Thank you for the explanation. But I take issue with this:
So, that explains why Thomas is always so eager to please... he was pretty much designed to serve the other trains.
Thomas is very clear in his desire/function to serve the railroad and Toppumhattum as opposed to the other trains. In this way, TTTE redefines the historic role of the tank engine from a kind of inter-train support and soldidarity one to that of just another lap dog of the locomotive ruling class. It is precisely his role, working with all the other engines in the yard as opposed to taking long solitary journeys, that gives Thomas the ability to choose whether he will help organize them towards their common interests or betray his fellow engines by giving information to their masters.
With every showing of TTTE, it is clear which side Thomas has chosen. Let us not forget.
no subject
So, that explains why Thomas is always so eager to please... he was pretty much designed to serve the other trains.
Thomas is very clear in his desire/function to serve the railroad and Toppumhattum as opposed to the other trains. In this way, TTTE redefines the historic role of the tank engine from a kind of inter-train support and soldidarity one to that of just another lap dog of the locomotive ruling class. It is precisely his role, working with all the other engines in the yard as opposed to taking long solitary journeys, that gives Thomas the ability to choose whether he will help organize them towards their common interests or betray his fellow engines by giving information to their masters.
With every showing of TTTE, it is clear which side Thomas has chosen. Let us not forget.