S3 Ep.26 Thomas and Percy's Christmas Adventure + Overall

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

THOMAS AND PERCY'S CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE

Written by
Britt Allcroft and David Mitton

Directed by
David Mitton

Air Date:
25/11/92

Plot:
The village was snowed under due to a snow storm the other night. Thomas and Percy were to help along with Harold, Terence and the workmen. As a thank you for saving them, the villagers board Toby and Henrietta and headed off to Tidmouth sheds. The next morning, the engines were surprised to see a lot of Christmas decorations from the villagers.

PRO:
- The snow storm was great and was well filmed
- The Christmas decorations in the sheds was great too.

CON:
- Percy should know who Santa Claus is as he saw him in the Season 2 Christmas special
- A brake van should be added to Percy's mail train and Thomas' works train
- Where is the village and what's its name?

I have to say, I enjoy watching this on Christmas as well, but, there are a few flaws with the episode. One, why would Percy not know who Santa Claus is? He was at the Christmas party in the second season and where and what is the village? There's no name, no location, its somewhere in the heart of Sodor. But the snow storm was filmed well and the Christmas decorations were a nice touch at the shed. No offence to the Americans, but why does this episode have to mention Thanksgiving? I know it was for the 'Shining Time Station' episode 'Billy's Party', but, what's wrong with leaving this for another Shining Time Station Christmas special? In all honesty, it was unrealistic as Sodor is part of the British Isles and they don't celebrate Thanksgiving there.

Rating: 3.5/5

OVERALL:

Personally, I like this season, but the reason of Britt Allcroft and David Mitton making their own stories for the show is simple because the publishers, Kaye and Ward, were outsold by Heinemann Books and the rules were relaxed and were given the rights to create their own episodes. Some were fine and some weren't perfect. Some of the adaptations weren't close to the original story by the Reverend himself and we all know the infamous 'Henry Forest' episode. But, this is the series I'm the most nostalgic to, I watched these episodes first when they were released on VHS. I didn't get to watch the Ringo Starr versions until I was about six years old when I hired the videos at my local library (S1 and S2). Michael Angelis' narration is top notch, he was in full enthusiasm towards this series. I'm not too fond of the US narrations, but I have seen a few episodes with George Carlin, his narration is great and I do love his Scottish accent as well as Angelis' one too. All in all, I give this series a rating of:

96/100

The series to me is OK, despite that the adaptations can't always be perfect. But hey, anything's better then the writing from Series 13 - 16. OK now that the third series out of the way, it's now time for Series 4!

S3 Ep.25 Percy, James and The Fruitful Day

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

PERCY, JAMES & THE FRUITFUL DAY

Written by

Britt Allcroft and David Mitton

Directed by

David Mitton 

Air Date:

10/11/92

Plot:

It was market day and the harbour was filled with fresh fruit and vegetables and James is to take them. Meanwhile, Percy was shunting trucks in the yard and was given the news that James jammed his brakes and so Percy has to take the fruit trucks. But Percy was directed into a siding as the points have jammed. The driver applied the brakes, but it was too late, Percy was covered in fruit and vegetables and was very embarrassed. The sheds were silence until Thomas mentioned that all the engines are really useful after all!

PRO:

- An episode that is focused on Percy with another engine aside from Thomas.

CON:

- Wouldn't Percy's driver stop the train anyway due to points failure?

Personally, I believe we should see more episode that aren't Thomas and Percy and be like this. You don't need an episode were two engines take a helium balloon on a flatbed or anything else, but an episode focused on two characters with their own little plot and that's what this episode is. But there are the cons sides, as usual. Percy's driver would've stopped the train anyway due to points failure and wouldn't the signalman flag him down too? This episode has some flaws, but I enjoy it.

Rating: 4.5/5 

S3 Ep.24: Heroes

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

HEROES 

Written by

Britt Allcroft and David Mitton 

Directed by

David Mitton 

Air Date:

10/09/92

Plot:

Bill and Ben were bored at the china clay works. The Fat Controller told them at the harbour that they have to look after trucks while Edward is taking some children on a special trip. However, unwisely, the twins have been told by the trucks on where to put them and it caused a huge mess while Gordon is to take the evening train. The next day, the twins were working at the quarry. But there was a rock slide and rubble laid all around. Despite that they don't know too much about trucks, they acted bravely in an emergency and were hailed heroes.

