Monday 5 September 2016

S20 Ep.1: Sidney Sings

Despite mixed reactions from the 19th season last year, fans are now starting to wonder how S20 will hold up. Considering that Wal*Mart hadn't released their usual exclusive DVD this year for unknown reason. Set after 'Sodor's Legend of The Lost Treasure' with newbies such as Ryan and Skiff and classic series returnees such as Donald, Douglas and Daisy and RWS characters Rex, Bert and Mike all making their debut/return to screen. So let's see if S20 holds up:

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT INFLUENCED FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

SIDNEY SINGS
Written by
Lee Pressman

Directed by
Dianna Basso

Produced by
Ian McCue (HIT)
Robert Anderson (Arc)

Air Date
5/09/16

Plot
When the Fat Controller asks Sidney to go to Brendam Docks to collect Percy's new wheels, Sidney worries that he might forget as his memory isn't very good. Thomas suggests making up a little song to help him remember, but will Sidney remember when he gets distracted?

PRO
- Sidney being the Dory of Sodor
- Chris Renshaw's composition
- Mark Moraghan's narration balanced out

CON
-N/A



It's great to finally see Sidney given a lead role at last, unless you kinda count his role in 'The Missing Christmas Decorations'. To me Sidney kind of reminds me of Dory from 'Finding Nemo/Dory' he can have short term memory loss but he still tries his best at what his job is. A bit like Dory in 'Finding Dory' when she was looking for her parents. With his persona, Lee Pressman was spot on with Sidney's despite that it was written out in a promotional booklet five years ago and at least he didn't make him flat out stupid.

I like how Mark Moraghan's narration was balanced out well with the voice acting it just feels right and it was better than what S19 did. I like that visuals tell the story but it feels like MM had little to narrate last season. The story was quite simple but it did deliver with some funny moments around it as well and the composition from Chris Renshaw was great too with his beats and rhythm. It wasn't a flashy or epic start to the new season but it wasn't flat nor bland.

Episode Ratings:
Sidney Sings - 8/10

Overall Rating:
8/10