All Engines Go! Reveiw - S2 Ep.33 - Salty's Sea Shanty

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

SALTY'S SEA SHANTY

Written by

Nikki Lytton

Directed by

Campbell Bryer

Produced by

Suzie Gallo

Air Date

17/06/23 - CAN

22/05/23 - USA

9/09/23 - UK

1/08/23 - AUS

Plot

When Salty the Diesel Engine returns from his worldly travels, he sings a shanty to Thomas and Percy about a legendary treasure lost on the Island of Sodor. The two friends are eager to see if the legend is true, but their journey comes to a snag when the rest of the Biggest Adventure Club refuses to join.

It's so nice to see Salty again and that he still retains his original character that he had in the original series with him telling tall tales and shanties about his adventures and his dynamic with Cranky so some of the original spirit of the show still lingers on here and there. As for the episode, I think this was a much better approach than 'Chasing Rainbows' when it comes to the song. At least the song in this episode helped to pave its way of finding the treasure whereas the former was just the engines singing while chasing the rainbow which had no conflict whatsoever to make it interesting. The message that friendship is the greatest treasure, while nice, was a bit cliche. I'm kinda glad that there was real treasure in the end. Plus the sea shanty song from Salty is the only good song from the show too, doesn't sound to kiddyish. Plus Salty was the best character out from this episode.

Series Rating:

Fast Friends - 1/10

Percy Disappear - 5/10

Ashima's Amazing Arrival - 3/10

Tri-and-a-Half-a-Lon - 3/10

Carly's Magnificant Magnet - 5/10

New Mail Engine In Town - 4/10

Hot Air Percy - 2/10

Carly's Screechy Squeak - 1/10

Shake, Rattle & Bruno - 8/10

Blackout - 2/10

Brand New Track - 5/10

Stink Monster - 3/10

Christmas Mountain - 7/10

Whiteout! - 4/10

Good as New - 4/10

More Than a Pretty Engine - 9/10

Snowplough Struttin' - 4/10

Thomas In Charge - 3/10

Kana Recharges - 3/10

The Big Skunk Funk - 3/10

Off The Rails - 1/10

Diesel's Dilemma - 5/10

Bring It On Beresford - 2/10

What's in a Name? - 1/10

Sheep Shenanigans - 4/10

Tunnel Troubles - 4/10

The Case of the Missing Crane - 1/10

Not-So-Secret Mission - 5/10

A Very Percy Valentine - 3/10

Valentine's Hearts - 2/10

Speedster Sandy - 7/10

For All the Marble - 9/10

Salty's Sea Shanty - 8/10

Overall Rating (So far):

133/340

All Engines Go! Reveiw - S2 Ep.32 - For All the Marble

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

FOR ALL THE MARBLE

Written by

Johnathan Hernandez

Directed by

Campbell Bryer

Produced by

Suzie Gallo

Air Date

10/06/23 - CAN

17/05/23 - USA

7/09/23 - UK

31/07/23 - AUS

Plot

When a precious marble statue of his great-grandfather arrives, Sir Topham Hatt enlists the help of Thomas and Bruno in delivering it to Vicarstown Plaza. During their journey, Thomas disregards Bruno's suggestions by doing what he thinks is best -- but his actions cause the statue's top hat to begin to crack!

Finally some respect to the Railway Series' lore, a statue named after the first Sir Topham, nice little easter egg that unless that was the intention, even it being placed at Vicarstown was a nice touch given how the NWR was based there in its early days, though I think that might be a big coincidence than intentional. As for the episode this was another good one and I see this working in the original series, given the previous production team's respect to the source material. There was no useless filler to fill in time, there was conflict of the statue being cracked and trying to find the best route and the statue of Sir Topham Hatt I changing faces when going through the canyon did give me a bit of a chuckle. 

This might be a nitpick but I think the rain sequence was kinda pointless since it didn't do much for the story. You could still have Thomas and Bruno pulling into the tunnel without it and it would still be the same. All in all this is probably one of the best episodes of the show and I think it's another personal favorite.