PRO:

- The rock slide was filmed fantastically.

- Gordon's headlamp codes are spot on. 

CON:

- Bill and Ben not know much about trucks? I read 'Thomas and The Twins' by Christopher Awdry and in the story 'Down The Drain' and they knew all about the China Clay trucks. 

- Why are they referring that the twins work at the quarry? when really they were owned by the China Clay works.

- Since Bill and Ben are sorting things out, they could at least get help from Edward or Boco with the shunting since its nearing dusk.

I do enjoy the episode, but their are three faults. I hate the fact that in the episode it stated that Bill and Ben knew nothing about trucks. They work in the china clay pits, they are built to shunt trucks and they have a clear knowledge about the china clay trucks, read 'Down the Drain' in 'Thomas and The Twins' they have clear knowledge. And I hate how the way they are referring that the china clay pits is the quarry when really the only quarry is the Anopha Quarry on Thomas' branch line.

And since that Bill and Ben are sorting the trucks about which made Gordon late with his evening train, why can't Edward or BoCo help, they wouldn't have anything else to do. But despite the three flaws, there are some good sides towards the episode. The rock slide was filmed fantastically, kudos to David Mitton for the dramatic shots and scenes and I do like how the signal codes match Gordon's job. It add some realism towards the model. 

The episode is OK, but there are the flaws. 

Rating: 3/5

S3 Ep.23 Bulgy

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

BULGY

Originally Written by

The Rev.W.Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft and David Mitton 

Air Date:

25/09/92

Plot:

Duck met a large red double decker bus, but he's not friendly like Bertie. His name is Bulgy and he grumbled that the railway will be ripped up and the roads will take over. Oliver knew about it too and told Duck that Bulgy's friend came and took the passengers to the big station via a shortcut. Bulgy stole the two Great Westerners passengers as a 'Railway Bus'. Duck was following Bulgy to see where he was going. It turns out that the shortcut was a small bridge and Bulgy was wedged firmly under it. 

The passengers decided to climb aboard Duck's train and made it to the station on time as the passengers caught their trains. In the end, Bulgy was turned into a hen house.

PRO:

- Road vs. Rail rivalry, something that the recent series is missing out on.

CON:

- 'It was a special holiday on the Island of Sodor...' exactly what is it?

This is another story that the journalist from 'The Guardian' was bashing about back in July, thinking that the Fat Controller had dumped him in a field and that his red paint makes him a soviet. Well I've watched this episode many times and read the story too and I've turned out OK, plus why would she think the Fat Controllers owns every vehicle? He owns a railway, Bulgy is owned by a bus company. Back to the episode, What special holiday are they celebrating? In the RWS they celebrate the summer bank holidays, why can't they mention that in the episode? I don't know. But this episode is good and I do love the road vs. rail rival, that is something that the recent series is currently is missing out on. The episode also remind me of the movie 'The Titfield Thunderbolt', which was made in 1953 and the story that was in the Railway Series book was published in 1969. If you haven't seen the movie, I recommend watching it, it's a really enjoyable movie.

The episode is great, it stuck with the original and I enjoy it again and again. 

Rating: 4/5

S3 Ep.22 Oliver Owns Up

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

OLIVER OWNS UP

Originally Written by

The Rev.W.Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft and David Mitton

Air Date:

12/04/92

Plot:

Oliver is enjoying his new lease of life on the Island of Sodor and Duck was very grateful that Douglas had saved him and Toad from scrap. But as the engines were praising him, he became to puffed up in the smoke box. One day, Oliver was taking some trucks to a chute. The trucks don't like him and began to play a trick on him by pushing him towards the turntable well. As the trucks grew tired, Oliver fell in the well. Oliver was then sent to the works and after he returned, he was wise about trucks.

PRO:

- The crash was filmed excellently

CON:

- Coal? 'The Little Western' transport weed killing ballast.

- Oliver didn't get the scottish yell from Donald and Douglas.

- The turntable was made for the scottish twins, not the two tank engines.

- Oliver had no driver or fireman with him on the flatbed, how can he whistle? 

- The ending seems rushed.

