Legendary dinobot Grimlock is rescued by the Terrans and agrees to stick around and help teach them while Bumblebee heals. But Grimlock and Jawbreaker have wounds to heal too.

Genre legend Keith David is an inspired choice for the voice of Grimlock. The Dinobot commander was always fun in ‘ME, GRIMLOCK!’ mode but the portrayal of him as a wickedly smart (and slightly impulsive) warrior uncle that David provides is inspired. He’s also got great chemistry with Cyrus Arnold as Jawbreaker too. One’s been around every single block (and roared at a lot of them) and the other, JB to his friends, is a sweetheart rookie whose heart is the biggest muscle he has.

All of this pays off with Jawbreaker’s discovery of his alt-mode, a Stygimoloch dinosaur. It’s perfect for Jawbreaker: a powerful, hard-headed dinosaur that was herbivorous and travelled in packs just like Jawbreaker’s family. Arnold’s especially great in the scenes right after JB discovers his form too; turning the accent all the way up and giving Jawbreaker the rambunctious puppy energy he needs but Grimlock does not.

This moment of total personal joy on JB’s part feeds back into Grimlock’s PTSD from his experiences earlier in the season. The dinobot leader is so caught up in denial he can’t see just how hurt he is and that gives the second half of the episode a very personal dimension as he goes on the rampage and the others talk him down. Storyboard artists Marvin Madrid Rodriguez, Carl Peterson and Stephanie Ressler’s action is cleverly handled to give real fluidity to the characters in action and dialogue alike. Jawbreaker makes his peace with his new found abilities thanks to Mo and he, Alita-One and Hashtag team up to have a miniature game of kaiju rollertag as they talk Grimlock down.

Matthew Humphreys’ direction is smart and grounded, emphasizing Grimlock’s size and just how much Jawbreaker has grown up. This is nuanced, powerful storytelling that combines action with moments of real character. There is Cybertronian hugging and it feels sweet and earned. Jawbreaker is clearly terrified. He does it anyway and stays true to himself. I needed to hear that desperately as a kid. Hell, I needed to hear that at lunchtime today, and seeing the show explore issues like belonging, family and personal forgiveness this well is as inspiring as it is fun.

Verdict: Great work from everyone involved. 10/10

Alasdair Stuart