“You disrespect me. You disrespect the engines. You disrespect Mr. Oliver and sang rude songs about him. You disrespect Mr. Duck on his own branch line. You disrespect Mr. Donald and Mr. Douglas, and Mr. Douglas killed Mr. Spiteful Brakevan because of you. You insulted Ms. Isabel about her bell. You ran over Mr. Dog. And you don’t even think to call me Godvan.” - Don Toad
@@supergenesisstation1991Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't the narrator in the story segments of this video the same guy who voiced Tobias in that film
Now Mr Oliver, that there scruffy and is gang has been a pain in my operations for a while, he’s gotten to big for his buffers, so I’m gonna need you to go and remind him of his place
It feels so surreal not only hearing him voice them in the Escape scene, but hearing the actor say the lines his characters said from the glory days, with extra lines for Toad included, is just crazy ^^
The fact you not only go Joe Mills once but TWICE is damn impressive. Also really loved this one, Ollie’s been one of my favorite character growing up and I absolutely loved hearing you discussing his story and the cinematic retelling of Oliver’s story ^^
Nic is never under any obligation to get famous voice actors to appear in his content, but him doing so only reinforces how much these videos mean to him and the audience. I deeply respect that.
Bro, hearing CGI Oliver, Toad, and Douglas interact with each other to reenact the events of Oliver’s escape is jaw dropping to say the least. The thing I love about this series is that I find myself learning a plethora of new information about each character when I thought I knew quite a lot already. Wonderful job to all those who contributed to this installment of Sodor’s Finest!
Toad the Vanfather: "We'll show you how we deal with trucks like you, the Great Western Way." *Publicly tortures Scruffy till he literally breaks apart*
The trauma is so deep that they immediately started casually addressing The Fat Controller like he was just one of them instead of their superior for the few seconds that option seemed plausible.
Your best Sodor's Finest yet. I love how much care you put into retelling the story of Oliver's escape. And I'm glad to see Joe Mills reprise more of his roles.
I’ve got a fun fact, too: back when I was introduced to him at age six, I thought him so cool, I wanted to change my name to ‘Oliver’. Now, at age 37, I’m contemplating naming one of my kids after him someday-if any.
Talk about starting out with a bang! The fact you got Joe Mills to reprise his role as not only Douglas again, but also Oliver and Toad is just surreal. I look forward to seeing what you have in store for 2025.
My theory on why Michael Brandon made Oliver sound like a cowboy: HiT didn't care about source material for characters, and the US dub felt rushed for Season 7, so when Brandon was hired, he read "Great Western Engine," thought "Western = cowboy" and improvised. It was never explained to the narrator what "Great Western" means. Unlike Starr, Angelis or Carlin who were made familiar with Awdry's work.
I can only imagine the absolute joy that Joe Mills felt when offered to voice all of his characters again for the first time in a while! Great work as always!
Tug's done it again, He’s brought Joe Mills to voice back to voice Douglas, Toad, and the star of today’s video: Oliver. Happy New Year Tug, and great job on this video! 2:37 Oh hey! A reference to the Edward remaster!
Me too. I nearly spit out my drink this morning when I discovered him in my RUclips notifications. But he is most definitely a welcome surprise nonetheless.
15:36 Most likely Toad was brought along out of pity, as he was under a similar threat of being scrapped like Oliver and Isobel, as Brakevans were abolished on BR around the same time as steam power.
I always believed that Isabel (or Isobel) didn't become a character in TtTE&F because introducing named female coaches was deemed problematic at this stage - especially to the American public. However, claiming that there was nothing with Isabel that couldn't already be done with Toad makes sense as well. Also, can we take time to comment on Bruce Alexander's voice for Oliver? So dopey!
My grandfather worked on the real 14xx’s in the 50s/60s and always said they could do quite a lot more than 80! Really depended on how daring the driver was but he said he knew of drivers that managed the best part of 100 downhill, can imagine that was a wild ride.
Hearing Trampy's Henry and James makes me wait for hilarious argument and honestly is my favorite voices for those characters now, even growing up with the originals back in the 90s.
Chills. I had CHILLS watching that Escape segment. Hearing Joe Mills voice his three characters, the recreated soundtrack by Isaiah, it was SO GOOD! Immersive, is the word I would use to describe these story segments. It’s a mesh of a little bit of everything from every era. Some lines and wit from the RWS, the visuals of the model series, and the diverse voice acting from the CGI series. I love how you gave Toad actual lines during the Escape part. That was a needed touch, he felt kinda like an npc in the TV adaptation lol. Oliver’s Fear of Fireworks is probably one of the biggest losses I’ve seen to a character in CGI. Like Donald and Douglas, he just needed a *little* more exposure to bring him full circle. Another absolutely AWESOME installment, Tug! Well done to you and the crew! So excited for what you’ve got in store this year!
I love Scruffy screaming at the end there. When you first showed Oliver pulling Scruffy apart I did something extremely similar to that. I definitely didn't expect you to have done that too. But I must say, this was a treat for the start of the year. Just like how Tophat's prop was found at the same time! I do relate with Oliver (if it wasn't obvious by something...), but also Toad. A mix, I suppose...
MAN, Joe Mill's Oliver & Toad voices are some of my favorites in the entire show. It's what I base my voices for them from. And to hear those voices speak new lines once again for the first time in 8 years is such a fantastic New Year's treat.
My favorite Sodor's Finest yet. I knew Oliver was going to be next and I had that feeling since you had gotten Joe Mills to play Douglas, that you were going to ask him to play Oliver and Toad as well. Seeing him play all three of these characters was such a treat. Like you said it is hard to believe how little Oliver appeared in each era of the show but when you add it all up you did appear quite a bit but not as much as say a main character despite him being a part of the main 11 now 12. In conclusion everything explained in this video is what I love about Oliver and of course him being relatable and one of the reasons I nicknamed my channel after him and why he's my absolute favorite character. Keep up the good work Nic can't wait to see everything you have in store for this year.
$10 well speant. Love, love, LOVE that scene of all the engines going around and telling Oliver’s tale, especially with the reprised Great Discovery track, just “chefs kiss”. Am very much looking forward to more of Sodor’s finest, especially in this new format! Would love to see Gordon next, but of course I’m a bit biased :p
WHAT A WAY TO START THE YEAR!!! Oliver is one of the greatest daring engines in the show, I always enjoy watching him and Escape is definitely a great introduction to him. Great hearing Joe Mills in this again and I think video just changed my perspective on him so much!!! Great video!!!
