THE OPINIONS, THOUGHTS AND MUSINGS IN THIS BLOG POST ARE SOLELY THOSE OF ZACK WANZER, NOT THE THOMAS FANDOM IN GENERAL
Season 17, Episode 16
Too Many Fire Engines
Written by Andrew Brenner
For a start, I like how the episode just starts up straight away by cutting to the chase; Thomas is taking the Fat Controller and some inspectors around the island (not sure why he isn't on his branchline, but there you go). Also, what's important is that they aren't the main focus of the episode, but what they say adds to the story (more on that in a bit). On a sidenote, pretty funny how the third just says "Mmm!"
Later, at the Search and Rescue Center, Belle and Flynn are having a small banter when Thomas shows up. (Why Belle was wasting water, I don't know; she's could've needed it after all!) The inspectors question why the Fat Controller needs two fire engines when only one will suffice; the Fat Controller explains that having two fire engines is necessary for safety. I don't know about everyone else, but I think that kind of is a response to some fans' criticism - many thought Belle being a fire fighting locomotive was redundant since we already had a fire truck going on road and rail. Of course, if you conside Rocky, that leaves some very odd implications considering Judy and Jerome's appearance in The Adventure Begins. I do hope they're featured alongside Rocky - it'd be a shame if they weren't featured again!
Anyway, an alarm bell rings - fire at some sheds near Wellsworth! Belle goes along the rails while Flynn takes the road... unfortunately, he gets a flat and Belle reaches the fire first, much to his disappointment. While Belle gets the glory, Flynn is towed back by Butch - he's got a good role there; very authoritative, but comforting when Flynn feels down. Some days later, there's a forest fire near Arlesdale End - once again, Flynn fails to get there in time when Belle puts it out herself. Also, it's nice that they're seemingly retconning Fiery Flynn and Race to the Rescue. With Big Belle? Well, at worst, she upsets Toby, but that's another matter.
Some days later, again, Thomas tells Flynn about a firework display at Ulfstead Castle, but Flynn, rather sulkily, insists that Belle be on duty in case of a fire instead of him. Later that night, Flynn is still sulking when Butch informs him of a fire at Brendam Docks. Remembering that Belle is at Ulfstead Castle, Flynn sets off to Brendam Docks, and realizes the Fat Controller does need two fire engines after all. Yeah, it's miles ahead of the two Nitrogen atrocities I mentioned because Flynn isn't going around spraying water wastefully or worrying about going on roads; he's doing the job he was meant to do. Bit of a shame it was the only season where Ben Small voiced Flynn; he'd done a nice job in the two episodes he voiced Flynn. Same with Teresa Gallagher as Belle (even if it was in two voices for the US and UK).
One of the best episodes out of season 17, and it's worth the watch. And given what we've seen so far with season 19, we've got two fire engines to show pride in.
Later, at the Search and Rescue Center, Belle and Flynn are having a small banter when Thomas shows up. (Why Belle was wasting water, I don't know; she's could've needed it after all!) The inspectors question why the Fat Controller needs two fire engines when only one will suffice; the Fat Controller explains that having two fire engines is necessary for safety. I don't know about everyone else, but I think that kind of is a response to some fans' criticism - many thought Belle being a fire fighting locomotive was redundant since we already had a fire truck going on road and rail. Of course, if you conside Rocky, that leaves some very odd implications considering Judy and Jerome's appearance in The Adventure Begins. I do hope they're featured alongside Rocky - it'd be a shame if they weren't featured again!
Anyway, an alarm bell rings - fire at some sheds near Wellsworth! Belle goes along the rails while Flynn takes the road... unfortunately, he gets a flat and Belle reaches the fire first, much to his disappointment. While Belle gets the glory, Flynn is towed back by Butch - he's got a good role there; very authoritative, but comforting when Flynn feels down. Some days later, there's a forest fire near Arlesdale End - once again, Flynn fails to get there in time when Belle puts it out herself. Also, it's nice that they're seemingly retconning Fiery Flynn and Race to the Rescue. With Big Belle? Well, at worst, she upsets Toby, but that's another matter.
Some days later, again, Thomas tells Flynn about a firework display at Ulfstead Castle, but Flynn, rather sulkily, insists that Belle be on duty in case of a fire instead of him. Later that night, Flynn is still sulking when Butch informs him of a fire at Brendam Docks. Remembering that Belle is at Ulfstead Castle, Flynn sets off to Brendam Docks, and realizes the Fat Controller does need two fire engines after all. Yeah, it's miles ahead of the two Nitrogen atrocities I mentioned because Flynn isn't going around spraying water wastefully or worrying about going on roads; he's doing the job he was meant to do. Bit of a shame it was the only season where Ben Small voiced Flynn; he'd done a nice job in the two episodes he voiced Flynn. Same with Teresa Gallagher as Belle (even if it was in two voices for the US and UK).
One of the best episodes out of season 17, and it's worth the watch. And given what we've seen so far with season 19, we've got two fire engines to show pride in.
Rating: 9 out of 10
Thomas and Friends Season 17 Scorecard
7. Henry's Hero: 5.5
12. The Thomas Way: 6
13. The Phantom Express: 7.5
16. Too Many Fire Engines: 9
12. The Thomas Way: 6
13. The Phantom Express: 7.5
16. Too Many Fire Engines: 9
23. The Afternoon Tea Express: 8
24. The Smelly Kipper: 8
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