Opinions on SERIES 7 - THOMAS & FRIENDS Review

[@Ethan-ey4jx]

The lighting in Series 7 was a big improvement over Series 6’s lightning.

[@usualblokeluke]

Definetely

[@traciestreet4019]

@@usualblokeluke I even say seasons 8, 9 and 11 look better than season 6.

[@usualblokeluke]

@@traciestreet4019 interesting I've yet to fully watch Series 9 and Series 11 to make that comparison but I'll keep an eye on its visuals

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

@@usualblokeluke Luke, is the video ready to go or are there still some chances to edit some additions in?

[@usualblokeluke]

@@Thomasmemoryscentral It's ready to go No more other additions to it

[@aliminator1310]

If Fergus HAD returned, I think he'd get along with Arthur REALLY well!

[@eastlancsesteem]

Yeah. Since Fergus likes doing things right and Arthur has a spotless record (minus the fruit incident caused by Thomas).

[@NintendoGamer2600]

And some people would say he would also get along quite well with Duck

[@masterpeter1913]

The worst fact about season 7 is it was the start of Skarloy' s downfall .

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

Not to mention this is the last season that bothered to give much attention to the crews. Ever notice you cant see any tender engine crews unless its an overhead shot because they decided squishing them in the cabs is somehow better?

[@chavopatyfanstudios2005]

@@Thomasmemoryscentral what about season 5s snow

[@JayPumabomb56]

“Skarloy”

[@Trollingdemon_07]

I mean at least he got his character back in BMM (blue moutain mystery)

[@GlalGamingPanda]

To be fair, I would say the downfall really began in Season 6, his attitude in Rusty Saves the Day was really out of character for 'Old Faithful.'

[@CapitalCityKate]

If I wrote for Mattel, I would put Skarloey and Rheneas back into their old characters, showing everyone once again they're OLD and don't act like babies.

[@THEDonnyB]

But I would also add that they like having fun as it helps them reminisce about being young again.

[@retrogamelover2012]

@@THEDonnyB At least then, it would be an interesting way to show children, and remind adults, that age isn't an excuse to basically lose what it means to be happy, and such.

[@DavidBContentExtravaganza3967]

At least in CGI, they're back to their old characters.

[@brightredmogul1912]

How is being even remotely skeptical about crossing a bridge on which you almost fell off of and almost got swept away by the rushing river below and DIED childish in any way, let alone babyish? Somebody explain that one!

[@Mattcai2004]

​@@brightredmogul1912it's not the story that is the problem. It's the characters that they used in said story that don't make it work.

[@AbareKillerFan-yo7pe]

38:55 As a little kid I wondered why that shot wasn't included in the actual episode (Until I got older and realized it was an outtake)

[@exarkun42]

Emily is easily my favorite TV original character. She reminds me of my older sister (at least in season 7 and the Brenner seasons). I argue that Murdoch (and also Harvey) are what my brother has termed "world building characters". That being characters that don't need to be developed much because they are designed to fill a constant background role. Contrast Murdoch with Gordon. Gordon is the premiere express engine; The face of the railway almost. The famous one, along the same vein as what Flying Scotsman or Mallard were for the LNER in real life. Murdoch is a super strong freight engine, the type of reliable workhorse that is rarely acknowledged in advertising but is within the company a necessary and indispensable part of the fleet. Gordon works as a main because of the position he holds. Murdoch exists working reliably in the background, and he likes it that way. It just wouldn't make a lot of sense to focus on Murdoch the way you would with Gordon.

[@DavidBContentExtravaganza3967]

Though it would be nice to have Murdoch have time in the spotlight sometimes.

[@eastlancsesteem]

HiT should have kept Emily’s original personality instead of changing it.

[@Trickshotter]

47:23 I adore the transition between just normal talking to Michael Brandon making the weirdest sound ever

[@dannythehipster5644]

I don't care what anyone says, I love this season so much, it's so nostalgic, I remember getting the New Friends for Thomas DVD and loving it.

[@samuel-wankenobi]

Ah that one USA releases with angels

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

Thomas's s7 theme remix feels as if it's a grand sendoff

[@Error_-ct2vp]

It sucks

[@eastlancsesteem]

@@Error_-ct2vp He doesn’t care what you say. 😂

[@Zacman1123]

I think Unlucky Tug said it best in his "Thoughts on Season 7" video: that no matter what side of the pond you live on, it's a lose-lose situation. Also out of the original 11 engines: Duck didn't get a swan song episode and I hate that. Hell, he never gets a speaking role in this series. (No, his groans in James and the Queen of Sodor doesn't count). Speaking of voices: I actually liked Michael Brandon's Texan voice he gave Oliver. Next to his Jersey accent George Carlin gave him in Series 3, it's my favorite voice for Oliver.

