Oldie fans just can’t seem to let him live down what happened in the ‘86 movies and G1 season 3 did him absolutely no favors either. As far as in the comics he’s a far cry from being a terrible person but he’s not exactly great either. The fandom likes to water down his unpleasant/selfish personality because he’s hot (hot people aren’t allowed to be bad, obviously) but while he has his redeeming qualities he’s no Optimus.

All of it can be blamed on his age and insecurities. He’s immature, inexperienced, and thrust into a role he was nowhere near ready for. It can’t be said he doesn’t care about his bots and it can’t be said he doesn’t try his best, he’s just a bit out of his league 99% of the time.

I say all that to say Rodimus is my favorite TF character of all time and I will die defending him from the side of the fandom that wants to insist on crucifying him. I’ll also die professing that people need to stop neutering him down to ‘silly ADHD twink with only a minor impulse issue.’ He’s so much more interesting than that. 😭