Movie Re-Review: Journey Beyond Sodor (2017)

Back on May 12th 2017, the trailer had dropped for 'Journey Beyond Sodor' on the official Thomas YouTube channel alongside a Behind the scenes video for the movie starring Hugh Bonneville, who was the celebrity actor for the film voicing Merlin. But once when the trailer was released one thing wasn't met with praise, amongst older fans. The engine's bodies were moving, I'll get to that later on in the review. Pretty much after that, for the older fandom in general, 2017 for Thomas was going down south, as mentioned in my S21 review from April.

But now that the movie is nearly five years old does it still hold up despite the uproar from the older fandom? Or is it still something that haunts the memories amongst some Thomas fans from the year that was 2017? Let's find out.

But first:  

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND ARE NOT INFLUENCED FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FANDOM

JOURNEY BEYOND SODOR

Written by
Andrew Brenner

Directed by

David Stoten

Produced by

Ian McCue (HIT/Mattel)

Tracy Blagdon (Jam Filled)

Release Date

22/08/17 - US

4/10/17 - AUS

16/10/17 - UK

Distrbuted by

HIT Entertainment/Mattel Creations

MY VIEWS

We start off with the usual cold opening of the special with us being introduced to the Island of Sodor. To be honest as much as I like the opening, I feel that it could've been scrapped in favour of adding more breathing room to the story or setting up the mainland and how different it was compare to Sodor. Everyone knows about the Island of Sodor and what's there since we'd been exposed to it for years on the TV screen and it adds unneeded build up to what the special is really about as Sodor was barely in much of the special. 

After Henry had his accident, we now see the two main characters of the special, I honestly feel that more could've been done with their rivalry like maybe have James being on time with his trains while Thomas was not, probably due to problems on his branch line like animals blocking the line, faulty signals or points or broken tracks. Like I feel that the rivalry they had was a bit out of nowhere in the special.

Meanwhile the Fat Controller had decided to let James take Henry's trucks to the mainland. I remember people saying that Thomas was out of character in the special thinking that he was just some whiny little kid who doesn't get everything he wants. But I seem to remember he was exactly like that in 'Thomas' Train', I mean that scene with Thomas ranting to Percy about James 9 minutes into the film feels like that scene when Thomas was being annoying to the other engines, yes I know that in S1 and 'The Adventure Begins' that he grew up but most of Thomas episodes and movies are more plot driven than character driven, sure they learn their lesson in the end but they would go back to their usual way in the end because it creates conflict and brings out more stories. I personally felt Andrew Brenner was only trying to make Thomas like this to appease the older fans who for years want the show to be like the classic series, when really it's not easy to replicate something from childhood. 

The next day, James was surprised that Thomas took the train to mainland himself and told the Fat Controller crossly, however he'd decided to let James take over Thomas' branch line while Thomas was away. I honestly never liked how the Fat Controller just didn't seem too cross about Thomas taking the trucks without asking, which would cause some disruption to a railway in real life, but realism was already thrown out of the windows years before this special came out. I guess Mattel didn't like the reception that they got from parents about the Fat Controller from Lost Treasure, because they don't seem to understand that he has an entire railway system to look after while juggling with an extension and a tank engine who was causing trouble at the same time. 

It seems some of them wanted him to be more of an irresponsible parent, since the Fat Controller is one metaphorically. That and years and years of stupid comparisons of him being a dictator to his engines made up by jouranlists because they don't have anything else better to do.

Meanwhile Thomas was on the mainland, for the second time following 'The Great Race'. Yes the setting of it is bare but I will give it a pass considering that Arc Productions, who were animating the special at the time, was bankrupt in 2016 and so work was halted prior to Jam Filled taking over around the same month, August and, from my memory, they lost one month of production and probably didn't have much time sprucing it all up. However I don't know why they hadn't update it for 'Thomas & The Royal Engine' in 2020? I guess they didn't want to put much work into it due to the shot being short. 

I will say the troublesome trucks bantering and teasing was fun to watch though. Later Thomas was still making his way towards Bridlington and soon we got to meet our first newbie, Beresford, not much can say about him but considering that he was a secondary character his development couldn't be that important since most secondary characters don't usually get much focus. But although he was agressive you can feel for him that he was a lonely crane and that he hasn't anyone to talk too, could've been an episode if 'Big World, Big Adventures' wasn't greenlit, not that I have anything against that era of the series. 

We also got one of the songs called 'Who's Thomas'. Beresford's song didn't progress much of the story but it did give us on who he is, it was a nice way to introduce his character. After Thomas left Beresford, we now see him trundling through a forest and into a yard that introduce us to more newbies such as Lexie and Theo. Two experimental engines. Prior to that, Thomas ran out of coal. A side effect that'd started from S7's 'Trusty Rusty'. Thankfully they had fixed that in Big World. Another little nitpick that I had with the scene is that the trucks were scared by the look of the yards called a bads yard, wouldn't it better to call it a scrap yard? It has a bit of rhythm there.

Lexi is an engine who experiments with her voice for many different accents, done by the wonderfully talented Lucy Montgomery. I remember an article says that she was gender fluid and it'd caused an uproar in the fandom but honestly I don't see that myself, not that I have anything against people who are gender fluid. Lexi's name is commonly identified with females. 

One example of gender fluidility in the show that I can bring is Rusty. In the books Rusty has always been a male character but when the TV series was made around its fourth season, Thomas had been getting criticism for its lack of female characters and at the time when Britt Allcroft was running the show, she was adapting the stories from the books from an era where women stay at home and men go to the office and of course by the 1990's the culture had changed since then. So Britt Allcroft's approach was to make Rusty gender fluid, given the name it can be either male or female like Red, Rain, River etc. and with the gender pronouns he was often reffered to as 'the diesel' or 'the little diesel', although as a kid I'd always assumed he was male. By S9, HIT Entertainment changed his pronouns to him/he. I don't know if any kids show had done this back in the 90's but it was a ballasy move to do that, given how many people act irrationally over gender when someone doesn't identify themselves as a male or female. If I'm straightsplaning here, I apologise and if you see Lexi as gender fluid, do it. Just like how Mark Hamill says about Luke Skywalker can be seen gay by the LGBTI community.

Theo a shy and unconfident engine, and a subtle representation to people with autism. I'm not very familar with autism since I don't have it nor the experience so I won't say how the way Theo was written was either wrong or right. But I do like his character, he's a cynical engine based on the fact that his design was a failure since he was an experiment. After Thomas' brief visit, we then see him going to the steelworks where we meet Hurricane and Frankie with their song, which is a total banger, 'The Hottest Place In Town' introducing us to the steelworks.

