CGI Series Re-Review: Series 21 (2017)

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

SERIES 21

Written by

Davey Moore

Lee Pressman

Helen Farrall

Directed by

Dianna Basso

Produced by

Micaela Winters (HIT/Mattel)

Tracy Blagdon (Jam Filled)

Told by

Mark Moraghan

EPISODES

SPRINGTIME FOR DIESEL

Even though Diesel is the villian of the show, its nice to see he has such a human side to himself but was too proud to admit it to the other engines that he felt bad for breaking Daisy's spring. Its nice to see him not as one note character as he was before years ago. But of course he is called 'devious' and it would make him foreign if they took all of that away however it makes him feel more complex, he wanted to be liked but his old habits get in the way of causing trouble to the other engines, even the ending of the episode makes his development ambiguous. Daisy was great too in the episode with her over the top drama about a broken spring and even Den is great in the episode with him telling Dart what he means instead of having Dart saying 'what he means' every now and then whenever the dieselworks appear in an episode. The episode had a good moral for kids about making friends and we shouldn't do it by being so cruel or mean. It was also great seeing an episode more focused on the diesels, since Thomas, Percy and Ryan were the only ones that appear. I really have no complaints about the episode but I still feel that nitpick of Den saying he's glad that he doesn't have springs, even though a locomotive like him, I'm not too familiar with his basis but it feels logical, should have springs because how can he balance? But despite that, this was a strong opening episode.

Rating: 10/10

A MOST SINGULAR ENGINE

This was another great episode for Diesel. Davey Moore certainly has a way of mixing certain characters together that we never thought could work. The additon of Harvey was great since he is a most singular engine in his own right too and he worked really for the show like his laid back and kind hearted persona and the interactions between the two was great as well, although I will say the scene with the 'Eye of the Tiger' inspired music didn't fit well with the scene when Harvey and Daisy were having a stare off, I think Renshaw could've made a wild west stand off theme for that scene since thats what it was going for and also Diesel's ''My bottom's wet'' quote seems bit childish. I don't know if Davey Moore had written that since Lee Pressman had said that the ending of 'Who's Geoffrey' was different compare to the one that we got and that latter part wasn't even written by him! So maybe someone from the higher ups from Mattel changed it without Davey knowing it. It could've been better if Diesel says 'My undercarriage is wet' or 'My engine's damaged!' 

The story's moral about how everyone is unique in their own special way has been greatly executed. Although I think more could've been added to Diesel by having self proclaiming that he is unique because he's the only diesel shunter. But you can have Daisy telling him that being a shunter isn't that unique because any engine can shunt trucks or coaches like Thomas or Percy and that would get Diesel fuming towards Daisy. Plus they could've added Hugo into the mix instead of Harvey to have Daisy to know that she isn't the only railcar but like I said, the addition of Harvey was great still and I can see why they would use him for the level crossing scene.

I love the episode and it was strong despite that more could've been done to make the episode better.

Rating: 10/10

TERENCE BREAKS THE ICE

After rewatching this episode it made me realise that this episode kinda serves as spiritual sequel to 'Thomas, Terence & The Snow'. You have Thomas not badmouthing his snowplough which we haven't seen him do since 'No Snow For Thomas'. In the episode, Thomas seems to know now that snowploughs can be useful and he's sticking to that fact. Plus you also have him saving Terence from falling into the icy lake which is kinda similar of the latter saving the former, although without the boasting. Terence had done a little boasting when it comes to his caterpillar tracks with him going around some thin ice and it felt something similar to the likes of Thomas thinking snow is silly soft stuff. It almost feels like something out of a Railway Series book in its early years. 

I will say the flashback, although made as filler, did serve as a great way for young kids to know how Thomas and Terence first met since most kids wouldn't have even watch a classic series episode, despite that there is great access of it on iTunes in the UK and Australia and Amazon Prime in the US and also on DVD from Japan. But kids wouldn't have seen a classic series episode since they are more used to the CGI series. I will say though that the plot was thin and maybe they could've add some conflict between Thomas and Terence like maybe the latter was teasing Thomas about him not having a snowplough and he had to come to his rescue, something similar to Bertie in 'Thomas & Bertie'. But despite that this was another great episode. 

