X-Men ’97 Episode 10 Review: The End and The Beginning

Yes, it’s taken me a few weeks to digest X-Men ’97’s explosive finale, “Tolerance is Extinction Part 3.” In this episode, we ponder the X-Men’s enduring legacy and their struggle for acceptance and identity. This final episode ties together numerous plot threads, offering fans a satisfying conclusion while setting up tantalizing possibilities for future seasons.

The Epic Battle and Its Aftermath

The episode wastes no time plunging us into a climactic battle, a visual and narrative spectacle showcasing the series’ strengths. The X-Men face impossible odds against Bastion and his Sentinels, with stakes higher than ever. The animation captures the intensity and fluidity of combat, making each action sequence captivating. Cyclops, often overshadowed by Wolverine, steps into the spotlight, demonstrating his strategic brilliance and leadership. His dynamic with Jean Grey adds emotional depth to the conflict, making their victories and losses poignant.

Character Arcs: Growth and Transformation

One of the finale’s highlights is Cyclops’ evolution from a by-the-book leader to a more nuanced character. His development parallels Jean Grey’s journey. Jean, grappling with her powers and the burden of leadership, embodies resilience. The writers have masterfully portrayed her as both vulnerable and formidable, giving her arc a satisfying depth.

Though less central in this episode, Wolverine still leaves a mark. His moments of introspection and loyalty remind us why he’s a fan favourite, even as he allows others to take the lead. The balance between focusing on Wolverine and other characters like Cyclops and Jean is well-handled, offering a more rounded narrative.

Xavier’s Controversial Tactics

Charles Xavier, a character often seen as the moral compass of the X-Men, is portrayed with a more critical lens. His methods, while aimed at peaceful coexistence, frequently blur ethical lines. Recruiting young mutants to his cause can be seen as manipulative, raising questions about his motives. This portrayal adds complexity to his character, challenging the audience to reconsider their views on his leadership.

Xavier’s dream of integration is juxtaposed against Bastion’s vision of domination. Bastion’s tragic irony is that he rejects his mutant heritage to lead an anti-mutant crusade, making him a compelling antagonist. His character serves as a dark reflection of Xavier, both seeking to reshape the world according to their ideals but through vastly different means.

Magneto’s Ideological Stand

Magneto’s ideology of mutant sovereignty is partially vindicated in this episode. His belief in mutants’ distinct identity and culture contrasts sharply with Xavier’s integrationist approach. Magneto’s presence, though less central, is felt throughout the episode, particularly in the climactic battle scenes where his philosophy of power and dominance comes to the fore. The interplay between his and Xavier’s ideals adds a rich layer of ideological conflict to the narrative.

Emotional and Ethical Complexities

The finale does not shy away from exploring deep emotional and ethical themes. The notion of cultural betrayal is poignantly depicted through the actions of Bastion and Xavier. In their quest for their visions, both characters end up forsaking parts of their identity, reflecting broader societal issues of acceptance and assimilation.

The episode’s exploration of these themes is both bold and necessary. It prompts viewers to reflect on the importance of cultural identity and the perils of seeking acceptance at the cost of authenticity. The analogy of “Uncle Tom” is a powerful reminder of the real-world implications of denying one’s heritage for the perceived greater good.

Family Reunions and Reckonings

The core X-Men team comes together, leading to emotional and dramatic confrontations. The interactions between characters, filled with tension and unresolved issues, add depth to the story, making the viewer invested in their personal journeys. The reunions are more like a drama-filled reality TV show, with characters like Storm and Rogue bringing power and emotional resonance to the forefront. Magneto’s triumphant moments and Bastion’s complex identity add layers to the narrative, enhancing the overall impact.

Nerd Check

The first season of X-Men ’97 is a treasure trove for comic book enthusiasts, weaving numerous threads from the X-Men lore into its narrative. Here’s a breakdown of the key plot lines and their comic book origins:

1. Operation Zero Tolerance: Scott Lobdell pulls This storyline directly from “X-Men” Vol. 2 #65 (1997). The series captures the government-backed initiative to control mutants, echoing the themes of fear and intolerance that the comics explore.

