Thomas Tanks

What's up with Thomas?  Thomas the Tank Engine is one of those children's programs that drifts in and out of my sons interest. He was way interested for a period during years 2 and 3. Now, after a break of a year or so, we tuned in again this morning.  All I can ask is, What the h*ll!?!!

What happened to those cute model trains and that massive layout on which they filmed the old episodes? Where once we had these cool mechanical characters we now have computer animation.  No more stationary figurines with voice over. Now we have goofy animations that look like claymation meets computer game. It's like watching dead men re-animated. And the charming little children's choir?  Sure.  But now we've made room for hip hop Thomas. Seriously.

I'm not a curmudgeon. More often than not I am happy to go along with change. But this? Why can't they leave charming children's shows alone, complete with archaic constructions and simplistic designs? Some things deserve to remain old fashioned. Thank goodness they can't update Mr. Rogers.  Hmmm, with computer animation...