S2 Ep.26 Thomas and The Missing Christmas Tree + Overall

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

THOMAS & THE MISSING CHRISTMAS TREE

Originally Written by

Christopher Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona

Air Date:

23/12/86

Plot:

It was December 23rd and the Fat Controller is getting ready for the Christmas carol party. The Fat Controller gave the special job to Thomas to collect the Christmas tree. However Thomas got stuck in snow and the snow drift snowed him under. The Fat Controller called out Donald and Douglas to rescue him as he assumed he is stranded. They found him and took him back to Tidmouth and in the end, the party was a success and Harold brought in a special guest, Father Christmas! 

PRO:

- All the characters together at Tidmouth station

CON:

- Why were Gordon and Henry smiling about Thomas being late?

I have many fond nostalgic memories when I first saw a classic Thomas episode. I remember watching 'The Sad Story of Henry' when I was young, but this episode will always be forever my first Thomas episode, as I remembered my first viewing perfectly. I loved all the characters being together for Christmas. I love the hats that they wore and I love how they decorate the station. But it was a confusion why Diesel was there and not Daisy? And why Gordon and Henry were smiling when they were cross for Thomas being late.

This is my favourite, I also have the original book and the story is more longer but it almost stuck close with the original, this episode.

Rating: 5/5

OVERALL RATING:

112

OVERALL

Season 2 has gone down as the best season in the entire Thomas franchise and I can see why. The stories are far more different then the ones in the first and this also my favourite series to watch. The stories are dramatic and memorable and some stories got adapted by Christopher Awdry, shame this was his only season. I have more favourable episodes then the last this season. 

The narration, top notch from the legend himself, Ringo Starr. He brought so much energy towards the stories. Shame that this was his last season but at least he gone out on a high note. His scottish accent is good, but the best voice he gives is Diesel's. 

The music, once again, flawless, Mike O' Donnell and Junior Campbell provided so much catchy music that it deserves a CD release. 

The models, the new faces look great and the characters that were introduced are like their RWS counterparts despite their errors. 

Well, now that Season 2 is done and over with. Time for Series 3! 

Thanks for reading!

S2 Ep.25 Wooly Bear

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

WOOLY BEAR

Originally Written by

The Rev.W.Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona

Air Date:

19/12/86

Plot:

It was summer and the gangers were cutting up long hay and dry them up in the sun. Percy takes them to the station to Toby who takes them to the farm to let the farmers feed the animals. Percy was teasing Thomas about the time he scared him for being a ghost. Thomas retorted that Percy is like 'A green caterpillar with red stripes'. As Percy set off for the harbour, a crate of treacle smeared all over him. It was stuck fast and on the way home, wind came and blew all the dry hay onto him. As he arrived back the junction, everyone laughed at Percy. In the end, Thomas told Toby about Percy and they laughed, minus Percy.

PRO:

- The hay stuck up nicely on Percy.

CON:

- Trucks left in the middle of the main line.

There's nothing wrong with the episode. The adaptation was great and I enjoy it. I do love how the treacle landed on Percy and how the way the hay was all over him. That's craft man ship. 

Rating: 4/5

S2 Ep.24 Ghost Train

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

GHOST TRAIN

Originally Written by

The Rev.W.Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona

Air Date:

16/12/86

Plot:

Percy was telling a ghost train story from his driver to Thomas and Toby. However it turns out it was a ghost on television. One night, Percy was coming back from the harbour and he crashed into a cart full of lime. When he met up with Toby, Percy decided to scare Thomas for calling him a silly little engine. Thomas was getting ready for his evening train but Toby says Percy had an accident. Percy arrived at the sheds and scared Thomas. The next morning, Thomas was still scared. But Percy thought it was a great joke.

PRO:

- The Ghost music, simply amazing.

- The fog effect, top notch.

CON:

- Percy being covered in white with streamers at the beginning of the episode.

This episode is perfectly suited for Halloween and it scared me as a kid. Mainly the ghost streamer Percy did with the music and the setting. But looking at it now, it's just lazily designed. But Mike O' Donnell and Junior Campbell have made brilliant music for the ghost. Feels like something you find out of Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho'. The fog effect, brilliant, though there seem to be too much at the quarry, but great scene. The episode is great and I do enjoy it. 

