Why does Starscream always betray Megatron?
Throughout the history of Transformers, one question keeps recurring: why does Starscream always betray Megatron? Whether it's Generation 1, the Michael Bay era , Transformers Prime, or the video games, the result is the same: the Decepticons' second-in-command inevitably ends up stabbing his leader in the back. To understand this toxic and legendary relationship, delve back into the Decepticon universe with the Transformers Guide and the Transformers Movies .
Starscream: the eternal traitor of the Decepticons, driven by ambition and fear. The true nature of Starscream: ambition, pride, and opportunism
Starscream belongs to the Seekers, an elite warrior caste where individual power reigns supreme. Born to dominate the skies, he develops an immense ego at a very young age, convinced he is destined to lead. This arrogance contrasts sharply with Megatron 's authoritarian and brutal rule, quickly creating an explosive rivalry.
In several continuities, Starscream was a scientist before the war, much like Shockwave and Wheeljack on the Autobot side. This intelligence fosters a sense of superiority that fuels his conviction that Megatron is a mistake in power .
The Starscream–Megatron relationship: a mixture of fear, hatred, and dependence. Why did Starscream betray Megatron? The underlying reasons
1. An ambition without limits
Starscream wants to become the supreme leader of the Decepticons. He sees Megatron as an obstacle, just as he despises loyal figures like Soundwave or Skywarp , who remind him of his inability to inspire loyalty.
2. Megatron's Fear
Despite his arrogance, Starscream lives in constant terror of his leader. This fear transforms into a desire to overthrow Megatron to ensure his own survival. A similar dynamic exists in the brutal teams led by Predaking or Trypticon , where strength reigns supreme.
3. The need for recognition
Starscream longs to be admired, applauded, and recognized as a strategic genius. But Megatron offers him only contempt. Conversely, leaders like Optimus Prime or Ultra Magnus value their allies more—an attitude Starscream secretly envies.
4. The opportunist syndrome
Starscream never betrays out of loyalty to a cause, but out of instinct for survival. He changes sides, allies, or rhetoric depending on the situation, as seen in Cyclonus & Scourge or in the temporary alliances of Unicron .
Birth: Starscream joins the Seekers, an elite aerial caste
Conflict: Becomes Megatron's second-in-command but dreams of overthrowing him
Repeated Betrayals: From G1 to Transformers Prime
Myth: The eternal embodiment of the ambitious traitor
Why is Starscream so fascinating?
Starscream is more than just a traitor; he's an archetype. He reminds us that the quest for power, jealousy, and fear can destroy even the strongest alliances. This duality makes him captivating, sometimes pathetic, often brilliant.
Starscream in your Transformers collection
An iconic figure, Starscream is a must-have for any Decepticon fan. Here are a few ideas to enrich your collection:
Finally understand the explosive Starscream–Megatron relationship
Their rivalry is one of the most iconic in Transformers. Between boundless ambition, fear and pride, Starscream is betrayal personified — a role he has played to perfection for decades.