As someone with Aspergers Syndrome (High functioning end) and a model railroader since I was 3 years old I've always had an appreciation for Thomas The Tank Engine and Friends for all sorts of reasons. It was until I was older that I remember reading an article how Thomas and Friends was still one of the most appealing shows to people on the spectrum. For me I still watch episodes from the past as well as fan made ones. The music is absolutely wonderful (my favorite being Gordon's season 1 theme). For me Thomas and Friends was a wonderful comfy escape from the riggers of the real world into a story book world as it was intended. Which is why I absolutely hated when it changed for the worse in the HIT era because it really meant something to me even as I got older. Even today I still have my strong opinions on the show. But accepting change is something I can better handle but that never means I have to appreciate the bad changes that happen. For me it's been a long journey and will always be an uphill battle. But Thomas and Friends will always be a warm comfortable place for me to go when the struggles of adult life are just a bit too much. A place of Wonder and Make believe.
The music in Thomas the Tank Engine truthfully resonated with Autistic people. Mike and Junior certainly did a phenomenal job on their music in the classic era. They captured the calm, cheerful tone in their score brilliantly.
When I was Little Hallingbury Village Primary School kid small boy age, I used to watch a few vhs cassettes of Thomas. I did also watch two vhs cassettes of Tugs. Three episodes on one video, and two on video.
I am not autistic (as far as I'm aware but I do have certain aspects of it), but I can understand why this show was able to connect with those who needed a safe place to go. As a young child, I was enthralled by the detailed landscapes and varied characters, so I had that kind of comfort zone in the show. I don't really like chaos and loud noises that much, so things can be mundane and simple and I won't complain too much. I wish the music had resinated with me more as a kid. There are many themes I knew off by heart, but great compositions such as Stepney's theme, the vidauct theme and even the runaway theme completely slipped my mind.
The way you explained everything has left a huge impact, in a good way. Beautiful words. As a woman with Aspergers, I salute you for this. Growing up with these stories, it's no wonder they have stuck with me and many others.
As someone with ADHD and autism i always understood the music in classic Thomas episodes. Like the sad moments or tense moments are really shown by the music
Mike and Junior's music was such a major factor in my enjoyment of the show, giving several characters, settings or events their own recognisable theme/lite motif that I could associate them with, altering them each season to suit each seasons tone, while still being recognisable. It's one of the reasons I don't enjoy the Hit era. While Hartshore's music wasn't bad, it was not as memorable. If I ever watch any s8-12 episodes, I prefer to watch fan edits with classic series themes.
UA-cam hasn’t been kind to us Thomas fans lately. I’m thinking of making a video about what has happened, especially with COPPA. I hope Tug can truly recover from this situation. On a lighter note, as an autistic person whose been a Thomas fan my whole life, this video means a lot to my love and appreciation for this franchise. Happy Autism acceptance week (which sounds better than autism awareness tbf).
At the end of his Season 6 Retrospective video, he said that his channel was lost because it shared an email address with another channel that was also removed around the same time despite that channel getting the copyright strikes as opposed to his channel not getting any. Real disappointing that that had to happen. His channel got me into others like Thomas Cynic, T1E2H3, and Instrumentmaniac.
I can only agree with this. Mike & Junior were masters of their craft. They created some of the most memorable music I've ever heard. The season 3 transition from Synth (S1-2) - Synth & Orchestral (S3) - Orchestral (S4-7) was a good choice. I never thought of It before, but It's completely true. As someone who has Autism: I can say with certainty that the show was a relaxing and peaceful place to simply enjoy life when you need a break from all the noisy things.
I have a autism disability too. In my high school, bullies they’re treating me like trash and harassing me in my whole life. My friends and teachers helping me through from my anxiety and depression, Thomas & Friends the show that brightens my day and growing to like the show, including the Railway Series books.
You know, it's strange how this show, by chance, ticked all the right boxes to appeal to people with autism and I've re-watched these episodes countless times even though I have autism myself never known 'til recently why this series appealed to me so much. Great Video!
It was interesting hearing a different perspective of Thomas' musical change! I always thought it was an odd how they would sometimes randomly use the original synthesizer themes in earlier season 3 episodes but now I’m glad it’s there! I think more videos like this would be very interesting for people like me who don’t have autism and also show Mattel how to treat autism in the show!
ttte is such a comfort show for me. having to deal with the final year of high school, being surrounded with socialising, having few friends, not feeling accepted at school and dealing with the stress and change of moving, ttte makes me feel much better. it calms down my autism in a unique way not very many other things in my life can recapture. this show and it's soundtrack is beautiful.
I’m on the autism spectrum and I’m big into trains. I’ve been watching Thomas since I was little and I’m still into him even at age 23. Thomas is more than just for children. He has a long proud history. The music for every engine just blows my heart away and I’m kept them in my brain. I love Henry’s season 3 and 4 themes, Duck’s theme for season 2 and 3, Bill and Ben’s theme, and Oliver’s Escape theme. Btw I didn’t even know that The Unlucky Tug got removed from UA-cam. I’m shocked. Loved his channel.
Great video man! your analysis on the music was great and I gotta say, the music from season 1 - 2 is really nostalgic to me but 3 - 5 are just pure bliss to listen to. The stereotype that autistic people like trains is true, it's pretty much true rather than being a stereotype really, I love trains!
The music for this show was just brilliant! Thank you for showing another aspect of the music I wasn't aware of! Have you seen the video "Train Breeds Musical Genius" by Inside the Score? He shows how brilliant the theme of the show is by not being a generic kids show theme. Check it out if you haven't seen it.