Meanwhile back on Sodor, the engines were worried about Thomas as he hadn't returned from the mainland. I remember people having a problem with Percy's character, considering that after 'Tale of The Brave' he had learnt that being brave is not about not being scared it's about what you do even when you do feel scared. But I did say that most of the episodes and specials have become more plot driven. Although I think it would've been nice to see Percy help saving his friend, but then again the special was more focused as a Thomas and James special. I know that Percy was scared in 'The Great Race' but I kinda see that as natural behaviour of self doubt like Toby being worried about the dam for breaking up in 'Toby and The Flood' in S5. Sometimes being worried about things can be natural. 

Next morning, Thomas was forced to work at the steelworks after Frankie manipulated him by saying that they had done his work for him and surely he should repay them for their gratitude. Their is alot of mystery surrounding Frankie and it's a shame that the show didn't do much with her afterwards, unlike Merlin, now that the original show had ended. Like Frankie says that Thomas is her favourite 'new engine' which kinda implies that their had been other engines before he came to the steelworks.

While Thomas was at the steelworks, the Fat Controller began to worry about Thomas for not returning home. However I find it odd that Percy was more worried about Thomas being delayed than lost. But from looking at the scene of the Fat Controller having a hard time with Thomas being away and dealing with engines doing other work, it was nice to see him acting as a railway controller and I remember people had a problem with BWBA not showing that, despite that Thomas hadn't apologised to the other engines for leaving behind his work based on a cheeky idea and James as well for thinking more about himself by being a hero for finding Thomas, but I think from watching this special we could get the idea of what a railway without Thomas would be like, despite that the Thin Controller was in charge in the latter special. 

Back at the steelworks, Thomas was tired but Frankie and Hurricane were pleased with his help, although it was done by force. But from looking at Hurricane, I feel that he was more genuine when it comes to Thomas' help. He feels like a friendly giant. He was more concerned about Thomas whereas Frankie was more stern and forceful towards him.

Meanwhile we got another song, 'I Want To Go Home', which was a beautiful song and was sang well by John Hasler. I think nowadays the song does kinda hits home considering that we are in a pandemic and although some countries have been vaccinated, and you should too without listening to all the BS from social media from anti-vaxxers, some countries, as of writing this post, like us here in Australia are in lockdown because of the delta-variant of COVID-19. We all like to be at different places but we just want to come home and be with our family and friends as they are important but sadly some can't unless they have a reason to come home.

Also during the song it does kinda show Thomas going through hard manual labor and considering that so many people interpret Thomas is under some tyrinncial ruling on Sodor kinda showcases here hard on the mainland when on Sodor it's hard work but the Fat Controller is more of a kind and worriesome father figure. 

The scene with James and the sheep though does kinda show that patience is virtue, even though some members of the fandom don't even learn that. After James went off to the mainland to find Thomas, really to be a hero, Thomas had decided to escape the steelworks, although he was found out by Frankie and Hurricane. I love how the scene had no dialouge nor narration for a bit and it gave off a very 'show don't tell' way of what Thomas is doing. As Thomas ran away and hid in some bushes, we then meet, although off screen, the last newbie, Merlin, although you can see him for a split second when Frankie and Hurricane came by again. 

I will say I love Hugh Bonnieville's acting as Merlin and you can tell he had so much fun voicing him. It was interesting to hear Merlin talking about being a stealth engine as his experiment, based on his real life basis, was during war time as he was given three funnels so that the steam can block the engine from any potentail bombers during WWII, although it was a failure. 

Next morning Thomas was looking for Merlin. I like this scene as you have the sounds of nature, no music to set the mood as the silence is the mood. It was nice and calming, feels like something from an anime that doesn't require too much music. Meanwhile James arrived at Bridlington to look for Thomas, however none of the engines hadn't even seen him. Although it was great seeing the EWS diesels, considering that their livery is the same as their basis' livery, it just seems odd to see a British built engine having an American accent, although the steam team and some secondary characters have that in the US dub, it just feels strange since they'd never done that previously, same can be said with the trucks. No offence to American fans but I just much prefer the UK dub.

Meanwhile Thomas had returned to the experimental engine's yard, much to the excitment of Lexi and Theo. But Thomas was downtrodden because he'd lost James' trucks, although he was told they were delivered but I think because of how Hurricane and Frankie treated him he probably have some doubts, and had no sense of direction for his way home that he felt useless. The experimental engines told them that they had the same problem but Thomas thought they were amazing and that leads us to the song 'We Can't Do Anything' which ties itself to the plot and love how they'd showcased the different dynamics of the experimental engines with Theo and Lexi being the cynics and Merlin being the more confident one. This is where we see Merlin for the first time in physical form. The music was good too.

After Thomas left the yards, since the experimental engines couldn't help him to find his way back to Sodor, although Merlin wanted to give it a try, Thomas arrived at the canal despite Beresford catching him with his hook, Colin Mcfarland did a really good job at voicing him. While Thomas was telling Beresford that he shouldn't force someone to be their friend and to stay, you have to be nice to them. Meanwhile Hurricane and Frankie were passing by with James, while Thomas was hiding away. Thomas wanted to save him and, with Merlin, following suit, by his side, he decided that he and the experimental engines help Thomas to rescue James.

Meanwhile James was at the steelworks while Hurricane and Frankie were singing to him. However James wanted to know where Thomas is. However they told him that Thomas was gone and may've been going to 'see the world', a subtle foreshadow for BWBA? And told James he could be back, which is a way to keep him and force him to do the work.

Back at the yards, Thomas and the experimental engines had decided to save James, with Theo being worried. You could see a bit of growth from Lexi, although she doubts herself into doing something she wants to help no matter what. And so a plan was made, Theo and Lexi created a diverson so that Thomas could go in and get James, while Merlin sits back and keep watch, although maybe he could've gone and help Thomas anyway but was probably done so that conflict can be made.

Meanwhile Thomas was in the steelworks to try and find James, but the plan was foiled as Merlin was spotted pulling into the steelworks. Thomas had found James but soon the chase was on to try and escape the steelworks. Although how Thomas had fallen from the magnet was a bit silly as he was flung round like a toy but like I said before, realism is not really a necessity in the show at this point of the series. However when the slag was spilt over, Hurricane came to Thomas' rescue, as I said before, it shows that he does care for Thomas' safety and he was not evil at heart. However the slag caused his wheels to melt and of course inoperable.

Frankie began to cry since now she was left to do the workload, since Hurricane's wheels had melted and the other engines were to head off. I remember some people had a problem with the ending thinking that Thomas was throwing the experimental engines under the bus since both her and Hurricane had held Thomas and James against their will. But I think with Frankie admitted everything and Thomas knowing that Hurricane had saved him, he probably doesn't see them as bad engines and admitted their fault and so recommended the experimental engines to help out, despite some demure from Lexi and Theo thinking they can't do anything but with Merlin telling them that they can try and do the work. I don't think the ending was bad to be honest. 

