Season 4 Episode 22: Thomas and The Special Letter

Thomas arrives with his last train for the day, where Toby and Percy are waiting. They discuss that they all are going to the big station and that something must be up. The meaning of somethings up confuses Toby's old man brain. 

It's not funny, Thomas.

Just then, coming up the line they see Mavis, BoCo, Bill, Ben, Donald, Douglas, and Oliver. Donald reminds them to hurry they are all wanted at the station. Thomas is even more curious about what's going on. The three leave to find out what is the hub bub.

At the station, The Fat Controller from on top of Duck reads a letter from a little girl. The girl asks if the engines could visit her at the station near her house. The girl is a huge Thomas fangirl.

I am Mufasa 

The Fat Controller takes this as an opportunity for publicity and announces that they are going to the big city. Well, only a select few of them. 

The engines who were going on the trip begin to show their replacements the ropes of their lines. Thomas gives the low down to Oliver. 

All the excitement begins to give Thomas' ego a big boast. He begins to brag to Oliver about how useful he is, how everyone loves him, and winning a race against Bertie. 

You know typical Thomas stuff

Thomas couldn't just tell Oliver about it. Nope he has to show off and reenact it. All the sudden, Thomas takes off like a horny jack rabbit. And has a GIF worthy accident.

I love Bill/Ben's face back there.

Thomas or crew didn't die or anything. But, Thomas did have bent buffers. The Fat Controller is called. He sends out some workmen and makes it clear that Thomas is danger of not going on the trip if he is not mended in time.

8 o' clock the next morning, Gordon, Edward, James, Percy, Toby, Henry, and Duck are waiting to see if Thomas makes it.

It's all about Thomas.

And god dammit, Thomas makes it. They all head off to the city, where dreams are made.

In the city, the engines where put up in a fancy shed surrounded by their adoring fans. Sounds like my worst nightmare.

It's a metaphor for Thomas being the center of the universe.

Don't forget to check out this blog's sister, Kidisasters. A snarky look at various kid shows.

Season 4 Episode 20: Toad Stands By

Oliver is back in the house! Whoop whoop! He has returned from the works. Ever since his accident he is nervous about trucks. 

The trucks do not make it any better. Lead by their great Kool-Aid dispensing leader S.C. Ruffey, they sing songs to mock Oliver.

S.C Ruffey must have a nasty butt. Just look at that truck back there.

Thomas, Duck, and Percy who were on a siding, became very upset with them. They yell at the trucks. But, hey this is Sodor, it only works so long until they start up again.

Thomas and the gang, eventually have to give up. Oliver believes it is all his doing. Just then Toad, the world's cutest brake van, looks over and feels sorry for Oliver.

They all have the "Someone kicked a puppy face."

The next morning, Douglas and Toad have a heart to heart chat about Oliver. Toads asks, "If it would be okay for him to be on Oliver's train instead?"

Douglas agrees.

I eat worms, Mr. Douglas.

Toad meets up with Duck and Oliver and explains his master plan to them. Duck being a goody two shoes, doesn't think it is a good idea to do it. Oliver protests that this will be his density. Plus it has already has been cleared by the station master. 

Oliver starts Toad's plan. He shunts the worst trucks in place by pairs of two. The scheme is to leave S.C. Ruffey for last. He is the one who is going to get murdered. 

Oliver backs S.C. Ruffey into his place on the train. S.C. Ruffey starts to whisper to the other trucks to hold back. 

Oliver overhears and gives S.C. Ruffey a huge pull. Duck on the side, cheers for Oliver to finish him off. Oliver does just that.

Oh snap!

The Fat Controller arrives to inspect the scene of the crime. Instead of being pinned for murder, Oliver gets off due to S.C. Ruffey being in such bad shape. 

Look at his guts all over the place.

Now, all the trucks are terrified of Oliver and mind him. And S.C. Ruffey has been reincarnated and now shuts his mouth.

Oliver Simpson

Season 4 Episode 15: Rusty To The Rescue

Introducing, the BlueBell Railway. Rusty loves to visit there. It is his version of Henry's forest. 

One day, Rusty is taking on water when Thomas passes by. Thomas points out that Rusty's driver looks worried. (Well, he works on Sodor and these engines are screw ups.) Rusty asks his driver, "What's his butt?"
The driver thinks the railway needs a new engine to help. 

And I have to poop!

Rusty pulls up to Douglas and Percy and questions "Where he can find another slave on Sodor?"

Douglas brings up the "Other Railway" where he found Oliver. He states he can not help since it is now diesel territory. This makes little Rusty determined to go on his own.

Um, I have a headache!

Rusty later tells his driver all about what they are going to do. The driver came back to the shed that night and informed Rusty. "His plan is a go per the manager." So, the two plan to go the following day because, screw work!

The next day, Rusty heads out. It takes so long to get to the other railway that it was night by the time he arrived. He creeps into the old scrapyard and immediately gets the willies. 

Thomas! He's dead!

