TTTE S5E18 - Oliver's Find

Another day, another review. Here's another season five episode I'm reviewing - Oliver's Find!

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

Season 5, Episode 18

Oliver's Find
Written by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton

Just because Oliver isn't working on the Little Western, that doesn't make the episode bad on the spot; if they said he worked on the Little Western, then the plot would still be the same. Anyway, Oliver feels the need for a change of scenery and Toad suggests that he speak to the Fat Controller about this. However, Oliver is rough with the trucks and accidentally shunts them into the turntable well. The Fat Controller scolds him for causing trouble and assigns Oliver to work with the mail train. Speaking of which, I'm surprised that no one's brought this up in a few reviews I've read; another engine besides Thomas or Percy taking the mail train is a good idea for a story idea. It's happened years later in Edward and the Mail, but I'll get to that soon enough.

Back to the episode: Oliver runs along the coastal track with the mail train (odd that Toad isn't his brakevan, but meh) and later stops at a station to wait for some important mail from Harold who's late due to a problem with one of his arms. Oliver tries to make up for lost time, but stops at a red signal, and even when he blows his whistle, the signalman doesn't respond having dozed off, so Oliver and his crew proceed with caution. Unfortunately, they end up in the wrong direction and run into an abandoned shed close to a rundown station.

The Fat Controller is worried when Oliver doesn't turn up and he and Harold look from above the sky to find Oliver. They find him and the mail train at the station, having got out of the shed (maybe they brought him outside and removed the wood on top of him?) The Fat Controller is glad that Oliver and his crew are safe, and then turns his attention to an empty old house by the station and inspects it, intrigued. He returns and tells Oliver that he's found another attraction for Sodor and decides to have it renovated so visitors can have tea and crumpets there, and Oliver muses that getting lost can be interesting, but being found is much better.

People, help me out here; how does Oliver not working on the Little Western destroy the episode? To be fair, the yard Oliver ended up in was never brought up again, which I can understand, but on whole, I think this episode is very understated. Then again, I can say the same for all of season five; I don't get why people have been giving it so much stick lately. It feels like season three of Friendship is Magic - people thought that season was the first sign of seasonal rot, but really, it's actually enjoyable to watch. Plus, I'd rather watch season five over S13-16 any day. As for Oliver's Find, despite the ending never being expanded upon, I think it's quite good, but it could use some tweaks.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Thomas and Friends Season 5 Scorecard

13. Stepney Gets Lost: 5.5

14. Toby's Discovery: 5

15. Something in the Air: 9

18. Oliver's Find: 7

25. Rusty and the Boulder: 5

RWS #24: Oliver the Western Engine

After his great escape in Enterprising Engines, Oliver the 14xx tank engine gets a couple of stories to himself alongside Duck and the Scottish twins. Was it really worth naming this book after Oliver?

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

(special thanks to the Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the images)

The Railway Series Book #24

Oliver the Western Engine

Written by The Rev. W. Awdry

Illustrated by Gunvor and Peter Edwards

Published November 15, 1969

The year of 1969 was a turning point for pop culture - the Beatles made their last public (if not unannounced) live performance, Richard Nixon became the 37th US President, John Lennon and his new wife Yoko Ono told the world to "Give Peace a Chance" while the Vietnam War raged on, Led Zeppelin was fresh news in the music industry, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon (and yes, I believe they did so; anyone who says otherwise can stuff it for all I care), Monty Python first appeared on BBC and made us laugh out loud, and we don't know where Scooby-Doo is, but can you tell us how to get to Sesame Street?

Meanwhile, since steam had died out on British Railways, poor Wilbert Awdry was beginning to struggle with new ideas for the Railway Series...

Dear M.,
We both wanted to call this book Little Western Engines; but Publishers are stern men. They did not approve.

They, of course, don't know the trouble we've had with Oliver. We hope he has learnt sense, but goodness knows what will happen when he finds he has a book all to himself....

I know! If Oliver gets uppish, we'll set Messrs. Kaye & Ward on to him. That'll teach him!
W.

Donald's Duck
Season 3, Episode 5

Duck is assigned to run the branchline running up to the Arlesdale Railway, and he is so proud of this that Donald gets tired off his boasting and jokes with quacking and states that Duck must have laid an egg. Insulted, Duck and his crew get back at Donald by putting a duckling in the Scottish engine's water tank. The duckling is tame, and rides with Donald all the wall to the middle station where she stays. Donald and his crew get even with Duck by placing a nestbox with an egg in it underneath Duck's bunker, and he concedes defeat. As for the duckling, she is named Dilly, but is referred to as "Donald's duck".

Pretty clever title pun by Awdry there. :P The dialogue is really funny there, but the adaptation has flaws; what is the point of building a station next to another? Also, Toby's role is pointless. It wasn't a perfect adaptation, but it wasn't bad either; I'd still watch it anyway.

RWS Rating: 8 out of 10
TV Series Rating: 6.5 out of 10

Resource and Sagacity/Oliver Owns Up
Season 3, Episode 22

After his restoration, Oliver is sent to work on the Little Western. The big engines give Oliver praise for his adventures, and he becomes conceited and dismisses Duck's concerns. Oliver does meet his match with some unruly ballast trucks and they push him into the turntable well. Oliver is scolded afterwards by the Fat Controller and the Scottish twins, and feels very silly.

Because the Arlesdale engines weren't featured at the time, it does affect the adaptation badly, especially since Oliver was made to take coal trucks rather than ballast trucks. The ending was rushed, although the accident looked ace.

RWS Rating: 9 out of 10
TV Series Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Toad Stands By
Season 4, Episode 20

After he returns from his accident, Oliver is teased by S. C. Ruffey and the trucks with rude songs, and the engines try to get them to stop, to no avail. Toad offers to help Oliver get back at the trucks, although Duck is skeptical. Oliver arranged the worst trucks two by two, leaving S. C. Ruffey for last, who tells the trucks to hold back. They do, but Oliver pulls on the trucks, causing S. C. Ruffey to fall to pieces. The Fat Controller knows that he was poorly built, but tells Oliver to keep quiet about - the trucks fear Oliver will rip them apart as well!