"Diesels... why did it have to be diesels?" -Oliver What a way to start off the new year - fantastic work as usual! Your edits and writing for the story sequences get better and better, and hearing Joe Mills again was such a treat. Oliver has always been a character that I would struggle to describe - he's not just "the vain one" or "the cheeky one." Yet I love how you pointed out the range of struggles and stories he's had over the series, even though he's had so few lead episodes. I also never noticed the spiteful brake van parallel with Toad and Douglas in the RWS, or that Carlin gave Oliver an accent in the Classic series. Good catch! Can't wait for what you've got in store this year!
What a great start to 2025. A Sodor’s Finest on Oliver starring the one and only Joe Mills himself again, and the fantastic! TUGS news about Top Hatt’s prop finally being found. Yes… i’m not kidding guys, TOP HAT’S PROP HAS JUST BEEN FOUND AFTER 17 YEARS!!!. The Star Tugs Trust announced today he’ll finally be reunited and on display with the other props at the next TUGS exhibition in April. Turns out he’s been safe with a private owner this whole time, the prop was taken home long before the storage units at Shepparton Studios were cleared out in 2008. Looks like Tug’s theory about Top Hat being kept by someone on the film crew was correct. This fandom can rejoice! and finally rest knowing Top Hat is alive and well.
Glad to hear you touch on Oliver's Find. That's one episode I always like revisiting, simply because its one of a few where Oliver has a major role to play. It's fun to hear Joe Mills again, and listen to his Oliver and Toad voices this time around. Another banger Sodor's Finest. Kudos Tug, and Happy New Year!
YES! Starting my the year off with my favorite character! Insane you managed to get back Joe Mills for Douglas, Oliver, and Toad! Also I’m still pity Oliver never got an episode to himself in CGI
Rest In Peace, Mrs Allcroft. You helped bring a small blue tank engine and all of his compatriots to life. You left a legacy, now let us try to keep it moving down the rails. See you at the next station.
I REALLY love to toad in this. His lines are just, so funny, especially in that last segment. “Was that meant to happen Mr. Oliver?” and “Slip of the brakes again” got me leaving DEAD. And his voice by Joe Mills just complements to the greatness. This, is probably one of my favorite videos of yours, and I KNOW I will be coming back many times. Thank you.
My headcannon about Olivers' short temper and general attitude is probably due to some level of survivor's guilt. It makes sense he'd be desperate to prove himself. You could apply this a few characters in the franchise, but I think it doubly applies to him as he made such an argeous trip to the island. Like on some deeper level, he's still trying to escape. I'm aware I'm reading way too deep into that, but it's so interesting to me.
I just wanted to say, your videos on Thomas the Train that started popping up after watching a couple of episodes of the classic series on RUclips, made me go into a deeper dive of Thomas the Train and now I own a copy of the complete collection of the Railway Series that I am currently reading to my son. I understand. Also Gordon is best train.
For the first video of 2025, what a thrill of resource and sagacity! Oliver and Toad are my 20th favorite Thomas characters (though I do love them in the model era - though CGI Toad is lovable too, but Oliver in said-era is tarnished in terms of missed opportunities and flanderization). Speaking of Toad being Jiminy Cricket in your perspective (though I don't always watch many Disney movies cause they're so hard and too much to catch upon), there is one Pinocchio show (which is mostly CGI) that Joe Mills who voiced the two characters actually worked on as Jiminy. Speaking of Joe Mills, it is SO surreal to hear him not only reprise Douglas, but also Oliver and Toad as well - like Keith Wickham in TAB, Joe looks like he's talking to himself w/ no other actors surrounding him. The story segments really payed off very well and I love those silhouette shots of the three characters each in the beginning and end during the night and dawn scenes.
I've been waiting for this sodor's finest for so long, thank you unlucky tug for making a sodor's finest about my all time favorite Thomas character Oliver
This video made me appreciate who Oliver is, he is one of my favourite characters in this franchise and the fact that you got Joe Mills to voice act Douglas, Oliver and Toad is so impressive.
Starting the year off with an Oliver Sodors Finest, along with Joe Mills yet again. Credits to everyone who worked on this video, you all are so talented. Cant wait for more videos from Tug, they always make my day. Thank you tug and everyone who worked on this video, I appreciate the hard work that goes into these videos, they always make me smile.
WOW!!! That was absolutely amazing!! Seeing your latest Sodor’s Finest on Oliver makes me appreciate him more!! And it’s such a blessing to see Joe Mills not only do Douglas but also Oliver and Toad as well!! This just keeps getting better and better!! Well done Nic!! 😃🙌🏻
Oliver has always been a favorite of mine, alongside Duck, and having this retrospective on him felt very good. Wish the Little Western got more screentime (maybe even a spin-off of numbers 8-11 having goofy adventures on the seaside) but what we got showed how great these fun engines are! Here's to Oliver, may his legacy continue to bloom! Happy New Year, Tug! Here's to 2025!
