TTTE S8E24: Chickens to School

I'm sending some poultry to school this time. Also, some sheep to a market and some children to the farm.

Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the image

206. Chickens to School.
Written by: Paul Larson.
Aired: UK: 24 October 2004. US: 21 November 2004. AUS: 29 November 2006.

One summer night, Thomas is busy taking coal trucks to the Coaling Plant and is very tired by the time he arrives back at Tidmouth Sheds in the morning. Thomas wishes that he had some assistance with the coal delivery, but Gordon tells Thomas that a really useful engine does not need help. Just then, the Fat Controller arrives as he requires an engine to carry out three jobs. Thomas decides to carry out the three jobs, despite being tired. His three jobs are to take chickens to market, sheep to the farm, and the children to school. Gordon remarks that three jobs is too much for Thomas and he will need assistance. But Thomas tells him that tank engines do not need help at all.

So Thomas sets off with Annie, Clarabel, and two vans. He collects the chickens from the farm, the sheep from the valley, and the children from the station. Thomas carries on with his journey up and over Gordon's Hill and through Henry's Tunnel. Throughout the journey, he reminds himself where he is going. However, the tiredness starts getting the better of him and he gets into a muddle.

At the station where the market is being held, Thomas tells the lorry drivers to unload the sheep, instead of the chickens. Then Emily arrives and sees Thomas looking tired, so she offers to help. But Thomas turns it down, though he is very sleepy. After the market, Thomas goes onto Farmer McColl's and tells the children it is their stop. Finally at the school, Thomas delivers the chickens, much to the confusion of the school teachers.

Thomas heads off for home, but not before the Fat Controller receives phone calls about the sheep making a mess at market, the children getting muddy at the farm, and the chickens messing up the classrooms. The Fat Controller tells Thomas what happened and that he needs to put everything right, but this time with help. Thomas then tells the Fat Controller what Gordon said earlier - a really useful engine never needs help. Edward remarks that he is always helping Gordon up the hill, which makes Gordon blush with embarrassment.

Thomas sets off with Edward and Percy helping him. Edward takes the chickens from the school to market, Percy takes the sheep from the market to the farm, and Thomas collects the children from the farm and brings them to the school. That night, Thomas finally gets some much needed sleep in Tidmouth Sheds.


While this episode was funny on its own, especially with Thomas the Tank Engine getting all muddled up, I have to question something. And this is what I have to question:

Shouldn't Thomas the Tank Engine's crew have more common sense than this? Thomas the Tank Engine was tired yes, but surely his crew wasn't. They should know where chickens, sheep, and children should go.

Another funny thing about this was Gordon the Big Engine bragging about how a really useful engine never needs help, only for Edward the Blue Engine to brag about helping Gordon up the hill.

Not sure how to rate this episode. Hmm.... should I like it because of the humour, or should I dislike it for Thomas' crew not having common sense? Hmm.... I'll say I'm 65/35 on this one.

My rating: 6.5/10.

Season 8 scorecard:

15. Squeak, Rattle and Roll: 8/10.

22. You Can Do It, Toby!: 5.5/10.

24. Chickens to School: 6.5/10.

Season 8 rating so far: 6.7/10.

TTTE S7E15: Something Fishy

Let's go into the next episode to have mah boi as the main star. Something's fishy about this.

Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the image

171. Something Fishy.

Written by: Paul Larson.

Aired: UK: 24 October 2003. AUS: 1 November 2004. US: 2 October 2005.

Arthur is new to the railway and is still learning his way around. One morning, he discovers the fishing village, and soon sees it as his favourite place on the island. That evening, the Fat Controller comes to the shed looking for an engine to run the line. Arthur hopes he will be chosen, but the Fat Controller ends up choosing Thomas, who is not very pleased. Arthur is disappointed when the Fat Controller sends him to haul coal to the Steelworks instead.

Later, Thomas is having a washdown when Arthur arrives and teases him. Thomas complains of the smell and Arthur knows he would be happier than Thomas if he was running the line. 

