The Autobots have always been shown as heroic soldiers in their war against the Decepticons. Both the toys and the animated series bring this into focus, giving each character their own rank and function within both factions. Some were more straightforward, like Scout and Lieutenant, while others were specialized like an Engineer and Air Commander. Some great examples of these roles were Bumblebee, the Autobot's resident Scout, and Wheeljack, who is always seen tinkering on the latest gadget.
However, when The Transformers: The Movie was released 35 years ago, the roles of the Autobots changed forever thanks to a 25-year time jump. In that time, the Autobots established themselves on Cybertron and Earth and worked out a symbiotic relationship between the planets. While the Decepticon threat was still prevalent, the Autobots on Earth enjoyed relative peace thanks to all they achieved. As a result, some of the ranks and roles shifted, focusing less on military roles and more on what suited each Autobot best. The film's newest members showcase this best.
Like Bumblebee was to Spike Witwicky, Hot Rod was the companion to his son, Daniel. He's an excitable and youthful Autobot who loves the adrenaline rush of taking risks and often approaches other tasks with a similar attitude. He is a part of the Autobot Infantry and takes on the function of Cavalier. His role fits his personality perfectly as it complements his risk-taking attitude. In the past, it would've been difficult for an Autobot to obtain a function that fits so well with their habitual tendencies.
Ultra Magnus becomes the de facto leader during The Transformers: The Movie following the death of Optimus Prime. However, that role didn't suit him well, and he quickly relinquished command to the next leader. His main role is the City Commander of Autobot City. It's a position that fits him well since Magnus operates similarly to a military police officer, ensuring the Autobots are happy and protecting them from threats. However, it also allows him to be the best soldier he can be, taking on the Decepticons during their blitz of Autobot City.
Springer is introduced as a warrior and hero through and through. He is also one of the few triple changers in the series, capable of becoming a plane or car along with his robot form. His main function, however, is Aerial Defense. While in the position, he can properly protect his teammates and fly in at the perfect moment to show off his skills as a warrior and save his friends. Springer is a great leader, and being the quintessential action hero, his function allows him to capitalize on the freedom that the skies offer. Thankfully, his role perfectly complements his heroic attitude.
While Perceptor appears in the show's second season, his presence in The Transformers: The Movie is where his character truly shines. Perceptor is similar to Wheeljack, but rather than tinker, he's a scientist who prefers to study and understand the world around him. His all-around knowledge also makes him the perfect Autobot to turn to when in doubt. Perceptor's function as a scientist fits him perfectly. The character even chooses the alternate mode of a microscope, offering him the ability to easily study the world and the Autobots. In the film, he is the source for all information about the galaxy as the team traverses space.
Similar to Bumblebee's function as a Scout complementing his small stature, Blurr's role as Data Courier is perfect for his blinding fast speed. Unlike any of the Autobots, Blurr moves and thinks as fast as his mouth does. As a result, he is the only choice when it's imperative to send information from one location to the next. While the film plays Blurr's speed for laughs, it's clear that he is an invaluable member of the team because of his skills. Scouts often had the role of delivering information in the past, but as the Autobots began to experience more periods of calm, speed trumped stealth, making Blurr the best choice for future tasks.
While Arcee's color scheme and demeanor paint her as a delicate Autobot, she is actually one of the fiercest warriors in the ranks. She is intelligent and more clever than most of her fellow Autobots but also cares for the people and Autobots closest to her. Her love for her friends is also the main cause of her ruthlessness as a warrior. Should they be threatened, she isn't afraid to litter the floor with Decepticons to ensure their safety. This is shown countless times in The Transformers: The Movie when she is one of the first on the frontlines gunning down Decepticons and any other threats. Arcee didn't have to earn the Warrior function; it was made for her.
Kup is another Warrior in the film but, unlike Arcee, comes from an older time. He is a battle-hardened veteran who represents everything about the function. Kup also represents the bravery it takes to step out on the battlefield, risking his spark with every battle. As a mentor to Hot Rod, he represents the gradual evolution from the traditional warrior in the film to a more modern view of the function in the show's later seasons. This means looking for peace as a first option rather than constantly fighting. In fact, it's Kup who introduces the universal greeting, "Ba weep granna weep ninny bong."
Wheelie appears on the planet Quintessa in the second half of the film and is an Autobot Survivalist. Unlike the other new Autobots, Wheelie appears to have earned that title while taking refuge on the foreign planet. Surprisingly, his demeanor doesn't represent someone who could survive even the tamest environments because of his youthful, high-pitched voice and desire to speak in rhyme. Nevertheless, he has put the breaks on Grimlock with nothing but a slingshot and even defeated Trypticon in the show's later seasons. Wheelie is an unconventional survivalist, but it's a function he earned.
The Transformers: The Movie showcases Autobots who aren't the same soldiers from the earlier seasons. But this change doesn't make them weaker. On the contrary, giving them functions that are more closely tied to their personality adds even more layers to the heroes and lets them grow as fighters. In fact, similar practices have taken precedence in future franchises and show that the Autobots win not because they are the good guys but because they adapt to every change.
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