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

Aside from his sleepy narration, Michael Angelis seems to be very quiet this season. He has some strange narration moments such as in What's The Matter With Henry when Emily says shes worried about him to Sir Topham and theres this weird ack or something sounding as if he didnt clear his throat

[@AutZentus]

"Also out of the original 11 engines: Duck didn't get a swan song episode and I hate that. Hell, he never gets a speaking role in this series. (No, his groans in James and the Queen of Sodor doesn't count)." Oliver never spoke or did anything in season 6 and the scottish twins never spoke or did anything in season 5

[@ajanimalreeves3647]

The thing people don't understand about the old bridge is even though skarloey is supposed to be all "brave and gallant" he is a person. Everyone gets afraid. Everyone gets anxiety and PTSD. It adds more humanity and dimensions to him and his character because even though he's a bold and brave engine he has his limits. His wits reach their end eventually

[@usualblokeluke]

An interesting take on The Old Bridge there and I see what you're getting at. I think it's because we were so used to seeing Skarloey as the brave engine from Series 4 and 5 that it was a little weird to see him very scared over a bridge. And I think it rubs fans the wrong way so much because this was the beginning of his character regression.

[@ajanimalreeves3647]

@@usualblokeluke Yeah

[@jordandwiggins1026]

Honestly the Old Bridge is an episode that I completely understand why older fans than I weren’t fans of it, but I have really strong fond memories of it mainly because I hadn’t really seen much of the narrow gauge episodes before watching Season 7 when it came out, so I didn’t have this prior knowledge to make me have certain expectations for what Skarloey is “supposed” to act like. I did understand things like Henry or Toby or Percy sometimes being out of character in S6 onwards because i had seen a lot of their episodes already but with the narrow gauge engines, S6-S8 was largely my introduction to them and my memories of viewing the episodes like The Old Bridge were very positive because with no awareness of existing characterization, the narrow gauge episodes from these seasons honestly work perfectly fine on their own, at least that’s what 8 year old me thought. Trusty Rusty was another huge favorite of mine. Idk I think I just loved the building tension around collapsing bridges a lot as a kid.

[@retrogamelover2012]

I suppose it's possible. But I find it a shame that they never got Sir Handel's model ready in time, because as I mentioned in Luke's Bulldog video, this episode seems more like it'd work better as a Sir Handel episode, because he technically would've still had some trauma over his mountain road incident on his old railway, and probably would have more reason to be petrified about crossing the bridge again. Plus, even if you ignored the Mid Sodor part, I feel like it'd suit someone like Sir Handel, due to all the bluster and self-importance he's known for, compared to someone more wise and experienced like Skarloey. So, I guess there's that, too.

[@selinapersaud7629]

I do agree with you, but I feel like it could’ve been handled and executed better. All in all, though, I have to say, he is a lot more emotionally complicated than we think. We never really get to know his feelings on the events that happened in his life beyond what he’s told others. I’m sure he has secrets just like the rest of us.

[@khorcalson6656]

Season 7’s continuity rearranged. 1. Emily’s New Coaches 2. Gordon And Spencer 3. Percy Gets It Right 4. Bad Day At Castle Loch 5. Rheneas And The Roller Coaster 6. Trusty Rusty 7. What’s The Matter With Henry 8. James And The Queen Of Sodor 9. Three Cheers For Thomas 10. Spotless Record 11. Fergus Breaks The Rules 12. Salty’s Stormy Tale 13. Toby’s Windmill 14. Edward’s Brass Band 15. The Refreshment Lady’s Stand 16. The Old Bridge 17. Bill, Ben And Fergus 18. Peace And Quiet 19. Something Fishy 20. Bulgy Rides Again 21. The Runaway Elephant 22. The Grand Opening 23. Harold And The Flying Horse 24. Best Dressed Engine 25. Not So Hasty Puddings 26. Oliver The Snow Engine

[@agsproductions4303]

The “Eye of the Storm” as the unlucky tug put it

[@theevildalek5425]

I think the reason why this Season reused so much footage is because they were shooting Jack & The Pack at the same time. With all the other reasons for the tight production schedule, the filming of Jack & The Pack would of definitely have made things harder. I think in some episodes involving Thomas, you can actually see the leftover production past in some sets

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

I think this rushed production is one of the permanent could have been avoided moments of the show and my mind wonders if any hit entertainment staff regret rushing the original team back then?

[@dalekinthewater4708]

28:46 I personally like that aspect as they're Scottish engines, and they would believe in Folklore like the Loch Ness monster

[@fairlyoddenginecreations]

This isn't any magnum opus of classic Thomas, but still a season held the dearly to my heart. Considering the okayness that was season 6, this felt almost breathtaking. It's not a perfect season by any means but definitely one I'm never going to forget anytime soon. Thanks for making everyone else see that, Luke.

[@usualblokeluke]

You're welcome 🙂 I look forward to hearing your thoughts on Something Fishy whenever you get to it 👍

[@Ethan-ey4jx]

But it’s still a decent sendoff to the original Classic series format in transition to the HiT era.

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

@@Ethan-ey4jx A follow up to Thomas And Berties Great Race as the classic series finale feel good to you Ethan? Just the fact that David Mitton directed a rematch to an Awdry race story adapted back in Season 1 felt satisfying

[@Ethan-ey4jx]

@@Thomasmemoryscentral Lol, it’ll be more amazing if he directed it as a Classic series tv finale special

[@thesudriana016]

41:19 Season 6 was only released via home video media, but for S5, it did broadcast on American television, albeit on a Fox Family only program called "Storytime with Thomas" in 1999.

[@usualblokeluke]

Ahh Thomas and Friends aired on Fox interesting What was that like?

