The DEFINITIVE Thomas the tank engine episode

The episode I feel captures what Thomas the tank engine is all about!
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Thomas and friends is property of Mattel and all footage belongs to its respective owners.
#thomasandfriends #childrenstvshow #ttte #videoessay #analysis #thomasthetankengine #gordon #pscyhology #development

[@TheUnluckyTug_official]

Some of the best Thomas video essays on KZbin here. Your analysis is always so in-depth and backed by real research. Great video - I agree, Down the Mine is one of the greats!

[@tiernantalks]

AH! Thank you! IT means the world to me to hear it! And if you ever patent the sodor's finest format, I'll give you royalties for this one lolol

[@Pooperman-k6x]

11:19 that kinda looks like thomas’ pilot model. I mean look at the face, siderods, and funnel. The only unconvincing thing is that thomas has his lining though so i dont know.

[@shippingbad]

Holy crap its Tugs

[@trakkKonnektin]

I love you tug

[@typicalthomas6057]

The stance of Down the Mine being the definitive Thomas episode has been one I've had for a while now, so seeing this in my feed was a nice surprise and an intriguing look as to how this episode reflects what Thomas is from a more moral standpoint. If you don't mind, I'd like to put why I consider it to be the "definitive Thomas episode" in my own words. Something that's always stuck out to me whenever people talk about some examples of "definitive Thomas episodes" like those mentioned at the beginning is that they all feel in some way like exceptions to what Thomas, as a show, is like for the most part. Thomas is generally a very chill, slice of life show, with a lot of simple, relatively low stakes episodes revolving around the antics the engines get into within their mundane lives, such as Thomas Goes Fishing, Cows, Steam Roller, you get the point. They're all episodes that are memorable for what characters get into within the day to day as opposed to how characters react to being brought out their norm, see Escape, Edward's Exploit, Flying Kipper, etc. That's not me dissing the episodes, not by any means, I love all of these episodes, Escape for instance might just be my personal favorite episode of the whole show. However I feel like people gravitate toward them at least partially because they deviate from the usual, which kinda takes away from what I consider when I think of what the "definitive Thomas episode" is. Said point is why I think Down the Mine has merit as being the "definitive episode," it's a rather standard episode for the most part, literally falling under the formula of "engine fucks around and finds out" that happens in lots of episodes, that proceeds to stand out in its own right by taking its simple premise and using it to tell a good, memorable story that sticks with you through its character moments, especially the ending. To conclude, I think that Down the Mine is one of the best episodes of the show not by breaking the mold like a lot of the show's greats, but by excelling at what the show is at its core, which is also why I consider it to be THE definitive Thomas episode.

[@tiernantalks]

Yeah! I think that's a great way of putting it! I was struggling to put into words why exactly those other episodes didn't feel right as definitive, but you have absolutely put it into words. Thomas is absolutely a slice of life show, and has so many great moments. Great comment, man!

[@tugs_man]

This is exactly what I’m saying, Down the Mine is the perfect episode for newcomers to the Thomas, that and Cranky Bugs.

[@tiernantalks]

Oh yeah, Cranky bugs is definitely up there!

[@dylanlyles9453]

I love that Thomas and Gordon put aside their differences and started being allies. I just wish the model series and CGI series made it consistent instead of having Gordon go back to his arrogant, pompous, selfish, rude self. I hate how their dynamic was portrayed in SLOTLT!

[@e-122psi3]

It's weird how the better eras of the show were generally the ones that most messed it up. To compare the more infamous eras of Thomas like the HIT, Nitrogen and BWBA eras and even All Engines Go maintain this more amicable side to Gordon.

[@foxycat5110]

I know, right? Can you imagine how amazing it would be if the show stuck the landing with them the whole way through? I certainly can, because the Nitrogen Era pulled it off effortlessly!

[@jayheadley8061]

Down the Mine has always been one of my favourite TTTE episodes, mainly cos the crash, but mostly the relatability and realism and Thomas and Gordon's characters development. It's was shown more in the actual show as it started with Thomas and Gordon, how they went from hating each other to respecting each other especially when they had previous mishaps separated from each other that humbled them and grew so much as characters leading to a alliance. Sucks it didn't last in the show. At least it didn't break in the books especially in Triple Header.

[@Lynximations]

Paint pots and queens is kind of a good one too, we get action, redemption, and a cheerfulness in the story

[@tiernantalks]

I agree, and I think it works as the conclusion for this arc

[@daft_class]

oh my goodness thank you for talking about down the mine! this is the episode that made me fall in love when gordon when i was 4. i love that he's the only big engine that is able to laugh at himself and it made me understand why the fat controller and the other engines touted him as the golden engine of the railway in his prime years. thank you so much.

[@tiernantalks]

Yeah! All my homies love Gordon!!

[@The_East_Charlieton_Railway]

Gordon is a grand engine, the best engine in the RWS

[@harrisonallen651]

I’m still hyped about about the pilot being released soon

[@tiernantalks]

I've heard rumors of that too! I wonder how it'll beee. You think it'll be worth the wait?

[@joshuaW5621]

Too bad the show seems to have forgotten about Thomas and Gordon’s alliance since season 5, even though people only seem to bring it up regarding Lost Treasure for some reason.

[@dylanlyles9453]

Yeah, that's one of the major problems with Season 5, aside from not adapting any more RWS stories. Sometimes I think Season 5 is kinda overrated. And as much as I cherish Magic Railroad, I really hate how mean Gordon was towards Thomas. I mean there's already a diesel with a claw antagonizing Thomas, there is no need for Gordon to be a jerk.

