Infinity Train was supposed to have eight seasons. Right now, it has four, cancelled right in the middle of its run, and that's just heart-breaking. Seasons 2-3 were already so good, imagine how amazing the later seasons could be. I'm still holding out hope, but it just hurts that the show ended so early, let alone on such a table-setting season.
Book 4 of Infinity Train is a much different season than the first three, taking a more light and character-driven tone. There isn't as much emphasis on the mysteries of the titular train, rather this season focuses on Ryan and Min-Gi, presumably the first case in which two people enter the train at the same time. These two were childhood friends, but had a massive falling out, so now they're on the train to mend their relationship. I thought their storyline was alright, the first episode did a good job of establishing the conflict and their dynamic throughout the season remained entertaining, but I feel like this was probably the least interesting book for me. I think it's because the show doesn't really do anything new, it doesn't have the mystery of Book 1, the existentialism of Book 2, or the moral ambiguity of Book 3. It's about two normal people on the train with no twists to the formula, so we already know they're going to escape, unlike the other seasons where it really feels like the characters have to earn their escape. Book 4 was fun, but it just wasn't as ambitious.
Of course, there has to be the comic relief denizen, and this season gives us Kez, who I actually really love. Her snarky attitude and the fact that the whole train seems to hate her is just so funny and entertaining, at least until the show starts exploring how her lackadaisical attitude impacts everyone she meets. Honestly, Kel was the real star of the show this season. As for the train, probably the most interesting aspect of the season for me is that it's a prequel, so we get to see Amelia take over as conductor in the background of the season. However, that's the only real bit of lore we get this time. The rest of the season is purely personal, and has a much lighter tone as a result, which isn't all a bad thing, we did all get some cool cars like the "astronauts on a line" car. It's pretty obvious why this is the case, Book 4 was meant to be a breather season that set the tables for Book 5, which is also why the fact that the series is cancelled is so frustrating. Book 4 isn't a bad season, it's still well-written and emotional with some really great episodes, but as a final season without the follow-up it needs, it sticks out like a sore thumb. And if Book 5 does somehow come out, I may even re-review this one with that added perspective, but in the context of a final season, Book 4 just feels lacking.
While the season wasn't as compelling as the first three, it still had some pretty great episodes:
The Twin Tapes: This was a really unique premiere for the series, focusing entirely on the lead's lives outside of the train. Watching Ryan and Min-Gi slowly fall apart was just plain uncomfortable, and the split screen in the middle of the episode did a great job of showing how their lives were going in different directions. And the reveal that the season was a prequel is pretty cool too.
The Party Car: The bathroom scene was one of the most effective moments of bonding between Ryan and Min-Gi. Even though they were able to play a concert yet, seeing them just jamming out in the tub was incredibly sweet. We also get our first big hint that Amelia is taking over the car.
The Castle Car: This was easily my favorite episode of the season because of how it truly explores how Kez's attitude can negatively impact the people around how, how for all of her mistakes, she never truly apologizes. It all goes into making her such a fascinating character for me. Also the ending with Amelia having officially taken over the car was just plain awesome.
The Train To Nowhere: While it wasn't as intense as the other finales, it did a good job at tying everything up. Kez finally apologizing was great, Ryan and Min-Gi mending their relationship was sweet, and overall, this was a pretty heartwarming ending. Maybe not the best series finale, but a good ending to the season.
Overall, Infinity Train's final (hopefully for now) book was meant to be a simple breather season with a light-hearted tone and a simpler story. It's not as intense as Books 1-3 but it's not meant to be and it was a fun watch regardless with probably the best denizen in the series. But it wasn't the best pick for a final season, and it sticks out because of it.
3/5 Stars
My ranking of the seasons, hopefully for now, is:
2 > 3 > 1 > 4
My ranking of the finales, hopefully for now, is:
3 > 1 > 2 > 4
Favorite Episode: The Tape Car
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