Thomas & Friends: Season 7 (2003) in Retrospect - The Thomas Retrospective

[@TheUnluckyTug_official]

Quick correction at 20:52 - the caption did not update and I failed to catch it. It should say "The American Invasion - Mac W". Mavis M had nothing do with that documentary! My mistake!

[@caboose.20]

That's just what he wants to think.

[@wilbertawdrypictures5647]

When will you remake "why the Thomas 2021 reboot is doomed to fail", and reupload every thoughts on video you made before making the BWBA rant?

[@wilbertawdrypictures5647]

And why haven't you mentioned the season 7 thoughts on video you made many years ago?

[@Jamesoneill28757]

I don't I mind great bro love u ❤❤

[@wilbertawdrypictures5647]

Edward the very useful Engine isn't truly the worst episode of season 6, it was "middle engine" from the very start. And heres why. ---> it disregard railway regulations when Percy is pushing and pulling two trains at the same time, sir topham hatt blames Percy for something that was completely out of his control and he didn't even bother to apologize to Percy for the misunderstanding, and most importantly "Arry and Bert never got punished!" we need justice for poor Percy and who ever wrote this episode didn't even care how soless this episode really was.

[@MikeODonnellcomposer]

Great programme Nick, well done.

[@ToastTheThe]

Yo it's the man himself

[@talkalotstudios1901]

Hello Mike, I'm a 27 year old Autistic man called James, I Love Thomas the Tank engine and Friends Series 1-6/7ish, Your Music/David's vision and Ringo's/Michael's voices made mine and many other peoples childhoods great. I wasn't very good at reading faces when I was younger but the Expressions were very clear so it helped me lots. Also your score is iconic and always bring me back too a Very Happy Cosy Place. Also when I was young I found it very hard to make Friends but Thomas was only a VHS away, I have Lots of Great Friends now. But I still come back too the show from time to time and it never gets old, I will always Love it till the end of time. So Thank You Very much, Best wishes and all the very Best from James a lot time Fan. 🛤🎼🎵🎶🙂

[@talkalotstudios1901]

I meant a Long Time Fan Sorry Typo.😆

[@fanofeverything30465]

​​@@talkalotstudios1901Hello James 👋🏿

[@joshuaW5621]

Looks like Mike O'Donnell himself is in the KZbin comments.

[@ryhi5]

I've been saying this for years. Replace Skarloey with Sir Handel and "The Old Bridge" would actually work as an episode. Throw in a flashback to Bulldog and it would be perfect. It makes perfect sense for Sir Handel to be afraid of heights after almost falling off a cliff in Bulldog.

[@primrosevale1995]

Honestly the only thing The Old Bridge needs is an intro where Skarloey tells another engine a story about his younger years. Then it would be pretty much perfect. A continuation of the Very Old Engines stories and giving Skarloey a more reasonable explanation for his behavior.

[@ryhi5]

@@primrosevale1995 very true! I think Tug mentioned exactly that in his Sodor’s Finest on Skarloey. However I like the idea of the normally rude and uptight Sir Handel in a rare position of vulnerability and portrayed in a sympathetic light. It would make the transition to his season 10 personality seem more like development instead of a retcon.

[@tgeiii3554]

I didn’t think of the Old Bridge like that, with Sir Handel as the lead. Always thought someone like Peter Sam would fit the role since it fits more for his character to be scared of this after something happening the first time.

[@Thomsn_Gazelle]

We might have to put the episode a little forward in the timeline for it to function, since working on hilly terrain probably gets rid of that fear slowly

[@bigharryyy03]

And replace Rheneas with either Peter Sam or Duke and it would be perfect

[@DieselD7101]

I know people hate on this season a lot but it did many things right and in my opinion, was a perfect finale to the classic series.

[@Watermillfilms]

I like the calm telling of the stories almost like bedtime stories.

[@owenhelstowski]

idk for me, it was so far from where the series started off it almost seemed like hit era episodes.

[@Watermillfilms]

@@owenhelstowski thing is although HIT bought the rights. It was the last series with both David Mitton and Britt involved. Although maybe not as involved sadly as much as they were. The reboot is when the big changes happened. So maybe a bitter sweet series. It’s was ok. I just liked the look of the sets especially the fishing village. All the series had a different look to them and this one was nice.

[@thecinematicmind]

I agree

[@dragonkingeeveegen1484]

It was one of my first seasons that’s for sure

[@gordieboi2340]

21:23 I think Brandon misunderstood what "Great Western" meant and just assumed it meant Western America

[@NitroIndigo]

Now I'm imagining an American AU of the series where all the Little Westerners are cowboys. Except Donald and Douglas, who would be Canadian or something.

[@fanofeverything30465]

​@@NitroIndigoThat sounds interesting

[@NitroIndigo]

@@fanofeverything30465 Unfortunately, I don't know much about American railways.

[@rodemus18]

21:40 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@LimpBizkitMix]

@@NitroIndigo now all I can think of is Donald & Douglas doing lines from the Canadians on South Park

[@ItsCarlos563]

Let's take a moment to appreciate how Mike O'Donnell & Junior Campbell made the music orchestrated. Happy 20th anniversary Season 7!

[@wishbonefan]

what are you talking about? This season only had Robert Hartshorne music! /j

[@extrahistory8956]

@@wishbonefan Nope. It is the only season of the entire show where every episode has two different soundtracks.

[@wishbonefan]

@@extrahistory8956 Did you not see the "/j" right there

[@fanofeverything30465]

Happy 20th Birthday to Season 7

[@ItsCarlos563]

@@wishbonefan You're probably joking, I believe.

[@sophisticautistic5453]

Anyone else wish they did more with Murdock?

[@krypticunlimited6925]

literally one of my favorite characters as a kid. His model, color, and name alone are so distinct and memorable just from a single episode and I wish they did more with him

[@ChrysanthosC.]

Yes omg he had so much potential

[@nathanbentley1939]

Uh, yeah. For sure. Arthur too.

[@stephenrossi1918]

Oh GOD, Yes!!!!!

[@fernandolaracereceda6440]

Fun fact, been a fan ever since I have memory. Season 7 never made it to South America. I had a Murdoch take along but no idea what the character was like (I used to play with the engines like they are in the episodes I got to watch). It wasn’t until Series 12 (I was six years old) that I got a glimpse into what Murdoch was as a character.

[@KenshinPlayz57]

Season 7 feels like a mix between season 6 and 8, I still count it as a classic season and has some great episodes, wasn’t the best send off for the classic series but wasn’t the worst we could have had

[@ryhi5]

I get the same feeling as well. The best episodes of Season 7 feel like classic Thomas, but the bad episodes of Season 7 feel like they belong in the HIT era. Actually, that's kind of why it worked perfectly for HIT to sandwich in a Season 7 episode in between 2 Season 8 episodes when they aired thomas on TV.

[@mikeyandoh7857]

Yeah, Season 7 is a nice transition from the Classic Series to the HIT Era!

[@joshuaW5621]

Since the term new series isn’t really used anymore, I now just call the classic series the classic era.