Series Rating:

Fast Friends - 1/10

Percy Disappear - 5/10

Ashima's Amazing Arrival - 3/10

Tri-and-a-Half-a-Lon - 3/10

Carly's Magnificant Magnet - 5/10

New Mail Engine In Town - 4/10

Hot Air Percy - 2/10

Carly's Screechy Squeak - 1/10

Shake, Rattle & Bruno - 8/10

Blackout - 2/10

Brand New Track - 5/10

Stink Monster - 3/10

Christmas Mountain - 7/10

Whiteout! - 4/10

Good as New - 4/10

More Than a Pretty Engine - 9/10

Snowplough Struttin' - 4/10

Thomas In Charge - 3/10

Kana Recharges - 3/10

The Big Skunk Funk - 3/10

Off The Rails - 1/10

Diesel's Dilemma - 5/10

Bring It On Beresford - 2/10

What's in a Name? - 1/10

Sheep Shenanigans - 4/10

Tunnel Troubles - 4/10

The Case of the Missing Crane - 1/10

Not-So-Secret Mission - 5/10

A Very Percy Valentine - 3/10

Valentine's Hearts - 2/10

Speedster Sandy - 7/10

For All the Marble - 9/10

Overall Rating (So far):

125/330

All Engines Go! Reveiw - S2 Ep.31 - Speedster Sandy

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

SPEEDSTER SANDY

Written by

Jordan Gershowitz

Directed by

Campbell Bryer

Produced by

Suzie Gallo

Air Date

10/06/23 - CAN

16/05/23 - USA

6/09/23 - UK

28/07/23 - AUS

Plot

After yet another victorious race, Kana seems unbeatable! No engine on the island is as fast as Kana! However, this does not stop Sandy from challenging the electric engine. Everyone is sure Kana will win again. Sandy picks the route for the race, using her smarts and her small stature to her advantage!

Wow after one season of Kana being a bland good hero character they actually gave her some personality that didn't take a special to convey. It was nice seeing Kana acting a bit boastful and full of confidence about her speed. The episode show cases Sandy strengths and while the song showcases that I think it would still work without it. This was a good episode and it's so rare to see something like this even if it's just another racing episode. Plus this is a better episode than 'Tri-and-a-Half-a-Lon' when it comes to the message that racing is all good fun in the end.

Series Rating:

Fast Friends - 1/10

Percy Disappear - 5/10

Ashima's Amazing Arrival - 3/10

Tri-and-a-Half-a-Lon - 3/10

Carly's Magnificant Magnet - 5/10

New Mail Engine In Town - 4/10

Hot Air Percy - 2/10

Carly's Screechy Squeak - 1/10

Shake, Rattle & Bruno - 8/10

Blackout - 2/10

Brand New Track - 5/10

Stink Monster - 3/10

Christmas Mountain - 7/10

Whiteout! - 4/10

Good as New - 4/10

More Than a Pretty Engine - 9/10

Snowplough Struttin' - 4/10

Thomas In Charge - 3/10

Kana Recharges - 3/10

The Big Skunk Funk - 3/10

Off The Rails - 1/10

Diesel's Dilemma - 5/10

Bring It On Beresford - 2/10

What's in a Name? - 1/10

Sheep Shenanigans - 4/10

Tunnel Troubles - 4/10

The Case of the Missing Crane - 1/10

Not-So-Secret Mission - 5/10

A Very Percy Valentine - 3/10

Valentine's Hearts - 2/10

Speedster Sandy - 7/10

Overall Rating (So far):

116/330

All Engines Go! Reveiw - S2 Ep.30 - Valentine's Hearts

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

VALENTINE'S HEARTS

Written by

Susan Kim

Directed by

Campbell Bryer

Produced by

Suzie Gallo

Air Date

4/06/23 - CAN

13/02/23 - USA

2/24 - UK

27/07/23 - AUS

Plot

As the other engines prepare for a Valentine's Day party, Kana is worried because she doesn't know what to bring!

Another AEG episode where the message is all over the place. One part was about Kana trying to bring something for the party and then for some reason the message was about being together for Valentine's Day is the best of all but wouldn't it just be better if you have Kana trying to make a heart with all the stuff she could find but wanted it to be something special instead of just copying Sandy until she realises she can make one using her electricity or maybe she can make an electric heart but can't use up her electrical energy but the message of the story is that being at the party is what makes a Valentines party so special, it would at least give the message about being together some sense. The show may have better pacing but it bypass much needed progression to maybe make it more character driven than story driven. It felt like they had no idea which plot to work with and so slap them together to at least give it some sense. 

Series Rating:

Fast Friends - 1/10

Percy Disappear - 5/10

Ashima's Amazing Arrival - 3/10

Tri-and-a-Half-a-Lon - 3/10

Carly's Magnificant Magnet - 5/10

New Mail Engine In Town - 4/10

Hot Air Percy - 2/10

Carly's Screechy Squeak - 1/10

Shake, Rattle & Bruno - 8/10

Blackout - 2/10

Brand New Track - 5/10

Stink Monster - 3/10

Christmas Mountain - 7/10

Whiteout! - 4/10

Good as New - 4/10

More Than a Pretty Engine - 9/10

Snowplough Struttin' - 4/10

Thomas In Charge - 3/10

Kana Recharges - 3/10

The Big Skunk Funk - 3/10

Off The Rails - 1/10

Diesel's Dilemma - 5/10

Bring It On Beresford - 2/10

What's in a Name? - 1/10

Sheep Shenanigans - 4/10

Tunnel Troubles - 4/10

The Case of the Missing Crane - 1/10

Not-So-Secret Mission - 5/10

A Very Percy Valentine - 3/10

Valentine's Hearts - 2/10

Overall Rating (So far):

