Bulldog - How Thomas & Friends Teaches About Parental Figures

[@Nic_2751]

I love how you didn’t mention it, but the tiny detail of how Duke responds at the end is a very parental brush off of specifically stating you saved them from mortal peril but playing it off like you saved them from ruining their image lol. They’ll realize it soon enough you saved them from certain death but doesn’t need to be immediately spelled out.

[@Ryder-a-Blaze]

Duke, Edward and Toby are the grandpas everyone needs in their lives

[@Zacman1123]

Agreed

[@22Tesla]

Heheh yup! And Skarloey and Rheneas to a point given they are now over 100 years old themselves.

[@sadsadcountryboy]

I whole heartedly disagree. In my mind, Sir Handel is the best old wise character.

[@karenfan010]

it’s events like this that humbled falcon/sir handel in season 10

[@BigLightning4360]

To another Thomas fan influenced by the Unlucky Tug, I look forward to more of your "Life Lesson" videos and your reviews of each television series as I'll be behind all the way!

[@inkywright]

Duke is such a mood and I love how much he's proved himself with his reliability. I wish we got more of him for original stories, maybe we could've gotten something like that for Season 5 (even if his model got repainted for Bertram).

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

Adding onto the treat visuals of Series 4, this is one of the few times we actually see a large scale figure and a model large scale face in the same shot

[@DavidBContentExtravaganza3967]

And in CGI for Luke.

[@bradleyconrad2141]

Duke is honestly one of my favorite characters in Thomas and this episode with him and Falcon is absolutely fantastic!

[@amitysluzara2022]

This episode is a prime example of why I love the relationship between Duke, Sir Handel and Peter Sam. Great video mate

[@CapitalCityKate]

Parenting is hard, but very responsible.

[@DavidBContentExtravaganza3967]

You think the CGI series should have thought of retaining it.

[@thecinematicmind]

Ah Duke. My favourite character in Thomas & Friends. A first class train with great wit and respect.

[@DodotheCartoonFanboy]

I agree: it is awesome because everything is awesome.

[@BriceInkling138]

I actually want to point out the events of both "Bulldog" and "You Can't Win" actually take place before the Mid Sodor Railway closed and also before when Duke was found in "Sleeping Beauty".

[@retrogamelover2012]

I think this would've been the reason where "The Old Bridge" from season 7 would've worked better with Sir Handel in the role of Skarloey (if they had managed to create the larger scale model of him in time), and therefore would've really driven the whole PTSD message home. I mean, considering how in Bulldog, he basically had a near-death experience that was only avoided, because of Duke's quick thinking, I have no doubts that there would've been some trauma that would've likely stayed with him, long after the old railway closed, and to basically be in the same predicament again, only without Duke to instantly come to his rescue, as he basically dangles by a thread on a broken piece of bridge... Yeah, I can see how that experience can terrify the engine to the point of refusing to go near the bridge again, out of fear that it could give way again, and basically cause him to plummit into the river below.

[@usualblokeluke]

If it was like that, I could see that story fitting right in with the railway series

[@retrogamelover2012]

@@usualblokeluke I smell a brainstorm brewing. Heck, if it was like that, I could easily see a little role reversal in the rescue situation, where Duke voluteered to take Sir Handel's work as well as his own, obviously understanding his plight, but still telling him every now and then that he can't let his fears from his past, be in control of his actions today, with Sir Handel (whilst respecting him and understanding what he means) constantly doubting himself and wondering if this is something about himself that's impossible to fix, until the day comes where Duke comes to a stand-still (either from using up his coal and water, or breaking down, over straining himself from doing the work of two engines) on the other side of the bridge, and for him to overcome his fears.

[@retrogamelover2012]

​​​@@usualblokelukeYeah, I've just come up with how that scene with the bridge could go, if it went in that direction; When Sir Handel arrived, he saw the trucks on the other side. He started to cross. But stopped. He looked down into the rushing water. "Come on, Sir Handel!", called his driver, "The bridge is safe now!" But Sir Handel wasn't listening. He remembered what had happened before. How close he was to falling as he dangled there. Then, his memories of The Mountain Road flashed before his eyes. How he derailed, how he hung over the edge and how far down everything was to him. It all began to spin around in his smoke box. The driver and fireman started to notice that Sir Handel was beginning to shake. Come on, Sir Handel!", his driver called again. "What's wrong?" "I-I-I CAN'T DO IT!!", Sir Handel cried out suddenly and shut his eyes tight. The driver and fireman were a loss for words. They just looked at each other and sighed as they shook their heads. And so, they went home instead.

