Something In The Air - How to Build TENSION With Trains

So you know how train crashes are very scary right? How do you use them to build tension in a story?
Well, years ago, an episode of Thomas and Friends dared to answer that question with the episode Something In The Air. Did it succeed? Let's find out.
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• (Free) Horror Ambiance... - ESN Productions
• Spring in Virbank - "S... - Snivys
• Percy's Seaside Trip -... - Mavis M
• Something in the Air •... - Oliver11GWR
• Museum Intro Stage) ... - Offical VGM
• Henry The Green Engine... - S.A Music
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[@giulianodervelociraptorder734]

For the people who say Sir Topham Hatt was too hard on Henry. Sir Topham Hatt was actually right. Thomas warned Henry, but Henry ignored his warning and that's why the accident happened.

[@Kingdarrdarr_17]

Exactly Henry literally said You’re the only danger on the rail Thomas

[@thomasfune3383]

@@Kingdarrdarr_17I do agree that Henry should listen to Thomas in the first place

[@joshuaW5621]

People really love to blame Topham for scolding the engines for some reason, even if he is right to be annoyed with them.

[@LazyOldFusspot_3428]

I really don't like how corny his reprimand is to Henry personally. He states "You are meant to deliver fish, not swim with them" instead of "You've should've been wary of the danger signal" or something like that.

[@joshuaW5621]

@@LazyOldFusspot_3428 yeah I can agree with you on that. It felt like they were trying to be funny at the wrong time.

[@tre-engines]

From Sir Topham Hatt’s perspective, seeing your giant, heavy, expensive steam engines crash every week would probably be enough to push someone over their limits!

[@supermariof0521]

Nah, seeing Thomas, crash the express, pretend it wasn't his fault, carelessly send flatbeds of heavy metal into a cavern (something he tried to stop Diesel from doing in "Misty Island Rescue") act like he wasn't being careless, and then try to pretend he wasn't responsible for bad coal causing Ryan's smokebox to prematuely light up dynamite, THAT would possibly be enough to push someone over the edge. Here, the Fat Controller seemed at most mildly annoyed at the crash. Hell he had more to say about Percy fucking his trousers than Henry derailing a possibly expensive fish train.

[@22Tesla]

​​@@supermariof0521Fair enough, though I think it's another way to defuse tension with a joke. It's like the stationmaster's wife being angry at the ruined breakfast rather than almost being killed by a runaway train. Only I guess this episode doesn't know when to stop trying for a laugh/defusion of tension. Sure seeing Henry dive into the water like that, followed by his trucks into the drink is tense, but the tension is ended when we see his model spit water. It's unexpected and funny. But then the writing tries for lame jokes. "You were meant to deliver fish, not swim with them." "Look, they caught all this fish and a green whale too!" "Can you smell something?" "What?" "Fresh air." Come on, I don't think we needed this. I think STH's anger for Henry would have been better suited to tell Henry off for not listening to Thomas' warning. Something like "It wasn't your fault you got sent down the coastal run, Henry. But if an engine says there is danger on the rails, you're to listen to them, not dismiss them for the sake of the schedule. You should know that by now." And then STH ends this on a lighter note after Henry apologizes. Kinda like how his angry rant to Duncan in Home at Last ended on a lighter note. Something like, "Well, after you are back on the rails, I'm sure a good wash out will do you good. After all, you are meant to deliver fish, not swim with them."

[@supermariof0521]

@@22Tesla Interesting.

[@clown-cult96]

Imagine how he must have felt in Calling All Engines when his giant, heavy, expensive steam engines AND diesels decided to have a race war.

[@supermariof0521]

@@clown-cult96 He'd probably be like "I knew I should've stayed working in a steel factory."

[@LazyOldFusspot_3428]

A Close Shave is another excellent example of just how unpredictable a speeding train can be. Everything about this crash works. From how brief yet descriptive the runaway is, to the absolute sheer HORROR in the faces of Duck and his crew as if they are having to fight for their lives, to the sudden change in circumstances for Duck as he swiftly swerves into a siding yet at this particular moment in time he still couldn't stop and hold the uncontrollable and unstoppable weight and force of the runaway trucks until it is too late.

[@armorpro573]

Also in Busy Going Backwards, another terrific runaway sequence featuring a rolling stock character

[@22Tesla]

Yeah, it goes from "Okay we avoided killing a whole trainload of passengers" to "four people are in still in danger" but the tension doesn't let up. It relaxes as Duck avoids James, but then ramps up as it's revealed that Duck's going to crash into the barber shop. We're not out of danger yet, one last chance to slow down. And the music stays until the moment where Duck smashes into the barber shot, and we're left with a moment of terror... then shock as the scene cuts to inside the shop. We see Duck... and maybe four figures... we can't be sure... we're left in suspence till it cuts back to the inside of the shop, right when the smoke finally clears and it's revealed everyone is safe. Then we get hit by a joke to laugh to as Duck gets a shaving cream mask by an angry barber who's more angry that his shop got destroyed than that he nearly got killed.