[@RBenjo21]

“He’s fallen in the water!” is a reference to 1950s British radio show “The Goon Show”, whose most well-known quote was a very goofy “he’s fallen in the water!”. Angelis would have understood that piece of writing and it’s SO obvious he’s going for that reference… I love it.

[@thecaledoniansleeper2648]

Brandon too may probably have heard that phrase before on the NBC radio.

[@Nick-ty9us]

They used a catchphrase for a old Time radio show

[@MegaTrainlover]

‘Why is Oliver a cowboy?’ ‘Why does Gordon sound like a chain smoker?’ Never laughed so hard at a rhetorical question 😂😂

[@ChrisSuperDude]

I admit, when I was very little I heard "Great Western" and thought American western. It truly didn't dawn on me that Thomas was British until I was about 7.

[@skarloeythomas5172]

@@ChrisSuperDude A sad example of US exceptionalism and cultural imperialism. The world knows so much about the cultural minutiae of the USA, but ask it to do the same and the fabric of its society refuses. The English of an exclusively English show has to be scrubbed out and translated, within the same language, to American.

[@MovieFan1912]

Now I’m thinking of those old Geico Commercials.

[@SalmonJonesTheMagnificent]

@@skarloeythomas5172 It could also just be that "western" has a different connotation to people who have grown up in the USA than it does to folks in the UK, and children have a very limited knowledge of the world in general.

[@skarloeythomas5172]

@@SalmonJonesTheMagnificent Because the denotation was forced to be American by translating English to another dialect and replacing cultural artefacts and giving it an American narration. Of course the connotation was going to be American too lol.

[@DanGamingFan2406]

And now we come to the end of the Classic Era. (Many would argue that season five is actually the end, but still.) While it's definitely not my favorite, it is one of the most nostalgic seasons for me. Plus, it introduced Emily and Spencer, two of my favorite Model Era characters, as well as Arthur and Fergus, two of the most underrated engines in my opinion.

[@omaridaniels8427]

I think there's an argument to be made for Season 5 being a potential end, with it being the last before the movie and last with the glossy coats of paint. But as far as seasons with this style of filming and music, Season 7 is no doubt the end of the classic era.

[@fanofeverything30465]

Are you sure you don't mean golden

[@mr.classic3146]

Season 7 is the last time with the original theme song, the last time with Mitton as director, the last time the episodes being four and a half minutes, and the very last episode of the season does feel like a nice end. Also with season 5 (while being a great season) the finale isn’t perfect or bittersweet, or even cinematic, Gordon gets buried in the snow and how is that a finale? Not a bad episode but if season 5 was the final season and it ended like that, it wouldn’t feel satisfied. It is funny with Gordon buried, but as a closure to the WHOLE series, it would just be weird. “Gordon dies off camera because he was buried.” After Magic Railroads failed the audience needed a fresh air for the show, they did try to bring back the “feel” of Classic Thomas and they “almost” succeeded. “Three Cheers for Thomas” is a bittersweet closure for the series, and if there was only 7 seasons, 1 spin-off and 1 non-canon movie the franchise would be just fine. Almost wounded but it slowly recovered.

[@thomasfan0176]

I count season 6 as the end.

[@selinapersaud7629]

Honestly, I think season five is the end of the truly classic era. Season six and seven are classic, but they’re more of an interim.

[@CaptainCat101]

It's not the best Season, but it does way more right than most people give it credit for

[@thecinematicmind]

I agree

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

I think some of the recycled footage issues from Season 7 can be fixed if you swapped some of the clips around: 1. Not So Hasty Puddings: Use the forest shot of Henry puffing through the trees because it covers up his old shape instead of the obvious old shape clip of him on the viaduct from The Flying Kipper. Also take out that awkward clip of Thomas and Toby from Its Only Snow because it's a weird transition to the next clip of just Thomas, Annie and Clarabel at station with no Toby. Why not use that deleted shot from Terence The Tractor of him puffing past that one signal and edit in the grey skies there? Heck if you must show an angry Thomas with his snowplow, just edit in the grey skies over a clip of Thomas exiting Hackenbeck tunnel appearing cross! 2. Best Dressed Engine: Simply just leaving the Season 1 tracking shot of Thomas alone and not flipping as in the final product would have been so much better. It's just awkward seeing it that way

[@fanofeverything30465]

​@@ThomasmemoryscentralWhat about Peter Sam having his old funnel in Bulgy Rides Again and Best Dressed Engine

[@angelplayz02]

“Season 7 is definitely the black sheep of the classic era, but a gentle and fuzzy one none the less”

[@s.p.d.magentaranger1822]

That's an oddly wholesome turn of phrase, mind if I steal it, lol?

[@angelplayz02]

@@s.p.d.magentaranger1822 there’s a reason why it’s in parentheses lol

[@s.p.d.magentaranger1822]

@@angelplayz02 Quotation marks, but I see XD.

[@margogoralski6294]

Nice quote from the original Season 7 video.

[@antonberglund117]

Anyone that knows where you can find the original season 7 review?

[@gordonpacific04]

I like how Edward knows Morse code.

[@Toonrick12]

"Of course he does! He's had Samuel as a passenger once!"

[@s.p.d.magentaranger1822]

I mean he WAS built in an era with telegrams, so...

[@kaisel5975]

Ok but Thomas and James Japanese VA's go unnecessarily hard and I love it Also Emily is Queen

[@ryanangelastro504]

In this Season anyway, but one review at a time.

[@ChrisSuperDude]

I've been reading the Railway Series to my fiancee's sister. She asked me after Henry the Green Engine if Emily is showing up soon. Honestly kind of speaks to the longevity of the character.

[@s.p.d.magentaranger1822]

Yes! We ❤ Emily!! Stan Emily!

[@skarloeythomas5172]

I wonder, if you wanted to, could you give your thoughts in an actually meaningful way? And then if you can, why don’t you want to give your thoughts in that way? Why replace it with fungible plain memes that don’t say anything?

[@krypticunlimited6925]

@@skarloeythomas5172 this is the most 🤓 comment Ive ever read

[@DiamondIceNS]

21:25 - "Why is Oliver a cowboy?" As an American who made it all the way to his adult years not even knowing this show was originally British, and knowing absolutely nothing about their historic railways or what the GWR even was, I can see what he was going for. When Duck and Oliver said they were "Great Western", I always thought they meant, "Wild Western". As in, western US. I could not have been the only one who thought this, and I think that's what the narrator thought, too. Or, even if he knew better, he was thinking about what the kids would think. Playing off of that (wrong) assumption, why *wouldn't* Oliver be a cowboy? I know better now. And I don't think it was the correct voice to use, mind. It only reinforces false assumptions. This is on par with bad, over-corrective anime localization. But I don't find the fact that this has occurred remotely surprising.

[@BringMayFlowers]

I mean, I kinda think the western twang works in the context of a localization. Both it and West Country Yap represent a more country sort of speech in both the UK and US' more rural, agricultural wests.

[@robloxdude7564]

If Micheal Brandon had used his NORMAL voice, he would have sounded like a pretty good narrator.