Rating: 5/5

S2 Ep.23 Edward's Exploit

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

EDWARD'S EXPLOIT

Originally Written by

The Rev.W.Awdry

Adapted For Television by

Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona

Air Date:

8/11/86

Plot:

Edward was taking some enthusiasts from the big station to the china clay works on his branch line. But the train was heavy and the big engines like Gordon, Henry and James were boasting about it. After Bill and Ben showed the enthusiasts around the china clay works, the weather changed. Wind and rain buffered Edward, his sanding gear failed which lead to his driver dropping sand for grip on the rails by hand. But Edward's crankpins broke and they have taken his side rods off. Edward tried hard, but the train was still heavy. But the driver, fireman and guard made adjustments between the coaches by letting Edward pulling them one by one. Edward did it and he arrived at the station tired, broken but happy. The passengers were pleased and claimed Edward a hero.

PRO:

- The true heroism of Edward seen once again.

CON:

- Why are three coaches heavy?

- Why were the engines suppose to be at the big station? They were the sheds in the book.

When you mention Season 2, the first thing that comes to a Thomas fan's mind is this episode. The episode goes down as the Season's best. Unlike 'Edward The Hero', you see Edward caring about one thing, his passengers. Though I do have to admit there are a few flaws. One thing, why is are three coaches that heavy? Sure Edward's old, but he's repaired and should take that kind of weight and why are the engines saying the words from the book when Edward is leaving the station? They suppose to be at the sheds, or if not, they should've said those things when Edward left the station. It's also a shame we never get to see Edward's splashers to be broken, but still this episode is one of the seasons best, my personal favourite and one of the best episode in the entire 'Thomas & Friends' franchise. 

Rating: 5/5.

S2 Ep. 22 Wrong Road

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

WRONG ROAD

Originally Written by

The Rev.W.Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona

Air Date:

1/7/86

Plot:
Thomas and Edward's branch line are different then the tracks and bridges on the main line. The bigger engines like Gordon and Henry can't run on them as they are not strong enough. One day, Gordon was boasting about that branch line diesels are pulling main line trains. One night, Gordon and Edward were taking their trains, but Gordon's driver accidentally thought the guard waved his green flag when really it was a lady's green floppy hat as she was saying goodbye to a friend on Gordon's train and he left passengers, luggage and the guard behind. By the time Gordon arrived back, Edward was already late, but the signalman wasn't notified about the change and Edward was sent on the main and Gordon was sent on the branch. Next day, Bill and Ben were teasing him by calling him a pile of scrap and they should dump him in the sea. Thankfully BoCo came to save the day.

 PRO:
- It's great to hear the differences of the branch and main line
- Headlamp codes of Gordon and Edward

CONS:
- Despite that Edward has lamp codes, he has the wrong ones
- Gordon can't go on the branch lines and yet he manages to be at Brendam, which is on Edward's branch line.

The episode is another personal favourite, but I point out one error. The narrator says that 'The Fat Controller does not allow the heavier main line engines like Gordon to run on them.' and yet, he manages to go to Brendam which is part of Edward's branch line, bit of a flaw there, but mistakes are made and I'm not hating on it. I do like the fact that Gordon and Edward were wearing actual head codes, Gordon's one is right, but Edward's isn't. Edward's one is the same's as Gordon. He's either taking express passengers, breakdown train or that if there's snow, a snowplough en route to their job.

What Edward really needs to wear is either, one on top near his funnel for 'stopping'. To find out more about signal codes, please click here. 

This RWS story shows Gordon's hatred against Diesels, but he found out that BoCo is the most beautiful site he had ever seen. Much more better then HIT's recent episode were they say that Diesels are not useful because they don't run on steam, make a mistake, realised it, have a laugh and then forget about in the next episode or season. Here we see Gordon accepting Diesels and in the RWS he still respect them, though he has some grudge against the boastful ones. I enjoy the episode, despite the errors.

