Thomas and the Firework Display

"The Fat Controller chose me because I'm as red as a rocket and twice as grand!"

- James

Thomas and the Firework Display is the eleventh episode of the eighth season.

Plot
Thomas is upset when James gets to deliver the fireworks for a firework display, but he tells him that he was chosen because he is as red as a rocket and twice as grand. At the Coaling Plant, Thomas is furious about James' job that he angrily shunts some trucks. When James breaks down, Thomas goes to the rescue and decides to help him. The two come across a red signal and find out that Gordon is pulling the children home from the canceled display, but Thomas' driver sets off a firework to warn Gordon that the display is on again.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * James
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Gordon (does not speak)
 * Stephen Hatt (cameo)
 * Bridget Hatt (cameo)
 * Nancy (cameo)
 * Annie and Clarabel (stock footage cameo)
 * Jem Cole (stock footage cameo)
 * Farmer Trotter (stock footage cameo)

Locations

 * Tidmouth Sheds
 * Knapford
 * The Coaling Plant
 * The Watermill (deleted scene)

Trivia

 * Stock footage from Thomas and the Rumours and Emily's New Route is used. Zoomed in stock footage was also from Emily's New Route.
 * On the PBS Kids Broadcast this episode is called "Thomas and the Fireworks Display".
 * In the All Aboard with the Steam Team DVD narration and the Nick Jr broadcasts, the timing of when James says, "Why would the signal be red?" is a few seconds earlier than in The Complete Eighth Series DVD and other UK television broadcasts.
 * Going by production order, this is the first episode of the eighth season.

Goofs

 * When the driver lights the rocket, there is a thin wire used to pull the rocket.
 * In all of the night shots, light can be seen coming from the back of Thomas' headlight.

Merchandise

 * Books - Thomas and the Firework Display
 * Take-Along - Fireworks Car (discontinued)