Better Late Than Never / Home At Last / A Cow On The Line (Treehouse TV USA)

Better Late Than Never / Home At Last / A Cow On The Line (Treehouse TV USA) is the fifteenth episode of Thomas & Friends (the Treehouse TV version).

Summary

 * Thomas doesn't like late engines, but changes his mind when he sees Bertie break down / Duncan gets into a lot of trouble / Gordon and Henry humiliate Edward after some cows divide his train in half.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Edward
 * Henry
 * Gordon
 * James
 * Toby
 * Bertie
 * Skarloey
 * Peter Sam
 * Rusty
 * Duncan
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Percy (does not speak)
 * Annie and Clarabel (do not speak)
 * Trevor (cameo)
 * Duke (cameo)

Songs

 * 1) Accidents Will Happen
 * 2) Come For The Ride
 * 3) Donald's Duck

Trivia

 * Narrated by George Carlin.

Script

 * (We open this episode with the Thomas and Friends Season 6 intro)
 * (After that, we begin the character introduction)
 * Alec Baldwin: Thomas is a really useful engine. Here's Percy. He is a very happy engine. James is a magnificent engine. Gordon is the most fastest engine on the Island of Sodor. Henry is long and fast. Here's Edward always here to help. Toby is a different engine, he's a tram engine.
 * (A passing by sequence occurs and we begin Better Late Than Never)
 * George Carlin: The engines were finding life difficult. Workmen were mending the viaduct on the main line. The arches needed strengthening. Sir Topham Hatt did not want to close the railway while the work was done and so repairs took a long time. The engines have to take great care when crossing the viaduct and the delay often made them late on their journey to the junction where they knew Thomas would be ready to collect his passengers. Thomas grew crosser and crosser.
 * Thomas: Time's time.
 * George Carlin: He grumbled.
 * Thomas: Why should I keep my passengers waiting while Henry and James dawdle about all day on viaducts?
 * Henry: Don't blame me.
 * George Carlin: Snorted Henry.
 * Henry: If we hurried to cross the viaduct, it might collapsed, and then you have no passengers at all. What would you do then?
 * Thomas: Run my train on time for one thing.
 * George Carlin: Retorted Thomas. He hurried away before Henry could answer. Bertie was impatient too. He was time to arrived just after Thomas. His passengers found that, instead of going straight from the bus till their train, they were kept waiting till Thomas arrived. Soon Bertie grew cross with Thomas.
 * Bertie: Late again!
 * George Carlin: He remarked as Thomas panted wearily in.
 * Bertie: We may be friends, but I thought you could go fast, Thomas. It's time we had another race. I reckon I can beat you now.
 * George Carlin: Thomas let off steam loudly.
 * Thomas: Rubbish!
 * George Carlin: He hissed fiercely.
 * Thomas: It's those main line engines. They differ about on the viaduct, and they blamed Sir Topham Hatt's workmen. It's just an excuse for laziness if you ask me.
 * George Carlin: One day, James was later than ever at the junction.
 * James: I'm sorry, Thomas.
 * George Carlin: He puffed.
 * James: I was held up at the station, and the viaduct made it worse.
 * Thomas: It's lucky for you I'm a guaranteed connection.
 * George Carlin: Grumbled Thomas. Before James could answer, he puffed importantly away.
 * Thomas: Come along, come along!
 * George Carlin: He panted to the coaches. Annie and Clarabel did their best but Thomas still found that he couldn't save much time. Suddenly, Thomas saw Bertie ahead. His radiator was steaming.
 * Thomas: What's the matter?
 * George Carlin: Asked Thomas.
 * Thomas: You should be at the station by now. You're late.
 * Bertie: I feel dreadful.
 * George Carlin: Moaned Bertie.
 * Bertie: All upset inside and driver says he can't make me better. Thank goodness you're late too. Can you take my passengers please? They'll never get home otherwise.
 * Thomas: Of course.
 * George Carlin: Agreed Thomas. He now felt sorry for Bertie, and promised to get help at the next station. Thomas set off again already he felt much more cheerful and Bertie's passengers, travelling in Annie and Clarabel all reached home safely. When Bertie was better he came to thank Thomas.
 * Bertie: I'm sorry I teased you about being late.
 * Thomas: That's all right.
 * George Carlin: Replied Thomas.
 * Thomas: I'm glad I can help. There are times when being late isn't such a bad thing after all.
 * George Carlin: With the last cheerful greeting, the two friends went back to work.
 * (Bertie's horn honks and Thomas' whistle toots)
