TTTE S5E06: Gordon and the Gremlin

Here's another review for you. One involving gremlins.

Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the image

110. Gordon and the Gremlin.

Written by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and David Maidment.

Aired: UK: 21 September 1998. AUS: 30 November 1998. CAN: 18 January 1999.

Gordon has problems with his fire, and the firelighter suggests it is due to gremlins. Thomas and Percy get excited, but James thinks it is nonsense. The engines argue about the issue until the Fat Controller arrives and informs the engines that a VIP is coming, who has heard a lot about the Fat Controller's engines. He wants them all to be really useful, but Percy worries about the gremlins in Gordon's fire. The Fat Controller warns Gordon to be on his best behaviour and lets him take the VIP.

The goods yard's turntable malfunctions with the special coach on it, making Gordon late. He makes up for lost time and manages to get to Kirk Ronan on time. Thomas arrives with the special passenger and Gordon takes her to Wellsworth. On the way, Gordon goes at high speed, much to the passenger's disliking. At Wellsworth, the passenger's Dalmatian runs away after Gordon's loud whistle and, after confronting a bull, runs into Thomas' cab and stays there during the trip to the docks.


At Brendam, Thomas inquires about the visitor, and the Fat Controller reveals she is his mother, who then aptly renames her dog "Gremlin" after the day's events.

This episode isn't without its headscratcher. Michael said "Gordon puffed away with the special coach." When clearly, he was pulling 2 coaches, but there was 1 on the turntable. I find that a bit strange.

What James said about gremlins is true. Gremlins don't exist. They are silly make believe. But the dog did get renamed "Gremlin" in the end.

And we are hereby introduced to Fat Controller's mum, as he reveals her to be in the end.

Also, we did get music from Bulls Eyes when the bull frightened Gremlin after he escaped from Gordon's train.

This was an interesting episode. We were introduced to Fat Controller's mum, we got to see actual Mark 1 coaches in the series. Now if only the CGi series could make those coaches. Plus, Fat Controller's mum renaming the dog "Gremlin" was funny.

My rating: 9/10.

Season 5 scorecard:

3. A Better View for Gordon: 10/10.

4. Lady Hatt's Birthday Party: 10/10.

5. James and the Trouble with Trees: 8.5/10.

6. Gordon and the Gremlin: 9/10.

7. Bye George!: 9/10.

10. Toby and the Flood: 5.5/10.

12. Double Teething Troubles: 9.5/10.

17. Thomas and the Rumours: 9/10.

19. Happy Ever After: 8/10.

25. Snow: 3.5/10.

26. Rusty and the Boulder: 7.5/10.

Season 5 so far: 8.7/10.