THESE ARE SOLEY MY OWN OPINION AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE
THOMAS AND THE GUARD
Adapted for Television by
Britt Allcroft, David Mitton & Robert Cardona
Originally written by
The Rev.W.Awdry
Air Date:
9/10/84
Plot:
Thomas enjoys his new life on his branch line and he thought it was the most 'important' part of the whole railway. One day, Thomas and his two faithful coaches, Annie and Clarabel had to wait for Henry's train. When he arrived, Thomas left the station to make up lost time and with that he left his guard behind!
PRO:
- The relationship that Thomas has with Annie and Clarabel
- We're given a tour of the Ffarquhar branch line.
CON:
- Elsbridge is not the junction in the RWS, that is Knapford Junction.
The censors in this episode weren't as up tight as it was back in those days. No there was no swearing in this episode, this is to people who are new to Thomas. The one con I have with this episode is why is Elsbridge the junction for Thomas' branch line? In the Railway Series its Knapford Junction. Elsbridge would have to be a country station in the Railway Series as there are no main line tracks leading to the station. However, the Ffarquhar branch line is a really good set, shame that we never get to see this branch line again in the newer episodes as many engines don't have a specific line or job to do.
But what I also like is Thomas' relationship with Annie and Clarabel, even in many other episodes of the classic era like 'Emily's New Coaches' and even in 'The Great Discovery' in the new series era or any episode, you can see the affection he has with the coaches. When Emily took the coaches, Thomas was mad and when Stanley took the coaches, Thomas was sad that Annie and Clarabel like him and didn't notice Thomas. The episode also shows the connection between a crew member and carriage with Clarabel was sad that Thomas left her guard behind.
Rating: 4/5
