3 Thomas Episodes that are Overhated 

I feel as though if The Old Bridge was stated to take place in Skarloey and Rheneas' younger days, people would've said it was a good episode.

Vid unironically went hard fr, need more of these pls xxx

Out of all of them. I agree with "The Old Iron Bridge" to a tee because while this episode did start what would later be how Skarloey would be portrayed in nearly most of Seasons 9-12, this is one where I can sit through because of it's message on how to overcome traumatic experiences and I give the episode some justice with Skarloey acting the way he did (apart from giving up on fetching some trucks that have been inexplicably left there on that same bridge Skarloey gained a sense of PTSD for) because that is at least what made Skarloey feel more easy to sympathize with unlike stories where he's scared of going to a wharf or even rain for no other reason than the script demanding him to be more pathetic and useless. And just like what you've said, Skarloey's character regression in that episode can be ignored for that moral and that moral alone. The same will never be said for "Wharf and Peace", "Skarloey Storms Through", "Skarloey the Brave", or even... "Push Me, Pull You!". The flack "Better Late Than Never" gets is something I care the least about. And the fact you stated that the realism in Thomas is more to that than say the engines acting like how they are as Awdry envisioned them based on situations and struggles is actually quite believable and it makes me thank you enough for the definition of "realism in Thomas" for the first time I watched this video. And the reasonings for it are pretty vague and feel quite the opposite of specific if you ask me. And that "nothing really happens" claim is bullshit because they either were too blind to watch the episode in full or just copied Thomas1Edward2Henry3's opinion on that episode to claim it off as their own opinion like a couple of lazy bastards that can't even come up with an opinion on that episode or something.

This video actually help me realize that while these mentioned episodes are not considered good stories, they certainly get too much negativity within the fans. There are certainly way worse episodes than these mentioned ones, I fully agree with your opinions on "Buffer Bother" and "Thomas and the Guard" because they truly are repeats of episodes that we've already seen before. I understand why people may not like these mentioned episodes, but it's always for one particular reason and nothing else, these episodes are way better than other episodes we would see later. So yeah, great video dude, really informative and certainly changed my perspective on these episode

I grew to respect these eps over time. Not necessarily amazing episodes, but compared to the turds in HiT/Nitrogen/BWBA or even the Brenner era being much worse in retrospect. As for Middle Engine.. at the start, why could Percy just shunt the trucks in front of him onto a siding or something? Wouldn't have taken so long for him to do. Good video btw! EDIT: Pugly's thumbnails go so hard, he did a great job. Nice seeing Thomas fans and Bluey fans getting along!

This is 1000% FACTS! This is the kind of stuff I’ve been trying to get people to understand with these three in particular. I still firmly believe BLTN was way ahead of its time teaching the importance of lateness. It’s an important lesson that was needed. Middle Engine, while I understand the gripes, there are far worse episodes (i.e Twin Trouble or Buffer Bother give or take, or Rusty Saves The Day. Same goes for Old Bridge, I understand why people get pissed at it but the story itself actually does and doesn’t work in Skarloey’ s favor (more on that when I do my Saves The Day review). I think people just need to get a grip with these kinds of stories. They may not be peak stories but they’re not that bad when compared to other trash episodes.

I agree with the karma for James in middle engine. But I still hate the fact that STH blames Percy for something that wasn’t his fault!!!

2:56 honestly the line makes more sense in the tvs series since it takes place in season 2 and thomas has fully matured yet until season five. in the rws it’s worse because it takes place in the 80’s where he should fully grown by now.

I feel like Skarloey’s “character regression” in The Old Bridge is perfectly justified. I mean, he nearly fell off a bridge, and he just had to SIT there watching what was below him until help arrived. Even the most brave person in the world would be cautious about crossing a bridge that nearly collapsed with them on it. Now Skarloey Storms Through? THAT was character regression.