I just love Oliver so much! He’s my favorite character along with Thomas in the entire franchise, but it’s kinda sad that they didn’t do much for him. That being said, thank you so much for creating this Sodor’s finest about him and Toad. He truly is an incredible flawed character and I’m so grateful for him getting a whole video about the 2! (Side note: 19:36 is so funny lol)
One of my favourite characters not just because his named after me. Oliver is brave courageous but he still has room to grow and learn and after the turntable incident he’s humbled by the experience as well as the scruffy incident showing his strong side. He can get a big head but you don’t mess with old Ollie ❤
What brilliant work as always, Nic! I was so up for Oliver next in the Sodor's Finest after Donald and Douglas, so I'm glad you were inspired to do it then! Oliver may not be regarded so much thanks to random publishers and Mattel wanting more about Thomas himself, but there's a reason why everyone loves him: his backstory is so amazing, relating to the tragic story of steam engines in the United Kingdom being replaced with diesels and some of them getting scrapped. Being a massive fan of steam trains, I would never have wished for them to be gone long before I was born, so I'm glad other people cared and kept the remaining ones in good use, even building more over the years. That's the kind of story any train fan, even of Thomas, has to hear, and it's all thanks to Oliver. 👍 I just hope that with better people running the TV show, Oliver will get some more episodes properly focused on him again. (Yes, I know you hate him in "Toad and the Whale", but I don't want to say the same thing because of how much I love the story and it's great to have Oliver in the spotlight.) Maybe if Christopher Awdry's unpublished stories could somehow be released, we could get some about Oliver, even the autocoaches, which everyone needs to learn about. If only we had them in the CGI series too. Lastly, good luck with everything throughout 2025. I feel the pain of doing The Thomas Retrospective on four consecutive terrible seasons that started the full CGI series of Thomas & Friends, but the sooner we get through them, the sooner we get to the really good seasons again, which would be perfect for the 80th anniversary of Thomas, but I understand you can't promise anything. I realise time and time again your videos take so long and such hard work to make. But at least that video celebrating 80 years of Thomas will make up for it. 😄 I did hope for a review of the Star Wars prequel trilogy, but oh, so you aren't now. I understand. And about Pixar, I heard you were thinking of a video on all the Toy Story movies, since the franchise is reaching 30 this year. But then with a fifth movie coming next year, it might be best to save it for next year, unless you just do a separate video covering the newest sequel. Again, good luck, Nic! We all appreciate the hard work you do, and so are looking forward to whatever you have planned for us all. 👍 Another thing, I knew you'd get Joe Mills back to voice Douglas, Oliver and Toad again. Boy, is it so wonderful to hear one of the voice actors for Thomas still doing well even with the show over for the time-being. 😄 If only somebody else out there could hire them to do more official work on all we truly love.
Fantastic work yet again Tug, One Tram Band using a music piece from The Great Discovery to tell the news about Oliver was so clever, and hearing Joe Mills voice Oliver and Toad was so great to hear
I do find it amusing that both Duck and Oliver have the history of taking on numbers that aren't theirs. Perhaps Oliver did so as part of his escape, though Duck's case is a bit less clear. I also remember reading that Scruffey was based on the idea of privately-owned rolling stock that would be painted up to hide their lack of maintenance, though this element was absent from the TV series. It's likely that Scruffey would've eventually come apart without Oliver's help, given that he was rotten and rusted underneath the paint, but the little engine sure took advantage.
It was great to see Joe Mills return again to voice Douglas and it was great to see him voice Oliver and Toad he did an outstanding job! Anyways Happy New Year Tug🥳🎉! Can’t wait to see what you have for this year!
Largely thanks to the TV series, I always saw Toad as more of the loyal butler type, always by his master's side, always happy to serve and be useful, always dutiful and respectful, but never standing for any insult to his master's honor. Think Carson from Downton Abbey. That said, George Carlin didn't help the mob boss angle by giving Toad the voice of Peter Lorre of The Maltese Falcon. Which, to be fair, was freaking brilliant.
Thank you for doing Oliver. He’s among my favorites and I say this, no matter how bad the series got I always went back to episodes like Escape and Oliver Owns Up for the moments and memories they have when I watched them on either Shining Time Station or my home videos as a toddler.
I find it poetic that today I saw a GWR 14xx (1450) for the first time since seeing 1450 in 2018 and then you drop a video about Oliver! Once again, these videos are my favourite videos to watch.
I can say without a shadow of doubt that Oliver, Edward and Boco has so much more potential. Oliver's wings were cut before he even became a real character. It's a shame
In the RWS and model series, Oliver is like Thomas. So. So much. Easily irritable, wants more for himself than he gets on a regular basis, has a high opinion of himself, lets others comments about him get to his head, and brags about himself whenever he gets the chance. Oliver just says the quiet parts out loud. Oliver is so much like Thomas. If Thomas actually had to deal with long-term consequences of his actions. In the cgi series, i see Oliver as kind of oblivious. And because he's oblivious, he's dismissive as a result. He just doesn't think it's possible that he or Toad could come up with an idea to save the whale because that's the search and rescue people's jobs, not theirs. I think having Samson and the Fireworks is better. If Oliver had been written like Samson, it just wouldn't feel right. And Samson being afraid of fireworks just works in a way. A lot of people headcanon Samson as autistic, and adding the fear of fireworks/loud noises supports that with his other behaviors. CGI missed a lot of opportunities with Oliver. So many missed opportunities. These Sodor's Finest videos have transformed from video essays to real cinematic experiences.
I always liked the RWS story where Oliver says “your life is over… but mine is just beginning!”, and then ascends to stare at the moon with the furious light of revenge ablaze in his eyes, a merchant of souls. escape’s not bad either
Fun Fact: if you look closely at the illustration of Douglas being stopped by the signalman/yardmaster/whatever, you can see there are trucks behind Toad. Douglas had a return goods train and he marshaled Oliver on to it. If he was supposed to return light, they might not have been as convincing!
The way I see it; Oliver is exactly like Spider-Man: an underdog who seemingly can’t catch a break. But with a little luck, determination, and help from his friends; Oliver gets back up and keeps on going. Isabel and Toad are basically Sodor’s equivalent to Aunt May & Uncle Ben; there to guide Oliver on his way to becoming a really useful engine.
Another amazing installment of Sodor's Finest! Compared to engines 1 through 10, Oliver didn't get nearly as many appearances over the years, but it's his exciting adventures and relatable personality that have made him such a memorable and lovable character. I do wish that the franchise had done more to explore his dynamics with the other engines, especially Douglas given how integral he is to Oliver's origin story, but the partnership that he has with Toad is wonderful. Joe Mills and the rest of the cast were fantastic once again - this video was a great way to kick off the new year!
Oliver’s a character that really could have had some great development if he was actually given the opportunity to explore more of his traits and story in the later TVS
I always like to imagine had season 8 still been a classic season Oliver would've still appeared when it came to original classic model series they honestly cared more about him than Duck who really only had all at sea and scaredy engines. Allcroft and Mitton (soon just him) clearly had favorites for original stories such as thomas James Gordon Rusty Duncan bill and ben oliver and especially percy but put others like Edward Scots peter sam and sir handel (who didn't appear) clearly on back burner with little screentime and roles
According to Sodor Island models, Oliver's past on the Golden Valley and withdrawal date makes him either 1453 or 1458. 1453 was on the line for longer (giving more time to plot the escape), but 1458 worked alongside 1436 at one point hence the numberplates.
38:51 OK what the hell? It’s one thing not to include Oliver in the show, if they find him to be unprofitable that’s whatever, but to outright just say “hey this character people like doesn’t exist or matter” is just rubbing salt in the wound.