[@optiquemusic6204]

@@22Tesla I'll let you decide which ruins the serious tone of the moment worse: the Barber lathering Duck's face with shaving cream, or Henry spitting out sea water.

[@supertorin4532]

As much as it does take away from the seriousness of the crash, Henry spiting out water gets me every time and is one of my favourite funny moments in the entire show

[@armorpro573]

And it makes sense given that Henry was literally submerged in the tide

[@calebc.2290]

2 things I want to say. 1. This is the last time Henry’s pulls ‘The Flying Kipper’ until series 17 2. Image how much more humiliating it would be for Henry if Percy was at the harbor. Saying “ My My Henry I am surprised, you need more determination, waters nothings to an engine with determination.” And it happens while he and Oliver are picking up the wooden horses for that carousel.

[@ItsCarlos563]

Henry is seen pulling the Flying Kipper in Whiff's Wish from Season 16.

[@Avery_Productions]

He also is seen pulling the flying kipper In peace and quiet but that’s stock footage

[@ItsCarlos563]

@@Avery_Productions Same thing for Not So Hasty Puddings.

[@Avery_Productions]

@@ItsCarlos563 oh yeah I forgot about that

[@Tugsboi47]

I personally don’t think the stock footage moments count

[@AJOlaks]

Honestly, it's incredible how well old Thomas was able to create such great episodes in just 4 and a half minutes

[@armorpro573]

That and the writing team actually gave a sh*t. Now imagine this episode in season 8-12.

[@SmudgerStudiosYT]

Imagine being the driver, just being unharmed by a fricking train sinking you, and then just return to work the next day

[@usualblokeluke]

Ikr Dude needs a day off to contemplate his life choices 😂

[@joshuaW5621]

I imagine the crew jumped out in time before Henry landed into the water.

[@SmudgerStudiosYT]

Yo thanks Luke!

[@TRUMPmyOSHI]

Sir Topham Hat’s railway must be the most accident prone, but because of that maybe they have a lot of safety measures….😅

[@Killdane]

@@joshuaW5621that can’t happen every time..

[@RJ-Makes-Things]

Bro, me for real "An episode where your 2nd favorite chatacter pulls a freight train through aesthetic scenery with tension ever building and atmospheric music. Of course its one of your favorites"

[@mrbluebelltrain55]

This is genuinely one of my favourite episodes of the ENTIRE show, I love Henry being an ass hole to Thomas, I love the crash and I just love everything about it! Personally I think that toppam was justified to scold Henry after his accident since Thomas warned him about the Brocken tracks but Henry just insulted him and dident listen.

[@armorpro573]

But his scolding doesn't really make sense. What he should've done was told Henry off for being reckless

[@ItsCarlos563]

First Percy takes the plunge, now it's my boi Henry.

[@deadchannel733]

I guess when Henry teased Percy about his plunge, it came back to bite him on the buffer.

[@joshuaW5621]

@@deadchannel733I wonder what Percy thought of Henry’s plunge.

[@thesudriana016]

@@joshuaW5621 If SITA were a RWS story as a sorta sequel to Percy Takes the Plunge, but w/ Percy in Thomas' place and him and Henry making their own alliance.

[@dylanlyles9453]

@@thesudriana016 That would've been brilliant!

[@Stuingtion]

I'm surprised that no one made a fan episode with this concept of Percy teasing Henry about this.

[@PrinceOfMadness]

Honestly I feel like Alec's narration also adds to the tension, especially with how he made Thomas's crew react and his fast paced narration. What a fantastic episode

[@fairlyoddenginecreations]

A criminally underrated episode, glad to see you cover this one! Also, I personally don't mind the scene of Henry spitting out water because I feel like without that, people would start to question "can trains hold their breath? how is henry still alive?"

[@armorpro573]

Well that, and also seawater is just downright disgusting

[@michaelcammack8536]

This is also my favorite Season 5 episode. The Flying Kipper episodes always felt so adventurous & I really like Thomas & Henry’s dynamic in this episode.

[@armorpro573]

I like Rusty and the Boulder, along with many others

[@AppalachianRailfan99]

I know this will be very random and semi-related to this video, but one of the reasons S5 hits so hard with me is all the episodes featuring the coal mines. I live in America, in what is known as The Appalachia Mountains, in my area, Coal is EVERYWHERE. Seeing the mines in S5 when I was younger, it made me think the episodes were set in my area of the world. It made me think I could go to a coal mine outside my home, and see Thomas or Percy working. The entire of S5 feels like it was made in my backyard

[@usualblokeluke]

That's actually really sweet

[@Tugsboi47]

So heartwarming 😢

[@ancientcollectiondx3032]

Ironic how Chris Awdry complained about the show depicting Sodor having coal mines when it isn't supposed to have them in the rws

[@AppalachianRailfan99]

@@ancientcollectiondx3032 don’t they get coal via the mainland in the RWS?

