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I may do another one with more than just Thomas characters someday, but for now this will have to suffice.

Reminder that these are solely my own opinions and not the Thomas fanbase's as a whole.

Because they're interesting: Rosie
Most of the new characters from the HiT Entertainment era weren't all that interesting, pretty much because they were solely created to sell merchandise (A tactic previously used for the Season 5 characters). However, Rosie was interesting, because her class (The SRA USA Dock Tank) replaced Thomas' class at Southampton Docks. I feel that was good story potential for an episode, but instead, Rosie was written off as a creepy stalker.

That being said, it was nice that the crew decided to give Rosie a makeover in the twenty-first season, even if the episode giving the reason why she was repainted will probably never surface up anytime soon. Rosie deserved way better.

Because they're cool: Oliver
Oliver was a really cool character. Sadly, he never got many appearances in the Railway Series, but in the television series, he got way more development... at least in Seasons 5 and 7. Ever since returning to CGI, he's pretty much served as Toad's engine. Oliver deserved to have his own episode during Series 18-21.

Speaking of CGI... no, I'm not bothered by Oliver's scaling. It's just a render for god's sake! The problem was that Duck was oversized at the time, especially during the scene where he and Oliver nearly collide in Spencer's VIP. But ever since Series 20/The Great Race, Duck's render was reduced in size, so that means Oliver's CGI render isn't a big deal anymore.

Because their character makes sense: Gordon
Over the years, I've come to like Gordon as one of my favorite characters, and that is because out of all the original Awdry engines, his character makes sense the most. Although he may be a boastful big engine, Gordon is a goodhearted engine and understands that his friends may need his help whenever they need him.

And yes, while some of his more recent episodes may be a little controversial, they at least gave Gordon a different side to his character, and show that he does care for others despite the way he treated them in the past and that other engines like doing things a different way.

Because they have flaws: Daisy
It's sad that Daisy never really got to do much in the classic era. But when she was brought back in CGI, she was amazing. Her character was entertaining whether she was with Diesel, Ryan, or Harvey. Not to mention, Tracy-Ann Oberman really nailed Daisy's voice!

Because they're smart: Edward
For being one of Awdry's first characters, Edward's a smart character. Although he may be old, he always helps everyone out when they get into difficulties or if they're rude and impatient.

No, I'm not bothered by the fact that he (as well as Henry and Toby) were written off the Steam Team. Even though Edward deserved more starring roles, at the same time... I'm glad he didn't get another episode where his personality was re-written just to fit the story (I'm looking at you, Steady, Eddie and Edward Strikes Out!).

Because they're misunderstood: Diesel
I don't think Diesel was that bad during Series 17-24. If anything, I think that his character was done way better than he was in the classic era just like Daisy. (Sure, he had a bit of a head-start in the HiT era, but it really took effect when Brenner took over.)

And I'll never not like his charismatic voice by Kerry Shale, it's entertaining and his singing voice in The Great Race was just fabulous from start to finish.

Because they're an archetype: Stephen
Stephen is one of the best characters introduced in the Brenner era. Although he's an old engine, Stephen's always a jolly fellow with a positive attitude and a good sense of humor. I adore his dynamic with Glynn and Millie, it's like a grandfather, little brother and granddaughter-like relationship!

This may be a bit controversial, but I don't mind how Stephen is portrayed as a Sodor resident despite the fact that he's a caricature of the Rocket. It's how Stepney's treatment by Britt Allcroft should have been done from the get-go.

Because I can relate: Theo
Although Journey Beyond Sodor is his only appearance in the whole television series (along with Lexi, Hurricane, and Frankie), I liked Theo a lot. The fact that he has autism just like me made me relate a lot to him. Sometimes, I feel that I can't do anything really well, but if I try... maybe I can become successful.

Because they have redeemable qualities: Bill and Ben
Bill and Ben are the funniest characters in the series. They may always love to play tricks, but deep down, they have redeeming qualities and realize that sometimes, their tricks go too far and try to fix what they did, as shown really well in Hunt the Truck from Season 22.

