Series 19: Very Important Sheep

Day two of Channel 5's Thomas Week, as well as my bumper eleven day marathon to review every episode released this week (including the ones from Start Your Engines!). Anyway, here are my thoughts on Very Important Sheep!

Over the past few years, Brenner, McCue and co. have taken concepts that didn't work before and tried to make them better. The Thomas Way improved on the basic concept of Up, Up and Away!, Too Many Fire Engines vastly improved upon Race to the Rescue's conflict and they tried hard to improve Charlie. But there was one concept that I thought they'd never get right: the one from Wonky Whistle and Muddy Matters.

Enter Helen Farrall, who produced this absolute gem. Everything about the story makes absolute sense; no one is made to look completely incompetent and the animals are well looked after by all the people they come in contact with.

I also really like that the whole thing took place on a genuine representation of the Ffarquhar branch line. Hopefully this is another step (like Toad & the Whale taking place on the Little Western) to give the engines their own distinguished roles on their own routes. Granted, Thomas may still be shoehorned into scenarios he shouldn't really have any business with, but at least we have a starting point.

Annie's characterisation really interested me. She's never really been shown to be anything other than Thomas' guardian, but here she's shown to care a lot about her own appearance which I quite like... as long as they don't make her really snobby in the future..! It provided some good comedy and a great opportunity to see how well she and Clarabel interacted with each other.

I think the only real issue I have with it is that it can get a bit dull and repetitive, but to Helen's credit, at least Percy's stoppages were all unique. Thomas' though? That's where things get predictable as you know where he'll stop, and you know he'll only be cleaning up Percy's mess.

Fan Reaction

@SteamTeam3211 That said, my mum watched it this morning, and she quite liked it - she thought the lambs and piglets were cute! #S19VIS

— SteamTeam (@SteamTeam3211) March 15, 2016

@SteamTeam3211 I mean, I still find the episode boring so it can't be that good considering how much I love Chris Awdry's books. #S19VIS

— SteamTeam (@SteamTeam3211) March 15, 2016

Keep It Simple Stupid. Plus it was nice to see Trevor again :) All in all, a sweet episode on Thomas' Branchline that doesn't rely on action

— Niceptic (@MarioOnage64) March 15, 2016

Very Important Sheep certainly knows how to have admirable moments and soothing soundtrack, not too dramatic ~ just plain simple.#S19VIS

— Daniel Coffey (@DanCoffey1991) March 15, 2016

#S19VIS S19 is packed with action, suspense and drama. But this kinda sets apart from the rest as it's just so relaxing. It's basically--

— Isle (@islandofodor) March 14, 2016

#S19VIS --Wonky Whistle and Muddy Matters done right. Which I thought weren't actually fixable.

— Isle (@islandofodor) March 14, 2016

#S19VIS A really good episode. Nice simple plot, and it works out well, and makes sense. It's Wonky Whistle done right! Trevor cameo too! :P

— Chris (@SunilFan48) March 14, 2016

#S19VIS Annie and Clarabel are enjoyable, but overall, it's a dull episode that feels like it's been stretched out from two minutes to nine.

— Thomas (@NWSodor23) March 14, 2016

The Mad Controller's Corner

Suppose I best watch today's episode. As if I haven't got enough to do! Finding sutible premises for offices is no easy take, you know!

— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) March 15, 2016

There I am. We're off to a good start!

— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) March 15, 2016

I should do stand-up really! Have you heard the one about the nun with very loose morals? No, I haven't either but I bet it's funny!

— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) March 15, 2016

No wonder the Royal Mail is in such a state with Percy being involved! A recipe for disaster and no mistake!

— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) March 15, 2016

It's almost as if those rails were put on that flatbed haphazardly on purpose...

— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) March 15, 2016

Since when do guards where workmen's outfits I hear you ask? When I can't be bothered to buy more guard uniforms, is the answer.

— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) March 15, 2016

Piglet on the line! I wonder where Pooh is?
See, I told you I should do stand-up.

— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) March 15, 2016

Fancy stopping for a bloody lamb! I'm not running a petting zoo.

Although, that's not a bad idea. I know where I can aquire some lambs...

— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) March 15, 2016

Watch out Thomas! I think Annie's getting broody!

— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) March 15, 2016

@NWRMadMan been around much lately. The vicars trying to get him through therapy and filming the TV series would be a distraction apparently

— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) March 15, 2016

As the old saying goes: If you want a job doing properly, don't give it to Percy to do.

— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) March 15, 2016

That episode was absolute rubbish. I now have a craving for lamb chops, so if you'll excuse me, I'm off to the farm. Bye bye!

— The Mad Controller (@NWRMadMan) March 15, 2016

Final Thoughts

Helen Farrall is fast becoming my favourite writer currently working on the show, and it really says a lot when I think that this, despite being excellent, is my least favourite effort from her. Despite it being a bit dull in areas, the story is still really strong with good pacing, understandable actions and a piglet that is absolutely hilarious yet adorable. Oh yeah, and I think a certain traction engine showed up somewhere..?

Episode Ratings

Who's Geoffrey?: 8/10
The Truth About Toby: 7/10
Lost Property: 9/10
Henry Spots Trouble: 8/10
A Cranky Christmas: 4/10
Snow Place Like Home: 8/10
The Beast of Sodor: 5/10
Diesel's Ghostly Christmas: 6/10
Wild Water Rescue: 8/10
Toad & the Whale: 10/10
Very Important Sheep: 8/10

Series Rating (so far)

81/110