Thomas and Friends: The Rest of Season 8

We're now into the new era of Thomas and Friends, kicking off with the rest of season eight. Is it really as bad as fans made it out to be back then? That's what I'm gonna find out!

Episode 1: Thomas and the Tuba

Written by Dave Ingham

So here's the first episode of the new era, and how did it play off (no band humor intended)? Actually, let's get this outta the way - Thomas didn't lose the tuba, he lost the tuba player, unless the title was making a reference to the sound the tuba makes, I don't know? (By the way, that looks nothing like a tuba; that's a... horn of some kind, I know nothing about musical instruments.)

Alright, technical issues aside, I do like the usage of road vehicles in this story like Trevor and Elizabeth; a shame they aren't used more often (well, Trevor mostly, due to him already being in CGI, but whatever). I thought it did quite fine for a first episode officially produced under the Hit banner and it might be worth a few watches.

Episode 3: Thomas to the Rescue

Written by Abi Grant and Paul Larson

Ah, the steam vs. diesel rivalry; beyond this point, it'd been twisted in all the wrong ways and at times, was put in black and white rather than there being a gray zone. This episode, however, does not go too deeply into either black or white, but it finds the appropriate gray zone like future episodes should've done. *coughcough*Bust My Buffers*cough*

I suppose what wins this episode over is Thomas. His role at Anopha Quarry (if Mavis works here, it must be Anopha) works as it's at the end of his branchline, and even though Diesel was a jerk to him from the start, Thomas doesn't mock him for being broken down and willingly helps him out. It's also a good way to show that fuel and water don't mix. Although, who was running the quarry while Thomas was away? Well, if we consider that a deleted scene featuring Bill and Ben was utilized for "Trying" in Calling All Engines, I suppose that would cover up the plot hole.

Episode 13: Spic and Span

Written by Marc Seal

"Railway inspectacles?" Yep, an early sign of Percy's idiocy. You'd think he'd at least know by now what a railway inspector was! Also, when did they check to see if the engines were the cleanest? They check to see if a railway is running efficiently. I suppose this could be one of those times that the critics of the season have a point - no railway research. And yet they used the term "brake coach" in As Good as Gordon - go figure. If the story had been about Thomas and Percy being hardworking whilst Gordon, Emily and James were being lazy in having their washdowns, then maybe it'd make more sense.

Episode 17: Thomas Gets It Right

Written by Robin Rigby

Really? You need an engine to take eggs when you could've used, oh, I don't know, a lorry?! Oh, and the moral, whilst fine, has been done better before and since. Not too much to say here, really, but it is a very ironic title. :P

Episode 19: Fish

Written by Paul Larson

Considering that Paul had a lot of fun writing for Arthur, if the tank engine were to return, he should definitely write his episode. For the episode, yes, I don't know either why it was given the same name as the season four episode. Why not call it something like A Fishy Day for Thomas? It might not be the most original, but at least it wouldn't be as annoying as copying titles. But why were fish loaded in the trucks in such a haphazard way? Couldn't they have been put in crates with ice and covered in tarpaulins as seen in episodes like The Smelly Kipper? It's still a good episode, don't get me wrong.

Episode 20: Emily's Adventure

Written by Paul Larson

As I've said in the past, I don't mind how Emily has been portrayed in seasons 8-12. Sure, she'd come off as unpleasant at worst and impatient at best, but it feels more flavored compared to her season seven portrayal, where she felt a little vanilla, to say the least. Giving her character flaws was a good thing, but forgive me if I don't your criticisms seriously - I'm guessing that it was the execution that turned a lot of fans off back then, and they couldn't find an appropriate middle ground. Now, when it comes to episodes like Emily Saves the World and (especially) Best Engine Ever, they've found that middle ground and made Emily one of the most beloved, relatable characters in the show.

The episode itself? Sure, they could've gone for someone like James or Gordon, but had they done so, it might've come off as cliched, even if they used Henry instead. Thomas, Percy, and Toby wouldn't have fit either, and don't get me started on Edward. So I guess that Emily was the only one suitable for the role, if only to give her character flaws. I do appreciate Elizabeth's no-nonsense role when Emily shouted at her, and refused to work unless Emily actually asked politely. I suppose Elizabeth, as a character, is the definition of understated.

Episode 24: Chickens to School

Written by Paul Larson

Jeez, talk about the lack of logic in this episode; even if Thomas' crew were tired, you'd think they'd at least remember what his jobs were. However, to be fair, it does try and show the effects from the lack of sleep (believe me, I know what that's like) and the consequences it might have. And yes, we actually see Emily being genuinely kind. I think this could've fared better with a bit more common sense. Not too sure if I like the episode or not, but I don't hate it either. A decent watch.

Episode 26: Percy and the Magic Carpet

Written by Abi Grant

And now we come to a close with the final episode of the first season of the new era, and it's definitely one of the most illogical episodes of the show. Just how on earth was the carpet not tied down in the first place? And how did Percy believe it was magic? Sure, the effects look clever, but clever special effects do not automatically make a good episode (Thomas and the Birthday Mail, looking at you!)

Sure, there were worse episodes to come, but that doesn't excuse how dumb this episode is at points, even though there are funny moments like the Fat Controller losing his hat... again. :P

Season 8 Overall

So, how does this season stack up? Surprisingly well, in fact! Yeah, there were mistakes and a couple of bad episodes, but for their first season, it was a valiant effort by Hit to make Thomas their own. I know that there might be some people who have complaints about it even after twelve years, but I won't bother going into detail about that as these issues are probably outdated anyway. *looks sternly at those who still blame Emily for "replacing" Duck*

On whole, I'd rate it about the same as season seven; both have a few episodes that were subpar, but for the most part, they're harmless and enjoyable to watch at points. Seasons 9-12, however...

Episodes Ranked from Worst to Best

26. Too Hot for Thomas (2/10)
25. Percy and the Magic Carpet (3/10)
24. Percy's Big Mistake
23. Thomas Gets it Right (5/10)
22. You Can Do it, Toby!
21. Chickens to School (6/10)
20. Spic and Span
19. Thomas and the Fireworks Display
18. James Gets a New Coat
17. Thomas, Emily and the Snowplough (7/10)
16. Thomas and the Tuba
15. Squeak, Rattle and Roll
14. Henry and the Wishing Tree
13. Edward the Great (8/10)
12. Fish
11. Emily's Adventure
10. Don't Tell Thomas
9. Percy's New Whistle
8. Thomas Saves the Day (9/10)
7. Thomas to the Rescue
6. As Good as Gordon
5. Thomas and the Circus
4. Gordon Takes Charge
3. Emily's New Route
2. Halloween
1. James Goes Too Far

Season 8 Final Ranking: 7/10