TRANSFORMERS: THE BASICS on HUMANS

For the first in a new run of Patreon-sponsored episodes, supporter Christopher Farris wanted The Basics on the role humans have had to play in the various Transformers series!
Toy images courtesy of TFWiki.net, TFW2005.com, and Seibertron.com
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Logo by Liam Shalloo: / liamshalloo
Music: Aitech Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
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[@casualsleepingdragon8501]

"They literally call themselves 'decepticons', that doesn't raise any red flags?" -Best human quote.

[@djt08031996]

"Until he was offlined by a cosmicly empowered Starscream" - the real best human quote

[@CommanderCaseyReviews]

@@djt08031996 frfr

[@Devcon]

A remarkable trait that humans have: none of them were taken offline by a Cosmically-Powered Starscream

[@nathan12416]

🤦🏻‍♂️ lol

[@xmarksthespot1372]

Thank Primus!

[@PallysCafe]

Lucky us 😅

[@VicEntity]

Just you wait

[@Awesomest915]

Actually he destroyed a couple cities.

[@all-stargamer9913]

I'm definitely on Bob Budiansky's side with this argument. If they're on Earth, they're gonna run into humans. And they have to learn about Earth life somehow. What matters is the quality of the human characters. If they're written well enough that they're genuinely interesting, and don't take the majority of the focus, then I like it when these shows, movies, and comics have humans.

[@evanbao93]

@@jakeproven256 Then that's Budiansky's problem and not the premise he gives to justify it

[@gundampeacekeeper]

Jake Proven in the 2000s with the minicons I liked the humans

[@delibirda9336]

Me too. Why not?

[@callumcrane241]

Me too.

[@Hillbot98]

Yeah I agree too, I never thought of it that way before

[@avery9627]

Im fine with human characters so long as they contribute to the story beyond just being a audience proxy. One of my favorite moments is when Fowler helps Bulkhead just by talking to him.

[@undrhil]

I liked the episode on Animated "This is Why I Hate Machines" where Fanzon is sent to Cybertron (on accident) with Ratchet.

[@Sasquatch-ff1pj]

I always put humans in two categories. Necessary humans, and unnecessary humans. In Prime, G1, and animated had necessary humans who made some degree of sense being in the plot. The movies, pretty much all the other series had unnecessary humans that added nothing to the plot, and typically just are in the way.

[@gutsmasterson2488]

Sasquatch 2099 What about in Rescue Bots?

[@Sasquatch-ff1pj]

@@gutsmasterson2488 wouldn't know in that case. Kinda outside my age range and interest. From what I understand about the show and said in this video. My guess would be more towards necessary humans. Being first responders in emergency situations. These people would make sense being in the plot. Part of my determination is: do the people make sense being there. If you cannot justify people being involved or adding to the plot. Then they are unnecessary humans.

[@Hillbot98]

That talk between them gives me chills everytime. Such a memorable and nice moment. P.S. now that I think about it, most of the episode Fowler was talking to Bulkhead helping him get through his mission

[@battleupsaber462]

When are we going to get *Humans: The Basics on Transformers* ?

[@Darkkrebs]

And you've been watching…WHAT on this channel? 😑

[@_V.Va_]

Isn't that just this channel?

[@silverwizardess7921]

*ba dum tiss* 😎😂

[@shadowsnake5133]

@023 Studios your point? I think I would want to know about the war my basically destroyed but somehow still running 2009 Volkswagen jeda is doing... SERIOUSLY WE FORGOT TO CHANGE THE OIL FOR 5 YEARS, HOW IS IT ALIVE AND NOT A SAFETY HAZARD? WHAT THE HELL IS THE GERMANS DOING TO THEIR CARS, BLOOD SACRIFICES?

[@pancho855]

@@shadowsnake5133 Maybe your car was a ghost.

[@chaoticneutral7976]

Alexis: I made a marshmallow Starscream. His arms are crossed because he's mad at all the other marshmallow Decepticons for annoying him. Do you like it? Starscream: (choked up) It's fine.

[@Robofrog100]

WHY WOULD YOU CAUSE ME SUCH PAIN

[@ratbat1072]

No

[@leoryff979]

@@oreopug7986 It's a reference to The Office.

[@callumcrane241]

Shiiiiiiip!

[@foldabotZ]

@@callumcrane241 Yes, is my ship too. If only I had an Alexis toy(preferably an action figure) to go with my Generations deluxe Starscream.

[@misterbadguy7325]

My favorite ever observation about humans in Transformers was in response to a post about whether Transformers have sex: "Are we sure, based on Transformers shows, that humans have sex?" Also you can just hear poor Chris trying to skate around the Kiss Players stuff.

[@waterking74]

Kiss players: *you will never escape*

[@Bearded_Bream]

Just imagine the horror of someone on Patreon requesting a Kiss Players episode 🤣

[@ProfessM]

@@Bearded_Bream I hope no one is that cruel to Chris.

[@Spartan-Primer]

@@ProfessM Inb4 this comment inspires that someone to request Kiss Players the next time Chris opens up Patreon sponsor requests.

[@waterking74]

ProfessM you be surprised

[@NivMizzetFiremind]

I love the relationship between Jack and Arcee in Prime. It just feels so organic and she makes an excellent friend for him with him helping her get over her rage and ptsd. Watch Prime people!

[@Silver-Kaitou]

Please! For the love of Primus!

[@jakomioftherose2434]

Yeah, I love that about Prime. Especially that heart-clencher at the end. Arcee: Keep in touch, Jack. Don’t make hunt you down.

[@nil981]

Agent Fowler is the best human to feature in a transformers series. He is awesome! I especially like how he can stand up to starscream torturing him and even show no fear towards megatron.

