James to the Rescue (Thomas & Friends)

"James to the Rescue"
"Steam trams can't be rescue engines!" Seriously, James?
Series: Thomas & Friends Part of Season: 15 Episode Number: 6 Air Date: March 8, 2011 (UK) April 17, 2011 (US) Writer: Sharon Miller Director: Greg Tiernan Previous episode: "Edward the Hero" Next episode: "Happy Hiro"

"James to the Rescue" is the sixth episode of Season 15 of Thomas & Friends, it aired on March 8, 2011 in the UK and on April 17, 2011 in the US.

Why It's Not Really Splendid

1. It is simply a nine-minute episode featuring Toby and Gordon in distress.
2. In this episode, James is portrayed as particularly unlikeable and behaves out of character. He tells Toby that he cannot be a Rescue Engine simply because he is a steam tram, not a steam engine, which is incorrect since a tram is a type of steam engine. James's statement comes off as mean-spirited, implying Toby's lack of usefulness. Furthermore, when advised to use Rocky to re-rail Gordon, James stubbornly refuses, adhering to the nonsensical 'three strikes' rule, and attempts to do it alone three times. His final attempt results in his own derailment, after which he requests Toby's assistance to fetch Rocky. This plot device seems designed to eventually redeem James, reminiscent of a typical Seasons 9-16 episode.
   • James should know that he can't get Gordon back on the rails by just pushing or pulling him. At first, only Gordon's two frontmost bogey wheels are off the track, which the drivers could easily lift back onto the rails without needing heavy equipment like Rocky. Naturally, James derails Gordon further with his attempts because again, pushing him is not any more helpful either.
3. Thomas is justified in confronting James over his prejudiced remarks. However, it comes across as hypocritical because in "Misty Island Rescue," Thomas himself makes derogatory comments towards Diesel, suggesting that Sir Topham Hatt prefers a useful "steamie" and implying Diesel cannot be useful due to being a diesel engine. This perspective, although influenced by Diesel's cunning behavior, is ultimately validated when Thomas ends up rescuing Diesel.
4. Much like "Push Me, Pull You", it conveys a poor moral message to children that one should not seek any help and be selfish. However, "Push Me, Pull You!" is even worse than "James to the Rescue" in this regard.
5. This episode seems reminiscent of "Saved You!" since both feature Thomas/James trying to rescue someone but failing due to their portrayal as foolish, which allows the three strikes formula to advance.
6. As in your typical Sharon Miller era episode, there is a lot of unnecessary narration that states the obvious.
7. The concept of a "Rescue Engine for the Day" seems redundant because any nearby engine can be summoned for assistance. It appears to be nothing more than a means to boost James's ego.
   • Also, Rosie is seen pushing Rocky at the Rescue Centre. She could have been designated as a Rescue Engine alongside James and Toby, considering she is a character utilized by HiT Entertainment. However, it appears that HiT Entertainment has not pursued this, possibly due to their focus on Thomas and the core group of engines known as the Steam Team.
8. As typical in this era, the drivers and firemen just stand in the cabs and work the engine controls. They couldn't even be bothered to come out and examine Gordon's situation!
   • And after James crashes into the mud, the engine crews are seen climbing out without a scratch! Pretty remarkable given how James was pushed down into the mud under Gordon's weight.
9. Although Toby is one of the few main characters with sense in this episode, he could have fetched Rocky earlier, knowing that James would likely ignore his advice, rather than waiting until the last minute after James had already crashed into Gordon. It would have been humorous if Toby had gone to get Rocky and the crash occurred during his absence. Unfortunately, the crash transpires on the third strike, and Toby's retrieval of Rocky is delayed until the final moment, a squandered opportunity for a comedic scene.
10. James' line, "Uh, Toby? Sodor Rescue Engines are STEAM engines. You are a steam tram. Steam trams can't be rescue engines!" is overly elongated, particularly in the US dub, as if to stress each word so that children understand the dialogue and it's blatantly clear that James is mistaken in this episode.

Redeeming Qualities

1. Gordon, Toby and Thomas are still likable in this episode,.
   • This is one of the rare episodes in Seasons 9-16 where Toby remains true to character, not being depicted as a cowardly wuss. This is demonstrated by him directing James to fetch Rocky and orchestrating Rocky's rescue of James and Gordon at the episode's conclusion, albeit belatedly.
2. James's third attempt to try and get Gordon out of the mud with only him crashing himself and Gordon is arguably the most awesome thing to come from this episode.
3. Both dubs feature excellent narration and voice acting.
4. The rivalry between James and Toby is depicted in full CGI when they appear together in this episode. However, James' rudeness towards Toby is excessive and crosses the line.

Reception

"James to the Rescue" received mostly negative reviews, being criticized for James' unlikeable attitude, the bad writing, and the poor moral it sent. Though, this episode received some praise for its crash between James and Gordon.

It received a 3.5 rating on IMDb.

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