Hi Luke, thanks for what you've said about the connection between people with autism and the series. As someone who's currently going through the process of hopefully being able to get a diagnosis one day, I really appreciate how creators like u allow people with or going through the process for an autism diagnosis a place to be safe
thank you for taking the time to talk about the "Unlucky Tug" situation. as a Thomas fan since my childhood (i grew up on season 1 and 2), it was great to hear him talk about lots of cool and fun topics about the Island of Sodor and of course the sister series tugs series.
The strange things that kids are afraid of is just comical at times. Once you become a teen you look back on some of these fears and think “what was I thinking?” I’m autistic myself so I had a few fears that when I got older and I was like “wow I was a really easily frightened child”
Man, what a great video. I am on the autism spectrum. I was semi-diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at the age of 8 in England and then was fully diagnosed in Spain at the age of 9 which is where I was born and raised all my life despite being raised by one British and one American parent. Thomas was really special to me as well as were other shows but especially British shows. A lot of the 80s and 90s stuff just had a very calm, slow-motion pace about them that was so relaxing and satisfying to watch. Interestingly, as someone who's already in the field of music and has always been thanks to my parents being musicians, when it came to the music of Thomas listening to it as a child, it certainly gave me a big nostalgic impact when revisiting it as a teen and adult but it was especially Seasons 1 and 5 I was most exposed to on VHS, those being the furthest apart within sequence, tone and music from the classic series. The ones in between I only got to see on some compilation videos borrowed when I went on holiday to England at my grandparents so I couldn't resonate with a lot of their music to the same extent as to the ones I owned from Series 1 and 5 but you explained it perfectly and it really does make sense especially if you grew up with watching Season 3 as the Season which made the big comeback of Thomas after a break since the 80s seasons and more synthy artificial sound transforming into a more natural orchestral sound while still being on synthesizers. Seasons 4 and 5 are without a doubt the ones which had the most beautiful scores and melodies pertaining to the new characters though I still very much love the originals and what Season 2 did was already a great progress over Season 1 even in the music department which I didn't get the chance to see much as a kid but now I can appreciate it as an adult especially listening to the Viaduct theme though I will always have the nostalgic bias of Season 1 where I think "Thomas and the Trucks" might be my personal favourite one I most revisit in terms of its score though I also really love Thomas' original theme which was first ever featured in "Thomas' Train", a story some fans consider to be one of Awdry's lamest and most generic as well as somewhat ridiculous and odd premise-wise only to feature the magnificent original Thomas theme we all know and love, that's what I will always remember it for. However when it comes to Percy's theme it's clear Season 5 got that completely down featuring him as the lead character in most of the stories of that series, almost like the new breakout protagonist that took over Thomas already in Seasons 2 and 3 based on the stories he featured in more than Thomas but Season 5 established him firmly as the MVP of the most daring series and it was showcased in the music. I know I'm going a bit off here but I just needed to share my passion and joy for one of my most-loved childhood treasures I love to revisit on UA-cam but especially by people who know how to review it and bring it back to its proper existence like you and The Unlucky Tug. This is probably your best video yet not only because you talk about your experience with autism in great detail but also simplified it sufficiently in order to avoid making it complicated for those who have trouble understanding it first-hand as well as honouring The Unlucky Tug whose video I've also seen of him explaining showing his face but you really just did it eloquently by talking about the show's music, how every season has its own unique pattern and tells a different story while also staying the same franchise changing ever so slightly a pattern gradually to appeal to the autistic crowd. I relate so much with that and I never even properly noticed that as a child but now it makes a lot of sense. Thank you, Luke. We need more people like you.
I’m Autistic myself and I was in my school’s band from the age of 12 all the way til I was 17 (the year I graduated), once you get over the noise it’s fun.
This is why I loved Thomas The Tank Engine & Friends so much when I was a little kid and now. The most relaxing Children's show on the spectrum without any loud noises.
I've just realised something. The way you research and edit your videos makes me think that you're like a British version of The Unlucky Tug. On the subject of music, I'd say 'Night Train' or Toby's theme are my favourite pieces from the classic seasons. I love the way the former was used in 'Sleeping Beauty'.
His method of research and editing his videos as well as many other content creators have definitely shaped the way I make videos on UA-cam. Every video I make, I feel I make an improvement in one way or another. Makes watching my old stuff back all the more harder 😂
@@usualblokeluke If The Unlucky Tug hadn't come back I think Usual Bloke Luke would have become The New Unlucky Tug (I'm not wishing Nic hadn't been able to come back I'm just stating my opinion)
@@fanofeverything30465 actually, if The Unlucky Tug hadn't come back, I most likely would've never had my channel grow as much as it has right now. That guy really inspired me in the content I was creating so without that, I probably would've let my channel remain small and moved onto other things in my life.
I’m on the autism spectrum and I agree on everything u said here expect I never thought of the saying: Trains only go where the tracks take them so their daily lives are planned out and ready
Seeing this video, 10 months after release, and watching how it basically explains how i learned to grow through my childhood, through my mental age being half my physical age, in 2010, growing up Thomas S1-S5 by my side, tought my not-so-smart-brain how to live life. i'm 3 months from turning 25, and seeing how many workplaces and jobcenters and such don't treat people with Autism like they should, makes me wanna show them many videos (this one too) that explains what I need to learn, grow up and mature. I wasn't even slightly matured by my 18th birthday in 2017, but ONLY through my childhood friends, Thomas The Tank Engine and Friends, did i learn to mature through my 3 year high school stay. Thank you for making this video, UBL. I'll save it for my future self to show others. Big greetings from little Gladsaxe, in Denmark, from a fellow thomas fan
New favourite vid. The relationship between the series and autism is an open one in the fandom, but I hope people can use this video to show others exactly what it is they resonate with in the show, since you put it so perfectly.
