TRANSFORMERS: THE BASICS on HOT ROD

We're ending 2020 with a bang, as we cover The Basics on one of the most popular requests from the comments section - the rise, fall, and rise again of that turbo-revvin' young punk, HOT ROD, or as he's also known, the future leader of the Autobots, RODIMUS PRIME!
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Music: Aitech Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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[@JoleneBlake]

You know, I never put it together until now that - between Headmasters, Energon and IDW - "leaving the Autobots to go on a Galactic Quest" is a recurring "Rodimus thing". Funny coincidence!

[@theteaguyplays9724]

Why is this comment 3 days ago this was uploaded just now?!!??

[@KilosFoxo]

@@theteaguyplays9724 time travel is serious buisness

[@RomLoneWolf23]

Heck, considering his plot in the movie involves going on a Galactic Road Trip, you could say it's a core aspect of his character.

[@theteaguyplays9724]

@Star Saber Ah Ok

[@Rojixus]

I think they like to keep doing that because it gives Rodimus some measure of authority and independence without being perceived as a threat to Optimus Prime in any way. Except for Headmasters, that was just to make room for the new toy.

[@jedicapybara]

It’s weird because my uncle who was a kid in the 80s discussed some angry thoughts he had about Optimus being dead. For him, Optimus is the only person who should lead the Autobots while for me, a kid born in 2000, I enjoyed Rodimus more. I liked Rodimus because his self doubt showed more frequently allowing him to connect more with his fellow autobots. Optimus knew what he needed to do only keeping a few close allies while keeping everyone else as friendly acquaintances. While Rodimus struggled but was able to become intrenched with the other bots.

[@MatthewTheWolf2029]

I have the same views. Mostly.

[@louisrobitaille5810]

It's kinda ironic that the old likes the old and the young likes the young. The audience met Optimus as he was already a very experienced leader. In Rodimus' case, we saw him go from a mere Autobot to their leader. It's normal that Optimus didn't have as many doubts or flaws as Rodimus because he'd already spent thousands of years working on fixing them and hardening his resolve to be the best Autobot leader he could be. Rodimus is still a baby in terms of leading the autobots. Give him a couple thousand years and he'll end up as confident and charismatic as Optimus.

[@kennethsatria6607]

I also think he deserves to be Optimus' successor/equal much like how Primal is one too, Hot Rod's reckless action in the movie that led to Prime's death was a lot more complex that it looked and eitherway he felt immense guilt for it and it humbled him, he gave the Matrix to Ultra Magnus at first before he had to step up to fullfill the prophecy. In all honestly I prefer his roles as being the young hotblooded hero than Bumblebee's which is at its worst in the live action movies showing him as too extremely immature and even without a voice he was a chatterbox. Better voiceless Bees can be found in Transformers Prime and the Bumblebee movie where he was more quiet and deep in thought. A Hot Rod that messes up and has to steel his resolve for the other bots is great.

[@Stumbo99]

They're different types of leaders following classic storytelling techniques. Optimus is a father figure leader- larger than life, caring, and always sure. But just like when your dad dies usually the older brother has to step up and become the leader, he's been thrust into a position he's not fully ready for but knows he needs to shoulder it. He'll fumble, be unsure, and not ready for his role but he's someone closer to who you are, someone you can learn and grow with and not just by watching and trying to emulate, he'll be humble because he recognizes he needs the help of those around him; he's the unsure next generation that will stumble but with time find his footing and lead into a great new age

[@Smgk551]

Yeah Optimus Showed to much Now it's time to Replace him today for a new One also Replace Megatron/Galvatron with Soundwave since Soundwave Is a Substitute Leader in some Moment's in IDWs

[@stephencastro4723]

I can say Hotrod/Rodimus Prime appears to be very human for a robot. He showed genuine emotions, weaknesses and attitude typical of someone who is trying to prove himself as well as being carefree and reckless at times.

[@enderdrone6432]

I think there’s a saying that we sometimes relate ourselves to Optimus but in reality we tend to relate to Hot Rod a lot.

[@wolfgang6442]

Yeah I agree!

[@mistermadmachine6311]

Too bad no one liked him at first 😞

[@Fairygirl-q6g]

@@mistermadmachine6311 Well some did and some didn’t.

[@stevensteviepryde5888]

That's why I like Hot Rod. I can relate to him a lot

[@RodimusPrimal]

I grew attached to Hot Rod right away after seeing him rise to leadership as Rodimus Prime in the theaters way back in August of 1986. Yes, he makes mistakes (like all of us) and feels the hard burden of leadership (much like Optimus did when he first became leader), but he accomplished quite a bit when taking command despite being so very hot headed. I find him so very relatable. From one Transformers historian to another, great job covering my favorite character Chris! Merry Christmas!

[@KnickKnacksPlasticPlanet]

Growing up I always thought I was the only die-hard Rodimus Prime fan. At least one good thing about the internet is I learned how wrong I was.

[@disneyboy3030]

@@KnickKnacksPlasticPlanet it also shows just how divided a fan base to anything is. It's also nice to see Rodimus Primal talk to another fanfiction writer. Maybe he, Diamond Bolt, and Chris can appear in a video together someday.

[@titanusgojirakingofthemonsters]

I did it yes thank you.

[@RestoreDavidCMcGuire]

Thus saith Rodimus Primal.

[@normanpopcultureboy8563]

RodimusPrimal! Merry Christmas

[@Dorelaxen]

He was no Optimus, but I've always liked Hot Rod. The scene of him becoming Rodimus in the Movie is one of the greatest scenes in Transformers history. His struggles as leader always felt more real and grounded than any other character. One any of us could relate to.

