Five of Edward's Adventures

Here's another set of episodes I'm going to review, featuring our number two blue engine, Edward!

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

Season 6, Episode 23

Edward the Very Useful Engine

Written by David Mitton

So, after two seasons without a starring role, Edward finally makes his return into the spotlight... and it's a bit of a disappointment.

After an intro telling us something we don't know about Gordon, Percy, and Edward, Gordon declares that Edward is a useless old steampot and says he should be retired, to which Percy thinks he doesn't have tires. Actually, Percy, you engines all have tires - how do you not realize that? Also, Gordon is surprisingly mean towards Edward; I thought he'd know by now how useful Edward is, considering Edward's Exploit and Old Iron! Percy and his crew inform the Fat Controller about Gordon's remarks, so he sends Edward to work with Stepney on the loop line, the latter who's here on Sodor because... reasons.

Meanwhile, Duck is sent to work in Edward's place, and on Gordon's hill, he struggles with some trucks who hold him back. Unfortunately, Gordon is also behind him but he doesn't crash... luckily. He tries to get his and Duck's trains moving again, but to no avail. Edward is sent in to help, and they make it over the top. The Fat Controller scolds an embarrassed Gordon for his rudeness, Gordon later apologizes to Edward and thanks him for helping out, and Edward says it's good to be back... for what reason? With trucks? His branchline? Sodor itself? Come on, work with me here.

Honestly, the episode plot trope's been done to death; Edward doesn't need to prove him continuously and this episode proves why. In fairness, everyone is close to their original personalities, but I'd rather watch Old Reliable Edward because it provided something fresh - Edward getting his own back with some help from Thomas.

Season 7, Episode 5

Edward's Brass Band

Written by Robyn Charteris

Right after his first starring role in two seasons, we get Edward's only speaking role in season seven. What was he doing in that time, I wonder? And why does the title imply that Edward owns the band? Shouldn't it be Edward and the Brass Band?

After a pointless appearance by Stepney (from stock footage, I should note), Edward tells Thomas that he's going to take the brass band. When he arrives at Brendam Docks, a crane (Big Mickey) swings a ship's boiler accidentally hitting Edward, causing him to derail. I'm surprised he didn't sustain damage from that! Due to Edward's nonexistent damage, Bertie will have to take the brass band instead. The night before, there had been a rainstorm, and Bertie decides to take a shortcut, only to end up in mud and get stuck. So, the brass band play their music to call for help, and Edward (surprisingly repaired in a surprisingly quick time), helps take the brass band to their concert, leaving Bertie still stuck in the mud. Also, why didn't his driver call for help?

What a... strange one. With all the plot holes and confusing points I mentioned, it's a wonder if the script was even proofread at least once. That said, the plot is fine, but there are problems.

Season 8, Episode 14

Edward the Great

Written by Abi Grant

The Duke and Duchess of Boxford arrive on Sodor with Spencer for their new summerhouse. At Knapford, he feels proud having beaten Gordon's old speed record, much to the Sodor engines' disgust. The Fat Controller assigns Edward to take the Duke and Duchess' furniture to their summerhouse. And once again, Gordon and James are rude to Edward. Edward sets off slowly, whilst Spencer just rockets away and takes the lead.

Later, Edward slowly approaches Gordon's hill and makes it to the top (might've been nice to see Donald and Douglas, but oh well). And map continuity errors 101 - Wellsworth is to the west of Gordon's hill, not east. Apparently, it was forgotten because why not. The station staff cheer for Edward, encouraging him to keep moving. Spencer races past again and stops so the Duke can take photographs of the countryside, prompting Spencer to take a nap.

Gordon passes Spencer by and then Edward, and after feeling bad for insulting him and seeing how hard Edward is doing, Gordon praises Edward, who keeps on puffing so he passes Spencer. When he does wake up, Spencer realizes Edward has taken the lead, but it's too late - he's lost the race and Edward has won!

It's very much a retelling of The Tortoise and The Hare, with Edward and Spencer in the respective roles. The episode is good, but it isn't season eight's best. Not too sure why Spencer sounds like a jet plane...

Season 9, Episode 23

Saving Edward

Written by James Mason

I'm not gonna bother with this one. It's a drag and a bore to watch and the plot of Edward proving himself had really become stale at this point, almost like there's nothing better for him to do. Moving on.

Season 11, Episode 14

Edward and the Mail

Written by Paul Larson

Meh, it could've been better. Unlike The Early Bird, the main character in question here - Edward - had never taken the mail train before. However, he could've at least known how to take it (and they said he was wise in the opening scene too!), and shouldn't his crew be involved? Oh wait, they weren't. I understand. It's not terrible, as I'm more 50/50 towards this one.

Episode Ratings:

Edward the Very Useful Engine: 7.5 out of 10

Edward's Brass Band: 6 out of 10

Edward the Great: 8 out of 10

Saving Edward: 2 out of 10

Edward and the Mail: 5 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
23. Edward the Very Useful Engine: 7.5

24. Dunkin Duncan: 8

25. Rusty Saves the Day: 2.5

26. Faulty Whistles: 8.5

Thomas and Friends Season 7 Scorecard

1. Emily's New Coaches: 10
4. The Old Bridge: 5.5
5. Edward's Brass Band: 6
11. Bad Day at Castle Loch: 7

12. Rheneas and the Roller Coaster: 0

23. Gordon and Spencer: 10

Thomas and Friends Season 8 Scorecard

4. Henry and the Wishing Tree: 7.5
14. Edward the Great: 8
21. Halloween: 9.5
22. You Can Do it, Toby!: 4.5
25. Too Hot for Thomas: 2

Thomas and Friends Season 9 Scorecard

2. Thomas and the Rainbow: 1.5

7. Respect for Gordon: 8

10. Rheneas and the Dinosaur: 1
12. Toby Feels Left Out: 1.5

16. Henry and the Flagpole: 2.5

22. Skarloey the Brave: 1
23. Saving Edward: 2

24. Thomas and the Golden Eagle: 1

Thomas and Friends Season 11 Scorecard

6. Gordon and the Engineer: 9.5
10. Thomas and the Big Bang: 1
11. Smoke and Mirrors: 1
12. Thomas Sets Sail: 1
13. Don't Be Silly, Billy: 0.5
14. Edward and the Mail: 5
16. Toby's Triumph: 1
17. Thomas and the Runaway Car: 8.5
18. Thomas in Trouble: 7
22. Sir Handel in Charge: 1.5