Rating: 4/5 

S2 Ep.21 The Diseasel

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

THE DISEASEL

Originally Written by

The Rev.W.Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona

Air Date:

28/7/86

Plot:

Bill and Ben are owned by the Sodor China Clay Company at Brendam Bay. One day they arranged some trucks of china clay that is used for paper, paint, pottery and many other things. They found out that there trucks were taken away by a diesel. The twins decided to tease him by taking their names and numbers. The twins played about and caused the Diesel's eyes nearly to pop out. Edward came and saw that the twins were teasing a Metropolitan Vickers Diesel Electric Type II. The twins were abashed and as they were trying to say his name, the Diesel decided to call him 'BoCo' and he was sorry about taking the trucks. Edward told them that they're not harm, but madding and BoCo agreed.

  PRO:

- First appearance of BoCo, Bill and Ben

- The oil patch on the sleepers

- Bill and Ben puffing up and down the line was funny

CON:

- The china clay trucks being transported without hoods.

I love the design of BoCo, I do hope Bachmann would make a model of him someday in future. Sure he may not be like his RWS counterpart, but many people like the Journalist from 'The Guardian' back in July, would say with false research, that BoCo's yellow face could consider racism, but I think his TV face is quite suiting, since that its lazily Daisy's face without the 80's make up. The oil patch on the sleepers was a great effect too and Bill and Ben puffing up and down the line was funny. It could be unrealistic to puff fast backwards and forwards, but looking at the Railway Series' story I found it more confusing and here's the explanation why. If people don't like how the way the scene is made, that's fine by me and its there own opinions.

But I don't like how the way the trucks of china clay were being transported. The books they were covered up in hoods, while wet clay is in tankers. Here the china clay is seen in open wagons. But the episode is still fun to watch and I think BoCo is the best design of a diesel in the show.

Rating: 4.5/5

S2 Ep.20 Percy's Predicament

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

PERCY'S PREDICAMENT

Originally Written by

the Rev.W.Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona

Air Date:

19/10/86

Plot:

Daisy's time on the island is bad, she was frightened of cows and is also lazy and stubborn, much to Percy and Toby's dismay. One day, Percy was shunting trucks crossly in the yards and Toby knew that Daisy left the milk again. Percy was cross about it and thinks he has nothing better to do. Toby asked him to take his trucks from the quarry while he takes the milk. As Percy was shunting trucks at the Quarry, the trucks were cross that Percy came instead of Toby and were bossing them around. As they reached the sign saying 'All Trains Must Stop To Pin Down Brakes' the trucks surged him on down the steep hill. Percy whistled in the yard and crashed into a brake van. The Fat Controller was cross that with Percy broken down, the line has to be run by two of his engines and that caused him a predicament. Then the Fat Controller told Daisy off saying that his engines work hard and send lazy ones away. Later Thomas came back and Percy was sent away to be mended. Now Daisy works hard and became a member of the Fat Controller's railway. 

  PRO:

- The accident and the music are superb

CON:

- 'Brought Henrietta to the station' its Elsbridge yards.

- 'Percy never been to the quarry before' and yet he did in 'Percy and Harold'. 

There two errors with this episode, the first being Percy at the Quarry. The narrator says 'Percy never been to the quarry' and yet he did in 'Percy and Harold' showing this can confuse kids with the continuity error and the other being Toby at Elsbridge yard when the narrator says 'Toby brought Henrietta to the station'. But I have to say the accident and the music were done superbly. The filming was great too. 

Rating: 4/5

S2 Ep.19 Daisy

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

DAISY

Originally Written by

The Rev.W.Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona

Air Date:

14/10/86

Plot:

With Thomas away at the works, the Fat Controller had brought in Daisy the Diesel Railcar. The Fat Controller asked Toby and Percy to show her the shed. When they did, Daisy acted snobbish and boastful, she was rude to the two engines about the sheds and was also rude to Annie and Clarabel and Henrietta by calling them rubbish, they were most offended. One day, Daisy was to take a tanker of milk with her passengers, but she refused to do it. She was cross that she shook and blew a fuse. Daisy soon told them that her fitter says 'pulling is bad for her swerves.' So they uncoupled the tanker and Daisy laughed at her own fib. 

PRO:

- Daisy being the show's first female engine.

- Daisy's face looks really 1980's.

CON:

- Why was the milk predicament take place at Elsbridge? 

- 'So they uncoupled the van'. It's a tanker.

Most people would say that Emily or Lady are the first female engines, but really it was Daisy. Emily would count as the island's first steam engine in the TV series. Lady, she would be if she was a recurring TV character and not in the movie. In the books, her face is green from the livery of the DMU Railcars, but in the TV series she has make up and it looks really 1980's and it does look good as well.

