ThomasNATION Reviews - Thomas' Day Off
January 15, 2022
Hey all, JF here, and yeah, here we go again.
Yep, it's another instalment of the All Engines Go! saga. I'm gonna be real, after the disastrous Dragon Run, I've felt a little worn out and fatigued by the newer content. But like I said in my review, I have to keep going since...well, it's my job. So now that we're joining Thomas on his day off, is it an adventure worth joining or should we just declare that there's nothing worth saving about the reboot? Let's begin.
While all the other engines have their own jobs to do, Thomas is left on his own to have a day off. But with none of his friends around, what's he left to do? Play with an old boxcar, of course! But things get out of hand when he finds an old beach ball...
You guys are gonna call me crazy here, but...I actually didn't hate this one. In fact, I think it's actually a very solid episode. I know that sounds absolutely bonkers, but hear me out.
One thing I like about this episode is how it taps into the idea of childlike imagination. Sure, this idea was kinda already tackled in License to Deliver, but instead of Thomas pretending to be a spy with a bunch of scrap provided by Sandy making up the gadgets, here, Thomas just finds something, like the ball or the boxcar (or Boxy) and incorporates it into his journey, which is pretty clever, charming and occasionally pretty funny. The only problem here is that it sometimes feels too much like a chase episode like what we got with Dragon Run. Nowhere near as bad, sure, but it does become pretty predictable with its outcomes.
But what helps this episode stand out is that this marks the grand return of...
...Bulstrode? Weird choice. But regardless, his inclusion in the series at all is absolutely insane, especially considering he hasn't even appeared since Season 3. Plus, I also like this take on this character. Granted, I loved his grouchy personality more, but I do like the more calm and wise take the reboot gives him.
I'd also have to say that even the song they have is pretty decent. Although it's a little forgettable, On My Own has a nice melody, decent lyrics and a good moral in its reprise about how you can have fun while...well, on your own. It's not great, but it is passable.
I'm as shocked as you are, All Engines Go! finally had a good episode! While not memorable or that creative, Thomas' Day Off is a charming little romp with a nice moral, decent comedy and a good sense of childlike wonder. If you're not a fan of All Engines Go! like me, this likely won't change your mind, but give it a shot regardless. It's the biggest surprise of the show so far and as such, it gets a 3.5/5. Maybe this series isn't gonna be 100% bad after all.
Final Score: 3.5/5
About the Author: JF the LOLZOR
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