Again, it was out of order; also, why is S. C. Ruffey rebuilt? The spiteful brakevan had been "killed off" in season two, and he wasn't rebuilt either! To be fair, the way S. C. Ruffey fell apart looked brilliant, and the moral about bullies is very good - they get what's coming to them. However, why does Toad ask Douglas to stay with Oliver? Since he never worked with Douglas in the adaptation, it leads to confusion.

RWS Rating: 9.5 out of 10
TV Series Rating: 8 out of 10

Bulgy
Season 3, Episode 23

One Bank Holiday, Duck meets with a railway-hating doubledecker bus whom Oliver nicknames Bulgy. Oliver gets worried when Bulgy's friend comes leaving Bulgy free to steal the engines' passengers, and he does so, lying that he accepts railway tickets. He gets his comeuppance when he's wedged under a bridge and Duck reclaims his passengers and takes them home. As for Bulgy, he is turned into a hen-house where his lies can do no harm.

Out of the adaptations from this book, this was the most loyal apart from the exclusion of the Arlesdale Railway. A road vs. rail rivalry is certainly something we need more often, not the overuse of steam vs. diesel. Bulgy being stuck under the bridge was very funny and amazingly filmed.

As for that July 2012 article on The Guardian? The Fat Controller doesn't own Bulgy; the bus company does! And how does Bulgy being red relate to Communism? If it does, then that person is saying James, Mike and the Skarloey engines (barring Rusty and Duke) are Communists as well!

RWS/TV Series Rating: 9 out of 10

Stray Observations

The foreword was addressed to Margaret Awdry, Wilbert's then-wife. It said he wanted to name it Little Western Engines, but the publishers wanted it to have Oliver's name in the title. Why would they do so when the likes of Main Line Engines sold well despite having no engine's name in the title? Remember this when I review book #39...

Overall

This was a pretty good way to expand upon the line from Tidmouth to Arlesburgh - the Little Western. I do wish they stuck with the original title; it would've sold fine regardless if it had Oliver's name or not! Speaking of whom, it's nice to expand on his character a little, but it's a shame that this was the only other book where he played a major role. Same with the likes of Bear and Toad; it's very disappointing in my opinion.

However, we still have a few loose ends to tie up in the next book, about three little engines from a long-forgotten railway...

Overall Book Rating: 8.9 out of 10

The Railway Series Scorecard

1. The Three Railway Engines: 8.4

2. Thomas the Tank Engine: 9
3. James the Red Engine: 7.5
4. Tank Engine Thomas Again: 9.5
5. Troublesome Engines: 8.1
6. Henry the Green Engine: 8.4
7. Toby the Tram Engine: 9
8. Gordon the Big Engine: 8.6
9. Edward the Blue Engine: 9.3
10. Four Little Engines: 8.8
11. Percy the Small Engine: 8.9
12. The Eight Famous Engines: 8.8
13. Duck and the Diesel Engine: 8.5
14. The Little Old Engine: 8.9
15. The Twin Engines: 9.1
16. Branch Line Engines: 9.3
17. Gallant Old Engine: 9.3
18. Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine: 8.5

19. Mountain Engines: 8.9
20. Very Old Engines: 9.1
21. Main Line Engines: 9
22. Small Railway Engines: 9.3
23. Enterprising Engines: 9.5
24. Oliver the Western Engine: 8.9

Thomas and Friends Season 3 Scorecard

1. A Scarf for Percy: 8.5
2. Percy's Promise: 6.5
3. Time for Trouble: 6
4. Gordon and the Famous Visitor: 8
5. Donald's Duck: 6.5

9. Henry's Forest: 9
10. The Trouble with Mud: 4

16. Edward, Trevor and the Really Useful Party: 8.5

17. Buzz Buzz: 8
19. One Good Turn: 9
20. Tender Engines: 4
21. Escape: 10
22. Oliver Owns Up: 7.5
23. Bulgy: 9
26. Thomas and Percy's Christmas (Mountain) Adventure: 7.5 (UK) / 4 (US)

Thomas and Friends Season 4 Scorecard

5. Four Little Engines: 7
6. A Bad Day for Sir Handel: 6.5
7. Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady: 9.5
8. Trucks!: 8
9. Home at Last: 8.5
10. Rock 'n' Roll: 9
11. Special Funnel: 7.5
12. Steam Roller: 9
13. Passengers and Polish: 9
14. Gallant Old Engine: 9
15. Rusty to the Rescue: 2
16. Thomas and Stepney: 2.5
17. Train Stops Play: 8.5
18. Bowled Out: 9
19. Henry and the Elephant: 7
20. Toad Stands By: 8
21. Bulls Eyes: 6.5
22. Thomas and the Special Letter: 8.5
23. Paint Pots and Queens: 8

RWS #23: Enterprising Engines

It's time for the big one; the most well-known book of the Railway Series is under my microscope. Is it the greatest book of the series? That's what I'm about to find out!

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

(special thanks to the Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the images)

The Railway Series Book #23

Enterprising Engines

Written by The Rev. W. Awdry

Illustrated by Gunvor and Peter Edwards

Published October 4, 1968

Right before I wrote up this review, I didn't know which I liked more - this or Tank Engine Thomas Again? Well, we're going to find out and see which I prefer!

Dear Richard,
Do you remember the photographs you took of what happened to your train on the way to Waterloo in April 1967?

Your Mother, very kindly, gave me a set, and they helped our artist to draw at least two of the pictures for "Super Rescue".

Anyway, "Super Rescue" is the story which your pictures told me. I hope you will enjoy it, and the other three stories as well.
The Author

Tenders for Henry/Tender Engines
Season 3, Episode 20

Gordon is in a surly mood, and it doesn't improve when he hears that all of his brothers have been withdrawn and scrapped... except one, who the Fat Controller invites to visit. Gordon is thrilled to see Flying Scotsman and everyone gets on with him, except for Henry, who feels he deserves another tender (Flying Scotsman has two because the other railway hardly has any coal and water) Duck offers to give Henry six tenders, but it turns out they're dirty and filled with sludge, much to Henry's disgust.

