Quote from: Jacob Wilson on February 12, 2016, 09:46:10 AM
^ Above 1 Reply - @Reply #7 By MeganekkoFury1126: The thing about Thomas and Devious Diesel competing against each other is part of the Thomas & Friends tradition, if you like and something that will never end. This is what makes the TV series interesting to watch with the Steamies and Diesel's competing like this.

Yes, there will be some steam vs. diesel action still going on, but doing it too much makes that formula stale. Would you want to eat the exact same thing for breakfast, lunch and dinner over and over?

Now I'm not saying that every instance of a steam vs. diesel engine is bad. I really liked the recent episodes involving Diesel in season 17 thru 19, but that was because they were written well. Wild Water Rescue in particular is a very well executed twist on the otherwise familiar formula.

My point is the new team already has a difficult job ahead to make the already familiar plot unique again and be able for it to stand on its own, especially since it's Thomas and Diesel again, since we've gotten that A LOT in the bad era of Thomas' series alone.

The HO rolling stock I do like the sound of, at least to add more variety.

Rheneas is probably the nicest new product announced, as well as the slate cars. Love those Skarloey railway cars.

Rosie....*sigh* I don't like her...at all really, so let's move on.

I'm being cautious.

Not only does this special have a lot to live up to following Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure, but this plot has been done many times before in the show with Thomas trying to prove himself and Diesel trying to sabotage him. Not to mention that there are 12 new characters to squeeze into one hour special!

That being said, this IS the new team we're talking about, and they've surprised us time and time again.

Plus, not sure if Donald and Douglas will still have a song to sing, but that's something I'm also eager to see.

Because it's like the chances of making Henry in his old shape. More people are familiar with Peter Sam with his new funnel because 1) it's what he's most known for and 2) he's appeared much more often with it. Peter Sam only had his old conventional funnel in 10 episodes.

The most probable reason the engines, which were in 1:32 or Number One gauge, couldn't negotiate the grade was it was just too steep. Almost all model trains I've had experience with can't negotiate more than 2 or 3% grades. Pushing it at 4% or more is asking for slippage.

Grade percentage is measured in how much of height the grade increases is for every 100 units. For example, a 2% grade raises 2 inches for every 100 inches. At least that's how it's done in model railroading.

But back to the narrow gauge engines, it'll be interesting to see how Duncan (my most favorite narrow gauge engine) comes out when he eventually gets made. Yes, it certainly would be tricky fitting all the internal components inside. I didn't realize until recently just how skinny Duncan is compared to the others. We'll just have to see how the other characters get made. Personally, I'm most looking forward to see how they make Peter Sam with his special funnel.

Do remember in Toad's Adventure and Toad's Bright Idea that Toad trailed behind trains led by James and Gator respectively, so Toad can trail behind any train a Thomas enthusiast wants to.

Seeing how this is most likely the production model, I say Bachmann has done it again. I don't mind the lighter gray color, and considering his concept image last year in the catalog, it's not false advertising. I especially love the hand brake detail inside, like we saw in sharper detail in Toad's Adventure and Toad's Bright Idea.

While maybe not this year, I personally think Jack isn't too far out of being likely. I mean, he has gotten some screen time recently in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure, and kids would probably enjoy having a construction machine to 'play' with on their miniature railway.

Rex, Bert and Mike though...that's really asking for a lot too soon. The Skarloey engines have just started being produced, and we have to wait to see if there really is even a possibility of even making those engines, which are even smaller than the Skarloey engines.

I gotta agree Chaz. Looking back, some episodes I might give a little lower than I thought, though some may get higher.

With the two new episodes released recently, Rocky Rescue and Goodbye Sir Topham Hatt, they're both pretty meh in my opinion, the former more so.

Agreed, there are plenty of noticeably weak episodes like Rocky Rescue, Henry Spots Trouble, Helping Hiro, and Salty All at Sea.

There are also okay ones like Red Vs. Blues, Cranky Christmas, and  the Phillip episodes.

But we also got really stand out ones, like Best Engine Ever, No Help at All, Slow Stephen and Den and Dart.

I will say overall, season 19 has been a bit more consistent compared to season 17 and 18, but it did take awhile before it really felt as if it stepped up its game compared to the two predecessors.

Personally, if I could sum it up concisely, it feels like season 19 is to season 17 and 18 what season 3 was to season 1 and 2. It didn't introduce too much groundbreaking material or new characters, but still offered a solid list of episodes that seemed to do more with less.

That being said, I am DEFINITELY looking forward to what potential they can unlock in season 20. We have a lot to look forward to after all: Daisy, Ryan, Skiff, Rex, Bert, Mike, Donald and Douglas, and that's just what we know.

