TTTE S18E08: Duck and the Slip Coaches

Time I gave a certain episode a shot. One that some find overrated, one that is focused on a character who everyone loves, and one that has an idea that the Awdrys never tried.

(Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the image)

422. Duck and the Slip Coaches.
Written by: Nick Ostler and Mark Huckerby.
Aired: UK: 3 September 2014. AUS: 8 October 2014. US: 13 May 2015.

It is high summer and a very busy time on Sodor, and all of the engines are busier than ever due to the holiday makers going to the beach. The Fat Controller is feeling worried about getting everyone to their destinations on time. At Knapford, he hurries a girl and her mother onto James' train, causing the girl's inflatable toy to fly out of her hands and land on the Fat Controller's top hat. The girl laughs along with Thomas and James, until the Fat Controller firmly sends them on their way.

One night, Duck stays at Tidmouth Sheds so that he can help out with the passenger duties the next day. Duck likes telling the engines about the summer days reminding himself of his old days on the Great Western Railway, much to James’ annoyance. Duck tells the other engines that he used to pull slip coaches, which are coaches that can be uncoupled without stopping and would simply roll into the station on their own before stopping. He explains that this was more time efficient than using regular coaches and helped get all the passengers to their destinations on time. He also says that if an engine went too slow while uncoupling a slip coach, it would bump into the back; knowing when to uncouple the coaches took a lot of skill. James thinks it sounds easy, but Duck tells him that there are two ways of doing things: the wrong way or the Great Western way.

As the other engines fall asleep, Emily arrives at the sheds only to discover that all the berths were taken, so she leaves to sleep somewhere else. Just then, James sees that the Fat Controller is worried that the next day will be the busiest day the railway has ever seen, so James tells the Fat Controller about the slip coaches and claims using them as his own idea. The next morning, when the engines wake up, three slip coaches from the GWR are waiting on a siding near the Sheds; all of the engines, Duck most of all, are excited; these happen to be the same slip coaches Duck pulled in his younger days. He expects to pull them, but is shocked to hear the Fat Controller saying that it was James’ idea to purchase the coaches and as such he is the one who will pull them. Later in the day, James is pulling the slip coaches, who are sceptical about whether he can handle them, on Duck's Branch Line.

As James approaches Bluff’s Cove, he orders the guard to uncouple the rear coach. Duck, who is also at Bluff's Cove, sees James approaching. After the coach is uncoupled, James slows down to show off his paint. Duck tries to warn James not to slow down too much, but James takes no notice. As he slowly rolls through the station, the rear coach, which has been uncoupled, rolls into the back of the train. Although none of the passengers are hurt, they are very cross and the slip coaches refuse to go any further with James.

The Fat Controller arrives and sees that everyone is not happy, believing that the slip coaches were a bad idea. Duck intervenes and offers to fill in for James; the slip coaches are delighted at the idea; Duck explains that he used to pull these particular slip coaches on the Great Western Railway and that James had stolen his idea. The Fat Controller agrees to let Duck pull the coaches full-time and thanks to Duck and the slip coaches, all of the passengers arrive at their destinations on time.

That night at the sheds, Duck and the slip coaches are praised for their hard work by everyone except James. At that moment, Emily arrives to get to the last berth of the sheds, but Henry comes in and takes it.

Yep, this is one episode that is very controversial in a way, and it has a piece of railway realism that was never tried in the Railway Series. Let's start with the realism.

Duck the Great Western Engine used to pull slip coaches on the Great Western Railway on a part called "The Sunshine Line". However, James, being the sneaky showoff he is, pretends it's his idea and takes the credit for the idea. What are slip coaches you may ask? Well....

Slip coaches are railway coaches that can be uncoupled from a train and just slide into the station by itself. The very reason they're called "Slip coaches".

Onto the controversy.

When Emily came to the sheds, she finds that all the spaces are taken, and she's upset. But in the end, Emily gets left out again, though James, for his boasting and lies, could've been the one left out of the shed instead of Emily. Maybe these scenes were supposed to go against this "Emily replaced Duck" rumour that was made ever since this "Steam Team" crap was made.

I like to think that many who say this scene was sexist like to overthink it. To be honest, I saw it as nothing when I watched the episode. I doubt anyone would watch it with an open mind if it were Donald, Douglas, Oliver, Boco, Derek, Arthur, Murdoch or Neville in the shed. And I doubt anyone would see it as sexist if it were Mavis, Daisy, Molly or Rosie in the shed.

