Why Gordon is the Most Important Character in Thomas & Friends - Sodor's Finest

*THIS VIDEO IS A RE-UPLOAD OF THE ORIGINAL posted on December 5, 2020.
Gordon is pretty dope ngl
MUSIC ♫:
/0:00 What Do You Dream About? - Hello Meteor
/0:39 Gordon's Theme Season 1 - SudrianAfro
/1:59, 12:09 Gordon's Theme - EPIC ORCHESTRAL COVER (S1) - UpsideNow
/4:20 The Existence Wild - Hello Meteor
Sound effects from @GWshunter's Thomas SFX library

[@sismantis7458]

I noticed how Gordon’s face always seemed to get older with each passing book. That’s a clever way of building to his grand sendoff.

[@vincentbello3162]

Hot take: Gordon has the best character arc in the Railway Series, but Thomas has the best one in the classic series.

[@LegendaryCaptain]

Same with Henry being runner up for RWS and Percy is the classic series runner up. I just realized best character arc is a blue engine and the runner up is a green engine

[@TheBlueMarbleItself]

@@LegendaryCaptain And James is just along for the ride with everyone else, in both parts of the series. Poetic, isn't it?

[@pukenmg284]

I don't think that's a hot take because in every characters in the classic series Thomas is the one who changed the most throughout 7 seasons

[@levidarling5107]

At least we can all agree that Thomas is definitely one of the best characters ever! No doubt about it!

[@LazyOldFusspot_3428]

Thomas and Henry in the model series

[@Ryder-a-Blaze]

Gordon’s such an iconic going from a young hotshot to an honourable old man

[@Woodenrailwayoliver20]

Gordon is the literally the lightning McQueen of the Thomas franchise.

[@cinnamonmantrainsareawesom7224]

@@Woodenrailwayoliver20 I think if any Thomas character were to have their own spin off film I think it would be Gordon

[@ARG0T]

@@Woodenrailwayoliver20 Other way around

[@AutumnAri]

@@ARG0T Lightning McQueen is literally the Thomas of the Gordon Franchise?

[@fanofeverything30465]

​@@AutumnAriLightning McQueen is literally the Gordon of the Cars franchise

[@Bagster321]

When you're a kid, Thomas is the main character to you and the most relatible. When you're older, it's Gordon.

[@sheevhernandez3869]

Like SpongeBob and Squidward

[@TheChamp820]

when your in between its Gordon When you’re past you prime, It’s Edward.

[@ajschannel162]

Literally this, my rebellious phase as a teenage boy made me appreciate Gordon more as a character

[@thinaphonpetsiri9907]

For me it’s Cranky that I could related most lol

[@Slyarno2795]

I can't denied that or I don't know of that.

[@DanGamingFan2846]

Gordon was always boasting about being the most important engine on the Island of Sodor. And when you take into account everything in this video, yeah, he kind of was. And definitely the most important in the series, along with one of my favorites. He also has the best character theme music, hands down.

[@e-122psi3]

Don't tell Gordon that of course, it'll make him worse. XD

[@Woodenrailwayoliver20]

Gordon along with Edward and Henry are probably 3 of the best and most important characters in the Thomas franchise.

[@Your_Casual_Fan]

I dunno..Diesel's theme is pretty chill. Just know this is bias.

[@frencisshuen1054]

​@@e-122psi3Gordon: I'm the finest, I'm the best! I pull the express!

[@frencisshuen1054]

​@@Your_Casual_FanHe's full of surprises

[@thinaphonpetsiri9907]

12:54 This is so beautiful! The way he exits the tunnel with steam blowing around him, the upward camera angle, the way the camera shakes with the ground when he passes, and the UpsideNow's epic soundtrack! It makes Gordon looks so powerful. I’m sure Sir Nigel Gresley would be proud.

[@IOnlyDoTheNightWork]

Gordon has always been one of my favorite characters I've seen

[@frencisshuen1054]

Who else can reject a beautiful A1 pacific?