In the end, Thomas and James head back for Sodor and apologised to each other for their behaviour and so we were given our final 'The Most Important Thing Is Being Friends', a typical friendship song but not a bad song though. 

OVERALL

In the end, the special wasn't really that bad. Like I said in my review for S21, when you remove all the BS that was 2017 in the Thomas fandom, it's really not a bad special. There were a few flaws but some were minor to me really and I kinda like this better than 'The Great Race', even though I don't think that was bad. There were some decent characters and songs and the plot was good too. I do remember parents, particulary from Amazon, at the time of the movie's release had complained that the movie was 'too dark' but honestly their are many kids movies that have some dark elements but they always tend to have a happy ending, like Don Bluth's films such as 'The Secret of Nimh'. Heck even some Disney films like 'Bambi' and 'The Lion King' had some dark elements. Even 'Mewtwo Strikes Back' from Pokemon, both the original and the remake. But, in common with each other, they all had happy endings indicating to the child that their can be a light at the end of the tunnel. 

I understand that parents don't want their kids to be scared but we live in a world where their is conflict, dark stuff and people who love to do terrible things. You can't wrap them up in cotton wool and expect them to learn all this stuff when they're older. That's disrespectful to the mind of a child. 

I remember the 'controversey' amongst the older fandom when it comes to the bouncing and I will say this, I still standby that it brought in much more expressive movement to the character. Yes they are suppose to be locomotive but like I said time and time again about realism, it had been thrown out of the window since the fifth season. I remember the fandom being OK with all the other unrealistic stuff years prior to this movie, heck I remember people liking Kevin's movement in 'Snow Place Like Home' from S19 and yet when everyone bounces some people had lost their minds. In the end, kids did like bouncing and it was left intact until the end of BWBA last year. The movement in this special was alot of subtle. 

So that's my re-review done and I think this special was good overall. Maybe next year I might do 'Big World Big Adventures' again, can't make any promises. 

OVERALL RATING

8/10  

DVD Review: Animal Adventures

On April 1st 1985, a year after its television debut, the first thirteen episodes of Series 1 were released on VHS in the UK. Ever since then many episodes had been released on three different formats from Betamax, VHS right up until the DVD and now on May 31st 2021, we are at the last home video release of 36 years of continuity. Is the DVD worth it? Let's find out, but first: 

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND ARE NOT INFLUENED FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FANBASE

ANIMAL ADVENTURES

Episodes

Thomas' Animal Friends

Emily's Best Friend

Thomas' Fuzzy Friend

The Great Little Railway Show

Nia and the Unfriendly Elephant

Thomas' Not-So-Lucky Day

Yong Bao and the Tiger

Gordon and Rebecca, Coming Through!

Cleo the Road Engine

Directed by

Ian Cherry

Dianna Basso

Produced by

Ian McCue (HIT/Mattel)

Tracy Blagdon (Jam Filled)

Special Features

N/A

Release Date

31/05/21 - UK

Distributed by

HIT/Mattel Creations - UK

EPISODES

I'm surprised that Mattel hadn't released 'Thomas and the Forest Engines' on any of BWBA's DVD releases, not even on S23's 'Carnival Day' DVD, heck it was themed after Brazil! But I honestly don't see that as a huge problem, not just because the episode was a bit meh, although I will give it credit for wiping out Bash, Dash and Ferdinand of the show's continuity since Thomas had said he had never seen engines like Marcia and Marcio before, thank you Davey Moore. But I digress. The reason why I don't see it as a huge deal is because we are now living in a world where people can stream these episodes on whatever streaming service they have or even YouTube. For us here in Australia, the episode will be on the ABC iview whenever the episode airs, until ABC stops airing repeats of S24 to make way for more shows as well as Stan whenever a series compilation comes out. In the UK and US it'll be on Netflix, until whenever Mattel ends their deal with them.

There are three good episodes coming out from this release and they were 'The Great Little Railway Show', 'Yong Bao and the Tiger' and 'Nia and the Unfriendly Elephant'. Great Little Railway may've not been Michael White's best, but I enjoyed it regardless with Percy's character. I love Percy's naivety about the idea of a railway show for little engines while the Fat Controller didn't provide much context behind it for Percy to comprehend plus it was a nice way as a little 'send off' to all of the little engines of the show, since Mattel are rebooting the show. It was a good episode with Percy's truest character as it reminded me of his character from 'Percy & the Signal'.

Nia and the Unfriendly Elephant was another good one because I like how Nia, visually, was overeger about the new elephant and how she thinks her past experience with the ones in Kenya would make it easy to get the elephant to be more comfortable. To me it's better than 'Nia's Bright Idea' as that episode wasn't really much about Nia overcoming any obstacle herself whereas Elephant does kinda show what she faces with and has to overcome it herself. It was interesting that the Fat Controller rewarded her with helping out of the animal park. If Mattel had decided to keep on going with the series instead of rebooting the show, maybe we could've had more episodes showcasing her working on Edward's branch line. 

Yong Bao and the Tiger is still one of the best. There was nice character development towards Yong Bao, however I think maybe with more running space we could see more of his development but it was nice to see him getting more motivation from the tiger as in Chinese culture, the tiger embodies progress so it helped Yong Bao to become the engine he's known today. Plus the music and the art style were great too.  

While I had enjoyed those episodes, I can't say they were above the standard of S17-21 but then again even I don't see those seasons as something great or perfect, they maybe better but even they share some flaws, I mean some fans don't like the dimensional character of Thomas since the writers had never really stuck with his progression and yet wanted the show to be back to that era. The other episodes such 'Thomas' Animal Friends', 'Emily's Best Friend' and 'Thomas' Fuzzy Friend' were OK in my book. Say what you want about Animal Friends but the episode was rather charming with Thomas enjoying something before being berated by the other engines for looking ridiculous, to be honest I feel that episode represent to people who actually like BWBA and saw it as something fun while other berate them for enjoying it, sadly their are people who are like that. These are the same kind of people who would berate someone for liking the Disney Star Wars sequels. 

'Emily's Best Friend' is not a great episode but it was miles better than her mediocre rescue episode, for that episode it was more of a Christopher Awdry story, something happened to Emily because it did. In the Best Friend episode, Emily was sad that she doesn't have a 'best friend' like Thomas and Percy and it distracted her from her job of taking sand until she realises that in the end, she's surrounded by all her friends, it kinda gives the message that you have more than one best friend. Emily never really had a strong episode since S19 but it was nice that the production team had a go at her having stories one last time. 