Because they're honest: Rebecca
Rebecca is one of the most purest characters introduced in the Big World Big Adventures era. She's an adorable cinnamon roll! Despite being a gentle giant, Rebecca is always honest and wants to see the best in all of her friends, whether they're snooty or sad.

And no, I don't see her as a rip-off of Molly, at least not anymore. Molly is practically what you'd call a Thomas-fied version of Fluttershy from My Little Pony, only not as strong as a character as Fluttershy. Rebecca on the other hand, is the complete opposite: She's a ray of sunshine and always trying to be happy, just like Pinkie Pie. I do see the potential in Molly, however; knowing HiT, they never bothered using her as they created her for only merchandise...

In conclusion; although the Rebecca vs. Molly debate is old news, sorry... I prefer Rebecca by a long shot.

Because they're nice: Ryan
Ryan was pretty bland in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure, but in both Seasons 20 and 21, he was great. Seeing him play off as a nice guy towards Daisy who was bratty was an interesting dynamic. I do wish we could have gotten more of Ryan, especially an episode on his own.

Because of subtext: Percy
Percy is one of my favorite characters because of not just subtext, but because he's a childhood favorite of mine! He's a bit like Thomas, only naïve.

Unlike Thomas, most of the episodes featuring Percy are more fitting than for him than Thomas, except maybe for episodes like Middle Engine, Panicky Percy, etc. But other than that, Percy's a good character.

Because of their hatedom: Philip
A lot of Thomas fans deem Philip as the most annoying character in the show, but I disagree. Philip's a way better character than what many make him out to be! I can be a little hyperactive like him sometimes despite my age, and he appeals to a demographic really well.

And no, I'm not bothered by the fact that he randomly moved to Wellsworth with Edward in Season 21, I thought that A Shed for Edward was Philip's (As well as one of Edward's) best episode of the whole series. It is a shame though; that ever since Big World! Big Adventures! happened, Edward and Philip's dynamic was never explored any further, because I saw the story potential with those two!

Because they're underrated: Beresford
Another character that I feel gets too much hate: Beresford the blue crane from Journey Beyond Sodor. Sure, he does come off as kind of jerkish by stopping Thomas just because he didn't want to be his friend, but anyone in real life could do that if they were lonely. Also, his small return in Thomas and the Royal Engine was nice to see.

Plus, I find it ironic that everyone hates Beresford, when in 2020/2021 pretty much everyone became stuck at home like him due to COVID-19. I found Beresford's short character arc in JBS to be one of the most impacting situations to the real world. (Maybe not entirely impacting, but still.)

Because they changed for the better: Sonny
Looking back at the Marvelous Machinery duology, it hasn't aged well. I'll admit, like Misty Island Rescue it did have potential to be actually good, but if only they didn't force the technology stuff!... In fact, the only stuff from Marvelous Machinery I would have been fine with would be the ferris wheel itself.

Knocking that out of the way... Sonny was the best character introduced in the specials. He had a voice actor who was very passionate about voicing the character, and his basis fits well into the Thomas universe. Sure, his character arc does come across as the same as Skiff's from Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure, but it was serviceable for the most part. Sonny was a bit quiet at first, but after settling in on Sodor and working with Thomas, he wanted to be really useful, and him standing up to Baz and Bernie later on was brave of him.

Like all other characters, Sonny had so much potential, but seeing that the reboot is happening, he's never going to be used ever again...

Because I can: Cleo
Out of all the non-rail characters introduced in the Big World Big Adventures era, Cleo is the only one I really got enjoyment out of. I don't care what others say about her, she's a adorable little baby who must be protected!

No, I don't think she doesn't fit in the Thomas universe, and I'm not even bothered by the scene where she gets elevated and turns around to avoid getting hit by Gordon. In a way, I see it as sort of a homage to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Herbie the Love Bug.

Even though Cleo the Road Engine and Cleo's First Snow are her only appearances, I thought Cleo was a fun little character, and I really hope one day she gets her own merchandise (If Mattel has time before the reboot, that is).

Thomas & Friends (C) The Awdry family, HiT Entertainment, and Mattel Television.
Original meme template made by .

