RWS No.16: Branch Line Engines

Time I whipped up another review. I've decided to continue my Robotboy reviews another day. Today, I'm doing a Railway Series review. The book that introduced everyone's favourite Diesel Railcar.

16. Branch Line Engines.

Written by: Reverend Awdry.

Illustrated by: John Theodore Kenney.

Published: 1961.

Now, we're going to take a look at the book where Thomas gets into trouble and has to be mended. How does this work out? Let's find out.

Foreword:

Dear Friends,
We never have a dull moment on our Branch Line. Thomas was silly and got into trouble, so a Diesel Rail-car called Daisy came. She caused trouble, but has now promised to be good, so the Fat Controller has kindly given her another chance.

Meanwhile Toby chased a bull, Percy got into a predicament and...

But you must read the stories for yourselves.
The Author

44. Thomas Comes to Breakfast.

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.

Aired: UK: 19 November 1986. AUS: 11 May 1988. US: 26 March 1989.

When Thomas' driver jokes that Thomas does not need him any more, Thomas misunderstands him and boasts to Percy and Toby that he does not need a driver. The next morning, after a careless cleaner fiddles with Thomas' controls, Thomas successfully moves by himself, but can't stop and runs into the stationmaster's house as he and his family sits down for breakfast. The stationmaster shuts off steam and his wife blames Thomas for ruining their breakfasts, making Thomas feels upset. Donald and Douglas pull him out and Thomas is sent to the Works.

I really love this episode! The accident was brilliantly filmed! The interior shot of the ruined house was most certainly spot on. But only one thing puzzles me about this episode and the story it's based on. Why did Fat Controller get cross with Thomas the Tank Engine? The accident wasn't even his fault! But then again, it's a minor nit-pick. Also, there's the nit-pick about Donald and Douglas not being painted blue in the original story, but that's another matter.

RWS/TV rating: 10/10.

45. Daisy.

Adapted by: David Mitton, Britt Allcroft and Robert Cardona.

Aired: UK: 26 November 1986. AUS: 12 May 1988.

Thomas' replacement, a snobby Diesel rail-car named Daisy, arrives, and Percy and Toby show her around. She refuses to sleep in the engine shed, but finds the carriage shed good, except for some "rubbish" (Henrietta and Annie and Clarabel). Percy and Toby are tired after staying up late to cheer the furious coaches up, while Daisy is bright and cheerful. She is preparing for her first train when she realises a milk van is about to be coupled to her and refuses to pull it, saying it is "bad for her swerves". Daisy is lying, but this is not known to the crew and so the van is taken away. Daisy, satisfied, realises this allows her to do whatever she wants.

This adaptation is also spot on! The first episode to feature everyone's favourite diesel railcar, Daisy. And I'm going to be honest, I prefer her TV series face over her Railway Series face. Looks more 80s. And interesting enough, this episode features more female characters than male characters. All-in-all, a great episode.

RWS/TV rating: 9.5/10.

99. Bulls Eyes.

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.

Aired: UK: 13 November 1995. AUS: 20 May 1996. US: 7 October 1996.





Daisy makes fun of Toby's cowcatchers and sideplates, saying he is scared of getting hurt. Toby tells her they are for stopping him from hurting animals if they stray on the line, but Daisy says that animals will move anyway if you "toot and look them in the eye". Later, Daisy is asked to shoo a bull called Champion to his owner, but he is too busy eating grass to notice. An exasperated Daisy goes back to Dryaw, and Toby "shoos" Champion for her. That evening, Daisy sees some boys enjoying some sweets called "bull's-eyes" and gets huffy.

This episode should have been kept for Season 2 and it's easy to see why. Because this episode was held back for Season 4, it reverted Daisy back to her original persona! Why did they hold this back? It's just going to confuse little kids! And this is coming from a self-important businesswoman who said The Missing Coach would confuse little kids. Anyway, this episode still does contribute Toby's whistle. And this episode is the first to show Toby the Tram Engine's whistle, not Toby's New Whistle! Hmm, should have reviewed that before reviewing this, but I digress. Even if this episode's in the wrong place, it still stuck with the story.

RWS rating: 9.5/10.

TV rating: 8.5/10.

46. Percy's Predicament.

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.

Aired: UK: 26 November 1986. AUS: 13 May 1988.

Daisy has neglected to take the milk again and Percy is in a bad mood. Toby decides to take the van for him so as to let Percy take his trucks from the quarry. Percy speaks rudely to the trucks, and they plan revenge. As they slow down at a sign to "pin down" brakes, the trucks barge forward and push Percy down the line and into a train of stone trucks. That evening, the Fat Controller scolds Percy, and Daisy too for being lazy, but gives her a second chance for her work after Percy's accident. Thomas comes home the next day, Percy is sent to be mended, and Toby teaches Daisy the finer points of branch line life.

Okay, 2 things:

1. Where did Daisy the Diesel Railcar's fear of bulls come from?

2. Percy the Small Engine had been to the quarry in the TV series before, in Percy and Harold.

Strange that this episode is, just like Bulls Eyes, going to confuse little kids. Anyway, it was nice of Thomas to come home in the end. It does have a lesson about awkward predicaments.

RWS rating: 9.5/10.

TV rating: 8.5/10.