109/320

All Engines Go! Reveiw - S2 Ep.29 - A Very Percy Valentines Day

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

A VERY PERCY VALENTINES DAY

Written by

Allan Neuwrith

Directed by

Campbell Bryer

Produced by

Suzie Gallo

Air Date

4/06/23 - CAN

6/02/23 - USA

2/24 - UK

26/07/23 - AUS

Plot

It's Valentine's Day and no one on Sodor is happier than Percy — he gets to deliver everyone's gifts to their friends throughout the island! Unfortunately, his energetic eagerness turns to panic when an accident on the rails causes everyone’s presents to fall in the mud! With Thomas' help, Percy discovers a way to still deliver the feelings behind everyone’s presents — by using the gift of song!

I will at least give this episode some credit that it shows Valentines Day doesn't have to be just a romantic day as it shows it can be platonic, the same as how 'Rosie is Red' showcased it, though I still prefer that episode because it at least has something relevant that kids go through which was Thomas defending Rosie due to Diesel's trick which led to the other engines teasing. But I'm glad AEG was doing the same despite many kids shows showcasing it as a romantic only day. 

But while I get the episode's message that gifts are just gifts and that it's our feelings that count. I don't think it's wrong to showcase gifts, even if it is just stuff because not everyone can have the words of showcasing their true feelings about someone they love or care about. It maybe giving them stuff but that stuff might be of cerain interest or for something that would give them some help or something useful and not to mention all the time and effort putting into those gifts. Though while I'm glad that episode did at least get the presents out I don't like how it just went against the message that feelings is the best gift of all for the day. There really isn't a win for its message.

Series Rating:

Fast Friends - 1/10

Percy Disappear - 5/10

Ashima's Amazing Arrival - 3/10

Tri-and-a-Half-a-Lon - 3/10

Carly's Magnificant Magnet - 5/10

New Mail Engine In Town - 4/10

Hot Air Percy - 2/10

Carly's Screechy Squeak - 1/10

Shake, Rattle & Bruno - 8/10

Blackout - 2/10

Brand New Track - 5/10

Stink Monster - 3/10

Christmas Mountain - 7/10

Whiteout! - 4/10

Good as New - 4/10

More Than a Pretty Engine - 9/10

Snowplough Struttin' - 4/10

Thomas In Charge - 3/10

Kana Recharges - 3/10

The Big Skunk Funk - 3/10

Off The Rails - 1/10

Diesel's Dilemma - 5/10

Bring It On Beresford - 2/10

What's in a Name? - 1/10

Sheep Shenanigans - 4/10

Tunnel Troubles - 4/10

The Case of the Missing Crane - 1/10

Not-So-Secret Mission - 5/10

A Very Percy Valentine - 3/10

Overall Rating (So far):

107/300

All Engines Go! Reveiw - S2 Ep.28 - Not-So-Secret Mission

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

NOT-SO-SECRET MISSION

Written by

Peter Gaffney

Directed by

Campbell Bryer

Produced by

Suzie Gallo

Air Date

3/06/23 - CAN

15/05/23 - USA

5/09/23 - UK

25/07/23 - AUS

Plot

When he accidentally causes all the lamp posts in Vicarstown to fall and shatter, an embarrassed Sir Topham Hatt requests Thomas to go on a secret mission to Harwick for replacements in time for the evening concert. Even though he tries to follow orders "discreetly," Thomas ends up involving Percy, Diesel, Bruno, and other engines! As they travel to Harwick and the not-so-secret mission is shared between them, Thomas and friends discover that everyone makes mistakes -- and no one needs to be embarrassed about being embarrassed among friends.

I wish they hadn't relegate the Fat Controller as a comedic character because he was more than that. He's a stern but caring person who is in charge of the railway, though I have no idea who is really in charge is it Gordon or the Fat Controller? In past episodes we see the Fat Controller doing formal things like what a railway controller is suppose to do such as trying to give a speech to Yong Bao during his farewell, being a commentator for the Sodor cup race and even dedicating a damn bench! Yes the episode was about him being embarassed about his accident that he'd made at Vicarstown but for being an authorative figure he should show some responsibility to the engines. Why not have one of the engines knocking over the lights by wacking into it when being excited about the dancing? They have the ability to stand like a human!