I remember most people had a problem with Terence having eyebrows instead of his widow's peak and I believe the reason he didn't have that is because he would strange with no eyebrows. I mean I was used to the widows peak back when I was a kid watching the classic series but the more I see as an adult it does look more creepy that didn't have any eyebrows and in the Railway Series books by Christopher Awdry he was given eyebrows in the end.

Rating: 10/10

CONFUSED COACHES

If there's one thing I hate how Gordon's express was treated in the show over the years is that he has to stop at every station when really that's not how express trains work! I understand that its done for plot purposes when it comes to interacting with other characters for the story's sake but when it comes to something like racing and all, Gordon shouldn't have to stop at all the stations to let off passengers. Express trains work by going pass stations and make small stops to major stations, which on Sodor could be like Crovans Gate, which would make sense for Gordon to stop at like in the episode since its an interchange for the Skarloey Railway. But when it comes to stations like Maron and all it doesn't make sense for an express train to stop since, judging from what Maron is, is not a major station for anything like an interchange. That's just my two cents on the whole thing. A shame though that I left it this late now that Mattel are rebooting the show. 

As for the episode, the one thing that I find interesting is that the episode takes place on New Years eve. When this first came out I was expecting something like Gordon and Spencer causing a mess with passengers during the Christmas rush. Although I wasn't too harsh when the episode came out but overtime I began to feel a little negative towards the episode for being a usual 'Gordon vs. Spencer' story that relies on one of them being far more important than the other. However it really wasn't as bad from what I remembered but although maybe some minor tweaking can be made to add some sort of realism. Like maybe don't make Spencer and Gordon have the wrong coaches. Instead what about having them departing from the wrong platforms instead and have Spencer, while taking his guests, leave on Gordon's line and have the signals telling him to stop at some stations since it was suppose to be Gordon. The story could still work and you can still have Gordon and Spencer delivering the passengers to the stations that Gordon had missed, due to him being on Spencer's line and have them learning the lesson that their silly argument shouldn't get the better of them. 

This really wasn't a bad episode and watching this episode in the order that was to be suppose to be compare to how they were shown on TV makes the Fat Controller's slapstick comedy feel less grating and annoying, although I don't think it will last. 

Rating: 8/10 

DAISY'S PERFECT CHRISTMAS

Another stellar episode for Daisy and it has a message that is still relevant to this day. We all want something to stay the same but we can't have it the same every year no matter what celebration. Sometimes traditions have to be broken and to be replaced by something new in order to keep it fresh. At the time when this episode was new, 'Big World Big Adventures' had just been announced and some people in the older side of the fandom were angry thinking the show was changing, in a way to make it more like reboot, when really it still kept the continuity intact before the actual reboot came into play. Nothing had changed for the worst it's just that it was different and its OK and that when it comes to Christmas or any celebration, the only thing that doesn't change is celebrating the day with the people you love, even if they are near or far.

Rating: 10/10

DOWAGER HATT'S BUSY DAY

This episode proves that Emily works fine more as a secondary character in her S7 persona than to have her as a main character for an episode. This is more of Dowager Hatt's episode since she's the one going through conflict and all. Alot of people have been saying that this episode was a dig at the Miller/Barlow era or HIT and Mattel executives with their mandated ideas, we believe that because we'd created that idea and believe it as fact, when really all that I see is Lee Pressman trying to make something silly for the sake of the comedy aspect of the show and looking at his interview, the writers would pitch a story idea and see if the producers like it or not. I doubt though if Lee Pressman knows about the going ons of the bigwigs of either HIT or Mattel since he's just one of the writers. The episode itself was another great story with its comedy and it definetly shows the moral that not everything can be easy. Dowager Hatt was brilliant in the episode with her dialouge and she is such a mum to the Fat Controller and the engines. I really have no problem with the episode.

