DVD Review: Wild Water Rescue & Other Engine Adventures

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

WILD WATER RESCUE & 

OTHER ENGINE ADVENTURES

Episodes

Wild Water Rescue

Thomas and The Sounds of Sodor

Percy and The Calliope

Happy Birthday Sir!

Percy and the Monster of Brendam

Bust My Buffers!

Special Features

Calling All Engines! 

The Earl's Quiz 

Who's That Engine

Mr. Perkins Storytime

Mr. Perkins Postcard

Guess Who? Puzzle

Fun With Driver Perkins

'Determination' sing-a-long video

Written by

Becky Overton

Gerard Foster

Max Allen

Sharon Miller

Directed by

Greg Tiernan

Don Spencer 

Produced by

Ian McCue (HIT)

Nicole Stinn (Nitrogen)

Jennifer Hill (Arc)

Distributed by

Universal 

Release Date

16/06/15

I know I reviewed this in my overall DVD post that I make every New Years eve in 2015, but I decided to give its own review since I'd bought the iTunes release at the time and plus I felt I had placed it there for no reason. Released in 2015 as a Target exclusive for a Trackmaster train set focused on Percy, the United States were given another S19 exclusive despite that this is filled with episodes from S16's 'Big Bang Surprise' that was released in the UK alongside with 'Merry Christmas Thomas' in 2013. Was this actually worth it despite one episode from a more recent season? Let's find out!

EPISODES 

The DVD consists six episodes. One from Season 19 and the others from the 16th season. To be honest now looking at Wild Water Rescue, it was a pretty bland episode. It was good to see Percy in his naive and cheery personality once again after being developed in 'Tale of The Brave' but the episode does seem to lack some logic into Percy when it comes to Diesel. Diesel had always been depicted as a bad guy towards the engines and you think Percy would be smart enough to know about Diesel's tricks. Yes Percy is naive but he's not stupid.

As for Diesel I do like how develop his character from feeling bad about his trickery but was too proud of who he is and finds it hard to apologise. However the episode lacked some conflict, what could've been better if it were Diesel wanting to be a hero and get in front of the newspaper and lured Percy to the old quarry and Diesel came to his rescue. Then Percy discovered why Diesel did it and was angry because of it. It would bring some conflict towards Diesel and he tried to put it right until he got into trouble and was rescued and apologised to Percy. 

As of the other episodes, they are nothing but from the 'dark era' that older fans label them as. As I said in my Season 16 DVD review, once you see one you seen them all. The episodes suffer the worst writing from a previous team who would've treated Thomas as just another kids show despite its long history. Yes this stuff is aimed at children but children are smarter than you think and they deserve some quality as well. The terrible writing include some rhyming, alliteration, wooden acting from both dubs and a three strike formula that doesn't feel like a story at all. Heck in comparison, 'Wild Water Rescue' has the best quality of all the episodes on this DVD. This was also the first time Michael Brandon was on a Thomas DVD release since his departure towards the series and I think it would be quite distracting now considering that the US has Mark Moraghan from the UK as their narrator now as well as some US voice actor who had either changed roles or left the series.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Some of the segments at the time of its release were brand new for the American audience. Such as 'Calling All Engines!', the segments are still good with the description of the characters for the young audience to understand and to know them and its a good way to introduce them to kids who are being introduced towards the show. Although it is strange that they used Kerry Shale's voice for the Fat Controller considering they now use Keith Wickham. 

The Earl's Quiz is good too for kids for their learning skills too when it comes to the episodes, the episodes that were used were 'Thomas and The Emergency Cable' and 'James to The Rescue'. 

Of course there's also Mr. Perkins' Storytime with the Railway Series story 'Thomas and Gordon' which was featured in the UK's 'Spills and Thrills' DVD and Australia's cinema run with great illustrations by Lorraine Marshall and the Postcard segment about Knapford station. The Guess Who? Puzzle is pretty much the same standard and good for kids and the character was Samson. We were also given a Fun with Driver Perkins segment which I think is the most interesting feature of all considering that they have footage of actual steam locomotives from the UK. The film was nice and the segment are good for kids to understand how an engine works, much better than the 'Down at The Station' segment. 

It's also strange that the DVD feature a model era music video, not a bad thing but you think HIT and Mattel would release a CGI styled music video considering that there is one in their archives and that kids see Thomas in the form now.

OVERALL

This Target exclusive release is just...pointless. Why? Because it's based one episode for a Trackmaster train set. They could've just released 'Big Bang Surprise' instead as that is DVD but with just one Season 19 episode and even that episode wasn't that great but in comparison it's probably the only bearable episode to watch rather then to sit through and watch five terrible Season 16 episodes. But I don't think fans would want to have a whole S16 DVD.

