that was a CRACKIN' REVIEW!

27:45 “ he really wanted to knock buildings down” I love how that would be a horrifying thing if this was any other show but since they are literally construction/demolition vehicles, it makes sense, and by extension is kind of sympathetic

When I was younger I didn't notice that the series had 2 Olivers. It was only after I watched SLOTLT that I noticed it.

I love this spinoff. It’s so good. It also gave two great narration performances with Angelis and Brandon. Angelis is energetic again and Brandon sounds less annoying and more fun to listen to.

1:48 "Two years ago... God, how time does fly..." hit me in the guts hard. While 2022 wasn't that good of a year for me (I was struggling with the third year of high school, my old babysitter died, had to give away my two cats due to allergy, my first cat ever went lost and I found out I had Keratoconus in my right eye), so many things happened that year that I couldn't help but fall in love with immediately: Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC, The Cuphead Show and DLC, Sonic 2, The Bad Guys, Puss in Boots 2, Minions 2, my love for Thomas and the Cars franchise was at its peak, the reveal of the Mario movie... Man, I wish I could go back to relive them again and maybe make that year better

At last, you and Unlucky Tug have tied I also enjoyed your rewrite of CAE!

29:23 Monty: “Who put this here?” Mother Nature put that tree there Monty, Mother Nature put it there. Definitely shows neither both Monty or Max are that bright in general or enough to know basic stuff like how nature works.

I’m excited for this review. I honestly don’t know why they cut the Jack And The Pack episodes to only 13. I would’ve loved to see all 26 but I’m happy with what we got

14:04 That I can wholeheartedly agree with the humor from any specific part of the world where a show is made, doesn't mean to shy away in showing bits of it to any global viewer. It's incredible by all the facts, info and all the model techniques the crew had with these gigantic construction characters, combined with extra detail. On behalf of Jack & the Pack as a spinoff of its time, I'd say it has some similarities with TUGS and Theodore Tugboat. No not just b/c it had 13 episodes of the former, but of the characters each. Jack and Alfie are like Ten Cents and Sunshine/Theodore and Hank, Byron as George the Valiant, Oliver as Foduck/Big Mac, Ned as Warrior, Kelly as Hercules, Isobella as Top Hat/Emily, etc. Max & Monty are two of my favorite Pack characters mainly because I always love dumptrucks. In my childhood, I sometimes watch some kid-construction tapes that are educational with real live action machines at work (Real Wheels' There Goes a Bulldozer/Dump Truck, Hard Hat Harry's Construction Equipment, TM Books & Videos' I Love Big Machines, etc.). Their personas really are spot on reflecting the carelessness of real truck drivers are, especially nowadays. So they definitely stand out among the others, combined with their insane bickering and antics. Would've loved to see what would've happen if Safety First was made, then we would've seen of what makes them venerable members and how they can put others in their place being more careless as them like George the Steamroller (like how MrTrainer1110Productions did in his series with a few episodes centered around them). Favorite episode-wise, my favorite is Who's the Boss because not only do I like seeing the Pack members bickering together, but also has an insanely awesome crash. Also love the Irish accent Michael Brandon gave to Patrick who only appeared once (despite him being American alongside Byron). My least favorite is The Lightning Tree. If you'd all remember what Thomas once said in S3, "We cannot mend broken trees!" And here, the Pack are like "We'll pretend we didn't hear that" and broke that logic out the window. Cancelled episode-wise, I would've loved to see Bossy Byron, Jack's Snow Rescue, Isobella Gets Steamed and Importance of Being Patrick get made. I'm not really a fan of Alfie Has a Secret, Treasure Hunt, or Kelly's Heroes cause the latter retcons Jack's character even though he should've learned that from Jack Jumps In when it comes to being safe. I take Jack Owns Up and Thomas Tells a Lie (better examples of admitting your mistakes more than Who's Geoffrey?). And finally, and I know this might sound as an unpopular opinion, but I'm not really fond of Bob the Builder. Granted, I used to like it as a kid and I still have some nostalgia memories in my heart, I just never cared for it as a show as I got older. Just not one of my cup of teas. So yeah, the Pack wins me over.

14:09 As a Yank, I couldn't agree more with this! I think it's important for TV shows around the world to stay true to their countries' humor and settings, because one can learn quite a lot about what those people find funny. Reminds me of Dreamworks and Aardman Animation's partnership and how Dreamworks tried to make Aardman movies less and less British...

That intro skit was geniunely one of the funniest things I've seen in quite a while! I can't wait to see you try to get through the Miller era lol

I sound like a broken record when I say this showcases how we move from the educational world of Thomas and his friends into the working world of Jack and his pack, a symbolic interpretation of graduating from college into the adult world!

