Thomas and Friends Season 11: Poll Winners Batch #2

Here's the last batch of poll winners; four more episodes out of season 11! Tomorrow will bring the last episodes of season 12.

Episode 1: Thomas and the Storyteller

Written by Abi Grant

Wait, something isn't right here; Thomas is being genuinely helpful for once and it's the season premiere?! Someone knock me over with a feather! But seriously, this is a good episode, and despite there being the three-strikes formula, I feel it may have worked wonders for the story. Although it's rather odd that James, Emily and Percy made it to the library despite their problems.

Episode 7: Thomas and the Spaceship

Written by Sharon Miller

I'm actually surprised that Sharon Miller actually wrote about the possibility of life outside of planet Earth; you'd think that with repetitive plot lines and awful dialogue, she'd dismiss real world topics. You'd be wrong. Scientists are wondering about the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and this could encourage children to become scientists.

The length of the mail train is just breathtaking; six vans - count them - but sadly, no brakevan. And I'm surprised that Gordon would agree to take the mail train, but then, real Pacific engines have taken mail trains before, so maybe there's also some historical accuracy in this episode. It's quite a shame that The Frozen Turntable didn't depict Gordon pulling the mail train, but what can you do?

Episode 9: Thomas and the Lighthouse

Written by Abi Grant

"Thomas speeded up?" I'm sorry, but did anybody even bother to proofread that bit of dialogue? What's wrong with him saying that he "sped up"? It's really not that difficult. I'm also not too sure as to why a light bulb would travel on a flatbed rather than a vent van. I'm sure one could argue that they're not as dangerous as fireworks (which were rightly loaded in vent vans), but glass can be dangerous if it breaks.

In fairness, Thomas does get consequences for rushing; he's forced to miss the fair, but I'd prefer if he got a scolding from the Fat Controller, although that's just me. Still, it's a fine way to show that actions can have consequences.

Episode 21: Duncan Does it All

Written by Wayne Jackman

Why would a job need to be exciting? They're supposed to be serious, and if you don't take a job to heart, then you've done a lousy job. Considering his history of causing trouble, I find it surprising that the other engines would trust Duncan with their own jobs, especially as Skarloey didn't tell off Duncan for abandoning Rusty's passengers. The large scale models of Annie and Clarabel were a nice touch, though.

Thomas and Friends Season 11 Scorecard

1. Thomas and the Storyteller: 8
2. Emily's Rubbish: 8
3. Dream On: 9
4. Dirty Work: 6
5. Hector the Horrid!: 9
6. Gordon and the Engineer: 10
7. Thomas and the Spaceship: 7
8. Henry's Lucky Trucks: 6
9. Thomas and the Lighthouse: 7
10. Thomas and the Big Bang: 1
11. Smoke and Mirrors: 1
12. Thomas Sets Sail: 1
13. Don't Be Silly, Billy: 0
14. Edward and the Mail: 5
16. Toby's Triumph: 1
17. Thomas and the Runaway Car: 8
18. Thomas in Trouble: 7
19. Thomas and the Stinky Cheese: 7
21. Duncan Does it All: 3
22. Sir Handel in Charge: 2
23. Cool Truckings: 6
25. Skarloey Storms Through: 1
26. Wash Behind Your Buffers: 7