Thomas and Friends: The Rest of Season 10

Another day, another set of reviews. It's the rest of season 10 to go!

Episode 1: Follow That Flour

Written by Sharon Miller

I think the design for the Wharf looks fantastic; it's a clever idea to have standard and narrow gauge engines work in the same place, but with the presence of the Blue Mountain Quarry, the Steamworks, and Crovan's Gate station, why do we need a fourth location for both gauges?

For the episode itself, yes, this is where Sir Handel made his true return to the show, but that's irrelevant. Why would James want Thomas to shunt his truck of flour away when he could've simply taken it with him whilst he took on water? Seems he's got more capacity for gallons of water than he's got any for common sense. :P And how did Thomas (or his crew, if they existed back then) not notice the flour trail beforehand, especially as he reversed? Is he blind or something? Even stranger was that whilst the first truck had flour in sacks, the second had flour dumped haphazardly.

Rather amusing that season nine ended with a flour-themed episode, and that season ten began with a flour-themed episode, isn't it?

Episode 6: Duncan Drops a Clanger

Written by Paul Larson

Again, you'd think Duncan's crew would learn to control him by now. That said, at least there wasn't a three strikes formula and it was nice seeing Rheneas be a bit stern when Duncan was slacking off, but it's kind of odd that a bell would be delivered to the clock tower just to be polished? Why wasn't it already installed and Duncan could've simply brought the cleaners to the bell instead of the reverse? Other than those problems, the episode is fine.

Episode 10: Seeing the Sights

Written by Wayne Jackman

Since when did Thomas tell the passengers when to come aboard his trains? That's supposed to be the guard's job. It's got vibes of Bertie's Chase, except this episode was handled a lot better and used the three-strikes formula to a good effect. Thomas is once again an idiot for letting Gordon get to him, something he should've outgrown by now, and for being so careless in leaving his passengers behind. Oh, and the moral on not rushing has been handled better before and since.

Episode 11: Fearless Freddie

Written by Simon Nicholson

This episode got the most votes before I skipped it in order to review a few at a time. So, what is it that made people want me to review it?

I suppose Freddie himself was one of the reasons. I think he's an alright character; sure, he's got Ivo Hugh's number, but he has a very interesting basis - I mean, just look at that valve gear and pistons! Persona wise, there's... erm, not much going for him. Some could argue that he's a clone of Duke; I don't agree. I guess they made him a cheeky old scamp to try and differentiate him from Duke.

However, I suppose you wanted me to review it because of Skarloey and Rheneas. If that were the case, then I don't blame you as, once again, they're childish by racing Freddie instead of - oh, I don't know - doing their work?! If this had been Peter Sam (or Duncan) and Sir Handel, I'd understand, but Skarloey and Rheneas? Sorry, but no can do. Another bad episode.

Episode 26: Thomas and the Treasure

Written by Marc Seal

...seriously? Trying to find lost treasure rather than taking the admiral to the maritime museum? (Good use of vocabulary, by the way, but sorry, that doesn't save the episode.) We've got the typical three-strikes and frankly, I'm siding with James and Emily on that. It's another boring episode that I didn't even bother re-watching as it really isn't worth it.

Season 10 Overall

Out of the model seasons, this is practically the worst. For the first time, we had two episodes that didn't get any points - Topped Off Thomas and Thomas' Frosty Friend because they were stupid, boring, and downright pointless. If you cut them out altogether, then it'd be slightly better than season nine but... nope. The highs are just as good, but the lows are lower. Of course, there had been worse to come...

Episodes Ranked from Worst to Best

28. Thomas' Frosty Friend (0/10)
27. Topped Off Thomas
26. Edward Strikes Out (1/10)
25. Wharf and Peace
24. The Green Controller
23. Thomas and the Birthday Mail (2/10)
22. Fearless Freddie
21. Thomas and the Colors
20. Thomas and the Treasure
19. Thomas' Tricky Tree
18. Seeing the Sights (3/10)
17. A Smooth Ride
16. Thomas and Skarloey's Big Day Out
15. Sticky Toffee Thomas (4/10)
14. Follow That Flour
13. Percy and the Funfair
12. James the Second Best (5/10)
11. Duncan's Bluff
10. Thomas and the Shooting Star (6/10)
9. Which Way Now?
8. Duncan Drops a Clanger
7. Big Strong Henry (7/10)
6. Missing Trucks
5. Toby's New Shed
4. Thomas and the Jet Plane (8/10)
3. Toby's Afternoon Off
2. Emily and the Special Coaches
1. It's Good to be Gordon (9/10)

Season 10 Final Rating: 4/10