Thomas is sent to collect some fish and is impatient with the workmen, a fisherman tells him to enjoy the smell, to which Thomas snorts in disgust. When he leaves, the trip initially starts off smooth, but a set of malfunctioning points leaves the trucks the right direction, and him diverted onto an old pier line. Thomas falls through an uncompleted causeway gap into a tidal pool, much to the trucks' delight. When the Fat Controller hears the news, he checks the timetables and sends Arthur to assist Thomas.

Due to the heat, the ice keeping the fish fresh begins to melt and Thomas is worried that it will go off. Arthur is surprised to find Thomas in the water, but Thomas is not concerned about himself and tells Arthur to take the fish and leave him. Arthur takes the fish away and hurries to the Docks. Luckily, he delivers the fish to the docks just in time.

Later, Arthur finds Thomas in the fitter's yard, who reveals that he hates running the fishing line and proposes that they trade. When the Fat Controller is looking for a replacement for Thomas, Arthur volunteers and asks the Fat Controller if he could do it all the time. The Fat Controller agrees and allows Arthur to run it. Arthur is proud to be running his routine work on the fishing line.


Another great way to use Arthur as the main star. We also get to learn that he likes the smell of fish. They'll get him in a ripe pickle, wouldn't they?

Sorry, got carried away here. But here, we get a reference to The Goon Show, when the Fish Trucks say "He's fallen in the water!" after Thomas the Tank Engine falls into the tidal pool, though I find it a bit strange the points would just send the trucks along the main line, but send Thomas the Tank Engine along the pier track.

But it was very heroic of Arthur to help Thomas the Tank Engine. And he got his reward in the end, running the fishing village all the time. This gives me hope that Arthur will return in Big World! Big Adventures!, and yes, as I said in my most recent blog about that, I am giving that series a try after all.

But overall, this was a mighty fine episode, proving Arthur a great friend to Thomas, even if the rest of the episode was fishy.

My rating: 10/10.

Season 7 scorecard:

2. Percy Gets it Right: 9.5/10.

3. Bill, Ben and Fergus: 7/10.

9. The Spotless Record: 10/10.

12. Rheneas and the Roller Coaster: 5/10.

15. Something Fishy: 10/10.

16. The Runaway Elephant: 9.5/10.

17. Peace and Quiet: 10/10.

18. Fergus Breaks the Rules: 7/10.

19. Bulgy Rides Again: 9.5/10.

22. Best Dressed Engine: 9/10.

26. 3 Cheers for Thomas: 10/10.

Season 7 rating so far: 9.2/10.

TTTE S6E10: Twin Trouble

Let's see everyone's favourite twins argue with each other, all due to an accident that caused Donald to derail.

Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the image

140. Twin Trouble.
Written by: Brian Trueman.
Aired: UK: 27 September 2002. AUS: 1 November 2002. CAN: 24 January 2003.

Donald and Douglas are Scottish twins. They are practical, peppery, and proud and are mostly seen working together.

One day, Donald and Douglas are chuffing down the line with a goods train. Trevor struggles with a cart of hay, which gets stuck on a crossing after one of the wheels of the cart falls off. Donald sees the cart, but they cannot stop, and Donald hits the cart. No one is hurt, but Donald and Douglas blamed each other for the accident. The twins refuse to speak to each other, and when the Fat Controller needs an engine to help Duck at the shunting yards, Donald jumps at the opportunity.

At first, Donald enjoys working with Duck, but eventually, things start to go wrong, as Duck does not understand Donald and Douglas' way of working. Meanwhile, Douglas is doing work on his own, and is beginning to miss Donald. That night, Douglas' driver takes him to visit Donald. Donald snootily asks if he came to say he's sorry, which brings Douglas' bad mood back.

The next day, Donald is also in a bad mood and was not looking where he is going while reversing, and despite a warning from Duck, breaks through some buffers and into a ditch. His driver is cross and claims that this would not have happened if he was working with Douglas. Donald admits defeat and Duck, knowing he is not strong enough to pull Donald back onto the rails, hurries to get help from Douglas. Soon, Douglas pulls Donald back onto the rails. Donald thanked Douglas and tries to make up for their trouble, but Douglas claimed he is sorry. Then Donald talks back, claiming he is actually sorry. Duck chuckles and tells them to not have a row on who is to blame for their troubles and to just be happy they are back together. The twins properly make up in the end and, as Duck predicted, are glad to be together again.


