By: Anton Massopust III

“I’m stuck on a train – a really big train! What’s in the next train car?” – Tulip

The miniseries “Infinity Train” just concluded on Cartoon Network. It’s probably the best animated series I’ve seen in a long time. For those of you who are not in the know, “Infinity Train” is an animated miniseries about a young girl named Tulip Olsen (Ashley Johnson). The series was created by Owen Dennis. Tulip has problems with her parents who are divorced. Because of a scheduling conflict, she was supposed to go to video design camp, but can’t. She tries to go on her own and ends up on a large mystical train that seems to go on forever. Each boxcar contains a different world. Along the way she meets two brave companions: a little robot which is half happy and half depressed One-One and a talking Corgi, Atticus (Ernie Hudson). As Tulip goes on this journey, and on her hand is a mysterious green glowing number which changes every time she learns a little more about herself. Her quest is to find the engineer and look for a way to get off this train and find her way home. Each car is filled with adventure and real danger. You never know what will happen when the next door opens.

Of course, every great story has a great group of villains. There’s “The Cat” (Kate Mulgrew) who seems to have her own agenda. She’ll help you, but for a trade. Then, there’s the Conductor, and a mysterious shadowy figure who seems to be controlling everything, and a giant white-faced multiarmed robot who does the Conductor’s building called “The Steward”.

“Infinity Train” is wonderful. Each world is unique with its own style. What really sells the show is the characters. Tulip is her own resourceful hero. I like the way the concept of divorce is handled. It doesn’t go for the usual stereotypical tropes. What’s compelling and wonderful are the characters. They pull no punches and give us a hard look at real life and that you have to live in the world you’ve been given. Can an animated series such as this make you feel great about the characters? Heck yes! You can’t wait to see what happens. All through this miniseries I couldn’t wait to hear what happens next. 

Creator Owen Dennis stated he was inspired by “Doctor Who” to make this series. Originally the series was a pilot put online. Many fans voted for it to be made into a regular series. Cartoon Network obliged and showed us the first episode of a while ago. The miniseries just concluded. In the conclusion, we will see more of Infinity Train in the near future. 

This show is for kids, but parents and kids can enjoy the show together. Hop onboard for “Infinity Train!” Check out Cartoon Network and On Demand for episodes.