The Intergalactic Highway

Perhaps I already know the answer, but I'll throw it out there.

Megatron found a weakness in the Maximals' programming, in which prolonged periods of time in beast mode made them go feral. Kay...what about Dinobot?

I mean, yes, he must have adapted some programming when he changed allegiance, but surely if he hadadapted the entire Maximal programming, wouldn't he have been less...Predacony? Therefore, should he been as strongly affected by the feral instincts as the other Maximals?

Thoughts, please

You make a good point about Dinobot and how he was programmed.

I would say that his going feral was a result of the nature of his beast mode and his overall personality. Despite his honor code and warrior's discipline, I always felt that he enjoyed his beast mode because it gave him a freedom to act on aggression. Aggression without restraint could result into giving into the beast mode's instincts more easily than usual. Like the other Maximals, he was exhausted and on edge when he was stuck in beast mode. Then, to go along with the story's plotline, he went into a feral state along with the other Maximals. So because of his beast mode and personality he became feral, not necessarily because of what his programming codes were.

That's how I see it.

I like Starath's explanation a lot. But he did overtly delete his programming block towards the end of the episode, so I think this is a bit of an episode error.

When you switch allegiances, the hardware stays the same but the software might just override itself for a new one. For example, if I wanted to upgrade my OS, I'd delete Windows XP and install something like Windows 7. My laptop would still be an Inspiron, but the it acts different than before because of the software differences.

Right, but there was never an indication given that Dinobot's "software" was changed. All we ever saw him do was change his activation code to "Maximize". His personality remained the same throughout the entire show, he consistently referred to himself as a Predacon, and was even noticeably upset when Rhinox said that Predacon programming led to "personality issues". So I don't think he should ever have had that programming block that causes Maximals to fight against animal instincts.

There is, of course, the argument that the very fact Dinobot had to delete that block is the evidence his programming changed. But, at least in my perception, that flies against all the other indications in the show that his programming didn't.

In this case I'd say it was just a plot hole. Much as we love this series, it wasn't 100% perfect. Eh, that episode was far from my favorite anyway.

Maybe Megatron just affiliated this weakness with the Maximals when in reality all transformers had it. After all, why would an egotistical megalomaniac admit to his own weaknesses lol?

Megatron certainly isn't the type to admit to his own weaknesses (to anyone but himself at least), so I could see how he would lie about it, or even convince himself it was a problem he didn't have. But Tigatron, when discussing this issue in the episode, specifically says:

"Maximal programming was designed to block our beast urges. But that has proven to be an error." Tigatron does seem like a trustworthy source to me.

Then I'm out of ideas, so I'll just stick with JZ's response:

It's a plot hole

Hm. Interesting thoughts. They all make a lot of sense, but I suppose we'll never really know exactly what the writers' excuse was (lol ), but perhaps i could be said that it was something like a newly installed anti-virus system.......hah, or not XD

At least I can use this episode as proof to my flatmate that Dinobot is indeed a Maximal! (She still doesnt trust him )

Jagna wrote:but perhaps i could be said that it was something like a newly installed anti-virus system.......

Maybe Cybertronians runs on Vista?

Actually I like Alak's theory. As for why Tigatron would only say Maximals, it's entirely possible he wouldn't be an expert on Predacon programming.