The island experiences a number of strikes, leading to some very intense situations and a stand-off between a number of engines and their director.
Tropes featured in this episode:
- Bait-and-Switch: It looks like Mr. Starr is going to have an argument with Gordon, James, and Henry; as it happens, that's not how he resolves disputes.
- Pet the Dog: Rather than start a fight with Gordon, Henry, and James over leaving Brendam Docks, he apologizes for threatening them with garbage duty. He also assures them that he talked to Mr. Zorro about his crew's behavior and will refrain from using coercion to get his engines to obey him.
- Rage Breaking Point: As time goes, the partnership with the Nor'Easters and the Middies starts to crumble. Both sides start to argue over who gets what or how to do this or that; Percy even lampshades this and wonders how much more they can take.
- Rage Quit: Gordon, Henry and James do this after being harassed by Adam and Diesel the day after Henry's accident on Gordon's hill.
- Recycled Plot:
- The accident on the hill is similar to "Fish."
- "Trouble in the Sheds" can be seen here.
- Strike Episode: As the title implies, this episode focuses on numerous strikes on Sodor and the consequences of those strikes.
- The first one happens when the workers at the coal mines get sick of their boss's stubbornness and mistreatment.
- The second strike is at the docks because of the previous one, though Prejudice would reveal the British Union was actually responsible.
- And a third strike almost happens when Gordon, James, and Henry get fed up with the Middies taunting them and Mr. Starr threatening them with menial work when they try to air their opinions.
- Surprisingly Realistic Outcome:
- It turns out, because of Wendell's actions in the Thief episode, the Great Western Railway's reputation took a severe hit with the Nor'Easters and the Middies. Duck being sent to the island to help out with the work was a goodwill gesture.
- Gordon, Henry, and James leave the docks after getting fed up with the Middies. Adam and Diesel think they'll be okay regardless, but it turns out they're not. Mr. Starr sent the three there in the first place was because Mr. Zorro paid Mr. Starr to help them with the deluge of work that came in. Come the next day, and Brendam Docks are in shambles; boxes were everywhere, ships were delayed, and everyone is complaining to Mr. Zorro.
- Wham Shot: Dominic as a ghost.