[@stepneybulstrodemusic1761]

I always loved Bulldog. I feel that it’s sometimes overlooked, overshadowed by Granpuff and Sleeping Beauty, but it’s a great story. It shows many of the things we as fans love about Duke. He’s a stern and heroic character, but with a snappy sense of humor. And I agree, it was nice seeing the engines at Tidmouth Sheds in the S4 Duke episodes

[@epicdude8742]

Subscribed as soon as I saw the thumbnail. This episode is single-handedly what got me back into the franchise for the first time since my childhood - you cover it perfectly.

[@usualblokeluke]

Welcome aboard 🙂

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

@@usualblokeluke Hey Luke, I'd recommend the Carlin US dub of this episode. Angelis is good but based on clips here, he didnt emote right for Sir Handels fusspot insults or Duke sternly telling orders to not shake. In the US dub, Carlin got Sir Handels annoyed mood for his impatient nature more right and Duke's orders to not shake more severe

[@usualblokeluke]

@@Thomasmemoryscentral Thanks for the recommendation. I'll give it a look see

[@Kidsmtvslvback]

Watching this video made me think of the other parental figures I had in my life growing up in not just my parents but also in other adult figures whether they are family or family friends.

[@ToQ_Ichigo]

I’ve been loving seeing these videos on episodes and the bigger meaning of them. One episode I mention this series could go into is Make Someone Happy and the importance of caring for others. Or one on Peace and Quiet and wanting to be happy and content with your lifestyle. (That’s just a bigger picture for me on why Murdoch wants quiet.)

[@usualblokeluke]

There is just so many to choose from isn't there? it's awesome!

[@hayjad610]

Duke’s attitude and way of looking at life is my end goal. I’d love to be that old man that can be looked up to when I reach elderly age. For now I’ll just be an impertinent scallywag.

[@extrahistory8956]

Yet another banger! You've gotten extremely good at making these. They feel like a neat sucessor to Tug's MTAKS, since he's kind of stopped doing them

[@CapitalCityKate]

2:17-2:20. Thomas' goofy face.

[@eliotreader8220]

I brought a copy of the book written about the life of the creator of the RWS some years ago now. I think it was back in 2016. anyway I discovered that over the years some people have complained about the lack of female characters especially Female engines in the books. I didn't realise watching the tv series as a kid that was the reason for the introduction of female characters like Lady in the first film and Emily later on. this lead me to write a story as a idea for a episode.

[@harrisonallen651]

Duke is literally a grandpa figure after all

[@TonsOfTrackmasters]

Your channel is a gem!

[@racheljackson4428]

I watched a lot of SuperNanny episodes and the way jo frost teaches the Parents how to Parent right, it's challenging but rewarding at the same time. go and watch it please. you won't be disappointed.

[@SrMechaGojira93]

I’m actually glad Duke wasn’t brought back to the show after this season, it makes his reputation as a character and love from the fans all the more special! As much as I like S17-21 (and I’m one of the only fans that likes S8-11), if Duke was brought back, he would be reduced to always praising his grace and annoy the others (except for Sir Handel and Peter Sam, who are used to it thanks to their history with him).

[@usualblokeluke]

You make a great point As much as we miss characters like Duke, if he was brought back for this era, he'd be Flanderized

[@racheljackson4428]

@@usualblokeluke Great deep dive into Bulldog. Definitely a underrated episode from Season 4 of TTTEAF.

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

@@usualblokeluke Maybe Duke could have worked in supporting roles during the Hit model seasons or at least in the background with passenger trains?

