TTTE S13E07: Play Time.

Again with the negative Thomas reviews. Here goes nothing.

315. Play Time.

Written by: Sharon Miller.

Aired: UK: 2 February 2010. AUS: 11 February 2010. US: 18 September 2010.

Alicia Botti is going to perform at the Town Hall and Thomas is given the job to collect her from the docks. On the way, Thomas meets Percy who tells him that a new engine named Charlie has also arrived at the docks and that Charlie is more fun than Thomas. Thomas meets Charlie at the docks and Charlie tells him that his friends on the mainland think that Thomas is even more fun than him. The Fat Controller tells Charlie to pick up some trucks at the Sodor Steamworks for the concert at the Town Hall.
Charlie challenges Thomas to a race to the Steamworks. Thomas declines, but when Charlie says that he is not fun, he agrees and the two set off for the Steamworks - not to the Town Hall. After going to the Steamworks, Charlie tells Thomas to race him over the Fenland Fields. Thomas agrees and they race across the rickety track. The bumpy track starts to shake the coupling between Thomas and Annie loose, but Thomas does not know it. After the race, Thomas sees Gordon taking some important people, including the Fat Controller, to the Town Hall. Thomas realises he is late and rushes away. Unbeknownst to Thomas, the loose coupling comes undone and he leaves Annie, Clarabel and Alicia Botti behind.
When he arrives at the Town Hall, the Fat Controller scolds Thomas for being late and leaving Miss Botti behind. Thomas then rushes back to find them only to be challenged to another race by Charlie. Thomas, knowing that now is not the time for racing, refuses and continues looking for his coaches. Suddenly, he hears Alicia Botti singing. Thomas rushes towards her voice and finds her singing to some people on a bridge. Thomas takes her to the Town Hall and Alicia Botti praises him for her exciting ride.


Well, this is definitely one ridiculous episode. We get introduced to Charlie, and he already turns out to be annoying and is always begging for fun. But then again, at least he's a friendlier character than Billy.


Surprise, surprise. We find out that in the TV canon, Fat Controller's first name is Bertram. I wonder if it's a reference to that engine of Duke's shape?


This episode is just the typical three strikes formula like the rest of Seasons 9-16. Thomas the Tank Engine really should have known better than to race Charlie. At least Thomas taught Charlie that we shouldn't always play, but work. But still, this episode is ridiculous overall.

My rating: 1/10.

Season 13 scorecard:

7. Play Time: 1/10.

Season 13 rating so far: 1/10.