TTTE S11E13. Don't Be Silly, Billy

Here we go again. Another negative Thomas review.


This episode is the only one to star quite possibly the most hated non-CGi introduced character in the franchise.

275. Don't Be Silly, Billy.

Written by: Sharon Miller.

Aired: UK: 9 September 2007. US: 20 October 2007. AUS: 23 September 2011.

Thomas is asked to show a new engine named Billy around. Thomas warns Billy to stock up on coal and water, but Billy, in an angry mood, tells him off that he's bossy and races off to do his first job. Thomas sees Billy collecting chickens from the farm, but Billy puffs off too soon, and the chickens are not loaded yet. Thomas then finds him at the quarry, but Billy leaves as soon as he sees Thomas. Thomas then finds him at the coaling plant, and tells him to take on coal and water. Billy is furious, and calls Thomas bossy again. He then accidentally pushes Percy underneath the coal loader. An exasperated and exhausted Thomas tells Billy to do it his own way. This greatly delights Billy, so he sets off, but has barely moved before he has run out of coal and water. Thomas takes him to be restocked, the two finish the jobs without further mishap, and at the end of the day, Billy thanks Thomas for helping him out.


Boy is this episode silly! It just introduces a character who is boisterous and ungrateful, and that is Billy.

Alright, Billy just went off and ordered Thomas the Tank Engine "Stop telling me what to do, Thomas! You are a very bossy engine!" Strike 1!
Salty the Dockyard Diesel just tells Thomas "He thinks you're a bossy engine." Thank you, Capt'n Obvious!


Next, Billy is at Farmer McColl's farm and when Thomas comes around, Billy says the same thing again! Strike 2!


Then, Billy goes to the quarry, and Thomas comes around him again and Billy tells him the same thing. Strike 3, you're out!


Lastly, Billy goes to the coaling plant and bumps Percy the Small Engine under the coal chute.
Strike 4!


This episode is just dreadful. The worst thing about this ep is that Billy got no discipline for his actions! His personality is just unlikable. Sure, Lady doesn't have a personality, but at least she doesn't have one that's similar to Billy's. Also, Charlie may be annoying with his unfunny jokes, but at least he's a friendlier character than Billy. Sure, the logging locos are annoying, but at least they're friendlier.


Billy is just there for merchandise. He has less potential than Proteus as far as I'm concerned. This may not be the worst way to introduce a character, but it's up there.

My rating: 1/10.

Season 11 scorecard:

13. Don't Be Silly, Billy: 1/10.

Season 11 rating so far: 1/10.

(Don't worry. It won't stay like this. I just wanted to get one of the duds out of the way)