With Oliver's Escape Theme Music, it sometimes minds me of Oliver Twist. Wanting to get away from the Workhouse. Unpleasant & Unhappy Lifestyle. He walks for seven days to get to London.
As a Thomas music creator who knows really well how to make Thomas music (and with also a mental disabbility that is not Autism), this video approves everything of what Thomas' original soundtrack really was. Great Jobs Luke!!
Hi Luke! I'm not autistic myself, but my brother is Asperger's, he doesn't like Thomas at all, but when ever we both see a Thomas classic episode (seasons 1-7), I can see he really gets into the story, he really can feel, more than me, that he's inside the series, God Bless Awdry, Britt, David, and all the increible team who made this jewel. Greetings! - Joaquín
I have Asperger’s as well, some people are so surprised when they find out I have it because I can carry a normal conversation, and I don’t get overwhelmed that often 😂
Excellent video Luke👍🏻 As someone else with Autism the music from the classic series always made me feel calm and happy even when certain characters theme music changed throughout the seasons. True Story: When I was a kid I used to be scared of 'The Ghost Train' theme music from season 2 but I quickly got used to it and now as an adult I absolutely love it whether it's the original or fan recreations, also it actually prepared me for the spooky music in season 5 which I would instantly love. Happy Autism Awareness week.
being someone that is on the spectrum in question. i very much agree with the explanation about the the challenge in question and how the series appeals. im 22 and it is still my favorite show, this video 110% gets a like from me
Season 3’s music always felt like when it peaked to me and I never knew why until now. Thank you for finally putting this into words- from one Luke on the spectrum to another!
As someone with autism, the Season 3 hybrid themes just really brought me so much joy, that when the orchestrals came, they really brought me euphoria in a way I won't think other kids media will ever be able to achieve on a personal level. God, classic Thomas will never stop being brilliant.
The songs from the classic series were absolute bangers. Even the HiT Era songs were pretty good as well. CGI songs have good and bad songs for the most part.
Speaking of Time for Trouble safe to say it's the hybrid theme episode, Gordon, James and Toby had their hybrid themes that episode. Of course other episodes did but this one sticks out.
Tug is an inspiration to me too! I don't think I'd have the inspiration to make my own videos if not for him. I also don't think I'd grow to be as laid back at times on my new channel if not for finding you. This life lesson series is great as well as unique. Glad to see someone discussing the connection between Autism and the series.
James and Percy’s themes are absolute bangers, love listening to Mike and Junior’s ost from time to time. Personally I’m not a part of the autism spectrum, but this gave me an insight I never considered before! Great video
The music from Series 3-9 is the best. The Proteus 2 sounds have always had a huge impact on me. I want to be able to make my own music and soundtrack scores with it.
This is a masterpiece of a video. Personally I am not a part of the autism spectrum, but this video really enlightened me onto why this show has such a grand appeal to the spectrum. Thank yoh once again Luke for putting out such a stellar video, have a good one man!
I've always loved mike and junior's music, it always sounded so nice, calm and relaxing to me And it always fit the lay back episodes from the classic era And i especially love the themes from season 5 and 3 The themes in season 1 and 2 are also pretty good And i always love the show and it felt like a calm safe place
Mattel disassociating Thomas with the Autism community is one of the reasons why I feel Thomas needs to be liberated from Mattel and have his rights sold to another company that will give him the respect that he so rightfully deserves (namely Orbrium). After all, the Autism community is the community that watches his show and buys his merchandise.
I’m Autistic and I never had a problem watching tv as a child, I have high functioning autism tho. I even did band in jr high and high school, the loudness was a problem for maybe a few weeks but after that I got used to it and it was never a problem. I did have to adjust again when my band teacher decided to move the trumpets behind me and my fellow clarinet players in my freshmen year of high school.
another well made and thoughtful vid also got me humming music from the show all day after watching classic thomas has such a perfect balance for soundtrack music, soft simple and relaxed enough not to be distracting but catchy enough to be charming and memorable
Yes I get what u mean, I have minor autism and a anxiety disorder, I’ve always noticed the themes being slightly altered and changed which I also like. Honestly, when it comes to feeling anxious or upset over nothing sometimes, I always listen to Thomas theme music and it always helps me calm down. Honestly I see the Thomas characters (well the old model series) as a second family to me. I remember all the characters by heart :)
As someone who has autism, I can confirm, loud noises are hard for autistic kids like me to handle. I can also confirm that autistic people of all ages notice things that most others don't.
Yes Luke thanks for making the video l have autism and l didn't like the change of music but then as l kept watching l loved the upgrade l think it is the perfect season to make a change to the show
This is a amazing video. There has always been something unique about the music from the show, and a sense of charm that everyone can admire. Great job!!.
One more important detail with the music in season 4 is that it reuses some of the only Proteus themes from season 3, which makes that season less alienating. One theme that was kept hybrid both times it was used in season 3 is the Runaway Theme, a version I truly prefer instead of the season 5 one (and the very best is the season 2 version from A Close Shave). What do you think of the hybrid version of Edwards theme used in Trust Thomas?