 * (Another passing by sequence occurs and we begin Accidents Will Happen)
 * (Thomas' whistle toots)
 * Children: (singing) Thrills and spills on the railway, it's a life of happiness. But sometimes impatience can lead to carelessness.
 * Boy: (singing) Some think they are smart cats...
 * Girl: (singing) ...and some just know it all.
 * Children: (singing) But sooner or later we all find out that... Accidents happen now and again. Just when you least expect. Just when you think that life is okay, fate comes to collect. Accidents happen now and again, when people or trains get smart. If you don't concentrate on the thing that you're doing. Accidents will happen just like that. Your best laid plans can turn upside down if you get to confident. Sometime you will slip and slide if that Lady Luck's intent.
 * Girl: (singing) One minute you're riding high...
 * Boy: (singing) ...the next you're on the ground.
 * Children: (singing) But please remember, whatever the weather, you must take care cause... Accidents happen now and again, sometimes just by chance you gotta pick yourself up and dust yourself down put it down to experience. Accidents happen now and again, just don't take it all to heart. Cause if you don't concentrate on the thing that you're doing. Accidents will happen just like that. The warning signs are there for us to see most of the time. But sometimes we take chances, ignore the danger signs. Fate can surprise with no reason or rhyme. Make sure you'll learn your lesson. You'll know better next time. Accidents happen now and again. Just when you least expect. Just when you think that life is okay. Fate comes to collect. Accidents happen now and again, when people or trains get smart, if you don't concentrate on the thing that you're doing. Accidents will happen just like that. Accidents happen now and again. Sometimes just by chance. You gotta pick yourself up and dust yourself down put it down to experience. Accidents happen now and again, just don't take it all to heart.
 * Girl: If you don't concentrate on the thing that you're doing whatever you're doing is not what you're thinking.
 * Children: (singing) Accidents, incidents. Accidents, incidents, accidents happen just like that.
 * (Gordon crashed into the wall)
 * (Another passing by sequence occurs and we begin Home At Last)
 * George Carlin: Skarloey had been to the works to be mended. He felt much better. Rusty the Diesel was helping him off his rail-car. Skarloey hadn't met the little diesel before.
 * Skarloey: Rusty seems a kindly sort of engine.
 * George Carlin: He thought to himself.
 * Rusty: I help to mend the line and do odd jobs.
 * George Carlin: Explained Rusty.
 * Rusty: I hear everyone is looking forward to seeing you again. Come on.
 * George Carlin: Peter Sam was feeling depressed. He was still getting over his accident, but he wanted to start work again. Sir Topham Hatt wouldn't let him.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: Another day's rest will do you good.
 * George Carlin: He said.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: Besides, I got a surprise for you.
 * Peter Sam: For me, sir, how nice, sir, what is it, sir?
 * Sir Topham Hatt: Wait and see.
 * George Carlin: The surprise was Skarloey.
 * Peter Sam: Oh.
 * George Carlin: Said Peter Sam.
 * Peter Sam: I'm glad you've come home.
 * George Carlin: They lit Skarloey's fire and he sizzled happily.
 * Skarloey: I feel all excited.
 * George Carlin: He said.
 * Skarloey: Just like a young engine. Now tell me all the news.
 * Peter Sam: I see you've met Rusty.
 * George Carlin: Said Peter Sam.
 * Skarloey: Yes. I like that Diesel.
 * Peter Sam: So do I.
 * George Carlin: Replied Peter Sam.
 * Peter Sam: It's a pity Duncan doesn't.
 * Skarloey: Who is Duncan?
 * Peter Sam: He came as a spare engine after my accident.
 * George Carlin: Replied Peter Sam.
 * Skarloey: Is he useful?
 * Peter Sam: He keeps busy and I'm sure he means well. But he's bouncy and rude. He sings and sways and swivels around. His drivers call it Rock N Roll.
 * Skarloey: I understand.
 * George Carlin: Said Skarloey gravely. His driver interrupted.
 * Skarloey's Driver: Duncan has done it again, he's stuck in the tunnel. Come on, old boy, we'll have to get him out.
 * George Carlin: Skarloey was pleased. He wanted to run and look forward to meeting Duncan. They found the caboose and some workmen and hurried up the line.
 * Skarloey: How nice and smooth the rails are.
 * George Carlin: Thought Skarloey.
 * Skarloey: They mended all the old bumps. The little diesel has helped to that. What a difference Rusty's made to the line.