Such a shame that the Small Railway was not made and shows the lacking of it through the adaptation. I understand that the budget at the time was not perfect, but the could make them like the narrow gauge.  But with or without the mini engines, they could at least have a ballast hopper instead of a coal hopper. As of the scottish yell, since Oliver crashed in the turntable well. The table was broken and they were cross with Oliver about that they were yelling at him in their native tongue. But why was Duck on it? I don't know. 

Plus, Oliver whistled when he passed Duck when he was taken to the works and the ending of the episode, it was rushed. It's a shame that they didn't adapted 'Toad Stands By' for the third season as it left it with a continual error for the fourth season, I'll mention that later. It stayed a little bit with the story and the crash was excellently filmed. But to be fair, it's a shame the miniature railway is left out.

Rating: 3.5/5 

S3 Ep.21 Escape

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

ESCAPE

Originally Written by
The Rev.W.Awdry


Adapted for Television by
Britt Allcroft and David Mitton 


Air Date:
12/04/92


Plot:
Late one night, Douglas took a midnight goods trains to the other side of the island where only Diesels work. As he was about make for his return journey, he could hear an engine in desperate need. The engine's name was Oliver and he and his brake van Toad are running away from scrap, but they have run out of coal and have no more steam. Douglas gladly offered to help and as they were making Oliver look like he's ready for scrap, they set off towards the Island of Sodor. Daylight came when they've finished their journey and Douglas told the other engines about Oliver. The Fat Controller heard about too and is proud of Douglas to save another engine. Oliver was restored and repainted and so was his brake van in GWR colours and now works on Duck's branch line, which is now called 'The Little Western'. 


PRO:
- Another engine saving something from scrap, with a perfect moral about restoration.
- Oliver's theme music when he was being saved
- It almost stuck close with the story


CON:
- Shame that we never get to see Oliver's back story on his escape.
- Where are the auto-coaches?

This episode is just awesome! This is one of the fan's favourites that it went third on SiF 'Best of Thomas' poll last year and I can see why. It was filmed well, the music was just epic, brave and heroic, the story has a perfect moral about restoration, the same way that its shown in 'Saved From Scrap' and 'Percy and The Calliope' and the story almost stuck close with the original RWS story. But its a shame that we never got to see Oliver's backstory, like the one shown in 'Enterprising Engines', it will give kids the reason why he's escaping. But its also a shame that the auto-coaches were not in the series, they would be perfect and not just the two GWR tank engines running up and down the line with the express coaches. And also when the narrator said, 'Painted in full Great Western' colours, its NWR green. This GWR green:

But all in all, its a fantastic episode and I do enjoying watching it and it has to be the third season's highlight. 

Rating: 5/5

S3 Ep.20: Tender Engines

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

TENDER ENGINES

Originally written by

The Rev.W.Awdry

Adapated for Television by

Britt Allcroft and David Mitton 

Air Date:

17/02/92

Plot:

Gordon was annoyed that Duck and James were annoying him and later on, he saw two tenders sticking out from the harbour yard, belonging to the world's most famous steam locomotive, 4472 Flying Scotsman. Diesel came and told Gordon that the diesels are taking over the railway. Next day Gordon was cross and as he backed down on the express, the Fat Controller told him that Diesels taking over the railway will never happen on his railway. And with the visitor, he has two tenders because of long distances between coaling depots which made Gordon a lot better. But Henry was jealous of the visitor and wanted his own, Duck played a trick on Henry that he has six tenders, which are grimy, old and filled with boiler sludge. 

PRO:

- Thankfully 'Flying Scotsman's' model was not made, I'll tell you all later.

CON:

- Why can't Gordon recognises his own brother? They were both built in Doncaster.

- Flying Scotsman does not have two coal tenders.

- The story is not focused on the original.

Out of all the episode in this series, this one is my absolute favourite. Here is the reason why I'm glad that Flying Scotsman is not in the episode, despite not getting any recognition with a mention, its nice to see Scotsman getting an appearance with his tenders, but its a shame that the model was too expensive to make, according to Steve Asquith's interview on SiF. Yes the model being 'dropped' or 'damaged' at the studio is all a rumour. Here is the reason why I'm glad that 'Flying Scotsman' is not in the series at all. No, I'm not one of the Anti-Scotsman people, heck, I respect the engine with a passion since I saw a video of the real engine making her epic trip to Alice Springs in Australia in 1989.