Observations:







Oh, Daisy! It's too bad she only had 3 speaking roles in the TV series, well, at least until Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure. I just hope she gets even more roles now that she's been confirmed to appear in Season 20.

There is a good reason as to why Donald and Douglas weren't painted blue. The railway was very busy, so they couldn't get the new coat, or because there wasn't enough blue paint until later.

Reverend Awdry wrote Thomas Comes to Breakfast so he could have Thomas the Tank Engine's running board straightened so that future illustrators can illustrate him with a permanently straight running board. I wonder how this story would have gone if Thomas was an LNER J50?

Final thoughts:

This sure was a fantastic book. It's an excellent read, and the first to feature Daisy. Reverend Awdry did wonders writing this.

My rating: 9.6/10.

RWS scorecard:

6. Henry the Green Engine:

8. Gordon the Big Engine: 9.2/10.

13. Duck and the Diesel Engine: 9.2/10.

16. Branch Line Engines: 9.6/10.

18. Stepney the Bluebell Engine: 9/10.

21. Main Line Engines: 9.3/10.

23. Enterprising Engines: 9.9/10.

24. Oliver the Western Engine: 9.3/10.

25. Duke the Lost Engine: 9.8/10.

26. Tramway Engines: 9.8/10.

30. More About Thomas the Tank Engine: 8.8/10.

40. New Little Engine: 5.7/10.

RWS rating so far: 9.3/10.

Season 2 scorecard:

1. Thomas, Percy and the Coal: 6.5/10.

10. The Runaway: 9/10.

12. Pop Goes the Diesel: 9/10.

13. Dirty Work: 8.5/10.

14. A Close Shave: 9.5/10.

15. Better Late Than Never: 9/10.

18. Thomas Comes to Breakfast: 10/10.

19. Daisy: 9.5/10.

20. Percy's Predicament: 8.5/10.

21. The Diseasel: 10/10.

22. Wrong Road: 9/10.

23. Edward's Exploit: 10/10.

24. Ghost Train: 10/10.

25. Woolly Bear: 9.5/10.

Season 2 Rating so far: 9.1/10.

Season 4 scorecard:

1. Granpuff: 8/10.

2. Sleeping Beauty: 6/10.

3. Bulldog: 8.5/10.

4. You Can't Win: 9/10.

15. Rusty to the Rescue: 5/10.

16. Thomas and Stepney: 5.5/10.

17. Bowled Out: 9.5/10.

18. Train Stops Play: 9/10.

20. Toad Stands By: 8.5/10.

21. Bulls Eyes: 8.5/10.

23. Paint Pots and Queens: 9/10.

Season 4 rating so far: 8.3/10.



Robotboy S1E01: Dog-Ra & War and Pieces

Okay, if anyone remembers me saying that I'd never review episodes of this show, then get lucky! I've reconsidered and decided to review these episodes after all! For those of you who don't know what Robotboy was, Robotboy was a French animated cartoon that aired on Cartoon Network for 4 seasons. It ran in the UK from November 2005 to September 2008. So, how does this show live up? Well, I'm going to find out by reviewing every single episode!

1. Dog-Ra.

Written by: Robert Mittenthal.

Aired: UK: 1 November 2005. US: 28 December 2005.

Tommy and Gus rescues a lost puppy and Tommy becomes it's keeper. Meanwhile, when Tommy and his family leave Robotboy alone in the house, the dog transforms into a half beast-half machine, with his sights set on Robotboy.

Gee, Clothor/Sparky doesn't like Gus!

Wait! Robotboy doesn't like Sparky?!

No dog likes Gus for that matter.

Aww, best friend hug!

Well, I must say, this episode sure was an interesting start to the series. Sure, it did have the typical toilet humour of dogs taking a whizz on Gus, but it's a great example of how unpopular the goose is. Also, this series premiere marks the first appearance of, apart from Tommy, Gus, Robotboy, Doctor Kamikazi and Constantine, Tommy's parents, his older brother Donnie, and Gus' parents, yet only Gus' dad talks in this one. A somewhat funny start to the series!

My rating: 8.5/10.

2. War & Pieces.

Written by: Robert Mittenthal.

Aired: UK: 1 November 2005. US: 28 December 2005.



While repairing Robotboy, Tommy accidentally loses a device that allows Robotboy to fight. Now Tommy must get along with his friend back to Professor Moshimo in order to fix Robotboy before someone attacks.

Oh boy! Now I can see why some people would have preferred this show if they got rid of Gus! That's why I killed him off in my fan fictions.

Yes, the first mention of the Human Fist. 

 

LMAO!

Professor Moshimo sure has a beautiful laboratory

 

Yes, the first appearance of Robotboy's creator, Professor Moshimo, and his fiancée, Miu-Miu.

 

Oh boy! Constantine playing the drums to the background music!

 

Yep, the episode that proves that Lola has a crush on Tommy.

"What does this button do?" Dexter's Laboratory, anyone?

Now there's a hilarious moment! Tommy biting Doctor Kamikazi on the arm!



That's right. This is the first episode to star Lola, and I must say, she looks like an African-American version of Ami from Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi.

And as for Professor Moshimo, he sounds just like Hiro from Thomas the Tank Engine. And when he shouts to Gus "NOOOOOOO!!!!" he sounds just like Mario!

