Infinity Train Review: S2E3 - The Map Car

Abandon the butterfly stroke, Jesse!
"The Map Car" was fantastic from a characterization perspective. The episode is Jesse-centric and primarily serves to get his character arc into gear, but touches upon many themes of Book Two of Infinity Train, even those pertaining to Lake.
Also, Marcel's refusal to follow the intended purpose of the train car by attempting to keep passengers exploring indefinitely indirectly facilitates Jesse’s growth as a person, and I’m sure Agent Mace would have a few choice words about that coincidence.
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[@mothsolotl]

Tbh, I initially failed to notice the thematic and symbolic importance of both the butterfly stroke, as well as the behavior of the cloud dude. Thank you for illuminating those aspects for me ^^

[@phari4820]

The map car is one of the most creative things I seen in a cartoon recently

[@jaredhall5169]

This show has so much potential it's scary. Infinite worlds to explore, a rotating cast of characters and its own underlying mystery. I was actually worried about the second season not having Tulip, but episodes like this are why I like season 2 even more than 1.

[@uncivilizedelk]

It's a shame this show hasn't gained more popularity. Feels like the pilot had far more hype than the actual series. I wish more people would get invested because Infinity Train's writing and grasp on its themes is superb - it blows the vast majority of shows out of the water when it comes to its portrayal of characters.

[@jaredhall5169]

@@uncivilizedelk Right?? That was one of the best pilots I'd ever seen and the show itself still somehow lived up to the hype. There's always so much to unpack with each episode, like the butterfly stroke stuff here to all the hand symbolism later on. GAh I love this show! I want it to get more attention too.

[@tibot4228]

@@uncivilizedelk And the fact that the episodes are barely 12-minutes long makes it all the more amazing

[@joshuagraham2843]

that sounds like jumanji

[@yesyesyesyes4923]

That is why it should’ve never been canceled

[@NestorCustodio]

50% "this is what happened in this episode" + 30% "this is how therapy works and this is what's not conducive to helping others" + 20% "be mindful of internalizing things that have been forced onto you by either 'The System' or people who do not have your own desires and best interests in mind" This is why Uncivilized Elk's reviews are so special.

[@claudiag.9307]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[@lolita_a_2869]

Hello, Elk! I really want to hope that you’re okay right now or at least surviving during this world-wide pandemic, but I’m afraid that something is wrong (because there is no information from you, here or on other pages, since March). I know you were struggling with depression for a long time, and so am I, although it cannot be the same thing, of course, everybody is different. I just wanted to say that there are people who understand and who wish you all the best in your recovery. I also want to say thank you for all the work you’ve done for your viewers, for how thoughtful and full of empathy your videos are. These video-essays helped me through hard times and still helping to this day, simply because the quality is great and your themes and ideas are interesting, and I share your vision on lots of topics (speaking about empathy, representation, importance of animation etc.). I’m sure a lot of people wish you only the best and hope that everything is ok with you (without only wanting new videos, it is much more important than just that), I simply hope that a good person like you has a good life. I’m also battling depression right now and I hope that we all can live better lives after this crisis is over.

[@AttractorsAltAccount]

Underrated comment.

[@lolita_a_2869]

Vestige Repel Hello! I assume you’re talking about how my words were sincere and spoke with lots of people from Elk’s audience, so thank you for understanding and support! I’m glad Elk announced new videos, because even if it‘ll be too hard or inconvenient to make right now (honestly, I doubt myself and my plans every day for the past four months because of everything), at least we know that we’re all in this together and doing our best to survive and keep hope for the future!

[@tibot4228]

I assumed he swam butterfly because with training, it was the fastest style for him... but then you point out that he switches from it to freestyle, and like one of Marcel's passengers, I was blown away.

[@KalinTheZola]

Not to mention Jesse heavily implies that he doesn't like doing it in the first place. The only reason he did it was because there was someone else going for the freestyle spot and he's too much of a people pleaser to try and take that spot away from someone else. All in all it was fantastic characterization.

[@Neillionaire]

They confirmed in the Q&A that that was indeed the same lunch lady.

