TTTE S6E17: Gordon Takes a Tumble

Now I'm going to review another Thomas episode. This time, it's from Season 6.

147. Gordon Takes a Tumble.
Written by: Robin Kingsland.
Story idea: David Mitton.
Aired: UK: 8 October 2002. AUS: 12 November 2002. CAN: 4 February 2003.

None of the engines feels more important than Gordon. Salty rolls up teasing Gordon that pulling trucks is a silly job for an express engine. Gordon brags that it would not be dignified for an express engine to pull trucks. Gordon explained what it means to Percy, but Salty interrupted, saying that it means someone is too big for his buffers and Gordon puffed furiously away.

Later that night, the Docks is packed with trucks due to the fog covering the Island of Sodor causing confusion and delay. The Fat Controller came to the sheds and ordered Henry, Thomas and Percy to go to the Docks and Gordon to take the trucks somewhere where they will not be in the way, much to Gordon's shock. Gordon was waiting impatiently for his trucks, to show Salty how an express engine pulls trucks. Salty teased him again, but this time Gordon ignored him.

The next day as Gordon is puffing along the mainline, a signalman leaves the points onto an old, rickety branch line. The signalman sees Gordon going to the branch line, knowing that the express engines cannot go there, but it is too late. The branch line is weak and rusty and even has a "go slow" sign to warn trains, but Gordon ignores the sign and goes even faster. The old rails cannot hold his weight as Gordon tumbles off the tracks and ends up in a field. He ploughs through a dirt mound, a pile of tires and barrels (losing his tender in the process) and a barn, and finally halts in front of a scarecrow. Gordon felt very undignified wondering what the Fat Controller would say. The Fat Controller arrives and chews Gordon out, saying that he has only succeeded in showing Salty how silly it is to ignore "go slow" signs.

Gordon was repaired and returned back for work, but is still sad with himself. Thomas cheers him up by saying that everyone makes mistakes. James tells Gordon that Salty has apologised for all of his teasing, and Gordon apologises for being too big for his buffers. All three engines give a jolly toot, even Gordon.


All I can say about this episode is that it's got its ups. Mostly because of how funny it was when Gordon the Big Engine said that "Pulling trucks wouldn't be dignified!". Percy was all "Dingy-fried. What's that?" to which Gordon corrected him with "Dignified!" and Salty defined it as "Someone's too big for their buffers." That gave me a good laugh, since saying an engine's "Too big for their buffers" is like saying someone's "Too big for their boots." when you think they're arrogant like Gordon the Big Engine.

It was also funny when Gordon the Big Engine stopped in front of a scarecrow and was all "What will The Fat Controller say?"

But the down is how lazy the Signalman was to switch the points away from the weak branch line.

But even so, this is a funny episode.

My rating: 9.5/10.

Season 6 scorecard:

9. It's Only Snow: 9/10.

14. Middle Engine: 3/10.

17. Gordon Takes a Tumble: 9.5/10.

Season 6 rating so far: 8.3/10.