[@stepneydr_n.5561]

Probably yes

[@saltutter3160]

Characters

[@Dalek44]

Michael Brandon also played a one-off character named General Sanchez in the Doctor Who episode The Stolen Earth. He was a UNIT general who ended up getting exterminated by The Daleks.

[@silvertheduelistpilotofata0131]

Good, even the Daleks knew how frustrating he is as a narrator for a kids show in another universe

[@NitroIndigo]

@@silvertheduelistpilotofata0131 The idea of Daleks being fans of any human media amuses me.

[@the_greenwood551]

Even been a massive Dr. Who and TTTE fan i didn't realize Brandon worked on both also, also a similar connection David Graham was a voice actor for The Daleks and The Thunderbirds, and as we know who David Mitton also work on The Thunderbirds too.

[@newmanproductionentertainm5127]

I heard that the reason Alec Baldwin didn’t return for this season was because he was casted in the 2003 Dr Seuss film The Cat in the Hat.

[@Fork219]

One more reason to hate the movie ig lol

[@Nic_2751]

@@Fork219ok seriously y’all get over it

[@Fork219]

@@Nic_2751 bro what

[@Nic_2751]

@@Fork219 it’s been over 20 years

[@Fork219]

@@Nic_2751 are people not allowed to make jokes about bad media

[@hiattgrey9161]

The last season of the classic era. RIP David Mitton.

[@fanofeverything30465]

R.I.P David Mitton

[@skarloeythomas5172]

R.I.P. Michael Angelis, who should have been Sir Michael for being the defining voice of the childhoods of most of the world’s anglophone population who were blessed with both Thomas as children, and with Angelis’ peerless craft.

[@fanofeverything30465]

@@skarloeythomas5172 Facts R.I.P Michael Angelis who should have been knighted

[@usualblokeluke]

Loving the Series 7 Appreciation A series that ended not by saying goodbye, but simply giving one final hurrah whilst preparing for big changes on the horizon

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

Sadly the last major time the crews had major roles. One element of the Hit era that always sat wrong with me is the flat out near ignored drivers and fireman. Post season 8, you were lucky to find any cameos of them

[@cinnamonmantrainsareawesom7224]

Agreed

[@MarkCabaniss]

True. Series 7 may not have been the end of the show, but it *was* the end of the show as its audience knew it.

[@edd17sp74]

“Why does Gordon sound like a chain smoker?” I was taking a sip of my drink when you said that and I almost choked to death. 😂

[@SonicJrandSarah]

When you mentioned Duncan's driver acting like a jerk, it made me want to write this. Sir Topham Hatt: That was very irresponsible! Duncan: Yes, Sir! Sorry, Sir! Sir Topham Hatt: I'm not talking to you! I'm talking to your driver!

[@vanessasandoval96]

Yeah this why Duncan is my favorite character in the series

[@fanofeverything30465]

Duncan's Driver: Sorry sir

[@megatronacepticon]

Honestly the Skarloey episode does work for me because I mean, he nearly f**king died. There is a difference between being in pain but you can still do something (having a spring burst) to having PTSD from nearly f**king dying. PTSD doesn't always present rationally and can make one irrationally desperate to avoid doing seemingly mundane stuff that they were happy and willing to do beforehand, so it's perfectly understandable that he wouldn't want to go anywhere near that bridge again even if people tell him that it's fixed, so when he overcomes that without hesitation the second he believes Rheneas is in danger it's actually a really powerful moment. Skarloey's character absolutely does go down the shitter in the following Hit seasons, but I wouldn't call it off-point just yet; more simply that this is a realistic portrayal of PTSD from a near-death experience that happens to use Skarloey as its character.

[@margogoralski6294]

I suppose it does kinda work.

[@neonfroot]

youre right

[@cinnamonmantrainsareawesom7224]

Maybe

[@selinapersaud7629]

I am still at the belief that the execution could’ve been better, but I agree with a lot of the points here. just, again, I feel like they could’ve kept him in character, and still done something like this if they just fix the execution. I don’t know how, but I believe it could be done.

[@Avery_Productions]

I think That there still should have had a different main character for the episode like Sir Handel

[@ChickVicious237]

I feel so old reading comments of people who were still children and enjoying TTTE in the early 2000's. My younger sister and I watched Shining Time station on PBS in the early 90's, I was a freshman in college in 2003. But I still enjoy seeing how the show progressed over the years and now my 6 year old gets to enjoy classic Thomas.

[@diamonddaymon9019]

Something I've always noticed about Emily ever since she was introduced is that whenever Henry is sick or breaks down, Emily is always the one who helps him out. She's always the one who defends him and helps him when something goes wrong. Even in King Of The Railway, when Henry bursts his safety valve, Emily is the one who helps him to the Steamworks. It's always just them and only them, everytime all of the time. I don't know if it's supposed to imply something or show their bond or friendship or something. I don't know. It's just something I've always noticed. Heck, even in Victor Tanzig's Stories Of Sodor, Henry and Emily are somehow married. Sorry for making this comment so long. It's just something I've noticed.

[@NitroIndigo]

One thing I like about "Henry in the Dark" is that after Gordon and James are done teasing Henry, Emily asks him what he was going to say.

[@queenjohnbee3411]

James & the Queen of Sodor is one of my favourite eps in the show. The character interactions are top-tier, James is at his best when he’s being a dramatic,self-obsessed queen imo, the crash is a weird one that stuck in my mind and the ending with like 6 different characters groaning at the same time is a really unique moment for the narrator. Hugely underrated episode.

[@Daniel_Huffman]

The main lesson I take away from this episode is a bit unique: Sometimes in life, you can do everything right and still fail. Despite Gordon actively trying to get James dirty, he manages to finish the job without that happening to him even with the barge breaking through an industrial pipeline. Yet Percy screws over James' paintwork when all is said and done in a case of pure bad luck.

[@LegendaryCaptain]

​@@Daniel_Huffmantbf Percy just loves to fuck over James that dynamic is one of the funniest

[@LegendaryCaptain]

Ngl James episodes get better with age mainly due to how well James works off others like Gordon and Percy. Episodes like queen of sodor and trouble with trees are some of the funniest imo

[@LimpBizkitMix]

The only bad thing is Percy is covered in rocks at the start but blows mud on Gordon Boy I hope somebody got fired for that blunder

[@DAlycidon]

38:34, no it makes no sense, because I don’t know where you got that myth where you claim “LMS engines never got to see the sea” which is simply untrue. Not only did the LMS run to Swansea which was by the sea & had dock side railways there. But the entire North Wales coast & North West Coast was dominated by the LMS, and god knows how many times the LMS ran to the sea in Scotland. Hell the West Coast Main line even runs right next to the sea at some parts. And what I find most baffling of all is that the Cumbrian Coast line, and I hope you know the word “Coast” but since you appear to be not that knowledgeable when it comes to Geography, the definition of the word coast is “the part of the land adjoining or near the sea”. And the Cumbrian Coast line was not only owned by the LMS, but the Cumbrian Coast Line was the line that ran through Barrow in Furness, you know THE ONLY PLACE THE NWR RAN TO IN ENGLAND. And what makes you’re claim even funnier about Midland engines not seeing the Sea, is that Arthur’s actual Ivatt basis, No. 41241 was actually shedded at Llandudno for a time in the 1960s, which if you didn’t know, Is a well known Welsh Seaside town for tourists, and it also meant that Arthur’s actual basis would’ve actually seen the sea in service. It really just shows how much you really don’t know about railway history & railway geography, and you call yourself a “rail fan”. I don’t think I need to say anymore.

