This episode is the opposite of our Hidden Gems discussion. Rather than bigging up amazing Transformers toys that nobody mentions, we're re-assessing former releases which are already well known — but not in a good way. These are the perceived stinkers, the Renford Rejects, the real bottom-of-the-barrel stuff. The toys that as soon as they're mentioned online, everyone will quickly jump in to give them a major kicking, swiftly pointing out in elaborate detail why they are just plain bad.

And it's not so much that we disagree with a lot of the points commonly made — it's more that we think the toys we're putting in the spotlight maybe have more going on beyond their all-too-often highlighted flaws. Sometimes a toy can be a bit of a letdown but still offer something that makes it otherwise enjoyable, or perhaps it just doesn't deserve the harsh reaction it so typically garners. Maybe the hate is justified, or maybe time and perspective reveal redeeming qualities that got lost in the initial backlash.

That's what we're evaluating here, as we each choose a toy from Transformers history to sit in the dock and be judged all over again. We examine why these figures earned their reputations, what they actually get right despite their failings, and whether the community's collective memory is fair or simply piling on. Some might still be irredeemable disasters, but others might surprise you with hidden merit that's been overshadowed by swift judgement.

Do they deserve the hate? There's only one way to find out.

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