So overall, this was a very good episode. But if it weren't for the parts that started this controversy, it would've been a perfect episode.

My rating: 9/10.

Season 18 scorecard:

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

18. Last Train for Christmas: 10/10.

Season 18 rating so far: 9.5/10.

RWS No. 27. Really Useful Engines

I thought it was time to review the first book that was published by Christopher Awdry. And here I am, doing so.

(Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the images)

27. Really Useful Engines.

Written by: Christopher Awdry.

Published: 12 September 1983.

A lot had happened in the span of 11 years while the Railway Series remained dormant. The medical army sitcom M*A*S*H* dominated FOX, Jim Davis introduced us to the lazy orange cat Garfield, Elvis Presley was found dead, John Lennon was shot dead (making him the only member of The Beatles never to have guest starred on The Simpsons), Postman Pat started to deliver mail, Pac-Man, my main former plumber Mario and my main ape Donkey Kong entered the world of video games.

Now life on the Island of Sodor is never dull. So how does Christopher's first contribution fair?

Foreword:

Dear Friends,

I am happy to say that Thomas and his friends are still at work, trying as hard as ever to prove themselves to be Really Useful Engines. My father is still taking an interest to the Region's affairs, but it is with grateful thanks that I would like to dedicate this book to him, the person who began it all.

The Author

Stop Thief!

The guard tells Thomas' crew that the stationmaster's house was burgled the previous night, and his gardening trophies and new car were stolen. Thomas is later puffing through the valley when he sees a car very much like the stationmaster's one and warns his crew, who identify the driver and passenger as the thieves. At the next signalbox, they throw the fireman's lunch box, with a note inside, to a signalman. The thieves are stopped at a roadblock, the trophies and car are recovered undamaged, and the Fat Controller arrives at Ffarquhar to congratulate Thomas and his crew.

Christopher's first story was brilliant! It further proves how useful Thomas is. Why this story was never adapted for TV, I'll never know. It'll help teach kids that stealing is a crime, something Thomas and the Snowman Party did the opposite. I think it would've been a fantastic adaptation.

My rating: 10/10.

104. Mind That Bike

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.

Aired: UK: 20 November 1995. AUS: 27 May 1996. US: 21 October 1996.

Tom Tipper the postman falls ill, and, when he recovers, discovers that his van has been replaced with a bicycle. When he gets to Ffarquhar, Tom is asked to fill in some papers, so he props his bicycle carefully against the fence, and asks Percy to keep an eye on it. A boy comes along and starts riding the bike just as Percy starts. The boy falls off and manages to get out of the way, but the bike is run over and is beyond repair. Luckily, all ends well as Tom is given his van again.

This is definitely the weakest adaptation of the Railway Series, and the lowest quality episode of the Awdry-era. Yep, I find it weaker than Rusty to the Rescue. While Rusty to the Rescue could've worked with a few tweaks, the adaptation for Mind That Bike could've worked with lots of tweaks. First of all, Thomas and Bertie's appearances were unnecessary. Yep, a Classic series episode where Thomas the Tank Engine wasn't needed. Get rid of Thomas and Bertie, and maybe the story would've been better. Also, how stupid is Tom Tipper exactly? Propping his bike against Percy's mail van like that instead of a fence! The boys should've been involved since riding a bike near a railway line could lead to serious consequences, as the boys in the story could've been seriously injured, or worse, died!

I honestly prefer the original story. It did right what this adaptation didn't. This adaptation feels more like an Allcroft/Mitton script than an Awdry story. And it's a pity Season 4 ended on a low note.

RWS rating: 9/10.
TV rating: 5/10.

102. Fish.

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.

Aired: UK: 16 November 1995. AUS: 23 May 1996. US: 11 October 1996.

An extra load of fish needs to transported in The Flying Kipper, but the only vans available are several old rusty ones. At Wellsworth, Henry calls for a banker and Duck arrives to help him with his train. Going up Gordon's Hill, however, a tail-lamp falls off and Duck drops behind. Henry soon slows down, and Duck collides with the vans, denting his funnel and boiler.

Some might say Thomas was shoehorned into this episode, but whether he was shoehorned or not, it didn't feel like he was shoehorned. Besides, he was here to warn Duck about fish, considering Thomas' past experience.

Also, this episode was brilliantly adapted, Henry and Duck's themes were blended together nicely and it's one of the best of Season 4. So I'm giving the adaptation a higher score.

