In a word? Brilliantly. If there's one type of episode I really like, it's those that have railway operations at the forefront. This is no exception, only here it goes slightly beyond.
It's basically the quintessential Thomas & Friends episode: engine does a job, things go wrong, engine proves themselves. It's also really entertaining and it has a lot of heart.
As for the kids? While I do like how they were portrayed as it does feel real to life (although, in fairness, it is only a small minority that act this way), I think that more should have been done to give them some sort of punishment, or something to regret their behaviour. Having the Fat Controller try and defend them really didn't sit well with me, especially since that also happens in reality, only it's the parents that are the ones on the defensive. I know he was only trying to keep the inspectors happy, but wouldn't him at least giving them a talking to have shown the inspectors that he was really in charge?
That said, the ending in itself was quite nice. Giving the whole railway a "glowing report" did seem like a bit of an overreaction just for returning a watch, but it was made clear that it meant quite a lot to the inspector. If they'd have said that he'd give the Ffarquhar branch a glowing report, or just Thomas, Annie and Clarabel, it would have made more sense.
That said, if the episode had just been a regular story about the railway being inspected, I don't think I'd have liked it too much as it runs the risk of being rather boring (and, like I've said, we've been down this road before). However, they threw in quite a bit of humour throughout. Some of it visual, some physical, but pretty much everything hits the mark for me. It really helped to keep the investment up.
As usual, the animation is amazing. The scenery around the branch line is absolutely gorgeous, and I like how it's being treated as an actual branch line, rather than throwing random assets together and calling it a "branch line".
Also, the glossy look of the models really shone here, especially in this shot. No detail is left out of the reflection and it just looks... lovely.
And, as usual, the voice acting is excellent. John Hasler seems to be getting better and better as Thomas; it's like he's been voicing the character for years, he feels that natural. That said, Teresa Gallagher (Annie and Clarabel) and Keith Wickham (The Fat Controller) did an excellent job as well.
@SteamTeam3211 I love the way they're making the Fat Controller more comical. However, if it continues I shall want royalties! #S19Property
— SteamTeam (@SteamTeam3211) September 23, 2015
#S19Property - proof realism isn't always required to make premium children's entertainment. Comical, well written & with great intentions.
— Sir Topham Hatt (@SIRTOPHAMNWR) September 23, 2015
#S19Property It's a good episode, but not the best ever.
— Jamie Zimmerman (@TrainiacJ) September 23, 2015
#S19Property is quite charming. While it is a bit silly, it sends a good message and has a lot of heart. Good blend of realism and fun!
— SkarloeyRailway01 (@SkarloeyRW01) September 22, 2015
the Island to deliver a watch :P each to their own I guess? 2/2 #S19Property
— TheTrainModeller (@thetrainmodeler) September 22, 2015
around, then you should always return it to it's owner, whether it'd be money or an item worth of value.
— Adam Abrahart (Ads) (@Adamski2851) September 23, 2015
Lost Property? Surely you mean Sir Topham's Christmas presents? Anyway, let's watch this episode. I'm in this one a lot if I remember right
— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) September 23, 2015
Those teeth actually belonged to mother. I nicked them and fitted them with a wind up mechanism. Hilarious!
— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) September 23, 2015
Oh, that inspector is a right cu...errr...cheeky sod. Saved that one.
— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) September 23, 2015
I suggested smashing the window, but the director said that was too much. Annie wasn't best pleased at the prospect either.
— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) September 23, 2015
Lucky the camera was on or I'd have given that kid a good clip round the ear. Children should be seen & not heard. And preferably not seen.
— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) September 23, 2015
Am I alone in thinking that children like the one in today's episode should be put down for the good of the nation?
— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) September 23, 2015
Stopping for a cow? Bloody hell. Just run them over for christ's sake! They are probably on their way to be slaughtered anyway!
— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) September 23, 2015
You should have seen the inspectors' faces when I told them "Next, we'll ride on Duck." They thought I was mad.
— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) September 23, 2015
I was gutted when Thomas returned that "lost" pocket watch. I was planning to sell it on eBay. Imagine how many jaffas I could've bought!
— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) September 23, 2015
"Initiative" - another rather big word. People will start to think I swallowed a whole dictionary. I only managed A - D. Very bland taste.
— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) September 23, 2015
You may laugh, but that 2nd ball was actually a golf ball painted red. Some workers trying to have a laugh at my expense I shouldn't wonder
— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) September 23, 2015
Today's episode was my attempt to break into comedy. I'll be touring Sodor with my one-man show next year. Look out for it.
— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) September 23, 2015
@NWRMadMan Ah well, it's probably in the lost property office. In summary, today's episode was very good. About time I got a starring role!
— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) September 23, 2015
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