Rating: 10/10

EMILY IN THE MIDDLE

I still feel this episode feels like 'Love Me Tender' from last season but just without the heart, which is about them looking out for each other even if they don't get along at times. However it was interesting to see the twins pairing up with Emily in the episode and I feel that for Emily she works better as a secondary character instead of a main character, given her current persona during this era. I also like how Davey Moore wrote how Donald and Douglas' bickering can affect the whole island's railway system with them going backwards and forth. The interaction they had with the likes of Gordon was funny and it stick true to their character. Gordon complains but they don't have time for his quarrel. I do wish we had an episode with the twins dealing with things that wasn't just them bickering but as I'd mentioned many times before, Mattel are doing a reboot so we won't be getting it. I will say my complaint for this episode is Toby's snowstache gag. It was funny but it didn't feel like it was part of the plot, more like filler to tick the comedy box.

Rating: 7/10

THE BIG FREEZE

I will say this, I wish the episode was more about the water towers than the lack of coal. Coal is an important substances for a steam locomotive since they need it to have power. But water is important too to boil it to make the steam and I think its more important than coal since without it it can damage the boilers. This happened to 3830 once out here in Australia in 2009. It had damaged crown stays because it had a lack of water in the boiler. I'm glad that the production team had at least have Thomas run out of water in the BWBA movie a year later but, from my memory, that was the only inclusion. The whole lack of coal to make a steam engine stop was a trait ever since the 7th season with Duncan in 'Trusty Rusty'. 

I also feel that the diesels coming to the rescue was a bit of the blue since nothing had been building up from it except for Diesel being annoying to Thomas and saying he doesn't need coal. I'd said this in 2017 but perhaps the episode could've been better if you have engines like either Gordon or James telling Diesel off that without coal or, more importantly, water, their would be no railway and due to the big freeze their fuel won't be delivered on time. However it did, the diesel's, and with the water towers all frozen up the diesels came to the rescue, much to the discharge of Gordon and James. Which would be much more better set up than what this episode delivered. It would give the message, in a railway sense, that diesels are also important and really useful too when it comes to running a railway.

I will say Thomas thinking he has enough coal felt very Awdry of him. Thinking he was right until he finds out the hard way that he was wrong. The episode wasn't bad but I think there could much more better imporvement for the script, especially for the diesels.

Rating: 6/10

STUCK IN GEAR

I think I can relate to Harvey in this episode. I'm always a quiet person and I don't like to make a fuss to anyone because I feel I might annoy them. However the episode shows that making a fuss can help to get something done and being quiet about it can lead to even worse problems, like what Harvey had to go through. It was also interesting see more character to Harvey too rather than just him being kind and all. Its nice and refreshing too to see a unique engine being all reserved about themselves as well since most would be boastful and cocky. Although Thomas' remark 'no one makes fun of a broken down engine', can be kinda false to some after we had multiple episodes in the past like him and the small engines with Duck's whistle in 'Mike's Whistle'. But when it comes to things like the Diesel (Class 40) it was mainly done as a comuppance. However I like to think that overtime Thomas found that it was wrong to do something like that. In the end, the episode was really good.