[@thesudriana016]

@@usualblokeluke For the program itself, they have their own intro and intermissions composed by Stacey Hersh. They would feature a song at the beginning (albeit trimmed down a little due to commercial breaks and also their timeslot), then two episodes from S1-5 of Thomas & Friends with a Magic Adventures of Mumfie episode in between both episodes. The intermission sequences would even feature some footage from 10 Years of Thomas at Strasburg Railroad's DOWT events, including some deleted ones. The show stopped airing after 2000 when the Britt Allcroft Company became Gullane Entertainment. In terms of recordings, there are a few ones still available to view here, mostly on the Thomas TV Patrol.

[@usualblokeluke]

@@thesudriana016 Wow that's so fascinating. And here I thought Seasons 4-5 were only home video releases in America. Reminds me of when it used to air late at night on the night time sections of nick junior. Cheers for sharing this with me.

[@thesudriana016]

@@usualblokeluke And also, I have to agree on your take on how to fix S6 and 7 respectively for the UK and US (which reminded me of my take on how to fix S19 and S20 on Twitter). Thomas is not meant to be a yearly released show, so I rather wait for another year for it to come out. As for the use of stock footage and character inconsistencies, another reason behind this was because it was filmed alongside Jack & the Pack which explains all these things, almost to an extent. Overall, S7 is my least favorite of the Classic era (almost since I consider it and S6 half-Classic and half-HiT cause of how they were written and developed: they are back to basics, but predict some awkward moments that would happen later down the line if you know what I mean.

[@Mr.toasterandclay]

38:55 this part is so perfect and left me chuckle

[@honeybee6586]

The Troublesome Trucks song is a banger! It was even better in The Adventure Begins

[@joshslater2426]

I never even knew it was made prior to the film. I’ve always thought it was a pretty catchy song.

[@giulianodervelociraptorder734]

The Hit era Skarloey episodes make ,, The old bridge “ to a masterpiece.

[@selinapersaud7629]

You’re not wrong…

[@shadowmaster8684]

I’m excited. I’ve been loving this series. Keep up the good work!

[@CapitalCityKate]

38:59 to 39:08. This was the original theme song for the show, but got a different melody. As for the original theme, it was still used, but the beat and tempo were changed for Toby's theme.

[@kcore1427]

8:18 In the TV Series, Toby's old tramway is on the north part of the Sodor and was closed for several years until it was rediscovered by the Fat Controller's family, connected to Thomas' Branch line, and Toby moved back to his old shed.

[@usualblokeluke]

Yeah this was where I got a bit confused. i heard one source telling me it was his old shed and other telling me it wasn't that I got lost lol

[@JosephRailwayStudios2000]

@@usualblokeluke well you’ve got Unlucky Tug to thank for that.

[@usualblokeluke]

@@JosephRailwayStudios2000 definitely

[@JosephRailwayStudios2000]

@@usualblokeluke I actually prefer his model series timeline than the CGI version because the model series actually has more comedy more action or more world building.

[@carlmatthews8338]

What a great way to end of your reviews on the classic series. I always remember seeing the stock footage in this season and thinking it was a bit weird, I will admit though I don't mind it with that one shot of Gordon and Bulgy in Best Dressed Engine and Bulgy Rides Again because it implies that those two episodes took place at the same time

[@NeidhardtDerBlitzschnelle]

35:45 Maybe that's also why this series used more stock footage than any other: Once HiT took over they wanted to have series 7 done with as soon as possible so they could start wirh series 8.

[@kcore1427]

22:30 "And I say hey what a wonderful time today if we can learn to work and play and get along with each other" - Arthur

[@usualblokeluke]

I knew someone would get there first with a comment like this lol

[@BunkerChapa08]

29:43 I don't think Thomas had meet Bulgy yet, and if he did, it must have been a small interaction. So that might be why he friendly

[@usualblokeluke]

That's fair Do you think maybe he'd have heard about Bulgy from Duck? Like a one off conversation at the station before setting off with their branch line trains.

[@BunkerChapa08]

@@usualblokeluke I think so, because Duck and Oliver are the only one that know him, but maybe Stepney told Thomas went he went on the bridge when he came, but idk

[@TheBlueSnowplow]

Great work on this! I love watching video essays so seeing Thomas-related ones is awesome.

[@PhysicalMedia3]

36:30: I should note that the US versions of these episodes, the ones with Michael Brandon and Robert Hartshorne, removed these sound effects. At least that's one thing the US version did right. Also, the sound effects were part of the show for a few seasons before. I think they started in season 5?

[@extrahistory8956]

I'm very much enjoying the review, which brought out a really good point about Series 7's troubles production that I hadn't thought of before. Regarding 16:15, however, this type of helicopter rescue of stuck farm animals is actually fairly common and safe.

[@usualblokeluke]

Is it? I would've done further research but the idea of a helicopter carrying an animal several feet in the air seemed so bizarre lol

[@extrahistory8956]

@@usualblokeluke Lol, true! Here's an example though: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJDPY2iLi9Ccbbc

[@extrahistory8956]

Also, I loved the review. It was probably the most detailed one I've seen on this season, and you've really level-up your video-making skills.

[@ek9509]

38:44: Oh, come on. I liked that one. And it was re-composed in The Adventure Begins from the CGI Brenner era.

