THE OPINIONS, THOUGHTS AND MUSINGS IN THIS BLOG POST ARE SOLELY THOSE OF ZACK WANZER, NOT THE THOMAS FANDOM IN GENERAL
Season 5, Episode 5
James and the Trouble with Trees
Written by Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and David Maidment
Written by Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and David Maidment
Thomas has worked at the coaling plant all day, and his paint is dirty. He's unable to have a washdown due to a problem with the hosepipe, and worries that the other engines will laugh at him. Fortunately, they don't take any notice of him and are listening to James' boasting about getting a new coat of paint. He scoffs at Thomas being dirty, much to the tank engine's chagrin. The next morning, Henry has a mishap when shunting trucks, and James finds this amusing.
Henry retorts that the Fat Controller is inspecting the railway for trees that are too close to the line, which is one of the reasons that this can be considered a sequel to Henry's Forest. James scoffs that if he ran into a tree, he'd push it aside. I really like this scene, as it shows Christopher Awdry's interpretation of Henry and James being verbal-sparring partners. A shame this was the only time it had been picked up on...
Anyway, James shows off his red paint and ignores Percy's and Terrence's warnings about the trees. Later, before he can take a passenger train, the Fat Controller sends James to pick up an important goods train instead. The weather changes for the worse, and up ahead, a tree is blown by the heavy winds onto the track, still standing upright. Is that unrealistic? Actually, it isn't - it is inspired by a scene in The Railway Children when some trees are sliding down a cutting, and rocks fall onto the tracks.
Back to the episode, James sees the tree on the line, petrified, but he is unable to get out of the way. Luckily (or coincidentally, depending on how you view it) Thomas comes by and helps James to safety just as the tree falls forward. James is grateful to Thomas for saving him, and Edward tells them that the Fat Controller thinks they're both brave engines - Thomas will have a new coat of paint, and James will pull the special express after all.
Like I said, this can definitely be considered a sequel to Henry's Forest, which had caused much anger from Awdry. It was rather odd that Thomas knew what was happening, and it wasn't explained as to how he knew. Other than that, I think it's another great episode, and it shows the dangers of trees being close to a railway line.
"If you can't push trucks properly, Henry, why not talk to a tree instead? You know how much you like the forest!"
Henry retorts that the Fat Controller is inspecting the railway for trees that are too close to the line, which is one of the reasons that this can be considered a sequel to Henry's Forest. James scoffs that if he ran into a tree, he'd push it aside. I really like this scene, as it shows Christopher Awdry's interpretation of Henry and James being verbal-sparring partners. A shame this was the only time it had been picked up on...
Anyway, James shows off his red paint and ignores Percy's and Terrence's warnings about the trees. Later, before he can take a passenger train, the Fat Controller sends James to pick up an important goods train instead. The weather changes for the worse, and up ahead, a tree is blown by the heavy winds onto the track, still standing upright. Is that unrealistic? Actually, it isn't - it is inspired by a scene in The Railway Children when some trees are sliding down a cutting, and rocks fall onto the tracks.
Back to the episode, James sees the tree on the line, petrified, but he is unable to get out of the way. Luckily (or coincidentally, depending on how you view it) Thomas comes by and helps James to safety just as the tree falls forward. James is grateful to Thomas for saving him, and Edward tells them that the Fat Controller thinks they're both brave engines - Thomas will have a new coat of paint, and James will pull the special express after all.
Like I said, this can definitely be considered a sequel to Henry's Forest, which had caused much anger from Awdry. It was rather odd that Thomas knew what was happening, and it wasn't explained as to how he knew. Other than that, I think it's another great episode, and it shows the dangers of trees being close to a railway line.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Thomas and Friends Season 5 Scorecard
5. James and the Trouble with Trees: 8.5
13. Stepney Gets Lost: 5.5
14. Toby's Discovery: 5
15. Something in the Air: 9
18. Oliver's Find: 7
25. Rusty and the Boulder: 5
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