Season 17 - Henry's Hero

Pros:

-Duck's Return

-The Music When Henry Pushes Hiro

-The Hoppers

-Gordon & Thomas' Appearances

Cons:

-How Do Henry And Hiro Get To Ffarquhar?

-Hiro's Basis

So episode 7, now with Duck! How did it go? Quite well actually, a firm favorite, with Henry also being one of my favorite characters, the return of Duck and a lot of other things besides.

My first good point, Duck, the great-western pannier tank engine, has finally returned! Yes, fans, Duck! The most requested to return characters since his last appearance in season 12. He even has his old whistle and a voice very much suited to him! Excellent work by Brenner and his crew!

Secondly, the music when Henry pushes Hiro up Gordon's Hill. It starts out sounding heavy, imitating the load that Henry is pushing. Then later on, gets more triumphant as Henry pushes Hiro up the hill, despite having the bad coal.

Third point, the hoppers. I really like these, as it shows that Sodor is entering the modern age. The models themselves are also really detailed.

My fourth and final positive, is Gordon and Thomas seem really in-character. Gordon being disgusted at the noise and smell that Hiro is making and Thomas being cheeky, remarking that Hiro "sounds like he has his coupling rods in a twist". More great work by the new story writers!

Now on to the bad. Firstly, how did Henry and Hiro get to Ffarquhar? Ffarquhar is on Thomas' branchline, which cannot support the weight of big engines like Hiro and Henry. Personally, I think it could've been improved by either having Henry and Hiro collect the trucks from the junction at Thomas' branchline or possibly having Edward replace Hiro and James replacing Henry.

My other complaint, which, even though this isn't his debut I may as well mention, is Hiro's basis. He is definitely too big for British railways. I think he could've possibly been a 9F, but Sodor already has one and Hiro's backstory would be even weirder than it is now. Or maybe a Robinson Q4?

In conclusion, the story plot itself is good, as is the much anticipated return of Duck. Also, for all of you wondering, the main reason I like Duck's return is because Duck was (and still is) the 8th famous engine.

4.5/5