I have to say this was a nice video. The only one I disagree with is Middle Engine, but Better Late Than Never and The Old Bridge are both insanely overhated. I will never understand why people hate those ones, and even then, I don't find Middle Engine as bad as other people say, even if it's my least favourite of the classic era. Like you said, the highlight of the episode for me was James.

Skarloey getting ptsd seems to be an issue for the fandom

Better Late Than Never is an episode I enjoy, but I'm not a fan of the latter two. It's too bad that for most fans that they claim some episodes are bad just because they saw other users' top picks for best and worst episodes of all time. Even A Shed for Edward is overhated due to the ending, but when you put it that way: Edward has not been present at Tidmouth Sheds numerous times in the books and Classic Series before the Steam Team concept was a thing. And him moving to Wellsworth is understandable not just b/c it's the first station of his branch line, but in the original it was called Edward's Station before the Sudrian landmarks are referred to by name from S5 onwards. Philip though is my main gripe for him sleeping at Wellsworth when he's meant to be the Knapford Station Pilot so he could've easily been replaced with another character.

I always saw Better Late Than Never as a "Lore" Episode. The viaduct construction is a recurring set piece that season a BLTN gives an explanation for what's going on with that.

The voices in the CGI series are fine, mostly the Brenner era.

The only episode out of the three that I agree with to an extent is The Old Bridge, I don’t personally think it’s a bad episode, it just got Skarloey’s character wrong, and unintentionally kick started a character shift for him in the hit era, the story it self is really good though, and I think Rheneas and the Roller Coaster is way worse than this, as that episode has way more problems than just Rheneas being out of character.

The thing about The Old Bridge episode when people say "Skarloey is out of character". If we think about how Skarloey had felt during the whole episode. And put ourselves in his shoes..or wheels. *He nearly fell off the bridge*, I am pretty sure that would shaken anyone up if they nearly had a near-death experience let alone close to being seriously hurt. Don't you think? But hey, what do I know? I am not saying you have to like the episode anyway.

*coal cars* Having already seen the ‘Very Best and Worst of Thomas’ videos, I like how you and the others discuss the goods and bads of these episodes. It’s interesting to hear why some episodes are better than others and it’s explained well (both there and here). It makes me reconsider some of these episodes and it’s fun! Nice work with this one!

Definitely a banger video. Can't say too much about BLTN because I don't remember too much about it, but its harmless, Middle Engine honestly is pretty mid in retrospect, and don't it as THAT bad. However, I definitely agree with The Old bridge as the best one here, its actually really good witha strong message that people suddently hate because "Oh, Skarloey is OOC". Also, your take on Edward Strikes Out is one I respect. Different, but I commend you

I really loved listening to this. There was a point where me and my friend re-wrote middle engine in 2021 so when you mentioned splatter and Dodge, that was actually something we changed. 😂

I also agree that these episodes shouldn’t be overlooked and overhated.

I would start judging alot, but I'm not gonna Cuz opinions are opinions, and likes are likes. If I'm gonna start judging bc it's your own opinion, I'd be a bad person.

4:58 to 5:10 You can’t give Baldwin a ton of heat for season 6… he was going through as tough of a time , if not tougher times than he is now. At the time of season 6, Baldwin was going through Severe Depression, stemming from a two parter of a crisis: his nasty divorce, and child custody fight over his daughter, Ireland, with his ex-wife, Kim Basinger. Both had a MAJOR impact on his performance. It is also said that during his recording sessions, there were times where Baldwin lost his composure and broke down completely. Angelis was pretty much his normal, although he had a lot riding on him this season after he was flexed out of Magic Railroad, in which he was asked originally to voice Percy (and, I think) James. But Angelis was replaced after the test audiences thought he was “too old” to play the junior member of the franchise. How does he respond? He goes out and do what he does best.

I just noticed the Take Along Thomas you put in the Smiling Friends reanimated collab and I had to check out your channel, definitely turned out to be a good decision

I can agree that Buffer Bother sucks, thank you for opening my eyes about the 3 episodes

A great video! I definitely agree that these episodes aren't the worst. The Old Bridge especially. For that one, i don't consider it the worst, more like the least good.

