12 Days of Christmas: Thomas & Friends Season 18 - The Christmas Engines

Well, this was a long time coming. I know they'll be airing in the United Kingdom soon, but what the heck, I'm gonna go and review them now rather than later. As usual, here's the disclaimer:

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

Three months ago, season 18 took a break from its run with Toad's Bright Idea, which has so far turned out to be a big favorite of mine. Can anything top that or No Steam without Coal? Let's find out!

Long Lost Friend

Written by Mark Huckerby and Nick Ostler

Is it me, or is Percy getting a lot of Christmas-themed stories? :P Anyway, this was another pretty good episode, and it was nice seeing Gator make a return visit for Christmas. The plot of the unknown delivery of rock salt was pretty amusing, and yes, the driver and fireman spoke for the first time in eight years! Now if only they were more involved in the stories... Something I find odd; how does Owen know Gator? Oh, and did anyone notice the Steamworks turntable got changed as well?

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Last Train for Christmas

Written by Andrew Brenner

Easily the best of the lot in my books; Connor and the slip coaches (glad they weren't forgotten about) got to play big roles in the episode, we get a large supporting cast and some great humor as well like the Harold/Santa confusion. Diesel showing some sensibility about the weather was really shocking; in the TV series, we're used to him being devious, not wise. Not that it's a bad thing; it was nice of Diesel to show wisdom there. The story was great, and therefore, a good episode.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Duncan the Humbug

Written by Davey Moore

When I first saw the title, I thought the plot was gonna have some resemblance to A Christmas Carol. Turns out it didn't, but that doesn't mean the episode was a downer; far from it! Although, again, Thomas' role was unneeded; if you replaced him with Edward or Henry, the story would be the same. Likewise for Henry's Hero when Duck's role could've gone to anyone. But for Duncan the Humbug, Rusty's role was perfect for him as Duncan's foil. The episode shows that despite his gruffness, Duncan can have a heart of gold somewhere in his smokebox. And that shot of the viaduct? Words can't describe how lovely it is...

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

The Perfect Gift

Written by Davey Moore

Now here's the episode that gave Reg is own chance to shine. The plot was reminiscent to The Party Surprise, only this time, Reg had more personality than Colin did. Even if a character is stuck in one place, they must have some personality to give life to their area. I definitely chuckled when Percy muttered "magical", and hearing him sing with the carolers was a nice touch.

Rating: 8 out of 10

I've already reviewed Duck in the Water, and the rating is still the same.

As for the episodes, all of them were very enjoyable, Last Train for Christmas especially. The team of Arc Productions really must enjoy animating weather scenes and times of day for these episodes. There are a few issues I have, but I don't think they're even worth mentioning. All I can say is that they're worth watching, hence the minimal amount of spoilers. Next year, I'll be reviewing the American DVD and comparing it to the UK release. In a month or two, I'll also be reviewing the Dinos and Discoveries episodes; they should be interesting, especially Emily Saves the World...

But now, let's go back to Equestria and review the season finales!

Tomorrow: The Best Night Ever + MLP Season 1 Overall
January/February 2015: Dinos and Discoveries + TTTE Season 18 Overall

Thomas & Friends Season 18 Scorecard (out of 10 possible points)

1. Old Reliable Edward: 9
2. Not So Slow Coaches: 9.5

3. Flatbeds of Fear: 7

4. Disappearing Diesels: 8
5. Signals Crossed: 6

6. Toad's Adventure: 8.5
7. Duck in the Water: 7.5
8. Duck and the Slip Coaches: 9
9. Thomas the Quarry Engine: 8
10. Thomas and the Emergency Cable: 8.5
11. Duncan and the Grumpy Passenger: 9
12. Marion and the Pipe: 8
13. Missing Gator: 8.5
14. No Steam without Coal: 10
15. Spencer's VIP: 9
16. Toad's Bright Idea: 9.5
17. Long Lost Friend: 8.5
18. Last Train for Christmas: 10
19. Duncan the Humbug: 8.5
20. The Perfect Gift: 8