CGI Series Re-Review: Series 20 (2016)

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

SERIES 20

Written by

Andrew Brenner

Lee Pressman

Helen Farrall

Davey Moore

Directed by

Dianna Basso

Produced by

Robert Anderson (Arc Productions)

Tracy Blagdon (Arc/Jam Filled)

Ian McCue (HIT/Mattel)

Told by

Mark Moraghan

EPISODES

SIDNEY SINGS

This was quite a charming episode looking back. Not big or grand just simple and the best part is that it's focused on Sidney a lesser known character whose first appearance was in S17's 'The Missing Christmas Decorations'. Yes their was a three strikes formula and it was a wee bit repetitive, although not as bad as what we got from the Miller/Barlow era because here it works fine. Although Sidney had been described as 'forgetful' I think he was more 'easily distracted' since his attention is focused onto something else. Which is something I can find a relatable since I can be easily distracted by somethings. It was a nice follow up from the S17 episode with Sidney giving new wheels for Percy too. It's not the best episode but certainly far from the worst I've seen and I also love the little nod to Annie and Clarabel's singing and I feel that trait works well for both. For older fans its something that they know and for younger fans it's something new to them. 

Rating: 7/10 

TOBY'S NEW FRIEND

This was another charming episode and I do like the dynamic role between Toby and Philip and how they showcase that not everyone likes the same thing but you can still be friends despite all that. I also like Philip's growth as a character here when it comes to racing with Toby like how he slowed down for Toby to catch up instead of just thinking about himself. Not much else happens since it's plot was kinda thin but it was still a charming episode all the same.

Rating: 7/10

HENRY GETS THE EXPRESS

To me, I see this episode as a 'cookie cutter' episode. If you replaced Henry with Edward, chances are the episode will stay the same but with just Edward instead of Henry and I honestly think thats what it is. The episode wasn't bad but it was never about Henry or him getting used to the express as it was more about Gordon not pulling the express and not liking the idea that someone else was pulling it. Henry just managed to get used to the express in just a few seconds and that's it, doesn't go through anything that made him lack confidence of pulling it which made him a very bland and an uninteresting character, I honestly much prefer 'Henry and the Wishing Tree' from S8 compare to this at least that episode made Henry go through something when pulling the express. I understand everyone likes this episode but it's just a Henry episode, in the style of an Edward episode, but disguised as a Gordon episode. I don't hate it but I think it's a tad overrated because Henry was not what the older fans not want him to be. 

Rating: 4/10

DIESEL AND THE DUCKLINGS

I still think this should've been a Duck episode and while he's mature, he would still have deep resentment towards Diesel after what he had done to him and people go through that and want to get back at them for it and you could have him realising that revenge isn't sweet. He would be alot more interesting than what he was in S17 and I think kids might've been engaged with him more, since we know they weren't with him over the years. I also don't understand some of the hate this episode gets because Diesel is not the character that the older fandom had enjoyed when they were kids. I honestly love to see more human sides from villians than just them being evil because they just are, I understand that many people groan at this because it can be a bit cliched but the whole character of Diesel being this revolutionary item that he is superior towards steam engines is just as outdated as his basis had debuted, we aren't living in the steam era so his character from back when we were kids would be well out of context towards the children of today. I like this episode because of that and it showcased the moral that it's OK to showcase a soft side even if you look tough on the outside. I still think this should've been a Duck episode. 

Rating: 8/10 

BRADFORD THE BRAKE VAN

This was a good episode still and I still enjoy Bradford's character such a shame more wasn't done with him, especially with Samson, although there was the fireworks episode two years later. I understand that the writers have to use Thomas since he's the star of the show but it would've been interesting to see him with Samson instead since the latter is very headstrong, up himself and makes tons of silly mistakes and Bradford being this overzealous rule obsessed brake van, honestly a bit more interesting than that prop called a character named Fergus. Considering how this season had handled Thomas, they probably would've gotten away with it being a Samson episode. I understand that people have a problem with the Fat Controller telling Thomas that following rules and being safe is better than trying to be on time since Thomas had been late with unloading his stone train and the Fat Controller was cross in the middle of the episode. I think it should've been better if you don't have the Fat Controller scolding him and maybe replace him with the dock manager instead. That way both characters would have a different idea about being punctual. I also think maybe Bradford should've apologised for being overzealous to the engines too and maybe bring some character development in. In the end, the episode was good with maybe some tweaks to make it better. Also I love the reference to 'Ain't Half Hot Mum', with Bradford saying, 'Oh dear, how sad, never mind.' I can see that Lee Pressman was a fan of the show. Took me five years to understand that fast paced piece of dialouge.

Rating: 8/10

SAVING TIME

This episode was OK but mediocre. Nothing new happened such as engine being stuck on the hill and Samson's character being wasted as the usual. I think Thomas was great in the episode with his cheekiness towards Samson, excellent use of his character here and it was great seeing the narrow gauge engines again, despite that they had hardly any episodes to themselves after their comeback in S18. The reason why I feel Samson's character development was wasted is because he learned his lesson but still acted like a fool rather than not taking too many trucks at once. I get it that it was suppose to be comedic but I think it would've been better if he had actually learnt his lesson instead of being a buffoon. While I'm all for slice of life stories, I feel that the short runaway with Samson and Thomas should've ended with a crash instead of just rolling down the hill fast and then stop, it could be more engaging and have Samson taking the lesson hard.

Rating: 5/10 

RYAN AND DAISY

Ryan is really not my favorite character of the Lost Treasure crew. He just feels like generic character no.245. However his friendly, naive character that he was given over his overconfident and dismissive persona works well here with Daisy taking advantage of him to get out of work she doesn't want to do, which is a good moral for kids. Ryan's too friendly nature works as a great flaw for him. However if this episode were to be any better, I think Ryan and Daisy not getting along could've been interesting. They could cause so much confusion and delay that maybe the Fat Controller threatening to take away the branch line would be good lesson about working together, perhaps if Brenner hadn't changed the script of the movie, because of Mattel disliking it, maybe a more dismissive Ryan would've made the episode even better with Daisy. Davey Moore did a great job at Daisy's character and he kept her very consistent in all of her episodes after this one with her being lazy, arrogant, up herself and stubborn. I really have no problem with the episode at all. It was engaging and fun seeing these two characters together.

Rating: 8/10 

POUTY JAMES

I didn't love this episode unlike other people when this episode was new but overtime I began to have a soft spot for it since it DOES feeling like James from the classic series, vain, arrogant and stubborn when he's in the wrong. This episode gives me more of a feeling towards 'No Joke For James'. Him talking back at the Fat Controller seems out of the norm for a Thomas episode. However while characterisation is great, even with the likes of the Fat Controller being more of a parental figure, the episode is not really fresh or new as it is your typical James being arrogant episode. I don't hate it like I use to but don't really have that much affection for it apart from the nostalgia of James' character and nostalgia isn't really a good excuse to make a good episode nor is it an excuse to say something is good. I will say it was better than Andrew Brenner's other episode, 'Saving Time'.