I mistook "Better Late Than Never" for "Thomas' Train" in the thumbnail.

Very well done video my friend. Really like videos that show a different take from the norms of the fandom. Great job ☺️🚂🚃

What a great vid, as always! Also, why do you hate No Sleep For Cranky?

If the OFFICIAL Season 25 happened, we would've hit the big 600! 😢.

No episode is as overhated to me as a Shed for Edward. I understand why people were upset with Edward’s departure and what was coming next, but disregarding that, it’s kinda boring IMO.

Honestly, while I agree with "Better Late Than Never" and "The Old Iron Bride", I have to disagree with "Middle Engine", which a lot of people claim that it's the absolute worst episode of the classic-era, and it's the only bad episode from that era in my opinion (I enjoyed the rest of the episodes from that era though), because the Fat Controller was an absolute jerk, and Arry and Bert don't get punished for their actions. I don't mind "Rusty Saves The Day" as much as a lot of people do, it still had a good lesson in helping others when they need help, but I respect your opinions.

Season 2 was the start of the REALISTIC, GOLDEN PEAK ERA OF THOMAS!😂

I like Better Late Than Never because the moral is about taking your time over rushing just to get somewhere. To me the viaduct scene is both a metaphorical and literal example of that, and does it perfectly. It shows us engines literally taking their time while the episode itself takes its time in showing you all of it. And then directly afterwards, it picks back up because Thomas has still to learn that lesson. It's not a great episode but I think its' much better than most give it credit for. I personally don't like Middle Engine because, as said in the video: the story is clunky, the loading ramp scene is way too unrealistic for my liking, and the lack of any real consequences except James, including an unjust one for Percy, really drags it down. Not to mention that the engines could easily just shunt the trucks in front of them into a siding at any moment and be done with it. Honestly all you really need to do to fix this episode is include Splatter and Dodge over 'Arry and Bert and give Percy a different accident that involves the trucks, and it'd be fine. If you really wanted to make it great than make it about Oliver and the autocoaches, since his basis actually did run in the middle of push-pull trains, sometimes while pulling trucks as well. Just make James look down at Oliver for doing and have him and Percy think of ways to get back at him. As for the other Season 6 episodes, the only one I'd agree is actually bad is Rusty Saves the Day. I'd rather watch any of those other episodes than Middle Engine. Buffer Bother is fine, it actually fits with their characters, Twin Trouble is a story that doesn't make any sense character-wise. And finally everyone says just have The Old Bridge take place in their younger days, because that would actually fix all the issues people have with it. Personally I'd want it to bring more of a subtle focus on Skarloey dealing with trauma (that's basically what happens anyway), but other than that it's fine. Also personally I like What's the Matter with Henry because Thomas and Percy are basically more akin to their _Railway Series_ counterparts, being overly cheeky. Not to mention this is really the first time Henry has complained of technical faults since his rebuild, it makes sense they'd be skeptical and try to test him. But the main reason I like What's the Matter with Henry is because it's such a good showcase of Emily's true character. She's someone who is well intentioned and caring, but also has a strong moral compass of what she feels is right and wrong. She's more or less a voice of reason, but won't sugarcoat anything if someone's doing something stupid she'll point it out bluntly and make the point as plain as it as it can if she feel it's deserved (unlike Edward or Toby). She's the only character who shows actual honest sympathy towards Henry and subtly gets Thomas and Percy to realize what they did was wrong.

This isn't a joke, I'm really curious as to know why you don't like No Sleep for Cranky and Elizabeth the Vintage Lorry. THE OLD BRIDGE COUNTER-DEFENCE: 1) you're saying skarloey's character regression is excusable? 2) some people say that skarloey being out of character can be excused because it could have taken place before the events of the main show. i say that for that to work, it should actually say that 3) personally, i hate the sets for the skarloey here because they look so lifeless and dry. you also can't see any mountains in the background, unlike seasons 4 and 5 4) you cant just say that skarloey and rheneas' character voices arent that bad and just not explain why. you're saying you're fine with them going from their previous voices to being the season 7 voices. are you sure?