[@daanduijkers4845]

Yeah! Too bad HASBRO effectively ruined his arc by just bringing Optimus back.

[@twistedgaming9185]

@@daanduijkers4845 It was because of parents who couldn't bother to comfort and teach kids how to accept the inevitability of death and moving on. Like Sesame Street.

[@HelloMisterJAMWAH]

He's a representation of having kids before you're ready. You have this slick sports car and no worries, then you get the news and have to swap it for a sensible vehicle you can take them to school in. Also your friend gets torn to pieces by a squid.

[@josephochoa9861]

I still miss my friend,damn those squids

[@HelloMisterJAMWAH]

@@josephochoa9861 They will live forever in the Hall of Valour

[@josephochoa9861]

@@HelloMisterJAMWAH thank you

[@josephjoestar3627]

“Fix, me”

[@the_hyrulean_super_saiyan]

I don't get it 😅

[@natek4488]

If I'm being 100% honest, while I appreciate bringing Optimus back, I felt it was a mistake for Rodimus to just simply go back to being Hot Rod. I feel it severely undercuts his development from a reckless daredevil to a true genuine leader. It's like with Thor in Avengers Endgame. They spent all those past movies to development Thor to becoming the king of Asgard only to revert him back. I hate when stories do that.

[@APlatypus]

Yep, it made sense that he started acting like Hot Rod again in dark awakening, but then he had his development taken away.

[@enderknight1442]

Agreed. If it were up to me, I think it would have been cooler if Rodimus built a new Matrix of Leadership for himself and gave the old one to Optimus or something like that. It would actually have a bit of poetry to it too.

[@theodoredexter6540]

Meanwhile in an alternate universe: Pessimus composite: get in the way cold bar!

[@oliveragag8576]

Many people celebrate Cold Rod for saving Optimus Composite from Lessertron

[@Henrex2000]

*Pessimus Composite

[@theodoredexter6540]

@@Henrex2000 thanks

[@stefy7234]

And then Multicron saved the universe

[@theodoredexter6540]

@@stefy7234 of course I remember that but do you remember when infra moderate was given the retention of impotence but he then gave it to cold rod (I googled the opposite of the words ultra, magnus, matrix and leadership)

[@Raziel312]

I know that Rodimus Prime's alternate mode was supposed to be a "future truck", but I always thought it looked more like a "future winnebago."

[@jimbomclimbo7467]

I was very surprised because I thought he was an RV until now

[@voltronimusprime3833]

I thought everyone called him a "Space Winnebago"

[@DRYstudios1994]

@@voltronimusprime3833 No, that's the name given to the Eagle 5 from Spaceballs.

[@StrykerPrimeProductions]

Thanks to the Kingdom figure, The Lazy Eyebrow, and my own personal preference, I see it as just a bigger version of Hot Rod’s car with a trailer like Optimus. If nothing else because DX9 Carrie and the Power of the Primes leader class figure showed that if he actually transformed into the “space Winnebago” he would be huge.

[@nathanturnerii4207]

Me too

[@celinecanes6346]

I love how IDW’s MTMTE and Lost Light portrayed Hot Rod. He was egoistic, reckless and self-centered, but also so damn charismatic and ultimately truly heroic. And goddamn he has style.

[@miyako1909]

That is one of the worst Hot Rod. It is like they threw away all of his character development in the previous books and turned him into a worse version of his younger self. In the previous books, Hot Rod did show regret and wanted to atone for his mistakes, but then in MTMTE, he became so self-centered and immature, got his crewmates killed on a regular basic. Cyberverse Hot Rod is way better.

[@anthonybehan6031]

MTMTE/Lost Light Rodimus is one of my favourite Transformera characters. His speech in LL 24 genuinely made me tear up.

[@returnedtomonkey8886]

The guy was ready to pull his team through, or die trying. And he gave up the glory in the end to save megatron.

[@ninjadanny628]

I like Hot Rod/Rodimus. He didn’t have a good start, but he has placed his role now in transformers history.

[@albertrex6851]

I like his IDW version.

[@LinhVu-bi1xz]

Ok

[@bbnnationoriginal2722]

I too love hot rod but not rodimus prime. I like his courageous character but not him as a prime. The prime we know and only prime acceptable ( no offense) is optimus.

[@batmanbeyond5766]

What do you mean he hadn't had a good start

[@albertrex6851]

@@batmanbeyond5766 He actually wasn't received well . He was responsible for big boss's death .

[@TFfangeek]

Optimus Prime is leader we want to become, but Rodimus Prime is the leader we will most likely become.

[@ls_rus4666]

Expectation and reality

[@Ryoku1]

Which is why I relate to him so much and why Rodimus is my favorite character.

[@stephencastro4723]

Optimus is like Jesus who is nothing but perfect. Hotrod/Rodimus is like Peter, Paul or any apostle who falls short following their master.

[@TFfangeek]

@@stephencastro4723 Fantastic comparison. :D

[@ltb1345]

Rodimus was a bad leader, but a great character.