At 15:03 I started humming along by complete accident, and then when I realized I laughed so hard. This is by far the best video explaining autism I have ever seen, 10/10
Mike and Junior's work on Thomas was (along with Mitton's direction) arguably THE defining trait of the show to my under-5 self. Relative to the duller, more pedestrian fare heard on much of PBS and Nick Jr.'s output at the time, the soundtrack for S1-7 had a vibrant, atmospheric feel, capable of both evoking jubilant and infectious (compare the Mike and Junior overtures utilized for the homogenous stock-footage openings of S6-7 relative to the HiT-era equivalents backed by Hartshorne) and more portentous and dramatic (as with the minimalistic-but-effective string stabs in "Ghost Train" or the tense mini-overture of "Toby and the Flood") aesthetics. It's a surprisingly expressive and cinematic body of wok for a series all-too-frequently stigmatized as a "kid's show", and I salute the pair for going the extra two miles in that capacity. ANYWAYS, while I'd argue that S3-5 boasts the most elaborate and atmospheric of Mike and Junior's output, I nonetheless harbour the most "personal affection" for the synthscapes of S1-2, albeit for somewhat unorthodox reasons. Through a series of improbable circumstances relating to my dad's oft-changing hobbyist interests, several vintage keyboards wound up in my home as a teenager, one of them a fully-functioning Jupiter-6, which I eventually took to in an attempt to recreate the S1-2 themes and sound effects in my spare time. While often neglected or slated by some of the electronic music community for its allegedly "thin" sound, I nonetheless found it pretty user-friendly (despite its precarious-feeling plastic knobs and sliders) and its sound to be incredibly versatile and impressive, particularly its squelchy, esoteric, full-bodied synthleads (side note, the "Thomas and the Trucks" theme is basically a square wave set in solo mode and with the filter resonance on low), grimy, industrial, "hairy" strings (see also Daisy's theme or the "scare chord" that plays over the Flying Kipper crash) and thunderous unison mode (which I think almost blew out a speaker once), and I suspect it's this sonic range that bestows its abilities to shoulder both the idiosyncratic and lighthearted (such as the synthflute on Percy's theme) and heavy and industrial of Mike and Junior's compositions (and the show's aesthetic at large). It's an interesting choice to accompany an adaptation of books rooted in early 20th-century technology and (to some degree) aesthetics, but one that nonetheless pays off.
Weirdest part about this is that despite being an autist myself, and despite loving my Thomas DVD's and watching them on HiT when i was young, i don't get any sensory overload from any loud noises and flashing lights, infact i do have a thing for stuff like that
Yeah UA-cam needs to realise if they keep terminating channels like this then there user count will drop significantly. I mean UA-cam began to fall apart in 2017, because of the Elsagate content and of course with the algorithm, always morphing and changing it’s really hard for other UA-camrs to get content that they know they can do There is a video from Leokimvideo where he spoke about the whole UA-cam situation with himself, and what was really going on with the algorithm long before the COOPA decision. I highly recommend that you watch the video.
So we all know "The Flying Scoatsman" should have a big role in "Tender engine" but the crew didn't have bidhet to finish the his model.But what if the crew had the budget to his model? Would he then get a new theme or a remix of Gordon's theme ?
I have the Hardback DORLING KINDERSLEY DK EYEWITNESS GUIDES Book of TRAIN. Discover the story of railways - from the days of steam to the high - speed, sophisticated trains of today. In association with THE NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM.
A bit of an unpopular opinion but I like both the series 1 and 2 music and the series 3 music I'm seriously I love the synths on the series one and 2 music and along with the orchestralness of series 3. Man I will miss the old series one and two music oh well at least the series 3 music is better. So honestly they should have just used both the old series 1-2 music and the series 3 music but hey then again beggars can't be choosers so that's my opinion on the series 1 and 2 music along with the series 3 music.
Im autistic and im happy that you explained everything about autism 😊
That thumbnail is looking absolutely FIRE
HI TONS!!!
As someone with Aspergers Syndrome (High functioning end) and a model railroader since I was 3 years old I've always had an appreciation for Thomas The Tank Engine and Friends for all sorts of reasons. It was until I was older that I remember reading an article how Thomas and Friends was still one of the most appealing shows to people on the spectrum. For me I still watch episodes from the past as well as fan made ones. The music is absolutely wonderful (my favorite being Gordon's season 1 theme). For me Thomas and Friends was a wonderful comfy escape from the riggers of the real world into a story book world as it was intended. Which is why I absolutely hated when it changed for the worse in the HIT era because it really meant something to me even as I got older. Even today I still have my strong opinions on the show. But accepting change is something I can better handle but that never means I have to appreciate the bad changes that happen.
For me it's been a long journey and will always be an uphill battle. But Thomas and Friends will always be a warm comfortable place for me to go when the struggles of adult life are just a bit too much. A place of Wonder and Make believe.
The music in Thomas the Tank Engine truthfully resonated with Autistic people. Mike and Junior certainly did a phenomenal job on their music in the classic era. They captured the calm, cheerful tone in their score brilliantly.
When I was Little Hallingbury Village Primary School kid small boy age, I used to watch a few vhs cassettes of Thomas.
I did also watch two vhs cassettes of Tugs.
Three episodes on one video, and two on video.
I am not autistic (as far as I'm aware but I do have certain aspects of it), but I can understand why this show was able to connect with those who needed a safe place to go. As a young child, I was enthralled by the detailed landscapes and varied characters, so I had that kind of comfort zone in the show. I don't really like chaos and loud noises that much, so things can be mundane and simple and I won't complain too much.
I wish the music had resinated with me more as a kid. There are many themes I knew off by heart, but great compositions such as Stepney's theme, the vidauct theme and even the runaway theme completely slipped my mind.
The way you explained everything has left a huge impact, in a good way. Beautiful words.
As a woman with Aspergers, I salute you for this.
Growing up with these stories, it's no wonder they have stuck with me and many others.
Mike and Junior were masters of their craft. The music they produced is unmatchable.
As someone with ADHD and autism i always understood the music in classic Thomas episodes. Like the sad moments or tense moments are really shown by the music
Mike and Junior's music was such a major factor in my enjoyment of the show, giving several characters, settings or events their own recognisable theme/lite motif that I could associate them with, altering them each season to suit each seasons tone, while still being recognisable. It's one of the reasons I don't enjoy the Hit era. While Hartshore's music wasn't bad, it was not as memorable. If I ever watch any s8-12 episodes, I prefer to watch fan edits with classic series themes.