[@barrybend7189]

Agent Fowler isn't the first FBI agent in transformers tv shows to team up with the Autobots. In Cybertron there was one as well as a paleontologist.

[@nil981]

@@barrybend7189 we dont talk about cybertron.

[@edwardo6834]

Patrick Milewski I agree he’s my favorite

[@redalert923]

@@edwardo6834 agent Fowler, cade yeager and sari sumdac are my favorite human characters even the animated supervillains

[@Johnlennonbeathiswife]

@@nil981 OUR WORLDS ARE IN DANGER

[@171QA]

My favorite TF human would be Charlie Watson. Her relationship with Bumblebee was so endearing, I would love to see her interacting with other Autobots like Jazz or Ratchet and even Optimus Prime. I hope we can see more iterations of her in the future.

[@ShahPhilLeotardo]

Dr Arkeville is the best human

[@joeygamer5387]

@@ShahPhilLeotardo "YOU TURNED ME INTO A MECHANICAL FREAK!" He was never seen again Charlie Watson and Bumblebee were an awesome team, very heartwarming

[@johnnygyro2295]

My favorites are the Sumdacs. True, Sari might be cheating since she's a techno-organic hybrid, but that was an interesting plot in itself.

[@jinkwon8410]

The Burns family will always be my favorite group of humans... really makes me wonder what would've happened if they met the Decepticons.

[@infiniteoctopaw]

Same! The burns family is literally the perfect example of humans done perfectly. They only add to the show. I’d be terrified to see the rescue bots have to deal with a Decepticon. They are not fighters. They’d probably have to call in bumblebee and Optimus for help.

[@johnnygyro2295]

If Deceptions had to show up, maybe the Constructions could've worked? Have them pretend to be allies like they did with Grapple and Hoist in G1, before revealing their true colors?

[@Frogadier_00]

Could you imagine if there was a crossover episode with Prime and Rescue Bots where it's in the Prime show POV? that'd be incredible!!

[@plantainsame2049]

I kind of feel like the Rescue Bots would kick ass as you know they actually can do their job while the Decepticons are the world's most dysfunctional Army while I am new to this fandom basically well I've known it since I was little but you know I never got to the full Obsession I still feel like the Decepticons are a bunch of idiots who barely know what they are doing and just get lucky

[@jacksonhopp2003]

@@infiniteoctopaw If I’m being honest. The rescue bots are probably the closest thing we’ll get to Cybertronian civilians (Cybertronians that didn’t choose a side). They’re not warriors per say, just regular people ending up on a planet that’s not theirs.

[@gavo7911]

You can FEEL Chris trying his hardest not to bring up Kiss Players lmao

[@Cybermat47]

“Master technology allowed humans to horrifically mutilate and contort their bodies, in order to become more marketable.”

[@mitchfletcher2386]

Nah. It made them more flexible.

[@shadowsnake5133]

@@mitchfletcher2386 I mean, we can fit inside a 3 meter diameter sphere, so yeah, I can see that. Or was it feet? I don't remember... oh well, try not to die attempt to fold yourself person who's going to test this to spite me.

[@pancho855]

@@shadowsnake5133 *LET'S JUST SAY IT'S GOD DAMN MAGIC, OKAY?!!!!*

[@Khronik_]

I can turn myself into a marketable plushe

[@defunctstopmotionchannel]

That's why i hate Season 3 of G1

[@HenryLouis21]

I actually agree with Bob Budiansky about the storytelling potential between a human and a Cybertronian. Some people say that the human characters are the most unnecessary part of the franchise and that no TF movie will be good until they remove all of the humans. Granted that critique comes mostly from the movies and I don't really agree on that critique because human characters are sometimes the best part of any Transformers story.

[@MichaelAlexKawa]

I totally agree with both you and Bob Budiansky.

[@thajarajkumar2360]

Transformers are robots not human

[@TheDaxter11]

bumblebee proved humans can be done right in the movies, hell even some of bays human characters werent that bad

[@HenryLouis21]

@@TheDaxter11 I agree. To be honest, my favorite human character in the Bayverse was Attinger and Savoy. Yes, I know people are going to say that they are the bad guys and they killed all the Autobots. But to be honest, they had a good reason to do so, they believed that what they were doing was the right thing and wanted to secure a better future for humanity. Tho their actions where wrong, they had every right to do so. Attinger was concerned for the future of humanity and Savoy wanted revenge by killing all Cybertronians.

[@mrheroprimes]

@@HenryLouis21 I agree with you there I do think it's the stigma for the dislike of human characters in Transformers was caused by the bayverse. but I can also see the other side of the argument given that the internet pretty much render the need for the Autobots have a human guide obsolete because all they need to do is hack in the world wide web and learn everything they need to know about humans and earth in a matter of seconds. I wll say Transformers Prime and Transformers Animated had the best humans characters.

[@superaustin6383]

I'm so glad Rescue Bots gets mentioned lot of people tend to ignor it. And Dr Morocco is one of my fave Human Villains on the franchise.

[@plantainsame2049]

the Chad Dr Morocco versus the Virgin Silas they're in the same continuity yet Morocco didn't need to cannibalize Autobots to make his robots he realized that he could just make it like Hasbro does see transforming things exist we know this because of the toys duh I theorize that the reason the transformation Cog is a thing is due to the fact that they need somewhere to safely remove their parts to stop them doing something like accidentally shoving a tire through their Spark

[@moonwhooper]

​@plantainsame2049 transforming things exist yes, but they're not living beings like cybertronians

[@Slith3rdLegion]

No humans. Then whose going to celebrate Decepticon Day every year!?!

