ThomasNATION Classic Reviews - All at Sea
March 15, 2025
At the start of this new year as the celebration of Thomas' eightieth anniversary was getting underway, we were sadly presented with an unfortunate announcement. Britt Allcroft, the creator of "Thomas & Friends", had passed away. Britt was eighty-one years old when she passed and apparently not in the best of health. She died on Christmas Day 2024 and her family rightfully kept it private until they were ready to reveal the news. They told Brannon Carty, the director of "An Unlikely Fandom", with permission to make it public and then he revealed the sad news to the fandom on Twitter. It still doesn't seem real to me. I mean, I know it is and we all knew that it was going to happen someday. But it's still just such a shock that this is what kicked off yet another milestone anniversary for the brand. Out of everybody from the world of Thomas, I don't think any of us expected her to go next. To say that Britt Allcroft has had a huge impact on our childhoods and our adult lives is beyond an understatement. Wilbert Awdry may have created Thomas and his world, but it was Britt Allcroft who brought him to life on the screen. It was her show that introduced me to Thomas' world and I'm sure that's the case for many of you reading this. She had such a specific vision for Thomas, and she just knew it would be a success for she believed that trains have a universal appeal to everyone of all ages. I have so much respect for her for sticking to her guns and mortgaging her house out to get that first pilot episode made, a risk that totally paid off in the end. She went on to create "Shining Time Station" too, a gallant effort on her part that brought Thomas into homes around the world. Thomas would not be a household name in houses outside the UK if it weren't for her. She was a unique, creative person with a vibrant personality. She was certainly memorable. Former series narrator Alec Baldwin has said as much in his 2020 interview for the "Thomas And The Magic Railroad" twentieth anniversary re-release. He was just so infatuated with her that he was persuaded to work on Thomas at all. I think it goes without saying that this fandom would not be here today if it weren't for Britt's efforts. All the friendships that we've made through this fandom would not have happened if it weren't for her. Some, if not most of us, would not be on the career path that we're currently on if it weren't for her. The current heritage railway scene would not be the same today if it weren't for her. The train world certainly owes Britt Allcroft a hell of a lot. I'm sure that there's a lot more that I could say about her and her life and career, but I do want to be brief. That is why for this week's very special ThomasNATION Classic Reviews, we wanted to make a little review in her honor. It's nothing super professional or overly edited or anything, but rather just a little something for us to pay tribute and say our goodbyes. But which episode shall we be reviewing today? Well, what better episode to review and remember Britt Allcroft by than one of her two favorite episodes during her time working on the series? So, let's set sail for adventure because we're "All At Sea"!
ALL AT SEA: When the regatta comes, Duck wishes that he could travel the sea, but he later learns that he is happiest on the rails.
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āDuck still wonders about the lands beyond the horizon. But he enjoys being with friends most of all, and I think he knows that sometimes the best travels are those we can only dream about, don't you?ā
Wow. I mean, just...wow! If someone could explain what a perfect episode of Thomas The Tank Engine is, this would be it. I mean, holy cow! This episode is stellar! Every aspect of "All At Sea" is mesmerizing in the most charming and loving way. Every time I think of it, I get a strong sense of comfort just from knowing of its existence. Duck and Percy's dynamic is amazing in this episode. It brings forward Duck's imaginative and creative ways of thinking by dreaming of places in the world beyond The Island Of Sodor. It's exactly the mindset of somebody who is more adventurous and wanting to roam the big wide world out there. As for Percy, we all know and love him for his innocence in most situations and that presents itself here by him counteracting Duck's wishes and showcasing somebody who is more comfortable to remain in familiar surroundings. The harbor and countryside scenery seen among the episode is breathtaking. The soundtrack is absolutely superb. So many memorable ditties and themes occur. It's all bundled up in one big gift of joy. It just makes me so damn happy!
My interpretation of the story of "All At Sea" is that you have to accept that not everything you desire to do will be a reality to you, but it also does not discourage you from dreaming of those things in the first place. Like, it's okay to dream and let your imagination go wild with bizarre ideas. But you all know we all have to remind ourselves that we can only do so much and that there are limits. I'm trying not to read too deeply into things such as Thomas The Tank Engine because I know of people who have come up with all these bizarre and strange theories regarding characters and stories. However, when doing episode reviews such as these, I kind of have to dissect the stories and characters to really make a point other than just saying that this episode is good but also find that balance to approach writing a review to avoid sounding like a complete raving lunatic.
Also, do I even need to say anything about the final scene? Do I really? Like, I can't even fathom how what some would see as a silly little children's show about trains who talk could make me so emotional on these levels. I don't want to sound sappy, but it's true. The scene makes me feel a mix of warm and comforting happiness and nostalgic sadness. It reminds me of the beauty and glee of being a child watching it again for the first time but yet also kind of sorrowful because I know that I'm never getting those times back. That's why I always think of the quote "don't be sad it's over, smile because it happened". I know I went deep, and I tried not to, but I don't know how else I could have described this scene without getting sentimental. Also, it's even more emotional now knowing that Britt Allcroft has joined our boys Michael Angelis and George Carlin on the other side now. I promise you all that my next review will not be as deep as this one, but "All At Sea" just makes me feel. It sits very comfortably in my top twenty favorite episodes of the entire series. It goes without saying that "All At Sea" is a perfect 5/5.
And now as our tribute review comes to an end, all that we want to say here is...thank you. Thank you, Britt, for everything. Thank you for creating a world and a fictional universe that has had such a worthwhile impact on our childhoods and our adult lives. Your efforts are appreciated, and I am so happy that you were aware of how much fans loved your creations before you went. From the bottom of my heart, I am so happy that I got the chance to meet you in person back at the premiere for "An Unlikely Fandom" if only for a little while. You got to see your show turn forty years old. Now THAT is an impressive milestone! Rest in peace, Britt Allcroft...and again, thank you so much.
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