One interesting thing about this episode is that it was written by Brian Trueman, who wrote episodes of Budgie the Little Helicopter, a children's show that many Thomas fans fail to mention.

But enough of that. Let's go over this episode as a whole. It was nice to see Donald and Douglas get the main focus since Season 3, and we get to see them argue and banter about who was to blame for Donald crashing into the cart.

"Did nae!"

"Did!"

"Did not!"

"Did too!"

There was also a funny quote from Donald. He was giving Duck's advice.

"Did you shunt those trucks onto the other line?"

"I thought you wanted them on the other line."

"Not that other line! The other other line!"

This is another reason I always go for the UK narrations. Alec Baldwin didn't even try to give Donald and Douglas a Scottish accent. Maybe Alec was so upset with the fact that Thomas and the Magic Railway did so poorly in the box office, he wasn't enthusiastic with the series anymore.

But still, this was a good episode, showing that no matter who you argue with for a long time, sometimes, you can eventually make up in the end, though it doesn't work for everyone.

My rating: 10/10.

Season 6 scorecard:

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

10. Twin Trouble: 10/10.

14. Middle Engine: 3/10.

17. Gordon Takes a Tumble: 9.5/10.

22. Thomas the Jet Engine: 10/10.

23. Edward the Very Useful Engine: 8.5/10.

25. Rusty Saves the Day: 3.5/10.

Season 6 rating so far: 8.6/10. 

TTTE S5E22: Make Someone Happy

I'm going to review something to cheer Mrs. Kyndley and James up.


Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the image

126. Make Someone Happy.

Written by: Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.

Aired: UK: 13 October 1998. AUS: 22 December 1998. CAN: 9 February 1999.

After James boasts about himself, Thomas tells him to think of other things and other people. When James is shunting trucks, he sees Mrs. Kyndley, who discovered that her sister cannot visit her. Sir Topham Hatt soon hears the news and James is happy when Harold gives her a ride. James later takes Mrs. Kyndley on a mystery tour and Mrs. Kyndley is delighted when she gets to open the seaside fair. James then agrees with Thomas that making someone happy does make him happy.

This is an episode that some kids can watch if they're feeling depressed, especially when James is disappointed with having to work with dirty trucks all day, and when Missus Kyndley's sister couldn't stay with her that week.

It was a very mysterious tour James took Mrs. Kyndley on. A beautiful fun fair. Though I did find it a bit weird when I heard that clown laugh at the end.

This episode does show we can get frustrated when having to do odd jobs all day, and that we can get upset whenever family plans are cancelled, and that we do need cheering up every time, just like James and Missus Kyndley here. And it funny when Harold made James' red paint dustier than ever! And we got to see James pulling Gordon's Special Coach. Sadly, this is the last time we see Kirk Ronan.

My rating: 9.5/10.

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.

22. Make Someone Happy: 9.5/10.

25. Snow: 3.5/10.

26. Rusty and the Boulder: 7.5/10.

Season 5 so far: 8.8/10.

TTTE S18E11: Duncan and the Grumpy Passenger

Time I went back to doing some reviews. This time, the episode that brings back everyone's favourite rock n' roll engine. And he's dealing with someone who's just as grumpy if not grumpier than him.

Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the image

425. Duncan and the Grumpy Passenger.

Written by: Davey Moore.

Aired: UK: 8 September 2014. AUS: 12 October 2014. US: 10 March 2015.

One morning, Duncan speaks to Rheneas at Glennock. He tells Rheneas that he has a wobbly wheel which Victor says there is nothing wrong with and he complains about a stretch of track at Cros-ny-Cuirn. He then grumbles about one of his passengers who is extremely grumpy. Duncan is right to complain about this as one particular man who always goes on Duncan's train is indeed very grumpy. The passenger complains when Duncan goes too fast, he complains when Duncan goes too slow, he complains that the carriages are too cramped, he complains about absolutely anything and everything.

