The X-Men must reunite after being scattered across time in the Season 2 premiere of X-Men ’97.
Marvel Studios Animation kicks off season 2 of X-Men ’97 with a three-episode premiere that continues the story following the events of the first season. After being scattered across different points in time, the X-Men must find their way back to the present while navigating unfamiliar eras and new challenges. As the team struggles to reunite, an emerging threat places the timeline itself at risk, setting the stage for the next chapter of the animated series.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers about the episodes. Read at your own risk.
“We got to get the X-Men back to the ’90s”
After their disappearance from the previous season, the X-Men are at different points in time. One group is in ancient Egypt; the other is in a dark future. Meanwhile, in 1997, Bishop and Forge are traveling back in time to bring back the X-Men. During this journey, they encounter their most merciless foe, Apocalypse. Moreover, they meet him at different points in his life.
In the dark future, 3960 A.D., Forge meets up with Cyclops, Jean Grey, Storm, Morph, and Wolverine. They fight against the regime of Apocalypse together. Together, with Mother Askani, they train a young Nathan Summers as the prophecy states that he will be the one to take out Apocalypse.
Meanwhile, Bishop travels to the year 3000 B.C. in ancient Egypt. He meets up with Magneto, Professor X, Rogue, Nightcrawler, and Beast. Bishop discovers that they are partnering with En Sabah Nur, a young Apocalypse, rising to power. Additionally, they are a group of rebels fighting to take out the rule of the pharaoh, Rama Tut. Unknowingly, behind En Sabah Nur’s back, this batch of X-Men are using the Pharaoh’s advanced technology to figure out a way to travel back to their current timeline.
X-Force v X-Factor
Back in the 1990s, we see the aftermath of the X-Men’s disappearance. Additionally, we see the remaining X-Men, Jubilee and Sunspot, being nomads with the mansion still in ruins. Another survivor from the Asteroid M incident, Cable, secretly meets with the couple. Furthermore, he recruits both to his team, X-Force. They join fan favorites Archangel and Psylocke as they are on a mission to stop Apocalypse also.
But the X-Force are not the only team out there. Val Cooper, in cooperation with the US government, recruits the X-Factor as they take mutants under their control. The X-Factor are also known mutant characters from the X-Men lore. The group consists of Havok, Polaris, Strong Guy, Wolfsbane, and Multiple Man.
Are two fan-favorite X-teams already making their debut? We are here for it. There have been clues of the X-Factor making a return last season. But we may see more of the group in this new season. Additionally, we get a new adaptation of Cable’s X-Force team. He is still the leader, no doubt, but the creative team makes an interesting decision to mix up the members. Psylocke is getting her screen time? We want more!
Lastly, we see a glaring conflict between the two teams. X-Factor is more extreme and rebellious, while also being accountable to the government. We would like to see more of this conflict as the season goes on.
Apocalypse
Now, possibly the main villain of the season. We get the X-Men’s merciless foe, Apocalypse. It is an interesting choice by Mother Askani to separate the team into different points in time during Apocalypse’s life. Specifically, this choice refers to Apocalypse’s earlier days in Egypt when he was known as En Sabah Nur. We see an intriguing dynamic here as Magneto is the one mentoring him. To Magnus, he sees himself in the young En Sabah Nur.
But, no matter what happens, maybe this will always be En Sabah Nur’s path. To become Apocalypse, even with the guidance of Magneto and Professor Xavier, his turning to the dark side is an absolute point in time. Apocalypse was, is, and always will be.
Final thoughts
What season debuted for the Children of the Atom? As if a three-episode premiere is enough? No, we cannot wait for what is coming next. In the series we already see two fan-favorite teams in X-Factor and X-Force. Another aspect is that we see a different look at Apocalypse, showcasing his younger days and his inevitable transformation into the villain we all know. We hope the whole season is as good as the premiere.
X-Men ’97 season 2 is on a hot-fire start!
Episode 4 will arrive on Wednesday, July 8. Viewers can watch the three-episode premiere of X-Men ’97 Season 2 on Disney+!