The Wal*Mart releases, despite not one released this year, are far more better than the ones released by Target over in the United States, heck they released 'Animals Aboard' a DVD filled with S13-15 episodes and they released this year as a generic release, it's on Amazon US. I think the better way to promote this DVD would've been with the Trackmaster set with just the one episode that they're aiming at and maybe two special features such as the trailer for the 2015 special and maybe a Guess Who? puzzle. Yeah that's a barebones release but at least it we know what they are promoting.

It's not a terrible release I think it does have some interesting intervals and pretty good segment about how an engine works and the 'Determination' music video can be quite nostalgic for people who grew up with the model era. Plus the animation from the two companies had done a fantastic job at bringing Thomas to life in CGI despite that Nitrogen Studios are in hot water right now over the animator's treatment during the production of 'Sausage Party'. But the whole idea of releasing a DVD for just one episode's trackmaster set was just pointless and not really worth the money.

OVERALL RATING:

3/10

NWR Editorial: The Bankruptcy of Arc Productions & The Future (UPDATE: 11/08/16)

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

NWR EDITORIAL:

THE BANKRUPTCY OF ARC PRODUCTIONS & 

THE FUTURE

Incase if you don't even know yet, Arc Productions, who had been creating the CGI world of Thomas & Friends after taking over from Nitrogen Studios for four years (counting production years), is facing bankruptcy and a liquidation crisis this month. The production company had created five specials, counting 'The Adventure Begins' and four seasons, with S21 in the works. Sadly this may likely cost 500 employees their jobs and it's really sad to see all these talented people out of the work force, I hope the best for all of them if they are reading this. 

I remember back in early 2013 the Thomas fanbase had some doubts over them after the trailer for 'King of The Railway' was leaked back in January of that year and everyone had been claiming them as bad despite the poor quality video that was uploaded and yes I was doubtful too but I gave them a chance. However by the time it was released everyone praised them for their work and they had been improving themselves with the animation and camera work. 

So what went wrong? Well it's all unclear at the moment on why. The information is at its infancy levels so who knows what. Although hearing from comments from 'Cartoon Brew' it was because of bad judging on how much their projects are going to cost and not having enough talent and hiring out 'binges', according to this comment, into meeting their deadlines. Like I said, it's in its infancy at the moment but if what that comment said was true then I can say it was poor management on the CEO of Arc Productions' part. Even with them not notifying their employees beforehand about it and they only know about it by letter at the front door!

So what would this mean for the future of Thomas? Well considering that Nitrogen studios were in production for four years as well, it's likely that HIT Entertainment might've found another animation company to provide the visuals of Thomas, there contract (Nitrogen) went for four years. Some people are claiming its because of deadlines and quota's unlike what Nitrogen did. I think that if HIT Entertainment are looking for another company they should try and get 'Spider Eye Productions' which is based in the UK and they had made previous Thomas videos such as the 'Thomas is Heading for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!' video in 2014 and provided visuals for the World Tour videos last year. However I don't know whether or not the UK are still facing taxation problems for animation considering that David Cameron, now ex-Prime Minister, wants Aardman, the creators of Wallace and Gromit, to stay in the UK despite thinking about basing themselves in America because of tax. Although they got a tax break. 

The animation from Spider Eye was good but the lip movement for Thomas was a bit stiff, but of course it was just one thing that the company had done and think they deserve a chance, that is if HIT had given them the job. Other say it should go back to Nitrogen. While I do like Nitrogen Studio's work and will give them credit for creating their visuals during the 'dark era' of S13-16, I think Nitrogen Studios had done their part and I think it should go towards a different company. Some people are claiming that this could mean the end of Brenner/McCue's production team. Those two are two VERY different things so I'm definitely sure they will stay on continuing such goodness for the world of Thomas and Friends.

Other think that it should return to the live action format. While I do love the model animation, let me be honest, the models were getting really dated and the sets were getting really generic and plain to look at by S10-12. I would love to see CGI locations like the Steamworks, Arlesbrugh or even the China clay pits or Ulfstead castle in live action form, but CGI is cheaper and has lesser limitations unlike what the models had. Plus most models are sold to collectors like Top Props, Coffey Man Preservation or private collectors and even to a model railway museum in Japan, after Nitrogen's use for the rendering process and yes they weren't looked after properly but they do manage to repair them and of course, when it comes to the models, Drayton Manor as well since 2009. Although some are locked in storage by HIT, but money is the important issue here when it comes to creating the episodes and movies and it's most likely Thomas would never return in live action format considering that the show got more popular with the CGI change. So people just have to deal with what's there.

