Best Friends

**Best Friends** is the eighth and final episode of the twelfth series. It is also the final episode to use models as the show switched to CGI in the next series.

## Plot

Diesel and Dennis are best friends, and always love to work together. No matter the job, if they were working together, they would get the job done.

One day, Dennis and Diesel were shunting at the quarry when Patrick rolled up. He informed the engines that the brass band was going to play. Because he liked the brass brand, Dennis was upset that he never got to pull them. Diesel suggested that Dennis went to the wash down and look as shiny as a trumpet. That way, it would be more likely that the Fat Controller would pick him. Dennis happily thanked Diesel and rolled off. Just then, the Fat Controller arrived, and gave Diesel the job to collect the brass band after he had had a wash. Diesel was worried since Dennis wanted to pull the train. Dennis soon returned and was very happy. Diesel claimed that he had another job, and oiled away. Dennis happily tooted, but Diesel was too worried to honk back.

Diesel was having his wash when he saw Dennis. He hid in the nearby shed, and Dennis passed by. Diesel was relieved Dennis hadn’t seen him. Soon, Diesel had collected a coach, but it wasn’t the last time he saw Dennis. Worried, Diesel decided to take the long way. He thought that he would be able to avoid Dennis, but he still found Dennis. Thankfully, Class 08 a long goods train, so Diesel hid behind the train. Dennis rolled right past. With a quick "thank you" to a puzzled Class 08, Diesel continued on his journey.

But by the time Diesel reached the docks, he was late. He already felt bad enough, but he noticed some mail vans, and knew Dennis was coming and told the band to hurry, but the tuba player has forgotten his trumpet, so Diesel had to wait. Now Dennis would catch him, and he did. Dennis felt betrayed and asked Diesel why he didn’t tell him because he told him everything. Diesel tried to honk to cheer his friend up, but it didn’t work, and Dennis didn’t toot back. Diesel felt guilty as he rolled out of the docks.

When the concert was nearly over, the Fat Controller ordered Diesel to take the band back. Knowing that Diesel was pulling the mail, Diesel asked if they could switch jobs. The Fat Controller agreed. Diesel rushed off to find Dennis, but the concert was almost over. At last, Diesel found Dennis at a signal, but he was still upset. Diesel suggested to switch jobs, and Dennis' face lit up again. When all the work was done, Diesel promised Dennis that he would always tell him everything from now on. And they both tooted their loud best friends horn for everyone to hear.

## Characters

* Diesel
* Dennis
* Patrick
* Sir Topham Hatt
* Class 08 (*does not speak*)
* Sodor Brass Band (*do not speak*)
* Sir Topham Hatt's Assistants (*cameos*)

## Trivia

* This episode has a similarly to the twentieth and final episode from the twelfth series of *Thomas & Friends* with the same name.
* Extended stock footage from the eleventh series episode, Dennis and the Left Luggage is used.
* This episode marks:
	+ Dennis' only speaking role in the twelfth series.
	+ Diesel, Dennis and Class 08's last appearances in the model series.
	+ The last episode to use models.
	+ Great Waterton's last appearance. Not counting being on posters.
	+ The Last appearance of the Cattle Trucks and GWR Ventilated Vans.
* This episode marks a few things for Patrick:
	+ His first appearance since his debut in the ninth series.
	+ His only appearance in the twelfth series.
	+ His last appearance.