Middle Engine: The WORST ‘Arry and Bert Episode

[@DavidBContentExtravaganza3967]

If only 'Arry and Bert retain their grim scrapping portrayals throughout the series after Season 5 til the end. Then they would've been great antagonists. They can even play the same role as Burke and Blair from TUGS, going around Sodor looking for steam engines and make offers to take them away for scrap. That would've helped them out in Thomas.

[@zerno_dread]

I like to think Splatter and Dodge were originally going to be in this episode instead of 'Arry and Bert, but due to the rights for TATMR and its properties being different from the series, they were dropped.

[@Kyranyoutubevids]

Poor Splatter and Dodge.

[@Nic_2751]

Well no cause Diesel 10 completely contradicts that

[@jnluis1]

What??? Brit was literally the director means she owns the characters

[@Zerneygreensaberman0728]

It’s really disappointing of how they went to scary murderous trains to child like bullies

[@karenfan010]

7:33 Duncan. His worst episode is either Trusty Rusty or Duncan and the Hot Air Balloon.

[@kevin-2.1]

Agree

[@joshuav875]

You took the words out of my mouth. Although I prefer trusty Rusty over hot air balloon.

[@andreiemanueltudose2445]

Yes

[@rockoweenadventures5070]

Where is Duncan?

[@Bearthediesel]

Agree

[@ryanfuller912]

I like to head canon that Arry and Bert were eventually found out by Topham offscreen but he actually never learns their names. I wish the writers continued to write as unknown characters, cause in most of their appearances where they are referred to by their names, the episode is usually mixed or just plain bad.

[@CakeKingYT]

Ooh that’s an amazing new intro! This series is my favourite, so I’m glad we have another one!

[@sanjuanamaldonado7256]

This is the first time you talked about the classic era of thomas never thought I would say that

[@BlueTankEngineAndFriends1984]

Arry and Bert are pretty much mischievous characters along with a few other characters who are mischievous as them also I love the intro in the beginning

[@amitysluzara2022]

It really feels like any Arry and Bert appearances (minus "Fergus Breaks The Rules") were meant for Splatter and Dodge but were changed to Arry and Bert

[@karenfan010]

What about Halloween?

[@armorpro573]

Luckily, T1e2h3 made a remake of the episode where Arry and Bert DO get punished by Sir Topham Hatt. Might want to check that out.

[@americanengine458]

7:14 That God Dammit was Personal

[@ultra6671]

"We hope you've enjoyed No Moral Theater, ladies and gentlemen." -Crow T. Robot

[@louisrg7830]

I really like your analysis about the episodes. I've loved Thomas since I was a little kid. Thanks :)

[@asafjuarez1]

Haven’t seen any of these vids in a while now since I shifted from the Thomas Series back to Nintendo Videogaming Nice vid Nowadays I just find all this Thomas vids and episodes from the past just straight classics

[@callum110597]

Oh, I absolutely hated "Middle Engine"; it's the worst classic episode of Thomas & Friends I have ever seen! 'Arry and Bert are such big bullies making Percy and James middle engines, even getting the former blamed for going on the tipper's loading ramp, and Henry wasn't scolded for pushing Percy onto it either! I don't get why those nasty diesels didn't get punished for anything, because they should have; I was really furious that all we got was Percy pulling James and all his trucks to the docks, teasing that he was learning to be a middle engine! How is any of that supposed to make up for what a ridiculous and horrible episode this is?! 😡

[@IsleofPigsStudios]

I feel like another fitting title for this episode is “Point of No Return”. Considering that after Middle Engine, other than maybe Fergus Breaks the Rules, the characters of Arry and Bert used in Middle Engine become the default. Probably because HIT saw the portrayal in Stepney Gets Lost to be too scary. 7:33 I’ve already made a Duck suggestion. But maybe a worst Bill and Ben episode video would be interesting with the likes of Buffer Bother

[@karenfan010]

Halloween?

[@IsleofPigsStudios]

@ They may have used flatbeds to scare Thomas and Emily, but Arry and Bert were basically the bully trope in that episode as well, not the grim messengers from Stepney Gets Lost

[@karenfan010]

@@IsleofPigsStudios You sure about that? Remember this episode took place at the scrap yard, the place where all steam engines fear. They weren’t scaring just to be bullies but to expose their fears of scrap. Not to mention the episode is actually good, unlike middle engine.