 * George Carlin: Quite soon they found Duncan. He was stuck at the far end of the tunnel and he was very cross.
 * Duncan: I'm a plain blunt engine, I speak as I'm fine. Tunnels should be tunnels and not rabbit holes. This railway is no good at all.
 * Duncan's Driver: Don't be silly!
 * George Carlin: Snapped his Driver.
 * Duncan's Driver: This tunnel is quite big enough for engines who don't Rock N Roll.
 * George Carlin: It took a long time to clear away the rocks and set Duncan free again. At last, Skarloey was able to push Duncan and his coaches safely through.
 * (Skarloey frees Duncan by pushing him and his coaches through)
 * George Carlin: The caboose was left on the siding and the workmen stayed to make sure everything was safe. Duncan grumbled all the way home, but Skarloey paid no attention. Later, Sir Topham Hatt spoke severely to Duncan.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: Listen to me. There is nothing wrong with that tunnel. You stuck in it because you tried to do Rock N Roll. Tunnels are not dance floors and you are not a pop star.
 * George Carlin: Then, Sir Topham Hatt gave his full attention to Duncan's funnel.
 * (Sir Topham Hatt then looks at Duncan's funnel)
 * Sir Topham Hatt: If it happens again...
 * George Carlin: He ended ominously.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: I should find ways to cut you down to size. In other words your career is um (clears his throat) on the line. Need I say more?
 * George Carlin: Duncan thought Sir Topham Hatt had said quite enough and he remained completely silent and still for at least the whole evening.
 * (Another passing by sequence occurs and we begin Come For The Ride)
 * Girl: (singing) All your friends on the railway would like you all to see.
 * Children: (singing) Just how much fun rockin' on the railway can be.
 * Boy: (singing) So won't you come along and join them for the ride.
 * Children: (singing) Just hang on tight, catch your breath, and come for the ride! Rockin', rockin' on the railway, Rollin', rollin' on the railway, Movin', movin' down the line, Swingin', sway from side to side. They'll be rockin' an' a-rollin' won't you come for the ride of your life?
 * Boy: (singing) Watch Duncan go, he can really rock 'n' roll.
 * Children: (singing) He can slip, he can slide, he can sway from side to side.
 * Girl: (singing) So when you hear him coming and you hear his whistle blow.
 * Children: (singing) You'd better step aside 'cause he can go go go! Rockin', rockin' on the railway, Rollin', rollin' on the railway, Movin', movin' down the line, Swingin', sway from side to side. They'll be rockin' an' a-rollin' won't you come for the ride of your life? Now we're really moving, movin' to an' fro. Everyone around shouting "More! More! More!" Can't get enough, can't get enough of these thrills. And just when you think you can't take anymore. You'd better hang on tight 'cause here we go again. Slip slide come for the ride! Rockin', rockin' on the railway, Rollin', rollin' on the railway Movin', movin' down the line, Swingin', sway from side to side. They'll be rockin' an' a-rollin' won't you come for the ride of your life? Now Gordon's in a hurry, 'cause Thomas made him wait. We'll have to go much faster, we really can't be late. Soon the coach was rockin', it swayed from side to side.
 * Girl: (singing) With the bath water spillin' and a-splashin' inside.
 * Children: (singing) Rockin', rockin' on the railway, Rollin', rollin' on the railway Movin', movin' down the line, Swingin', sway from side to side. They'll be rockin' an' a-rollin' an' a-reelin' on the railway tonight. Rockin', rockin' on the railway, Rollin', rollin' on the railway Movin', movin' down the line, Swingin', sway from side to side. They'll be rockin' an' a-rollin' won't you come for the ride of your life? They'll be rockin' an' a-rollin' won't you come for the ride of your life? They'll be rockin' an' a-rollin' won't you come for the ride of your life? Come for the ride!
 * (Thomas' whistle toots)
 * (Another passing by sequence occurs and we begin A Cow On The Line)
 * George Carlin: Edward was getting old. His bearings were worn, and he clanked as he puffed along. He was taking empty cattle cars to a market town. The sun shone, birds sang, but Edward was heading for trouble.
 * Edward: Come on! Come on!
 * George Carlin: He puffed.
 * Cars: Oh! Oh!
 * George Carlin: Screamed the cars. Edward puffed and clanked, the cars rattled and screamed. Some cows were grazing near by. They were not used to trains. The noise and smoke disturbed them. As Edward clanked by, they broke through the fence and ran across the line. A coupling was broken and some cars were left behind.