So this could mean that possibly 'The Great Race' and S20 or the 2017 special and S21 might as well be their last one to animate under the Thomas & Friends banner, although for the latter they might be finished by different company, possibly. However being bankrupt doesn't mean the end. So I hope Arc Productions find a way out of this mess for their employees and if not, again, I wish them all the best for their future and they find other work. I'll be honest, it'll be hard to watch 'The Great Race' and S20 knowing that all the animators and VFX staff are out of the job and I know what it's like to be forced redundant as I lost my first job for four years back in 2014 but they weren't in the same water as Arc Productions. It's tough to deal with but in the end you will get a chance.

UPDATE 10/08/16: As many people would know by now that the sole reason for Arc Productions' bankruptcy was because of 'Blazing Samurai' production, the upcoming 2017 film that'll be starring Samuel Jackson, Mel Brooks etc. which was $30million USD in demand and that what was the cause of their bankruptcy, thanks to CalleyFan for the info.

UPDATE 11/08/16: Turns out Arc Productions hopefully to be saved by 'Jam Filled Productions'. This is great news for the Thomas fanbase as Thomas will possibly continue to be animated by the talented team from Arc Productions and of course most importantly the 500-600 employees are saved from unemployment. Nothing been set in stone yet though. Link to the story is here. 

DVD Review: The Complete Series 17

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

THE COMPLETE 17TH SERIES

Written by

Andrew Brenner

Lee Pressman

Davey Moore

Paul Larson & Laura Beaumont

Directed by

David Baas

Produced by

Robert Anderson (Arc)

Ian McCue (HIT)

Halim Jabbour (HIT)

Episodes
Steamie Stafford
Gordon Runs Dry
The Lost Puff
Scruff's Makeover
Too Many Fire Engines
Calm Down Caitlin
Wayward Winston
No More Mr. Nice Engine
Away From The Sea
Thomas' Shortcut
The Smelly Kipper
Gone Fishing
The Afternoon Tea Express
Henry's Hero
Luke's New Friend
The Switch
Not Now, Charlie
The Thomas Way
The Phantom Express
The Frozen Turntable
Percy's Lucky Day
No Snow For Thomas
Bill or Ben?
The Missing Christmas Decorations
Santa's Little Engine

Special Features

N/A

Release Date

18/07/16

Distributed by
HIT Entertainment

So after years of waiting since 2013, Series 17 is finally given its own complete collection in the UK! After Nitrogen Studios had done their work on Thomas & Friends between 2009-2012, Arc Productions took over, after Nitrogen had respectfully decline to work more on Thomas as they were focusing on other work.

Now with a new production and animation team expanding more of the Thomas world, does Series 17 still hold up since it was first broadcasted in 2013? Well let's find out!

EPISODES + OVERALL

The DVD is a consist of 26 episodes on two discs, first time for any Thomas DVD in the UK, of the 17th season. I remember back in 2014, when they had released the first 'tent pole' DVD of episodes that were all exclusive to 'Spills and Thrills' that Season 17 had brought a major upgrade of its writing after eight-nine years of the other production team's work of the show between S9-16.

The writing of the show makes them feel like stories again with a beginning, middle and end rather than a formula like what the Miller/Barlow era did where it's like 'engine of the day, job of the day, wanting to do something more special, strike 1, 2, 3, gets scolded at, feels guilty, have a spare one despite not bringing it just incase but have no time to get it anyway, put things right and giggle and jiggle'. Once you've seen that structure you seen them all! There are three strikes in the episodes from this season as well. But the three strikes used in these episodes blend in well with the stories and there are times where the three strikes was never even used. Some of the episodes can be a bit dull but still worthy of a watch, mostly for younger kids. 'Steamie Stafford' is something that I think preschoolers will enjoy and the stories are understandable too. 

Probably one of my least favourites was 'The Smelly Kipper' as it had Percy being scared of the dark in the beginning but it never really add much to the story. It could've instead been James boasting about how terrible for an engine like him to pull The Flying Kipper and keep that Percy intro for 'The Phantom Express' sure it's about bravery but given in the context for how the way Henry says Íf you're so brave James...' Henry could be either referring to James that if he was brave he could pull the Kipper but he just chickened out or brave to face the night. But despite that it was decent as their was some effort put into that story.

But probably one of my favourites is 'Not Now, Charlie'. The story has a 'boy who cried wolf' feeling towards it with Charlie constantly making jokes until he saw something that was serious but to the others it was just another joke. It had brought some character development from him. Although the ending was not well received with Charlie deciding not to make any more jokes but it didn't last long. To me I like that ending as not everyone can change overnight. It's like if something had a grudge on someone and then the next day they are OK with the person again. 'Old habits die hard'. The only thing I'm critical about is Charlie's jokes they are meh but I think it could do some better work but then again comedy is subjective. 

