TTTE S7E09: The Spotless Record

Thought it was about time I got around to reviewing the episode that properly introduces MAH BOI!

(Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the image)

165. The Spotless Record.

Written by: Paul Larson.

Aired: UK: 16 October 2003. AUS: 22 October 2004. US: 11 September 2005.

A new tank engine named Arthur arrives. The Fat Controller explains that he is to shunt trucks and pull freight, and that he was chosen for he has a spotless record. Percy is confused, so Thomas explains that it means Arthur has never been naughty and he has never had an accident.

Later, Thomas and Percy are bumping trucks around. They knew this was naughty but they are having fun. Thomas tells Arthur to join in, but he declines. Arthur's first job is to take a train of fruit to market. The trucks sing at him which he thinks is very rude. This gives Thomas an idea. He tells Arthur that the Fat Controller doesn't like the trucks singing, and that he should tell them to stop. Arthur is convinced that he can keep the trucks in order and sets off while Thomas chuckles at his little joke.

Arthur is out on the main line when the trucks start singing again. Arthur crossly tells them to stop, so the trucks decide that if they can't sing, they will teach Arthur a lesson instead. When they come to the top of Gordon's hill, the trucks use their weight to pull Arthur down at high speed. But up ahead Duck has stopped at a level crossing. Arthur tries to stop, but it is too late and he crashes into the back of Duck's train. Squashed fruit flies in all directions. Arthur is very upset. His spotless record has been ruined.

Thomas arrives with the Fat Controller. Arthur tells him how he told the trucks to stop singing, but they pulled him down the hill. Thomas feels ashamed and tells the Fat Controller how it is his fault since he told Arthur to stand up to the trucks. The Fat Controller orders Thomas to help clean up the mess. Harvey arrives with the breakdown train and everyone works hard to clean up the mess.

That evening, Arthur is being cleaned when Thomas arrives. Thomas apologises for tricking him, and Arthur is grateful that Thomas owned up. The two engines decide that spotless records can be broken, but then mended again, just like friendship.

Yep, this episode introduces my favourite character who has a load of potential, Arthur. He's got a spotless record, which was unfortunately ruined due to Thomas' evil idea. His maroon paintwork looks very smart. And he does look a bit like a larger maroon Thomas when you think about it. Of course his basis is an LMS Ivatt 2 2-6-2.

According to my research, Arthur was originally going to be called "Clarence", but due to a competition on what his name should be, his name was changed to "Arthur", and I think "Arthur" fits better for this engine than "Clarence". The winner was Luke Sharp, who wanted this tank engine named after his grandfather Arthur, who'd sadly passed on sometime before the competition. Rest in peace, Arthur. Rest in peace.

Sadly, Arthur's potential was wasted after everything went CGi, and he still hasn't returned. If Henry's leaving the Steam Team, then I hope that wherever he goes, Arthur will be there, considering Henry is now an LMS Black 5. And if there's another episode focused on the Flying Kipper, and Henry's unable to pull it on his own, Arthur can be the back engine or the front engine, as he loves the smell of fish. Or if Henry is ill or too busy doing other work, Arthur can take it. Also, Arthur would make great relationships with the likes of Paxton, Porter, Ryan and Carly.

So all in all, this is a brill episode, and it introduces Arthur nicely.

My rating: 10/10.

Season 7 scorecard:
9. The Spotless Record: 10/10.

Season 7 rating so far: 10/10.
(it won't stay like this. I just wanted to get one of the many gems out of the way)