This episode contains examples of:
- Dramatic Irony: When Gordon’s cylinder fails on his final trip with the Express, he comes to a stop right next to the very same ditch
he crashed into many years ago. - End of an Age: What Henry thinks of Gordon retiring from the Express, but Gordon feels it's for the best.
- Passing the Torch: Just like in the The Railway Series, Gordon accepts his retirement with grace and dignity, and allows Pip and Emma to take his place as the NWR’s main express engines.
- Shout-Out: When it's time for no. 4 to move on, he says "it's the end, but the moment has been prepared for."
- Whole Episode Flashback: Gordon tells the other engines about what happened a week ago before Pip and Emma arrive to take over the Express.
