Ratchet is a healer by nature. This is certainly the truth. But healers are not inherently nice people, nor are they bidden to simply roll over and let others rake them across the floor and be left at their mercy as a defenseless individual.
Ratchet, throughout the show, is frustrated. Heâs frustrated at the lack of progress. He is frustrated at Cybertronâs revival being lost at every turn because Optimus prioritizes Earth over their homeworld. Because Optimus cannot or outright refuses to kill Megatron when opportunities arise and end the war for good. Ratchet knows this, and while he appreciates Optimus as a friend and holds him in high regard for his deep well of patience and incredible insight and wisdom, that doesnât mean that Ratchet doesnât get frustrated with it at times as well. Just like he gets frustrated being forced to stay in an actual cave because humans cannot see them. Just like he gets frustrated making human technology work with Cybertronian tech because they donât have resources. Just like he gets frustrated at his teammates breaking his creations and tools because they either are not paying attention or simply donât respect his space.
Ratchet lashes out. Ratchet sometimes gets overlooked by his own team members or disregarded for his skill simply because heâs a medic. He has been forced to endure the loss of his planet, the near extinction of their whole race, and he wasnât able to save the lives or even make a difference for the vast majority of them.
So no. He is not nice. Heâs bitter. Heâs resentful. He can BE understanding and open and kind and patient. But it takes work to get him there when you refer to him on a personal level rather than a professional one. He keeps his distance. He holds in his frustrations. It isnât until he is convinced to sacrifice Earth and he realizes the path heâs taking that Ratchet truly makes a turnaround and wants to do better by his team, family, and friends.
You want Ratchet to be nice? Then earn his kindness.
