Haven't done this for a while, so here's my review of the third week of Season 17!
11. The Lost Puff: I was worried about this one initially, but it proved itself... Mostly. There is some great dialogue in there, especially between Stephen and Paxton, and between Toby and, well, everyone. In general, the animation is superb: the ten-week hiatus clearly gave Arc time to refine and improve the animation. And a shoutout to the duck. Pure class.
However, I will question where Paxton was taking his load. In my mind, it seems that they gave Paxton trucks so that he wouldn't be wandering around light-engine. But overall, the good points outweighed the bad! 8.5 / 10
12. The Thomas Way: I tried to watch this from a neutral viewpoint. I really did. But when the first thing that the narrator said after the title was 'Montague', I gave up!
The introduction about Duck was wonderful. Considering the fact that the target audience won't remember him – if they were around at all – it was done informatively, but briefly. And the shot of Duck at Paddington Station was the highlight of the episode.
Duck's personality was perfect throughout, and clashed with Thomas' throughout. But can someone get Duck a thesaurus? "Directly and promptly" was wearing thin by the end. 9 / 10
13. The Phantom Express: This one wasn't bad, by any means. It was just slightly disappointing. I did like the fact that it was a spooky episode, trying to teach kids that ghosts aren't real. And it was infinitely better than Percy and the Monster of Brendam from the previous year.
However, there was something it lacked. The music was a letdown for the first time this season. It wasn't spooky. At all. It sounded far too jovial.
And Stephen was hugely out of character. He goes from making wonderful sarcastic remarks about James' story, to being terrified the instant an owl (which looked amazing) hoots. Thoroughly disappointing. 7 / 10
14. Percy's Lucky Day: To quote Henry, from this year's SiF Christmas Speech, "Stephen. Stephen. Always ****** Stephen!" And, if I'm honest, I agree with him. Stephen has had far too much to do this season. Why not Edward giving Percy the horseshoe? Or, if they really want to spice things up, Skarloey?
No, ignoring Stephen, this was a very good episode. Bill and Ben look and sound amazing, and I liked the reference to the Classic Series with the green handkerchief. Too many people are superstitious nowadays, so it was pleasant to see Mr Moore trying to stop the idea of good and bad luck! 8 / 10
15. Bill or Ben?: This episode is up on my top three for its pure brilliance. Bill and Ben have gone from being mischievous but rather sweet in the RWS and Classic Series, to little demons, always thinking up a new trick! And I love that.
I think everyone felt a bit sorry for Connor for the Twins' treatment of him, and even more sorry for Kevin, who was just trying to do the right thing. (I could question if blackmailing someone by threatening to tell a higher authority is the best message to send out to kids, but perhaps I'm overthinking it.)
Although how fans can compare them to Wilfred is beyond me. Apart from the fact that they're blue and saddle tanks, I see no resemblance. But someone else might have a different opinion! 9 / 10