Canadian Slag Episode 58 - Our Latest Masterpiece

[TMIIWonkoNemises]

Originally Posted by UltraPrimal

Although I think it's more of a changing in writing styles from when we were kids and today. Today kids have a lot more distractions than we did at their age. Not just video games, because we had video games too, but we'd always make use to keep an eye on the time and pause/save the game, so we don't miss the newest episode of Dragonball Z, or Reboot, or Digimon, or Justice League, or whatever. But kids also have the internet. So they're on YouTube. They're on Skype. Their IMing. They even got cell phones, the little bastards.The list going on and on. Asking a kid to sit down every Saturday at 8:30 and watch Transformers Prime week after week after week, that's nearly impossible today. So I think maybe they've toned down the continuity from episode to episode a bit just so that incase you miss an episode, you're not lost altogether. Where as if say you missed an episode of Beast Wars, you could be totally lost. So they still have threads of continuity in there for the dedicated fans. Just like how they have easter eggs for the hardcore fans. (BANTOR! Mother F******** Bantor, the mandrill/tiger Fuzor!)

Well here's something you brought up.YouTube,where we all know we (And kids too) use it to catch up on their shows (Along with other streaming sites).Since a lot of television companies are aware that their programs are being ripped to the Internet without permission (Which caused SOPA/PIPA/ACTA),this won't excuse the writers to create one or several arcs that can continue onward towards the Season.Using YouTube means that kids can actually go back to Prime or any other show and watch it whenever they want.In fact,instead of waiting week after week to see what's going on,they can see the arcs in a few days.The use of the Internet can create short attention spans,but writers shouldn't use it as an excuse to make so many stand-alone Episodes and not make a giant arc of a story.If the kids can wake up to watch Prime week after week,that's great!But if they're like me,who rely on YouTube to watch the next Episode,then they can see Prime.Remember,the Internet is not just for IM and social networking.

Originally Posted by UltraPrimal

No Optimus Prime. And no Optimus = no kids = no audience = no ratings and no toy sales.

Tell that to Rescue Bots.

Originally Posted by Cheers Ian

I really doubt we're ever going to get a show that will have 'Beast Wars' level writing ever again. That was just a perfect storm of various factors that ended in probably the best transformers Media (as far as writing, overall story and voice acting) we've seen and probably ever going to see.

This is very true,and I'm not arguing with that,but it doesn't mean that new writers can't try being up par with Beast Wars.Animated was very close to accomplishing this.

Originally Posted by Cheers Ian

And yes TMIIWonkoNemesis Prime is a show who's main target audience is Children and the writing is going to suffer because of that. Now I'll say that the writing is far superior in shows geared for children nowadays then in was back when I was growing up (the G1 days), but the writing and story lines will be "simplified" to cater to their target audience.

The problem here is that we assume we have to 'simplify' for the children.I'm going to give you and example that we don't need to simplify things for children:

I was introducing my mother's clients kids to the new 'A Christmas Carol' film during the Holidays (The Jim Carrey version) and the dream sequence where Scrooge is surrounded by prisoners,prostitutes,and skeletons.These kids were about 3-4 and I thought that it would be 'too scary' for them to see.When they saw me about to skip to the next scene,they told me not to and that they want to know the whole story.The fact that 4-year-olds told me this shows that kids have a grasp at knowing the maturity of the story,just like I did when watching the late TeleToon shows back in 97.We don't need to simplify for the kids in their cartoons.They understand as much.They're more intrigued by it,why dumb and/or tone it down?

Originally Posted by Cheers Ian

I was taking a shot in the dark with the "5-7" demographic but regardless of that any show that panders to children under the age of 12 will have to be simplified to appeal to the widest audience possible - and yes the writing will suffer because of this.

That's not quite true.If I recall when YTV aired ReBoot,they have become really successful at around Seasons 2 and 3 due to better writing,so much so that it was one of the highest rated shows for a few years,and gave more funding to Mainframe to create Beast Wars,Shadow Raiders,and others,to name a few.I'm sure that for those guys,they had the same demographic in mind,but they still manage to create better stories and never 'simplify' for the children,nor 'simplify' it to get to the broader audience.Again,I think that the adults in rule of the television companies underestimate children.

