Ultra Magnus and Wheeljack: What the hell is their history together???
So I’m going to start out by saying that, while I am a VERY strong shipper of these two, that’s not really the lens I’m looking at this through. It’s just that there are so many little details tossed in about their pasts that I just GOTTA ramble about it. Because the more I think about it, the more interesting it gets. But ANYWAYS HERE WE GO LADS—
1) “Feel free to choose the path of least resistance, as you did before.”
This is what Ultra Magnus says to Wheeljack in Season 3 episode 5 during a dispute regarding Wheeljack’s reckless behavior. Why I find this interesting is that this not only means that he remembers when Wheeljack left the Wreckers after he took command, but that he ALSO holds some bitterness on the subject. Of course the emotion and intent behind this line could be interpreted a multitude of ways, but I do find it oddly fascinating that it clearly shows that Magnus is actually still at least somewhat upset by that event even all this time later. There is ALSO the fact that Wheeljack actually pauses after that line—almost as if he’s at a loss for words—before storming out of the base. To me, this could almost be read as guilt on Wheeljack’s part, as if he regrets having left the Wreckers behind 👀
2) Ultra Magnus was Alone
When we are first introduced to his character, he is on his own under the claim that he is been searching for other Autobots. But here’s the thing—his last known post was with THE WRECKERS! Something I have a very hard time believing he would have simply abandoned, especially after his comment towards Wheeljack. Meaning something really REALLY bad must have happened for Ultra Magnus to leave his post.
3) “Roadbuster, Pyro, Impactor, Rotorstorm, Seaspray, all dust.”
This line is said by Wheeljack to Bulkhead in Season 2 Episode 6. Combine this with the fact that he was clearly surprised to stumble across Bulkhead back in season one, AND the fact that he seemingly ALSO stumbled across Seaspray by accident before trying to plan a meet up with him, and it becomes very clear very quickly that something bad must have happened to the Wrecker’s at some point. Whatever the event was, it caused the deaths of multiple comrades, while scattering the rest from each other entirely.
4) “Guys like Optimus. They talk a good game. But when you’re in the scrap, they don’t wanna get their hands dirty.”
AND
“It’s like I told ya. When the scrap hits the fan blades, the generals are the first to bail.”
Once again, these lines are said by Wheeljack to Bulkhead, Season 2 Episode 6. This shows that Wheeljack believes generals, commanders, and any higher ups to be unreliable if not just straight up cowards. With the fact that he mentioned this TWICE, I don’t think it’s too far fetched to say that some experience in his past is why he has come to believe this. Afterall, these comments seem to be less aimed at Optimus specifically, and more so at ALL generals/commanders.
So What the Hell Does All This Mean?
My best guess? I think Wheeljack left not long before the Wrecker’s were attacked by the Decepticons, leading to the deaths and/or scatterings all of his former comrades. Wheeljack’s guilt is due the fact he wasn’t there, and this could also be why Magnus may still hold anger for Wheeljack not having been present that day. I ALSO think that there’s a very high chance that Wheeljack blames Ultra Magnus for what happened, especially seeing as Magnus has been flying around on his own ever since then. Do I think Magnus abandoned the Wreckers during their time of need? No. HOWEVER, I could totally see Wheeljack thinking that about his former commander. Especially seeing as he never liked Magnus in the first place.
See stuff like this is why I so so so SO badly wish we could’ve gotten more episodes and character development between these two. I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THEM DAMN IT😭
Anywaysssss there’s my transformers prime ramble, I hope you all have a lovely day :D