[@Phantom9252]

As a kid I saw Transformers: The Movie before seeing the original G1 show, so I never hated Hot Rod/Rodimus, to me he was the main character and Optimus was just the "Uncle Ben" figure. I also never saw Season 3 where the hate for Rodimus was really codified in the fandom with his admittedly rather wishy-washy personality. Sure I've seen G1 by now and appreciate Optimus as leader and not just "the one who dies so Rodimus can be a thing" but I still see Hot Rod/Rodimus as a Peter Parker-type. Burdened by great power he feels a sense of responsibility to despite the fact it makes him miserable, I think the Hot Rod/Rodimus could take a lesson from another Spider-Man and not be so focused on emulating Optimus and worrying about what Optimus would do, and instead try to figure out who he is as a Prime and how he should lead. "If there's one thing I know it's don't do it like me, do it like /you./"

[@eur0be4t3r]

Same

[@redalert923]

@@eur0be4t3r well in my own transformers universe I made hot rod a little like Jason todd, sunset shimmer, and cal ketis

[@eur0be4t3r]

@@redalert923 k

[@redalert923]

@@eur0be4t3r you don't like that idea

[@eur0be4t3r]

@@redalert923 When I don’t know how to respond I just type k

[@levongevorgyan6789]

He was cool as resistance leader against the Quintessons in Cyberverse. That entire season was a banger

[@jamiewalsh3349]

Didn't even become Rodimus Prime too. Just goes to show you don't need to be a Prime to be a leader

[@GracemarieJohnson2763]

​@@jamiewalsh3349As Optimus himself said in the Prime cartoon, "Leadership can be earned with or without the Matrix."

[@luigiboi4244]

This was actually proven during Animated, since “Prime” was more a title that we equate to “Captain” or “Commander”, with “Magnus” being the head of the Autobots.

[@stephencastro4723]

"They've got more Sharkticons than we got photon chargers." - Hotrod

[@FuzzyCrimson]

"Then let's hold a demolition derby!" - Kup 🎸"When I see what I want I'm gonna take it!"

[@stephencastro4723]

@@FuzzyCrimson \ "Didn't even bend a fender." - Hotrod

[@yankeeman690]

Bwa weep grana weep nini ban

[@ltb1345]

“I hold nothing BUT contempt for this court.” I like quoting that line.

[@ilikethecokev2]

@@FuzzyCrimson "If it's against the law, you can bet I'll break it! My need to feed gives me the will to survive! I gotta find it fast to keep me alive!"

[@DominatorLegend]

So many people say "Out of the way, Hot Rod!" when talking about the character. I personally prefer "That's right! We achieved something".

[@Akro_thymos]

So your starscream to

[@PaxDTess]

your name just made my day... all hail starscream!

[@trulythelongestnameinthisc8779]

At least you're not "Dank" Starscream.

[@ramilmendoza5392]

Oh dang screamer another clone has joined the fray

[@fisitron6018]

Agreed, lord Starscream

[@Eva01-jy2qu7pu9r]

“This is the end of the road, Galvatron!”

[@nefariousgremlin7554]

IDW Rodimus is my favorite incarnation of the character, especially since he really seemed (at least to me) to escape the stigma of being "optimus's replacement" because his character had such different characterization and a much different role than he usually gets.

[@rungler]

nice Roller icon

[@LightningZetton]

Both TFA hot rod and TLK Hot rod were cool. I loved hot rod using a bow n arrow

[@cherryhewitt]

The only thing I didn’t like about TLK Hot Rod was his accent.

[@nine_tails137]

I hated TLK Hot Rod. He looked nothing like the source material, nor did he have the same personality as the one in the 1986 movie. Plus Michael Bay's whole: "It doesn't matter how bad it is, you're still going to go see it." attitude really pissed me off! It's why I hate Bayformers as a whole.

[@LightningZetton]

@@nine_tails137 hehe gun goes STOP DA TIME

[@LightningZetton]

@@cherryhewitt he hates it as well lol

[@billybillerey3933]

"My cannon will STOP LE TIME"

[@cobaltprime9467]

If Hot Rod had been previously introduced as part of the team, he wouldn’t have been as criticized and hated. Especially if he had been treated as a sort of “Son of Optimus Prime” kind of character. Someone Optimus had a personal connection with rather than a random new character. It would have made his ascension to Prime and Autobot leader more natural. IDW treated him very well. Made him a great and complex character. And the movies were the worst. I’d like his next incarnation to have been one of the last protoforms generated before the war. For much of his early like he is a renegade, childish character until he meets Optimus and is inspired to follow him. The 2 develop a close bond, further strengthen by Elita 1 who becomes a sort of mother figure to him. As the war goes on, he’d mature and lead his own team separate from Optimus. I’d also like to see him have a kinship with Bumblebee since he’s replaced the role Hot Rod has filled in recent years. Maybe make them a combiner and call them Firebolt. When Optimus and Megatron have their final battle, Hot Rod steps up and there’s a schism between the Autobots. It’s between him and another Autobot commander who thinks he’s too young to be leader. Meanwhile the Matrix is being held my a revived Megatron, perhaps turned Galvatron. Hot Rod retrieves the Matrix and earns the respect of all Autobots. He becomes Rodimus Prime, gaining a new form and sadly losing the ability to combine with Bumblebee. Bee takes command of his old unit. Eventually, Optimus is revived and Rodimus returns the Matrix. But he remains a Prime. He becomes second in command. A proper evolution for a character often hated.

[@ondururagittandeska2004]

That is an excellent Ide I do rather think of Hotrod this way

[@egitimedebiyat8046]

I would wish that

[@BurntTM]

my man wrote a whole book

[@acemarvel1564]

That’s exactly what we need

[@mistermadmachine6311]

Great idea 😮😊

[@elpizo1789]

My biggest gripe with Hot Rod/Rodimus was how basic his head looked, especially compared to other characters. I've always liked the incarnations where they gave him yellow horns/marks on the forehead, those really nicely brake up the red.

