OVERLAY REPORT

In the movie *Bullet Train*, the code name **"Diesel"** is a central part of the character **Lemon’s** (Brian Tyree Henry) philosophy and method of judging human character. It is not an official assassin code name, but rather a derogatory label Lemon applies to people based on the children’s show ***Thomas & Friends***. The significance of the "Diesel" label includes the following specific details: ### 1. The Source Material Lemon is obsessed with *Thomas & Friends*. He uses the characters from the show to categorize every person he meets. In the show’s lore, steam engines (like Thomas, Percy, and James) are generally portrayed as "Really Useful Engines"—honest, hardworking, and reliable. **Diesels**, however, are historically the antagonists. ### 2. Definition of a "Diesel" To Lemon, calling someone a "Diesel" is the ultimate insult. It signifies that a person is: * **Deceptive and manipulative:** Diesels pretend to be helpful but are actually plotting for their own gain. * **Untrustworthy:** They are the "villains" who gum up the works and cause trouble for the useful engines. * **Malicious:** They lack the moral fiber or "spark" of a steam engine. ### 3. Application to "The Prince" The most significant use of the term in the film is directed at **The Prince** (Joey King). While his partner Tangerine is skeptical of Lemon’s "children's show" logic, Lemon correctly identifies The Prince as a "Diesel" almost immediately. * Even though she presents herself as an innocent, crying schoolgirl, Lemon’s "Diesel" radar tells him she is the one pulling the strings and causing the chaos on the train. * This serves as a major plot point: Lemon’s seemingly silly obsession actually provides him with a highly accurate intuition about people's true natures. ### 4. The "Sticker" System Lemon carries a book of *Thomas & Friends* stickers. When he identifies someone's personality type, he places a corresponding sticker on them (or near them). By labeling someone a Diesel, he is effectively marking them as a target or a threat that cannot be reasoned with. ### 5. Symbolism of Innocence vs. Professionalism The code name highlights the contrast between Lemon and Tangerine. While they are cold-blooded assassins, Lemon’s reliance on the "Diesel" system suggests a strange, lingering sense of childhood morality. He views the world in black and white: you are either a "Really Useful Engine" (someone he can work with or respect) or a "Diesel" (someone who must be eliminated).