What if instead of killing Optimus Prime they only had him step down as leader?

[Starsaberdub]

What if they had him pass on the roll of leader to Rodimus Prime or Ultra Magnus he remained a member of the cast as a mentor or something?

[Denyer]

It could possibly have been explored better the idea that previous Autobot leaders continued to exist (in some form) in the matrix and/or appearances in flashbacks.

That way the story probably wouldn't end up being about Optimus as much.

[Starsaberdub]

It could possibly have been explored better the idea that previous Autobot leaders continued to exist (in some form) in the matrix and/or appearances in flashbacks.

That way the story probably wouldn't end up being about Optimus as much.

When they brought Optimus was it necessary for him to take the leadership back from Rodimus when the show was going to end and if so why?

[Denyer]

That's the default character arc for a reluctant leader. Rodimus doesn't want the mantle. And in the cartoons he hasn't really been leader for that long so going back to being Hot Rod is arguably a relief and he hasn't been too scarred by it yet.

[Starsaberdub]

That's the default character arc for a reluctant leader. Rodimus doesn't want the mantle. And in the cartoons he hasn't really been leader for that long so going back to being Hot Rod is arguably a relief and he hasn't been too scarred by it yet.

Was it necessary for Optimus taking back the leadership as well as coming back if the show was going to end?

[Denyer]

Narratively or are you just asking the question again until you get the answer you want?

The US show didn't incorporate the concept of there being multiple Primes operational at the same time.