Some diesels on the sidings, shout at Rusty. Rusty claims, he is an inspection engine and he wants to stamp their underwear. This works on the diesels and tricks them into giving away the location of one very lonely steam engine. 

I win!

Rusty goes on to find a little tank engine on a siding looking pitiful. His driver, who is very attached to this engine is huddled up inside the cab chilling out. (Is he homeless?)

But at least, he looks fierce!

Rusty sneaks up beside the engine and asks, "If he likes Bluebells?"

The engine answered he does. Rusty explains that he is there to bust him out.

The crew work to commence the rescuing. They fire up the new engine, Stepney and set off. 

Just like E.T.

When the two engines arrive back, a celebration is taking place. And for the first time, we see the BlueBell Railway's manager.

He reminds me of The Reverend from Dr. Quinn. But, I doubt most of you know that reference.

Stepney's driver remarks, "That you are one lucky son of a bitch, Stepney!" (And I am sure he is thrilled he is not sleeping in the cab anymore.)

Now a days, Stepney is enjoying his life on the BBR and no longer fearing his death by scraping. Well, until he was retired this year...

Aw, shit!

Season 3 Episode 22: Oliver Owns Up

This episode starts off with a beautiful montage of Duck and Oliver working the branch line. The two of them are all over their Great Western Heritage. 

Duck and Oliver are at the harbor, having a conversation on how Douglas is Oliver's hero for saving him. It is Oliver's go to story now.

He even tells the other engines it in the shed that night. The engines throw out a bunch of words to describe Oliver. Gordon throws one out that stumps Percy. And this begins the dumbing down of Percy. 

Sorry Percy, it's true.

The next day, Oliver is puffing along the line. He had became very Gordon-like and big headed from all the wonderful things that were said about him.  

Oh no, this island has way too many egos! It is like an island of Kayne Wests. 

We move on to another day, The Fat Controller is at the platform waiting to speak to Oliver. He sentences Oliver to learn about trucks. (He is done for!)

You're screwed!

Every other engine warns Oliver that trucks are not to be trusted. Oliver argues that they do not think he can handle it. Duck once again tries to warn him but, Oliver is too far up his own butt. Donald insists that Duck let it go and roll with it.

Shh! I really want to see someone screw up as bad as I did back in the day.

Oliver heads off to fill up some trucks with coal. He pushes the empty trucks under the shoot. He then came back to take the loaded trucks away. 

I love this doofus truck.

The trucks did not want to move. They protested that Oliver had no right to be moving them. (Hey they are just practicing stranger danger.)

Oliver starts to loose his cool and begins to biff and buff them around. (Big mistake Oliver.) Oliver pulls them out and the trucks, once again plot revenge. 

The trucks begin to push him forward. The driver foolishly applies the brakes instead of accepting their faith. The trucks push Oliver towards the turntable that Duck is on.

Luckily, it is not the same line as the one Oliver is on. Duck watches as Oliver goes butt first into the pit. 

Popping a wheelie, Oliver?

Duck teases Oliver right away. (Note to self, there is no "Are you okay?" with Duck) Duck mentions that Donald and Douglas are going to miss that turntable while it is out of commission.

That night, Oliver is pulled out of the pit while, The Fat Controller watches. Oliver apologizes while dangling in the air. The Fat Controller, who I suspect knew this was going to happen, sends Oliver to The Works. 

Well that was a dirty trick.

After a few days of being fixed, Oliver is home. He learned the lesson that trucks are dick heads. 

The end!

Season 3 Episode 21: Escape

Yes this episode starts off proper with Total Hottie Edward! Fan girling! 

So, Edward and Trevor are having a good ol' conversation, probably about the rising cost of their medications. They are then interrupted by a rather grumpy Douglas. Douglas passes them and yells at Edward to stop gossiping.

Don't worry Edward, he probably angry about  Donald getting more screen time.

Later that day, Edward confronts Douglas on his bad attitude. Edward gives a speech about them being old friends and they like to speak to each other about the state of the economy. Edward also throws in the fact, that Trevor and Douglas have in common that they both escaped scrap. Douglas freezes at the word scrap. The two then agree that The Fat Controller needs another engine to help.

What the hell kind of face is that, Edward?

That night Douglas is working the midnight goods train. This takes him to a part of the island where Diesels work. Ooooooo, scary.

Douglas is just about to head home, when his spider senses start tingling. He hears a steam engine. Douglas startled calls out to see who's there? 

A small voice answers explaining, that he is Oliver. He and his brake van, Toad were escaping from being scrapped when they ran out of steam.

You'll no longer be "walking the mile."

Douglas plans to save this poor engine. The two crews work together to make it happen. Douglas hooks up to the front of the engine and pulls him out. The two of them start their journey. 

While trying to clear the station, the three were stopped by the fuzz aka the foreman. Douglas' driver sweet talks the foreman. The foreman declares everything okay and they start off again.

Will $50.00 do?

The butt crack of dawn had appeared by the time the three arrived at their destination. They hide Oliver and Toad at The Works. 