I must say, this segment was even better than  the first one! We get Lola, Moshimo, and Miu-Miu for the first time in the series! And might I say, it's even funnier! Especially when Doctor Kamikazi tells Constantine off, and when Gus tries to fit the Human Fist finger into his nose! And it was cute of Lola to swim up to Thomas' shoulder. Very grand episode this!

My rating: 9.5/10.

Final thoughts:

Well, this sure was a very interesting start to a series! We get an epic evil robot dog, and we get to see Professor Moshimo's lab for the first time! A very interesting start to a grand European Co-Produced Cartoon Network show!

Episode rating: 9/10.

Season 1 scorecard:

1. Dog-Ra: 8.5/10.

2. War and Pieces: 9.5/10.

Season 1 so far: 9/10. 



Top 11 Thomas things that I'll never review

Now that I've gotten a miscellaneous stuff I'll never review list, it's time I did something like this with Thomas the Tank Engine, my favourite show. Yes, it does seem like I'll review anything Thomas related, there are some Thomas things that aren't worth my time reviewing and I feel I'd be joining bandwagons just because other people have said opinion.


This is why I'm counting down my Top 11 Thomas things that I'll never review. Why Top 11? Because I am stealing jokes from the Nostalgia Critic! Nah, not really. There is just one Thomas thing that isn't worth me reviewing that I decided to add, so now, this is a Top 11 list.


So, get ready to be desperate for reviews! Here are my Top 11 Thomas things that I'll never review!

11. Race to the Rescue.

Yes the little brother of Fiery Flynn. This episode has so much in common with that episode, I chose never to review this one since I already reviewed that one on April Fool's Day! Also, this, along with the other episode, is considered by many to be the worst Thomas the Tank Engine episode ever. So, if I reviewed this episode, I'd just be cloning my Fiery Flynn review. So Race to the Rescue, a no-go for reviewing by me.

10. The Up, Up and Away DVD.

What's worse than Up, Up and Away and Wonky Whistle? Well, both episodes getting their own DVD release! So reviewing this DVD, it's not worth it from me since I reviewed both episodes back on April Fool's Day along with Fiery Flynn and Sodor Surprise Day. You're better off buying the Complete 15th Season DVD. It's better value for money that DVD.

9. Any annual story.

I see the Railway Series and the TV series as 2 different canons. Don't believe me? Well then, read Bluebells of England and watch Rusty to the Rescue afterwards. We have a third canon in the franchise, and that's annual stories. Not to mention, the continuity is somewhat flimsy. They show alternate stories of Diesel's first visit to Sodor, a few illustrations show the Narrow Gauge engines on standard gauge track, Peter Sam with his old funnel, and Henry in his old shape in some stories. And since I haven't read that many annual stories, it's not worth me reviewing any of them.

8. Thomas' Frosty Friend.

Yes, the older brother of Up, Up and Away. Since this episode simply drags on, it just gives me no reason to review it. All it is is Thomas going all around Sodor with Mister Snowman, all because Mister Snowman is actually a balloon and is attached to the little blue engine's back buffers. So, I'm not wasting my time reviewing this.

7. Tram Trouble.

Yes, the episode that got contempt from some fans, all because of it being the sole appearance of Flora, a tram engine who was just introduced for merchandising purposes. They loathe her because she a Disney Princess-on-Wheels, or because she ruined Toby the Tram Engine's reputation as the only tram engine on Sodor. So, if I reviewed this episode, I'd have nothing new to add.

6. Any magazine story.

Yep, now we go to the 4th canon in the franchise, and that's magazine stories. These stories have the same continuity errors as annual stories. Not to mention, the same problems, such as Peter Sam having his old funnel in some stories, Henry being in his old shape in some, The Bowled Out Diesel and 199 being recurring visitors to Sodor, etc. And, since I haven't read all magazine stories, I can't review them.

5. Thomas and the UK Trip.

In the early 1990s, this special was released in Japan to promote Season 3 of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. Note: There is only one problem with this special. The language is Japanese, and there are no English subtitles for any English audience who'd have watched this while in Japan! What are the characters saying? See where I'm going with this? If I can't understand what the characters are saying, I can't review it!

4. Any book illustrated by Ken Stott.

Now there's a 5th canon in the franchise, and that's the books illustrated by Ken Stott. The continuity in these books are flimsy too. Especially since for the most part, Thomas has a straight running board, as well as, in very few books, being curved. And there's Henry in his post-Flying Kipper/Pre Season 2 shape, as well as being in his old shape in some stories. So, these are also a no-go for reviewing.

3. Any Story Library book.

That's right, a 6th canon to the franchise, and those are Story Library books! The continuity in these books is also flimsy. It shows stuff like Henry in his current shape in some stories, and in his own book, he's in his old shape. Granted, it was for the stories based on his special coal experience, but he was shown in his current shape in previous stories. And it shows Peter Sam with his old funnel in stories written before his book. Also, it shows Donald and Douglas being painted blue and staying blue. So yeah, it'd be really confusing for me to review these.

2. Henry's Hero.

Yep, to be honest, I find this to be the most overrated episode of the current-era. Yep, much more so than Duck and the Slip Coaches. Why is this episode overrated you may ask? Well, many just jumped-for-joy because Duck made his first CGi appearance, and his first TV appearance since Best Friends from Season 12, and this is a Season 17 episode. Granted, this episode does have a moral of being yourself and how sometimes, those who are weak are able to help those who are strong, but reviewing this might get the same fanatics who jumped-for-joy for Duck's return.

