TRANSFORMERS: THE BASICS on TRANSMUTATE 

Some of the comments on today's video are making me regret some of my word-choices; as a neurotypical person I can't speak for anyone on the spectrum, but I'd like to take a minute to better explain it, based on discussion and conversation I've seen surrounding in the episode in the many years since it aired. Rather than "aged poorly," I should really have said the original "Transmutate" episode was "a product of its time." The way I described it makes it sound like the issue is the presence of the euthanasia allegory in the story, but that's not how I meant it to come across; I should have more clearly communicated that the problem is that it is a disability allegory in which the disabled character is a prop for other characters to have arguments about and feelings over. The only agency the plot allows Transmutate is the choice that kills her, in order for the abled characters to feel sad about her. Several commenters have noted that the arguments the characters have are realistic ones that real-life people sadly have, treating disabled people as if they were not full people, and that's perfectly true and almost certainly what the episode was intended to reflect - but that's where the issue lies. It is a story about disability by and about abled people, to make abled people feel sad. This doesn't mean it's not a tragic, touching story that genuinely emotionally affected viewers, nor does it mean you are "bad" if you found it affecting, it's just a very common way media tells stories about disability - by framing disability from the perspectives and feelings of the abled characters, rather than the disabled characters themselves. Additionally, discussing this subject matter in the video wasn't a case of me airing my personal views on the original episode, but me attempting to sum up why the "Beast Wars Uprising" writers made the choices they made in reinventing Transmutate. The BWU story purposefully does what the original did not, making Transmutate disabled but giving her agency of her own, allowing her to make choices that drive the story, while still retaining the idea that others have treated her as "less-than" because of her condition, but not making it about those characters or their feellings the way the "Beast Wars" episode did. Though I might have failed to communicate this as clearly as I could have, I'm nonetheless very happy to see so many viewers on the spectrum discovering Transmutate and seeing themselves reflected in her!

Silverbolt's line of "Are we to destroy anything that does not fit our view of perfection?!" still sticks in my mind, as does the whole episode's theme of disability.

“Lord Imperious Delirious” That name is both simultaneously the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard, and the greatest name to ever give a villain. I love it

Rampage’s cry of despair when Transmutate died was just gut-wrenching

Her solo episode is actually one of my favorites despite the hate it gets. It was nice to see a side of rampage that we never saw before. The caring compassion he had for Transmutate added a new layer of depth to the character.

I think the fossil transformation made a lot more sense than the motorcycle for the setting. I kind of get the idea that the motorcycle was more as a nod to the voice actress!

I like how Transmutate has a motorcycle alt mode, but wouldn't it make sense for her to have a jet mode? Since she was able to fly in her original appearance? Inspiration!

I actually think the Fossilizer Transmutate is the best and most inspired toy of her. It makes logical sense for her to take that form: corrupting transformation meaning she can't take on a full animal form, her transformation isn't like any others, and it helps her stand out as completely different from every other Maximal or Predacon.

One of the best one-shot characters the franchise ever had. It's a shame the matter was never brought up again in further Beast Wars episodes 😟

As a person who has Aspergers Syndrome I believe the episode has aged beautifully with both the Maximals and Predicons being in the wrong when it came to Transmutate, With Silverbolt and Rampage being the only ones to ever give them a fair chance. And the depiction of her in the comics is also great and one of the most accurate written interpretations of Autism I've ever seen. Difficulty interacting with others and picking up on Social Cues is something I have long since struggled with ever since I was a child, I for one hope they keep this character around for future generations to see and enjoy as she is a perfect example of how representation can be done right in fiction and storytelling.

Wait, how has the original not aged well? The episode made it clear that both the maximals and predacons were wrong with their approach.

Transmutate having TFP Arcee's design is something. The color scheme is beautiful. All i can say is "the lore deepens and the plot thickens" Thankyou for providing us with this episode mate. Godspeed

I just rewatched the original episode last night, so to see this character get her own video is nothing short of a pleasant surprise, thank you

I just realized and remembered that Transmutate's episode in Beast Wars came right after the episode where Dinobot died. Man, that's kinda cruel.

