Infinity Train S03 E09 & E10 Reaction

This show has REALLY nailed the limited series format. I agree that every episode/scene served a purpose and the conclusion was flawlessly executed. I didn’t realize therapy wasn’t as widely talked about in Europe. It’s a very casual and common thing here in the states (or at least the trend is moving that way). I go to therapy myself and it’s been wildly helpful for my self-esteem and general well being. That being said, I’m privileged to have great health insurance which makes it affordable for me. Not everyone has that luxury. But I’m glad you shared your European perspective with me, because I find that very interesting! I learned something new today!

I know, I really didn’t see it coming either. But I don’t know another way for the season to have ended that would have felt as true to the tone it presented. And I’m keeping all fingers and toes crossed for more to this story, in whatever way that looks like!

Let the tears flow First scenes of first book tell you that things will get serious, and yet it did exceed all my expectations as subsequent books rolled on. Few other stories that I watched, read or played had the same impact. I am not a professional movie critic but I felt that storytelling and story pacing is just perfect. No scene wasted and yet nothing feels rushed. So may thoughts, so little space (and readers attention span). In no particular order: I am wondering if there is anything else Grace could say to Simon why she saved him on the bridge, that would stop him. Maybe there is nothing she could say, but I imagine Simon asked for a reason. There is that split-second moment before his expression hardens, like he was not sure if he wanted to kill Grace until the very moment he kicked her of the bridge. I also dig Simon new look at the end - high collar jacked / coat looks great. It had this 18th - 19th century military uniform inspiration that was fitting with his military fascination. About Grace, I wrote little before, because I think I cannot asses her objectively. I am just simping too much. But who would not, she is amazing. She did what she had to do, when she was able to do. And it was to little too late to save Tube from Simon and save Simon from himself. But at the end she to was only who she was and could not give more than that. I was glad that we seen what exactly happened when Cat abandoned Simon, in all of its straightforward brutality, Simon would die there and then if not for Grace. Cat simply panicked. Quite common reaction for creature running for her life. " I am who I am" and she is not a warrior. Back in Book 1 it was established that she can be intimidated with threats of violence. But I am also under impression that Cat and Simon interacted during the time between that scene and events of book 4. Regarding Train itself, we still know so little of what it exactly is and lots of people expressed desire to have it explored more. But I have a feeling that Train works well for the story because its exact nature is beyond comprehension. It is essentially a God. An exact explanation would fall flat, it would simply not live up to the promise. Last but not least, and please bear with me because I will struggle to find proper words. Watching Infinity Train I had a thought some time ago, that it is very American show because it is expression of something specific to American culture. A belief in self-improvement by active work on your "traumas" (Tulip story) and "emotional development" for lack of better word (Simon and Grace story). That it is possible to actively work on such aspects of your personality. By psychotherapy for example. Also that you are EXPECTED to do so. I feel that such focus by viewers and commentators for this show, and other cartoons, on redemption arcs for characters is an example of that. This is something that is not visible to such degree in Europe, and I doubt it is visible like that in other culture groups. I might be wrong on that though, as I am neither anthropologist nor sociologist. To end this rant, in memory of Simon and Tuba, I think it is somewhat fitting: Okkervil River - The War Criminal Rises and Speaks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmCXOoiXL5s

Did not expect it to 'go there'. Could not see any way for Simon to be redeemed, still didn't expect to kill him or such a graphic death. I thought Simon would turn into one of the roach creatures, but not even that happened. There is still no word on a season 4. Owen has said he had all the way up to Book 8 planned out. Hopefully he will eventually release some details if HBO Max declines any more series.

Mark Ten