Rating: 6/10

BLOWN AWAY

Like Ryan, Skiff was never my favorite of mine. He was a bland character and had uninteresting development in the 2015 special and he only stood up to Sailor John for like a few seconds. Honestly him being teased by his size, going rouge because of that, met Thomas realised that he suffers the same fate but sympathise with Skiff for going what he was going through made him realise what a true friend Thomas is compare to Sailor John, for more take a read of my Lost Treasure review from 2020. Anyway with the episode, it was fine but not great in my opinion. Skiff is kind of like Winston, he had a purpose on the railway but nothing really makes him stand out and his voice, no offence to Jamie Campbell Bower, but the voice sound so grating, especially when Skiff was talking to himself about Duck and Oliver crashing into him and the tree. Also the script does feel like Helen Farrall's 'Slow Stephen' episode, a character gets berated, although for Duck and Oliver it was more for them being worried for Skiff than berating him, then saves the day. Plus the collison kinda lost its impact due to how long it went. It's a pity too that Skiff's award wasn't revealed and that it was never shown afterwards. To me the episode was nice but not my favorite. 

Rating: 5/10

THE WAY SHE DOES IT

If there's one thing that truly makes this episode great is that self hype can lead to dissapointment if it doesn't go your way. Daisy was looking forward to be taking entertainers but it turns out that it was for children and was upset by the outcome. Self hype has always been a problem in this day and age in not just the Thomas fandom but in other fandoms too like 'Star Wars', 'WandaVision' and even 'Pokemon'. People create theories for a show or for games and when the outcome is different, they blame it on either the people working on the show/game or the company that showcases it when really the fault lies towards the people who made those theories in the first place because they put too much expectation and hype towards it. I would rather not worry about theories made up by people and expect any of that coming true and just watch the show and see how it unfolds, it makes it more enjoyable, some theories can make sense but should be taken with a grain of salt. I do have one niggle with the episode, I felt that Daisy's bragging had gone on for a while but I understand that it might've been done for time, since the episodes were a bit longer compare to the time limit with BWBA, you can see why they change it for the latter. But one other great thing about the episode is that while Daisy forgot to bring the wagon for the entertainers, she came up with a different solution for the show by using her window instead of trying to get the truck again like we saw between S13-16. In the end, the episode is great.

Rating: 9/10

LETTERS TO SANTA

Honestly I think the flashback of 'Percy & Harold' was a great way to showcase to the younger generation on why Percy doesn't get along with Harold too well. It's much more better than a mere mention of past events. Plus it was amazing how the animators at Arc Productions had faifthfully recreated illustrations of the Railway Series story 'Percy & Harold' instead of the S2 episode. It was nice seeing at the time respect for Thomas' roots before Mattel dumped that in favour for a reboot that would be Thomas in name only. Yes, let's not forget that Mattel were in charge of the brand during this era. It was great seeing the Percy and Harold dynamic back for this episode and its a shame that they haven't use them again after this season and yet their was more on Thomas & Bertie's rivalry. I will say this episode really has so much heart placed into it with it being a Christmas story and all. Harold's arrogance was a great addition but definetly showed that he was only trying to be helpful to Percy despite his wording that was in your face to Percy. It was also nice seeing how Percy came to Harold's rescue and it was a great way to convey the message that Christmas is a time for goodwill and to be nice to others, although that should also be every year. Plus Chris Renshaw's music was just amazing with its 'Home Alone'-esque style. I often sometimes sing to the original score everytime I hear the music when watching this episode. 

Rating: 9/10 

LOVE ME TENDER

It was great seeing Donald and Douglas again after their last appearance in 2007 and at the time it was great seeing them as their original selves. But overtime, I began to see them just as scottish Bill and Ben since their arguing and bickering was mainly focused in this episode and if if you count, their sense of humor according to the Thomas wikia. Donald and Douglas do more than just arguing and play pranks. They are intelligent and are a great example to people who just see work as work no matter if its dirty or clean. They are also firm with the big engines like Gordon and Henry. Sure conflict won't work for them but they can be good in secondary role. 

I feel this episode was a bit more better compare to what we got with them in the next season, I will writes views on that after this season. But with this episode, despite what I said about the twins earlier, I feel this episode being more personal since I have a brother and we sometimes argue and bicker over many things but in the end we always get back together and look out for each other like all brothers should do. It was such a nice and relevant message that everyone no matter how old they are should follow. Even people who have sisters should follow this as well.

I know I said that railway realism was thrown out of the window since S5 but sometimes the signalling in this episode and sometimes during this era really just irks me. I mean the signals were treated more like traffic lights instead of actual signals which tells an engine that they either stop because an engine is blocking their path, yellow because they need to slow down and procced with caution and green to go since the path had been clear. I mean why not for the scenes with Donald and Douglas going backwards and forth with their bickering add some engines going past with their trains since it is a railway. It would at least add some sense and it would still work for the scene with the twins' bickering. It's a shame that won't happen now given the reboot that Mattel had announced.

It was great seeing the twins back at the time and this episode is still good despite them being scottish Bill and Ben in this era.

Rating: 8/10

THE RAILCAR AND THE COACHES

The introduction to Daisy was nice but we already had her being introduced in 'Ryan and Daisy' as what she is compare to the other engines. I think it would've been better if you have Daisy being introduced again but showcase why her and Annie and Clarabel don't get along and when it all started, just like Percy and Harold's rivalry in 'Letters to Santa'. I don't know how the target audience, kids, reacted when this episode came out but either they didn't care or were confused why Daisy was so rude to them. It was however interesting to see more of Annie and Clarabel and Daisy not getting along, just like real life and it was clever to use the two coaches getting back at Daisy for berating them to showcase the moral that just because Daisy was rude doesn't mean that we should be the same in return. Annie and Clarabel should've been the bigger pair of caoches to showcase that they would turn the other cheek and get on with their work. I think it was also a pity that we didn't get a sequel to the episode when it comes to Diesel and the coaches, it would've been interesting to see how they would cope with someone like Diesel but I guess we have to leave that for our imagination since Mattel will be having their reboot. 

Rating: 9/10

MUCKING ABOUT

I think I had been a bit harsh to the episode when I reviewed the DVD release 'Team Up With Thomas' in 2018 when it came to the idea of ignoring bullies when the episode showcased that with Thomas not trying to give, but he does eventually after Max and Monty made a sharp turn to avoid running over the mother duck and her ducklings. It was shown visually that ignoring bullies can lead to even more trouble and it was shown throughout the rest of the episode what with Max and Monty causing Oliver's frontloader to be disabled and then them dumping their rubbish on the railway line, although those two were more of an accident from their part since it wasn't done intentionally. 

However it does showcase the moral that mucking about and not thinking straight can lead to trouble, although Max and Monty should've been punished for their trouble instead of giving a stern talking to by the policeman. I feel like Davey Moore was trying to showcase two morals, one on Thomas' side and the other on Max and Monty's. I think it was a good episode, Max and Monty were entertaining and the story was fine too despite a few little bumps here and their. But the ending with Thomas telling off Max and Monty is interesting to see considering that Mattel and HIT Entertainment had tried to push the whole 'friendship' stance of the show towards the younger audience. It's a good message to teach to kids that not everyone can get along. Although even years after this episode had aired, I still don't get what is wrong with Max and Monty's UK voices. Their US voices were just cringe to listen to. They sound more like goofballs whereas their UK voices sound more normal while comical. 

Rating: 6/10

CAUTIOUS CONNOR

'Connor and Caitlin are even faster than Spencer & Gordon', although I think in the world of the TV series it's written like that to make them sound cool for the younger audience considering that Gordon and Spencer had boast over the years in the show that they are the fastest. In reality they aren't faster than those two based on their basis, but the show had never been that accurate with realism for years. But at times there can be some nice bits of realism in the show, such as Connor's connecting rod being broken. Something similar like that happened to 3801 when it was taking 'The Bicentennial Train' to Perth, Western Australia when Australia was celebrating 200 years of european settlement. 