As someone on the spectrum myself, I found the fact that Transmutate being on it as well (and in the comic very high functioning at that) to be very interesting. Thank you for telling me about yet another way I can connect to this beloved franchise, this time, on a very personal level. Transmutate seeing through the person trying to manipulate her and Rampage as you described it sat very close to home for me. Seeing shades of gray in situations for people on the spectrum is literally a learned and trained skill. We must learn and hone what neurotypical people take for granted in certain cases. And it can be different on a case by case basis. That is why Autism is a spectrum.

Being autistic myself this one made me tear up a bit, very much a kindred spirit.

You say it hasn't aged well but it's HIGHLY REALISTIC and even RELEVANT today when you hear and participate conversations involving Disability rights and services where the recipient is highly reliant on other. If anything it was ahead of its time in trying to bluntly and honestly talk about a difficult topic people shy away from. I grew up with and work with my severely autistic and blind little brother, so this one strikes deep for me.

As someone with Autism myself, Transmutate is extremely interesting and adds a depth of relatablity I thought impossible for a Transformer character.

I don't know why, but I always felt Transmutate and Rampage made an amazing pair, I have the Rampage Colletors Club Toy and barely missed out on Transmutate. I actually like the storyline of them being .01%, because it explains just how insanely strong they are. Rampage may have been a borderline insane berserker, but Transmutate was his perfect opposite and calm and free-spirited.

Christy Marx was a writer who did not shy away from serious issues in cartoon stories. I'm glad BW gave her the opportunity to write a story that was probably near to her heart.

True love this character, it was so touching, Brazilian voice actor of Rampage is one of the most legends! I do love to see the 2021 version!

As someone who also struggles understanding social and emotional concepts, I’m very happy they did try and make a cybertronian like that. It makes me feel like they tried to bring an understanding to others what it’s like to not fit in with the rest of the crowd. It’s nice that fans still have good memories of transmutate

transmutate is the best bw character to me and her design is terffiying me a lot as a kid,but i really like her skull face/mask is remind me to the lego ninjago skullkins especially samukai-frakjaw and the bionicle skull villans,and to me she's from the kind of genius characters that love his friends and is scared from everything and talk about more bw characters like transquito and also i really like her model as TFP arcee

Dinobot: I had the BW saddest death ever Transmutate: *Hold…my…spark*

As someone autistic I want to read that comic. Transmutate sounds and looks like a cute and relatable character. Something I'd never expect to find in Transformers.

This one, this one was freaky, the way she looked and moved was just creepy, but she was also hard to hate, her story was sad, and plus, her episode showed a side of rampage we hadn't seen up to that point, so that was nice

This was actually one of the reasons I fell in love with beast wars. I think I'll try to rewatch this episode and whole show if I get some free time haha

I liked the original episode, it showed that even the “good” maximals had flaws in not wanting to accomodate her. It makes her willingness to side with Rampage (one of only two that fights for her rights) so believable and tragic. Maybe I’m too set in my ways, but I don’t see how it didn’t age well. Otherwise as always great vid

Idk why everyone is offended by transmutate. I am autistic myself and I think she’s great

I hope Transmute becomes a staple for the Transformers series! I like to learn more👍👍

I loved how they depicted transmutates autism. Sometimes shows depict autism completely stereotypical as if they are nothing more than a forever child or a nervous reck. They depicted it here as high functioning, which is what I have, and people with HFA are capable of living normal lives.

This is actually interesting because Female High Functioning Autism is much harder to spot then Male High Functioning Autism. I myself am on the spectrum and have quite a few friends who are the same. One of them sharing a kinship with Transmutate. I do to an extent as well. But I often think of how people don't understand us. My Autism was kept a secret from me for years so people wouldn't label me. However I found out by accident in a very heated conversation with my mother. From there I have grown into my placement in this world. But I mostly kept it secret from others as the term "That's Autistic" was running rampant in my school. That "insult" made my blood boil hotter and hotter and hotter. Eventually when I was doing a class on Psychology I revealed to my teacher in private that I was on the spectrum. He wasn't surprised. Later on he asked me to talk about it and we gave a flashy (not really) reveal to my class. I stood up and explained in a very flawed way how we are different. My class was kinda shaken by the reveal, I still laugh at it. I find a kinship in others on the spectrum and have a tendency to refer to the spectrum as an entity. I refer to it as us or we, because I feel linked to everyone on the spectrum in a very special way. I hope I'm not the only one.

