Thomas & Friends series 8
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| Thomas & Friends (series 8) | |
|---|---|
| Series 8 | |
 DVD cover art | |
| Release | |
| Original network | ITV |
| Original release | 1 August – 24 October 2004 |
| Series chronology | |
Thomas & Friends (previously known as Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends) is a children's television series about the engines and other characters working on the railways of the Island of Sodor, and is based on The Railway Series books written by the Rev. W. Awdry.
This article lists and details episodes from the eighth series of the show, which was first broadcast in 2004. This series was narrated by Michael Angelis for the UK audiences, although Michael Brandon narrates the episodes for the US audiences.
Production
For the eighth series, Steve Asquith took over as director from David Mitton, who had directed the show since its first series, and Simon Spencer became a producer. In addition, Robert Hartshorne and Ed Welch took over as composers and songwriters from Mike O'Donnell and Junior Campbell. Paul Larson and Abi Grant were the script editors for this series.
Beginning with this series, the length of the episodes were increased to seven minutes from the original four-and-a-half minutes.
The series was produced using digital video cameras, which created a somewhat different look for the show. There was also a subtle shift towards the use of CGI elements, provided by HIT Entertainment's subsidiary HOT Animation,[1] although filming remained at Shepperton Studios.
Other changes include the additions of CGI sequences in mini-segments between episodes, transition effects, and a book opening intro section.
30-minute episode version
This is an episode format that includes 2 to 3 mini-episodes, with the 3-episode version including a shorter episode in the middle. In addition, it also includes segments introducing elements of Sodor railways using stock footage or additional songs, and CGI mini-segments.
Episodes
| # | Total | UK/US title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date (in the U.K.) | TV order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 183 | "Thomas and the Tuba" | Steve Asquith | Dave Ingham | 1 August 2004 | 101a |
| 2 | 184 | "Percy's New Whistle" | Steve Asquith | James Mason | 1 August 2004 | 101b |
| 3 | 185 | "Thomas to the Rescue" | Steve Asquith | Abi Grant and Paul Larson | 8 August 2004 | 102a |
| 4 | 186 | "Henry and the Wishing Tree" | Steve Asquith | Abi Grant and Paul Larson | 8 August 2004 | 102b |
| 5 | 187 | "James Gets a New Coat" | Steve Asquith | Abi Grant | 15 August 2004 | 103a |
| 6 | 188 | "Thomas Saves the Day" | Steve Asquith | James Mason | 15 August 2004 | 103b |
| 7 | 189 | "Percy's Big Mistake" | Steve Asquith | Abi Grant | 22 August 2004 | 104a |
| 8 | 190 | "Thomas, Emily and the Snowplough" | Steve Asquith | Abi Grant | 22 August 2004 | 104b |
| 9 | 191 | "Don't Tell Thomas" | Steve Asquith | Paul Larson | 29 August 2004 | 105a |
| 10 | 192 | "Emily's New Route" | Steve Asquith | James Mason | 29 August 2004 | 105b |
| 11 | 193 | "Thomas and the Firework Display" | Steve Asquith | Abi Grant and Paul Larson | 5 September 2004 | 106a |
| 12 | 194 | "Gordon Takes Charge" | Steve Asquith | Paul Larson | 5 September 2004 | 106b |
| 13 | 195 | "Spic and Span" | Steve Asquith | Marc Seal | 12 September 2004 | 107a |
| 14 | 196 | "Edward the Great" | Steve Asquith | Abi Grant | 12 September 2004 | 107b |
| 15 | 197 | "Squeak, Rattle and Roll" | Steve Asquith | Marc Seal | 19 September 2004 | 108a |
| 16 | 198 | "Thomas and the Circus" | Steve Asquith | Abi Grant | 19 September 2004 | 108b |
| 17 | 199 | "Thomas Gets It Right" | Steve Asquith | Robin Rigby | 26 September 2004 | 109a |
| 18 | 200 | "As Good as Gordon" | Steve Asquith | Abi Grant | 26 September 2004 | 109b |
| 19 | 201 | "Fish" | Steve Asquith | Paul Larson | 3 October 2004 | 110a |
| 20 | 202 | "Emily's Adventure" | Steve Asquith | Paul Larson | 3 October 2004 | 110b |
| 21 | 203 | "Halloween" | Steve Asquith | Dave Ingham | 10 October 2004 | 111a |
| 22 | 204 | "You Can Do It, Toby!" | Steve Asquith | Paul Larson | 10 October 2004 | 111b |
| 23 | 205 | "James Goes Too Far" | Steve Asquith | James Mason | 17 October 2004 | 112a |
| 24 | 206 | "Chickens to School" | Steve Asquith | Paul Larson | 17 October 2004 | 112b |
| 25 | 207 | "Too Hot for Thomas" | Steve Asquith | Paul Larson | 24 October 2004 | 113a |
| 26 | 208 | "Percy and the Magic Carpet" | Steve Asquith | Abi Grant | 24 October 2004 | 113b |
Recurring character cast
References
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