Yes, Jacob, hence why they're in this topic: Season 19.

They're online now.

Huh, we got more season 19 to talk about!

The Other Side of the Mountain
First off, very happy Bertie's classic theme made a return. This must be the season to get back into the old music. Second, I'm glad that this episode on Thomas and Bertie where it didn't involve them racing. It did feel like an episode that came out of season 2 or 3. It does keep the person viewing wondering if Bertie was telling the truth or not about what is on the other side. It's also pretty naturally handled how Thomas gets more and more curious, and more and more frustrated. The big derailment was a little over the top, but it did serve its purpose for the story. Still enjoy how the engines show damage after these big wrecks. I like that Butch was utilized for the story. This episode is a good example of how the writers can nicely handle road characters as well as rail ones. Though, the fantasy ending feels a little pointless. It's just kind of there. It's a little funny, though, I'll give it that. 8/10

Thomas the Babysitter
I noticed that pretty much the whole episode occurred in the same day. In fact, maybe a couple hours. Been awhile since that happened. I did enjoy the 90's style montage of Thomas going through the hours of his run enduring the baby's crying. Also been awhile since Maithwaite appeared in Arc's animation, not to mention the classic waterwheel. I also like that Annie and Clarabel prevented the episode from going down a familiar bad plotline, and Thomas came to his senses very quickly. The ending is the strongest point in the episode. The music which feels a bit like Blue Grass infant music, the comedy of torturing Annie and Clarabel with more baby riding, and the human interaction of the workman Albert and his family. Somehow I imagine that's how my parents gave me my name. The only thing I found odd was why the mother and baby get back on after Thomas turns around. It really doesn't give an explanation. Other than that, this is still a great episode. 9/10

No Help at All
Well, we have this season's Bill and Ben episode, and it also has Marion and Timothy. Guess it's getting in the swing of one episode for each of the "supporting groups" on Sodor, much like the classic seasons. I was a little worried this would be like Timothy and the Rainbow Truck, which happens to be my least favorite episode of season 18, but I was fortunately wrong. I love that they went back to focusing on Timothy's straight laced trait. It is arguably his most distinctive quality. Sort of like the Josh to Bill and Ben's Drake. Bill and Ben are just as obnoxious and entertaining as ever. I was very pleased to see Porter get a good role, too, let alone see him and Timothy work together. I think this is the first time a classic song has been utilized in a regular episode, and I loved it. It helped Down by the Docks is one of my favorite songs. Not to mention a little nod to We Make a Team Together. If you also listen carefully, this episode pretty much takes place at the same time as Emily's repairs in Best Engine Ever, Mavis' in Den and Dart, and Salty's trip in Salty All at Sea. Glad to see the writers are very consistent with continuity. Plus, for once, Sir Topham Hatt is played seriously this episode, instead of a butt monkey. I can't really point out any flaws really, except maybe Bill and Ben repeatedly bumping into the lines of trucks. It does feel a bit...odd. Nonetheless, this is going to be another favorite this season. 9.5/10

An official soundtrack has never been released, but if you look on YouTube, there are plenty of people who have compilated or even recreated the original scores by O'Donnel and Campbell.

What I mean by that is to make the episode to fit Edward and James, not just throw him in and expect it to be appropriate. The reason I said that is because it not only would've been a perfect opportunity to make a homage episode to Old Iron, but also not have an episode where Thomas has to be in a spotlight for a change. As much as I like this season and the past two, they still need to cut down how much they throw Thomas in.

I'm not sure what in the world is wrong with season 19's broadcast. You'd think most of it would've been evenly released before this month.

Helping Hiro
This one is an alright episode. Not great, but good. I did like the flashback to Hero of the Rails and it's kind of cute to see Thomas look up to Hiro like he's his idol. Hiro's derailment was excellently done, though I don't know why anyone thought that Hiro could just brush it off and get back to work. I'm a little confused about the dialogue in this episode, too. Like why would Hiro not know why he's called the Master of the Railway, when Thomas asks him. It also bugs me when Thomas has his accident, too, that his driver and fireman just stay with him and don't go for help or something. Though it is nice that the loose ends about Hiro needing spare parts or not was tied up. Not a season 19 highlight exactly, but not bad per say. 6/10

Reds Vs. Blues
I thought this would be much like season 10's Thomas and the Colors, but I think I like this one better, albeit not by much. This episode did have a good setup, with Thomas and Edward getting more appreciation than James because of their colors. It was also amusing having Sir Topham Hatt as the referee, and seeing the opposing team root for James because of his color made things interesting. Though, I honestly felt that this episode would've been better with Edward in Thomas' place, and it was mostly predictable plot wise and in its execution. There's not much particularly remarkable about it, except for Percy referencing the show's narrator with the quote "And then there was trouble!" It is one of those more simplistic slice of life episodes that also teaches a little more about British football regulations. 7/10