I've never seen such an outstanding performance from all of the cast members, Joe Mills, Richard Browning and the one and only Nic Goodrich. This might just be my favouring Sodor's Finest yet! I quote Miss Jenny, "Spot on, you'd make a mother proud!"
Man i love your content thank you for this new installment of the sodors finest series i watch your videos when i make plans for my model railway and draw maps and list locomotives. You motivate me when everything seems to be at rock bottom.
Happy New Year Tug! Thank you for everything! Can't wait to see what you do for the 80th anniversary! Great job as always! Glad Joe Mills was able to come back!
29:44/29:47 I know there's at least two fan stories that occur during & after this episode. Buried Truck's "Change of Pace", where Percy becomes fed up once more after hearing about Oliver's mishap. 35:17 The ever famous & well-known "Project Tiger Moth: The Good Old Days" which I believe goes over the restoration of the Old Manor Station that Oliver accidentally rediscovered.
24:49, of course you start the next part with us hearing the greatest music piece XD 33:41, a Thomas and Toad focus episode sounds like the *GREATEST* thing I would ever watch. 38:57, *Wait wha-* (actually it’s more insulting now with AEG Thomas as the profile pic. They shot Oliver dead in the Nitrogen Era, made this tweet, resurrected him, shot him again, and went into kiddy territory) 33:10/47:30, this got me off guard like Duck’s cut off scream XD Joe Mills back voicing all his characters, man, is this guy becoming part of The Tug crew and family? ^^
Toad the Vanfather for the win! Lmao Toad: Alright if I stay and help Mr. Oliver, Mr. Douglas? Douglas: Certainly, Toad. What do you plan to do? Toad: I’m gonna make the trucks an offer they can’t refuse…
“You disrespect me. You disrespect the engines. You disrespect Mr. Oliver and sang rude songs about him. You disrespect Mr. Duck on his own branch line. You disrespect Mr. Donald and Mr. Douglas, and Mr. Douglas killed Mr. Spiteful Brakevan because of you. You insulted Ms. Isabel about her bell. You ran over Mr. Dog. And you don’t even think to call me Godvan.”
- Don Toad
@@Foolishlittleollie I read this in the voice toad got in Tobias and the Arcane Merchant.
@@supergenesisstation1991Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't the narrator in the story segments of this video the same guy who voiced Tobias in that film
@@fanofeverything30465 nope. Tobias was voiced by Tines, if I'm remembering correctly. The narrator and Duck in this are voiced by Tom Marshall
@fanofeverything30465 no it isn't
@@supergenesisstation1991Pretty ironic we got the Oliver Video just after Arcane Merchant since that’s his focus story in the Tobias trilogy and all.
Way to keep the magic alive
The interpretation of toad basically being a mob boss is actually genius.
The Great Western in and of itself almost comes off like a mafia sometimes.
" TOAD WE FOUND THE MOLE!! "
Reading this after watching Arcane Merchant, I could probably see it
“Thet is good, comrade Oliver.”
It's kind of no wonder why tines made oliver and duck villains in his Tobias movies
Now Mr Oliver, that there scruffy and is gang has been a pain in my operations for a while, he’s gotten to big for his buffers, so I’m gonna need you to go and remind him of his place
You can tell Joe Mills had a blast voicing all 3 of his characters from the CGI series for this
It's like Keith Wickam in TAB, he's practically talking to himself the whole time!
@s.p.d.magentaranger1822Yep. And they wonder why Douglas and Oliver never interacted in CGI
It feels so surreal not only hearing him voice them in the Escape scene, but hearing the actor say the lines his characters said from the glory days, with extra lines for Toad included, is just crazy ^^
Kerry Shale is also a king at talking to himself in Thomas. 😂😊
Close enough, WELCOME BACK CGI OLIVER!
I don't want to be THAT guy, but I have no idea why this comment has no replies
I'm going to assume possibly the model series Oliver wins?
@elliott-i6tthat’s exactly why I went to the comments😅
How'd you comment 2 days ago?
How'd you comment 2 days ago?
Toad being a mob boss..."you must show respect to the Great Western family".
He was going to make Mr. Oliver an offer he can't refuse...
He certainly made Scruffey an offer he couldn't refuse
@musclecat1005 S.C. Ruffey would be the horse head in the bed...XD
@@atruebluefriend Look how Mr. Oliver massacred the poor truck. Pfft, hahahahahahaha! 😂😅
'I'll make Mr. Oliver an offer he can't refuse'
This has got to be one of the best Sodor Finest yet!
Peak Unlucky Tug!
Happy new year 🎉
Peak indeed! Peak indeed!
Hi Thomas The Tank Engine Guy!
Oh hi ttte aren't you addicted to brainrot that I hate
Saying “Peak Unlucky Tug” is exactly like saying “Unlucky Tug Unlucky Tug”
The fact you not only go Joe Mills once but TWICE is damn impressive. Also really loved this one, Ollie’s been one of my favorite character growing up and I absolutely loved hearing you discussing his story and the cinematic retelling of Oliver’s story ^^
Same
Reminds me of the voice actress for Starfox Adventures Krystal voices Krystal in the starfox horizon fangame
The scenes with Douglas, Oliver, and Toad are basically 3 Joe Mills talking to himself
I agree
Nic is never under any obligation to get famous voice actors to appear in his content, but him doing so only reinforces how much these videos mean to him and the audience. I deeply respect that.
@@SteamTeamRedubUK amen to that.
Bro, hearing CGI Oliver, Toad, and Douglas interact with each other to reenact the events of Oliver’s escape is jaw dropping to say the least. The thing I love about this series is that I find myself learning a plethora of new information about each character when I thought I knew quite a lot already. Wonderful job to all those who contributed to this installment of Sodor’s Finest!
He's delivering more than Mattel could
Me too.
Toad the Vanfather: "We'll show you how we deal with trucks like you, the Great Western Way."
*Publicly tortures Scruffy till he literally breaks apart*
Topham: I suppose I could bring diesel back
Duck: Ah....NO
Bro they were so quick with it, had me weak
@@theavengerknight3 Right?! I love that bit!
Henry: Never bring him back!
The trauma is so deep that they immediately started casually addressing The Fat Controller like he was just one of them instead of their superior for the few seconds that option seemed plausible.