I really enjoy Patrick, there’s so much potential they could’ve done with him (which they were originally with The Importance of Being Patrick). Plus did you know that he was originally going to be brought back in 2013 and voiced by Irish and comedian Ardal O'Hanlon, but unfortunately that never happened for unknown reasons. Michael Brandon really did very well and his voices for Oliver, Buster and Ned actually fits their personalities neatly! IMPORTANT FUN FACT: Did you also know that Mike O Donnell and Junior Campbell originally composed music for Jack and the Pack? Mike confirmed this in one of his 3 interview videos: kzfaq.info/sun/PLvifB3RnFe3XRnX684TTaumUOV9skcI05&si=LVsuHko1REo8QTbc. He and Junior originally composed music for the Spin Off series, but due to HIT’s takeover they replaced it with Robert’s score to make it feel like their version. Leaving the original score of this series unreleased. I’m a bit surprised you didn’t mention that, so I thought of mentioning it here. Nice Job on this review man, Jack and the Pack is a very good Spin Off series that I wish would’ve last a little longer if half the other episodes weren’t cancelled! Also I’m so pleased to see my name at the end of your video like Unlucky Tug (who I also support on Patron), look forward to seeing you on the next one!😉👍🏾

"Stranded School of Bus Children." Your idea of Byron is great.

I remember when I got Thomas's trusty friends, the memory is vivid in my mind. Me and my parents were leaving a family picnic, I was in the car when one of my family members there gave me two Thomas DVDs. Thomas's trusty friends and spills and chills

Seeing that you mentioned Buster having a visible driver, I have an idea on how to incorporate this. In the story, "The Tortoise And The Hare," I would establish that Buster is the only member to require a driver. Max and Monty laughed at this and said this is one of the reasons why Buster is going slow. Not only is his top speed a slow speed, but him requiring a driver restrains him from going any faster. Later on, Max and Monty, who don't need drivers, have no restraint on them, and that causes them to constantly hit each other, leading up to their crash. Perhaps Buster can say that he doesn't bother learning to drive himself because he wants his driver to have a job. Just a suggestion. If any of you want to incorporate this, feel free to!

Great review as usual. This was a fun little show. One nit-pick that I have with Oliver-saurus was that the dinosaur fossil they he discovers is a Triceratops which didn't live in Europe, let alone Britain. Other then that I enjoyed this short-lived show.

I think it is possible that Buster’s driver is actually a fireman to shovel coal? It’s not the most concrete theory but it could work

Can they fix it? *NO THEY CAN’T*

I watched a lot of these as a kid. Some episodes I remember liking, but since there were only a few episodes I didn’t really think about it much. The characters were memorable, and it’s a shame that Buster, Patrick and Byron didn’t return for CGI.

You'd think the spinoff would have given Nelson new sides to his character besides wanting to be carried as well as the main show should he would've appeared in it. At least fans are going to do that in their content around him and Patrick.

Funny how HIT bought Gullane in 2002, only to put themselves up for sale just 2 years later. I bet if HIT did their research and saw that the Thomas series was accompanied by a construction show similar to HIT's own Bob the Builder before making the decision to go ahead with the purchase, maybe they don't buy Gullane until at least after the Pack series was fully released. Or Gullane gets bought by another company who was willing to let the Pack episodes be produced and air with as little intervention from the corporate heads as possible.

i still remember watching Jack and the pack when i was a boy back in the late 2000's/early 2010's and it's always been my fav spin off series of Thomas and friends. i'm literally ODing in nostalgia. i still have the die-casts Allie, Jack, Ned, Max and Monty, Byron, Kelly, Isabella and Patrick.

1:34 I need something to cheer me up before I do Series 10. Truly inspiring. 😂

I’m definitely nostalgic with Jack and the pack and while it’s production is fascinating and the Final Cut is different, just be thankful we got this series and I so wished a couple of the stories that were cancelled were actually greenlit such as Kelly’s heroes, The importance of being Patrick, and the stories that feature Byron and Isobella that give them some arcs. Overall a wonderful and fantastic spinoff series that deserves more credit.

I remember rewatching the Pack spin-off in 2021. First time watching it since the series came out on DVD back in the mid 2000s.. Considering it was during a massive Thomas and Friends marathon, the Pack episodes felt incredibly refreshing. I'd even go as far to say it was better than S7 of Thomas and Friends...

Couldn’t agree more. Also usualblokeluke, remember when you did your video on CAE and how you’d write it, well I’m gonna do a remake of the Calling All Engines Rewrite! I’m getting started by writing the script, so if I need editing once the script is done where do I contact you?