One thing I notice through the progression of this season is that the episodes started of as simple slice of life stories like 'Steamie Stafford', 'Gordon Runs Dry' etc. but as the season progress on they got more entertaining and fun to watch. Their are some bumps within the stories like 'The Lost Puff It was a good episode but can get a bit plain as it plays on. 

The animation and sets were very simple but with some rather over the top lighting. But let's be honest this was their first time animating the series and had many mistakes in the episodes, although they did manage to fix up the brake van stuff in 'Luke's New Friend' in The Thomas Way DVD, although HIT put in the one with the standard gauge brake van. It amazes me though that over the years Arc Productions had improved with their animation and it shows in S19 and the two specials that were released last year with the shine and glimmer. It's also great how they had redesigned the sets too such as Knapford station. In this season it was simple and to be honest, a bit bland. 

It feels empty to see the station not busy unlike today's episodes so it's great to see them improving their great skill over the years. Although I wish HIT Entertainment had released these episodes on Blu-Ray as the animation by Arc Productions are so worthy to look at in 1080p.

I still stand by my opinion that Mark Moraghan was the best choice to make for the storyteller switch. Angelis, in my opinion, was one of the best narrators that the show had, between S3-6 where he sounds enthusiastic and was well into telling the stories. But he later progressed on to be dull and boring and never really gave a distinct voice for the characters around the new era as they all pretty much sound the same. Moraghan has that friendly but enthusiastic voice when it comes to his narration and his tones were very good for kids to understand the situation in the stories and he had gotten better over the years too.

In the end S17 was really a well done and greatly improved season, it has a few bumps but the episode that are considered my least favourite I can at least give it a watch. They have good morals in the end and don't contradict themselves. I recommend buying the DVD considering with Brexit, the DVD itself cost me, on Amazon UK, $8.74 AUD and with 26 episodes that are written with good quality, it's a worthy item to get. Although if you're outside of the UK I recommend looking at your region code, considering some people on Amazon had bought an American DVD and tried to play it on their non-US DVD player, seriously there is a reason why Amazon has a product description.

OVERALL RATING
9/10

COMING SOON IS 
'THE GREAT RACE' REVIEW
OUT ON SEPTEMBER 7TH 2016

DVD Review: Whale of a Tale & Other Sodor Adventures

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

WHALE OF A TALE & 

OTHER SODOR ADVENTURES

Episodes

Toad and The Whale

Who's Geoffrey? 

The Truth About Toby

Lost Property

Henry Spots Trouble

Salty All at Sea (UK only)

Written by

Lee Pressman

Davey Moore

Helen Farrall 

Special Features

Really Useful Engines 

Mr. Perkins' Postcard

Mr. Perkins Storytime

Who's That Engine?

Produced by

Ian McCue (HIT)

Distributed by

HIT Entertainment (UK)

Release Date

23/05/16 

Yes I know I have reviewed this DVD last year when it was released over in the USA as a Wal Mart exclusive and that it was on iTunes US too. But there are differences between the two and I think it's worth reviewing for the sake of it. So anyway, here we see the UK's second DVD release of S19 episodes after the release of 'Start Your Engines' back in March 2016. Featuring episodes that were praised by fans. 

EPISODES

The episodes are consist with the first five that were seen on the US release when it was a Wal*Mart exclusive last year. However one additional episode was added and that is 'Salty All at Sea'. So there is some little differences in comparison towards the US DVD. If it were the same then it's somewhat pointless, despite the dub differences, to keep them a year apart and as I said in my review for 'Start Your Engines!' HIT really needs to consider of changing there release schedules when it comes to generic episodic releases like these. They do it with the DVD themed releases and the yearly specials and so many other countries like Japan have manage to release their items like Nintendo with Pokemon around the same time. Considering that Nintendo are releasing their upcoming game 'Pokemon Sun' & 'Pokemon Moon' on November 18th with the Europe getting the release a few days later. They did it with their previous one 'Pokemon X' & 'Pokemon Y' in 2013 and it's one of the highest selling games to this day for the 3DS.

Many of these episodes are either online like YouTube from recordings by fans after their TV run or are on Demand streaming websites. The internet is rapidly changing as time goes on and HIT needs to step up their game by releasing these generic releases around the same time frame. As of the release, it's really not that bad, the episodes are entertaining and likeable, although for me, as I've stated this before, I am not a fan of 'The Truth About Toby' considering that the episode made the characters have a lack of common sense about Toby. Sure it's there to give the moral about jumping to conclusons, but I much prefer 'Goodbye Fat Controller' despite that it had the same message, the episode does give the characters a much need of worry considering that if the Fat Controller was going to be replaced they might have a different one with a different view point. 

