Dream On (Thomas & Friends)

"Dream On" is the third episode of the eleventh season of Thomas and Friends.

Plot
Thomas wants to be shinier, faster, and stronger than Spencer.

Why This Episode Rocks

 * 1) It has a good set up with Thomas and Spencer's rivalry, which was previously shown in "Topped Off Thomas" from Season 10, but here, it's executed much better as they went out with it and the writers did a really good job of handling the story for the episode.
 * 2) The Duke of Boxford's coats of arms looks so cool to look at, especially on Thomas.
 * 3) While it does rely on the three strikes formula, it's used only in the first half and don't overtake the episode. While it may be very rare for episodes from Seasons 8-16 to keep them to either a minimum or have them not that used much at all, here the three strikes actually did work.
 * 4) Speaking of the three strikes, this episode mixes up the classic Awdry format with the three strikes formula. Thomas wants to be better than Spencer, but later realizes that he isn't by doing the same things as him. Then, Spencer gets a turn to feel silly when he gets a cold boiler later in the same episode, showing us he has got his comeuppance for bossing Thomas about earlier.
 * 5) Narration wise, both Michael Angelis and Michael Brandon have done a good job with the narration dialogue once again for both respective English dubs.
 * 6) This episode has a good message to show to kids that carried onto other episodes like "Whiff's Wish" and "Being Percy", it states that you should be yourself and not try hard to be like the others.
 * 7) As always, the model and camera work looks very impressive.
 * 8) Bill and Ben make cameos when Thomas arrives at Ffarqhuar Quarry, which is clearly nice to see the twins appear again.

The Only Bad Quality

 * 1) It does use the three strikes formula as usual for an episode from Seasons 8-16, but unlike most episodes from said seasons, the three strikes formula in this episode is executed properly and it's only used in the first half.

Trivia

 * This episode is named after the song from the American rock band, Aerosmith.
 * The scene of Thomas trying to go as fast as Spencer is sped up.
 * Thomas' original perspex model was used when he slows down and puffs around the bend.
 * This is the first episode of only two things:
 * The first episode with Bill's new cheeky face.
 * The first that the Duke of Boxford speaks in an episode.
 * This is the last episode of three things:
 * The last episode Spencer appears in the live-action era, as well as his last appearance until "Hero of the Rails", a season and a year later.
 * The last episode where Knapford Yards is referred to by name until the twenty-third series episode, Diesel Do Right.
 * The last appearance of the BR MK1 Coaches in the television series, which are the same coaches that have been used in The Railway Series.