THE OPINIONS, THOUGHTS AND MUSINGS IN THIS BLOG POST ARE SOLELY THOSE OF ZACK WANZER, NOT THE THOMAS FANDOM IN GENERAL
(special thanks to the Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the images)
Thomas and his Friends
Written by Christopher Awdry
Illustrated by Clive Spong
Published July 6, 2011
A lot had changed in the past fifteen years; the Beatles had reunited one last time for Anthology, George Harrison had died from cancer, there was the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the United States had Bill Clinton and George W. Bush as presidents, Barack Obama became president, the Cold War had long since ended, Freddie Mercury had died and goodness knows where Queen's fourth guy is, Princess Diana divorced from Prince Charles and later died in a car crash, J. K. Rowling gave us the magical world that is Harry Potter - and it was later adapted for the big screen starring Daniel Radcliffe - there were fears of the Y2K bug, Apple launched its iPod, NASA landed a rover on Mars, Hurricane Katrina struck, Top Gear was rebooted with Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May and the Stig as hosts, there was the Virginia Tech massacre, a BP oil rig exploded causing a major oil spill in the gulf, Guitar Hero rocked the world of video games, and more recently, Lauren Faust rebooted My Little Pony to spread the message on how Friendship is Magic.
As for Thomas and Friends? Since Thomas and Victoria, the show was transitioning to CGI, and while the visuals by Nitrogen Studios were fantastic, the stories were not, especially those from season 15, which aired the same year as this book was published. So to have a RWS book being published during the TV series' darkest days was a real breath of fresh air, although the title was not very imaginative. But does the title affect the book's content? I think not. But dig deeper, I have a more interesting view on the book...
"In memory of the Rev. W. Awdry (1911 - 1997), without whom none of Thomas' adventures would have been told"
Dear Friends,
The Awdry family is delighted to be able to mark the centenary of the Thin Clergyman's birth with the publication of this book. The Fat Controller wanted to celebrate the occasion too, and quickly made his own plans. What were they? Turn the pages to find out...
The Author
Dear Friends,
The Awdry family is delighted to be able to mark the centenary of the Thin Clergyman's birth with the publication of this book. The Fat Controller wanted to celebrate the occasion too, and quickly made his own plans. What were they? Turn the pages to find out...
The Author
Pip and Emma have been purchased by the Fat Controller to run a new express service to London. Meanwhile, Thomas encounters something on the bridge near Elsbridge, but his crew think it's a newspaper. It turns out to be a swan with a broken wing, and the driver and fireman take it to the top station where a vet takes it in for surgery. Some days later, the swan is set free, and Thomas is praised for his rescue.
Although it had nothing to do with the rest of the story, I like how Pip and Emma are integrated as part of the NWR's locomotive fleet, and how Gordon willingly accepted that the Fat Controller's reasoning to purchase them is a real time saver. It's also a good set up for Gordon's Fire Rescue, but more on this later.
For the main story itself, it's a rewrite to the annual story Thomas and the Swans, but never having any of the annuals, I can't compare the two. As for including animals in stories? The real downfall with Thomas' Tall Friend and Percy's New Friends is that they didn't focus on railway operations, but this story did, and it showed that we must take care around animals - they're scared of us as we're scared of them.
Although it had nothing to do with the rest of the story, I like how Pip and Emma are integrated as part of the NWR's locomotive fleet, and how Gordon willingly accepted that the Fat Controller's reasoning to purchase them is a real time saver. It's also a good set up for Gordon's Fire Rescue, but more on this later.
For the main story itself, it's a rewrite to the annual story Thomas and the Swans, but never having any of the annuals, I can't compare the two. As for including animals in stories? The real downfall with Thomas' Tall Friend and Percy's New Friends is that they didn't focus on railway operations, but this story did, and it showed that we must take care around animals - they're scared of us as we're scared of them.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
One frosty day, Donald slips on a siding and smashes into some buffers. No one is hurt, but the buffers are in pieces, although the Fat Controller understands that Donald couldn't have helped it. Three days later, Douglas brings in James' last ballast train, and he heads onto the siding where the workmen have just finished painting the new buffers. Unfortunately, Douglas' brakes don't work and he crashes into the buffers. The foreman is angry with this and red paint is splashed onto Douglas' nose, and the Fat Controller has it kept there as a reminder.
That ending was completely unfair to poor Douglas - he wasn't being arrogant, and he got scolded for something that was completely out of his control! In this case, his brakes wouldn't work (it may have also been out of the crews' control, but that's another story). And why did the Fat Controller not hear it from Douglas' side of the story? What's really insulting is that it's never explained as to what happened afterwards! Wow, a Railway Series story with so many unfortunate implications left behind, and it was in the last book? That's a total punch to the face, and the story is far more mean-spirited than it's funny.
This is certainly the worst RWS story overall (say what you want about Dirty Work; at least it had resolution), and it proves how good writers can write duds (Everyone Knows It's Bendy with Lauren Faust) and that bad writers can write gems (Sand Castles in the Sand with Casey Alexander).