UA-cam hasn’t been kind to us Thomas fans lately. I’m thinking of making a video about what has happened, especially with COPPA. I hope Tug can truly recover from this situation.
On a lighter note, as an autistic person whose been a Thomas fan my whole life, this video means a lot to my love and appreciation for this franchise.
Happy Autism acceptance week (which sounds better than autism awareness tbf).
At the end of his Season 6 Retrospective video, he said that his channel was lost because it shared an email address with another channel that was also removed around the same time despite that channel getting the copyright strikes as opposed to his channel not getting any. Real disappointing that that had to happen. His channel got me into others like Thomas Cynic, T1E2H3, and Instrumentmaniac.
I heard that UA-cam and Mattel are working together
As someone with autism I definitely agree. I love Theo. He’s so cute! And definitely embodies his different ability
I can only agree with this. Mike & Junior were masters of their craft.
They created some of the most memorable music I've ever heard.
The season 3 transition from Synth (S1-2) - Synth & Orchestral (S3) - Orchestral (S4-7) was a good choice.
I never thought of It before, but It's completely true.
As someone who has Autism:
I can say with certainty that the show was a relaxing and peaceful place to simply enjoy life when you need a break from all the noisy things.
I have a autism disability too. In my high school, bullies they’re treating me like trash and harassing me in my whole life. My friends and teachers helping me through from my anxiety and depression, Thomas & Friends the show that brightens my day and growing to like the show, including the Railway Series books.
I grew up watching Thomas not knowing I was on the Spectrum till I was 36...I'd love to get some insight as to why others might like the series.
You know, it's strange how this show, by chance, ticked all the right boxes to appeal to people with autism and I've re-watched these episodes countless times even though I have autism myself never known 'til recently why this series appealed to me so much. Great Video!
It was interesting hearing a different perspective of Thomas' musical change! I always thought it was an odd how they would sometimes randomly use the original synthesizer themes in earlier season 3 episodes but now I’m glad it’s there! I think more videos like this would be very interesting for people like me who don’t have autism and also show Mattel how to treat autism in the show!
ttte is such a comfort show for me. having to deal with the final year of high school, being surrounded with socialising, having few friends, not feeling accepted at school and dealing with the stress and change of moving, ttte makes me feel much better. it calms down my autism in a unique way not very many other things in my life can recapture. this show and it's soundtrack is beautiful.
thank you so much as a person on the spectrum myself i know the struggles and i respect people like you speaking up its good to know we are not alone
I’m on the autism spectrum and I’m big into trains. I’ve been watching Thomas since I was little and I’m still into him even at age 23. Thomas is more than just for children. He has a long proud history. The music for every engine just blows my heart away and I’m kept them in my brain. I love Henry’s season 3 and 4 themes, Duck’s theme for season 2 and 3, Bill and Ben’s theme, and Oliver’s Escape theme.
Btw I didn’t even know that The Unlucky Tug got removed from UA-cam. I’m shocked. Loved his channel.
You’re speaking my language I’m a teenager boy with autism and I still look back on this wonderful television show
Great video man! your analysis on the music was great and I gotta say, the music from season 1 - 2 is really nostalgic to me but 3 - 5 are just pure bliss to listen to.
The stereotype that autistic people like trains is true, it's pretty much true rather than being a stereotype really, I love trains!
This video was a perfect way for me to finish off my spring break! Glad I got to see this.
The VHS Episodes from my old childhood back in the 90s when I was Little Hallingbury Primary School kid age.
The music for this show was just brilliant! Thank you for showing another aspect of the music I wasn't aware of!
Have you seen the video "Train Breeds Musical Genius" by Inside the Score? He shows how brilliant the theme of the show is by not being a generic kids show theme. Check it out if you haven't seen it.
🎉 well done, so well articulated about autism and Thomas Tank Engine,.
Interesting to see how this video is in.. what.. four days?… Why is the release date so far up ahead 😭
103 minutes left 😍 can’t wait
Hi Luke, thanks for what you've said about the connection between people with autism and the series. As someone who's currently going through the process of hopefully being able to get a diagnosis one day, I really appreciate how creators like u allow people with or going through the process for an autism diagnosis a place to be safe
The music was really good in the classic Era of Thomas
thank you for taking the time to talk about the "Unlucky Tug" situation. as a Thomas fan since my childhood (i grew up on season 1 and 2), it was great to hear him talk about lots of cool and fun topics about the Island of Sodor and of course the sister series tugs series.
Big thanks for covering this subject mate, best wishes from the midlands as always. 😊 🚂
I agree with everything you said. I had goosebumps while hearing the two legends' music. My favorite theme is "Night Train".
I've always wanted an official OST release for Mike and Junior's music from S1-7: original and updated versions.