But here is the reason, there is Stepney, who is really preserved at the Bluebell Railway in season four and later on when Britt Allcroft and HIT bought the rights to the Railway Series, in full ownership his railway is not on the mainland, its somewhere far away, he's been treated as one of the Fat Controller's engines around (5, 6 and 12, despite a cameo) and as a fictional character and think might what happens if HIT's writing staff used him (Flying Scotsman) in the series today? They would completely disgrace the engine's history and legacy. 

As much as I would love to see Flying Scotsman in TTTE, I believe the tenders were a good choice to show, despite that they're filled with coal as the real two tenders are for coal and water since British Railways took down the water towers during the end of steam. And its also a shame that the famous engine was not mentioned as well. But to be fair, it's an enjoyable episode and I will watch it again and again.

Rating: 4/5

S3 Ep.19: One Good Turn

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

ONE GOOD TURN

Written by

Britt Allcroft and David Mitton

Directed by

David Mitton 

Air Date:

4/09/92

Plot:

Bill and Ben are sent to the yards on Edward's branch line by the Fat Controller to help out with BoCo with the trucks and coaches. As a reward, they get to go on the turntable for the first time, but the foreman had accidentally left Bill at the wrong place and Ben was puffing directly to him. The two engines were cross and gave themselves the silent treatment. They caused a fuss in the yard to BoCo and Edward and the big green diesel had a plan, which was approved by the Fat Controller. Bill and Ben are to take the regular goods train. Ben coupled to the train himself, but can't. Then the twins laughed and decided to pull together. 

PRO:

- It's nice to see Bill and Ben working in other places then the china clay works.

CON:

- 'Mischievous engines on the Fat Controller's Railway' they are privately owned engines, so the Fat Controller never owns them as his own. 

- Wouldn't it be better if the twins were coupled up to each other rather then being uncoupled?

- Why shoe-horn Thomas in the end?

This is one of my favourite Bill and Ben episodes as it was good episode to see them working in other places rather then just the china clay works, but what I don't like is that they claimed to be on the Fat Controller's railway, when really in the RWS, they are privately owned engines of the china clay works. Other then that and my other two cons, this is another personal favourite, its great to see BoCo and the twins again.

Rating: 4/5

S3 Ep.18: All At Sea

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

ALL AT SEA

Written by 

Britt Allcroft and David Mitton

Directed by

David Mitton

Air Date:

19/01/92

Plot:

Percy and Duck like to work at the harbour. One day, Percy and Duck saw a Regatta and Duck wished he can be travel to far away lands. Harold told them all about it as he's needed in case of emergencies. Percy thought Duck was silly. Just then a man from the Regatta had hurt his hand and is in need of help to get to the hospital. After Duck gave the man to Bertie, Duck realised that Percy was right. That night, flag came down as it was a thank you to Duck for helping the man. Duck still has his dream about what's on the horizon. 

PRO:

- Percy having common sense at the time, unlike today's episodes.

- The revamped 'Viaduct' theme was amazingly catchy.

CON:

- Why is the man taking Duck and Bertie for the hospital, he needs an ambulance.

- Brake vans should be added to Duck and Percy's trains.

I enjoyed this episode and I watch it again and again. But there are a few flaws, yes, there are no brake vans on the back of the two tank engines trains and yes why would Duck wish himself to be a boat? And why on earth did Bertie take the man to the hospital? What about an ambulance? But I do like how Percy actually has common sense in this episode rather then the episodes today and the revamped 'Viaduct' theme is extremely catchy and I enjoy listening to it on its own, if only HIT released them on CD.

Rating: 3.5/5

S3 Ep.17: Buzz Buzz

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

BUZZ BUZZ

Originally Written by

The Rev.W.Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft and David Mitton

Air Date:

2/01/92

Plot:

James met Trevor at the vicarage orchard and discovered some bee hives due to the noise. As BoCo came, James puffed away indigently as he doesn't like to be told what to do by a diesel.  As James was to take the express, a bee hive fell down from the porter's trolley and broke open, the passengers ran away and the bees flew everywhere as they need a new home and that was James' boiler. One bee burnt his foot and stung James right on the nose. James tried everything until they gave up and they took the bees back to the hive. The vicar made a joke about James' nose saying that its a pity its not Christmas and calls him 'James the Red Nosed Engine'. Even James laughed but they called the 'bee knees' 

PRO:
- It's great to see more characters connecting to Trevor rather then Trevor.
- The animation for the bee stinging James

CON:
- Shame we never get to see BoCo hauling the express.
- James hadn't done the three things in the story. 