[@IsleofPigsStudios]

@@karenfan010 I’m pretty confident. While yes it was at the smelters yard, Thomas and Emily were there on assignment like Percy and James in Middle Engine. And when Emily gets caught up in the tarp, they have the same reaction to her as Thomas a few seconds prior. Halloween is still a good episode, don’t get me wrong. But Arry and Bert were not nearly as menacing

[@karenfan010]

⁠​⁠@@IsleofPigsStudios 1: just because they’re grim messengers doesn’t mean they don’t have their own fears, and there was nothing in Stepney Gets Lost to suggest otherwise. 2: As I said they weren’t just doing high school pranks on them like in Middle Engine, they were literally scarring them as they did to Stepney, not in the same way of course but still.

[@CakeKingYT]

I think this would’ve worked better if James was the one to bump Percy onto the loading ramp. Topham tells *him* off instead of Percy. Then ‘Arry & Bert could’ve still kept their bully trait, but maybe they could have a motive behind the whole “middle engine” thing? Like, wanting to take them to the Grabber once they’re in that state? Idrk

[@Ryder-a-Blaze]

2:09 nostalgia

[@bobbypoductions26]

I recently went back to your diesel 10 the best character and your voice is so different. Also love the Analysis on the worst iron works twins’ episodes. (Edit): I am thinking to do a rewrite and I will use splodge because as you said “It’s basically their antics not the bumblebees” so if I do rewrite I’ll credit you for some of the ideas

[@karenfan010]

FYI Arry and Bert were actually written correctly in Fergus Breaks the Rules and Halloweeen. Check those episodes out if wanna see them actually be likeable.

[@sashathetankengine]

So a while back, I tried rewriting this story, and while I never finished it, I do remember a few things I wanted to do: 1. Have Percy collect slack from the smelters. Slack is a byproduct of coal, and given how I bet it’s run, I’m sure that Smelters uses a lot of coal. 2. I was planning on there being a line where it’s said that ‘Arry and Bert were told off by Sir Topham Hatt, so they resorted to other means of screwing with the engines. 3. Percy would have broke the Tipper’s Loading Ramp, as he stopped accidentally on it. 4. James would have said “I can handle silly trucks with ease,” giving Topham the incentive to send James there. 5. ‘Arry and Bert would eventually cause an accident, where it is said that they would be dealt with, but that’s another story. Still might work on it. Who knows.

[@DiecastRemakesFunAndgamin]

Can probably do Sir handel next with his episode A smooth ride from season 10 by any chance😅

[@MIC2408]

You should do Flynn’s worst episode, Firey Flynn. I haven’t heard people say good things about that episodes.

[@jeremiahsisaias8677]

I would like to see someone make a video of real firefighters reacting to "Fiery Flynn".

[@PerpIsPerp]

7:06 " SECURITY SYSTEM TAKEA CONTROL OF SQUIDWARD'S HOUSE AND BEGINS SHOOTING THEM WITH THE DEHYDRATION GUN " ahh crashout

[@Drelle11]

Also, we haven’t heard a lot about the GWR brothers perhaps you can find a worse episode of both of them (you know, duck and Oliver!)

[@kapitan7357]

Maybe Bertie? Stop That Bus was fucking atrocious.

[@gustavodemestres6063]

Boy, only worst arry bert episode, not more james and percy episodes and more more middle adventures middle episode today?.

[@handle_69420_MINECRAFT_BOAT]

The only episode in this "Worst Episode" series from season 6

[@ScottMalkinsonisW]

I feel like bill and Ben might get one for season 6 as well.

[@tugs_man]

I defend this episode a lot saying that "It's not that bad" which is 100% ture I like this episode to an extent. In no way can I call it a "good" episode. You pretty much go through all the details on why it's bad and I am in the majority by saying this episode would be better if 'Arry and Bert were just replaced with Splodge. Also love the WTLNetwork appreciation at the very end.

[@BlakeRichardson-o2g]

I love how this is mostly about the episode and not 'Arry and Bert.

[@bradleyhauertheedtruncanfa5020]

Agreed full stop! Also, I love that new intro!

[@D10Studios235]

Thanks!

[@bradleyhauertheedtruncanfa5020]

@@D10Studios235 You're welcome!

[@rockoweenadventures5070]

I love Arry and Bert ❤ But I don’t really mind this episode however when Thomas and diesel had a race when CGI became a thing for the series when they crashed into Arry and Bert through the sheds, that episode was the worst, but 7:06 😂

[@SONICYXTFASTESTKIDALIVE]

2:47 why is Percy Collection coal truck from the scrap yard shouldn’t they be at a coaling plant if they were scrap truck I can understand but why coal trucks out of all things it’s just really confusing 🤨

[@genesisrailfan1507]

Honestly though, they should have stayed as one-off for a single season and basically could have forgotten instead of continuing onto the next seasons and regressing.

