Has it been two months since I last did a Thomas-related post here? Wow! Since much of my focus lay with the rest of MLP's sixth season as well as Legend of Everfree (the less said about that "film", the better), and apart from planning reviews for The Great Race and a redo of Duck and the Slip Coaches, there weren't too many Thomas topics I wanted to discuss (well, there's that, schoolwork, and other writings in mind). But now that season twenty has resumed this week, I figured, why not tackle its second week of episodes, especially since they aired early in Canada? (And yes, I will get to the winter episodes on December 23.)
So, without further confusion or delay, let's start off by...
Episode 6: Saving Time
Written by Andrew Brenner
Well, what's a season without it's duds? Saving Time is the first, and the reason why? It moves. Too. Slowly. For example, Samson stops at a red signal, it turns green, and he continues on his journey. You could easily cut that out and it wouldn't change. Samson then struggles to climb Gordon's hill alone, we get it. Why even shove that down our throats?
Because of slow pacing, the humor is virtually non-existent. But there are good points like Thomas' cheekiness playing off Samson's stubbornness and pride, and it was nice seeing Sir Handel and Peter Sam have a role (now we need a full Skarloey Railway-centric episode! Oh, and one for the Arlesdale trio as well), especially in an era where Sir Handel's been neglected.
But that's it. Also, why is Bradford not working with Samson when it was established last episode that they work together? That would've improved the episode greatly.
Because of slow pacing, the humor is virtually non-existent. But there are good points like Thomas' cheekiness playing off Samson's stubbornness and pride, and it was nice seeing Sir Handel and Peter Sam have a role (now we need a full Skarloey Railway-centric episode! Oh, and one for the Arlesdale trio as well), especially in an era where Sir Handel's been neglected.
But that's it. Also, why is Bradford not working with Samson when it was established last episode that they work together? That would've improved the episode greatly.
Episode 7: Ryan and Daisy
Written by Davey Moore
And speaking of great improvements...!
The moment I heard about this episode, I looked forward to it, especially after watching The Railcar and the Coaches (we'll get to that soon enough) and knowing that Daisy and Ryan would be working together on the Harwick branchline at the end of Lost Treasure. And boy oh boy, did this episode deliver!
I love the railway technicals; it's clear that the timelines on the Harwick branchline not only affect the line itself, but other lines as well when Ryan is late for the quarry. That was great!
For Ryan himself, I'm a bit disappointed that Lost Treasure didn't go for him being over-confident and dismissive, but for this episode? It works, and that's what makes his dynamic with Daisy great. She is sly and manipulative (not in a devious way), and takes advantage of Ryan's niceness. That's his big character flaw - he's too nice, and Daisy knows it! And even though the "working together" moral has been done to death, it works for them as they're getting used to each other, plus it was sweet that Daisy does care for Ryan at the end.
And his voice? Yeah, I know Steven Kynman voices both Ryan and Paxton, and getting used to it, I can kind of hear the similarities (this will also affect all future episodes featuring him). I'll miss Eddie Redmayne's performance, but I get why he can't reprise the character since he's a big A-list actor (I've not seen Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them yet, but I hear it's great).
On whole, I love this episode to bits. The humor is great (especially with the Fat Controller's reactions), Ryan and Daisy play off each other brilliantly, and the morals were great - sometimes, helping others can do more hurt than good.
The moment I heard about this episode, I looked forward to it, especially after watching The Railcar and the Coaches (we'll get to that soon enough) and knowing that Daisy and Ryan would be working together on the Harwick branchline at the end of Lost Treasure. And boy oh boy, did this episode deliver!
I love the railway technicals; it's clear that the timelines on the Harwick branchline not only affect the line itself, but other lines as well when Ryan is late for the quarry. That was great!
For Ryan himself, I'm a bit disappointed that Lost Treasure didn't go for him being over-confident and dismissive, but for this episode? It works, and that's what makes his dynamic with Daisy great. She is sly and manipulative (not in a devious way), and takes advantage of Ryan's niceness. That's his big character flaw - he's too nice, and Daisy knows it! And even though the "working together" moral has been done to death, it works for them as they're getting used to each other, plus it was sweet that Daisy does care for Ryan at the end.