[@President_Starscream]

Those squishy little buggers are a real pain in the thrusters sometimes.

[@thomastakesatollforthedark2231]

Just bomb em if their so annoying

[@President_Starscream]

@@thomastakesatollforthedark2231 while that would indeed bring great joy, it is more practical to enslave the fleshlings to harvest the earth's resources for us.

[@thomastakesatollforthedark2231]

President Starscream is it though? Humans require great amounts of food, life short lives, take forever to breed, and waste 8 to 10 hours a day to recharge.

[@President_Starscream]

@@oreopug7986 while some Cybertronians do indeed seek close relationships, even those that humans might interpret as "romantic", I have no time or patience for such trifles. Though I do admit that there's a bit of a love/hate thing with me and Megatron. I love to hate him.

[@President_Starscream]

@@thomastakesatollforthedark2231 all we really have to do is give them juuuust enough freedom to let them take care of their own maintenance and they will. After all they already have the necessary infrastructure in place for such things. Aside from that we'll just use them till they're used up. No point wasting energy killing them when we can work them to death. Though we will have to do something about earth's militaries. Humans are surprisingly good at making weapons.

[@JoleneBlake]

I've always said that humans are NEEDED for proper Transformers stories; they give a point of reference and contrast to the Cybertronians. Without the dumb fleshies, the Transformers become basically just big, metal humans themselves. (In other words: Budiansky was right.)

[@chataclysm2112]

I'm inclined to agree but there are cases where the story worked incredibly well without any humans and where their inclusion would have been detrimental, like MTMTE for instance

[@TheBigExclusive]

Beast Wars was just fine without humans (not counting that one episode).

[@twistedgaming9185]

@023 Studios Unless they're other aliens.

[@Biorythym]

“Just big metal humans”....I fail to see the problem.Besides 90% of all TF human characters are awful. That’s not hyperbole, how many of the characters in the above vid would be considered a “tragic loss” if they got squished by a big metal foot?

[@carbootstudios2459]

You sure, Jolene?

[@peterdanior4538]

I really have no problem with Humans, some of my best friends are Human, but I don't want them to be the focus of the Transformers Universe. That was one of my problems with the Bayverse, too much Human stuff.

[@myriadmediamusings]

If the Human stuff is tied in with the Transformers stuff it’s fine IMO. This is why Charlie’s story succeeded decently and Sam’s story failed so hard.

[@peterdanior4538]

@@myriadmediamusings Exactly, Sam's entire relationship with his parents, them thinking he was masturbating, his mom getting high, had nothing to do with the Transformers and was a complete waste of time.

[@peterdanior4538]

@023 Studios Yes, but I'm watching a movie about Giant Alien Robots, not about an Average American Teenager

[@twistedgaming9185]

@@peterdanior4538 Who wants to "mate with the female" that badly.

[@peterdanior4538]

@@twistedgaming9185 I actually like that bit as it does involve the Transformers interacting with the humans. And honestly it would have been funnier hearing an autobot talking about Sam rebooting his CPU or performing a maintenance check on his drive shaft, than his mom talking about it

[@jefferyquick3280]

Best Humans: Coby, Bud, Lori, Colonel Franklin, Professor Suzuki, Sari, Jack, Miko, Lieutenant Fowler, Raf, & Charlie.

[@chey6073]

Jeffery Quick But Jack is so boring!

[@jefferyquick3280]

@@chey6073 I'd rather have boring Jack than Irritating Kicker.

[@ShahPhilLeotardo]

The Transformers Prime brats were the worst part of the show especially Miko she’s worse than Daniel from G1

[@lukebaldock4672]

Sari is worse

[@vonfaustien3957]

Sari has no place on a best human list for obvious reasons

[@stephen2624]

This is gonna sound like pure fanfiction but I'd love to see a future Transformers series with the Autobots fighting to free the human race from a Decepticon-dominated Earth with previous human characters brought back with new positions and motivations. The Witwickies being the main humans aiding the Autobots and keeping them hidden, Rad, Carlos and Alexis as leaders of a Decepticon cult (Rad being the founder, Carlos being the preacher and Alexis being the stabber in Starscream's name), Kicker not only being the grandson of Dr. Arkeville but also piloting Nemesis Prime while fueled on Dark Energon with Misha as the only surviving witness and prisoner who escaped Kicker's wrath with the young human-Cybertronian Sari Sumdac as her adopted daughter.

[@reptilitronousprime9213]

That sounds awesome!

[@ShimadaHideo]

That could be given the right written and tools incredible

[@Gaia_BentosZX5]

This sounds like a certain story in transformers fiction, which introduces furmanism... But I can't put my finger on it, can I do less?

[@smashley4661]

That sounds awesome!

[@neptuneplaneptune3367]

That....realy sounds like Fanfiction. Also i dont think you ca integrate all Karakters so easeley in ONE Universe unless we say Shokvave foused all the Universes into one.

[@carktheshark]

I actually like humans in Transformers if they have a purpose or push the story forward. That's why Sari, and the TFP humans (except for Jack) I actually like and why I like that Cyberverse doesn't have any humans. Don't add them if they don't have a purpose!

[@carktheshark]

@023 Studios you are right about it being feeling a bit empty! I wish they had continued those little human/transformers interactions (the news reports, the funeral). It's so weird that the Transformers are fighting all over Earth, and yet no humans are around. It's very strange

[@carktheshark]

@023 Studios idk I really liked it! I liked seeing human and transformers interactions evolve because if aliens really invaded then that's exactly what we would do. I'm also part of the younger generation, so instead of being cringey, it's more funny to me.