It's been said that Flying Scotsman's role was cut due to budgets. I say bull to that; if Britt had the money then why couldn't they bother making the model in the first place?! Then again, if they did, then the world's most famous steam engine preserved would've suffered the same fate as Stepney did. Also, how does Gordon not know his own brother? The original did right what the adaptation got wrong; it tackled what was happening on British Railways head on. It's like mentioning the death of a family member - there is no sugarcoating it, and if you do, you're insulting the memory of those who died. At least Henry's part of the story was done close to the original, but waiting til the episode's halfway done to improve? Sorry, no can do.

I'm not saying the adaptation is worse than The Trouble with Mud, but it's as bad as it is.

RWS Rating: 8.5 out of 10
TV Series Rating: 4 out of 10

Super Rescue

Two diesels are brought in on trial - 7101, who is friendly, and 199, who is rude. When Henry's regulator jams and he runs home tender first, he encounters 199 with a train of tankers and moaning for a fitter. Henry shifts him out of the way, and 7101 also fails with the Limited when his ejector leaks. Henry helps both diesels with their trains (7101 helps as best as he can) and is praised for his heroic actions. Flying Scotsman takes over for 7101, and Donald takes over for 199, and Henry helps 7101 to the shed.

Now this is the best story which has never been adapted for TV; it harks back to Henry in the old days - once a feeble steamer, he's now helping to shift two diesels despite his jammed regulator. The contrast between 199 and 7101 is also admirable, especially on the first page where 7101 stands up for the steam engines, and later on, he does his best to keep his passengers moving despite his leaking ejector. If this were adapted as an episode or part of a special, I'd love to see that!

Rating: 10 out of 10

Escape (Part 1)
Season 3, Episode 21A

This was a request on DeviantArt by WildNorWester. If you have any requests for episodes you'd like me to tackle, do leave a comment below, or send me a private message. Also, read the list of reviews that I'll never do to understand there are episodes I won't do.

Douglas takes the Midnight Goods to the other railway, and before he can return home, he encounters a stranded tank engine named Oliver and agrees to help him escape to Sodor. They're stopped by a foreman, but he's coaxed to let them pass. Douglas and Oliver make it to Sodor safely, and with the help of a watchman, hide Oliver as well as an autocoach named Isabel and a brakevan called Toad.

Out of all of the season three adaptations, this is the absolute best, and it's easy to see why; the music for the scene when Oliver escapes with Douglas is composed brilliantly, and it stuck very closely to the original, despite some changes. I didn't mind the scenes with Edward; he tells Douglas that he and Trevor are no different, and it (indirectly) mentions the events of The Missing Coach. Plus, since Douglas had been in a similar position to Oliver, he didn't hesitate to help him to safety. I didn't mind the autocoaches not appearing either, and I'll get to why later.

RWS/TV Series Rating: 10 out of 10

Little Western/Escape (Part 2)
Season 3, Episode 21B

Douglas returns home just in time to see Flying Scotsman off. Afterward, the tells the other engines about Oliver, and when the Fat Controller shows up, he commends Douglas' actions and tells all the engines that Oliver will become part of Duck's branchline, and Toad will be Douglas' brakevan. As for 7101, he becomes a North Western engine and is renamed Bear because of his growls. Three more autocoaches - Dulcie, Alice and Mirabel - are rescued as well; Dulcie with Oliver and Isabel and Alice and Mirabel with Duck.

It was a great way to tie up the loose ends in the book - we know that Flying Scotsman will be returning home, we know what's become of Bear, and we have relief that Oliver, Isabel and Toad are safe and sound on Sodor. Not much to say, really, other than it's a great way to end the book.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Stray Observations

1968 was the year British Railways finally withdrew steam, and this book reflected on that.

7101 and 199 are fictional numbers for both the Class 35 Hymeks and Class 46 Peaks, respectively. The last 35 built was 7100, and the last 46 was 193. Maybe 199 was part of a cancelled batch of six extra Peaks, and 7101 was built as an extra Hymek?

Super Rescue was based upon an event that happened at Waterloo in April 1967, hence the foreword was written for someone called Richard.

Flying Scotsman's owner was Alan E. Pegler, and he and E. Hoyle helped Awdry in preparation for this book. Pegler died on March 18, 2012. We should be grateful for him; if it wasn't for Pegler, we would've had no A3s left. Flying Scotsman is expected to be back in steam in 2015.

Why did I say I didn't mind that the autocoaches weren't made for TV? Let me put it this way; Annie and Clarabel help keep Thomas in check when he gets into trouble, and Henrietta is a lifelong companion to Toby, she hates being separated from him, and Toby thinks so too. As for the autocoaches, they don't have enough character to make me like them, and they did very little. I don't think they'll be making it on TV any time soon given that Duck now has the Slip Coaches to pull.

Overall

Wow, four fantastic books in a row!

Many fans consider this to be the greatest Railway Series book of all time, and it's easy to see why; with steam engines being withdrawn on British Railways, the Sodor steam engines felt threatened at first, but relieved when the Fat Controller says he will never abolish steam, making Sodor a safe haven for steam engines. But now, which do I prefer more? This or Tank Engine Thomas Again? For now, I'm going with Tank Engine Thomas Again, but only by a hair or so.

Overall Book Rating: 9.5 out of 10

The Railway Series Scorecard

1. The Three Railway Engines: 8.4

2. Thomas the Tank Engine: 9
3. James the Red Engine: 7.5
4. Tank Engine Thomas Again: 9.5
5. Troublesome Engines: 8.1
6. Henry the Green Engine: 8.4
7. Toby the Tram Engine: 9
8. Gordon the Big Engine: 8.6
9. Edward the Blue Engine: 9.3
10. Four Little Engines: 8.8
11. Percy the Small Engine: 8.9
12. The Eight Famous Engines: 8.8
13. Duck and the Diesel Engine: 8.5
14. The Little Old Engine: 8.9
15. The Twin Engines: 9.1
16. Branch Line Engines: 9.3
17. Gallant Old Engine: 9.3
18. Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine: 8.5

19. Mountain Engines: 8.9
20. Very Old Engines: 9.1
21. Main Line Engines: 9
22. Small Railway Engines: 9.3
23. Enterprising Engines: 9.5

Thomas and Friends Season 3 Scorecard

1. A Scarf for Percy: 8.5
2. Percy's Promise: 6.5
3. Time for Trouble: 6
4. Gordon and the Famous Visitor: 8

9. Henry's Forest: 9
10. The Trouble with Mud: 4

16. Edward, Trevor and the Really Useful Party: 8.5

17. Buzz Buzz: 8
19. One Good Turn: 9
20. Tender Engines: 4
21. Escape: 10
26. Thomas and Percy's Christmas (Mountain) Adventure: 7.5 (UK) / 4 (US)

RWS #22: Small Railway Engines

With Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure having come out in September 2015, I felt that it was fair that I reviewed the book featuring the characters that made their TV series debut back then - the Arlesdale Miniature engines Rex, Bert and Mike! So here's my thoughts on Small Railway Engines.