But there was one visual errors in the episode. The milk predicament was taken place at Ffarquhar in the RWS book, it would be good if they based the station with Rev.W.Awdry's map of his Ffarquhar layout and bit of a minor goof, but I think you'll know by now. The episode is good and I do enjoy it.

Rating: 4/5 

S2 Ep.18 Thomas Comes To Breakfast

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

THOMAS COMES TO BREAKFAST

Originally Written by

The Rev.W.Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft, David Mitton & Robert Cardona

Air Date:

11/10/86

Plot:

Thomas is boasting that he doesn't need his driver, even though his driver was joking. With Percy and Toby thinking its a daft idea, Thomas ignored them. The fire lighter came next day and cleaned and fired up Thomas. While Percy and Toby were asleep, Thomas decided to play a trick on them by stopping and wheesh, which will make them jump. Thomas moved because of a careless fire lighter and in the end Thomas crashed into the stationmaster's house. He and his family were furious and so was the Fat Controller after the twins, Donald and Douglas rescued him. The Fat Controller sent Thomas to the works with a new diesel rail car in order to replace him while he's away. 

PRO:

- I liked Toby and Percy's sleep faces

CON:

- Although it was in the Railway Series book 'Branch Line Engines', why was Thomas punished? It was the careless fire lighter.

Again, I have no problems with this episode or its story, but here are two I find wrong with the RWS story and the TV adaptation. First off, why was the Fat Controller punishing Thomas for crashing into the house? He should've punish the careless fire lighter after all Thomas can't control himself you know and many people are saying, like myself, are saying that the Fat Controller should've blamed Charlie and the Workmen for messing up his car in 'Charlie and Eddie' as I mentioned here. 

I was going to say Donald and Douglas are not painted blue, but after seeing in the counterpart of this episode, 'Branch Line Engines', Donald and Douglas were still black. But I think the episode is OK, despite a little problem in the story. 

Rating: 3/5

S2 Ep.17 The Deputation

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

THE DEPUTATION

Originally Written by

The Rev.W.Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft, David Mitton & Robert Cardona

Air Date:

9/10/86

Plot:

Snow came early on Sodor and Donald and Douglas were on the job to clear the lines on the main line. They manage to save Henry from a snowdrift. But the twins were still worried that the Fat Controller will send one of them back, but the others think that its unfair and praise about their work in the snow. Edward told Percy about having a 'Deputation', which means a mission. Percy mistaken the word when he returns to the sheds as 'depotstation'. Gordon then later decided to let Percy talk to the Fat Controller, much to his horror. The Fat Controller heard from Percy and had given great news to the twins in the end.

PRO:

- The steam wheeshing at the end is always my favourite.

CON:

N/A

This is a personal favourite and best episode for Donald and Douglas. It was stuck with the original story and I will always love the scene when the engines heard the news that the twins will be staying that there steam wheeshed from their cylinders. 

Rating: 5/5

S2 Ep.16: Break Van

The reason for the delay was in honor of respect of the victims of 9/11.

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

BREAK VAN

Originally Written by

The Rev.W.Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft, David Mitton & Robert Cardona

Air Date:

7/10/86

Plot:

Donald and Douglas arrived from Scotland to help with the Fat Controller and his engines, but only one has been expected. The twins meant well but did caused confusion. Donald and Douglas were given their respected numbers, but the Fat Controller is still in thoughts of which engine to send home.

One day a brake van was in the yard and has taken a dislike to Douglas. His trains were late and he was blamed which made Donald cross. The Spiteful brake van behaved, but Donald crashed into a signal box and made the Fat Controller cross, so James has to take over with the goods work and made him very cross. The trucks were troublesome with James and Douglas was offered the job to help James up Gordon's Hill. James was losing steam and with the weight of the train, the spiteful brake van was crushed! The Fat Controller was cross, but Edward praised him that Douglas was grand and he can work hard enough for three. But the Fat Controller wasn't sure to make up his mind. But that's another story.

PRO:

- This is one of the Thomas episode that you actually see break apart.

- Ringo's scottish accent was great, despite that his normal voice gets in the way.

CON:

- The opening was rushed.

