Ep 22. Similarly Different

After being introduced to numerous new characters throughout the course of the first season of Transformers: Robots in Disguise, the show turns its attention to one of its most fascinating and complex characters in episode 22, titled "Similarly Different." This episode dives deep into the backstory of Drift, a samurai and former Decepticon who has been one of the show's most interesting heroes since his debut.

The episode begins with the Autobots relaxing at their base, but it's not long before they receive a distress call from Russell, who has discovered a seemingly abandoned spaceship in the middle of the forest. When the Autobots arrive to investigate, they find that the ship is actually occupied by Drift, who has been living in seclusion ever since he left the Decepticons.

At first, Drift is reluctant to reveal his reasons for being on Earth, but the Autobots soon persuade him to open up about his past. As it turns out, Drift was once an honorable samurai who served in the Cybertronian Empire, but he was eventually brainwashed by the Decepticons and turned into a ruthless killer. After realizing the evil that he had done under their control, Drift defected from the Decepticons and has been living in exile ever since.

The Autobots are fascinated by Drift's story, and they urge him to join their cause and help them fight against the Decepticons. Despite their persuasion, however, Drift is hesitant to join the team. He explains that he does not want to become just another warrior in a never-ending war, and that he fears falling back under the sway of the Decepticons.

Over the course of the episode, Drift is pushed to the limits of his resolve by the Autobots' insistence that he join their team. He struggles with whether to return to the life of a warrior or to remain in exile, and ultimately he is forced to make a decision that will have major repercussions for himself and the Autobots.

Through its exploration of Drift's character, "Similarly Different" does an excellent job of highlighting the complexities of life as a Transformer. The show has always done an excellent job of portraying its robots as fully-realized characters with rich inner lives, and this episode is no exception. Drift's concerns about the nature of war and his own role in it are deeply relatable, and they serve as a reminder that even the most powerful machines can struggle with self-doubt and existential angst.

In addition to its character development, "Similarly Different" also features some excellent action sequences that are sure to please fans of the series. From high-speed chases through the forest to intense hand-to-hand combat, this episode is packed with thrilling moments that showcase the show's stunning animation and visual style.

Overall, "Similarly Different" is a standout episode of Transformers: Robots in Disguise that does an excellent job of deepening the show's already-compelling mythology. With its exploration of Drift's complex character and its thrilling action sequences, this episode is sure to be a fan favorite.