[@JonathanAsiamah]

You should cover Belle's worst episode - Big Belle.

[@kylegraham6923]

I actually did wrote a sequel story taking place what happens in the end, Caught Red Handed. Where Thomas gets tricked by Arry and Bert making him a middle engine, and Bear mistakenly pulls him by mistake. So both Thomas and Percy decide to do a little payback on those two, and The Fat Controller punish the two diesels in the end after hearing it was them

[@CrazyThomasFan]

Duck probably won’t be covered as I’m pretty sure he’s good in all of his

[@MrTrainerProductions]

I honestly don't mind Middle Engine and I find it okay. I do find it weird that the coal trucks to be stored at the Ironworks. Maybe that place has bunkers for the steam engines for refill on coal. I recall reading another Thomas fan's comment about the episode saying that there is a bit of a moral to it which somehow goes by never make fun of someone else's mishaps or unfortunes or else you'll end up in the same way. As for 'Arry and Bert, they are my favorite antagonists/favorite diesel characters alongside Derek, Splatter, and Dodge. I know you prefer their Season 5 personas, but, for me, I prefer them as both villains and bullies at the exact same time. I know you might not like it, but, that's just how I depict them. Now, I'm guessing that the producers toned the Ironworks twins' personas down a bit so they won't be too scary for younger viewers.

[@javielalvarez5459]

I’m surprised that Percy did not snap at Henry & accuse him of doing that on purpose in a grumpy way!

[@j-2-da-man932]

Maybe you could do Duck next. Now, Duck himself hasn’t had any outright bad episodes in the series, imo, and this one I’m recommending to you isn’t really about Duck himself. The episode ‘Duck in the Water’ is probably my least favorite “Duck” episode, because it isn’t even focused on him that much. It’s more about James. Much like how here in Middle Engine, Arry and Bert aren’t the central focus.

[@SONICYXTFASTESTKIDALIVE]

Episode idea: why trusty rusty is the worst Duncan episode

[@Steamenginesunited3456]

Never realized one of the twins cameoed in Twin Trouble

[@jordangaming1019]

Here's an idea: Try to find the worst Duck episode. I think it would make a nice challenge.

[@CoyoteC3746]

You should Cover Rosie's worst episode next

[@jonathanadair6847]

Personally, I don’t really dislike this episode since the James and Percy dynamic is always a delight and Michael Angelis is as fantastic as he always is in Season 6. Though I do agree that it was stupid of the manager and Sir Topham Hatt to assume the whole thing was Percy’s fault.

[@ToopyAndBinooRulesEst2004]

Hot Take: I’m one of the few people who considers Middle Engine to be an okay episode.

[@danceinator]

Pay attention to them in Diesel and the Ducklings, there's a couple of 'arry and bert moments that you'll really appreciate if you pay attention to the visuals

[@StevenStudios05]

This Episode Was Just Too Silly

[@alexthegreenma1710]

Also yeah I was always confused why sir topham hat was mad at Percy like what?!? He didn’t do anything, also who put that hook on him on. The tipper, like it just appears out of no where

[@Nic_2751]

They unfortunately peaked in their very first appearance, and that was it.

[@ianmarchese9557]

Season 6 as a whole is just the worst season of the classic era, most of the episodes should be disregarded IMO and this is no exception...

[@DavidBContentExtravaganza3967]

Apart from Salty and Harvey's debuts.

[@anthonyfisher-7090]

​@DavidBContentExtravaganza3967and at least half of the season. Season 6 has some banger eps!

[@ianmarchese9557]

@@anthonyfisher-7090 I mean yeah, twin trouble, its only snow and gordon takes a tumble were pretty good. They were not all bad but for the most part, i didn't like this season as much anymore...

[@dennisthesuperengine7047]

I just wanted to say Salty, but he doesn't have any bad episodes xD But you could talk about Nia and Rebecca's worst episode

[@Driftking0311]

Imo, I think the writers didn’t want to make Arry and Bert as villains bc “it’s a show meant to kids.” So by seeing Arry and Bert almost attempting to scrap Stepney was a bit out of context. This episode didn’t makes senses. As a kid,I kept rewatching it back and forward. Til ofc I saw other people’s reviews of the ep and yea I agree with them. Percy’s character and being blamed for no reason didn’t make senses. S6 writing was a bit of confusion and poorly written.

