Did the model era of Thomas the Tank Engine end on a high note? Let's find out by reviewing...
308. Best Friends.
Written by: Anna Starkey.
Aired: UK: 26 September 2008. US: 25 October 2008. AUS: 25 November 2008.
One day, Thomas and Percy are shunting at the quarry when Neville puffs up. He informs the engines that the brass band is going to play. Despite liking the brass brand, Percy is upset that he never gets to pull them. Thomas suggests that Percy goes to the wash down and look as shiny as a trumpet. That way, it'll be more likely that the Fat Controller will pick him. Percy happily puffs off. Just then, the Fat Controller arrives, and gives Thomas the job to collect the brass band after he has had a wash. Thomas is worried; Percy wanted to pull the train. Percy soon returns and is very happy. Thomas claims that he has another job, and chuffs away. Percy happily whistles, but Thomas is too worried to whistle back.
Thomas is having his shower when he sees Percy. He hides in the nearby shed, and Percy passes right by. Thomas is relieved. Soon, Thomas has collected Annie and Clarabel, but it's not the last time he sees Percy. Worried, Thomas decides to take the long way. He thinks that he'll be able to avoid Percy, but he still finds Percy. Thankfully, Duck has a goods train, so Thomas hides behind the train. Percy rolls right past. With a quick "thank you" to a puzzled Duck, Thomas continues on his journey.
But by the time Thomas reached the docks, he is late. He already feels bad enough, but after noticing that one of the players forgot his instrument, Thomas feels even worse. Now Percy will catch him, and Percy did. Percy feels betrayed, and asked Thomas why he didn't tell him because he tells him everything. Thomas tries to whistle to cheer his friend up, but it doesn't work, and Percy doesn't whistle back. Thomas feels guilty as he puffs out of the docks.
When the concert is nearly over, the Fat Controller orders Thomas to take the band back. Knowing that Percy is pulling the mail, Thomas asks if they could switch jobs. The Fat Controller agrees. Thomas rushes off to find Percy, but the concert is almost over. At last, Thomas finds Percy, but he is still upset. Thomas suggests to switch jobs, and Percy's face lights up again. When all the work is done, Thomas promises Percy that he'll always tell him everything.
I know, it's sad that the models had to end out, but the reason they had to stop using the models is because it would have been too expensive to continue using them in the UK, so from Hero of the Rails onward, the series had been CGi. Now, did the model era end on a high note?
Absolutely! This is such a heartwarming story, and it was nice to see Neville again, even if it was only for just a few seconds. It also has the great moral of friendship. Very beautiful story, and it is such pride that the Thomas models left the filming on such a high note. Enough to call this moment their finest hour, and the best of Season 12.
My rating: 10/10.
Season 12 scorecard:
20. Best Friends: 10/10.
Season 12 so far: 10/10. (It won't stay like this. I just wanted to get one of the gems out of the way)
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