Editing BattleTech: The Animated Series

{{ApocryphalProduct}}
{{InfoBoxProduct
| image               = AnimatedSeries.jpg
| name                = BattleTech Cartoon
| type                = Television series
| author              = [[Jordan Weisman]] and [[Sam Lewis (person)|Sam Lewis]] (series concept/basic outline)
| development         = [[Saban Entertainment]]
| primarywriting      = Robert N. Skir<br />Marty Isenberg
| pages               = 
| cover               = 
| interiorart         = 
| illustrations       = 
| publisher           = (syndicated)
| productioncode      = 
| year                = 1994
| ISBN10              = 
| ISBN13              = 
| MSRP                =
| content             = 
| era                 = [[Clan Invasion era]]
| timeline            = ca. [[3050]] - [[3051]]
| series              = 
| precededby          = 
| followedby          = 
}}
'''BattleTech: The Animated Series''', also known as the '''First Somerset Strikers''' after the unit featured therein, was a Saturday morning cartoon created for syndication by Saban Entertainment. It ran for one season of 13 episodes plus a clip show composed mostly of flashback narration (episode 5A: "No Guts, No Galaxy"). Broadcast from September 10th to December 10th 1994 on [[w:Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox TV]], it was noteworthy for its blending of computer-generated imaging and traditional cel animation to create a smooth transition between sections.

==Canonicity==
The animated series as such is not considered [[Canon]] for the [[BattleTech]] universe. Instead, the show canonically exists in-universe as a work of fiction: It has been referred to in-universe as a "popular but poorly reviewed [[holovid]] series" by [[Tharkad Broadcast Company]], said to be loosely based on the exploits of the "real" [[1st Somerset Strikers|First Somerset Strikers]];<ref>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 70</ref><ref>''Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers'', p. 87</ref><ref name=ER52>''Era Report: 3052'', p. 12-13</ref> it was even known among [[Clan]] ''[[sibko]]''s on the [[Clan Homeworlds]] by the 3070s through Solaris broadcasts.<ref>''Wars of Reaving'', p. 7</ref> The overall storyline and characters have thus been canonized at least in broad strokes.

In an attempt to reconcile as much content as possible from the show with the established canon of the BattleTech universe, [[FASA]] produced a fully canonical [[1st Somerset Strikers (sourcebook)|sourcebook]] that established the characters and (broadly) the events depicted in the show as real within the BattleTech universe. It introduced new technology and rules to account for items and events featured in the show, and addresses aspects of the show which appear to contradict established canon (including answering the question why [[Rhonda Snord]] was later attributed with having found [[Camelot Command]] first). Other conflicting information such as wrong uniforms, overly spacious vehicles and spaceships, and the odd selection of [[BattleMech]]s shown can be explained as inaccuracies of the show and artistic license.

Regarding the timeline, ''[[Era Report: 3052]]'' clarifies that Somerset was indeed briefly retaken by the Somerset Strikers, but finding its position untenable, the [[AFFC]] ordered Adam Steiner and the Strikers to fall back to FedCom space instead of securing the world; it remained undefended and was captured again in the fifth wave of Clan attacks. The deportation of the world's population did not really take place. It is also explained that many of the more heroic events depicted in the show were actually taken from a second Somerset Strikers mission, against second-line Clan forces on [[Barcelona]] in 3052 with a substantially larger formation based around the Somerset Strikers.<ref name=ER52/>

== Plot synopsis ==
{{quote|''This is the [[Inner Sphere]]&mdash;thousands of planet colonized by humankind. Once it was united under the [[Star League]], but for the last three hundred years it has been consumed by savage wars... until a new enemy appeared&mdash;mysterious invaders known as the [[Clans]]. Powerful and ruthless, they struck like lightning, attacking every sector at once. But they made one big mistake: they attacked my home planet! Now, in the spirit of the Star League, ancient enemies have reunited... and we're gonna take back our galaxy!''}}
:- Opening narrative (by [[Adam Steiner]])