56:58 The Sonic Movie Music is giving me excitement because I know what’s coming in December and I loved both Sonic films

I have the Woolworths DVD. Well actually, I have the Daily Mirror re-release. That version was also my first exposure to the later HiT logo you keep using.

Not gonna lie, I love your irl moments in this video It almost feels a bit caddicarus inspired, especially the intro section

Something that came to me today is that after hearing about your version of "No Dozer is an Island" I've now thought of taking the time to make my creations of Safety First and No Dozer is an Island a bit more unique to other people's ones.

I fully agree with the humor not needing to be edited for other countries, I'm American and I love Monty Python and that is very british and very funny

Great job on the review. Like the series, great narration energy after S8-9 slow bored. Definitely those cancelled ones should be made if that happened

I loved watching Jack and the Pack on Thomas's Trusty Friends On Site with Thomas and the few on Mud Glorious Mud as a kid, and rewatching them they truly feel like Classic Thomas. Great review Luke

I bought Thomas’s Trusty Friends (the British DVD) from eBay two weeks ago and it arrived today!

I feel like jack and the pack was a very interesting series that i felt like had more potential I would love to see what they would've did more with the characters and if they ever brought canceled characters into the series like nigel If i ever do my own series of jack and the pack i feel like i would do a lot more with the characters, do more interesting character dynamics, maybe my own take on the canceled episode, more with the British humor and more There's just so much more you can do with the series and has lots of potential that can make it probably one of Thomas's best spinoff shows Though tugs will always still be better lol

Theory: diesel powered vehicles don’t need drivers since they can drive them self, but steam powered vehicles need firemen to shovel in coal and keep the fire box hot.

Wide UsualBlokeLuke was not something I expected, but it’s a welcomed surprise! Looking forward to this review, used to watch the Thomas’ Trusty Friends dvd a lot back in the day so very nostalgic for this spinoff

6:31 Mate...I was literally just listening to that song about an hour ago after hearing of Akira Toriyama's passing.😔 I run into the craziest coincidences more times than one might expect, I swear.😵‍💫

Good to see you back Luke, been waiting patiently for this one.

I like Jack and The Pack but I also find it a little Overrated, although I do find it really interesting because of the Missing episodes. It's such a pity the Pack weren't used that much after the spinoff failed they were rather interesting characters. I loved that episode order you made too!

Great stuff, Luke 👍

What I think would've been a good idea was to have Jack and the pack interact with the narrow gauge engines, even if just for one episode

Great video Luke. Funny that you got into digging. Also, another Jack and the Pack/Top Gear parody cause I like Both of those. “NED YOU IDIOT YOU REVERSED INTO THE ROOF SLEIGHT!”

While on one hand, I really like your theory that Patrick came to bragging about concrete in Who's the Boss because of being conceited after the events of The Importance of Being Patrick. On the other hand, at the end of the former episode, Miss Jenny asks “Patrick, have you been bragging about concrete again?” Meaning this is something he tends to do, and therefore, didn’t come about as a result of big-headedness.

Video’s great! I love the history sections of these videos, and just the videos in general, very informative! (Honestly I thought you would parody the series 6 video opening but the intro you used is very funny)

16:00 i think hes just there to help if needed, i mean if jack had a cab his driver would probably be in there to help if needed but idk

Man, this was pretty darn great! The Pack, to me, is like a delightful dessert after the plain entrees that were the HiT seasons. I remember vibing with this back in the day and now after 18 years, it’s still a really fun watch! It’s such a shame that this little spinoff was short lived because of HiT, but I’m grateful we have it instead of being shelved never to be seen again. There were some areas where it really felt corporate and HiT took over, that goes for Thomas and Percy being prevalent in every single story, but it’s not that big of a deal as it is in the HiT seasons. And those cancelled Pack stories, I know some of them probably weren’t perfect but it was still real shame they were shelved as they would help expand on the Pack more. But this was a fun review! I can’t wait to see what holds in store for you!

You know, Byron's character arc reminds me of my own, intertwined with Henry's history. If only we saw Byron's full character arc.

I loved the intro with the digging at the beach! 🤣🤣🤣

Ahhhhh Yes, Just What The World Needed....... Wide Luke.

Some people say that Jack and the Pack is useless and boring. But Terence told us... *Never judge a book by it's cover.*

13:01 reminds of the "Sodor Retold" series by Victor Tanzig

I rember my library had the jack and the pack US dub and being from Ireland i didn't even know there was a US dub and i was so confused on why everyone sounded so different I WAS LIKE 7 SO I THOUGHT EVERYONE GOT THE SAME VERSION

Judging by your theorized episode order, had the series released in its entirety, Byron would’ve been the MVP of this miniseries.

