#isnt it fucked how the one bit of character development he gets in springtime for diesel immediately backslides

[shelli-gator]

How's about Diesel?

He's so fucking funny I love him, I do!

Freespace: He's so tragic I love that for him

Really, the guy shows up on Sodor and his only crime is being a bit of a kiss ass and Duck immediately starts taking swings at him. Yes, steam engines rightfully feel threatened by diesels and the animosity is well founded. But take the 'diesel' part out of the equation, because years down the line most of the cast don't really care about diesels vs steam engines anymore unless someone is feeling particularly racist that day. He's a new guy who shows up and after the first punch is thrown, he's destined to be the pariah over something he didn't even start. Yes, he retaliates, but who doesn't?

He doesn't even get the mercy he did in the railway series where he doesn't *really* come back to Sodor, not consistently anyway. He goes back to the mainland permanently, where he can remain amongst his diesel peers. The incident on Sodor doesn't shape his whole life like it does in the show. Coming back to Sodor permanently means he never escapes from the incident, like being forced to keep living with an ex after a breakup. You can say he does it to himself by being an asshole, but it's not JUST that, and I don't think its any less sad for characters who make their own battles and hardships. In fact, it's even sadder if you ask me. He's a tragic fucked up little guy and he's so ANGRY and bitter and that must be so damn lonely, but he knows no other way of being. I would give him a biscuit.