Sunshine (TUGS episode)

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"Sunshine" was the pilot and the very first episode of the children's series TUGS. The title referred to the focus character of the episode. The episode was based around the introduction of the characters in the series, as it is the first episode.

[edit] Brief Synopsis

The series starts by giving us an introduction to the Star Fleet. A tugboat called Sunshine from up river comes to help the Star Fleet. They are to tow in the Dutchess, the grand ocean liner. The Z Stacks find out about this and they make a plan to get the contract. Hercules is away on duty. So the Z Stacks put Big Mac out of action by pushing him on a mud bank. When the Stars tow in Dutchess, Zorran pushes Sunshine into the Duchess's rudder. The Star Fleet didn't see this. Sunshine feels bad and he runs away.

The Z Stacks are pleased with their plan and they think they will get the Contract. The Star Fleet are cross with Sunshine but Ten Cents sticks up for him and decides to look for him. On his search, He finds out from Izzy Gomez the tramp steamer that it was Zorran who hit Sunshine. He then tells the rest of the Star Fleet and they all go looking for Sunshine. They find him going towards his home up river. They persuade him to go back home with them.

The truth is out and Captain Zero yells at Zak, Zooran and Zip. Captain star tells the Star Fleet that they have learned they shouldn't jump to conclusions before knowing the truth and he also tells them that he has decided to make Sunshine a member of the Star Fleet.

[edit] Notes

First appearances of all the Star Tugs, Z-Stacks, Izzy Gomez, Lillie Lightship, Puffa the steam train, Big Mickey Sally Seaplane Frank & Eddie & The Coast Guard His Messanger & Fire Tug.
This episode features Sally Seaplane's only ever major speaking appearance although there was a scene from the 5th episode High Winds where the character told the warrior character about the princess alices damaged rudder, that should of been her second only major speaking appearnace
The only appearance of the Duchess throughout the whole series (although she appears in Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends).
Only episode to introduce a new Star tug. Grampus became a star submarine in 4th of July
A goof is that while he still has his white and black Smokestack, he is painted in the Yellow star livery. It's a goof because Sunshine did not yet join the star fleet and wouldn't have the possibility to be painted in have of their colors. However, David Mitton revealed that Sunshine always had those colors.
The Coast Guard and Fire Tug have minor non-speaking cameos.
This is possibly Puffa's first appearance.
Watch episode [1]