The series depicts the exploits of the [[1st Somerset Strikers|First Somerset Strikers]], an irregular ad hoc unit formed from [[Federated Commonwealth]] and [[Draconis Combine]] elements by [[Major]] Adam Steiner in the wake of the [[Clan Invasion]] when his home planet [[Somerset]] is captured and his brother [[Andrew Steiner]] taken prisoner. Setting out as a reconnaissance force, the Strikers chance upon [[Camelot Command]] and eventually succeed in retaking Somerset from [[Clan Jade Falcon]], but fail to rescue Andrew Steiner or any other citizen of Somerset from being carried off by their captors.

===Episode 1 - The Gathering Storm===
:''For a full transcript, see'' [[BattleTech: The Animated Series/The Gathering Storm]]
[[Clan Jade Falcon]] forces led by [[Star Colonel]] [[Nicolai Malthus]] (and including [[Star Captain]] [[Kristen Redmond]]) conquer the planet Somerset. Commander Andrew Steiner, instructor at the Somerset Military Academy, is taken prisoner as the defenders are overrun.

News of the attack reach his brother, Major Adam Steiner, on [[Tharkad]]. He petitions directly to [[Archon]] [[Melissa Steiner]], his distant cousin, for permission to stage a recapture and intelligence gathering operation to Somerset. This is initially denied because of a lack of available [[JumpShip]]s. However, an unforeseen opportunity arises when [[Zachary Miles Hawkins|Captain "Hawk" Hawkins]] impounds an ''[[Invader]]''-class JumpShip from the [[Draconis Combine]] owned by [[Isesaki Shipping]], the ''[[Katana (Invader)|Katana]]'', for smuggling at Tharkad's nadir [[Jump Point]] on 6 March 3050. Since an emergency has been declared, Major Steiner, being a field grade officer, can commandeer this ship and its ''[[Union]]''-class [[DropShip]] ''[[Kwaidan]]'' for his reconnaissance mission with fellow teammates [[Rachel Specter]] and [[Ciro Ramirez]]. Washout Cadet [[Katiara Kylie]] pilots their shuttle to the jump point. Captain Hawkins is also drafted into Major Steiner's unit.

The crew aboard the Draconis Combine vessels, led by [[Franklin Sakamoto]] and Captain [[Jeroen Frestadt]], is decidedly unhappy and repeatedly tries to recapture their ships. At one point Franklin Sakamoto manages to inform Kurita mercenaries about their next jump target, only to have the ships attacked by [[aerospace fighter]]. Katiara Kylie, piloting an experimental ''[[Banshee (Aerospace Fighter)|Banshee]]'' fighter, is instrumental in defeating the attackers and thus earns herself a place in the First Somerset Strikers, as Steiner comes to name his impromptu unit.

Later, an official message from the [[Draconis Combine]] acknowledges the danger that the Clans pose to both realms, and the Draconis Combine crews of the ''Katana'' and the ''Kwaidan'' are formally ordered to join Adam Steiner's unit and follow his orders.

===Episode 2 - Well Bargained and Done===
:''For a full transcript, see'' [[BattleTech: The Animated Series/Well Bargained and Done]]
The Strikers head to [[Dustball]] to recruit additional [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]] and witness a ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'' piloted by [[Valten Ryder]] performing admirable feats. At the same time, inbound Jade Falcon forces are negotiating the world's takeover with local crime lord Boss Tybus and arrange a mock [[Trial of Possession]]. Ryder, who has fallen out of favor with Tybus, is sent to this encounter to be sacrificed and is mauled by two Jade Falcon 'Mechs when the Strikers unexpectedly join the fray to save him. They are summarily arrested by Tybus' security for interfering with his scheme but manage a breakout and call in FedCom reinforcements meant to arrest Tybus. A running battle ensues when the Jade Falcons attack the perimeter over Tybus' perceived double-cross; the arrival of the FedCom battalion ends the battle and the Strikers, with their new recruit Valten Ryder, lift off.