2. Bastion’s Origin: The character of Bastion is a blend of Nimrod and Master Mold from the comics. In X-Men ’97, his mutant technopathy and rejection of his heritage mirror his tragic journey in the comics, highlighting the themes of internal conflict and societal rejection.
3. Jean Grey and the Summers Family Dynamics: The series delves into Jean’s complex relationship with her powers, paralleling the “Fatal Attractions” arc and elements from “X-Men: Deadly Genesis” #2 (2006). The exploration of family, sacrifice, and identity enriches her character development.
4. Magneto’s Ideological Stand: Echoing “X-Men” #25, where Magneto extracts Wolverine’s adamantium, the show examines his views on mutant sovereignty versus integration. This ideological battle against Xavier adds depth to the series, questioning leadership and cultural identity.
5. Rogue’s Alignment with Magneto: Inspired by the “Fatal Attractions” storyline, Rogue’s decision to side with Magneto emphasizes her struggle for autonomy and reflects her deep character arc from the comics.
6. Cyclops’ Transformation: His journey mirrors his trajectory in the Fatal Attractions” comics, where he questions Xavier’s pacifist approach, adding layers to his leadership role.
7. Cameos and Expanding Universe: The appearances of characters like Dr. Doom, Spider-Man, and Omega Red hint at the broader Marvel Universe, reminiscent of the interconnected storylines seen in various X-Men and Marvel titles.

Each plotline meticulously intertwines with the comic book references, enriching the narrative with a deeper understanding of the characters and their struggles. These references pay homage to the source material and build a robust foundation for future storylines, ensuring that the series remains faithful to its comic book roots while exploring new dimensions. This intricate weaving of past and present narratives creates a rich tapestry that appeals to long-time fans and newcomers, setting a high standard for animated adaptations.

The Othering – and Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

The theme of “othering” has always been central to the X-Men mythos, reflecting real-world issues faced by queer and racialized communities. In this season, we see this theme played out powerfully. Charles Xavier’s metaphorical “coming out” to Magneto is a poignant moment that resonates deeply with queer viewers. As a queer man, watching Xavier reveal his true self and face the fear of rejection was profoundly moving, echoing the real-life experiences of trusting someone to see you authentically.

Bastion’s storyline, in which he rejects his mutant heritage to be more human, highlights the pain of internalized oppression. His willingness to die rather than accept his mutant identity shows the devastating impact of societal rejection. This narrative underscores the broader message that not all individuals from marginalized communities stand united, echoing the sentiment that “all skin folk ain’t kin folk.”

This season illustrates the complexities of acceptance, rejection, and identity. The interactions among characters reveal the messy and often painful reality of seeking belonging while staying true to oneself. The X-Men’s struggles mirror those of many real-world communities, making their stories more relevant and impactful.

The Impact of the Finale

The finale leaves us with more questions than answers in the best possible way. The post-credits scene hints at future conflicts and alliances, ensuring that fans will eagerly await the following season. This episode encapsulates what makes X-Men ’97 a standout series: its ability to blend action with deep, thought-provoking themes. Oh, I would just like to mention, did anyone else notice Jubilation “Miss Sparkles” Lee absolutely minced Bastion in this episode – I fan girled so hard!

What’s Next? Fan Theories for Seasons 2 and 3

Fans are buzzing with theories about the future direction of X-Men ’97. Based on the finale and various comic book arcs, here are some plausible directions I think we’ll see:

Season 2 Theories:

1. Time Travel and Origins of Apocalypse: It’s speculated that Season 2 might involve a time-travel plot where past mutants like Charles Xavier, Nightcrawler, Rogue, Beast, and Magneto face the origins of Apocalypse. This aligns with storylines from the comics where Apocalypse’s history is explored, particularly his early years in ancient Egypt. This narrative could delve into the depths of Apocalypse’s origins as En Sabah Nur, exploring how his philosophy and power evolved over millennia.
2. Present-Day Mutants and the Rise of Apocalypse: Forge might create his own X-Men team to deal with the resurgence of Apocalypse in the present. There’s speculation that Gambit and possibly more Genoshans will return as Apocalypse’s Horsemen. This theory is supported by hints from the show and comic storylines where characters like Gambit and Wolverine have become Horsemen of Apocalypse. This storyline could involve Forge assembling a new team to combat these powerful adversaries, leading to intense battles and dramatic shifts in alliances.
3. Future Dystopia – Age of Apocalypse: We might see the “Age of Apocalypse” dystopia, with Jean and Scott living as Redd and Slymm. This would be a nod to one of the most famous X-Men storylines where a timeline is altered, and Apocalypse rules the world. This arc could explore the harsh realities of a world under Apocalypse’s dominion, emphasizing survival, resistance, and the fight to restore the original timeline.

