Floating Kart (Fireman Sam)

Floating Kart (also known as Floating Cart in the US) is the seventeenth episode of the sixth season of Fireman Sam. It was written by Andrew Brenner.

Plot
Norman makes a go-kart with items he collects around the town, some of which he borrows without asking permission, causing problems for others. On its first ride, he realizes he forgot to put brakes on his go-kart and goes off the harbour wall right into the sea! Back at the station, he gets an angry reprimand from Sam, telling him that saying sorry isn't getting him out of the situation this time and forces him to help Mike fix his van and do numerous jobs for other people too. Maybe that will teach Norman not to take things without asking in future!

Why It Sank Deep in the Water

 * 1) It's another episode with Norman Price at his worst, this time "borrowing" the fire station dummy just as a test for a kart, all because he couldn't be bothered to wait for Mike.
 * 2) * Not only that, but he steals the wedges off of Mike's Van and almost caused a car accident with Trevor's Bus.
 * 3) * He also tries to steal the rope that ties Charlie's boat to shore, which could've left Charlie stranded if the latter hadn't have caught Norman in the act.
 * 4) * On top of all that, he then steals essential fire equipment in the form of the dummy. So he's a jerk, idiot and thief in this episode.
 * 5) Elvis is as much of an empty-head as usual, as he treats the fire-station dummy like it's an actual human, even going as far as to make an extra plate of food for it. This would be understandable is this was a toddler, but Elvis is a fully-grown man.
 * 6) The animation here is particularly awful, such as ugly close-ups of characters, as well as the infamous animation goof with Norman, Mike, Helen and her van disappearing for 1.5 seconds. It may not seem like much, but it is very noticeable. And for some odd reason, this only happens in the UK dub.
 * 7) The voice acting in the UK dub is especially annoying this episode, specifically with Norman screaming just coming off as very grating.
 * 8) The kids, while mostly likeable for going after Norman, aren't too bright when they first appear in the episode because they encourage Norman to go along with his stupid plan.
 * 9) The rescue scene is bad as always, with that annoying siren playing.
 * 10) The side-plot with Mike trying to fix his brakes doesn't really go anywhere, as well as the plot at the fire station.
 * 11) Idiot Move: Norman forgot to put the brakes onto the kart, which is one of, if not the most vital thing any vehicle needs.
 * 12) Minor Plot Hole: While Sam scolding Norman was very satisfying to see, he forgets to mention Norman stealing the fire station dummy.

Redeeming Qualities

 * 1) All the characters, except for Norman and Elvis (and the other kids in their first scene), were all likeable.
 * 2) * Station Officer Steele isn't flanderized like he usually is.
 * 3) Great Ending: For once in the CGI Series, Norman Price actually gets some comeuppance, with Sam coming to the conclusion that an apology isn't good enough after a very justified scolding, and Norman is forced to do chores by helping Mike with his van, as well as it being implied that Norman is not getting his Go-Kart. It's very rare nowadays to see Norman get punished.
 * 4) There are a couple of funny moments, like Steele saying "Cridlington, stop dancing with the dummy." (depending on your view)
 * 5) The US dub is much more tolerable to listen to, as always.
 * 6) The infamous animation error that was mentioned above was fixed in the US dub.

Reception
This episode is hated by many people, mainly for Norman Price's behaviour for stealing other people's belongings without permission and it currently sits at a 5/10 score on IMDb.

Trivia

 * This is one of four episodes to have a different title in the UK and US.
 * This episode is referenced in Series 8 episode Norman's Halloween Heist, the Season 9 episode The Pontypandy Cup, and the Season 10 episode Sam's Birthday.