[@omarimus2260]

You've earned the right to see the universe without a gun in your hand

[@zzz7903]

He says as his crew chants “WE KILL ‘CONS”

[@Ryoku1]

FINALLY! THANK YOU! My favorite character and the first person to make Prime a title rather than a name. I truly hope the character becomes a mainstay for a good long time. His Cyberverse appearance was fantastic and IDW defined him even more. Long live the chosen one.

[@bigc5090]

I didn't realize how often Judd Nelson came back to voice the character. That's pretty cool

[@Manny_lol]

For the first time in forever, I'm glad I'm awake at 5 AM

[@westbreazy9963]

Same.

[@titanusgojirakingofthemonsters]

Chris i've got to tell you : Rodimus Primal will be happy to see this

[@CyborgNS6NL]

This explains a lot.

[@scarydave7245]

I would be More than happy to see his Reaction

[@fobit776]

That would be great

[@katamattyon]

@@scarydave7245 YES a reaction video would be great!

[@sushma6892]

I know

[@HelloMisterJAMWAH]

I've always loved Hot Rod. How could I not? He was the Luke Skywalker role of TF:TM with Han Solo's attitude and the colour scheme of those Fruit Salad sweets (except for when Nel Yomtov decided he was more of a Ribena guy). It feels kinda like you're supposed to age out of liking him, though. Or at least resent him for supplanting Optimus. Nah. 'Rodimus' may be a terrible name, but I preferred him as leader. More depth.

[@originaluddite]

I definitely found him more interesting as a character (and overall found third season far more inventive). The name is a stretch however. As kids we joked that Optimus before he got the Matrix was a youngster called Hot Opt. Maybe that was Orion's nickname. :)

[@HelloMisterJAMWAH]

@@originaluddite Ha! Yeah, I think that was an early attempt at portraying a tradition that was quickly dropped. The third season is way better in terms of storytelling (except Big Broadcast) but ye gods, AKOM had to show up. Rodimus' doubts alongside the optimism of Magnus was a great dynamic.

[@originaluddite]

@@HelloMisterJAMWAH I liked the Big Broadcast but then I'm a fan of those manipulative Quintessons (got my toy coming in the mail any day now). Much of the animation is embarrassing, especially that music planet episode, which I assume is AKOM. But animation in some other eps was still good - I remember liking the use of light and shadow on the trans-organics.

[@HelloMisterJAMWAH]

@@originaluddite Oh yeah, I actually like Big Broadcast (almost certainly VHS nostalgia) and I had the music one too (Carnage in C Major), they both have good concepts but suffer because of animation, voice acting and weird edits. I think the Transorganics was Call of the Primitives? Great, dynamic animation.

[@originaluddite]

@Mr. Al Or that we are confining our conversation to one medium so that it can still be a manageable activity. :)

[@DESTRAKON]

Energon Rodimus was my fav as a kid, dudes a red jet engine semi with gold flames, machine gun shoulders, and built in flame throwers. F what anyone else says that figure was badass

[@dfile7598]

I use to have that figure when I was a kid, and that was the first Rodimus I ever saw.

[@mrquake7789]

@@dfile7598 Me too

[@zebjensen4251]

He was my hero as a child. I watched the original movie so many times I loved him. I hope soon we can see him as a main character of a cartoon again where he comes to grips with being a leader I mean come on he is so human been given power that he has no idea how to use or feels unworthy of. They could do an amazing job by making him a relatable character in a cartoon. Maybe even making his I don't care aditude and his reckless his way of hiding his insecurities and fears that will eventually case him to break down because he's not who he says he is and is genuinely afraid and unsure of himself or what he should do. I would love a character like that.

[@zhengmaoli1835]

Armada Hot Shot was actually called "Hot Rod" in the Japanese version, as far as I remember; also Red Alert was called "Ratchet" both whose Japanese names make much more sense considering their in-anime appearance and personalities.

[@WhiteDarkness3113]

next to bulkhead who was called "Ironhide" in japan

[@normanpopcultureboy8563]

@@WhiteDarkness3113 Transformers Animated or Armada?

[@WhiteDarkness3113]

@@normanpopcultureboy8563 Animated

[@dirckthedork-knight1201]

@@WhiteDarkness3113 Watching both the japan and american version back to back must be very confusing

[@defunctgoosebumpsaccount]

In the Spanish dub of transformers Sam was called Spike

[@myriadmediamusings]

“Out of the way, Hot Rod!” -viewers who are awaiting Basics on G1 Megatron

[@sebastienvondoom8615]

Indeed

[@omarsalem1219]

Accurate

[@scarydave7245]

Next Up:MEGATRON .....In 2021

[@nine_tails137]

Didn't he already do a basics Video on Megatron?🤔

[@scarydave7245]

@@nine_tails137 Do you know the Difference betwen the 2megatrons ?

[@katamattyon]

Saw this video in my subscription feed today and started audibly celebrating. Had to explain to my mate why the title of a youtube video made me do that. I may have been a kid for the Unicron Trilogy, but I cherish the '86 movie with all its weirdness, Hot Rod is by far and away a favourite of mine.

[@Protosilver97]

Before anyone says something, Hot Rod didn't actually cause Optimus' death, Megatron was pretending to be almost defeated and was almost going to shot Optimus Prime, we can see this because he gets up really fast, if Hot Rod wasn't there Megatron would have still attacked Prime, we can see this in the Deviations comic, in wich Megatron still shots the weapon, Optimus survives because of the plot as how he didn't shot earlier in the '86 movie because Deviations is about Optimus surviving the battle. Conclusion: Hot Rod's existence didn't matter. Also, what the hell is happening to Kup? He said not to help Prime, like, the war could have ended better if he helped Prime, no, it doesn't have a gun (he was just puting a letter when the Decepticons attacked, so he didn't have one), but it could have said to Prime that Megatron was pretending to be defeated.