As of the flowing of the DVD, it's the same as 'Start Your Engines!' the episode starts with the intro, plays episode, Engine Roll Call, then credits and then an interval. It feels a bit awkward seeing it like that. The US still uses the original ERC intro, plays episodes and then intervals and then ERC and then credits. It feels a lot more natural like that, despite the outdated use of the original ERC theme. Hopefully HIT does something about it for their future releases.

SPECIAL FEATURES

There were some new features like 'Really Useful Engines' showcasing Edward and Emily, showcasing their biography and purpose. Despite that Edward's bio stated that his branch line is at Brendam it doesn't really hold that meaning now considering that all the engines go their. But maybe one day the production team might consider of creating a new harbour for the mainline? 

'The Earl's Quiz' is another new thing showcasing 'Pingy Pongy Pick Up' and 'Double Trouble' and I like them, but they are really something for kids to enjoy. However I don't know why that in this release they decided to release Mr. Perkins' segments on the DVD considering that they are from 'The Thomas Way'? I understand that the possible reason is because the ones from the US release were on the UK version of 'Trouble on the Tracks' and that was the Railway Series story 'Toby's Tightrope' and the postcard segment Ffarquhar Quarry. Although why couldn't they hold them back for this release? I had said before that those segments do fit in with the theme of the DVD (Trouble on the Tracks), despite that Ffarquhar Quarry's postcard was more about the engines that work their then about them.

Even though that many kids are new fans and are watching these for the first time, I do think their parents might as well buy the previous releases in their local shops or online like Amazon or even when they are out maybe at heritage railways during Thomas days. If they don't have any new segments why not have say another 'Landmarks of Sodor'? But in the end we get what we got and we can't change it now. 

Another special feature before the DVD menu is the trailer for 'The Great Race' which out in UK cinemas. Judging from what I heard from many fans, the movie was good but not as good as last year's special. But I'll wait and see until August 20th, the cinema release date for 'The Great Race' here in Australia, and see and will give my impression about the movie when it's out on DVD around Spring, Australia's spring.

OVERALL

I think the long year delay for the generic releases are quite pointless. These episodes were already released on websites for free after their TV run and still on their today. The DVDs would sell of course as always but maybe not too well as I said before it was a long year wait. The episodes would've been done with their voice recording already and were given to the TV stations around the globe, so I think having these generic releases released at the same time won't hurt.

However the title is pretty good, they kind of remind me of the old US releases like 'Thomas and his Friends Help Out & Other stories'. I think it is worth getting for the episodes really. 

Rating: 6.5/10

S19 Ep.25: Goodbye Fat Controller + Season Overall

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

GOODBYE FAT CONTROLLER

Written by

Andrew Brenner

Story Idea by
Robin Gay

Directed by

TBA

Air Date:

24/01/16 - JPN

Plot:

Percy overheard from one of the workmen that they're going to clear out the Fat Controller's office and he thought as well as the other engines that the Fat Controller was going away for good. Or so they thought.

PRO:

- The care the engines have for the Fat Controller

- Some funny moments like James and his trucks

- Moral: Don't make a big deal over nothing

- Edward

CON:

- Nitpick: Why not just a smaller office at the station?

Although this is the 26th episode as one episode was a two parter and I made it as a whole review. So now we come to the final episode of the 19th season and to me this was a good closure to the season. To be honest I like this episode more than I do with 'The Truth About Toby'. Toby's episode is good but I don't like how they treat the engines with lack of common sense about an engine being scrapped, despite that the Fat Controller would never scrap one on his railway. In this episode you can see the concern for the engines about the Fat Controller leaving because they could be wondering about their future with a new controller. Many say Edward was out of character and while yes it wouldn't be him if he believes in any sort of rumour but it's different. 

Edward is an old engine and the Fat Controller respects him and sees the reliability in him as an engine. Imagine if the idea of the Fat Controller leaving was true and the new controller doesn't see the same view as TFC. It's good to see Edward going out of his comfort zone of him wise and with him making a mistake and it just shows that he's not on top of the world. The same applies to him in 'The Adventure Begins' when the Fat Controller scolded him for not following his orders by letting Thomas, an engine without any experience, taking his trucks. I hope we see more of that coming from the writers but don't make him in a pathetic sort of way. 