Rating: 9/10

RUNAWAY ENGINE

It's always interesting to see an episode without Thomas, the Fat Controller and even the rest of the 'steam team' characters. It kinda shows that episodes can work without Thomas being the engine whose helps out others in times of need and that the Ulfstead crew have their own little dynamic together. Stephen is a kind, humourous and thoughtful engine but he does carry a bit of an ego, Millie is also kind but cheeky and hot headed sort of engine and Glynn is the level headed and the wise old engine of the group with a good sense of humor too and it shows in the episode. I will say, I wish that Millie and Stephen's arguing was a bit more stronger like have Millie being rightfully cross that Stephen nor Glynn didn't do her jobs for her while she's away thinking that they were selfish and maybe have Stephen defending himself and Glynn, but mostly him, and have an excuse that he and Glynn were busy and then made fun of Millie. It could've given the moral that we shouldn't be too hot headed over something or otherwise we might say something that we might regret. It shows in the episode and I can relate to Stephen. I say stupid stuff that I'm not proud of and regret it when I upset someone when I said something wrong. I think that message can be good better than the whole 'It was just a misunderstanding' message, not that I'm saying it was bad. However I feel that the former can be much better and have Millie, still feeling cross, trying to take the time to make things better with Stephen after not taking her seriously and put things right again. This is far from a bad episode but maybe it could be tweaked a bit with its message. Also I'm glad they brought back the grumpy passenger and how the Earl had turned his negative experience to a positive one.

Rating: 7/10 

P.A. PROBLEMS

I've always had the feeling that Lee Pressman wrote this, since he had pitched it according to his interview, as a bit of a commentary towards 'Big World Big Adventures', just the idea of it all and the concept or changing something despite that what came before it was just fine. Granted this would've been written well before the announcement was made so I don't know if this was done on purpose or that it was just a sheer coincidence. I do know that Lee Pressman wrote for BWBA but only for the Sodor episodes, but I believe this episode was more of the latter. However be it a commentary or not towards Mattel, the episode does have a great message about how old things can still have their uses and I like for the fact that Lee Pressman had used Edward for this episode since he's an old engine but can still prove his paces no matter what. He works so well in the episode as a secondary character. The whole story does feel like something from a Railway Series book IMO. Reg was entertaining as well with him dancing around with the PA system around him and his dancing was really well animated. This was another great episode and I really have no problems with it.

Rating: 10/10

HASTY HANNAH

The fact that Hannah was Henrietta's sister irks me a bit. Wouldn't that make Toby remember her as well since they came from the same tramway? Why haven't Toby remembered her? Was Hannah so bad to him back then that he blotted her out from his memory? Doesn't look like it though, what with Hannah saying she was looking forward to be working with him, implying that this was the first time she'd met Toby. I think if they added that, perhaps you have Toby protesting against the use of her but he had no choice since most coaches were already in use by the other engines. But other than that, the episode was a nice one and it gave the moral that going fast can be dangerous. Nothing big or ground breaking but still good nonetheless. Hannah's character was very lively and entertaining, although she kinda reminds me of a junkie. I also wondered how this could've fitted with 'School of Duck' that came next season since Toby had referenced in that episode that Henrietta was away at the works. I guess we'll never know since it might not fit in well with the episode. Toby's timid behavior works well here too although if he and Hannah had a working life together once on their old tramway, perhaps that timidness would've worked better. This was another good episode.

Rating: 7/10

CRANKY AT THE END OF THE LINE

I remember when this episode had aired, I was wondering how did 'Journey Beyond Sodor' fit into the this season's continuity what with Thomas going to the mainland in this episode but earlier in 2017 the movie was hyping up that it was Thomas' 'first time' on mainland, despite previous stories. But with word from Ian McCue through an email that was shown on twitter, apparently Rebecca was a planned S21 character before they held her back for BWBA a year later, probably she was going to be the 2018 newbie for the usual US/UK spring and AUS autumn DVD tentpole release before they'd canned it. I have a feeling that maybe we were to see her in the 2017 special, despite that a UK magazine said that she'd met Thomas when he was heading back to Sodor after globe trotting adventure. It would've made sense to hype her up after the 2017 special and that it would've smoothen out the continuity mess up that S21 had to suffer due to 'The Adventure Begins' throwing a spanner in the works, yes that's the real reason why this season was so short compare to others.