===Episode 3 - Warriors of Light and Steel===
:''For a full transcript, see'' [[BattleTech: The Animated Series/Warriors of Light and Steel]]
Composed of very individualistic pilots, the Strikers try to form a cohesive unit in simulated battles on [[Romulus]] with mixed results. In the middle of the training exercises the world comes under Jade Falcon attack and the Strikers are routed; the ''Kwaidan'' is captured by Clan troops. Pursuing Clan forces later attack the Strikers at the farm to which they had retreated and Ciro is taken captive by the Jade Falcons.

===Episode 4 - Retribution===
:''For a full transcript, see'' [[BattleTech: The Animated Series/Retribution]]
The defeated Strikers, believing Ciro was killed in their fight against the Clans, and remnants of the Romulus Militia have taken refuge in abandoned mine tunnels. They raid an ammunition depot for replenishment. Meanwhile, Franklin Sakamoto together with the ''Kwaidan''&#39;s captain and a tech fix the training simulator and rig it to project holographic BattleMechs. This creates a diversion that allows them to recapture the ''Kwaidan'' and rescue the Strikers from pursuing Clan 'Mechs as they return from the raid on the ammunition dump. With the planetary militia restocked and the Clan occupation forces in disarray they make back to their JumpShip. Hours later, however, they receive a transmission from Nicolai Malthus' [[WarShip]], which has ended the insurrection on Romulus by means of an orbital bombardment of Remus City. This prompts Adam Steiner to claim responsibility for the uprising and he challenges Nicolai Malthus personally.

===Episode 5 - Trade Secrets===
:''For a full transcript, see'' [[BattleTech: The Animated Series/Trade Secrets]]
The Strikers' next move is an objective raid against the Clans on [[Twycross]]. On foot, Adam, Rachel and Val manage to penetrate an underground Clan base and escape wearing [[Elemental (battle armor)]] suits. Nicolai Malthus continues his attempts to turn the captive Ciro Ramirez, pointing out that the Strikers did not even attempt to rescue him during the raid. Ciro also discovers that the Clans are the descendants of [[Aleksandr Kerensky|Kerensky's]] army.

===Episode 5A - No Guts, No Galaxy===
:''(This "Episode" consists mostly of flashback narrative and is therefore not generally considered a proper episode on its own.)''
:''For a full transcript, see'' [[BattleTech: The Animated Series/No Guts, No Galaxy]]
Escaping to the relative safety of the [[Butler]] system with their prize, the Strikers file a report to the Archon including files obtained at Twycross on advanced Clan technology. Their Jade Falcon antagonist also reports to his superior. Nicolai Malthus, however, is reprimanded sharply for the loss of the battlesuits; his handling of the threat posed by the First Somerset Strikers so far has been poor.

===Episode 6 - Protect and Survive===
:''For a full transcript, see'' [[BattleTech: The Animated Series/Protect and Survive]]
While the ''Katana'' is recharging its jump drive in the Butler system they receive a message from the FedCom JumpShip ''[[Strongbow]]'' who report one of their DropShips, the ''[[Hejira]]'', heading the Strikers' way. It turns out to be carrying none other than [[Victor Steiner-Davion]] who was evacuated from [[Trell I]] against his will. He wants to commandeer the ''Kwaidan'' to return him to his unit so that he can rejoin the fight on Trell, because the ''Strongbow'' suffered an engine failure and will need weeks to fix their [[Kearny-Fuchida Drive]]. Adam is tempted when Victor suggests using the captured battlesuits to infiltrate the Clan forces on Trell and destroy them from within, whereupon he will lead his no longer engaged unit to retake Somerset. However, the ''Katana'' receives orders to deliver the Prince to the secure world of [[Sudeten]] instead.