The episode that started the speculation of 'The Missing Coach' as according to Britt Allcroft the episode is 'too confusing for the young audience'. I've read the story multiple times and it didn't confuse me. But on her Facebook page she stated that there were production deadlines and story problems but she couldn't get more money and time. It also stated by the late David Mitton himself from an SiF interview that he's still in possession of the 1500 colour reversal shots of the episode as the photographs were taken by Clearwater's Terry Permane who does outstanding photographs for Thomas and TUGS. Though some of the pictures made their way through annuals and magazines and I remember I had this picture, that started the discovery in 2004, as a magnet from a model railway exhibition back in the 1990's:

Such a shame that the planned episode got replaced by this one. The story would be a great way to introduce the twins more properly. But thanks to Bachmann for making the twins in their accurate designs, there are always fan-made episodes. Some are great, but this one I think nails it. If only Ringo's narration was found, that if they've recorded the lines first before filming:

 

Now on with the episode, the opening seems rushed, I believe they did film the entire episode of 'The Missing Coach' and since it was cancelled, they used some of the footage for the episode with some new narration from Ringo Starr. But this is one of the Thomas episodes that you actually get to see something break apart. These days it would be scary for kids, it didn't to me and neither did S.Cruffey's. Ringo Starr does a good scottish accent, but sometimes he brings his normal voice towards them, but hey not everyone is perfect at something. The episode is OK, but I believe 'The Missing Coach' would've been a better choice for Donald and Douglas' introduction towards the series.

Rating: 3/5

S2 Ep.15: Better Late Than Never

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

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

Originally Written by

Christopher Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft, David Mitton & Robert Cardona

Air Date:

4/10/86

Plot:

Workmen were mending the viaduct on the main line as the arches need strengthening. The main line engines have to take care, but this made Thomas late for his own trains and Bertie the bus teased him about it. James told Thomas at Elsbridge that he was held up at the station and he was later then ever when it comes to the viaduct. But as Thomas was making up time, Bertie was broken down as his radiator was steaming. Bertie asked Thomas to take his passengers and Thomas accepted it. Thomas learns that being late can be quite useful. 

PRO:

- This episode shows Thomas' passion to run his branch line to time.

- 'The Viaduct' theme was a great piece of music

CON:

- When James arrived at Elsbridge, he was seen with a goods train.

This is another personal favourite, there are many when it comes to Season 2, this episode shows the passion Thomas has about his branch line and how he cares about his passengers and thinking that the big engines were lazy, when really its the Viaduct's repairs. Mike O' Donnell and Junior Campbell's music was outstanding at the beginning and I do enjoy listen to it, its even quite catchy. But there is a con side, when James arrived at Elsbridge, in the book, 'More About Thomas the Tank Engine', James is seen taking passengers. In the episode, he is seen with a goods train, bit of a visual error.

But this episode does go down as a speculation of a 'Missing Coach Replacement'. The scene when Thomas was telling off Bertie about him being late because of the main line engines, which according to him, are lazy and compare it with the scene from 'Brake Van', in this distances behind Donald you can see the tan coaches, which are presumably Annie and Clarabel. 

I do enjoy this episode and it is a personal favourite with the theme at the beginning of the episode and the story. 

Rating: 5/5   

S2 Ep.14: A Close Shave

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

A CLOSE SHAVE

Originally Written by

The Rev.W.Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft, David Mitton & Robert Cardona

Air Date:

1/10/86

Plot:

Duck puffed sadly to Edward's station. He told Edward about his false accusation from Diesel and made the big engines and the Fat Controller think he's horrid, but Edward believes that Duck is never horrid towards the other engines and he sure the Fat Controller does as well. Later on, the great westerner was helping out Edward's train and as he was making his way back to Wellsworth, Edward's trucks had broke and they ran away free and were chasing after Duck. Duck gained control, but the trucks were fast and he nearly had a collision with James, but Duck was diverted onto a siding were a barber had set up a shop, he crashed into it, much to the barbers anger and put shaving cream on him. Thomas rescued him, Diesel was sent away and Duck was welcomed home a few days later.

