A Stranger in Need

Season: Five

Episode: One

Vital statistics

Air date

August 3, 2013

Written by

WildNorWester

Directed by

WildNorWester

Episode Guide
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A Stranger in Need is the first episode of Season 5, and the fifty-third episode overall.

Plot

Toby is taking one of his usual dairy trains from Toryreck when he witnesses a hit-and-run accident. A cyclist is knocked off her bicycle, and the BMW that hit her drives off. Toby and his crew help the cyclist, whose name is Emily, and cannot stand on her right leg. They take her to Maithwaite Station where she meets her Aunt Bridgett and is taken to hospital in an ambulance.

Later on, Toby is interviewed by Sergeant Jerry Halford, who is the officer in charge of the investigation. He is able to provide the BMW's registration plate number and Sergeant Halford reveals that the BMW used in the accident was stolen. Once Sergeant Halford leaves, Toby tells Percy about the incident and Percy tells him that he will spread the word around. Following this, Toby meets Patrick at Tidmouth who asks about that morning's excitement. Toby is surprised that Patrick has heard of it, and The Fat Controller climbs down from the cab. It turns out Emily is The Fat Controller's daughter, much to Toby's surprise.

Meanwhile, Percy is taking a goods train along the branch line, and as he emerges from a tunnel, he spots a police car chasing the hit and run car. Percy gives chase, and is able to cut off the car in the Ffarquhar goods yard. The car thieves are subsequently arrested by the police.

Later that evening, The Fat Controller brings Emily to the sheds. Although she is on crutches, she insists on coming down to thank the engines for their help. Following her recovery, she visits the Ffarquhar Branch engines often and becomes good friends with them.