While they continue to charge their jump drive, an assassin attempts to kill Prince Victor and Franklin Sakamoto is the prime suspect. The real assassin later acquires one of the Clan battlesuits, but can be stopped by Franklin. Captain Gray Stevens, pilot of the ''Hejira'', is revealed as the would-be assassin, working for some unnamed faction that would "prefer a more worthy successor to the throne". Adam turns down Victor's plan and escorts him to Sudeten before turning over the Elemental battlesuits as well, facing the fact that he has to think of the good of all their people instead of just those closest to him.

===Episode 7 - In the Belly of the Beast===
:''For a full transcript, see'' [[BattleTech: The Animated Series/In the Belly of the Beast]]
The Strikers call in at a FedCom depot on [[Waldorff]] V to resupply. A message from the Archon reaches Adam Steiner informing him that his intelligence gathering mission is suspended, and that he is to field-test new units made with technology reverse engineered from the Clan equipment appropriated at Twycross — a veiled permission to liberate Somerset. Along with ''[[Awesome]]'' and ''[[Bushwacker]]'' 'Mechs are also equipped with one model each of the new ''[[Infiltrator]]'' and ''[[Sloth]]'' suits.

However, the Jade Falcons have intercepted the message and look forward to a chance to vanquish the Strikers. They immediately prepare for an attack on Waldorff V.

The First Somerset Strikers still do not get along very well with each other, and Franklin Sakamoto piloting the ''Sloth'' falls victim to pranks from his teammates and equipment malfunctions. When he accidentally comes under live missile fire from Val, he disappears into the nearby jungle with his battlesuit, refusing to answer radio calls.

Only a few hours later, Kristen Redmond (piloting a ''[[Mad Dog]]'') along with a mere two Elementals descend on the Strikers' position in an attempt to win greater honor by achieving victory with only a small force. She disables the Strikers' BattleMechs, but is defeated when Franklin breaks the swamp surface in his battlesuit and attaches a mine to her 'Mech. Subsequently, Kristen is captured by the Strikers.

===Episode 8 - Bound by Honor===
:''For a full transcript, see'' [[BattleTech: The Animated Series/Bound by Honor]]
While Ciro is gradually turned to the Clan ways of thinking, Nicolai Malthus launches a second attack on Waldorff, dropping a star of OmniMechs directly on top of the Quartermaster Corps and destroying a supply DropShip. Using the ''Kwaidan'' for a suborbital hop, the Strikers deploy behind the Clans and fight a delaying action to allow the crew of the downed DropShip to escape, then withdraw.

The Strikers learn from Kristen, their captive, that Ciro is still alive and propose a prisoner exchange. At virtually the same time, however, Ciro chooses to embrace the Clan ways and willingly has [[Enhanced Imaging|synthetic neurocircuitry]] implanted. Yet Nicolai Malthus agrees to a Trial of Possession, setting Ciro against Kristen. The fight is to be single combat carried out in BattleMechs at an abandoned refinery site on a small moon orbiting Waldorff VII. Kristen demands to be allowed to contribute to fight, this time by upgrading Adam's 'Mech, but is turned down again. Subsequently, she makes an upgrade without permission, then flees in an escape pod. Adam deduces the trial is a sham to kill him. Nicolai in turn is deeply insulted by this accusation and vengefully sends Ciro to do the fighting. Ciro unsuccessfully tries to convince Adam of the superiority of Clan culture, then their duel is cut short by violent explosions of the volatile material that the factory had been mining. While the moon is literally blowing apart, both parties board their DropShips and escape.

Adam found during the battle that Kristen had upgraded his [[neurohelmet]] with [[Enhanced Imaging]], while Ciro in turn is now finally prepared to reveal the ultimate destination of the Strikers to his new superiors: Somerset.