'Thomas' Fuzzy Friend' was another charming episode involving a dog and I still think it was wholesome in the end. If you're still upset by the idea of a dog peeing on James' wheels, don't forget to click the link in the episode review under the episode's list and see what video, that I had linked, that older fans had made when it comes to toilet humor. Can't have it both ways.

'Gordon and Rebecca Coming Through' had a nice message about being different but maybe it could've been better if it were about Rebecca wanting to be more like Gordon. Perhaps her trains were late because she took her time rather than being fast like Gordon but after being too much like Gordon she learns that she's different to him and there is no shame in that.'Cleo the Road Engine' was another good episode but I still wish Ruth was a bit more firmer with Cleo and her reckless driving, since she can move on her own. 

SPECIAL FEATURES

I don't think the UK ever had a Thomas DVD with no special features in the more recent years. But to be honest I'm not surprised. I mean they had used up all of the 'Meet the Characters' segment from 'Marvellous Machineary' so what else can they show? I believe they could've released the storytime segments that are on Amazon Prime and YouTube that starred Mark Moraghan but probably people at HIT and Mattel in the UK probably said, 'They're on their so they can watch it their.' and just can't be bothered, yet they would release the recent character videos on their YouTube channel so what is stopping them for doing the same to the ones on YouTube to DVD? 

I will say this, the special features had become more and more dull. They use to be exciting from 2013-15 as we had variety such as the storytime segments, the calling all engine sequence with various characters, the Earl's Quiz or Who's that Engine. The special features now just sucked. 

OVERALL

I honestly think the DVD isn't that bad in my opinion, the episodes weren't too bad but they aren't the best of the best in my opinion. If there's a particular episode you'd enjoyed like, for the older fandom, Yong Bao or the Great Little Railway Show, I prefer to buy them on iTunes. There's not much else I can say about the DVD now, since it just had episodes and lacked special features. 

So with this being the final S24 DVD and the final DVD ending 36 years of continuity, I would rather be thanking the people behind the scenes instead of bad mouthing how Mattel had handeled the brand for the umpteenth time. To start off, I would like to give thanks to:

- The animators at Arc/Jam Filled Productions: Thank you for the beautiful animation and art style and continuing the world of Thomas in CGI format. There may have been some hiccups with it all at times but it didn't stop them for creating such wonderful sets and characters that still live up to this day.

- The writing team: Such as Davey Moore, Micheal White, Beckey Overton, Helen Farrall, David Stoten, Lee Pressman etc. who had created such wonderful, creative and memorable stories and bringing more life to the Rev.W.Awdry's, Britt Allcroft's and David Mitton's characters. Such great stories from 2013-2020 and I wish you all the best on the other shows you're working on. 

- Andrew Brenner: Thank you for your dedication towards Thomas and your passion for it had made the show better compare to the last few years it was in from the production team that you'd replaced. Good luck on your other projects.

and finally, the biggest credit goes to...

IAN MCCUE

 I don't know how people feel about him in recent years with BWBA, but I think he had worked hard to try and bring the balance between the older fans and the target audience. He put so much passion into many Thomas episodes and came up with episode ideas with Andrew Brenner and David Stoten. He'd treated Thomas' legacy with such great respect. He may've had a few scuffle with some older fans when it came to the likes of 'fan service' being a major criticism from some, despite some going nuts over something like Big Mickey. But he had been respectful to the older fans and listen to their word on what works and what doesn't in episodes. 

Plus one fan had suggested and idea for a special in style of the ones from S23-24 and although he had denied the idea, he wanted the idea to be used as a fan made project: 

Funny you should mention this - in March 2019, I had a phone chat with Ian McCue discussing about an idea for special episodes (in the style of D&D, TRE etc) with Toby as the main character and a RETURNEE. While it got rejected, Ian encouraged me to make it into a fan-project.

— Elliot Killick-Ward (@ElliotKW) March 11, 2021

Well, truth to be told, Ian loved the story idea and didn't really want it going to waste, so he believes it would make make a good fan-made story. One thing that got him surprised to start off with was the fact I tried to get Flora back into the series.https://t.co/rgjUTNEnkv

— Elliot Killick-Ward (@ElliotKW) March 11, 2021

Although some of his ideas won't go down well with some older fans, he has respect for them and their creative output. I believe Ian McCue is still working for Mattel, since Fireman Sam is pretty much around still, although I don't know for how long since it isn't as successful in the scale of Thomas, heck the whole reason Mattel bought HIT was just because of Thomas, the other brands were just a freebie. I know that the 'Storytime' Podcast is on its second series. So a part of the Thomas series for 36 years is still going, although for how long? 

I wish everyone above all the best and thank you for your contribution to the world of Thomas the Tank Engine & his friends. Although I'm not a fan of 'S25', I will say this, it exists now and there's nothing we can do about it. No one from the general public is going care about the top 10 or 11 episodes or going to care about the lore, history and heritage of Thomas, sadly.  To the general public, Thomas is just another kids show for them.

Sure you can badmouth about 'S25' but if people enjoy it when it comes out later this year, just let them enjoy it. All the old stuff will still be there in the years to come regardless if the new show is a success or not and even if you ever have kids and they enjoy it maybe just let them be themselves. Showcase them the old stuff but if they are more interested in the new show and what it has to offer, just let them be themselves.

With this being the last DVD of the original series and very likely that Mattel would be more focused of releasing future Thomas episodes entierly on Netflix only, since that is future of home entertainment, I think I'm done with reviewing DVDs and I'm kinda glad as they were becoming a bit more of a chore instead of something as fun. This blog will still be up but don't expect many posts from me from time to time, the 'Journey Beyond Sodor' re-review will be happening still and don't expect a retrospective post of the DVDs from this year since there were only two released this year.

OVERALL RATING

6/10

CGI Series Re-Review: Series 21 (2017)

 THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND ARE NOT INFLUENCED FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FANBASE

SERIES 21

Written by

Davey Moore

Lee Pressman

Helen Farrall

Directed by

Dianna Basso

Produced by

Micaela Winters (HIT/Mattel)

Tracy Blagdon (Jam Filled)

Told by

Mark Moraghan

EPISODES

SPRINGTIME FOR DIESEL

Even though Diesel is the villain of the show, its nice to see he has such a human side to himself but was too proud to admit it to the other engines that he felt bad for breaking Daisy's spring. Its nice to see him not as one note character as he was before years ago. But of course he is called 'devious' and it would make him foreign if they took all of that away however it makes him feel more complex, he wanted to be liked but his old habits get in the way of causing trouble to the other engines, even the ending of the episode makes his development ambiguous. Daisy was great too in the episode with her over the top drama about a broken spring and even Den is great in the episode with him telling Dart what he means instead of having Dart saying 'what he means' every now and then whenever the dieselworks appear in an episode. The episode had a good moral for kids about making friends and we shouldn't do it by being so cruel or mean. It was also great seeing an episode more focused on the diesels, since Thomas, Percy and Ryan were the only ones that appear. I really have no complaints about the episode but I still feel that nit pick of Den saying he's glad that he doesn't have springs, even though a locomotive like him, I'm not too familiar with his basis but it feels logical, should have springs because how can he balance? But despite that, this was a strong opening episode.