[@Reubenaut]

Can you possibly tell where this q&a can be found

[@chistinelane]

@raffle baffle WHAT

[@shayhasmoron]

To anyone worried about elk, he had to take a break due to mental health and he’s currently constructing a review of Distant Lands. This information was on his twitter

[@shayhasmoron]

Tselmeg B No problem dude

[@sprinkle5256]

Thanks for letting us know...

[@SuperDuperJamer]

I hope you're doing okay, Elk! Stay safe, take care. Don't worry so much about the comments asking for new videos: focus on yourself! You got this!

[@Purey97]

I love how your reviews take a deeper dive at analyzing the episode. Thanks for putting out quality content for a great show :)

[@m1nterim]

Great video! I only watched the season once before this review series, and there are so many litttle details/foreshadows that I didn't notice! Marcel + the toad laying. groundwork for the 'resisting the train's rules' theme is really cool, and also primes us to expect Lake to fail towards the end of the series - Marcel fails to run against the system of the train, and the toad can only get what he wants in context of the train. I'm sure there are more examples of theming laid down early on that I can't remember right now, but still. It's so good!!! Argh!! Thanks for making this video and prompting me to think about this show with more detail and context! You laid out what was important about the episode really efficiently, and it was really nicely put together! Good luck with the future videos! 💪💪💪

[@KalinTheZola]

This whole series, but especially this book in particular, do just a fantastic job at characterization and character driven story arcs. It's definitely become one of my top favorite cartoons just from how well they are able to develop their protagonists in such a short span of time.

[@lavishjules1886]

I'm so glad you still do these reviews. I just watched both seasons & have so many thoughts about them.

[@ohno8398]

How on EARTH did I not notice the butterfly stroke symbolism, it's incredible!

[@alejandrogonzalez28]

If your next video gonna be so good like this one I cant wait. This entire book was a big punch for my life, and your analysis help me to finally realize how much I need to improve. Thanks for that. I wish the best for you.

[@matheu5mato517]

I really loved watching your videos on adventure time back in the days and now I am loving your analysis on infinity train. Anyway, thank you for your videos, you do such an amazing job ♥

[@enderwiggins8248]

I’ve been binge watching your infinity train episodes, good luck on producing them!!!

[@alexanderwiles2003]

Ngl I forgot u were a thing then watched this vid and was like I remember why I like ur channel and going into detail

[@light1star]

Good luck and thanks for the breakdown!

[@eitangellis]

Great video as usual! Good luck keeping a more consistent schedule!

[@TheMovieSequelDude49]

I already like this episode but your analysis makes me appreciate it more. I can't wait to see your reviews for the rest of the season.

[@bleh329]

I wish thee luck, oh wise and wonderful Elk. ;p Very excited for your take on the rest of the season!

[@buttonsfan]

I didn’t fully appreciate how big those character moments were, I was too enamored with the mechanics of the map car

[@SuperDuperJamer]

Wishing you luck! Cause apparently you need it!! We're all rooting for you Elk!

[@Petrichorus-]

These reviews are so good! I finally finished watching Book 2 and wow! I'm craving more Infinity Train content but it's amazing how many things I missed!

[@rohanmanchee6883]

Hey, I hate talking on the internet but I have to say you really are something else. I have seen almost all your videos and let me just say I am impressed. Thank you dude

[@Tuskbumper]

I love watching your videos so keep on making reviews

[@itsholiana3957]

Ah i cant wait for more till episode 10! These are soo much fun to watch and interpret l, great job

[@DecafInvidia]

Best of luck with the next reviews!

[@blazers37]

I really like your adventure time videos and I want your channel to succeed so I am commenting and liking these Infinity Train videos. I have been meaning to watch Infinity Train but just haven't had time to yet. I also need to find a way to stream it online for cheap. Anyways, I love your video essays so thank you for doing that :)

[@blazers37]

P.S I don't know what having comments and likes actually does for a youtuber I just hear every other channel asking for them lol

[@WillardWilliamss]

The cartoon Network app is prob the best solution for streaming it's not much but it'll do

[@MrGoblin1000]

Marcel just doesn't want to die.

[@UndefeatableKing]

The lunch lady being there is fucking hilarious.

[@HenryBits124]

I’d really love to see you analyze the backgrounds of Midnight Gospel. You’re amazing

[@howard7625]

i really wished you made a review of the adventure time episode "you forgot your floaties" .one of the best eps imo

[@ilyakiselev4209]

Haven't seen the vid yet, but already excited! First time I'm so early on a video ^_^

[@addiction.5500]

“Your hand is trash” That’s what she said. Literally.

