Infinity Train Book 3, Also known as Cult of the Conductor, is the third season of Infinity Train. As of 2023, it is also the third book chronologically in the series. It premeried August 13th of 2020 on HBOmax. Like all other books, it has 10 episodes. We follow the story of Grace Monroe and Simon Laurent, co-leaders of the Apex and childhood friends. A raid goes awry and the two find themselves separated from the rest of the group, so they need to get back to their home base. On the way they meet Hazel, a little girl with a deactivated number, and her gorilla friend, whom Grace and Simon aim to get rid of to recruit Hazel. The four of them become an unlikely traveling group as they make their way back to the Mall Car and might learn some things about each other.
Grace Monroe is an 18 year old girl who is the protagonist of Book 3 after being a secondary antagonist in book 2. She is voiced by Kirby Howell-Baptiste (who also voices Grace's mom!).
Simon Laurent is an 18 year old boy who is a main character of Book 3 after being a secondary antagonist in book 2. He is voiced by Kyle McCarley.
Tuba is a large purple gorilla who becomes the maternal figure of Hazel after losing her own children. She is voiced by Diane Delano.
Hazel is a 6 year old girl who's number is suspciously not glowing when she meets Grace and Simon. She is voiced by Isabella Abiera.
Everyone who follows me knows that Book 3 is absolutely my favorite season in the season. I loved getting a season that focused on Grace after her (less than stellar) introduction in Book 2. And I loved her character arc throughout the season it made me cry at the end. I do understand that Book 3 was controversial for its ending, and I myself am a bit conflicted about it. I'll go into a longer rant about how I would've ended book 3 in my rambles page.
Additionally, there was SO MUCH discourse about Grace and Simon and their characters like holy shit it was bad. Not even getting to the amount of vitriol, adultification and scrutiny Grace got (and to some degree still gets to this day) while they woobified and babied Simon as if they weren't in the both the same morally gray characters we knew of by the start of Book 3. I'd defend Grace with my life and if you're nonblack I really don't care for what criticisms you have of her at this point.Everyone loves a morally grey character who fucks up until the character happens to be a black girl ig.
But enough about the negatives. Book 3 has arguably the best visuals, the most compelling stakes, and the most interesting storyline between two people on the train together. The Jungle Car and Campfire Car are my favorite episodes visual wise. The Origami Car and The New Apex are hands down my favorite episodes in Book 3, and my favorite episodes in the series overall. It should be obvious then that my favorite character overall is Grace (with Ryan, Min-Gi, and Kez close behind). I love Book 3 so much!! Very recommended!