TTTE S7E23 - Gordon and Spencer

Running low on introductions to every review. Erm, will Happy Thursday please you? Ah well, let's get on with it!

THE OPINIONS, THOUGHTS AND MUSINGS IN THIS BLOG POST ARE SOLELY THOSE OF ZACK WANZER, NOT THE THOMAS FANDOM IN GENERAL

Season 7, Episode 23

Gordon and Spencer
Written by Lee Pressman

One morning, a Duke and Duchess are coming to Sodor, and Gordon hopes that the Fat Controller will choose him as their special engine. As he heads off to pick them up, he's diverted onto a siding to let another engine pass. This engine is big, silver, and very fast, surprising Gordon with his sudden appearance. The engine is Spencer, a Gresley A4 pacific, and he's the Duke and Duchess' private engine. Interesting that two engines both built by the same designer for the LNER are rivals, isn't it?

A party is being held for the Duke and Duchess at Maron, far away over Gordon's hill (kudos for using the map!) and although Gordon suggests that he take on water, Spencer ignores Gordon and leaves to pick up the Duke and Duchess. Poor Gordon... no, seriously. We're so used to his arrogance by this point, and you never imagine you'd have to side with him for once, kind of like Rainbow Dash in Wonderbolts Academy.

Because Spencer ignored Gordon's warning, he runs out of water on the hill and Gordon is called in to help, much to the blue pacific's amusement. Even so, he helps Spencer get to Maron and they arrive on time, although Spencer keeps very quiet while the Fat Controller praises Gordon.

For once in one of his starring roles, Gordon actually comes out on top in the end; he feels hurt when Spencer ignores his advice, but when Spencer runs out of water, Gordon helps him and wins in the end. That got right what the ending with Emily in Duck and the Slip Coaches didn't; the character who was hurt from the start (well, more near the middle, since that was when Emily appeared) comes out on top in the end. An issue I didn't pick up on was Spencer's driver not allowing his engine to stop for water; very minor, and it could've been fixed easily, but whatever.

Gordon and Spencer isn't perfect, but the story is still very strong, as is the moral, and that's what matters here. Definitely my other favorite of season seven, and I feel it's worth watching.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Thomas and Friends Season 7 Scorecard

1. Emily's New Coaches: 10
23. Gordon and Spencer: 10