Beast Wars was the first Transformers series I recall watching and actually following. Yeah, I'd seen some G1 when I was really little, but Beast Wars I actually followed the plot of. Created by Mainframe, the same team behind that other famous CG cartoon, Reboot, Beast Wars was a completely different animal from previous Transformers series.
Most notably is the much smaller cast compared to the hundreds of characters from the original series. Due to the fact that CG animation was expensive to produce, They couldn't have a lot of characters if they wanted to stay under budget. This was a blessing in disguise as it gave the writers more time to develop and evolve the characters and add depth to them. This is something that has been echoed in many Transformers series since, most notably Transformers Prime which also happens to be CG. What a coincidence.
Besides the amazing characters, Beast Wars also had some just stellar episodes. Some where funny, others where dramatic and some simply shocked fans in that "Holy Crap" way. Here a but a few highlights.
A Better Mousetrap
This is one of the more comedic episodes of the series. After accidently setting off Sentinal, the Maximals base security program, Rattrap is stuck inside and must manually shut it down to escape. There are some great laughs and it shows what Rattrap brings to the team besides snarky comments.
The Spark
This episode delves a bit into Transformer lore by explaining what a Spark is and how important it is. It also introduces Air Razor to the cast.
The Trigger
This two parter has both Predicons and Maximals discover a strange floating island with immense power that will turn the tide of the Beast Wars. This is the first episode to really delve into the mysterious aliens behind the strange markings found thus far.
Possession
This episode is a fan favorite. Mostly because it features everyone's favorite back-stabbing Decipticon, Starscream. Even better is that he takes over the resident woobie, Waspinator. Hilarity doth ensue.
Other Voices
The two part season 1 finale reveals Trantulas' plans and what the mysterious aliens want.
Maximal, No More
After resolving issues left dangling from the S1 finale, we get this episode that sets up both the main plot of the show and greatly develops the character of Dinobot.
Bad Spark
We find out what the Maximals original mission was before running into Megatron and get some development for Silverbolt and Blackaracnia.
Code of Hero
Arguably the best episode of the entire show. Not only does it start piecing together just where and when the show takes place, it also shows Dinobot attempt to change fate. Both his and of many others.
The Agenda
And this is where the fan service starts going hog wild in this three part finale. G1 characters make appearances, Megatron's motives are revealed, and all of history lies in the balance.
Proving Grounds
Another great character development episode. this one focusing on Blackarachnia and her complication between choosing good over evil.
Nemesis
The two part series finale still manages to feel epic despite having to follow up planet wide destruction and history altering season finales. It all ends here.
There are obviously more than that but those are a few of my favorites anyway. Beast Wars is currently available on DVD from Shout! Factory in both season set and complete series formats. The whole series is also currently available on Netflix instant streaming. The series is 52 episodes long.
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