I do enjoy this episode, but why couldn't they keep this for the second season? The book shows Duck not respecting BoCo because he's a diesel, but as he knew Edward and the twins, the pair became good friends. Here, we see that they are already good friends. The opening is nice and it was great to see Trevor talking to more characters then just Edward all the time, minus Thomas. But its a shame we never get to see BoCo hauling the express as mentioned in the book and the three things that James did to get rid of the bees, never actually happened in the book. In the story, we have BoCo taking the express and in the end James went back to the shed in disgrace. 

The episode is alright, but it was in a poor state and it would be better if the episode stuck close with the original story, though they should've kept it for the second season to make more sense with it. 

Rating: 3.5/5 

S3 Ep.16: Edward, Trevor and The Really Useful Party

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

EDWARD, TREVOR 

AND THE REALLY USEFUL PARTY

Written by

Britt Allcroft and David Mitton

Directed by

David Mitton

Air Date:

24/11/91

Plot:

The Vicar is raising money for the children to go to the seaside by having a special garden party. Edward wanted to help, but the vicar forgot to put up posters and with that Edward helped out by having posters on his boiler and coaches. Trevor was dozing in his shed when Bertie arrived and teased him about being old. As the party came, the wet weather went, mud laid all around the road, but Trevor's smile hadn't faded away. Later Bertie was stuck in a mud patch and Terence and Bertie pulled him out of the mud. Later that evening, the money was raised to the right amount and the children can finally go to the seaside. Edward and Trevor were pleased.

PRO:

- The posters were made brilliantly. 

CON:

- I don't get it why Trevor is working the scrap yard?

- The posters would burn off easily since they're on Edward's boiler and smokebox.

- Trevor didn't even help with the rescue.

Despite the nitpicks, I really enjoy this episode, this is another great episode by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton. I love the design of the posters, though it would be much better if they were on Edward's running board and tender since the posters could easily burn on his boiler. I don't know why Trevor is working at the scrap yard at the beginning of the episode and in the end Terence was the only vehicle who helped Bertie out of the mud. 

But I do like how the episode is focused on the road characters, wish they did that in the recent series of Thomas, minus 'Race to the Rescue'. The setting for the garden party was great and this episode is one of the favourites. 

Rating: 4/5

S3 Ep.15: Toby's Tightrope

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

TOBY'S TIGHTROPE

Originally Written by

The Rev.W.Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft and David Mitton

Air Date:

20/11/91

Plot:

As the winter snow melted to spring, Mavis was still cross that she was punished by manager for not shunting trucks to places were Toby knows. One day she decided to let the trucks push her down the branch line. But the trucks decided to do it to Toby. As they got to the first crossing, the trucks surged him on right onto the trestle bridge. As the snow and ice had melted, the water raged through causing the bridge to be collapsed. Toby stopped and was dangling on the rails like a tightrope. Mavis saved him and she proved to be a useful engine. As a reward, she's welcomed to the Ffarquhar branch line under the approval of the Fat Controller and her manager. 

PRO:

- The accident is well filmed.

CON:
- Why was Percy telling Mavis about where to put Toby's trucks instead of the manager?
- Toby's bump was delayed after the trucks had bumped him.
- No brake van on Toby or Mavis' train
- Why Tidmouth Hault? The quarry is near Ffarquhar?

Again, no problems with the episode itself, just a few flaws I've picked out. First, why was Percy telling Mavis about the trucks? In the RWS book, the manager is the one who was telling her off about not taking Toby's advice and there were no brake vans on the back of Toby and Mavis' trains. But the accident is well filmed and I enjoy the music along with it. 

Rating: 4/5

S3 Ep.14: Mavis

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS AND FRIENDS FAN BASE

MAVIS

Originally Written by 

The Rev.W.Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft and David Mitton

Air Date:

10/11/91

Plot:

Mavis is a young diesel and is full of her own ideas. She shunts the trucks in different places instead of the places Toby wants them and this made him very cross. One day, Mavis was taking some trucks along the quarry line, Toby warned her but Mavis didn't listen about the crossing and the trucks decided to push her around and as they arrived at the crossing, they were stuck. Toby came and pushed her back to the other side. After feeling embarrassed for what she have done, she raced back to the quarry.