[@carktheshark]

@023 Studios he probably would have been at Starscream funeral, vlogging

[@rainbowblade2815]

Carrie Thomas Makes sense good point👍

[@nil981]

I actually like Jack Darby, Miko I like also, raf is my least favorite of the prime series though he did have some good moments. Though nobody tops agent Fowler as a human character!

[@thedorkknight9684]

As of right now, I'd say my favorite humans in the series are probably the Burns Family from Rescue Bots. The interactions between the two sides are just so wholesome! Heatwave: This human thing is NEVER going to work out, nobody will ever soften the frozen abyss that is my Spark. Cody: *Exists* Heatwave: Heatwave: Scrap.

[@CarmenCards]

I think the best human in transformers lore is Chris Mcfeely

[@OtakuUnitedStudio]

Seconded! He's in Animated, isn't he?

[@twistedaxles9126]

"Where is our screentime?" "The humans have taken it!!!" "You failed me yet again Michael Bay...."

[@ITweeaboo]

I love how Chris side steps saying anything about Kiss Players

[@magusreaver]

IKR

[@knexxpert]

I think it’s for the best.

[@ITweeaboo]

@@knexxpert imma become a patron just to make him go through it lol

[@Maswartz226]

@@ITweeaboo You monster

[@Jormyyy]

Kiss Players?

[@xRaiofSunshine]

I’ve grown to like Miko a lot, and Sari is always best girl :]

[@JeffreyPiatt]

Sari grew up to be Princess Twilight Sparkle. I want a MLP Equestria Girls Transformers crossover Toy line badly. Twilight Sparkle driving Bumblebee. A great casting gag.

[@ShahPhilLeotardo]

Miko is horrible she’s the only human character that is as annoying as G1 Daniel

[@lukebaldock4672]

I like miko better than sari

[@Leobreaker1812]

RaiOfSunshine I agree Miko took the Prime series over when she was placed in the the wreckers and fought using the battle suit, she fought them using wrestling moves.

[@zachbahamutson5477]

Jack Darby's always been my personal favorite human character mostly because one obvious is literally saying you're worthy to be a prime then you got to be up there technically Jack is the first organic Prime. I mean I absolutely adore him he's a good human character that I actually can relate to a lot having grown up without my own father while also being in high school at the time of prime airing. Also his relationship with Arcee is by far my most favorite Transformer human interaction. Also he was ballsy enough to blow Arachne as a ship. You got to get the good credit you also willingly spared Megatron but I mean honestly I don't blame him as ratchet said about him he was a lot like Optimus when Optimus was still Orion Pax.

[@matthewmatthew981]

In good TF stories, humans are a counter-balance. In bad TF stories, humans are dead weight.

[@CourtneyCoulson]

I don't get why humans are so controversial in this franchise, I think the issue is bad characters, doesn't matter what species it is. Put it this way, do you want to watch Wheelie or Hayley Steinfeld? Transformers Prime hit the perfect balance, bot-centric stories were just as compelling as the ones where they bonded with their humans. It was all well written and all the characters were great. I can't believe I like Miko so much, I would adopt her.

[@pierceplaysstudios245]

You like miko?!

[@havenspringer]

What if the cybertronians and humans were parallel species, beneath human flesh and blood vs cybertronian flesh and energon,

[@husariuspl117]

@@pierceplaysstudios245 Miko wasn't bad honestly I can see why some might have been annoyed by her at times but I personally didn't minded her much

[@pierceplaysstudios245]

@@husariuspl117 Mike constantly put the other two humans in danger and just to get "cool pics". Also she NEVER listened to the bots and always fallowed, and than she being there slowed the mission down for the bots because they had protect her instead of going on the offensive

[@husariuspl117]

@@pierceplaysstudios245 constantly? She did a couple of times but not often and she learned that and while she's still not fully careful she did ended up helping How many times did she slowed down the mission? It happened around the beginning sure but again...not much often

[@SarettaMcQueen783]

My favourite human character will always be Alexis from Armada series. Sensitive and strong at the same time. The bond between her and Starscream is something special and unique. I love them!

[@koolmckool7039]

Some of my favorite Transformers characters. Sari Sumdac (half and half, so it counts) William Fowler (BANANAFISH) Kade Burns (Pipizza)

[@plantainsame2049]

I always wondered how is it that Cody's blonde Cade is a ginger which is rare and Danny and Graham have two different shades of freaking brunette

[@koolmckool7039]

@@plantainsame2049 Genetics are weird man. My cousin has blue eyes, despite almost everyone else having brown eyes.

[@plantainsame2049]

@@koolmckool7039 they are

[@arjunthemadlad]

I genuinely wonder if Kade loves pizza more than this own job as a firefighter.

[@danc6167]

My 3 year-old and I watch The Basics every Saturday together. He was very excited to see the rescue bots (bo-bots as he calls them) and their friends, the Burns family

[@robinblue820]

Personally, i like human characters. As long as they are written well, the human/transformer relations are some of my favorite parts. Maybe that’s why rescue bots is actually one of my favorite transformers shows

[@plantainsame2049]

it is surprisingly good considering it's one of the younger target audience shows of a franchise that's literally made to sell us hunks of practice giving all those things it is a f****** great show and yes this is mostly bias leave me alone this is my childhood

[@gilbertotabares8196]

As a human I naturally have a soft spot for the human characters. I have favorites like The Witwiky family, Jack, and Sari(she counts right?) But my real favorites are the humans that don't turn into complete dicks and turn on the Autobots when it's the Decepticons that orchestrated the flattening of our cities. I'd like to believe we're not that dumb.