The change thing is true, I was terrified of when Spencer was introduced because I wasn’t used to a train with such a slanted face as a 5 year old
The strange things that kids are afraid of is just comical at times. Once you become a teen you look back on some of these fears and think “what was I thinking?” I’m autistic myself so I had a few fears that when I got older and I was like “wow I was a really easily frightened child”
@@allisonkrueger8330 I was scared of Alieca Botti's scream in Thomas, Percy and the Squeak as a kid
Man, what a great video. I am on the autism spectrum. I was semi-diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at the age of 8 in England and then was fully diagnosed in Spain at the age of 9 which is where I was born and raised all my life despite being raised by one British and one American parent. Thomas was really special to me as well as were other shows but especially British shows. A lot of the 80s and 90s stuff just had a very calm, slow-motion pace about them that was so relaxing and satisfying to watch. Interestingly, as someone who's already in the field of music and has always been thanks to my parents being musicians, when it came to the music of Thomas listening to it as a child, it certainly gave me a big nostalgic impact when revisiting it as a teen and adult but it was especially Seasons 1 and 5 I was most exposed to on VHS, those being the furthest apart within sequence, tone and music from the classic series. The ones in between I only got to see on some compilation videos borrowed when I went on holiday to England at my grandparents so I couldn't resonate with a lot of their music to the same extent as to the ones I owned from Series 1 and 5 but you explained it perfectly and it really does make sense especially if you grew up with watching Season 3 as the Season which made the big comeback of Thomas after a break since the 80s seasons and more synthy artificial sound transforming into a more natural orchestral sound while still being on synthesizers. Seasons 4 and 5 are without a doubt the ones which had the most beautiful scores and melodies pertaining to the new characters though I still very much love the originals and what Season 2 did was already a great progress over Season 1 even in the music department which I didn't get the chance to see much as a kid but now I can appreciate it as an adult especially listening to the Viaduct theme though I will always have the nostalgic bias of Season 1 where I think "Thomas and the Trucks" might be my personal favourite one I most revisit in terms of its score though I also really love Thomas' original theme which was first ever featured in "Thomas' Train", a story some fans consider to be one of Awdry's lamest and most generic as well as somewhat ridiculous and odd premise-wise only to feature the magnificent original Thomas theme we all know and love, that's what I will always remember it for. However when it comes to Percy's theme it's clear Season 5 got that completely down featuring him as the lead character in most of the stories of that series, almost like the new breakout protagonist that took over Thomas already in Seasons 2 and 3 based on the stories he featured in more than Thomas but Season 5 established him firmly as the MVP of the most daring series and it was showcased in the music. I know I'm going a bit off here but I just needed to share my passion and joy for one of my most-loved childhood treasures I love to revisit on UA-cam but especially by people who know how to review it and bring it back to its proper existence like you and The Unlucky Tug. This is probably your best video yet not only because you talk about your experience with autism in great detail but also simplified it sufficiently in order to avoid making it complicated for those who have trouble understanding it first-hand as well as honouring The Unlucky Tug whose video I've also seen of him explaining showing his face but you really just did it eloquently by talking about the show's music, how every season has its own unique pattern and tells a different story while also staying the same franchise changing ever so slightly a pattern gradually to appeal to the autistic crowd. I relate so much with that and I never even properly noticed that as a child but now it makes a lot of sense. Thank you, Luke. We need more people like you.
I’m Autistic myself and I was in my school’s band from the age of 12 all the way til I was 17 (the year I graduated), once you get over the noise it’s fun.
This is why I loved Thomas The Tank Engine & Friends so much when I was a little kid and now. The most relaxing Children's show on the spectrum without any loud noises.
Now if only HIT Entertainment understood this before they ripped the original theme song and the old tunes away from all those kids.
I've just realised something. The way you research and edit your videos makes me think that you're like a British version of The Unlucky Tug.
On the subject of music, I'd say 'Night Train' or Toby's theme are my favourite pieces from the classic seasons. I love the way the former was used in 'Sleeping Beauty'.
His method of research and editing his videos as well as many other content creators have definitely shaped the way I make videos on UA-cam. Every video I make, I feel I make an improvement in one way or another.
Makes watching my old stuff back all the more harder 😂
@@usualblokeluke If The Unlucky Tug hadn't come back I think Usual Bloke Luke would have become The New Unlucky Tug (I'm not wishing Nic hadn't been able to come back I'm just stating my opinion)
@@fanofeverything30465 actually, if The Unlucky Tug hadn't come back, I most likely would've never had my channel grow as much as it has right now. That guy really inspired me in the content I was creating so without that, I probably would've let my channel remain small and moved onto other things in my life.
@@usualblokeluke Sorry 😞 I didn't realise I'd upset you I expect a lot of other Thomas channels would have done the same
@@fanofeverything30465 oh don't worry you didn't upset me I was simply explaining what would've happened in an alternate reality lol
As an adult with autism, the show helps me feel relaxed and in a safe environment.
I’m on the autism spectrum and I agree on everything u said here expect I never thought of the saying: Trains only go where the tracks take them so their daily lives are planned out and ready
Seeing this video, 10 months after release, and watching how it basically explains how i learned to grow through my childhood, through my mental age being half my physical age, in 2010, growing up Thomas S1-S5 by my side, tought my not-so-smart-brain how to live life.
i'm 3 months from turning 25, and seeing how many workplaces and jobcenters and such don't treat people with Autism like they should, makes me wanna show them many videos (this one too) that explains what I need to learn, grow up and mature. I wasn't even slightly matured by my 18th birthday in 2017, but ONLY through my childhood friends, Thomas The Tank Engine and Friends, did i learn to mature through my 3 year high school stay.
Thank you for making this video, UBL. I'll save it for my future self to show others. Big greetings from little Gladsaxe, in Denmark, from a fellow thomas fan
New favourite vid. The relationship between the series and autism is an open one in the fandom, but I hope people can use this video to show others exactly what it is they resonate with in the show, since you put it so perfectly.
With Oliver's Escape Theme Music, it sometimes minds me of Oliver Twist.
Wanting to get away from the Workhouse. Unpleasant & Unhappy Lifestyle.
He walks for seven days to get to London.
This was a brilliant video Luke. I have autism and any music from Seasons 1-7 can make me relaxed 😌💙
As a Thomas music creator who knows really well how to make Thomas music (and with also a mental disabbility that is not Autism), this video approves everything of what Thomas' original soundtrack really was. Great Jobs Luke!!