L love this review great work as usual but one thing what's your favourite episode from this spin off glad you enjoyed it l also liked this spin off

1:18 Flower Gleam and Glow Let your Power shine Make the clock reverse Bring back what once was mine Heal what has been hurt Change the fate’s design Save what has been lost Bring back what once was mine What once was mine…… (Insert image of Rapunzel crying into her braid)

And here I thought I’d be going all of 2024 without my recommend allowance of Thomas series video by Luke.

27:08 In earlier concepts, Ned's name was supposed to be Ted, which is also the name of Henry's fireman. According to Robert Gauld-Galliers, Ned was originally going to be female and called Sophie. Furthermore, in the Italian dub, Ned is referred to as female.

Ok now that you mention it, Isobella and Elizabeth's props look very similar. I had to do a double take on that...

I've always enjoyed the Jack & The Pack spinoff series. I honestly love the both terms 'Pack' and 'Sodor Construction Company' as I feel it slightly flows better. Max & Monty are my favorite Pack members. It's because they're both represent how truck drivers can be rather careless in real life. Without these two morons, it wouldn't be The Pack.

23:18 EXCEPT DIRTY PERCY! DON’T CALL ME DIRTY PERCY!!!!!!!!!

One of the pieces in the production design sounds like Stay Alive by The Bee geez

This spin-off had so much potential.

Heck, Alfie's the bearer of the number 12! 12 is Twice as much as 6, Alfie is second number 6!

Well, Luke. The review of Jack & the Sodor Construction Company had arrived, and I liked it. I remember the time I saw those episodes in a DVD 📀: Thomas’ Trusty Friends (US Dub). I hope that we can have the review for series 10 of Thomas & Friends, because there’s a lot to talk about, especially the episodes, new characters, etc. ☺️😉👍

Good to see u with a new vid again man

12:31 I really wish that either BDSP wasn’t terrible, or that my first Sinnoh game was Platinum instead of BDSP, because this music is giving me bad memories of BDSP.

TBH you should’ve given micheal brandon a mention this was where his narration was at its peak in my opinion.

I think this is one of the funniest Thomas videos i've seen in awhile.

WIDE USUAL BLOKE LUKE CONFIRMED!?

Good on jack for saving a school full of bus children 52:16

You should've referred to Thomas and Percy being in every episode as an "elephant in the tunnel", rather than an "elephant in the room."

That intro... "uh-EEH-uh-EEH- D I G"

I'm still confused about the impact of Magic Railroad. It barely made back its budget, yet it made the franchise more popular than ever before? Did it sell really well on DVD? Does the box office figure only cover America?

Great review mate! Can’t wait to see your Season 10 review!

Awesome work with the jack video luke

Really, my only criticism of Jack and the Pack is the renaming of most of the episodes.

I always liked the pack I remember hearing it in the background and getting so confused when I heard Oliver's name

4:51 a Bob the builder might be pretty cool actually. Way more dignified than All Engines No

“They can load, and unload, and carry lots of things.”

36:03 Also used in Alfie Has Kittens

22:22 Thomas Blows His Stack reference. Only the real ones know.

I used to watch the DVD when I was little.

0:14 funny even the walking montage

I presume that Making Tracks DVD just wasn’t very mass-produced. Also, that censor sound at 8:32 had me dying. Also, since I mentioned the censor sound, what Jack and the Pack character do you think would swear the most?

I LOVE JACK AND THE PACK

Why does large scale Percy look like he was based more on Dalby’s illustrations?

I prefer if The Importance of Being Patrick is after On Site With Thomas/Who's the Boss to make him a better character besides his boastfulness about concrete if you don't mind.

First they make a series of talks boats then construction vehicles. What’s next a different locomotive on a completely different railway but with some foul language?

I’m so happy

Usual Block Luke Goes Crazy 2:09

Simple explanation for busters driver: HES STEAM POWERED The others aren't

The Hit era really was something huh?..

21:17 What if this was the first tease of the Cars review? Probably not, but it’s fun to pretend

52:15 jack saving a school of bus children

Good review! Also for the season 10 review could you talk about my personal favourite season 10 episode “Big Strong Henry”? I understand if you don’t really give a shit but it would be interesting to see a fellow autistic’s thoughts on that episode

ABOUT TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is such a shame we never got the complete series. Yet another example of corporate greed taking a good idea and then taking a dump all over it.

For the Production Bit you could've made a "Laying the Foundation" pun smh.