[@christopherbravo1813]

I *wish* I could believe we weren't that dumb.

[@nathanpastor26]

Nobody: Diamondbolt: KICKEEERRRRR

[@koolmckool7039]

KIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@michelecastellotti9172]

Also diamondbolt: Becuz f*ck kicker

[@edwardo6834]

Exactly f$&k Kicker!!!!!!

[@Soupan-in8hi]

F*ck Kicker.

[@someone0]

Kicker was kinda good

[@diegos7337]

My favorite humans where Cody and brother and Lori, from Cybertron/Galaxy Force, also the ones in Transformers Prime, Jack and his band, and of course the original ones from the G1 Continuity the Witwickys!

[@ShimadaHideo]

0:40 and even romancing them Tf Shippers: very poor choice of words

[@TheDONing1]

Fred Perry: Reality can be whatever I want.

[@Khronik_]

@@TheDONing1 ⚠️ HORNY DETECTED ⚠️

[@TheDONing1]

@@Khronik_ The only way you'd know what I'm talking about is if YOU read it too!

[@leo11lim]

Rescue bot taught me why human are worth saving in the aligned verse.

[@chey6073]

Leo Lim The Burns are top tier human characters

[@koolmckool7039]

@@chey6073 Kade is my favorite Burns. Every line he has is great.

[@trika91]

Kool McKool I like Kade and Heatwave’s dynamic of always hazing each other, but the best human/bot pairing is Dani and Blades. Blades is afraid of flying and is nervous in general, but Dani helps encourage him and shows that he can do more then he thinks he can. Their relationship is the first I’ve seen a bot heavily rely so much on a human before.

[@koolmckool7039]

@@trika91 Agreed there. Kade may be the best Rescue Bots human, but Dani and Blades are the best pairing.

[@zachbahamutson5477]

@@trika91 I got to say the best human cybertronian interaction has got to be Jack Darby and Arcee, I mean Jack basically was the one who was able to get Arcee to let go of Vengeance and other things he never told her to stop being angry at arachnia no no no don't let it consume your life basically. I also liked how Jack basically became her Rock emotionally well also being one of the only humans willing to stand up and tell him to go screw himself. Well played Jack will played.

[@alexlemonds2838]

Powerglide:"Hey, bubbles." *turns head.* Seaspray:"Yeah?" *shows photo of Astoria.* Powerglide:"Human girlfriend. You?" *shows photo of Alana.* Seaspray:"Alien mermaid chick." *they high five.* Powerglide:"Right on, right on." :P

[@TheSinquisitor]

*Zip! zap! ZOOOOOM! intensifies*

[@Yamanosei95]

I actually liked the human villains in Transformers Animated, a decent way to do world building and to show not all of the villains need to be Cybertronians or aliens in general

[@plantainsame2049]

actually they do all need to be aliens cuz you know everything's an alien I'm an alien You're an Alien it's all just a matter of perspective yes I know I'm being a smart-ass

[@fightingmedialounge519]

Wouldn't say smart plantain.

[@luigiboi4244]

I agree, and I also love that Headmaster is just a play on the old Headmasters gimmick.

[@umbraeclipse8552]

Honestly, only one time did a human hit me in the McFeelys, and that was Sari when she found out the truth.

[@96megatron]

I thought the Live-Action Humans, along with Aligned was pretty interesting. Rescue Bots Humans are probably the most well-written. I think a Burns family working with the Live-Action Rescue Bots in Spin-off TV Series Crime/Natural Disasters/Search and Rescue would be interesting. With maybe the Stunticons as a guest villain. Or other Decepticons. With some Autobots guest-starring to help out. Ratchet, Wheeljack(causes some Natural Disasters). Seymour Simmons, Sam, Mikaela, Lennox, Epps, Santos, General Morshower, Alexis, Dutch, Jack, Miko, Raf Danny Clay(RID 2015), Cade Yeager, Joshua Joyce, Dylan Gould, Harold Attinger, General Morshower, Agent Burns are some of my favorite human characters.

[@infiniteoctopaw]

Transformers fans: All human character are the worst!!!1!11!! Me: * Laughs in Rescue Bots *

[@silverwizardess7921]

I grew up with the Armada crew so, no matter how annoying, Rad, Carlos, and Alexis will always have a special place in my heart. But I really like the human characters in Animated and Prime as well.

[@christopherbravo1813]

my brother and I grew up on Transformers Cybertron. Bud was our favorite, hands-down.

[@transformer03]

The issue with Rad, Carlos, and Alexis is that they took up too much screen time. It makes sense for kids/preteens to be somewhat annoying, but it was too much. Alexis is kind of forgiven because she had that one episode with Starscream, which redeemed her in the eyes of a lot of fans.

[@christopherbravo1813]

@@transformer03 you would not like Masterforce then.

[@dekaw9138]

Hi I’m Chris McFeely and I wanna tell you about The Humans.

[@MichaelAlexKawa]

This is probably my favorite episode of The Basics, as it showcases just how essential humans are to the many series of The Transformers. I don't mind series like those of the Beast Era, or ones that take place exclusively on Cybertron that lack humans, but ones that purposely avoid using them, which in reality has just been Cyberverse so far (even though RID 2015 had a major lack of them), is what irks me. And the reason I feel these new series are doing this is not for story reasons, but because of all the fans that bitch about humans. For me I enjoy the human element and sometimes gets bored with Rock'em Sock'em Cybertron stories, which is what the Machinima series were, and I fear the upcoming Netflix series will be. At least Cyberverse is fun enough and story driven to be forgiven for the lack of flesh bags, and Beast Wars is a masterpiece compared to most Transformers series. Also as for your question about favorite humans, Lori would be one, so would Sari. I always had a soft spot for Astoria since that is my favorite G1 episode. And since I always defend a "certain series", it was cool that you included The Kiss Players in this video.

