S23 Ep.3: Heart of Gold

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

HEART OF GOLD

Written by

Micheal White

Directed by
Dianna Basso

Produced by
Ian McCue (HIT/Mattel)
Tracy Blagdon (Jam Filled)

Plot
Old Toby tries to stop two thieves from stealing King Godred's crown.

Air Date

6/09/19 - UK
16/10/19 - AUS

I honestly quite like it that the production team had been transforming Toby to an engine being concerned on how he looks rather than just being old. The latter makes him more similar to Edward in my view, episodes like 'Toby Feels Left Out' showcases that as an example. Toby had to deal with himself being told that he looks different ever since Awdry's lifetime so the episode does respect Toby's roots as a character. Sure it's another 'prove his worth' storyline but I feel there's more of difference here compare to Edward. Edward's stories are more focused towards engines like Gordon or James learning their lesson on not being terrible to him ('Edward and Gordon', 'Edward's Exploit' and 'Old Iron' are examples) whereas Toby learns that he should be proud of what he looks like despite the unfair shaming of his looks, something that I think kids with self confidence issues can relate too. It was a really good episode and I definitely applaud Micheal White here on creating such a great story about the old tram engine.

It's also nice to see Glynn and Millie again and I hope with the mention of Toby being 'put on display' from Diesel is a sign for the Earl's so called railway museum is coming but I won't grasp on such hope since now that the idea is now three years old. The two robbers didn't make such impact but I think what could've been better is to put them in disguise as the castle workmen or guards and reveal them later on as robbers it kind of brings the air of mystery to the plot. Plus this is a bit of a nitpick but the scene with the guard holding the suit of armour could've been cut as I feel that was unneeded but I presume it was added there for the sake of 'more comedy' for Mattel when they were doing test audiences over the years that lead to the series' transformation. 

In the end this was a very good episode and it made me love Toby as a character again. 

Episode Rating (So far):

Free The Road - 10/10
Chucklesome Trucks - 8/10
Heart Of Gold - 9/10

Series Rating (So far):
27/30