PRO:

- Ringo's narration is superb

- Seeing Edward's true personality brings some nostalgia

CON:

N/A

Hands down, this is the best Duck episode. The runaway scene was brilliant filmed and Ringo's narration brought great suspense towards the accident. Though there are a few minor errors, in the differences in the story is when Duck was nearing the barber shop. James was never intended to be the engine that Duck has a near collision with, no engine was mentioned in the book anyway and Duck was even helping with Edward's train in the book, he was helping out with foreign engines from the mainland. But those are a couple of minor errors and I didn't bother to put them in my cons. There is more good stuff in this episode. I'm pretty all of the fans who grew up with the classic series love Edward's true persona then his new one. Sure in the new one, he does act wise, but not as wise how the way Rev.W.Awdry created him. Seeing Edward knowing that Duck is not a horrid engine brings a nostalgic touch and I do love the ending, its a shame that Toby wasn't there as seen in the book, 'Duck and the Diesel Engine'. But out of all the episodes in this trilogy, I always watch this one.

Rating: 5/5

S2 Ep.13 Dirty Work

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

DIRTY WORK

Originally Written by

The Rev.W.Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft and David Mitton

Air Date:

28/9/86

Plot:

Diesel was cross because he thought Duck had made the trucks sing to him on purpose. The big engines, Gordon, Henry and James told Diesel that Duck would never do that. But Diesel wanted his revenge and he told the trucks names that he gave for the big engines and have accused Duck of telling him about it. The big engines were cross and the Fat Controller, who doesn't believe Diesel, decided to send Duck to Wellsworth. Duck was sad, but Diesel, who thought he succeed, smirked with triumph. 

PRO:

- Though the nicknames were never explained, they were mention in the 1990 - 1992 annuals.

- A perfect moral lesson about 'Jumping to conclusions'. 

CON:

- Why were the three engine barring Ducks way, there are more berths in the sheds.

- Why was Duck heading towards Wellsworth from the back of the sheds?

This episodes is sad at the end that Duck has been falsely accused because the trucks told them that he gave the big engines the nicknames. I know that Britt and David were focusing the series on the Rev.W.Awdry's work, but they could've asked Christopher or Wilbert Awdry before hand about making up the stories about the nicknames, but I'm glad Christopher Awdry have made up stories from the 1990 - 1992 annuals, which I own. 

But its at the end of the episode that were the errors were made. First, the narrator says 'The three engines barred his way.' Why's that? Duck could've easily gone to the other berths. In the books, the sheds had no turntable or anything, it was just a shed and when Duck was heading his way to Wellsworth, he was making his way at the back of the sheds when Wellsworth is at the west side of the island. But it has a perfect moral lesson, 'jumping to conclusions before knowing the truth'. You don't really see that in children's programming these days. The engines accused Duck without having any proof that he did it. The episode is OK, I do enjoy it though. 

Rating: 4.5/5

S2 Ep.12 Pop Goes The Diesel

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

POP GOES THE DIESEL

Originally Written by

The Rev.W.Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft, David Mitton & Robert Cardona

Air Date:

26/09/86

Plot:

Duck is proud of his Great Western heritage and talks all about it. But he works hard too and makes everything goes like clockwork. But the big engines were irritated by it. One day, the Fat Controller had agreed Diesel to take on trail and the Fat Controller have asked Duck to teach him. But Diesel began boasting that he is a revolutionary engine which made Duck irritated. He later told him to collect his trucks while he shunts Gordon's coaches. Diesel wanted to show off and he purred away. When Duck returned, Diesel was taking some old and untouched trucks from a siding. They have caused trouble and had angered Diesel. Duck happily puffed away with his real trucks and told Diesel that he needs to improve the yards and Diesel was left fuming with anger. The trucks were laughing at him and sang 'Pop Goes The Diesel' around the yard.

PRO:

- Ringo did a superb job on Diesel's voice.

CON:

- Why was Percy at Tidmouth sheds when Diesel didn't mention him?

- The old trucks didn't happen in a siding it was on the main line

We had the 'Misty Island Engines' trilogy and that wasn't perfect, but this is the trilogy that comes to mind when you mention a trilogy in the TV series. It's a shame they didn't adapt 'Domeless Engine' for this trilogy as it shows 'City of Truro', one of the world's famous steam engines, along with Duck showing his pride of the Great Western region. But at least they adapted it for the next season. I have one big praise for this episode. If were to choose between Ringo Starr or George Carlin's Diesel voice my choice is Ringo's, hands down, he has the best voice for Diesel. He gave Diesel a rather oily, devious and villainous sound and it was the inspiration for my Diesel voice, so thank you Ringo! 

