Air date: June 3rd, 2013 (UK), October 17th, 2013 (US)
The Fat Controller sends Kevin to help Cranky with the loads at Brendam Docks. Unfortunately, Cranky isn't too keen of his presence nor his help.
Tropes featured in the episode:
- An Aesop: Don't be dismissive of someone when a task is tough; always ask for their help.
- Art Evolution: The first episode animated by Arc. With this, the colors are duller, but the engines' faces become more expressive, and there are better camera movements and angles.
- Break the Cutie: This happens to Kevin after the Fat Controller reprimands him for falling into the sea, believing that he isn't helping a lot with the work at the docks. That all changed when Cranky took the heat for his actions.
- Dawn of an Era: This episode marks the beginning of some things.
- Andrew Brenner is the head writer.
- Mark Moraghan is the narrator for both the UK and the US.
- The series is animated by Arc Productions.
- It also marks the end of the infamous three strikes formula from seasons 8-16.
- Immediate Self-Contradiction: Cranky tells Sir Topham Hatt he has everything under control at the docks shortly before the net of cabbages he's carrying rips. This proves to Sir Topham Hatt that another crane is needed.
- Jerk with a Heart of Gold: Cranky. Salty lampshades this about him after he took the blame for Kevin falling into the sea.
- The Klutz: Kevin much to Cranky's dismay. Downplayed in that he does do rather well at the docks compared to the Steamworks, though he does mess up when his nerves get the best of him.
- Leave Me Alone!: Cranky was dismissive of Kevin's help at first.
- Meaningful Name: What Salty describes Cranky.Salty: Cranky by name, cranky by nature.
- Rule of Three: Kevin helps out against Cranky's will three times. The first two times (picking up fallen pipes and herding chickens) Kevin succeeds without issue, with Cranky scolding him and blaming him for causing the accidents. The third time, when a barrel is knocked over, Kevin stalls and messes up, falling off the docks.
- Two Scenes, One Dialogue: Occurs after Cranky drops a barrel into the water:Salty: Uh...
Thomas: ...oh! - Ungrateful Bastard: Cranky wasn't really thankful for when Kevin picked up all of the pipes he dropped and when he rounded up all of the chickens. Thankfully, this attitude didn't last long.
- Vitriolic Best Buds: Cranky and Kevin.