Originally Posted by Cheers Ian

Trust me, there's probably some kid eating glue somewhere that just wants to see Optimus fight Megatron and could give two craps about the overall story. And Hasbro and the showrunners are aware of this.

I'm not saying either case is the rule or the exception - but they are trying to cater to the broadest audience possible.

If you have to choose between the dull kids to the intelligent ones in a child's cartoon,they can make a compromise,but should aim a bit more towards the latter than the former.

[Protoman]

Whoo.

........ that's all I can say.

[anemis]

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz lol

[Vain]

This was hillarious, great episode mates.

I have to say that I totally disagree with Orion Pax being voiced by Kaye. He lost his memory,he didn't go back in time. He would have the same voice. Other then that, some seriously sweet talk.

Totally expected to get a shoutout for the MP Sunstreaker talk, pffff!

[Stapler]

I feel it might be a little unfair to blame Cullen for his current Optimus voice. I'm sure that, when it comes to Optimus Prime, Cullen's been typecast because of the movie. I'm sure that the voice casters, writers and directors are the reason Prime sounds the way he does.

[TMIIWonkoNemises]

Originally Posted by Stapler

I feel it might be a little unfair to blame Cullen for his current Optimus voice. I'm sure that, when it comes to Optimus Prime, Cullen's been typecast because of the movie. I'm sure that the voice casters, writers and directors are the reason Prime sounds the way he does.

Also remember it has been decades since Cullen voiced Prime.To compare his G1 voice to his current one is a bit unfair,since the voice ages very much like the body.So of course there has been changes,and not just from direction.

[CobraCommander]

Originally Posted by TMIIWonkoNemises

If Hasbro wants to lead collectors into buying more of their products,yet wants to contain the Third Party guys,I don't understand why wouldn't Hasbro want to invest on the Third Party and make smaller branches that cater to collectors,and at the same time,do their regular business?I know that's idealistic(And unrealistic?),but instead of 'beating them',why not Hasbro 'join them'?I think buying out of the Third Party guys will be easier than giving the 'Prohibition' stamp on the tables.Either way,I hope this is all hot air and that nothing has changed.

What I think Hasbro should do, is just KO the third party guys products and slap their labels all over it. It's not like the little guys would have the funds to fight back and they (Hasbro) could make them quicker and cheaper and we all win!

[CobraCommander]

Originally Posted by GMfan

Zzzzz.... GM.... zzzz... Robert Stack.... zzzz... Bacon...

LL

[GMfan]

Originally Posted by Stapler

I feel it might be a little unfair to blame Cullen for his current Optimus voice. I'm sure that, when it comes to Optimus Prime, Cullen's been typecast because of the movie. I'm sure that the voice casters, writers and directors are the reason Prime sounds the way he does.

I'm sure the voice director is the one pushing him to be more "Grand" with everything he says...I just wish it was toned down...everything that comes out of his mouth doesn't need to be so f'n serious and earth shattering.

Originally Posted by CobraCommander

LL

You're so sweet :P

Originally Posted by Stapler

Am I the only one hyped for the Wheelie RTS Jazz repaint? He's friggin' Wheelimus Prime! Just imagine that he got the matrix and this is the result. I would love to see a Protector-styled trailer upgrade for him.

And I'm all over the Swerve since he have a special place place in my heart for being the very first TF toy I ever had. And it's great to finally see him back as a truck. I'm also interested in the Powerdive for the same reasons.

And I really hope the legends make it here too. I have been a big legends fans since the Classics line. So what are the chances that all these exclusives might show up in North America?

Great episode, guys. This was a very fun one thanks to Chris. XD

Well since I passed out during this discussion I may as well add my feeling on these figures here...

Transformers Prime Robots in Disguise Revealer Deluxe Wave 5 (Worldwide Release):

• Sergeant Kup (Prime Deluxe Ironhide Redeco, new head) - Interesting...don't quite get the remold from Ironhide since Kup's supposed to be the ol' timer and Ironhide in prime looks like a beefy soldier like his movie version...but lets make better comparisons once we get the figure in our hands
• Decepticon Rumble (new mold, blue sports car. RIBFIR!) - ...I dunno what I'm really looking at here, these images suck. Cool nevertheless that we seem to be getting a Rumble (and likely a Frenzy) figure...FIBRIR/FIRRIB...who cares? Call it whatever the fuck you want.