Yep that title is pretty much speaking for myself
Hi Luke!
I'm not autistic myself, but my brother is Asperger's, he doesn't like Thomas at all, but when ever we both see a Thomas classic episode (seasons 1-7), I can see he really gets into the story, he really can feel, more than me, that he's inside the series, God Bless Awdry, Britt, David, and all the increible team who made this jewel.
Greetings! - Joaquín
I have Asperger’s as well, some people are so surprised when they find out I have it because I can carry a normal conversation, and I don’t get overwhelmed that often 😂
@@allisonkrueger8330 This myth that people with Aspergers can't hold a conversation is just a stereotype
Your best video. As someone on the spectrum myself, you explained it perfectly, and I couldn’t agree more with the connections to the music.
Excellent video Luke👍🏻
As someone else with Autism the music from the classic series always made me feel calm and happy even when certain characters theme music changed throughout the seasons.
True Story: When I was a kid I used to be scared of 'The Ghost Train' theme music from season 2 but I quickly got used to it and now as an adult I absolutely love it whether it's the original or fan recreations, also it actually prepared me for the spooky music in season 5 which I would instantly love.
Happy Autism Awareness week.
being someone that is on the spectrum in question. i very much agree with the explanation about the the challenge in question and how the series appeals. im 22 and it is still my favorite show, this video 110% gets a like from me
Here’s to The Unlucky Tug
Season 3’s music always felt like when it peaked to me and I never knew why until now. Thank you for finally putting this into words- from one Luke on the spectrum to another!
The second sentence made me crack up since I didn’t read your name before reading your comment. Also I’m on the spectrum as well.
As someone with autism, the Season 3 hybrid themes just really brought me so much joy, that when the orchestrals came, they really brought me euphoria in a way I won't think other kids media will ever be able to achieve on a personal level. God, classic Thomas will never stop being brilliant.
I never even noticed the hybrid music! This video made me appreciate series 3 even more. Great video essay!
The songs from the classic series were absolute bangers. Even the HiT Era songs were pretty good as well. CGI songs have good and bad songs for the most part.
Speaking of Time for Trouble safe to say it's the hybrid theme episode, Gordon, James and Toby had their hybrid themes that episode. Of course other episodes did but this one sticks out.
Tug is an inspiration to me too! I don't think I'd have the inspiration to make my own videos if not for him. I also don't think I'd grow to be as laid back at times on my new channel if not for finding you. This life lesson series is great as well as unique. Glad to see someone discussing the connection between Autism and the series.
James and Percy’s themes are absolute bangers, love listening to Mike and Junior’s ost from time to time.
Personally I’m not a part of the autism spectrum, but this gave me an insight I never considered before! Great video
The music from Series 3-9 is the best. The Proteus 2 sounds have always had a huge impact on me. I want to be able to make my own music and soundtrack scores with it.
I can agree, because I have autism to and I grew up with the classic series my whole life, so I can see why it dose
Wonderfully done! I have spent many hours researching autism and this video is so well articulated. You are a truly incredible communicator
This is a masterpiece of a video. Personally I am not a part of the autism spectrum, but this video really enlightened me onto why this show has such a grand appeal to the spectrum. Thank yoh once again Luke for putting out such a stellar video, have a good one man!
I’m glad this video exists it was very well made
I've always loved mike and junior's music, it always sounded so nice, calm and relaxing to me
And it always fit the lay back episodes from the classic era
And i especially love the themes from season 5 and 3
The themes in season 1 and 2 are also pretty good
And i always love the show and it felt like a calm safe place
This is a lovely video. Kinda relatable to me. The music is fantastic. Great video, Luke. Can't wait to see more of your videos.
Thanks for making this video. It helped me with ideas on what to write about each day for Autism Awareness Month in April.
Mattel disassociating Thomas with the Autism community is one of the reasons why I feel Thomas needs to be liberated from Mattel and have his rights sold to another company that will give him the respect that he so rightfully deserves (namely Orbrium). After all, the Autism community is the community that watches his show and buys his merchandise.
That whole thing was from years ago, the company was restructured since then
Even more ironic when you consider characters like Bruno, from all engines go, who is supposed to be the token spectrum character??
Once again you're able to put into words as to why this series this so special to me.
(I'm also Autistic)
As someone on the spectrum
I think this is why I like Thomas! And always will! Although I get a bit embarrassed that I like it
Anybody got any advice?
I’m Autistic and I never had a problem watching tv as a child, I have high functioning autism tho. I even did band in jr high and high school, the loudness was a problem for maybe a few weeks but after that I got used to it and it was never a problem. I did have to adjust again when my band teacher decided to move the trumpets behind me and my fellow clarinet players in my freshmen year of high school.
another well made and thoughtful vid
also got me humming music from the show all day after watching
classic thomas has such a perfect balance for soundtrack music, soft simple and relaxed enough not to be distracting but catchy enough to be charming and memorable
Yes I get what u mean, I have minor autism and a anxiety disorder, I’ve always noticed the themes being slightly altered and changed which I also like. Honestly, when it comes to feeling anxious or upset over nothing sometimes, I always listen to Thomas theme music and it always helps me calm down. Honestly I see the Thomas characters (well the old model series) as a second family to me.
I remember all the characters by heart :)
As someone who has autism, I can confirm, loud noises are hard for autistic kids like me to handle. I can also confirm that autistic people of all ages notice things that most others don't.
Yes Luke thanks for making the video l have autism and l didn't like the change of music but then as l kept watching l loved the upgrade l think it is the perfect season to make a change to the show
Other shows did it like fireman Sam but especially in season 5
Actually I never know l was autism but now l know l have autism and thank you for tell the audience what is autism and kids are autism
This is a amazing video. There has always been something unique about the music from the show, and a sense of charm that everyone can admire. Great job!!.