The Railway Series Book #22

Small Railway Engines

Written by The Rev. W. Awdry

Illustrated by Gunvor and Peter Edwards

Published 1967

Dear Friends,
Some leadmines up in the hills have long been closed, but their waste-heaps still spoil a lovely valley.

The Fat Controller has now found that this waste is good weed-killing railway ballast. He talked to the Owner and the Thin Controller of the Skarloey Railway, and other important people. They "went shares" and built a Small Railway to fetch it away.

The Small Engines are managed by a Controller. They call him the Small Controller; but that is only in fun. He is bigger than either of the others!
The Author

Ballast

Donald and Douglas claim that the new ballast in the sidings comes from the hills brought in by "verra wee engines". When Duck gets his chance to go up the line beyond the big station, he meets with a miniature green engine named Rex, and later on, he meets with Mike and Bert and they tell him about their line. Afterwards, he promises to bring them lots of passengers.

Take note of the last line of the summary - it will build up to the next two books, and the third afterward will be built up to as well. Once again, a nice, simple introduction to a new railway, and the way Rex revealed himself to Duck (you'd have to picture it for yourself) was very amusing.

 Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Tit for Tat

Two clergymen are coming to the Arlesdale Railway to take pictures of the engines; Bert misunderstands that he could be physically stuck in a book, but when he meets the two clergymen, he feels better, but not when they don't wave when taking pictures. The last straw for him is when he is drenched in muddy water and Bert gets back at them and gets his driver and the Fat Clergyman soaked with his steam. After he is scolded, Bert makes amends with the two clergymen and tells Rex and Mike they're going to be in a book.

Don't feel put off by the first word in the title; in the story's context, it does not mean... yeah, I think I've explained enough. What "tit for tat" means is equivalent retribution, an eye for an eye, or returning exactly what you get. In this case, the clergymen got Bert muddy by accident, and he got the Fat Clergyman (and his driver) wet deliberately. It's a great way to show that two wrongs don't make a right.

 Rating: 9 out of 10

Mike's Whistle

When Duck's whistle is broken due to his crew using his fire to cook eggs, Mike mocks Duck for it ("engines without whistles aren't engines at all"), but is infuriated when Bert and Rex tease him about his whistle. Mike's temper worsens when he's forced to take passengers, and the last straw comes when a cow strays onto his line, and he blows his whistle so hard it flies away never to be seen again. The passengers and crew all whistle for Mike, and afterward, he's made to work at the quarry for the rest of the day, and to add insult to injury, Bert and Rex tease by calling him an improper engine.

If you've read my Faulty Whistles review, you'll find the similarities. This is my favorite of the book, and I almost imagine Mike having a Basil Fawlty-esque rant towards the cow, ending with him shrieking about giving her a "damn good blast of [his] whistle" before doing so. I can almost hear it in my head.

 Rating: 10 out of 10

Useful Railway

After some trouble with a herd of sheep, Mike calls them silly, but Rex says they're useful since they provide wool. To prove his point, Rex is assigned the first train and becomes cocky about it. He gets his comeuppance when a tractor's load spills on the tracks and he has a derailment. Rex stays where he is for a few days with Mike and Bert teasing him as they pass, but they help him back on the rails afterward and are sorry for teasing him, as is Rex for being arrogant. In the end, all three have proven themselves really useful engines.

Once again, an engine becomes cocky and gets his comeuppance, and this time, the one responsible for causing the accident - Willie - is scolded for his carelessness, but makes up for it by cleaning up his mess. I did feel bad for Rex; he had been cocky and deserved consequences for it, but he felt very silly for it and when Mike and Bert helped him, you can tell that Rex got the message and in a sense, asked for forgiveness which he got.

 Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Stray Observations

The Small Controller's nickname derives from the fact that he runs the small railway. Ironically, he is quite tall! His appearance almost reminds me of John Cleese for some reason...

Don't those two clergymen seem familiar? They should be - they are, in fact, the Rev. W. Awdry (the Thin one) and the Rev. Teddy Boston (the Fat one) themselves!

Overall

Rex, Bert and Mike bounce off one another in very humorous ways; Mike's fiery temper and Rex's playful teasing is amusing to see, almost like something out of a British sitcom like Fawlty Towers or Blackadder. Until 2015, it was disappointing that the Arlesdale Railway had never been adapted for TV; they played a very important role in Duke's book and yet the last story in said book had been rewritten to fit TV standards. However, they're finally got their chance in CGI in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure and it continued onto three episodes in season 20. I'd love to see more of what they can do (given the chance, of course)!

Overall Book Rating: 9.3 out of 10

The Railway Series Scorecard

1. The Three Railway Engines: 8.4

2. Thomas the Tank Engine: 9
3. James the Red Engine: 7.5
4. Tank Engine Thomas Again: 9.5
5. Troublesome Engines: 8.1
6. Henry the Green Engine: 8.4
7. Toby the Tram Engine: 9
8. Gordon the Big Engine: 8.6
9. Edward the Blue Engine: 9.3
10. Four Little Engines: 8.8
11. Percy the Small Engine: 8.9
12. The Eight Famous Engines: 8.8
13. Duck and the Diesel Engine: 8.5
14. The Little Old Engine: 8.9
15. The Twin Engines: 9.1
16. Branch Line Engines: 9.3
17. Gallant Old Engine: 9.3
18. Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine: 8.5

19. Mountain Engines: 8.9
20. Very Old Engines: 9.1
21. Main Line Engines: 9
22. Small Railway Engines: 9.3

TTTE S6E26 - Faulty Whistles

Only three episodes reviewed and we're already at the series finale of six? Well, since I'm reviewing episodes out of order, why should anyone complain?

