Runaway Engine: ThomasNATION Review
September 24, 2017
As the first airing week of Season 21 draws to a close, the fifth episode is Helen Farrall's season debut, Runaway Engine. Involving a conflict between Stephen and Millie - this year marking their fifth year in the show - the episode seems like the most promising one of the bunch yet. Let's see what Megan (MeganMusketeers) thinks:
Read her review for Runaway Engine.
>> This time, ThomasNATION will also be including tweets from fans in reviews! To be included, just tweet with the hashtag #TNS21Reviews and tag @TheThomasNATION! <<
When I first heard that Runaway Engine was the title of Friday's episode, images of a generic out of control engine episode flew into my mind but I was pleasantly surprised by how wrong I was.
Read her review for Runaway Engine.
>> This time, ThomasNATION will also be including tweets from fans in reviews! To be included, just tweet with the hashtag #TNS21Reviews and tag @TheThomasNATION! <<
When I first heard that Runaway Engine was the title of Friday's episode, images of a generic out of control engine episode flew into my mind but I was pleasantly surprised by how wrong I was.
The story goes Millie
is collecting stone for the Earl's dinosaur park and so can't do her
regular duties. Stephen and Glynn are meant to cover for her but they
end up far too busy with passengers. Millie notices they never did
their work and thinks them lazy. So she does their job of picking up
some garden waste, but dumps it outside their berth as revenge. This
sets Stephen off who mocks her, but you never insult a French girl.
Millie storms off with Stephen worried for his good friend. When Millie still hasn't returned in the morning Stephen runs off to find her, coaches in tow (much to a certain passenger's disapproval). He runs out of water while trying to reach Crovan's Gate when who should arrive but the Earl with Millie, turns out she was picking up a new motor for the turntable., which was actually heard at the beginning but Stephen talked to Glynn over the Earl when he was telling them.
The next sequence is quite funny, as Sir Robert manages to convince the Grumpy passanger (who made his debut with Duncan in Season 18) that he'd been given an extended tour. It was hysterical - and exhibited the wonderful character we know Sir Noramby is. It ends with
free cake and a very grumpy Glynn.
Millie storms off with Stephen worried for his good friend. When Millie still hasn't returned in the morning Stephen runs off to find her, coaches in tow (much to a certain passenger's disapproval). He runs out of water while trying to reach Crovan's Gate when who should arrive but the Earl with Millie, turns out she was picking up a new motor for the turntable., which was actually heard at the beginning but Stephen talked to Glynn over the Earl when he was telling them.
Now I do have a
complaint, the episode seems too fast. It feels like a larger episode
had to be cut down due to time constraints. Also what happened to the
Railway Museum? I understand it's not relevant to the episode but
some mention would have been nice. But the problems are few and the
quality overall is great.
This is my favourite
episode so far for many reasons. One example is the many graphical
improvements made since the switch to Jam Filled's servers. The new
lighting looks amazing, very subtle glow when engines are in front of
the sun as well as new morning lighting conditions help make the
series look very realistic. Stephen rocking on his frames was also a
nice thing to see. The texturing and set dressing has also seen an
improvement. Another amazing thing is that Thomas was no where to be
seen in this whole episode. And to top it all a very clever sight gag
with Mr. Bubbles.
It's been a good week so far and with Big Mickey on the horizon I think this series will top twenty and maybe even the classic series. The show is getting better each year and I can't wait to see what the future holds for this little E2, all his pals and his adversaries.
Final Rating: 4.5/5
The rest of the team loved the episode as well! The lowest rating was 4, and the highest a 5.Helped make Season 21's first week a runaway success, great to see the Ulfstead Castle trio again and no Thomas in sight!#TNS21Reviews— MLEEP Productions (@mleepproduction) September 22, 2017
Season Score: 4.47/5
Check back for more reviews, soon! If you want to feature your tweet review for an episode, tweet with #TNS21Reviews and tag @TheThomasNATION!
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About the author:
Megan -- MeganMusketeers
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