[@DraconicLeafTalarus]

Honestly, as much as I love Henry being the gentle giant of the engines, it felt refreshing (both as a kid and as an adult) seeing him have that attitude. His attitude was different from previous seasons yet he didn’t feel out of character because it still felt natural. EVERYONE has that period of time when they get tired of everyone else’s sh*t, and season 5 felt like that period for Henry.

[@armorpro573]

LOL coming from Unlucky Tug, the engines are so hot-headed in season 5. Always looking to pick on someone or air out grievances. Henry in particular is more snappy this year and it shows another part of his character

[@Bagster321]

The opening sequence of Thomas getting a fish crate smashed on top of him is hilarious on its own. And having walked into a Fishmonger's, I agree with him. Phwor.

[@thesudriana016]

This is my 6th favorite episode of Series 5 (it has also been another favorite from that season even as a kid). And it stays very faithful to real railways when erosion causes chaos to the tracks which in some coastal places like the UK and US are still having this on-going maintenance issue. It also implies another life imitation of what makes Thomas so real b/c of how the accidents couldn't be prevented is that they are real heavy machines - they take miles to stop and weigh hundreds/tons of iron and steel hence why making the situation even more impactful (which is what Dave Hood said in 'There Goes a Train' from Real Wheels, especially since it payed off in the San Diego Railroad Museum segment where it's a race against time to warn the engineer/driver about the car stuck on the crossing when his radio wasn't working). Onto the episode itself, I love the nighttime visuals, the coastal and dock sets, and my favorite of all: the crash. Seeing Henry falling into the ocean looks so real, just like other railways in real-life pictures. Some of the extended/deleted shots from those S5 rush-tapes shows how much heart and soul they put in to try and get those takes right. Also side-note, I don't mind Henry spitting water out of his mouth and STH's stern words for Henry are understandable (even if it is a little harsh, but it is for his own good). As you said, the characters of Henry and Thomas are nailed perfectly - Henry being the gentle giant but sometimes grumpy self and Thomas being mature and cheering Henry up despite what he said to him yesterday which shows how much Thomas has grown as a character (something the later seasons never stuck to, or even some fan-series as well like NWR1991, cactus190706, etc.). Finally, I also love Alec Baldwin's narration (yeah I know you don't care for him which is fine, but his Blockbuster take makes this episode feel like a mini-movie). Overall, I give this episode a 10/10!

[@erikthetrainmaster6112]

Out of curiosity, what are your top 10 episodes of Season 5?

[@usualblokeluke]

It varries on which my top 10 or top 5 are Haven't seen a lot of Series 5 in a while so I'll have to think about that

[@erikthetrainmaster6112]

@@usualblokeluke Actually that was for TheSudrianA0

[@usualblokeluke]

@@erikthetrainmaster6112 Ah right sorry I misread 😅

[@thesudriana016]

@@erikthetrainmaster6112 Well they are: 1. A Better View for Gordon 2. Put Upon Percy 3. James & the Trouble w/ Trees 4. Toby & the Flood 5. Busy Going Backwards 6. Something in the Air 7. Rusty & the Boulder 8. Lady Hatt's Birthday Party 9. Duncan Gets Spooked 10. Cranky Bugs (it might vary on this spot depending on how I feel in terms of a favorite).

[@sonickreekgamer7625]

This episode is one of my childhood gems

[@thomasrobloxgaming4133]

I’ll be honest, I consider this as a sum-up of Season 5 because this is such an amazing episode in general and is one of Henry’s best. I love the crash scene too, which looks like trains derailing in real life and how a runaway train look like in the world of life. I love the concept of having an episode of Thomas and Henry together as we barely get to see together as a duo. I love how Thomas grew a lot here ever since the first season, he was a jerk to Henry way back in Season 1, but now he matured. Sounds like a sequel how their friendship dynamic gone through. After Henry’s mishap, he knows that almost everyone is making fun of the big green engine and decided to cheer him up instead. I also love the ending with the two together. I also love the visuals here in the episode too. It’s also one of the episodes I watched when I was a little kid. I love the part where after Henry’s accident, he spills out water lmao. I’ve liked how you made an analysis on this episode dude! Amazing video! Looking forward to see more soon.

[@armorpro573]

Yeah Thomas' character development really shows here. Shame he didn't stay this way through season 6-7

[@thomasrobloxgaming4133]

@@armorpro573 what did he do in Season 6?