It left its big end glowing red and had to strip off its connecting rod and valve gear and it had be hauled by a diesel, although 3801 pulled into Perth terminal under its own steam with one piston and its pin was beyond repair and had to take a while to fix before they made their way to Adelaide, South Australia. So despite me saying that realism had been thrown out of the window, I do like it when the show had actually showcased some railway realism. It is also interesting to see how would an engine react to it in the aftermath and I can understand we can feel the same as well and want to be more cautious but being afraid of something that isn't happening right now isn't worth it, although we should take time to bring up confidence again.

I love Stephen's pep talk to Connor but I feel that Edward should've been the one doing since he had went through something similar to Connor when it came to his connecting rod. It's stuff like this that makes Edward such a great secondary character for the show. He gives out advice to the other engines given his years of experience. One other great part of the pep talk scene was the camera making great sweeping shots, showcasing the spirit of Stephen's words. 

Although the comedy with Skiff going past Connor was funny, I think it would've been better to have Trevor chuffering by since he's slow as well and would pass Connor. But all in all, this was a great episode looking back.

Rating: 9/10

ALL IN VAIN

After seeing this, I tend to think this was more as a standard episode instead of a sequel to 'Pouty James'. At the time it felt like a sequel given how James had grown since his pouty episode. But James is still pompous and vain in this episode still as he was before. However it was interesting seeing James being responsible instead of trying to keep clean in order to take his special job until a tiny scratch ruined it all because he was still obessesd with his red paint. It adds a nice message that worrying about a small problem will create it to an even bigger problem with don't ignore or worry about it. It was also great seeing the Edward and James dynamic again too. The episode was really good and James' reward for his hard work was something that is deserving too. A well written episode. 

Rating: 9/10

BUCKLED TRACKS & BUMPY TRUCKS

I think could've been better if were about what buckled tracks can cause in the serious heat. Maybe make the Fat Controller think they are safe enough for engines to get through, a bit like him in 'Percy Gets It Right' from S7, despite their protest, and maybe have him learn that he can make bad decisions as the problem got worse when one of the engines derail, while a lineside fire breaks out thanks to dry grass, maybe the derailed engine can be Belle like the in the episode, just without Flynn, as she tries to put out the fire and one of the other engines, Thomas most likely since he has to be in the story regardless of his reason since he's the star and in the end, the tracks were repaired and were painted white so they can reflect the heat and they wouldn't have to worry about buckled tracks. I feel that the Fat Controller's scenes in the actual episode, while comedically good, were added in to support the story since the buckled track idea that we have in the episode wouldn't hold much weight to make a good story. The episode wasn't bad, but could've been touched up to at least make it a bit more better. However, the title could've been much better since buckled tracks were a part of the story but the trucks really nothing to do with the episode, apart from Whiff taking rubbish trucks and that's it.

Rating: 4/10

TIT FOR TAT

The last time the show ever had stories adapted from the Railway Series books was back in 1995 when S4 was only on Cartoon Network in the UK. If you were around the time when the show was at its lowest before the Brenner/McCue era, chances are the idea of ever bringing a character straight from the book to the screen or an unadapted story to the screen you would be dreaming. It was an amazing move made by the production team at the time and a great way to introduce the miniature engines. I honestly felt at the time when this had first aired in Canada in early 2017, before all the BS that followed afterwards, that these stories should've been held for the 70th anniversary as they were stories from the Railway Series, which was the foundation of the franchise. I love the little nods that the episode had made like with the Thin Clergyman, Rev.W.Awdry, and the Fat Clergyman, Teddy Boston, went to see Skarloey puffing by. It's a nice nod to Awdry's strong support to the Talyllyn Railway in Wales as well as too his family who are/were volunteers of the railway too. Thomas puffing into Ffarquhar station is similar in style to the original intro from the classic series and have him talking to Awdry, his creator. 

The other great part about the episode is that its one of the rare cases to see a crew member interacting with an engine and there was alot and its great to see it again and I wish that the show had kept that later on. The whole story was the same with some originality in it like Thomas wanting to get his photo taken. This personally my favorite adaptation of the Small Railway Engine's story and huge well done to the production for making this great episode. My only complaint and its a small one, I wish the title had 'Based on the story by the Rev.W.Awdry' under Andrew Brenner's name of the episode title, this applies to the other two stories from 'Small Railway Engines'. Just to give the general public the idea that this story was written before by the creator of the characters. Yes we have 'Based on the Railway Series by the Rev.W.Awdry' title in the intro, but pretty much every episode has that. I wish though that the production team had gone forth with other stories that were left unadapted but I'm happy with what we got all the same.

Rating: 10/10

MIKE'S WHISTLE

This was another good adaptation and it had some liberties to meet the length of time, like with dialouge and Thomas' mandatory appearance, but it didn't make the story too different. There's really not much else to say other than that this is another great adaptation. Although I much prefer 'Tit For Tat'.

Rating: 9/10

USEFUL RAILWAY

Another good adaptation with some liberties, although the addition the passengers not taking the small railway seriously was a nice touch so it can build up to the ending of it all and I also like how they explained about how the wool was rolled into bails, which is something not from the book. The slowmotion of Rex's derailment I think adds comedy but it also gave much more impact of the whole accident. Plus it had led to the fandom's meme 'RexVEVO' on social media after it had aired in Canada back in early 2017. These adaptations were a nice touch and proves that the Railway Series stories can work in the series in a length of 9mins. It's a shame that none followed after it.

Rating: 9/10

HENRY IN THE DARK

I will say this is better than 'Henry Gets The Express' but I feel Henry was mostly used more as a plot device because of his greeen glow-in-the dark paint. The other engines were mostly the ones going through something and while Henry was more of his original self, I feel he came off quite as bland, boring and uninteresting. Yes this is the same engine who was built so horribly from stolen plans of a prototype and has a small firebox and other worn out parts and had welsh coal to help him until his accident with the Flying Kipper which lead to him to his new shape at Crewe. But after that nothing else happened to him until he'd rescued two 'dead' diesels and then nothing else happened after that until Christopher's book 'Henry and The Express' and even that book didn't do much for him, Henry had bad coal, got an overhaul and then took a train from a failed diesel, the end, he didn't go through anything just something bad happened to him because it did. Christopher's books aren't really as good as his father's to be honest. Heck that book acknowledged that Henry had no book for ages. In my opinion maybe it should be about Henry being worried about retirement, you see him being worried is a good trait for him that makes him stand out, much better than a carbon copy of Gordon and James mashed together. I like that Henry is a worrier, his two S19 episodes proved that it can work if its executed well, because he actually goes through something like Henry worrying about getting chickenpox, despite it being extreme, because it's something unknown to him since he's an engine and him worrying about an abominable snowman because its a well-known myth. This episode is good but I don't see it as praiseworthy that some fans had with it.