[@DKandRenamonfan32]

In the last Railway Series book, Gordon was actually okay with letting Pip and Emma take over the Express while he was shifted to the local trains. If that's not growth, I don't know what is. And Edward doesn't mind Gordon's behaviour much, because he knows he used to be just like Gordon when he was young.

[@frencisshuen1054]

Gordon even said local train is more easy for him in the RWS, that's not t like him we know in the TV🙄

[@LazyOldFusspot_3428]

​@@frencisshuen1054 Yeah that was implied in Gordon Runs Dry, when Gordon literally looks down on Thomas with his local and claims the Express to be the only top priority train on Sodor.

[@railfan9499]

Ever since I was little. I have always been drawn to Gordon. He along with Edward and Henry will forever be my favorite.

[@emersoninfinitystone5785]

In an alternate timeline.... we got *Gordon & Friends.*

[@PrinceDyllan_PlayZ]

...yes

[@theflightsimguy8513]

Yes.

[@thomasfriendsfan4334]

Gordon is one of the best characters in the show. I wouldn’t put him as one of my favorite characters in the show, but he’s still a great and proud engine. Also I love Gordon’s personality: Proud, Pompous, and Boastful.

[@LazyOldFusspot_3428]

And selfless.

[@kevinkeenan-2.1]

12:40 Gordon theme is amazing as always, and he may not be my favorite but he is an iconic character. And has a good character arc.

[@LazyOldFusspot_3428]

Hot take: Gordon >>>>>>> Harry Potter.

[@Spencer_the_grand]

Yes

[@PrinceDyllan_PlayZ]

@@LazyOldFusspot_3428 i agree with it

[@tugsfan1617]

Gordon is one of the most iconic and most important characters in the show

[@samuelfarris1949]

Whilst The Unlucky Tug was being particularly emphatic of the crucial beats of Gordon's chronicled journey, it must be taken on-board that even in the more low-key moments when he was focused on, Gordon's avocation of his worth had an impact on himself and others. In 'Thomas and Gordon', he makes a point to Thomas about what it means to work hard from facing the burden of pulling the express on a routine basis. In 'Trouble in the Shed' he was, as he took things, making a point to Henry and James, who were more bothered by their dispositions, to stand up for themselves through joining him in a strike. In his namesake book in the Railway Series, he comes to realise through disgracing himself and being demoted from passenger duties for a lengthy period of time just what his colleagues have to put up with in their duties and outright respects being part of a team with them. It wasn't a one-handed progression journey for the character, which makes his biggest stepping stones all the more significant in the big picture of things. What Gordon is to the Thomas & Friends franchise is what Jeremy Clarkson was to Top Gear; the one who has a pivotal bearing in the subject matter. Regards, Samuel Farris.

[@LazyOldFusspot_3428]

Zuko as well. His disgrace period happens way before Katara and Sokka have discovered Aang, and ends during his duel with Azula because he has grown so much as a character. He even shares a moment with Avatar Aang as newly crowned firelord and they put their differences aside. Why am I seeing a parallel here?! XD

[@charlessapp1835]

I think you need to do a full Sodor's Finest for Gordon and Edward since it was after these videos that you found the perfect setup for this series.

[@marcusbierman5310]

Not a bad idea, though after he reuploads all the other videos.

[@AbramLester]

And Henry

[@NascarNick2488]

12:42 still my favorite part of this video. I’m so glad it’s back up

[@TheFrontLoaderStudios]

Glad to see Sodor's Finest back

[@DoritosandMtnDew]

I can imagine the music Nic chose for the ending of this to be playing when Gordon finally achieves his dream of hitting 100mph.

[@TankEngine97]

I've been meaning to ask this for a while: Since the new format of Sodor's Finest introduced picking the best era for the characters, which era would you pick for Gordon and Edward?

[@Woodenrailwayoliver20]

I think he made it pretty clear that he would pick the railway series era for both Edward and Gordon.

[@alexis_ianf]

I think Tug one to focus on other characters and mention that he likes their journey through the railway series also I think there isn't really much of a diffirence between both thier TVS and RWS counterparts unlike Henry or James which have some notable diffirence in personality and character from all three eras (RWS, Models, CGI).