I love episodes that show the care the engines have for the Fat Controller. Despite being the man in charge he was always there for the engines and while he punishes them he never scraps them. That's what liberal parents and crazy low life conspiracy theorists need to understand before they rip the show apart. The message is clear in the episode and that was not making a big deal over nothing with Percy assuming that the Fat Controller is leaving and I think kids would understand that message well through this episode. 

Their's not much I can from the con part, though I might say they could've gotten a better office for the Fat Controller but it was there for comedic purposes but maybe instead of a shed why not just a smaller office? But that's just a nitpick. Shame that it will be blown up by Sailor John in the special that's to come after it!

Rating: 9/10

SEASON OVERALL

What can I say about Season 19? Well I like the season but I don't see it as the best, mostly in between S17 and 18. Some episodes are quite generic and some were not great as well. Some say it's in the style of S13-16 and to be honest I don't see it like that era. I can see some effort was put into the stories to try and tell, but some don't come out perfect, even though I don't believe in perfection as it's just a word and even if it were in that style (S13-16) there wouldn't be effort and lazy storytelling. But there is such thing as effort. There is still some good continuity from past episodes and some new things like Rocky having a personality. 

However some of the morals I believe are shoved down and some episodes have flaws like Philip's one as he comes out on top after racing Gordon and how he wasn't given a punishment for breaking the his promise towards the Fat Controller. I think the writer don't want to make him a harsh person as many parents have criticised his character. But if you're a father or mother of a child and they did something wrong then a punishment is in order. So this could be considered as pandering. 

I think one of my main criticisms of S19 is that it was set before 'Sodor's Legend of The Lost Treasure' and I was kind of hoping we see some build up for it. But nothing was there to help  build it up. There was a reference to Arelsbrugh by James in 'Best Engine Ever' and I don't know if that's suppose to be one but it doesn't feel like it as James never mentioned about the construction of the new branch line. Some say that Thomas' episodes could've been build up for it but they don't feel like they added to his cheekiness, maybe if there could've been episodes with that. There are examples of build up from a show that continues on towards the movie. Rugrats is one of them for two of their movies. They have episodes like 'The Family Tree' that built up for the first movie in 1998 and later on in 2000 with the three part TV special 'Acorn Nuts and Diapey Butts' that was built for their second movie. 

Pokemon even had build up for their first movie back in the late 90's with the episodes 'The Battle of the Badge' or as it's known in Japan, 'Tokiwa Gym! The Last Badge!' and 'Showdown at the Po-ké Corral' or as know in Japan, 'Rival Showdown! Okido Laboratory'. There could've been little references about it or mentions say from Duck and Oliver, I mean in 'Toad and The Whale' there could've been at least a reference that Oliver is delivering trucks of supplies for the site. There can be many little hints leading up towards the big picture. Hardcore fans of the show know that the series is set before the movie but you also got to think about the casual viewers, the kids growing that could be watching the show or young fans that could grow into hardcore fans. They might wonder where are the new characters from the 2015 special.

Another thing I might add is definitely the poor scheduling of these episodes for people in the UK. They played about four episodes in September and played the Christmas ones sometime in January, after Christmas! While Australia and Japan play the episode in December and the US got in it on DVD in October, which released in time for Christmas. I don't know why, but it's very unfair. But at least they played the rest around March 2016. It's understandable that some episodes were held back for exclusive tent-poled theme DVDs since they're focused on a specific theme, like 'Start Your Engines' or celebrations like Christmas. But holding the episodes back for no reason is really poor.

S19 has an amount of use for Thomas. Many fans have been wondering why he was in every episode. Some say it was for John Hasler to get used to him or because they want focus on him and his friends as much as possible as S20 might focus more on the newbies from last year's special. But the true reason was because it was the 70th anniversary. Sam Wilkinson wrote that on the now former 'Talk Thomas' Facebook page, which is a shame that he'd closed it, but if it's because fans were asking him many questions about S20 and 'The Great Race' then I can completely understand. However I think the 70th anniversary reason is not good. While 2015 was the mark of the books' 70th and that Thomas is the most popular of all the characters, it doesn't feel like he was put there for that as there was no rhyme or reason, I don't think they would mention the anniversary but I think it would've been better if we had other engines too to take the role from Edward to Oliver along with Diesel. I think that would add for the 70th anniversary idea since they are all Awdry's characters no matter what role they had, as long as it has purpose. 

Some roles for Thomas were good but were so pointless that it should've been given to another one. 'Salty All At Sea' is an example of that. But some of Thomas' role have purpose like him taking Mavis to the Dieselworks considering that the accident was on his branch line.

