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Reviews
Transformers (1984)
Just can't get enough!
Unless you've been living on a rock for the last 30+ years, you know what Transformers are. Well this is where the whole franchise began. Way back in 1984 (3 years before I was born), the world was introduced to the robotic warriors from Cybertron. It's interesting that originally the cartoon was only meant to have 3 episodes to promote Hasbro's new line of toys that could transform from car to robot and back again. Then it skyrocketed. My brothers would be no exception to the hoards of kids who loved the concept and it was no surprise that I was hooked on it (and still am today).
The first season starts off simple enough, explained where the robots came from and the civil war between the two factions. There's some gaps in the story admittedly and there's some elements that don't always make sense but you kind of rely on your suspension of belief to bridge the gap. The cast starts off relatively small and the toyline reflected this. Still with classic characters like Optimus Prime and Megatron (voiced by the talented Peter Cullen and cartoon veteran Frank Welker respectively), the stories really are simple enough to follow but interesting enough to keep you invested. Introductions of characters such as the Dinobots and Insecticons are well thought out and while these characters pose challenges to their leaders, it's seen as to how each faction deals with this.
The second season was more fleshed out, bringing in more characters (including some of my favourites, Powerglide, Beachcomber and Decepticon combiners the Stunticons) and more of the lore behind the series. There were over 50 episodes and each was well written and Wally Burr's voice direction really brought the characters to life.
The movie is probably the most watched from my childhood. I can still remember sobbing with my brother's when a certain character died and felt truly satisfying to see the way it concluded but I think that warrents a full review in its own right!
Season 3 was probably where the show had the most growth. With the 20 year time skip and most of the series being set off of earth and on different worlds. The world of the Transformers had definitely changed a lot under the new leaders, new characters and what I felt were more mature concepts than previously seen. There's some really funny Easter eggs in the episodes which once you understand them as an adult they don't fail to amuse. From Sandstorm teasing Octane or Galvatron being admitted to a mental institution because the other Decepticons get fed up with him and his violent craziness to Starscream's ghost causing all kinds of mayhem.
Burnistoun (2009)
Great Show.
Burnistoun is a great blend of wacky characters, wonderfully silly sketches and unique storytelling. It's a little bit crude in places and there's a lot of those moments where you wonder if there really are people like the characters. Whether it's Alex Ciderson's adverts of outrageous products or something like a serial killer whose disgruntled at his portrayal in the press, it's definitely a rather amusing watch.