Why did Megatron tolerate traitors?

Discussion in 'Transformers General Discussion' started by WolverineDragon, Oct 4, 2021.

  1. WolverineDragon

    WolverineDragon Banned

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    Speaking specifically G1 Megatron from the 80s cartoon, why did he always tolerate traitors within the Decepticon ranks? Starscream makes no secret of the fact he wants to overthrow him, he bosses the insecticons around even though they tried to betray him once, and let’s not forget Astrotrain and Blitzwing trying to usurp him as leader.

    It’s something that always puzzled me about Megs. He always let these traitors live and welcomes back into the fold. The obvious exception was in the 86 movie where he finally had enough of Starscream.
     
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  2. Furnace

    Furnace Antroid at a picnic

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    I tend to think it's part of the whole "might makes right" mentality of the Decepticons. The Decepticons value ambition (after all, their goal is universal conquest) and so, the presence of individual ambition among the troops isn't seen as something illicit. If might makes right, then anyone who permanently trounces Megatron, would have every right to the throne; the only crime would be failure. By overcoming traitors and bringing them to heel, Megatron ostensibly proves himself to be the mightiest of all, and thus, the only one worthy of his position, lest any come to doubt. In that way, traitors serve to bolster Megatron's reputation among his followers.
     
    Last edited: Oct 4, 2021
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  3. Bee427

    Bee427 Still here and queer

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  4. Wafer

    Wafer Transformers Prime's strongest soldier

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    Three reasons:
    1. Because he's an idiot, that's why
    2. Megs and Starscream are married and that's the only reason why he puts up with his bullshit
    3. They're divorced and never got over it
     
    Last edited: Oct 4, 2021
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  5. Soundlips

    Soundlips Defending Reactivate since 2020 loves Tinfoil Hats

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    Who else is he gonna use as a punching bag?
     
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  6. 2fabdad

    2fabdad Well-Known Member

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    They keep him sharp.
    Mostly they are useful idiots.
    Starscreams plotting always forced Megatron to be one step ahead. If you notice Starscream would always find the holes in Megatrons plans and never missed an opportunity to rub it in.
     
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  7. Longitudinalwave

    Longitudinalwave A Big Fan of (Sound/Shock)wave

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    Real world answer: so that Hasbro could keep selling Starscream toys.
    In-Universe? I'll provide my theories for that tomorrow.
     
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  8. Fafnir72

    Fafnir72 XYxInfinity

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    Blame Bob Budianski and Ron Friedman! (They never realized that those personalities struck a deep cord in our subconscious that has eneabled Hb to keep on milking the franchise for the last 35 years( and I being one of the TF lemmings am so hooked on their green energon junk :lol  )

    Seriously, what greater joy is there but to watch your vanquished foe grovel in the pit of humiliation?:drool: 

    Also, he makes a great scarecrow/strawman against potential usurpers.:ev: 
     
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  9. Ikkstakk

    Ikkstakk Well-Known Member

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  10. WolverineDragon

    WolverineDragon Banned

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  11. Pwsyn

    Pwsyn Well-Known Member

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  12. Pwsyn

    Pwsyn Well-Known Member

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    Since the topic of psychology has always fascinated me and I already read several of your explanations / comments on it (and found them extremely interesting), I am really looking forward to it. : )
     
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  13. Beastwarsfan95

    Beastwarsfan95 Putting the ‘Bi’ in Bionicle.

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    Decepticonian ideology that a leader who cannot defeat an usurper is unfit to rule.
     
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  14. Blitzwing2008

    Blitzwing2008 Triple changing menace

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    I feel it's a combination of things like how Decepticon hierarchy is basically king of the hill and the more traitors defeat the more established the leader is given. Also I feel it has to do with the who keep your friends close and your enemies closer type scenario.
     
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  15. AJthecybermon64

    AJthecybermon64 Autobot maintenance and wellbeing officer

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    In my head cannon if any traitors he would beat them senseless but in G1 cannon he enjoys watching starscream fail and he is well aware starscream would be a poor leader
     
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  16. Distant1

    Distant1 Well-Known Member

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    To me, in the early days, Megatron did not really tolerate traitors or any perceived threats to his leadership, as per the 'imprisonment' of the Renegade Decepticons / Combaticons. However, in seasons 1 and 2 (especially before the arrival of Menasor and Bruticus) he needs Starscream as there are not enough Decepticons to really defeat the Autobots, for good. I also think that Megatron thinks that Starscream makes him develop better strategies, because Starscream is not afraid to voice any doubts about a military strategy.
     
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  17. Effigy

    Effigy Well-Known Member

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    It’s like how a dishonest person always expects other people to be dishonest, Megatron just expects everyone to be treacherous because he is.
     
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  18. RazorclawX

    RazorclawX Campaign Oracle

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    Well let's be honest. Starscream is still useful to have around when he's not planning to stab you in the back. Most of the Decepticons don't have a good blend of smarts and combat prowess like Starscream.
     
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  19. ObakaChanTachi

    ObakaChanTachi woke among sussy soyjak

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    The bigger question here is why he didn’t make Soundwave his second in command…
     
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  20. Ultra magnus13

    Ultra magnus13 Well-Known Member

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    I don't think traitors is quite the right term. To me traitors would imply that they are betraying the Decepticons. Most of these guys still wanted to adhere to Deception principles, they just wanted to lead.

    Megatron being un concerned with them makes him looks strong. He has no fear that they have any chance of taking leadership from him and has no doubt that he can smack them back in line.
     
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