[@mrheroprimes]

I think the stigma for the dislike of human characters in Transformers was caused by the bayverse, which put way too much focus on the humans and not on the Transformers, and the human weapons work against the Transformers when they shouldn't work at all. but I can also see the other side of the argument given that the internet pretty much render the need for the Autobots have a human guide obsolete because all they need to do is hack in the world wide web and learn everything they need to know about humans and earth in a matter of seconds.

[@ls_rus4666]

Lack of equal focus on both transformers and humans and humans sometimes being extremly anoying gave this idea a bad name

[@MichaelAlexKawa]

First off who made you my master, you can't tell me what to do. Second I will always defend art, even if it is not to my liking. With that said, yes the Kiss Players are a bit "cringe worthy", and even I find some of it questionable to say the least. But it is not anymore "perverted" , or "pedophilic" than most movies and shows made by Disney or Nickelodeon, which never get called out for the same crime. And don't presume I am a "creep" just because I was impressed that the Kiss Players were not omitted from the video.....they are a part of Transformers history, just like the Bay movies, which are just as bad, just saying. And whom ever reported the reply the first time I made it, you got some nerve. I was insulted by the above comment and I am just defending myself.

[@MichaelAlexKawa]

@@ChangedMyNameFinally69 All told I had to step back and really think about how I feel about your comment and the subject in general. In a way I see what you are saying and I actually agree it made no sense to make a series like the Kiss Players. I really don't know what TAKARA/TOMY was thinking when they greenlit the idea. The sad fact is it kind of ruined the Binaltech Asterisk line, which I am more of a fan of to be honest. I also hate the fact that the only official figure of T-AI from RID (2001) is the one designed by Yuki Ohshima, the creator of the Kiss Players. Even though there is a lot worse out there than the Kiss Players, I do agree it has no place within Transformers, and in a way I think it has made some fans more sensitive to any type of "fan service" in Transformers series. I guess what I mean when I say "defend" is not really defending the content (even though I don't dislike it as much as others), but I guess I just hate when others make even speaking about it as taboo within the TF fan community, and if someone even mentions it they are some kind of creeper. Love it or hate it, the Kiss Players is a part of the history of this series we all love...maybe a dark part and a WTF were they thinking part, but still a part of the whole that is The Transformers.

[@thewebsurfer2919]

I really like Sari Somdak, and wish she would pop up in more TF media.

[@emilystewart6175]

Awwwh, ending it on that picture from Rescue Bots was a nice touch

[@twistedgaming9185]

It pretty much ended the cartoon on a good note... until Rescue Bots Academy happened.

[@Alesiopdv]

Hey rescue bots academy is pretty good...though I do miss the burns, we only get cody and in small doses...

[@Noaher256]

Agent Fowler is the greatest thing that has ever been conceived by man

[@castleguard_of_xbox360]

*deep inhale* "PRIIIMMMEEE!*

[@kakarotimus_1]

But were there any humans offlined by a cosmically powered Starscream?

[@ShahPhilLeotardo]

I wished Daniel, Carly & Spike were offlined by cosmically powered Starscream.

[@gezi0752]

I hate when humans are too big of a role, but it is somewhat of a necessity if transformers are on earth. I just don’t want to the humans to be the main characters. That was definitely the worst part of the live action movies, is that even some of the most prominent autobots like ironhide only had 13 minutes of screen time in the movies, and the decepticons usually had almost no character or personality.

[@infiniteoctopaw]

I think rescue bots and Transformers animated did humans perfectly. The Burns family is perfectly complementary to the team. Ditto Sari for TFA.

[@friskybitzboi]

Hot take: Mikaela should’ve been the main character of the live action movies

[@MegatronEnthusiast]

That’s not a hot take, it’s an undeniable fact.

[@cyberprime9355]

In all honesty, In-universe humans, as long as they are well-written, have a good background, and even relatability to some degree, humans can be welcome into the brand. Kicker is not one of those people though. I'd say Sari Sumdac and Agent Fowler are good examples of what well written humans act like. I can't get one scene out of my head from TF Prime: Fowler: *Honks horn excessively* Come on, Move it! (Or something like that). *Car pulls off to the side* Optimus: Was that really necessary?

[@parkercomley8126]

The G1 Witwicky's, Sumdac's, Prime companions and Burns families are best.

[@Blu_Moon_VA]

Optimus: "We autobots are programed to protect the source of life. For us that means the All Spark. Yet, you organics are also life so we must protect you as well. But how is it that you create these new, smaller organics?" Sari: *Whispers* Optimus: *O_O*

[@johnmooney5829]

For some strange reason, I'm seeing Raf and Jack passing Biology/Anatomy notebooks off to Rachet.

[@twistedgaming9185]

As long as it's set on Earth and disguising themselves as vehicles, human interaction is inevitable. Who wants basics on Cliffjumper? (he's getting a new toy in Earthrise)

[@Canoby]

I'm going to say, I'm a little sad you didn't title this one "The Basics on Puny Flesh Creatures"

[@SpiderHam]

This has given me a new appreciation for humans in Transformers stories!