And his voice? Yeah, I know Steven Kynman voices both Ryan and Paxton, and getting used to it, I can kind of hear the similarities (this will also affect all future episodes featuring him). I'll miss Eddie Redmayne's performance, but I get why he can't reprise the character since he's a big A-list actor (I've not seen Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them yet, but I hear it's great).
On whole, I love this episode to bits. The humor is great (especially with the Fat Controller's reactions), Ryan and Daisy play off each other brilliantly, and the morals were great - sometimes, helping others can do more hurt than good.
Episode 8: Pouty James
Written by Andrew Brenner
It's only this season where Henry is being given some respect, and if Henry in the Dark is anything to go by, it'd be fun to see him scare engines unintentionally. But who else gets flanderized to the point they're one-note?
Yep! James...
Why is it that every time James learns a lesson, he goes back to being a narcissistic idiot? In Philip to the Rescue, he lets Philip's over-enthusiasm get to him and he ends up crashing. It's also surprising that in this episode, the diesel boxcab shows more maturity, and he's supposed to be childlike! Not only that, but James' attitude is over-the-top. Sure, it would work better if this was season one, but the fact is, we're twenty seasons in! James should learn by this point not to let his ego get the better of him, but his attitude completely devalues what he'd learned in Toad's Adventure and Duck in the Water!
And, to be honest, that's very much the reason I don't like the Human Five in the Equestria Girls films. Sure, they were a great help to Twilight in the first film, but in Rainbow Rocks, they're back to childish, petty arguing, and from Friendship Games onward, they've turned into one-note caricatures of their pony counterparts, Legend of Everfree being the point they're non-existent until the end!
Back to Pouty James; the episode's killing blow is this bit of dialogue - "but not for long". So what you're saying is that James has learned nothing... which very much renders the episode as a whole completely pointless! You cut that line of dialogue, and the episode would have a point then! You can't just a teach a moral only to retract it! (On a side note, with 28 Pranks Later, I came very close to disliking Rainbow Dash, but thankfully, Top Bolt managed to salvage her character.)
You know the face the Fat Controller makes after James says "What? Oh! Sir?" That's how I feel about the episode as a whole, and James' attitude. So what if it features corny comedy with the faces? If an episode is bad, it's bad. End of.
Yep! James...
Why is it that every time James learns a lesson, he goes back to being a narcissistic idiot? In Philip to the Rescue, he lets Philip's over-enthusiasm get to him and he ends up crashing. It's also surprising that in this episode, the diesel boxcab shows more maturity, and he's supposed to be childlike! Not only that, but James' attitude is over-the-top. Sure, it would work better if this was season one, but the fact is, we're twenty seasons in! James should learn by this point not to let his ego get the better of him, but his attitude completely devalues what he'd learned in Toad's Adventure and Duck in the Water!
And, to be honest, that's very much the reason I don't like the Human Five in the Equestria Girls films. Sure, they were a great help to Twilight in the first film, but in Rainbow Rocks, they're back to childish, petty arguing, and from Friendship Games onward, they've turned into one-note caricatures of their pony counterparts, Legend of Everfree being the point they're non-existent until the end!
Back to Pouty James; the episode's killing blow is this bit of dialogue - "but not for long". So what you're saying is that James has learned nothing... which very much renders the episode as a whole completely pointless! You cut that line of dialogue, and the episode would have a point then! You can't just a teach a moral only to retract it! (On a side note, with 28 Pranks Later, I came very close to disliking Rainbow Dash, but thankfully, Top Bolt managed to salvage her character.)
You know the face the Fat Controller makes after James says "What? Oh! Sir?" That's how I feel about the episode as a whole, and James' attitude. So what if it features corny comedy with the faces? If an episode is bad, it's bad. End of.
Episode 9: Blown Away
Written by Helen Farrall
I don't know if it's just me, but I feel they went to George Harrison's solo discography when it came to picking the episode's title and then added an "N" in the middle. (Try saying that five times fast!)
