For the past four Thomas-related blog posts since my Top 25 Thomas characters, I've reviewed a bad episode, a terrible special, a theory regarding Thomas and Victoria, and a currently outdated issue. But now, I feel like reviewing a good episode from the show, just to prove I do actually love Thomas and Friends.
OPINIONS IN THIS BLOG ARE SOLELY MY OWN; THEY DON'T REFLECT ON THOSE BY THE THOMAS FANDOM ON WHOLE
Season 7 was very much the transition season for Thomas and Friends; it marked the end of the classic era of Thomas after nineteen years, and it was the first season filmed while under Hit Entertainment. Michael Angelis continued narrating for the UK whilst Alec Baldwin left the show to continue his movie career, being replaced by Michael Brandon. So how did the first episode of the new era go down?
In short, it was pulled off absolutely brilliantly. Yes, there are faults here and there, but I don't believe they have any affect on the plot whatsoever.
Thomas arrives at Knapford station with red coaches (not Annie and Clarabel) where he meets with Emily. After a brief greeting, Emily sets off to the yards to collect some coaches to learn the line, but the only ones there are Annie and Clarabel (I believe Thomas picked up the wrong coaches by mistake, or they were undergoing maintenance). When Emily takes them, Thomas is cross, as are Edward and Percy. Like in Harvey to the Rescue, it was a bit out of character for Edward, but then, it had no bearing on the episode. If you replaced him with James or Gordon, the story would still be the same.
Meanwhile, Thomas is told to pick up new coaches, but he wants Annie and Clarabel back. Speaking of whom, Oliver (who replaced Toby in the episode) tells Emily that they're Thomas' coaches, and she decides to apologize to him, only to come across a signalman, explaining that Oliver hasn't cleared his signalbox. What's the problem? He's broken down on the crossing (shaped like an X, not switches) and Thomas is heading straight towards him without stopping! Why's he pulling trucks and not Emily's coaches? Was there meant to be a transition there? Well, anyway, Emily, without thinking twice, shunts Oliver out of the way just in time, and that near hit (not a near miss) was brilliantly filmed as well.
Some time later, the Fat Controller praises Emily's bravery and presents her with her new coaches, and she and Thomas make amends.
I honestly don't get the stick Emily's gotten over the years; she NEVER replaced Duck! If she did, she would be wearing the number eight on her cab or her tender, but she doesn't. And again, blame the executives for their decisions and be grateful Duck wasn't messed up! (even though I don't care from him anymore, he's far too overrated) As for the episode, I love it from beginning to end. Thomas caring about Annie and Clarabel is always good to show, and heck, even season eight's Thomas Saves the Day proved that! For Emily being ignored, it actually makes sense since she was new, and that rescue scene was just dramatic and well-filmed.
On whole, this was Hit's best episode in the model era, and it's up there with the ranks of Best Friends.
Season 7, Episode 1
Emily's New Coaches
Written by Jan Page
In short, it was pulled off absolutely brilliantly. Yes, there are faults here and there, but I don't believe they have any affect on the plot whatsoever.
Thomas arrives at Knapford station with red coaches (not Annie and Clarabel) where he meets with Emily. After a brief greeting, Emily sets off to the yards to collect some coaches to learn the line, but the only ones there are Annie and Clarabel (I believe Thomas picked up the wrong coaches by mistake, or they were undergoing maintenance). When Emily takes them, Thomas is cross, as are Edward and Percy. Like in Harvey to the Rescue, it was a bit out of character for Edward, but then, it had no bearing on the episode. If you replaced him with James or Gordon, the story would still be the same.
Meanwhile, Thomas is told to pick up new coaches, but he wants Annie and Clarabel back. Speaking of whom, Oliver (who replaced Toby in the episode) tells Emily that they're Thomas' coaches, and she decides to apologize to him, only to come across a signalman, explaining that Oliver hasn't cleared his signalbox. What's the problem? He's broken down on the crossing (shaped like an X, not switches) and Thomas is heading straight towards him without stopping! Why's he pulling trucks and not Emily's coaches? Was there meant to be a transition there? Well, anyway, Emily, without thinking twice, shunts Oliver out of the way just in time, and that near hit (not a near miss) was brilliantly filmed as well.
Some time later, the Fat Controller praises Emily's bravery and presents her with her new coaches, and she and Thomas make amends.
I honestly don't get the stick Emily's gotten over the years; she NEVER replaced Duck! If she did, she would be wearing the number eight on her cab or her tender, but she doesn't. And again, blame the executives for their decisions and be grateful Duck wasn't messed up! (even though I don't care from him anymore, he's far too overrated) As for the episode, I love it from beginning to end. Thomas caring about Annie and Clarabel is always good to show, and heck, even season eight's Thomas Saves the Day proved that! For Emily being ignored, it actually makes sense since she was new, and that rescue scene was just dramatic and well-filmed.
On whole, this was Hit's best episode in the model era, and it's up there with the ranks of Best Friends.
Rating: 10 out of 10
Thomas & Friends Season 7 Scorecard (out of 10 possible points)
1. Emily's New Coaches: 10
The best debut episode Emily could ever get.
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