Season 3 Theories:

1. Onslaught and Age of Apocalypse: Season 3 could delve into the Onslaught saga, where a powerful entity created from the minds of Xavier and Magneto wreaks havoc. This storyline could intertwine with the Age of Apocalypse arc, offering a rich, complex narrative. Onslaught, a manifestation of Xavier’s and Magneto’s darkest thoughts, could be a formidable antagonist, forcing the X-Men to confront their deepest fears and most significant challenges.
2. Stryfe and Clone Saga: The introduction of Stryfe, an evil clone of Cable, could be another significant plotline. Given Mr. Sinister’s involvement and the presence of clones, this storyline seems likely to be explored further. Stryfe’s presence could complicate the X-Men’s efforts to maintain peace and stability, adding intrigue and conflict to the series.

The Wild Cards 

The future of Storm, Morph, and Wolverine in X-Men ’97 is a wild card that is hard to predict. Storm could potentially be explored as a Horseman of Apocalypse, battling her internal conflicts, or her character might dive into the “One Man’s Worth” timeline where she is married to Wolverine. Morph’s character might oscillate between his traditional comic relief role and a darker turn, possibly becoming one of Apocalypse’s Horsemen. Wolverine’s storyline could involve reverting to his feral state after losing his adamantium, paralleling his transformation into the Horseman of Death in the “Age of Apocalypse” arc. Additionally, their presence in the alternate future of “One Man’s Worth” adds another layer of complexity, making their paths in the upcoming seasons intriguingly unpredictable.

These theories suggest a blend of time travel, dystopian futures, and complex character arcs, staying true to the rich tapestry of X-Men lore while offering fresh and engaging storylines. Exploring these themes and characters would not only pay homage to the original comics but also provide new opportunities for character development and dramatic storytelling.

Thank You to Beau DeMayo and the X-Men ’97 Cast and Crew

A Heartfelt Thank You to Beau DeMayo

As we wrap up the first season of X-Men ’97, we must extend our deepest gratitude to Beau DeMayo, the showrunner. Beau, your vision and dedication to revitalizing the beloved X-Men animated series have genuinely paid off. Your passion for the source material is evident in every episode, bringing the characters we love back to life with fresh stories that resonate deeply with longtime fans and newcomers. Thank you for your leadership and creativity, which have made X-Men ’97 a standout series.

Outstanding Performances

The voice actors have played a crucial role in bringing these iconic characters to life. Special shout-outs are deserved for the following performances:

1. Cal Dodd as Wolverine: Cal Dodd’s portrayal of Wolverine remains as gritty and compelling as ever. His ability to capture Wolverine’s internal struggles and fierce loyalty adds depth to the character.
2. Lenore Zann as Rogue: Lenore Zann’s performance as Rogue continues to capture her strength and vulnerability perfectly. Her Southern charm and powerful voice work bring an extra layer of authenticity to Rogue.
3. George Buza as Beast: George Buza’s intellectual and calming voice has always made Beast a fan favourite. His performance this season has been particularly noteworthy for balancing Beast’s scientific curiosity with his emotional depth.
4. Alyson Court as Jubilee: Alyson Court’s energetic and youthful portrayal of Jubilee remains spot-on. Her ability to infuse the character with both optimism and resilience is commendable.
5. Alison Sealy-Smith as Storm: Alison Sealy-Smith’s powerful and regal voice has brought Storm to life in a way that captures her commanding presence and deep compassion. Her performance this season has been truly inspiring.

Shout-outs to the Cast and Crew

The success of X-Men ’97 is not only due to its voice actors but also to the incredible work behind the scenes:

1. Larry Houston and Eric Lewald: Thank you for your continued involvement and guidance, which ensured the series stayed true to its roots while evolving for a new audience.
2. The Animation Team: Your work has modernized the classic animation style, creating visually stunning episodes that captivate the audience.
3. The Writers: For crafting compelling storylines that honour the original series and comics while introducing fresh, engaging narratives.
4. The Sound and Music Team: The score and sound effects have significantly enhanced the series’ emotional and dramatic impact.
5. The Newton Brothers: For composing the beautiful and evocative music that adds another layer of emotion and depth to the series. Your contributions have significantly enhanced the storytelling experience.

Final Verdict: Omega Level Marvel Production Detected

The season finale of X-Men ’97 is a masterclass in storytelling, balancing action, character development, and thematic depth. It is a fitting conclusion to a season that has revitalized the beloved series, staying true to its roots while daring to innovate. For fans of the X-Men, this episode is a must-watch, promising that the X-Men’s legacy will continue to evolve and inspire.

As we await the next season, “Tolerance is Extinction Part 3” stands as a testament to the enduring power of the X-Men narrative. It challenges us to think critically about leadership, identity, and the complexities of striving for a better world. The X-Men’s journey is far from over; this finale ensures that their story will remain compelling and relevant for years. Anyways, I hope y’all ge them Emmy’s sugah!