1. Thomas and the Magic Railroad.

We now go from the most overrated Brenner-era episode to the most overhated movie. Yep, people hate Thomas and the Magic Railroad more than Day of the Diesels and Misty Island Rescue. Why? I have no idea. Granted, the steam engines were going against the diesels in this, but at least they weren't acting racist to the diesels.

Now, for my opinion on this movie. I don't find it a bad movie, but I don't find it good either. It's more in between. Now, the problems people have with this movie:

• Percy and James are voiced by women instead of Michael Angelis.
• Edward not appearing in this movie whatsoever.
• Lady being a plot device.
• Mister Conductor being too cheerful.
• Burnette Stone being too depressed.
• This movie supposedly killed Mara Wilson's acting career.
• Thomas sounding too young.
• P.T. Boomer was cut for being too scary.

Now, I can answer some of those questions. Edward wasn't in this movie, yes I agree, but his model wasn't ready in time. These days, I wish they just used the Season 5 models for this film and save the new ones for Season 6.

James and Percy being voiced by women. Come on, Michael Angelis did wonders with their voices! However, there are other instances of boys being voiced by women. Ashton Ketchum from Pocket Monsters, Timothy Turner from The Fairly Oddparents, Bartholomew Jay Simpson from The Simpsons, Thomas Pickles from Rugrats, Thomas Turnbull from Robotboy, Numbuh 84 from Codename Kids Next Door, Dexter from Dexter's Lab, you get the idea.

Thomas sounded too old in the Director's Cut. He was 86 at the time! He's supposed to sound old!

Well, there are problems people have with Lady. Such as, she had no persona and doesn't have a genuine basis. If only Britt gave her a persona back then.

P.T. Boomer. Stupid soccermums! P.T. Boomer is supposed to be scary!

Mara Wilson's acting career was already over in this film because when this movie was released, she was just about 13 years old.

Burnette Stone was too depressed. He's depressed because he failed to protect Lady, and he feels guilty about it, and his wife, Tasha Stone, passed away.

There are some good things about this movie. There are things like C. Junior, Mister Conductor's cousin, being an interesting character, Twinkletoes (This is my nickname for Diesel Ten because he calls everyone "Twinkletoes", 'eck, even Sidney!) messing up many times, and there is of course, the music.

While Thomas and the Magic Railroad does have its flaws, (and for the record, I will only refer to it as "Thomas and the Magic Railroad" or "Thomas and the Magic Railway", NOT "Thomas and the Tragic Failroad" or "Shining Time Station: The Movie" The latter is rather immature.) I don't think it deserves that much hate. Also, I'll take the idea of a Magic Railway over a Galactic Kids Next Door any day!



RWS No. 6. Henry the Green Engine.

Alright, the book I'm going to review for you is the first book dedicated to our favourite lovable green accident-prone loco, Henry.

6. Henry the Green Engine.

Written by: Reverend Awdry.

Illustrated by: Clarence Reginald Dalby.

Published: 1951.

Now, there is a reason this book was published, and I will get to it at the end of this review. Now, how does this book fair? Let's read!

Foreword:



Dear Friends,
Here is more news from the Region. All the engines now have numbers as well as names; you will see them in the pictures. They are as follows: Thomas 1, Edward 2, Henry 3, Gordon 4, James 5, Percy 6.

I expect you were sorry for Henry, who was often ill and unable to work. He gave Sir Topham Hatt a lot of worry. Now Henry has a new shape and is ready for anything. These stories tell you all about it.
The Author



18. Coal/Henry's Special Coal.

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, Robert Cardona and David Mitton.

Aired: UK: 4 December 1984. AUS: 29 April 1987. US: 2 April 1989.

Henry is feeling ill and the Fat Controller fears that he will have to be replaced if they cannot find a cure. Henry's fireman tells the Fat Controller that Henry's firebox is too small and can't make enough steam. The Fat Controller arranges for some Welsh coal to be brought for Henry, and, as soon as he begins using it, Henry feels better.

This adaptation was brilliant, yet the restored version of this adaptation is weird in one way. As Henry the Green Engine was backing into the siding, the part with Edward puffing ahead was replaced with Henry moving forward! But still, a faithful and well done adaptation. And you can't help but feel sorry for the big green engine here.

RWS/TV rating: 9.5/10.

19. The Flying Kipper.

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.

Aired: UK: 11 December 1984. AUS: 30 April 1987. US: 2 April 1989.

Fishing boats often dock at Tidmouth and send their fish to be sold on a train dubbed "The Flying Kipper". It's Henry's turn to take it. Henry makes good time, but an incorrect signal sets him on collision course with a goods train. After the accident, Henry is sent to the works at Crewe and comes back better than ever before and no longer needing Welsh coal.



This story and adaptation are definitely a grand one. We get to see the scenery of what Sodor is like at night, and might I say, that music when Henry is pulling the Flying Kipper sure is beautifully composed. Props to Junior and Mike for making that music! And we get to see Henry's new shape.

RWS/TV rating: 10/10.

20. Gordon's Whistle/Whistles and Sneezes (Part 1)

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.

Aired: UK: 11 December 1984. AUS: 1 May 1987. US: 25 November 1991.