===Episode 9 - Road to Camelot===
:''For a full transcript, see'' [[BattleTech: The Animated Series/Road to Camelot]]
While scouting for Clan ships in the [[Dark Nebula]], Franklin and Kylie encounter [[Mark 39]] Attack Drones when they investigate a mysterious transmission. Against Adam's explicit orders, they take Val and "Patch" the Tech with them in the two ''Banshee'' fighters and return to the nebula. On a hunch, Patch transmits an old code from the Succession Wars that successfully identifies the ''Banshee''s as friendlies, and beyond the drone screen they find a man-made planetoid: [[Camelot Command]], an abandoned Star League facility. They dock and make their way to the command center. While the astounded Franklin reads through the logbooks, DropShips from [[Clan Wolf]] and Clan Jade Falcon land at the base as well, both intending to secure it for their respective Clan. Before long, a three-sided fight for control of Camelot Command rages and the Strikers fake the self-destruction of the base by means of its holoprojector equipment.

Meanwhile, the ''Kwaidan'' tracks their rogue crew members and arrives. With dozens of the individually weak Mark 39 drones are already strafing the Clan ships, Adam's threat to throw hundreds more of the drones at them convinces the Clans to withdraw.

===Episode 10 - The Enemy of My Enemy===
:''For a full transcript, see'' [[BattleTech: The Animated Series/The Enemy of My Enemy]]
Nicolai Malthus is so bent on capturing the Strikers that he turns renegade on Galaxy Commander [[Vandervahn Chistu]] and seizes a FedCom JumpShip, the ''[[Excelsior]]'', which jumps away mere seconds before being hit by fire from the furious Galaxy Commander's WarShip. Vandervahn Chistu next orders two former subordinates of Nicolai Malthus, Kristen Redmond and [[Pythor]], to pursue and apprehend him.

Aboard the ''Excelsior'', Captain Grimmer is forced at gunpoint to transmit a false message from an alleged resistance group led by Andrew Steiner calling the Strikers to the world of [[Apollo (planet)|Apollo]]. Aware that this may be a trap, Adam Steiner is nevertheless unable to resist and takes the First Somerset Strikers to Apollo where they drop straight into a Jade Falcon ambush. In the middle of the fight, Kristen Redmond appears with another Jade Falcon unit including Pythor and delivers an ultimatum to Nicolai Malthus from Vandervahn Chistu: Surrender or be destroyed. The Clan units decimate each other to three 'Mechs each before they notice that the Strikers have left and decide to jointly pursue them first.

The Strikers have withdrawn to the ruins of Apollo's astronomical survey station in hopes of finding the resistance, but discover none and realize the trap for what it was. As they prepare to leave, Pythor in his ''[[Hunchback]]'' suddenly attacks them but his 'Mech is destroyed and he is taken captive. Pythor's IFF transponder is removed from his 'Mech and mounted on Adam Steiner's ''[[Axman]]''. This allows Adam to close with the other Clan pursuers unhindered and launch a volley of missiles at Nicolai Malthus' BattleMech who thinks Pythor opened fire on him. The two Clan factions are ready to turn against each other again, then realize what is going on and together pursue the retreating Adam. Elementals attack the Strikers and when the situation looks grim, Adam calls for a Trial against Nicolai Malthus, Kristen Redmond and Ciro. Over the course of the brief battle that follows, Adam runs to a dam and draws heavy fire. Stray shots hit the dam and cause it to crumble, and Adam kicks his jump jets just before a wall of water converges on his opponents with Adam's jump-capable 'Mech hovering above the flood. This victory allows the Strikers to withdraw yet again.

===Episode 11 - Shadow Heir===
:''For a full transcript, see'' [[BattleTech: The Animated Series/Shadow Heir]]
As the Strikers prepare for their final jump to Somerset, Captain Frestadt of the ''Kwaidan'' abducts Franklin Sakamoto and disables the ships with expert sabotage, then leaves with the sole operational ''Banshee''. Unable to contact the ''Katana'', the ''Kwaidan'' and her crew are left floating in enemy space while Frestadt arrives at the ''Katana'' and the JumpShip jumps away. Only moments later, the [[ISF]] JumpShip ''[[Ishiyama (Individual Invader-class JumpShip)|Ishiyama]]'' appears to arrest Captain Frestadt as a member of the [[Black Dragon Society]]. They offer the ''Kwaidan'' a ride to pursue the ''Katana'' to the suspected location of the rebel base in the [[Bensinger]] system, after a risky quick-charging of the ''Ishiyama'''s [[K-F drive]].

