Thomas and Friends S18E16: Toad's Bright Idea

OPINIONS IN THIS BLOG ARE SOLELY MY OWN; THEY DON'T REFLECT ON THOSE BY THE THOMAS FANDOM ON WHOLE

THIS BLOG CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS; READ AT YOUR OWN RISK

Last week had a few marmite episodes; either you love them or loathe them (I like them, by the way!) This week, it's only one episode featuring our favorite GWR brakevan and co-star to Tale of the Brave. How will their chemistry turn out? Let's find out!

Toad's Bright Idea

Written by Davey Moore

What's really surprising about the episode is that it took place during Tale of the Brave. It's pretty evident by James' first glance of Gator, and running away in fright. Yeah, it was humorous when Gator's lamp turned on and he moans "not again". I didn't think a midquel was possible in a TV episode! We got a few in the annual stories explaining how Diesel came up with the nicknames for Henry, James, and Gordon, but never mind. As for Toad's Bright Idea, it was nice seeing a different side to Gator, and his frustration with Toad's nagging made me laugh, it was presented perfectly. And yes, Oliver's "later, Gator" joke also made me chuckle. Another fantastic episode of the season with great humor throughout.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

So far, season 18 has proved to be excellent. We did have a couple of stinker moments, but the amount of railway realism and the slice-of-life stories more than made up for them. I don't get why people are complaining about this reason; weren't the original Railway Series stories about simplicity? Well, like the moral for Duncan and the Grumpy Passenger says, you can't always please everyone. We've only got ten episodes to go; four as seen on The Christmas Engines, and six from Dinos and Discoveries. I wonder how those episodes will turn out...?

Thomas and Friends Season 18 Scorecard

No Steam without Coal - 10/10
Toad's Bright Idea - 9.5/10

Not So Slow Coaches - 9.5/10

Old Reliable Edward - 9/10

Duncan and the Grumpy Passenger - 9/10

Duck and the Slip Coaches - 9/10

Spencer's VIP - 9/10

Toad's Adventure - 8.5/10

Missing Gator - 8.5/10

Thomas and the Emergency Cable - 8.5/10

Thomas the Quarry Engine - 8/10

Marion and the Pipe - 8/10

Disappearing Diesels - 8/10

Duck in the Water - 7.5/10

Flatbeds of Fear - 7/10

Signals Crossed - 6/10

Overall Score So Far: 8.4/10