I will say for the episode, I am not a fan of the whole 'fear of replacement' trope since it had been overdone to death in the show, especially towards an engine. However while it was done in this episode I feel that it wasn't as pushed compare to the others before. Something feels a bit different about how it was handeled in this episode, probably because it wasn't an engine being involved. Although I also feel that the idea of Cranky being frantically doing his work on his own was placed out of nowhere, even if he was trying to prove his worth to the Fat Controller because of some new crane. Maybe if he had complained about the extra work maybe that might've worked better and have him worried or misunderstood that he was to be replaced. The use of the dream of Cranky falling into the water was nice bit of symbolism of what he was going through in the episode since falling in the water means, if you believe all this, 'Falling into a deep ocean of water can be dark, directionless, and full of unknown terrors.' 

 

But all in all it wasn't a bad episode but could've been tweaked. Plus Carly was a nice character too with her can do attitude, even if her introducing was short but it was expected since this is more Cranky focused. 

Rating: 7/10

NEW CRANE ON THE DOCK

The episode is your usual 'working together' story that the show had done multiple times before and while that is a good message for kids and while the comedy was fine as well, including the sea serpent scene, as well as the interaction between Cranky and Carly and the latter's can do and perky attitude, my biggest gripe of this episode was Big Mickey's appearence. It was obviously fanservice for the older fandom but that's not the major problem here. The major problem was how the way it was executed. There was simply no build up in introducting Big Mickey expect for the animators hiding his face, but it's so small you sometimes don't see that. The Storytime podcast did a version where Big Mickey's  debut and shallow build up was cut and it worked much better. I like that the production team did this but I just wish they did it more better in the actual episode. Perhaps the build up should've started in the previous episode, how Cranky was so fed up that for years Big Mickey had never moved or spoke to anyone and was left to do the work himself that he started to wear himself out, then Carly came along and have this episode focusing on them not getting along well and Big Mickey then told them that they need someone who's more older than them to look out for them to keep the work flowing and the reason he didn't move was because he was broken down. The rest of the episode was fine but that ending was the episode's biggest problem to me.

Rating: 6/10

UNSCHEDULED STOPS

I'll never forget my reaction when Bulgy just came out of nowhere. I hadn't been that surprised by an unexpected returnee since Harvey in 'Thomas' Shortcut'. I just love that unexpected surprise. Its a bit of  a shame that this season was short lived and that we didn't get another episode involving Bulgy. But at least we got 'Free The Roads' two seasons later. Although he had so much potential with other characters too, like Ace or heck, Duck and Oliver since he had history with them. But sadly, you know why by now.

I remember hearing that Thomas was not punished for his actions and agreeing with that when this episode was new but looking at the episode now, Thomas knew what he was doing was wrong and wants to stop it since it was making him late, even though he was covering it up towards the Fat Controller so he won't get into trouble, but he still has his good intentions since he doesn't want to leave them behind in the middle of the countryside. Thomas was apologetic about when he got told off by the Fat Controller and that the latter had found a solution to deal with the problem, which was Bulgy. Although what if Bulgy was the Fat Controller's punishment for Thomas' lateness. Have him to work with one of the worst vehicles on Sodor. That is if it was the intention but I don't think the writers would make the Fat Controller THAT curel.

There was some good comedy with the Fat Controller and the episode gave me a S3 vibe like 'Thomas Gets Bumped' but with Thomas helping Bertie instead and that the episode was much more better than the actual S3 episode. It was a good episode and its such a shame that it was Helen Farrall's last episode to be aired since after this she had stopped writing for Thomas but she had done some great episodes during her time.

Rating: 9/10

PHILIP'S NUMBER

When I first saw this episode I thought it was the strangest episode what with Philip's imagination over his number with the trucks, clouds, platform numbers etc. However after when I reviewed the 'Danger at the Docks' DVD in 2018, I realise that it was rather creative and although Gordon was always a boastful arrogant engine, it was nice to see him being kind towards an engine like Philip after the latter had saved him from hurting the sheep. It was also interesting to have an episode about the purpose of an engine's number but I don't it see as deep and while we'll never know the real reason for Philip's number, I think its good that the episode had ended on that since it dosen't really matter the origins of an engine's number at the end of the day. However the episode could've been better if it were more about Philip earning his number. If only had Brenner and McCue thought of that when they'd debuted Philip in 2016 on DVD and it could've a much more better episode compare to something like 'Emily to the Rescue' that we will have three seasons later. Because if it were this one, Philip would have earned his number instead of just getting it after a fluke like Emily. I thought this episode was average at first but while I don't see it high on any list it was still a good episode to watch.