RWS rating: 9/10.
TV rating: 10/10.

Triple Header.

One day after pulling the Express, Gordon feels tired and Thomas replies by telling him to become a tank engine. Later, it is discovered Gordon needs new tubes. Henry is told to pull the Express, but one day he gets sick too. Thomas, Percy and Duck (each of whom starred in one of the book's other stories) are the only engines available, so they are coupled up. On Gordon's Hill, Percy runs out of steam. They're unable to uncouple him, so they try to struggle to the Works. Duck breaks down just outside the station, and Thomas, unable to take the train himself, stops. Gordon, who watched the whole scene from his siding, makes heavy breathing noises at Thomas.

Funny how this story features all 3 tank engines who appeared in all the other stories that were written for this book. But who's working on their branch lines while they're pulling the express? I mean Donald, Douglas, Oliver, Toby, Mavis and Daisy can't handle the work alone. However, this story proves something that the Little Engines song shows. Never judge a tank engine by its size.

My rating: 8.5/10.

Observations:

The first illustration of Triple Header looks just like the 2nd illustration for Thomas and Gordon. 

There is a coincidence about this book. Reverend Awdry originally intended to call the 27th book "Really Useful Engines". It was nice of his son to carry on his father's legacy. I wonder how this book would've gone has Wilbert written it in 1973 or 1974?

Final thoughts:

This episode was a very nice start to the Christopher Awdry era of the Railway Series He wrote some nice stories and it was nice of him to follow on his father's legacy. 

My rating: 9.2/10.

RWS scorecard:

6. Henry the Green Engine:

8. Gordon the Big Engine: 9.2/10.

11. Percy the Small Engine: 9.7/10.

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.

22. Small Railway Engines: 9.8/10.

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.

27. Really Useful Engines: 9.2/10.

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 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.

24. Fish: 10/10.
26. Mind That Bike: 5/10.

Season 4 rating so far: 8.2/10.

TTTE S7E09: The Spotless Record

Thought it was about time I got around to reviewing the episode that properly introduces MAH BOI!

(Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the image)

165. The Spotless Record.

Written by: Paul Larson.

Aired: UK: 16 October 2003. AUS: 22 October 2004. US: 11 September 2005.

A new tank engine named Arthur arrives. The Fat Controller explains that he is to shunt trucks and pull freight, and that he was chosen for he has a spotless record. Percy is confused, so Thomas explains that it means Arthur has never been naughty and he has never had an accident.

Later, Thomas and Percy are bumping trucks around. They knew this was naughty but they are having fun. Thomas tells Arthur to join in, but he declines. Arthur's first job is to take a train of fruit to market. The trucks sing at him which he thinks is very rude. This gives Thomas an idea. He tells Arthur that the Fat Controller doesn't like the trucks singing, and that he should tell them to stop. Arthur is convinced that he can keep the trucks in order and sets off while Thomas chuckles at his little joke.

Arthur is out on the main line when the trucks start singing again. Arthur crossly tells them to stop, so the trucks decide that if they can't sing, they will teach Arthur a lesson instead. When they come to the top of Gordon's hill, the trucks use their weight to pull Arthur down at high speed. But up ahead Duck has stopped at a level crossing. Arthur tries to stop, but it is too late and he crashes into the back of Duck's train. Squashed fruit flies in all directions. Arthur is very upset. His spotless record has been ruined.

Thomas arrives with the Fat Controller. Arthur tells him how he told the trucks to stop singing, but they pulled him down the hill. Thomas feels ashamed and tells the Fat Controller how it is his fault since he told Arthur to stand up to the trucks. The Fat Controller orders Thomas to help clean up the mess. Harvey arrives with the breakdown train and everyone works hard to clean up the mess.

That evening, Arthur is being cleaned when Thomas arrives. Thomas apologises for tricking him, and Arthur is grateful that Thomas owned up. The two engines decide that spotless records can be broken, but then mended again, just like friendship.

Yep, this episode introduces my favourite character who has a load of potential, Arthur. He's got a spotless record, which was unfortunately ruined due to Thomas' evil idea. His maroon paintwork looks very smart. And he does look a bit like a larger maroon Thomas when you think about it. Of course his basis is an LMS Ivatt 2 2-6-2.