Gordon is jealous that Henry got rebuilt and complains that Henry whistles too much. The next day, Gordon jams his whistle and keeps emitting a loud whine. Gordon leaves his train and two fitters knock his whistle valve into place, but Henry doesn't forget the incident and teases Gordon.

This story sure shows the comeuppance Gordon got for being rude to Henry the Green Engine for having a new shape. However, this story just feels too short.

My rating: 8.5/10.

53. Percy and the Trousers/A Scarf for Percy.

Adapted by: David Mitton and Britt Allcroft.

Aired: US: 24 December 1991. UK: 25 February 1992. AUS: 15 February 1993.



One cold morning, Percy complains that he wants a scarf. When he goes to shunt some coaches, he approaches the platform so quietly that he runs over a trolley, scattering luggage everywhere. The Fat Controller, furious, seizes his top-hat off Percy's lamp-iron and sends Percy away with a pair of his trousers coiled around his funnel!

All I'm going to say here is that I really much prefer the TV adaptation for this story. The original felt out of place, and it took the shine off the book being dedicated to Henry. If Reverend Awdry wanted this story to be about Percy, why he couldn't wait 5 years time, we'll never know. So yeah, the adaptation added more story.

RWS rating: 5.5/10.

TV rating: 9.5/10.

Henry's Sneeze (Part 2)

Henry is enjoying himself in the countryside when some silly boys drop stones on him from a bridge. His crew concoct a plan to get revenge, and on the return run they block his smokebox so that Henry sprays smoke and ashes at the boys. Although Henry has never sneezed again, there have been no more boys with stones.

I'm actually glad this and Gordon's Whistle were merged together when adapted for TV. Both stories felt too short. Props to Britt, David and Robert for adapting these stories this way! And might I say, that part where Henry sneezed was filmed brilliantly, almost like magic! Sure shows how capable they were back in the mid 1980s.

RWS rating: 9/10.

TV rating: 9.5/10.

Observations:

This story claimed that all the engines carry numbers, Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon, James and Percy are numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively. Yet, prior to this book, Thomas the Tank Engine had been wearing the number 1 since the beginning!

Reverend Awdry originally intended to have Henry written out of the books, all because Clarence kept illustrating him looking like Gordon, but soon changed his mind and wanted him rebuilt into an LMS 5MT. Too bad Henry was never rebuilt into an actual LMS 5MT in the TV series. I wonder if Reverend Awdry would ever have considered having Henry written out if the big green engine was a GNR Class C1/C2 without being a hybrid?

Until 1972, the story, Henry's Sneeze, had the word "As black as (N word)." Reverend Awdry apologised for using this word and had the text changed to "As black as soot."

Final thoughts:

This book dedicated to Henry really was something. I'm glad Reverend Awdry reconsidered before publishing this book. We got 5 stories in this book, yet only one of them was out of place. (Percy and the Trousers) Still, a very good book.

My rating: 9.2/10.

RWS scorecard:

6. Henry the Green Engine: 9.2/10.

8. Gordon the Big Engine: 9.2/10.

13. Duck and the Diesel Engine: 9.2/10.

18. Stepney the Bluebell Engine: 9/10.

21. Main Line Engines: 9.3/10.

23. Enterprising Engines: 9.9/10.

24. Oliver the Western Engine: 9.3/10.

25. Duke the Lost Engine: 9.8/10.

26. Tramway Engines: 9.8/10.

30. More About Thomas the Tank Engine: 8.8/10.

40. New Little Engine: 5.7/10.

RWS rating so far: 9.2/10.

Season 1 scorecard:

18. Coal: 9.5/10.

19. The Flying Kipper: 10/10.

20. Whistles and Sneezes: 9.5/10.

24. Off the Rails: 9.5/10.

25. Down the Mine: 9.5/10.

Season 1 rating so far: 9.6/10.

Season 3 scorecard:

1. A Scarf for Percy: 9.5/10.

4. Gordon and the Famous Visitor: 9.5/10.

5. Donald's Duck: 9.5/10.

6. Thomas Gets Bumped: 10/10.

7. Thomas, Percy and the Dragon: 9.5/10.

8. Diesel Does it Again: 7/10.

9. Henry's Forest: 9.5/10.

10. The Trouble with Mud: 6/10.

11. No Joke for James: 7.5/10.

12. Thomas, Percy and the Post Train: 10/10.

13. Trust Thomas: 10/10.

14. Mavis: 9/10.

15. Toby's Tightrope: 9/10.

16. Edward, Trevor and the Really Useful Party: 8.5/10.

17. Buzz, Buzz: 9/10.

20. Tender Engines: 6/10.

21. Escape: 10/10.

22. Oliver Owns Up: 8/10.

23. Bulgy: 9.5/10.

24. Heroes: 10/10.

26. Thomas and Percy's Christmas Adventure: 8.5/10*

Season 3 rating so far: 9.3/10.

TTTE S3E24: Heroes

Well, I'm just going to get another TTTE review out of the way for you. So, here it is.

76. Heroes.

Based on "In a Muddle" and the magazine story of the same name by Andrew Brenner.

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.

Aired: UK: 30 June 1992. AUS: 18 March 1993. US: 4 June 1993.