Rating: 8/10

THE FASTEST RED ENGINE ON SODOR

Although I'm not that much of a stickler that I was nearly a decade ago when it comes to railway realism, I will say James having a brake fluid was just the most bizzare thing for him to have. Sure it was done for the sake of the plot but perhaps maybe you have one of his brake blocks falling off one by one after so much wear and tear with him braking too hard. This was also the first time we saw Rosie in her new red livery, however with how S21 was originally planned I don't think we might've gotten a Rosie episode but thankfully we had 'Rosie is Red' in the next season. I'll explain more about in my overall section. I remember the hype being made about Rosie's new livery when it was first revealed in 2017 and that the older fandom thinks she would be getting alot of attention since she was shown in a promo image with the main cast. However once we got the episode, Rosie seems more dry. Not much was shown for her personality, however it was nice to see her with a livery that fits more with her tomboy nature. 

The episode was alright but it was pretty basic. James was arrogant because he thinks his brakes weren't making any noises and then crashes after not getting them checked. This episode wasn't bad by any means and it had a good message that no matter what we think we should check up on ourselves if there might be something wrong or otherwise it might be too late. But this episode was mainly made to serve the next episode for Edward since the next episode was made about him finding a shed. But I will say the crash was really well done with the music and the build up of it all. I will say this but this is a nitpick, I hate that when the SSRC arrive they all arrive instead of ones that are suited for the job. In this case, Rocky is suited since he can lift James but Belle and Flynn had no purpose to be their since there are no fires. It just annoys me seeing that but it's not a big problem.

Rating: 7/10  

A SHED FOR EDWARD

Ah yes, the most infamous episode. The one episode where Edward was written out of the steam team cast because he was hard to write for and in Mattel's POV not marketable, despite that their are fans of Edward young and old, and I'll say this, after nearly five years since this episode had aired, this is probably the best Edward episode in his entire existance and yes even better than 'Edward's Exploit' an episode that I love. I don't really care that I toped it against a classic series episode that's my opinion really. 

The reasons I think this is the best Edward episode is because he was not trying to prove his worth, this is an episode that actually focuses on him instead of Gordon or James and there was conflict made by him, but not out of him being a bully or anything but him just trying hard not to hurt Philip's feelings but with him staying away from him and had caused him more trouble with his sleep in other places and also not telling Philip his feelings because he's worried that he might hurt him. 

Lee Pressman did a great job with this episode and bringing something different to Edward and say what you want about Mattel and the production team's desicion, or heck call me names like being a bootlicker or a shill, but know this. If the older fandom can say Duck's entire character is just him talking about 'the Great Western way' and are fine with him having secondary appearences despite years of protest of wanting him back as a main character, why are they OK with Edward just being regulated to this wise old engine persona whose episodes prior to this are him trying to prove his worth when really Gordon and James were the ones who learn the real lesson and were the major focus of his stories but want him back at the sheds and have stories to himself despite that he couldn't really create much conflict all the time? I understand familarisation but the sheds are pretty much the HQ for the main characters that have stories that provide conflict nowadays and Edward nor even Duck can provide much. 

Sure this was made to build up BWBA but according to Ian McCue, Edward was suppose to leave the sheds regardless of Big World. Plus there was never any mention of Henry leaving as well and Rebecca was suppose to be planned for S21 to replace Edward's spot. Although I'm not a big fan of Henry, particulary from S20, it makes sense why his departure was sort of out of nowhere and was rushed as well. He was never planned to leave but I think the writers knew he was hard to write for, and I understand as well as Mattel saying he wasn't marketable so they just did it anyway so Rebecca can take his place since she was held back for S22.