[@crs2385]

It's funny how at 34:42 you mention the fact that new characters were shown in the background before they were introduced. If you go to episode 11 of series 2 'Percy takes the Plunge', go to the night scene when Percy is being lifted out of the harbor by a crane, in the background you can literally see Diesel shunting by in the background in an episode that aired before Diesel makes his debut. So this even happened in the early series, though admittedly not as much.

[@Haza209]

It's a crime that we never got to see Duck in Bulgy's return episode

[@eastlancsesteem]

That would have been perfect.

[@jacksweet484]

Great vid man!! You definitely deserve a break from binge watching Thomas for a while. Personally, I'd take series 6 over series 7 any day, but I can see why you'd say otherwise. 1: Series 2 2: Series 3 3: Series 5 4: Series 1 5: Series 4 6: Series 6 7: Series 7

[@toby.fan9198]

21:58 becuase he’s also a sentient engine, any engine who was in the smelters yard would be frightened of being scraped

[@toby.fan9198]

*regardless of their age

[@CapitalCityKate]

The audio and pitch change to There Once Was an Engine Who Ran Away and Salty are so funny. In fact I like the other Season 7 songs. Troublesome Trucks and the Whistle Song are full energy.

[@CapitalCityKate]

It's a BIG shame that two of the recurring Series 7 newbies Murdoch and Arthur disappeared from the show entirely after Series 12. We could've seen more to Murdoch's character arc and how big and strong he is, but he's gone. Believe me when I say this, but, if I wrote for Mattel, I would bring Murdoch back with three spotlight episodes showing us that there's even more to him than pulling heavy trains and having peace and quiet.

[@retrogamelover2012]

Why not also look into why he prefers the peace and quiet. Probably also could be an interesting way introducing quirks and certain disorders, that would affect a person's ability to cope in a noisy environment, even.

[@retrogamelover2012]

Honestly, I think it'd also be an interesting character study into why he just doesn't enjoy working in any majorly busy place filled with noise.

[@eastlancsesteem]

Fergus too

[@sudriangirl]

This is my first video of yours after seeing them bombarded my recommended A truly lovely watch

[@chloe-stephlis6281]

I binged these review videos of yours. Love them keep it up. You British people truly got the better version of Thomas, especially in series 7. The right music and better narration. That Troublesome Trucks song was so annoying. Heard it before school in 7th grade and it got stuck in my head. Caught myself singing it class. Lol. Although I’ll admit I do like the Adventure Begins version.

[@SegaMario]

Hearing my boi Michael Angelis using US terminology is so cursed.

[@phatmartyplays332]

I’m super pumped to see what you think of this season the fandom is very divided on this season some people love it and say it belongs with the classics others hate it and say it dosent

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

Given it uses Mike O'Donnell And Junior Campbell scores, runs at 4:30 and is directed by origin al director David Mitton, it more than qualifies as a classic series

[@phatmartyplays332]

@@Thomasmemoryscentral I’m American but I grew up watching the uk episodes on KZbin because I didn’t know the difference between AB and MB therefore I would randomly pick an episode

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

plays same here, Haunted Henry uk dub is my introduction to Angelis back in 2006 and I also discovered Michael Brandon too

[@masterpeter1913]

Every Thomas video in this channel in a nutschell : Luke charge his hairs .

[@usualblokeluke]

Lol I've stopped changing my hair colours now. Only changes I'll make from now are when I need to get it cut haha

[@sheevhernandez3869]

37:40 that whole pitch sounded sorta terrifying for a horror movie. Man my head sure is odd

[@traciestreet4019]

Here is my ranking for this era: 1. season 3 2. season 5 3. season 7 4. season 4 5. season 2 6. season 1 7. season 6

[@Scsigs]

Just so you know, the Troublesome Trucks were still called that in the US dubs prior to Series 7, even when Ringo, George Carlin, & Alec Baldwin were narrating. I can see it as inconsistent, as they're otherwise called "freight cars," but that was how things were since the start of the US dubs.

[@usualblokeluke]

I am 90% sure they were called freight cars in the US dubs prior to Series 7. If there was any other instances where the US dub referred to them as trucks beforehand, I can't recall anything like that. Were there any?

[@Scsigs]

@@usualblokeluke If I recall correctly, though I may need to rewatch the older episodes, they're called both, although the early seasons of the US dubs more often tan not called them freight cars. I certainly remember them being called the Troublesome Trucks enough for me to not be surprised they were called that. Maybe my memory is playing tricks on me. I've rewatched quite a few episodes in the last few years after finding them on KZbin, so I thought I was remembering correctly.

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

@@Scsigs I think the railway terminology in the US dub got a lot more inconsistent in series 6 since they use guard instead of conductor fir some odd reason and the multiple times Brandon has to say trucks instead of cars

[@Letmedoodle]

I don’t care what any says five new engines in the shed was a BANGER

[@kcore1427]

20:04 What's the Matter with Henry is among the most unpopular Classic Series episodes in the fandom. People say its bad because of Thomas and Percy's character and the writers defaulting to Henry being sick. (See Thomas1Edward2Henry3's worst classic series episodes video). However, you did bring up some redeeming qualities like Emily's established motherly figured character throughout the series and Henry being determined to get the job done.

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

What's The Matter With Henry did have a weird choice of stock footage in using a driver Closeup in Series 4 but I think I'm more bothered by the fact it's flipped for an odd reason.