Bill and Ben are working at the quarry and are bored of doing the same thing. Ben tells Bill if he hears something, Bill said he hears the same sound, which Bill states the everything looks and sound the same and that they need a surprise. Before Bill could answer the quarry master comes with a message from Sir Topham Hatt that they have to go to the harbor.

Bill and Ben heads to the harbor worried that they did something wrong and blames each other on the way. Sir Topham Hatt asks Bill and Ben to shunt trucks while Edward is taking the children on a trip. Bill and Ben meets with Gordon and he ask them to behave here sense there on the Mainline. Bill started to tease Gordon about the time they saw Gordon, they thought the harbor was the scrapyard. This made Gordon furious and orders the twins to get his coaches ready for his evening train and fumes away.

The twins started working to organize the trucks stating they know all about trucks, but they didn't. The trucks wanted to help Bill and Ben to organized the harbour, which the twins thanked them unknowing that the trucks are playing tricks on them. Evening came and everyone was complaining of how messed up the harbour was. As a result, the yard gets in a mess, causing Gordon to be late with the Express.

The next day at the company, a rockslide was about to occur. The alarm started and the Quarry Master alerted everyone of the rockslide. Bill and Ben waited for them to get in the trucks, Bill leaves with the Quarry Master being left behind, but Ben waited as he climbed aboard and everyone got out just in time as the landslide devastated the quarry. Bill and Ben hopped that Sir Topham Hatt would understand that it wasn't their fault. The next day, Sir Topham Hatt arrives on board Edward and praises the twins as heroes and for saving the day. Bill and Ben think that being called "heroes" is quite a nice surprise.

This episode definitely proves what heroes Bill and Ben are. Yes, I'm going to call the quarry "The Clay Pits". That sure was a dramatic rock slide that was happening in the episode! I also have to say, Gordon the Big Engine's headcode was spot on!

When Fat Controller arrived and gave Bill and Ben 3 cheers, he indeed used the right enthusiasm. "Bill and Ben, you still have a lot to learn about trucks, don't you? But you acted quickly and bravely in an emergency, so 3 cheers for Bill and Ben, our heroes. Hip Hip, Hooray Hooray Hooray!" In the UK, the enthusiasm was correct. Mind you all, I almost always go for the UK narrations because I grew up with it.

My rating: 10/10.

Season 3 scorecard:

4. Gordon and the Famous Visitor: 9.5/10.

5. Donald's Duck: 9.5/10.

6. Thomas Gets Bumped: 10/10.

7. Thomas, Percy and the Dragon: 9.5/10.

8. Diesel Does it Again: 7/10.

9. Henry's Forest: 9.5/10.

10. The Trouble with Mud: 6/10.

11. No Joke for James: 7.5/10.

12. Thomas, Percy and the Post Train: 10/10.

13. Trust Thomas: 10/10.

14. Mavis: 9/10.

15. Toby's Tightrope: 9/10.

16. Edward, Trevor and the Really Useful Party: 8.5/10.

17. Buzz, Buzz: 9/10.

20. Tender Engines: 6/10.

21. Escape: 10/10.

22. Oliver Owns Up: 8/10.

23. Bulgy: 9.5/10.

24. Heroes: 10/10.

26. Thomas and Percy's Christmas Adventure: 8.5/10*

Season 3 rating so far: 9.2/10.

TTTE S3E12: Thomas, Percy and the Post Train

You know what? It's time I kicked up another review on Thomas the Tank Engine. Another episode that wasn't adapted from any Railway Series book.

64. Thomas, Percy and the Post Train/Thomas, Percy and the Mail Train.

Based on "The Post Train" and "After the Last Train" by Andrew Brenner.

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.

Aired: US: 20 December 1991. UK: 28 April 1992. AUS: 2 March 1993.

Late at night on the Island of Sodor, after all the other engines have gone to sleep in their sheds, an engine can still be heard in the distance carrying the Post Train. Thomas pulls one train while Percy pulls the other as the loads are too much for one engine to pull alone. Letters and parcels are loaded into the trucks at both harbours before Thomas and Percy begin their journeys, travelling through the now silent stations making deliveries. Sometimes the light of a full moon on a clear night will light the way for them, or sometimes it will be so foggy Thomas and Percy can't even see the stars but lamps will always be out to guide them on their way and, regardless of the weather, the two tank engines are happy to be entrusted with such an important job.


One night there is trouble, as Percy is left waiting due to the boat from the mainland being delayed. However, Henry finally gets the letters to him and the Post Train is filled. Percy tries his best to make up for the lost time, but he is still very late and finishes his job after the sunrise. Percy does not mind this too much, appreciating the chance to see the Island early in the morning with no-one around... but he is not alone long as Harold lands and teases Percy over how late he is with the post. Percy is too tired to explain to Harold what happened, and he finally arrives back at the shed just as Duck is getting ready to head out for the day, falling asleep as soon as he enters his bunker.


Percy and his driver decide to set off earlier than usual that evening, however at the station they find Thomas who has some bad news... the man in charge of the post has made a complaint to the Fat Controller about Percy being so late. Although the Fat Controller understands that it was not Percy's fault, the man would not listen. The two decide to be extra quick that night when Harold lands telling the two engines that the Post Train may be scrapped and the deliveries will be made by him instead. He boasts to the engines that air is quicker than rails before taking off. Both Thomas and Percy are indignant and proceed on their way.