PRO:

- A perfect moral about 'respecting your elders'.

CON:

- 'Diesel knew nothing about trucks...' he's an 08 class shunter! of course he'll know about trucks. 

- The branch line now claiming its Toby's? It's Thomas'. Toby's line is closed.

Despite the faults, this episode has a perfect moral about teaching kids to respect their elders. Mavis is a young diesel engine and disrespect Toby by calling him an 'old fusspot', but later on she felt foolish for not taking Toby's advice. Comparing this Mavis to HIT's (S6-16), they really wised her up and to make  her look like she's been taught well. Sure maybe a few faults here and there, but at least her persona is more better then any of the engines in the recent series, look at 'Bust My Buffers' and you can see that.

But there is the faults, first off is Diesel. When the narrator mentioned he knew nothing about trucks. First off, Diesel was never seen nor heard of again in the RWS until Christopher Awdry's one-off book and how would Diesel know nothing about trucks? He's an 08 class shunter. In the RWS it was Daisy who did the talking to Mavis and this role would've fitted her perfectly, such a shame that they left her out in the entire season. 

The branch line claiming to be Toby's, how's that? Toby's line is closed and he works on Thomas' line, despite that the quarry line is privately owned, it is still part of Thomas' line, not Toby's.

The episode has a great moral about respect, but there the faults. 

Rating: 4.5/5

S3 Ep.13: Trust Thomas

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

TRUST THOMAS

Written by

Britt Allcroft and David Mitton

Directed by

David Mitton

Air Date:

5/11/91

Plot:

Bertie the bus was cross that the tar was not delivered as the roads were filled with holes. Thomas promised that he'll get to the bottom of this. Meanwhile, James was in the yard shunting trucks while Percy goes to the harbour. Gordon told James to get him out of the job he has to pretend to be ill. Thomas fell for it and he offered to take James' trucks. The trucks were cross with James for bumping them and decided to get revenge on Thomas instead. The trucks bumped Thomas right to an old jetty and began to sink. Duck took the trucks and Edward took Thomas to the yards. Edward knew about the tar wagons and took them to Bertie. James and Gordon apologised to Thomas and Bertie thanked him as well.

PRO:

- The realistic thing is the jetty sinking.

CON:

- What was the purpose of Thomas stopping at the signal?

- James is also seen at the harbour.

- If the roads are filled with holes, Bertie shouldn't do bus trips.

- Why is Duck there? He should be running his own line.

- Shouldn't Edward take Thomas to the works instead of the yards?

Again, the cons are just nitpicks. But here are the reasons why. First off the signal at the beginning, what was the purpose? There is no explanation why did Thomas stop there, during the third series, he seems to the be the only one running his branch line. Second, if their are holes in the road, why would Bertie be running bus services then? Yes the road looks flat and smooth when he reached to Thomas, but the Bertie should've taken a different route or if there is one route to the bus halfway across his usual route and give the passengers to Thomas. When James is shunting trucks in the yard he was sulking that Percy went to the harbour, yet the setting of it looks like it was part of the harbour. 

The jetty, although they do exist, how did it float, it looks abandoned and why is Duck taking the trucks? Would it be better if it were Percy or Toby? Duck has his own branch line, he needs to run on their. And when Edward was at the yards, there was no explanation why he was there and not at the works? Though there is one realistic thing in the episode and that's the sinking of the jetty. This episode has many faults, but the story is OK. 

Rating: 2.5/5

S3 Ep.12 Thomas, Percy & The Post Train

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

THOMAS, PERCY & THE POST TRAIN

Written by

Britt Allcroft and David Mitton

Directed by

David Mitton 

Air Date:

1/11/91

Plot:

Thomas and Percy always pull the post train all around the island delivering letters and parcels up and down the main line. But one night, the ship that came with the mail had run late and this caused Percy to work all night right up until the morning. Harold teased Percy about it. The postmaster complained about the ship and was blaming the Fat Controller much to Thomas and Percy's dismay, Harold could be stealing their traffic. But that night, a man missed his train and Thomas' crew offered him a ride home and the next day, Harold was grounded due to bad weather. The important wrote a letter to the Fat Controller and that the post train is the pride of the line. 

PRO:

- It's nice to see other jobs that Thomas and Percy got.