Wait, this is why i like thomas?
One more important detail with the music in season 4 is that it reuses some of the only Proteus themes from season 3, which makes that season less alienating. One theme that was kept hybrid both times it was used in season 3 is the Runaway Theme, a version I truly prefer instead of the season 5 one (and the very best is the season 2 version from A Close Shave). What do you think of the hybrid version of Edwards theme used in Trust Thomas?
I love Edward's theme in this season as well
At 15:03 I started humming along by complete accident, and then when I realized I laughed so hard.
This is by far the best video explaining autism I have ever seen, 10/10
Mike and Junior's work on Thomas was (along with Mitton's direction) arguably THE defining trait of the show to my under-5 self. Relative to the duller, more pedestrian fare heard on much of PBS and Nick Jr.'s output at the time, the soundtrack for S1-7 had a vibrant, atmospheric feel, capable of both evoking jubilant and infectious (compare the Mike and Junior overtures utilized for the homogenous stock-footage openings of S6-7 relative to the HiT-era equivalents backed by Hartshorne) and more portentous and dramatic (as with the minimalistic-but-effective string stabs in "Ghost Train" or the tense mini-overture of "Toby and the Flood") aesthetics. It's a surprisingly expressive and cinematic body of wok for a series all-too-frequently stigmatized as a "kid's show", and I salute the pair for going the extra two miles in that capacity.
ANYWAYS, while I'd argue that S3-5 boasts the most elaborate and atmospheric of Mike and Junior's output, I nonetheless harbour the most "personal affection" for the synthscapes of S1-2, albeit for somewhat unorthodox reasons. Through a series of improbable circumstances relating to my dad's oft-changing hobbyist interests, several vintage keyboards wound up in my home as a teenager, one of them a fully-functioning Jupiter-6, which I eventually took to in an attempt to recreate the S1-2 themes and sound effects in my spare time. While often neglected or slated by some of the electronic music community for its allegedly "thin" sound, I nonetheless found it pretty user-friendly (despite its precarious-feeling plastic knobs and sliders) and its sound to be incredibly versatile and impressive, particularly its squelchy, esoteric, full-bodied synthleads (side note, the "Thomas and the Trucks" theme is basically a square wave set in solo mode and with the filter resonance on low), grimy, industrial, "hairy" strings (see also Daisy's theme or the "scare chord" that plays over the Flying Kipper crash) and thunderous unison mode (which I think almost blew out a speaker once), and I suspect it's this sonic range that bestows its abilities to shoulder both the idiosyncratic and lighthearted (such as the synthflute on Percy's theme) and heavy and industrial of Mike and Junior's compositions (and the show's aesthetic at large). It's an interesting choice to accompany an adaptation of books rooted in early 20th-century technology and (to some degree) aesthetics, but one that nonetheless pays off.
13.50 when james has a accident and Toby brings him back they play it then too
Being autistic myself this was very very relatable
Something I find curious is that throughout the show, the two constantly good things are the narrators and the music (even the Miller and BWBA Eras)
the OST is great
Weirdest part about this is that despite being an autist myself, and despite loving my Thomas DVD's and watching them on HiT when i was young, i don't get any sensory overload from any loud noises and flashing lights, infact i do have a thing for stuff like that
The Unlucky Tug sure was unlucky to have his channel terminated.
Yeah UA-cam needs to realise if they keep terminating channels like this then there user count will drop significantly.
I mean UA-cam began to fall apart in 2017, because of the Elsagate content and of course with the algorithm, always morphing and changing it’s really hard for other UA-camrs to get content that they know they can do
There is a video from Leokimvideo where he spoke about the whole UA-cam situation with himself, and what was really going on with the algorithm long before the COOPA decision. I highly recommend that you watch the video.
Nice way of lightning the mood
So we all know "The Flying Scoatsman" should have a big role in "Tender engine" but the crew didn't have bidhet to finish the his model.But what if the crew had the budget to his model? Would he then get a new theme or a remix of Gordon's theme ?
*I mean budget not bidhet
Guess I'm gonna need to make a time machine to go back in time to give all of my money to the Britt Alcroft company to build flying Scotsman.
Awsome Video Luke
PS:im also autistic , and i also find S3 as my fav Season (right behing S11 (i know this sounds weird but i like s11))
Neat. For character themes I still prefer the original versions, but some of the orchestral stuff is nice too
Personally as an autistic person myself who is only 13 i kinda grew up with the first few series and i think the music is stellar
why am I crying
I did luckily first see watch Episode 1.
Thomas and Gordon.
In my childhood.
Nice 👍
i think i have autsium
I have the Hardback DORLING KINDERSLEY DK EYEWITNESS GUIDES Book of TRAIN.
Discover the story of railways - from the days of steam to the high - speed, sophisticated trains of today.
In association with THE NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM.
I have Autism.
is Proteus named after the EMU Proteus 2 Orchestral?
Either that or the Greek sea god of the same name
What's a Proteus
I like to watch transformers but when I'm tired I ALWAYS watch TTTE
A bit of an unpopular opinion but I like both the series 1 and 2 music and the series 3 music I'm seriously I love the synths on the series one and 2 music and along with the orchestralness of series 3. Man I will miss the old series one and two music oh well at least the series 3 music is better. So honestly they should have just used both the old series 1-2 music and the series 3 music but hey then again beggars can't be choosers so that's my opinion on the series 1 and 2 music along with the series 3 music.
They did what to Unlucky Tug now????😮
neuro divergent thomas lover here. nice video