But there are some cons I have with this episode and there are many errors in this episode that I think many fans have pointed out already. First, why was Percy at Tidmouth? He was never seen in the Railway Series book 'Duck and The Diesel Engine', he should be working on Thomas' branch line, there was also the old trucks, that didn't even happen in a siding, it happened on the main line. There was even a scene when Diesel was backing up towards the trucks when the narrator says 'Diesel recovered and tried to push the trucks back', there was an extended scene of Diesel backing down towards the breakdown train, then with the next transition we see the first truck derailed with the buffers out of place. 

But despite the errors I enjoy this episode.

Rating: 4.5/5

S2 Ep.11: Percy Takes The Plunge

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

PERCY TAKES THE PLUNGE

Originally Written by

The Rev.W.Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft, David Mitton & Robert Cardona

Air Date:

24/09/86

Plot:

Percy was talking to some engines about the time he braved bad weather to help Thomas. Henry sniffed at Percy about him saying 'Water's nothing to an engine with determination'. Percy met up with Thomas near a sunken quay that has a danger notice. Percy was curious and decided to make a plan, but he didn't know that the foundations of the quay had sunk. As he was making his way with the trucks to the harbour, Percy asked them to bump him at the quay. But every wise engine knows that you cannot trust trucks. Percy was pushed by the trucks and had sunk. Percy couldn't be let out until high tide and the next day, with Percy filled with rust, cold and stiff was put onto Henry's goods train. Henry teased him and told him he can do better next time. Percy hoped that there won't be a next time.

PRO:

- Another perfect example that Awdry's characters are like children.

- A perfect moral lesson about obeying orders. 

- The panning shot at the beginning of the episode. 

CON:

- Why Bill and Ben? They were never seen nor mentioned in the books.

- 'Percy's Promise' doesn't happen until Season 3

What can I say, I love the panning shots that the filming crew had made, some David Mitton magic in this season. This episode is OK, but it has three pros. This is another example of why Rev.W.Awdry's characters are like children, they want to do something but they can't do it and they found why they can't do it by doing it. This is also a perfect moral about obeying orders. If you can't obey orders something bad will happen. But why are Bill and Ben the engines? They could've got a bigger budget at the time, they could at least make a Jinty and Pug locomotive and use them as the extra characters or painted Bill and Ben black and pretend to be Pug locomotives. 

And this episode would confuse children as the story that Percy was telling has actually happens in Season 3. But the episode is OK and I do enjoy it.

Rating: 4.5/5

S2 Ep.9: Percy and Harold

Sorry that this was delayed, due to some complications with the computer. My opinions may change for this episode then the the last post.
 
THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

PERCY AND HAROLD

 Originally Written By

The Rev.W.Awdry

Adapted for Television By

Britt Allcroft and David Mitton 

Air Date:

3/10/86

Plot:

Percy challenges a helicopter called Harold to a race to the harbour.

PRO:

- Harold's model work and propeller arms
- Harold's theme music

CON:
- Thomas' apperance was not needed.
- Percy was suppose to meet with Toby at the station and not the quarry

The episode did stuck close with the original story, but visual wise, not so great. When Percy met up with Toby, it was suppose to be at Ffarquhar station and not the quarry, which would lead to a continuation error as 'Percy's Predicament' says, 'Percy had never been to the quarry before..." But what I like about the episode is Harold. I love the model work and I do like how they made his propeller arms, despite being a disc with red lining, kudos to the model makers and as well as the music. The theme music sound like an acient greek warrior going into battle. The episode is good and I do enjoy it.

Rating: 4/5  

S2 Ep.10: The Runaway

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

THE RUNAWAY

Originally Written by

Christopher Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft, David Mitton & Robert Cardona

Air Date:

22/09/86

Plot:

Thomas was ill and Edward took him to the works to be mended. So Duck took care of Thomas' branch line and hauled Annie and Clarabel and even made friends with Toby, Bertie and Terence, he already knew Percy. When Thomas came back, he felt much better, but the workmen had left Thomas' handbrake very stiff. He can feel his breaks hard on when they are not. One day, Thomas fireman was ill and a relief man took his place, as Thomas and his crew were waiting for Henry. But the fireman had forgotten about Thomas' handbrake and as Henry approached, Thomas felt his wheels moving and Thomas was a complete runaway. Harold came to his rescue and the inspector stopped Thomas with his handbrake hard on.