[@Woodenrailwayoliver20]

@@alexis_ianf but Gordon doesn’t retire in the model series and the hit era royally screwed up Edward’s character so I think unlucky tug would pick the railway series era for both of them.

[@LegendaryCaptain]

I agree with the comments on RWS being best for both of them as for some other characters not covered yet: Scottish twins: RWS for being consistently utilized compared to on/off appearences Oliver rusty Duncan: model for actually giving way more then just their origin Sir handel Peter Sam Duke: RWS for the lore and world building they brought Daisy: CGI for actually fully utilizing her Bill and Ben: model for having lots of fun moments with them

[@alexis_ianf]

@@Woodenrailwayoliver20 I'm aware about that I was mosty describing there personality rather then thier character arcs which are not the same!, I also like Gordon arc in the railway series too ! I Also I think its probable that Wilbert Awrdy consider Gordon as one of his favourite?, although think he like all the engines he created!

[@454ChevelleSS]

Watching that end sequence always gives me chills

[@therevchannel.notforkids.3408]

Here's a hot take: in both the books and the show, Gordon didn't just have the best character Arc. But one of the best character arcs of any fictional character period.

[@LazyOldFusspot_3428]

That's why he's such an icon, along with Anakin and Zuko etc..

[@frencisshuen1054]

And also, if we see the CGI movie"The adventure begins" as the start of the CGI series, Gordon will be the first character appears in the show! Woo~Woo~Express coming through!~~

[@tommasoastaldi2513]

Gordon will always be our favourite "f*cking blue train with a face"❤️

[@SongRie-je2ly]

YES❗❗

[@ZergSmasher]

Gordon was probably my favorite character when I was a kid, and it still holds true today.

[@ShiningTimeStudios475]

It's great to relieve the greatest sodors finest for Gordon again. I love the character arc Gordon went through throughout the books and the show. 😊❤ He's always been my 4th favorite steam engine. (No Pun Attended) He's always been the main engine when I think of a Steam Locomotive with a tender pulling a long rack of coaches.

[@rwchannel8832]

Gordon: This video for would would definitely be dignified!

[@moonlightrider24]

The first installment in Sodor’s Finest! And a damn good one at that, love Gordon

[@michaelhall8586]

I’ve never thought about how Gordon becomes more relatable as you get older

[@Ch1is]

That end gave me goosebumps... Darn you and your outstanding writing willbert Audrey

[@Therailwayenthusiast4real]

Gordon is a gentle giant

[@ivandeolarte4079]

I miss this one sooo much

[@cinnamonmantrainsareawesom7224]

If any Thomas character were to have their own blockbuster spin off film it would undoubtedly be Gordon

[@reecenewman8308]

"As it was aimed at a young audience, a young character was more necessary." LSWR G6 Thomas: And I took that personally.

[@owenchuarbx]

Gordon is actually my favourite character for his maturity, his distinctive philtrum (at first I thought it’s a moustache) and of course the related machismo personality he has. He’ll still be my favourite even as I grew into his age as an adult.

[@nennaneves7764]

Gordon is a great charater

[@Rashid_Reviews]

And this is where a legendary series was born, sure was formatted differently back then, but I’ll still give this video credit for starting a legendary series of videos

[@scotthamp384]

Gordon's theme at the end of this sounds a lot better than in the model series

[@elijahbrown3096]

Something about that orchestral cover of Gordon's Theme just _feels so right._ Gordon is this big, impressive machine, and the music tied to him should reflect that in my opinion. Edit: fixed autocorrect's mistake

[@OptimusPrime298]

Gordon is my favorite character as a child, cause he’s the fastest engine on the NWR he pulls the express in and out, and it still holds up today

[@ZAV1944]

It is worth noting that as of this year Gordon would be 101 if he were a real engine.