Rating: 6/10 

THREE STEAM ENGINES GRUFF

Over the years I began to have a bit of a soft spot for this episode, probably because Thomas, Toby and Percy were used together as a trio and we hadn't that for years, probably since the second season and it was very nostalgic to me. But despite that it was still messy with the use of the characters. I say to keep in the true Awdry/early years spirit of Thomas, the episode should've had Percy fearing the spooky nature of autumn, Thomas teasing Percy for being silly and Toby being the level headed engine of the three. While Thomas was teasing Percy even he began to feel scared by the noise, just like with him in 'Ghost Train'. It would honestly be better if it were that instead of the mess that we got, but I think if we got that we might have Amazon Moms moaning about Thomas being 'mean' because have Thomas being actually relatable to kids is a bad thing, even though Thomas acts like a kid himself! I think this was Brenner's weakest script and there's really nothing redeemable.

Rating: 3/10

ENGINE OF THE FUTURE

And we come to the newbie of S20, Hugo. However his debut episode was really flat. He came to the Island, for some reason, the engines were amazed by him but are worried that he would replace them, even though that whole trope was done to death in the show, since he's the future of the rail travel. However he points out that he doesn't have couplings like the other engines and that his propeller is dangerous when he's at stations, which are really the problems that the real rail zeppelin had in Germany. However the ending of it was just bad as well with Hugo taking passengers and then the engines came to cheer for him at the big station, I know to just cheer him up after being terrible for him but it was out of nowhere this hurrah for him. I remember people comparing him to Harvey as a defence but the difference between those two is major, Harvey was badmouthed by the engines because he was different to them however once he rescued Percy from an accident with his crane, the engines all began to realise how useful he is. Hugo was cheered because they were terrible to him and wasn't because of anything he did that made him useful. I honestly think this episode would've worked if you have Daisy involve. She sees herself as bang up to date and once she saw Hugo and saw how fast and futuristic he is, she began to worry about being replaced and was terrible to Hugo when he was working on the Harwick line. But when Daisy had an accident, Hugo took her passengers for her and Daisy realised how useful Hugo can be despite being 'the future'. It's a more freash idea and would be like 'Away From The Sea', but instead of a diesel fearing to be replaced by a steam engine, it's a rail car fearing to be replaced by a rail zeppelin. Heck, someone in fandom made a whole video of that idea! 

I wish the production team did that story instead of what we got. I'm sorry but this a bad episode. Hugo seems like a sweet gentle character but his debut story was just flat.

Rating: 1/10

HUGO AND THE AIRSHIP

This episode is still confusing even four years after it was released on DVD. The start of the episode looks like it was shown as a mystery about the airship and after Thomas had seen, Hugo randomly yearns to fly. I think there should be better set up for the episode like have Hugo maybe going to an airshow with passengers and saw amazing things can fly and he then saw zeppelin in the field on display. After the show he saw it taking off and he then asked one of the passengers what it was and told him that it was zeppelin and refer it that it looks like him and then he begins to yearn to fly. The set would've worked perfectly but sadly it didn't here. I will say the lack of sound during Hugo's montage felt odd, wheather it was intentional or not. The episode was alright and its better than Hugo's debut episode but there should've been better set up with the airship.

Rating: 4/10

THE MISSING BREAKDOWN TRAIN

I think this episode was a bit boring to sit through. Nothing much happens until Daisy's accident. I think to make the story a bit more better, perhaps have Judy and Jerome trying to get to an accident site before Rocky but the latter got their before they do. However when Rocky was needed for something on the otherside of the Island, an emergency was called and their were no spare cranes except for Judy and Jerome. Have them save Daisy and the Fat Controller sees use to them as a second crane with the message that two is better than one. This episode is basically just two cranes looking at spots and then a crash. It really didn't add much to the message for kids to learn from. It's not bad but far from great.

Rating: 3/10 

SKIFF AND THE MERMAID

As I said before, Skiff is not a favorite of mine. But this episode really made me like him for a bit. He has more of a persona here than what we got in the 2015 special and in his first episode from this season. He was naive about the idea of a mermaid and the comedy with the Fat Controller at Bluffs Cove was funny as well. I will say its a shame that Oliver was used more as Toad's transport since he barely had any episode, and sadly we were robbed of one for the next season. I wish we had that episode instead of Samson. Anyway, this episode was good. Not the best or anything but it had some great comedy and Skiff was nice here too.

Rating: 7/10

THE CHRISTMAS COFFEE POT

One thing that surprised me about this episode, according to Ian McCue, this episode was made only for DVD and it, along with 'Over the Hill', were seen to be part of S21. Although I love Marion in this episode and Olivia Colman had done an excellent job with her voice acting, I feel that Marion's part still could've changed to Thomas, Percy and Toby hearing Glynn's voice and thought it was a ghost, maybe that idea would come more to Thomas and Percy and maybe have Toby being the level headed one and tell Thomas to actually look through the trees to see whats on the otherside, perhaps you can have Toby remembering vaugley that he'd moved an engine in that old siding years ago.

Although Rev.W.Awdry had stated that the coffee pots were scrapped, from 'The Island of Sodor: Its People, History and Railways' from 1987, the television show had over the years said that the Fat Controller never scraps steam engines, giving it the biggest misconception of the character. Although to give further context so that some normies go ranting how Thomas is a communist, Awdry sees his engines as machines with human characteristics and he like many enthusiasts sees engines as a living mechannical being. Just listen to his interview from Wogan in 1988 when it comes to steam locomotives. 

So of course like all steam engine they will sadly meet their fate. However its annoying, to the TV series' side to see the engines worrying that the Fat Controller would scrap Glynn because he's old and with years of establishing the fact in their word the Fat Controller never scraps a steam engine, you think they would get it by now! Perhaps instead of fearing for scrap you have the Fat Controller seeing him and would love to have him working on his railway but they don't have anything suitable for him since the workload had become more heavier compare to his day and Glynn tried his best but fails and was sad that he might have to be placed in a siding again rusting away. However the Fat Controller had decided to give him to Sir Robert who can keep him at his estate doing tours with Stephen and it would further increase the jealousy of the latter with Glynn.

The episode was good though but maybe be tweaked a bit.

Rating: 6/10

OVER THE HILL

The sad thing about this episode is the fact that the idea of the Railway Museum by the Earl is no longer a thing now that Mattel had rebooted the series. Who knows what the museum would've been if they had kept on with that idea without BWBA being greenlit. Maybe we were to have more historical pieces of railway history, maybe someone like 'Lion', it doesn't have to be Lion but an engine that shares his basis or maybe it was for the international engines from 'The Great Race'. Who knows but one can only dream, unless someone emails Ian McCue and asked what the idea was about, however don't bombard his inbox.

As for the episode, the Stephen and Glynn dynamic was excellent and pretty much the best part of the whole episode. Stephen really wanted Glynn to be jealous of him but Glynn pretty admires or just didn't bother with Stephen which makes its really funny. Plus his 'race' with Glynn was hilarious as well with the music, inspired by 'Eye of the Tiger', building up to be this awesome and epic race but once they start they puff away almost like old men. When the episode was new, it reminded of Herbert vs Franz in Family Guy, apart from the surroundings but really this was the first thing that came into mind when I first saw this episode.

One thing I find odd about Glynn's burn to Gordon in the UK dub was that he said 'would you like a cup of tea with that, young Gordon?' unless that was a way of saying a burn but the whole glass of milk quote in the US dub makes more sense since they were calling him 'young'. But in the end, it was a good episode.

