One of the least surprising things about the Thomas the Tank Engine series is that it was started by an Anglican vicar. I have watched very little of the one video we have, but the few books in Samson's collection are replete with the kinds of language and moral instruction that you'd expect from World War II-era Britain.
We've got one story where Thomas arrives at a surprise party being held in his honor for being "really useful." I keep waiting for "Thomas saves the Raj" or "Thomas explains to a particularly low sort of chap about the importance of keeping one's voice down."
Even the little character cards that come with the wooden train toys feel like something out of a headmaster's ledger. The descriptions include things like "rather pleased with himself but means well" or "always looking for ways to avoid doing his duty."
Of course, all of this is lost on young Samson and his friends, who just enjoy pushing the different colored trains around the track on our coffee table.
And I guess a toy world that is predicated on behaving and being responsible is hardly the worst thing in the world.
Still, it is funny to hear Sam in his toddler voice going through the litany of trains on the track. Reminds me of the roll call scene in "Meaning of Life." Gordon, James, Thomas, Toby, Percy, Neville...
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