Thursday, 6 September 2018

S22 Ep.4: Confusion Without Delay

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

CONFUSION WITHOUT DELAY
Written by
Davey Moore

Directed by
Dianna Basso

Air Date
6/09/18

Plot
Rebecca, the big tender engine, surprises Sir Topham Hatt by arriving early on the island. After all the other engines tell her how fast and useful they all are, Rebecca wants to impress them too. But she tries too hard that she turns up too early for the passengers and leaves early too! 

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After months of waiting we finally get to see Rebecca in action.

I remember years ago there were debates about whether it was necessary to introduce the likes of Pip and Emma into the series, considering that they were bringing Railway Series characters into the show. Some, in their respects, think that there's no need to because Gordon can take it or that Connor and Caitlin do trips from the mainland, they're too modern and that they (Pip and Emma) have no character. For the latter it's true as they didn't receive much attention from Christopher Awdry but for the other arguments, I think it is possible to have more than one engine pulling the express trains now that Rebecca, a permanent member of the NWR, pulls it alongside Gordon and for the latter as well, perhaps the production team should give the two HST engines some personality as well. They did for Flying Scotsman and Rev.W.Awdry barely gave him any in 'Enterprising Engines'. With the too modern argument, we have a diesel shunter from China in the BWBA movie that was based on a locomotive from 2003 and that's very modern for a show that has a 'timeline' set between the 50's-70's. 

Anyway back to the episode now, I love Rebecca and her character too. An engine trying to fit in after seeing how cool the 'steam team' were and she wants to make a great first impression but made mistakes in the end. Something I think kids can relate too. I think Gordon was well in character here and is still trying to accept the change. But after Rebecca came to Gordon's defence after his brother's teasing, he started to feel warm by her presence. I think it showcases that Gordon might get along with Rebecca in the end. I like the choice of her basis and with brakes making her slip, I remember hearing that's an actual flaw that her basis had suffered so it's nice to some railway realism is still here. 

Plus I like the yellow it seems more suited for an engine like her. In a marketing and psychological standpoint, the colour makes her standout and some child psychologists says that the colour yellow is considered a gender neutral colour as well, so both girls and boys might be attracted by her colour. It worked for Minions and Pikachu from Pokemon.   

There were some funny moments like Rebecca's exchange of words towards Diesel and Rebecca's voice actress had put on a funny impression of Diesel that gave me a chuckle and the Fat Controller not saying his usual catchphrase. 

However despite being great, there were some flaws such as Henry's reason of moving to Vicarstown being glossed over. I just hope we get a reason for him someday. In the end, this episode was great!   


Episode Rating
Thomas and the Dragon - 10/10
Confusion Without Delay - 10/10

Series Rating (So far):
36.5/40