There had been some criticism of the episode that I can understand like howcome the engines aren't as emotional seeing Edward leaving the sheds, although I don't see that as a huge problem since the Island of Sodor had never placed engines like Thomas, Percy and Toby stricly on branch lines like Awdry did. So seeing Edward all the time is not really a problem. Plus Edward had stayed for several nights, according to the episode so perhaps he and Philip were begining to get used to each other and seeing how sad Philip was, Edward decided to stay with him. Sure we could've seen him bonding with Philip but the episode has a time limit. This is probably the best episode of the season and the series as I said before, the best Edward episode ever.

Rating: 10/10

OVERALL

Whenever I think back to this season of Thomas, I'd always dread it. 2017 has been, pardon my french here, a bullshit year for the Thomas fandom. There was everything from the bouncing of the engines, the new Wood line, the start of the toy sales going down thanks to people not buying the toys and Mattel not marketing the brand properly, fandom drama on twitter and the news of 'Big World Big Adventures' coming out bringing out the negative responses towards it. Ever since the trailer for 'Journey Beyond Sodor' was released, there was never really much of an upside to the whole year and when S21 had aired later on in the year, the enjoyment felt sucked out thanks to the constant negativity during that year thanks to the older fandom.

Now that the season is nearly five years old I will say without thinking all of that stuff, S21 was actually a really good season to sit through, despite the low overall rating, and I feel there was more that this season had offered over the last season. The comedy was great and I honestly feel it wasn't as excessive as I once thought heck even the Fat Controller being used for comical purposes was so little and there had been a bit of a balance with him being authoritive as well in some episodes and also he was more kind as well despite his strictness, I guess this was made in response to the criticism that show had been getting in the last few years.

There were much more better stories compare to the last and I feel that S21 had managed to find its right balance towards the old and the young with S20 I feel that it was more sidelined towards the older fandom and while there are very good episodes, I feel that some younger fans might've find them boring hence why the show had been going down in the ratings which resulted in the creation of BWBA and then sadly the reboot. I feel that S21 was suppose to be more engaging to kids regardless of what was to come after it hence why we see the season being a bit cartoony, more comical and bringing in the bouncing and movement. Speaking of the bouncing, I was amazed how little it was used throughout the season.

Back in my S20 review I said that Oliver was robbed of an episode and that was because Oliver was suppose to have an episode to himself which was Samson's episode in S22. Although I enjoy Samson's role and thought it brought something new to him, I feel that Oliver was done dirty. The production team brought him back in 2014 and gave more episodes to Toad and have him on the sideline for three years and were suppose to give him one about his fear of fireworks but instead was given to Samson. What stopped them for giving it to Oliver even after S21? It sucks now that we know about this since Mattel are making that reboot series now.

I had said that Rebecca was suppose to be a S21 character and I feel that she was suppose to be the 2018 Spring UK/US and Autumn AUS/NZL tent pole DVD release. But because of BWBA and her being held back for that season they'd scrapped the idea because of it and it had been said by ThomasTankMerch that there was suppose to be one. Such a shame really, who know what theme it could've been or what episodes are suppose to be on their.

S21 I feel was hated because of what were going to get next and with all the stuff that happened during the year within the Thomas fandom. I had dreaded this season everytime I think back to it but after rewatching it for the first time in a while, I think this was probably the best season from the Brenner/McCue era.

I know that BWBA is still an extension of the Brenner/McCue era but I made my opinions about it over the last few years. Maybe in a couple of years I might re-review those episodes and see how much they'd aged. But at the moment this will be my last stop for episode reviews. Thank you so much for reading these. I do have a couple of reviews planned. Of course one is a DVD review of the upcoming 'Animal Adventures' release from the UK and I want to have a look back at 'Journey Beyond Sodor' and see how much it lives up. But those would have to wait. Of course I was umming and ahhing about 'S25' and I think maybe I will review some episodes still despite how bad the reboot is. If its not worth it I might give this blog a break with some posts here and there. 

OVERALL RATING

151/180