[@Robin_The_Red_Rabbit]

I have a question about the last clip which was did you make that or did you get it from somewhere else

[@YakobBourdoude]

I lived in italy when I was younger in middle school iI found two thomas' dvd with one that contained middle engine when the episode ended I was really confused from it

[@Robot-fi6gs]

6:32 C O A L C A R S

[@karmomaniac1]

Love the new intro

[@sammyclark4992]

Man, imma be real with you for like the fifth time on one of these, this episode ain't great, but I can't hate it. I'm actually a strong Series 6 defender (though I understand why people have problems with it), and the only episode from that season that I find mediocre is Rusty Saves the Day. Most of the problems that people have with Series 6, like the writing, Baldwin's narration, or the color lighting I don't have any issue with, and it's also my third favorite model series. I'm also ambivalent towards 'Arry and Bert's character downgrades as while I do prefer their more intimidating and ominous portrayal in their introduction, they were only there for like a minute and the new bully persona that they develop in Middle Engine lasts for the rest of the series. I don't mean for that to sound like I'm dissing their appearance in Stepney Gets Lost as they're mostly the reason why that episode is in my top 10 favorite episodes of Thomas.

[@LegendaryCaptain]

7:33 ngl most remaining characters their worst episode is just their least good such as duck, oliver, daisy, cranky But a few suggestions Sir handel: sir handel in charge such a drag unmemorable episode Duncan: duncan and hot air balloon a rare duncan L Bill and ben: buffer bother

[@steamtramtobyno7]

You should do Duck next, his worst episode has got to be the Thomas way

[@Caden-z5d]

3:30 Are We Going To Ignore How Percy Mysteriously Was Chained To The Tippers Loading Ramp? Doesn’t That Require A HUMAN To Do That?!

[@ABellEngine]

Can you do a worst Farmer McColl episode next?

[@Emery-e3h]

I think you should do sir handel next. For me,his worst episode is either a smooth ride or sir handel in charge.

[@karenfan010]

A Smooth Ride isn’t really that bad, it just mid. Sir Handel in Charge is the real offender.

[@angelobates601]

Maybe you can do Stepney’s worst appearance. Season 12’s, Rosie’s Funfair Special

[@PCMan8922]

This isn't an Arry and Bert episode, but ok. It counts. Try covering Duck.

[@CTTE06]

*C O A L C A R S* It’s about as mid as Edward the Very Useful Engine 🤦🏻‍♂️ 7:42 *CoVeR tHoMaS nExT hE’s RiGhT tHeRe!1!1!1!111111* Srsly tho Maybe Duck? I feel like his worst episode (imo) is Duck and the Slip Coaches

[@CTTE06]

*ah’m a great western engine, ah shouldn’t have to SHIVER!*

[@McGardner21]

7:30 Maybe try Daisy because I think the way she does it is the worst of her episodes

[@HO32Clearwater]

What about “Are you happy to be here?” That was in character I think

[@javielalvarez5459]

I’ll bet Percy along with Thomas played a trick on Henry as payback,when he was ill!

[@sanjuanamaldonado7256]

You should make an episode talking on Why rosies fun fair speacial Is the worst rosie episode or rosie Is red

[@rdkiithetrainguy]

I think Duck’s worst episode is probably The Thomas Way from the Brenner Era.

[@JoeCardinale]

Bowser fart 🎅🏿🫃 Edit: W intro

[@handle_69420_MINECRAFT_BOAT]

Bowser fart indeed

[@captainbaxter723]

If I had to fix this episode, I'd make it more like a Halloween story. So, in Stepney gets lost, the Fat Controller is completely unaware of Arry and Bert's existence. They somehow snuck onto Sodor undercover. And when Percy is being hoisted up on the coaling machine, instead of clinging on to the rails somehow, he falls of into the coal pit. Simple as that. When he tries explaining to Sir Topham Hatt about Arry and Bert, he thinks Percy is cocko and sends him to the works instead of the yard. I can't really fix anything else other than the same happening to James and he tries to tell the yard manager. How else would you fix this episode with what I've given so far? [SLOTLT THOMAS DEFENDERS NOT ALLOWED]

[@D10Studios235]

This concept seems like a really fun idea! If I had to add anything, I’d probably have the yard manager spot ‘Arry and Bert planning one of their schemes and tells Topham. Something like that maybe, lol

[@captainbaxter723]

@D10Studios235 No. I am convinced that there is no possible scenario where they get punished without it being cringe and looking like it was written my a Vyonder or Fill-in Memer from DeviantArt

[@randomnessetc5600]

I got an unpopular request: Worst Awdry story or at least worst episode based on the RWS since nobody hardly talks about that?