[@giulianodervelociraptorder734]

And it kinda funny to me. Toby was the last new character of S1 (where isn't a human character) and the number 7 of Sodor. And the last season of the classic series is season 7.

[@joshuaW5621]

I think it’s likely a coincidence, but it’s still funny.

[@Teon5072]

"Actually! The last new chatlracter of season 1 was Mrs Kindley!!!!"🤓🤓🤓🤓🤓🤓

[@giulianodervelociraptorder734]

@@Teon5072 You 're right.

[@KirbyRKR]

I think it's more funny that Duck is Number 8 but he got flat out removed completely in Season 8.

[@Douglas57647]

@@KirbyRKR I know, right? In fact, none of engines 8-11 appear in their number-sake season - Donald doesn't appear in S9, Douglas doesn't appear in S10, and Oliver doesn't appear in S11.

[@matiascatalan3069]

In my opinion Emily is the example of how to set up a character to be a main

[@ChrisSuperDude]

I've been reading the Railway Series to my fiancee's little sister. And she asked me when Emily is gonna show up. I know she's kind of a mixed bag among the fandom but I love how a character that was created when I had to grow out of Thomas is still remembered today.

[@s.p.d.magentaranger1822]

​ I love Emily, Thomas doesn't really feel the same without her.

[@pukenmg284]

I really wish they could've done the same thing with Rebecca if she was introduced in season 21

[@matiascatalan3069]

@@pukenmg284 i was thinking the exact same thing right now.

[@ThomasSirHandel]

@@pukenmg284 Yeah and maybe have Nia as a side character like on Edward's branch.

[@shadowjagger05]

Fun Fact: Michael Brandon actually re-narrated a few Season 6 episodes, being Gordon Takes a Tumble, James and the Red Balloon, and others can be found on KZbin. Not entirely sure why but just wanted to throw that out there.

[@peppy_c]

I watched his Gordon Takes a Tumble renaration, and it's easily his best episode. Gordon sounds like..Gordon, and he just sounds better (if it makes sense)

[@ToastTheThe]

They were re-aired during season 9 for Some reason. Michael Angelis also renarrated those episode (again for some reason, dunno why considering he narrated the episodes already) and was basically shouting his lines half of the time

[@spicypeppers7773]

I honestly can't wait for him to start talking about the Hit Era after this, especially with how much the show was changed to be more... babyish

[@stepneydr_n.5561]

Same

[@NitroIndigo]

Honestly, I feel like the HiT era retrospectives are going to get boring until he gets to season 12, because the CGI/model hybrid style is at least *something* interesting, unless he decides to do what Usual Bloke Luke did and focus more on humour.

[@cdangelo1843]

He’s probably not gonna do this, but I feel like maybe seasons 9 and 10 should be together in the same video, because not much changes between them. Also the same goes with seasons 14 and 15.

[@TheBrickGuy7939]

The retrospectives after this one are going to be the most difficult for me to relate to or be really interested in, because this is the point in the show where I stopped watching. Apart from maybe 1 or 2 Seaason 8 DVD's (which I barely ever watched if I had any, I can't exactly remember), I only watched the classic seasons and Thomas And The Magic Railroad on home video. And I hardly watched anything released after Season 7 until I was a teenager who had easy access to the internet. So I would pretty much have to rewatch the rest of the show to be deeply invested in these upcoming retrospectives.

[@Mattcai2004]

@Spicy Peppers actually it was season 22, 23 and 24 when it got babyish. The Hit era was more preschool-ish.

[@ChrisFlahurrTee]

Such a bittersweet season. Improved so much from season 6, and it ended up being all for naught

[@andydoms2001]

I have fond memories of season 7. I remember when I was a little kid watching the, at the time, foreign Michael Angelis US narration of the New Friends for Thomas DVD with great episodes like Emily’s new coaches, Peace and Quiet, The Spotless Record, etc… and the song 5 new engines in the shed.

[@nateswoodentrainstudios3806]

I believe this is the first Thomas retrospective to review a season that the unlucky tug has already reviewed I wonder if his opinions has changed since the original season 7 review.

[@NikoBellic04]

Oh yeah I forgot about that vid!

[@jeshingtonthefirst6096]

If I had a nickel for every time The Unlucky Tug did a video on Season 7, I’d have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it has happened twice.

[@silvertheduelistpilotofata0131]

Hey where's Perry?

[@NitroIndigo]

@@silvertheduelistpilotofata0131 Who would be the Perry of Thomas? Gremlin the Dalmatian? That random cat that appeared in one episode?

[@margogoralski6294]

@@NitroIndigo Do you mean the cat in Topham's office?

[@NitroIndigo]

@@margogoralski6294 Yes.

[@SaddieMoon]

17:09 SpongeBob and Patrick are causing so much slide whistle problems, that it’s affecting another show.

[@vanessasandoval96]

I love the slide whistling episode from s6 of SpongeBob SquarePants is the same from Thomas

[@Boostguardian1127]

I definitely agree with how well Gordon was handled here. A little thing i love are his moments with Thomas in Gordon and Spencer. Dont know if im reading too deep into it, but it feels like a callback to their alliance set up in Down the Mine. He goes to Thomas to tell about him being the one to take the Duke and Dutchess, albiet a little bit pompously, and he and Thomas share their concern about Spencer running out of water at the station. I like to think this was intentional

[@vanessasandoval96]

Why is there’s no us dvd of new friends for Thomas of Michael Brandon and Alec Baldwin

[@thesudriana016]

