Better Late Than Never (Spike and Friends episode)

Better Late Than Never is the fifteenth episode of the second season of Spike the Dragon and Friends, and the forty-first episode overall. It is a parody of the Thomas and Friends episode of the same name.

Cast

 * Spike as Thomas
 * Big Macintosh as Henry
 * Cranky Doodle Donkey as James
 * Angel as Bertie
 * Apple Bloom as Annie (does not speak)
 * Sweetie Belle as Clarabel (does not speak)
 * Shining Armor as Edward (cameo)
 * Gummy as Trevor (cameo)
 * Hoity Toity as Sir Topham Hatt (mentioned)

Transcript
Narrator: "The animals were finding life difficult. Workmen were mending the viaduct on the main road.

The arches needed strengthening. Hoity Toity did not want to close town while the work was done. And so repairs took a long time.

The animals had to take great care when crossing the viaduct. And the delay often made them late on their journey to the junction where they knew Spike would be waiting to collect his passengers.

Spike grew crosser and crosser."

Spike: "Time's time!"

Narrator: "He grumbled."

Spike: "Why should I have to keep my passengers waiting while Big Macintosh and Cranky dawdle about all day on viaducts?"

Big Macintosh: "Don't blame me!"

Narrator: "Snorted Big Mac."

Big Macintosh: "If we hurry across the viaduct, it might collapse. And then you'd have no passengers at all. What would you do then?"

Spike: "Make my deliveries on time for one thing!"

Narrator: "Retorted Spike. He hurried away before Big Mac could answer.

Angel was impatient too. He was timed to arrive just after Spike. His passengers found that instead of going straight from their rabbit to their dragon, they were kept waiting til Spike arrived.

Soon, Angel grew cross with Spike."

Angel: "Late again!"

Narrator: "He remarked, as Spike panted wearily in."

Angel: "We maybe friends, but I thought you could go fast, Spike. It's time we have another race. I reckon I can beat you now."

Narrator: "Spike kicked dirt loudly."

Spike: "Rubbish!"

Narrator: "He hissed fiercely."

Spike: "It's those main road animals! They dither about on the viaduct, and they blame Hoity Toity's workmen. It's just an excuse for laziness if you ask me!"

Narrator: "One day, Cranky was later than ever at the junction."

Cranky Doodle Donkey: "I'm sorry, Spike."

Narrator: "He puffed."

Cranky Doodle Donkey: "I was held up at the station, and the viaduct made it worse."

Spike: "It's like for you I'm a guarantee connection!"

Narrator: "Grumbled Spike. Before Cranky could answer, he puffed importantly away."

Spike: "Come along, come along."

Narrator: "He panted to the fillies. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle did their best, but Spike soon found that he couldn't save much time.

Suddenly, Spike saw Angel ahead. He didn't look well."

Spike: "What's the matter?"

Narrator: "Asked Spike."

Spike: "You should be at the station by now. You're late!"

Angel: "I feel dreadful."

Narrator: "Moaned Angel."

Angel: "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."

Spike: "Of course."

Narrator: "Agreed Spike. He now felt sorry for Angel, and promised to get help at the next station.

Spike set off again. Already, he felt much more cheerful. And Angel's passengers, traveling with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, all reach home safely.

When Angel was better, he came to thank Spike."

Angel: "I'm sorry I teased you about being late."

Narrator: "He said."

Spike: "That's alright."

Narrator: "Said Spike."

Spike: "I'm glad I could help. There are times when being late isn't such a bad thing after all."

Narrator: "With a last cheerful greeting, the two friends went back to work."