- Talking about the importance of lamps due to any weather.

CON:

- 'The junction' looks more like the harbour then Elsbridge.

Yes people this is the episode were Thomas actually first pulled the mail, not 'Early Bird'. I do like how Thomas and Percy got the job of hauling the mail train rather then just passengers and goods all day round. This is an enjoyable episode, despite that it was only a few seconds, I do like how they mention lamps helping them out whatever the weather. Though there is one fault and that is the junction scene, looks more like the harbour then Elsbridge. But it's still a good episode and its certainly better then 'Early Bird' and any other Season 13 - 16 episode due to writing.

Rating: 4/5

S3 Ep.11: No Joke For James

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OWN OPINONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

NO JOKE FOR JAMES

Written by

Britt Allcroft and David Mitton 

Directed by

David Mitton

Air Date:

26/10/91

Plot:

James told Gordon that the Fat Controller has plans for him, but Gordon believes him. As Thomas was shunting coaches in the yard ready for Gordon's express, James told him that he was to take the express instead of the trucks. Gordon was cross that Thomas showed him trucks and the Fat Controller was cross. James shunted trucks at the harbour until a smartly dressed man came to see him, who is a railway inspector and is in need to see the Fat Controller. James arrived at the big station on time and the inspector was very pleased and so was the Fat Controller. 

PRO:

- Great to see Jeremiah Jobling again, this time as a railway inspector. 

CON:

- Why would Gordon and Thomas believe James from his 'plans'?

- James' crew would need more common sense.

Although it's not bad as the last episode, but there are a few flaws. Like why would Gordon and Thomas believe James' lie? They should've been wise enough for it now. With James' joke, his crew should've got more common sense into stopping it. But the one positive side towards this episode is the return of Jeremiah Jobling, this time as a railway inspector, if you want to know who he is, watch 'James and The Coaches' from the first season and you'll see him as the bootlace passenger. The episode overall is OK, it has flaws, but it's OK. 

Rating: 3/5 

S3 Ep.10 The Trouble With Mud

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

THE TROUBLE WITH MUD

Originally Written by

The Rev.W.Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft and David Mitton 

Air Date:

20/10/91

Plot:

Gordon was punished because he was dirty and he has to pull trucks. James took the express and as Gordon warned him about the hill, James didn't listen. As he got up there, his wheels were beginning to slip and then for some reason, his coaches were pulling him backwards as his wheels were moving forward. Gordon was at the bottom and he helped James up the steep hill. In the end, Gordon was given back to pull coaches.

PRO:

- The mud looks great on Gordon 

CON:

- Engines get dirty all the time

- Why was James starting with the express at the Sodor Shipping Co. Loading station?

This episode didn't stick with the Awdry story, not fully on. Here we have Gordon being punished for being dirty. Sure he's an express engine and they do look smart, but all the soot coming out from their funnels get them dirty and many other things. In the RWS version, Gordon was punished because he fell down a ditch and was being boastful that he can't pull coaches and was given the special train of trucks. They should've kept the story for the first series if they kept in original Railway Series order. 

Also, why was James taking the express from the Shipping co. station, it's for goods only. The only Awdry part of this story we get is when James start with his train, stuck on the hill, go back down and Gordon helps him and that's it. As I said in my other reviews, I have no problems with the episode, I do watch it from time to time, but the episode is not really focused on the Reverend's story and they should've kept the story for the first series.

Rating: 2.5/5

S3 Ep.9: Henry's Forest

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

HENRY'S FOREST

Written by 

Andrew Brenner

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft and David Mitton 

Air Date:

17/10/91

Plot:

Henry loves the forest and trees as it always make him feel peaceful. But one night a storm came and ripped up the forest. Henry was very upset by the looks of the forest. Toby felt sorry for him and wanted to make Henry feel better. The Fat Controller noticed this and gave Toby a special job by taking some baby trees to the forest so they can be replanted and as the trees grew strong, the forest came back to life and Henry was happy again. 

PRO:

- I love the little piece of music at the end.

CON:

- Rule 55 has been broken.

So we come to the episode that has been criticised by the Rev.W.Awdry himself panning that the episode has no reality as Rule 55, a rule on British Railways, has been broken that an engine driver has to alert the signalman that they're standing on the main line so that other engines can't crash into each other, and that the trees are close to the line that it can cause a spark to the trees. This episode is also written by current head writer of the show and former magazine writer, Andrew Brenner, who wrote this for a magazine back in the 1990's. 