[@user-yw9eo4ov8b]

12:41 This is the most beautiful way to showcase Gordon

[@chrisomaticchaotix]

What a great argument. Gordon is one of my top 5 fav characters

[@megumibae8552]

Gordon will always be my favorite. Given what has happened in my life I can relate to his journey.

[@ShiningTimeStudios475]

Gordon IS Sodor's Engine. He IS Sodor's Finest. ❤😊🎉

[@stepstv275]

The end always hits hard

[@darthgamer9861]

it was a comment in the old upload, so I’ll say it here: “Why Gordon is the most important character” sounds like something Gordon would say

[@1TruNub]

I would argue that gordon has the best theme song out of all the engines

[@aoiasahinashusband]

sodors finest begins

[@fazbro99431]

Rewatching all these video as they come out to reach out to others, love your videos Tug!

[@Woodenfan]

I REALLY think you should re-do this one as well as Edward's Sodor's finest, considering the gulf in quality between these videos and your more recent ones. I'd imagine you can get a lot more out of each character now that you have a template to follow and work off of moving forward.

[@deadchannel733]

Gordon is the best character. Hands down.

[@harrisonallen651]

Gordon does have a special place in my heart, he was one my first pieces of Thomas merchandise I had as a toddler.

[@adventuresofamtrakcascades301]

Gordon is my all time favorite Thomas character 5:05 6:58

[@CGJB001]

Flying Scotsman is an A3. No A1s survived into preservation, which is why they built Tornado.

[@theinternetengine25]

Thanks for posting all of your old videos. Hope your old channel will get back on soon ❤❤

[@sithluke053]

This changes my whole perspective on Gordon

[@GordonFan4472]

Say Tug, I'm not sure you'll see this comment, but I was just wondering, do you think you'll ever do a new video on Gordon and Edward, in the style of your newer Sodor's Finests? And also, I always thought this was one of your best videos.

[@emersoninfinitystone5785]

As cool as that'd be see both episodes remastered in the currant SF format, it's obvious both RWS Edward & Gordon would be chosen as the best incarnations... there's just so much going for them there, more so then the Model & CGI series by a long shot. That's pretty much what Nic is telling us in this and Edward's video. Plus... it'd just be a waste of time.

[@GordonFan4472]

@@emersoninfinitystone5785 I know, but I just would like a longer, more thorough breakdown of Edward and Gordon, especially with CGI portrayals.

[@PennsyPappas]

Oh I'm so glad you reposted this one. You have so many wonderful videos that I can't wait to see again but this one is one of my absolute favorites. Primarily because Gordon is and was always my favorite character as a kid and when I first saw this video for this first time it made me so happy to see maybe why. It always brings a year to my eye when you get the the end of the video much like your Edward video did. I'm still rooting for your channel to come back but I'll be here to watch every video as it comes back.

[@chrismulders2344]

Fun fact: the TV version started off connected to shining time station on pbs. Ringo Starr and George Carlin played the character "Mr Conductor".

[@Xalerdane]

_Shining Time Station_ was created by Britt Allcroft as a framing device for airing _Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends_ in America. _TtTTE_ had already been a thing in Britain for a few years before this happened.

[@user-px1md1ef6l]

Now He's a Total Bad Ass. He's what James wants to be.

[@ryanfuller912]

Unlucky Tug, you should do a Sodor’s Finest, uhhh History on Gordon.

[@CAMPBELLOBK97]

Gordon is the back bone of the steam engines he truly demonstrates how useful a steam engine can be especially during the rise of the diesel engines .

[@bardthenascarfanaticdragon]

Personally, I think the most hilarious Gordon Crash was in the most hilarious HIT Era Gordon Episode, "Respect For Gordon". He looked so dizzy after the crash when we saw his eyes spinning, like he really was dizzy.

[@ThomasFisher-jr6bn]

I would love to see a remake of Gordon and Edward's Sodor's Finest videos to fit with the rest of the videos after Henry's.