[@armorpro573]

@@thomasrobloxgaming4133 Well maybe not season 6, but in season 7, he immediately regressed back to his old personality. All cocky, arrogant, not giving much sh*t for others.

[@GP30_Foamer]

This is definitely one of my favorite episodes from series 5, that crash was truly something else (also on a side note, I’ll never view this episode the same way again after I learned that they used real fish as set dressing)

[@hiattgrey9161]

This is an episode nobody ever talks about. I really love it.

[@trainboy48]

Something in the Air is my favorite episode of Season 5, for many reasons: 1. It was one of the episodes that I’ve sawn and remember so well, while watching it on Races, Rescues and Runaways (both on VHS and DVD). 2. I understand you don’t care for Alec Baldwin’s Narration, but I just love him and Season 5 is his best performance ever! This episode is totally one of his best work that he’s done! 3. I completely agree with you about The Tension scene and I get so much chills when Henry is heading for danger. I also agree with you on Sir Topham Hatt blaming Henry, its not the latter’s fault. 4. While Henry is very boastful in this season as he did earlier and I’m totally cool with that too, he actually still has that soft side deep down inside of him. As shown at the end when he apologizes to Thomas for being rude to him earlier and I find it very sweet! Awesome job you did on this analysis video, I was hoping to hear more of your thoughts on this episode!

[@armorpro573]

It's a pretty decent episode. Not my personal favorite, but regardless

[@ThatGuy38757]

As someone who absolutely ADORES this episode (might be in My top 3), YESSSSSS

[@joshuaW5621]

Not that you mention it, Henry spitting water out his mouth does kinda hurt the seriousness of the accident by adding some unnecessary humour to what is supposed to be a dangerous accident. Besides that, the episode definitely does a great job showing how dangerous train crashes in the sea can be.

[@georgspielberger9780]

I think this actually helped calm down the sheer shock and power the watcher got of the build-up Plus I thought Henry in that barge with his ill face looks goofy so the water spitting lead well to it

[@xavierjuno4572]

​@@georgspielberger9780plus it makes sense he would do a spit take, I mean he swallowed sea water for goodness sake that stuff is nasty in your mouth

[@Zacman1123]

To be fair: anybody in Henry's situation would do that.

[@bradleyconrad2141]

As much as I love Thomas in the story, I honestly wished Percy had Thomas’ role as Percy knows what it feels like to take the plunge and while you can picture Percy being a cheeky scamp to Henry, showing Percy caring about Henry and sympathize for him really shows how much Percy has grown. Overall still love the episode and it’s definitely a fantastic one nonetheless.

[@armorpro573]

Yeah I guess I can see that. Also it could tie into Henry's words of "Water is nothing to an engine with determination."

[@ETE2K6]

Something in the air is one of my favourite episodes from Season 5, An Episode that I rarely see people talk about and I really like the dynamic between Thomas and Henry, something we've never got to see before. since the 2 engine barely talk to each other, it's really nice and I wish we could see more episodes between the two of them, and also I can't really tell how beautiful and atmospheric the sets are, they remain realistic as it is like the 4 previous seasons as it adds very small detail on those phenomenal sets and not making it look basic and bland like what they did with series 6-12 and Personally, I think the Fat Controller was justified to punish henry because when Thomas came to the docks late, he warned henry about the erosion on the coastal track but henry ignored him, threw insults at him and didn't listen to him and also I don't mind if henry spat out water.

[@armorpro573]

Well we don't know if Thomas actually warned him. Sure maybe offscreen, but regardless.

[@steamerproduction1918]

I wish I was able to watch this during the premiere but I agree with your point your saying in the video another example is close shave how duck tries to stop the trucks from causing a accident only having himself crash into a barber shop. Something in the air is a great example of what a train crash would look like in real life

[@Charmaster04]

Thomas might have just assumed Henry would get stopped at the signal box and he didn't have to worry about trying to explain it when the proper authority figures would get the message through far more effectively and without as much resistance.

[@amitysluzara2022]

Something In The Air is so underrated!

[@tudorbrancuturcu5996]

I now have a new view on Something in the air and your energy when Henry is about to crash is Micheal Angelis level. Great! Also, I said this in the chat but i’ll say it again: A Top Gear episode with Thomas and friends sound effects? This is awesome!! I love it!! Both of those shows are awesome! I love Thomas more than Top Gear, but I still think Top Gear’s a great show.

[@guillermofiliano1424]

I thought Haunted Henry was your favorite from series 5.