You are the man love learning so much history about TF keep up the great work

Y'know, Transmutate's design sort of pre-figured the Gundam designs in Iron Blooded Orphans, with the pistons.

Transmutate and code of hero def are two of beast wars best emotionally written episodes, such an underrated show in the fandom for some reason

Transmutate was one of my favorite episodes of the Beast Wars cartoon. The tragic nature of her character being so misshapen and challenged in comparison to those around her always struck a chord with me. The Maximals and Predacons didn't need to fight over her, rather, they just needed to listen and accept her for what she was.

I'm on the autism spectrum, so I got super excited when you started describing the comic version as being similar to someone on the spectrum :D

The second version is probably my favourite, I relate to it most. The ending feels more satisfying, though the original was good too

I remember watching that episode and feeling great despair over it.

Not gonna lie. the new take on her on the TF version of the spectrum did make me kinda smile a bit. as for the original I felt a lot what happened to it was mainly due to the damage from the malfunction. Then again I see it also as an allegory to not fear those that look and sound different, and to work with what life has given you. Despite the deformaties Transmutate still possessed something of a moral compass, and ability to feel.

I did not know Transmutate existed until now, and I thank you good sir to introduce me to my new favorite character. Also as a person on the spectrum, I like how the club rewrote her story and I can relate to her in some way :)

I remember when I was little and saw its designed I was very scared of it but now way older I love its design and the message on that episode and I wish I could get the Beast Wars uprising Transmutate and Rampage they look like good figures and it would be just so nice to have them together ^^

The story that ''hasn't aged well'' actually conveys very well issues around attitudes towards mentally/physically disabled and never portrayed the characters who were making decisions about Transmutate as being right. The modern stories that make Transmutate just another generic female Autobot through fear of offending anyone strip the character of anything unique and brush a mentally disabled character under the carpet. I guess Autism is a bit more palatable for mainstream audiences and easier to market.

I was unaware of this magnificent creature. Tnx, Chris! 😉✨♥️🇵🇭

Oh wow, the first Obscure Character to get one of these videos that I actually know! Transmutate is a very interesting character, as she was/is basically Transformers equivalent to a mentally challenged character(apologies if this comes off as rude in anyway, not my intent, just trying to think of the best way to say it). While I do like her original design due to being VERY unique despite freaking me the heck out at first, her design using Prime Arcee’s look just seems to fit for some reason. The red eyes of the design are super striking with that look and I love it. While she was never one of my Top 3 Transformers, she’s still is one of my favorites.

Rampage having empathy? Who knew?

As someone who is Autistic, this episode warms my heart.

As someone with Asperger’s/HFA myself, it’s always good to see more neurodiverse representation in a brand that is taking on more significance in my life, and I wish that we could see more of that in Transformers.

Transmutate's only episode was very fascinating for its subject matter, as well as showing another side to Rampage. It's good that this character is getting more appearances in recent media. I also remember when they made those 10th anniversary Beast Wars toys and had Transmutate's components packaged in each of them, but I didn't collect most of them. I believe I only obtained her laser cannon-like arm.

I’m loving the kingdom release. The fan modes for her fantastic and suit the character I my opinion

Awesome video as always.

Never heard of Transmutate until today, and already she is my favorite. A lovely bot, if I do say so myself.

Considering the size of the Predacons and Maximals in that series when compared to modern humans I feel even more compelled to want to give Transmutate a hug because she could return it even though she's basically the size of Andre the Giant ( seriously most of the standard sized Transformers are about Andre the Giant sized in Beast Wars) I am also on the Spectrum so wanting to give her a hug is more a sign of solidarity than anything although that's just the desire that manifests from my own Asperger's syndrome ( autism spectrum disorder as it's called now) a form of high-functioning autism that was only recently discovered within the last 30 years.

I liked that it also gave a chance for Rampage to be something other than the Beast Wars "monster". I always wondered why he connected with Transmutate. Was it just because of the power it possessed, a connection to someone in the past, or did he see himself in it? For a brief moment we saw the monster have a heart. I wished this episode was referenced later in some way. Rampage and Siverbolt have sort of back and forth about it.

