As Good as Gordon

"I'm learning patience. But if only I could learn it faster."

- Emily

As Good as Gordon is the eighteenth (twenty-fifth in Australia) episode of the eighth season.

Plot
One morning, Sir Topham Hatt comes to Tidmouth Sheds with a special job for Gordon; he is to take the newly-elected Sodor Mayor on a tour of the island. Gordon is delighted to be given a special job, but is quick to realise that someone else will have to take the Express in his place. Sir Topham Hatt explains that Emily will take the Express. However after Sir Topham Hatt leaves, Gordon begins bragging to Emily that he can get the Express across the island and back before teatime, and is quite sure that Emily will not be able to achieve that. Thomas, having heard Gordon's boasting many times before, thinks Emily may find it difficult too. However, Emily ignores Thomas' advice, and sets off, determined to be "as good as Gordon."

Emily goes to collect the Express from Knapford station, however she departs too soon, not realising that she had left the brake coach behind. Emily manages to get to Kellsthorpe station right on time, and declares that she is "as good as Gordon." However, on the way back, Emily has to stop at a crossover to allow Edward to pass with a slow goods. She shouts at Edward, telling him to hurry up as he is making her late. When Emily arrives at Maithwaite, she is due to make a guaranteed connection with Bertie; but as he is running late due to a flat tyre, she must wait. However, Emily's impatience gets the better of her, and even after counting to ten twice, she decides to leave, thinking that she will not be "as good as Gordon." But, just as Emily pulls away from Maithwaite, Bertie arrives.

Soon, Emily needs to take on more water, but James is at the water-column first with his slow goods train. Emily insists on going first as she is the Express Engine for the day. But, James tells her that, as he is there first, she must wait. Once again, impatience gets the better of Emily, and she sets off without taking on more water. Determined to be on time, Emily speeds up, unknowingly giving her passengers an uncomfortable ride.

Very soon, Emily is approaching Brendam, the last stop for the Express, and thinks that she is "as good as Gordon." However, she finds herself slowing down, and then, coming to a total-stop. Emily's water tank in her tender is now completely dry, and she has run out of steam. Then, James arrives with Sir Topham Hatt aboard his footplate; he scolds Emily for being far too impatient, especially with stranding Bertie's passengers at Maithwaite. Feeling very silly, Emily promises to be patient in future.

James takes Emily to Brendam Docks, and then, collects the Express. Sir Topham Hatt tells Emily that he requires an engine to pull James' slow goods train, which Emily volunteers to do, as she wants to learn patience. So, James takes Emily to the nearest water-column, and after her drink, Emily takes on more coal. Then, she takes James' slow goods train, whilst James takes the Express.

This time, Emily waits for the other engines to pass by, and waits at the stations for her cargo to be unloaded. Later, at a signal, she meets Thomas with Annie and Clarabel, and explains that she is learning to be patient, even though she wants to learn it quicker.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Gordon
 * James
 * Emily
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Edward (does not speak)
 * Bertie (does not speak)
 * Henry (cameo)
 * Percy (cameo)
 * Toby (cameo)
 * Annie and Clarabel (cameo)
 * Cranky (cameo)
 * The Photographer (cameo)
 * The Mayor of Sodor (mentioned)
 * The Storyteller (deleted scene cameo)

Locations

 * Tidmouth Sheds
 * Knapford
 * Brendam Docks
 * Maithwaite
 * The Coaling Plant
 * Hawin Croka Canal
 * Kellsthorpe
 * Gordon's Hill
 * The Intersection
 * Maron (deleted scene)

Trivia

 * This is the 200th episode of the television series.
 * Going by production order, this is the twenty-fifth episode of the eighth season.
 * A deleted picture shows that Percy was originally going to have a larger role when Emily needed more coal.
 * In a deleted picture, Emily approaches James from the opposite direction.

Goofs

 * In the opening shot of Tidmouth Sheds, Gordon's wheels are derailed.
 * After James helps Emily to the docks he leaves to take the express, but then he is seen later helping Emily to the water tower.
 * A deleted scene of Emily leaving the sheds shows steam coming out from behind of her face.

Merchandise

 * Magazine Stories - As Good as Gordon and As Good as Gordon

Home Media Releases
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UK

 * Tales from the Tracks
 * The Complete Series 8

DVD Boxsets

 * The Ultimate Collection
 * 5 Adventurous DVDs
 * Classic Collection
 * Triple Pack (DVD)

US

 * Track Stars

DVD Boxsets

 * Steam Engine Stories
 * Train Loads of Stories

AUS

 * The Complete Series 8

DVD Packs

 * Complete Series 1-10
 * The Essential Collection (5 DVD Boxset)
 * Series Seven and Series Eight Double Pack

MYS

 * James Gets a New Coat and Other Adventures
 * Too Hot for Thomas and Other Adventures

FIN/DK/NOR/SWE

 * Stories from the Tracks

CZ

 * Thomas Did It

HUN

 * Thomas the Tank Engine 5 - Thomas, a Savior

NL

 * Thomas and the Rainbow (DVD)

DVD Boxsets

 * Thomas the Tank Engine & Gift Keys extension box

THA

 * Thomas and Friends - Volume 39 (Thai DVD)

ROM

 * Stories by Rail
 * Thomas and Friends - Vol. 5 (Romanian DVD)

DVD Packs

 * Triple Pack 3
 * Six DVD Set

SPN

 * Thomas and Friends - Volume 4 (Spanish DVD)

DVD Boxsets

 * First Season (Spanish DVD)

JPN

 * Thomas the Tank Engine Series 8 Vol.6

TWN
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 * Thomas and Friends Volume 23 (Taiwanese DVD)