[@davydigger708]

Personally, I see this as the start of a shift in Henry's character, whether intentional on the writers part or not - I noticed that Henry is no longer a jerk after this episode, and I like to think that Emily's act of kindness touched him, and he began to rethink his life after this point, thus leading to his more kind and gentle persona in the later HiT seasons and the CGI series.

[@adamdavis5056]

Glad these are beginning to reach more and more people

[@KakashiHatake-ep2qe]

Yep, it would be a shame if Luke's great videos went unnoticed

[@Tre-engineshorts]

Five new engines in the shed and the whistle song are my favorite songs of season 7!

[@12Snowpeach]

42:13 My first exposure to Michael Angelis was actually a download of the UK episode Mavis on a file a couple months prior to New Friends For Thomas even coming out.

[@mochamona27]

When I was a kid, I watched the show in the US dub and the Japanese dub via imported DVDs. Whenever I'd hear the differences in music between the US dub and Japanese one (which uses the Mike and Junior music) I'd always get really confused and wonder why it was different. Got even more confused when I found myself on KZbin in the late 2000s and discovered the original UK version lmao. Great video btw!!

[@connorstratton5961]

I really love Robert Hartshornes theme for Emily. It sounds like something out of Plants vs Zombies

[@cycorix4614]

40:30 ish ~ Oh come on, that weird-ass miaow he makes is like hands-down my favourite sound effect ever in TTTE :') it's priceless

[@yohan1476]

Does anyone know the name of this tune in 13:56, I have been looking for it for a really long time now. I would appreciate it if someone can help find it!

[@usualblokeluke]

Not entirely sure Try looking for the closing jingle for Series 5 - 7

[@trainerandrea6441]

Ya know... Even tho I was REALLY pissed off whenever you got angry whenever Toby got scared in previous series, (Even tho in Toby's Discovery, and Toby and the Flood him being scared was *RATHER JUSTIFIED* considering his situations), As soon as you said you thought Arthur was one of the best newcomers in Series 7, *You immediately redeemed yourself and now I wanna give you ALL the cookies!🤩*

[@BrentSudric]

Watching this for the first time and in 2023, I found it shocking about how you only had like ~200-500 subscribers back then. Now you have nearly 6K! I've really only started watching your videos since your video on how Thomas teaches about overcoming disabilities and struggles, but I say that you've well-deserved all this recent support and encouragement, and I can't wait to see what else you have in store. (Sorry if this doesn't make sense, trying to put my thoughts into words😅)

[@usualblokeluke]

Thank you very much for those kind words I am indeed very pleased with how far my channel has come in over 2 years and if things work out, I've plenty more ideas for videos in future 😁

[@graboid78]

16:35 That bit was just golden

[@ha.yanited26]

The music at 54:33, could you please send me the link for it? I want to use it for an upcoming video on my channel, if you don’t mind. Thanks! 😊

[@usualblokeluke]

Emotion - Pokémon Black and White Check the music list in the description for the link 😁

[@ha.yanited26]

@@usualblokeluke thank you SO much. Really appreciate it. Hope to see u back and uploading again soon. 😁😁

[@jermajearest3960]

TTTE Season 7 is an absolute masterpiece! The episodes are really fluid and fire, the music of this season is amazing and slaps so hard, the way Michael Angelis narrates sounds so breathtaking, the stories are perfect and well done, and the way Mike O' Donnell and Michael Angelis sound like in this season sounds so beautiful I almost cried tears of joy when watching this season with Thomas Fans. Forget other Thomas seasons like Season 5 or so-called "banger" seasons in the TTTE community; those Thomas seasons sound like trash, THIS season is the define definition of a banger!

[@eastlancsesteem]

I like seasons 1-7.

[@TheBrickGuy7939]

Fun fact, that slide whistle sound was first heard in Season 6 in No Sleep For Cranky and A Bad Day For Harold The Helicopter. These silly kazoos/slide whistles were always in Thomas from Season 3. But they were used sparingly and only when it worked well. Sometimes it kind of works in this season but frick me! It’s painful how often these sounds are used here and a lot of them just feel so out of place and random. I remember rewatching Season 7 in 2015/2016 when I was around 16 for the first time since I was little and it was almost shocking how many times these cartoonish sounds are heard. Sometimes you’re watching an episode in the middle of the chaos like in Rheneas And The Rollercoaster or The Grand Opening and these annoying sounds just come out of nowhere and ruin the experience! Even when I was little I couldn’t stand their frequency in Season 7.

[@Antluvstrains]

The Troublesome Trucks song is iconic for me. It’s my favorite from this season.

[@AbareKillerFan-yo7pe]

Here's what I think about Season 7: It's unfairly underrated but it ain't so bad

[@FranboiseSenpai]

Just a thing about Harold bringing a horse in the sky That's actually something that happens irl with cows and maybe horses, when they need to move an animal quickly, sometimes a helicopter is called to carry them and they're taken like shown in the episode

[@usualblokeluke]

Yeeeah I found out not long after the video premiered 😅😂

[@FranboiseSenpai]

@@usualblokeluke I mean to be fair, that's something pretty surprising when you first learn about it lol

[@CapitalCityKate]

40:56 to 42:32. Now this is my jam. The Engine Roll Call. It sound like Africa by Toto, but with train sounds.

