TTTE S3E11: No Joke for James

Well, now that I'm done with reviewing Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, I can go with the flow and review whatever I want. Today, I'm doing a Thomas the Tank Engine review.

63. No Joke for James.

Based on "The Express" and "A Passenger for James" by Andrew Brenner.

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.

Aired: US: 19 November 1991. UK: 21 April 1992. AUS: 1 March 1993.

One morning, James is boasting to Thomas and Percy that he is the smartest and most useful engine on the line. Thomas disagrees and thinks that all of the Fat Controller's engines are useful, and Percy tells James that he is getting all puffed up. Later, James boasts to Gordon that he is the pride of the line, but Gordon tells him that he saw him pulling trucks this morning, and that he is only a goods engine. James then tells Gordon that the Fat Controller has plans for him, and Gordon believes him. James then becomes worried, as he was lying and must now impress Gordon.
Later, Thomas is shunting coaches in the yard. James asks if the coaches are for him, but Thomas tells him that they are for Gordon's express, and that he will fetch James' trucks next. James decides to play a prank and tells Thomas that the Fat Controller told him that he is to take the coaches, and that Gordon is to pull the trucks. James is then coupled to the coaches, and he steams out of the yard, just as Thomas arrives with James' trucks for Gordon, leaving Gordon and his driver cross when Thomas tells them what James had said.
James is enjoying himself enormously, but when James sees the Fat Controller at Elsbridge, he scolds James for his trick and causing confusion, and sends him to the shed until he is wanted. Gordon and Henry tease James by asking each other who will pull the express. A few days later, James is let out of the shed. He apologizes to Thomas, and Thomas tells him that the trucks are pleased to have him back. James then shunts trucks in the harbour for the rest of the day.
As James and his crew prepare to head home, a man arrives and tells James' driver that he is to attend an important meeting with the Fat Controller which he must not be late for, and he asks for a ride in James' cab. James' driver recognises the man as a railway inspector and agrees. When James arrives at Knapford, the inspector tells the Fat Controller that James gave him a splendid ride, and that he must be proud of him, the Fat Controller agrees and tells James that once again he is a really useful engine.


Hmm...how did Thomas and Gordon so easily fall for James' trick? At least Gordon's driver had some common sense. But I will admit that I disagree with Fat Controller on this joke. It was funny, especially when Thomas the Tank Engine said that now the trucks are for Gordon the Big Engine. "And so here are your trucks." But also, there was James' driver saying "No trucks or passengers, just we two." He was obviously forgetting the fireman. It was nice to see Jeremiah Jobling again after that bootlace incident. Oh well, not the best, but it could have been better.

My rating: 7.5/10.

 Season 3 scorecard:

4. Gordon and the Famous Visitor: 9.5/10.

5. Donald's Duck: 9.5/10.

6. Thomas Gets Bumped: 10/10.

7. Thomas, Percy and the Dragon: 9.5/10.

8. Diesel Does it Again: 7/10.

9. Henry's Forest: 9.5/10.

10. The Trouble with Mud: 6/10.

11. No Joke for James: 7.5/10.

13. Trust Thomas: 10/10.

14. Mavis: 9/10.

15. Toby's Tightrope: 9/10.

16. Edward, Trevor and the Really Useful Party: 8.5/10.

17. Buzz, Buzz: 9/10.

20. Tender Engines: 6/10.

21. Escape: 10/10.

22. Oliver Owns Up: 8/10.

23. Bulgy: 9.5/10.

26. Thomas and Percy's Christmas Adventure: 8.5/10*

Season 3 rating so far: 9/10.