Season 7 is my least favorite season of the Classic Series (though that and S6 are still mid-Classic and mid-HiT). It has out of character episodes for the most part, blatantly said morals again, and the overuse of stock footage (especially given how that and Jack & the Pack are filmed alongside each other). In terms of narration, I actually prefer Michael Angelis in the UK dub, sure he is now quiet but still is pretty good. Michael Brandon on the other hand is my least favorite narrator. He is enthusiastic, but his wacky character voices are all over the place in recording sessions even in the HiT era. There are a few episodes I enjoy hearing of him over Angelis like Emily's New Coaches, The Runaway Elephant, Peace & Quiet, Salty's Stormy Tale, Harold & the Flying Horse and The Runaway Elephant, but the rest is abysmal to be left desired. As for characters, The Skarloey Engines (barring Peter Sam and Rusty), Thomas (in Spotless, Stormy and Matter only where he should've been replaced by James, Bill & Ben each), Bulgy and Edward got the worst of it. Trusty Rusty is my least favorite episode of the season because while Rusty is in character and back to being a maintenance diesel, Duncan is what ruined the episode for me because all that character development he had between him and Rusty three seasons ago is thrown out the window. This makes me feel that if S6 and S7 are released in a few years time instead of yearly and the crew had more time to work on the stories more, then they could've picked Sir Handel to be the antagonist and ignore Rusty's warning as they never interact with each other prior, and also have him replace Skarloey in The Grand Opening as a sort of character redemption arc for him, something that the RWS never did and while he may've grown in the HiT era, it's still an oddball if you ask me. My favorite episode of this season is the same as you, for I really love Gordon & Spencer. An inspired concept episode that me as a rail enthusiast would get. As someone who's an expert on the LNER, seeing an A4 rivaling an A1 is a smart idea for many reasons that I don't need to go in full detail as I already know. This was also the first episode on New Friends for Thomas, so whenever I pop in said-VHS I would always get excited when it plays. And it feels like a perfect fit for the RWS too. I had read in a few interviews with writer Lee Pressman that originally he wasn't too fond of how he had written it and left the show before being rehired again for S17-22, but I think someone should tell him that it actually became a fan-favorite among Thomas fans including myself, for he would actually be surprised by the amount of high praise it got. If you want an AU for how S6 and 7 would've been released in different years, check out UsualBlokeLuke's review and analysis on how to improve S6, 7 and 8 for each the UK and US audiences.

[@LMS5935]

Truly, the end of a era for the franchise such a shame Britt lost the rights along with the company that previously associated and was created by her

[@firewolf950tfwgaming7]

Britt’s role in the turning of the franchise is really fascinating to me as while she technically catalyzed it by making magic railroad, a movie so devoid of the very concept of trains itself that prompt the following 2 seasons to only consult her than to have her actually work on it, you can’t really deny that there’s something she brought that was lost in the transition years before the hit takeover. Like yeah you can see she did dumb down train terminology and made simple stories, but they were stories that understood the characters. I wonder what would have happened if she wasn’t forced into a minor role for season 6 and still had as much creative control prior to magic railroad. Would she still have kept the same feel of the first 5 seasons or would we have gotten something different or would nothing have changed at all? I feel like it’s wrong to view Britt’s involvement as ending with magic railroad because she did other things that were key in the franchise‘a success.

[@nwrailfan7302]

The original series 1-5 & the books are the GOAT! Had Magic Railroad not been a movie the series under Britt Season 6 onwards would’ve been much better. It’s not her fault, it was the test audiences that ruined the original perception of Magic Railroad Remember the movie you saw in theaters or on DVD isn’t the one we got.. Blu Ray has it better

[@supermariof0521]

As far as "The Spotless Record" is concerned, one change I'd make is have Thomas notice that the trucks are being rude to Arthur, so Thomas suggests giving them a hard bump to get them to behave. However Arthur initially doesn't like physical retaliation, but eventually gets so fed up with the trucks that he follows Thomas'advice, but goes too far and is partly responsible for the following crash. Thomas would try to take the blame but the Fat Controller would be very understanding and acknowledge that Thomas was only trying to help Arthur stand up for himself. As for "What's the Matter with Henry", after the initial teasing about Henry's boiler grumbling, Emily notices the leaked puddle, she tells Thomas and now Thomas feels bad for teasing Henry, and next morning, asks the Fat Controller if he and Percy can take the giant coal load themselves as it wouldn't be fair for Henry to work while ill. Finally in "Salty's Stormy Tale" it's stated that Thomas and Percy weren't actually mocking Salty. Maybe Emily could be concerned and say to him and Percy, "I know you two are fond of how Salty talks, but he thinks your mocking him. I know that wasn't your intention, but maybe you two should clear things up with him.". Something like that.

[@JonLukevilleTV]

This year is also the 20th Anniversary of the Seventh Season for Thomas and Friends!

[@fanofeverything30465]

Happy 20th Anniversary to Season 7

[@cinnamonmantrainsareawesom7224]

Happy 20th anniversary to series 7

[@mikeyandoh7857]

Season 7 was very interesting indeed, combing Classic Thomas with New Thomas. It was a nice transition and foreshadowing of what’s to come!

[@thomasfune3383]

I like Season 7 more than Season 5 and 6 as I felt that it is calm and relaxing than the previous two like Series 1-4 and love the variety of characters use for all the episodes. I didn't realize it is the end of that era and what a way to end it all. if they had more time on Season 7, then it would be better. Michael Angelis would do the us dub in Late 2003 to Early 2004 without Brandon so that no effort waste for the redo the music since they can take the opportunity while series 8 being made. For Brandon version, I leave HIT to handle it. Also realize, happy 20th anniversary Season 7.

[@thethingfromthelivestreamchat]

It's a shame that classic Thomas ended where it did, because the signs were there that the team could have let the show keep improving had Hit not gotten involved. David Mitton's criticisms of the episode selection showed his passion was still alive, the new writers were improving, set design was getting better and there was still clear inspiration being taken for real life railways.

[@ThomasSirHandel]

Yeah they should have kept the classic era going tell S12. Why couldn't they just did what they did with Bob the Builder's Seasons 7-9 in the US to Thomas and pair 4 episodes in one half hour block for the PBS airings rather than adding useless learning segments no one cares about and for certain stories which only work in 7 minutes like Respect for Gordon just do a two parter.

[@ebenezeronile]

⁠​⁠@@ThomasSirHandel Honestly, I wish they finish adapting most of Wilbert/Christopher RWS books, as well as follow the formal of s5 for s8-s12. They could also had improve locomotive designs and add certain detail to the models with some of their real life counterparts, all be it still in tvs format.

[@ThomasSirHandel]

@@ebenezeronile And the look of the models should have remained in Seasons 4-5 esque. Like Tidmouth Sheds would remain shorter with the inside remaining gray instead of green and Emily would have her livery in Darth Arzenal's remake of Emily's New Coachers. Sir Handel and Rusty's large scale modes would look their S4 models.

[@DavidBContentExtravaganza3967]

@@ThomasSirHandel Emily looks great in emerald green.

[@MANGOM1LK]

since you mentioned the Japanese dub i'd like to point out that Henry is voiced by Jun'ichi Kanemaru in Japan - who's also been the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog there since 1998!

[@silvertheduelistpilotofata0131]

Oh yeah this is happening -Sonic the Hedgehog 1998 Faker, I think you're the fake hedgehog here -Shadow the Hedgehog 2001 IT'S NO USE -Silver the Hedgehog 2006

[@ShiningTimeStudios475]

I wonder if Alec would've wanted to narrate Season 7, along with him seeing the concepts and wondering if the season would suck. Im sure he would've loved to narrate 1 finale season, season 7 would've totally been better if he was the narrator and the season would've been special for the last classic season along with a proper finale to Alec's narration. 😊

[@BigLightning4360]

Inspired by Usual Bloke Luke’s plan on altering the production cycle of “Calling All Engines!”, I’ll have a Google doc expanding on how to alter the production cycle of Series 7 to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

[@TrainsCatsOtherStories]

Please share!! I'd love to see it!

