What do you think? Should the TV side of the of the franchise steer into the dismal, lugubrious territory of mass genocide and metaphysics? Should Optimus be a self-deprecating, guilt-ridden husk of his former self who's driven to extremism in his desperation? Should survivor guilt and PTSD be major themes? Should the protagonists lose 9/10 times? What do you think?

 

That would be risky, cause who would want there little kids watching that. But it would great for the older fans.

 

As long as there is both stuff for older, like the movies or the comics, and younger fan bases, like Rescue Bots, we'll be okay.

 

This, pretty much.

 

This.

 

As long as it doesn't talk down to the audience and have a hint of mature storytelling I'm good. Beast Wars, Animated, and the new TMNT series are examples of shows that do it well.

 

The funny thing is I read your description of what a grimdark series is and immediately thought of the decidedly un-grim Animated.

Anyways, no to a depressing series both because transformers is still mainly advertised for kids and because I watch it for fun not to feel worse after all. That said, they should continue with mature themes like those of war you mentioned because just because a show is fun doesn't mean it can't also handle complicated issues.

 

A depressing Transformers series? No but a serious series with darker themes and mature storytelling would be a treat for me and some other fans(probably). I would enjoy seeing a more serious side to Transformers television. Honestly the idea kind of makes me "geek out". Optimus and the Autobots facing the imposing, deadly Decepticons...
As kids are a big part of marketing, there will need to be a show for the kiddies on the side.

 

As long as it looks good on toy I don't care.

 

Hard to take this thread seriously with such leading and limited polling questions. You know what you want to hear and I can't give you that.

 

Give me something on par with Animated and Beast Wars: a series not afraid to go deep into a storyline without taking itself too seriously.

 

Grimdark Transformers? Eurgh, no thanks. I've always thought the idea of "gritty = mature" was kind of the opposite really, it's just kind of tedious.

Wurd. As far as Transformers cartoons go, those two did a really great job of balancing the fun with the serious.

Or, just give me MTMTE: The Animated Series. There are laughs, there are feels, characters with troubled pasts... it's got something for everyone!

 

Ugh, no thank you.

Having said that, I have no time for "grimdark" either. I didn't vote in the poll as I resented the incredibly limited/leading options...

 

doesn't matter to me as long as the story line is good

 

Exactly this.

A grimdark plot for the sole purpose of being grimdark is pointless and never fun.

 

I think Armada level darkness, bump it up a level or two and we're good.

 

I believe a series should have its own dark and scary moments (Screapheap was awesome) but should also have it so that things aren't so depressing kids get turned off.

It should also have Autobots that aren't afraid to do things that get them into major trouble (Repugnus, though nearly impossible to write into a show, would be the perfect example)

 

This.

Both series had that right balance. I rather see more like that than stuff like Beast Machines or Prime.

 

Essentially this.

This older fan here doesn't think that grimdark or ultra serious automatically means better.

I'll take characters and storytelling first and foremost, with a balance of conflict and drama, humor and fun. Shouldn't forget the fun.

That said, there's no option in this poll that works.

 

... whatever.