Description
I may do another one with more than just Thomas characters someday, but for now this will have to suffice.

Reminder that these are solely my own opinions and not the Thomas fanbase's as a whole.

Because they're interesting: Rosie
Most of the new characters from the HiT Entertainment era weren't all that interesting, pretty much because they were solely created to sell merchandise (A tactic previously used for the Season 5 characters). However, Rosie was interesting, because her class (The SRA USA Dock Tank) replaced Thomas' class at Southampton Docks. I feel that was good story potential for an episode, but instead, Rosie was written off as a creepy stalker.

That being said, it was nice that the crew decided to give Rosie a makeover in the twenty-first season, even if the episode giving the reason why she was repainted will probably never surface up anytime soon. Rosie deserved way better.

Because they're cool: Oliver
Oliver was a really cool character. Sadly, he never got many appearances in the Railway Series, but in the television series, he got way more development... at least in Seasons 5 and 7. Ever since returning to CGI, he's pretty much served as Toad's engine. Oliver deserved to have his own episode during Series 18-21.

Speaking of CGI... no, I'm not bothered by Oliver's scaling. It's just a render for god's sake! The problem was that Duck was oversized at the time, especially during the scene where he and Oliver nearly collide in Spencer's VIP. But ever since Series 20/The Great Race, Duck's render was reduced in size, so that means Oliver's CGI render isn't a big deal anymore.

Because their character makes sense: Gordon
Over the years, I've come to like Gordon as one of my favorite characters, and that is because out of all the original Awdry engines, his character makes sense the most. Although he may be a boastful big engine, Gordon is a goodhearted engine and understands that his friends may need his help whenever they need him.

And yes, while some of his more recent episodes may be a little controversial, they at least gave Gordon a different side to his character, and show that he does care for others despite the way he treated them in the past and that other engines like doing things a different way.

Because they have flaws: Daisy
It's sad that Daisy never really got to do much in the classic era. But when she was brought back in CGI, she was amazing. Her character was entertaining whether she was with Diesel, Ryan, or Harvey. Not to mention, Tracy-Ann Oberman really nailed Daisy's voice!

Because they're smart: Edward
For being one of Awdry's first characters, Edward's a smart character. Although he may be old, he always helps everyone out when they get into difficulties or if they're rude and impatient.

No, I'm not bothered by the fact that he (as well as Henry and Toby) were written off the Steam Team. Even though Edward deserved more starring roles, at the same time... I'm glad he didn't get another episode where his personality was re-written just to fit the story (I'm looking at you, Steady, Eddie and Edward Strikes Out!).

Because they're misunderstood: Diesel
I don't think Diesel was that bad during Series 17-24. If anything, I think that his character was done way better than he was in the classic era just like Daisy. (Sure, he had a bit of a head-start in the HiT era, but it really took effect when Brenner took over.)

And I'll never not like his charismatic voice by Kerry Shale, it's entertaining and his singing voice in The Great Race was just fabulous from start to finish.

Because they're an archetype: Stephen
Stephen is one of the best characters introduced in the Brenner era. Although he's an old engine, Stephen's always a jolly fellow with a positive attitude and a good sense of humor. I adore his dynamic with Glynn and Millie, it's like a grandfather, little brother and granddaughter-like relationship!

This may be a bit controversial, but I don't mind how Stephen is portrayed as a Sodor resident despite the fact that he's a caricature of the Rocket. It's how Stepney's treatment by Britt Allcroft should have been done from the get-go.

Because I can relate: Theo
Although Journey Beyond Sodor is his only appearance in the whole television series (along with Lexi, Hurricane, and Frankie), I liked Theo a lot. The fact that he has autism just like me made me relate a lot to him. Sometimes, I feel that I can't do anything really well, but if I try... maybe I can become successful.

Because they have redeemable qualities: Bill and Ben
Bill and Ben are the funniest characters in the series. They may always love to play tricks, but deep down, they have redeeming qualities and realize that sometimes, their tricks go too far and try to fix what they did, as shown really well in Hunt the Truck from Season 22.