Rating: 9/10

OVERALL

I like S20 but I feel that it might've been a little overblown by some people in the fandom as the best season ever of the Brenner/McCue era. There are good episodes but their are also some crummy ones, like Henry's ones. However even the good ones could've been better than what they were in my opinion. But the character dynamics were great such as Daisy with Annie and Clarabel, Glynn and Stephen, Toby and Philip etc. they all really brought something. How the way the show had used Thomas' mandatory appearances was good but they are still his mandatory appearances really. 

One of the best things from this season was the music. Chris Renshaw had given the characters their own special theme, similar to what Mike O'Donnell & Junior Campbell gave to the characters when they were composing for the show. However there were some generic music for the background but they seem to be used for any moment unlike the previous seasons when they were just their in the background.

That's all I have to say about S20. It was a good season but I feel that it had been overblown by some people as the best ever. It's not a great season nor a perfect one but it was good none the less.

OVERALL RATING:

188/280

CGI Series Re-Review: Series 19 (2015)

2015, the 70th anniversary year. We had 'The Adventure Begins' and 'Sodor's Legend of The Lost Treasure' and of course we had a new season of Thomas & Friends. However I seem to remember that S19 was not as beloved as the last two seasons were and now looking back years after its broadcast, is it really that bad? Let's find out, but first:

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

SERIES 19 (2015)

Written by

Andrew Brenner

Lee Pressman

Davey Moore

Helen Farrall

Mark Huckerby & Nick Olster

Becky Overton

Robin Gay (Story idea)

Directed by

Don Spencer

Dianna Basso

Co-Directed by

David Stoten

Produced by

Robert Anderson & Jennifer Hill (Arc Productions)

Ian McCue (HIT/Mattel)

Told by

Mark Moraghan

EPISODES

WHO'S GEOFFREY

Remember that ending where Thomas crashed into another lot of random bouncy balls outside of Henry's Tunnel and we all thought it made no sense? Well, it turns out that Lee Pressman, the writer of the episode DIDN'T write that ending and I certaintly agree with him there because it was just the most random thing to execute, sure it was done in a comical way to showcase Thomas' lesson about owning up but why? I have a feeling that Pressman's original ending was Thomas making a mistake, maybe at the docks, again and owned up to that mistake. No random crash just Mark Moraghan just telling us the moral of the story with Thomas and that is it. As for the episode, I do like how the story has the 'circular tale' story style, like 'If You Give A Mouse A Cookie' book, how Thomas told a lie and then it grew into something bigger and bigger instead of getting away with his lie after his accident at the docks. I do kinda see this working in a Railway Series book by the Rev.W.Awdry with Thomas' character as he feels like that from the early days of the series. The moral that we should own up is something common but something we need though, although I don't understand why they had to make the message different in the US and UK dub? In the former they'd mentioned 'admitted it' and the latter is 'owned up', why? Yeah I know that I'm nitpicking here but for the former they do know the words 'owned up' since 'Oliver Owns Up' had aired their with that title. But in the end, this was a good season opener.

Rating:

9/10

THE TRUTH ABOUT TOBY

While I don't like the idea of the engines being worried about Toby being scrapped, considering that over the years the TV series conseptulised the Fat Controller as being a guy who never scraps a steam engine, despite the fact that in Awdry's source book 'Sodor: Its People, History & Railway' stated that he did scrap the coffee pot engines, the first Sir Topham Hatt. I feel that the episode was made in response to the insane criticism that Thomas usually gets like the Fat Controller being this Stalin like dictator and how if the engines aren't useful they will be scrapped, like in a facist country. It's dumb how these critics are really trying to make Thomas twisted and unlikeable. Heck they are engines not people in train suits, they are engines who work on a railway with human characteristics. I say that my favourite thing about this episode is Toby and Henrietta's relationship really feels like a husband and wife duo. While Toby is always annoyed with Henrietta's nagging, he does know that she was only trying to look out for him and I think that was sweet. Their was a bit of a three strike formula with Toby but I think it'd worked well here. Another good episode.

Rating: 

9/10

LOST PROPERTY

A pretty simple story, inspectors come to the railway, things go wrong and Thomas puts it right. But their were some funny moments like the children, the Fat Controller really wanting the inspector's approval and I had a little chuckle at Thomas' face after hearing the word 'Initiative' for the first time. With Keith Wickham taking over the helm of the Fat Controller for both dubs, he really delivered a much more better performance for the Fat Controller unlike his robotic voice from seasons before, since he had to copy the lip syncing of Kerry Shale when he was the voice. There were some railway realism such as a stuck window, rebellious children, cows and lost property. But it was subtle and it wasn't the focus, something I think that some older Thomas fan seem to forget in the past few years since now realism, from what I seen, is about an Australian engine running in the outback heat or that African engines aren't broad gauge or whatever when those liberties were done to have a story or to have Thomas interacting with characters from that country, members of the general audience I believe would not really care for that stuff. Anyway, this was a nice episode.

Rating:

8/10

HENRY SPOTS TROUBLE

This might be controversal, but I pretty much have come to terms that this the best Henry episode we had from this era, shocking yes but let me provide you with some context. In the past we had some episodes of Henry being a worrier over such things like the magic box episode and the Monster of Brendam episode in the past but those episodes were pretty much bad, I didn't pick the Health and Safety episode as an example because I felt Henry was in the right to be concerend about that, but it still doesn't make the episode good with its writing and all. Anyway, what I like about this episode is how something unknown can be something frightening, we all go through that at some point in our lives no matter how old we are and if you look at the episode in the perspective of Henry with the chicken poxs scare, he's an engine, not a human in a train suit so how would he know of it? I feel that while Henry's fright was a bit extreme, I think it was more natural because it was unknown to him and doesn't know much of the risks and won't know if engines can get it like humans. It also made me think that if they had done more episodes with this Henry and the situation he was in, perhaps Mattel might've kept him in the 'steam team' as it made him stand out and more relatable to kids. 

As much as I like Henry, his persona was just all over the place in the past. After when he got his new shape in the Railway Series books and the first two seasons, he became more like Gordon and James put together and when the television show wained itself away from the books, he was given a pretty bland soft side and was then reverted back to his grumpy persona around S5 before he was given this persona. I wish that the production team had tried to balance his persona. Perhaps, if this works, you can have Henry being this arrogant engine thinking he never gets scared only to find out that secretly he is. Perhaps that could work, the ending kinda shows that since their are very different types of diseases. I understand that it sounds like Gordon still but with Gordon, he never had kept his scaredy side a secret to the others, he just gets scared naturally. But despite that, his scaredy persona, Henry, really makes him stand out among James and Gordon. It just should've been executed properly in the last few years. Say what you want but I like this episode, much better than 'Henry Gets The Express' and I'll explain that later in my S20 review.

Now after all that, the episode. I still it's great to watch the episode in the perspective of Henry being an engine but their was also that scene of the painter knocking over the can of red paint and their was no dialouge whatsoever in the scene, only the action was telling us visually and I thought it was a funny and clever way of telling that scene without the narrator telling us. I understand that where I come from this episode got banned because the episode says that chicken pox is nothing to be scared of. However I don't think the writers are trying to showcase an anti-vaxs message, and to those people I say; stop being stupid and listen to people who know better. I believe if parents are concerned that if their child think its nothing to be scared of, it's up to them to tell them that their is vaccinations to prevent kids from getting them and not just on TV. Plus children are smarter than we take them credit for, they do know their rights and wrongs. In the end, to me this is best Henry episode and I felt that the flack this episode got back in 2015 from older fans was unfair and this is coming from the guy who made this three years ago!