That night, everything runs perfectly and both engines make very good time on all their deliveries. At a station, Thomas and his crew notice a man who had missed his train waiting cold and alone. Thomas's driver offers the man a ride if he doesn't mind being uncomfortable. The man is more than happy to accept.

The next day as Percy pulls his afternoon train he spots Harold looking miserable in his airfield. Harold explains he's been grounded due to unpredictable wind. Percy takes the chance to get his own back for the earlier teasing by telling the helicopter that rails work wonders. That evening, the Fat Controller meets Thomas and Percy and shows them a letter from the man who missed his train. He says that the man was very thankful to the two for their help and the Post Train is the pride of the line. This makes both engines very happy indeed.


Well, this episode leaves a breath of fresh air. It's a nice break from the Steam engines Versus Diesels rivalry. In this case, we get a Rail Versus Airway rivalry. Thomas and Percy are in fear that Harold will take over delivering the post at night. It sure is a nice way to show that apart from night express trains, there are other night trains in this case, post trains. Great to see two more Brenner stories adapted into this. Another non-Railway Series story that wouldn't look out of place as a RWS story. I can't help but say it again, Andrew Brenner should write new Railway Series books!


A great way to show that there are post trains at night. Mind you, this was the first instance of Thomas the Tank Engine pulling the post train, not The Early Bird! This episode sure is fascinating anyway.

My rating: 10/10.

Season 3 scorecard:

4. Gordon and the Famous Visitor: 9.5/10.

5. Donald's Duck: 9.5/10.

6. Thomas Gets Bumped: 10/10.

7. Thomas, Percy and the Dragon: 9.5/10.

8. Diesel Does it Again: 7/10.

9. Henry's Forest: 9.5/10.

10. The Trouble with Mud: 6/10.

11. No Joke for James: 7.5/10.

12. Thomas, Percy and the Post Train: 10/10.

13. Trust Thomas: 10/10.

14. Mavis: 9/10.

15. Toby's Tightrope: 9/10.

16. Edward, Trevor and the Really Useful Party: 8.5/10.

17. Buzz, Buzz: 9/10.

20. Tender Engines: 6/10.

21. Escape: 10/10.

22. Oliver Owns Up: 8/10.

23. Bulgy: 9.5/10.

26. Thomas and Percy's Christmas Adventure: 8.5/10*

Season 3 rating so far: 9.1/10.

Top 8 Non-Thomas media that I'll never review

Alright, I'm revising this list from a Top 11 list down to a Top 8 list. Why? Because for some of my old choices, I've reconsidered and maybe I'll review them after all. Actually, one of my choices is too controversial and I just want to let out my anger about it.


(Yep, I'm still not putting the opinion disclaimer for this one. Why? Because you should all know by now that these are my opinions)


So, get ready to be desperate and throw pitch forks at me! Here are my Top 8 media I'll never review.

8. The Simpsons episodes: At Long Last Leave and Lisa Goes Gaga.

I put these 2 together because they have one thing in common. No, not solely the fact they're Season 23 episodes, but because many fans of The Simpsons consider them to be, as Comic Book Guy would say, Worst Episodes Ever!

Many loathe At Long Last Leave because The Simpsons are banned from Springfield for silly reasons. Not to mention, all of this in the 500th episode of the series.

More people despise Lisa Goes Gaga basically because it shows how badly Lisa was being neglected and who should come to her aid but Lady Gaga. Now, if you ask me, I don't like Lady Gaga's work, but I've nothing against her as a person.

Why won't I review these episodes? Because I'd have nothing new to add. Basically every review on either of these 2 episodes is the same thing. Once you've read/watched a negative review on either of these episodes, you've read them all.

Now, do I consider either of these to be the worst episode of The Simpsons? Nah. I still give that position to The Parent Rap!

7. Any media from Johnny Test.

Yes, now that we're done with the overhated stuff, let's move on to the overhated stuff! Yes, people hate Johnny Test more than Uncle Grandpa, Teen Titans Go!, Secret Mountain Fort Awesone, Out of Jimmy's Head,  The High Fructose Adventures of Annoying Orange, The Problem Solverz, etc. Why? Well, some might say it's because it rips off Dexter's Laboratory. While this may be true, it's more of a genderbent version of Dexter's Laboratory.

If anyone wants my opinion on Johnny Test, I don't like it....at all, but it's not the worst thing in the world. Now, for those of you who are still complaining about this show, the show was cancelled on Christmas 2014.

See where I'm getting at? Reviewing this show would be pointless since I'd have nothing new to add.

6. Any episode of Pokémon.

Now we're at the repetitive stuff! The Pokémon anime is so repetitive, words can't describe it. Let me explain. Despite the image I chose for this section, I stopped watching this show way before Serena , Clemont and Bonnie joined in. Why? I will explain by saying why I'll never review any episode of this show.

The reason I will never review any episode of this anime is because doing so would be both pointless and exhausting.

Why would it be pointless? Because every episode of this show is the exact same story. Once you've watched an episode, you've watched 'em all. (No pun on the slogan intended) Not to mention the times Ash reaches the Pokémon League, and every time he gets there, (sans the Orange Island saga) he loses! That never changes either!