In my opinion the way The Old Bridge could be better is simple, replace Skarloey and Rheneas with Sir Handel and Peter Sam. Sir Handel could be scared because he gets flashbacks from Bulldog and Peter Sam could be a callback to when he lost his trucks in Duncan Gets Spooked hence why he's unlucky with bridges. Also I agree while these episodes are underwhelming they are FAR from the worst in my opinion, also I actually liked No Sleep For Cranky but that's my opinion.

I Think, My Opinion on "The Middle Engine" Is Exactly The Same as Yours. I Don't Like The Fact, Percy Was Punished Instead of Henry or That Arry and Bert Weren't Punished For Their Behavior, But The Rest Is Actually Fitting.

Peace and quiet is the best episode ever

i can feel my obsession from middle school coming back

I can agree for every classic era episode that is label bad still has good elements in those episodes. They are still classic era episodes but just below average compared to the rest of their season. Better Late Than Ever was slow but had great music, set design, and brought back Thomas and Bertie's friendly rivalry. Middle Engine is still bad to me but James is in character, Percy and the coaling plant is silly but still cool to watch, and the quote "Little Piggy in the middle" stuck with me as a kid. The Old Bridge is an episode with missed potential. Skarloey acts how he was in Old Litte Engines. They just had to change a few and the episode would be good. The only criticism I had was when you mentioned all the episodes that are worse than Middle Engine. No Sleep For Cranky is a good episode but it reflects on Cranky true character is like how The Unlucky Tug talked about in his video about Cranky.

I have to admit that some episodes are better than others in the Classic era, but overall the Classic era is my favourite era. This is especially true for the UK dub since, after hearing some of the US dub, I find the voices of Ringo Starr and Michael Angelis easier on the ears. Also, the impressions Michael Angelis does for characters like James are hilarous. Truly worth watching and listening to.

You should do a ranking video of Season 6

can you do top ten worst rws/tvs characters in existence?

"Better Late Than Never": I've always loved this episode. Hell, it's one of my favorites from Season Two. I like the calm atmosphere and I do live the opening as I love the Viaduct Theme and it's a short break from another arc as what Season Two was known for. "Middle Engine": I've always liked this episode, also. The only thing I've never liked was Sir Topham Hatt getting angry at Percy for getting on the tipper's loading ramp when it wasn't his fault. "The Old Bridge": To me, this episode is just okay. I don't hate it, but I think it is overhated. There is worse in Season Seven. I personally think "Rheneas And The Roller Coaster" is a worse episode than this

The Old Bridge works for me a lot more than later HiT era episodes where Skarloey is scared of something for one reason and one reason alone - Skarloey actually had a reason for being scared. Yeah, sure, you could argue that he's old enough to know that the bridge is now safe, but there's just one teensy-weensy but ever so crucial little tiny detail.... HE NEARLY FRICKIN' DIED!! Even the oldest and wisest of men are going to be cautious about repeating something that nearly cost them their lives.

I feel like Better Late Than Never, and the rest of More From Thomas, would have worked more effectively at the end of Season Two. Those stories were explaining why Thomas acts the way he does in that season and were meant to show him growing out of it. In that case, it gave reason to why he's such a huffy ass about being made late, because another huffy ass teases HIM about making them late. Bertie being humbled in the end meant Thomas didn't have to act up either. But alas it played in the middle of the season, and he's back to his usual asshole self in episodes like Wooly Bear.

Ngl I’d purchase some “you don’t fuck with the Fat Controller” merch!

Can you do why is the hit era overhated or best of the hit era

I don’t hate better late than never. I honestly enjoy every episode of the first 5 seasons.