That ending was completely unfair to poor Douglas - he wasn't being arrogant, and he got scolded for something that was completely out of his control! In this case, his brakes wouldn't work (it may have also been out of the crews' control, but that's another story). And why did the Fat Controller not hear it from Douglas' side of the story? What's really insulting is that it's never explained as to what happened afterwards! Wow, a Railway Series story with so many unfortunate implications left behind, and it was in the last book? That's a total punch to the face, and the story is far more mean-spirited than it's funny.
This is certainly the worst RWS story overall (say what you want about Dirty Work; at least it had resolution), and it proves how good writers can write duds (Everyone Knows It's Bendy with Lauren Faust) and that bad writers can write gems (Sand Castles in the Sand with Casey Alexander).
Rating: 1 out of 10
While taking a stopping train on the mainline, Gordon notices a red glow from under the bridge; a tractor's load of haybales has caught fire! Gordon suggests using the hose in his cab to put out the fire, and the fire is soon quickly put out. The firefighters arrive just after the fire was put out, but they praise Gordon for his quick thinking, and he's awarded the Queen's Fire Service Medal for his courage.
This shows just how far Gordon has come with his lot in life - no longer is he obsessed with pulling the express, but he's willing to do any job that's given to him and is happy to help his peers. Also, well done, Christopher; not only for a quick redemption after Buffer Bashing, but for putting the disaster-piece that is Fiery Flynn to shame. Then again, real firefighters put that episode to shame, but I digress. Plus, it did right what Saved You! didn't - Gordon was actually awarded for being a hero. I mean, firemen rescue cats from trees and they don't get rewarded for it.
All in all, it's the best story in the books to feature Gordon as main character; again, it shows just how much he's grown as a character.
Rating: 10 out of 10
James collects a bust of the Thin Clergyman from the mainland and after going through Henry's tunnel on the return trip, it collapses, cutting off Sodor from the mainland. While Henry and the Scottish twins repair the tunnel, all mainline trains have to stop at Crovan's Gate while Bertie and the other buses bring passengers to and from the mainland. The tunnel is eventually repaired and Pip and Emma bring Prince Charles to unveil the Thin Clergyman's bust. The Prince proudly declares that "there will never be anything like [Sodor] anywhere."
Ah yes, the Railway Series' final chapter, and the main focus of the book... and it just isn't very interesting. At all. It's pretty much a Golden Jubilee rehash - which, coincidentally, was also from an anniversary book - and there's very much no explanation of why Henry's tunnel had a collapse. Had the stone weakened over the years?
I didn't mind the mention of Awdry's death, because, let's face it - people die every day and it should never be treated like it's an uncomfortable topic for kids (a shame a lot of kids shows fail to realize that). Plus, there's the mention of the engines' duties being altered so they can attend the ceremony, which is something that wasn't heeded during the Barlow era. The Prince's role was actually quite nice, since he had read the books in his youth, and he's right - there will never be any place quite like Sodor anywhere. But despite the positives I've mentioned, the story felt like it was written just to make book sales.
Ah yes, the Railway Series' final chapter, and the main focus of the book... and it just isn't very interesting. At all. It's pretty much a Golden Jubilee rehash - which, coincidentally, was also from an anniversary book - and there's very much no explanation of why Henry's tunnel had a collapse. Had the stone weakened over the years?
I didn't mind the mention of Awdry's death, because, let's face it - people die every day and it should never be treated like it's an uncomfortable topic for kids (a shame a lot of kids shows fail to realize that). Plus, there's the mention of the engines' duties being altered so they can attend the ceremony, which is something that wasn't heeded during the Barlow era. The Prince's role was actually quite nice, since he had read the books in his youth, and he's right - there will never be any place quite like Sodor anywhere. But despite the positives I've mentioned, the story felt like it was written just to make book sales.
Rating: 5.5 out of 10
Stray Observations
After sixty or so years, the Peel Godred branchline finally gets a mention, although it is odd that Gordon wouldn't know about the electric engines, since he'd been on Sodor for about ninety years.
The prototype cover has originally used an illustration from Thomas and the Fat Controller's Engines before the final cover was revealed. Here's the prototype:
In addition, the book was going to be released on July 4, 2011, but was held back by two days.
The prototype cover has originally used an illustration from Thomas and the Fat Controller's Engines before the final cover was revealed. Here's the prototype:
In addition, the book was going to be released on July 4, 2011, but was held back by two days.
Overall
The final page of the book has ended with the words "the end", and it's very unlikely that Christopher will write anymore stories. He's in his 70s, and honestly, I can't blame him. There does come a time when we must stop what we're doing. So, did he end on a high note?Sadly, he didn't, and it's a shame that it was the last RWS book. Had more effort gone into it, especially Buffer Bashing, then the book on whole would've been among the best of the bunch - Enterprising Engines, Gallant Old Engine, Henry and the Express, and Tank Engine Thomas Again are among my favorite books. It is also annoying that Thomas' name was in the title, which isn't very original. If they had called it The Thin Clergyman's Engines or Centennial Engines, it might not have been so bad - I mean, the first book featured Edward, Gordon and Henry, but it had no Thomas in sight.