According to my research, Arthur was originally going to be called "Clarence", but due to a competition on what his name should be, his name was changed to "Arthur", and I think "Arthur" fits better for this engine than "Clarence". The winner was Luke Sharp, who wanted this tank engine named after his grandfather Arthur, who'd sadly passed on sometime before the competition. Rest in peace, Arthur. Rest in peace.

Sadly, Arthur's potential was wasted after everything went CGi, and he still hasn't returned. If Henry's leaving the Steam Team, then I hope that wherever he goes, Arthur will be there, considering Henry is now an LMS Black 5. And if there's another episode focused on the Flying Kipper, and Henry's unable to pull it on his own, Arthur can be the back engine or the front engine, as he loves the smell of fish. Or if Henry is ill or too busy doing other work, Arthur can take it. Also, Arthur would make great relationships with the likes of Paxton, Porter, Ryan and Carly.

So all in all, this is a brill episode, and it introduces Arthur nicely.

My rating: 10/10.

Season 7 scorecard:
9. The Spotless Record: 10/10.

Season 7 rating so far: 10/10.
(it won't stay like this. I just wanted to get one of the many gems out of the way)

TTTE S2E06: Thomas and Trevor

I'm here to review the first episode of the TV series that's not based on any story from the Railway Series, but it was written for an annual a year after it aired in the United Kingdom.

(Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the Image)

32. Thomas and Trevor/A New Friend for Thomas.
Written by: Christopher Awdry.
Aired: UK: 8 October 1986. AUS: 25 April 1988. US: 11 June 1989.

Since being saved from scrap, Trevor has been living in the Vicarage Orchard and is enjoying his time there, especially as Edward stops by everyday to talk to him. However, Trevor sometimes finds himself with not enough work to do. One day, Edward stops to talk to Trevor as usual and the traction engine was feeling downbeat about not being busy or having company all the time. He is especially sad that he does not get to spend time with children very often.

Edward has some good news for Trevor; the Fat Controller has asked that Trevor be sent to the site of the new harbour to help out with the work. Edward has been sent to pick up Trevor and carry him to the yard to meet with Thomas who will take him to the harbour. Trevor instantly perks up, looking forward to a trip to the seaside where he will get to work and hopefully meet some children.

Thomas, who is carrying metal pilings needed for the construction work, is introduced to Trevor by Edward in the yard. Thomas is wary of the unusual-looking newcomer and asks what a traction engine is. Trevor explains that he is an engine who runs on roads instead of rails before politely asking to be taken to the harbour. Thomas, who is still confused, agrees nonetheless. After Trevor's truck is coupled on to Thomas' train, the two set off for the harbour. On the way, Trevor explains his usefulness to Thomas, who still cannot understand how an engine can run off rails. Trevor tells Thomas he will understand later.

At the harbour, Thomas arrives to find chaos. Several trucks have been derailed which are blocking the line and stone slabs littering the area. Thomas' driver tells Thomas and Trevor that the equipment Thomas is carrying is essential, so Trevor must go to work taking it around the mess. Trevor, who enjoys this kind of work, is happy to do the job as soon as possible.

While Thomas moves the trucks, Trevor carries the construction equipment to where it is needed with chains. Later, Thomas brings Annie and Clarabel to the harbour to meet him. Thomas has been left very impressed with Trevor after seeing him work so hard and finally understands just how useful a traction engine can truly be. Both Annie and Clarabel are carrying children, who Trevor is more than happy to give rides to. This is easily his favourite part of the day and Annie and Clarabel remark to each other how kind and gentle Trevor is and how he reminds them of Thomas.

Thomas and Trevor are both very sorry when the day is over and Trevor has to return to the orchard that Thomas pulls him to the Junction. Taking him to the junction, Thomas tries to cheer up an upset Trevor by telling him that there is now plenty of work for him at the vicarage and that he could be needed at the harbour again some day as well as promising to visit whenever he can. Trevor is left feeling much better by the news.


That evening, Trevor remembers all that has happened that day. He has made a new friend in Thomas, and has got to work at the harbour, but best of all, has got to spend time with children. With those thoughts very much in his mind, Trevor falls happily to sleep in the shed at the bottom of the orchard.

Funny how this episode is based on an actual story, yet the story wasn't published until a year later. However, for the first story not based on a Railway Series story, this episode did wonders. I'm going to guess this episode takes place in 1955 because it takes place when Knapford Harbour was being built and it wasn't mentioned again until Duck Takes Charge. 