[@hadarsnorlax]

Another great video!

[@NoReplyAsset]

ohh so many details I didn't notice, I love this show. EDIT: okay, I did notice THIS! 10:39 the lunch lady that gave Jesse trouble was in the first episode!!

[@yayarabbits9350]

Hey I'm new to your channel I like how you speak and the way you explain your videos your a awesome dude I'm still trying to catch up I also like how you talk about your experience and to the good and the bad I have depression and struggling with life but I watched your videos naked me feel better I thank you for that I hope your depression goes away and let you live your life

[@chicocabalatungan8831]

I guess you can say it had a..... BUTTERFLY EFFECT? :D

[@Tracks777]

nice video

[@rayz6400]

MY FAVORITE SHOW OF ALL TIME

[@AlexGoZoom]

Miss you elk

[@kingofcats8561]

Where did he go, It’s been ssoooo long. I hope he’s okay

[@shayhasmoron]

He had to take a break due to mental health, he is making a distant lands review right now

[@kingofcats8561]

I just hope he’s okay.

[@brandonbradshaw9541]

Marcel wanted to extend the map and hadn't had any visitors for a long time. Centuries maybe hence the dated map and art styles. The world and map updated, wind is no longer represented as gods blowing but compasses still exist.

[@redefiningnormal2257]

Curious if you’ve checked out midnight gospel yet? Both Pendleton Ward and Jesse Moynihan helped create it. Definitely seems like something you’d be able to take a lot from, would love to hear your thoughts on it at some point.

[@cloudynoodles1341]

Can you please make a new video on the BMO trailer for distant lands?

[@pv33]

Have you watched Dark the series on Network? I’d be really interested in your input on the series.

[@Shamger413]

where did the videos go, advernture time distant lands just got a trailer, i really want to see your oppinion on it.

[@epicbottleflips5032]

You should definitely review midnight gospel

[@pedrokatcradle]

One of the more simpler repeating motifs the creators had with this show and that I'm glad they stuck to was that all passengers should get companions (denonizines) to help them traverse the cars. [Boy]has lake and lake, allen dracula. {Shhhh spoilers} What I wish it had more of is adult characters. But I mean I guess it does if you count timeless as adulting.

[@zodayn4767]

About saying thoughts out loud. Similarly I use a trick with self doubting or negative thoughts to write them down. I never get myself to write on paper what a piece of shit I supposedly am because I know it's not true. Writing something like that down feels overly edgy so I can laugh it off. It might not help for everyone, but to me it's a neat trick.

[@jjplayz6666]

Did you make a trailer of the new thing coming out

[@sersmiles1635]

cant wait til toad car, the best car, 2nd best episode with wasteland being the best

[@grantlauzon5237]

Since cars can moved and reordering I think unless people meet/stick together they’ll have completely different/adaptive car playlists.

[@Kirill-Ivanov2002]

When will you stream on Twitch again?

[@dalkymartinez2371]

Do you have plans to check The midnight gospel?

[@heylookitsnana]

Don't hurry to get these our unless you are concerned about KZbin algorithms and monetization. I for one enjoy getting your updates spontaneously.

[@_NIKOS9_NIKOS]

Arent we going to to mention how f****d up it is ,that Marcel's entire purpose is to be killed/get wiped from existence so someone can grow as a person (probably over and over again assuming that the cart gets reset)? Also, that sea serpent that Jesse drew will definitely end up eating those mermaids

[@bleh329]

Imagine if the cars did reset. So he either experiences dying over and over or live through the passengers dying. Maybe that’s why he’s so wrong. Or he’s made to be more villainous so the passengers don’t feel so bad about inadvertently removing his autonomy.

[@bleh329]

I don’t think the cars reset, though. There are so many and more can be easily made it seems unnecessary. Besides, Lake was able to leave her car without being forced back, the Cat’s car was trashed and she was forced to leave, and we eventually the stuffed bunny character from the end of season 1 missing one of his ears. All of these things suggest, to me, that the cars don’t reset. Oh, also, the toad is able to move on to other cars.