[@Troublethecat]

More like the writer for the Deviations comic reaaally hated Hot Rod and wanted to demonize him by breaking movie canon to make it look like it was Hot Rod's fault Optimus died. Seriously that entire comic was one long Hot Rod bashing fanfic. Every single character shits on him throughout the whole book and he's literally not allowed to do anything except use the Matrix to defeat Unicron at the end and then die for no reason.

[@Protosilver97]

@@Troublethecat That's true, but the Autobot battle goes the same, Megatron still shots, proving my point.

[@ltb1345]

@@Troublethecat Exactly. Talk about a salty fanfiction.

[@Troublethecat]

@@Protosilver97 I know, but the point I was that it wasn't just a case of the writer wanting Optimus to survive for the sake of "what if Optimus survived?" scenario. If it weren't meant to read as "See? If that idiot Hot Rod hadn't intervened, Optimus would've been fine!" then there were other ways they could've had him survive.

[@Protosilver97]

@@Troublethecat Yeah, I know.

[@quantumkitsune5661]

I know I'm in the definite minority, but I actually liked Rodimus having to deal with the burden of leadership. Optimus was so supremely confident, and led so effortlessly ... but Roddy felt more 'human', for lack of a better term, by being so uncomfortable with the mantle of leadership ("Can I interest you in a used mantle?") thrust upon him out of nowhere. I kind of with the show had done what IDW's More Than Meets The Eye/Lost Light comics had done and actually shown 'bots dissatisfied with Rodimus commanding them. It might have made an interesting mirror episode with the one where the Decepticons get tired of Galvatron's leadership.

[@battleupsaber462]

Will Hasbro ever remember that Hot Rod was magenta and not red in the original movie, and release his toys in the correct colours?

[@PrinceTrunks26]

Takara remembered with MP28 Hot Rod, I should know I own it.

[@SirBroccolingtonIII]

I actually prefer the brighter colours of the g1 toy. The new studio series hot rod as well as the mtmte version do a good job at blending the colour schemes.

[@katamattyon]

Some scenes it's definitely magenta, sometimes it looks a bit redder, like the deepest crimson. But yeah, pinky red with orange parts, as opposed to just heing uniformly bright scarlet with yellow flames. Original Hot Rod is absolutely iconic

[@Protosilver97]

Notice*

[@tannerprice2018]

Guess Hasbro just figured red would work better for a character calling himself “Hot Rod.”

[@JDubya2k]

He was a brash and undisciplined, just like another Hot Rod...Rowdy Roddy Piper!

[@JD-iu6rv]

🎶Dare! Dare to believe you can survive!🎶

[@cillianstewart9441]

_*Hard cut to Optimus lying dead on the ground, music faint in the background_

[@cuppajj]

@@cillianstewart9441 O O F

[@pepperedash4424]

I might be stepping on a few toes by saying this; I prefer "Dare" to "The Touch".

[@optiTHOMAS]

@@pepperedash4424 yeah I love em both! Great songs! I love tons of Stan bush's songs! Great stuff! :D

[@hotrodthe1]

It’s always nice to see some love for the character instead of the old “he killed Optimus” joke

[@robflatliner]

I think, the "Lost Light"-story made the best version of him, also the story itself is great!

[@syabilaazri7834]

I love how in Lost Light and Cyberverse, he able to lead both Autobot and Decepticon to protect cybertron. That i think what make him different from Optimus Prime. While Optimus Prime deal with Megatron and his or other Decepticon evil plan, Rodimus able to be friends with Decepticon and make both side fight for their home. If only Hasbro could see that, we could have Lost Light tv series way early...

[@Jeddostotle7]

I've always thought how the G1 cartoon having Rodimus not only physically revert to Hot Rod, but also in personality, whenever he gave away the Matrix was kinda stupid and silly. Like, the Movie is supposed to be partially about his growth as a character, and then at the end the Matrix backs it up with a physical transformation to match. Making him revert physically upon losing the Matrix is one thing (still kinda silly, but I can deal with it on its own), but having him un-grow as a character robs any depth his arc in the Movie had.

[@twistedgaming9185]

In the episode before the return of Optimus Prime, Rodimus Prime is so tired of the crap and burden he gets that he doesn't mind when the Matrix is stolen from him. A wise sensei helped him find his center, helping him reclaim the Matrix and accepting the duty of leader... but then we know it's short lived.

[@ltb1345]

The last few episodes of season 3 shat on the movie.

[@twistedgaming9185]

@@ltb1345 Especially the finale, because of whiny brats.

[@jackofallclaws6672]

Here’s my guess for Obscure Characters Month: Skids!!!

[@tannerprice2018]

That’d make sense. I’d like to see a basics episode on Skids.

[@BPJD2004]

You do know that Skids is the Lost Light's resident drunken idiot, don't you?

[@SSRuiz]

Skids is kinda underrated, so I'd definitely would like to see a basics on him (sometimes, he's quite disrespected as an Autobot)

[@tannerprice2018]

@@SSRuiz He’s been disrespected by Hasbro themselves, lately.

[@SSRuiz]

@@tannerprice2018 why do they do him dirty?

[@rai_harn98]

All he needs is a writer who can make his character work

[@Ryoku1]

IDW and Cyberverse say "Hi".