Rating: 10/10

A MOST SINGULAR ENGINE

This was another great episode for Diesel. Davey Moore certainly has a way of mixing certain characters together that we never thought could work. The addition of Harvey was great since he is a most singular engine in his own right too and he worked really for the show like his laid back and kind hearted persona and the interactions between the two was great as well, although I will say the scene with the 'Eye of the Tiger' inspired music didn't fit well with the scene when Harvey and Daisy were having a stare off, I think Renshaw could've made a wild west stand off theme for that scene since that's what it was going for and also Diesel's ''My bottom's wet'' quote seems bit childish. I don't know if Davey Moore had written that since Lee Pressman had said that the ending of 'Who's Geoffrey' was different compare to the one that we got and that latter part wasn't even written by him! So maybe someone from the higher ups from Mattel changed it without Davey knowing it. It could've been better if Diesel says 'My undercarriage is wet' or 'My engine's damaged!' 

The story's moral about how everyone is unique in their own special way has been greatly executed. Although I think more could've been added to Diesel by having self proclaiming that he is unique because he's the only diesel shunter. But you can have Daisy telling him that being a shunter isn't that unique because any engine can shunt trucks or coaches like Thomas or Percy and that would get Diesel fuming towards Daisy. Plus they could've added Hugo into the mix instead of Harvey to have Daisy to know that she isn't the only railcar but like I said, the addition of Harvey was great still and I can see why they would use him for the level crossing scene.

I love the episode and it was strong despite that more could've been done to make the episode better.

Rating: 10/10

TERENCE BREAKS THE ICE

After rewatching this episode it made me realise that this episode kind of serves as spiritual sequel to 'Thomas, Terence & The Snow'. You have Thomas not badmouthing his snowplough which we haven't seen him do since 'No Snow For Thomas'. In the episode, Thomas seems to know now that snowploughs can be useful and he's sticking to that fact. Plus you also have him saving Terence from falling into the icy lake which is kind of similar of the latter saving the former, although without the boasting. Terence had done a little boasting when it comes to his caterpillar tracks with him going around some thin ice and it felt something similar to the likes of Thomas thinking snow is silly soft stuff. It almost feels like something out of a Railway Series book in its early years. 

I will say the flashback, although made as filler, did serve as a great way for young kids to know how Thomas and Terence first met since most kids wouldn't have even watch a classic series episode, despite that there is great access of it on iTunes in the UK and Australia and Amazon Prime in the US and also on DVD from Japan. But kids wouldn't have seen a classic series episode since they are more used to the CGI series. I will say though that the plot was thin and maybe they could've add some conflict between Thomas and Terence like maybe the latter was teasing Thomas about him not having a snowplough and he had to come to his rescue, something similar to Bertie in 'Thomas & Bertie'. But despite that this was another great episode. 

I remember most people had a problem with Terence having eyebrows instead of his widow's peak and I believe the reason he didn't have that is because he would strange with no eyebrows. I mean I was used to the widows peak back when I was a kid watching the classic series but the more I see as an adult it does look more creepy that didn't have any eyebrows and in the Railway Series books by Christopher Awdry he was given eyebrows in the end.

Rating: 10/10

CONFUSED COACHES

If there's one thing I hate how Gordon's express was treated in the show over the years is that he has to stop at every station when really that's not how express trains work! I understand that its done for plot purposes when it comes to interacting with other characters for the story's sake but when it comes to something like racing and all, Gordon shouldn't have to stop at all the stations to let off passengers. Express trains work by going pass stations and make small stops to major stations, which on Sodor could be like Crovans Gate, which would make sense for Gordon to stop at like in the episode since its an interchange for the Skarloey Railway. But when it comes to stations like Maron and all it doesn't make sense for an express train to stop since, judging from what Maron is, is not a major station for anything like an interchange. That's just my two cents on the whole thing. A shame though that I left it this late now that Mattel are rebooting the show. 

As for the episode, the one thing that I find interesting is that the episode takes place on New Years eve. When this first came out I was expecting something like Gordon and Spencer causing a mess with passengers during the Christmas rush. Although I wasn't too harsh when the episode came out but overtime I began to feel a little negative towards the episode for being a usual 'Gordon vs. Spencer' story that relies on one of them being far more important than the other. However it really wasn't as bad from what I remembered but although maybe some minor tweaking can be made to add some sort of realism. Like maybe don't make Spencer and Gordon have the wrong coaches. Instead what about having them departing from the wrong platforms instead and have Spencer, while taking his guests, leave on Gordon's line and have the signals telling him to stop at some stations since it was suppose to be Gordon. The story could still work and you can still have Gordon and Spencer delivering the passengers to the stations that Gordon had missed, due to him being on Spencer's line and have them learning the lesson that their silly argument shouldn't get the better of them. 

This really wasn't a bad episode and watching this episode in the order that was to be suppose to be compare to how they were shown on TV makes the Fat Controller's slapstick comedy feel less grating and annoying, although I don't think it will last. 

Rating: 8/10 

DAISY'S PERFECT CHRISTMAS

Another stellar episode for Daisy and it has a message that is still relevant to this day. We all want something to stay the same but we can't have it the same every year no matter what celebration. Sometimes traditions have to be broken and to be replaced by something new in order to keep it fresh. At the time when this episode was new, 'Big World Big Adventures' had just been announced and some people in the older side of the fandom were angry thinking the show was changing, in a way to make it more like reboot, when really it still kept the continuity intact before the actual reboot came into play. Nothing had changed for the worst it's just that it was different and its OK and that when it comes to Christmas or any celebration, the only thing that doesn't change is celebrating the day with the people you love, even if they are near or far.

Rating: 10/10

DOWAGER HATT'S BUSY DAY

This episode proves that Emily works fine more as a secondary character in her S7 persona than to have her as a main character for an episode. This is more of Dowager Hatt's episode since she's the one going through conflict and all. A lot of people have been saying that this episode was a dig at the Miller/Barlow era or HIT and Mattel executives with their mandated ideas, we believe that because we'd created that idea and believe it as fact, when really all that I see is Lee Pressman trying to make something silly for the sake of the comedy aspect of the show and looking at his interview, the writers would pitch a story idea and see if the producers like it or not. I doubt though if Lee Pressman knows about the going on's of the bigwigs of either HIT or Mattel since he's just one of the writers. The episode itself was another great story with its comedy and it definitely shows the moral that not everything can be easy. Dowager Hatt was brilliant in the episode with her dialogue and she is such a mum to the Fat Controller and the engines. I really have no problem with the episode.