[@thatnikkakris2339]

Dayum

[@natakug1]

Talk-no-jutsu strikes again

[@archie7225]

!ARE YOU GOING TO REVEIW THE DISTAN LANDS SPECIAL¡ please do.

[@peanutbutterjuice3142]

fr 2 more days i can’t wait bro

[@aname3941]

Im hopping to pass them out at a faster Pace

[@mcreeper1695]

Do a review on genndy tartakovsky's primal

[@AmitSingh-dk6gj]

Any update for adventure time 😥

[@simonarpin2311]

Yo elk where are those adventure time character analysis vids at!

[@youhaveareidiot3229]

When are you gona do theory's about adventure time ?

[@kharijordan6426]

I wish you luck.

[@johnhayward998]

yeah the new Steven universe promo yeah please make the infinity train to get him so to settle his mental breakdown

[@baaaasil4138]

Is it just me thinking this boi should do a review on the diary or nah-

[@gullumking]

Can you do kipo

[@iSmartMan1]

I believe the creators have confirmed that the woman from the first episode is Jesse's lunch lady

[@elpadrinoblanco3540]

You should analyze bad little boy in terms of Marcelines feelings for Finn, Ik that’s rly old but still

[@angelocorina6612]

👍

[@carlostheroach4596]

:3 hello I need to watch this show

[@bleh329]

You do. It good.

[@Sketchy_Dood]

Where’s the new reviews my guy

[@AceHardy]

📝

[@mob77777]

Hihi

[@ton1]

8:55 Play "Breaking The Habit - Linkin Park"

[@nerizepansit1032]

Wait..... Is this just me or is it just that Infinity Train-book 1 and 2-is actually good for those who want to learn to solve their problems and befriending those who help you-like a psychiatrist?... Noice😎...

[@weirdchamp4601]

Isn’t this series literally just that one episode in Adventure Time where Finn and Jake fight aboard that monster train?

[@PhoenixMario]

Lapo it’s way deeper than that You should watch it if you haven’t already

[@weirdchamp4601]

Phoenix Mario I think I will

[@PhoenixMario]

@@weirdchamp4601 👍 If you're looking for a website to watch it on, go to Kimcartoon. There are alot of ads there, but just close them 👍

[@weirdchamp4601]

Phoenix Mario ty

[@sprinkle5256]

Who's here after the BMO trailer is out?

[@ultraversestudios5059]

Could you do a video on the owl house? I don't know if you'll enjoy it, but I'd like it if you take a look at the first 3 episodes then give your own take on the story and lore.

[@eatyourvegetablescartoon]

🥦Neat!👍

[@prometheuslens7825]

U good bro?

[@jakethedog8124]

I really hope he’s fine.

[@jakethedog8124]

@ James Pionke, really? YES! I’m so excited!

[@ahmadarya3844]

Please do Adventure Time distant lands 🙏

[@shayhasmoron]

He had to take a break due to mental health, he is making a distant lands review right now

[@ahmadarya3844]

Sorry to hear that, hope he's in a good condition now

[@quackle170]

I was recalling adventure time the last episode and remembered that Betty jumps a portal to save Simon and asked evertime Betty leaves her time line but this time she sacrificed her self to save ooo than dose that mean that in other timelines ooo was distroyd and that’s why he came to the og timeline

[@infinite_seaweed4373]

It's a shame your channel basically died with adventure time I really like you

[@paljedlovszky2653]

Fourth!

[@benepic3101]

Lake is not good at CBT

[@MrChaiyarith]

From all Infinite story and design why this season make me feel like I just watch Over the Garden Wall? come on CN you can do better than this.

[@user-pr8gc3nh3b]

HEY PLS SEE THIS COMMENT STEVEN UNIVERSE ENDED AND I CRIED PLSSSS TALK ABOUT IT😢😢😢😢😢😢😭😭😭

[@eligrillo9475]

Bro I think this man died of carona f

[@sprinkle5256]

Stop talking like that :(

[@eligrillo9475]

@@sprinkle5256 well he hasnt uploaded in months

[@eligrillo9475]

@LemonBlade how do u know

[@nerizepansit1032]

Wait..... Is this just me or is it just that Infinity Train-book 1 and 2-is actually good for those who want to learn to solve their problems and befriending those who help you-like a psychiatrist?... Noice😎...