids science projects (that was funny) and when he gave up only to come back after prime was presumed terminated by the cons. Ultra Magnus: He for me had a similar character growth to ratchet, but personally i hated his commander authority in the beast hunter’s season, but once when he was told its a different world by prime, you could tell it was a tough adjustment to make, after after a great while or butting heads with wheeljack and the others, you can see his growth and i started liking him more, especially in the movie adaptation. Big Buddha Optimus Prime: When i first looked at Prime i thought his personality was gonna be somewhere along the lines of Transformers animated series, but NOPE! He had actually had more of a human side to him, smiling, remaining calm in dire situations, and the time he lost his cool after loosing the Omega keys

[@ats6880]

I loved TFP. Optimus prime. He was so cute🥰🥺 his design had the cutest, most hopeful eyes I have ever seen on any iteration of Optimus. Like a sad puppy wishing for a better future😭💘 Prime had some really good characters designs

[@1987palerider]

God I love TFP

[@nobodyshekatonchires]

Prime OP is my favourite Prime

[@pranavkhismatrao5227]

I feel that prime and megatron are equivalent to hashirama and madara

[@anonymoususer9599]

While I do agree with the assessment that TFP Optimus is boring, I don't think that's a bad thing. If this show was meant for kids (which there has been some debate on), it's inspiring to see a badass! I'm 23, and that sequence where Optimus Prime takes on the Unicron avatars will probably be in my memory until I have dementia.

[@randoliz]

If you ever feeling like doing another video on a tfp character please do soundwave.

[@mechgouki7999]

The way your gameplay footage lagged reminds me a lot of my PC.

[@KnightsRealm98]

Fortunately, I have better hardware now

[@mechgouki7999]

@@KnightsRealm98 Not me though :(

[@Иная]

I never seen anyone calling OP boring, actually, wierd

[@GK_4K]

great video

[@fexbd]

You should explore TFP Shockwave too on the topic of TFP

[@KnightsRealm98]

I have thoughts for an analysis on both the Waves.

[@enteriprse33]

RESOLUTE

[@AndrewDavis-sj6mb]

History is CRUD

[@shreyvarad]

underrated video. why don't ppl care about this show??

[@demolishingtank8853]

Pls do more Transformers content😊

[@KnightsRealm98]

Got a few on the horizon