[@LegendaryCaptain]

I'm sure RWS will win for both of them I think a good point to bring up about the numerous gordon accident episodes like off the rails, better view, famous visitor, and tumble is they tend to start off with Gordon saying random bullshit acting all "proper, dignified etc" and then Karma catches up with a hilarious incident 😂

[@ThomasFisher-jr6bn]

@@LegendaryCaptain What about Edward?

[@LegendaryCaptain]

@@ThomasFisher-jr6bn definitely RWS wins for him since it's the one version where he didn't screwed over. I can also see Unlucky tug talking about how each season of the classic series after 2 his screentime severely drops

[@fanofeverything30465]

​@@LegendaryCaptainAnd Respect for Gordon

[@LegendaryCaptain]

@fanofeverything30465 technically true as well but the episode still continues by showing how the other engines were also wrong. Where as the other episodes it ends shortly after Gordon's accident.

[@therwsgeek683]

Hot take: Gordon's HIT episodes are better than his Brenner ones

[@giulianodervelociraptorder734]

I kinda agree but I think his Brenner episode are okay or good.

[@LazyOldFusspot_3428]

Agreed. He feels like an actual bro, rather than a pushover.

[@DuckShowStudios]

this video is amazing! I love Sodor's Finest! Gordon is an amazing chrarictor. Before you made this I never noticed how important Gordon is. Another chrarictor I would like to see you do a Sodor's Finest on is Peter Sam. Hope you have a great day!

[@kolbyyamamoto5476]

Unfortunately, I don’t remember who originally posted this on the video, but my favorite comment on this video was, “I liked it when Gordon the big blue express engine went fast.”

[@Ollimus]

This is kind of like the pilot episode of one of tug's best series.

[@zacharyjeffares8158]

If you played a clip of Gordon’s whistle anywhere I bet at least five people could tell you who it belonged to. Also Gordon’s theme from the TV series is one of the top 3 songs from the entire 45 years the show aired. There is the main theme of course, the docks music track, and of course: Gordon’s theme.

[@josephmarrison4606]

Gordon is one of my favourites. I love his theme, his class and his relatable situations.

[@toastrave7820]

i just bought the same book you have on screen at 2:22 at as this video informed me of a hardcover editio as prior to this i thought the only way to read the series was in flimsy paperback

[@TrainBoi6095]

Honestly I have to agree with his dislike to Gordon's description Where Audrey says gordon has his own hybrid rebuild Cause in my take on Gordon he was built the same year as Scotsman but in April of 1923, so he was a A1 and like the others A1's he goes to be rebuilt into a A3 in the 40's

[@engi-not_here46]

i started crying because of this 😢

[@thethomasthetankenginechan4055]

I’m so f*cking glad to have this back. You know what they say, An end brings a new beginning.

[@dominikamimari427]

My main love for Gordon is his number 4 is my favorite and his personality and how he's the muscle of the group and his voice and looks suits his perfectly next to Edward and toby and Henry i love as well

[@Djay17]

That “moo” got me laughing 😂

[@juliealgh]

Loved! IT!❤❤❤💕 Awesome video!💕💕💕

[@transportfanaticsshorts]

Probably my favorite character from Thomas and Friends of all time.

[@Remnant09]

Usually when I picture Gordon, I imagine him being a rude, snooty, naughty engine like in CGI. But this sheds light to a whole new perspective. And I now have a deep respect for him. Also, I don’t think any other train besides the HST could have replaced Gordon at the time. As far as I know, the Island has no electrification at all. So the HST would be the only option. (For now)

[@jonahhex6593]

One of the themes that’s always present with Gordon that’s rarely ever directly said is, don’t mess with Gordon. His attitude didn’t come from nowhere. Yea he’s boastful, arrogant, brash, and absolutely full of himself, but it’s not unsubstantiated. His is one of the fastest most powerful engines on the island and very few, if any, engines could match him at his prime.

