Air date: November 5th, 2004 (UK), November 6th, 2004 (US)
One night, a storm sweeps across the island and causes a lot of damage. The following morning, Farmer McColl examines his barn to discover that the roof has blown off, so he telephones the Fat Controller, who sends Emily to collect timber to repair the barn.
On her way to Farmer McColl's, Emily has to stop due to a fallen tree. Trevor tries his best to pull it out of the way, but Emily thinks he is going too slowly so she bosses him about, telling him to do his job quicker and blowing her whistle at him. Trevor moves the tree out of the way, but Emily, being impatient, doesn't say thank you at all. Emily applies this "be-quick-with-your-job" technique again when she sees workmen clearing the tracks further down the line.
Further on down the line, Emily stops again as a water tower is blocking her line. Elizabeth is trying her best to move it, but, once again, Emily is impatient and applies her "be-quick-with-your-job" technique by bossing Elizabeth about. Still, Elizabeth stands her ground, refusing to take orders from Emily. Soon, Thomas arrives in the opposite direction and tells Emily to ask more nicely. Realising that her bossiness isn't going to help her, Emily asks Elizabeth very nicely to clear the tracks, which she does. Once the water tower is clear of the tracks, Emily says "thank you" to Elizabeth and gets to Farmer McColl just in time. Once the barn's roof is mended, the cows and the calves rest in the soft hay, and Farmer McColl thanks Emily for helping him. Emily now knows it is best to say "please" and "thank you" whenever she does a job.
Tropes featured in the episode:
- An Aesop: You should always use your manners.
- Brutal Honesty: Thomas gives some to Emily, so she can see the error of her ways:Emily: She won't do a thing I tell her!
Thomas: That's because you're a big bossy boiler. You should try asking nicely for a change. - Jerkass Ball: Emily's usual bossiness is escalated to lacking manners altogether, only for the sake of learning a lesson.