The season had also brought some voice actor changes and I understand some of the changes like Martin Sherman leaving because of pay dispute and Ben Small leaving because they want a more fresher voice for Thomas. But the move made for Ben Small made me realise how pointless it was for him considering that other voice actors like Keith Wickham and Kerry Shale have been replaced by their respective roles and yet they still voice on other characters. 

It could've made a lot more sense for HIT to have Ben Small stop voicing Thomas and have him still voicing Toby, Rheneas and Owen. Don't get me wrong I like John Hasler and I still think he did a great job at voicing Thomas and he did a good job at Toby, I know I said that it started to wane but it's not terrible. I look forward to see how he'll voice Rheneas and Owen but this is more going by HIT's decision making. But in the end I hope John Hasler keeps on voicing Thomas and have more characters to follow. 

But there are things I like about S19 is that we have episodes focusing on some characters that hadn't been seen on our screen for some years such as Stephen, Timothy, Den and Dart and Rocky, despite that S19 had a lack of a diverse cast. There episodes were good to watch and I do hope we see more characters having their time in the spotlight in the future. 

The animation from Arc Productions is brilliant each year. The shine that they've given to the engines was remarkable and realistic and I also love the cinematography such as the perspective shots like you see in 'Rocky Rescue' and the panning shot of Salty and Thomas crossing the suspension bridge. 

In the end, I don't consider S19 to be the best season of all but it was good, just a hit and miss season. I won't get too hyped for S20 as I think some fans need to understand that there's going to be some flaws along the way or it might not as what you will expect. But let's see what S20 can do and hope that it can be better!

Episode Ratings:

Who's Geoffrey - 9/10

The Truth About Toby - 6.5/10

Lost Property - 9/10

Henry Spots Trouble - 7/10

Snow Place Like Home - 7/10

A Cranky Christmas - 6/10

Diesel's Ghostly Christmas - 9.5/10

Toad and The Whale - 9/10

Very Important Sheep - 9/10

The Beast of Sodor - 9/10

Salty All At Sea - 8/10

Den & Dart - 8/10

Helping Hiro - 6/10

Two Wheels Good - 7/10

Reds Vs. Blues - 6/10

Slow Stephen - 9/10

The Little Engine Who Raced Ahead - 5/10

Best Engine Ever - 10/10

Philip To The Rescue - 8/10
Wild Water Rescue - 4/10

No Help At All! - 8/10
The Other Side of the Mountain - 2/10
Thomas the Babysitter - 9/10
Rocky Rescue - 2/10
Goodbye Fat Controller - 9/10

Series Rating:

189/260

S19 Ep.24: Rocky Rescue

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

ROCKY RESCUE

Written by

Davey Moore

Directed by

TBA

Air Date

24/01/16 - JPN

Plot

Rocky has been derailed and all his friends come to help to get him back on track.

PRO:

- Rocky's persona

CON:

- Henry puffing away after an accident

- A bit of a missed opportunity for Judy and Jerome

- Incompetence from the team

The episode is a bad to me. The only good thing coming from this episode was Rocky actually having some personality. For years he was more of a plot device that just replaced the breakdown crane in the past so it's really fresh to see something like this in him. I like how he's calm, not boastful and happy to work in a team. However most of the episode have errors, particularly Henry. In 'Helping Hiro', the crash made him immovable but with Henry falling off the line, who knows at what speed, by being pushed by a boulder he was alright to go to the steamworks on his own. Not to mention that his tender was still off the rails after he was lifted back on the tracks, so continuity error there on Arc Productions' part. 

I think the episode would've been better if it were about Jerome and Judy, from 'The Adventure Begins', feeling neglected or replaced now that they have Rocky as there sole breakdown train and the engines think one is better and modern and in the end they were a backup for Rocky say that he got derailed or the work of a large derailment was too much for him to handle, they help out and the engines think that two cranes are better than one. Yeah it sort of contradicts 'Too Many Fire Engines' say on Belle and Flynn's side as Flynn understands that two is better than one. But the idea of being incompetent could work in that idea then that in this one.

One other thing I don't like is how one of the Fat Controller's engines, especially Thomas, always collect Rocky. Why not make Belle the engine to take Rocky to the crash site? Yes she is a fire fighting steam engine, but it would make sense of her being the engine to transport the crane quickly to the event. Yes Thomas is the main character of the show and kids should look up to him as the hero of the show but we had Percy taking Rocky in 'Wild Water Rescue' so why not Belle?

It feels immature of them (Belle, Flynn and Harold) to see who can help Rocky on their own that it feels like they are hammering the 'working together' moral and I think it was worse then 'No Help At All!'. You think after 10001 rescues they should learn that moral by now! Yes Harold was immature in the early years of the show but he had shown some growth over the years as a character. In my opinion this is one of my least favourite S19 episodes.