[@TheMidnightGhostg0000]

If I were to look at the franchise-defining episode, I can't think of any episode I haven't watched and used to exemplify life more than Down the Mine. For me though the episode that illustrates my life, then that episode is Edward's Exploit

[@tiernantalks]

Yeah I made sure to talk about that episode cause it's super important

[@artbyisaiah]

Such a good, well-researched analysis - and on one of my all-time favorite stories of the series!

[@_MyNameIsAJ_]

The definitive episode is clearly Push Me Pull You

[@TheMidnightGhostg0000]

Yeah right

[@tiernantalks]

AH! You're so right, what was I thinkinggg

[@Hamal69]

Ngl it unironically is a definitive episode to me, just not the show as a whole but just that era cause it totally defines that era, steaming hot garbage

[@alexandercameron5417]

I feel so happy that together we stand together we fall was Thomas the tank engine when I first heard this term because it’s used all the time these days and I can relate it to Thomas

[@t221000]

Tieran you are my new hero. I never thought I would see a video essay on Thomas with citations noted. Down The Mine was a favorite story of mine as a child for its humor and its story of two friends. As an adult I understand this story and all of the others so much more in depth.

[@Nic_2751]

Another banger dissection and I’m glad everyone’s starting to realize the significance of Down the Mine and why it’s a perfect Thomas story.

[@karenfan010]

7:04 not really thomas was built in 1915 or so making him much older then gordon.

[@tiernantalks]

True true, but they at least both act very impulsively cause they're both framed as being pretty young. I mean you're right, so I should have said their both written as pretty young. Lol I did try and say relativelyyy (just very relatively lolol)

[@TheLazyFusspot_3428]

@@karenfan010 the time gap isn't too wide tho however

[@Kidsmtvslvback]

Down the Mine is a favorite from Season 1. From its impact to narrations from both Carlin and Starr as well as the characters in both Thomas and Gordon. The relationship between Thomas and Gordon makes me think of the relationship I had with my older brother growing up.

[@GumRobber]

I’m definitely very nostalgic to down the mine especially since I had three vhs tapes with that episode on it those being Thomas and his friends get along, Thomas and his friends help out, and The best of Gordon.

[@fairlyoddenginecreations]

Top tier episode of a top tier season of a top tier kid show, you love to see it

[@t221000]

I think it’s a good thing the line “United we stand together we fall” was in Thomas meets the Queen 👸. I just subscribed to your channel. ❤

[@adamtm8255]

I don't like the Nitrogen era, but there's a fantastic thing in it. Beside, the writeing is trash, Gordon's in character, and their alliance is still a thing. Also in the HIT era, but from the S17, Gordon became an always jerk type character, basically James, but bigger, and I hate that in the Brenner era.

[@tugboatanni8594]

I feel like "James and the Trouble with Trees" would be my choice as an episode to show someone what Thomas is about. It has tempermental characters, a happy ending, good variety of set design and weather conditions, action, a real life incident, and scary instance from the faces. I find it summarises various aspects of Thomas identity very well, making it suitable for first impressions.

[@tiernantalks]

Great choice! And great reasoning! I hadn't thought of that, but those are some great elements to an episode!

[@overusedenginesproductions]

Based exactly why this episode is my no. 1 episode

[@Percyfan1998]

Nah, you never had to convince me why this is an important episode. There's a reason this is one of the second most rereleased episodes on physical media here in the USA (five rereleases in total), it’s both a great surface level story and a deeply symbolic one. Contextually, I agree, The Railway Series' version is the best since the story is properly contextualized and plays an important role in both Thomas and Gordon's journeys; even in just the TV version. It's interesting how they both 'fall down' in their respective stories, both get the comeuppance they deserve for being so full of themselves and disobeying their Drivers. It's Rev. W. Awdry demonstrating - even if by total coincidence - how not burying the hatchet brings the buried issue to the surface and both need to relax the animosity they have for each other. So them coming together mutually after getting into trouble with TFC is rewarding.

[@tiernantalks]

Beautifully said!

[@SkyFire2112]

To me, Down the Mine is the best story in the entire series.

[@tiernantalks]

This guy gets it

[@ScoutFlare75]

you could easily just watch season one and feel satisfied

[@1471SirFrederickBanbury]

I like your analysis of the morals and while I don't agree with all of it (I and most people that I know had stronger morals as children than adults, and only very few children that I knew responded positively to authority figures), but I do agree that "Down the Mine" is a definitive episode due to the tone and format. I see it however, that there is no one definitive episode, with my group being "Edward's Exploit", "Escape", "All at Sea", "Bulldog", "Down the Mine", and "The Flying Kipper", which I think allows the multifaceted aspects of the series to be appreciated.

[@andreiemanueltudose2445]

Now i realize why Down the mine it was always more special than the athers episodes from Thomas the tank engine & Friends but we agree that the Dynamic between Gordon and Thomas will always be legendary and wholesome

[@tiernantalks]

Yeah man! Glad this is something people understand, and I could put it into words!

[@andreiemanueltudose2445]

@@tiernantalks Yeah man!

[@trakkKonnektin]

Now this is good

[@mee_is_sus]

It was the pilot for a reason

[@YouSoJames]

im saying fish

[@tiernantalks]

You may be disappointed

[@YouSoJames]

@@tiernantalks nah not rlly just my pick ur pick makes sense

[@TheLazyFusspot_3428]

Eh that's just a rehash of The Flying Kipper. Nothing too special really imo.

[@YouSoJames]

@@TheLazyFusspot_3428 wrong fish has character moments for thomas duck and henry not to mention the visuals define wat thomas was all about while displaying real railway practices

[@TheLazyFusspot_3428]

​@@YouSoJames Realism or not, the true charm of Thomas always lies in its characters and morals. That's why Something in the Air, another Kipper episode, succeeds over Fish. Fish, while great visuals and all, just sorta doesn't have enough of that charm and whimsy from the characters imo.

[@caramelldansen2204]

:)