When did this happen 😂
Your best Sodor's Finest yet. I love how much care you put into retelling the story of Oliver's escape. And I'm glad to see Joe Mills reprise more of his roles.
I’d say the Donald and Douglas sodors finest was my favourite but this is a close second
😢😢😢😢😢😢
Fun Fact:Oliver was actually named after Rev. W. Awdry's next-door neighbour Oliver Wicks.
So yeah the Bulliver and Oliver thing is 100 percent a coincidence.
@@vaclavmacgregor2464 I always thought Bulliver’s name came from Oliver.
I’ve got a fun fact, too: back when I was introduced to him at age six, I thought him so cool, I wanted to change my name to ‘Oliver’. Now, at age 37, I’m contemplating naming one of my kids after him someday-if any.
@joshuaW5621 it was actually the local nickname given to a passenger service 1420 worked at one point.
I wonder if Oliver the Excavator also was
IM SO HAPPY HE MADE THIS OLIVERS MY FAVORITE CARACTER KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK UNLUCKY TUG
👍🏻👍🏻
He's mine too
18:43 19:39 Mob Boss Toad is something I never knew I needed but now I want more of
Tell me about it. Makes him sound more gangster than ever before.
Joe Mills’ take on Oliver is fantastic. Love that you got him back for this.
Rewatching this in memory of Britt Allcroft. RIP.
Same
I just read that on the news. We need to spread the word about it.
We all need a friend like Toad.
fr
Yeah
Absolutely.
We need to be a friend like toad
Like Toad the Red Toad?
Talk about starting out with a bang! The fact you got Joe Mills to reprise his role as not only Douglas again, but also Oliver and Toad is just surreal. I look forward to seeing what you have in store for 2025.
My theory on why Michael Brandon made Oliver sound like a cowboy: HiT didn't care about source material for characters, and the US dub felt rushed for Season 7, so when Brandon was hired, he read "Great Western Engine," thought "Western = cowboy" and improvised. It was never explained to the narrator what "Great Western" means. Unlike Starr, Angelis or Carlin who were made familiar with Awdry's work.
I've always had a similar theory. I'm glad I'm not the only one. XD
Alec Baldwin too cause he had to be made familiar w/ the books when he worked w/ Britt Allcroft.
I've had that theory as well
A good theory and I think it's true in some way
I liked it when I watched Snow Engine as a kid. Michael Brandon is my favorite narrator for Thomas.
I can only imagine the absolute joy that Joe Mills felt when offered to voice all of his characters again for the first time in a while! Great work as always!
"Hello Oliver, are you being a good gracious engine?"
Tug's done it again, He’s brought Joe Mills to voice back to voice Douglas, Toad, and the star of today’s video: Oliver. Happy New Year Tug, and great job on this video!
2:37 Oh hey! A reference to the Edward remaster!
Trampy as SC.Ruffey was purely priceless lmfao
IM COMING APAAAAAARRR- BOOM.
Trampy Movie #???: Scruffy
His appearance was great also hey
@@ItzNicky295Next time of the Trampy movies:
toad makes oliver fucking murder a truck.
I was NOT expecting Oliver, but I'm SO glad we got him!! Very fitting since we got Donald and Douglas last time!!
Me too. I nearly spit out my drink this morning when I discovered him in my RUclips notifications. But he is most definitely a welcome surprise nonetheless.
15:36 Most likely Toad was brought along out of pity, as he was under a similar threat of being scrapped like Oliver and Isobel, as Brakevans were abolished on BR around the same time as steam power.
That’s exactly what RUclipsr Ilovetrains323 did with his version of Escape ^^
Heartbreaking as that is? Makes complete sense.
I can relate. Most cabooses in America were scrapped just like the brake vans in the UK.
I always believed that Isabel (or Isobel) didn't become a character in TtTE&F because introducing named female coaches was deemed problematic at this stage - especially to the American public. However, claiming that there was nothing with Isabel that couldn't already be done with Toad makes sense as well.
Also, can we take time to comment on Bruce Alexander's voice for Oliver? So dopey!
Best Oliver Special and Retrospective!
11/10
Heh, I see what you did! XD
TUG THIS ISNT A FRIDAYYYY
IM SO EXCITED!
Edit 1:
Joe Mills killed it once again-
And the fact he voices his tvs characters brings a tear to my eye
My grandfather worked on the real 14xx’s in the 50s/60s and always said they could do quite a lot more than 80! Really depended on how daring the driver was but he said he knew of drivers that managed the best part of 100 downhill, can imagine that was a wild ride.
100????? WHAT
WAIT WHAT
Are you serious
What a way to start the new year! And Joe Mills nails his performance as Douglas, Oliver and Toad once again!
I love Oliver's Pre-Sodor storyline, it's one of my favourites. I especially love how it's tied into the Scottish Twins' story.
Hearing Trampy's Henry and James makes me wait for hilarious argument and honestly is my favorite voices for those characters now, even growing up with the originals back in the 90s.
I do love Trampy’s voicing for the steam team.
Chills. I had CHILLS watching that Escape segment. Hearing Joe Mills voice his three characters, the recreated soundtrack by Isaiah, it was SO GOOD! Immersive, is the word I would use to describe these story segments. It’s a mesh of a little bit of everything from every era. Some lines and wit from the RWS, the visuals of the model series, and the diverse voice acting from the CGI series. I love how you gave Toad actual lines during the Escape part. That was a needed touch, he felt kinda like an npc in the TV adaptation lol. Oliver’s Fear of Fireworks is probably one of the biggest losses I’ve seen to a character in CGI. Like Donald and Douglas, he just needed a *little* more exposure to bring him full circle. Another absolutely AWESOME installment, Tug! Well done to you and the crew! So excited for what you’ve got in store this year!
I love Scruffy screaming at the end there. When you first showed Oliver pulling Scruffy apart I did something extremely similar to that. I definitely didn't expect you to have done that too.
But I must say, this was a treat for the start of the year. Just like how Tophat's prop was found at the same time!
I do relate with Oliver (if it wasn't obvious by something...), but also Toad. A mix, I suppose...
Trampy probably wants Tug to stop killing him in his videos
@Trainboy17 Oh, that was Trampy? Makes sense. He does have a wide range of vocal cords.
