| This article is about the episode. You may be looking for the Australian DVD, the Taiwanese DVD or the magazine story. |
- “What a wonderful party!”
- ― Colin
The Party Surprise is the ninth episode of the twelfth series.
Plot
Every year, a Christmas party is held at the Thin Controller's house. Colin the crane lives at the wharf and is upset that he cannot go. While Colin is loading cargo into barges, the Thin Controller is visiting Mountain Village Station and is set to return in time for Freddie to take him to the party. Freddie, however, feels sorry for Colin and decides to ask the Thin Controller if they could hold the party at the wharf instead, so Colin could join in.
However, he sees Peter Sam and Rusty carrying party supplies. Not wanting the supplies to reach the Thin Controller's house, he tells the two engines that the party is now at the wharf and asks them to leave their trucks and inform the other engines. Freddie shunts the trucks by Colin, asking him not to touch them until he returns. Freddie then hurries to Mountain Village Station to find the Thin Controller, only to discover he has already left.
The Thin Controller sees the cargo in front of Colin and, not knowing they are the party supplies, demands Colin load them immediately. Despite what Freddie told him, Colin complies so as to not get Freddie into trouble. Freddie returns to see them floating away on a barge. Realising his mistake, he hurries to the Thin Controller and explains everything. The Thin Controller agrees to hold the party at the wharf, also telling Freddie that he should have asked him first. Freddie manages to chase down the barge and redirect it back to Colin, whom Freddie explains the plan to. Freddie collects the Thin Controller, his family, and the children from the house. The party is a wonderful success and Colin is grateful to Freddie.
Characters
- Peter Sam
- Freddie
- Rusty
- Colin
- Mr. Percival
- The Bargeman
- Thomas (does not speak)
- Mrs. Percival (does not speak)
- Skarloey (cameo)
- Rheneas (cameo)
- Sir Handel (cameo)
- Duncan (cameo)
- Mighty Mac (cameos)
- Pansy and Patrick Percival (cameos)
- The Blond-haired Boy (cameo)
- The Ginger-haired Boy (cameo)
- Mr. Percival's Assistant (cameo)
Locations
Trivia
- This is the first and only appearance of Colin. However, he was supposed to appear in King of the Railway, and the concept art of the film by Guru Studios shows that he would have been based at Ulfstead Castle.
- This episode marked the last of several things:
- The last twelfth series episode released in the US and Canada.
- The last episode in which Thomas appears but does not speak until the sixteenth series episode, Percy and the Monster of Brendam as well his last non-speaking role in the model era.
- Mighty Mac's final appearance in the show. Although, they are indirectly mentioned in Hero of the Rails and Steamy Sodor.
- Freddie's final episode with a leading role.
- Peter Sam's last speaking role until Blue Mountain Mystery and his last speaking role in an episode until the sixteenth series episode, Don't Bother Victor!.
Goofs
- When Freddie sees Peter Sam from the main wharf station, he catches up to him. But when he does, he ends up in the same place as Peter Sam.
- The Thin Controller says "All this cargo must be loaded before the party," when he meant to say that the cargo must be unloaded.
- Freddie's voice in the US dub switches after Mr. Percival approves having the party at the wharf.
- At the party, Rheneas has Skarloey's CGI face.
- When the engines blow their whistles, Rusty's horn can be heard, but he is nowhere to be seen.
Merchandise
- My Thomas Story Library - Colin (discontinued)
- Magazine Stories - The Party Surprise!
- TrackMaster - Colin in "The Party Surprise" set (discontinued)
In Other Languages
| Language | Title |
|---|---|
| Brazilian Portuguese | A Festa Surpresa |
| Chinese Mandarin | 聚会上的惊喜 |
| Croatian | Zabava iznenađenja |
| Czech | Překvapení z hor |
| Finnish | Yllätysjuhlat |
| French | Une Partie Surprise pour Colin |
| German | Die Überraschungsparty |
| Indonesian | Pesta Kejutan |
| Italian | La Festa a Sorpresa |
| Korean | 프레디의 깜짝 파티 (Kids 1) 깜짝 파티 (EBS) |
| Latin American Spanish | La Fiesta Sorpresa |
| Polish | Przyjęcie Niespodzianka |
| Thai | ปาร์ตี้ของคอลิน |
Home Media Releases
UKDVD BoxsetsUS/CAN
DVD Boxsets
AUS
DVD BoxsetsMYSLATAM
FRATHA
KORTWNHK |
| #01 Thomas and the Billboard | #08 Excellent Emily | #15 Gordon Takes a Shortcut |
| #02 Steady Eddie | #09 The Party Surprise | #16 The Man in the Hills |
| #03 Rosie's Funfair Special | #10 Saved You! | #17 Thomas Puts the Brakes On |
| #04 Mountain Marvel | #11 Duncan and the Hot Air Balloon | #18 Percy and the Bandstand |
| #05 Henry Gets It Wrong | #12 James Works It Out | #19 Push Me, Pull You |
| #06 Heave Ho Thomas! | #13 Tram Trouble | #20 Best Friends |
| #07 Toby's Special Surprise | #14 Don't Go Back | |