[@usualblokeluke]

It's been a while since I did that list Opinions change

[@NathanielPiscian]

Oddly nothing is more eerie then a night shot of a industrial railway complex with fog steam miss swallowing the entirety of said complex at night with a small red tail lamp barley visible through the said fog miss steam Somehow it’s so eerie

[@EternityKingdomsHeadHoncho]

Henry Almost Freaking Drowns and Other Stories

[@mrbluebelltrain55]

No one talks about if the crew survived being sucked under water for at least 12 or so seconds

[@PurpleTrainPictures]

I’m so excited for the personal best episode of season 5 (Duncan Gets Spooked is my second favourite)

[@candycrushhater5828]

Exactly my order

[@mrbluebelltrain55]

What about put upon Percy? (Put upon Percy is latterly my favourite episode that’s why I’m asking)

[@PurpleTrainPictures]

@@mrbluebelltrain55 that’s my third favourite

[@gilbertmartinez57]

Outstanding job Luke!! 👏👏 You should do an analysis of Thomas, Percy, and the Post Train for showing the true friendship between Thomas and Percy, cinematic score and night scenery that looks almost too real!

[@joshuav875]

The PSA example made me think of the accidents will happen song that was paired with races rescues and runaways

[@BigLightning4360]

Don't you love the jerkish side of Henry in Series 5 like the Unlucky Tug?

[@mrbluebelltrain55]

I love it, it’s hilarious

[@crystalfire7x]

#JerkHenryisbestHenry

[@ItsCarlos563]

Absolutely.

[@user-oc3qb5vo7g]

Yep

[@Anchovistic]

Season 5 Henry was just too perfect.

[@ryhi5]

Great analysis! My second favorite S5 episode. Toby and the Flood is my favorite and I think it builds tension in a similar way but then switches from tension to peril once the dam explodes and the situation keeps getting worse! To follow the bomb metaphor, it would be like after the bomb goes off, the guy who survives the blast now has to escape from the building which is now on fire and the roof is about to collapse!

[@armorpro573]

Same thing with Rusty and the Boulder. Despite what some people say, it's an absolute masterpiece when it comes to tension and frightening visuals

[@Trickshotter]

This might be one of your best videos, so much passion in this one and I have way more love for this episode now

[@joshslater2426]

I’ve been binging some Hitchcock lately and his way of building tension is really quite great. Last week I watched ‘Rope’, which shows you two friends murdering a guy and where they hid the body, but you still have an hour and fifteen minutes of a party whilst you wonder if they’ll be discovered. It’s not my favourite Hitchcock film, but it was great at building subtle tension. Clearly Awdry and the writers of Thomas were quite good at this too.

[@imoldsquarewheels695]

I had a nightmare about this episode when I was little oddly enough. But why would I rather than Haunted Henry?

[@diabeticman2194]

When I saw this video thumbnail, it got me re-thinking about the poll you did a while back about whether series 3 or 5 had the better original stories. While series 5 does have some stories that are spectacle for the sake of spectacle imho, when a story clicks for me it CLICKS. This is one of them, fantastic analysis Luke!

[@armorpro573]

Season 5 and 3 are both my top favorites for obvious reasons

[@t221000]

I’m happy to be an American 🇺🇸 fan of the show because I believe Baldwin did an outstanding job on the narration. For some reason I forgot that the signalman was not asleep 😴 but just couldn’t hear so I can’t blame him for what happened. The thing about is this show is sometimes the drivers control and sometimes the engines control themselves. So Henry has a driver certainly they would take the warning more seriously.

[@d4c_reznor470]

This is why on Amtrak’s northeast corridor, they’re removing grade level crossings to make it so the trains don’t have to slow down as much

[@mikesbricks9214]

Another good tension building episode is a close shave. Bit humorous in some parts, but still is a 10/10

[@armorpro573]

It's a pretty decent episode, not gonna lie

[@FictionalADDON]

Sense nobody is talking about one thing about trains and water I’m gonna say it. The engine couldn’t stand the water from the exterior because of the hot boiler. When cold water makes contact with a hot kettle it causes the metal to expand and would create a hole, the same thing will apply the same for Henry’s boiler. This could severely damage him both exterior and interior.

[@usualblokeluke]

I wanna see someone do a scientifically accurate Something In The Air where Henry just dies from his boiler cracking lol

[@PowaOfTheFlowa]

Always liked this season, it wasn’t my favorite but it’s up there for sure. One thing about this season is the visuals and atmosphere,and I can see why people like it so much, haunted Henry and Duncan get spooked were the some of the if not the best in this season if I could choose anything else I would choose Toby and the flood the reason why is because it was so dramatic and the characters were in serious danger here! Something in the air is great to don’t get me wrong but it will never hold a candle to these three episodes I have up there.