S21 at least balanced him to be comedic and authorative at the same time and it worked well in my opinion. They at least treat his slapstick moves as careless accidents such as him slipping on the ice at Knapford station in 'Confused Coaches'.

As for the episode it really wasn't bad and it delivered the message that you shouldn't be embarassed about an accident. But it could still work with the Fat Controller being authorative but loveable and one of the engines being embarassed of their accident, heck it could be more than just lightbulbs for the dance party.

Series Rating:

Fast Friends - 1/10

Percy Disappear - 5/10

Ashima's Amazing Arrival - 3/10

Tri-and-a-Half-a-Lon - 3/10

Carly's Magnificant Magnet - 5/10

New Mail Engine In Town - 4/10

Hot Air Percy - 2/10

Carly's Screechy Squeak - 1/10

Shake, Rattle & Bruno - 8/10

Blackout - 2/10

Brand New Track - 5/10

Stink Monster - 3/10

Christmas Mountain - 7/10

Whiteout! - 4/10

Good as New - 4/10

More Than a Pretty Engine - 9/10

Snowplough Struttin' - 4/10

Thomas In Charge - 3/10

Kana Recharges - 3/10

The Big Skunk Funk - 3/10

Off The Rails - 1/10

Diesel's Dilemma - 5/10

Bring It On Beresford - 2/10

What's in a Name? - 1/10

Sheep Shenanigans - 4/10

Tunnel Troubles - 4/10

The Case of the Missing Crane - 1/10

Not-So-Secret Mission - 5/10

Overall Rating (So far):

104/280

All Engines Go! Reveiw - S2 Ep.27 - The Case of the Missing Crane

Hello we are back and welcome to the year 2024! The 40th anniversary year of the television series and to kick off the brand new year, here are more reviews of 'All Engines Go!' second season and this time we are looking at episodes from S2B. As I said back in December, this season so far is lackluster but I'm still keeping an open mind for these episodes even though some doubts creeps in. But first here is the usual warning:  

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

THE CASE OF THE MISSING CRANE

Written by

Shaun Avnet

Directed by

Campbell Bryer

Produced by

Suzie Gallo

Air Date

3/06/23 - CAN

10/05/23 - USA

4/09/23 - UK

24/07/23 - AUS

Plot

When Carly does not return from saving Emily from an accidental derailing, a worried Sandy recruits the help of a bored Diesel to find her best gal pal. The unlikely pair become detectives, traveling throughout the island in search of clues. Will they be able to solve the mystery of the missing crane?

You know what could make the episode more interesting? Not showing what happened to Carly and leave the whole accident off screen, that's how you make mystery stories engaging and fun to sit through! 'The Case of the Puzzling Parts', while not my favorite CG episode from the original series at least, at least! It kept the whole mystery of the parts a secret until it was revealed that they were for Sidney. They didn't show that Sidney needs new parts but at least kept a subtle hint with him saying that Diesel bumped him earlier resulting his brakes to be damaged, heck the episode was funnier too unlike this boring episode. I know I said you have to watch it from the perspective of the character but here it doesn't work because there is even no weight to make the story any better or interesting. 

Perhaps to make it interesting for Sandy trying to look for Carly but was so worried about her that she didn't see the clues that were left behind by her when she was running away. Maybe have her and Carly having an argument or Sandy whining that she wants to play with Carly despite getting some jobs done. At least having those would add weight to make the episode more engaging instead of a bland, boring mystery episode where the mystery is shown instead letting it happen all off screen. Amazing two opening episodes had a dismal start.

Series Rating:

Fast Friends - 1/10

Percy Disappear - 5/10

Ashima's Amazing Arrival - 3/10

Tri-and-a-Half-a-Lon - 3/10

Carly's Magnificant Magnet - 5/10

New Mail Engine In Town - 4/10

Hot Air Percy - 2/10

Carly's Screechy Squeak - 1/10

Shake, Rattle & Bruno - 8/10

Blackout - 2/10

Brand New Track - 5/10

Stink Monster - 3/10

Christmas Mountain - 7/10

Whiteout! - 4/10

Good as New - 4/10

More Than a Pretty Engine - 9/10

Snowplough Struttin' - 4/10

Thomas In Charge - 3/10

Kana Recharges - 3/10

The Big Skunk Funk - 3/10

Off The Rails - 1/10

Diesel's Dilemma - 5/10

Bring It On Beresford - 2/10

What's in a Name? - 1/10

Sheep Shenanigans - 4/10

Tunnel Troubles - 4/10

The Case of the Missing Crane - 1/10

Overall Rating (So far):

99/270