Two Wheels Good
This episode definitely reminded me of Lady Hatt's Birthday Party from season 5. While I don't like this one as much as the former, it's still a very good episode. I particularly love how much human interaction was written, especially the Thin Controller and his love for bicycles. That's actually very amusing! I also liked how the Duke and Duchess got to have their different personalities on display. Who would've thought the Duke would throw so many petty tantrums like that? Not to mention I look forward to more roadway associated episodes like this. It was also a treat to see Lord Callan come back after a 12 year absence. I kind of wish though that Bertie would get a rest from getting the short end of the stick, I will say. It seems like he usually does these days. Like I said, the plot is something I've seen before, but it's done with enough uniqueness to make it stand out enough on its own. 8/10

Slow Stephen
Now, this is going to be a definite favorite for me this season, and is a good example of why Stephen is one of my favorite of the Brenner characters. Even though I'm one of the few people who don't hate The Afternoon Tea Express from season 17, this episode is a lot better. It's much better at telling the moral that being slow can be a good thing. The build up to the climax was superbly done, and was actually quite tense. It's been awhile since I've seen a Thomas episode get this suspenseful. The collapsing of the suspension bridge was incredibly executed, the way shots were angled, and the music coupled with it - absolutely epic. There's also a slight nod to season 2's Better Late Than Never, which was actually quite subtle. 10/10

Best Engine Ever
Emily seems to be getting some really good roles in episodes since season 17. This one is no exception. I've grown very fond of both Connor and Caitlin, and seeing the latter get some more depth was very welcome. I had a feeling I was going to love this episode when it was announced, and it did not disappoint. It was so great to see many of the females of Sodor put together. The moral was just right for Emily, and I appreciate how nicely the episode was written to start and setup the plot evenly. Putting Marion in was a nice treat, and it's like I said about putting a good amount of female characters in one episode - it's pretty rare in the Thomas realm. The climax though was extremely well done with Emily slowing down Caitlin from the front, and it reminded of something that was actually done in real life! Albeit with 18 wheeler trucks and not trains, but it was so action packed it kept me well entertained. Though that streamlined Emily was made into a wooden toy for a 3 second shot? Seems kinda ridiculous really...Oh yeah, I also loved Connor's little "Afternoon ladies!" with his little wink - who knew he was such a ladies' man? I really hope we get another episode like this soon. 10/10

The Little Engine Who Raced Ahead
I'm not exactly sure what to feel about Phillip so far. He didn't exactly warm up to me as well as Porter or even Samson. I think he may be a little too confident and bubbly to be admired, albeit it is kinda cute. However, I will say his design is great, and actually is one of the American prototypes to fit into Sodor's loading gauge. I also like how they refer to his basis as a box-cab, just like how us Americans would reference him. It was a nice break that they didn't start the episode with exposition about new engines coming, and just got straight to the plot. If I must be fair, this was like a shorter version of the Adventure Begins, and Phillip seems to have taken the new place as the most junior engine on the railway. Though something I will criticize is that the writers should make Gordon a little bit more compassionate. Since season 17, they've got his pompous attitude down right which is just fine for me, but they've kind of been ignoring the other side of him, and this episode kinda shows it, too. The episode would've been a lot better if that was done. So, not a great episode, but a decent one in my opinion. 7/10

Phillip to the Rescue
A bit of improvement over the previous episode. Just like with Samson last season, it's great to see the continuity with Phillip's past events already. It was also nicely done with Phillip playing off of James. I guess it was only a matter of time until James got a taste of his own medicine. Now it may be not as good as last season with Duck, but still pretty good. Though the ending scene might be a little unpleasant of Phillip not quite taking Edward's words wisely, he is more admirable in this episode, and I guess he'll develop into being less confident as time goes on. The little nod to the Adventure Begins by Edward was great, and it also shows how much Thomas himself has grown since he first arrived. I'm also happy to see much longer train consists being used. It makes the trains look much more realistic. James' derailment was extremely well done, with him smashing into the rock bridge sides. I've never seen a crash like that before in the series. Most of the time, the train hits some flimsy wood plank or something. Which brings me to something else well done - when there is a serious wreck, the engines actually show the scars of battle. If this was done 3 or more years ago, they wouldn't have one paint scratch! 8/10

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4dFllCdoSQ

We got another season 19 clip out in the open, in preparation for the new Start Your Engines DVD!

This episode looks really interesting. It's almost like a complete turn around of season 10's Thomas and the Colors, and with some improvement already being sensed! Considering James' episodes usually turn out to be really good since season 17, I'm looking forward to seeing how this will turn out.