@@InactivePannierWhen was the first time
@@fanofeverything30465 Tugs the stupid dub and the season 12 retrospective
@@fanofeverything30465Trampy had a stroke when watching "Push me, pull you".
MAN, Joe Mill's Oliver & Toad voices are some of my favorites in the entire show. It's what I base my voices for them from. And to hear those voices speak new lines once again for the first time in 8 years is such a fantastic New Year's treat.
I knew you would do an Oliver episode, especially after you managed to land Joe Mills. Of course the opportunity was too good to pass up.
My favorite Sodor's Finest yet. I knew Oliver was going to be next and I had that feeling since you had gotten Joe Mills to play Douglas, that you were going to ask him to play Oliver and Toad as well. Seeing him play all three of these characters was such a treat. Like you said it is hard to believe how little Oliver appeared in each era of the show but when you add it all up you did appear quite a bit but not as much as say a main character despite him being a part of the main 11 now 12. In conclusion everything explained in this video is what I love about Oliver and of course him being relatable and one of the reasons I nicknamed my channel after him and why he's my absolute favorite character. Keep up the good work Nic can't wait to see everything you have in store for this year.
$10 well speant. Love, love, LOVE that scene of all the engines going around and telling Oliver’s tale, especially with the reprised Great Discovery track, just “chefs kiss”.
Am very much looking forward to more of Sodor’s finest, especially in this new format! Would love to see Gordon next, but of course I’m a bit biased :p
Me too since I wanted to see Gordon next in Sodor's Finest.
WHAT A WAY TO START THE YEAR!!!
Oliver is one of the greatest daring engines in the show, I always enjoy watching him and Escape is definitely a great introduction to him. Great hearing Joe Mills in this again and I think video just changed my perspective on him so much!!!
Great video!!!
"Diesels... why did it have to be diesels?" -Oliver
What a way to start off the new year - fantastic work as usual! Your edits and writing for the story sequences get better and better, and hearing Joe Mills again was such a treat.
Oliver has always been a character that I would struggle to describe - he's not just "the vain one" or "the cheeky one." Yet I love how you pointed out the range of struggles and stories he's had over the series, even though he's had so few lead episodes. I also never noticed the spiteful brake van parallel with Toad and Douglas in the RWS, or that Carlin gave Oliver an accent in the Classic series. Good catch!
Can't wait for what you've got in store this year!
Ha ha - I see what you did there. *whip crack*
What a great start to 2025. A Sodor’s Finest on Oliver starring the one and only Joe Mills himself again, and the fantastic! TUGS news about Top Hatt’s prop finally being found.
Yes… i’m not kidding guys, TOP HAT’S PROP HAS JUST BEEN FOUND AFTER 17 YEARS!!!. The Star Tugs Trust announced today he’ll finally be reunited and on display with the other props at the next TUGS exhibition in April. Turns out he’s been safe with a private owner this whole time, the prop was taken home long before the storage units at Shepparton Studios were cleared out in 2008. Looks like Tug’s theory about Top Hat being kept by someone on the film crew was correct.
This fandom can rejoice! and finally rest knowing Top Hat is alive and well.
Oooooh i say hello!!!.
@@emersoninfinitystone5785 Oh wonderful to hear 🤗
Glad to hear you touch on Oliver's Find. That's one episode I always like revisiting, simply because its one of a few where Oliver has a major role to play.
It's fun to hear Joe Mills again, and listen to his Oliver and Toad voices this time around.
Another banger Sodor's Finest. Kudos Tug, and Happy New Year!
YES! Starting my the year off with my favorite character! Insane you managed to get back Joe Mills for Douglas, Oliver, and Toad! Also I’m still pity Oliver never got an episode to himself in CGI
Rest In Peace, Mrs Allcroft.
You helped bring a small blue tank engine and all of his compatriots to life. You left a legacy, now let us try to keep it moving down the rails.
See you at the next station.
I REALLY love to toad in this. His lines are just, so funny, especially in that last segment. “Was that meant to happen Mr. Oliver?” and “Slip of the brakes again” got me leaving DEAD. And his voice by Joe Mills just complements to the greatness. This, is probably one of my favorite videos of yours, and I KNOW I will be coming back many times.
Thank you.
My headcannon about Olivers' short temper and general attitude is probably due to some level of survivor's guilt. It makes sense he'd be desperate to prove himself. You could apply this a few characters in the franchise, but I think it doubly applies to him as he made such an argeous trip to the island. Like on some deeper level, he's still trying to escape. I'm aware I'm reading way too deep into that, but it's so interesting to me.
I just wanted to say, your videos on Thomas the Train that started popping up after watching a couple of episodes of the classic series on RUclips, made me go into a deeper dive of Thomas the Train and now I own a copy of the complete collection of the Railway Series that I am currently reading to my son. I understand. Also Gordon is best train.
Toad's just one of those mates that you need when you're feeling down
Absolutly the purest character you'll ever meet ❤
For the first video of 2025, what a thrill of resource and sagacity! Oliver and Toad are my 20th favorite Thomas characters (though I do love them in the model era - though CGI Toad is lovable too, but Oliver in said-era is tarnished in terms of missed opportunities and flanderization). Speaking of Toad being Jiminy Cricket in your perspective (though I don't always watch many Disney movies cause they're so hard and too much to catch upon), there is one Pinocchio show (which is mostly CGI) that Joe Mills who voiced the two characters actually worked on as Jiminy.
Speaking of Joe Mills, it is SO surreal to hear him not only reprise Douglas, but also Oliver and Toad as well - like Keith Wickham in TAB, Joe looks like he's talking to himself w/ no other actors surrounding him. The story segments really payed off very well and I love those silhouette shots of the three characters each in the beginning and end during the night and dawn scenes.
28:05 “You gonna get whacked Mista Scruffey.” 😂🤣
And let’s forget how Oliver had 4 different accents in the US dub, damn.
I've been waiting for this sodor's finest for so long, thank you unlucky tug for making a sodor's finest about my all time favorite Thomas character Oliver
Dude we're getting a lot of Oliver related , first Tobias and the arcade merchant and now Unlucky Tug making an Sodor finest of him
This video made me appreciate who Oliver is, he is one of my favourite characters in this franchise and the fact that you got Joe Mills to voice act Douglas, Oliver and Toad is so impressive.