Also, it's nice to see Trevor interacting with Thomas the Tank Engine for a change rather than just Edward. Too bad we'll never see the Edward and Trevor dynamic again......unless Edward gets a focus episode in Big World Big Adventures! 

So this was a nice episode, and Thomas kept his promise to see Trevor after this episode.

My rating: 9/10.

Season 2 scorecard:

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

6. Thomas and Trevor: 9/10.

7. Percy and the Signal: 9.5/10.

8. Duck Takes Charge: 9/10.

9. Percy and Harold: 10/10.

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: 9.2/10.

TTTE S3E18: All at Sea

Thought it was time I did another Thomas review after my last Thomas post where I ranted about that Big World! Big Adventures! crap and that I may or may not be watching anymore future Thomas episodes after Season 21 and that I definitely won't be watching anymore future specials. This time, I'm going to review something to take my mind off of that. Something that has a shot that was framed by the late David Mitton for Britt Allcroft. Something that's not based on any source material.

(Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the image)

70. All at Sea.
Written by: Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.
Aired: UK: 19 May 1992. AUS: 10 March 1993. US: 26 March 1993.

One day, Duck and Percy notice the horizon is packed with sails flapping against the blue skies. Duck then tells Percy that he wishes he could sail to far away lands, but Percy thinks it is silly since engines cannot float. Harold soon arrives and tells the two engines that the boats are there for the Regatta, and that it is his job to hover around in case he is needed. Duck then asks Harold if he has ever been to the horizon, and Harold says he has been beyond the horizon, and can also land on ships, anywhere, anytime.

Duck then goes on talking about the regatta all day, making Percy lose patience and tells Duck that their rails can take them to all the places they could ever wish to see. Suddenly, the harbour emergency siren goes off, as a man taking part in the Regatta has suffered a hand injury, and Duck is to take him to hospital at the next station. Harold brings the man ashore and Duck quickly races over. Harold tells Duck that it is his job to stay at sea in case of other emergencies, otherwise he would take the man to hospital himself. Duck soon makes his way down the line. When Duck and the man arrive at the station, the man thanks everyone, and Bertie gets ready to take him to hospital. Bertie then compliments Duck saying that he looks splendid flying along the line, and it is no wonder they call him "Great Western." Duck then agrees with Percy that engines are happiest when their wheels are firmly on the rails.

The same night, Duck and Percy stay longer at the quay, when Duck notices a shooting star. Percy laughs and tells him that it is Harold hovering overhead. Something flutters down towards Duck and his driver manages to catch it. It was a flag from the Regatta, and Harold was giving it to Duck as a present. Duck thinks it was kind of Harold, and he begins to understand just what an engine needs.

Nowadays, Duck dreams about travelling to the horizon; but now realises, that sometimes the best travels are those we can only dream about.


What can I say? This is most certainly one of the most breathtaking episodes of the series, though I have to question one minor problem with this episode. Why was Duck required to take the injured sailor to hospital? What's wrong with taking him in an ambulance? Well, unless ambulances were unavailable at the time.

Why did I say this was breathtaking? Because of the ending and the moral. "Sometimes, the best travels are those we can only dream about. Don't you?" And because of the shot I chose for this review. The shot was framed by David Mitton because he loved this episode so much and so did Britt. Rest in peace, David. You were a brilliant director.

So overall, All at Sea is a highly recommended episode with a beautiful moral and for the first episode not based on any source material, it's well done.

My rating: 10/10.

Season 3 scorecard:

1. A Scarf for Percy: 9.5/10.

2. Percy's Promise: 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.

18. All at Sea: 10/10.

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: 9.4/10.

The Magic School Bus Rides Again: Thoughts

Thought I'd have a go at reviewing something rather unusual. Something no one expected me to do. This time, I'm going to state my thoughts on The Magic School Bus Rides Again. For those of you who don't know what this is, The Magic School Bus Rides Again is a new children's series on Netflix that serves as a continuation to the 1994-1997 educational children's series, The Magic School Bus. 

Now before I review The Magic School Bus Rides Again, let me stop and talk about my personal life with The Magic School Bus. 

I was first exposed to The Magic School Bus when I was in Kindergarten, through one of those old CD Rom games that taught me various things about science. I was also exposed to some of the books that the franchise started out as, and they helped me with science. And when I was in 1st grade, when I had to do science one day, there was a TV brought out, and guess what we watched that day, much to my puzzlement and surprise! That's right! An episode of The Magic School Bus, and that's how I found out there was a TV show about it. I tell you, it was like going on a field trip without actually going anywhere. And all thanks to this franchise, I've learned all kinds of science, from the Solar System and the Human Body to Dinosaurs and Ocean Wildlife. The main reason I got into The Magic School Bus was not because of its interesting diverse cast, the purpose of the series being to teach kids about science or because of its charming sense of humour, but because it's an anthropomorphic bus, and as a kid, I was always fond of kids' shows about anthropomorphic vehicles.

One evening, I was researching The Magic School Bus, only to find out that Netflix would be bringing it back for a new series. I was all "Please let this be a decent sequel or reboot!" "With Netflix?" "NO WAY!" "Aw!"

The real question is does this sequel series live up to its predecessor? Step inside for a wilder ride! So, get ready to be Frizzled! Here are my thoughts on The Magic School Bus Rides Again! Blog, do your stuff!

First of all, you might be asking me "Why are you calling this a sequel instead of a reboot?" Dorothy Ann. Do your research please.

Yes, Dorothy Ann, thank you. The Magic School Bus Rides Again, despite being made 20 years after the original show ended, is intended to be a sequel to the original show, a bit like Samurai Jack Season 5. Even though the characters and Bus look different, they're still the same, the class is the same (except for one kid who I'll get to later), the school's the same, and some elements of the original show are present in this; Like Ralphie's superhero Weatherman, Arnold's love of rocks, Arnold's big-headed showoff of a cousin Janet, Wanda's mum and little brother William, etc.

Let's move on to the theme song. It's a techno remix of the original Magic School Bus theme. It's sung by Lin Manuel-Miranda. The theme does sound alright. But it's not as catchy as the original theme song that was sung by Little Richard.

Let's go over to the character designs. I'm not too keen on the new designs for Tim, Carlos and Arnold. I'm fine with the new designs for Liz, Professor Valerie Frizzle (Who I'll get to later), Ralphie (even if he does look 6 now), Keesha (even if she does look a bit like Dora the Destroyer now) and Wanda (even if she's now just as tall if not taller than Carlos), and for some reason, I like the new design for Dorothy Ann.

Hmm....I wonder why they look different. Keesha. Will you sum up everything for us?

Excellent observation, Keesha! It's true. The original cartoon was co-produced by Nelvana, which followed the original books to an extent, while this sequel series is co-produced by 9 Story. I'm going to guess this is the reason the character designs are different. Of course the original show was supposed to be 3rd Grade while this sequel is supposed to be 5th Grade. 

Onto the teacher. The new teacher is Ms Frizzle's sister, Miss Frizzle. Yep, Miss Fiona Felicity Frizzle is the new teacher and voiced by Kate McKinnon. Lily Tomlin, who voiced Ms Valerie Felicity Frizzle in the original show, is reprising her voice and now her character is a professor. The "Is This The Magic School Bus? I want The Magic School Bus!" segments from the original show are still present, but the Producer is replaced with Professor Valerie Frizzle who is answering these phone calls now. She still gives out scientific facts. I think that's a nice touch.

Of course this sequel series touches on scientific facts the original show didn't touch on, like magnetism, climate change (one thing that's ultra important to learn now), electric energy, wind, water depths and the nervous system.

Now, there is only one major downside I have with this sequel series. 

Phoebe is nowhere to be seen in this sequel series. Reason? Because she was transferred back to Phoebe's Old School. I'm going to guess it's because she'd said "At my old school," so many times, they thought of transferring her back. Now something I don't understand. If Phoebe went back to her old school, probably because of how much she reminisced about it, then why didn't Arnold get home schooled? I'm asking because of how much he'd say "I should've stayed home today!" whenever something too scary, surreal or downright unpleasant would happen to him or is about to happen to him. Unless they wanted to keep the theme song in this sequel faithful to the original with "Please let this be a normal field trip!"

Now let's go over to Phoebe's replacement. Her name is Jyoti Kaur, who is an Indian-American. She's a very intelligent student and knows very much about technology and has even made a robot she named Naniben, which means "Little Sister" in Gujarati. She's a likable relate-able character, but the only other thing I can say about her is she's no Phoebe.

Let's also mention one thing about the characters' catchphrases. They still use their catchphrases, but now, only every once in a while. Arnold still says "I knew I should've stayed home today!", Dorothy Ann still says "According to my research," but now, she pronounces research /riːsərtʃ/ instead of /rɪˈsərtʃ/ as she did in the original show, Carlos still makes puns like "Thanks for aspen!" causing everyone to groan "Carlos!". 

Also, the characters still have their personality traits. Arnold's still the self-aware kid. Dorothy Ann's still the intelligent kid who does research, but now she uses a tablet instead of carrying books around considering how much technology has evolved. Carlos, as I said before, still cracks jokes and puns. Tim still draws pictures. Ralphie still daydreams. Keesha still practical. Wanda's still the tomboy. Liz is still the anthropomorphic non-speaking chameleon. Janet's still a stuck-up, probably even more so than she was originally. Also, Miss Fiona Frizzle is using traits her big sister used when she was teacher.

So what do I think of The Magic School Bus Rides Again as a whole? It's okay. Sure, the animation seems cheap, some of the character designs are off, Janet's more stuck-up than she was originally, and Phoebe isn't present, but overall it's a very harmless sequel. Today's kids will enjoy it, probably even more than the original show, considering they're into pretty much anything Flash animated nowadays and they will learn and be entertained by it. I will agree with many others who grew up with the original that the original's better, due to its semi-fluid animation, likable characters, charming surrealism, nice sense of humour and well executed science lessons, but the sequel's alright by me. See? My reason to prefer the original isn't even because of nostalgia!

So there you have it. Those are my thoughts on The Magic School Bus Rides Again so far. Just wanted to give away my opinion on it and I wanted to explain that I too prefer the original. If you're willing to go on a nostalgia trip (no pun intended), revisit the original Magic School Bus. If you're willing to step inside for a newer wilder ride, give The Magic School Bus Rides Again a try. If you have seen this sequel series, tell me your opinion on it. To me, it's harmless. At least it's the original class albeit Jyoti instead of Phoebe. 

My thoughts on Thomas' future: Part 2.

I wanted to rant about this for about a month now. What encouraged me to rant about them? Of course, how Thomas the Tank Engine is being treated now.

Let me start off by saying how displeased I am with what Mattel is doing with the franchise now. It turns out their sales have plummeted. But by how much exactly? They never said.

I think I can guess why their sales have plummeted. Because they keep making cheap, knockoff-esque merchandise! I mean, just look at the merchandise that replaced Thomas Wooden Railway. It's none other than Thomas Wood! Wood?! Seriously?! That has got to be the dumbest toy merchandise I have ever seen! Just a block of wood with unfinished paint?! Seriously?! Are you really this lazy, Mattel? Now I'm not going to go and wish death on the toy just because of how lazy it is. After all, it's just toys, but that doesn't excuse the fact it's so lazy.

However, the only merchandise they make nowadays I can tolerate are Adventures and Minis. I mean Adventures for some reason remind me of ERTL, especially with the couplings. Minis, same, but they can look cool.

And also, this goes out to this Big World! Big Adventures! thing. Further proving they just want to elaborate more on this "Around the World" crap, and why The Great Race was a great failure. After Thomas Wikia labelled Big World! Big Adventures! as a spinoff, I was all "Okay, this might not be too bad." But then, it was labelled as Season 22, and having Thomas talk to the audience, similar to Dora the Destroyer, and I was all "Okay, maybe this series won't be as good as I hoped. And the final turnoff. Nia the Orange African Engine and Rebecca the Streamlined Yellow Engine have replaced Edward and Henry in the Steam Team, as well as the season being more fast-paced than realistic! And I was all "That's it! This is the last straw!" and I will get to what I'm going to do later.

I mean come on! If you want to do something about this "Steam Team" crap, just scrap the entire concept as a whole! It's easier than 1-2-8!

The next thing I'll rant about regarding Mattel. If you didn't make such cheap looking merchandise, you would have better sales for Thomas! I mean, if you can make your Cars, Bob the Builder and Fireman Sam merchandise look perfect, even if Fireman Sam and Bob the Builder as franchises look very ugly now, why can't you do the same with Thomas merchandise? But if you want to give Thomas to better hands, say, sell it to some other company like Aardman since it's a British animation company, or Hasbro, considering how well they treat My Little Pony and Transformers nowadays.

Of course, some people like to pin the blame on crap like Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol for Thomas failing in the ratings. And speaking of these, I tried watching these 2 kiddie shows, but my eyes were bawled out. And I've realised most kids nowadays have low attention spans and are more into gadgets and computers than toys.

