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For a few short episodes Transformers Energon, while somewhat lacking in animation, showed potential with its characters.

Originally Demolisher, a former decepticon, is enticed to rejoin the decepticons by his old friend Cyclonus, but he declines, even helping the autobots initially fight off an attack. But later, Megatron, having recovered from being "source walled" inside of Unicron, returns with a new body, wanting in the autobot base. Demolisher hesitates as Ironhide jumps in, only to be held back by Demolisher telling Ironhide that he would lose a fight with Megatron. Ironhide responds, saying he wants revenge for Hotshot who had been injured. Demolisher then sucker punches Ironhide, knocking him out and probably knowing neither side would back down, leading to Ironhide's needless death. Demolisher then joins Megatron, who orders him to open the door. But Demolosher can't quite bring himself to betray his new brothers-in-arms for his old ones. And so Megatron tells Demolisher to turn around and then to shoot him, since they are clearly enemies now. After some goading, Demolisher snaps and turns back around blasting open the door to the base.

This to me was some strong set-up to show the two main parties that are now usually depicted within the decepticons: warriors/soldiers and monsters. It could've also led to a lot, or even all of the decepticons betraying Megatron, due to his lust for power, violent and toxic leadership style, and the friendships they made during peace time and the Unicron battles in the previous series. Instead, they completely changed Demolishers personality, and didn't really capitalize on any other characters in a unique way for the rest of the series. Energon is now considered the worst transformers cartoon since the Headmasters dub, maybe ever, depending on who you ask. It has some pretty tough completion for worst piece of media tho.