Quote from: Jacob Wilson on October 30, 2015, 04:16:06 PM
I definitely agree that Dennis was pointless really. One Episode was not enough to get used to the character. I don't like the way some characters only appear for Episode and you don't see them again, not even the background.

Billy should have stayed. I think he would have been popular.

I disagree about Billy. I think he's actually my most disliked character in the Thomas world. The reason is not just because he was a one off character, but he was one of the WORST one off characters. His whole episode was spent him being such a selfish, spoiled brat and not giving one moment to listen to Thomas' advice. The worst part is that he isn't even given any real punishment by Sir Topham Hatt, which he really deserved. I'm actually glad he didn't appear again.

I'm detecting a pattern here...since season 17, we get a new character after about halfway through the season who gets to have a couple of episodes to star in himself.

Season 17 - Porter
Season 18 - Samson
Season 19- Phillip

Adding to that, I'm very excited about the new DVD. Connor and Caitlin are still some of my favorite Brenner characters, so glad to see they'll have an episode, and sharing it with Emily. Stephen as well, and we'll see if Phillip is even more unique than Porter or Samson.

TREVOR!!!!

Well, I guess it was only a matter of time we'll see him again, since his CG render was done by Nitrogen - albeit for a very brief cameo.

But I really hope they use him for speaking roles now!

That music has actually been used in a lot of cartoons, like the Simpsons and Futurama.

Well, we got another season 19 episode out in the open! So let's get to breaking it down.

SPOILERS

The Beast of Sodor

I was worried that this would stink.

Thankfully I was wrong...for the most part.

There is a very noticeable three strike formula, much like Flatbeds of Fear, mostly in Henry believing everything he sees ahead is the monster. And yes, Henry is still the cowardly version we've been getting still. However, this one is a lot better than Henry Spots Trouble because Henry is getting teased actively by someone, but he's the one who comes out on top in the end, and that he does prove to be brave and not a complete wuss. Besides, Henry does take the opportunity to jab back at Spencer, much like in the classic era with James or Percy.

Sir Topham Hatt getting played for comedy has been getting really REALLY common this season, but for this episode, it does work. His sequence of events are very well put together. We've probably felt very disoriented in a potentially stranded situation in very snowy weather. And how Sir Topham Hatt went from one bad situation to the next did remind me of Lady Hatt's Birthday Party from season 5. Not to mention the bull scene reminded me of Gordon and the Gremlin.

Spencer being the antagonist has been done before, but compared to past examples, he's not made a straight up jerk when he bursts his safety valve, and does ask Henry to help him. Speaking of which, when's the last time an engine burst their safety valve? Much too long...

Oh yeah, and that horror music and needle scratch being played for laughs worked really well. I hope season 19 continues to throw more surprises at me like this one did.

8/10

Pretty much the Logging Locos have been removed 99% at this point, so I'm happy.

As for Rosie, I never particularly liked her. Despite how cool her prototype is, it's clear that the writers at the time just made her to appeal to girls, which ended up much like the Girls Train by Lionel in 1957 - it didn't work. I personally don't find anything to like about her as a character, maybe because her first episode left a lot to be desired... So yeah, I'd pick Rosie.

I personally am okay with Charlie now, since he has a purpose, and I can tolerate him much more now because of that.

On the other end of the scale, and I know I'm going to get a lot of criticism for this, but going back to season 9, I find Molly a very underrated character, and could easily see her with a purpose if they brought her back.



Unlike Neville (who did absolutely nothing in his episode, and I could barely care less about) and even Dennis, Molly had rather distinctive character traits - being shy, insecure, and sensitive, but kind and well mannered. I guess it helped that her only episode was one of the few season 9 episodes that didn't stink. I could easily see her as an extra to help Edward on his branch line and help with some of the heavier freight trains. Plus, that her basis is one of my favorite designs in the Thomas world. It looks beautiful. Plus, aside from Bill and Ben, there aren't many engines painted yellow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXQKCQnUzEA

We have a little preview for one of the Christmas episodes that will release on DVD this October. Can only imagine what Sir Topham Hatt did this time...

Well, looks like season 19 will finally be picking up the pace.

These next episodes will be released in the US on October 13th (iTunes) and 27th (DVD).

Diesel's Ghostly Christmas Parts 1 & 2
Snow Place Like Home
A Cranky Christmas
The Beast of Sodor

Plus these three to release on November 24th.

Very Important Sheep
Salty All At Sea
Den and Dart

I preordered Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure last weekend, and I finally saw the full movie.

For those on this forum who want to wait for the DVD, I'll hold off on my full view for now. But I will say it IS the best Thomas movie yet. Andrew Brenner, David Stoten, and the rest of the team are to be blessed by all of us, and like the Adventure Begins hits the mark to celebrate Thomas' 70th Anniversary.

Huh, this does look interesting, especially the former.

As much as I do like the classic returnees getting their own episodes again, it's good to se the new team put in just as much emphasis on the newer characters so no one is left out.

I agree about Connor, I do prefer him, but I do like Caitlin as well, and she is interesting. It looks like a real girl power episode is in store for her and Emily. This I welcome as girls should be treated just as important on the railway as the boys just like in real life, and it'll be interesting to see the two females go speed against splendor.

As for the story on Thomas and Spencer, I'm a little dubious. We've seen times where Thomas and Spencer interact that turned into duds (E.G. Topped Off Thomas) or just turn out okay (Dream On). But considering this is the new team doing it, I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt.

Thanks Chaz, I figured that since the season's already out, anyone's opinion is better than none at all.
And to be honest, my opinion on that episode has gotten worse as time went on, watching it again and again, and I can see all the other reasons why it didn't work.

As for Duke, who knows? Maybe he will make a return. If Daisy could come back and a coffee pot engine was introduced to the series, I think anything's possible. We've already gotten a lot of good things back, so I think it's best not to get spoiled. Besides, the writers probably should take their time if they want to adapt him in while sticking more true to the Railway Series.

And Sir Handel? Actually, I would LOVE a Sir Handel episode in this season, or any future one. With Brenner and the rest of the new writers, I think that they could easily write an episode where Sir Handel is back to his selfish, irritated self like he was in season 4. If they could do two great episodes with Duncan last season, I don't see why this can't be done.

Quote from: Nykrivas on July 13, 2015, 11:20:53 PM
I was actually hoping that no one would post here until the movie is released. But it isn't too bad. The fanbase has been acting up.

Yeah...sorry about that... Then again, I'm sure someone else would've done it if I hadn't.

I'm definitely hoping the new team complete Edward's Branch Line team, too. Then the whole original standard gauge TV series favorites from seasons 1-3 will be complete.

Okay, for those who don't want spoilers, DO NOT go to the link where I found these pictures. It contains way too much awesomeness that would likely spoil the actual release!

But, for those who are eager, these pics I found the most interesting.



Even though Duck looks a bit too big compared to Donald and Douglas, it doesn't feel quite as noticeable compared to Oliver next to him. It appears the twins' wheel diameters are smaller, too. I'm very excited to see the interaction of our old favorites in this movie.



I'm very interested to see how Marion will play a role in this special, since she's still one of my most favorite of the Brenner era characters.



Ryan's face kinda sums up this whole image...



And oh yeah! Daisy IS returning in this special!!! Welcome back you swagger filled sass master!!!

I'm even more amped up for this movie than ever before!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i1aHhZYXCA

Still more teasers for Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure - including the script, the making of the animation, and more finished clips.

But just as important the documentary coming full circle over Thomas' 70 years of existence. Are you looking forward to going through the past 70 years of this documentary? I sure am!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DaFGVIhUfVk

It's online right now.