19:01
Toad: I’m going to make you an offer you can’t refuse, Mr. Douglas
Starting the year off with an Oliver Sodors Finest, along with Joe Mills yet again. Credits to everyone who worked on this video, you all are so talented. Cant wait for more videos from Tug, they always make my day. Thank you tug and everyone who worked on this video, I appreciate the hard work that goes into these videos, they always make me smile.
Oh sweet and to think this all started with his daring escape from the Scrapyard
Toad:We know…….
WOW!!! That was absolutely amazing!! Seeing your latest Sodor’s Finest on Oliver makes me appreciate him more!! And it’s such a blessing to see Joe Mills not only do Douglas but also Oliver and Toad as well!! This just keeps getting better and better!! Well done Nic!! 😃🙌🏻
32:11 The voices Alec gives to Oliver and Toad sounds like a statesman and his loyal butler
Oliver has always been a favorite of mine, alongside Duck, and having this retrospective on him felt very good. Wish the Little Western got more screentime (maybe even a spin-off of numbers 8-11 having goofy adventures on the seaside) but what we got showed how great these fun engines are! Here's to Oliver, may his legacy continue to bloom!
Happy New Year, Tug! Here's to 2025!
That was another great Sodor's Finest. It's great that Joe Mills came back not only to voice Douglas again, but also Oliver and Toad.
I just love Oliver so much! He’s my favorite character along with Thomas in the entire franchise, but it’s kinda sad that they didn’t do much for him. That being said, thank you so much for creating this Sodor’s finest about him and Toad. He truly is an incredible flawed character and I’m so grateful for him getting a whole video about the 2!
(Side note: 19:36 is so funny lol)
It’s really great to hear Joe Mills voicing Oliver and Toad! It’s really great to hear all 3 of Joe Mills’ characters from the CGI series!
Thank you Tug!
Oliver is my favourite character!
Mine too
And me as well
He's mine too
One of my favourite characters not just because his named after me. Oliver is brave courageous but he still has room to grow and learn and after the turntable incident he’s humbled by the experience as well as the scruffy incident showing his strong side. He can get a big head but you don’t mess with old Ollie ❤
I know it probably wasn’t planned but the fact this was released after Tobias and the Arcane Merchant is ironic.
21:51 If only an engine had actually done that. Or maybe an engine has, but they did it so well that no one even knows it happened.
What brilliant work as always, Nic! I was so up for Oliver next in the Sodor's Finest after Donald and Douglas, so I'm glad you were inspired to do it then! Oliver may not be regarded so much thanks to random publishers and Mattel wanting more about Thomas himself, but there's a reason why everyone loves him: his backstory is so amazing, relating to the tragic story of steam engines in the United Kingdom being replaced with diesels and some of them getting scrapped. Being a massive fan of steam trains, I would never have wished for them to be gone long before I was born, so I'm glad other people cared and kept the remaining ones in good use, even building more over the years. That's the kind of story any train fan, even of Thomas, has to hear, and it's all thanks to Oliver. 👍
I just hope that with better people running the TV show, Oliver will get some more episodes properly focused on him again. (Yes, I know you hate him in "Toad and the Whale", but I don't want to say the same thing because of how much I love the story and it's great to have Oliver in the spotlight.) Maybe if Christopher Awdry's unpublished stories could somehow be released, we could get some about Oliver, even the autocoaches, which everyone needs to learn about. If only we had them in the CGI series too.
Lastly, good luck with everything throughout 2025. I feel the pain of doing The Thomas Retrospective on four consecutive terrible seasons that started the full CGI series of Thomas & Friends, but the sooner we get through them, the sooner we get to the really good seasons again, which would be perfect for the 80th anniversary of Thomas, but I understand you can't promise anything. I realise time and time again your videos take so long and such hard work to make. But at least that video celebrating 80 years of Thomas will make up for it. 😄 I did hope for a review of the Star Wars prequel trilogy, but oh, so you aren't now. I understand. And about Pixar, I heard you were thinking of a video on all the Toy Story movies, since the franchise is reaching 30 this year. But then with a fifth movie coming next year, it might be best to save it for next year, unless you just do a separate video covering the newest sequel. Again, good luck, Nic! We all appreciate the hard work you do, and so are looking forward to whatever you have planned for us all. 👍 Another thing, I knew you'd get Joe Mills back to voice Douglas, Oliver and Toad again. Boy, is it so wonderful to hear one of the voice actors for Thomas still doing well even with the show over for the time-being. 😄 If only somebody else out there could hire them to do more official work on all we truly love.
Fantastic work yet again Tug, One Tram Band using a music piece from The Great Discovery to tell the news about Oliver was so clever, and hearing Joe Mills voice Oliver and Toad was so great to hear
I do find it amusing that both Duck and Oliver have the history of taking on numbers that aren't theirs. Perhaps Oliver did so as part of his escape, though Duck's case is a bit less clear.
I also remember reading that Scruffey was based on the idea of privately-owned rolling stock that would be painted up to hide their lack of maintenance, though this element was absent from the TV series. It's likely that Scruffey would've eventually come apart without Oliver's help, given that he was rotten and rusted underneath the paint, but the little engine sure took advantage.
What a phenomenal way to start the new year with a Sodor’s Finest before we get to the Thomas Retrospective where things might get mixed up feelings
The way I pumped my fist in the air upon seeing my second favorite character in TTTE get a Sodor's Finest!! What a wonderful New Year's gift Tug!!
It was great to see Joe Mills return again to voice Douglas and it was great to see him voice Oliver and Toad he did an outstanding job!
Anyways Happy New Year Tug🥳🎉!
Can’t wait to see what you have for this year!
Largely thanks to the TV series, I always saw Toad as more of the loyal butler type, always by his master's side, always happy to serve and be useful, always dutiful and respectful, but never standing for any insult to his master's honor. Think Carson from Downton Abbey.
That said, George Carlin didn't help the mob boss angle by giving Toad the voice of Peter Lorre of The Maltese Falcon. Which, to be fair, was freaking brilliant.
Thank you for doing Oliver. He’s among my favorites and I say this, no matter how bad the series got I always went back to episodes like Escape and Oliver Owns Up for the moments and memories they have when I watched them on either Shining Time Station or my home videos as a toddler.
I find it poetic that today I saw a GWR 14xx (1450) for the first time since seeing 1450 in 2018 and then you drop a video about Oliver! Once again, these videos are my favourite videos to watch.
