Skarloey the Brave (Thomas & Friends)

"Skarloey the Brave"
After that infamous Skarloey scene, he would never be the same again for a long time.
Series: Thomas & Friends Part of Season: 9 Episode Number: 22 Air Date: November 11, 2005 (UK) - November 13, 2005 (US) Writer: Paul Larson Director: Steve Asquith Previous episode: "Bold and Brave" Next episode: "Saving Edward"

Skarloey the Brave is the 22nd episode of Season 9 of Thomas & Friends, it aired on November 11, 2005, in the UK on Nick Jr. and two days later on November 13, 2005, in the US on PBS Kids.

Why Skarloey Isn't The Bravest Engine In The World

1. The concept of this episode is poorly executed, as it portrays Skarloey attempting to demonstrate his bravery through reckless actions, such as breaking the incline winch to accelerate to high speeds.
2. While some believe that Skarloey's flanderization began with "The Old Bridge", it is actually this particular episode that marks the start of his flanderization. In it, Skarloey perceives himself as brave but exhibits behavior that is noticeably and excessively childish.
   • Rheneas is not much better, exhibiting childish behavior, though not to the extent of Skarloey.
3. Skarloey becomes upset for not being recognized as the brave engine, which seems rather childish. One would think he should feel relieved for having avoided a collision with the runaway trucks.
4. Skarloey's choice to be hauled up the incline is unwise, reckless, and hazardous.
5. The infamous scene where Skarloey exclaims "WEEEE!!" as he speeds down the incline is often considered cringeworthy, particularly in the US dub. See it for yourself! (4:05)
   • While Michael Angelis sounded OK and not too cringeworthy, Michael Brandon on the other hand sounded even worse here.
6. Why didn't the crew inform Skarloey about the danger of his actions? Moreover, why wasn't he uncoupled before the trucks were attached? And indeed, where was his crew at that time?
7. Thomas' appearance in this episode seems unnecessary given that his presence at the Skarloey Railway, hauling a train of coal trucks, is not explained beyond serving the plot.
8. It secretly sends a moral to children that you can enjoy something dangerous happening to you.
9. For some reason, the Skarloey Railway theme composed by Robert Hartshorne is two keys higher at the beginning of the episode and it noticeably sounds really bad to listen to.
10. It's the Thomas & Friends version of "A Life in a Day" from SpongeBob SquarePants, except the episode was made before the latter, and its premise is done 100% wrong as said episode at least had a good moral about not risking your life in dangerous activities and how much that episode shows the audience why actions like these can affect anyone's lives. But this episode does the opposite and never takes itself seriously.
11. Skarloey and Rheneas even feel like they are being miscast, it would've made more sense if this episode had Duncan and Sir Handel taking their roles instead. The episode also could have worked if it had taken place when Skarloey and Rheneas were younger, but of course, in this era, HiT Entertainment displayed a dismissive attitude towards Awdry's lore.

Redeeming Qualities

1. Good narration from Michael Brandon (minus the "WEEEE!!" part in his narration, and his voices for Skarloey and Rheneas) and Michael Angelis.
2. As usually expected from the model era, the sets look cool, even in the wintery environment.
3. The episode's beginning shots with Skarloey pulling trucks on the railway mountain pays out a nice homage to the Season 5 episode, "Snow".
4. The German version of Skarloey's "WEEEE!!" is hilarious.
5. Duncan is tolerable in this episode.

Reception

Skarloey the Brave was heavily panned by fans and critics alike, with many considering it to be the official beginning of Skarloey and Rheneas's flanderization. It received a 3.9 on IMDb.

Comments

Loading comments...