[@ltb1345]

He was good in G1, up until near the end of season 3.

[@cameram-guy8684]

@@ltb1345 he started very bad, then he went good and at the end, bad again

[@disneyboy3030]

@@cameram-guy8684 well then came Headmasters but then he left but later stories told what happened on his journey for a new home.

[@FlamesofJagger]

Read Regenration One. He was a central character there and basically saves the comics multiverse

[@Levitz9]

I love Hot Rod! He's been one of my favorites since forever! Animated Hot Rod was the first Transformer I bought when I resumed collecting in 2012, and Titans Return Hot Rod was my travel-buddy when I roadtripped across the US in 2017! He's a very special character to me.

[@bairdduvessa]

I always loved Rodimus as a kid, to me it was refreshing seeing a leader who wasn't always so confident. It taught me it is okay sometimes to have doubts.

[@icon_uk624]

I always thought the French accent in THAT movie was down to him being described as ""Cavalier" on his original Tech Specs

[@PrinceTrunks26]

Hot Rod didn't get Optimus Prime killed, the 1980s writers killed him.

[@twistedgaming9185]

Because Hasbro at the time only saw Optimus as just a product and they ordered the writers to kill him once his toy was discontinued.

[@cillianstewart9441]

Hasbro making the G1 movie: *_We will kill them all..._*

[@zeke7200]

And that bullshit got the negativity put on poor Hot Rod

[@ultramangeed624]

In universe prime was hesitating to fire on megatron. He sees megatron slowly coming closer but he just stands there

[@langletprolet8378]

Hot take: Optimus killed himself by being a stupid idiot that just stands there doing nothing while he’s getting shot at.

[@rodimuus]

Yes, my favourite character!!

[@superxavxii421]

Cyberverse Hot Rod made me really love the character, especially when he has to step up and lead the rag-tag team against the quintissons

[@TheHoodedsouljah]

Throughout the entire movie, Hot Rod displayed leadership skills...

[@ellishotomani1462]

Long live Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime! I related to the character as a young man with something to prove and stepping up into a bigger role, despite his wish otherwise.

[@darkousdragon1166]

Hot Rod deserves more love from the shows now that he has returned to tv

[@jus3th]

But Bumblebee steals his spotlight everytime.

[@Protosilver97]

More with what he did in Cyberverse.

[@jus3th]

@@Protosilver97 at the start of season 3 Hot Rod is in the spotlight, but one the story is over. Bumblebee retook the main lead.

[@Protosilver97]

@@jus3th Yes, I know.

[@langletprolet8378]

@@jus3th I liked Hot Rod in Season 3. Imo the season kind of went downhill after the Quintesson arc and the spotlight came back to Bee again. Bee is just not that interesting.

[@tripled2096]

Something about Cyberverse hot rod that is important to note is his friendship with Soundwave that develops during the quintesson invasion, where the two have an amazing chemistry and it's probably my favorite incarnation of either character

[@kdognicholson24]

Energon Rodimus was my very first transformer, followed by Energon Prowl and Tow-line.......and my love of the franchise was born!! Hot Rod/Rodimus will always hold a special place in my heart for me.

[@metal-0118]

I always love how his name perfectly explained his actions

[@vedsona8707]

Well done Chris! your content has lit our darkest year! Stay Safe and Thank you!

[@andretheterminator]

Hot rod/rodimus prime is one of my favorite transformers character and has always been ( easily my 2nd favorite) I loved his role in cyberverse, idw and of course the 86 movie and was one of the reasons why he not slowly became one of my favorite characters but also the reason why the 86 movie became my favorite movie of all time up until 2020’s sonic the hedgehog movie.( also he reminds of me of myself sometimes) I’m happy you made this episode and to those that blames him for killing Optimus just remember he tried to save him it fail and while it may have not made sense to you but it sense to him ( Mary Christmas and happy new year )

[@MatthewTheWolf2029]

Its only fair to say that so far in recorded history, G1, Cyberverse, and the War for Cybertron series treat Hotrod/Rodimus with better respect than Animated ever has. And while the character has had somewhat of a rocky history as well as a mixed reception, its good to know that he's not been completely forgotten. And I hope that future entries will pay him the respect he deserves.

[@wonderwaffle93]

“IF YOU’RE GOING RIDE DANNO, RIDE IN STYLE!” Absolutely one of my favorite Autobots. Like many, I hated the guy when I was a kid blaming him solely being responsible for Primes death but ya know, if Prime didn’t monologue and hesitate taking the shot. On top of that I think Megatron still would’ve taken the shot one way or another. IDW Rodimus has to be my favorite, the adventures with Lost Light was just great.

[@vanguardRailgun924]

The first I saw of G1 was the movie and season 3/4, it was the only stuff my father managed to record of the show from back in the day, that probably led me to like the character more then most. The Power of the Primes Hot Rod/Rodimus is probably my all time favourite Transformers toy I own.

[@originaluddite]

The standard central character in a lot of action shows tends to be a youngish hero and this made The Transformers (Seasons 1 and 2) unusual (consider also Star Trek The Next Generation). An older leader felt both realistic and refreshing. But having done that it was _then_ interesting to move onto another character and explore the challenges involved in leadership transitions. Maybe my own shift into adolescence around that time helped me feel that way.

[@The_Wandering_Nerd]

Yet the transition could have been handled better. To go back to your TNG example, the Movie felt like to many fans like it would feel if Wesley Crusher accidentally got Captain Picard killed and then became captain of the Enterprise.

[@ltb1345]

@@The_Wandering_Nerd That’s going a little far... Hot Rod definitely isn’t a Gary Stu.

