Having watched this episode over and over again, I have to admit that I am fascinated, if not somewhat obsessed, by these 22 minutes. There is something about this episode that keeps me coming back. The atmosphere is great, despite, or maybe helped by, the lackluster animation and bad art. Its low-level production values make for a suitably creepy B-movie flavor, but the quality of writing as well as the delivery is outstanding. Peter Cullen (Optimus)and Dick Gautier (Rodimus) in particular do a great job of helping to raise this episode above and beyond the run-of-the-mill 1980s cartoon crop.
Originally this episode aired with a different ending and was not intended to lead to "the Return of Optimus Prime" two-parter: Yes, Optimus was meant to stay dead. As a child, I could not bear to watch the ending of Dark Awakening, it was too sad and shocking, and a huge departure from the relatively carefree pre-Movie seasons. As an adult, however, I can appreciate its themes, great acting and shocking conclusion. But this is certainly not for everyone.
Originally this episode aired with a different ending and was not intended to lead to "the Return of Optimus Prime" two-parter: Yes, Optimus was meant to stay dead. As a child, I could not bear to watch the ending of Dark Awakening, it was too sad and shocking, and a huge departure from the relatively carefree pre-Movie seasons. As an adult, however, I can appreciate its themes, great acting and shocking conclusion. But this is certainly not for everyone.