[@armorpro573]

Yeah this episode was decent, but it feels a bit underwhelming in comparison to episodes like Put Upon Percy or Toby's Flood

[@laboies]

”dickhead henry„ got me rolling on the floor😂

[@harrisonallen651]

Alfred Hitchcocks bomb under the table theory in a Thomas episode? Very interesting equation for both train and film enthusiasts

[@EternityKingdomsHeadHoncho]

I mean, Hitchcock DID put the Flying Scotsman in The 39 Steps

[@edwardcarlisle5580]

A really good video. I've always liked this episode. However, I must respectfully disagree about Henry spitting out the water. I think that was appropriate because from a human standpoint that is very realistic. Anyone who puts themselves in Henry's brake shoes would do the same thing. If I was caught completely by surprise and pushed into a pool, and, since I'm helpless for a moment, I completely submerge and get a mouthful of water, the first thing i would do upon getting back to the surface would be to spit it out so I can breath and then get my thoughts together to figure out how to get out of the pool. Practically anyone in Henry's position would do the same. Is it comedic? A little. But it's very realistic. Henry knows he's screwed up. He crashed into the sea and now he and his train are in short a wreck that needs to be rescued. Honestly, what else can he do? At this point Henry knows there's nothing else he can do, except spit out the salt water forced into his mouth by the unexpected plunge. Now at least he can breathe, calm down, and get his thoughts together. Of course, Henry's mess really is not his fault, but he's not blameless as he should have asked Thomas to clarify what he meant when he tried to warn him. I do think Sir Topham Hatt was rather unfair about the whole thing by completely blaming Henry, but Sir Topham has a history of this. I get the idea that Britt and Milton were trying to come up with a line that was both a little humorous and serious at the same time, and what we hear was the result, but i think it would have been far more appropriate if Sir Topham Hatt said something more along the lines of what he said to Percy in Season 3's 'Percy James and the Really Fruitful Day.' Maybe they didn't feel like recycling lines too much? Anyways, I also much prefer Baldwin's narration. Maybe I'm just used to it, but it works for me.

[@armorpro573]

Yeah I'm not bothered by that scene because like you said, Henry was literally submerged

[@dougsfilmtv9810]

Good Video! Sorry to tell you this but I think Stepney gets lost builds a lot of tension, but I do like this story, and it would be one of my favorite Henry stories.

[@armorpro573]

Also Haunted Henry as well

[@nicholetheotter1957]

I have to say, until I saw this video, I didn’t notice just how many realistic morals and life situations this episode depicted, and in a serious manner on top of that. Definitely adds a new layer of appreciation for what was an already good episode, on top of Season 5 not being afraid of showing tension and dark tones in multiple episodes. Spotlight on an underrated character dynamic makes for an interesting episode, and we definitely deserved more of episodes focused on the Thomas x Henry pairing. I would personally like to see fanmade content give some love to this pairing. The way how this episode deals with the subject of erosion on railway tracks and how fast trains pick up speed (as seen with how Henry raced past that signal box) to the point that the yard manager, the signalman and even that red warning flag were not enough to stop Henry. Even when his crew applied the brakes it still wasn’t enough to stop his wheels from slipping. Thomas probably had himself to blame for not explaining the danger more clearly. As for Henry spitting the water, it’s also very realistic, given he was heavily submerged in the water for a brief moment. Anyone who fell into water like that would be in the same situation as him, struggling to try and get out. The tone of the music building up to the crash definitely showed how screwed Henry was from the get-go. It was also nice to see Henry’s “stuffed up” face for the first time since Season 1 as well. I agree that STH scolding Henry after he was rescued and then Cranky and the children teasing him was annoying and ruined the tone of the crash. You definitely have to feel bad for Henry knowing how embarrassed he was. At least the ending got to show us a more mature side of Thomas showing how far his character has come, he knew Henry had it rough and needed cheering up, despite Henry insulting him earlier. I mean, compare that to back in Season 1, when Thomas didn’t take Henry’s illness seriously, which would get addressed with Henry’s character development later in the season. And even though Season 5 was the peak of Henry’s grumpy, arrogant portrayal where he wasn’t going to take anyone’s bullshit, we still got to see the soft, gentle giant side of Henry that we love as much, because he’s such a realistic character. These engines have feelings and we feel them too. Well presented.

[@armorpro573]

That's the charm of season 5. Despite these stories written by the staff, they were still made in a realistic and mature way. Compared to the HIT/Sharon Miller era, these episodes are pure gold

[@seandenapoli9180]

Favorite episode of Season 5. Glad to see more discussion on this banger

[@armorpro573]

My favorite is Rusty and the Boulder

[@racheljackson4428]

an underrated friendship in a underrated episode. it was on a ABC Kids Vhs and i enjoyed the episode when i was a kid.