[@CapitalCityKate]

The four season 7 episodes on “New Friends for Thomas” also have four versions, and so do the three season 7 on the “Thomas and the Jet Engine” video.

[@javielalvarez5459]

Bulgy got painted into a Dark Irish Green Livery

[@usualblokeluke]

I mean he does sell vegetables like potatoes so it makes sense 🤣 I'm sorry that was a terrible joke

[@Orangeson76]

the last minute made me cry almost GREAT Video

[@thethreerailwayengines825]

35:08 - I think ALL seasons were released on DVD in their production order rather than episode order, except before the production order and episode order were ALMOST the same, with only minor differences (this is noticeable in series 4 when Rock 'n' Roll is on the DVD before Home at Last, and Bowled Out is before Train Stops Play), but series 7 is the first series where the production order is DRASTICALLY different from the episode order

[@LegoMiester14]

16:35 - 16:45. The grim reaper comes for all of us. 😆😆😆 Also can we respect Oliver for being the only one to tell Emily what she's doing wrong?

[@javielalvarez5459]

Sir Topham Hatt should have spoken sternly to Gordon’s driver for not listening to him about the banner over his eyes!

[@tudorbrancuturcu5996]

How Normies learn to count: count peanuts from a jar How Thomas fans learn to count: count the stock footage from this season

[@CapitalCityKate]

Edward and Toby each only have one speaking role in this season. And those are their spotlight episodes.

[@GigaPK]

As I love all of the new season 7 characters (at least in their classic series characterization, *cough* Emily *cough*), I think that Fergus’s actions in Fergus Breaks the Rules to be more understandable. He might have not been briefed on Diesel’s manipulative nature and past and believed him. Furthermore, (ignoring Middle Engine) Arry and Bert are pretty horrifying, trying to scrap a steam engine. If I were a steam engine working at the Sodor smelters, I wouldn’t want to go there alone, in case they would basically try to murder me. Though this would mean that he knew of Arry and Bert but not of Diesel, which can be more believable since Arry and Bert are permanent residents of Sodor and Diesel was only a on/off visiting engine until that episode

[@eastlancsesteem]

They should have brought the Sodor Ironworks to CGI.

[@SaltyVan]

I personally love the troublesome trucks song

[@thewillofabeast9079]

I feel that Skarloey’s personality in “The Old Bridge” could’ve used some work. I mean, even old people go through traumatic events and have PTSD. But, given the circumstance that Skarloey is fearless and determined since his debut, I can definitely see people having gripes about it. They could’ve at least used a different/younger character. Possibly would’ve been the same but at least it wouldn’t have butchered Skarloey’s personality

[@harogenkitnsg2474]

another way the episode could have worked was if it took place in Skarloey's youth

[@CapitalCityKate]

Here’s how season 7 should’ve run. Emily’s New Coaches. Percy Gets It Right. The Spotless Record. The Old Iron Bridge. Edward’s Brass Band. What’s the Matter With Henry? James and the Queen of Sodor. The Refreshment Lady’s Stand. Bill, Ben and Fergus. Toby’s Windmill. Bad Day at Castle Loch. Rheneas the Rollercoaster. Trusty Rusty. Oliver the Snow Engine. Fergus Breaks the Rules. The Runaway Elephant. Peace and Quiet. Salty’s Stormy Tale. Bulgy Rides Again. Harold and the Flying Horse. The Grand Opening. The Best Dressed Engine. Gordon and Spencer. Three Cheers for Thomas! Something Fishy. Not So Hasty Puddings. Because it needs continuity, and most seasons of the show end with a Christmas episode.

[@eastlancsesteem]

Continuity is key

[@JosephHk743]

I just subbed to this channel because Thomas still holds a place in my heart mainly for the classic series. My only memories of series 7 was mostly all of the better character episodes on Emily and Arthur (Something Smells Fishy). However, I just kinda stopped when some of the morals kind of seems obvious like the video mentioned. After watching this, even without watching series 8+, I think series 7 is a lot better than I originally thought at first. It’s not perfect as there’s more inconsistent in some character areas, reused footage (which I typically didn’t mind that much), and the U.S Dub problems. However, the highs in the new characters and some genuinely good writing on the better episodes kinda tolerated it to be more balanced.

[@usualblokeluke]

Series 7 definitely does have some high qualities to it and I'm glad you notice and appreciate them. Also since you just subbed, welcome aboard. It'a great to have you here part of this channel's adventure.

[@leflayart]

Why am I crying at the end of this. WHY AM I CRYING???

[@leflayart]

LUKE!! I absolutely love this series and rewatch it regularly. Thank you so much for doing this. If you ever get the chance to visit the Bo'ness Railway Museum in Scotland, I'd love to show you around! 🥰

[@eastlancsesteem]

Because sHiT Entertainment took over after the end of this. F

[@sjharris0610]

I think the fact that we in the United States even got a DVD release with Michael Angelis as narrator AND another that has Michael Brandon's narration with the Mike O'Donnell & Junior Campbell music is something special!

[@mariobabbo3497]

The episodes were changed to match up with series 8 in the US on the educational channel PBS, alongside Barney and Sesame Street

[@TheAlmightyBassist]

Another point I forgot to mention. I once heard someone say Seasons 6-7 are like seasons 9-10 of the Simpsons and they’re not far off.

