The Insecticons -- a new race of Transformers, capable of firing deadly lightning bolts -- arouses the interest of both the Autobots and the Decepticons. Forming an alliance with the Insecticons, the Decepticons attempt to plunder the earth's oil supplies. The Autobots are forced to keep their distance until, almost by accident, a means of neutralizing the Insecticons' power is discovered. Though not the final first-season Transformers episode to be filmed, "A Plague of Insecticons" was chosen as the season-ending installment in America, where it first aired on December 29, 1984. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide