Friday, March 13, 2015

TTTE S12E20 - Best Friends

The final paragraph in the final chapter of the model era of Thomas and Friends is reviewed in full detail by yours truly!

THE OPINIONS, THOUGHTS AND MUSINGS IN THIS BLOG POST ARE SOLELY THOSE OF ZACK WANZER, NOT THE THOMAS FANDOM IN GENERAL

Season 12, Episode 20
Best Friends
Written by Anna Starkey

Thomas and Percy are working at the quarry when Neville tells them that the brass band is at Brendam docks; Percy goes for a washdown, hoping to look his best if he's chosen, by Thomas' suggestion. However, the Fat Controller asks Thomas to take the brass band, and Thomas worries because he doesn't want to hurt Percy, and does what he can to avoid him, especially after Percy returns from his washdown, shiny as a trumpet. Thomas has his own washdown, but when he sees Percy coming, he hides in the shed.

Later, Thomas picks up Annie and Clarabel, but he still doesn't know how to tell Percy without upsetting him, so he takes a different route to the docks. Then he sees Percy again (how is he reappearing a lot, I wonder?) and hides behind Duck and his goods train. Soon enough, he arrives at the docks, but the trumpet player has left his trumpet behind, and it's too late for Thomas when Percy shows up to pick up his mail trucks. Percy is upset at Thomas for not telling him about picking up the brass band, and Thomas feels worse than ever.

At Great Waterton, Thomas asks the Fat Controller if Percy can pick up the brass band after the concert and in turn, Thomas can take Percy's mail train. Percy is pleased with the arrangement, and Thomas is happy to have made amends and promises to always tell Percy everything.

I've said a while ago Best Friends this was my #1 Miller Era episode, and I still stand by it. It isn't perfect, but the story is very close to it. If you could put this episode and Wonky Whistle at two ends of the scale, Best Friends would be at the high end (good episodes), and Wonky Whistle at the low end (bad episodes). Sure, the plot is cliched, but it actually works so everyone can relate to this scenario. For the models, it was truly their finest hour and last hurrah.

Rating: 10 out of 10

You'll notice that Tram Trouble is a 5/10. I missed it out in the reviews that I'll never do because it didn't come to mind. Everyone thinks it's the worst of season 12, but not me - that goes to either Push Me, Pull You, or Don't Go Back. I guess I don't hate Tram Trouble that much because, I can't really relate to the events of said episode or Flora as a character. Even if I do review it, I probably wouldn't do so without angering those who hate the episode.

So yeah, Tram Trouble won't be given a review, and if I have indifference to an episode (like Toby's Discovery) then I can't review it.

Thomas & Friends Season 12 Scorecard (out of 10 possible points)
13. Tram Trouble: 5
20. Best Friends: 10

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