[@codystrainsnjazz]

Still one of my favorite videos

[@jellydoonuts]

If it wasnt for this video i dont think unlucky tug would be here with daily uploads

[@DanDanDaaaan1]

He also has the best musical theme

[@williamshaw8112]

Toby and Duck never having an episode together is insane when you realize that they’re from the GER & GWR respectively RIPE story potential right there

[@LeCommieBoi]

Henry is my favourite engine, but Gordon certainly tails him. Truly unbelievable how much of a great job Awdry did with him

[@Nic_2751]

Gordon always was the Squidward of Thomas

[@David_Mattox]

Maybe it’s just the speed demon in me, but I will always appreciate the ending of this video.

[@mgr_video_productions]

The one that started this fine video series off.

[@FamilyEntertainmentStudios]

I predict that Thomas disliked this video

[@RonaldoAkunResmi]

LIterally yea mate, the best part of Sodor 🔵 I prefer the Classics Season adaptation tho and to an extent the HIT entertainment era.

[@GeneralHeavy]

Funny enough, Gordon was named after a pompous neighbor Wilbert Awdry had

[@jimmymccartney2049]

Year built:1920-1939(Rebuilt)

[@E2ForLife]

Ok one at a time let's keep the re-uploading going people

[@West_Coast_Mainline]

After you got banned I’ll have to like all your videos again

[@LordoftheThings327]

I just discovered I forgot to re-comment since this got re-uploaded like I said before, tiny child me is feeling so Vindicated in having Gordon as a favorite because he was the biggest (cool) and blue (my favorite color) also, for anyone else who was loosing their minds trying to get the blink-and-you'll-miss-it text joke @1:22, here's a transcript so you don't have to crank the speed down to .25 and pause at the exact right moment like I did: "um ackyually he is the experimental prototype to the A1 with some notable non-standard design differences" "get your facts right you stupid tug man"

[@TheAutisticCapricorn811]

Mmmm. I never would've thought that the character I despised the most growing up would be the most important with an arc that's more significant in the eyes of others. If anything, I'd say the only series in the franchise as a whole that portrays Gordon correctly would definitely had to be the Railway Series, with the acception of the model era in the TV show for a home-run finish. I'll admit it, Gordon has won my humble interest of wanting to relate to him more, but as far as becoming a hero, that spot will go respectively towards Edward, since he's more older, wiser, and knows and sees more to life than Gordon's yet to see. But after learning what harsh instances and experiences in life will come to me as I usher through my 20s, I'll soon be as humbly matured and jaded as Gordon as I get older, and lastly I'll be as brave, well-experienced, intelligent, wonderful, and poetically wise of an old man as Edward - topped with a few sprinkles of true contentment of a carefree, remarkable Toby 😌

[@Chainstorm]

That ending though

[@Tugs_26]

Gordon is the heart and soul of the Railway Series. He is the character Wilbert clearly spent the most time developing. Truly he is the icon of this kid's series also meant for Adults. And people say Bluey is a show for adults they forgot thomas. The reason they did was because of how Thomas has been portrayed in the modern years, but tend to forget this is not what this series was like.

[@theholygamer969]

People who say Bluey is an adult show are honestly alarming. Like, what is going on in their heads? Are they not paying attention? It's clearly still aimed at kids. I wonder if it's the "Animation is cinema" Twitter weirdo manchild pack being loud about it. I dunno.

[@GLee-oe3op]

1:36 lately for me the first engine I think of is number 765. Just goes to show the difference in perspective between British and US rail fans

[@ZeldaTheSwordsman]

1. _Thomas and the Great Railway Show_ actually _does_ explicitly acknowledge Thomas' LBSCR origins - he's said to know Boxhill from "the old days". Those origins also function as subtext in the earlier _Stepney the Bluebell Engine_ in my estimation; It plays into Thomas not seeming to share in the fuss about Stepney in that book. 2. I don't think you're exactly being fair to the books about Thomas after his first. Although Gordon's arc is more substantial, accidental though it was. 3. The tease about time catching up to Gordon is the only good thing about "Triple Header" 4. Eh, I wouldn't call the HiT-era Gordon episodes that interesting. At the very least, most interest in them is nullified by HiT doing the characters and world dirty.

[@juliealgh]

Don't worry tug I have that exact book in my room.