Proving Worthy

Plot
After being hidden away behind a station for nearly four years, James the Red Engine is given a second chance at life when Mr. George Hugh, his old manager, manages to strike a deal with Sir Bertram Topham Hatt and has him sold to the North Western Railway. James arrives on the railway and is immediately named the Number 5 engine.

However, he is involved in a serious crash during his first freight service, and is sent to the works to be repaired and repainted. James returns in a new coat of red paint and with a bit more confidence necessary. Despite being eternally grateful for a second chance at life, he begins acting very arrogant and conceited. As a result, he ends up making numerous mistakes.

His carelessness causes him to wheesh steam in the Fat Controller's face, and he overshoots the platform during the same run. Later on, he is reckless with some branchline coaches and ends up breaking the couplings on them. He is forced to suffer the humiliation of pulling the train held together by a newspaper and bootlaces.

After his mishaps, James is sent to the back of the sheds in disgrace for several days. He begins to question his usefulness and fees guilty for his actions. That is, until Mr. Hugh, the newly hired Skarloey Railway controller, arrives at the sheds to encourage him to take a stand and ask for another chance. Later that night, James apologizes for his actions and explains why he feels he hasn't been as useful. The engines offer their apologies as well and Sir Topham Hatt agrees to give James another chance.

James is sent to pull a goods train across the island. However, half the train breaks away on Gordon's Hill. Despite the trucks' resistance, James pushes through and gets the train over the hill and to the station. The next day, he gets his chance to pull the express. After his successful run, he talks with Gordon and convinces him to make amends with Thomas. Gordon and Thomas reconcile and Henry returns home shortly after. The episode ends with Gordon thanking James and telling him that he has proven himself a valuable asset to the railway.

Characters

 * James
 * George Hugh
 * Background Engines
 * Edward
 * Henry
 * Gordon
 * Thomas
 * Sir Bertram Topham Hatt

Trivia

 * This episode has the longest production to date; there was a near 8 month gap between this episode and the previous episode.
 * This episode was delayed filming-wise because GTSH did not yet have the Plarail James model.
 * There was supposed to be a scene in which Gordon failed with the express and James was asked to take it, but the scene was cut in the final product. GTSH still has the footage and plans to edit it, dub it, and upload it later this year.