[@originaluddite]

I feel like Wesley has more Wheelie levels of annoyance factor. But I get it - a power transition to Riker or Ultra Magnus would have felt more 'proper' especially if we had known him for a while rather than him just appearing in the story. Imagine if there had been a Scramble City style season 2.5 in which some of these characters had been fleshed out.

[@aloywizard6583]

Just like Starscream, he has love and hate at same time

[@egitimedebiyat8046]

Right

[@CaptainForsyth]

7:49 G1 Cameos. I see gears, Sideswipe or Red alert and Bumblebee or CliffJumper and Ratchet.

[@pepperedash4424]

Good eye, Captain! I think there was once a scene in either Armada or Energon that used Gobot characters models to depict generics that have been killed off.

[@asinineAbbreviations]

YES! finally, my favourite character of basically all time is covered! i first got into transformers through him, actually - this person i was following posted a bunch of photos called"internation photosets of rodimus day" specifically from the idw comics, and i saw them and was like "well this looks interesting and also funny, guess i'll check it out". and since then, he has consistently remained my fave character - i especially love how he was portrayed in the quintesson episodes in cyberverse, and he and soundwave cooperating and getting the other cybertronians to work together was so fun. he is also my first (and only) masterpiece figure! and i do not regret a single pound spent. overall he's probably one of the best and most complex transformers to emerge from the franchise, and its a travesty that many people dont know of him, and the geewunners all complain about him cause of the movie.

[@natashabittinger5233]

Transformers Cyberverse is where Hot Rod really shined the most, I just wished that the Michael Bay Hot Rod had the same flame design.🔥❤

[@MatthewTheWolf2029]

And at least Cyberverse treated Hotrod with better respect than Animated ever did.

[@novustalks7525]

I guess they didn't want him being too similar to optimus?

[@nimrath]

Merry Christmas Chris! Thank you for a year of great content! Creators like you are one of the reasons we managed to get through this lockdown.

[@AtticusTsaiMcCarthy]

He’s a weird one. I like him purely for aesthetic reasons for the most part. My favorite design and brief interpretation of him is in TFA, but I think the most rounded and best design is in Roberts’ mtmte and ll.

[@maestro-fifa4446]

"Turbo-revving young punk"

[@anthonyreeder8283]

Thank you for this video. He has always been my favorite character in Transformers The Movie from 1986 and I was always pissed that there was never a mention of him in the Michael Bay movies. Glad to see he is making a comeback and showing what he truly is an awesome autobot!

[@AlexLorentzenloganjamesalex]

I just grabbed the new Studio Series '86 Hot Rod and it lead me down the KZbin rabbit-hole to your channel. I really like your presentation with these "Transformers: The Basics" videos, you got yourself a new subscriber!

[@Traph]

I actually like Hot Rod and Rodimus Prime, I understand why people blame him for Prime's death, but I personally don't. Very comprehensive and informative video as always, Mr. Mcfeely!

[@ballisticblocker9163]

Movie Hotrod may be an unfaithful character who’s only joke is “he’s french”....but he’s the best designed character in that movie so I don’t care.

[@ultra_marcus]

Hot Rod is French ?! I do not understand.. is he based on a french vehicle or something?

[@muisverriet]

@@ultra_marcus No, he just had a French accent for no reason.

[@ballisticblocker9163]

@@muisverriet, Nonono there was a reason. It was there for *comedy* ...not good comedy though...

[@ultra_marcus]

@@muisverriet That'll teach me to comment before I've seen the whole video. I haven't got around to watching the latest live action movie yet LOL.. Thanks Jarmo.

[@duongallen4094]

@@ultra_marcus don’t watch I’ll be honest. It’s a big bloody mess. You only need to watch it once and forget about it

[@sovietmaori]

The first time I heard his name was when my dad was telling me about the 1986 movie when I was 9. Rodimus sounded like a really dumb name. Fast forward a decade and I guess I could put him in a favourites list thanks to idw

[@codytriffo]

Hot Rod is another one of my favourite Autobots going from a young hot head punk to become the Autobot hero Rodimus Prime "I knew you had potential lad" 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@geechie-don7157]

I always liked Hotrod. Those of us that grew up with the G1 cartoon, Hotrod was a euphemism for us. His transition from a boy to a man mirrored ours from children to adolescents. We could empathize with his feelings of being unworthy or unsure. Season 3 was my favorite because of this.

[@ladymondegreen2113]

Yayyyy so excited to finally see a video about my boy ^_^ MTMTE was my introduction to the character and I have to say that is still my favorite version of him, it blended his "daredevil young punk" traits and "leader struggling with leadership" traits in a really natural and compelling way and made for a super great character. I still have such a soft spot for him throughout the franchise as a whole and am sad Bumblebee has started to take over his role more T^T Also whenever I listen to The Touch I think about his big speech at the end of Lost Light and him pulling the Matrix open with his teeth, what a fantastic moment

[@auberginemanproductions1608]

I love the MTMTE version while I dislike most others because his personality as Hot Rod doesn't just disappear when he becomes a leader.

[@RileyTNTlego]

Rodimus is one of my absolute favorite characters. I've always hated how Hasbro just brushed him aside at the end of season three. I also hated how whenever he lost the Matrix he'd go back to being Hotrod.

[@Prototype_Kai]

I like Hot Rod. Kinda wish he could get his old job back from Bumblebee.

[@ronbird121]

you mean killing optimus?

[@bartmuljono872]

No, dude. He means the role he deserves.