Rating: 

10/10

A CRANKY CHRISTMAS

I remember saying that this episode was similar to 'Who's Geoffrey', what with Cranky dropping the crate is kind of similar to Thomas bashing into trucks causing Cranky to drop a crate of bouncy balls and then you have the character not owning up to it. But I think I can see why they would add it to have it as conflict for the episode so that Thomas can rush to and from the town hall in the ice, since most of the episode was about the dangers of ice, although I think the title could've been better since Cranky wasn't in the episode that much and since the episode's subject was about ice, maybe they could've gone with something like 'Icy Rails' or an 'Icy Christmas'. I also like the addition of sandboxes, showcasing to kids that sand is important in icy and snow, along with the salt. This wasn't a bad episode but not a great either. It's just good.

Rating:

7/10

SNOW PLACE LIKE HOME

I think this is the pinpoint of the characters starting to bounce, although just Kevin, and I remember alot of people being OK with it saying that it adds more body language to them. Then two years after this episode, it's now suddenly a bad thing. I won't digress here but I honestly never had a problem with the bouncing of the characters, sure it's unrealistic for them to do it since they are heavy machines but I said this time and time again, the show had never focused itself towards realism since the fifth season. At first I thought it was rather strange to see Kevin like that but over time it didn't bother me that much. 

As for the episode, I quite like it what with Victor and Kevin's dynamic. Kevin being the excitable child that think snow is fun until he realises how dangerous it can be, and Victor the concerned parent who was trying to look out for Kevin's safety, it was nice. It tells kids about the dangers of snow, which is a good message to those who live in the northern countries. I will say, I still wish that the opening scene was dedicated to Emily and what happened while her piston rods broke instead of Percy and Henry being worried about the railway closing because that was never brought up again, then again I don't blame Lee Pressman for that because the writers were given what to write and flesh it all out. 

All in all, this episode was nice.

Rating: 

8/10  

THE BEAST OF SODOR

While I do like this episode with Henry being scared of the unknown, I think the story might've been a bit more better with Henry and Spencer looking for James, since they'd established him not being a Tidmouth sheds overnight and maybe you have Henry scoffing at the idea that the abominable snowman wasn't real, despite Spencer's claim, maybe the latter teases him that he maybe got James and goes after engines who don't believe in him, enough to scare Henry. I feel that this could've provide a balance to have his original persona and his scaredy persona in one piece. However what we got was something good and I will say the Fat Controller's comedic moments gave me a chuckle and at the time when this was new, it didn't feel overdone compare to what we get later on. Honestly Henry had the best episodes in this season and it's not because the production team at the time where bringing back his old persona, they'd executed his scaredy persona to be something better and they'd nailed it here with Henry being afraid of the unknown and that to me brings conflict for the big green engine. Such a shame that after rewatching this and Spots Trouble that the production team had pulled him out of the steam team, I believe they were ordered by Mattel as well since he and Edward, according to one fan, says they weren't marketable and I believe the production team agreed with the idea. I know 'The Flying Kipper' is celebrated as the best Herny episode amongst the older fandom but I believe the two S19 Henry episodes are probably more better because Kipper I believe was more praised by its visuals rather than story and character, and now I didn't write that to tell older fans off and be a 'Mattel shill', I also like Kipper but I feel that episode is a bit overrated. 

Rating:

8/10

TOAD AND THE WHALE

I feel that the episode's message is 'There's no such thing as a bad idea.' Toad came up with an idea that seems out of the box and Oliver thought it was impossible. But when the idea was executed, it worked well. I wish though that Oliver had apologised to Toad about doubting him when it comes to saving the whale though. I would complain about Thomas fetching Rocky instead of Oliver, so for the latter you can show him still doubting the idea but like what Lee Pressman says, they don't have that much control. Thomas has to be in the episode no matter how annoying it gets, it happened ever since Britt Allcroft had more control of the show around S3. The episode itself however was a nice one and it was interesting to see Toad's caring side, especially when mammals. I remember some people saying they didn't like Oliver in the episode but honestly any engine can doubt someone's idea and I think the writers were trying to make something dynamic between the two, such a shame that we didn't have more episodes of these two and it's a bigger shame that after this we never got a sole Oliver episode. There's really not much else to say really but I do like this episode. It was nice and sweet and it tells us that a mammal's life is also precious.

Rating:

7/10

VERY IMPORTANT SHEEP

There is something so simple and calming about this episode and I love each and every minute of it. It had a nice message from Percy's story that we shouldn't rush about when we were late. If we're late then we are late and that's it, that's what I learnt when I was late for work once. Being late isn't a bad thing in the end but we shouldn't do it all the time though. The comedy with the animals gave me a good chuckle too. In the end it was a simple and enjoyable episode.

Rating:

9/10

SALTY ALL AT SEA

Another good story, though the title is a bit odd since it didn't quite fit with the premise of the story. Maybe it could've been called 'Salty's Imagination Goes Wild'. But that's just my opinion. I remember not many people liking the episode because of Porter's lack of dialouge, at the time he was bearly seen in episodes and he was only introduced in 2013, two years ago at the time when this season was new. It's sad to think now that six years after this episode debuted we will never have a Porter episode since this reboot would not likely have him to appear. At the time of writing this the 'S25' reboot trailer came out and I hate it, I won't be writing an editorial about it. But I digress, I believe the reason for Porter's lack of dialouge is the fact that Thomas has to appear in episodes, as Lee Pressman said in his interview that I had linked in the episode, and they have no control over that and Amazon parents had complained about Thomas not appearing in every episode, sadly. But despite that the episode was still good with the message that we can't let our imagination runaway at times. We need to control it. I will say one of my favourite shots from the episode was Thomas and Salty on the suspension bridge and how it was a neat transition for the two characters in one single shot, excellent by Arc Productions at the time.

Rating:

9/10

DEN AND DART

I remember everyone criticising the title of this episode being 'too generic' when we had episode titles like 'Thomas and Gordon', 'Edward and Gordon', 'Percy and the Signal', 'Percy & Harold' etc. in the past. I mean the titles makes has more sense than 'Salty All At Sea'. I like the story but I feel that maybe the episode could've been a bit better. Den and Dart have always been working at the Dieselworks and its yards as well than anywhere else. Perhaps have the Dieselworks closed for some repairs and Den and Dart were sent to find other work for the time being. Let's say they were sent to the quarry and put trucks into the wrong places, which infuriates Mavis herself and perhaps you can Toby referencing that Mavis had once put trucks into the wrong places and that it had infuriated him too. It would show Mavis' growth as a character and teaching Den and Dart the same method that Mavis was taught under Toby. Perhaps they'd (Den and Dart) placed the trucks in the wrong sidings because they were flustered by the troublesome trucks trickery and the different layout of the yards. Perhaps to increase the conflict you have Den and Dart holding back the idea of help until they need to ask Mavis in the end. It would give the message that we shouldn't be frustrated with someone whose not as experienced as someone, like Mavis and the quarry, on Mavis' side of the story and for Den and Dart's side, we would be taught that it's OK to ask for help, even if you have some knowledge of what you're doing, Den and Dart shunting trucks. The episode was nice and all but I feel that Den's side of the story is alot more better whereas Dart's side was just their since he didn't go through anything apart from missing Den and that only lasted for a few minutes. It wasn't a bad story but I think it would've worked better if it were about working away from the Dieselworks.