[@shadowdramon01]

4:21: Who’s also the daughter of Flint and Lady Jaye from G.I. Joe

[@botaniccal]

I'm definitely on Bob Budiansky's side. One aspect of the live-action movies I'm a huge fan of is that humans aren't helpless weaklings that need Autobot protection. Humans, from the first movie, were shown to be more than capable by themselves (in the first movie, for instance, Scorponok gets gunned down and nearly obliterated before being forced to flee, and Megatron gets knocked down and damaged by missiles. A lot of this comes to a head in the fourth movie, where humans begin making their own transformers and killing old ones like Ratchet). Useful humans is a trope I rarely see in sci-fi, because humans are always portrayed as primitive bugs for evil alien invaders to squash

[@abdullahimran5337]

This video made me realize the importance of human characters in transformers so they are slightly more tolerable for me now (except the good ones I'm alright with them)

[@toysmostwanted]

I really wanted a girl group made up of Verity, Sari and Miko to show up in IDW's TF universe before it got rebooted.

[@misschivous6435]

the very thought of Sari and Miko being in the same universe Is too scary to comprehend for me, with sari's sassy remarks (and intellect seen in nature calls) as well as her key partnering with Miko's street smarts and other stuff they can kill 100 megatrons

[@tylerherr4288]

imo theres a good balance between too much human and too little rescue bots and prime was perfect im my eyes

[@erikbjelke4411]

Humans in Transformers are like humans in Godzilla films. If the characters are good and their story is strong and meshes well with that of the Transformers, they add depth and character and stakes. If those things are not true, they're something boring you fast forward through to get to the part you really want to see.

OK I'm gonna make this unmistakable,crsytal clear,100%,without the shadow of a doubt, THUNDERCRACKER!!!!

[@myriadmediamusings]

Thundercracker’s my favorite Decepticon so I also hope he’ll be Basic’d soon.

[@Spartan-Primer]

The other two got Basics. It's only a matter of time.

[@TheBigExclusive]

Humans are not required for a good Transformers story. You can include them, but they aren't necessary. Beast Wars did a fantastic job with telling a story without any humans (not counting that one episode).

[@Combaticon]

What about the War for/Fall of Cybertron video games? 100% no humans in those stories.

[@Lans32485]

Ironically one of the best BW episodes is all about saving prehistoric humans.

[@ShahPhilLeotardo]

How can anybody like Spike, Carly, Daniel, Rad, Kicker, Miko, Jack & Rafael I always use to wish death on them. Especially Daniel & Miko.

[@TheBigExclusive]

@@Lans32485 - What made that episode great was Dinobot the transformer, and not the humans.

[@infiniteoctopaw]

TheBigExclusive sure they might not be required but, then we wouldn’t get gems like rescue bots. I would like that show a lot less without the Burns family they add a friendship element that really can’t be replaced.

[@Lans32485]

Human characters are a great addition when done right. Unfortunately for every Jack, Raph, and Miko there's a...Kicker. Ironically I think Kicker was the first human character to get a full fledged action figure, with the American version even including a mostly in scale version of Hi-Wire's Energon form for him to ride, making it basically a prototype for the Human Alliance toys.

[@jayaldridge9520]

Can't wait for the Basics on the Witwicky. Love Generation 1 cartoon.

[@KRBrickBot]

Human interactions with the Transformers certainly helped the stories stand out from the many similar transforming robot franchises that have humans be the creator and master of all the bots. Yet the latter formula is still prevalent for the kiddies. Looking at you, Korea originals!

[@haveacalmheart3010]

Alright, I'm gonna say it: My personal favorite parts in any transformers series is the interactions between Cybertronians and humans. I love it, it can range from wholesome to pretty thought provoking. I especially love when human culture rubs off on the Cybertronians (OP playing sports in G1, Bee playing video games with Raph in Prime, The Autobot team watching TV in Animated (again Bee playing video games with Sari) Bee & Sideswipe appreciating music in RID 2015, cybertronians using human sayings, the rescue bots watching rented movies, etc.) The dynamic a human and a transformer can share, I believe, can really be something special and interesting.

[@ihhh174]

No wonder why you're dad left

[@Big_E_Soul_Fragment]

How do these "humans" transform?

[@xmarksthespot1372]

They look like they just ball up...which looks painful.

[@leorblumenthal5239]

One of my favorite stories involving a human in Transformers was the mobster who found a damaged Megatron in the original run of the G1 comic, issue #13. I don't remember the mobster's name, but after Megatron comes to his senses, the human impressed Megatron enough for the Decepticon leader to leave him alive (albeit under arrest) rather than squash him for the human's effrontery in using Megatron in his bank heists. A very well written story by Bob Budiansky. My next favorite story would probably be Verity Carlo's appearances and character growth in the IDW comics.

[@waspshot23]

I may have spent most of the 2000's dressed as Rad.

[@RexBlazer1]

I've no problem with the human characters at all. My only gripe is with how some of them are written, like with how IDW's humans were seemingly antagonistic every time they appeared (minus the FEW allies the Autobots had). Truth be told, before I stopped shipping, the one ship I supported was TFP's Jack Darby with Arcee.

[@RogueTwo]

In all fairness, the antagonistic attitude was a direct result of the Decepticon invasion of Earth during All Hail Megatron while the Autobot were out of commission. A conflict that cost over billion human lives and nearly brought civilisation to it's knees. It would have been weird IMHO if that HADN'T left humankind with a very negative view of the Transformers.

[@derekcolbeeuy8942]

There's even lewd stuff about the ship

[@lizerdspherex]

There are a lot of artists that would agree :)

[@nil981]

Shipping cybertronians with humans is the only thing worse than a cardinal sin that I can think of. Its absolute HERESY!

[@RexBlazer1]

Patrick Milewski depends on who you ask.

[@TheGenuineDWNUT]

My favourite humans would have to be the kids, Fowler and June Darby in Transformers Prime along with Silas and MECH. This series is soooooooo good!

