Ep 115. Henry & The Elephant

Thomas & Friends season 1 episode 115 is titled 'Henry & The Elephant'. In this episode, Henry is feeling unhappy and jealous of the other engines, particularly of James, who is a shiny red engine. Henry feels his green paint is dull and unremarkable.

One day, Sir Topham Hatt asks Henry to transport a very important visitor, a huge elephant named Maharaja. Henry is appalled at the task, thinking that the elephant will ruin his green paint with his trunk, and also because the other engines will laugh at him for having to transport an elephant.

However, Sir Topham Hatt assures Henry that Maharaja is a very important visitor and that Henry needs to look after him well. Henry reluctantly agrees and heads off to collect the elephant from the docks. When he arrives, he sees that Maharaja is an enormous and magnificent creature, and he is impressed. However, he is also worried about the elephant's weight and how he will be able to transport him safely.

As he pulls Maharaja along, Henry starts to feel proud of himself, as people wave and clap at the sight of him and the elephant. However, he still worries about Maharaja's weight and decides to take a shortcut to avoid steep hills. On the shortcut, however, the bridge collapses underneath Henry and Maharaja.

Henry is trapped under the bridge, and Maharaja is upset and frightened. The other engines come to his rescue, but Henry is still despondent, feeling that he has let everyone down. However, the other engines praise him for bringing Maharaja safely to Sodor, despite the accident.

Maharaja is very pleased with his trip and thanks Henry for his efforts. Sir Topham Hatt also congratulates Henry, telling him that his green paint has never looked more splendid than it does now, covered in dust and mud from the adventure.

The episode ends with Henry feeling proud of himself and his green paint, and with Maharaja returning to his home in India, happy and content.

Overall, 'Henry & The Elephant' is a heartwarming episode that emphasizes the importance of self-confidence and teamwork. It also introduces young viewers to the concept of cultural exchange and respect for visitors from other countries. Through Henry's journey, viewers learn that appearances are not everything and that what truly matters is the effort one puts in, and the kindness one shows to others.