With Megatron rising, and the Elite Guard I think Prime will start getting some more screen time. Perhaps even learn more about his getting kicked out of the academy.

 

Well the synopsis for Megatron rising part one is "Prime begins to doubt his leadership abilities as the Decepticons mobilize for a big invasion of Earth.
"

So I'm going to guess that has something to do with Optimus.

 

I think the general detachment and 'silence' we've been getting from Optimus up until now has been deliberate. Things that have happened in his past have made him a 'bottled up' kinda character. I get the feeling he's quietly suffering from past mistakes and these have made him insecure and afraid as a leader generally. I expect in the eps to come, this personal dilemna of Optimus's will be confronted in challenges he is faced with.

 

Definitely. That's probably why he's been relatively quiet up to now--give him just enough exposition to set up his inner demons, and make you want to see him fully fleshed out, then just keep shying away from him as a character (what with the whole 1-2 lines per ep. thing). Plus, someone needs to beat the **** out of the newly re-bodied Megatron, and anyone other than Optimus would be just plain disappointing.

 

Well, i don't think Optimus will exactly be beating the "**** out of the newly re-bodied Megatron", but i expect him to put up a good heroic stand!

Amen to that!