Down on Bensinger IV, Franklin Sakamoto learns that he is the illegitimate son of Draconis Combine [[Coordinator]] [[Theodore Kurita]] and that the Black Dragon Society want to overthrow the Coordinator and put Franklin in the position. He refuses, but to no avail. The unexpected arrival of the ISF together with the Strikers once again leads to a three-sided battle, as the Strikers learn the ISF is prepared to kill Franklin just to be sure.

In the end, Franklin publicly renounces any claim he may have to the Kurita throne. News of the safe retrieval of Prince [[Hohiro Kurita II]] from [[Turtle Bay]] mean the ISF can officially relieve Franklin of all responsibility to lead his country. Yet the revelation that he is of [[House Kurita]] noble blood has a profound impact on the behavior of Franklin's crew, much to his chagrin.

===Episode 12 - Homecoming===
:''For a full transcript, see'' [[BattleTech: The Animated Series/Homecoming]]
To enter the Somerset system, Adam, Rachel, Val and Kylie hide in an apparently derelict ''Banshee'' and allow themselves to be picked up by a Jade Falcon merchant ship, the ''[[Prosperity]]''.<ref>Identified by this name in the ''[[1st Somerset Strikers (sourcebook)]]'', p. 87</ref> They overpower the crew and force them to return the ship to Somerset. Once there, Rachel and Val make their way to the orbital scanning system and disable it to allow the ''Kwaidan'' to safely drop on the planet, while Adam and Kylie are delivered to the Clans disguised as prisoners. Val and Rachel, wearing Clan uniforms, then infiltrate the Academy compound but eventually they are arrested and brought before Kristen Redmond. Adam Steiner frees his brother and a crazy fight involving an uprising of the Cadets held captive at the academy reaches its climax when Star Colonel Nicolai Malthus announces his arrival, with three stars of OmniMechs making a combat drop right onto the academy.

===Episode 13 - Trial of Possession===
:''For a full transcript, see'' [[BattleTech: The Animated Series/Trial of Possession]]
The Clan counterattack on the recaptured Somerset Military Academy is a vicious slugfest. During the battle, Ciro frees Kristen Redmond and Pythor. It all boils down to a duel between Adam Steiner and Nicolai Malthus. They agree to fight a [[Trial of Possession]] in BattleMechs for Somerset, and Adam chooses the rugged northern continent as the site of the trial. If Adam wins, Somerset is his and no Clansman will ever again set foot on it; otherwise, the planet and the Strikers belong to Nicolai Malthus.

In the brutal fight both 'Mechs are disabled and they end up fighting each other on foot, with the climax fought on Malthus' broken 'Mech. Eventually, blinded by his rage, Malthus strikes a live power cable and falls. He concedes defeat and vows to uphold their bargain "to the letter." Adam believes he has won, but later he finds out that the Clan has withdrawn its forces from Somerset but took the population with them as captives, including his brother Andrew, and he has only gained an empty planet.

