Another winter themed episode, but this time with the words 'Christmas' since the outcry of the 'Winter Holiday/Christmas' controversy last year. Despite that 'The Christmas Express' has been delayed for a possible Christmas release, this episode focuses on Christmas presents and has Salty as the main character since 'Salty's Stormy Tale' from Series 7 (2003). Today's episode is:
- The episode is once again a 'three strikes your out' formula.
- Even though I am pleased they put the word 'Christmas' back in, there is no need to put 'Happy Christmas Holiday' I know there are holidays around Christmas, but you can also put 'Merry Christmas' in.
But even though they say 'Christmas' again, this episode was OK, but it didn't do great. It tried to be good and it did try, so I'm OK with this episode.
Rating: 3/5
SALTY'S SURPRISE
Written by Sharon Miller
Directed by Greg Tirenan
Produced by Nicole Stinn
Air Date:
27/02/2012
Air Date:
27/02/2012
Plot:
Edward just loves getting Christmas presents, but Salty says he prefers a good story. Try as he might, Edward cannot find a gift to make Salty change his mind.
THESE ARE SOLEY UNDER MY OWN OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE.
THESE MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
PROS:
- Since the outcry from parents, religious groups and even older Thomas fans, as explained in my 'Ho Ho Snowman' review, about the Winter Holiday/Christmas controversy last year, this episode contains 'Happy Christmas Holidays' and not 'Happy Winter Holidays'.
- Salty looks interesting in green paint in a flashback story.
- The funnel from 'Slippy Sodor' returns.
- The Fat Controller once again dresses up as Santa Claus again.
- Salty's theme was nice to hear as well.
- This episode also teaches a good moral about a present doesn't always come in a box.
- Since the outcry from parents, religious groups and even older Thomas fans, as explained in my 'Ho Ho Snowman' review, about the Winter Holiday/Christmas controversy last year, this episode contains 'Happy Christmas Holidays' and not 'Happy Winter Holidays'.
- Salty looks interesting in green paint in a flashback story.
- The funnel from 'Slippy Sodor' returns.
- The Fat Controller once again dresses up as Santa Claus again.
- Salty's theme was nice to hear as well.
- This episode also teaches a good moral about a present doesn't always come in a box.
CONS:
- Edward was carrying a Christmas tree in his cab, it would be better if its taken on a flatbed to save not getting burnt from Edward's firebox.
- The episode is once again a 'three strikes your out' formula.
- Even though I am pleased they put the word 'Christmas' back in, there is no need to put 'Happy Christmas Holiday' I know there are holidays around Christmas, but you can also put 'Merry Christmas' in.
- Salty doesn't even need a funnel, he is a diesel engine. They need exhaust pipes or motors to move.
It was nice seeing Salty having a lead episode since 2003, but this episode is not that great, but it's not horribly bad. Some stock footage from 'Merry Winter Wish', 'Let It Snow' and 'Henry's Magic Box' was used in this episode at the beginning but a new piece of footage of Salty at the docks was added. Despite that they have put back the word Christmas in the episode, it would be nice if they say 'Merry Christmas', but then again in 'Thomas and The Missing Christmas Tree', Thomas did say 'Happy Christmas Percy'. As of the animation, once again, brilliant from the dedicated team of Nitrogen Studios and I have to say, I like the design of Edward in the CGI series. Salty's theme was nice to hear a bit of a sea type of music.
But even though they say 'Christmas' again, this episode was OK, but it didn't do great. It tried to be good and it did try, so I'm OK with this episode.
Rating: 3/5