[@tomytrainguy7975]

I prefer Brandon’s narration over Anglies’, since he’s trying and having a blast behind the mic which makes me feel joy and excitement. Anglies’ narration however, it’s dull and boring and puts me down and bored every time I hear him talking.

[@Nic_2751]

Regardless of some weaker episodes, this season absolutely hits it with all the newbies and I’m glad they stayed, and it’s a neat if not perfect end to classic Thomas

[@BrianJFagan]

I think it’s worth noting that the song “Troublesome Trucks” was released with Season 7, and may have something to do with this season’s crashes being watered down. Troublesome Trucks was “after my time” and I didn’t recognize it when I first watched TAB in 2015; I thought the song was very fun and well done. Since then, I’ve concluded that Troublesome Trucks is likely one of many contributors to the show and its crashes/runaways becoming viewed as silly and/or babyish as time went on. If someone who worked on Season 7 said the song was another answer to the complaints of the show’s crashes being too intense, I wouldn’t question it. With that said, Troublesome Trucks is still a bop.

[@vanessasandoval96]

Do you think headmaster Hastings could make this next Thomas song after William Tell Overture

[@KPen3750]

THATS MICHAEL BRANDONS REAL VOICE!!!????? That voice would’ve made his narrations SO MUCH BETTER!!!

[@zacharykim5596]

18:12 The Crashes were the main reason why I loved Thomas so much as a little Kid

[@vanessasandoval96]

I love crash 💥 sound effect on Fish s8 and Percy mistake

[@thecanadiandefender1451]

Broke: watching the US dub Woke: watching the UK dub Bespoke: watching the JP dub _Btw dont take this seriously, I enjoy all versions_

[@TheBrickGuy7939]

At last I'm not alone! Im glad I'm not the only one not fond of the slide whistles this season. I've never really liked them in general. I'm talking to you 007 installment.

[@aster4jaden]

Duncan's driver basically becoming a tool/extension of Duncan was a precursor to HIT's T&F take on the Series, it was revealed in their "Bible" that the Drivers and Fireman's would be phased out and the Engines would be given more autonomy.

[@NitroIndigo]

The only way that anything in 21st century Thomas can make sense is if the humans are slaves to the vehicles.

[@e-122psi3]

@@NitroIndigo I mean that was always a thing. Remember how often engines got blamed for workmen errors in the original stories. Donald and Douglas got scolded for the stupid prank their drivers thought up in the Missing Coach for example. At least in the Hit canon, the engines are actually to blame.

[@NitroIndigo]

@@e-122psi3 One could make an entire video about how inconsistent engine autonomy is.

[@SodorEnginesFanatic]

I have a feeling that my favorite episode of season 7 will be a three way tie between “Snow Engine” “bad day at castle loch” and “Gordon and Spencer”

[@TrapeZoid_-117]

I think I just realized where the Brandon’s Cowboy accent for Oliver came from. Oliver is a Great Western Engine, but most Americans associate “western” with cowboys (especially trains, as the classic train heist is a trope of westerns). I think that either HIT asked Brandon to do it to make more sense for American children or Brandon didn’t know anything about British Railways history and just did the first thing that came to mind when he saw “western”. I wouldn’t be that surprised by either.

[@AmpcatProductions]

18:42 The no thoughts, empty head fat controller Also, DAMN, I couldn't have been more wrong in my prediction. I thought the sum-up word for the season would be "Nice", which season 7 is a pretty nice friendly season, but "Eye of the Storm" was totally unexpected.

[@fanofeverything30465]

I was expecting 'Transitional'

[@Antluvstrains]

I was thinking Fergus would get the MVP award this season. From his interaction with Bill & Ben, to his adventure with Salty, and his little escapade due to diesel.

[@PCMan8922]

I Agree, But Gordon Deserves an MVP Too, Since He Looked Super Grand In The 4 Episodes, He Appeared In. The Nicest Thing About Gordon Is That, He Doesn't Care About His Looks.

[@fanofeverything30465]

​@@PCMan8922Rather fitting that Gordon appeared in 4 episodes

[@PCMan8922]

@@fanofeverything30465, Lol.

[@spoiledfire3695]

Hearing Michael Brandon on that World War 2 Documentary makes me wonder what he would have sounded had he been given the direction of the old seasons 1-5 narrators. Imagine Brandon narrating "Duncan Gets Spooked"

[@armorpro573]

LOL, would've been something

[@fanofeverything30465]

He would have knocked it out of the park

[@erintwomey3846]

I must agree that Michael Brandon wasn't the BEST US narrator, but he's the one I grew up hearing, so he gives me a lot of nostalgia. I think he is all right though, and you can tell by the accents and voices he gives to the characters shows how much fun he's having with it. A bit like my favorite narrator, Alec Baldwin, if you ask me.

[@armorpro573]

Eh, tbh Carlin and Ringo are much better but I'll give Brandon credit for trying

[@ThighFish]

I think of the Michael duo as the definitive narrators of the show.

[@bentheg9793]

On the slide whistles, you can tell the Robert Hartshorne version of Season 7 was made after they went back to the loud crash sounds. As while the crashes are still quiet, the slide whistles are gone...

[@ShiningTimeStudios475]

Alec literally could've saved season 7. 🙄

[@tre-engines]

I personally think Season 7’s low points are much lower than Season 6, and even though it improved the lighting and brought more spotlight to other characters I think the episodes and characters were handled much better in Season 6. But without a doubt Season 7 still feels like Classic Thomas, even though it showed signs of what’s to come. All of the new characters were great, and I think episodes like Gordon & Spencer or Three cheers for Thomas were some of the best in the series, but a lot of episodes do feel kind of pointless and sometimes not very memorable, and I think the messed up US Dub and the involvement of Hit Entertainment really ruined it for me but somehow with all of those problems I can never say Season 7 is bad, and I think because a lot of that is the involvement of the original creators, and I think it’s worthy of being a Classic Season!

[@JackCallSports]

Michael Brandon was so frustrating

[@ThomasSirHandel]

In The Spotless Record, Salty's Stormy Tale and What's the Matter with Henry they could have used Bill and Ben.

[@vanessasandoval96]

In Percy gets it right aka Percy saves the day , Percy feels a bump on Toby line he tried to tell Topham that there was a bump on Toby line but Topham disbelieved him and Percy was tired of being disbelieved

[@Kingdarrdarr_17]

Oh yea the last classic season. This one is definitely the worst out of the 7 but it's still has a special place in my heart. The American DUB of this feels like Season 8 but the UK DUB is a little better. Both narrators suck I can't choose who was better

[@dalekinthewater4708]

21:29 Oliver casually turning into Arthur Morgan

[@inaciosthirdstudio]

The narration for Angelis in this season to me (even as a kid watching the cartoons on VHS) kinda sounded soft and somewhat quiet. It’s like I’m listening to a wise old man explaining the scenarios in a heartwarming fashion.