Why would it be exhausting you may ask? BECAUSE THERE'S OVER 900 EPISODES NOW!!!! Yes, this show has more episodes than Thomas the Tank Engine, Arthur, South Park, and 'eck! Even The Simpsons!
Also, when exactly did I stop watching this show? Well, I stopped watching at the end of the Sinnoh League Victors season. Why? Not just for the reasons I won't review any of these episodes, but because Ash lost in an extremely unfair battle in the Pokémon League with that cheater Tobias having a Darkrai and a Latios!

Plus, seeing so many Amourshipping pics and arguments these days make me glad I stopped watching this show! Also, when I look back on the episodes of this show I have watched, the songs are still amazing, the games are still great, but the episodes of this show? Even the Original Series? They're not really very good.

So, I'll never review this show full stop!

5. Any episode of Class of Three Thousand.

Yes, the show that supposedly replaced Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi. However, I eventually learned that this show was going to premiere even if Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi didn't get cancelled. But this has nothing to with why I'll never review this show.

The reason I chose never to review this show is because I can't find the last few episodes on the web in English. See where I'm getting at? If I can't find all episodes of this show in English, I can't review the entire series!

4. Any game from the New Super Mario Bros. series.

Yes, now we're at the really repetitive stuff! The New Super Mario Bros. series is so repetitive, it would make the Pokémon anime feel all the more ashamed. All this game series is is Bowser Junior and/or the Koopalings kidnapping Peach, or Bowser trapping Peach in her castle, and the Mario Brothers, Mario and Luigi have to go rescue her.

So, all I'm saying about these games is that the title is misleading. There's nothing really "New" about them, so no reviews on these games from me!

3. Any sequel to The Land Before Time.

Yes, some of the direct-to-home video sequels that everyone hates. I seem to be one of the few who like these sequels. Mind you, I've only seen up to the 6th film, so I can't give away an opinion on the rest of the sequels.

There is one reason people don't like these sequels. It's because either the films are too cheery compared to the first film, which dealt with the issues of death, where Littlefoot's mum was killed by the evil Sharptooth.

Also, some don't like these sequels because some months before the first film was released theatrically, Judith Barsi, Ducky's original voice actress, was deliberately killed by her dad. What a cruel dad he was! I bet, if Judith and her mum were still alive today, Judith would never have let her dad see his grandchildren!

The real reason people don't like these sequels is because the characters sing from time to time. Let's look at it this way, some of the songs, such as Bad Luck, Standing Tough, Eggs, When You're Big, Big Water, Friends for Dinner, and It Takes All Sorts, are pretty catchy.

So, I don't feel like reviewing any of these movies.

2. Stop the Galactic Kids Next Door.

We now go from some hated Land Before Time media to a highly appreciated project from Codename Kids Next Door. Let me put it this way, I don't feel like reviewing this because it doesn't seem like the pitch will ever happen and even if it does, I still won't review it.

Now, let me explain what I don't like about this pitch. It fixed a lot of things in the KND franchise that weren't even broken to begin with. It turned Numbuh 74.239 and Lizzie into plant-like aliens in disguise, it turned Numbuh 1 evil, and turned the Galactic Kids Next Door into an evil organisation that destroys planets supposedly infested with adulthood. Also, I looked at Numbuh 1's design in this pitch, and what put me off is his awful sandals/boots/whatever they are.


Not to mention, it was confirming the story events of Operation: INTERVIEWS real. As I said in my review on that finale, I really don't like it. Sorry, fellow operatives. Nothing that can be said to make me like that.


There is one thing I did like about this pitch. Numbuh 4 whimpered to Numbuh 3 about Numbuh Vine. "She looked better as a plant." to which Lizzie responded "I HEARD THAT!" That gave me a good laugh!


So yeah, it's not worth me reviewing the Galactic Kids Next Door, even if it does pass up. Also, I'm never accepting this, Operation: INTERVIEWS or Operation: TREATY canon either. Sorry, fellow KND fans, but this is the way I feel.

1. Any video made by Benthelooney/PuffyZillaman4.

We now go from the most overrated Kids Next Door project to the most overhated internet reviewer. That's right, many people hate this reviewer for his rants on Family Guy, Adventure Time, Regular Show, Despicable Me, Pixar, the Dark Knight trilogy, etc. Although, I do agree with the haters about his Pixar and Dark Knight rants.

Now, for my opinion on this ranter: I don't hate him, but I don't like him either. He's more in between. Also, those rants I brought up were years ago! Get over them! He did change his opinions on Adventure Time and Regular Show later on and loved them, but now, he has no opinion on them anymore. Also, his Family Guy/Seth MacFarlene bashing is old news too. So, get over them.

Some people hate him because he consistently brought up My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, and they even say the latter is a mock to anime, even tough it's a tribute to anime.

Let me point this out to all you Ben haters, he is playing a character. If he isn't, then explain the annoying, arrogant Neb, and the crazy Looney T. Ben.

I will admit, not all of Ben's haters are like this. I will admit there are people who just hate this guy, but understand that there are people who do like him and don't attack those for liking him. So to those haters, I tip my hat to you.

Now, while Benthelooney does have flaws, (and for the record, I will only refer to him as "Benthelooney" or "PuffyZillaman4" NOT "BentheIdiot" or "BentheNostalgiatard", the latter is especially extremely immature) I don't think he deserves that much hate compared to most of his hatebase. Plus, I'll take a biased, annoying ranter over soccermums, abusive teachers, abusive cops and abusive parents any day!