Anyway, I like how Skiff got an episode to himself, and it was nice to expand on what became of him following Sailor John's arrest. Captain Joe seems like he could be an interesting character on his own, and it's great to see some human interaction. Duck and Oliver also play a good role; they tease Skiff at first, but after he saves them from crashing, they appreciate him for being there to help them out. However, why are the Slip Coaches silent?
How Skiff got himself upright is a bit ridiculous, but considering how intense the situation was, I can let it slide. The stormy scenes were great, and the music playing for the climax was intense. Of course, animation and music are standard by now, but how could I resist commenting about both? Not much else to say, really. A lot of my favorites overall have come from season 20 alone, and Blown Away is one of them.
Anyway, I like how Skiff got an episode to himself, and it was nice to expand on what became of him following Sailor John's arrest. Captain Joe seems like he could be an interesting character on his own, and it's great to see some human interaction. Duck and Oliver also play a good role; they tease Skiff at first, but after he saves them from crashing, they appreciate him for being there to help them out. However, why are the Slip Coaches silent?
How Skiff got himself upright is a bit ridiculous, but considering how intense the situation was, I can let it slide. The stormy scenes were great, and the music playing for the climax was intense. Of course, animation and music are standard by now, but how could I resist commenting about both? Not much else to say, really. A lot of my favorites overall have come from season 20 alone, and Blown Away is one of them.
Episode 10: The Way She Does It
Written by Andrew Brenner Davey Moore
I'll get this outta the way right now - STOP SHOEHORNING THOMAS IN WHERE HIS FUNNEL DOESN'T BELONG!! You could've easily replaced him with, I don't know, the Arlesdale trio and it wouldn't make a difference! Or, if you wanted to feature him, have it at Knapford where it wouldn't feel forced! (Although, to be fair, Annie and Clarabel making comments about Daisy's rudeness was pretty good.)
Okay, now that it's out of my system, let's talk about the episode itself. It's... interesting, to say the least. But does it do Daisy any favors? I think it does. If you hear of something you think will be big and grand, you may end up getting ideas above your head and not bother asking for the details. Plus, who knew that she was fluent in French?
I know some of you will want me to mention the thing that we all have a vendetta against, but for your sake as well as mine, I won't, because I don't care about that. The rest of the humor is, again, really good like Duck's comment to the audience (I think?), Daisy going past three stations at once, Stafford trying (and failing) to catch up to Daisy, and how she interacts with a bull, especially considering what happened in Bulls Eyes.
One other issue I have; why did they even bother with the word "steamie"?! (It's actually Scottish for a public wash house, not a steam engine.) The way the use the term is stupid, and it should stay well in the dark ages. Other than that issue, it's a good episode on it's own merit.
Okay, now that it's out of my system, let's talk about the episode itself. It's... interesting, to say the least. But does it do Daisy any favors? I think it does. If you hear of something you think will be big and grand, you may end up getting ideas above your head and not bother asking for the details. Plus, who knew that she was fluent in French?
I know some of you will want me to mention the thing that we all have a vendetta against, but for your sake as well as mine, I won't, because I don't care about that. The rest of the humor is, again, really good like Duck's comment to the audience (I think?), Daisy going past three stations at once, Stafford trying (and failing) to catch up to Daisy, and how she interacts with a bull, especially considering what happened in Bulls Eyes.
One other issue I have; why did they even bother with the word "steamie"?! (It's actually Scottish for a public wash house, not a steam engine.) The way the use the term is stupid, and it should stay well in the dark ages. Other than that issue, it's a good episode on it's own merit.
Thomas and Friends Season 20 Scorecard
1. Sidney Sings: 8
2. Toby's New Friend: 8
3. Henry Gets the Express: 10
4. Diesel and the Ducklings: 9
5. Bradford the Brake Van: 9
6. Saving Time: 3
7. Ryan and Daisy: 10
8. Pouty James: 1
9. Blown Away: 10
10. The Way She Does It: 8
6. Saving Time: 3
7. Ryan and Daisy: 10
8. Pouty James: 1
9. Blown Away: 10
10. The Way She Does It: 8
Season Rating So Far: 76/100
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