[@usualblokeluke]

@@Thomasmemoryscentral I see what you're getting at, but considering what those H.I.T model series did to the characters of Skarloey, Rheneas, Rusty and Sir Handel, bringing Duke back in that era would've potentially hurt his character more than help

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

@@usualblokeluke I'd argue Sir Handel got handled the best. I can agree with UnluckyTug and others in that working for a long time in the slate mines could have changed his attitude because he probably had little to no chances with coaches and slate car work could get boring after awhile.

[@richardliam9467]

0:58 bulldog was also on the DVD sing along stories

[@TankEngineMedia]

Fantastic job

[@Dawg-Bone]

Not TOO related, but Toby’s Discovery should’ve ended with Toby discovering Duke, aka “The Lost Engine.” Definitely would’ve been better than just using a darker version of Duke’s old model with Smudger’s face. All this to say that Duke was heavily underutilized. He was a fantastic character

[@SrMechaGojira93]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻, I never liked Bertram (I wish he never exist)

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

How would you write it that Duke is in the old minds? Hes in season 4 after Sleeping Beauty so you're going to require an explanation to why hes there away from sir Handel and peter sam

[@evanclarke5561]

I believe Toby's Discovery - though good - would've been great if either Stanley, Smudger, Atlas, Alfred, Albert, Jim, Jennings, Jerry or either tramway engine got found.

[@DavidBContentExtravaganza3967]

And should be used more in show, even in CGI.

[@LukeOfSodor22]

Or smudger

[@Stackedwithcash]

You’ve earned a subscription!

[@robertbalazslorincz8218]

Uhh... lads? 11:10 WHY IS DUKE UNCOUPLED?

[@usualblokeluke]

Huh Well spotted Can't believe I never noticed that

[@evanclarke5561]

I would've thought Duke is more of a big brother than father to either Stuart or Falcon. When you think about it - unless Duke was built in 1867 like his siblings - because he was probably built in 1879 and Falcon in 1904, this is why. Likewise, Smudger might've been older than Duke - he is after all Rheneas's brother - but nevertheless he always ignored Duke's advice. Perhaps he was a senile old engine

[@chrisdavies3913]

Interesting thought.... what would happen if Duke lead and Falcon was behind????

[@usualblokeluke]

Falcon would still be impatient but Duke would've been able to keep control of the train better being in front. Safer journey but Falcon wouldn't make a mistake to learn from.

[@sagittariusneptune9330]

Edward is Thomas/Ben/Bill, as Toby is to Percy/Mavis.

[@Zacman1123]

The only problem I have with this episode is that it doesn't follow up the Percy portion in the beginning. Edit: also I just now noticed that Falcon's paint job is brighter in the main part of the story. I never noticed when I was younger cause I'm slightly colorblind.

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

Hmm, write a fanfiction to that? Any other Skarloey stories Thonas could tell Percy that connects to Bulldog and the importance of patience?

[@javielalvarez5459]

Uhh,Percy & Toby are little engines,not big like Gordon,James & Henry! Should have said Standard Gauge Engines!

[@usualblokeluke]

Well they're the bigger engines compared to the Skarloey Railway engines but yeah I see what you mean

[@javielalvarez5459]

@@usualblokeluke now looking at The miniature Engines,they’re the little engines & The Skarloey Railway would be considered medium or average size engines by size!

[@ryanlee5512]

I LOVE Thomas the tank engine.

[@masterpeter1913]

I hope ,,Edward ' s Exploit " and,, Percy ' s Promise" become also a video.

[@andrewboyd8073]

What's the song that plays at 9:04?

[@usualblokeluke]

Megaman X6 - Commander Yammark Link to the song is the second link from the bottom in the description 👍

[@DukeSR8]

Eh, would've been more interesting if Duke had been recounting the stories instead of using Thomas.

[@mathuasher9184]

💜🤍🚂🚃🚃🚃💜🤍

[@Slow75]

Why the fok is duncan there?

[@usualblokeluke]

I wondered the same thing when I spotted him lol

[@masterpeter1913]

@@usualblokeluke Sometimes in the classic we saw the models of characters before he/she came to Sodor .James model in season 1 episode 1-6 ,Rhenas model in season 4 episode 11-12 but he never heart the name of the characters. Sometimes the crew made costum character with the model other characters.This why saw Duncan in this episode .