[@IsleofPigsStudios]

People who hate on Lost Treasure should look at Topham in this episode. Topham had more reason to lash out at Thomas in Lost Treasure than he did in this episode

[@j-master4-6-22]

Counterpoint: Sure, Topham may have had justification, but not at that magnitude. The incident at Knapford was the only time it wasn't disproportionate. The other two instances are taken way too far and make it easier than ever for people to make those "Fat Controller is a ruthless dictator" jokes. In this episode, he barely raised his voice at Henry. What he says amounts to the equivalent of a mere slap on the wrist, which is lenient considering that Henry was travelling at high speeds in bad weather conditions.

[@Tugsboi47]

The only times sth had the right to lecture Thomas the time when he derailed Gordon’s coaches and when he went in the cavern he should have known not to pass danger signs he learned that In S1 the last time with him saving Ryan was purely unfair what was worse that jack and the pack nor Ryan said nothing to defend him at all which feels so wrong maybe that was left in from the canceled plot of Ryan being a villain and possibly not liking thomas but still that doesn’t sound right

[@IsleofPigsStudios]

Thomas still caused the cave collapse and tried to blame others. Thomas Theorist made a good video about the debate.

[@IsleofPigsStudios]

Also, how would you react if you saw something that looked like someone was trying to blow someone else up? I’d be pissed

[@Tugsboi47]

@@IsleofPigsStudios still but why did the others not defend him tho

[@patronstdenial5195]

7:38 we call this ✨inertia✨ And object’s resistance to change in motion Same way that magic trick with the table cloth and drinking glasses works

[@usualblokeluke]

Ahh fascinating

[@Zacman1123]

(I'm just now getting to this getting this video cause I wanted to prepare myself) You already talked about how STH was unfairly angry at Henry, so I just bring up my only other problem: I understand that fog was blocking the view for Henry until the last second but even still that warning lamp is way too close to the damaged rails to have done anything honestly. There's a reason "Road Closed" or "Construction Ahead" signs are a good ways away from the actual location. Also, I know you said Henry doing a spit take killed the moment but to be honest anybody would've done that if they had an ocean shoved up you nose and mouth.

[@armorpro573]

Yeah. It's way too close to the damaged rails, and by the time anyone sees it, they'll already be submerged in sea water.

[@thecinematicmind]

Rare to see a character do something outside of moving eyes

[@ItsCarlos563]

Everything from this episode is perfect!

[@devmott30]

Even in the 90's they knew about Brenner's talent.

[@Stuingtion]

The most interesting thing about the music score during the bit with Henry, is thats the same music score used in Haunted Henry.

[@armorpro573]

Yeah it's really haunting.

[@Stuingtion]

@@armorpro573 that it is.

[@armorpro573]

@@Stuingtion Season 5 definitely was one of the pioneers in soundtrack. I like how the producers changed up the character's themes to match their development

[@Stuingtion]

@@armorpro573 likewise here. Those themes are so iconic!

[@mayoroicjre]

This, for being my second least favourite of the classic era, this is one episode I definitely enjoy. I'd say it's my second favourite of series 5. Make Someone Happy is my favourite.

[@armorpro573]

If you don't mind, why second least favorite?

[@abbeyroadfan94-J.P]

Amazing work Luke

[@calebrimer2870]

Trains do have emergency brakes, but it does still require some time to stop even at that.

[@GustavoSuperSonic2001]

To be honest Luke, I disagree, Thomas and Friends has always been funny even in many serious situations And yeah, Henry said "I better made up for lost time" he was going fast for a reason

[@lukemogford6332]

Brilliant video Luke :)

[@alexthelnerj72]

13:01 JUSTICE FOR HENRY!!!!!!!

[@GoofyCharizard]

I've always loved the season 5 aesthetic and this episode shows the many reasons why #JusticeForOldSquareWheels

[@armorpro573]

I especially like the lighting. The harshness makes it feel like real life

[@adamhickey396]

Stupid bird! Made me burst out laughing 🤣

[@abbeyroadfan94-J.P]

something in the air is my favorite season 5 episode the crash is memorable

[@armorpro573]

My favorite is Rusty and the Boulder

[@DavidBContentExtravaganza3967]

Well, that is a great video about how to build tension in Thomas & Friends as well as the fact that trains can't make stops in an emergency. Perhaps it could help me build tension in my Thomas stories in CGI style. I'm surprised that the CGI series rarely builds up tensions in episodes and movies.

[@armorpro573]

Because of corporate mandates. Same reason why we don't get any good Halloween episodes in modern CGI.

[@TobyOliverHenryFan]

This episode is definitely a childhood classic! But I have no idea which dub I watched. One day I'll find out, but I would be rather angry if it's the American dubs of the episodes. A rather silly question, but no time like the present. Did you do the voices for Donald and Douglas in that skit in your Season 10 review? I was wondering if you did, Could you maybe help me in my series with voice acting for Douglas?