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

Season 6, Episode 26
Faulty Whistles
Story by David Mitton

Written by Ross Hastings

While taking some trucks for Duncan to take to Strawberry Grove, Peter Sam hits a branch that knocks his whistle off, something that Duncan is quick to exploit - "An engine's not an engine without a whistle!" However, the others ignore him, and Duncan is offended, thinking that they're jealous of his whistle. He blows at some sheep, but they ignore him. At a crossing, he blows loudly at Elizabeth and the bull she's carrying, startling it. Little does he know that his whistle has come loose...

Duncan comes across Terence and decides to give him a loud, long whistle, only for his whistle to fly out of place and away from his sight, much to his shock. Without a whistle, Duncan is stuck, but the Headmaster saves the day by using the organ as a whistle, although Duncan is unimpressed. On the way home (why Duncan didn't go to Strawberry Grove, I don't know, but then, he'd have to have another engine to get him) the Headmaster plays a lively tune as Duncan puffs along, and at the sheds, the engines whistle and toot along. Peter Sam, who has gotten a new whistle, feels sorry for Duncan and praises him for doing his work without a whistle, and Duncan manages to see the funny side as well.

If you were to find the first episode to be based on a Railway Series story since season four, look no further; Faulty Whistles took some inspiration from Mike's Whistle and gave its own unique twist on the story. I'm all for rehashes as long as they do something new and unique, as well as making it feel like an original story. Plus, the rendition of Coming Round the Mountain on the organ is fantastic. It did have the three-strikes formula, but compared to S13-16, it's not that big a deal. I liked it.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Thomas & Friends Season 6 Scorecard (out of 10 possible points)

10. Twin Trouble: 7.5
24. Dunkin Duncan: 8
26. Faulty Whistles: 8.5

TTTE S3E19 - One Good Turn

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

Season 3, Episode 19

One Good Turn

Based on the magazine stories by Andrew Brenner

Adapted by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton

I find it strange that at the start, Bill and Ben are mentioned to be working on the Fat Controller's railway when really, they're privately owned. I'm not gonna dwell on that since it's the least of this episode's problems. Anyway, he asks for Bill and Ben's help in the big yards, and they agree to help out. There, they tease BoCo that he's tired and offer to take all his trains for him, but the big diesel doesn't fall for their prank, although he appreciates their help in the yard.

Bill and Ben are soon hard at work, and afterward, the day's work is done and Bill has a spin on the turntable, but his fun is short lived when he's made to let the other engines use it, but ends up on Ben's line by mistake, and the two argue over who's in who's way. The next day, each twin complains to BoCo about the other, much to the big diesel's concern ("The way I heard it, it sounded like you were both to blame.") and soon, even Edward loses patience with the twins' grumbling as it spreads a bad atmosphere in the yard. However, BoCo has a plan (not in the "cunning" way as Baldrick would think) to get them to stop grumbling...

The Fat Controller asks the twins to take BoCo's heavy goods train while the diesel takes a special train to the harbor, ignoring their protests. Ben tries to take the train on his own, but it's too heavy for him alone, and soon, both he and Bill laugh about it and agree to take the train together, becoming friends once more.

Having a story set on Edward's branchline is a big rarity these days - very recently, we got No Steam without Coal, and look at how well the story did to have a standard gauge episode without any Steam Team members playing a role (yes, Edward cameoed, but still). Back in season three, it was actually a great idea to have a few stories based around Edward's branchline like this and Edward, Trevor and the Really Useful Party which I reviewed earlier, and to give BoCo a little bit of time in the spotlight. The moral about helping friends really can teach kids a lot, and so does a lot of positive messages throughout the season. Another favorite of mine in this season.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Thomas and Friends Season 3 Scorecard

1. A Scarf for Percy: 8.5
2. Percy's Promise: 6.5
3. Time for Trouble: 6
4. Gordon and the Famous Visitor: 8

9. Henry's Forest: 9
10. The Trouble with Mud: 4

16. Edward, Trevor and the Really Useful Party: 8.5

17. Buzz Buzz: 8
19. One Good Turn: 9
26. Thomas and Percy's Christmas (Mountain) Adventure: 7.5 (UK) / 4 (US)

RWS #21: Main Line Engines

After two trips away from the North Western, we journey down Edward's branchline all the way to Brendam to meet it's infamous twin tank engines Bill and Ben!

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

(special thanks to the Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the images)

The Railway Series Book #21

Main Line Engines

Written by The Rev. W. Awdry

Illustrated by Gunvor and Peter Edwards

Published 1966

The Railway Series might be heading deeper into dark territory, but that doesn't mean we can't have a few laughs, can we?

Dear Friends,
Bill and Ben are a shameless pair. I meant to write about Main Line Engines, and give the twins a treat by letting them into the first story. But I couldn't keep them in order! Before I knew it they had crept into the others. They even wanted me to change the book and make it about them!

But I have been very firm. I am still calling it Main Line Engines. That will serve Bill and Ben right for ragging poor Gordon so disgracefully.

He hasn't got over it yet!
The Author

The Diseasel

Season 2, Episode 21

Bill and Ben find that some trucks they brought in have gone missing, and believe it was caused by a "diseasel", recalling the notice "coughs and sneezels spread diseasels". After having their nameplates and numberplates taken away, Bill and Ben find the "diseasel" on a siding, they harass and confuse him until Edward puts a stop to their games, and the "diseasel" introduces himself as BoCo.

The way the twins tricked BoCo, in my opinion, made more sense on TV because frankly, how could the points change quickly for them to "circle" BoCo? And people accuse the TV series for points changing to quickly... But never mind; the story itself was really funny and I love Bill and Ben's antics every time they show up. Shame I can't say the same for a certain GWR pannier...