== Major Characters ==
* '''[[Adam Steiner]]''' – A native of the planet Somerset, Adam is a skilled tactician and BattleMech pilot and also flies aerospace fighters. In the show, he pilots AXM-2N ''[[Axman]]'' and AWS-9M ''[[Awesome]]'' 'Mechs.
*'''[[Rachel Specter]]''' – Adam's executive officer and close friend. An expert in electronics and communication, she coordinates the Striker's actions in battle (an early incarnation of the [[MechCommander (officer)|MechCommander]] position).
*'''[[Ciro Ramirez]]''' – Born to a minor but prestigious family of MechWarriors, Ciro is a skilled pilot but very set in his ways. He is captured by Clan forces early in the series, and eventually comes to accept their way of life, joining Jade Falcon Clan for good and fighting against his former teammates. In the show he initially pilots a WLF-2 ''[[Wolfhound]]'', briefly Steiner's captured ''Axman'', and later a ''[[Timber Wolf]]''.
* '''[[Katiara Kylie]]''' – Also a native of Somerset, Katiara originally washed out of Adam's training program on Tharkad, but manages to make her way into the team, much to Ciro's displeasure. She is a skilled aerospace fighter pilot. In the show she pilots a ''[[Banshee (Aerospace Fighter)|Banshee]]'' aerospace fighter and gets to use an ''[[Infiltrator]]'' battle armor.
*'''[[Zachary Miles Hawkins]]''' – "Hawk" is a veteran MechWarrior who works with [[Federated Commonwealth]] intelligence. After capturing a Draconis Combine JumpShip (the ''Katana'') for smuggling, he finds himself reassigned to the Strikers under Adam Steiner's command. Initially distrustful not only of the Combine crewmen but also of his new commanding officer, he eventually comes to respect Adam's piloting and leadership abilities. In the show he pilots an MAL-1R ''[[Mauler]]'' 'Mech (arguably in truth a ''[[Daboku]]'').
*'''[[Valten Ryder]]''' – A scoundrel of a MechWarrior. Hired by the Strikers on the planet of [[Dustball]], where he worked for a local crime boss to retrieve his father's BattleMech. Very much out for himself, but surprisingly loyal to his friends. In the show, he pilots CN9-D ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'' and BSW-X1 ''[[Bushwacker]]'' 'Mechs.
*'''[[Franklin Sakamoto]]''' – Originally a smuggler for a Draconis Combine crime syndicate, Franklin overcomes his distrust of Adam Steiner to become one of the most valuable members of the Strikers, saving Prince [[Victor Steiner-Davion]] from an assassination attempt and becoming the first [[Inner Sphere]] battle armor trooper to destroy a Clan BattleMech. During his time with the Strikers it turns out that Franklin is the illegitimate son of [[Theodore Kurita]], the ruler of the Combine. Because of this he gets caught up in an attempted coup against Kurita by the Black Dragon Society against his will. The plot fails, and Franklin renounces his claim to the Draconis throne to rejoin the Strikers. Franklin pilots ''[[Sloth]]'' battle armor, as well as AWS-9M ''Awesome'' and HTM-27T ''[[Hatamoto-Chi]]'' 'Mechs.
*'''[[Ernest McGuire]]''' - "Patch", as he is called, has an innate affinity with machinery and serves as the unit's Tech, repairing and jury rigging 'Mechs and spacecraft with equal ease.
*'''[[Jeroen Frestadt]]''' - The Captain of the DropShip ''Kwaidan'' sees himself as a loyal citizen of the Draconis Combine and intensely dislikes having to serve under the command of a Federated Commonwealth officer with no respect for his delicate ship. He is the father of [[Marissa Frestadt]], and a sleeper agent for the Black Dragon Society.
*'''Dr. [[Deidre Nakamura]]''' - An expert medic and loyal Draconis Combine citizen, member of Franklin Sakamoto's crew.
*'''[[Nicolai Malthus]]''' - A [[Star Colonel]] in the Jade Falcon ''[[touman]]'', he was originally assigned to assist in the capture of the Inner Sphere, but quickly grew a deep loathing of Adam Steiner and his Strikers for what he perceives as barbaric ways and dishonor, owing to the Major's unconventional tactics (at least to Clan minds) of hit-and-run. He also becomes the bondholder of Ciro Ramirez after his capture by the Jade Falcons. He is portrayed as the stereotypical Clansman, placing great emphasis on honor and what he believes to be "correct" warfare, and does not place nearly as much on loyalty.
*'''[[Kristen Redmond]]''' - A [[Star Captain]] in the Jade Falcon ''touman'', she is a bitter rival of Star Colonel Nicolai Malthus, partially owing to her age (far into her ''[[solahma]]'' years), and partially due to his dereliction of duty to Galaxy Commander Chistu in order to pursue the Strikers. For a short period of time she is a bondswoman of Adam Steiner, but escapes from his [[DropShip]] due to his repeated unwillingness to give her duties in the way that she believes he should as her bondholder.
*'''[[Vandervahn Chistu]]''' - The [[Galaxy Commander]] in charge of the unit of Nicolai Malthus and Kristen Redmond, he is committed to the invasion doctrine and frequently chastised Nicolai Malthus over it, at one point instructing the newly returned Kristen Redmond to hunt him down and kill him. He is not regularly seen throughout the series.
*'''[[Pytor]]''' - An experienced but frustrated Clan warrior who frequently offers advice to Nicolai Malthus, only to be brushed aside because of his ''solahma'' age.
*'''[[Natalya]]''' - The [[Star Commander]] of the [[Star]] of [[Elemental]]s attached to Kristen Redmond's unit, she is frequently seen in combat against the Strikers.