[@juxtaposedlime2734]

Something tells me that the Classic stories would have more impact if David and Britt can work with HiT's runtime of 7 minutes.

[@armorpro573]

Maybe, maybe not. Depends on how they execute it

[@terencewilliammckenna6121]

I love season 1-5 vhs tapes

[@michaelsoulz8447]

Have you ever thought about doing a video on Underrated episodes of the show.

[@eddiethefriendlytenderengine]

11:27 personally, I didn’t find that to be funny. I actually felt sorry for Henry because he’d just been submerged in the water.

[@sonickreekgamer7625]

So excited

[@cindersandashesuk5744]

Great stuff as always, Luke! We should work together sometime 🙃

[@dabluepittoo-aqua4213]

Gotta say, I actually don't mind the comedic elements to Something In The Air. It's there so things don't get too tense. Plus it's genuinely funny so there's that. Also separate this episode from the previous two Kipper stories. Also on Sir Topham Hatt. My interpretation is that Henry was still speeding even when there was fog. There was enough time to at least slow down but he kept the speed up to make up for lost time. That's probably why he was mad.

[@armorpro573]

Well the fish line doesn't really make sense if Sir Topham Hatt really was scolding Henry for speeding.

[@dabluepittoo-aqua4213]

@@armorpro573 The point was that Henry wouldn't have been swimming with fish (AKA crash) if he didn't speed in the fog.

[@armorpro573]

@@dabluepittoo-aqua4213 If you’re hinting at sarcasm, I guess.

[@dabluepittoo-aqua4213]

@@armorpro573 Oh, I'm not sarcastic. If anything, I'm the type of gal who'd struggle telling sarcasm apart.

[@armorpro573]

@@dabluepittoo-aqua4213 No I’m referring to Sir Topham Hatt’s comment on “trains don’t swim”

[@kevin-2.1]

This episode does show tension, but it is a show for younger audience. I would say for kids but it’s not like they talk about being honest or stealing is wrong. No, no this is show goes at a different way like helping a friend. Solving a solution or listen when there’s danger on the line 😉.

[@armorpro573]

But the episode was still made to be taken seriously. No wacky visuals or useless pandering.

[@Divina-mu1ij]

Also Henry needs to take sir Topham hatt to cort.

[@Anchovistic]

It's solely my problem, so the others don't have to bother. This episode is undoubtedly a BANGER, with some humours, characters, and atmosphere. But ONE THING that bugs me is that I can't put this episode in my RWS headcanon because of the track route Henry took.. It would make sense if the line started from south to north so that Henry could crash in the west coast in the TV series(just like the Unlucky Tug pointed out), but in the books the Main Line just starts going to south, so this episode just can't work in the RWS, but I guess I'll have to leave it as the TV thing.

[@armorpro573]

Eh continuity is not really a major point in the show. A lot of episodes follow this weird trend of taking place long after the previous event like Gordon pushing Thomas in season 4

[@Silverlink28]

It’s actually incorrect to capitalize the in the middle of a sentence it’s “Something in the Air” not “Something In The Air” that’s incorrect grammar

[@FlashCameraStudio]

#jusitceforoldsquarewheels

[@Divina-mu1ij]

JusticeForOldSquareWheels

[@Kingdarrdarr_17]

Season 5 is definitely the worst one out of the first 5 but I’ll give it this. It is the most hilarious out of the classic era and this episode is the funniest from start to finish

[@DavidBContentExtravaganza3967]

How is it the worst?

[@armorpro573]

Sorry but I strongly disagree. Series 5 may have had some stories that weren't made in Wilbert Awdry's vision, but they still hold some weight. The set designs, the character interactions, the music, the variety of tone throughout the season. Considering these were the first stories written by the staff, they took it upon themselves to make them wild but not overly unrealistic. And that's another thing about season 5: it's use of ambiguity.

[@Noah-ey5zf]

11:21 well if the fireman’s hot chocolate scene was adapted in the flying kipper from the railway series, it would of lasted like 30 seconds/half of a minute, well Henry squirting water is just a 2 seconds gag. Yeah it is a little too close to the seriously scene in the episode but I mean these are trains with faces, you need to have some funny business for the kids & adult, even in the classes series (which I think handles it the best in my opinion) Big World Big Adventures, just NO!

[@armorpro573]

And it's just a small scene.

[@keanes8608]

Why do we call them trains 🙂‍↔️

[@martinsto8190]

I know right? we don't seem to say words like Locos, rolling stock, singal wire, or rail line often enough when its relevant.

[@imoldsquarewheels695]

Bugs me so much!

[@akantorunogullari4745]

I uv it

[@akantorunogullari4745]

I love it

[@PlayDontPause]