Edward Strikes Out (Thomas & Friends)
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 This is not the Edward we know and hold dear. It's an imposter posing as Edward.
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"What in the MOTHER OF GOD did they do to Edward?"
— James A. Williams
"Edward Strikes Out" is the seventeenth episode from the tenth series of Thomas and Friends, it first aired on October 10th, 2006 in the UK and October 29, 2006 in the US on PBS Kids.
Plot
Badly influenced by Gordon, Edward is rude to a new crane named Rocky, but soon he realizes his mistake.
Why It's a New-Fangled Nonsense and Should Strike Out
- Edward is portrayed at his absolute worst, deviating significantly from his character by dismissing Rocky as 'new-fangled nonsense.' Typically depicted as kind and wise, Edward is uncharacteristically cast in this narrative, as he is not known to be swayed by deceit or to judge newcomers by their appearance unjustly. A more fitting role for this episode would likely have been James or Gordon, whose personalities starkly contrast with Edward's, potentially improving the episode's dynamics.
- The situation deteriorates further when Edward's abrupt shift in behavior is triggered solely by a falsehood Gordon spread about Rocky. It's quite apparent that Gordon excels in manipulation, which is nonsensical considering Edward typically disregards his arrogance and pays little heed to it.
- Edward speaks ill of Rocky not only behind his back but also directly to his face. What could possibly justify his behavior?
- It is worth noting that Edward's behavior in "Harvey to the Rescue" and "Thomas and the New Engine" was out of character, as he made a harsh comment about Harvey in the former and believed and spread a rumor about Neville in the latter. However, these instances were brief and not as extreme as depicted in this episode.
- Similarly to James' attitude in "Tale of the Brave", Edward somehow at first doesn't want to get Rocky to clean up the mess he caused even after various incidents happen during the episode. That's right! From what reason #3 already said; it's because he believed Gordon's lie.
- In this episode, Gordon is portrayed poorly, though not as severely as Edward. He appears foolish for not realizing that he was quoted saying Rocky "never moves unless another engine pulls him." It's out of character for Gordon, who is typically depicted accurately. This episode misrepresents him, contributing to Edward's unfavorable portrayal. Nonetheless, this does not justify Edward's behavior towards Rocky, as he should know not to heed Gordon's critical remarks.
- Emily is also unlikable, expressing her impatience while waiting with Thomas for Harvey to clean up Edward's mess, which is typical of her character's flanderization in Seasons 8-10.
- This episode seems like a rehash of "Harvey to the Rescue," albeit with the notion of a railway newcomer being misjudged executed more adeptly in the aforementioned episode.
- Edward and Gordon ought to be aware that a breakdown crane is not capable of moving on its own.
- The notorious line, "I don’t need your help, new-fangled nonsense!", which becomes even more jarring when uttered by Edward, who is characteristically unlikely to say such a thing.
- Continuity error and plot hole: When Harvey arrives to clean up the spilled pipes, the narrator mentions that he can only lift them individually. Yet, in two previous episodes, "Harvey to the Rescue" and "No Sleep for Cranky," Harvey was depicted as being able to effortlessly lift Percy back onto the tracks and a broken shed, respectively. It would be expected that Harvey could easily lift several pipes simultaneously.
- Some believe that this episode marked the beginning of Edward's flanderization. However, it was actually "Edward and the Mail" that initiated this trend, as from Seasons 11-16, he is depicted more as a wimp than the judgmental jerk portrayed in this episode.
- Although unintended, this episode conveys a poor moral lesson about the acceptability of judging people without properly getting to know them.
Redeeming Qualities
- Edward is charming and true to character at the start of the episode, and fortunately, by the end, he redeems himself. Realizing his mistakes, he offers an apology to Rocky for his earlier behavior.
- Gordon's accident not only justified his actions but also persuaded Edward, who had been rude to Rocky, to seek Rocky's assistance.
- Fortunately, Edward's judgmental and unpleasant persona in this episode is not seen again, as he reverts to his normal self in subsequent episodes, despite his flanderization as a wimp in Seasons 11-16.
- Despite apparent foolishness, one would expect a character like Gordon, who is both pompous and arrogant, to receive a fitting comeuppance for his actions in a story such as this.
- This episode introduced Rocky, in which by Rocky himself, he's a great addition to the recurring cast.
- Thomas, Percy, Harvey, and Rocky are endearing characters in this episode.
Reception
"Edward Strikes Out" faced widespread criticism from both fans and critics, mainly for the portrayal of Edward's character as overly negative and out of character, earning a 2.5 rating on IMDb.com. It stands as one of the second-lowest rated episodes in the Thomas & Friends series.
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