Air date: July 11th, 2016 (UK), October 18th, 2016 (US)
Stephen is a very old engine. But in his early days, he was known as "The Rocket" because he was so fast. Unfortunately, he is now one of the slowest engines on Sodor, which can be a problem for the main line engines when they get stuck behind him. One day, Gordon passes by while Stephen is on his way to pick up some tourists and calls him a silly little engine. As Stephen crosses the Sodor Suspension Bridge, he hears a strange noise, but he thinks it's Gordon making him dizzy. However, as he crosses the bridge, a bolt and support start to come loose.
At Knapford, Stephen stops to pick up passengers for Ulfstead Castle. James pulls up behind Stephen and tells him to hurry up, and that he does not understand why the passengers want to travel on such a slow engine. Thomas tells James he is just jealous of Stephen, while Stephen tells James that Thomas is only joking. He then asks Thomas and James if either of them have ever heard a strange noise as they cross the Suspension Bridge, but neither of them have.
Later as Stephen crosses the bridge again, he listens for the noise. This time, he hears nothing, believing he imagined the noise and happily carries on his way. But while Emily crosses the bridge with her goods train, the loosened bolt falls out of its support and falls to the ground, while the support loosens more. Stephen stops at Brendam to pick up some passengers from a cruise ship, and Porter admires him for being such a popular engine.
Stephen crosses the bridge a third time, and this time he hears the strange noise again, then sees a bolt fall onto the tracks in front of him, while another one falls out of another support which loosens too. Stephen realizes that the bridge is collapsing and hurries to get his passengers to safety. He manages to stop Thomas before he crosses and explains what's happening, but Clarabel tells them that Gordon will be coming with the express any minute. Annie and Clarabel refuse to let Thomas risk crossing the bridge to stop Gordon, so Stephen, who shunts his train into a siding and is uncoupled, offers to cross instead, since he is lighter than Thomas. As Gordon draws closer, Stephen gets stuck on a broken rail, but he manages to reach the other side, and his crew waves a red flag to try and stop Gordon as he approaches the bridge. The big blue engine stops just in time, and just as he is in the middle of insulting Stephen again, the bridge finally gives way and the track collapses. Gordon is very grateful to Stephen for saving him and his passengers from disaster. The Fat Controller congratulates Thomas and Stephen and calls them Really Useful heroes.
Once the bridge's repairs start, all the engines have to cross it as slowly as Stephen, to Gordon's irritation. The amazing story of Stephen's heroism brings even more tourists to the Island of Sodor.
This episode contains examples of:
- Borrowed Catchphrase: Stephen rushes Gordon, then says "Rocket coming through!".
- Does Not Know How to Say "Thanks": Gordon struggles to thank Stephen for preventing him from crossing over the collapsing bridge.Gordon: Oh, Stephen...you...you...saved me and my passengers. I...I...
Thomas: I think he means "thank you", Stephen!
