TUGS (1988-1991)
While Allcroft worked on the distribution of Thomas in the US, David Mitton and Robert Cordona worked on a series of their own. Mainly focused on VHS releases, this series was known as TUGS.
I was going to have it be a bit more detailed, but wasn't interested enough. So here's the details:
I was going to have it be a bit more detailed, but wasn't interested enough. So here's the details:
- Clearwater manages to escape bankruptcy and works with Viz Media to bring the show to the States via VHS.
- The original show is released in the US in the late 1990s on VHS, replacing Sally's Lighthouse.
- Season 1 gets 12 more episodes.
- Season 2 focuses on the Bigg City Port during the Great Depression. This season is considered a major improvement over the already great season 1. As for one thing, humans are also featured. Mainly as wooden figures like in Thomas. But more importantly, Hercules get far more screen time and development.
- Season Three focuses on the Bigg City during the Second World War. With such plots as a Luftwaffe air raid on the ports and how the Tugs of both teams helped. As well as the subsequent arrival of the US Army. Among those who are sadly killed in the war are Izzy Gomez (sacrificed himself to save Sunshine from the Luftwaffe), Bluenose (bombed in air raid), and Lord Stinker (also destroyed in air raid, when he was used as a makeshift carrier of munitions).
- Season 4 is the ultimate series finale as during the immediate postwar era. All loose ends are tied up. Including Starr and Zero's tugs burying their hatchets. As they look forward to a newer future for them.