The next day, Douglas tells the tale about Douglas. James and Gordon blurt out that The Fat Controller needs to know. 

Speaking of the devil, The Fat Controller strolls up.

Don't mind me, I'm just picking flowers.

The Fat Controller questions the engines on what they are hiding? Duck pleads that they need another engine to help. The Fat Controller states that he too cheap to get a new steam engine he needs one from scrap. Da da dum!

Douglas interjects that he has one. The Fat Controller laughs and drops the bomb that he knows about Douglas' new pets. The Fat Controller plans to put Oliver on Duck's branch line. 

Oliver and Toad are fixed up and looking spiffy. Oliver is even painted in Great Western livery. Duck's branch line is now known jokingly as "The Little Western"

Toad is freaking adorable too.

The End Of Season/Series 2: The Snarkies!

As I stated in The End Of Season/Series 1 write up, I would really like to do something different at the end of each season. For Season 2, I decided to hand out awards, The SNARKIES, if you will. So without further to do, Jane Slicker presents THE SNARKIES.

Best New Character

Duck

I'm so shocked!

I choose Duck for the simple reason, that he had a real rough introduction. From the bigger engines bullying him, Diesel antics, to wrecking into a barber shop. And after all this, he is just a likable guy.

Best Villain

Diesel

Meh....

Diesel gets the win for the sheer evil he is. He even has the most sinister theme music to go with it. Diesel truly is the most sneakiest snake on Sodor. 

Best Set Of Twins

Donald And Douglas

They're a little nervous that Kayne is going to show up and give The Snarky to Beyonce.

An easy win over Bill and Ben. The brotherly love these two have for each other is heartwarming.  Douglas not being able to live without his brother. And Donald, possibly sacrificing himself for scrap for his brother. These two deserve my Snarky Award.

Best Jerk

James

James likes to make an entrance

It was a tie up between James and Gordon for me. But, I decided to give it to James. Why? Well because, he seems to join in with Gordon and Henry to be a big boy. And he really grinds my gears. 

Best Non Engine Character

Bertie

Bertie, get back here and get your Snarky!

I really like Bertie. His design calls me. Maybe, I am a bus nut? 

Best Make Up

Daisy

Add the stripper music!

Daisy is the Kim Kardashian of Sodor, so of course she is getting the Snarky for best make up. She is also the winner for best swerves. 

Best Crash

Percy

Glorious! 

There were many great crashes in this season, with all the buildings built on the end of the rails. I have to give it Percy though. He crashed with grace. When hit that brake van, he had a great bounce and landing.

Best Couple

Edward & Trevor

Trevor is disappointed he didn't win any children.

The story between Edward and Trevor is touching. The friendship between them is worthy of The Snarky.

Best Crazy Thomas Face

Thomas was drinking before the show.

Yep, that one! You knew it was the winner!

Most Underused Character This Season

Henry

And he even made derp eyes for us!

We didn't really see a lot of Henry this season. If we did, he was grumping. I actually enjoy the character of Henry so, it was a little bit of a disappointment for me. 

Best Death Scene

The Spiteful Brake Van

RIP

He did have it coming though. Lesson to take from this, don't be a spiteful brake van.

And that will do it for The SNARKIES. Join Thomas The Snark Engine in snarking on Season/Series 3 next. We will see duck abuse, engines with silly scarves, dragons, tree hugging, and much more!

Season 2 Episode 26: Thomas and The Missing Christmas Tree

It is Dec 23 on the Island of Sodor. The engines are expecting a lot of children and The Fat Controller has his knickers in a bunch to have a great Carol Party. 

The Fat Controller commissions Thomas to gather the Christmas Tree. Thomas pleads to be able to sing carols this year again. The Fat Controller isn't sure if he wants to give Thomas that pleasure. He just gives the old, "We'll see" excuse.

Maybe if you being me back, Mrs. Claus....

Thomas collected the tree with no problem. But, we all know that can not last. On the way back, Thomas runs straight into a slow drift. 

Daaaaaaaammnit!

Thomas begins to panic about being late and The Fat Controller relying on him. Thomas tried to get out but, doing so causes more snow to fall on him.

The other engines, back in civilization where beginning to get angry over Thomas being late.  The Fat Controller interrupts saying that we assume Thomas is stuck or drinking egg nog. Donald and Douglas set off to rescue Thomas.

Spot the stolen faces.

The twins find a huge drift. The snow pile starts to scream, "Help!" One must assume it's Thomas. Donald and Douglas work to free Thomas.

Thomas had it coming.

Once out, the trio sets off to finish the trip. It was night time when they arrived. The Fat Controller and the other engines are waiting for them. The Fat Controller rewards the engines with letting them sing carols.

At the big station, everyone was gathered.

Even Diesel... that grinch.

The Fat Controller starts to MC it from behind a golden podium. He is interrupted by Harold hoovering above him. He brought Santa Claus. Show off!

I'm Harold and I need attention. 

And we end with, Happy Christmas everyone!

Tomorrow I will be handing out awards for The Best Of Season 2.