Even though the stories are of the same quality, the adaptation gets an extra half point because of the confusion in the original.

 RWS Rating: 9 out of 10
TV Series Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Buzz Buzz

Season 3, Episode 17

After BoCo makes peace with Duck since he knows Edward, they talk about Bill and Ben and Duck calls them "the Bees". James butts in and claims that he would make the bees buzz off by blowing smoke at them. The next day, however, James eats his words when two porters lose control with a beehive which breaks, and they rest on James' boiler to keep warm. Unfortunately, one bee burns itself on James' smokebox, and the red engine is stung on the nose.

A bit strange that in the adaptation, Duck and BoCo are already friends; you see, Duck was wary around BoCo considering the events of Duck and the Diesel Engines, but when BoCo convinces Duck otherwise, he becomes more friendly with him. Why it was left out of season two, I'll never know. Same thing with a beehive being carried on a trolley in a public railway station - who does that, I wonder? Even stranger, at least in the original, it was never explained what happened to the bees afterward, although I seriously doubt they'd put up with dizziness (Tenders and Turntables, anyone?) water and smoke just to keep warm.

The opening was nice, and it's good to see more characters besides Edward interacting with Trevor, plus it had a small build up to the main plot. The story is ridiculous, but it's really funny at the same time.

 RWS/TV Series Rating: 8 out of 10

Wrong Road

Season 2, Episode 22

Gordon believes he never goes on branchlines because he thinks them "vulgar"; however, because of confusion with a lady in a green floppy hat, Edward ends up on the mainline and Gordon down the branch. In the morning, Bill and Ben see Gordon and argue other how to dispose of him, much to his horror. When BoCo shows up and sends the twins away, Gordon is grateful and has a new-found respect for diesels like BoCo.

Let me explain why Edward's headcode isn't a problem - he has the express headcode on as shown in the illustration above, and it would be understandable to why the trains were mixed up. Also, how is Gordon going down the branchline a problem? I'm pretty sure Edward's branchline had been made strong enough to support the weight of an A1/A3, and since we never saw Edward's branchline that much, I guess anything could've happened behind the scenes. This is another great episode with a nice theme at the start.

 RWS/TV Series Rating: 9 out of 10

Edward's Exploit

Season 2, Episode 23

Edward struggles with his train of enthusiasts, but he manages to get his train moving to meet with Bill and Ben. Afterward, he takes them home, but his left crankpin shears clean off, damaging his splashers and frames. With his crankpins removed and the couplings loosened, Edward manages to get his passengers home, battered and late, but triumphant.

Wow. I mean, wow. What can I say? When an engine gets damaged, the driver calls for help; did Edward do the same thing? As if! Like Skarloey and Rheneas, Edward persevered to get his passengers home despite being crippled, and he gains respect from the others for his determination and grit. This is tied with Old Iron as my favorite Edward story as well as my other favorite season two episode overall.

 RWS/TV Series Rating: 10 out of 10

Stray Observations

Despite the title, the majority of the book took place on Edward's branchline. No wonder Bill and Ben crept their way into the other stories!

Weirdly, in Wrong Road, Thomas is drawn with his running plate curved at the front. How could the Edwards get it wrong even if it was his only appearance in the book?!

Overall

Another fantastic book; from the humor in The Diseasel to the drama in Edward's Exploit, it really catches your attention. However, we got five more books to cover, and two more railways to learn about.

Overall Book Rating: 9 out of 10

The Railway Series Scorecard

1. The Three Railway Engines: 8.4

2. Thomas the Tank Engine: 9
3. James the Red Engine: 7.5
4. Tank Engine Thomas Again: 9.5
5. Troublesome Engines: 8.1
6. Henry the Green Engine: 8.4
7. Toby the Tram Engine: 9
8. Gordon the Big Engine: 8.6
9. Edward the Blue Engine: 9.3
10. Four Little Engines: 8.8
11. Percy the Small Engine: 8.9
12. The Eight Famous Engines: 8.8
13. Duck and the Diesel Engine: 8.5
14. The Little Old Engine: 8.9
15. The Twin Engines: 9.1
16. Branch Line Engines: 9.3
17. Gallant Old Engine: 9.3
18. Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine: 8.5

19. Mountain Engines: 8.9
20. Very Old Engines: 9.1
21. Main Line Engines: 9

Thomas and Friends Season 2 Scorecard

2. Cows: 8

3. Bertie's Chase: 9

4. Saved from Scrap: 9.5

5. Old Iron: 10
7. Percy and the Signal: 9
8. Duck Takes Charge: 8
9. Percy and Harold: 8.5
11. Percy Takes the Plunge: 6.5
12. Pop Goes the Diesel: 9
13. Dirty Work: 8
14. A Close Shave: 8.5
16. Break Van: 8
17. The Deputation: 10
18. Thomas Comes to Breakfast: 9.5
19. Daisy: 9
20. Percy's Predicament: 8.5
21. The Diseasel: 9.5
22. Wrong Road: 9
23. Edward's Exploit: 10

Thomas and Friends Season 3 Scorecard

1. A Scarf for Percy: 8.5
2. Percy's Promise: 6.5
3. Time for Trouble: 6
4. Gordon and the Famous Visitor: 8

9. Henry's Forest: 9
10. The Trouble with Mud: 4

16. Edward, Trevor and the Really Useful Party: 8.5

17. Buzz Buzz: 8
26. Thomas and Percy's Christmas (Mountain) Adventure: 7.5 (UK) / 4 (US)

RWS #20: Very Old Engines

Well, the last one turned out easier than I thought to review. Looks like I'll be able to review the remaining books as well!

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

(special thanks to the Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the images)

The Railway Series Book #20

Very Old Engines

Written by The Rev. W. Awdry

Illustrated by Gunvor and Peter Edwards

Published 1965

For our fourth visit to the Skarloey Railway (fifth if you count their small roles in Mountain Engines), we're going back in time with a little history lesson!

Dear Friends,
One hundred years ago, when Skarloey and Rheneas first arrived on their Railway, they were young and silly. Skarloey was sulky and bouncy. He and Rheneas quarreled.... But they learned sense, and the Owner has just given them a lovely 100th birthday.