[@cubeddoubled1543]

Miko kinda annoyed me though

[@Kurotitan7125]

Transformers Cybertron, Animated, and Transformers Prime Humans are the superior human characters, you cannot change my mind

[@chrisschirripa5917]

TeamDinosauria21 Miko.

[@tannerprice2018]

Chris McFreely, are you planning to continue your “Art of the Transformers” videos?

[@n_ex13]

I still find it fascinating how they didn't reuse diaclone drivers as exo suits for the transformers the movie

[@redthree603]

10:28 Goddammit Japan...

[@GeorgeCowsert]

One concept I wish got some love is the idea of a human scientist looking to "upgrade" humanity with transformer tech, believing that the merging of organic and technical life would make humanity a suitable replacement for Cybertronians. Whether it be working with the Decepticons to do sketchy research, to convincing the Autobots to find ways to cybernetically enhance their human allies, all that matters is making humanity capable of surpassing the Transformers.

[@simonlin9192]

I do not think humans are capable of surpassing Cybertronians or any other advanced species in the galaxy humans are too weak even in real life humanity is weak and will never change

[@elevation9123]

I do agree with the idea that humans should be apart of the story but they have to have value to the story other than human, like Alexis of Armada helping around the base, sary of animated having been given the all spark key and the later reveal which i will nor share for spoilers sake, also they have to be likeable, so not kicker from energon lol

[@haydenreviewscustomcombos]

I bet that’s how her Power Rangers in Transformers crossover will start.

[@jameslauda8048]

My favorite human character huh? Definitely not Kicker and Sam. Probably Spike and Coby.

[@callumcrane241]

I for one love the autobots have human friends. Perticulerly the children.

[@Biorythym]

What? No mention of G1 Raoul? and is that Verity/Stakeout art official from somewhere or fan made?

[@ChrisMcFeely]

It's from Requiem of the Wreckers, but it's Springer, not Stakeout!

[@infiniteoctopaw]

Biorythym just to help out, the Verity and Springer hugging art if from the “requiem of the wreckers” IDW comics. It was the conclusion to the story and it was beautiful and adorable! 💚💚💚

[@Silver-Kaitou]

The Unicron Trilogy, Animated, and Prime host some of my favorite human characters to date. Miko and Bulkhead's relationship was just... so damn good.

[@MallowBrain13]

Basics on Sideswipe and Sunstreaker

[@AlmostAnimixers]

8:25 Got to admit, I was genuinely concerned you were going to go into Kiss Players there. Should have known you were sane enough not to unleash that nightmare onto your channel.

[@kirbyfanprime]

Due to the rather disjointed way I ended up in the fandom, the human that left the hardest impression with me early on was Circuit Breaker. She was the first human character that could fight on an even playing field with the Cybertronians, even with some solo kills to her record, but her hatred led her to lash out at both sides indiscriminately. Being confronted by Unicron nearly left her catatonic, but she pushed through with pure hate and stunned him long enough for the Autobots and Decepticons to present a unified front and go on the offensive. I struggle to think of any other human that was that directly influencal to the conflict and made that much of an impact.

[@sovietmaori]

I like the whole gang from TF:Cybertron

[@cyberdraco001]

No arguments here.

[@Boostguardian1127]

Indeed. Theyre my favorites

[@Kurotitan7125]

Yes.

[@barrybend7189]

Best part of the Unicron Trilogy.

[@TheDaxter11]

the way i see it, humans are needed, sure its called transformers, not transformers and humans, but they wont exactly feel like big awesome mysterious robot aliens that transform into vehicles without those well done reveals to the human characters, it doesnt feel special or the same without humans being there and trying to help them out on their planet, give bay movies all the shit you want, the mystery he tried to put on them in the first movie, and the music in it, makes their reveal really good, and god damn, every time prime talks about history or past events is amazing oh, and fowler and fanzone for re-occurring characters, please, i want "PRAHM!" and "dis is why i hate machines!" in every series that has humans

[@DinoLoverGaming]

I like the concept of a Transformer adopting a human orphan, it sounds very inspiring and wholesome. Plus the adoption process could make for a very entertaining subplot.

[@originaluddite]

I'm impressed with this taking more of a thematic than a chronological journey into the topic - that would have taken some planning. A request for a future (and similarly diverse) topic - non-human organic aliens.

[@tridentsilver766]

There are some humans that I really like like the prime, G1, bumblebee, Unicron trilogy, the military from the bayverse movie(Lennox and Epps in particular). But I’m not a fan of the bayverse witwicky family, and both versions of RID. And I am nuteral with Aminated and rescue boys.

[@mcseota6061]

You forgot the most important crossover in Transformers history…. My Little Pony/Transformers: Friendship in Disguise

[@hanyoukimura]

I just finished watching Transformers Animated for the first time, and I have to say that Sari is by far my favorite human (half human) protagonist. She's fun and sweet who grows as a character while not being irritating in ways Miko could only dream of. I was actually disappointed she got less screen time in Season 3. Best regular human character goes to Agent Fowler. Starts as a typical federal agent skeptical of the Autobots but grows to respect them and be helpful as the show progressed. Charlie is a good character as well. Meanwhile, nearly the entire Bayverse characters circle the drain of worst characters. Miko was irritating for much of her screen time, but she did have her moments and mercifully was less annoying as the show progressed. I think we can all agree that Kicker takes the title for worst human protagonist.

[@barrybend7189]

I think there's one group left. The non cybertronian AI support characters.

[@ilikeapples1824]

Transformer cyberverse Was they escape relief for the human haters in the franchise

[@TheAutisticOwl]

Do Arcee NEXT!!!!!