Hey fellow X-nerds! Buckle up for my ultra-nerdy, somewhat spoilerish review of X-Men ’97, specifically the exhilarating episode that further entwines the convoluted saga of Jean Grey, Madelyne Pryor, and a hint of Scott Summers’ drama!
Episode Recap: Keeping the Flame Burning!
Episodes 1 and 2 of X-Men ’97 had us all clinging to the edge of our seats. There was a gnawing fear that they couldn’t sustain this level of awe but boy, was I wrong! They didn’t just maintain it; they turned it up to eleven!
Inferno Redux: Balancing the Problematic Past
The original Inferno storyline (X-Men #239-243, for those who keep tabs) introduced us to Madelyne Pryor and Cable, amidst a tornado of soap opera-worthy drama. Scott Summers, our fearless leader, was portrayed as a spineless husband and father, abandoning his clone wife and child. Total “Real Housewives of Xavier’s Institute” vibes, right?
But hold on to your hats, because Episode 2 of X-Men ’97 dropped a bombshell – two Jeans! The writers faced a Herculean task: staying true to the spirit of Inferno while revamping its problematic aspects. And, oh, how they soared!
Comic Book Fidelity with a Modern Twist
Without diving too deep (no major spoilers here!), the writing team’s grasp of comic lore is exceptional. They’ve seamlessly woven together the iconic humor of the original Animated Series and fresh narratives, creating a standalone masterpiece that can proudly stand next to its predecessors.
My Top Moments:
1. Jean Grey: The Fainting Phoenix – Jean remains our beloved fainting queen, but when push comes to shove, she rises, power blazing, declaring her status as an Omega-level telepath. It’s a nod to her power fluctuations in the original series and comics (X-Factor #1 – for when she first faints).
2. Madelyne Pryor’s Independence – The show grants Pryor her own unique identity, celebrating her motherhood and independence. It’s a delightful divergence from her clone status and a nod to her evolution in X-Men #241.
3. Scott Summers: Not a Deadbeat Dad – The portrayal of Scott as a loving father is heartwarming. His journey of love and loss with Jean forces them to confront their complex relationship, far removed from the usual trope.
4. Love Quadrangle Extraordinaire – Scott, Jean, Wolverine, and surprise – Morph! The tension is palpable, with the show playfully exploring the characters’ dynamics and attractions, reminiscent of the subtle hints dropped in the classic Animated Series.
5. Jubilee’s Growth – Jubilation Lee’s charming date with Sunspot marks a coming-of-age moment, a beautiful progression from her “mall rat” days in the original series.
Easter Eggs and Callbacks Galore!
The show is peppered with delightful callbacks like the mention of “Inferno,” a nostalgic nod to Rogue and Magneto’s Savage Land escapades (Uncanny X-Men #274-275, for the trivia fans), and more hidden gems that warrant a rewatch.
Final Verdict: Alpha-Level Entertainment!
X-Men ’97’s latest episode gets an Alpha-level rating from me! It’s fresh, funny, nostalgically delightful, and oh-so-engaging. And with the title of next week’s episode, it looks like we’ll all be channeling our inner Jean and fainting with excitement.
Stay nerdy, my friends!