Series 18: Timothy and the Rainbow Truck

Another day, another review. Here are my thoughts on Timothy and the Rainbow Truck!

So... much... filler...

Yeah, that's actually the biggest problem with this episode: half of it is completely pointless and uninteresting. This could have been cut to 4 minutes 30 and it would have been the same, maybe even better.

The scenes at the start that introduce the characters were especially unnecessary. I thought that we'd got past this need to introduce characters that kids would already know about? I'm not saying the series is taking a turn for the worse as there have been many brilliant episodes throughout the eighteenth. But this one is a real blemish.

The scene with Salty in it also felt a lot like Bill or Ben?, only on a smaller scale. Yes, it was entertaining to a degree, but we've seen it before.

And then there's Timothy's performance. It's alright, but the episode is far too repetitive for me to really enjoy it. It also feels a lot like Paxton's previous performances, only they're focusing on gullibility rather than naivety (although some would argue they're pretty similar).

What's more, there's no real incentive for Timothy to try and find a rainbow truck. The twins could have easily made up a ridiculous excuse to try and find one! It'll bring good luck, it's magic. Anything would've done! This concept was done much better in The Fairly OddParents episode The Big Bash when Cupid gathered fairies and their kids together for a "scavenger hunt" through time and space for "rule free wishes", when all they actually did was Cupid's shopping since he didn't want to get the things himself.

There are some positives though. Again, every time the twins are on screen, they are pretty entertaining. And they actually did get punished for sending Timothy on a fool's errand. Although (nitpick) wouldn't the clay pits have a manager to scold the twins rather than the Fat Controller?

I also liked how the conflict resolved itself. It was pretty unique, and it was a lot better than simply finding a rainbow coloured truck. And it did feel good to see Timothy put one over the twins after seeing how much he'd gone through.

And, as usual, I loved the animation, music and the voice acting. Timothy's Brummie accent seems to have become a bit stronger and the twins' interactions are still pretty memorable.

Fan Reaction

Not sure what to make of #TATRT. It's a nice episode, but not the best. The ending scene is hilarious! Confused about this 1 #ThomasSeries18
— SteamTeam (@SteamTeam3211) January 14, 2015

@DuckFan98Wiki ...backfired on Bill and Ben is hilarious. A solid 8 / 10 from me! #TATRT #ThomasSeries18
— Tom (@DuckFan98Wiki) January 9, 2015

TATRT Padding and Padding. Although the conflict and the ending were good, the padding didn't help. But we did see Naive Tim #ThomasSeries18
— SodorRailway3DFilms (@SodorR3D) January 14, 2015

#TATRT #Thomasseries18 Another great ep, Lovely Choice of characters, The Duchess dress was...Horrible :P 8/10 Timothy is becoming a fave!
— Ollie M (@Butchbertiefan) January 9, 2015

#TATRT #ThomasSeries18 Quite a slow episode really. The end makes up for it with classic Bill and Ben. I Liked "fools errand" being said.
— Rail Inspector (@RailInspector) January 9, 2015

The Mad Controller's Corner

Who doesn't love playing tricks on Marion? I once told her to dig up the cricket field and she did it! It was hilarious! #ThomasSeries18
— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) January 14, 2015

Marion should've gone to Specsavers I think. Even I can see Bill and Ben's nameplates. Stupid steam-shovel-thingy. #ThomasSeries18
— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) January 14, 2015

Salty can't see either? I have a feeling I should be claiming benefits for my engines... #ThomasSeries18
— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) January 14, 2015

What the hell is Thomas doing pulling those trucks? No wonder all the passengers complain about his branch line. Useless. #ThomasSeries18
— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) January 14, 2015

If you're wondering where those multi-coloured trucks came from, it was me. Thought the docks needed brightening up a bit. #ThomasSeries18
— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) January 14, 2015

What on earth is the duchess wearing? Is she on LSD again? #ThomasSeries18
— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) January 14, 2015

That truck of rubbish was mine. It's the leftovers from all my picnics in 2013. #ThomasSeries18
— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) January 14, 2015

Don't tell anyone, but the smell wasn't coming from the truck. I had curry for lunch and I am a firm believer in sharing. #ThomasSeries18
— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) January 14, 2015

Look at Marion trying to sneak into the shot. All about getting as many appearances as possible, that one! #ThomasSeries18
— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) January 14, 2015

My summary: Three Brummies and a chatterbox digging-thingy - you can see why I don't go to the Claypits much. Awful episode #ThomasSeries18
— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) January 14, 2015

Final Thoughts

It says a lot about how good this series has been when its first dud appears 23 episodes in. It's full of padding, it's too repetitive and many of the scenes with Timothy on his own are pretty dull. I wouldn't say it was terrible, as there are some entertaining moments, but overall it's just... meh.

Episode Ratings

Old Reliable Edward: 9/10
Not So Slow Coaches: 7/10
Flatbeds of Fear: 6/10
Disappearing Diesels: 9/10
Signals Crossed: 5/10
Toad's Adventure: 8/10
Duck in the Water: 7/10
Duck and the Slip Coaches: 10/10
Thomas the Quarry Engine: 9/10
Thomas and the Emergency Cable: 7/10
Duncan and the Grumpy Passenger: 8/10
Marion and the Pipe: 7/10
Missing Gator: 8/10
No Steam Without Coal: 9/10
Spencer's VIP: 9/10
Toad's Bright Idea: 8/10
Long Lost Friend: 7/10
Last Train for Christmas: 10/10
Duncan the Humbug: 10/10
The Perfect Gift: 8/10
Marion and the Dinosaurs: 7/10
Millie and the Volcano: 5/10
Timothy and the Rainbow Truck: 3/10

Series Rating (so far)

176/230