So, this is only the second episode of Series 9 (which is usually classified as the worst of the HIT model era seasons) and yet, it's already a clanger of a time.
In this episode, Gordon has rattling rods in his engine and the other engines make fun of him for it. Because of this, Gordon is not pleased and demands better respect - but not in a "polite" way. This leads to a jammy consequence for the big blue engine, and a sign of regret for the Steam Team.
On every strange case, Gordon always seems to have the best episodes during this period of the series and I believe that the writers know how to use him - James Mason (who wrote this episode) included.
The length fits in very well for this kind of plotline. Nothing in the plotline felt like it was there to fill out, it all had it's own purpose. Even the crash was made to prove that you need to earn respect and not gain it the way you think so, as it can lead you into trouble if you're not careful. This is a moral that I think isn't shoehorned in and can be learned from.
The only problems I would say is that there doesn't appear to be an engine pulling the Jam Tankers and it just feels like they're there for the plot expansion. The second is that the rest of the Steam Team should have apologised for being rude to Gordon, and then there would be double standards for both sides.
Overall, this is easily one of the best HIT-era episodes and is incredibly fun to watch.
In this episode, Gordon has rattling rods in his engine and the other engines make fun of him for it. Because of this, Gordon is not pleased and demands better respect - but not in a "polite" way. This leads to a jammy consequence for the big blue engine, and a sign of regret for the Steam Team.
On every strange case, Gordon always seems to have the best episodes during this period of the series and I believe that the writers know how to use him - James Mason (who wrote this episode) included.
The length fits in very well for this kind of plotline. Nothing in the plotline felt like it was there to fill out, it all had it's own purpose. Even the crash was made to prove that you need to earn respect and not gain it the way you think so, as it can lead you into trouble if you're not careful. This is a moral that I think isn't shoehorned in and can be learned from.
The only problems I would say is that there doesn't appear to be an engine pulling the Jam Tankers and it just feels like they're there for the plot expansion. The second is that the rest of the Steam Team should have apologised for being rude to Gordon, and then there would be double standards for both sides.
Overall, this is easily one of the best HIT-era episodes and is incredibly fun to watch.