A little later, Duncan is at Crovan's Gate watching the grumpy man complaining to the stationmaster when Peter Sam arrives. Duncan tells Peter Sam all about the grumpy passenger and says that he has nothing to complain about at all in reality. Peter Sam is not so sure, but Duncan is determined to prove that he is capable of not having any complaints. Duncan goes to the depot and collects some extra coaches. Rusty tries to tell Duncan that Skarloey needs the coaches for his passengers, but Duncan does not listen and takes them away.

That evening, Duncan arrives at Crovan's Gate to pick up his regular passengers including the grumpy man. Duncan pulls away, just as Skarloey pulls in. He is not happy with Duncan for taking his coaches and neither are Skarloey's passengers.

Duncan, unaware of the trouble he has caused, speeds down the line. Up ahead, Duncan sees some workmen working by the line. He sees some danger flags, but does not want to slow down in fear of receiving complaints from the grumpy passenger. So Duncan does not slow down and speeds through the workmen who are left shaking their fists at Duncan. When Duncan pulls into the station, he is feeling pleased with himself. The passengers are pleased, too, but the grumpy man is still looking very grumpy.

The next morning, Duncan collects his passengers as usual, but the grumpy man is not there. Duncan realises that the man must be running late, so he ignores his guard's whistle and does not move. Sure enough, the grumpy man is soon running into the station after sleeping through his alarm clock. Then, Skarloey pulls up behind Duncan and is not happy about being delayed and neither are his passengers. Duncan is sure that the man will not be able to complain that morning, but as soon as Duncan pulls out of the station, the grumbling and moaning starts. This time, the man complains about the trains always being late and the uncomfortable seats. When Duncan comes across the workmen again, he ignores the warning flags once again because he does not want to slow down as he is running late.

When Duncan arrives at Crovan's Gate, the Thin Controller is waiting for him. Duncan knows what he is going to say and apologises. The Thin Controller appreciates Duncan's apology, but still wants an explanation for his actions. Duncan explains that he was trying to stop a grumpy man from complaining. The Thin Controller says he knows the grumpy old man well and he is always complaining about something. He tells Duncan to ignore the man and just do his job.

That evening, Duncan passes the workmen yet again. This time, he decides to slow right down. The workmen thank Duncan for his consideration, but the grumpy passenger starts moaning. This time, Duncan just ignores him and carries on.

When they arrive at Glennock, Rheneas is there. Rheneas thinks it is odd to see Duncan in such a good mood after a busy day. Duncan explains that he has learned a lesson and vows to be a different engine. Rheneas thinks Duncan is going to give up grumbling, but Duncan explains that he is going to ignore the miserable old man. Duncan rattles away, complaining about Rheneas thinking he is complaining all the time.

There's no better way to bring Duncan back than centre an episode around him. One that deals with a character who complains about as much as he does. And may I say, his CGi render reminds me of his Take-Along model, especially since his running board is red all over instead of golden yellow like his main livery.

And Duncan is voiced by Tom Stourton, and I'll say he does a phenomenal voice. And he's even making Duncan do Scottish slang as well as the accent.

There is one minor nitpick I have with this episode, and that's Skarloey taking his anger out on Duncan for stealing his coaches. Couldn't Skarloey have gone back to the coach yard and fetched some different coaches for his evening train?

Some of you might notice Duncan's theme being a remix of his Season 7 theme.

But forget that, this was still a very well executed episode. I like to see this as a metaphor of the fanbase. Well, fanbase of any franchise. There are some people you can't please no matter how hard to try, especially shown here when Duncan the Rock n' Roll Engine tries oh so hard to please this grumpy passenger, but to no avail.

My rating: 9.5/10.

Season 18 scorecard:
6. Toad's Adventure: 9/10.
8. Duck and the Slip Coaches: 9/10.
22. Duncan and the Grumpy Passenger: 9.5/10.
18. Last Train for Christmas: 10/10.