Rating: 10/10

EMILY IN THE MIDDLE

I still feel this episode feels like 'Love Me Tender' from last season but just without the heart, which is about them looking out for each other even if they don't get along at times. However it was interesting to see the twins pairing up with Emily in the episode and I feel that for Emily she works better as a secondary character instead of a main character, given her current persona during this era. I also like how Davey Moore wrote how Donald and Douglas' bickering can affect the whole island's railway system with them going backwards and forth. The interaction they had with the likes of Gordon was funny and it stick true to their character. Gordon complains but they don't have time for his quarrel. I do wish we had an episode with the twins dealing with things that wasn't just them bickering but as I'd mentioned many times before, Mattel are doing a reboot so we won't be getting it. I will say my complaint for this episode is Toby's snowstache gag. It was funny but it didn't feel like it was part of the plot, more like filler to tick the comedy box.

Rating: 7/10

THE BIG FREEZE

I will say this, I wish the episode was more about the water towers than the lack of coal. Coal is an important substances for a steam locomotive since they need it to have power. But water is important too to boil it to make the steam and I think its more important than coal since without it it can damage the boilers. This happened to 3830 once out here in Australia in 2009. It had damaged crown stays because it had a lack of water in the boiler. I'm glad that the production team had at least have Thomas run out of water in the BWBA movie a year later but, from my memory, that was the only inclusion. The whole lack of coal to make a steam engine stop was a trait ever since the 7th season with Duncan in 'Trusty Rusty'. 

I also feel that the diesels coming to the rescue was a bit of the blue since nothing had been building up from it except for Diesel being annoying to Thomas and saying he doesn't need coal. I'd said this in 2017 but perhaps the episode could've been better if you have engines like either Gordon or James telling Diesel off that without coal or, more importantly, water, their would be no railway and due to the big freeze their fuel won't be delivered on time. However it did, the diesel's, and with the water towers all frozen up the diesels came to the rescue, much to the discharge of Gordon and James. Which would be much more better set up than what this episode delivered. It would give the message, in a railway sense, that diesels are also important and really useful too when it comes to running a railway.

I will say Thomas thinking he has enough coal felt very Awdry of him. Thinking he was right until he finds out the hard way that he was wrong. The episode wasn't bad but I think there could much more better improvement for the script, especially for the diesels.

Rating: 6/10

STUCK IN GEAR

I think I can relate to Harvey in this episode. I'm always a quiet person and I don't like to make a fuss to anyone because I feel I might annoy them. However the episode shows that making a fuss can help to get something done and being quiet about it can lead to even worse problems, like what Harvey had to go through. It was also interesting see more character to Harvey too rather than just him being kind and all. Its nice and refreshing too to see a unique engine being all reserved about themselves as well since most would be boastful and cocky. Although Thomas' remark 'no one makes fun of a broken down engine', can be kind of false to some after we had multiple episodes in the past like him and the small engines with Duck's whistle in 'Mike's Whistle'. But when it comes to things like the Diesel (Class 40) it was mainly done as a comeuppance. However I like to think that overtime Thomas found that it was wrong to do something like that. In the end, the episode was really good.

Rating: 9/10

RUNAWAY ENGINE

It's always interesting to see an episode without Thomas, the Fat Controller and even the rest of the 'steam team' characters. It kind of shows that episodes can work without Thomas being the engine whose helps out others in times of need and that the Ulfstead crew have their own little dynamic together. Stephen is a kind, humorous and thoughtful engine but he does carry a bit of an ego, Millie is also kind but cheeky and hot headed sort of engine and Glynn is the level headed and the wise old engine of the group with a good sense of humour too and it shows in the episode. I will say, I wish that Millie and Stephen's arguing was a bit more stronger like have Millie being rightfully cross that Stephen nor Glynn didn't do her jobs for her while she's away thinking that they were selfish and maybe have Stephen defending himself and Glynn, but mostly him, and have an excuse that he and Glynn were busy and then made fun of Millie. It could've given the moral that we shouldn't be too hot headed over something or otherwise we might say something that we might regret. It shows in the episode and I can relate to Stephen. I say stupid stuff that I'm not proud of and regret it when I upset someone when I said something wrong. I think that message can be good better than the whole 'It was just a misunderstanding' message, not that I'm saying it was bad. However I feel that the former can be much better and have Millie, still feeling cross, trying to take the time to make things better with Stephen after not taking her seriously and put things right again. This is far from a bad episode but maybe it could be tweaked a bit with its message. Also I'm glad they brought back the grumpy passenger and how the Earl had turned his negative experience to a positive one.

Rating: 7/10 

P.A. PROBLEMS

I've always had the feeling that Lee Pressman wrote this, since he had pitched it according to his interview, as a bit of a commentary towards 'Big World Big Adventures', just the idea of it all and the concept or changing something despite that what came before it was just fine. Granted this would've been written well before the announcement was made so I don't know if this was done on purpose or that it was just a sheer coincidence. I do know that Lee Pressman wrote for BWBA but only for the Sodor episodes, but I believe this episode was more of the latter. However be it a commentary or not towards Mattel, the episode does have a great message about how old things can still have their uses and I like for the fact that Lee Pressman had used Edward for this episode since he's an old engine but can still prove his paces no matter what. He works so well in the episode as a secondary character. The whole story does feel like something from a Railway Series book IMO. Reg was entertaining as well with him dancing around with the PA system around him and his dancing was really well animated. This was another great episode and I really have no problems with it.

Rating: 10/10

HASTY HANNAH

The fact that Hannah was Henrietta's sister irks me a bit. Wouldn't that make Toby remember her as well since they came from the same tramway? Why haven't Toby remembered her? Was Hannah so bad to him back then that he blotted her out from his memory? Doesn't look like it though, what with Hannah saying she was looking forward to be working with him, implying that this was the first time she'd met Toby. I think if they added that, perhaps you have Toby protesting against the use of her but he had no choice since most coaches were already in use by the other engines. But other than that, the episode was a nice one and it gave the moral that going fast can be dangerous. Nothing big or ground breaking but still good nonetheless. Hannah's character was very lively and entertaining, although she kind of reminds me of a junkie. I also wondered how this could've fitted with 'School of Duck' that came next season since Toby had referenced in that episode that Henrietta was away at the works. I guess we'll never know since it might not fit in well with the episode. Toby's timid behaviour works well here too although if he and Hannah had a working life together once on their old tramway, perhaps that timidness would've worked better. This was another good episode.