Back to Thomas. Mattel, if you want to help save money on Thomas, you don't have to make specials on a yearly basis! Take a break every once in a while and focus on the show itself!

Now, there's another thing they're trying to do with Big World! Big Adventures! They're trying to add more female engines! I'm fine with them introducing female engines, but if you want to know why people are disapproving of this, it's because of political correctness being shoved down our throats again, removing iconic characters from the Steam Team, and because they never use their other female engines properly! Hell, in Thomas and the Magic Railroad, Lady was just utilised as a useless plot device, in Season 5, Old Slow Coach just had 2 episodes, Elizabeth, Caroline, Isobella, Molly, Madge and Flora had wasted potential! And they didn't even bother bringing Pip and Emma to the TV series!

And it turns out they contacted the UN to help with creating Rebecca and Nia. And also, they're trying to teach about global warming! Seriously?! Steam Engines and Diesel Engines use fuel that contributes to the problem! And if you ignore this hypocrisy, Henry loves nature and you're taking him out of the Steam Team?! I mean Mattel could've watched Henry's Forest and though about "Hmm, maybe we could use Henry to teach little kids about nature." but no! They had to contact the UN for some reason!

It also turns out the idea came from a kid who said "Thomas is a train that doesn't go anywhere." He does go to places! Hasn't that kid seen him go on his branch line? How about the quarry? How about the mainland? How about Duck's branch line? How about the Search and Rescue Centre? How about Brendam Docks? How about Knapford Station? How about Vicarstown Station? How about Misty Island of all places?

That's enough of the rant about the Big World! Big Adventures! thing that's coming next year.

Plus, there's also the fact they have to release all of their Christmas episodes every October. Look, if you want to get your target audience into the Christmas spirit, release the episodes in November or December! And another thing, you don't have to make so many Christmas episodes on a yearly basis! I mean Seasons 1-3 and 6-12 had only one Christmas episode each, and Seasons 4 and 5 didn't have Christmas episodes at all!

This also goes to that idiotic Thomas Creator Collective. Sorry to everyone who's still involved as well as those who used to be involved, but I don't care anymore, and that's why I'm never watching anymore episodes of your series. Also, why can't they, like, take a break or something? And not to mention, some of those who are involved are quite disrespectful to constructive criticism. I mean, on Twitter, Diesel D199 said "Wow! When did I ask for constructive criticism?" Really, Trent? Seriously?! Are you really that immature? Ever since you joined YouTube you asked for criticism! The fans could use their work on the show itself, but they have lives. I don't know what they do in their personal lives, and it's really none of my business.

I have also realised that Mattel has made the characters a bit unlikable. Thomas has become a whiny little brat who wants to be in anything and everything, The Great Race is a prime example of this. Gordon is a pompous brat who hates everyone. James is a pompous showoff who even complains about a tiny little scratch on his paintwork. Percy's become a wimp. Duck just brags about the Great Western Way all the time, Oliver is just boastful, Daisy keeps talking about how bad things are for her swerves and acting all big-headed, Donald and Douglas keep bickering like Bill and Ben, you all get the idea.

And finally, remember earlier this year when I said that I hope Thomas will end in a few years time? Well, once Season 21 ends, Thomas and Friends will end....to me at least. Okay, maybe I will watch some episodes of Season 22 to see what it's like, but I am never watching anymore future Thomas specials ever again. Journey Beyond Sodor will be the last special to me because of how brilliantly it ended and how it was Misty Island Rescue and Day of the Diesels done right. And not to mention, we keep getting too many new engines every year. Come on! Is Sodor a planet now?! This is just like how to me, the Pokemon anime ended at Diamond and Pearl Sinnoh League Victors, how to me, Postman Pat ended at Season 2 and Fireman Sam ended at Season 4. And what I'm trying to say is after Season 21 of Thomas and Friends, I will only be re-watching episodes up to Season 21, though I might still watch episodes of Season 22 to see what it's like, but with everything else in the show, I'm done. I've had it.

And there you go. Once Season 21 of Thomas and Friends ends, I am cutting ties with the series and only sticking to the episodes that came before with the exceptions of most of Seasons 13-16., but I might still give the Big World! Big Adventures! season a try to see what it's like, but never again will I watch anymore future Thomas specials. If you are willing to support Big World! Big Adventures!, that's fine by me. But if you agree with me on any of this, be civil and explain why. All I wanted to say is I just can't deal with the series anymore and Mattel have lost my trust.