[@thusgordonplot4721]

TATMR should make up for its box office bomb

[@toby.fan9198]

Rheneas. Rheneas and the Roller Coaster or Rheneas and the Dinosaur 7:32

[@anthonyfisher-7090]

Ya know Thomas and the sticky cheese exists right? 😂

[@rmgilyard]

I 100% disagree with this opinion. I know Arry and Bert may have started to act more childish and less intimidating when it came to their villainous deeds. But that’s a good thing from me, just because you don’t have a wicked smirk a knife in your hand doesn’t make you a bad villain. Villains can be thuggish, rude, obnoxious or even be involved in the most wackiest shenanigans that cause grief and chaos. Even if Arry and Bert don’t have their murderous threats of scrap, they still look thuggish and intimidating from the outside while also being cowardly pricks on the inside. I think the reason they don’t often get punished is because they’re not owned by Sir Topham Hatt, but by the Ironworks company, so they’re in their own jurisdiction. Plus they did get karma in a few episodes when plotting their ridiculous schemes like in Halloween, Percy’s New Whistle, Stinky Cheese Thomas or CAE! Plus it’s interesting to see more personality traits inside their grimy vents, such as when they help Gordon up the Hill or assist Mavis at the quarry occasionally or having a vulnerable soft spot for ducklings or even showing concern for Daisy when she might be scrapped. Even if they’re not the best at coming up with mastermind plans, they are there to make you break a sweat when they show up behind an intimidating and monstrous threat.

[@handle_69420_MINECRAFT_BOAT]

I kind of agree with this

[@rmgilyard]

@handle_69420_MINECRAFT_BOATthank you.

[@elnuevocanaldelchilenin425]

7:33 Try covering Sir Topham Hatt next. His worst episode would either be Percy Gets it Right, or Chickens to school

[@lcc1221]

7:33 Honestly, idk if your planning on doing Thomas, but if you are, just know my personal picks would be: Thomas and the New Engine Thomas' Frosty Friend Any Miller era episode with him as the main role, especially wonky whistle

[@robertprichard203]

Maybe the coal is used to power the equipment

[@stephentheJ50]

Can you do the worst sir Topham hatt episode? and can I please Collab with you on it?

[@cadenTugboat]

I like the intro you did

[@alexthegreenma1710]

Woa new intro 🤯

[@EwanFanstudios]

You Should Cover Oilver

[@UnrealNoob2374]

I bet we aren't gonna find the worst Thomas episode before gta 6

[@meciomontoya8440]

Middle engine in my opinion is the first bad episode of the entire show

[@ScottMalkinsonisW]

Terrible episode also theyre semi back to their old characters in Fergus Breaks The Rules

[@Archiebugg]

Do sir Handels worst episode sir Handel in charge

[@arthurengine]

And here, it was said no engine likes being a middle engine. What about Mavis and Peter Sam?

[@Melnick-tf]

Toby. His worst episode might be Toby's Triumph or Signal Crossed. I also would like to see the rest narrow gauge engines.

[@handle_69420_MINECRAFT_BOAT]

He already did Toby

[@Melnick-tf]

Did he? I couldnt find it. Which episode it was?

[@handle_69420_MINECRAFT_BOAT]

@@Melnick-tf Signals Crossed

[@Melnick-tf]

Oh, ok

[@danielferrovias]

Did you do a rebrand?

[@Woodenrailwayoliver20]

You should do Rosie Is Red: The WORST Rosie Episode

[@Drelle11]

D10studios came back with his firebox on 🔥(I have no idea why the hell I wrote that.)

[@mikeykelly937]

Can you do Bill and Ben or Duncan?

[@ToopyAndBinooRulesEst2004]

No Sleep For Cranky or Kevin's Cranky Friend: The WORST Cranky Episode Thomas The Quarry Engine: The WORST Mavis Episode Play Time: The WORST Charlie Episode The Railcar And The Coaches: The WORST Annie And Clarabel Episode Rusty Saves The Day: The WORST Sir Topham Hatt Episode Fiery Flynn: The WORST Flynn Episode Also, I have a series recommendation; The WORST Thomas Episodes, since there's already a series covering The WORST Thomas Episodes.

[@handle_69420_MINECRAFT_BOAT]

What's wrong with No Sleep For Cranky?

[@ToopyAndBinooRulesEst2004]

I just don’t see the appeal in it and it’s a boring episode.

[@naveentaylor6197]

I agree with you on this episode.

[@DialGaBriel]

7:33 I think Buffer Bother: The WORST Bill and Ben Episode

[@Mvchappy]

Nice vid, cover lorenzo😏

[@MaxwellTheTrainFan]

I don’t get it … I enjoy middle engine . I mean that cgi ones of the ducks is the worst arry & Bert episode .

[@GraceLeCrone]

Can you also do sir handel please