Classics (Asia Exclusive):

Legends / Legion Class (all with new weapons):

• Bluestreak (Reveal the Shield Legends Prowl Redeco) - Obvious, nothing dazzling, but nice to see it officially get made
• Hoist (Reveal the Shield Legends Trailcutter Redeco) -No remolding? What the hell is he hoisting?
• Motormaster (Reveal the Shield Legends Optimus Prime Redeco) - Gonna look weird without a new head...I like they're giving them weapons (all of the legends) the sword is at least appriopriate
• Thundercracker (Reveal the Shield Legends Starscream Redeco) - Obligatory final seeker of the trio made...another Asian exclusive? Where's the bitching line gonna start this time?

Scout Class:

• Sandstorm (Revenge of the Fallen Dune Runner Redeco) - ...everything Dune buggy becomes Beachcomber and Sandstorm eventually...
• Laserbeak (Revenge of the Fallen Skystalker Redeco) - THIS I am actually looking forward to seeing. I fucking love this demonic looking mold and troop built him as Skystalker (they were the Sweeps, and Mindwipe = Scourge) Hoping this one looks cool...may get two and repaint the red to gold for obvious reasons :P
• Dead End (Revenge of the Fallen Breakdown Redeco) - Meh...not entirely impressed with the mold the first time it make out, I doubt this will impress me much more.
• Brawl (Hunt for the Decepticons Breacher Redeco) - Cool cuz I love the mold, I just don't get a Brawl feel from him, especially if there's no new head.

Deluxe Class:

• Springer (Hunt for the Decepticons Tomahawk with new head) - I dunno...like the mold and the character of Springer but the mold seems to scrawny and lanky to represent him. Not to mention he doesn't have the Springer weapons...have a feeling it'll feel weird...
• Cliffjumper (Prime First Edition Cliffjumper Redeco with G1 style head) - Stupid...2 totally different aesthetics, Prime designs don't lend well/equate to G1's look. It's not difficult to imagine a G1 Ciffjumper head on the FE Prime mold, and it just looks WEIRD
• Wheelie (Reveal the Shield Jazz redeco with new head) - I could see it working...but when I got the Henkei Legends Wheelie how can you ask for a more perfect one?...ok maybe give the legends one knees but...otherwise, deluxe sized Wheelie seems unnecessary
• Swerve (Generations Sergeant Kup with new head, previously seen on Kup's instruction sheet) - As many have said, cool to see Swerve back to his Trucky origins...would I go out of my way to pay $35-50 for it...prooobablyyy nooot....

Voyager Class:

• Brawn (Prime First Edition Bulkhead with new head) - Same issue as Cliffjumper...besides he'd be HUGE! I like the idea of Brawn being the tough little guy...and Bulkhead's design SCREAMS Bulkhead...it just doesn't lend well to another character that has a well established design for himself already
• Power Dive (Hunt for the Decepticons Highbrow with new head) - Interested in seeing this...I had a G2 Power Dive and really like the HftD Highbrow mold so if it's pulled off well I'll probably get this. Never get enough WWII Transformers
• Hot Spot (Universe Inferno with new head) - Cool...but if TFclub is making a Defensor toy I don't see why I need this when the Hot Spot I want should become Defensor...
• Generation 2 Megatron (Revenge of the Fallen Bludgeon with new head) - I see this working for G2 Megs more then Overlord, that's for sure :P I dunno...it kinda works because I just remember these lanky images of G2 Megs in the Marvel comics and the aesthetic could look good.

Movie Series Leader Class:

• Starscream (Hunt for the Decepticons Leader Starscream in G1 Colors) - Yawn...love the mold but I'm so bored with G1 colours on movie figures...rarely does it look good. I wanna see what it looks like though for a good laugh. Would have much rather seen Skywarp or Thundercracker but I have repaint ideas on how to pull them off with this mold already
• Ironhide (Dark of the Moon Leader Ironhide in G1 Colors) - Like Ian said, the voyager in red looks awful I can only imagine that the leader version wouldn't look much better.

[Malwave]

heh, malware. Thanks Wendel.

And yes, Airrazor for 2013. I'll personally do the advertisements