Rating: 2/10

Episode Ratings:

Who's Geoffrey - 9/10

The Truth About Toby - 6.5/10

Lost Property - 9/10

Henry Spots Trouble - 7/10

Snow Place Like Home - 7/10

A Cranky Christmas - 6/10

Diesel's Ghostly Christmas - 9.5/10

Toad and The Whale - 9/10

Very Important Sheep - 9/10

The Beast of Sodor - 9/10

Salty All At Sea - 8/10

Den & Dart - 8/10

Helping Hiro - 6/10

Two Wheels Good - 7/10

Reds Vs. Blues - 6/10

Slow Stephen - 9/10

The Little Engine Who Raced Ahead - 5/10

Best Engine Ever - 10/10

Philip To The Rescue - 8/10
Wild Water Rescue - 4/10

No Help At All! - 8/10
The Other Side of the Mountain - 2/10
Thomas the Babysitter - 9/10
Rocky Rescue - 2/10

Series Rating (So far):

180/250

S19 Ep.23: Thomas the Babysitter

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

THOMAS THE BABYSITTER

Written by

Helen Farrall 

Directed by

TBA

Produced by

Jennifer Hill (Arc)

Ian McCue (HIT)

Air Date

17/01/16 - JPN

Plot:

Thomas has to deal with a crying baby on board his train and tries to find a solution to the problem, which he did in the end.

PRO:

- Moral: There's a solution to a problem

- Down to earth moment from Annie and Clarabel

- The time-lapse scene was amazing

CON:

- Toby or Percy could at least give a few ideas to stop the crying.

While I do love 'Toad and The Whale' and I still do, I love this episode more as it does depict on real life and I should know coming from personal experience. I remember travelling on a train and a baby was crying loudly that it was getting very annoying. But I love the pacing of this episode as nothing feels out of place, much better then what 'The Other Side of the Mountain' did. The episode has its simplicity and while some may think this episode is boring because of that, it's one of things that made me think fondly of Thomas' glory days as there was simple storytelling in the Reverend's books, particularly in its early years, 'Edward's Day Out' is one of them. It had conflict at the start of the story with Edward being teased as being old and not worthy but in the end he got his reward by coming out of his shed and taking a passenger train. The moral of the story is there's a solution to a problem and it shows, though only with Annie and Clarabel's singing not turning out great, but it turns out alright in the end with what the solution was and that was Thomas puffing along his line that it made the baby go to sleep because of the vibration of the track maybe. Although I think it would be made better if we have Toby or Percy giving ideas to stop the baby crying. Henrietta did by saying maybe singing a lullaby could work for the baby.

I didn't put this in my PRO or CON list but that little cameo of Stanley had made me wonder of his purpose on the railway and I think it would be great to see him working as a utility engine. A utility engine is an engine used for any work whenever its useful for it, more like a helping. Considering that he's (Stanley) everywhere for cameo appearance and that it should work along with Rosie. I don't see much between these two when it comes to starring roles but I like to see the writers shining on Rosie's persona as being a tomboy as the previous team had failed to that with her originally.

I like how Thomas came up with the idea that he would run non-stop between each station as that calms the baby down, Annie and Clarabel brought him back down to earth and tell him the problem that he could face. Definitely good that there is some common sense still working in the series, although it could've happened in previous episodes too this season.

One of my favourite things coming from Arc Productions is the time-lapse scene when Thomas was heading back to the big station on his return journey. It looks remarkable so well done to Arc Productions for creating such scene. In the end I love this episode. It's sweet, it has heart and it has a good moral. OK maybe a baby can't calm down on a train all the time but there can be a solution to a problem and it could be anything for a baby to stop crying.

Rating: 9/10

Episode Ratings:

Who's Geoffrey - 9/10

The Truth About Toby - 6.5/10

Lost Property - 9/10

Henry Spots Trouble - 7/10

Snow Place Like Home - 7/10

A Cranky Christmas - 6/10

Diesel's Ghostly Christmas - 9.5/10

Toad and The Whale - 9/10

Very Important Sheep - 9/10

The Beast of Sodor - 9/10

Salty All At Sea - 8/10

Den & Dart - 8/10

Helping Hiro - 6/10

Two Wheels Good - 7/10

Reds Vs. Blues - 6/10

Slow Stephen - 9/10

The Little Engine Who Raced Ahead - 5/10

Best Engine Ever - 10/10

Philip To The Rescue - 8/10
Wild Water Rescue - 4/10

No Help At All! - 8/10
The Other Side of the Mountain - 2/10
Thomas the Babysitter - 9/10

Series Rating (So far):

177/240