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.