Talyllyn and Dolgoch, at Towyn, are 100 too. How about going to wish them "Many Happy Returns"?
The Author

Crosspatch

Skarloey tells Nancy about his arrival on Sodor; back then, he was young and silly, and thought he would look splendid at pulling coaches rather than trucks, but he refuses to work when ordered to pull trucks. As a result, he's covered with a tarpaulin until he learns to see sense.

The ending scene is very reminiscent to The Sad Story of Henry, only Skarloey is not bricked up in a tunnel and is instead covered up with a tarpaulin. This also does right what S9-12 got wrong - Skarloey acting young and foolish because he WAS young and foolish, and it gives him some background. I also liked the mention of the Sodor and Mainland Railway - it would've been nice if it had been developed more along with its engines.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Bucking Bronco

Skarloey is given another chance after he apologizes for being silly and works hard with Mr. Bobbie. Rheneas comes to the railway, but he is more sensible compared to Skarloey, who ignores his warnings to take care with the coaches. However, when Skarloey begins to bounce, he stops too quickly, resulting in Mr. Mack being knocked into a bush and Rheneas to take the train. Despite Skarloey's mistakes, he is given another chance at being given trailing wheels.

Already, there's a bit of tension between the two brothers. Their contrast is understandable, unlike in Rheneas and the Dinosaur, where Rheneas was selfish in taking the bones by himself. Another great story.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Stick-in-the-Mud

Rheneas finishes up the story; Skarloey returns with a cab and trailing wheels, and he becomes conceited. Rheneas disagrees about having a cab, and the two argue before eventually falling out, with Skarloey calling Rheneas a stick-in-the-mud. One morning, Skarloey takes the workmen to the quarry in the rain, but he gets stuck in a landslide and Rheneas is made to help out for the sake of the workmen. Skarloey apologizes, but then they laugh when it turns out Skarloey was the stick-in-the-mud after all.

This shows how far they've come within the course of two stories, or if you consider real time, at least several weeks. Skarloey having a cab is a bit like a teenager having a shiny, new bicycle - they get cocky about it before they get covered in mud, or if the bike gets damaged somehow. Although something makes me curious - how did Rheneas get HIS own cab?

Rating: 9 out of 10

Duck and Dukes

Peter Sam has told Duck about the Duke coming for Skarloey and Rheneas' centenary, but Duck tells him that all Dukes have been scrapped, much to Peter Sam's horror, and after he tells the others, they argue other who's right. (I wonder why Sir Handel didn't speak up?) However, on the morning of Skarloey and Rheneas' centenary, the engines are cheerful, and after Skarloey takes the Duke around the loopline, he makes a speech and assures Peter Sam that he is real. Finally, Rheneas asks everyone to visit Talyllyn and Dolgoch on their railway.

Why was this not adapted? Along with Little Old Twins, both would've been great build ups to Duke the Lost Engine, but instead, that book was adapted first and the two stories were shunted aside (in fact, so was the whole book!) That's why I believe season four had the worst structure out of the classic seasons; the Skarloey engines had too much focus on them (not that I dislike them, of course, they're great characters), the Stepney adaptations were bad (not Train Stops Play and Bowled Out) and the remaining eight stories were either out-of-place adaptations or loose filler.

Other than my rant, it's another great story which has never been adapted for TV. But with the Arlesdale engines appearing in CGI, maybe...?

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Stray Observation

The first three stories were all based on events on the Talyllyn Railway's early days. In fact, Mr. Bobbie was an engineer working for Fletcher Jennings and Co.

Overall

How coincidental - the 20th Railway Series book was published on the series' 20th anniversary. This book would've been great on the TV screen, and it would've greatly built up to Duke's saga along with Little Old Twins. Sadly, it wasn't to be case, and it left a lot of potential unfulfilled.

Overall Book Rating: 9.1 out of 10

The Railway Series Scorecard

1. The Three Railway Engines: 8.4

2. Thomas the Tank Engine: 9
3. James the Red Engine: 7.5
4. Tank Engine Thomas Again: 9.5
5. Troublesome Engines: 8.1
6. Henry the Green Engine: 8.4
7. Toby the Tram Engine: 9
8. Gordon the Big Engine: 8.6
9. Edward the Blue Engine: 9.3
10. Four Little Engines: 8.8
11. Percy the Small Engine: 8.9
12. The Eight Famous Engines: 8.8
13. Duck and the Diesel Engine: 8.5
14. The Little Old Engine: 8.9
15. The Twin Engines: 9.1
16. Branch Line Engines: 9.3
17. Gallant Old Engine: 9.3
18. Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine: 8.5

19. Mountain Engines: 8.9
20. Very Old Engines: 9.1

RWS #19: Mountain Engines

Here we go with the 19th entry of the Railway Series! Now this, the next one, the one after the next after the next, and the majority of Christopher's books are going to be tricky to review, considering they never had any TV adaptations for the most part. But I'll try my best!

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

(special thanks to the Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the images)

The Railway Series Book #19

Mountain Engines

Written by The Rev. W. Awdry

Illustrated by Gunvor and Peter Edwards

Published 1964

We've seen the North Western Railway and the Skarloey Railway, now we're going up north to visit the Culdee Fell Railway!

Dear Friends,
A Rack Railway climbs the mountain called Culdee Fell. Lord Harry Barrane is Chairman of the railway company. Lots of people travel on it in the summer.

Mr. Walter Richards, the Manager, does not have an easy time. There are seven engines, one of whom, No.5, is still away being mended. Another, No. 6, was named Lord Harry. This was a mistake. It made him conceited and... But you must read the stories for yourselves.

I hope you will enjoy this book about a different kind of railway.
The Author

Mountain Engine

Sir Handel argues with Rheneas and Skarloey as to whether a mountain railway exists, but he eats his words after Donald shunts a flatbed with a mountain engine named Culdee on it, who explains all about mountain railways.