PRO:

- The scene when the inspector scrambled into the cab was just amazing editing. 

CON:

N/A

This has gone down as one my most favourites. Whenever I watch the episode on DVD, I always watch this episode first. This was another story from Christopher Awdry's 'More About Thomas the Tank Engine' Railway Series book and has stuck close with the original story, minus the Thomas and Percy argument as the happy ending was made in the first episode of the second season. But this is more better then the first episode as that one was adapted poorly. This one is great. One of the scenes I'm really fond with was when the inspector went into the cab, the scene was done like magic, there was no jump cut from the film just Thomas gently passing by and the inspector jumped in the cab in one scene with no hand in site.

Rating: 5/5

S2 Ep.8: Duck Takes Charge

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

DUCK TAKES CHARGE

Originally Written by

The Rev.W.Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft, David Mitton & Robert Cardona

Air Date:

2/10/86

Plot:

The work in the yard is too heavy for Percy and had brought in a new engine to help him, much to the bigger engines dismay and they began to order him about. The next day the new engine arrived, his name is Montague, but his nickname is called 'Duck' as everyone says he waddles a lot and he's used to the name. The bigger engines want to have some fun and order him about. So Percy and Duck came up with a plan. They block the sheds and the big engines were cross. Duck told the Fat Controller that the big engines were ordering him and Percy about and that they should only take orders from him.

Afterwards, Percy was sent to Thomas' branch line as Duck is left to do the work alone.

PRO:

- Ringo's quacking noise was funny.

- The LMS Black 5 was a nice touch in the Fat Controller's office.

- The close ups of Gordon and James' whistles were great too.

CON:

- Percy and Duck were not on points outside of Tidmouth sheds.

- How many offices does the Fat Controller have?

Back when I was a kid, this episode scared the living daylights out of me. All because of the Fat Controller snapping 'Silence' loudly, I've confronted my fear and this episode is still enjoyable. Although, Duck doesn't have the shade of Great Western Railway (GWR) green he still does look like a real GWR 57XX Pannier tank engine, but with less detail (like his safety valve being green) and minus his RWS number:

The quacking noise by Ringo Starr was a nice and comedic touch and the Fat Controller having a picture of the LMS Black 5 was a nice touch in his office as well, but how many offices does the Fat Controller have in this show? First he has one at Knapford, then Vicarstown and now Tidmouth, how many offices does he have? And that goes to the confrontation the sheds. It says that Percy and Duck were standing on some points, when really we see Percy on a turntable and Duck being near one of the berths. But the whistles of Gordon and James up close are a nice touch too.

Rating: 4/5

S2 Ep.7: Percy and The Signal

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

PERCY AND THE SIGNAL

Originally Written by

The Rev.W.Awdry

Adapted for Television by

Britt Allcroft, David Mitton & Robert Cardona

Air Date:

17/09/86

Plot:

Percy was teasing Gordon that his train was late, but it turns out to be coal trucks and he teased James  to stay in the shed as the Fat Controller has a special for him. However it turns out that the Fat Controller is away and this made James cross. When the Fat Controller returned, he was cross with both Percy and James. The two big engines wanted to get back at Percy for teasing them and they told Percy about 'Backing signals'. As Percy came across a new signal that goes meaning the line is clear, he went backwards. As the driver told him about the signal, Percy wanted to get away quick, but it was too late as Gordon passed him. In the end, Percy was wise about signals.

PRO:

- A great way to teach kids about signals.

CON:

James' face slightly coming off.

Percy is not your usual stupid engine in this episode. When you see an episode of Thomas nowadays, you see Percy wanting to make friends with animals, wanting to play with other engines or pushing a Calliope up a hill to make steam. Here you see Percy making a mistake because he Naive, he has no idea about these new signals and you can tell he was wise about them. This episode is also a good example to teach kids about signals, there are many different types of signals that you see on heritage railways and this episode shows it. 

Though I do have one con and that was James' face, it was funny looking but mistakes are made and they learn. 

Rating: 4/5