3:07 did Henry forget his train like Thomas did all those years ago

I don’t enjoy Buffer Bother, but at least it’s in character for Bill and Ben. They’d argue about petty things, the episode is still bad. The Old Bridge is trash, and the worst episode of the classic era. Skarloey is OOC, and the episode started the series-long degradation of his character. The moral is just a surface level excuse to excuse every other flaw in the episode.

Perhaps better late than never didn't need to get adapted

I never hated any of these three. I am quite fond of Better late than never, And i am neutral on Middle engine and the old bridge. And i did enjoy the opening piece that plays at the start of TOB with the new music better than the original music. The og music was so off key in s7.

I'm going to be honest about The Old Bridge. I think that Skarloey may be written out of character slightly but not enough to warent him being completely out of character, I'm sure if you got stuck on a collapsing bridge were you had to stair straight down till help arrived you would prob have some bad PTSD from that even if your Skarloey who at the end of the episode does what S4 Skarloey would have done which is perservier to help others despite the pain or trauma that it causes himself. I really think the hate towards season 6 and 7 comes from the fact that annoying tendencies that continue in the HIT era can be traced to episodes from those seasons, but still compared to the next 8 seasons of absolute crap we got I like seasons 6-7 their below average compared to season 3-4 but most things would be.

I admit I use to like Middle Engine until 2020

Hit era seriously made Sharloey out of character until cgi did fix his older and wise brave engine

1:50 I disagree. Ringo's line delivery here was funnier than Carlin's.

The Old Bridge is a great episode imo

Better Late than Never: I really like the moral of this one. An episode being dialogue heavy doesn’t automatically make it boring. Middle Engine: Topham is a total dick but aside from that I think this is a solid Percy/James Episode. The Old Bridge: This episode has a really good message about overcoming your fear. It is pretty out of character for Skarloey to leave Rheneas to do his work but I don’t fault him for being nervous here.

Most episodes of the Hit Era

I have a lot of nostalgia with the old bridge, I belive it was one of the only vhs' we had? And I would always watch it whenever I went to my grandmas, I belive it was one of the first episodes that would play on it 😂 the inconsistencies never bothered me and I still liked skarloey after watching it

Always liked Middle Engine 🤷

Personally, I still don’t like Middle Engine. Heck, I didn’t like it so much that I rewrote it. Twice. Once on FanFiction in a collection of stories I wrote back in 2021 and again as a stand-alone on Google Docs a few months back. Now it’s not THE worst episode of Season 6 (Edward The Really Useful Engine & Buffer Bother are WAY worse), but it’s still Top 3 worst. Buffer Bother was bad because of the same reasons you said. But ETRUE, it’s just the show’s attempt at doing Super Rescue, and failing at it.

My pick for a Thomas episode that everyone overhates: Percy and the Haunted Mine. Come on people. It ain't that bad. Maithwait (However you pronounce it) is a pretty set. The Haunted mine itself is a SPOOPY AF location, seriously who would DARE stay there at night. Couldn't bet me a dollar.😰 And Percy's fear is justified cause, HAVE YOU SEEN LAWN GNOMES IRL??? I Don't trust those fucking things😳😰

Sleeping beauty is considered mid?

BLTN is not overhated at all they should have adapted drip tank and made that saga go on longer

*COAL* cars

7:19 *mid*

I always enjoyed Middle Engine as a kid. I enjoyed James getting karma, the tipper's loading ramp scene, whilst being unrealistic, was funny, and the horn playing TFC's theme just makes me laugh even to this day. Also, people complain about it being "The most Unrealistic" episode in series 6, Uhh Hello people, Isn't your favourite episode from series 6 Thomas and the Jet Engine, literally THE MOST unrealistic of the series, cause if anything, the tipper's loading ramp is the least unrealistic of the unrealistic ideas used.

Huh?

Better late than ever = 👍

Episodes Like Dont be silly Billy or saving time could be on tihs list