This video did not disappoint. Good job.

Finally, my character arc is complete. Thank you for this video.

I’m Autistic, but I didn’t see anything wrong with the original character story, mainly because it shouldn’t matter if someone was born disabled or became disabled due to accidental circumstances that, in her case, were beyond their control. For example a lot of people were upset that MCU Hawkeye wasn’t deaf from the get go, forgetting that 1: the movies are their own continuity and are allowed to have their own story lines, and 2: Hawkeye wasn’t born deaf, they just forgot about the years he was able to hear perfectly fine until he got a pair of arrows shoved into his ears.

Like many others in this comment section, I too have autism (Asperger's specifically). I *wish* I grew up watching Beast Wars, I bet I would've related so much to this episode and Transmutate. But unfortunately I don't have a connection to the character. I do however think the episode in question tried to be endearing about the issues someone with autism could face, such as not being able to take care of themselves and people arguing over how to parent them etc, in the end I don't think it did it amazingly. But I guess it's the thought that counts? Same for the comic version. I'm torn on how to feel about her depiction because on one hand I can relate to this one easier, but then on the other they pull the tired trope of "autistic character has rare superpower". But again, I guess it's the thought that counts. Transmutate is one of many characters in media that helps prove that representation done correctly can, does, and should, matter.

*GOD this why I love transformers*

As somebody who has Autism seeing a character like Transmutate in the BWU comics who has something comparable to autism be such a badass character really makes me happy and has made me appreciate the overall character a lot more 😊

growing up I could never really get into beast wars, but I had friends who loved it and told me about transmutate. Hearing their story now, now all I want to do is go consume all their media appearances as I’m autistic and always wondered if cybertrons inhabitants ever could face anything similar. And now that I found my charector I only love this franchise so much more.

I remember being a little kid and seeing Transmutate only to be absolutely horrified because honestly she looks like something from the uncanny Valley. But now that I see what their meant to be, I really like them.

Good lord, I barely scratched the surface myself and didn’t know about her backstory, I was just kinda creeped out by the skull for the character when I saw it in stores. I feel I may have to hunt for her now and reserve a special spot for her amongst my collection of War For Cybertron figures. Discovering an actually autistic written bot for myself is amazing, and I wish I didn’t just overlook her.

“I….am…..hurt.” Just won’t leave my mind

The BW episode was one of my favorites and absolutely the most memorable of the series for me. Ive collected all the Transmutate figures to this point for this reason including the 3rd party TransArt figure which is the best

as much as i like her design in the comics story (love her striking red eyes, as other commenters have said), i think her skeletal design is more interesting from a "representation" point of view. i feel like fictions have had this trope these past few years where autistic female characters are beautiful, as if to "compensate" for their difference. i think it's important to have disabled characters who could be deemed "ugly" by other characters. well, the best option would be to have *more* representation all around, so that we could have disabled characters who match with our society's beauty standards and others who dont !

Transmutate is one of my favorite Transformers Obscure Characters of all time,also one of my favorite Transformers toys was The Transformers exclusive Collector's club Transmutate figure from Beast Wars.Also Transmutate is still one of my favorite TransFormers Beast Wars characters of all time despite her Tragic Origin,also thanks for sharing Chris 👌 up the 👍 work stay healthy stay safe and until next time Beast Wars.

Yayyy Im glad you did this one!

At the time the episode came out, Transmutate struck a chord with me. A particularly deep chord. I had a great-uncle, my grandmother's brother. He had been born deaf, blind, and mute. Due to his physical problems, he literally lived his entire life abused by his parents, his younger sister (not my grandmother who lived too far away from him) who was his chosen caretaker, and the people his caretaker had placed in charge of his life and safety. These same people even visited the cruelty on him of ripping out his teeth because he started biting in order to try and defend himself. That was when my grandmother stepped in. The straw that broke the camel's back, as it were. She sued for custody and had him moved out to a therapeutic group home where he was treated very well during the last half of his life. He passed away ten years ago, but even now, if I ever find myself in the area, I stop in at that group home to help clean up their little on-premises graveyard plot's headstones, bring flowers for the graves, and a case of vanilla ice cream for the current residents. As for why Transmutate as a character resonated with me, well... I saw so much of what my uncle went through mirrored in her own story.