Rating:

6/10

HELPING HIRO

I think looking back this episode, it wasn't too bad and I think it had aged well. Thomas being a bit of chatterbox I remember was a thing being criticised but I tend to see it as him looking up to Hiro. It also like a nice little sequel to 'Hero of The Rails' what with Thomas remembering the last time Hiro was broken and adding for nice continuity, the rails to Hiro's old hideout had given away after years of neglect. I honestly think this episode has been overhated. It wasn't the best of the best but it certainly wasn't the worst. 

Rating:

7/10

SLOW STEPHEN

Honestly this is still a very good episode focusing on Stephen and I like how he's the 'old engine' but not in a way as an Edward clone where he was just a kind old mentor engine. Stephen never takes himself highly and is witty but he's out of place in the world of faster engines and the episode showcased that despite being something out of date, he is still useful and that was him saving Gordon from an accident and that he was lighter than Thomas when it came to the damaged bridge. I was kind of critical of Gordon's boasting, although that was a problem in the CGI era with him being a one-note character, but it works in this episode with him belittling Stephen for being slow since he was the one doubting Stephen earlier. I will say this about the music at the end, the Lost Treasure felt so out of place because the music has that sea shanty feeling to where the scene with Thomas, Stephen and the Fat Controller had no sea, unless you count the water so far away from the bridge. To me the problem with Hartshorne and his son's music is that they feel to generic and unmemorable, even though they had produced a far more better score ever since Ed Welch left the series. I will say Peter's best score will always be 'The Adventure Begins' because they took the most memorable music that was scored years before and made it their own way. But often at times the music feels like it was just their in the background to fill the void of nothing. Mike O'Donnell & Junior Campbell had made generic themes themselves during their time on the show but there was at least something a bit memorable about them. But that's just my own little nitpick.

Rating:

9/10

TWO WHEELS GOOD

Looking back at this episode, I think the episode was pretty simple and it feels like something out from Series 8, not that it's bad or anything but the simpleness really feels like a S8 story. I feel that the characters were nice, especially since it was focused on the humans and other vehicles other than the engines and the interaction between the Duke and Duchess was funny as well. But all in all it was a decent episode but I still don't see it as a great episode.

Rating: 7/10

REDS VS. BLUES

While I'm not interested in football, although out here in Australia we call it soccer because we have football here in the likes of the AFL. Rugby and Rugby Leauge, I'm more of a fan of the latter. But it's nice to see something that is so British in Thomas, since soccer is big over their. I will say the montage of Thomas and James being competitive did get a bit tiresome but it did serve something good for the story with them going through actual consequence of not working together as a team. Although, while I do like the addition of Barrow having a soccer team, I wish the show had actually made Dryaw go up against another local Sodor team instead of having one team specially for Sodor, I see that working for something like a world cup, although I think Sudrians would be representing England, since Sodor is a British isle. I mean you don't see the Isle of Man taking part of the world cup. It was a decent story and Percy's fourth wall joke was a bit funny too.

Rating: 7/10 

BEST ENGINE EVER

I loved this episode when it came out in Japan back in 2016 and I still love it. In this day and age, we live in a world where some people tried to be like a Kardashian where good looks means everything. But we should be proud of who and what we are and don't need to be someone we're not. Although I wish they had added things for Emily like her being a premier express engine back in her day, although I don't think the production team wanted her to be 'old' because they want them to be relevant to the younger audience. But would add more to her random breakdown, say that she tried to pull the express but broke down because she pushed herself too hard. Heck if they did at the time, add Pip and Emma into the episode and you got yourself an old vs new story. It's a shame that after this episode, Emily barely got anymore episodes to herself as a character and although I like her character here I also would've liked to see her bossy self from S8 again, but that won't happen what with the reboot and all. But this despite that, Emily's lead role truly went out with a bang. 

Rating: 9/10

THE LITTLE ENGINE WHO RACED AHEAD

I think Philip had recieved so much hate for no reason. Sure I can see he can be annoying but has anyone been around an actual child? They do act quite like Philip, bubbly, excitable, confident and maybe some ignorance and that  they want to show off to their bigger peers and he was like that to Gordon. Although I do wish Philip had been punished by the Fat Controller after breaking his promise. He was an interesting character that was introduced in the Brenner/McCue era and his debut episode was something to look back after years of him being around. A nice introduction with a great character.

Rating: 9/10

PHILIP TO THE RESCUE

Honestly, I don't know why Brenner had made this a James story instead of using Gordon again like Philip's debut episode. It makes sense with Gordon since he was the one Philip had interacted with first but with James, his hatred of Philip it just came out of nowhere for no rhyme or reason. I believe with Gordon you could have the big blue engine seeing Philip as a caring engine who looks out for his fellow engine and their well being plus if they had done it for 'The Great Race', maybe have Gordon going up against someone like Vinnie for bullying Philip, or maybe have Philip standing up for himself. Gordon could still find him annoying but knows that Philip has a good heart in the end. 

Rating: 5/10

DIESEL'S GHOSTLY CHRISTMAS

I still find it funny that the official series finally made their own version of 'A Christmas Carol' and that it happened three years, at the time, after I had done my own one with Diesel as the main character. I think one of the interesting things about this episode is that it was a two parter episode on TV and a whole episode within itself on DVD, digital downloads and streaming. We never had a two parter episode for a long time that are connected. Sure there was the so-called Logging Locos trilogy from S15 but they don't feel too connected to me. I will say that the idea of developing the characters to be better kinda works when the series is more as a one-off instead of being an on going show because if you mature a character too much they won't come off as interesting, an example of that would be Ash Ketchum from 'Pokemon: XY&Z', he was an exteremley bland character. So the idea that Diesel not lasting to be this cheerful and happy character is something predictable and plus I think they'd established that idea as fact in 'Diesel and the Ducklings' when he said it's hard to be nice. I always tend to see characters returning to their flaws since it's hard to kill off and over time we slowly become better, that's my opinion. On its own, the episode was clever with the way Diesel was learning to be helpful, especially at Christmas, and he had to learn it the hard with the idea of ghosts haunting him,  him being derailed in the same spot as Paxton and Thomas not helping him. Plus some of the comedy was worth chuckling like Paxton breaking the fourth wall and Rocky looking at the camera feeling off by Diesel's sudden transformation. It was a good episode in the end.

Rating: 7/10

THOMAS THE BABYSITTER

I will say this, I adore this episode very much. It was simple and slice of life and it really encaptures that feel of Thomas. The story is like something from Christopher Awdry, honestly I don't see his Railway Series books as great, but he had created some few gems like 'Percy & The Brake Van' and 'Donald & The Breakaway' in the annuals. I remember not many people liking the episode when it was first broadcasted in Japan in 2015 saying that it was boring and not enough action and I really don't understand it all. Sure Thomas had action before but Thomas had always have this sort of simplicity that it was well known for since the Railway Series. Many parents had said that it was a relaxing show compare to all the zaniness of the others, though sadly Mattel doesn't realise that. There was conflict in the episode where they were trying to calm the baby down and it turns out that Thomas chuffing along his branch line was what keeps it calm and there was confliction on Thomas choosing to take his passenegers to each station or run non-stop to keep the baby calm. It was a simple episode with so much heart and Helen Farrall had really capture the simple things of Thomas. I also feel that this story would work in 'Tank Engine Thomas Again'.