Season 18 rating so far: 9.4/10.

TTTE S18E06: Toad's Adventure

Here's another Thomas review. One that brings back 2 fan favourites, yet one of them gets the episode to himself.

Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the image

420. Toad's Adventure.
Written by: Mark Huckerby and Nick Ostler.
Aired: UK: 1 September 2014. AUS: 6 October 2014. US: 13 May 2015.

Oliver is always telling his brake van Toad about the time he escaped from the scrapyard to come to Sodor. Toad was there at the time, but he has still heard the story a hundred times as they puff up and down the Little Western line. Toad wishes that he could have an adventure of his own to talk about.

Later, Oliver leaves Toad in the shunting yard while he takes a passenger train. Toad is happy not to have to listen to Oliver's tale again, but he does not like the prospect of sitting around for ages doing nothing. Just then, James arrives looking for a brake van for his goods train. Toad pleads with James to take him with him. James agrees and soon they head off to Vicarstown.

On the way, Toad has to listen to James' boasting, which is still a refreshing change from Oliver's endless stories. Soon, Toad is concerned that they are going too fast, but James insists that there's nothing wrong with their speed. As they puff up Gordon's Hill, James strikes a branch on the line. The branch goes under the train and uncouples James from his train. Suddenly, Toad is rolling back down the hill with the trucks. Toad tries his best to stop the runaway train.

Meanwhile, Thomas is puffing along the line with the Fat Controller and Dowager Hatt. He is taking them both to the opera on the mainland. As Thomas rounds the bend by Gordon's Hill, he stops suddenly. The Fat Controller leans out of the carriage window to enquire about the situation, but is soon alerted to Toad and the runaway trucks speeding straight towards them. Thomas tries to reverse out of the way, but Percy pulls up behind Thomas on the same line. There is no time for both engines to reverse and Toad knows it's up to him to save them all now. With sparks flying from his wheels, Toad manages to stop the trucks just in time. James pulls up, just as the Fat Controller demands to know what has happened. James is about to confess to going too fast, but Toad covers for him by saying that they just hit a branch and it was all an accident. The Fat Controller is satisfied and Dowager Hatt calls Toad a really useful brake van. The Fat Controller agrees with his mother and Toad feels very proud.

It is not long before James and Toad are heading to Vicarstown once again. Toad tells James that he can go a little faster if he wants, but this time James does not want to speed up.

When they return to the shunting yard, James thanks Toad for all his help. Then, Oliver puffs in and starts to tell Toad all about his day. James interrupts, however, and tells Oliver that he ought to ask Toad about his adventure. Oliver finds it hard to believe that Toad has had an adventure, but Toad tells him all about his day. Soon, all the engines in the yard are gathered round listening to Toad's thrilling adventure. Oliver says he cannot believe it, but Toad says he will tell him the whole story again the next day.


What better way to bring Toad back than centre an episode around him? Too bad Oliver barely appeared in this one.

Onto Toad's render. He looks a lot more like his basis. He's the right length. And his CGi face looks more like his model face.

Onto Oliver's render. Like many others, I'm not that fond of Oliver's CGi render. It's really quite small, almost like a Narrow Gauge engine. Maybe the animators used his ERTL model for reference?

One thing I would like to talk about when it comes to the train Thomas the Tank Engine was pulling in this. He was pulling express coaches. Maybe Fat Controller and his mother wanted First Class coaches? I find it a little puzzling since Thomas usually pulls Annie and Clarabel. However, this does get right what Express Coming Through! got wrong when it comes to Thomas the Tank Engine pulling express coaches.

This episode also shows there are some things you can't do with models, like Toad's guard putting on his brakes.

This was a very interesting episode and a good way to bring Toad back to the series. Though James was his cocky self here. We got an interesting callback to Escape! 

My rating: 9/10.

Season 18 scorecard:

6. Toad's Adventure: 9/10.

8. Duck and the Slip Coaches: 9/10.

18. Last Train for Christmas: 10/10.

Season 18 rating so far: 9.3/10.