TTTE Season 6: Jack Jumps In, A Friend in Need

Since Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure is coming out on DVD in a few days, I thought it'd be appropriate to review the episodes that introduced the Pack to the show, which later led to a spin-off that, sadly, didn't last very long. So, here I go with Jack Jumps In and A Friend in Need!

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

Before I jump in, let's get a few similarities out of the way:

1. Both episodes were written by Phil Fehrle, Abi Grant, and Jonathan Trueman.
2. Both episodes were directed by Steve Asquith.
3. Both more or less follow the same story, and served as the last story arc until season 15 (and yes, I'll get to it soon enough).

And yes, it's a spin-off with similarities to Bob the Builder. I say who cares anymore by this point? There are other shows with similarities to Thomas and yet no one gives a damn. Why should the Pack spin-off be any different?

Before I get into any further debate, let's just begin.

Episode 7: Jack Jumps In

The story starts off with Thomas picking up a special from Miss Jenny Packard - it's Jack the front loader, and Thomas is to take him to the quarry. Pretty funny how Thomas and Jack brag about their abilities before Miss Jenny sends them off, isn't it? By the way, you'll notice Thomas has a larger model to fit with Jack's, and the tank engine's face just looks... off putting. I mean, it's darker, and his teethed grin is different, as are the eyebrows and nose. This won't affect my rating, for the record, I just want to point this out.

Anyway, Thomas brings Jack to the quarry - along with a reminder to look out for Max as he's trouble - and Jack is eager to help. He approaches Oliver, who suggests he help Bryon, who suggests he help Kelly. Isobella snaps at Jack for getting her paint dirty, and then she and Kelly (who is a boy, I should note) suggest that he sees the foreman, who sends him to work with Alfie. Then when Max comes along, Jack tells him off for bullying to which Alfie is grateful. That is a very strong message for kids - stand up to bullies when they're harassing you... and tell a superior, in that order, which they missed, but I digress.

Later, when Oliver is sent to move some rock, Jack volunteers to help, but he tips over on an edge and crashes on his side. Miss Jenny is displeased with him jumping in where he doesn't belong, and hopes that he'll improve on his behavior tomorrow. Jack feels sad, but after some comfort from Isobella, Alfie, and Thomas, he feels a little better. I'll get to my final thoughts after reviewing part two.

Episode 8: A Friend in Need

The next day, Thomas is taking a short train of empty trucks along the line. Meanwhile, the Pack are widening the road beneath the old quarry bridge and Jack is doing his best to obey the rules, but he still fears that he won't stay as a member. Very clever use of face changing, by the way - how do they do it? Also, we're introduced to Ned, and it's funny how when Max snaps at him to be careful, Ned apologizes with a cheery tone in his voice.

After Thomas passes by, Oliver is called up to move some top soil, but Jack is about to do it instead when he stops and remembers Miss Jenny's warning and his accident from yesterday. That gets right what seasons 9-16 didn't - the main character remembers their incident and learns not to repeat their past mistakes. That is how characters learn their lesson by remembering their mistakes and not being let off the hook by fixing their errors to result in a contrived ending.

Later, Ned moves under the bridge as carefully as he can, but he accidentally knocks loose the keystones, and the bridge begins to collapse. To Jack's horror, Thomas is coming with his trucks and quickly props up the bridge and holds on. Unrealistic, yes. Important? No, because Jack was determined to save his friend from having an accident. Thomas backs away safely, and Jack moves just as the bridge collapses. Jack is brought back to the yard, afraid of getting into trouble, but Miss Jenny praises his heroic actions and welcomes him into the Pack.

Overall

Why did this spin-off not take off? I think it would've been great to see more stories that are not focused on the railways - there's more to Sodor than the trains, after all. There was going to be a spin-off about Bertie and Harold that sadly never took off - the Pack could've been its final form. Would I like to see more of them? Without a doubt, yes! Both feel like they could fit in with the current series, and I'd happily take them over the likes of Sodor Surprise Day any day.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Thomas and Friends Season 6 Scorecard

7. Jack Jumps In: 10
8. A Friend in Need: 10
10. Twin Trouble: 7.5

12. Scaredy Engines: 3

17. Gordon Takes a Tumble: 8.5

24. Dunkin Duncan: 8

25. Rusty Saves the Day: 2.5

26. Faulty Whistles: 8.5