Ep 9. The Origami Car

The episode "The Origami Car" begins with protagonist Tulip and her companions- One-One and Atticus- entering a new train car. This car is adorned with colorful origami and seems to be a peaceful and inviting environment. However, things are not always as they seem on the Infinity Train. Tulip and her friends soon discover that the origami creatures in the car are alive, and they have a problem. The car is slowly becoming more cramped and crowded as more origami creatures emerge from the paper.

The group sets out to find the source of the issue and discovers an origami machine that is churning out paper animals at an alarming rate. Tulip quickly realizes that they can't just shut off the machine because it is being powered by a sentient origami creature that is determined to keep creating more and more creatures. To stop the overflow of origami animals, the group must find a way to free this creature from its cycle of production.

Throughout the episode, Tulip grapples with philosophical questions about art and creation. Is it right to force something to keep creating? Is art meant to be viewed and appreciated, or is its purpose solely to exist? These questions are especially pertinent in the context of this episode, as the origami creatures are not just art but living beings. Tulip's struggle with these ideas is complicated by her own sense of guilt over her past actions, which she has been grappling with throughout the season.

As Tulip and her friends try to figure out how to stop the origami machine, they encounter another character - Alan Dracula. Fans of the previous season may remember Alan, a vampire who stowed away on Tulip's train car and became her unlikely ally. This episode provides a satisfying return for the character, giving viewers a glimpse of what he's been up to since the end of season 2.

One of the standout elements of this episode is its animation. The origami creatures are brought to life with incredible attention to detail, and their movements have a sense of weightlessness and fluidity that captures the essence of real paper animals. The overall design of the train car is also particularly stunning, with bright colors and intricate details that make the world feel both fantastical and grounded.

Overall, "The Origami Car" is a standout episode in season 3 of Infinity Train. It explores complex philosophical ideas while delivering a satisfying and emotionally resonant story. The episode's animation and design are top-notch, making this a must-watch for fans of the show and animation enthusiasts in general.