==TYCO BattleTech Toys==
:''see also:'' [[TYCO Toys]]
Parallel to the TV show TYCO Toys offered a small line of action figures, 'Mechs, and battlesuits. The 1994 assortment consisted of:
*AXM-2N ''Axman'' with Major Adam Steiner
*MAL-1R ''Mauler'' with Zack Hawkins
*BSW-X1 ''Bushwacker'' with Valten Ryder
* BSX-X2 ''Banshee'' aerospace fighter with Franklin Sakamoto
*''Summoner M (Thor)'' with Nicolai Malthus
*''Hunchback IIC'' with Pytor
*Toad (Elemental Suit) with Nicolai Malthus
*Infiltrator battle armor with Major Adam Steiner
*Sloth battle armor with Franklin Sakamoto

In 1995 a second series was released. The entire series consisted of series 1 repaints. No new vehicles were introduced. The repaints were called Tiger Camo and Assault colors and are considered extremely rare.

==External links==
*The [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0138224/ animated series] at the Internet Movie Database
*Episodes on Youtube:
**[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLJM4vjMdhc Episode 1]
**[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vscK-3PFYLQ Episode 2]
**[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sr-VZtc3YGw Episode 3]
**[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcqQYt7p2Ko Episode 4]
**[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUq0-s5S8Aw Episode 5]
**[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBIiZoFNSFg Episode 5A]
**[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5_dwpgMuRk Episode 6]
**[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rg3FBCMiWdc Episode 7]
**[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeZ0z8rONQ8 Episode 8]
**[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UudDgK1_7vA Episode 9]
**[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEq7m8_4bG0 Episode 10]
**[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snEP1XKASFY Episode 11]
**[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew-zRJy-iQU Episode 12]
**[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48nF6cZfwfs Episode 13]
*[http://tyco-battletech.de/index.html TYCO BATTLETECH ARCHIVE]

==Notes==
* [[Sam Lewis (person)|Sam Lewis]], when asked about the cartoon show in a 2022 interview, mentioned that Episode 5A was special because of a problem during production (not on FASA's side, he stressed); as a result, this episode made use of cel animation footage that had originally been meant to be used instead of the computer generated "Enhanced Imaging" battle footage as a fallback measure because the producers had doubted whether FASA could actually produce the computer animation on time. He also said that there were no written storylines for a second season, but the general idea would have been for Adam Steiner go to into Clan space to rescue his people.

==References==
<references/>

==Bibliography==
* ''[[1st Somerset Strikers (sourcebook)]]''
* ''[[Era Report: 3052]]''
* ''[[Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers]]''
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMKQ_zW4cnE "Sam Lewis Talks BattleTech" interview with Renegade HPG] (YouTube video uploaded 02 February 2022)
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''


[[Category:BattleTech Universe Products]]