Of all the animated kid’s shows out there, Infinity Train dominates. From the pilot episode to season four, each installment brought new and imaginative ideas to the table. These individually contained stories knew what they wanted to be and did so effortlessly. The show grew successful and garnered a strong fan base, never losing steam (pun intended). Sadly, HBO Max canceled Infinity Train, leaving loose ends untied and character developments unresolved.

The show has a simple premise: passengers traverse a never-ending train. In season one, Tulip, our protagonist, goes from car to car, searching for a way home. She discovers the number on her hand is directly related to her growth as a person. Tulip concludes that she must resolve her inner conflicts and grow to get off the train (cliche but self-aware). Each season follows a similar structure but builds from previous installments.

As the show progressed, it tackled more mature themes and began expanding the groundwork laid down by season one. MT, the main protagonist of season two, searches for a way off the train. Unlike other passengers, she has no number. When she meets Jesse, they grow a deep friendship and help each other get off the train.

The second season introduces the Apex, a group of rebellious passengers who see the train as their playground. Their mission: acquire the most significant number (the opposite of personal growth).

The Apex is a perfect example of the hidden potential behind the show. Season two takes the concept of an infinite train that runs on personal growth and turns it on its head. Instead of looking for a way off the train, the Apex do everything in their power to stay on it. They believe the conductor, who they worship as a god-like figure, gave them the train and see no point in leaving. Infinity Train bravely introduces morally ambiguous characters and cult-like societies all within the context of a children’s show.

Season two also introduces the process of arriving and leaving the train. It delves into the inner workings of the train and reveals hidden mysteries that explain the more sci-fi elements of the series.

Season three ramps up the stakes. Now that the show is streaming on HBO Max (Cartoon Network originally aired the series), the creators use this new platform to explore the sinister side of the series further.

Grace, our lead protagonist, leads the Apex alongside Simon, her second-in-command. Grace and the Apex raid train cars, ravaging them for goods and leaving behind only destruction. This way, their numbers can continue to grow. After a day’s work, they return to their home base in an abandoned mall car and live a carefree life.

On a mission, Grace and Simon separate from the Apex and travel from car to car to return to their base. They encounter a passenger named Hazel, who Grace sees as a perfect new member for the Apex. Just one problem: Hazel’s number is turned off. The trio (and Hazel’s companion, Tuba) travel together to return to the Apex.

This season takes a surprisingly dark turn. Without spoiling the show, this season feels far more mature and gritty than the previous two. Surprisingly, there is even an on-screen death, something I would never have expected from a kid’s show but at this point, Infinity Train’s rating as a kid show is disputable. This season peaks with its finale, revealing the true nature of Grace’s story and seeing her come to terms with the destructive life she has been living on the train.

Infinity Train never strayed away from mature themes, something I admire about the show. But that is likely the cause for its cancelation. HBO Max wanted to gear the show towards child audiences and was probably disappointed with the outcome of the third season. Miraculously, HBO Max renewed Infinity Train for season four, but Owen Dennis, the creator of the show, announced that it would be the show’s last. What hurts the most is the team planned out eight seasons. Now that the show is canceled, the team will never fully realize these ideas.

Infinity Train deserves all the love it can get after such a tragic close. Season four began streaming on HBO Max. If possible, give it a shot.