Mind you, it's still very good compared to season 15 and Day of the Diesels, both of which were extremely disastrous in my view, and we were (somewhat) lucky to have a new Railway Series book at all. The Railway Series was a big success because it gave us brilliant stories, railway knowledge, and some darn good entertainment. Plus, kids can envision what's happening in their heads; they don't need fancy CGI to do that for them, but I digress.
For the television series, no season could ever match the first two, not even Andrew Brenner and his writing team can match them. They could come up with the best stories ever and they still wouldn't be able to top Thomas and Bertie, The Flying Kipper, or Old Iron. In fact, why don't they ask Andrew Brenner to write more Railway Series books and have Lorraine Marshall do the illustrations? If not, then that's fine with me; the Railway Series has very much run its course and we have seasons 17 onwards to enjoy.
Like the old saying goes, the show must go on, and Thomas and Friends is doing just that, with or without Railway Series influence. But on whole, Thomas and his Friends pretty much ended the series with a pitiful whimper. Not terrible, it was just... there.
Overall Book Rating: 6.3 out of 10
Well, that's every book reviewed, and I hope you enjoyed reading them! In two weeks, I'll be doing my Top 10 Railway Series Books list, and I'll also list the books from least preferred to most preferred.
The Railway Series Final Scorecard
1. The Three Railway Engines: 8.4
2. Thomas the Tank Engine: 9
3. James the Red Engine: 7.5
4. Tank Engine Thomas Again: 9.5
5. Troublesome Engines: 8.1
6. Henry the Green Engine: 8.4
7. Toby the Tram Engine: 9
8. Gordon the Big Engine: 8.6
9. Edward the Blue Engine: 9.3
10. Four Little Engines: 8.8
11. Percy the Small Engine: 8.9
12. The Eight Famous Engines: 8.8
13. Duck and the Diesel Engine: 8.5
14. The Little Old Engine: 8.9
15. The Twin Engines: 9.1
16. Branch Line Engines: 9.3
17. Gallant Old Engine: 9.3
18. Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine: 8.5
3. James the Red Engine: 7.5
4. Tank Engine Thomas Again: 9.5
5. Troublesome Engines: 8.1
6. Henry the Green Engine: 8.4
7. Toby the Tram Engine: 9
8. Gordon the Big Engine: 8.6
9. Edward the Blue Engine: 9.3
10. Four Little Engines: 8.8
11. Percy the Small Engine: 8.9
12. The Eight Famous Engines: 8.8
13. Duck and the Diesel Engine: 8.5
14. The Little Old Engine: 8.9
15. The Twin Engines: 9.1
16. Branch Line Engines: 9.3
17. Gallant Old Engine: 9.3
18. Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine: 8.5
19. Mountain Engines: 8.9
20. Very Old Engines: 9.1
21. Main Line Engines: 9
22. Small Railway Engines: 9.3
23. Enterprising Engines: 9.5
24. Oliver the Western Engine: 8.9
25. Duke the Lost Engine: 9.4
26. Tramway Engines: 9.1
27. Really Useful Engines: 8.3
28. James and the Diesel Engines: 7.5
29. Great Little Engines: 9
30. More About Thomas the Tank Engine: 8.5
31. Gordon the High-Speed Engine: 9.3
32. Toby, Trucks and Trouble: 9.1
33. Thomas and the Twins: 9.3
34. Jock the New Engine: 7.9
35. Thomas and the Great Railway Show: 8.5
36. Thomas Comes Home: 8.6
37. Henry and the Express: 9.4
38. Wilbert the Forest Engine: 7.6
39. Thomas and the Fat Controller's Engines: 8.5
40. New Little Engine: 7
41. Thomas and Victoria: 9
42. Thomas and his Friends: 6.3
Railway Series Total Score: 364.9/420
Final Average Score: 8.7/10
20. Very Old Engines: 9.1
21. Main Line Engines: 9
22. Small Railway Engines: 9.3
23. Enterprising Engines: 9.5
24. Oliver the Western Engine: 8.9
25. Duke the Lost Engine: 9.4
26. Tramway Engines: 9.1
27. Really Useful Engines: 8.3
28. James and the Diesel Engines: 7.5
29. Great Little Engines: 9
30. More About Thomas the Tank Engine: 8.5
31. Gordon the High-Speed Engine: 9.3
32. Toby, Trucks and Trouble: 9.1
33. Thomas and the Twins: 9.3
34. Jock the New Engine: 7.9
35. Thomas and the Great Railway Show: 8.5
36. Thomas Comes Home: 8.6
37. Henry and the Express: 9.4
38. Wilbert the Forest Engine: 7.6
39. Thomas and the Fat Controller's Engines: 8.5
40. New Little Engine: 7
41. Thomas and Victoria: 9
42. Thomas and his Friends: 6.3
Railway Series Total Score: 364.9/420
Final Average Score: 8.7/10
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