The last batch of episodes out of season 17 is finally here! After that, we're done with Thomas episodes (well, at least until October 2016).
On whole, it's a bit on the meh side. Not terrible, but it isn't great either. Although Whiff could seriously do with some more starring roles - he's constantly overshadowed by Scruff!
So the premise is that Stafford wants to be a steam engine (that's what I'm gonna use as the term "steamie" is just stupid). On paper, that sounds... rather dumb. From a child's perspective, it could be viewed as relatable as they will imitate other people as they are impressionable, but sometimes that can lead to trouble. That's actually not a bad idea for a premise.
In execution? It's very hit-or-miss. The "steam engine sounds" that Stafford were kind of childish, but I bet that Keith Wickham had fun in the recording studio (at least he didn't say "poop poop" :P). Also, how did Stafford travel longer distances than he did in his last episode and yet didn't run out of battery?
And yes, I'm gonna bring up Katie the sheepdog (as Wonky Whistle gave her that name, that's what I'm gonna go for) standing outside the brakevan. That's just dangerous! I know Arc was in their early stages, but even that is no excuse. Sure, the moral on being yourself is good, but in terms of execution, it's been done better in other episodes and specials.
DUCK! No, not the tank engine. I mean, like, an actual duck. Apparently, the Fat Controller's workmen aren't the sharpest tools in the shed, and it was a good way of showcasing that. Perhaps they should have their own spinoff...? Of course, that humorous bit at the start does play into the main conflict when Paxton doesn't listen to the Fat Controller's warning and ends up getting Thomas into an accident with Toby. That shows that actions can have consequences.
The moment where Stephen stares at Paxton in bewilderment was absolutely hilarious. Although I can't help but feel it feels like Twilight's face in Magical Mystery Cure when she realizes that things aren't fine in Ponyville. Take a look at this screenshot and you'll see what I mean. (See the similarities? You can draw your conclusions.)
Of course, this episode isn't without its flaws; why did Paxton still have his trucks attached to him when he said he was returning them to the shunting yards? I mean, they're just... there. And how did Thomas' fire get put out if the hosepipe was right next to him rather than ending up in his cab? Some will say that Toby felt out of character, but I don't really see it. How is it more out of character than playing a prank on Thomas with Percy and later laughing at the latter for being a "woolly bear"?
Having gone over this, I can confidently say that I liked this one. Sure, it might be seen as ridiculous, but I think it's good if you need a laugh or two.
Episode 2: Scruff's Makeover
Written by Lee Pressman
Eh, don't really care much for this one. When the synopsis came out I wasn't too big on it because I didn't like either of Scruff's starring roles in season 14. But for the episode for what it is? I think it's alright! It was handled way better than Thomas and Scruff, especially as there were no discriminatory implications involved. It does utilize the Status Quo is God trope as Scruff returns to his dirty state at the end... but he learns that appearances aren't so important. It also utilizes the three-strikes formula, but it doesn't feel as annoying and it shows Gordon being wise (I don't know if that was the intention, but it was a nice touch).On whole, it's a bit on the meh side. Not terrible, but it isn't great either. Although Whiff could seriously do with some more starring roles - he's constantly overshadowed by Scruff!
Episode 6: Steamie Stafford
Written by Paul Larson and Laura Beaumont
Oh boy, is this one gonna be interesting! Some people call it the worst of season 17, but is it really that bad? That's what I'm gonna find out.So the premise is that Stafford wants to be a steam engine (that's what I'm gonna use as the term "steamie" is just stupid). On paper, that sounds... rather dumb. From a child's perspective, it could be viewed as relatable as they will imitate other people as they are impressionable, but sometimes that can lead to trouble. That's actually not a bad idea for a premise.
In execution? It's very hit-or-miss. The "steam engine sounds" that Stafford were kind of childish, but I bet that Keith Wickham had fun in the recording studio (at least he didn't say "poop poop" :P). Also, how did Stafford travel longer distances than he did in his last episode and yet didn't run out of battery?
And yes, I'm gonna bring up Katie the sheepdog (as Wonky Whistle gave her that name, that's what I'm gonna go for) standing outside the brakevan. That's just dangerous! I know Arc was in their early stages, but even that is no excuse. Sure, the moral on being yourself is good, but in terms of execution, it's been done better in other episodes and specials.
Episode 11: The Lost Puff
Written by Davey Moore
Another controversial one - people love it because of its humor, but people hate it due to how silly it is. Let's see which side I go for, shall we?DUCK! No, not the tank engine. I mean, like, an actual duck. Apparently, the Fat Controller's workmen aren't the sharpest tools in the shed, and it was a good way of showcasing that. Perhaps they should have their own spinoff...? Of course, that humorous bit at the start does play into the main conflict when Paxton doesn't listen to the Fat Controller's warning and ends up getting Thomas into an accident with Toby. That shows that actions can have consequences.
The moment where Stephen stares at Paxton in bewilderment was absolutely hilarious. Although I can't help but feel it feels like Twilight's face in Magical Mystery Cure when she realizes that things aren't fine in Ponyville. Take a look at this screenshot and you'll see what I mean. (See the similarities? You can draw your conclusions.)
Of course, this episode isn't without its flaws; why did Paxton still have his trucks attached to him when he said he was returning them to the shunting yards? I mean, they're just... there. And how did Thomas' fire get put out if the hosepipe was right next to him rather than ending up in his cab? Some will say that Toby felt out of character, but I don't really see it. How is it more out of character than playing a prank on Thomas with Percy and later laughing at the latter for being a "woolly bear"?
Having gone over this, I can confidently say that I liked this one. Sure, it might be seen as ridiculous, but I think it's good if you need a laugh or two.
Thomas and Friends Season 17 Scorecard
1. Kevin's Cranky Friend: 7
2. Scruff's Makeover: 5
3. Wayward Winston: 7
4. Gordon Runs Dry: 8
5. Calm Down Caitlin: 9
6. Steamie Stafford: 4
7. Henry's Hero: 6
8. Luke's New Friend: 8
9. The Switch: 8
10. Not Now, Charlie!: 6
11. The Lost Puff: 8
12. The Thomas Way: 7
13. The Phantom Express: 7
14. Percy's Lucky Day: 9
15. Bill or Ben?: 10
16. Too Many Fire Engines: 9
17. No Snow for Thomas: 7
18. Santa's Little Engine: 9
19. The Missing Christmas Decorations: 10
20. The Frozen Turntable: 3
21. Away From the Sea: 9
22. Gone Fishing: 9
2. Scruff's Makeover: 5
3. Wayward Winston: 7
4. Gordon Runs Dry: 8
5. Calm Down Caitlin: 9
6. Steamie Stafford: 4
7. Henry's Hero: 6
8. Luke's New Friend: 8
9. The Switch: 8
10. Not Now, Charlie!: 6
11. The Lost Puff: 8
12. The Thomas Way: 7
13. The Phantom Express: 7
14. Percy's Lucky Day: 9
15. Bill or Ben?: 10
16. Too Many Fire Engines: 9
17. No Snow for Thomas: 7
18. Santa's Little Engine: 9
19. The Missing Christmas Decorations: 10
20. The Frozen Turntable: 3
21. Away From the Sea: 9
22. Gone Fishing: 9
23. The Afternoon Tea Express: 8
24. The Smelly Kipper: 8
25. No More Mr. Nice Engine: 8
25. No More Mr. Nice Engine: 8
Wait a minute! We've only reviewed 477 episodes! There's only one episode left for me to review, and that's the season 17 finale... Thomas' Shortcut! We'll see you then.
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