Summary
Highlights
The speaker announces the reboot of Thomas the Tank Engine, with seasons 25 and 26 coming next year, marking the end of the hiatus. However, he expresses extreme disappointment with the new 2D animated style, likening it to a low-budget Disney cartoon. He emphasizes that this is not an April Fools' joke, and Mattel has decided to greenlight 100 episodes and two specials in this new format.
The speaker finds it 'gut-wrenching' that the new 2D animation is part of the same series that launched in 1986. He even apologizes for previously criticizing the move to full CGI in 2010, stating that this new cartoon style is far worse and completely 'wrecks' the show, turning it into a 'brain dead preschool looking cartoon.'
The speaker shares his deep personal connection to Thomas the Tank Engine, having grown up with it and it being a significant part of his childhood. He describes the current changes as a 'knife twisting' in his heart, making him question the decisions of those who approved this new direction.
The speaker foresees negative impacts on merchandise, stating that the new designs will make toys 'terrible' and like 'bath toys.' He believes this will harm toy manufacturers like Bachmann and Hornby, who rely on realistic model trains, potentially leading to the demise of the franchise's merchandise.
The speaker cannot find any positive aspects of this reboot, suggesting it would only be suitable as a spin-off or children's book. He concludes by saying he will watch this 'train wreck' unfold, though he hopes to be proven wrong. He encourages viewers to share their thoughts and expresses a grim outlook for the future of Thomas the Tank Engine.