 * (Cows mooing)
 * George Carlin: Edward felt a jerk, but didn't take much notice. He was used to cattle cars.
 * Edward: Bother those cars!
 * George Carlin: He thought.
 * Edward: Why can't they come quietly?
 * George Carlin: He was at the next station before either he or his driver realized what had happened. When Gordon and Henry heard about the accident, they laughed and boasted.
 * Gordon: Fancy allowing cows to break your train! They wouldn't dare do that to us. We'd show them!
 * George Carlin: Old Toby was cross.
 * Toby: You couldn't help it, Edward. They've never met cows. I have, and I know the trouble they are.
 * (Edward's whistle toots and puffs away)
 * George Carlin: Some days later, Gordon rushed through Edward's Station.
 * Gordon: Boop boop! Mind the cows! Hurry, hurry!
 * George Carlin: Puffed Gordon.
 * Coaches: Don't make such a fuss! Don't make such a fuss!
 * George Carlin: Grumbled his coaches. A long stretch a line lay ahead. In the distance was a bridge. It seemed to Gordon that there was something on the bridge. His driver thought so too.
 * Gordon's Driver: Whoa, Gordon!
 * George Carlin: He said, and shut off steam.
 * Gordon: Pooh!
 * George Carlin: Said Gordon.
 * Gordon: It's only a cow! Shoo! Shoo!
 * George Carlin: He moved slowly on to the bridge, but the cow wouldn't shoo. She had lost her calf, and felt lonely.
 * Bluebell: Moo!
 * George Carlin: She said sadly. Everyone tried to send her away, but she wouldn't go. Henry arrived.
 * Henry: What's this? A cow? I'll soon settle her. Be off! Be off!
 * Bluebell: Moo!
 * George Carlin: Henry backed away nervously.
 * Henry: I don't want to hurt her.
 * George Carlin: At the next station, Henry's conductor told them about the cow, and warned the signalman that the line was blocked.
 * Porter: That must be Bluebell.
 * George Carlin: Said a porter.
 * Porter: Her calf is here, looking for her mother. Percy will take her along.
 * (Percy's whistle toots)
 * George Carlin: At the bridge, Bluebell was very pleased to her calf again, and the porter led them away.
 * (Bluebell and her calf mooing)
 * Henry: Not a word.
 * Gordon: Keep it secret.
 * George Carlin: Whispered Gordon and Henry to each other. They felt rather silly, but the story soon spread.
 * (Crickets chirping; owl hoots)
 * Edward: Well, well, well!
 * George Carlin: Chuckled Edward.
 * Edward: Two big engines afraid of a cow.
 * Gordon: Afraid? Rubbish.
 * George Carlin: Said Gordon.
 * Gordon: We didn't want the poor thing to hurt herself by running up against us. We stopped so as not to excite her. You see what I mean, my dear Edward?
 * Edward: Yes, Gordon.
 * George Carlin: Said Edward. Gordon felt somehow that Edward "saw" only too well.
 * (Another passing by sequence occurs and we begin Donald's Duck)
 * Children (singing): I found a quacker in my tender. She was very, very tame. But she quacked all night and through the day. She was driving me insane. My driver and my fireman tried everything they know to shoo the quacker away from me but she did not want to go. The quacker clearly loves me was impossible to nab. So now we have befriended her. She rides inside my cab. She quacks in stations big and small. She quacks at people too. Now everyone calls her Donald's Duck but I call her my quackeroo. She makes me so happy with her little ways. So happy, it's true. Now everyone calls her Donald's Duck but I call her my quackeroo. Quacking here, quacking there. She is quacking everywhere. Quack, quack, choo, choo, choo. She's my little quackeroo. She's quacking here and there. She's quacking everywhere. Quack, quack, choo, choo, choo. She's my quackeroo. Now everybody loves her. They love to hear her quack. But when we have to say goodbye, they ask when she'll be back. She's captured everybody's heart. She knows just what to do. Now everyone calls her Donald's Duck but she's my quackeroo. She makes me so happy with her little ways. So happy, it's true. Now everyone calls her Donald's Duck but I call her my quackeroo. Quacking here, quacking there. She's quacking everywhere. Quack, quack, choo, choo, choo. She's my little quackeroo. She's quacking here and there. She's quacking everywhere. Quack, quack, choo, choo, choo. She's my quackeroo. She's my quackeroo, she's my quackeroo.
 * (Dilly quacking)
 * (Donald's whistle toots)
 * (Following the last song, we find the end credits with Thomas looking at us)
 * (While they roll, the Thomas end theme plays)
 * (After that, the A Britt Allcroft Company Production for HiT Entertainment logo appears)