Because they're honest: Rebecca
Rebecca is one of the most purest characters introduced in the Big World Big Adventures era. She's an adorable cinnamon roll! Despite being a gentle giant, Rebecca is always honest and wants to see the best in all of her friends, whether they're snooty or sad.

And no, I don't see her as a rip-off of Molly, at least not anymore. Molly is practically what you'd call a Thomas-fied version of Fluttershy from My Little Pony, only not as strong as a character as Fluttershy. Rebecca on the other hand, is the complete opposite: She's a ray of sunshine and always trying to be happy, just like Pinkie Pie. I do see the potential in Molly, however; knowing HiT, they never bothered using her as they created her for only merchandise...

In conclusion; although the Rebecca vs. Molly debate is old news, sorry... I prefer Rebecca by a long shot.

Because they're nice: Ryan
Ryan was pretty bland in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure, but in both Seasons 20 and 21, he was great. Seeing him play off as a nice guy towards Daisy who was bratty was an interesting dynamic. I do wish we could have gotten more of Ryan, especially an episode on his own.

Because of subtext: Percy
Percy is one of my favorite characters because of not just subtext, but because he's a childhood favorite of mine! He's a bit like Thomas, only naïve.

Unlike Thomas, most of the episodes featuring Percy are more fitting than for him than Thomas, except maybe for episodes like Middle Engine, Panicky Percy, etc. But other than that, Percy's a good character.

Because of their hatedom: Philip
A lot of Thomas fans deem Philip as the most annoying character in the show, but I disagree. Philip's a way better character than what many make him out to be! I can be a little hyperactive like him sometimes despite my age, and he appeals to a demographic really well.

And no, I'm not bothered by the fact that he randomly moved to Wellsworth with Edward in Season 21, I thought that A Shed for Edward was Philip's (As well as one of Edward's) best episode of the whole series. It is a shame though; that ever since Big World! Big Adventures! happened, Edward and Philip's dynamic was never explored any further, because I saw the story potential with those two!

Because they're underrated: Beresford
Another character that I feel gets too much hate: Beresford the blue crane from Journey Beyond Sodor. Sure, he does come off as kind of jerkish by stopping Thomas just because he didn't want to be his friend, but anyone in real life could do that if they were lonely. Also, his small return in Thomas and the Royal Engine was nice to see.

Plus, I find it ironic that everyone hates Beresford, when in 2020/2021 pretty much everyone became stuck at home like him due to COVID-19. I found Beresford's short character arc in JBS to be one of the most impacting situations to the real world. (Maybe not entirely impacting, but still.)

Because they changed for the better: Sonny
Looking back at the Marvelous Machinery duology, it hasn't aged well. I'll admit, like Misty Island Rescue it did have potential to be actually good, but if only they didn't force the technology stuff!... In fact, the only stuff from Marvelous Machinery I would have been fine with would be the ferris wheel itself.

Knocking that out of the way... Sonny was the best character introduced in the specials. He had a voice actor who was very passionate about voicing the character, and his basis fits well into the Thomas universe. Sure, his character arc does come across as the same as Skiff's from Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure, but it was serviceable for the most part. Sonny was a bit quiet at first, but after settling in on Sodor and working with Thomas, he wanted to be really useful, and him standing up to Baz and Bernie later on was brave of him.

Like all other characters, Sonny had so much potential, but seeing that the reboot is happening, he's never going to be used ever again...

Because I can: Cleo
Out of all the non-rail characters introduced in the Big World Big Adventures era, Cleo is the only one I really got enjoyment out of. I don't care what others say about her, she's a adorable little baby who must be protected!

No, I don't think she doesn't fit in the Thomas universe, and I'm not even bothered by the scene where she gets elevated and turns around to avoid getting hit by Gordon. In a way, I see it as sort of a homage to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Herbie the Love Bug.

Even though Cleo the Road Engine and Cleo's First Snow are her only appearances, I thought Cleo was a fun little character, and I really hope one day she gets her own merchandise (If Mattel has time before the reboot, that is).

Thomas & Friends (C) The Awdry family, HiT Entertainment, and Mattel Television.
Original meme template made by .