Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Standards are Lower...
This recent Thomas season from 2002 is quite a big let down compared to all other episodes from 1984. The main reason for this is because of the writers that have been chosen, previously all episodes were written by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton but a new team of writers are in place who seem to lack any sort of knowledge for railways or for Thomas.
While the models and sets are getting better, the stories and dialogue are getting poorer. Examples of dialogue- "Thomas likes taking specials, it makes him feel special"
"Henry was able to pull the train, easy as pie" Considering there is a script consultant, surely lines like that shouldn't get through.
The other problem is the fact that the characters are having the same sterotyped characteristics in every episode. The writers must have been sent a book saying "Gordon is bossy, Percy gets confused, Thomas puts everyone right." It would help if the characteristics varied a bit, and if there were a wider range of engines in stories instead of the same ones. Anyway, the stories- James and The red Baloon- Story David Mitton, Write Jenny Mcdade. The engines think that a hot air baloon is taking away their passengers. Twin Trouble- Writer Brian Trueman. Donald and Douglas argue after an accident and decide to spend time apart, both feeling the other should apolagise. Edward the Really Useful Engine- Writer David Mitton. The big engines come up with a plan to get rid of Edward whom they feel is no longer useful, but Sir Topham Hatt has his own plan. The World's Strongest Engine- Story David Mitton, Writer Paul Larrson. When Henry is ill, Diesal comes to IOS to do his work and determind to proove his stengh. (Not only did STH say Diesal would never return in another episode, but the story of this is very similar to "Pop Goes The Diesal") Rusty Saves The Day- Story David Mitton, writer Paul Larsson. STH threatens to close down Rheneas and Skarloey's line unless Rusty and crew can fix it in a two week target. Dunkin Duncan- Story Simon Nichoson, writer Jenny Mcdade. Duncan shows off to the others until an accident with some trucks leaves him very wet. The song at the end is "Down By The Docks." So overall, Thomas is still a classic for children of all generations but if you take my advice, you should maybe look to by a Thomas title from earlier episodes since they are of a higher standard that these new ones.
Rating:  - One funny dvd!
This new DVD represents how the engines are useful in the summer.James and the Red Balloon: Thomas is sent to pick up a hot air balloon. It attracts many tourists to the island. James becomes mistrustful of the balloon and thinks it's come to steal his passengers. Then he realizes that the balloon is falling and only he can save it! Twin Trouble: Donald and Douglas get into an arguement and avoid each other. Donald gives Duck alot of grief about it until he derails. Only one engine can save him... Edward the Really Useful Engine: Gordon, Henry and James think Edward is too old and should retire. When they call him 'Edward the Back Engine', Duck begins to get upset. Then Duck and Gordon get stuck and Edward comes to the rescue, much to their surprise! The World's Strongest Engine: Devious Diesel has returned sence Henry had an accident. Diesel starts saying he's the World's strongest engine, which annoys the steam engines. When they blame the troublesome trucks, the trucks play a trick on Diesel. When he tries to pull 20 trucks to prove his strength, he winds up with egg on his face. Rusty Saves the Day: Faced with the threat of having to work in the quarry if they don't repair the line in 2 weeks, Skarloey and Rheneas grow worried. Rusty and Elizabeth come to the rescue proving that when 4 work together, you get things done quicker. Dunkin' Duncan: The incline on the little railway is revamped and the engines must help to push the trucks on the first bit of the slope. Duncan helps too, but gets impatient with the other engines. So he tries to shunt too many trucks up the incline and gets taken along with them! Finally, his coupler snaps and he is sent careening down into a muddy pond. Sing-Along-Song: Down By The Docks (Devoted to Salty and Cranky) I highly recomend this movie.
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