The way everyone shuts down the idea of bringing diesel back was really well done
I can say without a shadow of doubt that Oliver, Edward and Boco has so much more potential. Oliver's wings were cut before he even became a real character. It's a shame
In the RWS and model series, Oliver is like Thomas. So. So much. Easily irritable, wants more for himself than he gets on a regular basis, has a high opinion of himself, lets others comments about him get to his head, and brags about himself whenever he gets the chance. Oliver just says the quiet parts out loud.
Oliver is so much like Thomas. If Thomas actually had to deal with long-term consequences of his actions.
In the cgi series, i see Oliver as kind of oblivious. And because he's oblivious, he's dismissive as a result. He just doesn't think it's possible that he or Toad could come up with an idea to save the whale because that's the search and rescue people's jobs, not theirs.
I think having Samson and the Fireworks is better. If Oliver had been written like Samson, it just wouldn't feel right. And Samson being afraid of fireworks just works in a way. A lot of people headcanon Samson as autistic, and adding the fear of fireworks/loud noises supports that with his other behaviors.
CGI missed a lot of opportunities with Oliver. So many missed opportunities.
These Sodor's Finest videos have transformed from video essays to real cinematic experiences.
I knew the idea of Oliver being afraid of fireworks seemed off.
Makes me want to see a Thomas and Oliver episode
What if the fireworks reminded oliver of the cuter's torche
@RicardoGaming09 That could work and it's what Ilovetrians323 did
I always liked the RWS story where Oliver says “your life is over… but mine is just beginning!”, and then ascends to stare at the moon with the furious light of revenge ablaze in his eyes, a merchant of souls.
escape’s not bad either
I forgot which story that was
What was that story again
Glad to see Joe Mills return once again for this video.
Oliver is my 3rd favourite character in the entire show.
YOOOOO BEST ENGINE FINALLY GOT HIS VIDEO, THANK YOU TUG 🙏🙏
Fun Fact: if you look closely at the illustration of Douglas being stopped by the signalman/yardmaster/whatever, you can see there are trucks behind Toad.
Douglas had a return goods train and he marshaled Oliver on to it. If he was supposed to return light, they might not have been as convincing!
Fun coincidence, but the day this video went live for Patrons happened to be the most recent airing of The Titfield Thunderbolt on BBC iPlayer.
The way I see it; Oliver is exactly like Spider-Man: an underdog who seemingly can’t catch a break. But with a little luck, determination, and help from his friends; Oliver gets back up and keeps on going.
Isabel and Toad are basically Sodor’s equivalent to Aunt May & Uncle Ben; there to guide Oliver on his way to becoming a really useful engine.
Another amazing installment of Sodor's Finest! Compared to engines 1 through 10, Oliver didn't get nearly as many appearances over the years, but it's his exciting adventures and relatable personality that have made him such a memorable and lovable character. I do wish that the franchise had done more to explore his dynamics with the other engines, especially Douglas given how integral he is to Oliver's origin story, but the partnership that he has with Toad is wonderful. Joe Mills and the rest of the cast were fantastic once again - this video was a great way to kick off the new year!
Oliver’s a character that really could have had some great development if he was actually given the opportunity to explore more of his traits and story in the later TVS
As well as CGI Brenner era.
I agree
I always like to imagine had season 8 still been a classic season Oliver would've still appeared when it came to original classic model series they honestly cared more about him than Duck who really only had all at sea and scaredy engines. Allcroft and Mitton (soon just him) clearly had favorites for original stories such as thomas James Gordon Rusty Duncan bill and ben oliver and especially percy but put others like Edward Scots peter sam and sir handel (who didn't appear) clearly on back burner with little screentime and roles
According to Sodor Island models, Oliver's past on the Golden Valley and withdrawal date makes him either 1453 or 1458. 1453 was on the line for longer (giving more time to plot the escape), but 1458 worked alongside 1436 at one point hence the numberplates.
38:51 OK what the hell? It’s one thing not to include Oliver in the show, if they find him to be unprofitable that’s whatever, but to outright just say “hey this character people like doesn’t exist or matter” is just rubbing salt in the wound.
You do realize Oliver’s number is not 11 in the RWS right?
I've never seen such an outstanding performance from all of the cast members, Joe Mills, Richard Browning and the one and only Nic Goodrich. This might just be my favouring Sodor's Finest yet! I quote Miss Jenny, "Spot on, you'd make a mother proud!"
The fact that you got Joe Mills back a second time is absolutely mindblowing! My favourite version of Oliver is the model series
15:10 Is it just me, or does Oliver sound like a British Mr. Mackey? “I was saved from scrap, mkay!”
Man i love your content thank you for this new installment of the sodors finest series i watch your videos when i make plans for my model railway and draw maps and list locomotives. You motivate me when everything seems to be at rock bottom.
The fact Joe Mills is back again is immense!!
Happy New Year Tug! Thank you for everything! Can't wait to see what you do for the 80th anniversary! Great job as always! Glad Joe Mills was able to come back!
And we start 2025 in the best way possible! With our boy, Oliver!
I was unfortunate to get a stomach bug last night but watching this is really helping me take my mind off it. Thanks for all you do Tug!
Sorry to hear about your stomach bug. Hope you feel better soon.
Get well soon 😊
29:44/29:47 I know there's at least two fan stories that occur during & after this episode.
Buried Truck's "Change of Pace", where Percy becomes fed up once more after hearing about Oliver's mishap.
35:17 The ever famous & well-known "Project Tiger Moth: The Good Old Days" which I believe goes over the restoration of the Old Manor Station that Oliver accidentally rediscovered.
24:49, of course you start the next part with us hearing the greatest music piece XD
33:41, a Thomas and Toad focus episode sounds like the *GREATEST* thing I would ever watch.
38:57, *Wait wha-* (actually it’s more insulting now with AEG Thomas as the profile pic. They shot Oliver dead in the Nitrogen Era, made this tweet, resurrected him, shot him again, and went into kiddy territory)
33:10/47:30, this got me off guard like Duck’s cut off scream XD
Joe Mills back voicing all his characters, man, is this guy becoming part of The Tug crew and family? ^^
Toad the Vanfather for the win! Lmao
Toad: Alright if I stay and help Mr. Oliver, Mr. Douglas?
Douglas: Certainly, Toad. What do you plan to do?
Toad: I’m gonna make the trucks an offer they can’t refuse…