[@ytzaika]

This is my favourite season, lighting character introductions or reintroductions it's just nostalgic and great.

[@tristanoneil3715]

47:46 "The Troublesome Trucks, Troublesome Trucks, Troublesome Trucks, Trucks, Troublesome Trucks, Trucks, Troublesome Trucks, The Troublesome Trucks, Troublesome Trucks *TRUCKS*!"

[@CapitalCityKate]

I forgot to mention this in your Season 6 video. I think Edward the Really Useful Engine is good if not great, and would've been a spiritual finale to Season 6. It's Only Snow especially, because usually a lot of Thomas seasons end with a Christmas story.

[@brianblumenreich9026]

Season Seven IS SOOOOOOOO UNDERRATED, Like Season Six!

[@jacobrumens9601]

My favourite is Season 6! 😊

[@cadenceauntarcticfan6238]

Congratulations on getting 1000 subscribers.

[@adamlippiatt7814]

The fact that Harold lifted a horse in the air was also the case in the Brum episode Brum and the Helicopter where Brum was lifted and flew in the air in a helicopter to rescue someone.

[@ThomasAndRandomRobloxGames]

can we just appreciate the fact that luke ALWAYS reads comments? like i have been scrolling through the comments and so many of them have been hearted

[@thehamgravyeffect4898]

First and foremost, great job again on the review front - this is one of the most perceptive and detailed takes on this deceptively intriguing season that I've encountered on the web, even down to your in-depth detangling of the quixotically confusing mess of English dubs that exist for this season (which proved majorly beneficial during a chronological rewatch months ago). Viewing this season back-to-back with the oncoming season 8 (or, as I tend to view it, season 1 of "HiT Thomas" or "Zombmas"), it's intriguing that comparatively few concrete aspects of the impending soft reboot are actively visible in S7 - Mitton's direction, while somewhat more restrained than prior seasons (possibly due to scheduling crunches as Phil Fehrle attempted to resuscitate Jack and the Pack and HiT clamping down on Mitton's more ambitious (and, presumably, budget-chomping) camerawork and shot composition) remains mostly on-point, Mike and Junior's music, while mixed kind of inaudibly at times (the Angelis dub with Hartshorne's music strangely sounds clearer to my ears) retains most of its cinematic flavour and the literacy and frequency of the narration has yet to degrade into the numbing, over-expositing simplicity of the HiT model era - view "Hooray for Thomas" back-to-back with "Tuba" in S8 and the divide between the relative lack of narration over much of Thomas and Bertie's race and Angelis' incessant, repetitive expositing in "Tuba" (as if the script assumes the audience to be incapable of retaining details or creating inference) is surprisingly stark. Resultantly, I class S7 (alongside S6) as less part of a continuous spectrum leading into S8 and more the incomplete stub of a prematurely aborted era in which the Thomas of 1984 (with much of its original staff onboard) attempted to revamp itself for the 21st century through synthesizing its established documentary-esque visual and musical aesthetics with a more overtly moralistic (if not close to the didacticism of the model HiT era) narrative centre, partially eroding the show's crossover appeal yet retaining its balance of worldbuilding and characterization. That being said, episodes such as the infamous "Old Bridge" arguably do foreshadow "Zombmas". Given the extremity of the episode's inciting incident, it's arguable that Skarloey's raw fear of the bridge is not the episode's primary issue (contrary to what some fans state), but more its presentation. One of the primary features of Awdry's books was, I'd contest, their dryly mouthy Dunkirkian spirit - based on that Terry Wogan interview, it's clear that Awdry viewed his protagonists, with their clanking-yet-persistent machinery and theatrical hydraulic respiring, as a specific breed of "talkative", with their arrogance or sweeping miscalculations (akin to machinery loudly whistling or chuffing as if performatively padding their part - it's not so much efficiently executing a task as "declaring" its presence hammily) counterbalanced by their persistence as workers (as represented by the regularity of their aural output). This, I think, tends to apply not merely to the more frequently egotistical characters of James or Gordon's ilk, but also towards mentor-esque characters such as Edward or Skarloey, whose insecurities over obsolescence tend to be balanced or resolved by their persistence or sarcastic gumption, rather than lingered over excessively. Comparatively, "Old Bridge" features virtually no dialogue from Skarloey or the other engines attempting to rationalize or offset the initing incident (or Skarloey's corresponding fears) in a detailed or quasi-humourous way akin to earlier seasons (compare this to the frequent sharp-tongued banter of even the non-Awdry S5) - on the contrary, the narrative laser-focuses onto Skarloey's fears in a very broad, simple manner that's primarily milked for lingering pathos far more blatantly than prior seasons, while the final resolution of him saving Rheneas isn't given the character detailing necessary to feel victorious on a level beyond simply confirming that Skarloey overcame his fear. It's this lack of tonal features counterbalancing the evident message that, to me, exudes a somewhat cloying and cutesy aesthetic (more "aww, Skarloey is sad" than "ah yes, but he can handle it") that feels kind of dissonant with prior seasons' depictions of characters' insecurities and, however unintentionally, offers a small glimpse of the more bluntly saccharine (and, arguably, condescending) tone the show will adopt regulary come the next season.

