The Transformers (TV Series)

The Burden Hardest to Bear (1986)

John Stephenson: Kup

Quotes 

• Kup : Heck of day...

  Rodimus Prime : Tell me about it; I was at the Imperial Palace all afternoon with the Prime Minister.

  Kup : Ah, you've had worse times.

  Rodimus Prime : Yeah, when do they get better? That's what I wanna know.

  Kup : What's eating you?

  Rodimus Prime : I don't know Kup. I feel... boxed in.

  Kup : Like the weight of the world rests on your shoulders?

  Rodimus Prime : Yeah...

  Kup : Like you wanna... run away?

  Rodimus Prime : Yeah, and how. The responsibilities...

  [Marissa drives up behind Rodimus and comes running out of her vehicle] 

  Marissa Faireborn : Hey Rodimus, we've got a problem! Earth Defense Command needs...

  Rodimus Prime : Not you too! Gimme a break, will ya? Since when am I the only one who can solve everbody's problems?

  Marissa Faireborn : But... but...

  Rodimus Prime : [transforms and drives away]  Just leave me alone!

  Marissa Faireborn : What's with him?

  Kup : Giri.

  Marissa Faireborn : Giri?

  Kup : Japanese word; it means "the burden hardest to bear."

  Marissa Faireborn : Ah, he's feeling the pressures of leadership; is that it?

  Kup : Same thing happened to Optimus Prime after the Matrix was passed to him; Optimus learned to live with his Giri and respect it.

  Marissa Faireborn : And now it's Rodimus' turn. Is there anything we can do to help?

  Kup : Nope. He's gotta resolve it for himself.

  Marissa Faireborn : Still, maybe he could use somebody to talk to.

• [last lines, as Rodimus returns to his friends after regaining the Matrix] 

  Rodimus Prime : Looks like you did okay without me.

  Ultra Magnus : Hot Rod! Uh, Rodimus!

  Kup : Well, son of a gun. Found that missing part, huh?

  Rodimus Prime : Not just the Matrix, Kup. A missing part of... myself.

  Kup : That's the point, son. No matter who carries the Matrix, that part's what you'll never lose.