TheLittleSongbird Review of Transformers: Rescue Bots

Transformers: Rescue Bots (2011–2016)

A good introduction to the Transformers franchise for younger audiences

[8/10 · 9 September 2013]

Not the absolute best animated show of the Transformers franchise, that's still Transformers(1984). But it is a good, very good even, show, the most accessible to younger audiences of the Transformers animated shows(the movies as well) and a long way from a disgrace to Transformers no matter how unconventional it may be deemed to be. The animation may not be for all tastes, from a personal perspective the bounce, fluidity and colour will delight the main target audiences and most importantly it looks good. If anybody wants visual depth, look elsewhere like Transformers: Prime. Each of the episodes are well-scored, in a way that's appropriate and also so that it can be remembered easily. The main theme likewise. The writing also strikes the right balance, not too sophisticated and not too simplistic or childish, while it is easy for youngsters to understand it is handled intelligently. Parents and older fans will also appreciate the various continuity nods and media references, so there is definitely something for them too. The story lines admittedly are not very original and perhaps on the formulaic side, but they are fun and make sense with some themes that children and adults can relate to. Older fans will also appreciate how dark and violent the season one finale was, but the more dark and violent nature didn't juxtapose too much and there is no real reason why some would go and say "this is not for children", it's not quite of that kind. The characters are all engaging, the humans, robots and villains. We also have some terrific voice acting, Lacey Chabert, Steve Blum and Maurice LeMarche are pitch perfect and you cannot go wrong with appearances from Peter Cullen as the ultimate and definitive Optimus Prime and Tim Curry as a mad scientist. Overall, it's a good solid show that should be rated higher here. Not one to dismiss because it's aimed at a younger audience, it's a good introduction to youngsters and later on they can go onto darker, even more intelligently written and more conventional Transformers shows like the original one from 1984 and Transformers Prime. 8/10 Bethany Cox