[@aster4jaden]

Arthur, Emily, Spencer and Murdoch, was great additions to Sodor, sad Arthur and Murdoch eventually faded away. Which is funny, they reused Arthur's first encounter with Thomas twice with Stanley and Ryan, both got tricked by him and then something bad happened. I feel bad for Murdoch, he arrived to pull heavy good trains and later they introduced Sam to do his job, they should've of just reintroduced him.

[@usualblokeluke]

Oh yeah, never thought of Stanley and Ryan as parallels to Arthur in that regard. I guess Arthur lived on throughout the series in his own way

[@eastlancsesteem]

I hate Sam. They should have brought back Murdoch.

[@NewController01]

28:05 The Old Bridge, I feel, would've worked better if it was a story set WAY back when Skarloey and Rheneas were still young.

[@Xlaopl]

My favorite thing out of Season 7 is all the new characters they introduced most of them didn’t last long tho like seriously characters like Arthur and Murdock were characters that had so much potential but Emily survived the CGI transition so uhhh

[@eastlancsesteem]

Blame HiT and Mattel.

[@tomytrainguy7975]

Nice review. I prefer Brandon’s narration because he has more energy and enthusiasm in character voices and narration.

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

Saltys Stormy Tale is a case of the US DUB being better especially for the sea captain shouting "harr to starboard matey!" Angelis doing his quiet narration there doesn't work for that intense of a situation

[@tomytrainguy7975]

@@Thomasmemoryscentral Exactly!

[@hoyikhei1a045]

9:22 fun fact: In the Japanese version of series 5 episodes order, Rusty and the Boulder is chosen as the last episode of the series. I think the choice is better than choosing ‘Snow’ . I like how the Boulder episode end with a ominous tone and some chilling dialogues. It also had the most iconic major crash. Kinda suits the tone of season 5. What do you think of it? Well if I have to rank season 6&7, then season 7 will be on the same par with season 6 like season 4 & 5 of yours. Season 7 did something better than season 6 like the lightings, the sets, the equality of character’s appearance etc. But at the same time, season 6 ALSO did something better than season 7 like the uk narration, the humour, no reused stock footages etc. While season 7 had some decline, it’s still a wonderful season. In my opinion, the standout episode from this season is James and the queen of sodor. The dynamic between James and Gordon hilarious. It’s just so entertaining. So strange that HIT didn’t make merchandise on that old barge lol .

[@usualblokeluke]

Rusty and the Boulder would be a much more energetic end to Series 5, but still suffers from the same problems of the 3 narrow gauge engine stories being just placed at the end of the series

[@hoyikhei1a045]

There’s also something that I just figured out, I have a theory that ‘ the old bridge’ is originally an episode about Sir Handel. However due to his model he couldn’t attend at that time. Maybe ‘the old bridge’ wouldn’t be hated if Sir Handel was the main character. What a shame

[@Kidsmtvslvback]

I wish that Season 7 got released on Home Video with Mike and Junior's music rather than having to hear Hartshorne score on PBS in the US.

[@buddtubeyt7536]

if HiT Put the right characters in every episode kept the S7 lightning and the 35mm Camera

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

@@buddtubeyt7536 Wouldnt hiring Robert Hartsthorne to do a completely new score for the US also have been expensive and a waste of money than just adding Mike and Junior's names to the opening credits?

[@buddtubeyt7536]

@@Thomasmemoryscentral it wasnt expensive he was just hired

[@CapitalCityKate]

Emily is like a mother figure to Thomas and Percy in Salty's Stormy Tale.

[@samsea0489]

And that’s why l’m neutral to this episode. Bill and Ben should’ve had Thomas and Percy roles in that episode. It doesn’t feel right for Thomas and Percy to ridicule Salty. While they are cheeky at times for reasons, Thomas and Percy are way more mature and should know better and yet Emily is one bringing them down to earth. I wish they had their some aspects of their season 5 personas. Bill and Ben are way more cheeky than Thomas and Percy. They should have featured them in that episode.

[@eastlancsesteem]

I miss this version of Emily.

[@CapitalCityKate]

47:46 to 47:55. The song used for the durp faces in your Season 2 video.

[@CapitalCityKate]

I consider Bad Day at Castle Loch to be a great episode too.

[@CapitalCityKate]

The REAL last story by David Milton was Toby’s Windmill.

[@johnrutkowski4166]

My Bottom 5 5. Trusty Rusty 4. The Grand Opening 3. What's the Matter with Henry 2. The Old Bridge 1. Rheneas & the Roller Coaster My Top 5 5. A tie between Best Dressed Engine & Something Fishy 4. Hooray for Thomas 3. James & the Queen of Sodor 2. Oliver the Snow Engine 1. Gordon & Spencer

[@CapitalCityKate]

New Friends for Thomas & Other Adventures. What a very weird way to bring Season 7 to the US before Season 8.

[@masterpeter1913]

Here my ranking of the classic series: 1.Season 5 : 10/10 2.Season 3 : 10/10 3.Season 4 : 9,5/10 4.Season 2 : 9 5/10 5.Season 1 : 9/10 6.Season 7: 8/10 7.Season 6 : 7,5 /10 What ' s your ranking of the classic series?

[@usualblokeluke]

You've actually given me an idea for something I can do at the end of this year regarding the rankings