Sunshine (TUGS episode)

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

[edit] Plot

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 Duchess, 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, Zorran 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 (Zebedee is non-speaking only), Izzy Gomez, Lillie Lightship, Puffa the steam train, Big Mickey, Sally Seaplane, Frank & Eddie, The Coast Guard, His Messenger, & Fire Tug.
This episode features Sally Seaplane's only major speaking appearance.
First appearances of Johnny Cuba (faceless model)(although his model cameoed in Ghosts, Quarantine, High Tide, Munitions, and 4th of July).
The only appearance of the Duchess throughout the whole series.
Only episode to introduce a new permanent Star tug. Grampus became a Star in 4th of July, but he's a submarine, not a tugboat. Boomer joined later on but only for a short period.
A goof is that while Sunshine still has his white and black Smokestack, he is painted in the Yellow Star livery. It's a goof because Sunshine had yet to join the star fleet and wouldn't have been painted in their livery before joining.
The Coast Guard and Fire Tug have minor non-speaking cameos.
The train that appeared had the same whistle sound as Puffa. Because of the sound, this episode may have also been Puffa's first appearance.
Watch episode [1]