[@Ryder-a-Blaze]

Can’t wait to see if Tug considers this season as part of the classic series or the new series

[@ryhi5]

Can't it be both? Anybody who watches it can see it was setting the ground work for the Hit Era changes, but the best episodes of this season made it feel like the last final hurrah of the classics. A Transition Season, if you would, the same way Season 21 was setting the ground work for the BWBA changes

[@PhenomenalJec]

Season 6 and 7 are apart of the Semi-Classic era for me, 8-12 is a different beast entirely

[@margogoralski6294]

I honestly just hate people using the term "new series." Like, it's not new anymore. Just call it the HiT era, people.

[@funnyhappystudios]

From here, get ready to see Tug lose his sanity for nine seasons R.I.P

[@burnedsmackdown4209]

For me Season 7 feels sad, because after this season it would never be the same again

[@brutalwares]

Great video! I've wanted to note this for a while, but typically, the UK pronounciation of "Campbell", as in Junior, is more like "Cambull", as opposed to "Camp-Bell". At this point I sort of look out for your pronounciation because it makes me chuckle and brings me joy. Anyway, awesome video Tug, can't wait for season 8 and beyond!

[@BringMayFlowers]

That's the American pronunciation too, he just can't speak.

[@samtheman4096]

MVP winners so far: S1: Henry S2: Edward S3: Duck S4: Peter Sam S5: STH S6: Percy S7: Arthur

[@Mattcai2004]

My predictions for the following seasons' MVPs S8: Percy S9: Toby S10: Sir Handel S11: Madge S12: Hank S13: Hiro S14: Bash, Dash and Ferdinand S15: Flynn S16: Whiff S17: Luke S18: Duncan S19: Toad S20: Daisy S21: Diesel S22: Duck S23: Max and Monty S24: Yong Bao (If you think I should change something, just tell me.)

[@lisamckenzie628]

You’ll never give it to Thomas will you

[@thomasfan0123]

I think he will in certain CGI seasons i particularly think season 18 or 19 may be thomas' season for MVP

[@gordonpacific04]

DUDE I watched season 7 in Japanese too. After I concluded I didn’t like both English dubs, I found the Japanese dub MUCH more enjoyable. Part of it may have to do with my love for anime though…

[@gordonthebigblueengine1872]

Season 7 is a classic season and it is the last season of a great era. Some people think it’s alright but I think it’s wonderful. It may not be as good as the previous 6 but it was a good season to end of on a beautiful era.

[@primrosevale1995]

The only two things I'd personally disagree on here (other than Season 6 is mid) are Emily and the narrow gauge engines. -With Emily, while it is certainly true she doesn't come into her own until Series 8, part of the reason she worked so well in the HiT era is because this season set up such a good framework to build off of. She shows throughout this season that she has something unique to provide: someone who is well intentioned and caring, but also has a strong moral compass of what she feels is right and wrong. She's more or less a voice of reason, but won't sugarcoat anything if someone's doing something stupid she'll point it out bluntly and make the point as plain as it as it can if she feel it's deserved (unlike Edward or Toby). We see her as the only character who shows actual honest sympathy towards Henry in "What's the Matter with Henry?", we see her honest but reasonable approach in "Salty's Stormy Tale," and her well-intentioned nature in her debut. Even "Bulgy Rides Again" shows her caring and methodical nature when she suggests a way Bulgy can help. -With the narrow gauge episodes, at least with "The Old Bridge" and "Rheneas and the Roller Coaster," I'd say the problem is more with the execution of the episodes than the characters themselves. Skarloey and Rheneas are actually pretty in-line with their Series 4 versions in "The Old Bridge", Skarloey is more sensitive and Rheneas more rigid. Not only that, but Skarloey didn't refuse to go over the Bridge, his fear literally wouldn't let him. It's simply how trauma works and is a great way of showing that in a children's show. Skarloey also agrees to shunt so he's not just sitting there, and Rheneas, true to their relationship, prioritizes Skarloey over the extra work he has. Yes, Skarloey pushed on to get the passengers home, but most of the trains in that episode were goods, which we don’t really know how Skarloey feels about. He may not push on as strongly with goods as he does passengers, as he's talked multiple times on the importance of passengers. Honestly the only real change you should make is just set the episode to just before the "rough years", in order to show just how strong their bond is and how it helped them get through the roughest period the railway had. As for "Rheneas and the Roller Coaster," like you said, the concept could work, but it was executed poorly. And here's the thing, instead of going Thunder Mountain, you could go with actual Talyllyn history and make it about gravity trains. Have the railway reenact the trains from its early days with Skarloey and Rheneas introducing how the concept works, explaining how gravity brings the trains down and an engine brings the the trucks back uphill. Sir Handel, being lazy, expresses a want for all his goods trains were sent by gravity to save time. Then due to an accident where the brakemen and Sir Handel's crew are knocked off, the latter of which are needed to slow the train down, Sir Handel is literally taken on a rollercoaster ride with no brakes until it causes a huge crash. Sir Handel is portrayed in a sympathetic light for once, and learns that why taking shortcuts around safety regulations, which are there to prevent serious accidents, are not usually a good thing.

[@extrahistory8956]

Just as how you reworked _Rheneas and the Rollercoaster_ as a Sir Handle story, I would personally have preferred if _Old Iron Bridge_ had also been a Sir Handle-centric story. Think about, the guy nearly fell to his death way back in Season 4's _Bulldog,_ so I wouldn't be surprised if he had some lingering PTSD of heights on the back of his mind. The story can then be a much more emotional tale about Sir Handle overcoming his fears with help of Peter Sam.

[@primrosevale1995]

@@extrahistory8956 I get that, that's why I gave him the Rollercoaster episode. Skarloey and Rheneas in "The Old Bridge" are important to the story because the two have such a close bond, and becuase it shows that even engines like Skarloey deal with trauma.

[@fanofeverything30465]

​@@extrahistory8956I think it should be a Duncan story where he has PTSD from Trusty Rusty (and maybe Duncan Gets Spooked where he saw a ghost or at least thought he did on a bridge) and overcomes his fear by repaying the favour for Rusty from the earlier episode

[@PCMan8922]

21:45 You're Peter and Meg Is Rheneas.

[@jackgarrison6194]

"Why is Oliver a cowboy?" Because he's from the Great WESTERN Railroad.

[@Maximillion12]

This video came out the day before my birthday. That is so convenient and so interesting. I love watching nick or tugs videos before my birthday. I love that. This video will replace the tugs trains collection video last year that i commented on last year.

[@Maximillion12]

You could say the word for season 7 is......finally. think about it. Really think about it.

[@LightingHedgehogYT]

Season 7 is the Calm Before the storm season. Its still a classic season but has some stuff that will be present in the next season.

[@silvertheduelistpilotofata0131]

His phrase to describe the season is Eye of the Storm so you and Tug have a pretty similar feeling when it comes to Season 7

[@LightingHedgehogYT]

@Silver the Duelist(Pilot of a TARDIS) wow. I haven't even watched the video yet, and already we have a similar opinion.

[@scottishlad4485]

Shame You haven’t talked about Donald and Douglas as they had a massive comeback after like what three seasons 💀 but very good retrospective I honestly think S7 is just the Season I like not awesome not bad just good!