It seems like most first stories in each book appears to be one of those simple, slice-of-life affairs, and this one is of no exception. It's a great tool for kids to learn that some railways are different from others regardless of size, like how a mountain railway operates.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Bad Look-Out

After an ill-tempered Duncan returns to the sheds, Culdee tells him and the others about the former No. 1 engine on the Culdee Fell Railway, Godred, who put too much faith in his automatic brakes. He soon paid the price and was afterward cannibalized for parts, much to Sir Handel and Duncan's shock. Little do they know that Culdee made the story up...

Or did he? Yep, this one of those debates which may never end; was Godred actually scrapped? Is he alive? Who knows? This is easily my favorite story of the book; it tackles the issue with death very nicely, even if it's dark for books written for kids, but I digress. It's also very open ended, and the questions I asked regarding Godred's fate more or less tells why.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Danger Points

Culdee returns to his railway to learn that three new engines have arrived - one of them, #6 Lord Harry, is loud and risk-taking, and is infuriated when Culdee teases him for his super-heating. Later on, Lord Harry derails at the summit, and after he is rescued, he is sent to the sheds in disgrace.

I dunno about you, but this feels like a rewrite of Dirty Objects, with Lord Harry taking James' place and Culdee's taking Toby's. Coincidentally, both are the third story in both books. What makes this different is that Lord Harry's accident isn't as messy, and it does show that passengers will complain about bad service if the trains don't run on time.

Rating: 8 out of 10

"Devil's Back"

After his mishap, Lord Harry has his name taken away to just #6; when he hears of Godred's story, #6 asks for a second chance, and he does, but he's takes supplies and workmen to the Summit until further notice. One day, some climbers have been injured, and #6 is sent to their rescue. However, a strong wind rages, but he braves on and afterwards, he is renamed "Patrick" after one of the climbers, and takes risks only if necessary.

A great redemption for #6; it shows his quick growth within the space of two stories, and he put his life on the line (pun intended) to save those in trouble. Another great story.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Stray Observations

This is the Mountain Railway's only appearance; Christopher has since stated that this was due to safety precautions and limited traffic, meaning no more story opportunities. Yeah, tell that to the Extended Railway Series - look at what they were able to write! (You have to be a Sodor Island Forums member to read them; they're fantastic.)

Bad Look-Out is based upon the Snowdon Mountain Railway's accident with L.A.D.A.S. (Laura Alice Duff Assheton-Smith; Godred's counterpart).

In the same story, Culdee says in response to Skarloey after he comments on pushing coaches taking loads of his mind, "Not off my buffers!" But Culdee doesn't even have buffers! Why would he say that?

In Mountain Engine, Alaric appears, but Culdee had never met him until after he returned. Was it meant to be No. 5, Shane Dooiney, who never appeared? Also, Skarloey has a numberplate on the back of his cab, because... reasons.

Overall

It's a pity that the mountain engines were never adapted for TV - then again, they only appeared in one book, so it's understandable. But since the Arlesdale engines are being implemented into the series, maybe the mountain engines will get the same treatment? It's a great book on whole to introduce us to a unique kind of railway.

Overall Book Rating: 8.9 out of 10

The Railway Series Scorecard

1. The Three Railway Engines: 8.4

2. Thomas the Tank Engine: 9
3. James the Red Engine: 7.5
4. Tank Engine Thomas Again: 9.5
5. Troublesome Engines: 8.1
6. Henry the Green Engine: 8.4
7. Toby the Tram Engine: 9
8. Gordon the Big Engine: 8.6
9. Edward the Blue Engine: 9.3
10. Four Little Engines: 8.8
11. Percy the Small Engine: 8.9
12. The Eight Famous Engines: 8.8
13. Duck and the Diesel Engine: 8.5
14. The Little Old Engine: 8.9
15. The Twin Engines: 9.1
16. Branch Line Engines: 9.3
17. Gallant Old Engine: 9.3
18. Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine: 8.5

19. Mountain Engines: 8.9

TTTE S5E13 - Stepney Gets Lost

As this is Stepney's last speaking role to date, and since I reviewed his book, I feel it's high time I put his final episode to bed.

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

Season 5, Episode 13

Stepney Gets Lost
Written by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton

At the start, it's mentioned that Stepney works closely with Rusty and is never mentioned again. They could've said he works on the Bluebell Railway, but no, especially when the Fat Controller asks him to help with Toby and Mavis at the quarry since Stepney is in need of a change. Toby and Mavis are pleased to have Stepney helping them, and he works hard shunting trucks. Later in the day, the foreman asks if Stepney can take a night special to the building site at a new branchline, and he does, but without asking the Fat Controller - shouldn't the foreman have asked him?

That night, Toby and Mavis tell Stepney to take care as he leaves. He makes the delivery of rock and stone safely, but as he heads home, the fog rolls in, making the atmosphere spooky. He passes a green signal, unaware that it's not meant for him and he ends up in the scrapyards. The driver and fireman leave for help, but Stepney is suddenly ambushed by Arry and Bert, and they take him to the smelters shed to be scrapped. Just before the grabber can take hold of the frightened tank engine, Stepney is saved at the last moment by the Fat Controller and his crew, and he goes home safely, knowing there's no place like home.

Like Rusty to the Rescue, I don't like how Stepney is treated like a Sudrian engine. It's lucky that City of Truro and Flying Scotsman weren't given the same treatment, as it could've been worse for both of them. Big props (so to speak) on the atmosphere of the scrapyards, almost like hell on earth for steam engines. This was Arry and Bert's debut, and they are lucky to make future TV appearances, even if I don't like them. As for the story, I believe it has the same problem with Rusty to the Rescue - the story is good, but the choice of characters is wrong. In the case of Stepney Gets Lost, it could've gone to Oliver considering Escape and Arry and Bert's bio, and the episode would've more or less been the same, maybe better.

Rating: 5.5 out of 10

I'd forgotten to put Toby's Discovery and Rusty and the Boulder on the scorecard in my Something in the Air review due to carelessness. Both get 5/10 ratings due to their controversy, and the fact that I don't want to anger either side.

Thomas and Friends Season 5 Scorecard

13. Stepney Gets Lost: 5.5

14. Toby's Discovery: 5

15. Something in the Air: 9

25. Rusty and the Boulder: 5