I do understand the negativity of this episode from the Reverend himself, but this episode is so depressing, the episode shows Henry's love of nature and was sad to see broken down with the animals not living there anymore. The music set the emotion and I nearly had a tear in my eye. It was also nostalgic as I haven't seen the episode for a while. I do understand the negative reaction that the episode had gotten by the author of the Railway Series, but this episode is good, despite that it has some unrealistic backdrop towards it. 

I'm looking forward to Andrew Brenner's current episodes next year, as he stated three months ago that he researched on 'Thomas & Friends Wikia', click here to see what I mean.

Rating: 4/5

S3 Ep.8: Diesel Does It Again

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

DIESEL DOES IT AGAIN

Written by 

Britt Allcroft and David Mitton 

Air Date:

10/10/91

Plot:

The harbour was busier then ever and it made Duck and Percy very tired. The Fat Controller had hired Diesel once again from the Other Railway as he was the only engine available. Diesel was a pain towards the two green tank engines until one day, Diesel shunted some trucks filled with china clay and the loads had sunk. The Fat Controller was annoyed and sent Diesel away...again. 

 PRO:

- The harbour setting looks great!

CON:

- Why did Diesel come back, he was sent away in disgrace, yes the harbour was busy, but there are other engines.

- Why did Diesel stop when his brakes are not on properly?

- No brake vans on Percy, Duck or James' trains.

- China clay is being uncovered

This episode could've be made due to the popularity of Diesel, I believe. To be honest, this episode is not perfect. Diesel was never seen in the Railway Series again until Christopher Awdry's one-off book 'Thomas and The Evil Diesel', which I think would be a much better story to adapt from then this. In the book, we have Diesel being his devious self and was being sent away in disgrace until he has to help Thomas due to Daisy's oil spill and Clarabel being derailed because of it. In the end, the carriages and the engines felt sorry that Diesel was sent away, but the Fat Controller welcomes him to his railway any time.

There are many nitpicks, if Diesel's brakes are not secured properly, he would've pushed Percy right up a pair of buffers or the end of the quay rather then bashing into Percy and then stop. The china clay is being uncovered and there are no brake vans in the episodes on Percy, Duck and James' trains. 

The only thing I do like about this episode is the harbour, it has a much more wider industrial approach in the series and some props came from David Mitton's and Robert D. Cardona's old show 'TUGS'. But the episode is just pointless to have since Diesel was sent away in disgrace and that Christopher Awdry's book would be a better replacement. 

Rating: 2.5/5 

S3 Ep.7: Thomas, Percy and The Dragon

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

THOMAS, PERCY AND THE DRAGON

Written by

Britt Allcroft and David Mitton 

Air Date:

7/10/91

Plot:

Thomas and Percy are good friends, but sometimes Percy likes to tease Thomas about being frightened and that made Thomas cross. One day, Thomas was given a special job from the harbour by taking a chinese dragon to a carnival. Thomas thought he would like to scare Percy, who was stuck in a siding due to jammed points. Percy was shocked and told all the other engines. But they laughed until Thomas pushed it into Elsbridge. Thomas told him all about and the two tank engines made up for their teasing.

PRO:

- The chinese dragon looked amazing with the lights.

- The chinese music added some nice culture.

CON:

- There was no brake van at the end of Thomas' train.

- Would it be better if the paper dragon have its lights off and a tarpaulin over it?

I like this episode, it was nice adding some culture towards the show like the chinese dragon, even though they say carnival, it would better if they've mentioned, 'Chinese New Years' that would bring more cultural diversity towards the show without being an engine from another country. The music for the dragon was spot on by Mike O' Donnell and Junior Campbell and it also bring some culture as well. But there are two downsides towards the episode. First there is no brake van at the back of Thomas' train, minus a flatbed with a tarpaulin over it with a red light, but not at the end and wouldn't it be better if a tarpaulin would be over the dragon or its lights off? What would happen if Thomas' cinders and ashes landed on the paper dragon? Or a light bulb burst. 

Though there are some cons towards the episode, I still enjoy it. The story is great, the music is great and it brings some culture towards the series. 

Rating: 4.5/5