Rating: 7/10

CRANKY AT THE END OF THE LINE

I remember when this episode had aired, I was wondering how did 'Journey Beyond Sodor' fit into the this season's continuity what with Thomas going to the mainland in this episode but earlier in 2017 the movie was hyping up that it was Thomas' 'first time' on mainland, despite previous stories. But with word from Ian McCue through an email that was shown on twitter, apparently Rebecca was a planned S21 character before they held her back for BWBA a year later, probably she was going to be the 2018 newbie for the usual US/UK spring and AUS autumn DVD tentpole release before they'd canned it. I have a feeling that maybe we were to see her in the 2017 special, despite that a UK magazine said that she'd met Thomas when he was heading back to Sodor after globe trotting adventure. It would've made sense to hype her up after the 2017 special and that it would've smoothen out the continuity mess up that S21 had to suffer due to 'The Adventure Begins' throwing a spanner in the works, yes that's the real reason why this season was so short compare to others.

I will say for the episode, I am not a fan of the whole 'fear of replacement' trope since it had been overdone to death in the show, especially towards an engine. However while it was done in this episode I feel that it wasn't as pushed compare to the others before. Something feels a bit different about how it was handled in this episode, probably because it wasn't an engine being involved. Although I also feel that the idea of Cranky being frantically doing his work on his own was placed out of nowhere, even if he was trying to prove his worth to the Fat Controller because of some new crane. Maybe if he had complained about the extra work maybe that might've worked better and have him worried or misunderstood that he was to be replaced. The use of the dream of Cranky falling into the water was nice bit of symbolism of what he was going through in the episode since falling in the water means, if you believe all this, 'Falling into a deep ocean of water can be dark, directionless, and full of unknown terrors.' 

 

But all in all it wasn't a bad episode but could've been tweaked. Plus Carly was a nice character too with her can do attitude, even if her introducing was short but it was expected since this is more Cranky focused. 

Rating: 7/10

NEW CRANE ON THE DOCK

The episode is your usual 'working together' story that the show had done multiple times before and while that is a good message for kids and while the comedy was fine as well, including the sea serpent scene, as well as the interaction between Cranky and Carly and the latter's can do and perky attitude, my biggest gripe of this episode was Big Mickey's appearance. It was obviously fanservice for the older fandom but that's not the major problem here. The major problem was how the way it was executed. There was simply no build up in introducing Big Mickey expect for the animators hiding his face, but it's so small you sometimes don't see that. The Storytime podcast did a version where Big Mickey's  debut and shallow build up was cut and it worked much better. I like that the production team did this but I just wish they did it more better in the actual episode. Perhaps the build up should've started in the previous episode, how Cranky was so fed up that for years Big Mickey had never moved or spoke to anyone and was left to do the work himself that he started to wear himself out, then Carly came along and have this episode focusing on them not getting along well and Big Mickey then told them that they need someone who's more older than them to look out for them to keep the work flowing and the reason he didn't move was because he was broken down. The rest of the episode was fine but that ending was the episode's biggest problem to me.

Rating: 6/10

UNSCHEDULED STOPS

I'll never forget my reaction when Bulgy just came out of nowhere. I hadn't been that surprised by an unexpected returnee since Harvey in 'Thomas' Shortcut'. I just love that unexpected surprise. Its a bit of  a shame that this season was short lived and that we didn't get another episode involving Bulgy. But at least we got 'Free The Roads' two seasons later. Although he had so much potential with other characters too, like Ace or heck, Duck and Oliver since he had history with them. But sadly, you know why by now.

I remember hearing that Thomas was not punished for his actions and agreeing with that when this episode was new but looking at the episode now, Thomas knew what he was doing was wrong and wants to stop it since it was making him late, even though he was covering it up towards the Fat Controller so he won't get into trouble, but he still has his good intentions since he doesn't want to leave them behind in the middle of the countryside. Thomas was apologetic about when he got told off by the Fat Controller and that the latter had found a solution to deal with the problem, which was Bulgy. Although what if Bulgy was the Fat Controller's punishment for Thomas' lateness. Have him to work with one of the worst vehicles on Sodor. That is if it was the intention but I don't think the writers would make the Fat Controller THAT cruel.

There was some good comedy with the Fat Controller and the episode gave me a S3 vibe like 'Thomas Gets Bumped' but with Thomas helping Bertie instead and that the episode was much more better than the actual S3 episode. It was a good episode and its such a shame that it was Helen Farrall's last episode to be aired since after this she had stopped writing for Thomas but she had done some great episodes during her time.

Rating: 9/10

PHILIP'S NUMBER

When I first saw this episode I thought it was the strangest episode what with Philip's imagination over his number with the trucks, clouds, platform numbers etc. However after when I reviewed the 'Danger at the Docks' DVD in 2018, I realise that it was rather creative and although Gordon was always a boastful arrogant engine, it was nice to see him being kind towards an engine like Philip after the latter had saved him from hurting the sheep. It was also interesting to have an episode about the purpose of an engine's number but I don't it see as deep and while we'll never know the real reason for Philip's number, I think its good that the episode had ended on that since it doesn't really matter the origins of an engine's number at the end of the day. However the episode could've been better if it were more about Philip earning his number. If only had Brenner and McCue thought of that when they'd debuted Philip in 2016 on DVD and it could've a much more better episode compare to something like 'Emily to the Rescue' that we will have three seasons later. Because if it were this one, Philip would have earned his number instead of just getting it after a fluke like Emily. I thought this episode was average at first but while I don't see it high on any list it was still a good episode to watch.

Rating: 8/10

THE FASTEST RED ENGINE ON SODOR

Although I'm not that much of a stickler that I was nearly a decade ago when it comes to railway realism, I will say James having a brake fluid was just the most bizarre thing for him to have. Sure it was done for the sake of the plot but perhaps maybe you have one of his brake blocks falling off one by one after so much wear and tear with him braking too hard. This was also the first time we saw Rosie in her new red livery, however with how S21 was originally planned I don't think we might've gotten a Rosie episode but thankfully we had 'Rosie is Red' in the next season. I'll explain more about in my overall section. I remember the hype being made about Rosie's new livery when it was first revealed in 2017 and that the older fandom thinks she would be getting a lot of attention since she was shown in a promo image with the main cast. However once we got the episode, Rosie seems more dry. Not much was shown for her personality, however it was nice to see her with a livery that fits more with her tomboy nature. 

