Season 4 Episode 23: Paint Pots and Queen

Gordon and Thomas are heading back home after Thomas had his accident. This episode takes place back in time after Down In The Mine. It is confusing. The two discuss their own going teasing each other. They both wish to be in the good graces of The Fat Controller once again. 

They arrive at the sheds to see that a clown has exploded on it. 

So long Bozo

The Fat Controller announces that The Queen is arriving to have a visit with the engines. The engines debate on who is going to pull her train. 

Edward immediately assumes that he is too old. (Hey Edward, I like old men) Gordon declares he is in disgrace. James pipes in with, it will be him. Henry steams James and states that it will not be James due to him not being able to climb hills. (I never noticed that Henry and James seem to have a little rivalry.)  

That's a pretty sad Edward.

The day turns into a rainy one. Henry is sitting at the big station, while a painter paints above him. Henry steams and blinds the painter. He begins to fall. The painter and paint fall on Henry. 

That's pretty funny.

The Fat Controller declares that Henry looks like an iced cake and that Henry is out of the running to pull the train.

The Fat Controller goes on to speak to Gordon and Thomas. 

Gordon looks a little funny.

Gordon asks if, "Thomas can go back to his branch line? "

The Fat Controller doesn't really answer the question. He does see that both look sorry and awards them. The Fat Controller is going let Gordon pull the train and let Edward go ahead and clear the line, while Thomas is going to mind the coaches. 

The day arrives. Edward runs in shouting, "The Queen is here!"

Gordon follows with the Queen's train. 

Now I'm lady bait.

The Queen exits the coaches and asks to see the other engines. They all begin to whistle for the Queen.

The Queen later takes the time to speak with Thomas, Edward, and Gordon. She thanks them for being rocking engines. 

Watch out, he bites!

She leaves on Gordon after speaking to them. All the other engines are proud to be on The Fat Controller's Railway.

Season/Series 3 Review

What can be said about Season/Series 3? Well the crashes were not as spectacular as prior seasons for one thing. Before we saw damage in the crashes, this season it was very mild. Which was budget issues in all fairness.

For example, Oliver looks pretty unscathed but, he was sent to The Works.

With our characters this season, some of them are starting to loose their edge. Thomas is becoming less of a jerk and more of the good guy. Percy is slowly dumbing down. Henry is suddenly a tree hugger. 

We did though get introduced to some new ones that I enjoy. Mavis, Oliver, Toad, and Bulgy. 

Mavis being a favorite.

I did enjoy the 2D animation that was thrown in this season. The bee scene with James was great. 

All and all it was a pretty good season. And I know it will be looking even better when I get pass Season 7. Season 8 is where the snark is going to go over and beyond. 

Just to note, I actually still enjoy this show.  But, I like to make fun of those things I like. I am loving looking back on these stories and remembering them. The work and the talent that went into this series is amazing. Even looking back on the original books, that took imagination. I truly appreciate the talent in took to bring this characters to life.

With that I leave you and tomorrow we'll dig into Season 4. We will meet the Narrow Gauge Engines, Stepney, and a postal postal worker. And we will also see elephants, more cows, The Queen, and The Flying Kipper return.