I'm just curious how this became a trait of the character. Since really, G1 cartoon Starscream was one of the most bold Decepticons. Being the only one to openly defy Megatron on multiple occasions. (Although he did sometimes wuss out when at the end of Megatron's cannon.) Even his original toy bio implies he has the exact opposite problem: that he doesn't know when to quit because of his inflated ego. And his tech specs give him an 8 in Courage. Yet, we have newer incarnations like Prime Starscream who resorts to groveling pretty quickly when things go wrong. So just how did Starscream end up becoming the coward?
Because it's funny? I personally want another Armada Starscream again, so the whole "screechy backstabber" bit has gotten pretty old, but it's still funny - Prime Starscream was one of the best/funniest things in TFP.
I always thought he was a coward. He was begging Megatron for mercy in the first episode after his bid for power failed.
Because Sunbow. They decided that the Transformers would be more familial then military, so the Decepticons were a broken family. To fit the dynamic they were going for, changes happened.
Cause Starscream was always a weenie in the G1 cartoon. Only some series actually ever make him anything more than a coward.
I was going to say Sunbow as well. At first, it was him begging for mercy after his coups failed, but it really got cemented with the following exchange: Megatron (after the latest attempt went sour): Either you're lying, or you're stupid! Starscream (with Megatron's fusion cannon pointed in his face): I'm stupid, I'm stupid!
Starscream: Megatron is a wimp! Devastator: So is Starscream! Starscream: Yes but I'm fast! I get what you're saying, in G1 he wasn't as cowardly as say the Prime or Movie versions but those are reimaginations of him. He was certainly more up himself and over confident but cartoons can often depict villains as being straight up yellow belly's at times.
Yeah, coward he isn't. He simply doesn't want to die. I think that applies to everyone, doesn't it? On multiple occasions he took on far more Autobots than a coward would, and yes, stood up to Megatron several times, including simply shooting him.
Sunbow Starscream was both bold and cowardly. It just depends on whether he thinks the wind is blowing his direction or not. Often first to attack. Often first to retreat.
I believe that was an implication in one of his bios. Starscream will go out and pick a fight, but he's not stupid enough to pick one he can't win. It's just his ego inflates his idea of what he thinks he can handle with what he actually can and he gets in over his head without realizing it.
Okay folks, let's get this thread back on the highway and out of the ditch... Posts deleted...you know why. TFW2005 Rules
Starscream reminds me of the kid you used to play freeze tag with that would call time out right before you touch him and then call time in when he got a headstart. Also the one that would unplug the Nintendo/Sega when you were winning. I hate G1 Starscream but love him in the Bay films and in Animated. However, it seems like he's a coward in all mediums to me. It's usually the ones talking a big game that are all bark and no bite. It's the quiet ones you gotta' watch out for.
I've been watching G1 again with my daughter and here's the thing with Starscream. He is one of the strongest regular transformers on the show, and he knows it. He has a huge ego, and acts bold as long as things are in his favor. However, he is a spineless coward, as soon as he's in any real danger he either runs away or begs for his life. Lol, this is totally true.
Well, Starscream has the drive to turn on his Decepticons (either through egomania, greed, envy), but he lacks conviction to stand by the deed and will resort to begging for mercy and blaming others for making him do so, which can be considered cowardice.