Well if that isn’t that the sweetest/saddest transformer lore ever 😭❤️

Beast Wars Transmutate was one of my favorite characters as a kid, despite only being in one episode.. Such a sad end... I'm glad she got expanded on later.

Great video man, I saw the figure but not seen the episode. You clarify the character for me really good

i actually remember her well, i loved her character and design (walking looked weird though) but for her to come back as a fossilizer (a new type of transformer) is super cool and awesome

I like both depictions of her. Both teach lessons about not treating others for being different.

One of my favorite episodes, still makes my eyes tear

welcome back old friend, can't wait to see the next obscure character!

Can you do Rack’n’Ruin? They’re amongst the most uniquely designed characters in the transformers franchise, being the first two headed transformer (even if they lean more to being conjoined twins) and they’re one of the most memorable and recognizable members of the wreckers to. They also JUST appeared on television in Transformers: Cyberverse where they would have a surprisingly memorable role and even a spotlight episode. It’s also in the Cyberverse toyline where they would get their FIRST toy that ACTUALLY transformed. While Rack’n’Ruin’s other roles where extremely minor they where often known to be WRECKERS. They’re amongst the most famous obscure characters in transformers.

Transmutate was my favorite beast wars character, along with cheetor personally I like transmutate’s motorcycle form and story - to be blunt it resonates with myself more not to say the original is worse in any way, I like that version as well But personally I prefer stories where everyone as agency in their fate

Thanks for covering this transformer. As high function, I definitely find the comic version kind of relatable. I know it’s a sensitive subject but good job with it!

I love how they recolored acre for transmutat it fits with the colors

Alone together is my favorite comic and his story moved me and he has a great friendship with rampage, or maybe a little more than friendship

As someone who was born with autism, knowing a transformer, and one I already loved at that, is like gives me a joy that’s difficult to explain in words. I’ve always had a different look at the world and at what I want to do in my life, but seeing characters like transmutate make me feel normal and with hope. Thank you for giving me that knowledge. P.S. Transmutate and Rampage’s relationship reminds me a bit of Razor and Aya from the GL series.

I like Transmutate, she has a very interesting design & its good to know that this character has a continuation within the franchise. I hope to see more of her in the future, weather she be a bike, a fossil, a jet, or even a hybrid of beast & vehicle.

This is awesome! I never realized they did anything more with Transmutate.

oh boy! This one will make me sad to remember this beautiful episode! "I... Am... Hurt..." YEP! Oh, and a modernised update! Very good hasbro!

Awesome video! When I first saw the toy I ordered it immediately

2:24 almost 24 years later and it still hurts.

I only know about Transmutate from this episode and I already consider her the most precious cinnamon roll in the franchise.

I would have liked to see Transmutate get more episodes where she and Rampage formed a bond and it humanized him more while leading to more agency in her own life for Transmutate. I feel the idea was great, but being a one episode character limited so much potential in many characters

I just recently rewatched this episode. Makes me cry every time. 😢

I think this has become my favorite transformer.

I don't care for the PSA aspects of her story in the slightest, I just like how it was delivered. And I'd say it was delivered pretty nicely

always liked transmutate and rampages relationship in the comic i hope they make a new rampage soon

That was one of the saddest episodes in Beast Wars. The only one that rivaled it was the death of Dinobot.

had this pop up in my feed and just had to watch. One lesson it taught me was even enemies can have a common connection

As an Asperger I think that the theme of the episode is a profound insight on how low-function autistic people are treated by real society, and we shouldn't be afraid of showing and discussing this topic. I think Neurotypical people say that the episode themes are "problematic" because they are afraid that without a scapegoat or an excuse they can't show risky topics.

Transmutate was the two in an emotional one two combo after the death of Dinobot.

That was very cool to have a video of her

The whole point of the episode is to teach not to judge, that people with disabilities are capable. We need more lessons like this.

The Transmutate episode was unique in that it dealt explicitly with the sensitive topic of euthanasia. This gave it the honor of being the most morally provocative episode of any Transformers series.