Rating: 10/10 

ROCKY RESCUE

Five years had passed since this episode aired in Japan back in 2016 and I still feel this episode could've been much more better if Judy and Jerome were involved to give the moral that two are better than one. Have Judy and Jerome feeling useless because Rocky does all the rescue work and is maybe stronger than them. However when Rocky got derailed, Judy and Jerome came to his rescue, maybe have them being underconfident about the whole situation. The actual episode itself is still meh and I hate how the rescue team act like children when in the past they were serious about their work since they are Sodor's rescuse service. Plus the whole message about teamwork I felt was a bit rammed down throughout the latter part of the episode and I believe kids would get the message from the dialouge and all. Not a personal favourite of mine when I first saw it and still not a favourite today. But I will say Captain's false alarms were a bit funny to say the least and Rocky has some personality with him being the more level headed character and I can see that's why having the rescue team acting like kids but it doesn't excuse the inconsitency of the characters in the past. I mean we had Belle telling Flynn in S17 about the fires and how they must be taken out quick fast.

Rating: 2/10

THE OTHERSIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN

Basically, this episode is 'Thomas' Shortcut' but with an even bigger crash that was just too over the top. I will say the best thing coming from the episode was the dynamic between Thomas and Bertie. Both are friendly rivals that have some banter towards each other and it felt like something from Awdry's books. But the whole episode is bascially like the shortcut episode from S17. Bertie gets rerouted, Thomas is jealous, tells the others, accident and then they reconcil, the end. The crash was just even bigger to just get Thomas to the otherside of the mountain. It was interesting though to see Thomas standing up to Bertie, although it wouldn't be the first time since we had him being like that in their race episode from S1 and it gives the message that you can't believe everything you friends say. The winged Thomas sequence was basically filler, my best bet that this was an expirement to see if kids like the idea of Thomas' fantasy sequence that we will get in BWBA. I mean the show, BWBA, was in production at that point. Sure it was a nice throwback to Bertie's dialouge that he had to grow wings to beat Thomas over the hill. I'm still half and half with this episode. It's not bad in some places but I kinda wish the episode was a bit more original.

Rating: 4/10

NO HELP AT ALL

I still liked the idea of how this episode was set within multiple other episodes from this season (Best Engine Ever, Den & Dart and Salty All At Sea) it was something that we'd never seen before in Thomas. For the latter it was quite clever to give Timothy a reason to be down at the docks helping out instead of us popping over leaving his own work behind, which might be out of character for him. Speaking of Timothy, I personally like his growth in this episode. Instead of being naive towards them he'd kept his wits about them knowing that they are trouble. I also like how relevant Bill and Ben's plot line was with them causing a mess at the clay pits and not taking personal responsibility for the mess they'd caused until they were called out on it, much like people who hate the words 'cancel culture'. 

It was also nice to see Porter getting a spot in the limelight but with the upcoming reboot it just seems wasteful that the production team hadn't done anything with him. His biography stated that he's a perfectionist and that could work as an episode in my opinion. He's a good character and it's such a shame to see what a waste he became. 

In the end, the episode was really good.

Rating: 8/10

GOODBYE FAT CONTROLLER

I remember some people having a problem with Edward's character in the episode how he was not very level headed and jumped to the conclusion of the idea that the Fat Controller was 'leaving'. But I came up with something that might get some justification on why I think Edward had the right to be worried. Edward knows the Fat Controller will always look out for him despite being an old engine and he sees him as really useful. However the idea of someone coming in to take his place is worrying because they have different ideas than their predecessor and one of those ideas can be him being scrapped in favor of something more useful than him. That's why I think Edward was in the right to be worried. You have to look at the episode in the character's prespective not ours. We know what the outcome will be in the end since it's not the same show without the same characters but do they know? No.

I do think though the episode could at least have one engine not believing in the story about the Fat Controller leaving, maybe have it from the likes of Toby, since he didn't have any part of it and maybe have him referencing the events of 'The Truth About Toby' about jumping to conclusions. It would make it full circle. But despite that, the episode was good and although I think the Fat Controller's office should've been the one that we've seen in 'Duck Takes Charge', I think having it to end on a comedic moment works, even though nothing was built up from it. Perhaps have the Fat Controller looking forward to his temporary office throughtout the episode and then build it up to that. 

Some flaws but the episode was still good none the less.

Rating: 8/10

WILD WATER RESCUE

Percy has always been depicted as this naive young tank engine but you think with the production team giving nods to the past think they would give Percy some suspicion with things coming from Diesel. Maybe have Diesel taking him to the old quarry to show him that the mayor was 'there'. Then pushed him into the pond and told him that he will get his photo taken for the newspaper, adding frustration to Percy. It could've been better conflict in my opinion and maybe add more to Diesel feeling bad about tricking Percy after he was told to move back for the rescue vehicles. I mean Percy not being cross and more naive seems odd to see IMO.

I also think Overton made Diesel far too dumb for him to go into the water. He didn't say that he was irresistable to water or anything just went in not realising that his generator can make him fail in the water, I understand that it was made for conflict but perhaps maybe have Diesel feeling very guilty and wants to rescue Percy but his mind was so focused on that that he didn't see the giant puddle ahead. This might be a nitpick as well but I hate how all the rescue vehicle have to come together for one rescue when for the likes of Diesel and Percy, all they need is Rocky to lift and Harold to search. Butch, Belle and Flynn were pretty redundant. It made sense in Rocky's episode since they were all needed to lift him. It just irks me seeing that.  

This episode is really not my favourite but it was bad or awful. I just wish it was better.

Rating: 4/10

OVERALL

Looking back at S19, you see such a huge transitional change when you compare it over the last two seasons. The lighting and shading was brilliant with the shine of the engines adding such high quality to the picture, the various camera angles that you would never see in the model era nor when the show was animated by Nitrogen Studios back in the early 2010's, with the latter they were repetitive with their camera angles because they want it familiar to when the show was done with the models. The show had decreased the use of the storyteller and only have him here and there so that they can have the visuals telling the story. So I can see why everyone has been saying that this season feels more expiremental since the production team and the animaton team at Arc Productions at the time were trying out new ways to make the season a bit more different and special. 

I remember that this season was the 'series before special' and at the time I thought it was rather interesting to use that idea but after seeing it done before 2018, the idea really fell flat and caused much disruption. Basing on some reviews on Thomas DVDs in America back in 2016, parents were a bit miffed that characters from Lost Treasure were shown a year after they were introduced and I believe they were looking forward to the characters from 'The Great Race' at the time since that was released prior to S20. But apart from the confusion it brought to the general public. There was no build up from the 19th series to the 2015 special. We haven't got any references to the new branch line or anything. In the end it was good that they'd revert it back in 2018. 

I honestly think S19 was a major improvement over what we got from S17-18. This series felt very different compare to the last two. The last two had that HIT/Miller/Barlow era feeling towards it for some reason, without the lazy writing. I remember some people had criticised it and compared to the likes of Miller/Barlow, which I find pretty unfair. It's not perfect but the Miller/Barlow era was just bad with nothing redeeming. 

Looking back, S19 is much more stellar series compare to S17-18 IMO despite the low rating. The stories just feel more entertaining to me despite a few hiccups. Look out for my S20 reviews, whenever that it is.

OVERALL RATING

186/250