[@Douglas57647]

I noticed that too... maybe he's planning to do a Sodor's Finest on them soon? I sure hope so!

[@ryanmoberley7452]

I think what could've made the old bridge work better, is if you switched that episode with Trusty Rusty in airing order, and have the old bridge play off as a follow up/aftermath episode for Trusty Rusty. Like for instance, Duncan gets so traumatized from his reckless near miss encounter with the old wooden bridge, that HE suffers from PTSD and therefore has a phobia of crossing high bridges over rushing waters. Because of this, Duncan ends up causing confusion and delay with his work. So to try and sooth Duncan down, Skarloey tells Duncan a story about the time (back when he and Rheneas were the only engines working on the Skarloey Railway) when he had nearly had fell of a trestle bridge.

[@NascarNick2488]

Season 6 was the season that got me into Thomas but THIS season is what made me become OBSESSED with Thomas!!! I love this season so much. Yes it’s not the best, but season was so good (in my opinion anyway). I always remember playing with the Take A Long diecast while watching the episodes and this season has Fergus. Fergus was the first character I became so fascinated with. I don’t know if it’s his blue livery or his design, but he’s my favorite Thomas character alongside Gordon and Edward. This video was awesome, great work Tug!!!!

[@DraconicLeafTalarus]

I feel like the moral being stated at the end of Spotless Record, as well as Percy’s silly questioning of things, wasn’t as out of place as some of the others. When Thomas says “Maybe spotless records are meant to be broken”, to me it seemed like he was trying to cheer Arthur up, as well as maybe acknowledging his part in the events that caused it; as he saw just how distraught he was. Arthur’s response was then his way of acknowledging that he knew what Thomas was trying to do. Percy’s question also seems valid as while “spotless record” could seem self explanatory, it’s also not a phrase that’s commonly used.

[@comicfan1324]

I actually don’t mind Thomas this year. I agree that they have an issue of trying to have their cake and eat it too, but it comes to Thomas being cheeky and being a mature character, but I still say it feels in character. I see it as Thomas has improved, but can still fall into old habits. and as for the Arthur episode, I think an argument could be made that Thomas just assumed Arthur could handle the trouble. The trucks would give him. After all, Arthur had a spotless record and was a gigantic, tender engine. So Thomas understandably Maeve assume that he could handle a few small vans. In fact, if duck wasn’t in the way, I’m sure Arthur probably could’ve stopped the runaway.

[@samsea0489]

I prefer Thomas being mature and cheeky over Thomas being a stupid idiot

[@fanofeverything30465]

*Tank

[@Frenchguy261]

I remember getting that season 7 DVD as a kid and being so confused when I first heard Michael's narration.

[@silvertheduelistpilotofata0131]

Which one? They're both Michael now (Angelis or Brandon)

[@Frenchguy261]

@@silvertheduelistpilotofata0131 New Friends for Thomas. Hearing Michael for the first time was jarring as I was so used to Alec's narration.

[@silvertheduelistpilotofata0131]

​@@Frenchguy261I meant which Michael, Angelis or Brandon

[@Frenchguy261]

@@silvertheduelistpilotofata0131 Angelis. 😅

[@kirbykraftgames]

The final part of "The Classic Era" is upon us

[@fanofeverything30465]

Now that we're officially done reviewing the 'good' seasons I imagine Tug will have rather less nice things to say about the rest of the series particularly the Miller seasons

[@TheCuteJ50Kid]

Season 7 In My Opinion after watching this, it’s a really good season. In my opinion, it has quite a lot of good episodes. What do you think?

[@michaelmyers3912]

So glad Arthur gets the MVP reward

[@tomjs1002]

I never was interested with season 7 to be honest. But now you bring the good to life it sounds great. I want to watch it now, thanks.

[@childhood-logan]

21:23 Oliver 21:30 Gordon 34:47 Rheneas Michael Brandon’s voice problems.

[@TheAutisticCapricorn811]

Need we mention Skarloey especially?

[@emersoninfinitystone5785]

Season 7 >>> Season 6 I knew even as a kid this isn't a magnum opus of the classic series, but one i still held dear to my heart growing up. Considering the mixed bag Season 6 was, this was a nice breath of fresh air. World-building with new locations is great, the new set designs are rich in colour and cool to look at, and Mike & Junior's final score was as always fun to listen to. As for new characters. Emily, Arthur, Spencer, Murdoch & Fergus are all fantastic! additions to the TTTE family... hands down Season 7 introduced the best new roster of engines. I like to think the reason why this season used so much Stock-Footage is cause they were in the middle of shooting *Jack & The Pack* at the time. With all the other reasons for it's tight production schedule, filming of the spin-off would've for certain made things a tad harder; hence in some episodes featuring Thomas you can actually see leftover production past in some sets. I don't care what anyone says, i love this season so much, being the one i watched the most growing up along with Season 3 & 4. It's all just so nostalgic, i remember getting the *Bumper Party Collection* DVD and loving all the new episodes. This season isn't perfect by any means, but it's still a decent send off to Mitton as director and the classic years of Thomas as a whole, and definitely one i'm not gonna forget anytime soon.

[@ketanreffell2720]

Bumper Party Collection

[@joshuaW5621]

I’ll make a defence video on season 6 in the coming weeks.

[@fanofeverything30465]

@@joshuaW5621 I look forward to seeing it

[@JLRules]

I'll never understand the "need" for different narrators when the language is the same. Different names and terms for certain things aren't _that_ confusing.

[@WesternEchidna]

Funny thing about the Michael Angelis narration for this season. I, just like most US kids, was introduced to him in the New Friends for Thomas VHS and i actually loved some of the more subdued narration.

[@dudley90]

The series started losing its heart in Season 6 and Season 7. The change in score, writing, etc. just made it feel like "We just need to get the episodes out -- just put whatever character in whatever situation to get a quick moral and resolution in" without taking continuity and character development into consideration (i.e., Skarloey). That's what made the earlier seasons so special; they were based off already written stories that took time and effort instead of grinding out 26 or so episodes in a year's time to meet a deadline. I think a great idea would have been a TTTE spin-off not with Jack and the Pack but Arthur, Emily, Murdoch, Harvey, Spencer and Salty. Maybe the Island of Sodor expands and they need to open a new branch line or take more trains to the mainland; you could almost give it a narrow-gauge treatment and do five narrow-gauge episodes, five with the "new crew" (previous standard gauge engines mention before) and about 10 or so with the classic crew. It would have given familiarity with the tried-and-true engines with room to grow the universe and try out the new stories and character arcs with the new faces from seasons 6 and 7. An adaptation of "Gordon Goes Foreign" with Spencer in Flying Scotsman's role would've worked well here. Perhaps Diesel sees the new engines as new prey for pranks and his manipulation. Hindsight is 20/20 though.

[@vanessasandoval96]

So after season 7 is another Sodor finest Daisy or Cranky or Jack and the pack review

[@DavidBContentExtravaganza3967]

I suppose that Gordon's different sides should be shown in CGI Brenner era more often and at least Miller era has that too.