The episode was alright but it was pretty basic. James was arrogant because he thinks his brakes weren't making any noises and then crashes after not getting them checked. This episode wasn't bad by any means and it had a good message that no matter what we think we should check up on ourselves if there might be something wrong or otherwise it might be too late. But this episode was mainly made to serve the next episode for Edward since the next episode was made about him finding a shed. But I will say the crash was really well done with the music and the build up of it all. I will say this but this is a nitpick, I hate that when the SSRC arrive they all arrive instead of ones that are suited for the job. In this case, Rocky is suited since he can lift James but Belle and Flynn had no purpose to be their since there are no fires. It just annoys me seeing that but it's not a big problem.

Rating: 7/10  

A SHED FOR EDWARD

Ah yes, the most infamous episode. The one episode where Edward was written out of the steam team cast because he was hard to write for and in Mattel's POV not marketable, despite that their are fans of Edward young and old, and I'll say this, after nearly five years since this episode had aired, this is probably the best Edward episode in his entire existence and yes even better than 'Edward's Exploit' an episode that I love. I don't really care that I toped it against a classic series episode that's my opinion really. 

The reasons I think this is the best Edward episode is because he was not trying to prove his worth, this is an episode that actually focuses on him instead of Gordon or James and there was conflict made by him, but not out of him being a bully or anything but him just trying hard not to hurt Philip's feelings but with him staying away from him and had caused him more trouble with his sleep in other places and also not telling Philip his feelings because he's worried that he might hurt him. 

Lee Pressman did a great job with this episode and bringing something different to Edward and say what you want about Mattel and the production team's decision, or hell call me names like being a bootlicker or a shill, but know this. Despite years of protest of wanting him back as main character, some people of the older fandom are now fine with Duck having secondary appearances because 'he couldn't bring much to the table' but when Edward gets regulated to secondary appearances they think he had so much potential for more stories despite that most of the stories he has were nothing more but either proving his worth, Edward Exploits counts as one, or feeling old and that's it and even if there were stories outside the box, they deliver it flat like 'Edward Strikes Out' or make something that doesn't make sense with his old and wise character like him not knowing how to take the mail train. 

Duck I feel can bring much more than his 'Great Western way or the wrong way' characterisation than Edward can, I had once thought that Duck should've been the character in 'Diesel and the Ducklings' as a way to get revenge on Diesel for his false accusation of calling Gordon, Henry and James names to the trucks until he learns that revenge couldn't be sweet, that's how my 'Revenge Isn't Sweet' story was made in 2019 for my series. 

Sure this was made to build up BWBA but according to Ian McCue, Edward was suppose to leave the sheds regardless of Big World. Plus there was never any mention of Henry leaving as well and Rebecca was suppose to be planned for S21 to replace Edward's spot. Although I'm not a big fan of Henry, particulary from S20, it makes sense why his departure was sort of out of nowhere and was rushed as well. He was never planned to leave but I think the writers knew he was hard to write for, and I understand as well as Mattel saying he wasn't marketable so they just did it anyway so Rebecca can take his place since she was held back for S22.

There had been some criticism of the episode that I can understand like how come the engines aren't as emotional seeing Edward leaving the sheds, although I don't see that as a huge problem since the Island of Sodor had never placed engines like Thomas, Percy and Toby strictly on branch lines like Awdry did. 

So seeing Edward all the time is not really a problem. Plus Edward had stayed for several nights, according to the episode so perhaps he and Philip were beginning to get used to each other and seeing how sad Philip was, Edward decided to stay with him. Sure we could've seen him bonding with Philip but the episode has a time limit. This is probably the best episode of the season and the series as I said before, the best Edward episode ever.

Rating: 10/10

OVERALL

Whenever I think back to this season of Thomas, I'd always dread it. 2017 has been, pardon my french here, a bullshit year for the Thomas fandom. There was everything from the bouncing of the engines, the new Wood line, the start of the toy sales going down thanks to people not buying the toys and Mattel not marketing the brand properly, fandom drama on twitter and the news of 'Big World Big Adventures' coming out bringing out the negative responses towards it. Ever since the trailer for 'Journey Beyond Sodor' was released, there was never really much of an upside to the whole year and when S21 had aired later on in the year, the enjoyment felt sucked out thanks to the constant negativity during that year thanks to the older fandom.

Now that the season is nearly five years old I will say without thinking all of that stuff, S21 was actually a really good season to sit through, despite the low overall rating, and I feel there was more that this season had offered over the last season. The comedy was great and I honestly feel it wasn't as excessive as I once thought heck even the Fat Controller being used for comical purposes was so little and there had been a bit of a balance with him being authoritive as well in some episodes and also he was more kind as well despite his strictness, I guess this was made in response to the criticism that show had been getting in the last few years.

There were much more better stories compare to the last and I feel that S21 had managed to find its right balance towards the old and the young with S20 I feel that it was more sidelined towards the older fandom and while there are very good episodes, I feel that some younger fans might've find them boring hence why the show had been going down in the ratings which resulted in the creation of BWBA and then sadly the reboot. I feel that S21 was suppose to be more engaging to kids regardless of what was to come after it hence why we see the season being a bit cartoony, more comical and bringing in the bouncing and movement. Speaking of the bouncing, I was amazed how little it was used throughout the season.

Back in my S20 review I said that Oliver was robbed of an episode and that was because Oliver was suppose to have an episode to himself which was Samson's episode in S22. Although I enjoy Samson's role and thought it brought something new to him, I feel that Oliver was done dirty. The production team brought him back in 2014 and gave more episodes to Toad and have him on the sideline for three years and were suppose to give him one about his fear of fireworks but instead was given to Samson. What stopped them for giving it to Oliver even after S21? It sucks now that we know about this since Mattel are making that reboot series now.

I had said that Rebecca was suppose to be a S21 character and I feel that she was suppose to be the 2018 Spring UK/US and Autumn AUS/NZL tent pole DVD release. But because of BWBA and her being held back for that season they'd scrapped the idea because of it and it had been said by ThomasTankMerch that there was suppose to be one. Such a shame really, who know what theme it could've been or what episodes are suppose to be on their.

S21 I feel was hated because of what were going to get next and with all the stuff that happened during the year within the Thomas fandom. I had dreaded this season everytime I think back to it but after rewatching it for the first time in a while, I think this was probably the best season from the Brenner/McCue era.

I know that BWBA is still an extension of the Brenner/McCue era but I made my opinions about it over the last few years. Maybe in a couple of years I might re-review those episodes and see how much they'd aged. But at the moment this will be my last stop for episode reviews. Thank you so much for reading these. I do have a couple of reviews planned. Of course one is a DVD review of the upcoming 'Animal Adventures' release from the UK and I want to have a look back at 'Journey Beyond Sodor' and see how much it lives up. But those would have to wait. Of course I was umming and ahhing about 'S25' and I think maybe I will review some episodes still despite how bad the reboot is. If its not worth it I might give this blog a break with some posts here and there. 

OVERALL RATING

151/180