[@jus3th]

Your gonna wait a long time for that, or stick to the comics. Fans want Bumblebee.

[@bartmuljono872]

@@jus3th comics

[@SuperSwordman1]

I actually am starting to kinda hate Bumblebee for taking his spot

[@TrueGraveHeart]

I have that Power of the Primes Hot Rod/Rodimus and Orion Pax/Optimus Prime figuers and they are just so awesome

[@tyr0n313]

Love that opening scene of the movie when he catches Daniel and transforms to “Dare.” He was my 2nd masterpiece to add to my collection.

[@guswalsh1299]

Hot Rod was never held responsible for Optimus Prime's death. It was Hasbro, the Writers, Optimus's code of honor that got in the way and finally it was Megatron himself. That's what most people seem to forget a lot over the years.

[@davidegiovannidisanto987]

Thank you Chris merry Christmas and happy new year goodbye at 2021 for the new episode's of transformers the basics

[@samwatson-tayler2805]

"Hotshot sported Hotrod themed colours" Shows a picture of Excellion.

[@clockoff94]

0:20 great leader too I love optimus the most but it was refreshing to have him as leader for a season

[@abrarjunejo]

For most people Optimus is favourite but I was introduced to this franchise first by watching transformers the movie back in the 80s. My favourite has always been and will be Hot Rodimus.

[@nathanteasley8170]

I've always wanted more hot rod in transformers. For whatever reason I've always been drawn to his character

[@jonathandelgado3755]

AKA the character everyone hates for doing the only sensible thing in wanting to gang up on the genocidal warlord.

[@Sotau890]

stop being mean to hot rod

[@pakspider6482]

Ohhh teaming up huh Optimus prime had megatron in in his marcy and then hot rod jumps in the way and then megatron killed Optimus was killed destiny chose him but we never accept him

[@jus3th]

@@pakspider6482 Agreed.

[@egitimedebiyat8046]

@@pakspider6482 Megatron grabed the pistol and aimed at optimus and right before he fires hot rod stoped him but he pushed rod away and fired

[@ltb1345]

@@pakspider6482 Megatron was tricking Optimus. He was about to shoot him with a hidden gun. Either you have bad eyesight, or trash memory.

[@jackofallclaws6672]

Something tells me that Rodimus Primal’s happy about this video.

[@mrquake7789]

Rodimus Primal MAXIMIZED

[@darkdragon0083]

You could say Rodimus is still the autobot commander by the time of victory since he still possess the matrix.

[@Fuzzy_Barbarian]

Of all the "maturation to leadership" Autobots, Hot Rod is my favourite, and I didn't even grow up with him! I grew up with Hot Shot and then Bumblebee, but IDW's comics have done a really good job making me care about Hot Rod.

[@Powderulverize]

1:12 NOOOOO MY UNITIDDIES

[@BennyLlama39]

Chris: "The original turbo revvin' young punk..." Me: (bad Kup impression) I'll straighten you out, yet.

[@matthewsimpson5529]

One idea I had to get Hot Rod some spotlight in a future series without killing Optimus (which Hasbro is never going to do for more than a couple episodes), is to make HIM the Arisen instead of Optimus, with him fusing with the Allspark instead of gaining the Matrix. It keeps Optimus from becoming too Mythic, keeps Hot Rods 'chosen one' role from the movie, and makes more sense than ANOTHER primes relic restoring Orion Pax to Optimus. Heck, it could even be used as a way to keep the switch between Hot Rod and Rodimus from the OG cartoon without messing with his development - fusing with the Allspark restores his memories of his first life, but removing it takes them away again, with him only remembering stuff he did after becoming Rodimus again, with even those being a little vague. After using the Allspark to heal Cybertron, the series could end with him going off to track down his wayward siblings, joined by his a group of his closest friends along with his two remaining siblings, Alpha Trion and Alchemist (who would have found protégés to handle Vector Sigma and run MacAdams respectively) as a reference to MTMTE, Headmasters and Energon. Heck, throw in a redeemed Megatronus the double up on the MTMTE references! Anyway, that was just a ramble about what I'd do with Hot Rod. Can't wait for Obscure Characters Month! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

[@ReligiousPrime]

My favorite Rodimus Prime figure (just by seeing it in video) is the DX9 Carry. I like the way they made the trailer part collapse into a backpack as part of the transformation.

[@DemonicsInc]

I've always been a fan of hot rod/rodimus. I didn't grow up with the full series so the movie was my first introduction to the characters. Hot rod easily became my favorite. And remains my favorite to this day. His mistakes made him relatable. He wasn't a perfect leader.

[@tubefaze]

Judd Nelson not voicing Hot Rod in The Last Knight is such a crime.

[@ripleyandweeds1288]

I can't help but love this character and I'm happy he found his place in the comics. Now that IDW is set to lose the liscence in 2023 I hope he gets the same amount of love in any future series.

[@geekgodofdeath6634]

I'm a Bayverse kid who loves the first 3 movies but come on even i know TLK Hot Rod was just awfully inaccurate lol

[@Kaiju-bm4ts]

I didn't mind tf5 hot rod but for better or worst even though I didn't mind the French accent logically they shouldn't have given that to him

[@davidvasquez08]

@@Kaiju-bm4ts according to Hot Rod, “ I hate the accent, but I can’t get rid of it!”

[@lobo1gtillidie]

I love your show!!!! Keep it up! Thank you for all the hard work in this. I’m 43 n still love my Transformers.

[@haydenweil1930]

I have the Titans Return Hot Rod and it's one of my favorite transformers figures to play with.